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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL
GENEALOGY COLLECTLQB1
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01178 3070
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2013
http://archive.org/details/memoirsoflongislv4long
M E M OIRS
OF THE
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VOLUME IV
!//¥
GEORGE WASHINGTON
MOUNT VERNON.
BROOKLYN, 'N. ¥.:
P T B L I S II E D BY T HE SOCIETY
1889.
*£}
175?
'<<*> r • >aJ
OFFICERS
OF THE
Co 1X0 3 s I a n £ fjtstorical Soctctjj
1889-90.
President, -
First Vice-President, -
Second Vice-President,
Foreign Cm-responding Secretary,
Home Corresponding Secretary, -
Recording Secretary, -
Chairman of the Executive Committee,
Treasurer,
Curator of the Museum,
RICHARD S. STORES, D.D., LL.D.
- HON. JOSHUA M. VAN COTT.
- SAMUEL McLEAX.
HON. BENJAMIN D. SILLIMAX.
CHARLES H. HALL, D.D.
- FEEDEEIC A. WARD.
THOMAS E. STILLMAN.
JOHN JAY PIERREPONT.
- ELIAS LEWIS, Jr..
DIRECTORS.
RICHARDS. STORRS, D.D., LL.D.
HON. JOSHUA M. VAX COTT,
SAMUEL McLEAX,
CHARLES H. HALL, D.D.,
JAMES R. TAYLOR, '
GEORGE I. SENEY,
A. ABBOT LOW,
ALEXAXDER M. WHITE,
HENRY SHELDON,
WALTER T. HATCH,
JOSEPH E. BROWN,
JOHN JAY PIERREPONT,
HON. BENJAMIN D. SILLIMAX,
TEMPLE PRIME,
THOMAS E. STILLMAN,
JOHN GIBB,
ALEXANDER E. ORR.
ELIAS LEWIS, Jr.,
FREDERIC A. WARD,
BRYAN H. SMITH,
HENRY D. POLHEMUS,
JOHN CLAFLIN,
CHARLES M. PRATT,
C. DELANO WOOD.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
THOMAS E. STILLMAN, Chairman.
HENRY SHELDON, SAMUEL McLEAN,
JAMES R. TAYLOR, JOSEPH E. BROWN',
ALEXANDER E. ORR, WALTER T. HATCH
COUNSELLORS.
KINGS COUNTY.
HON. J. S. T. STRANAHAN,
DAVID M. STONE,
REV. CHARLES CUTHBERT HALL,
WILLIAM B. LEONARD,
JULIUS W. BRUNN,
JOSEPH F. KNAPP,
HON. JASPER W. GILBERT,
FREDERICK A. FARLEY. D.D.
PROF. DARWIN G. EATON,
T. MORTIMER LLOYD, M.D.,
GEORGE L. NICHOLS,
PLAMEN B. CANDLER.
QUEENS COUNTY.
A. N. L1TTLEJOHN, D.D., D.C.L
WILLIAM FLOYD JONES,
EDWARD W. OILMAN, D.D.,
JOHN A. KING,
BENJAMIN D. HICKS,
CHARLES B. MOORE.
SUFFOLK COUNTY
HON. JAMES H. TUTHILL,
PROF. EBEN N. HORSFORD,
CHARLES R. STREET,
EPHER WHITAKER, D.D.,
WILLIAM NICOL,
HON. JOHN R. REID.
ifis
*
WASH 1 f-TOW.
FROM THE ORIGINAL BY C. W.'PEALE.
IriTOTVPt. t. bltH^TAOT,
GEORGE WASHINGTON
AND
MOUNT VERNON
A COLLECTION OF WASHINGTON'S UNPUBLISHED
AGRICULTURAL AND PERSONAL LETTERS
EDITED
WITH HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION
BY
MONCURE DANIEL CONWAY
Author of "Omitted Chapters of History disclosed in the Life and Papers
of Edmund Kandolph"
BROOKLYN, N. Y.
PUBLISHED BY THE LONG ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
1889
PREFACE.
Tins volume is not only a monument of the first president
'of the United States, but, in a sense, of the first president of
\)ie Historical Society by which it is published. For it is the
munificence of the late James Carson Brevoort which adds
this contribution to the Centenary of Washington's inaugura-
tion. He whom the nation calls Father was as deeply inter-
ested in the literary and scientific, as in the industrial, culture
of the country, and his homage was especially given to men
who promoted both. Of these Mr. Brevoort was a remarkably
fine type. From the infant school in JSTew York, where he
was born (in Bloomingdale, 10 July ISIS) he passed to the
Bound Hill School, Xorthampton, Mass., where he was under
the care of George Bancroft and Joseph Cogswell ; his edu-
cation was continued in Paris, then in Switzerland — at Baron
Fellenberg's School, Hofwyl; this being followed by a three
years* course at the Ecole Centrale des Arts ct Manufacture^
in Paris, from which he received a diploma as Civil Engineer.
After studying railway-construction in France and England
he returned to Xew York in 1838, and for nearly a year was
employed at the West Point foundry, in which Ids father was
interested. In 1841, as surveyor, he accompanied Prof. James
Benwick, one of the Commissioners of the Xorth-east Bound-
ary Survey. In 1842 he accompanied Washington Irving,
United States Minister to Spain, as private secretary and at-
VI PREFACE.
lache of the Legation. An intimate friendship between Mr.
Brevoort and Washington Irving continued until the latter's
death. In 1SI5 he married Elizabeth Dorothea, daughter of
the Hon. LefTert Lefferts, first Judge of King's County, and
first president of the Long Island Bank, — the earliest incor-
porated bank in Brooklyn. After Mr. Brevoort's marriage he
made Brooklyn his home, and became actively interested in
whatever concerned the welfare of that city. As a member
of the Charter Convention (1S47), as a member of the Board
of Education, and of the Board of Water Commissioners, as
a trustee of Greenwood Cemetery, his services were of much
value. In 1SG3 he took an active part in the formation of
the Long Island Historical Society, was its President until
1ST3, Chairman of its Executive Committee until 1STG, and
Director until his death, 15 December 1887.
Mr. Brevoort's services were by no means limited to any
locality. For twenty-six years (1S52-1878) he was a trustee
of the Astor Library, and for two years its superintendent.
II is scientific and historical contributions were recognized by
honorary membership in many American Societies, and in the
Archaeological Society of Madrid. In Natural History he was
especially interested in Ichthyology ; his collections were ex-
tensive and his writings on that subject have high authority.
His " Notes on some Figures of Japanese Fish by Artists of
the [Jnited States Expedition to Japan ;" his "Early Spanish
and Portuguese Coinage in America ; " and " Verrazzano, the
Navigator ; or Notes on Giovanni da Verrazzano, and on a
planisphere of 1529, illustrating his American Voyage in
1521:;" are monographs of much value. His thorough ac-
quaintance with ancient and modern languages opened to him
original sources of information, which he was always willing
to impart, selfishness being unknown to his nature.
PREFACE. vj|
By many learned Societies Mr. Brevoort was honored ; by
his associates of the Long Island Historical Society he was
beloved as well as honored ; and these Washington Papers
of his donation, are affectionately inscribed to James Carson
Brevoort, from whom, the patriot and the student will receive
them as a bequest.
With the exception of the papers collected by the editor,
and used in the Introduction and the Appendix, this volume
consists of 127 Washington MSS., of which nearly all are
letters to the manager of his Mount Yernon estates during
his absence while President. They were bought from the
family of that manager, William Pearce, by the Hon. Ed-
ward Everett, to whose eloquence the purchase and preser-
vation of Mount Yernon are mainly due. Mr. Everett had
intended to edit and publish them, but the task was never
undertaken. At his death they passed to a member of his
family, from whom they were purchased by Mr. Brevoort
and presented to his cherished Long Island Historical So-
ciety.
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL
INTRODUCTION.
A legend relates that Augustine Washington planted seeds
which, when they grew, wrote the name of his child — George
- Washington. It sounds like a fable of Mount Yernon, in
whose growths is perennially repeated the name of Washing-
ton:; The present volume bears to the world a finer fruitage
of that estate, in letters genuine as its oaks, fresh as its sward,
sweet as its brier roses. Here is the man. Not in the battle-
field, nor in the executive chair, shall we be intimate with
the heart of Washington, but at Mount Yernon, where he
wrote on the landscape what near life:s el<~>5C he repeated on
paper: "The more I am acquainted with agricultural affairs
the better I am pleased with them; insomuch that I can no-
where find so great satisfaction as in these innocent and use-
ful pursuits. In indulging these feelings I am led to reflect
how much more delightful, to an undebauched mind, is the
task of making improvements on earth, than all the vain
glory which can be acquired from ravaging it by the most
uninterrupted career of conquests."
The visitor at Mount Yernon still finds a charm no art
alone could give, in trees from various climes, each a witness
of the taste that sought, or the love that sent them, in fields
which the desolating step of war reverently passed by, in
flowers whose root is not in graven, yet tinged with the life-
blood of the heart that cherished them from childhood to old
age. On those acres we move beneath shade or shelter of
the invisible tree which put forth whatever meets the eye.
X'Cl HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
and has left some sign on each object, large or small. Still
planted beside his river, he brings forth fruit of his season.
Nor does his leaf wither. It is still a living inquiry — how
grew Washington himself '? The inquiry is appropriate for this
volume, largely concerned with local and family detail.-, and
some contribution towards its satisfaction must be attempted.
But for the present every such contribution must amount
mainly to the collection of neglected materials, by aid of which
the tree, to continue the similitude, may be distinguished
from its mythical mosses, and freed from parasitic traditions.
Much of the Washington Mythology is a folklore such as
must always invest the founders of nations or the man of the
people. Washington is entitled to his Washingtondore, by
which, indeed, he is rather draped than disguised. It is the
fashion tu smile at Parson Wecms's romances of Washington's
early life; but the quaint " Rector of Mount Vernon,'1 as he
called himself, to whom Washington in his last year wrote a
kindly letter, needs only more time-perspective to be seen as
an humble Homer reciting to Virginia villagers legends and
ballads of their great men. One would travel far to surprise
him reading the Bible to the negroes in their cabins, then
tuning his fiddle for their dance ; or to observe the lank figure
beside his ancient buggy and bony horse, attracting his court-
ereen audience with his music, and selling his patriotic leaf-
lets. The very soul of his time, picturesque as it recedes, is
in his ballad of Lord Fairfax, who, on hearing that Great
Britain had surrendered to his surveyor, said, in Weems's
recitative : " Come, Joe, I'm sure 'tis high time for me to die."
11 Then up rose Joe, all at the word.
And took his master's arm,
And to his bed he softly led
The lord of Grcenway farm :
There oft he called on Britain's name,
And oft he wept full sore,
And sighed • Thy will, O Lord, be done ! '
And word spake never more."
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
XI
The legends of Washington's physical strength connect
him with the race of heroes whose moral greatness gained
traditional expression in a symbolism of size. When Henry
11. would terminate the superstition of his Celtic subjects
that King Arthur was not dead, but would reappear to expel
the Saxons, he arranged that certain large animal bones
should be discovered at Glastonbury and buried with pomp
as those of Arthur. Ordinary human bones would have been
popularly repudiated. The tale of "Washington's father plant-
ing seeds which in springing up wrote his son's initials in green
shoots, and suggested a sermon on creative design, does not
lose interest by being borrowed from Dr. Beattie's sketch of
his son. There were legends to suggest the contrivance to
Beattie, stretching back as far as that of the infant Hilde-
hrand who arranged the chips with which he played into the
prophetic sentence, " Dominabitur a mare ad mare." Arthu-
rian and Gregorian mythology that has migrated across the
seas and twined round the childhood of a certain Virginian
is not to be explained as falsehood nor dismissed as rubbish.
Augustine Washington compelling the growing seed to write
his son's name turns out to be Weems and others planting old
stories to spring up as Washington-glories. The nation out-
grows that particular folklore ; it can not linger in the nur-
sery where Washington's name is written in goody-goody
stories ; but it is not mature enough to dispense with the
mythological figure altogether. It clings to the fable that
Frederick the Great sent Washington a sword, with homage
of "the oldest general in the world to the greatest,'1 to the
legend that our flag was evolved from his coat of arms, and
the tradition that he never laughed.
By varieties of portraiture, pictorial and historical, Wash-
ington's individuality was made by one and another pious or
political party into its own image, with result of the com-
posite effigy with which the real personality revealed by re-
search has to contend. To restore Washington to the place
Xll HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
occupied by this conventionalized Holy Picture has become
the necessity of political history. The literary manipulation
of Washington's writings, now generally condemned, was only
part of a system of pious suppression and conventionaliza-
tion. The great need of the world is a complete and critical
biography of Washington, but to write it would require a cour-
age equal to his own. And indeed, for the present, it is on
Washington's own courage that the truth of his history is
mainly depending. He has fearlessly left to the certain in-
spection of mankind, diaries and letters, in which his public
and private life are faithfully recorded. These remains,
more than 4,000, mainly preserved by his own drafts, amount
to an autobiography so candid that, when fully published,
other biographies will be shelved.
It is natural that some should have misgivings concerning
this complete publication of Washington. The historiog-
rapher of the Diocese of Virginia, Dr. Philip Slaughter,
(whose eloquent centennial discourse in Washington's church
at Alexandria all should read) wrote to me last year : " What
a terrible ordeal Washington's character will have to endure
at the many hands now plying their scalpels and critical
glasses to its dissection. To have all one's doings and sav-
ings in the abandon of private life proclaimed upon the
house-tops is a trial through which no one could pass un-
scathed save that peerless person who stood alone with noth-
ing like to him.*' Since this was written (IS Dec. 1SSS)
fragmentary publications of the intimate correspondence of
Washington, often with ignorant inferences, have subjected
his fame to an unfair ordeal. The danger now lies rather in
partial than in full publicity. When Washington appears as
delineated by himself in his simple record some small haloe-
may fade; but it will be found that such haloes have ob-
scured a greater brain than is commonly recognized, a larger
heart, a life more pathetic, a character formed by the eigh-
teenth century of America which in turn he largely formed.
mSttftlCAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. Xlii
At any rate, it is inevitable that every word of Washington
shall be brought to light. American history is not yet really
written, and cannot be written, nor our future stand firmly
on the shoulders of the Past, unless we can freely study this
man both as an individual and a type of his time, instead of
a supernatural avatar. And this emancipation from thral-
dom to a mere name is a final service done by the pen of him
whose sword liberated us from the previous superstition of
royalty.
There is a further reason why Washington alone can reveal
his true self beneath his traditional effigy. He was an un-
witting party to his own conventionalization. His patriotism
and his humility induced him to sacrifice his preferences, in
ceremonial matters, to statesmen more learned than himself,
but often less wise. American society was under sway of
courts . for some time after political independence was
achieved. "It was expected," wrote Edmund Randolph, "at
the commencement of our revolutionary government that
these gaudy trappings would be abandoned. They were re-
tained indeed by usage, not by any authoritative recognition,
nor yet from any admiration of the empty baubles in the
country of our origin, or an anti-republican tendency in the
people ; but they may be ascribed to a degree of pride which
would not sutfer the new government to carry with it fewer
testimonies of public devotion than the old," By such in-
fluences Washington was induced to accept, as President, a
ceremonial regime which lie disliked, — his wife declaring her
environment of etiquette a virtual imprisonment. Washing-
ton also attitudinises in heroic portraits through submission
to their painters. Such irksome concessions helped to diffuse
a misconception of his character which, had it not been erro-
neous, might have made him a' king. Yet just this consti-
tutes what one may almost call a Washiugtonology. He
stands like an obelisk, whose substance tells the story of a
geologic formation, but is yet less important than the symbols
XIV HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
and histories engraved on it. Washington is our eighteenth
century.
At Wakefield, the birthplace of Washington, I have found,
on a document of 1695, a seal with modifications of the
Washington arms which may shed light on the genealogical
problem. For their appreciation the reader will find the fol-
lowing facts important, and, indeed, of interest apart from
the question of pedigree.
In 1785 the Countess of Huntington, a connection of the
Northamptonshire Washington's, claimed relationship with
the General, whom she sought to enlist in her scheme for In-
dian evangelization. In 1791 Sir Isaac Heard, Garter King
of Arms, enclosed to Washington a genealogical statement on
the same theory. In his reply (2 Hay 1792) Washington
says : " I have often heard others of the family, older than
myself, say, that our ancestor, who first settled in this coun-
try, came from some one of the northern counties of Eng-
land ; but whether from Lancashire, Yorkshire, or one still
more northerly I do not precisely remember. The arms en-
closed in your letter are the same that are held by the family
here ; though I have also seen, and have used, as you may
perceive by the seal to this packet, a flying griffin for the
crest."
The seal here referred to was no doubt Washington's pri-
vate seal, now in possession of Robert J. Washington of
Westmoreland, to whom I. am indebted
for the impression here given. The Snl-
grave crest has a raven instead of a
griffin. Notwithstanding Washington's
suggestion of a more northerly origin
the pedigree of the family from that of
Northamptonshire had been generally ac-
cepted until 1867. In that year Col.
Private Seal. l _
Joseph L. Chester, in the New England
Historical and Genealogical Regist€t\ proved that the John
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. w
Lawrence Washington of Northamptonshire, previously
identified as the Virginia immigrants,
never came to America.
Washington used a curious variety of
seals. The " private seal " differs from
:>iu>ther, used at the same period, in its
foliations, being also without the motto,
" Krltus acta jirohat" which occurs on
two other seals. At what time Wash-
ington began to use the arms, — three
mullets in chief, and two bars, — ris un-
certain. His early seals had no armorial
character. By the favor of Mr. Howell,
of the N. Y. State Library, and skill of
Miss Sutermeister, his assistant, I am
enabled to present fae-similes of Wash-
ington's watch-chain (reduced from 7J-
in. to 6) and two seals (full-sized), pur-
chased by New York from
/$£§& %^r\ ^ie estate of Lewis W.
' i :tlf »/ V ^A) Washington. The earlier,
on Braddock's field and
Silver Seal.
there found by Daniel
Boone Logan in 1842. The "golden
seal " no doubt succeeded the other.
Dr. A. M. Hamilton of
New York owns a very
old china plate from
Mount Vernon, with the
letters " Geo. and M.W,"
beneath a spread eagle
with thunderbolts in its talons. This ap-
pears to me earlier than the mirror and
silver plate, in the National Museum, on
Gold Seal.
/adm.
UMy|
XVI HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
which the Sulgrave arms are represented. In a letter of 0
June 1768, to Robert Gary & Co., London, ordering a chariot,
Washington directs that it shall be decorated " with my arms
agreeable to the impression here sent." This is his earliest
mention of arms. In vol. I. of Washington's Letters (State
Department) p. 701, a letter to Hancock, IS May 1776, bears
traces of a seal that may have had some armorial character ;
but the earliest certain use of any device by Washington
is a griffin, which seals a letter to Robert Morris, 27 Jan.
1777. (lb. vol. III. p. 500.) In the same volume, p. 571,
the arms occur on a letter of 3 March 1777 to Messrs.
Morris, Clymer, and Walton, Members of Congress. The
shield is here, as on the furniture in the National Museum,
of the "heater" (flatiron) shape. As yet no motto ap-
pears. In 1777 Washington used other seals : on July 31
lie seals a letter to Hancock with an urn (vol. IY. p. 171);
on Sep. 13 and 16, to the same, he seals with a dove bear-
ing an olive branch over a flood, and motto " La Fax " (vol.
V. pp. 55, 67).
From an early period Washington appears to have gener-
ally used some kind of envelope, and the rarity of examples
of his seals may thus be partly accounted for ; but he also
often used wafers. On four letters only of the present
volume are there arms. On the letter (1779) to Lund Wash-
ington, p. 320, the crown and griffin alone appear; this also is
the seal on a Letter to Bushrod Washington 15 Jan. 1784 in
this Introduction. A letter (1700) to Pearce, p. 209, has the
SmVrave arms as engraved above, with the crooked shield,
but with the motto added ; such is also the seal on the letter
(1797) to Bushrod Washington, p. 339. The foliations around
this motto-shield are different from the ''private seal/' The
earliest use of the latter which I have found is on a leave of
absence to Major I/Enfant 10 Oct. 17S3. Sir John Sinclair
engraved the same on two of his facsimiles of Washington's
letters to him (20 Oct. 1792, and 6 Nov. 1797).
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
XVII
The Siilgrave arms appear on the frame of an en "raved
portrait of Louis XVI. sent by him to Washington (in the Na-
tional Mnseum); also in the Columbian 3faya.zine,Yuh. 17S7,
under a portrait of Washington, who is decorated as if to
satisfy monarchists of the Constitntional Convention. This
represents the only publication I can find of the arms, which
.viine have strangely supposed to be the origin of our stars and
stripes!
At what time "Washington began to use his motto I cannot
discover, but apparently late in life. Mr. Cabot Lodge
i George Washington, II. p. 3S6) relates that "he said to one
officer, 'I never judge the propriety of actions by after
events'" — which precisely reverses his motto Exitus acta,
j>r<>baL Mr. Garnett of the British Museum sends me a let-
ter of Washington to "Mrs. Wright in England," 30 Jan.
17S5, which is unique in having the motto under the private
peal (p. xiv.) and the raven crest, — this, however, different
from the Siilgrave raven in Sparks I. 174.
The originals of the Wills of the earlier Washingtons of
Virginia being lost, it was with but little hope that I resolved
on an exploration of records in Westmoreland. But under
the hospitable roof of "Wakefield, residence of Mr. and Mrs.
John E. Wilson — the latter a descendant of Col. Wm. Aug.
Washington — was made the discovery to which I have re-
ferred. Among Mr. Wilson's papers is an Indenture of
Lewis Markham, dated 28 May 1G95, convey-
ing land to " Lawrence Washington Gentl," to
complete which he borrowed Lawrence's seal.
The shield has the three mullets in chief,
two bars, and no crescent. Crest a helmet (I
think), supporting coronet, and eagle issuant. wakefLeia seal
* hiQ significance of this Crest is that the eagle (exs
k u?x>d by the German Washingtons who come of the *Ad-
wiek-lc-Street branch. This makes a third coincidence with
the German family, which uses the griffin and motto also.
Xviii HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
In the Historical Magazine (III. p. 83) the Adwick brand] is
traced to the family which named Washington parish, Dur-
ham— the only parish so named save that in Virginia. On
the marriage of their heiress Dyonis Washington with Sir
William Tempest, of Studley Royal, the minor branch dis-
persed. In 1577 James Washington owned the manor of
Adwick-le-Street. John Washington came to Virginia from
South Cave, and it may be noted that the castle there was
thirty years ago owned by an heiress named Lawrence.1
Another member of the family founded a family in Ger-
many. To Baron Yon Washington of Munich the President
wrote, 20 Jan. 1790: ".There can be but little doubt, Sir, of
our descending from the same stock*' {Hist. Mag., TV. p. S6).2
1 That Jolm Washington emigrated from South Cave (30 miles from Ad-
wick-le-Street) is a tradition, but with many probabilities in its favor.
Wakefield, which reappears as name of the Virginia homestead, is also in
Yorkshire. As to the name "Lawrence," so much used by the American
family, it may be mentioned for what it is worth that in the early annals a
marriage is recorded of Sir James Lawrence of Trafford, Lancashire, with
Matilda, heiress of one John Washington. The name "Lund " also appears
at the head of the Adwick-le-Street pedigree in Sparks (I. 554;. It should
be borne in mind that the coronet from which a crest issues signifies noth-
ing in the way of rank.
2 The account given by the Bavarian Barons Von Washington of their
family is that their ancestor James Washington (brother of the Virginians)
was involved in the Duke of Monmouth affair (1G83-4) and fled to Hol-
land. This corresponds with the Rotterdam merchant of that name men-
tioned in Sparks' table of the Adwick-le-Street family. In the same table,
besides this Rotterdam James, appears " Jolm, drowned in 1661." Possibly
John was not drowned. (Magazine of Am. Hist. Feb. 1879.) In Bietstap
{Armorial General) the arms of the German family are given as follows:—
" "Washington. Bav. (Barons S dec. 1S29). D'arg. a deux fasces ah. de. gu.
ace. de trois etoiles du nicme, ranges en chef. C<p cour. C: une t'-te et col
d'aicrle de sa., tenent en son bee une rose blanche tige'e et feuillee do sin. S :
deux griffons de sa. D : Exitm acta probat." It will be seen that this is sub-
stantially the coat of arms on the Wakefield seal,— the crest also, excepting
the white rose in the eagle's beak. This Wakefield eagle also seems to hold
something in its beak. The Germans are the only other Washington family
in which I can discover the use of the General's motto. II is crest appears
in their griffin supporters. In England the motto is nsed by several fam-
ilies, and the three stars and two bars by the Frcke family.
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION
XIX
In 1626 a Lawrence Washington lived in Bermuda; and Mr.
Alexander Brown of Va. has discovered the indictment of one
George Washington at the Bermuda Assizes, Nov. 1648, for
saving that "the King lias sould his subjects to Popery'* and
4' deserved to be hanged 7 years ago."
Whence came the griffin, as the Washington crest, I do
not know. At Wakefield Mr. Wilson showed me an arbitra-
tion (3 Dec. 1742) between Augustine and John, — the Gen-
eral's father and uncle — on their boundaries; to this they
have affixed, if we make it out correctly, each the same seal,
— which appears to me a griffin, but with wings more dis-
played than those used by the General, and more like the
Yorkshire family's eagle. Xo arms are on this seal used by
the brothers. Indeed Augustine does not appear to have
been particular about his seal, and on an important Agree-
ment of 1737 (owned by Dr. Emmet) his round seal, perhaps
borrowed from a bystander, represents two Cupids playing
with hearts.1
The first Washingtons in Virginia may therefore be re-
! After tlie above was in type I was favored by Mr. Dean, editor of the
-\rir England Historical and Genealogical Register, with sheets of an impor-
tant contribution on the subject by Henry F. Waters, A.M. The paper now
appears in the October Register. It adds to our knowledge the fact that the
younger of the Virginia immigrants, Lawrence Washington, was from Lu-
ton, Bedfordshire. Twelve miles from Luton is Tring, Co. Herts, where
Mr. Waters discovers the presence of a Lawrence Washington, and two sons
—John and Lawrence — who, at the time of immigration (1657) would be
23 and 24 years of age. Mr. Waters believes this Lawrence, the father, to
to the one who was supposed, until Col. Chester's paper of 1SG7, to be him-
•-' If the immigrant ; that is the Rev. Fellow of Brasenose, Oxford, and rec-
tor of Purleigh. This would restore the Sulgrave connection though in an-
other generation. The theory, however, is doubtful. There is no certainty
that Lawrence of Tring was a clergyman, and Mr. Waters does not explain
■'■by the sons of a rector of Purleigh, Essex, from 1632 to 1643, should he
born at Tring, Herts, in 1034 and 1035. And these were young, in 1657, to
*• *ve families. There were several Lawrence Washingtons of that generation,
-4 it is not easy to identify the one at Tring, but Mr. Waters has shown
I robabilities that it is in that region we are likely to discover further traces
' • the brothers who migrated to Virginia. It may be hoped that Mr. Waters
* ill find some seal at Tring to compare with that just found at Wakefn Id.
XX HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
garded as of the "minor gentry.'' The archives of Maryland
(Hist. Mag. 2nd Series, I. p. 29) show that John Washing-
ton, on his arrival, complained to Governor Fendall, of Mary-
land, against Captain Prescott for having hung an alleged
witch, Elizabeth Richardson, on the voyage. When the trial
came on John excused to the Governor his non-attendance
(30 Sept. 1659), "Because then, God willing, I intend to gett
my young Sonne baptized. All ye Company and Gossips be-
ing already invited." Col. John Washington's indignation
against Prescott (who pleaded that he was not in command
at the time, and that the crew were on the verge of mutiny)
is some offset against his ferocity against the Indians, who
called him Conotocarius, — town-destroyer, — a title which his
famous grandson found fallen to himself when in youth he
was sent on a peaceful mission to the Indians. The land
which John occupied in Westmoreland is still called Indian
Town. Washington village, Durham, was the place of the
dragon which the Knight Lambton encountered, and John
may have fancied he was fulfilling the tradition of his elders
when he dragooned red men. John brought his first wife
and two children with him from England. These having all
died, he married Anne Pope of Pope's Creek, about 1600.
About the same time the other immigrant, Lawrence, mar-
ried Mildred Warner (second wife) and reciprocally named
his first son after his brother John, — whose first American
son was named Lawrence.
These brothers were among the earliest settlers of West-
moreland, Virginia, which is first mentioned in an act of July,
1G53, as extending ''from Achoactoke river where Mr. Cole
lives : And so upwards to the ffalls of the great river of Paw-
tomake above the Necostius towne." (1 Ilening 3S1.) Nor-
thumberland had been formed seven years earlier, and Stafford
is first mentioned in 106(3. The brothers together held pat-
ents for many acres, which they swiftly multiplied, — John
on the Upper Potomac, Lawrence on the Rappahannock.
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. x.\i
Although Major John Washington was rebuked by Gov.
Sir William Berkeley for his conduct towards Indians he was
friendly among his neighbors. Mrs. Frances Peyton, widow
of Col. Valentine Peyton did, on the 21 July 1665, ordain
her " trusty and well beloved friend Major John Washing-
ton " to be her attorney for all purposes.
In General Washington's time the descendants of the im-
migrant brothers do not appear to have known their degrees
of relationship. In his letter to Sir Isaac Heard, Washington
says the descendants of Lawrence were numerous, but that he
is unable to give a satisfactory account of them ; and to two
of them he leaves bequests with the words, " To the acquaint-
ances and friends of my juvenile years, Lawrence Washington
and Robert Washington, of Chotanek, I give, etc." By the
assistance of Prof. Chapman Maupin (of the University
School, Ellicotfc City, Md.), a descendant of this line, I am
able to make the relationship clear. Lawrence (the immi-
grant), a widower, married Jane (called Joyce) Flemming in
Virginia.: their son John married Mary Townshend (1691-
2) : of this last-named marriage the eldest son was John, who
married Miss Massy, and the youngest Townshend, who mar-
ried Elizabeth Lund. This last-named John had a son named
Lawrence, and his brother Townshend a son named Robert ;
and these first cousins were the two " acquaintances and
friends" of Washington's juvenile years. A brother of
Robert was Lund Washington, so long the manager of Mount
Vernon, some of Washington's letters to whom are quoted in
Appendix.
John, son of the immigrant, who married Mary Townshend,
married a second wife (name not discovered). A grandson
of this second marriage was Col. Bailey Washington, whose
son William Augustine Washington was the hero of Cowpens.
This Col. William Washington's admirable qualities won the
esteem of General Washington, and there was even an in-
timacy between them.
XXU HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
For the following I am indebted to Dr. Toner of Washinsr-
ton:
"Charleston S. C. Nov. 7th 1790.
"Sm,
"Your Excellency's favor of March 25th accompanied with a
Medal struck by order of the late Congress I have received.
" This flattering mark of respect confered on me by the Represen-
tatives of my Country will mako a indelible impression of gratitude
on my mind.
" The people of this State indulge themselves with the hope that
your Excellency will pay them a visit the ensuing year, it will give
me much pleasure if your Excellency and family will abide with me
whilst in Charleston.
" Mrs. Washington natters herself with the pleasure of your Lady's
company.
I am sir
With the greatest respect and esteem
Your Excellency's
Very obedi'1 Servt.
W. Washington."
Col. William, it is said, declined the title " General," say-
ing " there can be but one General Washington in America."
His military career in the revolution was cut short by capture
and parole ; but in 1798, when Washington was again made
Commander (on the prospect of war with France) he ap-
pointed Col. William Washington to the command of North
and South Carolina and Georgia, with the rank of Brigadier
General. Col. Washington was then living at Charleston, S.
G, where he had married (a Miss Elliot), and where his de-
scendants are numerous. To one of these I am indebted
for a letter written by Brig. Gen. William Washington to
General Washington 19 Oct. 1798, the closing paragraphs of
which are as follows : —
" I had indulged the pleasiog hope that I had made a final retreat
into the peaceful shades of retirement, but at this momentous crisis I
shall not hesitate when I shall have my appointment officially an-
nounced (at present I know nothing of it, except what appeal's in the
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
XX ill
• rtfrlic prints,) to obey the summons of my country, especially when I
;,.:., >vr that the army is to be commanded by a chief for whom I have
i. m) the highest! respect and veneration.
"Please to make a tender of my best respects to Mrs. Washington*
With the greatest respect and esteem, your very obedient servant."
The well-known paternal ancestry of Washington may be
omitted in order to give more space to his maternal genealogy.
For this, Capt. George Washington Ball of Fauquier, great-
l:-s rat-grandson of Mary Washington, has placed at my dis-
posal his useful monograph on " The maternal ancestry and
nearest of kin of Washington." The following is from an
old MS. preserved in the Downman family of Virginia :
f History of the Ball family of Barkham, comitatis Berks, taken from
the Visitatio?i Booke of Jx>ndoni marked 0. 24 in the College of
Arms :
"William Ball, Lord of the Manor of Barkham, com. Berks, died
in the year 1480.
14 Itobert Ball, of Barkham, com. Berks, his son & heir, died in the
year 1543. He left two sons, "William and Edward. To William lie
^-ave his personal estate, and lie dwelt at Wokingham. Edward in-
herited the landed estate.
" William Ball died at Wokingham in 1550, and was succeeded by
liis son John Ball, who married, first, Alice Haynes of Finchhamp-
.-tead, by whom he had foui children, William, Bichard, Elizabeth.
.Toane ; and, second, Agnes, daughter of Bichard Holloway of Baik-
Itain, by whom he had four children, John, Robert, Thomas, and
Rachel, and died in 1599.
" He was succeeded by his son John Ball, who married Elizabeth,
daughter of Thomas Webb of Bascombe, com. Berks. He died in
1028 leaving five sons and six daughters, William, Thoma*, George,
Bichard, & Samuel, Bachel, Elizabeth, Susan, Als, Dorothy, & Mary.
"William Ball of Lincoln's Inn, and one of four attorneys in the
Omco of Pleas in the Exchequer, was living in 1634. CK f . , •
-.; His son,?CoL William Ball, emigrated to Virginia in the year 1(357,
and settled at 'Millenbeck' (his plantation) on the Rappahannock
river, Lancaster County. Parish of Saint Mary's, White Chapel. He
i •■«
i f f ,
Xxiv HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
married Hannah Athorald (Atherall ?) and died in 1C80, leaving two
sons, William and Joseph, and one daughter, Hannah, who married
David Fox.
" Captain William Ball married Margaret, daughter of Rawleigb
Downman, and resided at ' Millenbeck.' He died Sept. 30th 1694,
leaving eight sons and one daughter, William, Ilichard, James, Joseph,
George, David, Stretchley, and Samuel. The daughter, Margaret,
married her first cousin Raleigh Downman.
''Joseph Ball, second son of Col. William Ball, of 'Millenbeck,'
lived at ' Epping Forest ' in Lancaster County, Va. He was married
twice ; first to [several words illegible here, Miss Eogers is doubtless
meant,] by whom he had one son, Joseph, and second to Mrs. Mary
Johnson, by whom he had fire daughters : Hannah, who married Mr.
Raleigh. Travers, of Stafford; Anne married Col. Edwin Conway;
Esther married Mr. Raleigh Chinu ; Elizabeth married Rev'd Mr.
Camagie ; and Mary who married Mr. Washington, and was the mother
of Gen'l George Washington.
" Joseph Ball died in June 1715 [1711] and is buried at ' Epping
Forest,' [Va.] His son Joseph, by his first wife, was educated in Eng-
land, became a Barrister at LawT, and married Fiances, daughter of
Thomas liavenscroft of London. He returned to Virginia, and re-
sided, for some years at ' Moratico,' in Lancaster County, but finally
went back to England, and lived at Stratford-by-Bow, in Essex Co.,
where he died Jan. 10th 1760. He had only one child, Frances, who
married Raleigh Downman. They returned to Virginia in 17G5, and
lived at Moratico. They had three children : Joseph Ball Downman,
Raleigh Wm. Downman, and Frances, who married James Ball of
'Bewdly,' Lancaster Co., Va."
This paper requires a correction : Mary was the only child
of Col. Joseph Ball by liis second wife ; the others were
children of his marriage with Miss Rogers.
The Ball arms are in Burke : Lion rampant, sable, holding
in the dexter paw a fireball ppr. Crest : out of a ducal cor-
onet a hand and arm embossed in mail, grasping a fireball ppr.
Motto: uCoel unique tueri."
Concerning the widow Mary Johnson, Col. Joseph Ball's
second wife, Washington's grandmother, history is siler.t.
Capt. G. ~\Y. Ball, in his Monograph, prints the follow-
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
XXV
iw* from a letter of Col. James Ball of Lewdly, 11 Sept.
44 The death of old Mrs. Washington we had hoard of before the re-
ceipt of yours. I have according to your request made inquiry into
hor genealogy, but have gained very little satisfaction relativo to her
mother's family. Old Mrs. Sherman her niece, of whom I expected
most, knows nothing more than that her [Mary Washington's] mother
was an Englishwoman."
Mrs. Sherman's ignorance, even of the maiden name of
Col. Ball's second wife, and some other circumstances, incline
me to credit a rumor that the widow Alary Johnson had been
a housekeeper in the family. Before the marriage her name
appears as witness to the signature of CoL Joseph Ball, on a
conveyance of land (12 Feb. 1703) to his son-in-law Chinn.
( !oL Joseph Ball's will, dated June 5, and admitted to probate
J\\ly 11, 1711, devised lands and slaves to his five children by
his first wife, and bequeathed to his "loving wife Mary Ball,
die feather-bed, bolsters, and all the furniture thereto belong-
ing, whereon 1 now lie in my own lodging chamber, as it
stands now and is used, and all the chairs in the house which
are single nailed." He also devises to her land, slaves, crops,
horses, cattle, stills, chaise and harness, and an " Irish woman,
by the name of Ellen Grafton, for the time she has to serve/'
To his daughter Mary he gives u400 acres of land in Rich-
mond County, in ye freshes of Rappahn. River." To his
life's daughter, Eliza Johnson, he gives a hundred acres.
Mary Ball was born in T70G ; her husband, Augustine
Washington, was born in 1604.
The estate on which George Washington was born, — some
years subsequently called " Wakefield," — was a tract of 400
acres bought by Lawrence Washington, grandfather of the
General, from Robert, Thomas, and Dorothy Liston, of Bris-
tol. Their agent was Lewis Markham, and it was in this
very transaction that he used the Washington seal already
XXvi HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
described. Among the papers at Wakefield is a note of
Lawrence Washington to Markham (dated 16 June 1695):
" Sir, — I herewith deliver youe a Coppey of your convaanco of y-
Liston's Land I bought ; and a Coppey of youre bond ; by which youe
will see wh£ is to bee pd .for mee one your partt ; and when they make
there assurances youe had best have your power Reiiued for acknowl-
ed'g itfc & bring power from their wifes for dower ; & there bonds for
defending yr titell & recording itt ; soe hope you will Actte as securely
for me as your Selfe ; Well knowing yt a hunderd pound is a great
deale of money to lay outt one a peace of Land without!, timber ; and
houses tumbling downe. Nott doubting your Ceare, I wish youe a
good voayge and subscribe your reayall freind.
Law : Washington."
The home of Washington, new known as Mount Yernon,
is on a tract still earlier in possession of the family. In 1670
a tract of 5000 acres above Dogue Run was granted jointly
to John Washington of Westmoreland, Ya., and Nicholas
Spencer (of Bedford, England) from Gov. Berkeley. John
Washington's moiety was between Dogue Run and Little
Hunting Creek. His will, dated at Bridge Creek, 26 Feb.
1675, was proved 10 Jan. 1677. He bequeathed his "Hunt-
ing Creek plantation " to his son Lawrence Washington.
The will of this son (Lawrence) is dated 11 March 1697. In
it he bequeathes to his son Augustine (the General's father)
the estate afterwards called Wakefield, and to his daughter
Mildred all his "land in Stafford Co. [which then included
Mount Yernon] lying upon Hunting Creek where Mrs. Eliza
Minton & Mrs. Williams now lives, by estimation 2500
acres." But Mildred died in infancy, and the Hunting Creek
estate (Mount Yernon) became the joint possession of the
widow and two sons, until it fell to the survivor of them all.
Augustine, about the year 1730.1
1 In his Will, Lawrence (the General's grandfather) desires burial beside
his parents, brothers, sister, and children*, that his debts shall he "con-
tented ; " a mourning ring to Win. Thompson, clerk, and Mrs. Sarah
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
-WVll
An Agreement, already referred to as in possession of Dr.
Emmet, shows the General's father largely interested in the
Spotswood iron enterprises of Virginia and Maryland, lie
is described as "Captain Augustine Washington of Prince
William County." This is in 1737; and I am indebted to
Dr. Slaughter for the information that in the same year Au-
gustine went to England, returning in July " with convicts/'
On the voyage a passenger, Capt. Hugh French, died of "gaol
distemper contracted on board," but ''Captain Washington"
was reported in " good health." It appears probable that
Augustine got- his title by commanding some ship for a time.
At any rate he had a more adventurous career than has
hitherto been supposed, — unless by the author of "Lacon,"
who says that an accident in Cheshire, England, threw Au-
gustine Washington into the company of the lady who went
to Virginia as his wife. It is possible that Joseph Ball, the
London lawyer, was visited there by his fathers widow and
her daughter, and that Captain Augustine, after the death
of his first wife (Jane Butler) in 1728, met and married Mary
Thompson, each, of 30/ price ; to his godson Law. Butler 2 cows ; to his
4 " sister Ann Writt's children one man-servant apiece of 4 or 5 years to serve,''
3000 lbs. tobacco to purchase the same when they are 20 yrs. of age ; to his
sister Lewis a mourning ring, 40/ ; to his cousin John Washington of Staf-
ford all wearing apparel ; to cousin John's oldest son Lawrence, his godson,
when 20 yrs. 3000 lbs. tobacco to purchase a man servant ; to godson Law.
Hutler, and Lewis Nicholas tract of land, 225 acres, adjoining Meridah Ed-
wards and David White ; to the upper and lower churches, Washington
parish, pulpit covers and cushions ; for funeral sermon 3000 lbs. tobacco ;
his personal property to be divided between, wife, daughter, and sons, Jno.
and Aug. ; to Jno. tract he lives on and another from mouth of ]\lochodock
Ck. to Round Hills; to Augustine the Liston laud, '"lying between my
brother and Baldridge's, (400 acres) also land that was Richard Hill's, and
Markham's when M's family are deceased (700 acres.)" Then follows be-
quest of the Hunting Creek land in text. To John his water mill ; also
"that land which I bought of my brother Francis and Wright, being 200
acres near Stork's quarter." Executors: cousin Jno. Washington of Staf-
ford, Sam'l Thompson and loving wife Mildred. Signed in presence of
Holt. Readman, Geo. Weedon, Thos. Howes, and Jno. Rosier. Probate 30
March 1698: Jas. Western, 0. C.
XXV111 HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
Ball in England. There would be nothing in this to cast any
doubt on George Washington's assertion that he himself was
born in Virginia.
There is no foundation for the statement that Wakefield
was burned soon after the birth of Washington therein. The
fire did not occur until 1770. Nor is the generally accepted
account true, that Augustine's removal, in 1735, was to the
farm in Xing George Co. near Fredericksburg. lie was from
1735 to 1739, a resident of Prince William. This comity was
formed from Stafford and King George in 1730. By this
change the tract now known as Mount Vernon (in Fairfax)
which had been successively in Westmoreland and in Stafford,
became included in Prince William. The Truro Parish
Vestry-Book — the invaluable possession of Dr. Slaughter,
save one page with autographs of Washington, Mason and
other great men which has found its way to the New York
Historical Society, — bears witness to some surprising facts.
Truro Parish (Prince William) was instituted in 1732, and
Captain Augustine Washington was sworn a vestryman, IS
Nov. 1735. On Jan. 17 of this year he lost his daughter
(by the first wife) Jane. He also represented in the House
of Burgesses, as Prince William, the same county his
brilliant son Lawrence represented later as Fairfax. In
August 173G Augustine signed the Parish "Minutes," and
recommended Charles Green to the Bishop of London for
orders. lie was present at a Vestry of 13 August 1737, at
which Rev. Charles Green was elected Hector. He also at-
tended the Vestry in October, 1737, between which date and
October 1739, there is a gap in the Truro MS.
Dr. McGuire, who married a granddaughter of Gen. Wash-
ington's sister Betty, says that Augustine came to reside near
Fredericksburg in 1739. This is confirmed by the fact that in
1740 he conveyed to his son Lawrence the 2500 acres which
the latter afterwards named Mount Vernon. This deed, re-
corded in the General Court Office, 23 Oct. 1740, was burned
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION,
xxix
•luring the Civil War. The Will of Augustine, who died L2
April 1743, confirmed this gift. It was recorded in King
tu'urgo County, May 1743. From Lawrence the estate
passed to George Washington.
It appears clear that Mount Vernon, on which Washington
lavished his devotion, was a heritage from his first ancestor in
Virginia, and the homestead of his own earliest recollections.
The hopeless loss of the Truro Registers may account for
the absence of data concerning the children of Capt. Augus-
tine and Mary Washington beyond the meagre entries of
their Bible, — in which have been inserted some particulars
concerning George, evidently after his celebrity.
" Augustine Washington and Mary Ball was married the Sixtli of
March 17^.
" George Washington Son to Augustine & Mary his Wife was Born
y- 11th Day of February 1731/2 (about 10 in the Morning & was Bap-
tiz'd the 3tU of April following Mr Beverley Whiting & Cap' Christo-
pher Brooks Godfathers and Mrs Mildred Gregory Godmother.
" Betty Washington born 20[ h June 1733 about G in y9 Mornin. De-
parted this life the 31st of March 1797 at 4 o'clock.
"Samuel Washington was born y9 1G of Nov. 1734 about 3 in y6
Mornin.
*■ John Augustine Washington was born Vs 13th of Jany about 2 in
y* Morn 1735/G.
"Charles Washington borne ye 2 day of May about 3 in y* Morne
1738.
" Mildred Washington was Bora y* 21st of June 1739 about 9 at
night.
" Mildred Washington departed this Life Octr y5 23J 1740 being
Thursday abt 12 a Clock at Noon, aged 1 year & 4 months."
An interesting inquiry is suggested by Capt. Augustine
Washington's importation of " convicts." Tradition says
that George Washington was taught in childhood by a sexton
named Hobby ; but the only contemporary statement is that
<>f Eev. Jonathan Boucher, teacher of Jacky Custis, who says
Washington was <; taught by a convict servant whom his
XXX HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
father bought for a schoolmaster/' The sexton of Truro
Parish in 1747 was a "convict'' — William Grove. It may
be that " Hobby" was this man's nickname, and that he had
previously taught the Washington children; or " Hobby*'
may have been another of the " convicts" — probably political.
Dr Slaughter's researches have led him, as he tells me, to
the conclusion that " Hobby " was sexton of the church at
Falmouth, and that the Washington children went to school
there. Falmouth was founded, as a military station, in 1.GT5.
In 1732 the House of Burgesses ordered the erection of a
church "in the new parish of Brunswick," "in the town of
Falmouth." Fredericksburg was founded in 1727, and the
church edifice there (St. George's) was not completed until
sixteen years later. Education being in clerical hands, it may
be assumed that between 1730 and 1743 (the year of Augus-
tine's death) the nearest school was at Falmouth, two miles
above the Washington farm, on the same 'side of the river.
The "Little Falls" farm on the Bappahannock, often men-
tioned in Washington's diaries, was the maiden property of
Mary Ball, — the 400 acres devised, as we liave seen, by Col.
Joseph Ball. It was contiguous with the estate of her
brother, Joseph, the London lawyer, and when bequeathed
(1711) was in Richmond County. "Sherwood Forest," Jo-
seph's portion, seems to have been a dowry of his daughter
Frances Downman, and passed to Henry Fitzhugh, who
married a Downman. The Ball homestead was "Traveller's
Best," so long occupied by Col. Burgess Ball, — possibly
handed down from his great-grandmother, Col. Joseph Bali's
daughter Anne (Conway), Mary Washington's half-sister.
In the Will of John Augustine (date 19 Xov. 178-1, probate
in Westmoreland 31 July 1787) we find : "Item, to my son
Bnshrod . . . my Land in Stafford County conveyed to
me by my mother Mrs. Mary "Washington adjoining the lands
of Downman's estate and Col. Burgis Ball in Rappahannock
and containing 400 acres."
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
X.\.\i
The Will of Capt. Augustine Washington, and its record,
/■ q.peared during the Civil War, but I have made out the
f Jlowing bequests. Augustine, probably his oldest son, re-
.v-ived the homestead in Westmoreland ; Lawrence the Fair-
fax land, then in a wilderness; John Augustine was given
** BushfieM" Westmoreland ; Samuel, Chotanck, Stafford (533
acres, which it cost his half-brother Augustine £000 to
free from a claim) : he divided his iron shares between them :
lie gave his widow her own inheritance, 400 acres, and some
land near the furnace on Accokeek (the furnace shares going
to Lawrence,) also a bit on Deep Run, — near another iron
forge (twenty miles above Falmouth on the Bappahannock)
whose ruins remain.' The daughter was excluded from the
distribution of negroes. Although Mary Washington dwelt
near her daughter, and depended on her unfailing devotion,
Betty received by her Will only her horse and phaeton.
Having given her farm down the river to her son John, she
bequeathed in her Will (dated 20 May 17SS) her remaining
lands to the General, — swelling the forty thousand acres he
already owned. It does not appear to have occurred to any
«>ne that there was injustice in this, except that a letter else-
where quoted shows the GeneraFs surprise that Betty should
not have had a child's portion of her father's negroes.
George Washington's inheritance of land, when he should
come of age, is called in his Diary the " Upper Place." It
was 2S0 acres, purchased by his father, 3 Nov. 1738, from
Margaret Grant, executrix of William Strother. The Cap-
tain may have added to the property, or he may have deemed
its proximity to the new town as an equalization with the be-
quests to the other sons by his second wife. But he seems to
have been conscious of some meagrcness in his bequest to
George, since he devised Mount Yernon to him if Lawrence
should be without issue. The value of George's inheritance
tnay be inferred from a letter to his mother, four years after
her husband's death, from her half-brother Joseph in Lon-
XXxii HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
don. He warns her against sending George to sea, as "a
planter that has three or four hundred acres of land and three
or four slaves/7 may do better. It is probable, however, that
Capt. Augustine knew that his wife would give the larger of
her farms (that on the Accokeek) to George, as she did. Its
size may be estimated by the fact that the General paid, in
1760, quit-rents for 1250 acres in that region. (Worth ingt on
Ford, in The Nation, 19 Sep. 1880). This included the Ac-
cokeek lands, his own " Upper Place," opposite Fredericks-
burg, and his mother's " Little Falls," two miles lower.
The topography has points of interest. George, writing
from his mother's home, 5 May 1749, to his half-brother
Lawrence (in the House of Bur£resses\ savs :
" As roy mother's term of years is out at the place at Bridge Creek,
she designs to settle a [Negro] quarter on the piece at Deep Bud, but
seems backward in doing it till the right is made good for fear of
accident. — It is reported here that Mr. Spotswood intends to put down
the ferry at the wharf where lie now lives, and that Major Francis
Taliaferro intends to petition the Assembly to have it kept from his
house over against my mother's quarter, and through the very heart
and best of the land. Whereas he can have no other view in it, than
for the convenience of a small mill which he has on the water-side,
that will not grind above three mouths in the twelve, and on account
of the great inconvenience and prejudice it will be to us, I hope it
will not be granted. Besides, I do not see where he can possibly
have a landing-place on his side, that will ever be sufficient for a
lawful landing, by reason of the steepness of the banks. I think we
sutler enough from the free ferry, without being troubled with such
an unjust and iniquitous petition as that ; but I hope, as it is only a
flying report, that he will consider better of it, and drop his pre-
tensions."
By the assistance of Judge Wellford of Richmond, whose
ancestors belonged to the' region, and William A. Little of
Fredericksburg, I have made out the following facts. The
Ferry alluded to by Washington is described in G Honing p.
IS as "from the wharf above the mouth of Massaponax Creek
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION, xxxiii
t > the opposite landing upon Mr. Ball's land." The wharf on
Spotswood'.s place "Nottingham" was fully four miles below
Fredericksburg, and Taliaferro's (" Epsom") just above that,
-both on the Spottsylvania side. The "Ball's Land"
(*• Traveller's Rest") contained 600 acres; Downman's
r Sherwood Forest") north of it 900 acres ; next these being
M.;ry Washington's " Little Falls," between which and the
Wahsington Farm came the Strother Farm. Mr. A. K.
Phillips, of Fredericksburg, writes : " I remember when the
Washington Farm contained between 600 and 800 acres, and
belonged to Col. Hugh Mercer, son of the General, but it has
been sold off to different parties. My father told me that
when he removed to Fredericksburg in 1S06 the Washington
hmise was standing. It was a plain wooden structure of
moderate size, and painted a dark red color. The Strother
farm a few miles below the Farm is known as ' Albion.' It
is thought that long years ago the Washington Farm was a
part of the Strother Farm, because there was found on the
Washington tract a stone inscribed : * John Strother, Gentle-
man,'— no doubt placed there by the old gentleman as a boun-
dary mark. The Strother farm at present contains about TOO
acres."
Iu the Will of Mary (of which a facsimile appears in the
2[a>g. Am. Hist., March 1SS7) she bequeathes the General her
" lauds on Accokeek Bun in Stafford County." These I have
identified as part of a tract now called "Furnace,3' on which
are still traceable cinders of the old iron- works in which Cap-
tain Augustine Washington speculated so largely. It was
one of five forges in Virginia and Maryland, which appear,
by the Will of his son Lawrence, to be still bringing some
profits in 1752. But Captain Augustine Washington might
have made more by his ventures had he not died prematurely
(aged 49). At any rate his widow and her five children were
left poor. The half-brothers, who had been left the main
properties, acted handsomely. Augustine took George, now
XXXIV HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
twelve years, to the old Lome in Westmoreland, and there
sent him to school, — it is said to a Mr. Williams. There,
however, he seems to have become restless, and probably re-
turned to his mother in the summer of 1745. The winter's
schooling was probably in Fredericksburg. It is certain that
the summer of 1740 was passed at Mount Vernon, then re-
cently built by his half-brother Lawrence, whose young wife
was Anne, daughter of William Fairfax by his first wife,
Sarah Walker.1 This William Fairfax, kinsman and agent of
Lord Fairfax, had married as his second wife Deborah Clarke,
of Salem, Mass., with whom he settled in Westmoreland, Va.,
in 1734. Lie and Capt. Augustine Washington had migrated
to the upper Potomac about the same time, 1735, — Fairfax
fixing his abode at Bel-voir (which some called Beaver, i.e.
Beauvoir). In the said summer (174G) George passed a happy
week at Bel voir. A letter from Air. Fairfax to Lawrence
mentioning the visit, and saying that George had promised to
be " steady," suggests that there had been some youthful de-
claration of independence. George returned home and con-
tinued at school in Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg was mainly settled by relatives of the Wash-
ingtons. Col. Harry Willis, chief founder of the town, rn.
first George's aunt. 2d. his cousin, — both christened Mildred
Washington. This aunt had first m. Roger Gregory, their
three daughters having in. three brothers Thornton in the
neighborhood. Another founder of the town, John Lewis,
was descended from Augustine Warner, whose daughter was
1 " The family of Fairfax's in Virginia, of whom you speak, are also re-
lated to me by several intermarriages before it came into this country (as I
am informed) and since.'' — Washington to the Earl of BucJian, 22 April
1793. (Mar/. Am. Hist. Feb. 188S.) That all parties concerned were
rather late in discovering this relationship (if it existed) may be supposed
from the tenor of Joseph Rail's letter from London (1747) to his half-sisti r,
Mary Washington, advising her not to send George to sea. He could not
hope to be more than a common sailor, every higher post, being sought for
there (in England) by " those who have interest, and 7/c [George] has
none."
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
XXXV
lien. Washington paternal grandmother. Thus at fifteen
< uwge was schoolmate of many cousins. The newly built
rhurch, St. George's, was under charge of a brilliant Frencli
Huguenot, — Rev. James Marye, — who had taken orders in
London. He would naturally have charge of the first school
also, and probably taught it. Dr. Toner, in his excellent
edition of the "Rules of Civility," found in Washington's
hoyisli writing, with the date 1745, shows probabilities that
they were mainly his own composition. Some of the
" Kules/1 however, resemble those in the Latin work (of the
Jesuit Mussipontarius) " Communis VUcb inter homines scita
urbanitas" Leonard Perm's translation of this book (1617)
passed through several editions, and from it the Rev. James
Marye may have instructed the boys of Fredericksburg in
those rules of civility of which the school children of our own
time arc unfortunately left ignorant. On such basis the pre-
cocious bov may have built his "Rules; " for, though we
must not forget that we are here under Old Style, according
to which Washington was born in 1731, and in 1745 was four-
teen,— he certainly was precocious. Major Byrd Willis, —
whose towering form was a striking figure in the Fredericks-
burg of my boyhood, — grandson of Col. Harry Willis and
Washington's aunt Mildred, says in a MS. (owned by his
granddaughter Mrs. Tayloe of Fredericksburg) : " My father,
Lewis Willis, was a schoolmate of General Washington, his
cousin, who was two years his senior. He spoke of the Gen-
eral's industry and assiduity at school as very remarkable.
Whilst his brother and other boys at playtime were at bandy
or other games he was behind the door ciphering. But one
youthful ebullition is handed down while at that school, and
that was romping with one of the largest girls ; this was so
unusual that it excited no little comment among the other
lads/'
Perhaps this romp was with Jane Strother, in whom and
her sister Alice (daughters of William) the Washington chil-
XXXVI HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
dren had found their best playmates across the river. Jane
married Hon. Thomas Lewis of Augusta Co., and Alice
Robert Washington of Chotanck. Other neighbors were
the Fitzhughs and the Alexanders. It may have been to one
of the latter family that George wrote his boyish acrostic :
"From your bright sparkling eyes I -was undone ;
Rays you have more transparent than the Sun
Amidst its glory in the rising Day,
None can you equal in your bright array :
Constant in your calm and unspotted mind ;
Equal to all, but will to none Prove kind,
So knowing seldom one so young you'll find.
Ah, woe's me that I should love and conceal
Long have I wished but never dare reveal,
Eveu though severely Love's Pain I feel ;
Xerxes that great wan't free from Cupid's dart,
And all the greatest Heroes felt the smart."
"Alexa," however, was the abbreviation of Alexandria, and
possibly the acrostic may be on some fair Fanny of that town.
Various young ladies have been traditionally named as objects
of George Washington's youthful love, but I can discover no
evidence of any early passion save for his " Lowland Beauty ;"
and it is tolerably certain that this was either " Francis
Alexa " of the acrostic, or Betsy Fanntleroy. The youthful
letters which have raised so many fair claimants to the honor
of having rejected "Washington are known only in their
writer's drafts. They are without date but bear indications
of early 1749 (A. S.) when Washington was near seventeen.
The similar phrases and allusions in the three letters prove
them written about the same date. The Mrs. Fairfax al-
luded to was the Sally Gary, whose legendary love-affair
with Washington is thus shown to have been impossible be-
fore her marriage, which occurred 17 Dec. 174$. Another
hypothesis, that her sister Mary (who m. Edward Ambler in
1752) was the " Lowland Beauty," is disproved by the refer-
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION, xxxvii
ence to her in the very letter containing that famous phrase-,
—the letter to "Dear Robin." The letter preceding this
may have been to John, the son of Townshend Washington
of "Greenhill" (now "Panorama," near the head of Cho-
tanck Creek), grandson of Lawrence the immigrant. The
Lawrence alluded to in it may have been John's twin brother,
but more probably his (John's) first cousin Lawrence of Cho-
tanck, mentioned in Washington's will as a friend of his
juvenile years. The entire rough draft is given.
" Dear Friend John,
"As it is the greatest mark of friendship and esteem yon can show-
to an absent Friend In often writing to him so hope youl not den)- me
that Favour as its so ardently wish't and desired by me. its the great-
est pleasure I can yet forsee of having in fairfax to hear from my
friends Particularly yourself was my affections disengaged I might
perhaps form some pleasures in the conversasion of an agreeable young
Lady as theres one now lives in the same house with me [crossed out :
but as that oiily serves to make me more dull by putting me oftener
in remembrance of the other] but as that's only nourishment to my
former affec' for by often seeing her brings the other into my remem-
brance whereas perhaps was she not often (unavoidably) presenting
herself to my view I might in some measure deviate my sorrows by
burying the other in the grave of oblivion I am well convinced my
heart stands in defiance of all others but only she thats given it
[crossed oat : too much] cause enough to dread a second assault and
from a different Quarter tho I well know let it have as many attacks
as it will from others they cant bo more fierce than it has been I could
wish to know whether you have taken your intended trip downwards
or not if you with what success as also to know how my friend Law-
rence drives on in the art of courtship as I fancy you both nearly
guess how it will respectively go with each of you."
The next letter is addressed to "Dear friend Robin," —
probably Robert "Washington, of Chotanck, remembered in
Washington's Will.
"My place of residence," he writes, "is at present at his lordship's,
whore I might, was my heart disengaged, pass my time very pleasantly
as there's a very agreeable young lady lives in the same house (Col.
XXXVlii HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
George Fairfax's wife's sister.) But as that's only adding fuel to fire,
it makes me the more uneasy, for by often and unavoidably being in
company with her revives my former passion for your Lowland beauty ;
whereas, was I to live more retired from young women, I might devi-
ate in some measure my sorrows by burying that chaste and trouble-
some passion in the grave of oblivion or etcarnall forgetfulness, for as
I am very well assured, that's the only antidote or remedy that I ever
shall be relieved by or only recess that can administer any cure or
help to me, as I am well convinced, was I ever to attempt anything,
I should only get a denial which would be only adding grief to un-
easiness."
The next letter is to a female confidant, — who may have
been, Rev. Horace E. Hay den writes me, either of his young
contemporaries and relatives, Sarah Ball, Sarah (Ball) Jones,
or Sarah. Conway (niece of Col. Edwin Conway, who married
Mary Ball's half-sister). The fair alluded to was probably
that of June, though there was also an annual October fair in
Fredericksburg. The entire draft is here given.
" Dear Sally
"This comes to Fredericksburg fair in hopes of meeting with a
speedy Passage to you if your not there which hope youl get shortly
altho I am almost discouraged from writing to you as this is my
fourth to you since I receivd any from yourself. I hope youl not
make the Old Proverb good out of sight out of Mind as its one of the
greatest Pleasures I can yet foresee of having in Fairfax in often hear-
ing from you hope you'l not deny it me.
"I pass the time of much more agrcable than what I imagined I
should as there's a very agreeable young Lady lives in the said house
where I reside (Col°. George Fairfax's wife's sister) which in a great
measure ehears my sorrow and dejectedness tho' not so as to chaw my
thoughts altogether from your Parts I could wish to be with you
down there with all my heart but as it is a thing almost lmpractakable
shall rest myself where I am with hopes of shortly having some
Minutes of your transactions in your Parts which will be very wel-
comely receiv'd by your "
We have, however, a letter of Washington in which is
found the only name with which his youthful affections can
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
XXX IX
be »afely associated. It is addressed to " William Fauntleroy
Sr. in Richmond," (i.e. Richmond County, in which was
Baylor's Hold, seat of the Fauntleroys).
" May 20, 1752.
" Sra,
"I should have been down long before this, but my business in
Frederick detained ine somewhat longer than I expected, and immedi-
ately upon my return from thence I was taken with a violent pleurise
which has reduced me very low ; but purpose as soon as I recover my
strength, to wait on Miss Betsy, in hopes of a revocation of the former
cruel sentence, and see if I cannot obtain an alteration in my favor.
I have enclosed a letter to her, which should be much obliged to you
for the delivery of it. I have nothing to add but my Lest respects to
your good lady and family, and that I am, Sir,
<f Y'r most ob'd't humble servant,
«G. Washington."
The first courtship of Betsy Fauntleroy, to whose grand-
father this letter was written and sent (the original was once
owned by Gov. Fltzhugh Lee) must have occurred before 2S
Sept. 1751, when Washington accompanied his invalid brother
Lawrence to the Barbadoes, — from which he returned in
1752, reaching Wakefield March 1, his mother the 5th ; (jour-
neying next day to Mount Vernon to bear Lawrence's wife
tidings of her husband, and, it would appear, going to Fred-
erick soon after to see after Lawrence's estates there). It will
be seen then that having courted and been rejected by Miss
Betsy when he was little over nineteen, if not earlier, there is
good reason to identify her with the "Lowland Beauty" be-
loved at seventeen.
Betsy Fauntleroy, great-granddaughter of the famous cava-
lier Moore Fauntleroy, of Baylor's Hold, was in every re-
spect a " Lowland Beauty." She married an Adams, and be-
came the mother of the Hon. Thomas Adams. It is said
that when, after her marriage, she saw her rejected lover, —
now master of Mount Vernon and a famous Colonel, — riding
into Williamsburg, — she fainted. But there is no reason to
xl HISTORICAL AND GEXPIALOCICAL INTRODUCTION.
suppose that she ever regretted her choice. To this disap-
pointment we may ascribe the other sonnet by Washington :
" Oh Yo Gods why should my Poor resistless Heart
Stand to oppose thy might and Power
At last surrender to Cupid's feather'd Dart
And now lays bleeding every Hour
For her that's Pityless of my grief and Woes,
And will not on me Pity take.
I'll sleep among my most inveterate Foes
And with gladness never wish to wake,
In deluding sleepings let my Eyelids close
That in an enraptured dream I may
In a rapt lulling sleep and gentle repose
Possess those joys denied by Day."
The little poem was written by a poor youth, uneducated
as compared with the Fauntleroys, who were graduated in
Scottish universities. George Washington had been com-
pelled to leave school at sixteen and earn his living. In this
same pathetic little book is his first entry of a survey, "March
11, 1747/8." Then we have such notes as these: —
" March y° 15, 1717/8. Survey 'd for George Fairfax Esqr a Tract
of Land lying on Gate's Marsh and Long Marsh."
" Bead to the Eeign of K : John."
" In the Spectator Eead to 113."
" Memorandum of what clothes I Carry into Fairfax. Razor.
7 Blurts 2 D> Gai'f by Mr. Thornton
6 Linnen Waistcoats
1 Cloth Do
G Bands
4 Nock Cloths
7 Caps."
11 M. The regulator of my watch now is 1 m : and over the fifth
from the Slow end."
" Twas perfect Love before ) •„ „ „, . „
- - T , VS. loung M : A."
But now I do adore j
" Whats the noblest Passion of the Mind. Qy."
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. xli
Tradition has made Washington's mother a " belle " in carl v
|j.fe, And a saint in later years. President Jackson, who dedi-
cated her monument at Fredericksburg (May, 1833), had
received from "Washington himself and others ample informa-
tion. " She acquired and maintained," he said, "a wonder-
ful ascendency over those around her. This true character-
istic of genius attended her through life; and even in its
decline, after her son had led his country to independence, he
approached her with the same reverence she taught him to
exhibit in early life. This course of maternal discipline no
duiibt restrained the natural ardor of his temperament and
conferred upon him that power of self-command which was
one of the remarkable traits of his character." Mary Wash-
ington hated to display any of her emotions. George Iviger,
well remembered by the present writer, used to relate how he
galloped a long way to bear a letter from Washington to his
mother, in the latter part of the revolution. He found her
in her garden in her usual short yellow gown, occupied with
her vegetables, Kiger waited, but the old lady went on with
her work, without opening the letter. At length the youth
exclaimed, " Madam, this whole community is interested in
that letter." Thereupon she opened the despatch, which an-
nounced a victory; but all the news she vouchsafed the mes-
senger was the smiling remark, " George generally carries
lb rough anything he undertakes." The anecdote recalls one
concerning the General, who had just begun a sitting for his
portrait when despatches were brought. He glanced at them,
and continued the sitting without remark. The despatches
announced the capture of Burgoyne.
Historians, by the way, have overlooked a remarkable in-
stance of Washington's self-command. When Cornwall is
surrendered Washington saved him the humiliation of per-
sonally delivering up his sword ; but Gen. O'Hara, who per-
formed this task, repaid the magnanimity by offering the
sword to Ptochambeau, who stood at the head of a rile of
xlii HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
French soldiers on the left, while Washington headed the
Americans on the right. The Frenchman promptly refused
to touch the sword, and O.'Hara then offered it to Washington,
who did not touch it, hut said coldly, " Pass on." O'llara
was compelled to pass on between files of angry soldiers and
deliver up the sword to a distant subaltern.
Local traditions say that Mary Washington could never
think of George as other than " her bov," and that he either
felt the same or humored her. On one occasion her servant
told her that " Mars' George " had put up at the tavern.
" Go and tell George to come here instantly ! " she cried. The
General presently appeared with his baggage, meek before
her reproach, explaining that he could not feel certain that his
sojourn with her would bo convenient. Her small house in
Fredericksburg could not accommodate Washington's family,
and it had no stables ; but he was careful, on proper occasions,
to alight with his wife at his mother's door, the chariot being
quietly taken around to Kenmore (the Lewis residence) where
they also lodged.
An instance of his mother's habit of domestic dependence
on Washington is shown in his letter to her from the camp at
Will's Creek, in June 1755, while on the great Braddock
campaign (printed by E. E. Hale):
" Hon'd Madam," ho writes, "I was favored with your letter, by
Mr. Dick, and am sorry it is not in my power to provide you with a
Dutch servant, or the butter, agreeably to your desire. TYe are quite
out of the part of the country where either is to be had, there being
few or no inhabitants where we now lie encamped, and butter cannot
be had here to supply the wants of the army." "I hope," he also
says, "you will spend the chief part of your time at Mount Ternon, as
you have proposed to do, where I am certain every thing will be or-
dered as much to your satisfaction as possible, in the situation we
are in there."
In a letter to her brother Joseph, in London, 20 July 1759,
the mother writes : " There was no end to my troubles while
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION
xlm
! i< orgc was in the army, but he has now given it up/' (Am.
f/i&L Mag., i. p. 413.) Another letter to the same (loaned me
t»v Dr. Emmet) contains interesting items.
"July the 2, 17G0.
" Dear Brother, this Coins by Gap* Nickelson You Seein to blam
me for not -writing to you butt I doe a Shour you it is Note for wante
of a very great Regard for you & the family butt as I Dont Ship tobacco
the Captius Never Calls one me Soe that I Never knows when tha Come
or when tha goe. I believe you have got a very good overseer at this
quarter now Cap1 Newton has taken a large peace of grownd from you
which I dear say if you had been hear your Self it had not been Don
. Mr. Danial & his wife & family is well Cozen Hannah has been married
& Lost her husband She has one Child a boy pray give my Love to
Sister Ball & Mr. Downman [Joseph Ball's son-in law] & his Lady & am
Dear Brother
Your Loving Sister
Mary Washington."
The " Mr. Danial " alluded to in the above note was Mr.
Peter Daniel, a magistrate of Stafford County, who resigned
rather than enforce the Stamp Act ; he married the daughter
of Hannah (Ball) Travers, Mary Washington's half-sister.
The " Newton Farm " is still known in the neighborhood.
The next letter was sent me by my late brother, Richard
H. Conway. It is without date, and addressed to her son
•John Augustine Washington, Bushfield, Westmoreland, Va.
" Dear Johnne, — I am glad to hear you and all the family is well,
and should be glad if I could write you the same. I am a going fast,
and it, the time, is hard. I am borrowing a little Cornn — no Cornn
in the Cornn house. I never lived soe poore in my life. Was it not
for Mr. French and your sister Lewis I should be almost starved, but
I am like an old almanack quite out of date. Give my love to Mrs.
Washington — all the family. I am dear Johnne your loving and af-
fectionate Mother.
"P.S. I should be glad to see you as I dont expect to hold out
long."
xliv HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION
Dr. Toner, on my account of this letter, suggests that it
was written in the troubled year preceding the revolution.
before her children persuaded her to move into Fredericks-
burg. I have not been able to trace her on the farm across
the river later than 1772, but she certainly remained there
long after her children had left, and despite their desire that
she should dwell with them.1 In the smimblin^ letter is
reflected her horror of dependence. The house in Fred-
ericksburg, still standing, is small but preserves traces of
the neat home arranged for her. The lot adjoins Ivenmore.
As the place is not mentioned in her Will it probably be-
longed to Col. Fielding Lewis or the General. A chariot,
phaeton, three horses, and six negroes were among her be-
quests.
A few hundred yards from Kenmore Mary Washington
was buried. It is a picturesque place, with a cluster of trees
shading gravestones, chiefly of the Gordons, who so long oc-
cupied Ivenmore. Tradition points out a rock overlooking
the vale as the spot where the aged mother of Washington
was wont to repair for meditation. Near this stands her
monument, whose unfinished condition gave rise to a maga-
zine romance which some have taken seriously. It is said
that a maiden of Fredericksburg plighted her troth on con-
dition that her suitor should build a monument over her
relative, the Mother of Washington ; but before it was com-
pleted her lover was jilted' and the work stopped. As a
matter of fact the work was generously undertaken by Mr.
Burroughs, a citizen of New York, whose failure in business
caused the cessation of work. The monument stood in a
1 By his first wife, Jane Butler, Augustine Washington had children : 1.
Butler (d. infant); 2. Augustine (m. Anne Aylett) ; 3. Lawrence (m. Anne
Fairfax) ; 4. Jane (d. infant). Of the issue by Mary Ball, Geoige m. Martha
Dandridge Custis ; Betty m. Col. Fielding Lewis; Samuel in. successively
Jane Champe, Mildred Thornton, Lucy Chapman, Anne Steptoe, Mrs.
Perrin, —dying in 1781, aged 47; Jho. Augustine in. Hannah Bushrod ;
Charles in, Mildred Thornton ;■— the 6th child, Mildred, d. infant.
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. x\w
.viitre of the battles whicli raged in and around Fredericks-
burs*, daring tlie Civil War; it is of pretty design, and strik-
i?j - in the distance, but scarred with shot and shell, — a dismal
memorial indeed. Beside it lies the long marble spire which
in May 1333 a procession, headed by President Jackson, fol-
! »wed to the spot "with patriotic rejoicings.
It may be that from his mother and plebeian grandmother
'■(as I suppose) the Widow Johnson, Washington derived a
certain strain of blood which, at the first gun of indepen-
dence, was strong enough to bid farewell to his aristocratic
friends at Belvoir and Williamsburg palace, and take the side
of the people.
Mary Washington has been suspected of " Toryism " be-
cause she hated war; declared "this fighting and killing" a
had business, and wished that " George would come home
and attend to his plantation." The spirit which animated her
crude utterances was Washington's best inheritance from his
mother. It is a line omen on the new world's horizon that
its great commander was a man of peace. An arbitrator of
.the playground in boyhood, his first commissions were for
peaceful negotiations with the Indians and the French. There
was, indeed, a spirit of adventure in him ; but it found satis-
faction in the chase, and in exploring the wilderness. Miss
Jessie Stabler, of Sandy Spring Md., sends me an extract
from the letter-book of her great-great-grandfather, Edward
Stabler, a leading Quaker at Petersburg Ya. in the last cen-
tury. Under date of "12 mo: 20th. 1756," he writes to
English Friends:
•,-.
"In the Spring there was an Act made for Drafting the Militia by
Lot, in which Friends were not exempted but on whomsoever the Lot
fell upon were obliged to go as Soldiers or par £10 to hire another
mau in their stead, & I am sorry to say the generality of Friends
complyed with it. Except seven young men who would not comply
t > go nor hire another in their stead, & so were taken by Force &
carried over the Mountains to the Armv, & after they had been there
xlvi HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
some time I understood they were like to meet with cruel usage if
they did not comply to bear arms & tho' most Friends acknowledged it
would be right for some to visit them yet none seemed forward to go
as it appeared dangerous to travail over the Mountains at that time
the Indians having done much mischief in them parts yet I could not
be easy in my own mind without going myself, & use what endeavoui s
I was capable of for their release out of Prison where they had been
kept close confined for about 10 weeks, I had several good oppor-
tunities with Coll. Washington to open our principles to him <fc rea-
sons why we could not be active in the carrying on of War. he
seemed very moderate before we parted <fc inclined to favor them, bul
said as they were sent to him by the Government he could not release
them and had ree'd orders from the Gov.r to have them Whipped
every day 'till they would comply. I requested him to omit putting
the Gov1"'3 orders in execution 'till I could go & speak with him (w.ch
was upward of 250 miles part of the way through an uninhabited
country & over very high Mountains) k four more Friends accom-
panied me to the Gov.r we had a great deal of Discourse wth him'&
he promised us he would write to Coll. "Washington to be favourable
to them, w.ch he did — I got them releas'd out of Prison when I was
there, & to have liberty to go to some Friends Houses that liv'd about
5 or 6 miles distant upon being bound for their appearance there when
the Coll. ree'd other orders from the Gov/ but they were not called
upon afterwards nor anything required of them."
In fending the above Miss Jessie Stabler adds :
"I heard Mr. Henry Stabler of this neighborhood tell another story
of Washington and the Friends. Warner Mifflin was on a committee
to remonstrate with President Washington about War, and during the
conversation, remarked that the advantages gained by War do not
compensate for the loss of life and limb. Washington thought for
some minutes and then said, 'Mr. Mifflin, there is more in that than
most people are willing to admit.' "
When Washington and his wife met, the days of romance
were perhaps over for both of them, but they grew togetl
At her " Six Chimney House," Williamsburg, where th
honeymoon passed, Martha planted a Yew which remains,
and is a fair svmbol of her never-failing loyalty and devotion.
ler.
v
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION, xlvii
•A most amiable woman," wrote' S. Johnston to James
|?, ;rll (1T0O); "if I live much longer I shall at last be rec-
ueiled to the company of old women for her sake." Her
husband's frank admirations excited no jealousy. The Hon.
,J:i>per Yates writes to his wife: "Mr. Washington once told
rne, on a charge which I once made against the President at
his own table, that the admiration he warmly professed for
Mrs. Hartley was a proof of his Homage to the worthy part
of the Sex, and highly respectful to his wife." But she was,
in the old sense homely as she was comely. While following
her husband to the field she longed, even amid plaudits, for
home. She writes to her brother from Philadelphia (2 Kov.
177S):
"I am very uneasy at this time — I have some reason to think that I
shall take another trip to the northward — the poor General is not
likely to come to see us, from what I can hear. I expect to hear cer-
tainly by the next Post. If I doe I shall write to inform you and my
friends. If I am soe happy as to stay at home I shall hope to see you
with my sisters as soon as you are at leisure. Please to give Patty a
kiss for me. I have sent her a pair of shoes. There wasn't a doll to
be got in the city of Philadelphia or I would have sent her one."
Mr. Ferdinand Dreer of Philadelphia has a letter of Mar-
tha Washington (it appeared in Harpers Magazine, April
1880,) written, the year after her marriage, to her sister
Anna (Mrs. Burwell Bassett) congratulating her on the birth
of a girl — " I wish I could say boy as I know how much one
of that sex was desired by you all" — she adds : " I think my-
self in a better state of helth than I have been in for a long
time and dont dout but I shall present you a fine healthy girl
again when I come doun in the Fall which is as soon as Mr.
W — — ns business will suffer him to leave home.''
This longing for a daughter at the moment of desiring for
her sister a son is pathetically suggestive. The great soldier
loved to have little Patsv and Kelly nestling at his side, and
xlviii HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
the unsatisfied paternal longing of his great heart was keenly
felt by his wife.1
The following was written to Mrs. Fanny Washington,
then keeping house at Mount Yernon :
New York Oct. the 22d 17S0
" My Deak Fanny, — I have by Mrs. Sirn-s sent you a watch ; it is one
of the cargoe that I have so long mentioned to you, that was expected,
I hope is such a one as will please you — it is of the newest fashion, if
that has any influence on your fast, the chain is of Mr. Lears choosing
and such as Mrs. Adams the Vico presidents lady and those in the
polite circle wear.
" Mrs. Sims will give you a better account of the fashions than I can —
I live a very dull life hear and know nothing that passes in the town —
I never goe to any public place — indeed I think I am more like a State
prisoner than anything else ; there is certain bounds set for me which
I must not depart from — and as I cannot doe as I like, I am obstinate
and stay at home a great deal.
" The President set out this day week on a tour to the eastward ; Mr.
Lear and Major Jackson attended him. — my dear children has had
very bad colds but thank god they are getting better. My love and
1 Washington's tenderness towards children is traceable in many a flower
along the track of war. One instance which lias not been published I have
found among the papers of Gen. Artemas Ward, in the possession of his de-
scendant Mr. Alfred Dix of New York. At a time when the British in Bos-
ton were using non-combatants to convey correspondence to abettors outside,
Washington made a rigid order that none should enter or come out of the
city. But one day an appeal came to Cambridge that a little child might be
taken into Boston to receive medical care. The order was returned : " His
Excellency desires that when Mr. boring's child is brought in order to go
into Boston that you will have its cloaths examined lest there should be
letters concealed in them." The poet who so long wrote hymns of peace in
Craigie House, where Washington gave that order, would have left us a
lyric of the incident, had he known it. Washington was known to have
gone out of his way to warn children, eager to gaze at the soldiers, that they
were in danger, — generally patting them kindly on the head. In the biog-
raphy of Judge Phillips of Andover, it is related that when Washington
breakfasted in that town (5 Nov. 1789), "he asked the little daughter of
Deacon Abbot to mend, his riding-glove for him; and when she had done
it, took her upon his knee and gave her a kiss; which so elated Miss Tri-
cilla that she would not allow her face to be washed again for a week."
But a similar story, glove included, is recorded of his visit to Haverhill!
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
XllX
.. .J wishes attend yon and all with yon — remember me to Mr. and
Mrs L. Wd [Lnnd Washington] how is the poof child — kiss Marie I
t -:ul lier two little handkerchiefs to wipe her nose. Adue."
The Lewis family, so intimately connected with Washing-
ton, is not of any known relationship to the Lewises who
founded Augusta Co. Ta. Its ancestor in Virginia was Gen.
Uoberfc Lewis, of Brecon, Wales, who in 1650 obtained a
u'rant in Gloucester Co. Ya. of 33,333^- acres. His son John,
educated in England, married Elizabeth (daughter of Augus-
tine and Mildred) Warner, and built " Warner Hall" — the
threat mansion of twenty-six rooms in Gloucester. Major
John Lewis, eldest son of John of "Warner Hall," m. Frances
Fielding (supposed surname) wdio d. 1731 ; her husband
lived until 1754. This Major John Lewis was the lawyer
with whom Chancellor Wythe studied, and a member of
Council. He was the "John Lewis, Gentleman," who, with
Col. Harry Willis, laid out the site of Fredericksburg in 1727.
Major John and Frances (Fielding) Lewis had four sons :
Warner, b. 7 Oct. 1720; John, I. 1723 ; Fielding, I. 7 July
1725; Charles, I. 25 Feb. 1729.
Col, Fielding Lewis of " Kenmore," third son of Major John, became
an active citizen of Fredericksburg in its early days, and is said in its
official annals to have owned nearly half of the towTn. In 171G he m.
Catharine Washington, — great-granddaughter of the above-named
Augustine Warner, his (Fielding's) great-grandfather. (Lawrence
Washington, the General's grandfather, m. Mildred Warner.) Issue
of Col. Fielding and Catharine (Washington) Lewis :
1. John, b. 22 June 1717 ; his uncle John Lewis and Charles Dick,
Godfathers j and Mrs. Mary Washington and Mrs. Lee, Godmothers.
He m. five times,— 1st (176S) and 2nd (1770) widows named Thornton,
bis cousins ; 3, (1773) a daughter of the eminent lawyer Gabriel and
Margaret (Strother) Jones ; 1, (17S5) Mrs. Armistead, nee Fountaine ;
5i Mrs. Mercer dau. of Landon Carter. By three of these wives he
had families, and his descendants are numerous, especially in Ken-
tucky, where he settled.— Col. Fielding and Catharine (Washington)
Lewis had 2. Frances, b. 25 Nov. 17-1S ; Fielding Lewis and George
1 HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
Washington, Godfathers ; Miss Hannah Washington and Mrs. Jacksoi
Godmothers. Without issue. 3. Warner, b. 29 Nov. 1710; his uncle
John Lewis and Gapt. Bagley Seaton, Godfathers ; Mrs. Mildred Sea-
ton, Godmother. Died 5 Dec. 1740.
Some entries in the Lewis Family Bible at Marmion were made
after the adoption of New Style (1752), and this must be borne in run. 1
to avoid confusion. Thus, Catharine Lewis d. 19 Feb. 1710-50; but
on 7 May 1750, Col. Fielding Lewis 711. hi3 second wufe, Betty Wash-
ington. A year must be added to that and the birth dates of the nex:
two children. Issue : 1. Fielding, b. 14 Feb. 1751 ; George Washinc-
ton and Robert Jackson, Godfathers ; Mrs. Mary Washington and Mrs.
Frances Thornton, Godmothers. Married in Fairfax settled in Fred-
erick Co., Va. ; his son G. W. Lewis mentioned in Washington's diary
as visiting Mount Yernon 1787. 2. Augustin, b. 22 Jan. 1752 ; his
uncles Charles Lewis and Charles Yuishington, Godfathers ; his aur.t
Lucy Lewis, and Mrs Mary Taliaferro, Godmothers. Died infant. 3.
Warner, b. 24 June 1755 ; his uncle Charles Washington and Col.
John Thornton, Godfathers ; Mrs. Mildred Willis and Mrs. Mary
Willis, Godmothers. Died infant. 4. George, b. 14 March 1757 ;
Charles Yates and Lewis Willis, Godfathers ; Mrs. Mary Dick and his
mother, Godmothers. He married (1779) Catharine Daingerfield of
Spottsylvania, was distinguished as a soldier, and was bequeathed o::--
of Washington's swords, now in the possession of his grandson, Cant.
Henry Howell Lewis of Baltimore. Mr. Byrd Lewis, an eminent
lawyer of Washington, is his great-grandson. 5. Mary, b. 22 April
1759; Samuel Washington and Lawrence Washington, Godfathers;
Mrs. Washington and Miss Mary Thornton, Godmothers. Died in-
fant. G. Charles, b. 3 Oct. 1760; Gen. George Washington and Roger
Dixon, Godfathers ; Mrs. Maiy Washington and Mrs. Lucy Dixon.
Godmothers. 7. Samuel, b. 14 May 17G3 ; Rev. Mnsgrave Daws on
and Judge Joseph Jones, Godfathers; Mrs. Dawson and Mrs. Jones,
Godmothers. Died infant. 8. Betty, b. 23 Feb. 17G5 ; Bev. Thorns
Kice and Warner Washington, Godfathers ; Mrs. Hannah Washington
and Miss Frances Lewis, Godmothers. Married Charles Carter <. i
Culpeper Co. 9. Lawrence, I. 4 April 17G7 ; Charles Washington and
Francis Thornton, Godfathers ; Mrs. Mary Dick, Godmother. Mar-
ried Nelly Custis. His descendants live chiefly at "Audley," dark
Co., Va., the Hon. Edward P. C. Lewis, late Minister to Portugal,
being his grandson. 10. Robert, b. 25 June 1700 ; George Thornt ■•
and Peter Marye, Godfathers; Miss Mildred Willis and Mrs. Ann
Lewis, Godmothers. See, in this Yolume, pp. 53, 305. He died ii
/'• n <£L /
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HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. }\
1*29, the 4th year of his mayoralty of Fredericksburg, during tvbich
, ffice he welcomed Lafayette (Mag. Am. Hist., Jan. 18S8). 11. How-
,.]), h. 12 Dec. 1771; Judges Joseph Jones and James Mercer, God-
fathers ; Miss Mary and Miss Milly Dick, Godmothers. See, in this
volume, pp 10, 293.
It is one of the many curiosities of "Washington portraiture
that the portrait of Betty Lewis at " Marmion " (probably by
Woolaston) should be going about tlie world as that of
Martha, General Washington's wife ! There are portraits
representing Martha Washington at all ages, and it appears
inconceiyable that any one could discoyer a resemblance be-
tween her and the portrait published as hers in Sparks (i. p.
IOC), in the " Republican Court," and eyen in the centennial
Century Magazine^ April, 1S89. How this delusion origi-
nated one can hardly conjecture. I have- asked several artists
whether they could imagine the Martha Washington in the
last volume of Sparks identical at any period of her life with
her so called in the first, and they have declared it unimagin-
able. The accompanying copy of the misnamed picture in
Sparks bears an inscription from the late Col. Lewis W.
Washington, written in the home and in the presence of my
friend Frederick McGuire of Washington. In 1S55 Col.
Lewis Washington made a special study of the family por-
traits, and his judgment as well as his information are trust-
worthy. He corresponded with many members of the Wash-
ington and Lewns families then living and comparatively
near to the sources of information ; among others with G.
W. Parke Custis, who has been supposed, no doubt erro-
neously, to be responsible for the mistake of Sparks. In one
of his letters (i Aug. 1S55) Mr. Custis says : " Mrs. Lewis,
the only sister, whom I very well remember, was the most
majestic and imposing-looking female I ever beheld, and she
was very dearly beloved by the great man. * There is a good
portrait of her." The portrait alluded to is certainly that
copied in this volume. The original at Marmion (the Lewis
Ill HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
homestead in King George), is beside its companion -picture,
that of Col. Fielding Lewis. Fine copies of both are in the
possession of Captain Williams of Xew York, a descendant
of the family. Another copy of Betty Lewis's portrait, now
at Mount Yernon, is probably that alluded to by Col. Lewis
Washington as in his possession, — placed there, I believe, by
his widow, Mrs. Ella Bassett Washington, a vice-Regent of
Mount Yernon.
In another letter (4 March 1857) to Col. Lewis Washing-
ton, Mr. Custis tells the following anecdote :
""When in 1781 the Chief, accompanied by the Count de Rochain-
beau, was en route for New York, following close upon the rear of the
French army, he halted in Fredericksburg, and, having consigned the
Count to the best hotel of the village, the Commander-in-Chief hast-
ened to the residence of his sister. The lady had gone out to visit a
neighbor. Judge of her surprise when, on her return, she saw that
her pleasant mansion and the area around it — the abode of peace, do-
mestic happiness, and liberal hospitality — had suddenly assumed 'the
pomp and circumstance of glorious war.' She entered the mansion,
where her servants, struck dumb with amazement, could only point to
her chamber door. She rushed in, and there discovered her beloved
brother stretched upon her bed and asleep. She uttered a wild ex-
clamation of surprise and joy."
In 1773 Col. Fielding Lewis was chosen a member of the
House of Burgesses. The defect in his eye prevented his
entering the field in the Revolution. His title "Colonel"
was probably earned by his activity in the manufacture of
arms at the " Gunnery" established by the Assembly in his
town, whose patriotic ladies made cartridges while their
male relatives were in the field. Col. Lewis freely advanced
his means in this work and was never repaid except in depre-
ciated paper. However he.had large lands in the West. He died
in Jan. 1781, and was buried in the vestibule of St. George's
Church, of which he was a vestryman. Washington's diaries
and letters show his affection for this brother-in-law, and con-
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
Ill
j ce in his judgment. The portrait of Col. Fielding Lewis
:• M inuiori, a companion to that of his wife, shows that his
, , . K»ity would not allow the artist to omit the defective eye.
\ le was an able man, and his descendants, known in every
I jrt <>f this country, are generally persons of character and
ctiiuence.
For most of tlie following letters of Washington and the
I,« wises I am indebted to Luther Kountze, Esq. The letters
<•£ Col. Fielding Lewis are both to Washington. In the first
\C March 1776), he says :
" Our nine Begements are nearly compleat and our people seem to
1 <■ fond of entring into' the service. Col0 [Patrick] Henry has resigned
his Oommisn which I believe most people are well pleased with, as
las acquaintance in the military service was little. Clinton has been
here with his men, stay'd a few Days, & is gone it's said to S° Carolina
k uken some of the Kings Ships that were here with him. We ex-
pect Lord Dunmore is recalled as he has offer'd his service and request
to be sent home as a mediator. Our Committee of Safety are too
well acquainted with his Lordships abilitys and friendship for this
Colony to intrust a matter of so much importance to one of his insig-
nificancy, nor would they were his Ability ever so great take a stej3 of
that sort without the sanction of Congress. ISTorfold is totally dis-
t roved not one House remaining. Gosport Mr. Sprowls seat has
shared the same fate. Portsmouth is safe ; we have men at the great
Bridge & Kemps Landing, little for them to do. The opinion for in-
dependentcy seems to be gaining ground ; indeed most of those who
liave read the Pamphlet Common Sense say it's unanswerable. Our
Manufactory has not yet made one Musquet ; the Hands have been
ijn ployed in repairing the old Gunns from the Magazine which Ld
Ihmmore took the Locks from, and repairing the Gunns belonging to
the several Companys that have passed thro' this Town. "We have a
neat many Barrells ready forged which we are now preparing for the
dockers ; our men had the business to learn, begin to be expert at
Lock making about Thirty of which pr week we now make that are
equal to the English ; and what Barrells are ready I think are better.
'Hie Tory Factors are leaving of us daily, few will remain in a month,
or two. Mrs. Lewis joins me in our Love to Mrs. AYa-diington k the
Pumily. I am Dear Sir your most Affectionate &c.
Hv HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
" In my last I requested you would furnish George with any Cloths
&c. he may have occasion for and yr. order should he paid for the
amount on sight." [His son Major Geo. Lewis wa3 in the army.]
In connection with the following letter one of Washington
(owned by the jST. Y. Hist. Soc, published in Mag. Am. Hist.,
August 1S79), Morristown 5 May 17S0 will be found interest-
ing. In it he writes Col. Fielding Lewis of a letter received
from Col. Fairfax, who had heard his property was confis-
cated, which "Washington pronounces, if true, " a cruel pro-
ceeding as the uniform tenor of his conduct has been friendly
to the rights of this country — his going to England the result
of necessity and before hostilities either commenced or were
thought of, and his return with his family in a manner im-
practicable."
The letter of Col. F. Lewis is dated 4 April 17S0.
"I wrote you about eight Days since before I recd yours of the 1st
<fc 2d March which came by the Post last Fryday. You judged right
with regard to our paper Currency, as I find by a late resolution of
Congress that it's reduced to one fortieth part of it's nominal value.
This regulation I suppose was necessary, however unjust it may appear
to the world ; after the assurances lately given by Congress in their
publication, I did not expect so great a discont as forty for one would
have so soon taken place, altho' I expected something of the sort
must have happened for the preservation of the Landed Interest which
never could have paid the enormous debt we now are involved in &
daily increasing. I cannot say but I shall be among the sufferers on
this occasion, alltho' I have in some manner lessen'd it by the purchase
of Thirty T.housd Acres Land to the westward where my son John now
is, in order to locate and secure it for me. 1 have some thoughts of
purchasing Twenty Thous'1 acres more before our Assembly meets,
alltho' I am apprehensive that Warrants have allready issued sufficient
to secure allmost the whole of the valuable Lands in that Country
from Pittsburg to the Green River. I suppose five million of acres
are allready granted ; never was so fine a Country sold for so trifling
a sum as those Lands will bring into the Treasury, beside the great
injury this State will sustain by the great numbers of our most active
men going those who should have remained here for the defence of
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. lv
tlio State and assisted in the present dispute with G. Britain. We
h:ive a report here that a vessel is just arrived from the Havanna the
Cap' of v.'ch reports that six days before he sailed a Fleet with 4000
Soldiers had sailed from thence either for Pens] cola or S. Carolina,
we have no late news from the Southward.
" I wish it was in my power to render any service to Col,J Fairfax by
snperintending his business ; my bad state of health prevents my pay-
ing that attention to my own that it requires, therefore cannot under-
take his, as it would not be in my power to do him any tolerable jus-
tice. I believe little has been done for the Colonel since he left the
State, and I am fearful that it will be a difficult matter getting that
Estate under good management ; from the Candor of Mr. Francis
Whiting (who managed Mr. Fitzhughs Est. at Kavensworth) if he will
undertake the matter I think that Estate would soon be brought under
better management ; and Col° Fairfax paying a generous price for
such service will be for his advantage. I do not know another man
that I think will answer the purpose so well if he will undertake it,
being a good judge of those matters. If I can be of any service in
prevailing on Mr. Whiting or any other person that you, or 1 may
think capable of serving Col0 Fairfax I will cheerfully undertake the
matter ; at present I don't know but it may be necessary to change
those who have at present the direction of that business, if it can be
done at this late season for another Crop. Mrs. Lewis joins me in
our Love to you & Mrs. Washington ; she is obliged to Mrs. Wash-
ington for the trouble in sending her muslin to Bethlehem."
The next letter is from Betty Lewis to her brother, at the
time when he was recovering from a carbuncle. It appears
that their mother — who died a month after this letter was
written — suffered something of the same kind. The address
on the letter is: "George Washington. President of the
United States. New York.— Fav'd by Mr. C. Urquhart."
"July 2-1: 1780.
" My Dear Brother
" We have been extreamly concern'd at hearing of your late ill-
ness, but the arrival of Roberts last letter brought us the agreable
information that the Doctors had Pronounc'd you would shortly be
able to ride out.— When I had last the Pleasure of seeing you I
lvi HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
observ'd your fondness for Honey ; I have got a large Pot of very fine
in the comb, which I shall send by the first opportunity.
" I am sorry to inform you My Mother's Breast still continues bad.
God only knows how it will end ; I dread the Consequence ; she is
sensible of it & is Perfectly resign'd — wishes for nothing more than to
keep it easy,— She wishes to hear from you ; she will not believe you
are well till she has it from under your hand. — The Doctors think if
thay could get some Hemloc it would be of Service to her Breast; if
you Could Precure som there Mr. Urquhart will bring it for her, there
is none to be got hear. — Your Relations all join me in love and good
wishes to you and Sister Washington & believe me Your AfTect Sister
Betty Lewis."
" New York, Oct. 12th 1789
" My Dear Sister,
" Your letter of the first of this month came duly to hand. — I believe
Bushrod is right with respect to the distribution of the negroes —
When I gave my opinion that you were entitled to a child's part it did
not occur to me that my Mother held them under the Will of my
Father who had made a distribution of them after her death. — If this
is the case, and I believe it is, you do not come in for any part of
them.
"I thought I had desired in my former letter that all personal prop-
erty not specifically disposed of by the will had better be sold. This is
my opinion as it is from the Crops and personal Estate that the Debts
must be paid. — The surplus, bo it more or less, is divided among her
children ; and this I presume had better be .done in money than in
Stock, old furniture or any other troublesome articles which might be
inconvenient to remove, but in one or the other of these ways they
must be disposed of, as they are not given by the Will. — If there is
anything coming to the estate it ought to be collected. — In a word,
all the property except Lands and negroes is considered as personal,
and after the Debts are discharged is to be equally divided into five
parts one of which five you are entitled to.
" A sort of epidemical cold has seized every [illegible] under it — hith-
erto I have escaped and propose in two or three days to set out for
Boston by way of relaxation from business and re-establishment of
my health after the long and tedeous complaint with which I have
been afflicted, and from which it is not more than ten days I have been
recovered, that is since the incision which was made by the Doctors
for this imposthume on my thigh has been cured.
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. lvii
"Mr*. Washington joins me in every good wish for you and our
i Hi} r relations in Fredericksburg. And I am
My dear Sister
Your most affectionate Brother
G°. Washington."
The next letter Las been sent me by Capt. George Wash-
ington Ball. Both of the gentlemen to whom it was written
Lid married nieces of Washington : Col. Burgess Ball m.
dau. of Charles Washington ; Charles Carter, Jr., m. dan. of
Betty Lewis.
"New Haven 18th Oct, 1789
11 Dear Sirs :
" Having set out on a tour through the Eastern States, it was at this
place your letter of the 8th inst. over-took me.
"Not having my father's will to recur to, when I wrote to my sister,
nor any recollection of the Devises in it, I supposed she was entitled
to a child's part of the negros, but, if they were otherwise disposed of,
by that Will (as I believe is the case) she is certainly excluded, and
the sons only and their representatives come in. — In this manner the
division must be made. —
"Every thing of personal property not specifically disposed of by my
Mother's Will, had better bo sold — with the proceeds of which, and
the crops, the Debts must be paid. The surplus, if any, must be di-
vided among the heirs.
"Being well convinced that the Gentlemen who were so obliging as
to examine and set a value upon my Lots, acted from their best judg-
ment, I am perfectly satisfied with their decision, and beg my thanks
may be presented to them for the trouble they have had in this busi-
ness.
"If they are not already sold, I am willing to allow three, instead of
two years credit for the payment of the purchase money, Interest be-
ing paid. In a word, as I do not want to tenant them, I should be
glad to sell them on any reasonable terms : as that kind of property, at
a distance, is always troublesome, and rarely productive.
" I did not mean to give Mr. Mercer the trouble of stating any formal
opinion—All I had in view was to know if the formalities of the law,
with respect to Inventorying, appraising &c. could be dispensed with.
—H it could, I was sure no other difficulty would arise, as I knew my
lviii HISTORICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
Mother's dealings were small, and the business consequently easily
closed.
" I am exceedingly sorry to hear of the loss the Country has sus-
tained from frost. The crops of corn in this State (Connecticut),
along the road I have travelled, are abundantly groat.
"I offer my best thanks to you for your kind services — and my best
wishes to my nieces, and your families, — and, with sincere esteem and
regard,
I am your most obedc and a£Fectte Hbl8 servt.
G : "Washington."
Although it was necessary that Washington, as his moth-
er's executor, should recognize the fact that his sister had
been somewhat left in the cold by their parents' "Wills, he
gave her the only assistance she needed — namely, a helping
hand to her sons. To Mr. Howell L. Lovell, Covington,
Ivy., a great-grandson of Betty Lewis, I am indebted for the
following letter to her youngest son, — Howell, then just
entered on his twenty -first year :
"Philadelphia April 8th, 1792.
"My Dear Sister,
" If your son Howell is living with you, and not usefully employed in
your own affairs; — and should incline to spend a few months with me,
as a writer in my office (if he is fit for it) I will allow him at the rate
of Three hundred dollars a year, provided he is diligent in discharg-
ing the duties of it from breakfast until dinner—Sundays excepted. —
This sum will be punctually paid him and I am particular in declar-
ing beforehand what I require, and what he may expect, that there
may be no disappointment, or false expectations on either side. — He
will live in the family in the same manner his brother Robert did. — If
the offer is acceptable he must hold himself in readiness to come on
immediately upon my giving him notice. — I take it for granted that
he writes a fair and legible hand, otherwise he would not answer my
purpose ; as it is for recording letters, and other papers I want him. —
That I may be enabled to judge of his fitness let him acknowledge the
receipt of this letter with his own hand, and say whether he will ac-
cept the offer here made him, or not. — If he does, and I find him
qualified from the specimen he gives in his letter I will immediately
desire him to come on which he must do without a moments delay,
or I shall be obliged to provide another instead of him.
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. \\x
" M" Washington unites with me in best wishes, and love for von
4;jJ yours and
I am — My dear Sister
Your mo^t affecte Brother
O Washington."
"21st November, 1798
•4 1 believe you have been informed of my wish to have some appoint-
ment in the army — young in the art of war, my views are by no means
ambitions ; to you I submit it, to place me in any situation, that in
your judgment shall be best. Should I be fortunate enough to obtain
an appointment ; I can affirm a full determination of doing my dutv,
for by so doing only, can a Officer expect to gain respect. My health
is much as it was when you left us, every now and then having a re-
turn of the ague which prevents my gaining ilesh or strength tho I
cm happy to inform you I am nearly restored to the perfect use of
my eye.
"The family joins me in best wishes for your health, and safe returne.
I am dear Uncle your affectionate nephew
Lawrence Lewis."
The next letter of Lawrence to Washington is dated 10
Jan. 1799 at Charlestown, — which was founded by Charles
Washington.
" I have this day been to see my Uncle Charles and family ; was
happy to find his health much better than it had been represented to
me on the Rode up, lie has been very unwell ever since the Winter
commenced, but at present is as well as his mode of living will ad-
mit. My Aunt is in good health ; and with my Uncle desires to be
remembered to you and my Aunt.
" As I now flatter myself, no objection as to the state of health can be
made to my union with Miss Eleanor on the 2'2nd of Febr>- (the day
first fixt on by us) that my dear uncle's concurrence will not be want-
ing as to the time proposed and that he will excuse my appearance
one week sooner at Mount Vernon, than the time which was thought
necessary for my journey."
Lawrence's desire to be married on the General's birthday
was fulfilled.
lx HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
The next letter was written to Robert Lewis while he was
at Mount Vernon, date Philadelphia 7 March 1793.
"I would not have you seek (at least apparently) Major Harrison ;
but if yon should, or could conveniently fall in with him soon, and
without forcing the conversation, talk to him again on the subject of
his land adjoining me, and extract anything farther from him on the
subject thereof that might be useful to me, I should be glad to know
it. The enclosed letter to Mr. (?) from Mr. Chichester, the only per-
son (except Thomson Mason, his son in law, who also has poor ten-
anted land adjoining Harrisons) that can in my opinion step forward
as a competitor, shows his ideas of the value of it ; — but altho' this may
be the intrinsic worth, yet, circumstances considered, I would give
more for it, if it is unincumbered with leases, than the sum therein
mentd or would give by way of Exchange lands in Kentucky for it.
"I expect to be at home before the 5tb of April — and shall probably
take Fairfax Court (which I think is on the 15th of that month) on my
way back to this city — between these dates if Mr. Harrison would call
upon me at Mount Vemon with his Papers the bargain if made at
all might be concluded. I cannot, as I expect to take the meeting of
the Commrs of the Federal District at George Town (about the first
cf Apr1) will be at home before the 5th, nor will x^iblic business
allow me to stay there longer than the 15th ; The last being necessary
on ace1 of the Will of my decd Nephew Major Washington which I
expect will be proved at that time. I shall come home alone, for
these purposes and to look into some matters of my own which re-
quire attention."
After leaving Mount Yernon Robert Lewis resided in Fau-
quier, and was Washington's financial agent and collector.
The following is an extract from one of Washington's letter?
to him :
"Mount Vernon 7th Octr 1705
"As land has risen so much, and so suddenly in its price, and my
rents bear no proportion thereto; I shall insist, and beg that you will
see, not only that the rents are punctually paid, but that all the cove-
nants in the leases, with respect to buildings, planting orchards, mak-
ing meadows, reserving certain proportions of the land in wood &c.
&c. are strictly complied with— and I further desire that in cases of
life leasee where the occupant can give yc-u no satisfactory evidence
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. \\\
: iLkj existence of the lives of the persons therein named, that ejectm'
. iv be brought in order to make them come forward with their proofs ;
. -r it these leases will never expire if vague information is received &
■?-lited, of the lessees being in Kentucky, or the lord knows where.
— Another thing too I would have minutely looked into, and that is,
where there has been a change in the occupants from the original
Lessees to know by what authority it has happened ; for if I recollect
v tonus of my Leases there can be no alienation of the property
arithout the consent of the landlord under his hand (and I believe)
seal"
When her youngest son Howell, against her wishes, insisted
•:i going to the Kanawha, Betty Lewis gave him a box on the
ear with her right hand and a well-filled purse with the other.
She was alone at 63, and went to reside with her daughter
Betty (Mrs. Charles Carter) at " Western Yiew," Culpeper.
" 1 am persuaded," Washington wrote her (7 April 1796)
you will enjoy more ease and quiet, and meet with fewer
vexations where you are now than where you did live. It is
my sincere desire that you should do so and that your days
should be happy. In this Mrs. Washington joins." I am
informed by Capt. H. Howell Lewis of Baltimore, her great-
grandson, that Betty Lewis, while superintending some work
on a mill, one stormy day, contracted a cold, and died 31
March 1797. Her grave is at Western Yiew. Her daughter
Carter died in 1S29 at " Audley," residence of her brother
Lawrence Lewis.
The Old Yirginia gentleman was driven by a hunger for
land difficult of modern comprehension. It was a time in
which estates voted, rather than men. Washington was
brought up under the influences that stimulated the passion
for land. The marriage of his half-brother, Lawrence, with
a Fairfax brought him in contact with the grand estate of
the landed proprietary of the Northern Keck. While sur-
veyor of Lord Fairfax he made acquaintance of the finest
buds, many of which he ultimately owned.
Lawrence, son of Capt. Augustine Washington, married iu
lx'ii HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
the year of his father's death. Tie (Lawrence) d. 1752 leav-
ing a wife and child (dau.), the latter dying soon after. In
accordance with Capt. Augustine's Will the estate thus passed
to George, but the widow of Lawrence, who presently m.
Geo. Lee, Clerk of Westmoreland, had a life-interest in it.
She d. 1761. In Liber C, p. S22, of the Land Record Books
of Fairfax Co., Ya., is recorded a Deed dated IT Dec. 1754
between Geo. Lee and Ann his wife, and Geo. "Washington
of King George County.
"We parties of the first part grant to the party of the second part
the life interest of Ann Lee, -widow of Lawrence Washington, in two
parcels of land, one situate on Little Hunting Creek, the other on
Dogue Creek in Fairfax, of which Lawrence Washington died seized,
also one Water Grist Mill, also certain Slaves — in consideration that
Geo Washington during the natural life of Ann Lee, do each year pay
to her husband, Geo Lee — on the 25th December the sum or cpran-
tity of fifteen thousand pounds of tobacco in fifteen hogsheads, to be
delivered at one or some of the Warehouses in the Co of Fairfax, or
as much current money of Virginia in lieu thereoff as will be equal
thereto at twelve (12) shillings & six pence current money, for every
hundred weight of tobacco. At the election of the said Geo. Wash-
ington, his heirs or assigns (the first rent to grow due 25 Dec.) "
Then follows a provision for reduction in case any of the negroes die.
This drain of nearly a hundred pounds, during the first
seven years of his occupancy, helped to keep Washington's
purse low, notwithstanding the fortune brought him by the
widow Custis in 1759. This has been estimated at 8100,000,
and was certainly large, yet Washington writes (1763) that his
expenses had swallowed up "all the money I got by marriage,
nay more, brought me in debt, and I believe I may appeal to
your own knowledge of my circumstances before.''
This letter (printed in Ford's " Writings of Washington'';
is written to Robert Stewart to explain his inability to raise
.£400. In the Nation (19 Sep. 1SS9) Mr. Ford shows that
in 1760 Washington paid quit-rents on 6,431 acres in the
Northern Neck, and in 1769 on 12,260. But at this time
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
I M n
Washington himself could hardly have told what his "Western
hinds amounted to. At his death he possessed 41,523 acres,
«; lots in Washington City, and others in Alexandria, Win-
chester, and the Berkeley Springs. His lands lay in Virginia,
Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Xew York;
these with his town lots, are estimated in his will at 8480,105.
Washington's supposed wealth, and his reputation for sagacity
as a purchaser, became inconvenient. He had only to inquire
the price of a piece of land to enhance its price. He was
driven to stratagems. " Upon the whole," he writes to his
brother Charles, "as you are situated in a good place for see-
ing many of the Officers at different times I should be glad if
you would (in a joking way rather that in earnest, at first) see
what value they set on their lands/'' These lands were those
donated by Gov. Dinwiddie to officers who had served against
the French and Indians, — 200,000 acres. Washington's por-
tion was 15,000 acres, on the Kanawha, and he purchased as
much more from fellow-claimants. The claims were, indeed,
of doubtful value, and even their validity was in suspense
when the revolution broke out. For some years before the
trouble began, Washington was anxious to sell some of his
lands. In 1773, when the scheme for a trans-Allegheny em-
pire was afloat, he advertised for sale 20,000 acres on the
Ohio and the Kanawha, recommending them on account of
*&
"their contiguity to the seat of government which, it is more
than probable, will be fixed at the mouth of the Great Ka-
nawha."
It was at a later period that Washington came into posses-
sion of his 5,000 acres in Green County, Kentucky. Writing
in 1795, he speaks of the deeds having issued "several years
ago." Both there and on the Kanawha his claims were some-
times disputed and involved lawsuits, — one of these being
with Col. Cresap, whose family always maintained that the
famous speech of the Indian chief Logan, charging Cresap
with the massacre of his family, was invented to prejudice
lxiv HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
the case. To his nephew and agent in that region, Major
George Lewis, he writes (27 July 1795) concerning a rumor
that somebody had sold a piece of his land :
"Mine I shall relinquish but for the full value of the land ; and if
that value would be increased by the purchase of the 300 acres be-
longing to Mr. Wodron I hereby authorise you to make purchase
upon the best terms you can."
It is interesting to note that Washington, conjointly with
his friend Andrew Lewis, owned the first natural gas issue
discovered.
" It is," Mr. Hale (Charleston, W. Va.) writes me, "on the line of a
geological anticlinal axis, which crosses the river (Kanawha) and the
valley at that point. All along the break in the strata, on this anticli-
nal, the gas issued in larger or smaller quantities through the soil in
the bottoms, and up through the river, and in Burning Spring Creek.
It could be set afire and burn on the surface of the water. The Burn-
ing Spring was the largest of any single issue of gas."
Washington and Andrew Lewis bought the tract (250
acres) on account of this curiosity. Traditions of his earls-
visit to that region are still vivid there, — where indeed a num-
ber of his near relatives settled and have left descendants.
There is at Berkeley Springs, W. Va., a White Elm, of
21 ft. G in. circumference, — the survivor of two said to have
been planted by Washington. Mr. E. B. Pendleton of that
place writes me :
" The Berkeley Springs were granted by Lord Fairfax to Virginia
about 1765, and some ten years later a town was laid out. A nurnbor
of persons of note, among them Washington, purchased lots and built
upon them. My own house is built upon the exact spot on which
stood the house of Charles Carroll, and the Washington lot is imme-
diately across the street, — within my recollection a portion of the
chimney was standing. Washington visited the Springs many sum-
mers, coming in a coach-and-four, and with his servants. My two
grandfathers, one of whom was an original trustee named in the Act
of Assembly as to the Springs, also my father, visited the Springs
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. 1
X v
v—'i:il!v. They knew Washington in daily life. I am now seventy,
I ,1 from infancy was brought every year to the Springs— so I am not
• > very far from the shadows of those days."
At a later period of life Washington's early visions of
Westward empire abated somewhat, and he was only willing
u> purchase land near Mount Yernon. This estate of 2,500
acres grew under him to 10,000 acres, with a river front of
10 miles.
The saying that Washington was denied children that the
nation might call him Father has far-reaching significance.
From the. hour in which he took command of the Colonial
armies at Cambridge a paternal sentiment towards his soldiers
is discoverable, and to his officers, as if all belonged to the
circle of his Aids which he called "My Family.'' But for
the personal sympathy with his soldiers in their grievances,
while he repressed their rebellions, the revolution might have
recoiled on itself. lie thanks Col. Return Jonathan Meigs
(26 May 1780) for suppressing a meeting of soldiers, but
adds :
"Meeting, as you very properly observe, cannot in any case bo
justified, but still, if the Commissaries, by a partiality of issues, have
in any degree given ground of complaint, they shall be called to an
account, and made to answer for it."
Another letter loaned me by John Meigs Esq. was in reply
to a request from Col. Meigs for leave of absence, which
was for the purpose of marriage, though that was not stated
in the request. It is dated at Peek's Kill, 4 Aug. 1780.
" I have received Your letter of this date and am exceedingly sorry
that any events should occur to require you to be absent from the
Army. I am convinced that those on. which you have founded your
request are of a delicate and interesting nature, or that yon would
not have made it. In this view I cannot but consent to your going
home, and I will not undertake to limit the day of your return. T am
persuaded it will be as soon as circumstances will admit and I have
kvi BISTOBIGAfc AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
only to add my wishes, that you my find that to be such, as to justify
it immediately?"
Nothing can exceed the delicacy of these notes, and the
personal sentiment playing between the sentences. Long after
the revolution was over Washington cherished the intimate
relations established with his comrades, consulting them in
domestic matters, and manifesting personal gratitude to them.
Among these was Col. Tench Til;dmian, several of Washing-
ton's letters to whom are in the memoir of that officer (Al-
bany : J. MunkoII. 1876). A letter of Washington to his
brother, Jno. Augustine, loaned me by Walter R. Benjamin
of Xew York, (ouches his friendship with Col. Tilghman, and
other matters jiml persons mentioned in this volume. It is
from Mount Vernon 30 June 1784, and relates to his brothers
wish to have his son Co-ruin enter on mercantile life.
" On Sunday last I received an annwer from Mr. Morris to the letter
I wrote him whilst you were here. Enclosed is an extract of it with
a copy of the letter referred to. [Damaged, J Whether New York would
be equally agreeable to you as Philadelphia— and whether the terms
of Mr. Constable are usual and pleasing, in with you to determine,—
and the sooner you can do this the bettor. Had Mr. Morris carried
on business in the manner I expected, ami as ho formerly did, the ad-
vantage of entering your son with hinj most undoubtedly would have
been great, because his mercantile Jmov/ledge and connections really
exceed that of any other person's upon thj.-j Continent. . . There
is a Gentleman there, [in Maryland] uhf, connected with Mr. Morris in
Trade, at Baltimore, who I know to be w\ worthy a man in every point
of view as any that lives ; but whether he hi moving upon a large scale
or a small one— whether he has an op* ning that would admit a youth
—and upon what terms, I am ignorant The Gentleman I mean is
Lieut, CoK Tilghman who was in my family as an Aid do Camp and
Secretary the whole War; and in the mercantile line many years be-
fore it.— If he can oblige me, with any kind of convenience to himself.
I am sure he would ; and if you approve it, and I should upon enquiry,
find he is not in a piddling way (which can scarcely be presumed from
his connection with Mr. Morris) I would write to him on the subject
and shall be sure ei* a candid decision,
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. lxvii
•*Mv family, at present, are all well but our intermittent months
;-,♦ cot vet arrived. — I have come to a determination if not prevented
• r unforeseen events to make a visit to my Lands on the western
a -iters this Fall, and for that purpose shall leave home the first of
v ptember. — Many are hinting their wishes and others making direct
amplications to be. of the party, but as I neither [a clause illegible]
i :hers to follow me in these pursuits — nor satisfaction to myself to be
s ; company with those who would soon get tired and embarrass my
movements, besides rendering them inconvenient. — Thus much in
(.-,:. oral— but if Bushrod's health will permit, and it does not interfere
with his studies, or plan of settlement for the practice of the Law, I
wonltl take him with rne with pleasure — Only Dr. Craik besides, will
eo with me. — He would require only a Servant and a Blanket or two
—everything else I shall provide unless he should chuse to cany a Gun
f r liis amusement as he would more than probably see abundance of
Game."
The lands to which Bushrod accompanied his uncle — Dr.
Craik and his son William being also of the party — were
those on the Kanawha and Ohio. The journey is vividly de-
scribed in Washington's Diary. lie parted from his company
several times, and several times lost his way. The following
entries will be found interestino- :
o
17S4. Oct. 2. I set of very early from Mr. Lewis's who accompanied
me to the foot of the blew ridge at Swift run gap, 10 miles, where I
bated and proceeded over the mountain — dined at a pitiful house 1-1
miles farther where the roads to Fredericksburg (by Orange C1
House) and that to Culpeper Court House fork. — took the latter,
tho in my judgment Culpeper Court Ilouse was too much upon my
ri .;ht for a direct course. — Lodged at a widow Yearly'3 12 miles fur-
ther where I was hospitably entertained. 3d. Left Quarters before
•lay and breakfasted at Culpeper Court house which was estimated 21
miles, but by bad direction I must have travelled 25, at least. Crosse d
N'ormans ford 10 miles from the Court H° and lodged at Captn Ashby's.
4th. Having Captu Ashby for a guide thro' the intricate part of the
ftoa<] (which ought tho' I missed it to have been by Prince William
Old Court H.) I arrived at Colchester, 30 miles, to Dinner, and reached
home before sundown •; having travelled on the same hordes since the
*JS*st day of September by the computed distances 6S0 miles.
lxviii HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
"The widow Yearly'1 spoken of in this Diary is probably
of the same family with Gen. Early. Concerning this dis-
mal journey of Washington the story is told that he was com-
pelled by the rain and darkness to ask shelter of the first
house he reached. Its owner said they had no room, " but "
lie added, "you will find a doggery two miles farther."
But just after the General had started on, the inhospitable
forester caught sight of the servant, " What's your master's
name ? " he asked. " General Washington." " Good God ! "
cried the man, and bounding after Washington he entreated
him to return. " You shall have my own room," he urged.
" I'd rather go on to the doggery," was the reply. But he
concluded to try an alternative of the doggery, and some
miles farther knocked at a cottage. A maiden answered that
their home was small, but she and her mother would do
what they could. The travellers were made comfortable,
"Washington made himself- entertaining, but not until morn-
ing did he reveal his name. He then gave the young lady a
gold guinea. Miss Early married in the West, where she
was murdered for her ear-rings, which were made of Wash-
ington's guinea.
The love of Yvrashington for Mount Yernon recalls ro-
mances of Charlemagne's attachment to his home at Aix-la-
Chapelle, which was explained by the talisman given his
Queen to attract his love, and after her death lost in his park.
The fervor of a disappointed love seems to have transferred
itself to this home of his childhood. On G Jan. 1759 he
married the widow of Daniel Parke Custis, and daughter of
John Dandridge. In reply to an invitation from Richard
Washington to visit England he replies (20 Sept. 1759) : " I
am now I believe fixd at this seat with an agreable Consort
for Life. And hope to find more happiness in retirement
than 1 ever experienced amidst a wide bustling world." He
entered with ardor into agriculture ; he invented a new
plough ; he rode about his woods with a hatchet, not to cut
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
XIX
,]owh trees but to mark such as appeared graceful euougb to
jv planted near Mount Yernon mansion. His diary of 1760
- charming: Mrs. Washington with tlie measles, doctored bv
thu Kev. Charles Green (the same that Augustine had nomi-
. atctl rector of Truro in 1737) ; the disorderly oystermen ;
his carpenter, " Itichd. Stephens" found actually at work —
*• very extraordinary this ! " the 'f Bread and Butter ball at
Alexandria " ; the young woman " whose name was unknown
to any body in this family " dining there ; his pretty regu-
lar attendances at church, but never any remark on the ser-
mons ; " my Young peach trees were wed according to
under " ; — every sentence is alive !
When he is dragged away by war from his beloved home
hi§ heart still roams there. lie still hopes to drive about the
uld roads, and in a good American chariot, — the gilded Eng-
lish one of 176S having proved an imposition, — and to have
his paper money all turned to gold. So he, and his wife
dream in the dark days at Morristown, whence (15 April
1 760) he writes to his dear Lund :
" I have ordered a chariot to be made in Phil*. — The price £210 in
specie, or Paper equivalent — have you any ways or means of coming
at the former by your traffic with Mr. Hooe or other ? The difference
1 etween specie and Paper in Phila some little time ago was 00 or 70 —
I have heard it is now 50, but if you could engage the first, that is
i't eie, by your produce I should think it much more eligible than to
<To it with Paper — not only because the latter is so fluctuating but
1 •<e;mse it must (in the nature of things) grow better if it continues
'" pass. . . , Things in this quarter are nearly in the situation as
» hon I last wrote. Mrs. Washington joins me in best wishes to you
and yrs."
The " Old Brick Barn " at Mount Yernon is traditionally,
;'-*id no doubt truly, of an antiquity beyond 150 years. It
way even have been built by the General's grandfather.
Where his father dwelt it is difficult now to conjecture, as the
General would allow no dilapidated buildings to remain. An
lxx HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
old Louse stood where Washington built his greenhouse in
which possibly the four years of his childhood there were
passed. The central part of the mansion was built by Law-
rence, his half -brother (1743-4) for his bride, Anne Fairfax.
In 17S4 the General began his reconstructions, — in the inter-
est of beauty mainly. His respect for solid things sometimes
checked his aesthetic sentiment, as is shown in a letter (sent
me by Prof. Maupin), dated 15 Jan. 1781, to Bushrod Wash-
ington.
""When I came to examine the Chimney pieces in this House, I
found them so interwoven with the other parts of the Work, and so
good of their kind, as to induce me to lay aside all thoughts of taking
any of them down— for the only room which remains unfinished 1 am
not yet fixed in my own mind, but believe I shall place a marble one
there. — at any rate I shall suspend the purchase of any of those men-
tioned in your letter, and would not wish Mr. Roberts to hold either
of them, in expectation of it."
Mrs, Broadwell, Vice-Regent of Mount Vernon for Ohio,
lias had copied for me a neat drawing made by Washington
of the piazza floor, with indication of the tiles needing repair.
He was pained by any article that was not beautiful. When
entertaining at Princeton the president of Congress and other
eminent guests in his marquee, after the tidings of peace,
the wine was served in cups. Some one remarked that the
maker of the cups had turned Quaker preacher : Washington
regretted that he had not turned Quaker preacher before he
made the cups. From sheer taste Washington took under
his own charge the costuming of the family, the china, the
furniture. A. letter to Gen. Robert Ridgway (in the Wo-
burn Mass. Library), written from Princeton 12 Sep. 1783,
just after using the ugly cups, goes minutely into particular
kinds of wine glasses, finger glasses, decanters, butter-boats,
tureens, and other wares desired for Mount Vernon.
But Washington loved to have these small objects around
him significant in a liia.li sense. I remarked on the cuff-but-
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. Ixxi
tons engraved for his inauguration only twelve stars. Prob-
ably when they were ordered he supposed that only Rhode
Island, and not Xorth Carolina also, would be out of the con-
stitutional galaxy. Mr. Dreer showed me a note to Col.
Tench Tilghman, Baltimore, desiring him to meet an in-
coming ship (from China) and buy for him dishes, bowls,
muslin, handkerchiefs, to each of which is added an asterisk,
and the words, " With the badge of the Society of the Cin-
cinnati— if to be had." A good many small objects were
presents, of course, such as the button ,vv"ith " G. W." at the
centre of thirteen rings, and the motto " Long live the Presi-
dent ! " preserved, with his draped funeral candles, in the
Masonic Temple, Alexandria. Washington sought far and
near for new things, — new ploughs, vegetables, trees, pigs, —
and nothing that might adorn Mount Yernon escaped his far-
reaching eye. He writes to his dear Gen. Knox (28 Feb.
17S5 :)
" In the course of your literary disputes at Boston (on the one sido
to drink tea in company and to be social and gay, on the other to im-
pose restraints which at no time even were agreeable and in these days
of more liberty and indulgence never will be submitted to) I perceived
and was most interested by something which was said respecting the
composition for a public walk, which also appears to be one of the
exceptionable things."
lie makes minute inquiries about this composition, being
on the lookout for something of the kind, with the probable
result that the " Lovers Walk" of Boston Common was an-
ticipated at Mount Vernon.
During all the improvements Mount Yernon appears to
have had room for guests. There was a steady invasion
of Mount Yernon by the English, after the Revolution,
and among these were literary visitors whom Washington
always welcomed. "Mrs. Macaulcy Graham and Mr. Gra-
ham and others have just left this after a stay of about ten
♦lays. A visit from a. lady so celebrated in the literary
lxxii HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
world could not but be very satisfactory to inc.*' (To Gen.
Knox IS June 1785.) From the defects of early education
Washington, with his genius for writing, set the highest
value on literature. This led to his friendship with Jon-
athan Boucher, and made him hold the Harvard tutor of
the Custis children (Tobias Lear) as equal of the most
eminent guest, — introducing him to Arthur Young as one
for whom he had " a particular friendship/' In this di-
rection Mount Yernon was ahead of other grand mansions.
It is probable that the honor most valued by Washington
was his Chancellorship of William and Mary College in 1TTS,
— the year in which a student of his name (k>ushrod Washing-
ton) for the first time appeared on the catalogue. Apart
from the momentous matter of Slavery Washington was re-
markably advanced in his social ethics. In his contempt for
duelling, his exaltation of the educator, a fear of formalism
(insomuch that grace was not said at his table), a taste for
elegance in dress and decoration, and in his cosmopolitan
ideas generally, Washington was all the more singular because
of the association of these things in him with a just appreci-
ation of etiquette, dislike of finery, and religious reverence.
His conservatism outside of his mental habitat, — for instance
in politics, — has caused him to he misjudged. Otherwise he
had little sympathy with those who, as he wrote Landon Car-
ter, were content to tread the path their fathers trod. One
thing should be mentioned as an anticipation of higher civil-
ization : the Mount Yernon Doctor gained nothing by his
patients — he was salaried. His cosmopolitan ideas are repre-
sented in many letters, among them in one to Dr. Priestlcy
(1-i April 1V0G) in which he expresses the opinion that the
Act of 1703 "to promote the progress of useful arts" should
be altered so as to extend equal advantages to foreigners.
The following selections from Washington's Diaries convey
an idea of his Mount Yernon life, and have bearing on the
persons and places elsewhere mentioned in this volume.
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. ]
XXlll
1700. Jan. 5. Mrs. Washington appeared to be something better
Mr. Green, however, came to see her abt. 11 o'clock, and in an hour
^Irs. Fairfax arrived. [This physician was that same Rev. Mr. Green
who was made Rector of Truro on the nomination of Washington's
father, as already related, remaining such from 1737 to 1765.]
12th. Set out with Mrs. Bassett on her journey to Port Royal. . . .
Lodgd at Mr. McCraes in Dumfries sending the horses to the Tavern.
Here I was inform'd that Col. Cocke was disgusted at my House and
left it because he see an old negro there resembling his own Image.
[The Diary shows Washington leaving Mrs. Bassett with her hus-
band at Port Royal, then setting out with the Rev. Mr. Gibourne,
who married a Fauntleroy, dining at Col. Carter's, lodging at Col.
Champe's.]
16th. I parted with Mr. Gibourne, leaving Col. Champes before the
Family was stirring, and abt 10 reachd my mothr. where I break-
fasted and then went- to Fredericksburg with my brother Sam who I
found there. . . . was disappointed of seeing my sister Lewis.
. . . returned in ye Evening to Mother's ; all alone with her.
25th. [at Mount Vernon] Wrote to my old servant Bishop to return
to me again. [This was the man confided by Braddock to Washing-
ton.]
Feb. 15. Went to a ball at Alexandria, where Musick and dancing
was the chief Entertainment however in a convenient room detached
for the purpose abounded great plenty of bread and butter, some
biscuits, with tea and coffee which the drinkers of could not dis-
tinguish from hot water Sweetened. I shall therefore distinguish this
ball by the stile and title of the Bread & Butter Ball.
April -i. Made another plow the same as my former [one of his own
invention] excepting that it has two eyes and the other one.
April 9. Doctr Laurie came here, I may add drunk. [Dr. L. at-
tended Washington's hands for £15 per annum.]
10. Mrs. Washington was blooded by Doctr Laurie who stay'd all
night.
17G3. March 21. Grafted 40 cherrys, viz. 12 Bullock Hearts (a largo
black May Cherry), 18 very fine May Cherry, 10 Cornation. Also
grafted 12 Magnum Bonum Plums. Also planted 4 Nuts of the Med-
iterranean Pame in the Pen where the Chesnut grows — sticks by East.
Note, the Cherrys and Plums came from Coll0 Mason's Nuts from Mr.
Or Teen's.] Set out 55 cuttings of the Madeira Grape. . . . These
from Mr. Green's. [Other entries are of the grafting or planting of
Spanish Pears, Butter Pears, Black Pear of Worcester, " Bergamy
1XXIV HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
Pears," New Town Pippins, —from Col. Mason who had them ' ' from
Mr. Presid1 Blair,"— and " grapes from Mr. Digges,"]
1770. Aug. 2 [Fredericksburg.] Met the officers of the first Virg."
Troops at Cap1 Weedon's, where we dined, and did not finish till
about sunset. Mrs. Washington and Patsy dined at Col. Lewis's
where we lodged.
4. Dined at the Barbecue with a great deal of Company and stay'd
there till sunset. [On another occasion he spends "ye evening at
Weedons at y,J Club," in Fredericksburg.]
1772. Sep. 14. Set out for Fredericksburg about 7 o'clock. Dined
and Fed my Horses at Peyton's on Acquia, and reach'd Fredericksburg
abt Dusk. Lodged at my Mothers.
15. Pvid to my two Plantations on the River [Itap'k] and returned to
Mr. Lewis's to Dinner. Spent ye evening at 'Weedons.1
1785. Oct. Sunday 2. "Went with Fanny Bassefct, Burwell Bassett,
Doctr Stuart, G : A. Washington, Mr. Shaw, & Nelly Gratis to Po-
hick Church ; to hear a Mr. Thompson preach, who returned home
with us to Dinner, where I found the Bevd Mr. Jones, formerly a
Chaplain in one of the Pennsylvania Regiments. After we were in
Bed (about eleven o'clock 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. Parin a French Gentleman of Alexandria, arrived here by
water from the latter place."
[He observes and gives an extended description of Houdon's prep-
aration of the ' Plaister of Paris.' Houdon finished his work and left
on the 19th.] 2
26th. Having received by the last Northern Mail advice of the ar-
rival at Boston of one of the Jack asses presented to me by His Cath-
1 These entries of 1772 suggest that his mother was then residing in Fred-
ericksburg.
- An earlier bust, by Wright, is mentioned in the letter to Mrs. Wright
referred to on p. xvii. "If the Bust which your son has modelled of me,
should reach your hands and afford your celebrated Genii any employment,
that can amuse Mrs. Wright, it must be an honor- done me. — and if your
inclination to return to this Country should overcome other consideration?
you will, no doubt, meet a welcome reception from your numerous friends :
among whom, 1 should be proud to see a person so universally celebrated,
and on whom nature has bestowed such rare and uncommon gifts." The
wonderful bust by Eckstein, made late in Washington's life, is owned by
Frederick McGuire, of Washington.
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION, lxxv
> .lie Majesty, I sent my overseer John Fairfax to conduct him and his
Kt < per, a Spaniard, home safe.
Dec. X- Capin. Sullivan, of a Ship at Alexandria, agreeably to my
rtHjuest, came here to dinner to interpret between me and the Spaniard
who had the care of the Jack ass sent me. My questions and his
answers respecting the Jack are committed to writing.
1755. Dec. 17. Went to Alexandria to meet the Trustees of the Acade-
my in that place — and offered to Vest in the Lands 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 toward the
establishment of a Charity School for the education of Orphans and
other poor children. — which offer was accepted; returned again in the
evening— Koads remarkably wet and bad.
1756. March 19. (Sunday) A Gentleman calling himself the Count
de Cheiza D'artignan Officer of the French Guards came here to din-
ner; but bringing no letters of introduction, nor any authentic testi-
monials of his being either ; I was at a loss how to receive or treat
him. —he stayed dinner and the evening.
Tuesday 21st. The Count de Cheiza D'artignan (so calling himself)
was sent, with my horses, to-day, at his own request, to Alexand* .
May 5. Surveyed 4 mile run tract accdg to a Plat made by Jno
Hough 1766 in presence of Col. Carlyle & Jas Mercer. Staid night at
Abingdon. [Trespassers on this tract are mentioned.]
May 29. About 9 o'clock Mr. Tobias Lear, who had been previously
engaged on a salary of 200 dollars, to live with me as a private Secre-
tary & precepter for "Washington Custis a year came here from New
Hampshire, at which place his friends reside.
June -i. Sunday. Received from on board the Brig Ann, from Ire-
land, two servant men for whom I agreed yesterday — viz — Thomas
Ryan, a shoemaker, and Cavan Bowen a Tayler Redemptioners for 3
years service by Indenture if they could not pay each the sum of £'12
ster? which sums I agreed to pay
Western Lands attended to by Major Freeman.
Sept. 16. On my return home found the Attorney General [Ed-
mund Randolph] his Lady and two children ; and Mr. Charles Lee
here.— the last returned to Alexandria after dinner under a promise to
come down to dinner tomorrow and that he would ask Mr. Herbert,
Col' Fitzgerald & others to dine here also. [The Randolphs left on
the 18th.]
Nov. 11. [Learns of arrival at Baltimore of 3 asses and some Chinese
pheasants and French partridges from France sent by Lafayette.]
1XXV1 HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
25. Bought the time of a Dutch family, consisting of a man by pro-
fession a Ditcher, mower &ca — a Woman his wife a Spinner, washer,
milker, and their child — names : Daniel Overdursh, Margaret Over-
dursh, Anna, Overdursh.
1787. Jan. 10. I received by express the ace1 of the sudden death
(by a fit of the Gout in the head) of my beloved Brother Col° Jno.
Aug6 Washington. At home all day.
March 3. The Rev. M. Weems and y* Doctr Craik who came here
yesterday in the afternoon left this about Noon for Port Tobc.
March 6. On my return home found Col° [Burgess] Ball here — and
soon after dinner Mr. G. W. Lewis son to Mr. Fielding Lewis of
Frederick came in.
April 24. Major G. Y>Tashington's Child which had been sick since
Sunday, and appearing to be very ill occasioned the sending for the
Rev. Mr. Massey to christen it who arriving about 5 o'clock performed
the ceremony. 25. The Major's child dying betwn 7 k 8 o'clock a.m.
Mr. Massey stayed to bury it.
26. Receiving an express between 4 & 5 o'clock this afternoon in-
forming me of the extreme illness of my Mother and Sister Lewis's
I resolved to set out for Fredericksburgh by daylight in the morning.
27. About sunrise I commenced my journey as intended — Bated at
Dumfries, and reached Fredericksburg before two o'clock and found
both my mother and 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 Sister's.
28. Dined at Mrs. Lewis's and Drank Tea at Judge Morcers ; — :
Gen1 Weedon, Col. Chs Carter, Judge Mercer, and Mr. Jno. Lewis
and his wife dined with me at my Sister's.
Sunday, 20th. Dined at Col0 Charles Carter's— and drank tea at Mr.
John Lewis's.
30th. Set out about sunrise on my return home.
[In Washington's Journal while attending the Constitutional Con-
vention the only extended entries relate to agricultural observations
in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, and a machine of Dr. Franklin's,
excepting an entry on the close of the Convention.]
17S8 June 9. Capt" Barney, in the Miniature ship Federalist— as a
present from the merchants of Baltimore to me arrived here to Break-
fast with her and stayed all day & night. Remained at home all
day.
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. 1
xxvn
Jtine 10. Between 9 and 10 o'clock set out for Fredericksburgh ac-
c'-ii j anied by Mrs. Washington on a visit to my Mother— Made a
jiiwit to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson in Colchester— & reached Col5 Black-
barns to dinner, where we lodged — he was from home — the next
morning, about sunrise we continued our journey — breakfasted at
Stafford Court House and intended to have dined at Mr. Fitzhugh's
of Chatham but he & Lady being from home we proceeded to Fred-
ericksburgh— alighted at my Mothers and sent the Carriage and 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, Col0 Carter, & Col1
Willis and their Ladies, it Gen1 Weedon — The day following (Friday;
we dined in a large Company at Mansfield (Mr. Man Page's) — on Satur-
day we visited Gen1 Spotswoods dined there and returned in the Even.
iug to my sisters — On Sunday we went to Church — the Congregation
being alarmed (without cause) and suppos? the Gallerys at the N°
End was about to fall were thrown into the utmost confusion ; and in
the precipitate retreat to the doors many got hurt.1 — Dined in a large
Company at Col0 Willis's — where, taking leave of my friends, we re-
crossed the Ptiver, and spent the evening at Chatham — The next morn-
ing before five o'clock we left it — travelled to Dumfries to breakfast —
and reached home to a late dinner and found Capt'1 Barney had left it
about half an hour before for Alexandria to proceed in the Stage of
Tomorrow for Baltimore.
28. [Attends rejoicing at Alexandria on ratification of the Constitu-
tion by Virginia and New Hampshire.]
Nov. 14. [Engages a German gardener : beginning with £10, and
adding a pound annually up to £15 ; house and food for himself and
wife, — but no clothes.]
Sept. 17. This day agreed with my overseer Powell at the lower
Plantation on Eappak 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, and let him (as I am to do at any rate) choose
•"» of the best Horses at that Quarter & the upper one he is in that
ease to receive only the Stu of what Corn, Wheat, & Tob° he makes on
the Plantation. [The " Little Falls " farm. See p. xxxii.]
'The gallery was new and one beam had not been properly fitted ; it
fell into its place under weight of the crowd attracted by Washington, with
a loud report. The late Judge Lomax remembered the calmness of Wash-
ington, who remained seated ; tradition says that his quietness somewhat
restrained the rush aud prevented further injuries.
lxxviii HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
As some portions of Washington's letters to Pearce may
suggest closeness in money matters, it should be stated that
his charities were known to his agents.
"I bad orders from Gen. Washington,11 says Feake " to fill a corn-
house every year, for the sole use of the poor in my neighborhood, to
whom it was a most seasonable and precious relief, saving numbers of
poor women and children from extreme want, and blessing them with
plenty. . . . _ He owned several fishing stations on the Potomac,
at which excellent herring were caught, and which, when salted,
proved an important article of food to the poor. For their accommo-
dation he appropriated a station — one of the best he had — and fur-
nished it with all the necessary apparatus for taking1 herring. Here
the honest poor might fish free of expense, at any time, by only an
application to the overseer ; and if at any time unequal to the labor of
hauling the seine, assistance Was rendered by the order of the Gen-
eral."
In the accounts of Robert Lewis, while his uncle's agent,
(shown me by his grand-daughter Mrs. Ella B. Washington)
strictness in demands is accompanied b}7 considerate giving.
On 22 Feb. 1705 he writes:
" Mrs. Haynic should endeavour to do what she can for herself ; —
this is the duty of every one. But you must not let her suffer, as she
has thrown herself upon me ; your advances on tins account will be
allowed always at settlement ; and I agree readily to furnish her with
provisions ; and from, the good character yon give of her daughter,
make the latter a present, in my name, of a handsome but not costly
gown, and other things which she may stand mostly in need of. You
may charge me also with the worth of your tenement on which she is
placed; and where perhaps it is better she should be than at a greater
distance from your attentions to her."
On 20 June 1796 he writes from Mount Vernon :
"lam sorry to hear of the death of Mrs. Haynie ; and will very
cheerfully receive her daughter the moment 1 get settled at this
place. Let her want for nothing that is decent and proper, and if she
remains in your family, I wish for the girl's sake, as well as for the use
she may be to your aunt, when she comes here, that Mrs. Lewis would
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
XXIX
fc, ep her industriously employed always, and instructed in the care
and economy of housekeeping."
This Mrs. Haynie and her daughter were, indeed, distant
relatives of Washington, but his charity was felt by many
not his kindred.
It must be always borne in mind that extreme economy
alone enabled Washington to meet the drain on his resources
for cultivation of his estates, and for unstinted hospitalities
which extended to the whole world. Moreover, though some-
times impecunious Washington resolutely stood on his own
logs. Judge Samuels of Virginia possesses a letter of Wash-
ington to John F. Mercer soliciting a loan of $200, in order
to pay a debt in JNew York. It was written in September
17S6, when Washington was declining remuneration for his
public services. In a letter to Warner Washington, 9 Xov.
1TS7, (owned by Herbert Washington of Philadelphia) lie
speaks of the "perplexed state" of his own affairs as pre-
venting his acceptance of executorship under the will of Col.
Fairfax. He borrowed money to go on to his first inaugura-
tion.
On 15 March 1789 Washington answers an office-seeker :
"If the Administration of the New Government should inevitably
fall upon me that I will go into office totally free from pre-engage-
ments of every nature whatsoever, and in recommendations to appoint-
ments will make justice and the public good, my sole objects. Re-
solving to pursue this rule invariably — I can add nothing more on the
subject of your application until the time shall arrive when the merit
and justice of every claim appears, when, so far as the matter depends
upon me, the principles above mentioned shall to the best of my
judgment have their full oi>eration."
This note (owned by Frederick McGuire of Washington)
was only made more cordial for friends and relatives. He
helped his young relatives forward but with avoidance of
nepotism. He made them private secretaries, paid out of his
own purse, employed them on his estates, but took them in
1XXX HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
public service only for posts of danger. When the President
went out to suppress the " Whiskey Rebellion " five nephews
went with him : Major George Lewis, Commandant of the
Cavalry ; Major Lawrence Lewis, Aid to Gen. Morgan ; How-
ell Lewis, in Capt. Mercer's troop ; Samuel, son of Col.
Charles Washington, and Lawrence, son of Col. Samuel
Washington, being light horsemen. In the diary of Surgeon
General Wellford, (sent me by his grandson, Judge Wellford
of Richmond) occurs the following entry concerning an inci-
dent at Bedford :
" Sunday Oct. 19, 1794. The Cavalry this morning escorted the
President about five miles from the Camp, when he requested his
troops to return, and at taking leave spoke to Major George Lewis as
follows: "George, you are the eldest of five nephews I have in the
army ; let your conduct be an example to them, and do not turn your
back until your 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 three months
Washington's relation to his kindred was patriarchal, even
beyond those" whom he may be said to have adopted, —
namely his wife's two children and three grandchildren, and
three children of his brother Samuel. The terms on which
his nephews were with Washington are illustrated by many
humorous anecdotes.
The Rev. Dr. McGuirc reports the following in the words
of his father-in-law (Robert Lewis, nephew of Washington.)
" While acting as his agent I accidentally ascertained that he owned
a tract of land in county, of which he had given me no ac-
count. Some short time after the discoveiy, being on a visit to
Mount Vernon, with my family, I mentioned the fact to him, at which
he seemed to be at a loss, expressing his surprise that such a claim
should have escaped him. When the conversation had ended, I re-
marked, in a jocular tone, that I had had a singular dream about that
land, a few nights before. He asked me what it was. I replied that
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION, lx.vxi
I h;t>i dreamed he had made me a priesent of the tract. Ho smiled,
a-id observed that my dreaming knack was a very convenient one, but
vhv divl I not dream at once that he had given me Mount Vernon?
\ few days after this, in setting out for my residence, the General ac-
txmipanied myself and wife to the carriage, when, in taking leave of
as, he put into my hands a small slip of paper, requesting me to ex-
amine it at my leisure. Thinking it probably contained memoranda
of some kind relating to my agency I put it into my pocket, and did
not look at it for some time. When I did so, however, I was sur-
prised to find that, in the space of six written lines, he had made me
a conveyance of the land in — county. The tract contained up-
ward of eleven hundred acres."
Robert Lewis's grand-daughter, Mrs. Ella Bassett "Wash-
ington, tells me that tills conveyance of six lines was kept
framed, and often declared by lawyers as perfect a legal in-
strument of its kind as could be written.
Washington's characteristic humility made demonstrative
homage painful to him. Caleb Bentley walked behind the
General in a procession, and, on his return home, said " I
felt as if in the presence of a God." This was told me by
Mrs. .Richard Bentley, of Sandy Spring, Maryland, Caleb's
daughter-in-law. I also heard that when Washington was
riding through a village, where people had crowded to see
him, he observed a little girl in distress because she could not
get forward. lie stopped his horse, and asked that the child
should be brought to him ; he held heron his saddle, and she
exclaimed, " Why he's only a man after all ! " Of course
tradition has invented the appropriate reply, " Yes, child, a
very imperfect man after all ! " The story has variants, ami
sounds like a fable of the humility and love of children ob-
served in Washington. He would not claim any privileges.
After he had retired from the presidency he was summoned
for a petit jury in Fairfax, on an ordinary case, and served.
The fact was not paraded, or noted, and is now, I believe, for
the first time published.
The reader will have remarked, in a letter to Gen. Knox
lxxxii HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
{supra, p. lxxi), Washington's comment on the censors of
gaiety in Boston. It is wonderful that a man so fond of
sports, of games and dances, should be popularly regarded as
habitually grave, if not grim. It is this notion which re-
moved him so far from us. Miss Katherine "Wormeley told
me that Washington had always been an un-mortal kind of
being to her until she heard the aged Mrs. Lawrence Lewis
(Nelly Custis) relate that once when she was sliding down
the banisters he came out and " gave her a box on the
cheek." That seemed to bring him closer. Nelly was his
darling, he was paternally anxious lest she should be hurt,
and the box was one of affection. In A\rashington's corre-
spondence with Tie v. Jonathan Boucher (printed in Lipjpin-
coU's Magazine, May 1SS9.) one may recognize the depriva-
tions of his own early life in his anxiety that his adopted son
John Custis shall be taught dancing, French, and all the
polite accomplishments. The overmuch homespun of his
boyhood is revealed in the fine costumes he orders from Lon-
don for himself and others when he can afford it. He orders
best house decorations, and a costly harpsichord for Nelly
Custis. lie was a whist player, a fox-hunter, and sometimes
in late years amused himself with the land surveys once made
for livelihood.
A valued correspondent, Dr. Cotton of Charleston, West.
Va., whose wife is a gi'eat-sranddaiigliter of Augustine Wash-
ington (the General's half-brother) permits me to print a let-
ter of his (21 May 1SS9) though not written with that view.
After stating that his wife's grandmother (Mrs. Fitzhugh)
said it was spoken of at Mount Vernon as a popular error
that Lawrence was the elder of Washington's half brothers.
he writes:
I give you cme of her reminiscences of Mt. Vernon. In her 12,b
year she spent several weeks there in company with quite a number of
young girls, her cousins, who with their mothers wero invited guests
of Mrs. Washington. Every morning, precisely at eleven o'clock,
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. Ixxxiii
hady Washington " would enter the drawing room, where all her
t, sis young & old were expected to be present, waiting to receiye
r. In the most formal and dignified manner she would pass
,,-onnd the room shaking hands and addressing each one particularly ;
ikon taking her seat would keep them just one hour on their good be-
!. ivior. When the clock struck twelve she would arise, and bidding
her guests good morning, ascend to her chamber, and again return,
precisely at one, followed by a servant carrying an immense bowl of
punch, of which each person was expected to partake before dinner.
Now these young girls, curious to find out why her "Ladyship" in-
variably retired to her chamber at this hour, secretly slipped out while
she was entertaining their mothers, crept up stairs to her chamber,
and hid under the bed. Presently Lady W. entered, and took her
seat beside a large table in the centre of the room. Then came a
•ij.ui-servant bringing a large empty bowl ; with it also lemons, sugar,
apices, and rum ; with which her Ladyship immediately proceeded to
prepare the delicious drink with her own hands. The young people
under the bed could not contain themselves, and by giggles made
known their presence; whereupon her Ladyship haughtily arose, in
imperious tones demanded if their curiosity were fully satisfied, and
ordered them out of the room. But they, retreating before her with
backward steps, fell down the narrow, crooked, precipitous stairway,
one of them breaking her arm. The impression left upon the mind
of this young girl (afterward Mrs. Fitzhugh), never effaced up to her
* * 1 * £ year, when she related this incident to her grandchildren, was
that Mrs. Washington was too hard and overbearing to children,
while, on the contrary, the General was always gentle with them, un-
der the most trying circumstances. Often, when at their games in
the drawing room at night, — perhaps romping, dancing and noisy —
they would see the General watching their movements at some side
door, enjoying their sport, and if at any time his presence seemed to
check them, he would beg them not to mind him, but go on just as
before, encouraging them in every possible way to continue their
amusements to their hearts content.
-Many letters show that Washington's young relatives con-
sulted him on their intimate affairs. He was the confidant of
their loves, and amid tremendous affairs of state found time
to consider their romances. Here, for instance, is a note from
his niece Harriot, whom lie had adopted after her father's
1XXXIV HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
(Samuel Washington's) death, and who was living with her
aunt Betty Lewis at Fredericksburg. Harriot writes (24
April, 1795) at the age of fifteen :
" How shall I apologize to my dear & Honor'd for intruding on his
goodness so soon again but being sensible of your kindness to mo
which I shall ever remember with the most heartfelt gratitude in-
duces me to make known my wants. — I have not had a pair of stays
since I first came here if you could let me have a pair I should be
very much obleiged to you and also a hat and a few other articles. I
hope my dear Uncle will not think me extravagant for really I take as
much care of my cloaths as I possibly can. I was very much pleased
to hear by Mrs. Madison that you and Aunt Washington were perfect-
ly well. I have been very sick lately with the ague and fever. Cou-
sin Carter has been daingerously ill she was given out by the Doctors
but is much better at present. Aunt Lewis joins me in love to you
and Aunt Washington.
I am my dear and Honored Uncle
your affectionate Neice,
Harriot Washington."
An interesting correspondence between Washington and his
sister concerning this young lady is given in the Mag. Am.
Hist. Jan., 1SS4. When Harriot consulted Washington
about her desire to marry Mr. Parks he made careful inqui-
ries about the gentleman. He consented, but regretted in a
letter to his sister that Harriot could not have waited until
his presidency was over, when she would have lived at Mount
Vernon and enlarged her circle of male acquaintances.
Washington's camaraderie has already been mentioned.
Masonic writers generally suppose that he was by distinction
admitted to their Society before he was of age ; but the date,
4 Xov. 1752, was pretty certainly in the following year (K.
S.) There was also a Club in Fredericksburg, mentioned in
Washington's Diary as early as 17G3, which met at " Wee-
don's." Before the Revolution Dr. Smyth, an English trav-
eller, stopped at George Weedon's inn (" The Rising Sun")
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION, lxxxv
• 1 found his host the head of a revolutionary circle. This
i doubt was the Club. There "Washington may have met
his time Gen. Hugh Mercer, Gen. Woodford, Gen.
SVeedoB, Col. Win. Fitzhugh, Col. Monroe, Col. John Spots-
v ood, Col. Fielding Lewis, Col. Burgess Ball, Major Charles
hick, Major Willis, and the Stafford Mercers, Masons, and
Washingtons ; he no doubt met there young Paul Jones. Of
these a goodly number survived the Revolution. Gen. Hugh
Mercer (1720-1777) who had fought at Culloden, and by
Washington's side under Braddock, had fallen at Princeton ;
but in his old home at Fredericksburg, "The Sentry Box"
("yet standing) his brother-in-law, Gen. Weedon, gathered the
old comrades every year for a banquet in celebration of the
r.*pture of the Hessians. Gen. Hugh Mercers little son,
adopted by the nation, was brought in to sing to the veterans,
responding with chorus, a ballad of " Christmas Day of '76.''
Among those who greeted Washington with especial warmth
was Dr. Robert Wellford (afterwards Surgeon-General)
founder of an eminent race. When the Revolution began
Dr. Wellford had just begun practice in London. A Cabinet
Minister, thrown from his carriage at the young surgeon's
door, was so skilfully treated that he offered Wellford a po-
rtion with the army in America. He served with brilliant
success in Philadelphia, during the British occupation of that
city, but in consequence of orders he deemed inconsistent
with his professional duties he resigned. Having saved the
life of Col. John Spotswood he was persuaded to accompany
iiim to Fredericksburg, — where he married. Thither he
*";re letters of Washington with results indicated in a let-
'' r before me, in which, on occasion of the Whiskey Re-
bellion, Dr. Wellford offered gratuitous services — which were
accepted.
"Robert Wellford," says this letter, "can never forget a most re-
spectful! regard for the President, nor can he relinquish but with
memory itself his gratitude for those introductory letters (to the
lxxxvi HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
notice and friendship of Col. Fielding Lewis, Mr. Fifczhugh of Chat-
ham, and other respectable characters) which settled him in life, and
from which Las resulted a practice in surgery and medicine which
now enables him to support an amiable wife, two lovely daughters,
and the means of educating six sons, every one of which, he hopes, at
a future day will prove themselves valuable members of the United
States."
Judge Wellford of Richmond has shown me one of these
letters, introducing his grandfather (G July 1778) to William
Fitzhugh ; it speaks of Wellford's "great humanity, care
and tenderness to the sick and wounded of our army in cap-
tivity."
Another name too little known to fame is Captain Bernard
Gallagher, of maternal descent from Chancellor [Nicholas
Bacon. Disliking a parental plan for making him, the only
son, a priest, he had escaped from Ballyshannon, Ireland, as
a cabin boy, and when our revolution began, had. risen to the
command of his vessel. Captured by an American cruiser lie
adopted the cause of his captors. In 17S1 Capt. Gallagher,
living at Dumfries, Prince William Co., Va., loaded a vessel
at Alexandria with corn to provision Yorktown, dropped
down the river, and was chased by a British cruiser, which
signalled that the cargo would be paid for if surrendered.
But while parleying, the captain and crew scuttled their own
ship. While attempting escape in the yawl, Captain Gal-
lagher was captured, and held in chains at Halifax two years,
in the prison ships, until the peace. Thereafter Washington
was sometimes a guest of the Gallaghers, at Dumfries, and at
the request of Mrs. Gallagher, (nee Strother,) sat for his por-
trait.
It is this portrait, painted by C. W. Peale, which the gal-
lant Captain's grandson, Bev. Mason Gallagher of Brooklyn,
enables me to present in this volume. It was painted when
Washington was fifty-five, his mouth being not yet dis-
tiinired by the monstrous artificial teeth now in the Dental
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION, lxxxvii
Mu-.eum at Baltimore, by which the standard portraits are
There were other old comrades in the neighborhood of
Mount Vernon, — Dr. Craik, Col. Simms, Col. Fitzgerald,
Col. Little, Lieut. Conway, and others who may be found in
the Index of this work.
What sentiment Washington felt towards old friends is
dm wn in many letters. The following from Philadelphia,
16 June 1793, is to William Fitzhugh Jr., and relates to his
father, Col. William Fitzhugh of Chatham (known in the
late Civil War as " Lacy's ")•
" The China Bowl with which your good Father was so obliging as
to present me came safe and I beg you to assure him that I shall es-
teem it more as a memento of his friendship than from, its antiquity or
size. — Not before the receipt of your letter, dated the 24th of last
month, had I heard of the death of Mrs. Fitzhugh — on this melancholy
event I pray you both to accept my sincere condolance. I also sin-
cerely wish that the evening of his life although at present clouded de-
prived of one of its greatest enjoyments, may be perfectly serene and
happy : — that you will contribute all in your power to make it so I
have no doubt. "With great esteem and regard." 2
In the last years of Washington's life the family was rep-
resented in Westmoreland chiefly by a son of his half-brother
Augustine, — William Augustine Washington. Bushrod, son
of his brother John Augustine, was a rising lawyer in Rich-
mond City; and, since the separation from Edmund Ean-
1 For the mask appended to this portrait the reader is indebted to Dr.
Toner, by whom it was discovered while searching out a portrait for :i
medal in commemoration of the national monument. The medal was never
struck, and the mask is here first published. It wa? used by Clark Mills,
and is in the possession of one of his workmen. While Mills was making
his equestrian statue. John Augustine Washington, the owner of Mount
Vernon, loaned him Houdon's bust ; whether this mask was molded from
it, or, as I think with Dr. Toner, an original matrix by lloudon, is not de-
termined; But it is certainly an impressive representation of Washington.
'For this and the remaining letters used in this Introduction I am in-
debted to Mr. Luther Kountze.
lxxxviii HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
dolph, had attended to his uncle's law affairs. The two let-
ters following relate to the selection of an academy for Will-
iam Augustine's sons. He writes from Philadelphia (IS
Feb. 1795) recommending Andover.
" There is a college at Carlisle in this State of which much is said
but it is in much such a town as Fredericksburg, and liable, I presume
to the objections you have made to the Academies in Virginia ; — that
objection does not apply to the northern schools ; order, regularity
and a proper regard to morals in and out of school is there very much
attended to ; and besides Harvard College Boston is at hand for the
completion of education if you should prefer it, and is, I am told, in
high repute."
Andover was chosen, and Washington encloses (21 April
1795) letters of introduction to Hamilton and others.
" Enclosed I send you a few letters of introduction to some ac-
quaintances of mine both in Boston and New York. I have not done
this to the Governors thereof but think it would be proper that you
should pay both the respect of Calling upon them. To get introduced
could not be difficult with the letters that are enclosed."
Another letter from Mount Vernon (17 Dec. 1797) re-
minds us painfully of alienations in the last years of Wash-
ington's presidency. It was Mrs. Washington's letter to
Mrs. Elizabeth Powell in Philadelphia, but every word of it is
in her husband's handwriting, and evidently his composition.
"It was indeed, with sympathetic concern, we heard of the late
calamitous situation of Philadelphia, and indisposition of some of
your friends : — These occurrences, however, are inflicted by an invis-
ible hand, as trials of our Philosophy, resignation and patience ; all
of which it becomes us to exercise. . .
"Poor Mrs Morris! I feel much .for her situation; and earnestly
pray that Mr Morris may, and soon, work through all his difficulties ;
in which I am persuaded, that all who know him heartily join me ; as
they do that their ease, quiet and domestic enjoyments, may be per-
fectly restored. Mr* Marshalls arrival must be a comfort to them all,
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION, lxxxix
however disappointed she herself may bo, in the apparent reverse of
their situation, since she embarked for Europe. . . .
Mr Fitzhugh and family, have, within the last fortnight, become
residents of Alex* and we should, 'ere this, have made them a con-
gratulatory visit on the occasion, but the bad weather in which they
travelled, has indisposed Mrs Fitzhugh so much, as to confine her to
her room with an inflammation, more troublesome than dangerous.
" I am now, by desire of the General to add a few words on his be-
half ; "which he desires may be expressed in the terms following, that
is to say, — that despairing of hearing what may be said of him, if he
should really go off in an apoplectic, or any other fit (for he thinks all
fits that issue in death are worse than a love fit, a fit of laughter, and
many other kinds which he could name) — he is glad to hear before-
hand what will be said of him on that occasion ; — conceiving that
nothing extra : will happen between this and then to make a change in
his character for better, or for worse. — And besides, as he has entered
into an engagement with Mr Morris, and several other Gentlemen, not
to quit the theatre of this world before the year 1800, it may be relied
upon that no breach of contract shall be laid to him on that account,
unless dire necessity should bring it about, inaugre all his exertions
to the contrary.- — In that case, he shall hope they would do by him as
he w*ould do by them — excuse it. At present there seems to be no
danger of his giving them the slip, as neither his health nor spirits,
were ever in greater flow, notwithstanding, he adds, he is descending,
and has almost reached, the bottom of the hill; — or in other words,
the shades below. — For your particular good wishes on this occasion
he charges me to say that he feels highly obliged, and that he recip-
rocates them with great cordiallity.
"Nelly Custis (who has been a little indisposed with a swelling in her
face) offers her thanks for the kind expressions of your letter in her
behalf, and joins the General and myself in every good wish for your
health and happiness. — I am my dear Madam with the greatest es-
teem
Your most affectionate
Martha Washington."
There is, alas, bitterness in this laughter.
At this time Washington was deeply interested in the
building up of Washington City. In a letter to his friend
William Thornton, dated at Mount Vernon, 20 Dec. 1T98, he
XC HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
encloses a check on the Bank of Alexandria for five hundred
dollars, " to enable Mr. Blagden by your draughts to proceed
in hiving in materials for carrying on my buildings in the
Federal City." He adds :
"I saw a building in Philadelphia of about the same front and el-
evation, that are to be given to my two houses, which pleases me. It
consisted also of two houses united, — Doors in the centre — a pediment
in the roof and donna window on each side of it in front — skylights in
the rear. If this is not incongruous with rules of Architecture, I
would be glad to have my two houses executed in this style. — Let me
request the favor of you to know from Mr. Blagden what the addi-
tional cost will be."
A letter (5 April 1798) to Col. William A. Washington
shows the farmer and the patriot both somewhat troubled.
" I feel obliged by your endeavours to discover the genealogical
descent from Lawrence "Washington, the younger brother of our an-
cestor John; — and for your enquiries after flour barrel staves. — If
any material information should be obtained relatively to the first
matter, I shall be oblidged by the communication thereof.
" At a crisis like the present, and enveloped as our foreign relations
seem to be in clouds & darkness, it is not easy to decide on what to
ask, or what to take, for the produce of our fields. — By the last ace1*
from Paris, our Commissioners to that Republic had not been re-
ceived, nor was it likely they would be ; and appearances, as far as it
is to be infered from the Presid^ message to Congress on the 19th
XTlt°, indicated nothing good, and afford no hope of redress for the in-
juries we have received from violated Treaties, and the arbitrary and
unjust measures of the French Directory. Under these circum-
stances, and the present uncertain state of our political concerns, it
would be hazardous to offer you any advice with respect to the dis-
posal of your Com : but was I in your place, T should, I believe,
be more inclined to take the best price I could obtain now than wait
for a better market some time hence; — and I should be more solici-
tous to secure the filiilment of the contract than to enhance the price
of the article if credit is given, and without giving it, the sale will
be dull : — such is the state of mercantile transactions, occasioned
by the outrageous spoliations it has sustained, & the consequent dis-
HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION. xei
tresfees of those who have suffered by them. — Under this view of the
subject, and upon these principles too, I have disposed of my Flour :
— the only article I had for market.
*' In speaking of corn, and knowing that you 3aise a quantity every
year for sale, it has occurred to me to ask, if you would be inclined to
contract for 500 barrels annually, for the term of five or seven years,
and at what price. My lands are not congenial with this crop, and are
much injured by the growth of it ; — having an under stratum of hard
clay impervious to water, which penetrating that far and unable to
descend lower, sweeps off the upper soil in the furrows — although the
land is generally level — and runs it, in spite of all I can do to prevent
it, into injurious and eye-sore gullies. — Nothing but the indispensable
use of this food for my negros (and indeed for Hogs) has restrained
me from discontinuing the growth of it altogether, or in small well
improved lots only, but the uncertainty of obtaining a given quantity
— at stated periods of the year — and from a person on whose ability &
punctuality I could confidently rely."
On 14 Feb. 1799 lie writes to ask if lie cannot obtain an
additional 100 bushels of corn per annum. On 2G March lie
wishes to know if he can exchange whiskey for Indian corn
in Westmoreland. " Capt. Bowcock has delivered more corn
than he received from you ; of which Mr. Anderson my
manager will give you the a/c — as he will also do of the whis-
key ; the barrel of fish you will please to accept. — My best
respects and congratulations in which my wife joins me, are
offered to Mrs. Washington and yourself on your marriage.
We shall always be glad to see you at this place." In June
(10th) he complains of slow payments from tenants in Wash-
ington and Lafayette counties (Pa.) Instead of an expected
§6,000, due June 1, but §1,700 were received.
To this Ool. William Augustine Washington the General
made various bequests, but he appears to have entirely for-
gotten the terms of his half-brother Lawrence's Will. Law-
rence provided that in the event that either of his brothers
should die without issue his inheritance should " become the
property and right of my brother Augustine and his heirs."
The General bein<: without issue Mount Vernon would thus
xcil HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL INTRODUCTION.
pass to Augustine's heir, — namely, to William Augustine
Washington. The General bequeathed it to Bushrod
nephew of his own brother, John Augustine.
I learn on good authority that Washington's widow wrote
to Col. William Augustine Washington asking him if he in-
tended to break the will. He answered that although a
wrong had been done he would not oppose the Will. He
was given the first choice of swords under the Will.
In the last letter printed in this volume Washington says
to a relative who had informed him of his brother Charles's
death, " I was the first, and am, now, the last of my father's
children by the second marriage, who remain. When I shall
be called ujpon to follow them is known only to the Giver of
Life. When the summons comes I shall endeavor to obey it
with a good grace." The hour came a few weeks later, and
how the man met it is known to the world, though hardly
recognized in its sublimity. Washington counting his pulses
as they were beating his funeral march is only less sublime
than Washington counting his mental pulses, so to say, and
facing the fact of their decline. (See letter to Gov. Trum-
bull, Life of SUliman, ii, 3S5.) When his friends, and par-
tizans in dread of defeat, implored him to accept a third
presidency, his patriotism,— the ruling passion strong amid
other decline, — answered, " Although I have abundant cause
to be thankful for the good health with which I am blessed,
yet I am not insensible to my declination in other respects.
It would be criminal, therefore, in me, although it should be
the wish of my countrymen and I could be elected, to accept
an office under this conviction which another would discharge
with more ability."
History has shown nothing more great in its lowliness than
this answer of Washington, — noble enough to protect at last
from genuine loyalty to himself the nation he had saved
from superstitious loyalty to kings.
GEORGE WASHINGTON
AND
MOUNT VEKN"ON
GEORGE WASHINGTON
AND
MOUNT VERBTOK.
L
To Willi am Pearce, at Hopewell.1
Sir, Philadelphia, Aug* 26th 1793.
I intended to have written to you somewhat sooner, but
business of a public nature and pressing, prevented it until
now. —
Although I have conviction in my own mind, that a hun-
dred guineas pr annum is more than my Mount Vernon Es-
tate will enable me to give the Superintendent of it ; yet, the
.satisfaction (when one is at a considerable distance from prop-
erty they possess, under circumstances which does not allow
much thought thereon) of having a person in whom confi-
dence can be placed as a Manager, is such, as to dispose me
to allow you that sum ; provided other matters can be ad-
justed to the mutual convenience, and satisfaction of both
parties.
As you were about to depart in the Stage when I saw you
(and which I knew could not wait) I did not go so much into
1 Eastern Shore of Maryland. Pearce was secured for Washington l»v bis
friend (Judge) Wm. Tilghman, whose relative, Col. Oswald Tilghman, tells
mo that a part of his estate at Easton, Talbot Co., is still known as 4' Hope-
w«U.M (Appendix A.)
4 GEORGE WASHINGTON
detail as was necessary to place an agreement upon a basis to
avoid mis-conception, and unpleasant disputes thereafter ;
and besides, altko' you would be upon standing wages, which,
in the opinion of some would make it immaterial (these being
paid) what sort of an estate you overlooked ; yet my opinion
of a sensible and discreet man is, that before he would finally
engage, he would view the estate himself, and decide from
that view, whether it possessed such advantages as would en-
able him to acquire honor as well as profit from the manage-
ment thereof; — whether he could make it profitable to his
Employer from its local situation ; from the nature of its
soil, and means of improving it ; — the plans proposed ; or the
condition in which it might appear to him. Whether the
part of the Country, the accomodations, the water, &c* were
to his liking ; — with other considerations which will admit no
evidence equal to that of one's own observation, to decide ul-
timately on what to resolve. —
Having stated a fact, and given my ideas of what I sup-
pose would be most agreeable for you to do, I shall add, that
if nothing more than I foresee at present should happen, I
expect to be at Mount Yernon about the 20th of next Month,
for a stay of S or 10 days. — If then you are disposed to un-
dertake my business, and wish to see the nature of it, and the
present state of it ; I should be glad to see you there about
that time, when every necessary arrangement may be made if
we should finally agree.
From Baltimore to Mount Yernon by the way of the Fed-
eral City, George Town, and Alexandria, is 59 measured
Miles ; — and from Annapolis to the same place, crossing Pot-
omac at Alexandria, is 45 Miles; but it might be reduced to
less than 40 if there was a ferry opposite to my house. — From
Baltimore to Alexandria (through the above places) the regular
Stages pass ; and set out every Monday, Wednesday and fri-
day from the former, reaching the latter the same day ; from
whence a horse could be hired without difficulty, I believe.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 5
M carry jou to my house, distant 9 miles. I mention these
viincrs for your information, in case you should determine to
go there.
If vou resolve to meet me at Mount Vernon, give me no-
tice thereof immediately ; and if business or any other cause
should render it impracticable for me to be there, at the
time, I will inform you, so as to prevent your setting out. —
1 informed you at our meeting, that I had eight or ten
Negro Carpenters under the care of a worthless White man,
whom I had forborn to turn away on account of the peculiar
circumstances attending his family ; — But I suffer so much
from his negligence; — by his bad qualities; — and bad exam-
ples ; that I find it indispensably necessary to get some other
workman to supply his place. — If it should be your lot to su-
perintend my affairs, your own ease, as well as my interest,
would induce you to look out for a successor to him, against
New Years day ; — if not, and you could recommend a proper
character for this business, it would be rendering me an accept-
able service to do it. I am Sir —
Your IP1'1 Servfc
G° Washington.
II.
Mount Arernon, Oct.r 6th, 1793.
Mr. Pk akce,
Enclosed is a copy of our agreement with my signature to
ir. —
Since you were here, Mrs. Washington the Widow of my
Nephew,1 who formerly lived at this place, has resolved as
: The widow of George Augustine Washington 'm. 15 Oct., 1783), el*e-
v-here in these letters spoken of as Mrs. Fanny Washington. After her
iuisband's death (Feb. 5, 1792; Washington invited her to make her home at
Mount Vernon. She became the second wife of Washington's Secretary,
'r"'»ia.s Lear. She was a daughter of Col. Burwell Bassett and Anna T>un-
dridge (Mrs. George Washington's sister), of Eltham, New Kent Co.,Va.
Appendix B.)
C GEORGE WASHINGTON
soon as we leave it, to remove to her Brother's in the lower
part of this State, and will not, I believe, return to reside at it
again. — This will make it more convenient and agreeable,
both for yourself and me, that you should live the Winter,
at least, at my Mansion house ; as it will allow more time for
my carpenters to provide for Mr. Crow, and to put the place
he lives at in better repair than it now is for yourself, if there
should be occasion for you to go there ; — and this too, under
your own inspection. —
The right wing to my dwelling house as you possibly may
have noticed, and heard called the Hall, (being kept altogether
for the use of Strangers) has two good rooms below (with tiled
floors) and as many above, all with fire places. — This will ac-
comodate your family (being a larger house) better than
Crow's ; and by being here, you will have the use of my
Kitchen, the Cook belonging thereto, Frank the House Ser-
vant, a boy also in the House. — The Stable, Garden, tfec*, cfec*,
without any additional expence tome; — at the same time that
it will, by placing you in the centre of the business, ease you
of much trouble ; for otherwise, the frequent calls from the.
Farms, — from workmen of different descriptions for Tools.
Xails, Iron, &cl, from the Store — and the particular attention
which matters ab* the Mansion house will require, would have
occasioned you many an inconvenient ride here, the necessity
for which will be entirely superceded, as your mornings and
evenings will, of course, be spent where your presence will
be most wanting. —
As I am never sparing (with proper reconomy) in furnish-
ing my Farms with any, and every kind of Tool and imple-
ment that is calculated to do good and neat work, I not only
authorize you to bring the kind of ploughs you were speaking
to me about, but any others, the utility of which you have
proved from your own experience ; — particularly a kind of
hand rake which Mr. Stuart tells me are used on the Eastern
Shore of Maryland in lieu of Hoes for Corn at a certain stage
AND MOUNT VERNON. 7
of its growth — and a Scythe and Cradle different from those
used with us, and with which the grain is laid much better. —
la short I shall begrudge no reasonable expence that will con-
tribute to the improvement and neatness of my Farms ; — for
nothing pleases me better than to see them in good order,
and every thing trim, handsome, and thriving about them ; —
nor nothing hurts me more than to find them otherwise, and
the tools and implements laying wherever they were last used,
exposed to injuries from Rain, sun, && —
I hope you will endeavor to arrange your own concerns in
such a manner as to be here as much before the time agreed
on as you conveniently can. — Great advantages to me will re-
suit from this, by putting the business in a good train before
the Fall operations are closed by the frosts of Winter, and all
improvements are thereby at an end for that season. On the
other hand, inconveniences to yourself may arise from delay
on account of the Weather — Navigation, &e* ; there having
been instances of this River's closing with Ice several days
before Christmas which might prevent the removal of yr things
in time. — That your living at the Mansion may be attended
with no more expence to you than if you had gone to the
other place (at which Crow now lives) on account of Gentle-
men, who now and then call here out of curiosity — as they
are passing through the Country — I shall lay in such things
as will be necessary for this purpose, and the occasions (which
are but rare) may require. —
I expect to leave this place about the 2Sthof the Month for
Philadelphia, or the neighbourhood of it ; any letter therefore
which shall arrive before that time will find me here — after-
wards it will have to go to Philadelphia where it had better
he directed.1
I am your friend and Servant
G° Washington.
1 The yellow fever was raping in Philadelphia, and it was not considered
prudent that the President should resume his abode there.
6 GEORGE WASHINGTON
III.
Mount Vernon, 27th Oct. 1793.
Mr. Peabce,
Your letter of the 19th came duly to hand. — Tomorrow I
leave this for Philadelp* or the vicinity of it ; where, when
you have occasion to write to me, direct vour letters. —
As you seemed to he in doubt whether a proper character
could be engaged in ye part of the Country you live in, to
look after my Xegro Carpenters ; and (having much work to
do in their way, and not being willing to leave matters at an
uncertainty) I have engaged the person who superintends
them at present to look after them another year. — He is a
good workman himself, and can be active ; but has little
authority (I ought to have said command, for I have given
him full authority) over those who are entrusted to him —
and as he is fond of drink, tho' somewhat reformed in this
respect, I place no great confidence in him. — He has, how-
ever, promised so to conduct himself, as that there shall be
no cause for complaint — I thought it was better, therefore,
to engage him, than to run any hazard. — I have engaged no
person to look after the house People, Ditchers &cfc in place
of the one now occupied in that business ; and unless a very
active and spirited man could be had, it will scarcely be es-
sential while you reside at the Mansion house yourself. — The
old Man that is employed in this business is, I believe, hon-
est, sober, well meaning, and in some things knowing ; but
he wants activity and spirit ; — and from not being accus-
tomed to Xegros, in addition thereto ; they are under no sort
of awe of him — of course do as they please. — His wages arc
low, Twenty pounds pr aim. only — under this statement of
the case you may do as shall seem best to yourself. — If he is
to go, he ought to know it seasonably : — his time is up at
Christmas ; and nothing betwn us has past either as to his go-
ing, or staying.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 9
I shall, before you remove, or by the time you may arrive
at Mount Vernon, give you full directions, and my ideas
upon the several points which may, between this and then,
occur to me. — In all things else you must pursue your own
judgment — having the great outlines of my business laid
before you.
After having lived the ensuing Winter at the Mansion
house you will be better able to decide than at the present
moment, how far your convenience, my interest, and indeed
circumstances, may render your removal to the other place
more eligable. — I shall readily agree to either. — Materials are
now providing for building a house for Mr. Crow ; whose
house it was first' proposed you should live in, for him to re-
move to. — There are a great number of Negro children at the
Quarters belonging to the house people ; but they have
Always been forbid (except two or 3 young ones belonging to
the Cook, and the Mulatto fellow Frank in the house, her
husband ; both of whom live in the Kitchen) from coming
within the Gates of the Inclosures of the Yards, Gardens
&c*; that they may not be breaking the Shrubs, and doing
other mischief ; but I believe they are often in there notwith-
standing : — but if they could be broke of the practice it
would be very agreeable to me, as they have no business
within ; having their wood, Water, tSzc1 at their own doors
without. —
The season has been remarkably sickly, generally, but my
family, except a few slight touches of the intermit tan t fever
— chiefly among the blacks — have shared less of it, than I
find from report, lias been felt in most other places. —
I am Your friend &c*
G° Washington1.
10 GEORGE WASHINGTON
IV.
German Town, 24* Kovr 1793.
Mr. Pearce,
On my way to this place (about the last of Oct1') I lodged
a letter for you in the Post Office at Baltimore, which I hope
got safe to your hands, although I have not heard from yon
since.
I shall begin, now, to throw upon Paper such general
thoughts, and directions, as may be necessary for your gov-
ernment when you get to Mount Vernon ; and for fear of
accidents, if transmitted to you thro' any other channel, will
deposit them in the hands of my ^Nephew, Mr. Howell Lewis,
who will remain (though inconvenient to me) at that place
until your arrival there; that he may put you in possession,
and give you such information into matters as may be use-
ful.—1
As my farms stand much in need of manure, and it is dif-
ficult to raise a sufficiency of it on them ; and the Land be-
sides requires something to loosen and ameliorate it, I mean
to go largely (as you will perceive by what I shall hand to
you through Mr. Lewis) upon Buck Wheat as a Green ma-
nure (Plowed in, when full in blossom) — for this purpose 1
have requested a Gentleman of my acquaintance in the
County of Loudoun, above Mount Vernon, to send to that
place in time 450, or 500 bushels of this article for seed. —
And as I do not wish to go largely upon Corn, it is necessary
I should sow a good many Oats ; — my calculation (allowing
two bushels to the Acre) is about 400 bushels wanting. — Not
1 Howell (1771-1822) was 11th, and youngest child of Washington's only
sister, Betty, second wife of Col. Fielding Lewis, of Kenmore, Frederick*
burg, lie was (1792) the President's Secretary. He married Ellen Hack-
ley Pollard, of Richmond, Va., 1795. In 1812 he went to reside on a tract
of 1300 acres on the Kanawha (Mason Co.) inherited under Washington'-
will. (Appendix A.)
AND MOUNT VERNON. 11
re than the half of which can 1 calculate I have of my
, un, for Seed next Spring, and therefore if yon could carry
; -in! with you two hundred, or even 300 bushels to be cer-
i ain ; of those which are good in quality, and free from
« Jnious, I will readily pay for them and the accustomed
freight. — That I may know whether to depend upon yr doing
;l;is, or not, write me word ; that in case of failure with you,
1 way try to obtain them through some other channel. —
I am Your friend and Servant
G° Washington.
V.
Philadelphia 18t Decemr 1793.
Mb. Peakce,
The paper enclosed with this letter will give you my ideas,
generally, of the course of Crops I wish to pursue. — I am
sensible more might be made from the farms for a year or
two — but my object is to recover the fields from the ex-
hausted state into which they have fallen, by oppressive
crops, and to restore them (if possible by any means in my
power) to health and vigour. — But two ways will enable me
to accomplish this. — The first is to cover them with as much
manure as possible (winter and summer). — The 2d a judicious
succession of Crops.
.Manure can not be had in the abundance the fields re-
quire; for this reason, and to open the land which is hard
hound by frequent cultivation and want of proper dressings.
I have introduced Buck Wheat in the plentiful manner you
will perceive by the Table, both as a manure, and as a sub-
stitute for Indian Corn for horses ifcc1; it being a great
Ameliorate!' of the soil. — -How far the insufferable conduct of
my Overseers, or the difficulty of getting Buck Wheat and
< >.its for seed, will enable me to carry my plan into effect, 1
am unable at this moment to decide. — You, possibly, will be
better able to inform me sometime hence. — Colu Ball of
12 GEORGE WASHINGTON
Leeaburgii ' has promised to use his endeavours to procure
and send the first to Mount Vernon ; but where to get as
much of the latter as will answer my purposes (unless I send
them from this city) I know not ; but before I can decide on
the quantity it may be necessary for me to purchase, it is es-
sential I should know the quantity grown on my own estate ;
and which after I went to Virginia in September last I di-
rected should no longer be fed away. — The common Oats
which are brought from the Eastern Shore to Alexandria for
sale, I would not sow — first, because they are not of a good
quality — and 2'1!y because they are rarely, if ever, free from
Garlick and wild Onions: with which, unfortunately, many
of my fields are already but too plentifully stocked from the
source already mentioned ; and that too before I was aware
of the evil.
I have already said that the insufferable conduct of my
Overseers may be one mean of frustrating my plan for the
next year. — I. will now explain myself. — You will readily per-
ceive by the rotation of Crops I have adopted, that a great
deal of Fall plowing is indispensible. — Of this I informed
every one of them, and pointed out the fields which were to
be plowed at this season. — So anxious was I, that this work
should be set about early, that I made an attempt soon after
you were at Mount Vernon in September, to begin it ; and
at several times afterwards repeated the operation in differ-
ent fields at Pogue-ruu farm ; 3 — but the ground being exces-
sively hard and dry, I found that to persevere would only de-
stroy my horses without effecting the object, in the manner it
ought to be, and therefore I quit it ; but left positive direc-
tions that it should recommence at every farm as soon as ever
1 Col. Burgess Ball, of the revolution, was, like Washington a great-grand-
son of the immigrant, William Ball, who came to Virginia in IGoO. and died
in 1(569. Col. Burgess Ball (son of Jeduthan Ball) married Trances, dau.
of Washington's brother Charles. Appendix C.
'-'More than H miles N. W. from Mount Vernon Mansion.
AND MOUNT VERNON 13
•here -should come rain to mojsten the earth — and to stick
constantly at it, except when the horses were employed in
leading out "Wheat (which was a work I also desired might
lo accomplished as soon as possible). — Instead of doing either
vi these, as I ordered, I find by the reports, that M°Koy has,
now and then, plowed a few days only as if it were for amuse-
liient.— That Stuart ! has but just begun to do it. — And that
neither Crow l nor Davy 2 at Muddy-hole, had put a plow into
the ground so late as the 1th of this month. — Can it be expect-
ed then, that frosts, Snow and Hain will permit me to do much
of this kind of work before March or April ? "When Corn
planting, Oats sowing, and Buck Wh1 for manure, ought to
be going into the grd, in a well prepared state, instead of
having it to flush up at that season — and when a good deal
vi Wheat is to be got out with the same horses. — Crow hav-
ing got out none of his that was stacked in the Held, nor
iStuart'and McIvo)rl much of theirs, which is in the same
predicament ; — the excuse being, as far as it is communicated
to me, that their whole time and force since the month of
October has been employed in securing their Corn — When
God knows little enough of that article will be made.
I am the more particular on this head for two reasons —
first to let you see how little dependence there is on such
men when left to themselves (for under Mr. Lewis it was very
little better) — and 2dly to show you the necessity of keeping
these Overseers strictly to their duty—that is — to keep them
from running about, and to oblige them to remain constantly
with their people; — and moreover, to see at what time they
turn out of a morning— for I have strong suspicions that this,
with some of them, is at a late hour, the consequence of which
to the Xegroes is not difficult to foretell— All these Overseers
as you will perceive by their agreements, which I herewith
send, are on standing wages ; and this with men who are
1 White overseers. /Colored overseer.
14 GEORGE WASHINGTON
not actuated by the principles of honor or honesty, and not
very regardful of their characters, leads naturally to endul-
gences — as their profits, whatever may be mine, are the same
whether they are at a horse race or on the farm — whether
they are entertaining company (which I believe is too much
the case) in their own houses, or are in the field with the
Negroes.
Having given you these ideas, I shall now add, that if you
find any one of them inattentive to the duties which by the
articles of agreement they are bound to perform, or such
others as may reasonably be enjoined, — Admonish them in a
calm, but firm maimer of the consequences. — If this proves
ineffectual, discharge them, at any season of the year without
scruple or hesitation, and do not pay them a copper ;— putting
the non-compliance with their agreem* in bar.
To treat them civilly is no more than what all men are en-
titled to, but, my advice to you is, to keep them at a proper
distance ; for they will grow upon familiarity, in proportion
as you will sink in authority, if you do not. — Pass by no
faults or neglects (especially at first) for overlooking one only
serves to generate another, and it is more than probable that
some of them (one in particular) will try, at first, what lengths
he may go. — X steady and firm conduct, with an inquisitive
inspection into, and a proper arrangement of everything on
your part, will, though it may give more trouble at first, save
a great deal in the end — and you may rest assured that in
everything that is just, and proper to be done on your part,
[you] shall meet with the fullest support on mine. — Nothing
will contribute more to effect these desirable purposes than a
good example — unhappily this was not set (from what I have
learnt lately) by Mr. Whiting, who, it is said, drank freely —
kept bad company at my house and in Alexandria — and was
a very debauched person — wherever this is the case it is not
easy for a man to throw the first stone for fear of having it
returned to him ; — and this I take to be the true cause why
AND MOUNT VERNON. 15
3(r. Whiting did not look more scrupulously into the conduct
,.f the Overseers, and more minutely into the smaller matters
belonging to the Farms — which, though individually [they]
may be trifling, are not found so in the agregate ; for there
is no addage more true than an old Scotch one, that " many
mickles make a muckle."
I have had but little opportunity of forming a correct
opinion of my white Overseers, but such observations as I
have made I will give.
Stuart appears to me to understand the business of a farm
very well, and seems attentive to it. — lie is I believe a sober
man, and according to his own account a very honest one. —
As I never found him (at the hours I usually visited the farm)
absent from some part or another of his people, I presume
he is industrious, and seldom from home. — He is talkative,
has a high opinion of his own skill and management— and
seems to live in peace and harmony with the Negroes who
are confided to his care. — lie speaks extremely well of them,
and I have never heard any complaint of him. — His work
however, has been behind hand all the year, owing he says,
and as I believe, to his having too much plowing to do — and
the last omission, of not plowing when he knew my motives
for wishing it, has been extremely reprehensible — But upon
the whole, if he stirs early, and works late, I have no other
fault to find than the one I have just mentioned — His talk-
ativeness and vanity may be humoured.
Crow is an active man, and not deficient in judgment. — If
kept strictly to his duty would, in many respects, make a good
Overseer. — But I am much mistaken in his character, if he is
not fond of visiting, and receiving visits. — This, of course,
withdraws his attention from his business, and leaves his
people too much to themselves ; which produces idleness, or
slight work on one side, and flogging on the other — the last
of which besides the dissatisfaction which it creates, has, in
one or two instances been productive of serious consequences
16 GEORGE WASHINGTON
— I am not clear either, that he gives that due attention to
his Plow horses and other stock which is necessary, although
he is very fond of riding the former — not only to Alexandria
(fee1 but about the farm, which I did not forbid as his house
was very inconvenient to the scene of his business. —
McKoy appears to me to be a sickly, slothful and stupid
fellow. — lie had many more hands than were necessary merely
for his Crop, and though not TO acres of Corn to cultivate,
did nothing else. — In short to level a little dirt that was taken
out of the Meadow ditch below his house seems to have com-
posed the principal part of his Fall work; altho' no finer
season could have happened for preparing the second lot of
the Mill swamp for the purpose of laying it to grass. — If
more exertion does not appear in him when he gets into better
health he will be found an unfit person to overlook so im-
portant a farm, especially as I have my doubts also of his
care and attention to the horses tfcc*.
As to Butler, you will soon bo a judge whether he will be
of use to you or not. — He may mean well, and for ought J
know to the contrary may, in some things have judgment ;
but I am persuaded he has no more authority over the Ne-
groes he is placed, than an old woman would have ; and is
as nnable to get a proper day's Work done by them as she
would, unless led to it by their own inclination wch I know is
not the case. —
Davy at Muddy-hole 1 carries on his business as well as the
White Overseers, and with more quietness than any of them.
— With proper directions he will do very well ; and probably
give you less trouble than any of them, except in attending
to his care of the stock, of which I fear he is negligent ; as
there are deaths too frequent among them. —
Thomas Green (Overlooker of the Carpenters) will, I am
persuaded, require your closest attention, without which I be-
A farm about oGO poles X. of Mount Vernon mansion.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 1 ,
,-ve it will be impossible to get any work done by my Kegro
i "irpciiters — in the first place, because, it has not been in my
l> »\ver, when I am away from home, to keep either him, or
rhem to any settled work ; but they will be flying from one
trilling thing to another, with no other design, I believe, than
to have the better opportunity to be idle, or to be employed on
their own business — and in the next place, because — although
authority is given to him — he is too much upon a level with
the Xegroes to exert it ; from which cause, if no other every
one works, or not, as they please ; and carve out such jobs as
they like. — I had no doubt when I left home the 2Sth of Oct.
hut that the house intended for Crow wd have been nearly
finished; by this time, as in order to facilitate the execution I
bought Scantling, Plank and Shingles for the building ; in-
.-toad of this I do not perceive by his weekly report that a
tool has yet been employed in it — nor can I find out by the
*:iid report that the Barn at Dogue-run is in much greater
forwardness than when I left it.
To correct the abuses which have crept into all parts of my
business — to arrange it properly, and to reduce things to sys-
tem ; will require, I am sensible, a good deal of time and
your utmost exertions ; — of the last, from the character you
hear, I entertain no doubt ; the other, I am willing to allow,
because I had rather you should probe things to the bottom,
whatever time it may require to do it, than to decide hastily
upon the first view of them ; as to establish good rules, and
i regular system, is the life, and the soul of every kind of
business. —
These (rest of letter missing).
VI.
' Philadelphia Decr 1793.
Mr. Pearce,
The letter which I wrote to you on the IS1 and the papers
tuerein enclosed with the Plans of the several farms (which
18 GEORGE WASHINGTON
Mr. Lewis was directed to leave with you) were designed to
give you a general view of the business entrusted to your
care. — I shall now, as intimated in that letter, give you my
sentiments on many other matters of a more particular nat-
ure.— ■
Among the first things to be done after you are well fixed
yourself, will be, I presume, that of taking an exact account.
of the Stock of every species — Tools — and implements on
each of the farms : — charging them therewith ; that a regular
account thereof may be rendered whenever called for. — Buy
in Alexandria a proper (bound) book for this purpose, and
another to enter the wreekly reports in. — The latter is re-
quired not only for my present satisfaction, but that it may
also, at any time hereafter shew in what manner the hands
have been employed ; and the state of the Stock and other
things at any past perioc] ; and it is my wish, as this is in-
tended as a register of the proceedings on the farms, that they
may be made with correctness; — always comparing the last,
with the preceeding weeks report and all differences satis-
factorily accounted for. — The Overseers are allowed paper
for these Reports. Suffer no excuse therefore for their not,
coming in to you every Saturday night, that you may be en-
abled to forward a copy of them to me by the Wednesday's
Post following. — And as it is not only satisfactory, but may
be of real utility, to know the state of the weather as to heat
and cold, but drought or moisture ; prefix, as usual, at the
head of every Weeks report a Meteorological account of
these ; — -The Thermometer which is at Mount Vernon will
enable you to do the first. —
The work essentially necessary to be done by my Carpen-
ters, and which presses most — is — eompleating the Xew Barn
at Dogue Bun, and the sheds there for horses <fect — building
the house for Crow — Repairing my house in Alexandria for
Mrs. Fanny Washington — which must be done before the first
of May — Inclosing the lot on which it stands for a Garden or
AND MOUNT VERNON. 19
Yard.— Repairing the Millers house. — Removing the larger
kind of the Xegro quarters (the smaller ones or cabbins, I pre-
Mime the people with a little assistance of Carts can do them-
selves) to the ground marked out for them opposite to Crow's
New house. — Repairing at a proper time those he will remove
from. — Lending aid in drawing the houses at River farm into
pome uniform shape, in a convenient place. — Repairing the
Bam and Stables at Muddy-hole. — Compleating the Dormant
Windows in the back of the Stable at Mansion house and
putting two in the front of it agreeably to directions already
given to Thomas Green — after which, and perhaps doing
Borne other things which do not occur to me at this moment,
my intention is to build a large Barn, and sheds for Stables
upon the plan of that at Dogue Run (if, on trial it should be
found to answer the expectation wch is formed of it) at River
Farm. —
I give you this detail of Carpenters work, that by having
the subject before you in a collected view, you may be the
better able to direct the execution ; and to prevent Green
from flying from one thing to another without order or sys-
tem; — and Then by judging whether he carries it on with
that dispatch and judgment which is necessary.
As you know my anxiety with respect to the substitution
<>f live fences in place of dead ones (as soon, and as fast as
the nature of things will admit) I should not again mention
it, were it not that this is the season for saving the Haws of
the thorn — Berries from the Cedar trees — and such things
as are fit for the purpose of hedging ;— and to prevent trim-
ming the Lombardy Poplar and Willows, that the cuttings
may be applied to this use— for as these two last are of very
<piick growth, I am of opinion fences might soon be raised
by means of them, that will be competent against every thing
but Hogs, whilst those of slower growth may be coining on
to supply their places ; — and whether it is not better to raise
Porke in styes, is a matter worthy of serious consideration—
20 GEORGE WASHINGTON
for I believe by the common mode I never get the half of
what is raised by the Sows ; especially if they are kept in
t^ood order; — to do which is attended with no small expenee,
and to have them stolen afterwds is vexations.
"When 1 left home, Davy at Muddy hole had finished get-
ting out his Wheat, and had nothing but the security of his
Corn and some fencing, to employ his people about, daring
the fall and Winter — I was induced from this consideration,
and the anxious desire I have to reclaim, and lay to grass —
my mill swamp, to order him to give all the aid he conld to
McKoy in the accomplishment of this work but it really ap-
pears to me that the fall, fine as it has proved, has actually
been spent About I know not what. — What can be done with
those swamps, must now be left to you — and the state the
weather will put them in. — My hope, and expectation once,
was, that the second lot might have been laid to o;rass next
spring if not this Fall, and that the one above it, would have
been ditched — grubbed — and planted in Corn — but as the
matter now stands, you must be governed by circumstances
and your own view of the case ; with this caution, not to
undertake in this, or in any thing else, more than you can
accomplish well; — recollecting always, that a thing but half
done is never done ; — and well done, is, in a manner done for
ever. —
At Mclvoys, I staked out two Clover lots adjoining the
Barn yard, and gave him and Tom Davis (who was present)
my ideas respecting them. — The sooner these can be in-
closed— especially that on the West side, next the Wood —
the better; as it is my wish to plough it this fall, and plant
Potatoes therein in the Spring. — Serving that on the East
side of the Barn in like manner next year — and the spot
which was in oats, adjoining 'thereto the year following. — It
is my intention also, to run a lane from the first Gate you
enter going into this Farm up to the Barn yard — and another
lane from the Wood to Nu 4 across the Meadow, and between
AND MOUNT VERNON. 21
tields N° 3 and 5. — I do not expect that all these things cim
be accomplished in a moment — but having them in your
■.jew at the same time you will know better how to pro-
red. — As the Wood in N° 5 will be to be cleared when that
field comes into Corn, it will be proper that all the Timber,
Hails and Wood that is wanted on the farm, should be taken
from hence as far as it will go — and cut with an eye to this
event.
One of the Grass lots at Muddy hole, the South western
«>ne (pointed out to Davy) ought to be plowed up this fall,
and planted with Potatoes in the Spring. — And at Union
farm it is intended to take of four five acre lots from field
X°2, directly in' front of the Barn as will appear more clearly
by the sketch herewith enclosed — The lots marked 2s° 1 and 2
in which, should be sowed in Feb. 7, or beginning of March
with clover seed on the Wheat. — At the liiver farm1 I. pro-
pose three lots for Grass, South of the lane in front of the
Darn, as you will perceive by another sketch also enclosed. —
What will be done with the ground between the Barn at that
place and N° 6 when the fence comes to be run there, is
left to yourself to decide, after taking a full view of things
and seeing what the force is competent to in fencing (of
which much is wanting) etc* — Stuart wished much for an-
other fellow at this place, and as that boy Cyrus, at Man-
sion house, is now nearly a Man, and very unfit I believe
to be entrusted with horses, whose feed, there is strong sus-
picions he steals, I have no objection to your sending there —
nor indeed have I any to your disposing of any of the others,
differently from what they are, after you have taken time to
consider what arrangements can be made for the best, ami
'nest advantageous purposes. — Thomas Davis and Mucins
must however be considered as among the tradesmen ; and
when not employed in making and laying of Bricks and other
1 Across Little Hunting Creek, and about 3G0 polos E. of Mount Vernon
Mansion. Sketches, and rotation system, fellow these letters.
22 GEORGE WASHINGTON
job>3 in that way, may be aiding the Carpenters. — And the
fellow called Muddy hole Will, as lie has for many years
been a kind of Overseer, had better remain in his present
station ; — with respect to the rest, I have no choice about
them. —
There is nothing which stands in greater need of regula-
tion than the Waggons and Carts at the Mansion House, which
always whilst I was at home appeared to me to be most
wretchedly employed — first in never carrying half a load ; —
2d,y in flying from one thing to another ; — and thirdly in no
person seeming to know what they really did ; and often times
under pretence of doing this, that, and the other thing, did
nothing at all ; — or what was tantamount to it. — that is — in-
stead of bringing in, or carrying to any place, full loads, and
so many of them in a day ; the Waggon, or a Cart, under
pretence of drawing Wood, or carrying Staves to the Mill l
wd go to the places from whence they were to be taken, and
go to sleep perhaps ; and return with not more than half a
load. — Frequently have I seen a Cart go from the Mansion
house, or from the river side to the- new Barn with little or
no more lime or sand in it, than a man would carry on his
back — the consequence of this was that the Brick layers were
half their time idle ; for it required no more time to make
the trip with a full load than it did with half a load — of
course, double the q*7 would be transported under good reg-
ulation.
You will perceive by my agreemfc with Elder, the Gardener,
that he and his wife were to eat of the Victuals that went
from my Table (in the Cellar) instead of having it Cooked by
his wife as had been the custom with them. — At the time
that agreement was made I kept a Table for Mrs. Fanny
Washington, but as she has resolved to live in Alexandria,
this will no longer be kept up ; and therefore it would be best
1 At the head of Dogue Creek (as distinguished from the " Run '') a mile
N. W. of the Mansion,
AND MOUNT VERNON. 0;j
I should conceive, to let them return to their old mode and
for the young Gardener to eat with them — but as the agree-
ment is otherwise I would not force this upon them, unless
it was their own choice — especially if Butler remains there,
for in that case as Lucy (the Cook) must get Victuals for him,
it will make but little difference whether she gets for one
or more; you will therefore do what seems best, and most
agreeable in this matter taking care that they have a suffi-
ciency without waste, or misapplication — I am very willing;
to allow them enough, and of such provisions, day by day, as
is wholesome and good, but no more — they have, each of
them been allowed a bottle of Beer a day — and this must be
continued to them — that is a quart each, for when I am from
home the Beer will not be bottled though it may be brewed
as the occasion requires — The Gardener has too great a pro-
pensity to drink, and behaves improperly when in liquor ; —
admonish him against it as much as you can, as he behaves
well when sober — -understands his business: — and I believe is
not naturally idle — but only so when occasioned by drink —
iiis wife has been put. in charge of the spinners — that is, to
deliver out the Wool and flax, and receive the thread, yarn
&c*, — she seems well disposed, but how far she is worthy of
trust, or is capable of having the work done properly, you
will be better able to judge after a while, than I am now. —
Method, in all these things, is desirable, and after it is once
adopted, and got into a proper train things will work easy. —
Do not suffer the Quarter Xegro children to be in the
Kitchen, or in the yards unless brought there on business— as
besides the bad habit — they too frequently are breaking limbs,
or twigs from, or doing other injury to my Shrubs — some of
which at a considerable expence, have been propagated.1 —
1 "We viewed the gardens and walks, which are very elegant, abounding
with many curiosities. Fi^-trees, raisins, limes, oranges, etc, large English
mulberries, artichokes, etc." — Amariah Frost's narrative of a day at Mount
Vernon, in 1797, privately printed by Hon. Hamilton B. Staples.
24 GEORGE WASHINGTON
From some complaints made by my Negroes, that they
had not a sufficient allowance of meal, and from a willingness
that tliev should have enough, the quantity was increased by
Mr. Whiting so as to amount (by what I have learnt from
Mr. Stuart) to profusion. — This is an error' again on the other
side — My wish and desire is that they should have as much
as they can eat without waste and no more. — Under these
Ideas I request you would examine into this matter and regu-
late their allowance upon just principles. — 1 always used to
lay in a great quantity of Fish for them — and when we were
at home Meat, fat, and other things were now and then given
to them besides: — But it would seem (from their acctP at
least) that the Fish which were laid in for them last spring
have disappeared without their deriving much benefit from
them. —
By this time I expect the Hogs that were put up for Porke,
either are killed — or are fit to kill. — I request, after every
person has had their allowance given to them, that the residue
may be made into Bacon, and due attention given to it ; for
all most every year, since we left home, half of it or more,
has been spoilt — either for want of salt, or want of proper
attention in smoking it ; if not spoiled in the pickle. — Davy
at Muddy hole, has always had two or three hundd weight of
Porke given to him at killing time, and I believe the Insidcs
of the Hogs — that is — the Ilastlets, Guts (after the fat is
stripped off) &c* is given among the other Negroes at the
different places. —
After the drilled Wheat at Union farm 1 is taken off, let
particular care be used to prevent its being mixed with any
other ; as, if it answers the character given of it, it will be a
great acquisition. — That, and the drilled wheat at Stuarts are
of the same kind, and were sown in drills that the ground
might be worked whilst it was growing, and the most made
140 poles W. of Mount Vernon mansion.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 25
of it that can be. — Whether to sow the ground which is at
I'nion farm (in this Wheat) with Buck Wheat and grass
Seeds immediately after harvest or with Buck Wheat alone
to be plowed in for Manure and grass seeds afterwards J
shall leave to you to decide. — I shall want all the ground
within that Inclosure laid down with grass and leave the
manner of doing it to you. — And as the other parts within
the same Inclosure— as also in that of McKoys, was sown very
late in the fall with grass seeds pray examine them atten-
tively, from time to time, and if you shall be of opinion that
the Seed is not come well, or is too thin, sprinkle as much
more over it as you shall deem necessary, as I am very
anxious to have them well taken, and without delay with
grass. — The Wheat fields at Dogue-run are to be sown in the
Month of February or March with grass Seeds — Xo. 3 with
Clover alone — The other with Clover and Timothy or Clover
and Orchard grass mixed, as it is intended to be laid to
Grass. —
It is indispensably necessary that the alteration marked
out in the Mill Race should be accomplished as soon as pos-
sible— 1st because the waste of Water in the old part (which
it avoids) is more than can be afforded except at times of the
greatest plenty — and 2dIy because I am at more expence and
trouble in repairing (after every heavy rain) the breaches, in
the part that will be thrown out, than in digging the new.-—
There is another job that is essential ; and that is, to make
the Post and Bail fence from the Millers house up to the
trunnel fence which runs across the meadow, — or to the next
cross fence, if that lot is cultivated next year of such stout
and strong materials and of such a height as to hid defiance
to trespassers of every kind, among wch the worthless people
who live near it are the worst as I am satisfied they give
every aid in their power which can be done without discov-
ery to let in their Hogs— The whole of this outer fence, will
be, 1 am sure, to be done anew ; but it can only he accom-
20 GEORGE WASHINGTON
plished by degrees — but let that which is done, be coin-
pleated effectually as well by a good and sufficient ditch as by
a stout Post and rail fence — along which if a hedge of Honey
locust could be got to grow entirely round it would form a
sufficient barrier against bad neighbours as they would hardly
attempt to cut them down to let their Stock in upon me
which, I am sure is the case at present as without the aids
some of them derive from my Inclosures and their connexion
with my Negroes they would be unable to live upon the
miserable land they occupy. —
"Whenever the field X° 3 at Union farm is prepared for a
Crop, which was intended to be the case next year — if the
piece of \Vood within, is touched at all, let there be a hand-
some clump of trees left at the further end of it — or more
than one — according to the shape and growth of the "Wood. —
I have, for years past, been urging the Superintendaut of
my business at Mount Vernon to break a number of Steers to
the yoke, that no set of oxen may be worked low — but do
not believe it is yet done to the extent I wish. — My reasons
for this measure are, that the oxen may never be worked
after they are eight years of age, but then fatted for market ;
— that by having a number of them, they may, by frequent
shifting, always be in good order ; — and because, when they
are only fed, when they do work— and at other times only
partake of the fare which is allowed to the other cattle, —
twenty yoke is not more expensive than five yoke. —
The Potatoes which were made last year, except such as
you may require for your own eating, which you are welcome
to, must all be preserved for Seed ; and will be short enough,
I fear, for the purposes they are intended. — It has been in-
timated that several of the large stone Jugs which were sent
to the different farms with spirits in them at Harvest has
never yet been returned. — Call upon the several Overseers to
give them in immediately, or they will have to pay for them.
— Inclosed is an Inventory of the several articles which are
AND MOUNT VERNON. 27
in the Store house at Mansion house which I send for your
information. — Take an account of what is delivered from
thence — to whom — and for what purpose — that it may be
known how things go. —
There is one thing I wish to impress you pretty strongly
with, that you may use every precaution in your power to
guard against — and that is — suffering my horses to be rode
at unseasonable hours of the night without your knowledge
or that of the Overseers. — No doubt rests upon my mind that
this is too much practiced and is one, if not the primary cause
of my loosing a number of horses — the poverty of others — and
the slinking of foals which happens so frequently that I make
a miserable hand of breeding Mules. — It must be remembered
in time, that the Jack and Stud horse are advertised for cov-
ering the ensuing Season — February or beginning of March,
however, will be in time. —
I am told that the AYell by the Quarter is rendered useless
for want of a proper rope. — It is sometime since I wrote to Mr.
Lewis to get a hair one (for none other answers well) from
the Hope Maker in Alexandria — but what he has done in it I
know not. — He will be able to inform you ; and he, and the
Gardeners wife, will let you know what Negroes have been
cloathed and who are yet to Cloath, with the means of doing
it.—
My Superfine, and fine flour always waits for directions
from me, to be sold ; — but the midlings and Ship stuff you
will dispose of whenever you can get a suitable price, and
your want of money may require.— And this also may be
done with Beeves, Mutton etc6; after supplying the several
demands upon the former, where it has not already been
done. — The Miller and Thomas Green, I understand, have
each had a Beef, the weights of which will, I presume be
given to you by Mr. Lewis ; and as it will exceed their allow-
ance of this article, they must account for it by lessening the
quantity of Porke, or be charged the (Alexandria) market
28 GEORGE WASHINGTON
price for it. — And as Thomas Green has drawn in the course
of last year more Meal from my Mill than his allowance let
him be charged with the Overplus and It is necessary you
should know that he is always craving money and other
things but let him no more than his dues — for he is in debt
I believe to every body and whatever is advanced beyond
would probably be lost.- —
I have directed Mr. Lewis to leave with you an accfc of all
the money he has paid, and what (if any) may remain in his
hands. — And it is my request that you will pay no accts (not
of your own contracting) without learning from him that
they are due, or first sending them on to me ; for Mr.
Whiting always paid as he went, and what was left unpaid
either by him, or contracted after his death, was paid to the
utmost farthing whilst I was at home. — So that I know of
nothing remaining unpaid except the Overseers wages, and
to the Weaver, but what has fallen under Mr. Lewis's man-
agement since I left home and of course can be explained by
him. —
Send me an exact account of the quantity of Corn made at
each farm and the yield of each field. — I directed Mr. Lewis
to have a certain quantity, at each farm put into seperate
Corn houses for the use thereof ; and the residue in other
houses for the Mansion house, and other purposes — and I
hope it has been done, but wish to be informed. — The Keys
of the last mentioned houses I did not intend should be left in
the care of the Overseers, but the doors well secured and, the
keys remain in your own custody. —
As your family may be the better accomodated by it, I
wrote Mr. Lewis sometime ago that you might lodge, your-
self, in the room which he now occupies ; and I repeat it to
you, as I am willing to make vour situation as comfortable as
may be. —
It would be well to have the Seins overhauled immediately,
that if new ones are wanting, or the old ones requiring much
AND MOUNT VERNON. 20
repair, they may be set about without loss of time ;— for if
this work is delayed until the spring the Sein Ketters will be
so much employed, as to disappoint you altogether and of
course my people of Fish. — If twine is not to be had in Alex-
andria let me know it, and I will, by the first vessel afterwards
send it from hence. —
If I recollect rightly, Thomas Green is allowed a certain
quantity of Wood, by the agreement which lias been entered
into between us (by the old one I know it was so) it would be
well therefore to have the quantity carried to his house and
corded up at once, otherwise he will be always complaining,
and denying that the quantity (six cord I think it is) has been
recd by him. — •
I shall write to you if nothing extraordinary prevents it,
by every Mondays Post, and shall expect a copy of the Weekly
Reports by the Mail which leaves Alexandria on Thursday if
no change has taken place — by which means I shall write to
you, and receive a letter from you every Week when the oc-
currences (not contained in the reports) may be mentioned. —
And now, having given you my sentiments upon all those
points with which my recollection has furnished me I have
only to add that the enclosed letters (which are sent open for
you to peruse and then to put wafers in) will shew the person
to whom they are directed what it is they have to expect, and
the ground they stand upon. — Wishing you well I remain
Your friend &cfc
G° Washington.
VII.
Philadelphia Jan 6th 1791.
Mr. Lewis — or
Mr. Pearce,
The Reports of the 28th of December have been received,
and Mr. Butlers ace* therewith — As I have no ace1 against
him, and Mr. Whiting only kept memorandums, instead of
30 GEORGE WASHINGTON
regular accounts, he must be paid according to his own
statement. — for this, and other purposes, I send two bank
notes for one hundred dollars each.
It is very unlucky that the late spell of freezing weather
should be suffered to pass away without filling the Ice house.
— do not let this happen again ; but embrace the first freez-
ing that happens to accomplish this work.
Let me know what quantity of Oats have been threshed at
the Mansion house, and what has been done with them ?--
By the time employed in getting them out there ought to be
a good many of them. — I wish to know also what quantity
Stuart has ? — These two parcels, together with those at
Dogue Kun I directed to be reserved for seed — and when the
whole quantity contained at the different places are known I
shall be able to decide how much more to provide — or what
further to do in the case. —
There was Oats raised from a fewr grains of a particular
sort which I sent to my Gardener last Spring — get these
from him, and make the most of them, by sowing them in
drills the coming Spring. — By Mr. Jefferson, I sent a Bundle
of Poccon or Illinois nut1 and desired them to be left at the
Post Office in Alexandria. — When they are recd desire the
Gardener to plant them in a nursery. — I shall send more by
the first vessel, or other proper conveyance wch shall offer. —
I also gave the Gardener a few seed of East India hemp to
raise from, enquire for the seed which has been saved, and
make the most of it at the proper Season for sowing.
What is the present appearance of the growing Wheat? — I
am in a hurry and shall only add, that as soon as I hear of
Mr. Pearce's being settled at Mount Vernon — I shall write
more fully on some other matters.
I am — &c*
G° Washington.
1 Pursh ("Flora of North America," 1S1G) calls the "Pecan" the "Il-
linois Nut." Jefferson retired from the Cabinet at the close of 1793.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 31
I\S.
Recollecting since writing the foregoing, that Mr. Whit-
ing's Mem° Book was here I have desired Mr. Dandridge l to
take a copy from it of the charges against Butler ; which he
has done, and it is now enclosed— By this you will settle with
him.
Till.
Philadelphia 19th Jany 1794.
Mr. Peakce,
Your letter of the 14th inst* came to my hands to-day, when
the Post ought to have been in yesterday.
Having been very full in my late letters to you, I shall
have less to say in this. — The condition yon describe my
btock to be in at Union farm, and at Dogue run, and want of
shelter for them at those places ; is a fresh instance of the
misconduct of Crow and AL°lvoy ; and of the necessity of
watching their ways well. — As you have taken Butler again,
you must make the most you can of him. — The man means
well, but he wants activity and spirit to fit him for the Over-
looker of Negroes. — You will rind him useful though in
raising hedges, (fee1 — and particularly so in cultivating
the French furze.2 — It was he that induced me to send for
the seed of it, wch will be sent to you by the first vessel to
Alexandria — about 40 lbs. of it. —
Let the most that can, be made of the pint of Oats which
the Gardener raised last year, and of the Hemp seed ; but
more especially of the St. Foin seed3 which I desired him
1 Bartholomew, son of Judge Dandridge (General Court of Va.) who had
been a member of the Virginia Convention of 1770. He (Bartholomew) was
thus a nephew of Mrs. George Washington. He succeeded Tobias Lear
H Sep. 1793) as the President's Secretary, and was subsequently Secretary
of Legation in London. He died in 1S02, while Consul at St. Domingo.
' Ulcx Europe us.
;| OnolrrycJris {i.e. what asses like to gnaw) satlra. Saintfoin (holy or
wholesome hay) is a leguminous or bean like plant.
32 GEORGE WASHINGTON
to be particularly choice of; as I wish much to get into a
stock of it. — The latter must not be sown where Hares can
get to it, or they will cut it down as fast as it springs. —
When McKoy is getting out the Oats at Dogue-run, have a
strict eye to him. — He told me he expected 150 Bush18 From
the stack, and if all the Oats which grew in what was called
the new ground, went into it, there ought to be 200 at least —
but what by waste, mismanagement, or something worse, 1
have, of late, got very little from any of my Overseers; —
what becomes of it is more difficult to determine. —
If you should have another freezing spell, do not by any
means omit to fill the Ice house with Ice, as the advantage of
it for keeping fresh meat &C* is indiscribable ; but before
you begin to put a weight on the floor let both it and the
joice (or the Sleepers) be well examined, lest, by being rotten
they may give way and destroy those who may be below
pounding the Ice as it is thrown in. — If the floor is found un-
safe take it away altogether — I do not know but that the Ice
wrill keep as well without, as with it.
If on account of the springiness of the ground you cannot
proceed in digging the Mill race, which is a tiling to be re-
gretted, you might employ the Ditchers on the fence from
the Millers, leading upwards, for the purpose of securing the
Meadow lots if nothing more pressing calls for their labour.
— Opening the Visto is not a work of necessity ; and it never
was intended to be extended beyond Muddy-hole swamp ; to
which I think it ought to have got before this time. —
You may keep Isaac and the boy Joe, constantly employed
about the Carts, Plows, Harrows etc1 until they are in or-
der.— Let stuff, however, be always in the Barn that the other
Carpenters may work upon, when the weather will not per-
mit them to be out. — What are Mre Fanny Washington's
Carpenters employed about, that they should (altho' hired by
me) be withdrawn from mine so long. — All I know they had
to do, was, out of the materials of an old Tobacco house, to
AND MOUNT VERNON. 33
make a shed for her plow horses — ask .Tayler what more
than this they have done, and by whose authority ?
The jMidlings and ship stuff may be sold whenever you
lind the market good ; and the money applied to such uses
as are proper. — If twine (for the Seins) is to be had in Alex-
andria, it will be better to get it there than to depend upon
having it sent from thence. — xVnd you have my full consent
to give the Cattle as much Salt as you judge necessary, pre-
venting waste. —
I perceive by the Report from River farm that Stuart is
plowing in Iv ' 7 (a field that was in wheat last year, and by
the rotation which I have transmitted to yon, was intended
to remain in pasture this year) — "What is the meaning of
this? — ISI"0 1, by the copy I have by me is intended for Buck
Wheat as a Manure, and X° 3 for Corn ; but I do not recol-
lect that any direction has ever been given for plowing !X°
7.— If the case be otherwise I have fonrot it; and the design
must be for Oats and Buck wheat for Crops ; and of course,
if accomplished will require 120 bnshls of the first, and 00 of
the latter more than I had calculated to seed the field ; the
contents being 120 acres. — Let me know how this matter
really stands. — How much of the field is already plowed —
and whether you will be able to prepare the residue of it;
and at the same time execute your other plowing well, and in
season, with your present force of horses aided by Oxen ;
which, in the Eastern states is almost the only teams they
plow with,
I am your friend
G° Washington.
IX.
Philadelphia Jan* 26th 1704.
Me, Pearce,
Your letter of the 22d, and the Reports, came duly to hand
by yesterdays Post.
You will perceive by my rotation plan (with which you
34: GEORGE WASHINGTON
have been furnished — or rather by the notes annexed thereto)
that if the fields allotted for Corn at the several farms were
deemed inadequate to the consumption of this article, that
such parts uf the fields as were designed for Buck Wheat, as
a Croj), might be converted to this purpose, and I repeat it
again here; leaving the proportion thereof to your own
judgment, with a proviso, however, that there be Buck
Wheat enough sown to raise a sufficiency of Seed for all the
purposes of my rotation system another year; as it is cer-
tainly a reflection upon a farmer to have his Seeds to buy. —
The reason why I prefered increasing the quantity of Corn
ground in these fields, is, that nothing might interrupt the
manurings of one Jzeld, at each farm, every year with green
manure; whilst the Cowpens, and dung from the farm yards,
would do the like to the poor jxirts of a second field, an-
nually.— By this means, and a judicious rotation, I am not
without hope of bringing my land, in time, into a profitable
state of cultivation ; — and unless some such practice as this
prevails, my fields will be growing worse and worse every
year, until the Crops will not defray the expence of the cult-
ure of them. —
By the report of the week before last, it appeared that
Stuart was plowing in X° 7; but as that field, according to
the rotation which I have by me, was to remain this year in
Pasture I could not account for it, otherwise than as a mis-
take in him, or a direction of mine which I had forgotten ; —
the reason however of my mentioning the matter again, in
this letter, is, that if that field is designed for Oats and Buck
Wheat, the part, or such proportion thereof (as you like)
which was designed for the latter, may go into Corn in like
manner as is allowed at the other farms ; — but if it has not
been touched, nor intended to be touched this year, (and 1
again desire that you will not undertake more than you can
execute well) then such part of Js"0 1 as you may deem proper
may be put into Corn : — or you may do what Stuart suggested
-1 ^tro^K:ro
AND MOUNT VERNON. 35
I j mo before I left home — namely — to plant all the good
i round in both N° 1 and X° 3 with Corn and sow all the
roken and poor parts of them with Buck Wheat for
r-.kimre;— -the same might be done at the other farms; — re-
membering always, that these fields are to be sown with
Wheat in the Months of August and September next agree-
ibly to the plan of Rotation, which yon have.
I will send by the first vessel going round to Alexandria
1 i bushls of Clover Seed, as I fear what you have (except of
vour own growth) is bad ; and because I would not be sparing
.-f Seed, either to the ground you have to sow, or that which
Las been sown, and is now missing. — Of Timothy Seed I
.-hall send more, as 10 bushels is sufficient I conceive to
answer all your purposes; but it is to be feared that the
Timothy and Orchard grass seeds have got mixed (as they
are very much alike) for I am sure there was Orchard grass
seed saved, and Butler and Old Jack ought to know what
was done with it. — That you may know what dependence to
place on the Clover seed which went from hence last year,
and put into the Store mix it well together, and then promis-
cuously take out a certain (precise) number of seeds and see
what proportion of them will come up. — The Gardener can
ascertain this or by putting them under a brick on the ground,
in a warm place, you can do it yourself. — I shrewdly suspect
that that seed was bad even last year, otherwise the clover
lot at the Mansion, and the Meadows at Union and Dogue
run farms, would not be so dificient now (the latter after
twice sowing in some parts).
Speaking of these Seeds, I must give you a hint of what I
also very strongly suspect ; — and that is — that my Xegro
Seedsmen take a considerable toll from every thing that
goes into their hands — for this reason, make it an invariable
rule before it is delivered to them, to mix in a bushel of Sand
or well dried earth, as many pints of seed as you allow to an
Acre, and let it be sown in this manner. — Two valuable pur-
36 GEORGE WASHINGTON
poses are answered thereby — 1st in this State, the Seed is
rendered unsaleable ; — and 2dIy a person not skilled in sowing
small seeds, will do it more regularly when thus mixed ; for
being accustomed to sow a bushel of Wheat to the Acre, the
same cost, and fill of the hand, does for the small seed when
so mixed ; — in doing of which pains is to be taken that the
mixture is perfect ; otherwise one part of the acre will have
more sand and less seed than the other, and so vice versa.
Give what Manure you can to the lot at Mansion house
which is to be sown with Oats and grass seeds ; or to the one
which is to be planted with Potatoes, as circumstances and
your own judgment shall direct : — for both, I do not presume
there is dung enough. — It is better to do one well than both
by halves. —
The Ground between K° 6 at River farm, and the Barn
lane, you may apply to the purposes mentioned in your letter
of the 22d ; and let it remain under the fence which incloses
X° 6 until a division fence can be run.— It may be worth
some consideration whether Potatoes (if some part of the
Clover lot in front of the Barn does not require to be broke
up) ought not to be planted in part of it. —
You may continue to eat of my meat, as the white people
will take it after it goes from your table, until your family
arrives, and afterwards also if it shall be found more conven-
ient than to keep separate stocks, as I believe it will. — I per-
ceive Thomas Green draws fine flour from the Mill when the
Miller and others are content with Midlings ; and which I
am sure is good enough for him. — Does his agreement in this
respect differ from the others? —
The thorn berries should be buried a year before they are
sown, in order that they may pass through a state of fer-
mentation ; — unless they do this they will not come up.1 —
Butler ought to be acquainted with the process, if he is the
1 A crafATgvs about the District of Columbia, now called the "Washington
Thorn."
AND MOUNT VERNON. 37
• Tactical farmer lie pretends to be. — The Cedar berries should
have all the easing of the Seed rubbed of [f] before they are
s,,\vn, or they will not come up. —
Mr. Dulany is right in his application, but when you pay
him the hundred dollars (which is herein sent you) take his
receipt for £150 pounds on accfc of the Rent due to Mrs French
for the year 1T93 ; — and give him a receipt for £120 for the
Kent he owes me, for the same year.1 —
There is part of the Wages for 1793 due to the Estate of
Mr. Anthony Whiting ; but how much I am unable at this
moment to say precisely. — They commenced the first of Jany.
and he died about the middle of June, but how much of my
money which was in his hands he may have applied to his
own use I cannot, without some investigation, decide. — If the
Administrators have any thing which leads to this, obtain it
from them, that the ace* may be closed ; as I do not want to
keep them out of what is due, a day- — I remain
Your friend tfect
G° Washington.
Philadelphia Feby 9th 1794.
Mr. Pearce,
Since writing you a few lines on the 3d instant, I have re-
ceived your letter of the 2Sth of last month, and that of the
third of the present. —
If you are satisfied with Mr. Butlers conduct and exertions,
1 shall be so. — lie has always appeared to me as a well dis-
posed man, — obliging and sober, one who has seen better
days — and must have had a good deal of practical knowledge
in husbandry. — If you can make him active, and will support
1 Benjamin, brother of Daniel Dulany, the eminent lawyer of Annapolis,
married Miss French, heiress of Rose Hill, and resided at Shuter's Hill.
near Alexandria. He had charge of the estate of his wife's mother, the
widow of Daniel French.
38 GEORGE WASHINGTON
his authority, I do not see why he may not be more useful to
you than a young man, who might have a greater propensity
to be running about. —
With respect to the French f urse, I shall leave it altogether
to you and him, to manage it as you shall think best ; for in
truth I know nothing of the nature of the Plant. — In the dis-
posal of the seed, how1", (where it is ultimately to remain) you
cannot go amiss. — The best guide perhaps is to sow it in soil
which is most congenial to it: — and if this could be found
around the enclosures at the Mansion house, I should give it
a preference ; — but in this also, do as shall appear best. —
I am of opinion the Post and rail fence which runs from
the Mill up to the tumbling dam, and so on, is too low and
unsubstantial for an outr fence, against such neighbours as I
have in that quarter; it was for this reason I proposed a more
substantial one ; — especially, as the good posts and Pails in
that fence would do very well for the inner and cross fences.
— I conceive also, that the outside ditch ought to be widened,
and deep[e]ned. — In a word, to make the whole of the ex-
terior fence so formidable, and. the Pails so close together, as
to prevent trespass even from pigs ; — without this I shall
never enjoy the sole benefit of my Inclosures ; nor keep the
Meadows along the Mill swamp from injury. — ■
The out fence at the Mansion house I am sensible stands
in great need of repair, and I shall be much pleased by your
repairing it, and well; as soon as circumstances will permit. —
The idea of getting rails out of the dead, and decaying timber,
I much approve ; for the waste which has been committed
on my timber and Wood hitherto, has really been shameful
— I have no doubt, if the trees which have been fallen in all
parts of my land, and only a small part of them used, were
corded for fire wood instead 'of lyinec to rot on the ground
that they would sell for many hundreds of pounds. — You will
find it necessary, I presume, whenever you undertake the
Mansion house (out) fence, to get the rails tolerably con-
AND MOUNT VERNON. * 39
r&mcrtt, on ace* of the Cartage. — It has always been my in-
tention to clear, in the same manner the ground now is, in
front of the house, from the white gates as the road goes to-
wards Alexandria, up to the little old field ; and to extend
the fence out to it whenever a convenient moment should be
found for the purpose. — If there be, therefore, any stuff fit
for 1 tails within that space, two purposes will be answered
by using it; namely, fencing, and clearing the ground of its
«TOwth; but I fear there are but few trees that will answer
for the first, that is for rails. —
If you will examine the little sketch of the lots at Union
farm, which was enclosed in one of my former letters, you
can be at no loss in laying them off — a slipe of K° 2, from the
fence of 2\° 1 to the fence of X° 3, of the breadth mentioned
in that sketch, gives you the four lots ; and dividing this slipe
into four equal parts gives you the size of each lot. — The two
next to field K° 1, are those which are to be sown with Clover
on the wheat, because they have been cowpenned. — The other
two must remain to succeed, in order, as have been mentioned
in former letters. — •
If I do not eonfine myself as nearly as circumstances will
permit to my rotation system, this year, I never shall get into
it at all ; for which reason, although I might find ground
better adapted to Corn than what was intended for Buck
Wheat (for a Crop). It is my desire that you will attend to,
and pursue the course wch has been mentioned in my letter of
the 26th of last Month ; or in the Oat grd, if you shd want Seed
Oats.
Let me know every now and then how the growing "Wheat
and Barley looks, as a week or two may change the appear-
ance of them materially. —
What, or how much is done to the new race of the Mill ?
and at which end did they begin ? — Is it got to its depth ?
and carried on a level, what has been done ? —
I have no chance to get honey locust seed this year ; — and
±0 GEORGE WASHINGTON
as it is thought improper to sow the french furze for the pur-
pose of transplanting, the ground prepared by the Gardener
for these things will be useless; — But as I have got about a
quart, or a little more of what is called White bent seed,
which is given to me as a very valuable grass,1 1 wisli you
would prepare about a quarter of an Acre of grd (for I would
not chuse to put the seed in more than that) in one of the
Xew Meadows at Dogue-run or Union farm, and sow it at
the time mentioned in the enclosed letter. — If no opportunity
offers of sending it by water with the Clover Seed &ct I will
send it by Tost. —
Let the Gardener know that the seed he wrote for shall
also be sent at the same time, with some others which will
require his particular skill and attention. — You have never
informed me how much St. Foin and India Hemp seed he
has saved. —
If my Cattle and Sheep receive all the attention and care
that is necessary, I can require no more, if they should die ;
— but it shews how essensial it is to pick, cull, and sell off be-
fore it is too late, and to provide well for the rest, and this I
hope will be the case another year ; — and especially in at-
tending to the breeding of them ; both as it respects the
choice of the Males (particularly) and the seasons proper for
their going to the females. —
In a letter which has just been received from Mrs. Fanny
Washington, she requests me to desire you, to rent her fish-
ing landing at Taylors on the best terms you can obtain and
make it a condition that the person so renting it, shall furnish
for her own use two Barrels of Shad, and four of Herrings —
aud as many of the latter as hath usually been put up for the
use of the Xegros under his (Taylers) care; of which he can
inform you. — It is my wish you should do this. —
1 "A valuable gra^s" are the words applied by Asa Gray to this same
agrastis alba, or White Bent — a pale green, distinguished from the "Hed-
top. **
AND MOUNT VERNON. 41
Col0 Ball must have the three shoats he applies for — a boar
arid two sows. — I was in hopes the last spell of freezing
v. outlier wd have enabled you to fill the Ice house. — It is very
desirable it should be so, as the convenience on accfc of fresh
meat &cfc in the Summer is inconceivably great in the
country. —
It appears by Air. Lewis's accounts that Mr. Stuart has
only recd £15. 12. — The difference between that Sum and his
wages, is yet due to him ; unless he has received money from
Mr. Whiting of which, if the fact is so, he unquestionably
knows, and will tell. — Crow's and M°Koy's wages are also
due, and must be paid. — If you have not money, nor a pros-
pect of raising it from the Middlings and Ship stuff in time
for these purposes, let me know it, and I will send it from
hence. —
I have nothing to add at present but to beg you will make
my people (about the Mansion house) be careful of the lire ;
for it is no uncommon thing for them to be running from one
house to another in cold windy nights with sparks of fire fly-
ing, and dropping as they go along, without paying the least
attention to the consequences. —
You will remember in time that my house in Alexandria
is got in order for Mrs. Fanny "Washington ; as I have pro-
mised to do this by the time mentioned to you in former
letters. — If my Carpenters could be prevailed upon to go on
with their work as they ought to do, I intended to build
Daries both at Union and Dogne-run farm ; to see if the
Milk at each could not be turned to some account ; — but the
lower part I should build of Brick like that in the Keek,
where Stuart lives. — I remain
Your friend etc*
G° "Washington,
P. S.
If upon tryal, the Clover seed you have is found to be v
£ood, it would be well to sow what you have upon the first
42 GEORGE WASHINGTON
Snow that covers the ground after this letter reaches you. —
What I have here shall iro bv the first Vessel for Alexandria;
but when this may happen is impossible to say, as the Navi-
gation of the Delaware is interrupted by Ice.
Yra ifcc* G. W.
XL
Philadelphia 16th of Feby 1794.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 11th instant, covering the reports of the
preceeding week, came regularly to hand, and gave me con-
cern to hear of the death of Mr. Stuarts daughter. — "What
was her complaint ?
My intention, with respect to the repairs of my house in
Alexandria, and inclosing the lot, was, that every particle of
the work, except putting it together, should be prepared at
Mount Yernon, and carried thither by Water ; for sure I am,
if the whole was to be executed in Town that four faithful
workmen would do more there in one week than any four of
mine would do in a month. — I expected that Green, or some
one that was a judge of work, would examine critically what
was to be done, that the whole might be carried on in the
manner I have just mentioned. — This, as far as the dwelling
house is concerned, has been done already, but not I believe
with the accuracy that is necessary to prevent mistakes. — In
truth, the Man who lives in it, ought, by his agreement, to
have kept the house ctcfc in perfect repair; for that is the
only compensation he proposed (I believe) to make me for
the use of it ; and when I saw him last, in October, he told me
that he had made a new door, or doors, and some sashes; and
was ocoins; on with the work. — It might be well therefore,
the first time you go to town, to examine minutely into the
matter — see what he has done — what he talks of doing — on
what terms — and how far he may be depended upon for what
he engages; — remembering always that the house must be in
AND MOUNT VERNON. 43
op lor by the time you have been informed of. — Whether this
mail (that is the tenant) is a joiner, or house Carpenter liim-
K»lf, or not, I am unable to say : If the former, and he is to
be Depended upon, all you can get out of him, in time, by
way of compensation for Kent, will be so much saved to me ;
but nothing that is essential to the two houses, must be left
to uncertainties. — Inclosing the lot in time is not quite so
material; but let it be done in a very substantial manner
whenever it is set about ; — with such Posts and Rails (close
enough together) as will compleatly secure a garden, when-
ever it is converted to that use, and not easily pulled down
for firing. — You miidit — in order to know what the work can
bo accomplished for, by hiring — get a respectable workman
of Alexandria to examine the two houses carefully, set down
everything wanting to them — and the lowest he will do it
for. — I could, after receiving this, with your opinion there-
upon, be better able to decide whether to hire or employ my
own people. — This may also be done with respect to enclosing
the lot; though I conceive there would be more propriety in
doing the latter than the former, with my own Carpenters. —
If large and stout Cedar Posts, and chesnut or Cyprus Pails
could be bought reasonably it would be better than to get
them of Oak, from my own land, and let the estimate of the
workman, you may consult, be made on the supposition of
their being so. — In wch case, it might be better to employ
him ; for otherwise they would, more than probably be to be
brought from Alexandria to Mount Vernon and then to go
back again, or my Carpenters must go there to dress — Mortise
— and tenant them ; which, as I have observed before, I am
sure would afford them the opportunity of being idle. —
I am so well satisfied of Thomas Greens unfitness to look
after my Carpenters, that nothing but the helpless situation
in which you find his family, has prevailed on me to retain
him 'till this time: but if you perceive more and more, as
your opportunities encrease, that he is not to be entrusted,
44: GEORGE WASHINGTON
you had better be looking out in time to supply his place
another year if there should not be cause to turn him sooner
off.—
When he has compleated the JSTew Barn at Dogue run, let
it be well cleaned out, and a good lock put upon the lower
door — the Key of which either keep yourself, — or order
McKoy never to let it be out of his own locked Chest. — Then
try how the treading floor will answer the purpose for which
it was constructed. —
I perceive my Overseers are beginning to report the in-
crease of Lambs this year as they did last; by which I never
know what they lose. — Let them know it is my expectation,
that, every lamb that falls, and every one that dies in the
week, and what are actually in being at the time, is to be
precisely set down. — It is from hence only I can form a judg-
ment of their care and attention to them. — According to
their mode of rendering the account, I may, if an hundred
Lambs fall in a week, and fifty of them die, have an increase
of 50 only in the report; and although this is true in fact, it
is by no means a fair — or a satisfactory state of the case. —
The missing report of Mr. Stuart ought yet to come forward,
otherwise there will be a gap, or break in them. —
Whenever you shall have received the amount of Mr.
Lewis's order on Mr. Ross, let me be informed of it ; because
I shall then pay the money here. —
Under cover with this letter you will receive, and I hope in
good order, the White bent grass seeds mentioned in my last
letter ; — half an ear of very early ripening Corn ; — the Gar-
den seeds written for by Elder ; — and 4 kinds of seeds sent
me by a Gentleman in England ; some (or I believe all) of
which came from the East Indias. — In my last I gave direc-
tions concerning the Bent grass, and therefore shall say noth-
ing about it here : — If the Corn is not planted where it can
be protected, it will all be eaten in its green state. — The Gar-
dener will see by the prices annexed to the Seeds he sent for.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 45
how necessary it is for him to save his own Seeds, which I
hope he will do hereafter ; — and I desire he will take partic-
ular care of the other four sorts of foreign seeds; — two of
which he will perceive must be sown in moist ground, or kept
moist after it is sown. — Let him number the papers which
contain these seeds, and drive stakes with corrisponding num-
bers by each kind, when sown, that he may be at no loss to
know them : — Putting the papers as is usual, in a split stick
by them, is apt to be lost ; or so defaced by the weather as to
become, after a while, unintelligable ; and then the name
will be forgotten : — by the method I have proposed this can-
not happen ; — on the papers too may be noted the places
where they are sown. —
I remain
Your friend &cfc
G° v\rASHrNGTOX.
XII
Philadelphia 24th Feby 1794.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 17th instant came safe. — Meeting your
children at Baltimore is certainly necessary, and therefore I
can have no objection to it. —
My last letter being full, respecting the repairs of my
house in Alexandria, I shall add nothing on that subject in
this ; — and as Mr. Stuart has not, according to his declaration,
received any money from Mr. "Whiting, let him be paid with
the deduction only of that which he has recd from Mr. Lewis,
or yourself.
In my last, I omitted, through mistake, the Seed which is
now sent : — let it be given to the Gardener as part of that
parcel ; — some early Colliflower seed was sent to him by Mrs.
Washington (by a Gentleman of Alexandria of the name of
Turner)— wch I hope you will have got.- —
I hope the Posts and rails you are now getting, will not be
46 GEORGE WASHINGTON
so unsubstantial as to be blown down by every puff of wind
as the last arc ; — and I am sorry that the springeness of the
ground, where you are digging the new race does not admit
that work to go on to advantage, as it is essential it should be
complcated before the water begins to fail ; but notwithstand-
ing this, I would not have it proceed to a disadvantage,
whilst the hands can be more benificially occupied in other
things; — more force must be employed when the ground is
in order, and this will be between the present wet, and the
drought which generally succeeds ; and by which the soil
binds, and becomes very hard. — The Miller had the mode of
sloping the race particularly explained to him both by the
Gentleman who laid it off, and myself ; his directions there-
fore in this case, is to be observed and followed. —
By the next Post, I will send you the copy of an advertise-
ment of the terms on which the Jacks and Stud horse are to
cover. — In the mean while, it may be said, the former will
cover at Four pounds each ; — and the horse at 40/ — Pastur-
age, Groom, &cfc as usual. —
After culling my Sheep at Shearing time last year; and
going over them a second time in the Summer ; the loss at
Union farm (near, or quite twenty since Autumn) seems to
be very extraordinary ; and. I fear it is too strong an evidence
of Crow's inattention to my Stock ; as had been intimated to
me before I left Mount Yernon in October.
I am very glad to hear that the Gardener has saved so
much of the St. Fpin seed, and that of the India Hemp. —
Make the most you can of both, by sowing them again in
drills. — Where to sow the first I am a little at a loss (as Hare?
are very destructive to it) but think, as the Lucern which, was
sown broad in the lnclosare by the Spring, has come to
nothing ; — as the ground is good ; — and probably as free
from Hares as any other place, it might as well be put there;
as I am very desirous of getting into a full stock of seed as
soon as possible. — Let the ground be well prepared, and the
AND MOUNT VERNON. 47
Seed (St. Foin) be sown in April. — The Hemp may be sown
any where. —
Enclosed you will find three Bank notes for one hundred
dollars each ; out of which pay the Revd Mr. Muir of Alex-
andria Fifty pounds, and take his signature to the enclosed
receipt ; l — and Mr. Hartshorne of the same place £33-6-8-
being the dividend of my five shares in the Fotomack Com-
pany.— Give me credit for these three hundred dollars, and
cha: my account with the above payments.
Xever suffer a Mare to be taken from the Jacks, or Horse,
when they are once admitted to Pasture, until the whole that
is due for them be paid ; for it has been found that after
the Mares are gone, I have more trouble in collecting the
money than it is worth.
I am Your friend
and well wisher
G° Washington.
XIH.
Philadelphia March 2d 1794.
Mr. Pearce.
Your letter of the 25th ultc, and lleports of the proceeding
week, came to hand this day. —
Enclosed, agreeably to the promise contained in my last, I
send you the copy of an Advertisement which the Printers
of Baltimore and George Town have been directed to publish
four times ; in each of their Gazettes ; alternate weeks ; —
1 This was an annual subscription to the Orphan School under the care of
Mr. Muir, to which Washington also bequeathed $4,000 in perpetuity. The
Hev. James Muir (1757-1820) was a native of Cumnock, Scotland, who, after
eight years' ministry in Bermuda, had been chosen pastor of the Presby-
terian church in Alexandria (1789). He received the degree of D,D. from
* ale. He wrote a work in reply to Paine's " Age of Reason," He preached
before the Freemasons the second of the two sermons on the death of Wash-
ington,— the first being given in the Presbyterian Church by the Episco-
palian rector (Davis). For a letter of Washington concerning his shares in
t5'e Potomac Company see Appendix D.
48 GEORGE WASHINGTON
that is — to insert it one Week and leave it out the next, until
it has been four times published. — The same you may cause
to be done in Alexandria, and where else shall be thought
proper : — among these Port Tobacco may be a good place. —
To Leesburgli (to the care of Col° Ball) I will have one
sent.—
I recommend particular care of the youngest Jack, that he
may be made to grow large. — I do the same of the Mules
(which Peter knows) allotted for my own driving. — Do not
stint them in their feed to accomplish these purposes. —
Let there be an exact account kept of all the Mares and
Jenneys that go to the Jacks ; and to which, as well those
belonging to myself, as others : — the same with respect to the
horse ; — but suffer no Mares to be taken away before the
money is paid, unless by those who live near you, and from
whom you can receive it at any time. — A Mr. Prescot of
Loudoun (or Fauquier) owes yet for last year, so does some
others ; and as no regular accts were kept of these things, the
money will be lost ; for which reason, except as above, let no
Mares or Jennies be taken away without payment. — After
knowing these to be the terms on which the Jacks and horse
cover, those who do not comply with them, mean not to pay
at all, unless compelled : and to bring suits will not be agree-
able.—
Yon would do well to shew the horse at Public places. —
April Court at Alexandria would be a proper time and place,
as it happens on Easter Monday, — when, probably, many
people will be there. —
I find by Mr. Lewis's account, that the new Tisto is opened
much farther than I had the least intention to do. I had
no idea of extending it farther than the other was; — at no
rate beyond Muddy hole Branch. — Cease opening it any fur-
ther until I can see it, and let me know how far it is got, and
what lias been done with the Wood that was cut down in its
course ? —
AND MOUNT VERNON. 49
Buy as much good Oznabrigs in Alexandria as will enable
>:■,. Gardener's wife to proceed in making linen clothes for
she Negros; — and let me know on what terms you can get a
full supply, that I may judge whether it would be best to get
the whole quantity there, or send it from hence. — To know
the width of the linnen, and if possible to obtain a sample of
a, would enable me to decide with more accuracy. —
The price of Midlings and Ship stuff in Alexandria is
greatly below the selling price in this market ; especially the
tirst, which is 5^- dollars the barrel of 196 lbs — and the latter,
from a dollar and half to two dollars pr hundred — but as
these articles never are as high there as here, you must en-
quire the most favorable season to dispose of them, and do it
t<> the best advantage. — Keep me informed from time to
lime of the prices of Superfine and fine flour, that I may
know when to strike, for mine; — and ask the Miller why he
does not, as usual, note in his weekly returns the number of
barrels he has packed of all the different kinds. —
I forgot to observe to you in time, that if all the fields in-
tended for Crops this year could not be flushed up in due
season^ to let those intended for Corn be left to the last and
listed only, rather than the wrork of the spring should be re-
tarded, and the Crops put in late ; in order to flush up the
i'-J,ole, — You must act in this respect now from circum-
>tances, and your own view of things. — Had the ground been
broke up in the fall, the amelioration it would have received
from the frosts of the winter would have been of infinite
service. — Kow; except the work is forwarded by it, I do not
believe the Corn will receive any benefit from a flush plow-
ing.
I wish you well and am
Your friend,
G° Washington.
I\ S.
How does the drilled "Wheat look ?
50 GEORGE WASHINGTON
XIV.
Philadelphia 9th Mar. 1794.
Mb. Pearce
Your letter of the 3d instfc is this moment received. — The
badness of the roads has occasioned irregularity in the Post.
I approve your repairing my house in Alexandria with my
own People (preparing everything that can be, at home) and
of your doing it in the manner proposed ; — that is, to board
between the houses in a neat and workman like mariner and
to do the three sides of the lot with White Oak Posts and
Pails, well executed. — Do not let the Posts be too far
distant from each other — when this is the case the rails are
apt to warp, and the fence is weakened by it.
I am glad to hear that Green has, at length put a finish
to the Barn at Dogue run farm. — I always supposed that
shutters would be necessary to keep the weather from the
floors, in driving Pain or Snow, and for comfort when work-
ing there when it is very cold, but these are soon done ; and
should be made to hang on substantial iron hooks, that when
light, or air is wanting, they may be raised up ; and hung to
the foot of the rafters. — If the windows below want shutters,
the same may be done, and hung to the joice. — But shovel-
ing the grain as it falls from the treading floor, into the
middle or octagon part of the building, will always preserve
it from the weather. — I want much to know how this mode
of treading wheat answers. —
If yon conceive the Lneern in the Spring lot will come to
anything, I am well content that it should remain as it is,
with the dressing you propose to give it. — I directed seed to
be saved last year from that which grew in the Inclosure
opposite to it, but whether it was done or not I am unable to
say; — if it was not I will send you two or three pounds t<»
sprinkle over the ground. — Running a harrow over the lot
backwards and forwards, and every way in short, will do no
AND MOUNT VERNON. 51
jury to the Lucern as it has a long tap root, but may
law weeds and grass up, and prepare it better for fresh
N ;.,.,]._ The St. Foin and India hemp may be sown in the
i,»t which you have mentioned, as more secure perhaps than
the other, against Hares; — but how they will be annoyed by
fowls you can judge better of than I. — I wish to have the
most that can be made of them. —
It is very unlucky that the state of the [Navigation lias
been such as to prevent my sending you the Clover and
other Seeds; — a vessel is now up, and talks of sailing this
week for Alexandria, by which the things shall be sent. I
hope what Clover seed you had (as you have pronounced it
good) has already been sown on the grain, as far as it would
go, as was directed.
1 am Your friend &ct
G° Washington.
XV.
Philadelphia 16th March 1791,
Mr. Peaece
Your letter of the 11th with its enclosures came to hand at
the usual time; but not so as that, enquiry cod be made into
the prices of linnen, and you to be informed, by the Post of
tomorrow (this day being Sunday) — Go on therefore, until
you hear further from me, to get linnen as fast as it can be
worked up. — The llid linen is as good as any for the boys,
girls and small people, who do little or no work. —
I was afraid to make the interstices between the pieces of
the treading floor of the new barn at Dogue run to open, lest
the straw should work into them, and choke the passage of
the grain to the lower iloor; — or to emit so much straw be-
tween them, to that floor, as to make the difficulty of cleaning
the grain much greater. — Avoiding these two evils, the floor
52 GEORGE WASHINGTON
cannot be too open, provided the horses feet, or legs are not
endangered ; and this is not likely to happen unless the pieces
were so far apart as for the hoof to pass through, or turn. —
If the section, or part of a section which you have left an
inch apart, is not apt to choke or pass too much straw-
through, try another section at an inch and a half and so on,
section after section, until you hit the mark exactly ; and
then regulate all the sections accordingly. — This had better
be done whilst you have Wheat with wch to make the experi-
ment : — and without loss of time, as not only an immediate
advantage is to be derived from the best distance the pieces
can be placed a sunder, but that I may know better how to
order another. —
Let the drilled wheat have all the cultivation you can give
it, with convenience, that the most that can, may be made
of it.
The Clover Seed, Furze and other articles, are on board
the Sally Capt. ■ for Alexandria, the first Yessel that has
offered since the breaking up of the frost. — It is much to be
regretted that the delay has been so great, but it was impos-
sible to avoid it.
I would not, by any means, have you sow the Eastern shore
Oats — if these are what you depend upon Col0 Gilpin1 to get ; —
because these, besides being almost as light as bran, are rarely,
if ever, free from the Onion or wild garlick ; with which my
fields abound too much already, from this very cause. — I had
rather the ground intended for this Crop should receive Buck
Wheat, or any thing else; — or indeed nothing; rather than
be sown with such Oats as are generally brought to Alexan-
dria from the Eastern shore of Virginia. — It is possible you
may get some Oats from Notley Young Esqr near George
Town. — These will be good. —
I send you a few seeds of the Nankeen Cotton. — let them
' This Alexandria merchant was one of the pall-bearers at Washington's
funeral.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 53
U> planted the first day of May in light and rich ground, well
prepared. — Put four seeds in a hill. —
I am Your friend &c
G° "Washington.
I'. S.
I have wrote Col° Ball, and my ISephew Mr. Robert Lewis,1
that they are welcome to sead a Mare or two each, to either
of the Jacks or the Horse.
Turn over.
March 17th
P. S. The Vessel is not yet gone which has my seeds &c on
board ; — and as she has been going every day for ten days
past there is no saying when she will go. — The Captn now
says tomorrow. — lie has promised to land them, if he can,
:is he passes Mount Vernon ; — if not they are to be landed at
Col0 Gilpin's Warehouse. — the Captn has one Pill of Lading,
and another goes by this days Post to Col° Gilpin. — The two
small Kegs contain the French furse seeds—Nuts and Garden
Seeds; the two last may be given to the Gardener; the other
you and Butler will manage as you shall judge best. —
One of the Casks contains five bush13 of Plaster of Paris;
which try on some of the clover, to see the effect — at the rate
of about 5 bush13 to the acre — spread a breadth, and leave a
breadth, alternately; to shew more clearly, if any, what effect
it will have.
G. W.
1 Bobert Lewis (1769-1829) son of Washington's only sister, Betty (Mrs.
Fielding Lewis of Fredericksburg, ATa.), was the president's firet private
Secretary, and escorted his family to New York after the inauguration
(1789) — of which journey he wrote an amusing diary now owned by his
grand-daughter, Mrs. Ella Bassett Washington. He was succeeded in his
secretaryship by his brother Howell (1792). He married .Judith Browne,
and settled at Spring Hill, near Warrenton, Fauquier Co.. Va. He was tem-
porarily manager at Mount Vernon, but afterwards Washington's general
business agent, collecting rents, etc. His account-book, for inspection of
which I am indebted to his grand-daughter already mentioned, is continued
to his uncle's death, and shows activity in his affairs. Ke subsequently
settled iu Fredericksburg, of which town he was mayor at the time of his
death. (Appendix K)
54: GEORGE WASHINGTON
XVL
Philadelphia 23d March 1794,
Mr. Peaece
The weekly reports, and jour letter of the 18th instant,
came regularly to hand.
The insufferable neglects of my Overseers in not plowing
as they ought to have done in the Fall, begins now to be
manifest ; for I perceive by the account given of the plowing,
that I am driven to the alternative of putting my Oats into
ground not half plowed, and prepared, and thereby little to
expect from it ;— or, in order to do this, be so late in sowing,
as to hazard an entire loss of the Crop, if the spring is not
very moist and dripping ; for I have seldom succeeded with
Oats unless they were sown before the middle of March. —
It did not occur to me in time, to advise running the rollers
over your grass grounds, and even the "Wheat, after the frost
had come fairly out of the earth; nothing would have re-
covered both more. — The roots (even of that which had been
thrown entirely out) would have been pressed in such a man-
ner to the earth as to have shot forth fibres to restore the
plant. — Xow, I presume it is too late. —
I do not, in the first place believe Spring Barley is to be
had in that part of the Country, as little of it is grown there ;
— and in the next place, it is not likely it would succeed, as I
tried it two or three years unsuccessfully. — If it is to be had
at all, it is most likely to come from Wayles the Brewer in
Alexandria ; and you might, as Oats are scarce, make another
experiment, if Seed is to be had. — How does the Winter
Barley look ?
I am sorry to find Col0 Ball is so tardy in forwarding the
B. Wheat — I shall remind him of it by to-morrow's Post. —
What quantity of Wheat is supposed to be in the Straw at
the several farms ? — Before it is all out at Dogue run. take
up one section after another and new lay it, 'till you are able
AND MOUNT VERNON. 55
to ascertain the true distance the pieces ought to be assunder ;
for the reasons mentioned to you in a former letter ; — attend-
ing particularly to the circumstance I mentioned, and am
apprehensive of, — viz — that of the straw working between
and choaking. —
Mr. Smith has, I believe, been furnished with fish from
my landing, and if he will give as much as another, ought to
have the preference ; — ^but before you positively engage,
enquire what the other fisheries are disposed to sell at. — 4/.
pr thousand for Herrings, and 10/. pr hundred for shad, is
very low. — I am, at this moment, paying 6/. a piece for every
shad I buy. — I am entirely against any Waggons coming to
ray landing ; — but there is one thing which Mr. Smith, or any
other with whom you engage, must perfectly understand, if
they agree to take all (over what I want for my own use)
that is, when the glut of the fish runs, he must be provided
to take every one I do not want, or have them thrown on his
hands: the truth of the case is, that in the height of the
fishery, they are not prepared to cure, or otherwise dispose of
them, as fast as they could be caught; of. course the Seins
slacken in their work, or the fish lye and spoil, when that is
the only time I can make anything by the Sein — for small
hauls will hardly pay the ware and tare of the Sein and the
hire of the hands — your account of the deficiency of Sein
rope would have surprized me if it had not been of piece
with the rest of the conduct which has waisted every thing I
had, almost : — whatever is necessary must be got, and I shall
Depend upon your care and attention, now, to guard me
against destruction of my property, while it is entrusted to
your management. —
Secure a sufficiency of fish for the use of my own people
from the first that comes, — otherwise they may be left in
the lurch, as has been the case heretofore, by depending
on what is called the glut.
What quantity of Wheat have you yet in the straw, ac-
56 GEORGE WASHINGTON
cording to the conjectures of the Overseers, at whose farms
it is ? — If you can get Six dollars a barrel for the superfine,
and thirty four sliil88 for the common flour, in good hands,
let it go, at Sixty days credit.—
I have 25 IIds of Tobacco in the Ware houses in Alexandria ;
— examine what condition they lye in, and see that they are
safe. jNTot having been able to obtain the price I set upon
them they have lain there five or six years, at least. — I have
held these at a guinea a hundred, and would take it.
Is your family arrived at Mount Vernon ? — yon have said
nothing about them in your last letters, —
The Yessel with the Clover Seed &ct left this City on
Tuesday last, and is, I hope, with yon before this. — An-
other goes tomorrow, on board which I send you (directed to
the care of Col° Gilpin) nine bolts of Oznabrigs, finding it
cheaper to buy here than in Alexandria. —
Enclosed you have a bond of Col° Lyles, who lives on
Broad Creek (between you and Alexandria) — receive the
amount with interest to the day of payment, and place it
to my credit. — If the money is wanting for paying the Over-
seers, or for other purposes, it may be applied accordingly ;
otherwise, when more can be added to it, I will direct the
application another way. — Remember it is Virginia money
you are to receive that is dollars at Six shillings. — The
readiest way of getting to Col° Lyles is in your own Boat ;
— and by so doing you can touch at the fishing landings
between, and learn their expectations with respect to the
prices of Fish.
I send you 3 lbs of Lucern Seed to sprinkle over the Spring
lot, where the former grew. — The ground ought to be well
torn with a sharp toothed harrow, in order to prepare it for
the Seed, otherwise much of it will miss. —
With Col° Lyles bond I send you a letter to him, which
seal before delivery; — you have also a statement of the ac-
count, as far as I have any knowledge of it. — Receive nothing
AND MOUNT VERNON. 57
short of the whole sum which is due; ' unless you have no
other means of discharging any demands upon me, — for re-
ceiving a bond in driblets, is, in a manner, sinking it ; — and
the amount of this bond, if it can be spared from other uses,
I want to apply in discharge of another bond, which is also
carrying interest. —
I am
Your friend &cfc
G° Washington.
XVII.
Philadelphia Mar. 30th 1794.
Mr. Peaece,
The Keports, and your letter of the 25th inst* have been
duly recd.
If you are satisfied from repeated trials, that the pieces of
the treading floor at Dogue-run Farm, are well placed at an
inch and half a part, it would be well to lay them all at that
distance ; that you may derive as much benefit as you can
from it in the present Crop, and that it may be ready against
the next year.
The Oats might also be tread out on the same floor ; and
O 7
the sooner the better, as you will then know precisely the
quantity which you will have to depend upon,— and when
known, inform me thereof. — I have three and half bush13 of
a peculiar kind of Oats which I will send by the first vessel
bound to Alexandria : — unfortunately the}T came to my hands
1 There is a local tradition that Washington carried his idea of exactness
to the extent of refusing to receive payments in any form which required
change to he given, and that he was known to send a dehtor back over the
fight miles to Alexandria that he might bring the exact sum owed. The
fluctuations attending the value of Virginia pounds during the transition to
decimal currency may have had something to do with this. On the other
hand he was equally rigid with himself in all that affected the rights of
others, and had been known to ride through rough weather to Alexandria
and back, to have his feet measured, rather than have the shoemaker travel
to his house.
5S GEORGE WASHINGTON
too late for the Vessels which have lately departed from
hence for that Port; but I would have you reserve and keep
about two acres of ground in a good state of preparation for
sowing the moment the seed shall reach you. —
I am sorry to hear your drilled and other Wheat, makes but
an indifferent appearance. — I was in hopes such extreame line
weather as we have had during the whole month of March
would have occasioned a pleasing change in both. — As grain
puts on different looks at this season, according as the
weather, while growing, happens to be, let me know from
time to time how mine comes on. — If it stands thick enough
on the ground, such uncommon mildness and warmth as we
have had since February, must have recovered that Crop
greatly, as well as the Winter Barley.
I doubted the Gardeners information at first, when you re-
ported a pottle of Sl Foin seed; because the few plants
could not bare so much ; — and next, because he did not take
care in time to save what they did bare. — Be the qty little or
much, make the most of them and of the Hemp — and the
other seed he took for S* Foin that you are able.
Let Abram get his deserts when taken, by way of example ;
but do not trust to Crow to give it him ; — for I have reason
to believe he is swayed more by passion than by judgment in
all his corrections.
All the labour that can be spared from more pressing and
important work should be employed on the Mill Race; other-
wise when the springs get low you will have no water for
grinding; it being but a poor stream at best, and many leaks
in the old part which will be avoided by the new, whilst those
in other parts of the race should be carefully sought after,
and effectually stopped. —
If my Sister Lewis of Fredericksburgh 1 should send for it.
1 Betty, his only sister, (1733-1797,) concerning whom see Introduction,
and Portrait.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 59
lot her have one of the unbroke Mules of midling quality
and size.
I am Your friend &c*
G° Washington.
XYIII.
Philadelphia April 6th 1704.
Mb. Pearce,
Your letter and Reports of the 1st instant I have received,
and am glad to find by the first that you have got your family
safe to Mount Yernon ; as, unquestionably, it will be a satis-
faction to you to have them along with you. — Change of air
may, and I hope will, restore your eldest daughter to health
again.
I had no doubt but that the late capture of our Yessels by
the British Cruisers, followed by the Embargo which has
been laid on the Shipping in our Ports, wd naturally occasion
a temporary fall in the article of provisions; — yet, as there
are the same mouths to feed as before ; — as the demand, con-
sequently, will be as great ; — and as the Crops in other parts
of the world will not be increased by these means, 1 have no
doubt at all, but that, as soon as the present impediments are
removed the prices of flour will rise to what it has been (at
least) for which reason hold mine up to the prices mentioned
in my last ; and if they are offered, make a provisory agree-
ment, to be ratified, or not, by me; — an answer to which can
be obtained in a week.1 — With respect to the Wheat on hand,
you must (if you hear nothing to the contrary from me) be
1 On the 6 Nov. 1793 England issued a "Provision' Order," for seizing
neutral ships carrying supplies to France (with which country it was at war)
or to French colonies. The Order was partially revoked, on the remon-
strance of the Secretary of State (Randolph), news of the revocation having
reached Philadelphia on 4 April 1704, — two days before the date of this
letter. On the date of this letter (April 6) the Secretary urged on the Presi-
dent the policy of sending a special envoy te England to make reclamations
for the spoliations alluded to in the text. This policy was decided on, Mr.
•Jay being sent, his mission resulting in a Commercial Treaty.
GO GEORGE WASHINGTON
governed by circumstances and your own judgment, in getting
it out of the straw ; — but, at any rate, remove it into the
Earns for the purpose of threshing in weather when the
people cannot work out. —
When salt, or any other article of which you are in want,
gets to a high price, provide for the present occasion only
unless there is a moral certainty of their rising still higher;
in that case prudence would direct otherwise. —
It was not my expectation that either grass or grain could
be rolled at the expence of stopping the Ploughs ; conse-
quently, if the Oxen were not in a condition for the accom-
plishment of this work the execution of it was not to be
expected: — but is not this an instance among a variety of
others, of the impolicy of not breaking a great number of
Steers at each of the Farms ? which would prevent the few
that are broke from being reduced too low for the services
thereof. — Twenty Oxen are not more expensive than ten
broke, and ten unbroke Steers, because you feed them as
Oxen only when they are worked ; and unbroke Steers must
be fed, as well as Oxen (though not in the same manner) at
other times. — By this means there never would be a want of
draught Cattle for Cart, Harrow or Holler. —
How does the young grass which was sown in the new
meadows, last fall, and the Clover come on ? — Was the latter
injured much by the Winter?
Besides the number of Stacks which are yet in Wheat, I
wanted to know what those stacks are supposed to contain : —
and this the Overseers, by comparing the size of them with
those which have been tread out, may certainly give a pretty
near guess at. —
The three bushels and half of Oats, mentioned to you in
my last, are not of such superior quality as I had been led to
expect from the account given of them ; — yet, notwithstand-
ing, ground may be kept sometime longer for them, or until
you hear further from me, on this head. —
AND MOUNT VERNON. 01
The imposition with respect to the Garden seeds, is very
unjustifiable ; — 'tis infinately worse than simple robbery, for
there you loose your money only, but when it is given for
bad seed you lose your money, your labour in preparing for
the reception of them, — and a whole season. —
Cloathsmust be provided for the Young Gardener at Alex-
andria.— Those for work to be strong, and substantial. — Sun-
day, or holliday Cloaths to be decent, and such as may please
without going to more expence than is necessary : — but of
the latter class I should conceive he can be in no want now,
unless he has made an improper use of a whole suit (of very
good Cloaths) which were given to him the latter end of
October last. —
I am sorry to find that my chance for Lambs this year, is
so bad. — It does not appear to me by the Reports that I shall
have more than a third of what I had last year: — what this
can be ascribed to is beyond my comprehension, unless it be
for want of Rams, or bad Earns. — Let therefore, at Shearing
time, a selection of the best formed, and otherwise promising
ram lambs be set apart (in sufficient numbers) to breed from ;
and when they are fit for it, cut the old ones and turn them
aside, to be disposed of. —
At Shearing time also, let there be a thorough culling out,
of all the old, and indifferent sheep from the flocks that
they may be disposed of, and thereby save me the mortifica-
tion of hearing every week of their death ! — which is the
more vexatious as I was taught to believe that every indiffer-
ent sheep was drawn for this purpose last Spring, notwith-
standing the loss of them which has been sustained the past
winter; — and indeed unto the present moment —
When you go next to xVlexandria take the exact dimensions
of the rooms in my house at that place, that I may send paper
for them. — Give the length and breadth of each — and height
from the wash board to the Chair board (as they are commonly
called) and thence to the Cornish, if any, with the doors and
62 GEORGE WASHINGTON
windows, and size of them, in each room or passage. — If there
is occasion to make good the plastering in any of the room?,
no white wash is to he put thereon ; hecanse it is improper for
paper. — Thomas Davis must paint the outsides of hoth house?
there ; the lower part of a stone colour, and the roofs red. —
The Inside of the dwelling house is also to be painted. — The
whole in short is to be put in very good, and decent condi-
tion.— If the planking between the two houses is plained, this
also should be painted. —
I am Your friend &cfc
G° Washington.
XIX.
Philadelphia 20th April 1794.
Mr. Peakce,
Your letter of the 15th, with the weekly reports, came to
hand as usual, yesterday. — I was sorry to learn by the first
that you had been unwell. —
It is almost impossible for me to say, with exactness, what
I owe the Estate of Mr. Anthony Whitting, because his ac-
counts do not appear to have been regularly kept, but rather
in detached Memms.- — More than his wages from the first of
Jany until the day of his death (which I think was about
the middle of June) at the rate of One hundd pounds Yirg1
Cnrry pr annum, I cannot owe him ; because my Xephew s
when his health obliged him in Xovember 1792 to spend the
Winter with his father in law Col° Bassett, paid Mr. "Whitting,
and all the under Overseers (as he did not expect to be back
1 Col. George Augustine Washington (1703-1793) to whom was entrusted
the management of Mount Vernon when Washington entered on his duties
as President in 1789. He was the son of Charles Washington who founded
Charlestown, Va. In his will Washington writes of this nephew as one
" who from his youth had attached himself to my person, and followed my
fortunes through the vicissitudes of the late Revolution— afterwards devoting
his time to the superintendence of my private concerns for many years, and
always performing them in a manner the most filial and respectful.1'
AND MOUNT VERNON. C3
again if ever, in less than. Six months) their full wages for the
year, — ending the last of December. — More therefore than
from the close of that year, until the time of his death, in
the succeeding one, cannot, as I have observed before, be due
to the Estate; and this, rather than do it a, possible .injury, you
may pay his Exrs or Adm" ; ' although (as lie always had money
of mine in his hands) it is probable he might, as -it became due
to him, have applied part to his own use. —
With respect to the Bond which you say his Exrs are en-
quiring after, I never saw, or heard of such an one ; except
whilst I was in Virginia last ; when I was told by some one,
what you have mentioned in your letter. — Mr. Lear (who at
that time was my Secretary) being called to the Federal City
on business, and hearing that Mr. Whitting was dead, or at the
point of death (I am not sure which) and knowing that my
affairs at Mount Vernon would, by this event, be thrown into
great disorder, went down there (which he had not intended
to do when he left Phila) and remained there until I got
home; at which time he gave me all the Papers he had found
belonging to Mr. Whitting.1 — The private papers in one bun-
dle— and those which concerned my business in another. — In
neither of these was there any bond, nor did I ever hear the
circumstance mentioned, until I went to Virginia last Fall. —
If such a bond did exist, it certainly can be no difficult matter
to learn from whom it was obtained; — and whether it has
'Tobias Lear, of Portsmouth, N. H., a graduate cf Harvard University,
was introduced to Washington by Gen. Lincoln. He became tutor to the
Custis children, was treated as a member of the family. His first wife was
Miss Long of Portsmouth; his 2d., the widow of George Aug. Washington ;
his third, Frances Dandridge Henley, a niece of Washington's wife. After
serving the President for some years as private Secretary, he resided on an
estate leased from Washington (300 acres, east of Hunting Creek* which was
confirmed to him for life, rent-free, by the General's will. It was charged
that the various foreign missions conferred on Lear by President Jefferson,
were in reward for the destruction of such of the papers confided to him by
Washington, on his deathbed, as might have compromised Jefferson. It is
supposed that he committed suicide.
G± GEORGE WASHINGTON
been discharged, or not ; — if discharged, the person paying it
will know to whom ; — without which the bond will be of no
use to any one. — All "Whitting's private papers were, to the
best of my recollection, turned over to Mr. Ring; who, by a
non-cupitive Will, "was made his heir.
I am glad to find you are upon the point of sowing Buck
Wheat at all the Farms. — It is essential it should be in the
ground without delay, if two Crops are to be plowed in, before
the Wheat is sown thereon. — Does the Oats which you have
sown, and the grass-seeds, come up well ? and how are your
seasons, and the temper of the ground ? — By the last Reports
you appear to have had rain twice during the week they were
made. — In this neighbourhood the earth is dry, and rain
wanting. — Did you allow a plenty of seed to the ground that
was resown with grass, as well as the other, for the first time.
As the Embargo is continued until the 25th of next month,
I think you had better grind no more Wheat until you hear
further from me ; and let that which is in the straw, remain
there ; as the safest mode of keeping it ; unless you should
discover an appearance of the fly about the stacks ; — in that
case, it might be proper to get it out, and grind it as speedily
as possible. —
I do not know how much ground you have sown with
flax ; but as there is no foreseeing what our disputes may end
in, it is my wish that you would add a good deal more (if not
too late) to what you have already sown ; that, let what will
happen, I may make a shift to cloath my Xegros.1 — This
1 This was written on the day when Mr. Jay received notice of his appoint-
ment as envoy to Great Britain, a post to which he had heen nominated
April 1G. Although the Provision Order of England, and the retaliatory
Embargo, were ending, the relations between the two countries were much
strained by English menaces on the Canadian frontier. The internal peace
of the country was threatened by disturbances in Kentucky caused by con-
tinuance of the Spanish occupation beyond the Mississippi. An insurrec-
tion there was, indeed, narrowly escaped. The dangers of both foreign and
civil war were imminent.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 05
makes it peculiarly necessary also to be extremely attentive
to the "Wool ; for I am satisfied that a tenth part of what is
sheared, in bringing it home, and after it is in the usual place,
where it is kept, is stolen from me. — To guard against both
these modes of pilferring, will require much caution, and a
strict watch. — Has [remainder missing]
XX.
Philadelphia 27th April 1791.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 23d instant with its enclosures came duly
to hand. —
Thomas Green's account of the dimensions of the Booms
in my house in Alexandria, is so confused and perplexed,
that I can make neither head nor tail of it. — The length,
breadth and height of each, with the distance from the wash-
board to the Chair board, and the number of doors and win-
dows in each room, was all I wanted ; instead of these he has
attempted to draw a plan which no one can understand, and
has given an explanation of it that is still more incomprehen-
sible.—
I am very glad to find that you have caused so much flax-
seed to be sown as appears from the Memorandum sent to
me ; — but have you not departed from the plan which was to
regulate the grass lots at Dogue-run Farm ? — As well as I
recollect, these were to succeed each other in Potatoes — and
one after another to be sown with Oats and Clover ; and this
rotine was to be persevered in. — As the case now is, neither
the lot East of the Xew Barn, nor that in number 3, can be
touched next year; and neither of them, I fear, will be in
condition to yield much clover. — My intention with respect to
these lots was, by soiling the Plow horses with the Clover,
cut green, to save the great expense of grain. — By having one
of them therefore in Potatoes ; another in Oats, sown also
66 GEORGE WASHINGTON
with Clover ; — and the third in Clover, — there would always
have been one (which is sufficient for this purpose) handy to
the Stable ; — more would be unnecessary, as there will be
such a quantity of mowing ground on the Farm, for the sup-
port of the Stock, — the Mansion house, and for sale. —
Particular attention will be paid I hope to penning of the
Stock, and shifting the Pens — Nothing has been more
neglected— general as neglects have hitherto been on my
estate — than the latter, merely to avoid the trouble of re-
moving them. —
How does the White thorn * "* '* cuttings of the
Willow and other sets * * * have been put out this
Spring, look * * * pear to have taken, and to be in A
thriving condition ? —
I mentioned to you in my last that 5000 plants of the
White thorn was to be sent to me, by Mr. Lear in the Ship
Peggy, from London to George Town.1 I have advice of the
Sailing of the Ship, and hope it is arrived. — Ko time should
be lost in getting the Plants home (to Mfc Vernon) as every
day's delay will put them more and more in jeopard}7. — Mr.
Lear in his last letter informs me that he had by the same
Vessel, sent some fruit trees for his own use, wch he requests
my care of: — let these also be taken to Mount Yernon and
put into a nursery for his use ; and the Gardeners particular
care of them is required. —
I am your friend &c*
G° Washington.
PS.
With this letter you will receive a paper of Lima beans,
which the Gardener will plant the first of May, seperate f rom
any others ; — and be particularly careful of them. —
1 Tobias Lear had gone to London to interest capitalists in a scheme for a
canal between Georgetown and the upper Potoruac. lie had been made
President of the Potomac Navigation Company and sent abroad that the en-
terprise might carry some of the prestige of Washington.
AXD MOUNT VERNON. 07
XXI.
Philadelphia May 4th 1704.
Mr. Peakce,
Your letter of the 29th nlt°, and the reports which were en-
closed, came duly to hand.
I am sorry to find by the first that the Ship Peggy had
not then arrived at George Town, from London. — I fear the
Vliite thorn Plants (5,000 in number) which I have on
board, together with Mr. Lears fruit Trees, will suffer very
much, if they are not entirely destroyed ; by the advanced
season.1 — Let the ground (wherever the first arc to go) be
prepared for their reception, that no time which can be
avoided, may be lost in getting them into it ; — as to the lat-
ter, that is the fruit trees, there cannot be many of them,
consequently no previous preparation is necessary, for their
deposit. —
I wish you had discharged Green without any ceremony,
when you found him drinking, and idling his time away ; —
as to any reliance, on his promise to amend, there can be no
sort of dependance: — for it has been found that he is grow-
ing worse and worse : The consequence of which is, that he
dare not find fault with those who are entrusted to his care,
lest they shd retort, and disclose his rascally conduct ; by
which means work that the same number of hands would
perform in a week, takes mine a month. — Nothing but com-
pasion for his helpless family, lias hitherto induced me to
keep him a moment in my service (so bad is the example he
sots) ; but if he has no regard for them himself, it is not to
be expected that I am to be a continual sufferer on this acc\
fur his misconduct.
I never could iret an account of the Corn made on my Es-
1 The English thorns did not thrive, and only slight traces of them re-
main.
6S GEORGE WASHINGTON
tate last year, consequently can form no idea of the quantity
now on hand, nor of the prospect there is of its carrying me
through the year. — At any rate it should be used with great
care, but if it is likely to run short, as much parsimony should
be observed as can comport with the absolute calls for it, on
the farms, as I know not where to get more ; and should find
it inconvenient to pay for it if I did.
Does the first sown Buck Wheat come up well ? — as fast as
any Held, or lot is planted with Potatoes, let the quantity
which has been used therefor, be noted in the Farm Iteport
of the place where they have been used. — To plant the Pota-
toes whole is best, where there is enough of them ; when
there is not, cutting becomes necessary, and should then be
adopted. —
In the Gardeners report is a query, if Apricots will be
wanting to preserve. — I answer ±so. — for the situation of
public business now is, and likely to remain such,1 that my
family will not be able to spend any time at Mount Yernon
this Summer — that is — I cannot do it, and Mrs. "Washington
would not chuse to be there without me. — My present inten-
tion is, if public business will permit, to make a flying trip
there soon after the risinp; of Congress : but when that will
be is more than I am able to decide, at present.
It is not usual — nor is there any occasion — for Papering
the ceiling of the Room, or rooms (if more than one should
be papered) in the House, in Alexandria. —
I am — Your friend &cfc
G° Washington.
1 Genet, the obnoxious French Minister, having heen recalled from this
country, and Gouverneur Morris from France, the administration was en-
deavoring to find a Minister to France who could quiet the jealousy of that
country awakened by the mission of Jay to England. At the same time
M. Fauchet, the French Minister at Philadelphia, had to he watched and
soothed. A continual exchange of sharp diplomatic letters was going on
with both the French and the English Minister, relations with their coun-
tries being: much strained.
AND MOUNT VERNON. t>9
XXII.
Philadelphia May 11th 179-1.
Me. Pearce,
The Weekly reports enclosed in your letter of the 6th in-
stant, have been duly received. — ■
By the first Yessel bound to Alexandria from hence, I will
send Paper for the two lower .Rooms in my house in that
place ; but if it has been newly plastered, as would appear to
be the case (in part at least) by Green's ace*; it ought not to
be put on until it is thoroughly dry ; or the Paper will be
lost.—
The Sheriffs and Clerks notes are returned, and must be
paid. — Two of them however belong properly to Mrs. F.
Washington ; — and some of the rest not more to me than
others ; — but I find it is a uniform practice to saddle me with
the whole expence of suits wherein I am only a part con-
cerned as Trustee, Attorney, (fee*. —
It has often been in my mind, and I have as often forgot
it, when I was writing to you, to request that you would look
forward to, and so arrange matters as not to suffer the Hay
and Grain Harvests to interfere; or either to suffer for want
of being cut in time. — For want of a little foresight of this
kind, I have, hitherto, had one or the other, and oftentimes
both, suffer by not being cut in due season; — especially the
Hay, which has often been spoiled by letting it stand until
the Grain Harvest is entirely finished : whereas, if the for-
ward grass was cut before, the latter grass might remain
without much, if any injury, until the Grain was secured. — I
am a great friend to cutting Grain soon, and I request it may
be the practice this year. — When it is cut early, it must not
he stacked, or even put into large shocks, until the straw is
a little cured. — But the grain is better for it, and loss by
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON
shattering, or beating rains the latter part of Harvest, not
half as great. —
Be very attentive to the drilled Wheat. — Get it out as soon
as possible after harvest ; — and secure it in the Seed loft at
Mansion house; without making any previous mention of the
intention : otherwise there will be pilfering ; and a disposi-
tion of it, of which you may have no notice. — It cost me 10/.
pr Bush1 besides the stage price of transportation from Fred-
erick sburgh l to Mount Yernon. —
I approve of your sowing the first lot in the Mill Swamp
(or more properly the second, as there is one between it and
the Mill) with Buck Wheat and Timothy ; and should be ex-
tremely glad it the one above (now in Corn) could be got in
order for grass also. — Leave no unreclaimed — nor if possi-
ble any uncultivated spots in these lots ;■ — for they are not
only eye sores in Meadows, but are of real detriment ; as
they are continually eating into, and fouling other parts of
the ground. — Quite down to the water's edge, and quite
up to the fences therefore, ought always to be perfectly
cleared. —
I fear, from your complaint of bad pastures, that the wea-
ther has not been seasonable with you. — This question I have
asked in some of my late letters, but no other answer has
been given than what appears by the Meteorological account
of it ; and that conveys no precise ideas of the state, or con-
dition in which the fields are, for moisture ; — as good rains,
heavy rains, slight rains, and rains of every other sort, go
under this general description in the report. — If the Pastures
are bad, I wish 1 may not hear also, that your Oats and
Buck Wheat puts on but an indifferent appearance. —
I hope you have made all the Overseers produce the Wool
of the Sheep which have died 'on the farms under their re-
' Fredericksburg (aiid its neighbor, Falmouth) being at the head of navi-
gation on the Rappahannock, and also near the Falls, had become the most
important market for wheat and flour in Virginia.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 71
spective managements; the qty from the number of Sheep
which have been lost, ought to be pretty considerable. —
I wish you well, and am
Your friend,
G° Washington.
P. S.
Does the Corn come up well, and stand well ? and how
does the Oats Buck "Wheat and Clover come on ? —
I do not recollect whether that part of the ground in the
lower Meadow lot, at the Mill, which lays between the old
bed of the run, and the race, has ever been prepared for
Grass. — It ought to have been, to compleat the lot.
XXIII.
Philadelphia May 18 th 1701.
Mr. Pearce,
I am sorry to find by your letter of the 11th Inst* that the
Crops and every thing else were suffering from a drought. —
yet, by the weekly report which accompanied the letter, it
appears that rain had fallen on the 6th, only live days before,
but I suppose this must have been a slight one. —
It is not only unlucky, but unaccountable, that the Oats
should not have been received with the other things. — Mr.
Dandridge says they were put on board at the same time, and
are included in the Bill of lading with the other things. — A
strange fatality has accompanied them throughout : — the
delay in getting them to this City occasioned their missing a
passage in due season"; and if you have not recovered them
before this, it would be throwing them away to put them in
the ground now. —
I send you four small papers of Seeds which have been
sent me by a curious gentlemen in Europe. — Whether they
are sound and good, — and are of any real utility, I know not;
but let the Gardener pay particular attention to them ; — en-
72 GEORGE WASHINGTON
deavouring to raise seed therefrom. — He should set boards by
them, with inscriptions thereon, similar to those which are
written on the papers, containing the respective seeds. —
Whether you will depend upon the lirst, or second Crop of
Clover for Seed, will be left to yourself ; but I desire (if it be
practicable) that of this — of Buck Wheat — Timothy — and in
short of every other Seed wch you may have occasion for next
year, may be saved ; as the cost of these things in the Markets
of this City falls too heavy upon me besides being bad very
often. — I also request you will be particularly careful in sav-
ing Seeds from the several kinds of Grass, which, from time
to time, have been sown in (what is called) the Vineyard ;
and other places, for the purpose of experiments; or because
they were given to me as curiosities, or for the real value of
them. — And I hope you have been, and will be attentive to
such as I have sent you myself. — Is that which I forwarded
to you sometime ago (directing it to be sown in some part of
one of the Meadows) come up well ? — It was given to me
for a erass of more value than Timothy. — If so. all the seed
that can, ought to be raised from it ; — the same of S* Foin ;
which my Gardener neglected last year until the seed was
almost lost. — If Cattle or Horses will eat the fancy grass
either in its greetl state, or made into Hay, it certainly must
be very valuable, as it grows rank, stands thick on the ground,
does not require strong land, and will remain forever on it. —
Save what seed you can from this — some grows in the Vine-
yard Inclosure, and some I believe in the little Garden by the
Salt House. — Several other grasses, of valuable sorts, which
had been given to me, were sown in this place and the Vine-
yard; — but like most other things on my Estate, have been
lost for want of attention, hitherto, but I hope your care will
guard me against such neglects in future. —
I presume you are well enough acquainted with Clover to
know How it is to be managed ; both for seed and Hay. —
Last year, none of the first (or very little) was saved ; — and
AND MOUNT VERNON. 73
t>£ the latter, that is Hay, none was made good, and a great
deal of it was entirely spoiled. — It ought to be well cured
before stacking, but not much stirred ; especially in the Sun ;
or it will lose the leaf. — Let there be a hollow in the middle
of each stack (by way of ventulater) occasioned by Drawing
a basket, or stuffed bag through the middle, whilst the stack
is making. —
As Crow has no Clover, with which he can soil his
work horses and Oxen, he can be supplied from Dogue run
until his own lots are in a condition to furnish him; wch
ought to be assisted as much as possible to hurry them for-
ward.—
If you have, or can procure Turnip Seed, it might be well
to sow a good deal of it at all the Farms ; as both Cattle and
Sheep would derive benefit from them.
In wrhat state of forwardness is the drilled Wheat, when
compared with the common wheat ? from the character and
description of it, it ought to be ripe for cutting by the Slh or
10th of June. — You will have been told — or will have dis-
covered, that there are two kinds of Wheat in drills, at the
Union farm. — One is a double headed sort, whether of much
value, or not, I am unable to say ; nor do I know whether it
ripens sooner or later than the common kind. — Take care of
the Seeds of both, and cautiously guard against their mixing
in the Seed loft, — As there will not be much of the dble headed
Wheat, it might be well (in order to prevent this) to put it
into tight casks, and head it up securely. — The early Wheat
I set great value on, as it is an acquisition, in the farming line,
of great magnitude in many points of view.
What have you done with the Plaster of Paris I sent from
this City sometime ago? — I have not seen (that I recollect)
any account of its being spread.— The hides of the dead cattle
(though not good) should be Tanned by the old man Jack.
who usually attends to this business; — the leather may
serve for inner Soals and repairing Shoes — and something
7-i GEORGE WASHINGTON
ought also to be done with the skins of the Sheep wch have
died. —
Mulatto Will should be kept close to making Shoes, that
they may be in readiness by the time they are wanted. — lie
is slow, and sickness, or other interruption may throw his
business behind. —
I presume the lot in Alexandria will have been inclosed by
the Post and Eail fence, intended for it; — and the house, in-
side and out, painted, before the workmen were withdrawn
from thence. — It ought to be left in charge of some person
who will attend to it, until Mrs. P. Washington takes posses-
sion thereof. —
Whetheiyif the four missing Hhds of my Tobacco are not
to be found, the Inspectors, after its having lain over a year,
or sometime fixed by Law, are liable for it, or not, I am
unable to advise you, and therefore would have you consult
those who are, that you may pursue such measures as are
proper to recover the value of what is gone — and to secure
the remainder. — I have been holding it up for a good price,
but if whilst I am waiting for this, I am losing it by the
llhd% I shall have brought it to a bad market indeed. — It
was but a short time before the death of Mr. Whiting that
he was directed to examine into the condition of this Tob°;
and to the best of my knowledge he reported, that it was not
only all there, but that he had stowed it securely all together
in some part of the Warehouse where it would not be dis-
turbed in searching for other Tobacco. — This information 3
am sure I received from him, — or from my Nephew, be-
fore he was advised to leave Mount Vernon on accfc of his
health. — ■ I enclose you the Xotes for this Tobacco, that
you may be able to proceed with more regularity in this
business. — -
It is not a good Season for Surveying, otherwise I would
have my four mile run tract run round ; — but this shall be
done in the Fall ; or even sooner if it is found indispensibly
AND MOUNT VERNON. 75
necessary : — in the meanwhile, if you, with the aid of Mr.
Minor,1 could prevent further depredations it would be
proper, and desirable. —
jf Congress should rise in the course of this Month, as they
talk of doing, it is probable (though this is more than I can
with any certainty promise) [I may] be at Mount Vernon, to
stay a few days only, by the 10tb of June ; when, if you will
remind me of it, I will give you a copy of the courses of the
four Mile run tract, as they cannot be got at unless I am at
home. —
If you can sell the Black horse for a good price — I mean
full to his value — I wish you to do so. — But what that ought
to be, will depend upon the condition he is in, at the time of
Sale, and upon the prizes of horses in the part of the Coun-
try where he is; and of these you are a better judge than I
am. — I neither expect, nor desire more than his value ; and
as he is not a necessary horse, he had better be disposed of. —
I find by the Keports that Sam is, in a manner, always re-
turned sick; — Doll at the Ferry, and several of the Spinners
very frequently so, for a week at a stretch ; and Ditcher
Charles often laid up with a lameness. — I never wish my peo-
ple to work when they are really sick, or unfit for it ; on the
contrary, that all necessary care should be taken of them
when they are so ; — but if you do not examine into their
complaints, they will lay by when no more ails them, than
ails those who stick to their business, and are not complain-
ing, from the fatigue and drowsiness which they feel as the
effect of night walking, and other practices which unlit them
fur the duties of the day. —
If the Peggy is not yet arrived it is to be feared that my
1 Oeorge Minor, whoso name frequently occurs in the Truro Parish Vestry-
book— now in possession of the Rev. Dr. Slaughter, historiographer of the
Diocese of Virginia— as one of the overseers of the poor, on whom such
duties as Washington suggests devolved after the Revolution. The Minors
are an eminent family: to it belongs the Head of the Law School, Univer-
sity of Virginia, John B? Minor. (Appendix F.)
7G GEORGE WASHINGTON
White thorn plants, and Mr. Lear's fruit trees, must all have
perished. — Try them however, as soon as they are to be
had.
As Congress have determined that the Embargo shall not
be renewed, I expect the price of flour will be at least as high
as it has been, in Alexandria. — In this city it has already
risen to 50/. for Superfine and 47/6. for fine ; but as the warm
season is coming on, if you can obtain Six dollars for the
first, and thirty-four shillings for the other, in good hands ;
payable in sixty days; lam more inclined to take it than to
hazard the keeping it much longer ; but do not make a con-
clusive sale of it until you shall hear from me again, and this
you may expect to do by Wednesday's Post, w"h will arrive in
Alexandria on friday evening next. —
I am Your friend
G° Washington.
XXIY. .
Philadelphia 25th May 1794.
Mr. Peakce,
I learn with concern from your letter of the lSth instant,
that your crops were still labouring under a drought, and
most of them very much injured. — At disappointments and
losses which are the effects of Providential acts, I never re-
pine; becaiu-e I am sure the alvvise disposer of events knows
better than we do, what is best for us, or what Ave deserve.1 —
Two or three fine rains have fallen here in the course of the
past week ; — some of which I hope (though I fear the
showers were partial) may have extended to Mount Vernon.
I am quite astonished as well as concerned, to hear so un-
favorable an accfc of the drilled Wheat. — What can be the
cause of it \ — Not the working of it I hope ? for by that
' Appendix G.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 77
ine&ns it was, I expected to have augmented the crop con-
-i -iorably.—
The great change for the worse in my Sheep, since I left
home about five years ago is as much to be regretted, as the
constant decrease of their numbers. — At that time the fleeces
through my flock, averaged upwards of five pounds, — now I
perceive by the last reports they are but little over two
pounds.
From the letters I have received by the Peggy, she must
l.iave arrived in George Town, I hope you have got my thorn
p]ts, and Mr. Lears fruit Trees to Mount Vernon. — Enclosed
is a copy of the list of the latter, which desire the Gardener
to be particularly attentive to. —
It was always intended that the Xegro quarters at Union
farm should range with the lane fence, or nearly so ; — but
then the fence of X° 5 and the great Meadow was to have
been moved forward, with a view to narrow the lane, and to
throw the Barn in the middle of if. — So wide a lane as the
present never was intended to remain — but matters may rest as
they are until I come home, or until you shall hear from me
again. — The first will not be, I fear, so soon as I expected ; as
it is very questionable whether Congress will be up next
week, and I may have business afterwards to detain me here
a few days ; which does not occur to me at this moment. —
In my next (this day week) I may probably speak with more
certainty on this point.
I wish you well and am
Your friend, &c*
G° Washington.
P. S.
Have you heard of the Oats yet, which I .sent from hence?
A vessel is now up for Alexandria, by which I shall send
Paper for my House in that place. —
G. W.
7S GEORGE WASHINGTON
XXV.
Philadelphia June 1st 1704.
Mr. Pearce,
I am glad to find b)r your letter of the 27th ult° that you
had had some good rains, previous to the date of it. — Those
rains, with such as have followed since, may give a very dif-
ferent appearance both to your Oats and flax ; and may en-
liven, and push forward the Corn and E. "Wheat ; — but I fear
much for any grass that may have been cut, there having been
no weather to cure it (in this part of the Country at least)
these ten days. —
I am sorry to perceive, that amongst all your other un-
favorable prospects, that little is to be expected from the
White bent grass — the seeds of which I sent you last
Spring. — Endeavor, however, to save all the Seed you can
from it, in like manner as you were requested to do with the
other experimental grasses, in the Vineyard, my little gar-
den, (fee1.
If the drilled Wheat is not much forwarder than the com-
mon Wheat, there must have been an imposition in the Seed ;
for the ripening of it three weeks before the common sort,
is a fact that is well ascertained. —
The deception with respect to the Potatoes (210 instead of
4-1S bushls) is of a piece with other practices of a similar kind,
by which I have suffered hitherto ; — and may serve to evince
to you, in strong colours, first how little confidence can be
placed in any one round you ; and secondly the necessity of
an accurate inspection into these things yourself, — for to be
plain, Alexandria is such a recepticle for every thing that can
be filched from the right owners, by either blacks or whites ;
— and I have such an opinion of my Xegros (two or three
only excepted) ; and not much better of some of the Whites
— that I am perfectly sure not a single thing that can be dis-
posed of at any 'price, at that place, that will not, and is not.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 70
gtolen, where it is possible ; and carried thither to some of
i he underling shop keepers, who support themselves by this
kind of traffic!:. —
1 am really concerned that the Potatoes have fallen so
much short of expectation ; — and if I could have had any
fore knowledge of it, instead of disposing of what there was,
in Corn grd, I should have given them to the lots wch were
intended for clover ; as I conceive nothing is a better prepa-
rative for this crop, than Potatoes. — As you have them not —
and know the object for which these lots are designed — I
leave it to you to manage them as shall seem best in your
own judgment, to effect end in view.
It is not longer ago than last year (if my memory has not
greatly failed me) that I paid, in this City, 40 or 50/ for the
Turnip seed I sent to Mount Vernon, and to have no seed
there now is, to be sure, extraordinary ; but as these things
serve to shew you how I have been imposed upon, and to
what expences I have been run for want of common care and
attention, so I persuade myself, they will induce your exer-
tions to avoid the like in future. —
If you can get the price ment'1 in your letter for the mid-
lings and Ship stuff take it.
I am — Yr friend *fcc*
G° Washington.
P. S. Mr. Douglass is a person I am not acquainted with,
lie may be as able to fulfil a contract as any in Alexandria for
ought I know to the contrary — but prudent precaution to have
the money secured — and at the time it is engaged is not amiss. —
When I wrote you last, I had expectation of being at
Mount Vernon by the 10th of this month ; but now I have
not, nor can I with certainty say when it will be. — Probably
—not before the last of the Month. —
yrs
G. W
SO GEORGE WASHINGTON
XXVI.
Philadelphia June 8th 1794.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letters of the 4th mat* accompanying the reports,
came duly to hand ; and by the Post of to-morrow I was in
hopes I should have been able to inform you of the day I
should leave this for Mount Yernon — but the case is other-
wise— Congress are yet in Session, and although they talk of
rising to-morrow, this may not be the case, and if it were
other business will claim my attention for some days after
the adjournment. — You will continue therefore to write, and
send the. weekly reports to me as usual. —
If lambs of any hind, have been sold from my flocks of
sheep, it lias not only been done without my consent, but
expressly contrary to my orders. — And sure I am, the money
for which they were sold never found its way into my
pockets ; nor is there credit for it in any accounts I have
seen. — So far has it been from my practice, or policy to sell
off the forward ewe lambs, that, in order to prevent it, I
would not suffer any lambs to be disposed of at all unless it
was the very latter runts. — My plan, while it was in my
power to attend to these matters myself, was, to be sparing
of the lambs even for my own table and never to kill the
females ; to keep the ewe lambs (especially the latter ones)
from the Rams the first year — to seperate the Rams from
the ewes at sh[e]aring time (to be returned at a proper sea-
son)— and, at sh[e]aring time also, to cull over, and remove
to a pasture by themselves, all the sheep above a certain age,
and all such as appeared to be upon the decline, that, after
receiving the summers run, and such aid as could otherwise
be afforded them, they might'be disposed of to the Butchers;
reserving enough for the use of the family. — If lambs have
been disposed of contrary to this plan, it has been done by
the knavery of those who have availed themselves of the op-
AND MOUNT VERNON. 81
woriuiiity my absence lias afforded them, to do it. — It might
|)C well therefore for you to enquire by whom lambs have been
sold ;— and as you will see by the written agreements with
my Overseers that they are not allowed to sell even a fowl,
to charge them in explicit terms, not to depart from it. — The
granting them this indulgence, was for their comfort on the
farm ; but they have no right to raise anything thereon, of
any sort, or kind whatsoever, for sale. — If therefore, as the.
practice of this sort is contrary to agreement, they presume
to sell one thing they may, and will be suspected of selling
every thing they can do with impunity. — This reminds me,
of what has often been in my intention to write about, and
that is Mr. Stuarts selling Butter. — He is, I well remem-
ber, allowed a certain part of the butter that is made on the
farm, of course is entitled to the butter or the value of it ;
but to avoid suspicion, he had better, both on his own account
and mine, after taking out what he uses in his own family (and
which he ought to account for) send all that is made, besides,
to the Mansion house; and, as it will go from thence to
Market, let him be allowed for his proportion the price it
sells at. — Besides avoiding suspicion and evil reports, an-
other good will be derived from this practice, and that is,
that it will supercede the necessity of his wife's — or any
other person's running to Alexandria to dispose of this arti-
cle, or to enquire into the price of it. — That Mr. Stuarts con-
duct in this business has not escaped censure you will see by
the enclosed; but as I never entertained an unfavorable
opinion of him, and always a very bad one of Green, I never
mentioned the report to the former although, when the latter
gave the information, I told him to commit what he had t<«
say to writing, — charging him at the same time to say noth-
ing that he could not prove, as he might bring himself into
a scrape if he did. — I have no doubt of Mrs. Stuarts having
furnished Butter for McKnighfs Tavern, and if the quantity
bears any proportion to what is asserted in the paper, that it
c
S2 GEORGE WASHINGTON
lias been fraudulently done. — The account, I presume, is ex-
agerated, otherwise instead of being content with one fourth
(which if my memory serves me, is the part allowed him) }*e
must have taken three fourths of it, at least. — But be the
report true or false, it still shews the necessity of the
measure I have advised, — In the first case, to guard me
against such impositions; — and in the second, to secure his
own character against suspicion and calumny.
Mrs. Fanny Washington writes that the Cellar of my House
in Alexandria wants paving, and to be drained, as it is very
damp. — Let the first be done at any rate, and the latter if it
shall appear necessary, as I presume it is. — You had better
buy smooth,' and well burnt bricks in Town than to cany
them up. — This job will afford another week for Davis and
his attendants ; when one man, in this City, would begin and
finish it (the materials being on the spot) in half a day. —
A Mr. Oneil from Chester County in this state, will be at
Mount Ternon by the time, or soon after this letter will have
reached you. — He has a great opinion of a freestone quarry
near my lime kiln, but a little up the Branch called Hell
hole ; and I have authorised him to open it at his own ex-
pence ; but have told him that if you have a hand or two
that could be spared, and he would allow the same for them
by the day, or month, that he gives to others, I had no
objection to your doing it. — I am to be at no expence or
trouble with him, and he has assured me, that the hands he
takes from hence with him, shall be sober, honest, and well
behaved. — If Tom Davis and Mucins could be spared from
necessary work, they had best go ; for numbers will add
nothing to the dispatch, of my work, whilst it is under tin-
immediate inspection and direction of Thos Green ; who, it
appears indispensably necessary to me, should be superceded
the moment you can get a good workman in whom con-
fidence can be placed, to overlook them ; for the manner in
which my Carpenters idle away their time, is beyond all
AND MOUNT VERNON. S3
forbearance. — Twelve Carpenters in this City, would have
built every house which is on my lot in Alexandria (from the
foundation ) in less time than mine were employed in the few
repairs they received ; but from the habits of idleness which
they have contracted, and the bad examples of Green, noth-
ing better 1 am sure is to be expected from them while they
are under his management.
I am Your friend &cl
G° Washington.
XXVII.
Philadelphia June 15th 1794.
Me. Feakce,
Your letter of the 8th with its enclosures I received yester-
day.—If nothing, unforeseen by me at present, intervenes to
prevent it, I shall leave this City for Mount Vernon the day
after tomorow ; (tuesday) but as the weather is warm, my
horses fat and out of exercise, and I may have occasion to
stop a day on the road, it is not probable I shall reach home
before Sunday or Monday next. — I shall have two white
waiters with me — one a hostler, who may sleep over the Store,
in the room usually occupied by Mr. Whiting. — the other at-
tends particularly on me, and may have a bed made for him
in the Garrot (South end) in the room without a fire place.- -
Try the Turnip seed, in order to prove its goodness ; — for
it is provoking to be at the trouble and expence of preparing
irround for seed that never vegitates. —
As I expect to see you so soon, I shall add nothing more at
this time than that 1 am
Your friend and well wisher
G° Washington.
S4 GEORGE WASHINGTON
XXVIIL
Philadelphia July 13th 1794.
Mr. Peaece,
Your letter of the 9th, with the Reports of the preceeding
week came to my hands yesterday. — I arrived in this City
myself on Monday ; made rather worse by my journey, and
a wetting I got on the Boad on Saturday ; having travelled
all day through a constant Rain. —
I am sorry to hear that the wet weather continues to throw
your work backward — especially plowing — as I am sensible
you have much of it to do, and all of it pressing to be done ; —
for if the Buck Wheat is not plowed in while it is in a green
and succulent state, to have had it on the ground will prove
an injury, instead of a benefit ; because it is from the juices
of this plant that the putrefaction and fermentation proceeds,
and causes it to become a manure. — If the plant therefore is
suffered to stand until the straw gets dry and hard, it returns
nothing to the earth, but on the contrary draws much from
it. — It is high time also that the Buck Wheat intended for
Seed, was in the ground ; as the usual time of sowing it, in
these parts for a crop, is from the first to the 15th of this
month. — These two things in addition to the necessary work-
ing of the Corn for the double purpose of keeping it clean.
and preparing the ground for the "Wheat, will require all your
skill and exertion : — and I am well persuaded you will use
both to the best advantage for my interest if all cannot, from
wet weather, or other causes be accomplished in due season. —
It would be matter of regret if the Oats should have sus-
tained injury from the weather we have had, or may have :
as the Crop looked very promising when I left home. — Begin
to cut them early, standing in a few bundles, or sheafs to-
gether, will ripen them without injury if they are not suffi-
ciently so when cut. —
The Grass too, will, by this time, stand in need of the
AND MOUNT VERNON. 85
Scythes; and I hope all the Hay that can, will be made, and
all spots (in the new meadows) not sufficiently covered — will
be replenished abundantly with good seed, and scratched in
with Harrows, or rakes with Iron teeth. — It is much my wish
to have the meadows well set with grass ; and the sprouts
from stumps, weeds and all other trash exterminated. — These
things cannot, I am sensible, be done in a moment, nor per-
haps as soon as I wish, or expect them: — but to set about
them vigorously, is the only sure means of accomplishing
them. — So much meadow ground as I have, and can make,
may, I am certain be turned to considerable profit. — Captn
Conway of Alexanciy from a small spot of ground near the
Town, sells I am told four hundred pounds worth of Hay
annually. —
I wish you not to mistake my meaning about the Lots in
the Mill swamp. — Putting them in Corn, was not for the sake
of the Crop of this article they would bring ; but for the pur-
pose of cleansing and preparing them for grass ; if therefore
you repeat them in the parts that do not stand in need of such
cleansing, you will exhaust the soil and render it unlit for the
primary object I have in view for them — viz — Meadow, which
I repeat, and am particular in doing so, that you may have a
full and comprehensive understanding of my plan. — The low,
and wet part of these lots it is, that have not, and I am per-
suaded could not, last spring, be prepared for Corn, that T
would have put into; and continued in this Crop until it is
sufficiently reclaimed, and rendered fit for grass ; — whilst the
older parts of them which do not stand in need of this clean-
sing may be sowed with irrass-seeds as soon as you have it
1 Either Richard (Mayor of Alexandria in 1800) or Joseph Conway, Lieut.
under Washington in the Revolution. They were relatives of President
Madison's mother, Nelly Conway, whose paternal home was at Port Conway
on the Rappahannock. They were descended from Col. Edwin Conway,
of Lancaster, Ya. (1G83-17G4), of the Virginia House of Lurgcsses. Col.
Edwin m. Anne, half-sister of Mary Washington, and his daughter Mary
married James Bail, of the same family.
86 GEORGE WASHINGTON
in your power to do it without exhausting it more by tillage.
— Some part of the present mowing ground, particularly from
the bridge leading to McKoys house, up to the Wheat en-
closure, ought, when the Meadows below, and at Union Farm
are in good mowing order, and well set with grass, to be broke
up and put in something that will destroy the coarse and sour
grass which grows thereon — being first sufficiently drained —
and all the low part of the field above it, which was in Wheat,
produced exceeding fine Timothy before it got foul, which
was the cause of my putting it in Corn and then laying it, or
intending to lay it to grass again ; which, if not taken, as I
understood to be the case, I would have well set with it, as
soon as you can. — In a word, and to be short on the article
of grass-grounds, my wish is, to lay all down to it, for com-
mon meadow, that will produce Hay to any advantage (as
Hay either for feeding or selling is profitable) but then, my
wish also is, to compleat as I go ; — by this I mean, that I hail
rather have one lot or acre laid to grass in perfect order
(smooth for the scythe and free from trash of every kind)
than two lots or acres incommoded by stumps, sprouts from
stumps, Briers, or other things wch serve to spoil the cutting,
and to injure the Hay when made ; — and of course the sale. —
Those parts of the large meadow inclosure at Union farm
which were in the drilled "Wheat, have laid to grass as soon
as you are able, that there may be no bald, or naked places
within it. —
I am sensible that I express my wishes faster than they can
be accomplished — but by keeping them steadily in view you
will fulfill them as fast as time and seasons will permit ; and
this is all I can expect or do desire. — But in order that my
directions, when given, may not escape you, read my letter.-
over frequently ; or take from them at the time they are re-
ceived such parts by way of Memorandums to refresh your
memory occasionally, as are necessary. —
It is my wish and desire that everything requisite for my
AND MOUNT VERNON. 87
house in Alexandria, may be done without delay ; that Mrs.
Fanny Washington may remove to it as soon as she pleases. -—
Besides paving the Cellars, and laying a floor in one end of
the Stable she proposed to have some place railed up, or done
up, in some other manner, higher than usual, to secure her
Wood from being pilfered ; this you may cause to be done. —
The floors want to be smoothed over with a plane and the
painting made good, after which I know of nothing to hinder
her going into it for it can be papered as well after, as before
she goes into it. —
I observed the Hearth below in that House and it might
be the same above, was of brick and badly laid. — Get Mr.
Oneill to prepare slabs in one or two pieces, according to the
size of the stone, from the quarry he is working at Mount
Vernon, to replace the brick and let them be bordered as
usual by mitreed pieces of Wood for the flooring Plank to
butt against instead of running the ends of the plank up to
the Brick or Stone as is the case there I perceive.' —
If any Butter lias been made in the ZS'eck (that is at River
farm) or else where to spare, let her have it, or part of it
when she removes; and send her up a boat load of Wood also
to begin with, — but this is not to be continued — or to be
looked for as a matter of course. —
I mentioned to Mr. Oneill and I believe before you — that
an account of all the Stone that went from my Quarry was
to be regularly kept, that I might know how to settle for it
hereafter; — and although I have no reason to suspect that he
would render an unfair, or short account of it, common pru-
dence requires that you should see it measured before it goes
from the Quarry ; and this is easily done as it is always
perched for this purpose ; desire him therefore, whenever he
is about to send any away to give you notice thereof that you
may step down, measure, and charge it to him, or the person
for whose use it is quarried. —
I either misunderstood Peter, or he told me that several of
SS GEORGE WASHINGTON
the Mules wch are returned in the Mansion house Iteport,
and which I did not intend should be used without pre-
viously communicating the matter to me, has actually been
put to the Plough ; although no longer ago than last October
I supplied every Farm with a compleat set of Plow beasts
(Horses or Mules). — If the Mules are to be taken in this man-
ner, I shall never raise them to be of any value. — for to take
them at two or three years old and work them until they can
hardly walk alone, is ruining of them to all intents and pur-
poses, and I desire a stop may be put to the practice. — Es-
pecially as I see no prospect of keeping up my Stock of them,
notwithstanding the immense expence I have run myself to
in providing Mares for the purpose of breeding them. — From
Peter also I was told (but this might be by way of excuse
for his own neglect in not attending properly to them in the
covering season) that almost all the Mares had slunk their
foals ; — and he mentioned an instance of this happening to a
valuable Mare sent from the Mansion house to Dogue run,
and rid by McKoy into the Forest, doing it the night he
quitted her back. — My hurry the morning I left home (for it
was just before that I received this information upon enquir-
ing what prospect I had for Colts this year) prevented my
mentioning the matter to you. --Night rides, and treading
Wheat will forever deprive me of Foals.— But a few years
ago I bought, and sent from Lancaster and other places in
this State ike1, 27 large Mares for the sole purpose of breed-
ing mules — never intending that one of them should be put
to work — having in the year 1TS9 before I left home for
New York, compleatly stocked all my farms [with] work
horses, and left many Mares besides for breeding. — Since
that period (not more than five years) it has taken all the sur-
plus of the old stock, just mentioned — the 27 Mares bought
for breeding, and for no other purpose, and all the Mules
(for at that time there was not one in use) to supply the de-
ficiencies which have been occasioned by the rascally treat-
AND MOUNT VERNON. 89
ment I have experienced from my Overseers; and the want
of attention in mv Managers, during my absence from home
since the period of 17S9 above mentioned. — This I know-
does not apply to you, and it is only mentioned to shew in
what manner I have been abused, and how necessary it i>
that you should guard me against the like in future. —
Unless you are able to accomplish the business without,
Sarah had better I conceive (after your grain and Hay har-
vests are over) be brought to the House again, until you see
your way perfectly clear to get all the articles of clothing for
the Negroes, ready in due season. —
Mr. Lund Washington's receipt for the five hundred pounds
came safe to my hands.1
I hear with concern, but not unexpectedly, of the illness of
your eldest daughter. — That she could not without a change
for the better survive the indisposition with which she has
been afflicted, long, was the opinion of all who saw her; and,
in a degree, I presume must have been your own. — So far
then you must be prepared for the unfortunate event ; and
'tho nature, at so awful a trial, must shrink for a time, reason
and reflection will produce resignation to a decree, against
which there is no controal.
It is but justice to acknowledge to you, that so far as I was
able, from the hurt which confined me whilst I was at Mount
Vernon,2 to look into my business, I was well satisfied with
your conduct, and I am persuaded I shall have no cause to
complain of it in future. — Good judgment and experimental
knowledge properly exerted, never can when accompanied
with integrity and zeal, go wrong. — These qualifications you
have the character of possessing, and I place confidence
1 Appendix H.
s "An exertion to save myself and "horse from falling among the rocks at
the Lower Falls of the Potomac, whither I went on Sunday morning to see
the Canal and locks, has wrenched my hack in such a manner as to prevent
my riding." — Letter to Edmund Randolph, 25 June I7'J-i.
Mr. Pearce,
XXIX.
Philadelphia July 20th 1794.
Yesterday brought me your letter, and the Reports of the
proceeding week ; — the first dated the 10th inst* and the other
the 1 2th .—
Frequent Tlains at this season, if they do not fall too
00 GEORGE WASHINGTON
therein. — My favorite objects, as I have often repeated to
you, are to recover my land from the gullied and exhausted
state into which it has been unfortunately thrown for some
years back. — To lay down all the low and swampy lands to
grass, and be it little or much, to*do it well. — To have Clover
lots sufficient for Soiling Work horses and Cattle, and for
other purposes. — To substitute as fast as possible hedges and
live fences in place of dead ones, and of any thing that
will make them. — To be attentive to my stock of all spe-
cies and descriptions, taking care to improve and increase
them to the full extent of your pasturage, beyond which
although you might raise food for their winter support, it
would be folly to go. — And lastly, to look as much as possi-
ble into the little, as well as the greater concerns of y° farms;
for more is wasted and lost from an omission in not doing the
first than any one is aware of, when they examine the aggre-
gate amount of Trifles. — To improve also every thing into
manure that will make it — is among the considerations to be
attended to.
I remain Your friend and well wisher
G° Washington.
P. S.
Mrs. Washington desires you will send her by the first
Vessel to this place one dozn of the best Hams, and half a
doz11 Midlings of Bacon. — Weigh the whole and send me the
Account of it. —
G. W.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 91
heavily, nor are of too long a continuance, will be the
making of the Corn and Buckwheat; but if they arc of .-uc-h
a nature as to prevent plowing it will be bad; however, it
may so happen, that if you cannot plow in one place, you
may, nevertheless, do it in another, and so pressing as this
work is, it would be better to shift from one field, or part of
a field to another, than to let it be at a stand.
As I do not perceive by the Reports that any part of the
Wheat is drawn in, or stacked, let the shocks be frequently
examined to see that no injury is sustained by the sprouting
of the grain which (however well shocked) it is apt to do,
when rains are more frequent than Sunshine. —
How does the quantity, and quality of the Oats appear to
turn out, since harvesting of them ? — And how does the New
Meadows look, and appear to have been taken with grass,
since they have been cut. — I wish much to have them well
covered with Timothy, or Timothy and clover according to
the nature of the ground. —
Remember to give John the Gardener a dollar, the last day
of every Month, provided he behaves well — letting him know
that it is on that express condition he is to receive it. — And
if a suit of Cloaths of tolerable good cloth, made to his own
taste, will keep him in good humour, let him be endulged
with them. — If by his conduct he merits these things, I shall
not begrudge them to him. —
I am glad to hear your daughter is better — 'Tis possible
her disorder may have come to a crisis, and taken a favorable
turn ; — but it will be best, notwithstanding, to make up your
mind for the worst, unless the appearances are unequivocal*
lest they should prove delusive, which is not uncommon in a
case like hers. —
What is the matter with Betty Davis, and Doll at Union
Farm, that they are—more than half their time— placed on
the sick list? —
I hope particular care has been taken of the Grass Seeds in
92 GEORGE WASHINGTON
li-
the little garden by the Salt house — and of those also in tl
Vineyard — that a fair experiment may be made of the value
of them. — I am of opinion that the everlastff Pea wd make a
good Hay also. — I remain
Your friend
G° Washington.
P. S.— July 21st.
The writer of the enclosed note has just been with me, and
is to call this Afternoon with his Touchers, when I shall
have further conversation with him. — He is a tolerably good
looking man and has the appearance of an active one — but
how far any man, unacquainted with Xegros, is capable of
managing of them, is questionable. — But let me know
whether you have made any agreement yet with Crow,
McKoy, or Butler or any others, as Overseers — and if not
suspend doing it till you hear further from me, which prob-
ably may be by next "Wednesday's Post.
XXX.
Philadelphia July 27th 1794.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 23d and the reports, have been duly re-
ceived.—
The ideas which I expressed in one of my late letters,
respecting the cultivation (in Corn) of the lots in the Mill
swamp, were not intended to forbid the practice in all parts
where it was necessary, to cleanse and prepare them for
grass ; — but to let you sec that Corn was not so much an
object with me, as Meadow ; — and that I did not want the
old parts of those lots so much exhausted by cultivation, in
Corn, as to be made unfit for the produce of grass — or at least
of becoming good pasture. — Knowing this to be my plan, and
my desire, I have no objection to your cultivating any part,
and every part of the lot which is in Corn this year, again
AND MOUNT VERNON. 93
m that article, that may require it, and fit it better for the
purpose it is ultimately intended. — Rut I must again express
my desire that the work be eompleated as you go; if the
seasons (which I know are all in all in this business) will
permit it ; — for to have part of the inclosure in grass and
part in rushes, alders and other Shrubs, is not only an eye
sore, but is a real disadvantage ; as they are continually en-
croaching on the mowing ground. — This is the case in the lot
nearest the Mill Eoad — and in the one next above, which
you talk of laying to grass this fall. — These places (adjoining
the Mill race) more especially, it is, I want to have tended in
Corn, until they are perfectly reclaimed; that the whole of
the lots may be in good grass, and have a uniform appear-
ance ; even the very bed of the run I could wish to have
cleared up, so as to leave no growth there, to extend its in-
fluence.— After giving you this explanation of my wishes, I
leave it altogether to your own judgment wThat parts to tend
next year, and what not, in Corn. —
Does your Corn continue to grow, shoot well, and look
promising? — The season is now come when rain, or drought,
is to make or mar the Crop ; — a drought even now, when
the Corn is beginning to fill, will produce a very scanty
crop. —
Let particular care be taken of the seed of the rare ripe
corn I sent home ; it will be fine for the wet grounds which
cannot be planted early, next Spring. —
I would not have you forego engaging any Overseer you
may stand in need of, on ace* of the farmer I mentioned to
you in my last. — I should be affraid to commit one of the
farms to his management without some previous trial ; — and
as there will be no opening for him before Christmas, it
could not suit him to wait ; — and besides, upon the enquiry
I have made into his late pursuits, I find he has been a good
deal of a Rover. — Was Butler away, he might suit the home
house very well, as he appears to be (though middle aged) an
04 GEORGE WASHINGTON
active man ; and says, if he was put on a place he would not
stir from it from years end to years end. — He appears, from
Lis vouchers, to have been a sort of household Steward, as
well as farmer, and might therefore be useful at the mantion
house if Butler was not emraffed at that place. —
Was irrass seed sown with the Flax at Union farm?— or do
you propose to sow the whole of that enclosure at one and
the same time % —
How does Mr. McNeil (Oneil I believe I should have said)
like the appearance of the Quarry at Mount Vernon as he
uncovers it ? — and has he begun yet to raise stone? —
If you will pay particular attention to the conduct of the
Overseers, or plowmen, with respect to the treatment of the
young Mules, I have no objection, when there is a real ne-
cessity for it, to their being used, gently, at three years old.
because they ought to be handled at that time, to prevent
their becoming obstinate, and restive ; — but to use them as
mine hitherto have been, is to all intents and purposes their
inevitable destruction. — A Mule does not come to his strength
until he is eight or nine years old, nor said to be in his
prime until he is 12 or 15 ; — to put them in the plough
therefore when they are rising three, and work them as my
Overseers have done mine, as they would have done a dray
horse in his prime — is, in one word, an infallible mean to
prevent me from raising any to be valuable; — whereas with
proper usage, and due care, they would serve well for thirty
odd years. —
Is there anything particular in the cases of Ruth, Hannah,
and Pegg, that they have been returned sick for several
weeks together ? — Ruth I know is extremely deceitful ; — she
has been aiming for some time past to get into the house,
exempt from work ; but if they are not made to do what
their age and strength will enable them, it will be a very bad
example to others — none of whom would work if by pretexts
they can avoid it. —
AND MOUNT VERNON. 0.r>
Having said nothing of your daughters health, in your last
letter, I hope she is Letter. — I wish von both well, and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
XXXI.
German Town Aug* 3d 1794.
Mr. Pearce,
I removed to this place on Wednesday last, in order to
avoid the heat of the City of Philadelphia. — It is probable I
shall remain here until about the middle of September — but
letters will come to me as regularly as if I had remained in
the City.—
Your letter of the 27th ult°, and the reports, I received yes-
terday as usual ; and wish the rains we have been complain-
ing of, may not be much wanted before the end of this
month ; as the weather since that fall, has put on the appear-
ance of drought — which, if it happens, will be almost as in-
jurious to the Crop of Corn as if those rains had not fallen. —
If your Corn ground has <rot foul by the rains which have
fallen, or even if they are not perfectly clean, I had rather,
although it will inevitably delay your seeding, put off sowing-
Wheat — or any tiling else indeed — until it is clean, light and
in good order for the reception of them : — for I have never
found anything but disappointed hopes from a contrary prac-
tice; — which has long decided me in an opinion that to aim
at the cultivation of more ground than one can, under almost
any circumstances, master completely, is not the certain way
to make sure, or even large Crops ; but an infallible one to
destroy the land. — I have long been convinced moreover,
that if the same labour, and expence of manure, &c* (which
in the common mode of management in Virginia) was be-
stowed on 50 acres of land, that is now scattered over an 100,
that the former would be more profitable and productive to
90 GEORGE WASHINGTON
the owner. — What I would be understood to mean by this, is,
that afield not more than half prepared for a crop — the Crop
not more than half tilled — and the ground but indifferently
manured, will not produce as much as the half of it would,
if these were bestowed in full proportion to the requirements
of the land. — If ones means is equal to the accomplishment
of the whole there can be no doubt — in that case— but that
the whole will double the half. — All I mean to express is that
whatever is attempted, should be well executed as it respects
Crops — and as it respects meadows and other improvements,
to complete, and make good as one goes. — It was not my in-
tention to apply what I have here said, to the state in which
you have described your Corn ground to be under from so
much rain, or to any particular case ; but as general observa-
tions which I am persuaded will hold good in all cases.— An
essential object with every farmer ought to be the destruction
of weeds. — His arable and pasture grds should produce nothing
but grain, pulse if he raises them, vegitables of different
sorts, according to his designs, and grasses. — Xothins; then
but deep and frequent plowing, hoeing, and hand weeding,
can eradicate weeds; and such other trash as foul, and ex-
haust the fields, and diminish the Crops : and these, neither
in season, in quantity, or quality can be given, if more is un-
dertaken than the force and means are competent to. — I am
idad to hear that the young Timothv is be^innino- to shew it-
self in the New Afeadows. — It is an ardent wish of mine to
have the whole well covered with grass — free from sprouts
and weeds, and smooth for the scythe. — How does the Clover
which was sown with the Oats at Mansion house come on ? —
Does the Potatoes at that place look well ? — and what is the
general appearance of them at the Farms? —
Crow has been applying to Colonel Ball (near Leesburgh
in Loudoun County) for a place — if therefore, he or McI£oy
remains, it will only be because (after enquiry) they find they
cannot do better. — I would have you therefore, make your
AXD MOUNT VERNON. 07
agreements with whomsoever you may think will answer your
purposes on the Eastern shore, or elsewhere, conclusive ;
otherwise you may meet with some disappointment; and at
a late hour perhaps, he ohliged to put up with any you can
get. — For your own ease and satisfaction, I am persuaded you
will endeavor to provide men of good character ; and such as
have the reputation of being industrious, sober, and knowing
in the management of Negros, and other concerns of a farm.
— These things being ascertained to your own satisfaction, is
all I require ; as you know what has been, or ought to be
given for such Overlookers as I stand in need of. —
It seems to me, to be indispensibly necessary that some
person should be engaged in place of Thomas Green, to look
after my Carpenters ; for in the maimer they conduct under
his superintendancy, it would be for my interest to set them
free, rather than give them victuals and cloaths. — James, by
the Reports, has been 9 days I perceive, in plaining the floors
of the house in town — Muclus (besides what was done to it
before) six days paving, and sanding the Cellar which a man
in Philadelphia wd have done in less than as many hours. —
Davis eight or nine days papering, and so on : — whilst Green
himself, and the others, appear determined (as it would seem
to me) to make the new house at Union farm a standing job
for the Summer; — as the chimney, and underpinning will,
more than probably be, for Davis the same time. — When this
last work is done, that is, underpinning the house, it must be
remembered that air holes is left in it, to prevent the Sleepers
from rotting. —
It may not be amiss to say beforehand, that no trifling
character ^unless he means to tread in the footsteps of Green)
will do for an Overlooker of these workmen. — Besides the
usual requisites of skill, honesty, sobriety and industry, he
must be a man of temper; firmness, and resolution. — for it is
not to be expected that men who have been in the habits of
such extreme idleness so long, probably of a great deal of
98 GEORGE WASHINGTON
villainy, can be recovered from it without prudent manage-
ment, and much resolution, properly tempered. — I do not
mean that a person in the place of Green should he employed
before his year expires, unless his conduct, in the meantime
should, in your judgment, indispensibly require it. —
I would not have you engage any person in the room of
Butler yet, though it would be but fair and candid to let him
know, that by his age, inactivity, and unacquaintedness with
the management of Negros, it would not suit me to continue
him longer than for the term he stands engaged, at present. —
If it suits him equally to go away before the expiration of
that term, I would, in that case, write to the farmer I have
mentioned to you in my two last letters, to see if he is still
disen^a^ed, and would e;o there — But unless Butler's inclina-
tion leads him to go, I shall neither require it, nor write to
the other. —
As soon as you are able to fix up on the precise time at
which you shall leave Mount Yernon for the Eastern shore,
mention it in a letter, and when it is probable you will be
back, that I may regulate my letters accordingly. —
The Bacon and other things which you sent up to Alex-
andria are arrived in good order, in the City of Philadel-
phia.—
I have nothing more to add than that, as this is the critical
month for Corn, which is also a plant that is subject to great
and sudden changes, my desire is that you will mention the ap-
pearance of it in every letter you write. — I want also to know
how the Buck "Wheat, sown for Seed, has come up, and looks \
— and whether, of that you turned in as a manure, there was
seed enough ripe to stock the ground again with this plant. —
I am
Your friend &cfc
G° Washington.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 09
XXXII.
German Town Ausf 10th 1794.
Mr. Pearci:,
I have duly received your letter of the 3d, with the reports
of the preceding week. —
If you think the Oat ground at River farm, will not be too
much drawn by a succeeding Crop of Wheat, for Clover ; 1
have no objection to your sowing it with Wheat. — but I have
serious doubts on this head ; and doubts equally serious of
another kind, — viz — that on such stiff and baking land as mine
is, sowing Clover on Wheat, in the Spring, (or which is still
better, on light Snows in the Month of January or February)
will rarely answer. — A proof of this you have had both at
Dogue Bun and Union Farm the present year ; and to the
best of my recollection I have not been much more successful
in former years. — But I leave it to you to act in this case
according to your own judgment. — (As I have understood
from you, that your own land is equally stiff with mine, you
will know better how to manage the latter than if it had been
different.)
It is my wish to lay the ground you speak of to Clover as
soon as possibly it can be put into condition to bear it, to any
advantage ; — for until this happens, the seed is, in a manner,
thrown away ; and an expence, without profit, is incurred. —
When the Money becomes due, for the flour sold in Alex-
andria, receive the same ; — take from it what your necessities
may require ; — and deposit the rest in the Bank at that place:
where it will be ready for my call, or any order I may give
concerning it: inform me thereof. — I do not perceive by the
Spinning report, that any of the Girls are employed in mak-
ing woolen cloaths for the people : — nor do I know what cloth
you have on hand (from the Weavers) for this purpose. — All
ought to be ready by the first of ^November, to deliver to
them. —
100 GEORGE WASHINGTON
I do not, at this distance, pretend to determine when 3-011 r
people, generally, will have most leizure for the purpose, but
this I can determine, that whenever it does happen, all hands
that can be spared, ought to be employed on the Xew Race
to the Mill ; — for the time spent in repairing the old Race
after every Rain, would go a good way towards the comple-
tion of the new one ; — besides the great saving of water. —
If you think the Fall a better time to sow the Seeds which
have been saved from the little garden, and the Vineyard,
than the Spring, I could wish to have it done, as I am ex-
tremely anxious to encrease the quantity of each as fast as
I am able ; — particularly the Sainfoin ; but if, on the other
hand, the Spring is thought the safest season, the sowing
may be delayed until that period : — vhch, on one accfc, would
be convenient, as I wish to sow them in squares in the lot
now in Potatoes at the Mansion house. —
Desire the Gardener to save as much seed as he can from
the everlasting Pea, in the Vineyard. — I cannot but be of
opinion that this Pea, cut young, wrill make an excellent
Hay. — The quantity of it will be great — and its continuance
in the ground, long. — Kor do I believe it requires very strong
land to produce it.
I am — Your friend &ct
G° Washington.
P. S.
Sow the early, that is the drilled Wheat, in good ground
and in good time, that the most that can, may be made of
it—
If there is nothing in the ground (in the little garden) ad-
joining to the few plants of Sainfoin, you might put one half
the seed of that plant which the Gardener saved therein — let
the rows be about 12 inches apart — and the seed very thin in
the Rows — the other half may be kept for Spring sowing to
take both seasons.
AKD MOUNT VERNON. l«»i
XXXIII.
German Town Aiig* 17th ITi'-l.
Mr. Peakce,
Your letter of the 10th has been duly received, and i am
•dad to find bv it that your Corn still retains a favorable
appearance, and that the ground on which it grows is in
tolerable good order for the reception of Wheat.— I wish it
had been in perfect order, as I have no idea of the propriety
of seeding where it is not. — You have not yet answered a
question in one of my late letters — viz — whether the Buck
Wheat which had been plowed in for Manure, had so seeded
the ground as to bring forward a second crop of that article,
for the same purpose — that is, for manure. —
I cannot with certainty recollect, whether I saw the India
hemp growing when I was last at Mount "Vernon ;• — but think
it was in the Vineyard ; — somewhere I hope it was sown, and
therefore desire that the seed may be saved in due season
and with as little loss as possible: — that, if it be valuable, I
may make the most of it. —
What appearance does the Potatoes, which the Gardener
attempted to raise from the Sprouts, put on at this time :
and what are they likely to come to, compared with such as
might have been produced in the same ground, planted at
the same time, in the usual way. —
When I was at home, an application was made to me by
Kate at Muddy hole (through her husband, Will) to serve
the Negro Women (as a Grany) on my estate; iutiiuutii-isr
that she was full as well qualified for this purpose as those
into whose hands it was entrusted; and to whom 1 was pay-
ing twelve or £15 a year; and why she should not be s<>. J
know not; but wish you to cause some enquiry to be made
into this matter, and commit this business to her, ii there-
upon yon shall be satisfied of her qualifications. — This ser-
vice, formerly, was always performed by a Negro woman
102 GEORGE WASHINGTON
belonging to the estate, — but latterly, until now, none seemed
disposed to undertake it.
I perceive by the George Town Gazette, that the Potomac
Company, by their Treasurer William Hartshorn of Alex-
andria, has called upon the holders of Shares in that Naviga-
tion for twelve pounds sterg each, to be paid on, or before
the first day of next month (September). — I hold five shares
in this Company, which will make the call upon me £60
Sterg which is to be discharged at an exchange of 33-J pr G ;
wch amounts to about £80 Yirga Curry or 206f doll1"5.— Let
this sum be paid by the day, or I shall have interest to pay
for every day it runs over. — You will pay it out of the
money due for the Flour which was sold in Alexandria, and
wch 1 desired should be placed in the Bank.
Xot having Col° Lyles Bond by me, I cannot make a clear
statement of the matter in my Books, without knowing the
precise condition of it. — I therefore desire you will send me
an exact copy of the condition of the said bond, with the
date thereof, in your first letter. —
I do not conceive that you will sustain any loss in parting
with Crow — for a mans abilities, or knowledge of business is
of little avail if they are not exerted; or if he suffers in-
dolence, oi- amusements to overcome them — and a bad temper
to keep all around him in a state of disquietude which was
too much the case with him, as well as loss of Stock and
injury to other things, by his inattentions and neglect. — Do
what you think best with McKoy, but recollect always, that
the season for providing good overseers is passing away, and
none will be to be had late, except such as, with difficulty,
can get places at all :— yet, I had rather you should take the
chance of the Eastern shore before yon engage any on the
other shore or round abfc you ; 'as they are more accustomed
to farming. — But it may not be amiss to let it be generally
known, before you go to the Eastern shore, that you are in
want of Overseers; that if you fail to obtain any, while
AND MOUNT VERNON. 103
there, your chance may be the better after you return. — }
have not the smallest doubt but that a considerable portion
of the materials which falls into the hands of Green, and
those under him, are applied to purposes of their own. — A
letter is enclosed for Butler, who must take his own way. —
as to goins: or staying.
I hope your sick daughter has got well again. — I am Your
friend &cfc
G° Washington.
What rare ripe corn will you be able to save from what 1
sent home last Spring ? in part of an Ear. — ■
XXXIY.
German Town 24th Augfc 94.
Mr. Pearce,
In reply to your letter of the 16th which, with the reports,
came duly to hand, I have only to observe that it never was
my intention to withdraw the hands from other essential
work to employ them on the New Mill-Race ; on the con-
trary I only wish that this job may be prosecuted at times —
and at all times, when their other avocations will permit it,
without detriment. — No work is more essential, nor is their
any that can be more pleasing to me, than that of getting the
meadows in nice order ; — of course, employing the Ditchers
to effect this cannot but be satisfactory.
I wish the Overseer you have lately engaged may turn out
well. — The Masons1 may judge tolerably of his industry, but
they are very incompetent (in my opinion) to decide on his
1 Of the adjoining estate, "Hollin Hall," residence of Thomson Mason,
an eminent lawyer (3d son of George Mason of Gunston). Thomson Mason s
estate is mentioned in Washington's Will. Stafford County was the earlier
home of the Masons, and was for many years represented by an earlier
Thomson Mason. Washington's neighbor was father of the eminent Sena-
tor, Stevens Thomson Mason, and grandfather of the Hon. Armstead T.
Mason. (Appendix I.)
30± GEORGE WASHINGTON
skill in any of the branches of farming — particularly those
of Mcadowing, grazing, and the care of stock ; — being plant-
ers themselves and little used to either. — However, if he i<
sober, honest, industrious and docile, he may do under your
immediate instructions, if j^ou can keep him always with his
people (and this I hope you will do) and make him be atten-
tive to your orders and whatsoever is trusted to his care, es-
pecially work horses and Cattle.
Alexandria will bo no good school for Pine ; and if you
can find by enquiry after his having been there, that he falls
into bad habits, or bad company, do not be concerned with
him, let his promises be what they may ; for these will fol-
low him to Mount Vernon, where I would have neither intro-
duced.— I am under no sort of obligation to him, and there-
fore he can have no cause to complain if lie is not employed
by me.
Enclosed is a letter from Mr. Butler. — On what ground he
can expect further compensation than the agreement stipu-
lates, I am at a loss to conceive. — He will recollect that he
represented himself to me as a person who had, and was
qualified to superintend, a large concern. — Under this idea it
is highly probable I might, and I dare say did, tell him that
if he was found competent to it, on trial, that he would be
entrusted with the management of one of the Farms, where
the wages were higher than could be afforded at the Man-
sion house — but has this been the case? — On the contrary,
has it not been found, from experience, that from his age,
inactivity, and want of: authority, he is incompetent to the
present concern, with which he was entrusted ; and for these
reasons I part with him ? and They are, surely, a sufficient bar
to his application ; — unless, as possibly is the case, he means
not to be charged with the money which was given to him
to bear his expences from Philadelphia to Mount Vernon. —
This I did not intend to do ; and further, if he goes away be-
fore the expiration of the year, he may, notwithstanding, re-
AND MOUNT VERNON. 105
ceive the whole wages of one ; — what agreement you made
with liim for the last year, I know not — I always supposed he
was on the same lay as the year before ; and this must cer-
tainly be understood if no new agreement was made. —
Is Groves a married or single man ? — If the former, what
family has he ?
How did your Turnips come up ? and what is the present
appearance of them for a Crop ? — -What is the matter with
your youngest daughter ? and how is your eldest now ?
I remain Your friend &ct
G° Washington.
XXXV.
German Town 31st of Aug* 1704.
Mr. Pearce,
In your last letter of the 24th instfc, came a copy of the con-
ditions of Col0 Lyles Bond ; but you did not give the date of
it ; for which reason the purpose it was wanted for, cannot
be accomplished until the date is transmitted. —
In one of the early letters I wrote to you, I pointed out a
method, which if you would observe, it would be impossible
to omit any thing to which an answer was required : — that is,
when you are going to write, take up the letter, and in read-
ing it, make a short note of every part as you come to it, on
the back of a letter, a piece of waste paper; or Slate, to which
a reply is necessary. — Having gone through the letter in this
manner, you begin your own ; and note after note, as the
contents are inserted in your letter, is scratched out. — By
this means no part of a long letter can ever escape notice ; by
not carrying the whole in your memory, when you sit down
to write, or by being called off* while you are writing it. —
You have not, in any of your letters, said any thing of
what you had done, or was about to do, respecting the drilled
Wheat and Barley. — I would have you make the most you
100 GEORGE WASHINGTON
can of the first, — and give the other another fair trial ; for if
it yields on my Estate in the proportion that Wheat does to
TBarley in this Country, the culture of the latter must be
more profitable than that of the former. — Whenever the sow-
ing of any field is compleated, let it be noted in the Weekly
report ; with the quantity of Seed which has been given to
it.—
The usual practice on those who have been siezed with the
ague and fever, has been, after the third fit, or as soon as it
intermits regularly, to give an emetic, which often carries it
away without the Bark, or other application. —
The land Mr. Gunnel speaks of, lyes in Loudoun County,
although it is within IS or 20 miles of Alexandria — But if
the facts which he relates with respect to the Trespass thereon
can be clearly proved, request Col° Simms of Alexandria, or
any other who practices in Loudoun Court, and is well recom-
mended to you, to bring suit against them : — for it is really
shameful to be treated in the manner I am by people who
take such liberties with my timber and wood during my ab-
sence— under a supposition they may do it with impunity. —
You may inform Mr. Pierce Bailey that my selling, or
not selling that tract, depends upon getting the terms of my
asking, complied with. — These are Fifteen hundred pounds
(Virga currency) — Five hundred of which to be paid down,
and interest on the other two thirds until discharged — the
credit to be agreed on which may be 3, four, or more years ;
provided the land and a Bond is given as security for pay-
ment of the principal ; and some unquestionable surety for
the regular discharge of the interest on the day it. becomes
due. — Mr. Gill of Alexandria came up to my price, but we
differed with respect to the Interest. — There is about 300
acres of it, with two good Mill Seats on it — one wholly mint'.
the other on difficult run which divides my land from others
— There is also a good deal of Meadow land on the tract. —
I have no objection to your putting up the Still which is at
AND MOUNT VERNON. 107
Mount Vernon, if any advantage from it can be derived under
the tax, which is laid upon it; — which Doctr Stuart ' and
others, who have Stills, can give you better information than
i am able to do. —
What is the matter with young Boatswain ? who, to the
best of my recollection has been on the sick list many Weeks.
— I wish you well and am
Your friend &cL
G° "Washington.
XXXVL
German Town Septr 7th 1794.
Mr. Peajkce,
Your letter of the 31st ult° with the Reports, I have re-
ceived.—
A few days ago I received a letter from Mr. Pyne dated in
the City of Washington still expressing a desire to be em-
ployed at Mount Yernon, and a wish to be there some short
time before Butler left it, that he might get a little insight
into the nature of the business, previous to his entering upon
duty. — I referred him for his being employed at all, and for
the terms and time, to you ; not chusing to enter into any
agreement with him myself lest it might militate with any
views of yours; — desiring him to shew you the letter I wrote
to him on this subject, that you might he acquainted with my
ideas thereon. —
Enclosed is a certificate for Mr. Butler. — The latter part I
suppose he wd have dispensed with; — but in my opinion it is
necessary that the whole truth on such occasions should he
told; for I have no idea that with a view to serve one person
it is justifiable to deceive another ; — and without that part, it
!Dr. David Stuart, of Ossian Hall, Fairfax Co., who married '.(1788) the
widow of Mrs. Washington's son, John Parke Oustis. Br. Stuart was the
son of George the Third's Minister of that name. He was a much trusted
adviser of Washington who rememhered him in his will : *'To Doctor David
Stuart I give my large shaving and dressing table, and my telescope."
108 GEORGE WASHINGTON
might with propriety he asked why I parted with him.— If
his activity, spirit, and ability in the management of Negron
were equal to his honesty, sobriety and industry there would
not be the least occasion for a change. —
It is not possible for me, at this distance, to say when the
Carpenters and Xegros on the respective farms will be most
at leisure for removing the Xegro quarters at Union, and
lliver Farms ; but if this work is not set about before the
weather gets cool, it may be dangerous (as the daubing and
filling in will be green, and not sun enough to dry them be-
fore winter) to put the Xegros in them ; — and besides, after
the ground gets soft and slippery, the trouble, and time neces-
sary to accomplish the removal of the houses will be double.
—I have nothing further to add at present than to wish you
and family well. — Being
Your friend &c
G° Washington.
XXXVII.
German Town [Pa] Sep1 14th 1794.
Mr. Pearce,
I am well satisfied that the omission of the date of Col0
Lyle's bond was accident, and not design — and for that rea-
son suggested a mode, by the observance of which, no in-
formation that is required will ever be omited. — When is
that Gentleman, by promise, to discharge this bond ?
1 think you were quite right in sowing the early (or
drilled) Wheat at different seasons, with a view to discover
the best season for it. — But have you been told, or do you
know, that the drilled Wheat at Union farm was of two
kinds — one of them double-headed. — Unless Crow kept them
asunder, the next growth from these seeds will be a curious
liotch potch. —
I am sorry to hear of the heavy rains you have had, on
many accounts ; but on none more than throwing you back-
AND MOUNT VERNON. 109
ward in the Mill swamps, and the hard and unfit condition it
will put them grounds for the reception of the grass seeds,
even if it should not have gullied and washed the soil off, in
places. — I know too, that besides stopping your ploughs on
ace' of the wetness of the land, that such rains are apt to
gully the fields already sown with Wheat ; and to render
those which have not received the seed, in a much worse con-
dition for this purpose ; but as these are the effects of Prov-
idential dispensations, resignation is our duty. — I am per-
suaded you will render the disadvantage as light as possible,
and that is all I can expect. — Under these circumstances I
hope the season has not urged you to sow faster than the ground
was in order ; for I know no practice worse than ploughing
and sowing when it is too wet.
Drains in all the fields that require it (and none requires it
more than No. 6 at Dogue Run) if those heavy rains had not
come, ought to be made before the winter wets set in ; as,
for want of these, and notwithstanding I am continually in-
culcating this doctrine upon my Overseers, I have much
Wheat drowned every year.
I am sorry to hear that you, among others, have the Ague
and fever.— -It has, from what I hear, been uncommonly rife
this year ; — occasioned it is presumed, by the wetness of the
Summer. — An emetic, after it becomes regular, as I men-
tioned in one of my former letters, and care, generally re-
moves it. —
The actual spitting of young Boatswain should be carefully
investigated, and medical aid administered if it be real ; —
which, from the temper of the boy's mother, and her desire
of keeping him with her as a waiter, may well be questioned.
— Under pretence once before, of a hurt by a Cart she kept
him three months (if I recollect rightly) in the house with
her, until he was forced out; and this may be the case again.
Whilst some deny, other affirm, that the yellow fever is in
Baltimore — I shall decide nothing on this head myself, and .
110 GEORGE WASHINGTON
only mention the matter, that if that should be yonr ront to
the Eastern Shore, whensoever yon may go, that you may be
on your guard.
I am Your friend etc1
G° "Washington.
XXXV1IL
Philadelphia Sep. 21st 1794.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 14th instfc and the weekly reports, have
been recd.
We left our Quarters at German Town yesterday, and are
again fixed in this City.
Thomas Green's quitting my business of his own accord-
whatever the pretence may be — is in my opinion a lucky cir-
cumstance, as my repugnance to turning him away was on
account of his helpless family. — These you may suffer to re-
main where they are, until he can provide a place for them ; —
or until you may have occasion for the house for his successor ;
provided this is not unreasonably delayed. — Old Bishop must
be taken care of whether he goes or stays.
It would be well that you should be off — or on with Pyne.
without more delay ; — first because the season for providing
Overseers is getting late ; — 2dly because he may have found
employment, or received offers in the Federal City (where
wages are high) of such a nature as to raise his expectations
above what the services you want him for, would enable me
to give. —
What have you done with McKoy ? — Does he go, or stay
another year ? and what are the present appearances of the
stone quarry at Mount Vernon ? — Last year a Xephew of
mine living in Westmoreland County, about 70 miles below
you; l had partly engaged a man (who was master of two or
'Col. William Augustine (1757-1^10), son of the General's half-brother.
Aug. Washington. His mother was Anne Aylett. He married first Jane
AND MOUNT VERNON. Ill
three iXegro Carpenters of his own, which he was to bring
with him) to look after my Carpenters ; but the unwilling-
ness, on aee* of Green's family, to turn him away, prevented
it. — This objection being removed, the enclosed letter, left
open for your perusal, may be forwarded, or destroyed, ac-
cording to circumstances, at the time you receive it; as you
will best know what steps you have taken, and your prospect
of succeeding, to supply the place of Green with a competent
character by other means. —
J am glad to find by your last letter that the several Crops
which are now on the ground look as well as could reasonably
be expected. — It is, and has been, much my wish to make a
visit to Mount Yernon before the meeting of Congress, on
the first monday in l^ovem1"; — and I assuredly should have
done it, had it not been for the Insurrection in the Western
counties of this State l — which, for ought I know to the con-
trary, at present may, instead of it, make it necessary for me
to move that way. — The state of things at this moment does
not, however, enable me to decide on either movement with
precision. — One thing certain, is, that if I am not at Mount
Yernon before the 15th of October, it is not within the
bounds of probability that I shall, before the Spring, be at
that place ; as public business will compel me to be at the
Seat of Government (in this City) before the first of Novem-
ber (a few days before the Meeting of Congress)2. —
Washington, daughter of the General's own brother, John Ang. ; second a
daughter of Ilichard Henry Lee; third a daughter of Col. John Tayloo.
To this nephew (Win. Aug.) Washington bequeathed the first choice of In*
four swords. He selected the dress sword, since decorated with a myth thai
it was presented by Frederick the Great, as " from the oldest general in the
world to the greatest." The same nephew was one of the executory; of
Washington's Will.
1 The Whiskey Rebellion at Pittsburgh.
-This is a passage of some historical significance. A stormy discussion
was going on as to the constitutional right of the president to command the
army in person, the "republicans" generally denying, the " federalists "
affirming that right. It presently turned on the right of the president to
112 GEOltCE WASHINGTON
Mrs. Fanny Washington lias requested leave for her Over-
seer Tayler to get as many boards from my land in the Keek,
or else where, as will cover a Corn house at her Plantation,
wch it is deemed necessary to erect ; — this you may permit,
without waste, to be done by her own Carpenters, without
any aid of mine. —
Mrs. "Washington requests that the Gardener would send
her some Artichoke seed of the best kind he has, and by the
first Post under cover to me. —
I remain your friend and well wisher,
G° Washington.
XXXIX.
Philadelphia Septr 28th 1794.
Mk. Pearce,
In a seperate letter of this date, I have wrote you pretty
fully respecting the Xew .Road, which you are appointed
Overseer of, with orders to open ; — that the letter may be
■
absent himself from the seat of government during the session of Congress.
I have a private note written by the Secretary of State (Edmund Randolph)
to Washington, while he was with the army at Carlisle, in which (Oct. 11,
1794) he says : " If I conceived it possible that an opinion uttered in Bache's
paper of this morning, against the propriety of the President holding the
command of the army after the meeting of Congress, should suggest any
doubt in your mind, I should take the liberty of offering to you my de-
cided sentiments to the contrary." Washington preserved silence on the
dispute ; but this letter to his agent Pearce shows that he had made up his
mind, before leaving, to be present at the opening of Congress. In this
connection the following unpublished letter of Washington may be in-
serted. It is in reply to a letter of Major John Clark (York Borough, Sept.
27) and dated at Carlisle, G Oct. 1704 : " I thank you for your polite offer of
attending me to the field, but my going thither or returning to the seat of
Government in time for the meeting of Congress depends upon circum-
stances not within my information at present as to enable me to decide.
Nothing short of imperious necessity can justify my being absent from the
seat of Government while Congress is in session. Under this view of the
matter I decline making any establishment of a sute unless that necessity
appears when in the choice of Aids I must have regards to considerations of
different kinds."
AND MOUNT VERNON. 113
shewn to the Court — to Mr. Mason — or whomsoever is the
mover in this business, without having other matters of a
more private nature blended therewith. —
Since writing to you this day week, I have engaged a
Scotchman, just arrived in this country, in the place of
Green. — 1 do not expect much from him as an overlooker ;
that is, I do not believe lie will carry much authority among
my negro carpenters, as he appears to be a simple, inoffensive
man; and because, that of House Carpentry or Joinery, is
not his profession ; but as he has the character of a very
honest, sober, and industrious man, his example, with such
representations as he may make to you, of neglect and
misconduct, may be serviceable.- — Making of all sorts of
Plows, Carts, wheels of all kinds, and various impliments
of husbandry, is what he lias been brought up to ; though
he says he has worked two or three years at house work,
and can make a Sash or a pannel door. — The buildings in
his country being all of Stone, he knows nothing of fram-
ing.— The enclosed memorandum contains the out lines
of the agreement betwreen us ; which has yet been verbal
only.—
I have told him he is to have Green's house, Garden, 6cc\
but if you have not an eye to it, Green will burn the fence of
the latter, and strip the former of everything he can. — This
man (James Donaldson) will, with his family, embark this
day for Mount Vernon, on board Captn Mitchell. — But if
Greens family should not have removed, they, or Donaldson's
may go into the room next the Shoemaker's till Green finds
a place to carry his family to ; which he is to do without
waste of time ; — for I do not mean to keep them there, after
he is gone: — Bishop, as I mentioned in a late letter, must be
provided for in some way or other, to keep him from suffer-
ing.
Donaldson, if he is really skilful in making plows, Carts,
Wheels, &C6, may be extremely useful to me; first in mak*
S
I
114 GEORGE WASHINGTON
these tilings himself for the farms, — and next, in putting my
own people in the way of doing it. — He is to be furnished
with Tools ; — and he wanted me to make him some allowance
for his eldest son, who he says could work — but the latter I
refused to do. —
I have written by this Post to my l>"ephew, to countermand
the request contained in the letter which passed through your
hands; — but I should not be much disconcerted (if they can
be accomodated with house room) if both were employed ; as
the last (that is the man from *Westmoreld) would be more
competent to the Management of the Negros, whilst the
other might be principally, if not wholly, occupied in putting
the Wheels, Carts, Plows, and other utensils in order ; — and
in making and repairing Spinning Wheels &c* &cl wch he
professes to understand well. —
I presume you are upon some certainty ere this, with re-
spect to Pyne.— If you are not, nor know not what is become
of him, do not on this account, remain longer in suspenee
than you can be otherwise provided ; — he wrote to me some
time ago from the Federal City. — I am sorry to hear of poor
Butler's illness.' — The season every where, has been remark-
fab] ly sickly. —
I leave this on Tuesday for Carlisle, where I shall (from the
information I expect to receive from the Insu[r]gent Counties
of this state) be better enabled to determine whether I shall
proceed on with the Troops, than I can do here. — If you clo
not see me at ]\LC Vernon, of which I have very little hopes.
by the middle of October, you may take it for granted I can-
not be there before the meeting of Congress ; — and of course
not till Spring.
Remember the promise I made to my Sister1 of a Mule, if
she should send for one — let it be a broke one, and good, —
1 Washington's widowed sister, Betty Lewis, was in good circumstance* ; i>
was simply through affection that lie occasionally sent her some useful
present. (See Introduction.)
' Error for Thomson. (See ante.)
- Established and originally owned by Capt. John Posey, of Fairfax, who
was beaten by Washington for the House of Burgesses (1705). The Ferry
ran from just above the Mount Vernon fisheries, mouth of Doguc Creek (E)
across to Marshall Hall, It was bought and operated by General Washing-
ton.
AND MOUNT VERNON. ]\>,>
but not the very best. — Your letter (sent to this place ah
neuai) will come regularly to me. —
I am Your friend &ce
G° Washington.
XL.
Philadelphia Sep1 2bth 1794.
Mi:. Peaece,
I have received your letter of the 21st instfc, and the Reports
of the preceding week. —
I am glad to find your seeding of Wheat is over, and that
it is compleated in such good time. —
There cannot, in my opinion, be the smallest occasion for
opening the new road, which under different circumstances
than those which exist at present, was ordered by the Court
at my particular request. — Kor would it be, if opened, of the
least benefit to anyone except Mr. Thompson ' Mason and
very little to him, as he has the free use of all the Roads
(though with gates to them) that he ever travelled before
that order was obtained. — It is to be observed that, when I
applied for, and the Court granted that Road, the design was,
to relieve me from a great hardship, without doing any in-
jury to the public ; for at that time the Ferry called Posey's
(where Crow lives) was a public one '■ — of course the Road
from the Gum-spring to it, and from my Mill to it, were
public Roads ; and by the Laws of Virginia Gates wen?
forbid on them. — This prevented me from enclosing my
land, as the expencc of Lanes on both those Roads would
have been too heavy for the advantage wch would have re-
116 GEORGE WASHINGTON
suited. — Under this view of the case, and because very few
who passed the ferry travelled the Alexandria Road, I was
led to form the plan of having but one public Koad through
my Mount Yernon tract, which would have been from my
Mill, by the Barn on Union farm, along the string of fence
that divides the upper from the lower fields, until it came to
the Gate on the hill, by a lane, that distance. — All, in that
case, who would have cros'd the Ferry going to, or returning
from Maryland, would pass the Mill ; — at which place, if go-
ing down the Country, they would take the Road to Colches-
ter ; — if going towards the Mountains or Alexandria, they wa
have to pass by Mr. Lund Washington's.1 — This was the real
situation of things when the Court, on my petition, was
pleased to afford me the relief I asked, by permitting me to
stop up the old, and to open new public Roads. — But the
thing has now taken an entire new shape; for finding
after this permission wras obtained that the Ferry had become
so unproductive as not even to furnish the Boats which were
required, I petitioned the Assembly to discontinue it by law.
as it was established by law ; — hence the Roads to it, I pre-
sume, ceased to be public ; — and the new ones unnecessary —
at least for the present — as the old ones (with the difference
of Gates only) serve all the purposes they ever did. — Upon
this representation, which I am sure is a candid and just one,
I persuade myself that the Court will not compel me to open
the Road you say you have been required to do, when no
person, half as much as myself, would be benifitted by it.- — In
fact, with my force, the thing is impracticable this fall ; — for
the greater part of two miles, from the level ness of the
ground, and water (knee depth at times) standing thereon,
would require a high causeway to render it passible in the
winter. — If it was done I should derive more benefit from it
than any other person — for there would be no pretext then
1 "Hayfield." Near the old Mill Dam, about 4 miles N. W. of Mount
Vernon mansiou. Colchester, now a ruin, is ou Oceoquan Creek.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 117
for passing through my Farms and leaving the gates open for
my own stock to get out and others in. — These sentiment*
may be communicated to the Court if the order with which
you are served is positive — and to Mr. Mason who I am con-
fident is not disposed to run me to such an expence at this
season for so trilling (if any) an advantage to himself.
I am your friend &C1
G° Washington.
XLI.
Heading Octr 1st 1794.
Mr. Peaece,
I am thus far (55 miles from Philadelphia) on my way to
Carlisle agreably to what I wrote you on Sunday last. —
As I am not much accustomed to the management of Buck
Wheat — and think I have heard you declare the same — the
purpose of my writing to you now, is to inform you that this
Crop on the whole road I have travelled, is cut down (al-
though I should have thought it much too green) and remain-
ing in the field in very small cocks, not larger than a Wheat
sheaf drawn to a point, at top, where I presume it is to con-
tinue until the seed gets perfectly ripe, and the straw cured.—-
The Potatoes too were every where disrffingc.
I remain your friend and well wisher
G° Washington.
XLIL
Carlisle 0th October 171*4.
Mr. Peaece,
I wrote you a few lines from Heading the first instant —
and the only design of writing to you now is, to inform you
that I clearly see that it will not be in my power to visit
Mount Vernon before the meeting of Congress, and of course
not 'till the Spring. — I mention this matter that you may not.
118 GEORGE WASHINGTON
whenever the situation of your business will permit you to be
absent, delay your journey to the Eastern Shore from an ex-
pectation of seeing me in Virginia. —
I have no particular directions to give, because I have con-
fidence in your judgment, care and integrity. — I would have,
however, all the Stock that would be endangered in the
course of the winter, disposed of before it arrives ; — and no
more hogs put up for Porke than such as are of fit age and
size. — I am Your friend (fee*
G° Washington.
XLIIL
Philadelphia Kovr 2d 1794.
Mk. Peaece,
I have had neither leiznre for, nor opportunity of, writing
to you since I did it from Carlisle, 'till my return to this
place; which happened on Tuesday last. — In the mean time
I have received your several letters of the 28th of Sept1' — and
5th 17th and 23d of last month.—
As the accident I met with in June last, prevented my
riding about my farms when I was last at home, I should
have been very glad to have made another visit to it in the
course of last month ; knowing if I did not do it then, It
would not be in my power to do it before April ; as Congress
will, more than probably, set till March and the roads during
that month will be in no condition to travel. — The perfect
confidence however which I place in your care, judgment and
integrity; makes me quite easy under the disappointment;
which I should not have been if my affairs were in the hands
of a person of whom I did not entertain the same favorable
opinion. — By looking to the letters which, from time to time
I have written you, and to the written details I give you of
ray plans when you first entered on my business, you will,
without any additional direction to them, in this place, see
what my views are, and can be at no loss to carry them into
AND MOUNT VERNON. 119
effect the ensuing year. — To introduce system, and a regular
course of crops; to introduce grass where, and when proper;
— to make meadows, and hedges ; — to recover my fields from
the exhausted, and gullied state in which many of them are ;
■ — to improve my stock, and to get into away of establishing
large dayries, and turning that stock to profitable uses (which
may be the case so near as my estate lyes to Alexandria,
George Town, and the Federal City) — and to make much
Hay, which will always be in demand, and command a good
price ; are much more desirable objects with me than to push
the best of my fields, out of their regular course, with a view
to encrease the next, or any other year's crops of grain. — I
know full well that by picking and culling the fields I should
be able, for a year or two, to make larger crops of grain / but
I know also, that by so doing I shall, in a few years make
nothing, and find my land ruined.- —
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter, but
as it was an event long expected, you must have been pre-
pared for the stroke. — The country every where that I have
been, or heard from, has been uncommonly sickly the past
summer, and to the present moment. — The ague and fever
has been sorely felt where it was never known to be before,
together with other complaints.- — The death of Paris is a loss,
that of Jupiter the reverse.1 — ■
You have not informed me in any of your letters, which
have come to hand, whether you have engaged Fyne or any
other for the Mansion house, or whether McKoy continues
another year, or is to be replaced by any other. — I did not
expect much from James Donaldson as an Overlooker of my
Carpenters, when I engaged him ; and for that reason observed
to you, that if my Nephew (Col° Will™ Washington of AVest-
1 The colored aristocracy of Mount Vernon had grand names : Cyrus,
Cesar, Hercules, Paschal, Bristol, Richmond, Bishop, Lee, Charles Wash-
ington. Among the female names occur some unusual ones — Sinab, Mima,
etc.
120 GEORGE WASHINGTON
moreland) should have engaged the man I wrote to him abont,
to keep botli would be attended with no disadvantage; but
I have not heard or received a syllable from my Nephew in
answer to my letters — hence I infer they never got to his
hands ; and the demand for workmen at the federal City
is such, and their wages consequently so high, that if Don-
aldson as an overlooker should prove incompetent, I know
not how, or where you will get supplied. — If he understands
what lie professes to have been bred to, and is sober and
industrious, he may prove a very useful man to me, although
he is unfit to have the care of my Carpenters. — But what
have you done with him, if Greens family still occupy the
house 1 — By my agreement with him, lie is entitled to the
use of thai house, and Garden, and may consider it as a
breach of contract to be deprived of it. — What then is to be
done with the other family. — I cannot bear the thought of
adding to the distress I know they must be in, by turning
them a drift; and it would be as disagreeable to let them
come into that part of the Green house adjoining the Shoe-
makers room ; — their habits are not good ; — and to mix them
among the Xegros would be attended with many evils as it
respected themselves ; — and no good as it respected me. — It
would be better therefore on all accounts if they were re-
moved to some other place, even if [I] was to pay the Rent :
provided it was low — or make some allowance towards it. —
Donaldson and family will get disgusted by living: among the
Negrros, if he is still in the Green house. —
I am glad to hear that your Fodder was got in good time.
and that there was a good deal of it ; — also that your Corn is
likely to yield well from the gathering you have made of
it. — It is to be regretted that your last sown wheat looks so
indifferently, — especially the fallow field at Dogue run. — Get
all the Buck AVheat out of the Straw as soon as you can, and
put it away securely ; — letting me know the quantity. — The
Straw will, I presume, make good litter. —
AND MOUNT VERNON. 121
I am very sorry to hear that the fly is getting into the
Wheat — This makes it necessary to get it out of the straw as
(juick as possible, and either to grind it into flour — or sell it
in the grain — as soon as possible. — To know which of these is
most for my benefit, order a hundred bushels of neither your
hest nor worst wheat to be sent to the Mill, cleaned as it would
and ought to be, for sale. — Let this hundred bushels be sent
to the Mill and manufactured; then see whether the different
articles which is made from it, at the Alexandria prices, with
the Bran &cfc justly rated, is worth, or would fetch more than
the unground Wheat at the same Market. — If it does not, I
encounter all the waste the trouble and expence of the Manu-
factory to a loss.—-I have requested this experiment several
times to be made by your predecessors in my business, but
never could <ret it satisfactorilv made ; and have strong rea-
sons for believing that my Wheat, for several years back,
would have sold for more than the flour of all sorts, with the
addition of the bran, shorts and talings. — The fact, with re-
spect to the last crop, you may, I conceive, ascertain with
certainty, by having recourse to the Mill books; — these will,
or ought, to Shew, all the Wheat that had been received, — and
all the flour and other articles which had been delivered. —
Hating then the different sorts of flour (sold and used) at
what it actually fetched, — and fixing a proper price on the
Bran and shorts, with some allowance for the talings, gives
you the total amount of the Wheat after it is manufactured,
—then see what the whole quantity of Wheat which the Mill
had received, would amount to, at what would be deemed the
curr*, or medium price of Wheat at Alexandria last season ; —
this would give you the aggregate amount in both cases, and
shew the difference of the two, upon a large scale. —
Are all the Cabbins, as well as the Quarters at Union farm,
fixed in the lane opposite to the Overseers house? I fear the
season is too late to go into fresh daubed Cabbins. —
1 am Your friend &c* G° Washington.
122 GEORGE WASHINGTON
P.S.
By not hearing from you yesterday I presume you were on
the Eastern Shore.
XLIV.
Philadelphia 16th Nov' 1794.
Mr. Pearce,
By the Post of yesterday I received your letter of the 11th
inst1, with the Reports of the three proceeding weeks ;
(except those of the Carpenters). — I did not write to you
last week, not having heard from you by the two Posts
before.- —
I am glad to hear that your Potatoes and Com are likely
to turn out well, and that the Wheat now in the ground
looks promising. — The last Crop of that article according to
your account is miserable [in quantity] and the Buck Wheat
not a great, [deal] better. — Of the latter, and of the Potatoes
[keep] enough for Seed for next year. — [It is miserable for
a farmer to be obliged [to purchase h]is Seeds — to exchange
Seeds may, [in some] cases, be useful ; but to buy them
[unless in] the first year is disreputable. —
Let me know from time to time, what prices Wheat and
flour are at, in Alexandria — 12/6 for the first, pr Bush1 ; and
£3 pr Bar1 for the latter, are the value of them in this City,
at present [quotations]
The letter from Sally [Green] is enclosed. — I have n<>
doubt [she is] in very distressed circumstances, [but am] at a
loss as to the best mode of affording her relief. — That of
going to Alexandria, is, I fear, a bad plan ; altho', if she was
able, and in earnest, to take in washing and sowing it would
be the best stand for these. — What she means by keeping a
shop, I am at a loss to understand ;— it is to be feared her
shop wd be no more than a receptacle for stolen produce,
bv the ^e^ros: — Examine into this matter ; and you may aid
her in any thing that appears to you feasable to the amount
AND MOUNT VERNON. 123
of twenty pounds, in [the way] of things, or on credit; but
!id[thing] in money, lest it should be [spent in] unessential
things which [she can do with] out, instead of being applied
[to actual] wants, or in the purchase of [such] as may be
turned to advantage. [If she] goes to town you may give
her a ... of Wood — a little flour — and some meat at
killing time ; besides what is usually allowed her father. — If
she goes there her eldest son may derive some benefit from
the charity school which is established there at my ex-
pence. —
If she has not yet decided on her plan, she ought to do it
immediately ; — or at any rate, James Donaldson ought to go
into the house she is in. — I am sorry he did not do it at first
— that he might have been kept as seperate, and as distinct
as possible from the Negros — who want no encouragement to
mix with, and become too familiar (for no good purposes)
with those kind of people. — I have often said, and I again
repeat, that if you can get such a man as would, in all points,
be a fit superintend ant of my Carpenters, I would have you
employ him ; but this fitness ought to be ascertained — other-
wise, either from [differ] ence of wages, or some other cause,
[his presence] might discontent the man you [have] without
deriving equivalent advantages from another. —
I do not know, if you should have been disappointed by
Pyne, whether the loss will be great, for the more I saw of
him, the less I liked him. [He seem]ed to be more of a
talker, than [a worker].
I am glad to hear y[ou are succeeding in your fall plow-
ing-— [I hope it] will be pushed vigorously, at all times that
the ground is in a good state for this work. — And I am not-
less pleased to find you are cutting up the fallen timber. — 1
earnestly recommend a continuance of this plan ; either, for
[tails, where it will make them, or for fire wood ; whenever
your leizure will permit; as the waste which, heretofore, has
been committed, all over my land, is shameful. —
124 GEORGE WASHINGTON
What number of good [full-grown hogs will] yon put up,
or will be able [to sell] this fell, for Porkers? — [Those] on
hand (with a small reservation) may be] disposed of, as it i.v
not [in the line] of probability that myself [or any] of my
family, can be at Mount Vernon before the next supply will
[be ready] — and if the culled sheep, and other [live] stock
cannot be sold, they had better (rather than run the hazard
of losing them) be salted for next harvest.—
Mr. Hawkins, one of the Senators from North Carolina,'
on his way to this place, left at Mr. Lund Washington's iu
order to be sent to Mt Vernon, sundry cuttings of valuable
Grape vines for me. — The letter Jierewith enclosed, gives an
account of them ; and his manner of treating them. — Let the
Gardner see it; — and after taking such acct3 of them as arc
necessary, return the letter to me again. —
You proposed when I was last at home, to cultivate in
Corn, Rye, or something else, with a view of cleansing the
ground, that part of the pasture at the Mansion house which
lyes above the hill, adjoining the Wood, Xorth, and ]S"0 Wc
of the clover lot by the Quarter. — To this I consented, but
did not direct it, nor do I now direct it, leaving it to your-
self to act from circumstances. — I shall require however, if it
is done, that a great many of the Trees be left standing
(without regarding the injury the Croj> may sustain by it, for
that is only a secondary object). — These may be single ; or
partly single and in clumps; or all clumps; according as from
their present standing and appearance, it should be thought
they would answer best. — If clumps should be prepared — let
them be large ones, where they can be so; not less than from
'Benjamin Hawkins, b. in Yates Co., N. C, 17o4, was Washington's
interpreter in intercourse with French officers ; senator from 1T80 to 1793,
when he was appointed Superintendent of all Indians South of the Ohio,
which office he held until his death (1810). He was a graduate of Prince-
ton, and an accomplished writer, as is shown by his work on " Indian
Character."
AND MOUNT VERNON. 125
«<» ?«■> 100 feet in diameter. — Let the transplanted chimps be
".;.<!<> good this fall, and ensuing spring. —
I will bring to your view, what I was about to do myself
the fall before last, with the grounds adjoining to what has
l»een just mentioned; that if it should strike yon favorably,
you may carry it into effect (but from which I was then di-
verted by the desire of employing the Muddy hole gang of
hands in the swamps at D. [ogue] Run. — It was with that
gang, to clear all the land which Ives between the Alexandria
road and the pasture fence, from the white gates up to the
little old field, for Corn; for that Plantation (Muddy hole):
instead of tending the worn out fields at that place; but to
leave the Trees standing either in clumps, or singly, as they
are in the adjoining part, through which the road passes. —
You will readily perceive that I had a threefold object in this
plan ;— the first was, to open that ground like the adjoining ;
for ornament, and for the enlargement of the pasture ; — the
2'1 was, to avoid tending: the worn out and gullied fields at
Muddy hole ; — and the 3l, to have a stock of Wood for firing
with as little carting as possible. — I merely mention the thing
at this time, that you may think of it ; and see how far it can
be made part of the other project, within the pasture fence : —
and that, if it should be thought well of, the field which other-
wise wd come into corn at Muddy hole may ]ye over. (Tart at
least of the ground through which the road to the White gates
pass, that has been cleared would also require cultivation to
destroy the sprouts, grubs, &cfc and to accomodate it better
for pasture thereafter.) — I shall not enlarge as it is enough to
suggest the matter for consideration; and to see how it would
comport with, or militate against, the general plan of busi-
ness.—1 am sorry to hear that your people still continue bickly
— the complaint is general, and' in many places mortal. —
I wish you well and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
v
-
126 GEOKGE WASHINGTON
XLV.
Philadelphia Novr 19th 171*4.
Mr. Pearce,
Enclosed I send you thirteen hundred dollars; out of which
I desire von will discharge and take in my bond, with a re
ceipt thereon in full, from Mr. Lund Washington. — The letter
to him is left open for your perusal and government in tiii-
business. — The accounts therein are, for aught I know to the
contrary, correct; but if any errors should be fonnd in them,
there can be no objection to the correction of them. — When
you receive the bond transmit it to me. —
Out of the above sum you will also pay to the Trustees ol
Alexandria or their agent or Treasurer, the sum of fifty
pounds ; being my afiual donation to the charity school at the
Academy in that place— due sometime in this month. — And
I request moreover, that you will pay my annual subscription
of ten pounds to the Revd Mr. Davis (incumbent of the Epis-
copal Church in Alexandria)1 — When it became due I am
unable to inform you ; but you may know this from the paper
itself — or you may do so from Mr. Herbert,2 who interested
himself to obtain the subscription. —
I am Your friend (fee1
G° Washington.
1 The Rev. Dr. Slaughter, historiographer of the diocese of Virgin:.*,
writes me: k'The Rev. Thomas Davis was licensed by the Bishop of London
for Virginia 21 Sep. 1773, and ministered in Norfolk and elsewhere. When
he went to England for ordination he carried letters from John Page oi
Itosewell and John Norton. Page says: 'I beg to introduce to you Mr
Davis, a candidate for orders and a late Usher of our College (Win. an i
Mary). I need say but little of him as I suppose you were acquainted with
his father, and make no doubt he will carry many recommendations to yon."
Mr. Davis succeeded Rev. Bryan (Lord) Fairfax in Alexandria. 1792. lb-
officiated at Washington's funeral, visited Mrs. Washington daring her ill-
ness and buried her — so that it is to be inferred he had the respect of tbf
family. He left about 1806, and died on the Eastern Shore (Ya.)"
- William Herbert, who long occupied the Braddoek House in Alexandria,
AND MOUNT VERNON.
XLYI.
Philadelphia Kovr 23d 1701.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 16th with the reports — except the Car-
penters, which I have been without for several weeks — came
to my hands yesterday. —
As I expected, so it happened, my letters to Col° Will1"
Washington of Westmoreland, did not reach him until a few
days ago. — As you seem to be of the same opinion wch I en-
tertained at first, namely, that from the easy and simple man-
ners of Donaldson, he wcl not be a fit overlooker of Tsegros, I
have again written to my Nephew concerning the Carpenter
in his neighbourhood ; and put the letter under cover to you,
open, that if you have engaged a person for this business, or
have one in contemplation for it that you think will answer
well, you may accompany it by a line from yourself to stop
his application — otherwise let it go, and wait the result of
Col0 "Washington's answer, which agreeably to my request, 1
expect you will receive ; before you engage any other. — In
case you should get any one in the place of Donaldson as an
overlooker of the Carpenters, let him, Isaac and the boy Jem,
be kept to the making and repairing of Carts of different sorts.
Wheels, Plows, Harrows, Bakes, Wheelbarrows, and all kinds
of farming impliments ; — and tell him, as from me, that I
hope, and expect, that lie will take pains to instruct both Isaac
and the Boy in the principles of the work ; that I may derive
benifit hereafter from his instruction of them. —
If you should succeed in getting an Overlooker for the out-
doors Carpenters, you will direct the execution of such work
as appears to be most wanting. — but whether he be a married,
or a single man, he must not occupy the rooms in the store
was a distinguished citizen of that town, where his grandsons still reside.
One of Ins daughters married Thomas (Lord) Fairfax.
128 GEORGE WASHINGTON
house ; — those, while you remain in what is called the Ser-
vants Hall, must be kept for Geutlemens servants, and my
own, while I am on a visit to Mount Yernon. — When you re-
move to the Ferry (if you mean to do so) and the house you
are now in, is restored to its former use — a single man might,
in that case, occupy the rooms in the store house, in the man-
ner Mr. Whitting did ; but it would not be very convenient
for a Married Man (especially one with children) to be there. —
Speaking of Gentlemens Servt3 it calls to my mind, that in
a letter from Mrs. Fanny Washington to Mrs. Washington
(her Aunt) she mentions, that since I left Mount Yernon she
has given out four dozn and eight bottles of wine.1 — Whether
they are used, or not, she does not say ; — but I am led by it
to observe, that it is not my intention that it should be given
to every one who may incline to make a convenience of the
house, in travelling ; or who may be induced to visit it from,
motives of curiosity. — There are but three descriptions of
people to whom I think it ought to be given : — first, my
jKirticular and intimate acquaintance, in case business should
call them there, such for instance as Doctr Craik.2 — 2dly some
of the most respectable foreigners who may, perchance, be in
1 Appendix H.
- The following notes concerning Dr. James Craik are mainly derived
from Dr. Philip Slaughter's " Memoir of Col. Joshua Fry." Born in
Oebigland, Scotland, 1730, graduated at Edinburgh, he began practice in
the W. Indies, whence he came to Virginia. Commissioned as Surgeon in
the regiment of Col. Fry, Washington's senior in command, they together
buried their chief (31 May 1754) near Fort Cumberland, when Washington
carved the inscription said to be still legible: <; Under this oak lies the body
of the good, the just and the noble Fry." Washington being now in com-
mand, Dr. Craik remained attached to him ; he was Surgeon-General of the
Continental Army, and after the Revolution resided at Alexandria. In 1761
he married Marianne Ewell, whose mother, Sarah Conway, was niece of
Washington's mother. Dr. Ewell, late president of William and Mary Col-
lege, is a nephew of Dr. Craik's wife. Dr. Craik himself had been a pro-
fessor in that college ; and when Washington entered on the presidency be
entrusted his two young nephews (Lawrence and George Steptoe, sons of
Samuel Washington) to his old friend's home and teaching. A sou of Dr.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 120
Alexandria or the federal city ; and be either brought down,
ur introduced by letter, from some of ray particular acquaint-
ance as before mentioned ; — or thirdly, to persons of some
distinction (such as members of Congress &cfc) who may be
travelling through the Country from North to South, or from
south to North ; — to the first of which, I should not fail to
i^ive letters, where I conceive them entitled. — Unless some
caution of this sort governs, I should be run to an expence as
improper, as it would be considerable; — for the duty upon
Madeira wine makes it one of the most expensive liquors that
is now used ; — while my stock of it is small — and old wine (of
which that is) is not to be had upon any terms : for which
reason, and for the limited purposes already mentioned, I had
rather you would provide Claret, or other wine on which the
duty is not so high, than to use my Madeira ; unless it be on
very extraordinary occasions. —
I have no objection to any sober, or orderly person's grati-
fying their curiosity in viewing the buildings, Gardens &c'
about Mount Vernon ; — but it is only to such persons as I
have described, that I ought to be run to any expence on ac-
count of these visits of curiosity, beyond common civility and
hospitality. — No gentleman who has a proper respect for his
own character (except relations and intimates) would use the
house in my absence for the sake of conveniency (as it is far
removed from the public roads) unless invited to do so by
me or some friend ; — nor do I suppose any of this description
would go there without a personal, or written introduction.- -
I have been thus particular, that you may have a full view
of my ideas on this subject, and conform to them ; — and
because the knowledge I have of my servants is such, as
to believe, that if opportunities are given them, they will
take off two glasses o£ wine for everv one that is drank by
<Vaik (George Washington) was a private Secretary of the president in h\<
second term. Dr. Craik was with Washington at his death, his own death
occurring G Feh. 1314 at Vancluse, Fairfax.
130 GEORGE WASHINGTON
Buch visitors, and tell you they were used by them ; without
such a watch over them as the other business you are cm-
ployed in, would not allow you to bestow.—
1'tpbserve what you say respecting the Hogs for Porke, and
have ro add that so many as are necessary to furnish all those
who, by your agreements, are entitled to be served with
Porke ; with a moderate allowance for Bacon for the use of
the Mansion house, should be put up ; whether they be old
or young: — and I wish pains may be taken to cure the latter,
as the most "of that which was sent to this place was spoiled.
— The principal reason why I requested that none but full
grown Hogs might be put up this fall, was, that my stock of
them another' year might be the better for it : — but as I do
not mean to buy porke, the necessity of breaking in upon the
young hogs is unavoidable* — '
It was an omission of McIvoy not to measure his Potatoes
when, and as they were taken from the fields ; and it is the
more to be regretted, as I wanted to know the quantity which
grew in each lot, and in a particular manner, the quantity
that grew among the Corn at that place ; that I might see
and compare the Crop of Corn and the Crop of Potatoes
together. — But it would seem as if my blundering Overseers
would forever put it out of my power to ascertain facts from
the accuracy of experiments. — Make your estimate (as I
observed in my last) of the quantity of Potatoes required
for seed next year, allowing for waste and spoilage, before
you use, or sell any. — It being my wish that many shd be
planted. —
In making the calculation whether it is better to sell
Wheat in grain, or in flour, it will be necessary to learn pre-
viously whether the first is sold by measure or by the weight
at Alexandria — for if G0lb is called a bushel, and the wheat
weighs only 55lb the difference will be very great when a 100
Appendix J.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 131
luir-h" by measure is reduced to the bushels it will yield by
weight at 60lb.
You have never informed me what precise measures have
been taken with respect to the trespasses on my land on four
mile run — either of what has passed, or for prevention.— 1
wish you would see Mr. Minor and converse with him on this
subject ; and act according to circumstances. — If it be neces-
sary to survey the land in order to ascertain the trespasses,
and the boundaries, let it be done by some skilful person. —
The Papers I left with you. — The wood is the most valuable
part of the tract. —
You did very right in putting the amount of Col° Lyles
bond into the bank of Alexandria. — Let me know the precise
amount thereof. — as also of what you deposited there before,
that I may debit the Bank for it. — With this letter, you will
receive another, enclosing money to discharge my bond to
Mr. Lund Washington ; my donation to the charity school in
Alexandria ; and subscription towards the Salary of Mr.
Davis ; which I desire may be done without delay. —
I wish you well and remain
Your friend
G° Washington.
XLYIL
Philadelphia Nov. 30th 1704.
Mr. Peatcce,
As the experiment of grinding a hundred bushels of Wheat
into flour, is found more profitable than to sell the like quan-
tity in grain; — I would have you proceed in the manufacturv
of what little I have made. — and I desire the particulars of
the experiment may be sent to me. — and the Miller must be
careful that he keeps up to it.— or I may be deceived there-
by—
Caution Sally Green against dealing with my negros after
she is fixed in Alexandria. — If she deals with them at all she
132 GEORGE WASHINGTON
will be unable to distinguish between stolen, or not stolon
things ; — and if her conduct should lay her open to suspicion,
she need expect no further countenance or support from me.
What; demands the Mill swamp may have upon your
labourers for the next year I do not know independant of
that, I should think the Mansion house and Muddy hole
gangs, with such force as you might draw from the other
farms, would not fall much short of clearing up the skirt of
woods mentioned in my former letter ; and if well grubbed,
and thoroughly broke up, it would be infinitely better for
Corn than K° G at Muddy hole, which is extremely poor and
much worn. — However, as I observed in my former letter, 1
leave the matter to your own judgrn*; but desire, (not only
for the sake of the Corn which will go into the ground, but
for the pasture afterwards, and for prevention of sprouts
choking it) that every thing may be grubbed that can be
grubbed ; although it will require more time to clear the
land in the first instance. — And as it will look as well to be
cleared in clumps (letting these clumps be, some of them
large, and some small) I would have it done so ; as the corn
will be much better than if growing among- single trees, as
was the case in the Inclosure by the white gate. — This inclo-
sure might be cleaned and brought into Corn also. —
As soon as your Corn is all gathered and measured, let me
have the account of it in one view — naming the farms and
fields in which it grew ; — Do the same by the other crops ;
and I wish to know, as nearly as possible, if McI\oys hindering
will not suffer it to be done accurately, the quantity of Pota-
toes that grew in X° 4 at Dogue Run.
Have you fixed nothing yet with Pyne, nor with any other
for the Mansion House ? — The person living there, if you
remove to the ferry, ought to be a careful and trust worthy
character. —
You speak of stuff for sheds, but do not say where. — 1
wanted sheds on the foundations which were laid of brick, at
AND MOUNT VERNON. 133
i)o£e run, to be erected for the work horses, oxen, &cl — the
( 'orn houses making one of the ends to them. — My plan was
fully explained to Green, but whether Isaac or Tom Davis
understood it, or not, I am unable to say. — They were to be
half roofs, open in the front so high as to admit horses tfcc*
freely into them without danger of rubbing their heads or
backs. — above that to be boarded. —
I will get four or five bushels of clover seed and send it to
you in time and shall depend upon your having enough of all
other sorts. —
I am your friend &c*
G° Washington.
P.S.
1 hope you received my last letter, with the 1300 dollars
safe.
XLYIII.
Philadelphia Decr 7th 1794.
Mr. Peajice,
Your letter of the 30th ult°, with the weekly reports, came
safely to hand.
By mistake, the sum of £300 was omitted in the charges
against my bond, to Mr. Lund Washington ; as you have
discovered in the above letter. — By my mode of settling the
bonded account, lie will be £7. 10. 8 in my debt— and by the
mode he proposes, I shall be £51. 12. 11. in his debt. —
Which of these is the mode by which a Court of Law, or
Equity, would settle it, I neither know, nor shall try ; all
that I can say on the subject, I have already said in my
letter to him — viz — that Mr. John Mercer J settled my ace:1
with his fathers and Brothers Estate by charging me
interest on all Ms payments ; and when 1 objected thereto,
he said it was the method by which the Chancellor in Yir-
' Son of John Mercer of Marlborough, of Stafford Co., Va., lirst editor of
Virginia Laws.
'<■}
134 GEORGE WASHINGTON
srinia settled matters of a like nature ; which was confirms!
by Mr. Randolph, who was well acquainted with the practice
of that Court l. — However, as 1 am determined to have no
dispute on the subject, Mr. Washington may settle it by
which account he pleases, (both are enclosed,) or by striking
a medium between the two methods, as shall be most
agreeable to his own ideas of justice. — Take up my bond,
and after tareing my name from it, send it to me; — Let
all the accounts between him and me be finally closed — and
unless there is an absolute occasion for it, do not run me
to the expence of smiths work there, or elsewhere, in
future.—
After you have discharged this account — and such others
as are known to be due, from me, place the surplus of the
money in the bank of Alexandria, and give me the amount
of the sum. — But on second thoughts, there will be your own
wages — the wages of the Overseers — &cfc which will be due
in a very little time. — Let all be paid — for I never like to be
in debt to any one — or have any money in my possession
that another has a right to call for. — You had better there-
fore pay all these off — detain what is due to yourself — and
not close, or transmit your accounts until these are done, and
the year is ended, that your next, and every account may
commence with the new year. —
In my last, I desired that my Wheat might all be manu-
factured and held in readiness for the first good market that
shall offer, of which keep me advised. — The price of Super-
fine fi.our at this place is 65/ pr Bar1 and that of fine 02/ and
62/6 — Wheat from 0/6 to 12/6 according to quality. —
As your crop of fodder this year has been great, and got in
good season — and much more grass than usual cut, I flatter
1 Edmund Randolph, at this date Secretary of State, had "been Wash
ington's legal adviser for many years before and after his appointment
a3 the first Attorney General of the United States. (Appendix F, 3d letter,
and Appendix II.)
AND MOUNT VERNON. 135
invself you will have a good deal of hay for sale. — Be this,
however, as it may, do not sell close until you are ahle to see
your way through the winter clearly. — I wish that my horses,
and stock of every kind should be fed with judicious plentv
and (economy ; but without the least profusion or waste. —
And be particularly attentive whilst you are feeding away
the Potatoes to reserve an ample stock of them for seed ; — as
also of Turnips. — If there came no more than GOO bushels of
Potatoes from the field ls° 4 and the lots, at Dogue run, the
crop must have been a very indifferent one at that place ; —
but I was more anxious to know how many bushels grew in
the field X° 4 that I might compare it with the yield of the
same field in Corn. —
I think it would be no unsatisfactory experiment to fat one
bullock altogether with Potatoes ; — another, altogether with
Indian meal; — and a third with a mixture of both: — keeping
an exact account of the time they are fatting, and what is
eaten of each, and of hay, by the different steers ; that a
judgment may be formed of the best, and least expensive
mode of stall feeding beef for market, or for my own use. —
You will recollect, that when X° 5 comes into tillage
(which I believe it is to do in course, next year) that the
Woods within the fence is to be cleared up, and prepared
also, for Corn, in order to supply the place of the two lots by
the Barn, and the barn yard itself, which were taken from
that field. —
I intended that the sheds at that farm, which were
intended to be erected on the brick foundations adjoining the
two Corn houses, should be shingled with Cyprus, and men-
tion it now, that it may not be misunderstd when the work is
gone about. —
As the wood on my four mile run tract, is the principal
value of it, I would not have you delay enquiring into the
nature of the tresspasses ; — nor in punishing of those who are
guilty of them, if the proofs are clear.
136 GEORGE WASHINGTON
How does the new race at the Mill progress ? — and when
do you conceive it will be fit for use ? —
How does James Donaldson conduct himself? — Does he
appear to understand well those kinds of work which he pro- •
fesses to have been particularly bred to ? — And has lie moved
into the house below the hill ? — caution him against familiar-
ities with the iSTegros.
I perceive by your last letter that you have moved your
family to the ferry, but have left a bed for yourself in the
end of the Store. — If you had liked it better it would have
been quite agreeable to me that you should have retained a
room in the house, the one in which I believe you were ac-
customed to lodge— but do in this matter as is most agreeable
to yourself. —
What was expressed in a former letter respecting the man-
ner of treating visitors to Mount Vernon, was laid down as a
general rule; but persons not always recommended, or intro-
duced in the manner I described in that letter, may go there,
who are entitled to equal civilities ; and in such cases you
must be governed by your own judgment ; — and in this I
have so much confidence as to rely on it ; being well con-
vinced that your regard for propriety will not suffer any mis-
application of the means that may be committed to your care,
— and as far as it is practicable, that you will not suffer the
Servants to misapply them. — Therefore, for such occasions
and for the use of the sick, I desire you will lay in a box of
claret, and some lisbon, or Tenerif wine, that my Madeira
may be reserved, as it is old, and not easy to be replaced, for
my own use when I get home. — 1 remain your
friend and well wisher
G° Washington.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 137
XLIX.
Philadelphia Dec* 14th 1704.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 7th inst1, enclosing the reports of the pro-
ceeding week, came duly to hand. —
I approve your idea of clearing up the wood between the
fence and the road, and letting it lay over to another year ; —
but quere, would it not be better, instead of cleaning the
ground thoroughly, and exposing the earth to the rays of the
summers sun, to have it well grubbed, and lye with all the
brush on it until the proper period arrives for breaking it up
for Corn ? — In many places, this is a universal practice ; — and
in the opinion of some (especially in the -Northern and East-
ern States) an indispensable one. — They have two ways of
doing this. — The one is, by letting the brush lye on the
ground until the leaves, and small twigs have fallen, and are
beginning to rot ; which, when plowed in, occasions putre-
faction and fermentation, and of course more product, after
these have happened. — The other is, to let the brush lye (not
in heaps, by piling it up, but as it is cut off) until the Spring,
— and then set fire to it ; which spreading over the whole
surface, equally, warms the earth, while the ashes serve as a
manure. — wob of these is best, or whether either of them are
better than to expose the soil to the Sun (as it is of a cold and
sour nature) deserves consideration. — At any rate I agree with
you in opinion, that it is best, as you have already plowed up
K° G at Muddy hole, not to tend the ground (now in wood,
and of wch we are speaking) in Corn next year — My wish,
as I mentioned in a former letter, is, that when the ground is
cleared, every thing that can be taken up by the Roots may
be grubbed ; — for though more time will be required to do
this — yet, in the end, labour will be saved by it ; as to lay
the grubs all one way, will also do. —
138 ' . GEORGE WASHINGTON
I am very willing that you shd tend the Number of Com
holes at the Mansion house which you propose, and with the
force belonging to that place ; but do you not mean to com-
prehend the ground between the Orchard and outer fence, as
well as the Orchard itself ? — the first is necessary in order to
clean, and get the ground in order ; as bushes and shrubs are
spreading over it. — But where, and in what manner do you
mean to have the communication between the Stables and the
pasture below the Hill ? — The most natural one, at least the
one most out of sight, would be by a lane around the clover
lot, by the Quarters back side. — The fence to inclose that
field, for Corn, ought not to appear in view of the house ; and
for that reason shd discend the hill (far enough to effect this
purpose) that goes from the lot where the Potatoes grew last
year to where the old cabbins stood. —
I likewise think with you that the field between the
Meadows and Mill would hardly pay the cost of cultivation
until all the woods which are therein is cleared up ; and
therefore have no objection to letting it remain awhile longer :
— but I cannot consent, in order to effect this, to be tending
the same fields over and over again ; because they may hap-
pen, at this moment, to be in some what better condition. —
This would be continuing a practice which has been the de-
struction of my land hitherto, and which my great aim and
endeavor is to avoid. — By the last report from Union farm I
perceive you are plowing in jST° (3, but for what purpose I can-
not conceive, as I have not recollection enough of my plan of
rotine to decide whether it is agreeable thereto — but know
that it was in small grain last year and in Corn the year be-
fore and parts of it extremely poor. — iS'ordo I at this moment
call to mind, What field, at that farm, goes into Corn next
year ; if it be Ts° 4, as part of it, according to both our ideas
had better lay longer untilled, I would ask whether the d I 111 -
ciency might not be made up for the hands thereof by tend-
ing the Jnclosure between the white crates and the irate in the
AND MOUNT VERNON. 130
hollow ? — Good part of that Inclosure, if the trees were
trimmed up, and in some places thinned, would bring (for it
has brought) good corn.
I hope, and wish, Allison may turn out well. — I know no-
thing of the one yon have engaged — but it is a family of very
little respectability, and closely connected with a set of people
about my Mill — the Pools particularly — than whom I believe,
a more worthless set are no where to be found. — It was this
Allison too, if I mistake not, with whom Crow spent, or
rather mispent much of his time.
I remember well your speaking to me concerning the erect-
ing sheds for the Cattle by the new barn at Union farm and
my consent thereto— nor do I object to them now — On the
contrary am much pleased that you are extending them to all
the farms — but desire that these may not prevent the erection
of those I had contemplated by the Barn at Dogue run for
the work horses and Cattle, so soon as ye Carpenters are en-
abled to build them. —
I perceive you are gathering thorn berries, with which I
am pleased ; but to turn them to account they must lye buried
a year before they are sown — I presume however, you have
informed yourself of all this. —
Is it possible that the Wheat you send to Mill should only
weigh 48f and 49 lbs pr B1?— the Millers report says this.—
Let me have the dates of the deposits of the money which
you placed in the Bank of Alexandria; — they are not men-
tioned in the Memm which came in your last letter. —
Is Oneil still quarrying stone at Mount Vernon? — What
has he raised and what has become of it. —
I remain — Your friend &cfc
" G° Washington.
140 GEORGE WASHINGTON
L.
Philadelphia Dec* 21Bt 1704.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 14th instant with the papers and reports,
which were enclosed therewith, came safe to hand. —
The whole amount of the Corn Crop I perceive is, 163<>
barrels, — I perceive also, by the reports of the last week, and
I believe it has been as much for several Weeks preceeding,
your weekly consumption of this article is 22 barrels to the
Stock, and about 14 to the Xegros ; amounting together to
36 barrLs which, multiplied by 52, the number of weeks in a
year makes 1872 ; and is 233 barrls more than is made. — How
far this extraordinary consumption has been occasioned by
the Hogs which have been fatting, and how far it is capable
of reduction, it is more than I am able at this distance, to
determine. — It wd, if continued, be using considerably more
than ever was expended on the Estate ; — for which reason, as
I observed in one of my late letters to yon, at the same time
that I wish nothing to be starved thereon, I would have the
Corn — and indeed every thing else — administered with the ut-
most ceconomy — for hard indeed will it be, upon me, if I can
make no more from my estate — Wheat alone, excepted — than
is consumed thereon ; and from the produce of that article,
Overseers wages, and every thing that is bought, is to be
paid. —
Can you form any judgment from the Oats that have been
threshed, what will be the amount of the Crop ? — I am really
mortified at not knowing the quantity of Potatoes that grew in
N° 4 at Dogue run, that I might have compared it with the
yield of corn in the same field ; and thereby decided with more
certainty and precision on cultivating of both in that manner. —
Do you suppose that that field wd have yielded more Corn if
it had been planted in the usual way — at the distance of 5J
AND MOUNT VERNON. 14-1
or »J feet a part, each way (which would have given about the
rume number of stalks to the acre) than it has done at 4 by S.
— And does the growing wheat in that field, look as well as it
does in others, equally exhausted I — It is interesting to know
this. — I wish also to know how the Wheat and Barley, in
general looks ? and whether this mild autumn has not pushed
it too forward ? — I am equally desirous of knowing how
the Clover and other grass-seeds which were sown last
spring and winter look at this time ? — A finer summer and
fall never could have happened for them, than we have had.
The price of flour in Alexandria is far short of what it sells
at here, — ten dollars pr barr1 being the price of it in this city.
— This is an additional inducement to hasten the manufactur-
ing of all the "Wheat I have ; — for as the freight round dues
not exceed half a dollar, I shall not be disposed to receive
there much less than the difference of freight and insurance,
between the two places. —
When is it probable, with the force that is employed on
the Mill race, it will be completed ; and the water turned
therein ? — I ask this question because I do not recollect the
turn in it which you speak of ; nor how far, nor what depth
it is, from thence to the upper end of it. —
I am of opinion that you had better give the Barn at
Muddy hole a thorough repair — and do all the jobs which are
necessary, before the Xew Barn at River farm is undertaken.
— I should like to consult you on the spot, before any plan i>
formed for that ; — and to know with more precision than 1
do at present, the advantages, and disadvantages of the one at
D[ogue] Bun. — As the brick foundations for the sheds which
I propose to have built at the last mentioned place, were laid
last October, I am surprized to hear you say that nothing
can be done towards them -till the spring, on acefc of the
Brick work. — Let the old Barn at River farm be well shored
or propped, to prevent accidents ; which if the people should
happen to be in it at the time, might prove a direful one. —
142 GEORGE WASHINGTON
The field X° 4. at that place will require much aid of
manure ; — and much labour to recover it from the gullied
state in which it was, when I viewed it last ; — and no work
can be more necessary than to accomplish these; as far as the
nature of the thing, and the means you possess, will enable
you to perform them. —
I am glad to hear so good an account of Donaldson ; en-
courage him to exercise spirit and industry ; — and convince
him that you will support his authority. — It may prompt
him to exertion, and pride. —
I perceive by the Spinning report of last week, that each
of the spinners have deducted half a pound for dirty wool. —
to avoid this in future (for if left to themselves they will soon
deduct a pound, or more) it would be best to let them receive
none but clean wool. — I do not recollect what allowance of
provision the Gardener was to have had by any former agree-
ment, but being willing to allow him and his wife what they
can fairly eat, themselves, without misapplication — waste, or
giving it to others — you might let them have what they re-
quire, under those restrictions ; — and as they have no place
out of the Cellars or Meat house, to keep whatever is allowed
them, — query — whether it would not be better to give it out
to them once in a while (weighing it to see how they go on)
than all at a time? for they must know, positively, that no
part of what they shall receive in any manner, is, by saving,
or otherwise, to be considered as a perquisite, and disposed of
as such. — To what they can eat they are welcome ; but none
shall be sold or given away unless perchance, it may be, now
and then be, to a person who visits, and may eat with them.
I am Your friend &cl
G° Washington.
P.S.
I have looked in vain for the Xotes, for the Tob° I have in
Alexandria ; — If I should have sent them to you, let Peter
carry them to Mr. Lear of George Town ; — or vou might send
AND MOUNT VERNON. ' 143
them by the Post — but the Postage you, not he, must pay. — ]f
you have them not enquire of Col0 Fitzgerald ' if I did not
send them to him.
G. W.
LI.
Philadelphia Decr 2Sth 1704.
Mr. Peakce,
I have duly received your letter of the 21Ht inst* with its
enclosures. —
Your idea of fencing the ground at the Mansion house for
Corn, accords exactly with mine (as far as I understand it)
except in joining the fence which comes from the first (outer
gate) in the hollow to the corner of the clover lot, north of
the road, by the deep wTashed gully. — My idea was to continue
that fence on, (making a lane there between it and the clover
lot) until it descends the summit of the hill which goes down
to the Creek — then continue along that hill, just out of view
of the house, and walks about it, by the old Cabbins, until it
should strike the outer fence, which runs from the first men-
tioned gate to the Crk — in the most convenient manner ;
without enclosing too much ground ; — that is, without enclos-
ing more than is cultivated. — If the first course of fence (as
proposed by you from the gate in the hollow) is to join the
corner of the clover lot as above, how can there be a passage,
as usual, into the lower pasture, when the fence from that
corner continues round the several Inclosures quite to the
Wharf or lime kiln ? — I conclude from hence that you either
misunderstand me, or I mistake you, because in this instance
our ideas are not to be reconciled. —
I do not conceive that all the grd comprehended within the
line of fence as I have described it, will much, if any, exceed
35 or 40 acres : — but of this I speak by guess, never having
formerly on Washington's staff, and sometime Mayor of Alexandria.
144: GEORGE WASHINGTON
measured it. — The woods without the pasture fence from the
Inelosnre by the white gate, up to the little old field on the
road to Alexandria, I have measured; the contents of which
(as yon may see by the enclosed draught of it) is 74 Acres;
and in the part comprehended from the turn in the road, at
a kind of pond, to the place where the gate used to stand (on
the old road leading into the house) contains 33 acres. — "Within
the white gate Inclosure (as the fences runs) there is, to the
best of my recollection about 40 acres. —
Whether to put this last mentioned inclosure into Corn,
with the Union farm hands, or that part of 2s ° 4, at that farm,
which adjoins the lane leading up to the Barn, in Oats — or
whether both can be accomplished, I shall leave to your own
judgment, with this caution — viz — never to undertake more
than you can execute well y allowing for the usual chances of
weather.' — I do not hesitate to confess, that reclaiming, and
laying the grounds down handsomely to grass, and in woods
thinned, or in clumps, about the Mansion house is among my
first objects and wishes. — If corn should be attempted in this
enclosure, the trees may, in places, be thinned a little ; but
not much ; but all must be trimmed up — "Will knows how to
do it. — The grubs should be compleately eradicated to prevent
the ground from fouling again with succours etc1 — and the
hill sides (liable to wash into gullies) ought not to be broke. —
The other fields at this (Union) farm, will go on agreeably to
what is mentioned in yr letter.
And I perceive the rotations for Dogue-run, Muddy liole
and lliver farms are right as you have described ; and the
two first may go on agreeably thereto. — One reason why
Dogue-run has only two fields for cultivation next year is, on
account of the Mill swamps which it has been my anxious
wish to get in grass — one lot after another — and in complete
order, and on accfcof grubs in X° 5.
For the reason you have mentioned, that is, the want of a
partition fence between fields X° 4 and 5 at River farm and
AND MOUNT VERNON. 145
the difficulty of enclosing the whole securely, I consent to
vour managing of them in the manner you proposed next
vcur ; and letting is0 T lye over to another year, — and that
von may put Oats and clover in the ground where Buck
wheat grew this year, agreeably to your proposal. —
In clearing the AVood in X° 5 at Dogue-run, leave two or
three clumps of trees standing, for the purpose of shado and
ornament. — and by attending to the rotation of Crops at that
place you will perceive that JST° 4 is to be sown with clover —
let this be done at a proper time this winter, or early in the
Spring, on light snow. —
Presuming you keep all my letters, that you may have re-
course to them occasionally for the opinions, sentiments and
directions they convey to you, I request you will carefully
peruse two long letters I wrote to you at your first going to
Mount Vernon — Many things were contained therein which
require attention ; — and some others which circumstances
might not, at that time permit the execution of, that may be
attempted now.— Many matters of importance were suggested
in those letters and to refer to them is all that is necessary to
bring them to view, and into operation where they can be, as
I do not know that any change respecting them, have taken
place in my sentiments. —
In bad weather, when the carpenters are unable to work
out, let them prepare frames, shingles &c* for putting in
more dormant windows in the back of the Stables at Mansion
house, and two in the front part of them ; — one on each side
the pediment — in the centre between it and the ends — for
the purpose of giving air to the Corn and hay loft.
The weather has been so extremely favorable for plough-
ing that I hope this part of your business is in great forward-
ness.-—
Tell house Frank it is my hope, and expectation (now there
is nothing for him to do in the house) that his whole time
will not be spent in idleness. — He might find enough to do
10
)V
nilv
14G GEORGE WASHINGTON
(under the Gardeners directions) in the gardens, yard? and
lawns — Nor ought Lucy to be idle when she is not Cookiii«*
and doing other work about the house. — In spinning, knitting
and such like things her leizure hours ought to be employed.—
I send you the seed of the cucumber tree1 to be given to
the Gardener, whose particular care of it I request — lie may
plant them in the little garden by the Salt house with a label
by them. — Let him know that Mrs. Washington sent his wife
as a present the things contained in the following list
poor Austin, who died on his way to see his wife and fai
(at Hartford, on Saturday last) of, as is supposed an appo-
plexy. Mrs. Stiles, at whose Tavern he died has been desired
to send on the Mare, he road, with her Mule Colt; and all
the things (clothes included) he had with him, with a list
thereof to Mount Vernon, where I hope they have arrived
safe — amon£ these was the bundle containing the articles for
the Gardeners wife, and another containing two pair of
Gloves for Mrs. Stuart 3 — "What other things besides his
clothes might be in the Portmanteau I know not — probably
he might be carrying things home for his wife. — I wrote to
you by him, but whether the letter may reach you or not is
uncertain, now.
The Gardener complains of the injury which the shrubs
(even in the yard) sustain from the Deer. I am at a loss
therefore in determining whether to give up the Shrubs or
the Deer ! — Is there no way of frightning them from these
haunts ? —
I hope every possible attention has been, and will continue
to be used to preserve the Porke from receiving injury from
the warm weather. —
The enclosed letter from old Butler shews his distress. — I
think you were perfectly right in detaining part of his wages
for lost time ; — yet, as I can better afford to be without the
1 Magnolia Acuminata, 2 Wife of an Overseer.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 147
jnoiicy than he can, you ma}' pay him for the full time he
was at Mount Yernon without deduction.
I will endeavor to procure and send you some honey locust
seed as I conceive very formidable hedges may be made of
them. — I find Doll at the Ferry is constantly returned sick —
the Overseer at that place ought to see that this sickness is
not pretence. —
Flour is still at ten dollars a barrel in this City and not
likely to fall. —
I am your friend cfcc1
G° Washington.
III.
Philadelphia Jany 4th 1795.
Me. Pearce,
I have received your letter of the 28th of last month with
its enclosures, and am sorry to hear you were unwell, at that
time ; — but hope you have quite recovered. — the warmth, and
changeability of the weather have been productive of violent
colds in this part of the country. —
Such has been the goodness of the last autumn, and mild-
ness and openess of the winter, hitherto, that I hope all the
Oat grounds will be got in good order for early Seeding of
this grain, and clover, (where the latter is to accompany it ;)
for I have always found that late sowed oats, or clover, unless
followed by a dripping spring, and in other respects suitable
weather, rarely come to much. — Dry and hot weather pre-
vents the growth of the first, and entirely destroys the latter,
in the young and tender stage of its growth. —
After getting out as many of your best quallticd Oats for
seed, as the ground by the rotations, and such other as you
shall allot for them, may require, — take care that the residue
is not used so near as to disfurnish my horses when 1 may
come to Mount Yernon ; which, probably, will be twice be-
tween the adjournment of Congress on the 3d of March, and
148 GEORGE WASHINGTON
their meeting again in autumn. — The first for a flying trii
(as soon as the roads will permit me to travel after the ad-
journment) with not more than iive horses; — the other,
during the hot weather, for a longer term ; and with more
than double that number of horses ; as Mrs. Washington and
the family will accompany me.—
What chimney has fallen, by wch negro children were hurt,
and how are they now ? — Under real, or pretended sickness, I
perceive Doll, at the Ferry, rarely does any work ; — it would
be well to place her in a situation where her ways can be at-
tended to. — If she is really unable to work, none will be re-
quired of her ; if she is able, deceitful complaints, of which
she is verv capable of making, ought not to avail her.
Pursue the rotation of Crops at Dogue-run farm rigidly, in
all its parts ; and as directed in all the fields. — However I
may license alterations, and departures from it at the other
farms, I will not deviate from it in the smallest degree at
this. — Therefore, clover must be sown on the Wheat in i^0 4
(and I hope in good time, and the sooner the better) — and
Potatoes is to be planted in JNT° 5, along with the Corn ; in
the same manner they were last year in~N° 4. — Let the rows
of each, range K~° and South ; — that is as the fence between
Ts° 5 and the Wood runs. — As soon as the clover seed comes
to this market, and a vessel is up for Alexandria, I will ship
you five bushels of it ; — If more be wanting, let me know it,
as I am not disposed to stint the ground, nor to prevent your
putting it into any lots you may think proper ; — or to scatter
seed in places where it is now too thin, if you conceive benefit
will result therefrom. —
A year or more ago, I had made, in the neighbourhood of
this City, a large and strong plough for turning a broad and
deep furrow. —This plow I. sent to Mount Vernon to be em-
ployed for those purposes; — and in Xovember 1793, a drilled
plow which had been sent to me from England, I also shipped
at this place for Mount Vernon. — Has the first ever been
>
AND MOUNT VERNON. 14!)
used?— and to what useful purposes can the other be applied :
---I forgot when I was at Mount Vernon in June last, to en-
quire for either of these plows, and the latter (that is the
drilled plow) having arrived here, and was reshipped during
the prevalence of the Yellow fever in this City, I never saw
it. — consequently know not for what uses it was intended, or
is fit for. —
I wish you well and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
Lin.
Philadelphia Jany lllh 170.*).
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 4th inst*, with the reports, is received —
but the Miller, I perceive has left off, or rather I believe, has
not yet begun to report what Wheat is manufactured, and
what Hour is made. — The price of both these articles have
fallen in this market as well as in that of Alexandria; but as
I see no permanent cause for it, and know that the last years
crop of Wheat was very short indeed, in all parts of the
United States, I have no doubt of its getting up again ; if the
holders of it, and the flour are not too precipitate in their
sales thereof.
My ideas with respect to the Inclosure for Corn at the
Mansion house, (within the present pasture fence) are clearly
understood by you ; — and I wish the fence to run accord-
ingly; and if all the ground which shall be inclosed by if
cannot be cultivated in this article, I should prefer putting
that part into it which you deem (and I believe very properly)
the poorest for the produce of either part, is not so much an
object with me, as cleaning — ornamenting — and laying the
grounds to grass ; after preparing and improving of them as
fully as my means will allow. — On this principal also it is, 1
tend the field by the White gates; — and want to clear up (as
150 GEORGE WASHINGTON
fast as I can) the Woods between the Alexandria road and
the pasture fence. — That the grubbing in this wood will be
found very bad I have no doubt, — and though the clearing of
it may not keep pace with my wishes, yet my expectation.^
are not unreasonable. — xYll the force that can be bestowed in
the accomplishment of these objects, I wish may be given ;
but I do not mean that labour, more essential at other place.-,
is to be neglected in order to effect them. —
As I shall be at Mount Vernon (if nothing unforeseen pre-
vents it) before the Corn in the white gate inclosure will be
planted, the thinning of the trees in it may be left till 1
come ; — but the vistos as well, as the other parts of the field
had better be plowed altogether that the whole face of the
ground may be smooth and even. — When you clean up within
the pasture fence, do not meddle with the Lrees that grow on
either side of the road leading to the first gate on the sides
of the hills — nor in the valley which leads from the first gate
for some distance up it. — The lane back of the clover lot will
pass over very bad and dangerous grd for horses, or stock of
any kind to be crowded and quarrelling in ; — but you will, 1
have no doubt, fall upon some expedient to guard against the
accidents which otherwise might arise from the deep gullied
part of it. —
My plan for the two sheds at Dogue-run (one on each side
of the barn, and adjoining the Corn houses, which were to
make the south ends of them) was, to lay Cills on the brick
foundations, which were intended to be raised high enough
above the ground to prevent their rotting. — On these Cills a
frame was to be erected, the plates of which was to be high
enough to be out of the way of the horses heads ; with a
range of troughs for feeding ; and either racks, or places back
of the troughs or mangers as in the stables at the Mansion
house, for Hay. — The backs, and ends next the barn to be
boarded up: — and the fronts also, as low as to admit a tall
horse to pass under with ease. — The Posts and studs may be
AND MOUNT VERNON. 151
placed at such distances as to suit for Stalls now, or hereafter.
—-The enclosed rough sketch, with what I have here said,
will give you a full idea of my design. — A door in the middle
of each shed must be left, through which to carry out the
dung, or litter to the stercoraries hack of them. —
As it is my wish to plant many Irish potatoes this year, be
sure to reserve enough for seed, by making ample allowance
for thefts, waste, and rotting. — I shall send you by the first
vessel a bushel and half of clean honey locust seed ; which I
would have raised in a nursery for the purpose of hedging. —
By an experiment I have made a (large) quart contains 1,000
seed ; this, allowing ten Seed to a foot, would sow, or plant,
four rows of 100 feet each ; — at this rate, 40 quarts (which I
think you may count upon, at least) would require 1G0 rows ;
grd for which I would have you prepare whenever you shall
find most convenient, that the seed may be put in as soon as
it arrives : — two feet apart will be enough for the rows, as to
weed the plants until they are fit to transplant is all that will
be required — and this will be done in two years.
I am sorry to hear that French Will is resuming his old
tricks again. — The lye he tells, respecting my promise of
freedom to him, after seven years service, carries its convic-
tion along with it ;- — inasmuch as I had no certainty of hold-
ing him an hour after Mrs. French's death ; which might
have happened within the year I hired him ; how then could
I promise freedom to a person I held under such a tenure ? —
Harsh treatment will not do with him ; — you had better
therefore let him piddle, and in this way (though I believe
little trust is to be placed in him) get what you can out of
him. —
What is the matter with Dick at Dogue-Run, who has
been reported lame for sometime ? —
I am Your friend
G° Washington.
152 GEOJIGP: WASHINGTON
LIY.
■
Philadelphia Jan* 25th 1795.
Mk. Pearce,
Since my last of this day week, I have received your letters
of the 11th and 18th inst1, with the weekly reports — and an
;accl of sundry payments and the rects therefor. — The latter J
(that is the vouchers) I did not wish to have had sent — it would
have been time enough to exhibit these when I come home,
and settled the ace* regularly. — All I wanted for the present,
— or rather for the past year — was a gen1 ace* of all the
monies you had received, and paid, from the time of your
taking charge of the business, up to the close of the year 1794.
comprehending therein the Overseers Wages — and whatever
belonged properly to that year, that I might have a view of
the receipts and expenditures thereof, and might see how I
was going on. —
In looking over your ace* eurr*, and comparing it with the
Millers receipt, I find an error of £9-4—6 to your disadvan-
tage— that is, you have only charged me with £22-18-0
cash paid him, whereas by his receipt, it appears that he had
got from you £32 .2.0 cash, and acknowledges to have re- i
ceived the first named sum in other articles.
I am sorry to find that flour has fallen so considerably be-
fore the little I made was ready for market, and was disposed
of ; — but as there is no reason that I can perceive for this
great fall (knowing, that the Wheat crop last year was ex-
tremely short, in all the States of the Union which raise this
grain for exportation) I have no doubt of the price being up
again (possibly not so high) before the warm weather; when
it must be sold at any rate, for fear of its spoiling. —
How does, or did whilst the ground was uncovered, your
early Wheat look ? — I was unlucky in my growth of it last
year. — Doctr Stuart had a good return for what he sowed ;- —
AND MOUNT VERNON. 153
ruid Col° Ball a very great one. — I wish there might not have
been some imposition on me, the year before last in the seed ;
of this I entertained some suspicion when you informed me
last harvest that it appeared to be very little forwarder in
ripening than the common wheat — Does, or did your crops
of "Wheat continue to look well before the Snow fell I — and
your grass lots, and meadows also ? —
How does the treading floor in the new barn at Po£rue-run„
answer? — Having tried it now in both "Wheat and Oats, you
must be enabled to decide, whether it is a more expeditious
mode than to tread on the ground, or not. — That it is more
clean and safe, if the lower door is always kept locked (wch it
ought to be, except when the fan is at work) can admit of no
doubt. —
I approve of your idea of putting the little old field at the
ferry into Corn, and laying it down with Wheat and clover.
— From the length of time it has lain out, it ought to produce
well. — If there is any part to clear, do not deprive it of all
the "Wood — either leave single trees, or clumps ; — indeed I
would, without always giving particular directions, have this
attended to as a general rule. — It is always in one's power to
cut a tree down, — but time only can place them where one
would have them, after the grd is stripped of them.1 —
The Gardener may go on with his nursery — and be told
that he shall be allowed the fifth of what are sold — or raised. —
Altho' Bishop should never have wanted victuals or eloaths
whilst he lived, yet his death cannot be cause of regret, even
to his daughter ; to whom, from the imbecility of age, if not
when he died, he soon must have become, very troublesome
to her, and a burthen to all around him.3
1 The only flag Washington ever suggested for the Colonies was a tree in
a field. Had he ever heard of the mythical cherry tree fallen beneath his
hatchet he would prohahly have repudiated it, not only as a lover of truth,
hut of trees.
• Bishop, — as to the care necessary for whom the reader will recall an
154 GEORGE WASHINGTON
I never saw Donaldson's son, but from what you have said
respecting him, 1 am very willing to allow him his victuals,
and course cloathing : — but ascertain the quantum, and sort
of both, in writing, to prevent mistakes and grumbling hero-
after. — I am always ready, and willing, to fulfil every engage-
ment I enter into ; — and hating disputes, I wish always that
contracts may be clearly understood; — for this reason also, it
is necessary he should know that the boy must work duly and
truely. — And whilst I am on this subject, — I would repeat my
expectation that he will take pains to teach those who work
with him (especially Isaac and the boy Jem) in the ^principles
of the several kinds of work they are employed in ; — particular
in Carts, Wheels, Plows, Harrows, Wheel barrows, and such
kinds of impliments as are used about a farm, or dwelling
liouse. — I would also have him cautioned against an error
which I have felt no small inconvenience from ; — and that is,
that rather than persevere in doing things right themselves,
and being at the trouble of making others do the like, they
will fall into the slovenly mode of executing work which is
practiced by those, among whom they are. — I have experienced
this not only from European tradesmen, — but from farmers
also, who have come from England ; and from none in a
greater degree, than from Mr. Whiting, and one Bloxham,
who proceeded him ; — and who, tho' perfectly acquainted with
every part of a farmers business; — and peculiarly so (the lat-
ter T mean) in the management and use of Oxen for the Cart
or plow, double or single, with yokes or with harness; yet, find-
ing it a little troublesome to instruct the Xegros, and to com-
pel them to the practice of his modes; he slided into theirs ;
and at length (which I adduce as a proof) instead of using
proper flails for threshing the grain, I have found my people at
this work with hoop poles. — and other things similar thereto. —
admonition (p. 110), — had been the English body-servant of Braddock, who,
it is said, when dying confided him to Washington. He married at Mount
Vernon, and lived beyond fourscore years.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 155
I am glad to find you are engaged in so useful, and desir-
able a work as that of filling up gullies in the fields that are
coming into cultivation. — Nothing can be more beniiicial on
the farms than this ; — but where they are deep, use old trees,
stumps, stones, broken rails, and such things for the bottom ;
— otherwise the quantity of litter and leaves which wd be re-
quired, would be immense. — I served xS° 5. at Union farm in
this manner, where a gully was, almost across the whole field,
in which a horse might have been hid ; — and where, at this
day, I believe there is scarcely any trace of it. —
I think it not unlikely that French's Will is in Maryland : —
when lie was guilty of these tricks formerly (before I had
him) his walks, and harbouring place was, as I have been in-
formed, somewhere within the circle of Broad Creek, Bladens-
burgh and upper Marlborough : — the precise spot I do not
know, nor is it worth while (except for the sake of example,
nor for that, if it stops with him) to be at ?/iuc/i trouble, or
at any expence over a trifle, to hunt him up. —
Let the Gardener know that I will endeavor to procure the
Seeds he has wrote for, but tell him at the same time that lie
must endeavor to save seeds for himself : — Besides the high
prices of Seeds in the Shops in this City, he knows from the
experience of those I have heretofore sent him from hence,
that they are not to be relied on. — Get from him all the Seed
of the Sfc Foin which he saved last year, and plant it to the
best advantage you can the ensuing spring, for the purpose of
raising seed. — I am extremely anxious to raise all the seed I
can from this plant : — It must not be planted where hares can
get to it ; — they are so fond of it as not to let it rise to seed. —
With the Trees which were sent by Mr. Lear last spring,
or from hence (I am not sure which) was sent you furze seed
— as also Cale, or Cole seed:1 — Let these also be made the
most of, as well as the other srass seeds which were saved
Brasska mapug.
P.S. — "What tilings were sent to Mount Vernon when the
o
Mare and Colt which Austin rode was carried there? — And
among them was there a bundle for Mrs. Elder I
i
15C GEORGE WASHINGTON
from the plants in the Vineyard — and from those in the little
garden by the Salt house &cfc — The books you have will tell
when to sow. — Fifty or Sixty bushels of Oats, indeed less,,
will be more than enough to save for my horses, the first trip
I shall make to Mount Vernon, after the rising of Congress;
and by the time the second trip is made, the new crop will be
harvested, or on the point of it; — yet, to make the matter
sure (as the second trip will consume two or three hund'1
bushels, in all probability) put by 100 bushels for my use; —
after which sell all you can spare, reserving enough of the
lest for seed and for such other uses as you know they will be
wanted for. — I do not know what ground except ls° 7 at
Dogue-run you mean to sow with Oats next spring; but have
no doubt you will take care to put in enough. —
This induces me to ask, whether, as the ferry people will
have the field at Mansion house to tend in Corn, as well as
X° 1 at home, it would not be as well to put the little old
field at that farm, if it could be fenced, and well prepared in
ihne, into Oats and clover this Spring, as to let it go into
Corn ; and then into Wheat and clover in the fall ? — The
Oats would answer for the horses as well as the Corn, whilst
the clover would be sooner fit for use. But in this do as yon
like best. —
If Mr. Lfund] Washington is indebted for fish, the charge,
J presume;, is on the fish accfc and where that is I know not
at present. —
I wish you well— and
am Your friend
G° Washington.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 157
!
LY.
Philadelphia Feby 1st 1795.
Mn. Pearce,
I write to you this week, more for the sake of letting you
know that your letter of the 25th ult° with the reports, came
bate, than because I have anything to communicate that is in
any degree material.
I have no doubt of Ceder making a good hedge— but I
have very great ones of your getting them to live, when
transplanted ; — and if they should not, your labour as well as
the plants will be lost. "Were there not Cedar berries sown
in the Vineyard last year ? or the year before \ and whether
did they come up or not ?
There are various opinions as to the proper season for re-
moving these trees : — some say spring : — some say autumn :
— and others insist upon it that mid summer is the proper
season. — I never succeeded even tolerably, until I removed
them in deep frosts; with a block of frozen earth hard bound
(by the frost) to their roots. — In this manner few or none
will be lost ; but in all probability the winter is too far spent
for the adoption of this mode of transplanting them. — My
opinion is, that any trees or shrubs that will bear to stand
close together without injuring each other, will do for par-
tition fences against horses, cattle, and even sheep ; — but that
nothing short of a close rail fence, or stone wall, is secure
against hogs. — This, among other reasons has made me anx-
ious to try (as an experiment at least) to raise these animals
in Sties from pigs. — It has succeeded well where tried.- —
It is happy for old Betty, and her children and friends,
that she is taken of [f] the stage; — her life must have been
miserable to herself, and troublesome to all those around
her. —
I am — Your friend tfcc*
G° Washington.
IbS GEORGE WASHINGTON
LYI
Philadelphia Feby 8th 1795.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter with its enclosures, came to my hands as usual,
by the Mail of yesterday. —
The general accounts, as I mentioned in a late letter, may
remain for settlement, until my arrival at Mount Yernon, and
up to the close of the last year.
I do not, among the things sent to Mount Yernon by Mrs.
Styles (as in the possession of Austin) see any shirts men-
tioned.— "Was it an omission, or were there none sent? —
Some of the articles, I presume, belonged to himself, and
were designed for his wife, which she may still have if they
ai*e known. —
I had doubts myself, whether the little old field at the
ferry could be got in good order, in time, for Oats and clover,
when I suggested the idea to you ; I consent very readily
therefore to your tending it in Corn, and laying it down in
Wheat and clover, — (what quantity is there of it, that is how
many acres will there be cultivated in the piece) — and if
there is the least reason to apprehend that the field by the
white gates will be wanted for pasture, or cannot be well cul-
tivated, I as readily give this over also — for you will recoiled
that my constant admonishment has been never to undertake
more than you can (in the common course of weather, and
other circumstances) accomplish well. I agree likewise to the
arrangement which you propose with respect to the fields .No.
1, 3, and G at Muddy hole; — and desire that you would, at all
times, surest any plans which you think may be advantageous ;
— always keeping in mind, that 'immediate profit is not so much
an object with mo as the restoration of worn out and gullied
fields ; — bringing them in condition to bear grass ; — reclaim-
ing and laying swamps to meadow ; making live fences (espe-
AND MOUNT VERNON. 159
dally where hogs are not suffered to run) ; — and ornamenting
the grounds about the Mansion house. —
The old clover lot at that place it is my wish should be
planted this year with Potatoes; and the poor parts thereof,
as far as your means will extend, to be well manured. —
You should take care to advertise, in time, the horse and
Jacks for covering, the ensuing season. — Let them stand at
the same rates they did last year. — If they were lower I might
get more Mares to them, without adding much to the profit ;
especially as my pastures would be injured (that is to say
eaten barer) thereby. —
I am sorry to hear that your WJa* fields have been so thinly
covered with snow, during the late frosts and wet weather. —
If this should continue to be the case, it is much to be feared
that the remainder of this month, and the succeeding one,
will prove very injurious. —
Herewith are the garden seeds which Elder wrote for : —
but tell him that such seeds as he can save, he ought to save.
— It is shameful for Gardeners and farmers to be buying
seeds that their own soil and climate will produce, after being
once furnished. —
I remain Your friend
G° "Washington.
LYII.
Philadelphia Feby 15th 1795.
Mr. PexUice,
Your letter, and the reports of the preceeding Week, came
duly to hand. —
It is my earnest wish to have my land on four-mile run re-
surveyed, and the bounds thereof ascertained ; that the pre-
tence of not knowing the lines may — no longer — be an excuse
for the trespasses which are committed thereon, to the great
diminution of its value ; — the wood being the more important,
as the land is of a mean quality. — For the purpose of survey-
100 GEORGE WASHINGTON
ing, it was, that I left the papers with you ; and more than
once have called your attention to this business. — It might !.«•
well to agree upon some day with Mr. Washington l and
others, (amongst whom a Mr. Terret joins) that are knowing
to the lines, and interested in the business; that it may he
effectually done if every thing is clear, and no difficulties sh!
arise with respect to title, or bounds. — If these, or either of
them, should happen, enter into no agreement that will he j
obligatory on me. — I attempted, as will appear by some notes
amongst the papers I left with you, to Survey this land my-
self ; but having no person with me who was acquainted with
the lines, I was unable to find more than two or three of the
Corners. — A Moses Ball, if living:, must have some knowledge
of the lines : — Mr. ■ also, but as he is interested in this
business, and is accused of being a pretty considerable tres-
passer on the part which, joins him, it would not be strange if
corner and line trees both are cut down ; — nor very strange,
if it has not happened from entire ignorance, if he should not
endeavor to perplex, and mislead, thereabouts. — As the Survey
is not in consequence of a law suit, and made by order of the
Court, there is no necessity of employing the County Sur-
veyor, unless he possesses more skill than any other who can
readily be got ; and will do it upon as moderate terms, as any
other. — Do not let my papers go out of your hands — or any
copies be taken from them. — The Surveyor, if he is a man of
Science, will know what the variation of the compass is, and
what allowance to make for it, if any difficulty should arise
from the want of the Corner, and line trees. —
I am sorry to hear that it is not likely I shall have more
than a 1000 bushels of Oats to spare. — The crop must have
fallen far short of my calculation, or the quantity consumed
much greater than I had conceived, to reduce the stock on
1 Lund Washington. The survey may have been suggested in the con
mltation (p. 106) with Col. Simms (eminent as an officer and a jurist, — a
pll-bearer of Washington.) (Appendix F.)
AND MOUNT VERNON. 161
hand, so low. — From the appearance of them growing, I had
hopes that nearer four than three thousand bushels would
have been produced by the several fields and lots, which were
in this article, last year. — I am not disposed to take half a
crown (that is 2/6) for them, yet — they certainly must be
higher before the Month of April passes off, or they will bear
no proportion in price to other grain. —
I have no objection to your transplanting the young cedars
which grow in the nursery ; but not knowing the number
there may be of them, I am at a loss to what fence they should
be removed. — If there was a sufficiency of them, to plant them
thick enough for a hedge, from the gate which leads into X°
1 at Union farm to the Barn (along the ditch) and from thence
onwards as far as that ditch runs I should prefer this as a
hedge of them, to any other — next to this, I should prefer an
avenue of them from the Mill road up to Union Barn (along
the fence on each side). — If they are incompetent to this pur-
pose also, perhaps it would be best to make good the hedge,
with them, at River farm; which is of Cedar from the river
up to the Woods. — If they are insufficient for either of these
purposes, plant them wherever you think they will answer
best. — You say that the seed which was sown last year did
not come up. — In what manner it was prepared and sown 1
know not ; but if they are not soaked in water (warmed I
suppose would be best) and all the gum, or coat that is around
them rubbed off, quite to the naked seed, it will be to no pur-
pose to sow them — for without this is done, or they pass
through the body of some animal, the gathering of the seed —
preparing the ground — and sowing them, will be entire lost
labor. —
If the lot between the Stable and the spring is not well, and
thickly taken with Lucern, and entirely free from grass and
weeds I wish you would put a heavy harrow with sharp teeth
thereon, and tare the ground in a manner to pieces — without
regarding how much the lucern plants are torn and maimed. —
11
162 GEORGE WASHINGTON
In a word, make the top of the ground fine, and perfectly free
from grass and weeds ; and then sow it at the rate of 5 lbs of
Lucern, and the same quantity of red clover, to the acre.— It
none of the former has been saved from that which you grew
in the Vineyard, let me know your want, and it shall be sent
from hence. — If the Lucern, in the lot I have been speak In tc
of is too thin, or overdone with grass or weeds, I would prefer
plowing it up first, and then harrowing it until it is in the
most perfect order imaginable, before it is sown in the manner
before mentioned.
If you depend upon me for Linnen to cloath my Xegros, let
me know without delay the quantity necessary, that it may be
sent in time. — And let me entreat that proper care and atten-
tion may be given to the Bacon, to prevent spoiling ; and that
we may find it good when we come home.
Enclosed you will find two letters, one from Smith, respect-
ing the fishery at Union farm, and the other from old
Butler. — My answer to the first, left open for your perusal
before it be sent to him, will be a sufficient indication of
what will be best for you to say to him on the subject of
his application. — To the other I have given no answer ; —
but would have you enquire from time to time into his real
situation, and afford him such relief as his necessities shall
appear to require.
The tedious manner in which my carpenters seem to execute
every thing they take in hand, is extremely to be regretted. —
They seem, from the reports, to have been weeks getting
scantling for the Sheds at D: Run ; when, from the idea I
had of this work, I presumed a few days would have sufficed.— -
I beg therefore that you will make them report how much
hewing, — and how much sawing they perform in the Week. —
One may know then what it is they have really done ; and
can judge, by what is known to be the performance of others,
at this season in similar timber, and of similar work. — I re-
quire no more of them than others do; — but this I must have
AND MOUNT VERNON. 103
by fair means, or by coercion, — the first would be vastly more
agreeable, to me.
By the Reports 1 perceive also, that for every day Betty
Davis works she is laid up two. — If she is indulged in this
idleness she will grow worse and worse, for she has a disposi-
tion to be one of the most idle creatures upon earth ; and is,
besides, one of the most deceitful. —
I remain Your friend
G° Washington.
LYIII.
Philadelphia 22d Feb. 1794.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 15th inst* and the reports, have come to
hand as usual.
I was affraid the open weather we have had, with frost,
would have injured the Wheat. — A short crop of this article
two years running, wod fall heavy upon me ; as it seems to be
the only thing, to any sort of amount, from which the means
is derived, by which the various, and heavy expences of my
estate, is borne. — If the Wheat is thrown much out of the
ground, and the roots exposed, try the roller thereon — re-
peatedly— as soon as the earth is a little settled, and the roller
will pass over it without its sticking thereto; — over the parts
I mean (of the fields) that are injured. I tried this method
one year with very good success ; and it is a practice strongly
recommended by all the Books on farming. — I have, myself,
seen bunches of Wheat the roots of which have been entirely
out of the ground, take again by the Rollers compressing
them to the earth : and the chance of doing it is well worth
the expence, and time which is required by the Roller, drawn
with Oxen.
Put such part of the field (intended to be enclosed) at the
Mansion house, into Corn, or other things, as you shall judge
164: GEORGE WASHINGTON
best; — regarding however, what I have repeatedly mentioned,
that profit from any thing that can be raised there (at the
Mansion house I mean) is not so much an object with me, as
cleaning the ground ; — beautifying it with trees ; — and laying
it to grass. — I had no idea of there being 70 acres within the
bounds you have described ; — nor do I perfectly comprehend
your description of them ; — or rather, the length of each line
is greater than I had any conception of. — For in the first
place, I had no idea of its measuring 80 perches from the
black gate (in the hollow) to the turn of the road by the cor-
ner of the clover lot ; — or, that from thence to the declivity
of the hill, towards the Creek, could be S7 more. — I do not
mean that the fence from thence, sh. descend the hill lower
than merely to hide it from the house, and from the road
going up to the house. — To what part of the outer fence you
propose to join the last mentioned course, I know not ; and
therefore cannot judge so well of the distance. —
I am a little at a loss for an answer to Mr. Tin/ 11 — s
request, respecting the Jack. — I should have no objection to
letting one of my Jacks stand on the Eastern shore, if entire
confidence could be placed in the person to whose care he was
entrusted; but from the loose, and dissipated character of the
above named Gentleman so far as I have heard it spoken of,
I have doubts of the propriety of committing one of them to
his management: — and besides, it is almost, if not quite too
late now, to negotiate this matter with him, or any other at a
distance; as the season would be too far advanced before the
removal could be made, and sufficient notice thereof given for
Mares to be bro* to his stand. — A year or two ago I was
offered by a Connecticut man (who could, and would have
given good security for the performance of the agreement)
Five hundred guineas for four -(or five) years service (I am
not certain which) of the Maltese Jack ; although he would
(for he went to Mount Vernon to see them) have preferred
the one which I think is named Com/pound— and if I ever
AND MOUNT VERNON. 165
part with another, it shall be in that way ; in order that I
mat know certainly what I am to receive. — Letting one on
shares, I never will ; — for in that case expcnces are trumped
up; — one may be told of difficulties in collecting money; —
and many other things, when accounts come to be settled :
with a view of staving off payni* which, if they do not breed
disputes, are at least unpleasant things, and ought to be
avoided. — The Connecticut man whom I have before men-
tioned, would have paid the money down, and run the risk of
the Jack's living. — The advantage of which was very con-
siderable ; as it was the best security possible for his care of
the Animal. —
If yon, who ought to know Mr. II as well as any
body does, should be of opinion that he would pay five hun-
dred guineas down, or give security for his doing it within a
year ; and should moreover thk that his care of the Animal
might be depended on, — you might write him word that
upon these conditions, he might have either of the Covering
Jacks for four years ; at the expiration of which he is to be
returned in good condition, if living. — As there is a young
Jack from Royal Gift coming on, I believe it wTould be best to
part with Compound, but it is not, to me, very material
which of them is disposed of, on the terms before men-
tioned ; as I do not know to which of their colts to give
the preference from any knowledge I have of them. — If
you should write to Mr. R , and he should accede to
the terms here mentioned, the agreement must be drawn
up in writing, by a professional man (that is by a lawyer,
Mr. Chs Lee l for instance) and all the objects of it clearly
expressed. —
"Charles Lee (1758-1815). "born at Leesylvania, Westmoreland, Va. , had
been in the Virginia Assembly, and the Continental Congress, and was given
prominent command in the expedition against the Whiskey Rebellion ; he
was afterwards naval officer of the Potomac, until 1795, when he was ap-
pointed U. S. Attorney General, after the death of William Bradford.
166 GEORGE WASHINGTON
Mr. Pearce Bailey may be informed that I never lower mv
price of land ; it is infinately more likely that it will be en-
creased, than to stand at even what it has been offered for. —
This he might reasonably expect, as landed property is rising
fast in value every where; from the number of emigrants, and
others who are wanting to vest their money in that species of
property. —
I am sorry my letter was so long getting to the hands of mv
Nephew Col° Washington ; ' — for if I have not formed a very
erroneous, and unjust opinion of the conduct of my Kegro
Carpenters — there is not to be found so idle a set of Rascals. —
In short, it appears to me, that to make even a chicken coop,
would employ all of them a week ; — buildings that are run tip
here in two or three days (with not more hands) employ them
a month, or more. —
I will cause enquiry to be made here, into the price of
Oznabrigs, but have little expectation that it can be bought
on better terms in this City, than in Alexandria — for every
thing is amazingly dear here. —
By the Trial, Captn Hand (I believe the Masters name is)
I have shipped three bushels of Clover seed ; — two bushels of
honey locust seed ; and a keg of scaley bark hiccory nuts ;• —
the two last are in one Cask: — the high price of clover seed
prevented me from sending more ; — what goes, is fresh and
good. — Tell the Gardener he must plant the hiccory nuts in
drills; — as the Illinois nuts herewith sent, must also be: —
and they may be put near together in the drills, as they will
be to be transplanted when they get to a proper size. —
Have your ground for the honey locust seed in readiness
against the arrival of the Yessel, which will leave this, it is
said, tomorrow; — or as soon [as] the fluting Ice in the river
will permit her to go down. — The sooner the locust seeds are
in the ground the better. — I do not care where you put them,
Wm. Aug. Washington, of Westmoreland.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 167
so they are under a secure fence ; at the Mansion house, or
at any of the farms where they will be attended to, will be
equally convenient, and agreeable to me. —
I am Your friend &cfc
G° "Washington.
LIX.
Philadelphia March 1st 1795.
Mr. Pearce,
I have to acknowledge the rec* of your letter of the 22d
ult°, and shall give you my sentiments upon the several mat-
ters required. —
With respect to the fishery, I am of opinion, that, selling
them all to one man, is best : — and that if Mr. Smith will give
five shillings pr thousand for herrings, and twelve shillg5 a
hundred for the shad, and will oblige himself to take all you
have to spare, that you had better strike, and enter into a
written agreement with him. — By which agreement, he must
be bound to receive or pay for, all you do not want for my
own use, and to fill the 100 bar13 you are getting made ; — for
you will recollect, that both these species of fish run in what
are called gluts ; at which time if he is not prepared, for their
reception, and compelled to take them, I shall loose the
market ; and fishing therebv will become rather a loss than
benefit ; — as, without this, he being the only purchaser, you
would only draw the Sein as he could (conveniently) cure the
fish by wch means, when the fish are moving up in a body
and when ten for one (at another time) might be caught, he
might not receive them ; and, of course, your harvest would
be lost. — Having an hundred barrels of your own, will, in
some measure secure you against the extent of this evil; but
it ought, nevertheless, to be guarded against. — Another thing
is to be understood between you, and that is, that he is not
to interfere with the house where your fish and salt will
16S GEORGE WASHINGTON
be. — 1 never chose to sell to Waggoners; — there horses have
always been found troublesome, and themselves indeed not
less so, being much addicted to the pulling down and burning
the fences. — If you do not sell to Smith, the next best thing
is to sell to the Watermen. —
I do not know for what purpose an order of Court is to be
obtained (by Mr. Washington1) for the purpose of surveying
the land which he, for himself, or others, hold on four milt-
run. — If all the parties concerned agree to survey, and make
their boundaries, it may be done without the interference of
the Court. — If they do not (as there is no suit pending) I
should not like to have any line marked that is to establish
my boundary without being present myself, to see that I had
justice done me. — As far as I am able, at the present moment,
and under probable events, to form an opinion I expect to be
at Mount Yernon about the 15th or 20th of April. — If there-
fore the parties interested, will endeavor to accomodate
matters to that time, I will endeavor to be present at the
Survey of the Lands adjoining to mine. — It is to be observed
however, that public business will not put it so much in my
power to accomodate myself to their convenience, as it may
be in their power to yield to mine ; which obliges me to
speak more in "general terms of being at Mount Yernon —
than definitely. :™
I agree to your taking up the young Cedars along the Creek
side, and transplanting them in the lane you propose ; and am
glad to find you have managed the Cedar berries in the man-
ner you have mentioned ; they certainly will make a good
hedge ; and are a tree of quick growth. —
I agree also, and indeed strongly recommend, your break-
1 Lund Washington.
9 The Jay Treaty despatched from England on 20 Nov. 1794, did not
reach the United States till 7 March 1795. Congress was to adjourn on
March 4, and it was supposed the Treaty would have to lie over 90 days.
Congress was convened, however, on June 8.
AND MOUNT VERNON. ICi)
ing up the lucern lot by the Spring; and wish that it may bu
extremely well plowed, harrowed and prepared for lucern and
clover seed mixed ; the former of which (if any fresh and
good can be had) I will send from hence. —
Oznabrigs also shall be sent from hence : — but do not let
the work stop for want ; — for I do 'not suppose it is to be
purchased upon much, if any better terms here, than in Alex-
andria. Do you not mean to spin, for linnen, the flax that
lias been raised on the Estate the two last years ? —
You may inform Mr. Bayley, when occasion offers, that It
is not certain now, that the same price for which I oifered the
small piece of land I hold on Difficult run,1 would tempt me
to part with it ; since I find by enquiry, that lands of worse
quality, and not more convenient to the federal City, on the
Maryland side of the Potomack, are selling from twenty to
30 dollars pr Acre without any extra : advantage to recom-
mend them, whereas mine has a good HNXill seat on the Main
run of Difficult; and, in my opinion, a still better one on what
is called the Bridge branch thereof ; and a considerable — [re-
mainder of letter missing].
LX.
Philadelphia 8th March 1705.
Mr. Peakce,
I am sorry to find by your letter of the 1st of this inst1 en-
closing the weekly reports — that the Wheat on the ground is
in so unpromising away. — Another short crop of this article
will fall very heavy upon me. — How does the Barley look '. — ■
It was not my intention to use the Pollers until the frosts
were over, and the ground was settled. —
If the absconding of French's Paul did not proceed from a
quarrel with, or threats from, his Overseer, it will be found,
1 On the Va. side of the Potcrainc Falls, into which it empties. Pearce
Bayley was Collector of Truro Parish.
170 GEORGE WASHINGTON
I expect, that he lias been guilty of some piece of roguery; of
the discovery of which he was affraid: — pains therefore ought
to be taken to apprehend and bring him to punishment. —
What sort of lameness is Dicks (at D. Run) ; that he should
have been confined with it for so many weeks ? — and what
kind of sickness is Betty Davis's, that it should have had a
similar effect upon her? — If pretended ailments, without ap-
parent causes, or visible effects, will screen her from work, I
shall get no service at all from her; — for a more lazy, deceit-
ful and impudent huzzy, is not to be found in the United
States than she is. —
Is it Sarah that was among the Spinners at the Mansion
house that is now in child-bed ? — If so, she seems to have be-
gun in time. —
I have bought about 1000 yards of Oznabrigs (German) for
cloathing of my people at Mount Vernon ; but there is no
conveyance for it at present. — It shall be sent by the first
vessel direct to Alexandria ; but you must not delay this work
on ace* of the non-arrival thereof. —
. I have made considerable enquiry after lucern seed, but do
not find, as yet, that I have any certainty of getting that which
is good. — You had better therefore see if any, on the good-
ness of which reliance is to be placed, can be had in Alexan-
dria. My enquiries shall not cease on that account.
How does your Kew Overseer at Mansion house and at
Union farm conduct themselves ? — Is Allison sober, industri-
ous and attentive ? — Is he not too much on a level with those
he overlooks, and of course too familiar with them ? — Or dou^
he keep them at a proper distance, remain always with them,
and turn the labour of those hands who come to his aid, to
the best advantage ? — To do this is a matter of considerable
importance; — otherwise the labour which will be lost at the
respective farms, will not be gained at the Mansion house. —
I wish you well and am Yr friend
G° Washington.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 171
I\S.
What price does flour bear in Alexanda now 1— Superfine
bus again got up to ten dollars in this City and line flour to
72/ pr barr1.
LXL
Philadelphia March 15th 1795.
Mr. Pearce,
I have received your letter of the 8th insfc with the reports
of the preceding week. —
By the Sloop Harmony, Captn Ellwood, who talked of Sail-
ing to-day, I send you as pr Bill of lading enclosed, a bale of
Oznabrigs consisting of ten pieces, amounting to 072J yards. —
The Box, and band box, therein mentioned, are for Mrs.
Fanny Washington as marked ; and is to remain with Col°
Gilpin 'till she calls for them ; — Besides these, and since the
Bill of lading was signed, I have put on board another small
box, containing seeds tfec1 of various kinds; some of them
rare, and valuable. — Enclosed is a list of them for your own
information and government. — There is besides, on each
parcel, a label descriptive thereof for the Gardener. — All
these seeds, except the different sorts of Turnips; — the
Chiccory ; — and Botany bay grass-seeds, may be given to the
Gardener ; with very particular directions to use his utmost
skill and care to raise plants from them ; — and that one
thing may not be put here, and another there, and never
thought of, or attended to afterwards (which has been too
often the case with many curious and valuable seeds —
stones — and nuts which I have sent to Mount Vernon) I
desire he will prepare a piece of ground well for them ;
and place them altogether, either in the Vineyard, or else-
where, as he may think best, when he comes to examine
the different papers; — taking especially care to distinguish
by labels (that will not be injured by weather, for it seems
172 GEORGE WASHINGTON
some of the Seeds may not come up the first year) the
particular spots where eacli sort is sown, or planted. — And a*
all will be to be transplanted, and the seeds besides, (beiiii*
imported), may not be good, he need not regard crowding
them a little in the first instance. — Let him have also as
much of each kind of the Turnip seed, and Turnip rooted
Cabbage, as he can spare ground to put them in. — the rest,
with the Chiccory and Botany bay grass seeds, I shall com-
mit to your care, as there is enough of the former, that is
of the different kinds of Turnips, if good, to sow a good
deal of ground ; — but to prevent any waste of grd, or mis-
application of labour in preparing it for seed that may not
come up, prove all that will admit of it, in time, to see
if it will vegitate: for if the seed is old, or has been in-
jured by crossing the seas, and will not come up, prepar-
ing ground for it would, be lost labor and improper. — This
trial may readily be made in time, of all the different
sorts of Turnips, Cabbage, and possibly of the Chiccory
and Botany bay grass seeds. — If the latter will come up
I recommend the greatest attention to it. — The other, that
is the Chiccory, is what I wrote to you some time ago
to save all the seed you could from that growg on mv
estate.
I have not been able to get any Lueern seed in this City ;
I wrote on Friday last to ^sew York for five pounds of it ;—
if I succeed there, it shall be sent by Post : — in the mean
time, let the ground intended for it, be got in the very led
order ; and the natural grass and weeds totally eradicated
therefrom; that they may not spring up and choke the lueern
as was the case when sowed before. —
Let Sam supply the place of .Bristol, until I come home :
unless (which does not occur to me at present) a likely and
well disposed young fellow of man's growth, or near it, should
be found on my estate fit to make a Gardener of. — If one,
not among the Dower ^egros, could be selected, it would or
AND MOUNT VERNON. 173
prefered — Honesty, with some degree of acuteness, are desir-
able; but in whom am" my people these are to be found, 1
know not. — Sam has sense enough, and lias had a little ex-
perience, but he wants honesty, and every other requisite;
particularly industry. — Cyrus, besides being a Dower slave, is
strongly suspected of roguery and drinking ; — otherwise he
would do very well, as he is likely, young, and smart enough, —
The children of Daphne at the river farm are among the best
disposed negros I have, but I do not recollect whether there
be any of a fit size. —
I have no objection to your complying with the promise
yon made Mr. Smith, provided his salt is kept distinct from
mine; and the latter is guarded from embezzlement. — I again
repeat, that when the Schools of fish run, you must draw night
and day ; and whether he (Smith) is prepared to take thorn or
not, they must be caught and charged to him : — for it is then,
and then only — I have a return for my expences ; — ami then
it is, the want of several purchasers, is felt ; for unless one
person is extremely well prepared, he cannot dispose of the
fish as fast as they can be drawn at those times and if the
Sein, or Seins do no more than to keep pace with his conven-
ience, My harvest is lost, and of course my profit; for the
herrings will not wait to be caught, as they are wanted to be
cured.
If Mrs. Fanny Washington does not draw a Sein at her own
landing, herself, or rent it with a reservation of fish for her
own use, let her get what she wants for this purpose, at my
landing; — and at any rate, when you have occasion to send to
xVlexanclria, always send some for her Table. — And tell Doet.c
Stuart if you shd see him, or send him word if you should not,
that he may always get fish for the latter purpose, by sending
for them — so may Mr. Lund Washington. —
I)o you receive Rent from Gray or make him account for
H when you pay for the weaving he does for me ? —
Presuming you saved all the seed you could from the India
174 GEORGE WASHINGTON
hemp, let it be carefully sown again, for the purpose of gettii .•
into a full stock of seed. —
I wish you well and am
Your friend
G° Washington,
P.S.
Among other things sent by Captn Ellwood, is a small paper
bundle of Pair graffs of an extraordinary line kind wch desin
the Gardener to be particular attentive to.
LXII.
Philadelphia 22d March 1705.
Mk. Pearce,
Your letter of the 15th and the reports of the precedi;;:;
week, have come duly to hand. —
I am glad to hear that your new Overseers turn out ?o
well. — Of Groves I had not the least knowledge; — my feai
of Allison was, that he would be too familiar with those 3i<
overlooked, and of course would carry no authority. — Jf l.»
avoids this error, and is sober, honest, industrious, and stay.-
at home and with his people, when at work, it is all that can
be required of him ; for I never meant to entrust anything to
him that did not pass under your directions. —
I received twenty pounds of Lucern seed from Xew York.
as a present from a gentleman there of my acquaintance ; — < n
the goodness of which entire dependence may be placed. -
Five pounds of which shall accompany this letter, that the !« ■
for which it is intended, may be more plentifully sown With
this seed than I at first designed, under the bad prospect I
then had of obtaining any at all of it. — Not knowing how
much ground the lot contains, I am unable to direct t:.-
quantity of seed which it ought to receive :— but I would have
you allow at the rate of eight pounds of lucern, and the like
quantity of clover mixed, to the xlcre. — And as I know that
AND MOUNT VERNON. 175
ErrOtmd was extremely foul, it has occurred to me to ask you
(who can judge better on the spot than I can at a distance)
whether it might not be advisable to delay sowing it until
August; — plowing it in the meantime as often as it shall ap-
pear to require. — If it is not already sown, and you should
prefer August (for the reason I have assigned) to the present
time this work may be delayed. — All grasses ought to be sown
on dean and well prepared ground, especially those near a
dwelling house, wch attract the eyes of all visitors. —
This observation applies to grain as well as grass ; — for
which reason, however desirable it might have been, to have
got the Oats in the ground soon, I had rather hear it was de-
layed than that it should be sown before every thing was in
perfect order for it ; for it is a fixed principle with me, that
whatever is done should be well done. Unless this maxim is
attended to, our labor is but in vain, and our expectation of a
return, is always deceptions ; whilst we are ascribing our dis-
appointments to any thing rather than the true cause, nattily
not laying (by proper preparations) a good foundation, on
which to build our hopes. —
I observe what you say of Betty Davis &cfc — but I never
found so much difficulty as you seem to apprehend, in dis-
tinguishing between real and feigned sickness ; — or when a
person is much afflicted with pain. — Nobody can be very sick
without having a fever, nor will a fever or any other disorder
continue long upon any one without reducing them: — Pain
also, if it be such as to yield entirely to its force, week after
week, will appear by its effects; but my people (many of
them) will lay up a month, at the end of which no visible
change in their countenance, nor the loss of an oz of ilesh, is
discoverable ; and their allowance of provision is going on as
if nothing ailed them. — There 'cannot, surely, be any real
sickness under such circumstances as I have described ; nor
ought such people to be improperly endulged.' — It should be
made one of the primary duties of every Overseer to attend
170 GEORGE WASHINGTON
closer, and particularly to those under his care who really
are. or pretend to be, sick ; to see that the first receive aid
and comfort in time, and before it is too late to apply them ;
and that the others do not impose upon him. In the first
case you ought to be immediately notified, as delay is often
dangerous; and in the second, where the matter is at all
doubtful, you ought to be the judge, for I am as unwilling to
have any person, in my service, forced to work when they
are unable, as I am to have them skulk from it, when 'they
are fit for it. —
It is highly probable Paul has left the parts (by water or
land) — If Mr. Dulany is disposed to pursue any measure for
the purpose of recovering his man, I will join him in the ex-
pence so far as it may respect Paul ; — 'but I would not have
my name appear in any advertisement, or other measure,
leading to it. —
Tell the Gardener, when he dresses the Artichokes, to put
up a number of the slips, securely, for a Gentleman of my
acquaintance ; and let them be sent by the first vessel after-
wards, to this City. —
I am Your friend &cfc
G° Washington.
LXIH.
Philadelphia 29th March 1795.
Mr. Pea roe,
I have received your letter of the 22d ins11 with its en-
closures.—
Had Mr. Pierce Bailey accepted the terms on which I
offered him my land on difficult run, without proposing an
abatement of interest, after I "had declared I never would
lower them, the bargain would have been concluded on my
part. — As he did not, but is still attempting to make other
terms, I shall suspend saying any thing further on the sub-
AND MOUNT VERNON. 177
ject until I come to Virginia ; which, if nothing unforeseen
at present, intervenes, will be by the 20th of April, as my
intention is to commence my journey for Mount Vernon
on the 13th, or at farthest, the 14th of that month.— I shall
be better able to decide then, than now, what will be best
for me to do in this matter. — Land situated as that of
mine is on Difficult, with the advantages attending it, is in
no danger of falling in price, when all the circumjacent
lands are rising most rapidly in theirs, by the coming of
all the world as it were to this country for the purpose of
buying lands.
I hear with concern, of the injury of the Kew Meadow at
Dogue-run has sustained. — I had great expectation from it
(knowing, as I do, the goodness of the Soil) — If you have Seed,
let the parts which have been covered, — and all others that are
too thin, be re-sown ; and a light harrow, or roller, run over, to
bury the seed. — If the water (in freshes) has not sufficient vent
at the bridge, would it not be proper to widen the passage at
that place ? — It is a pity to subject so valuable a meadow as
that might be made, to such disasters, where the remedy is
at hand, and not difficult. —
The weather since thursday has been worse than at any
period through the winter : — what effect it has had, or may
have on the growing grain ;— the grass ; — and the fields which
are to be sown and planted : you, much better than I, can de-
cide.— You may continue to write me as usual, informing me
of these things ; for the letters that do not come here before
I set out, I shall find on the Eoad, at one or other of the Post
Offices. —
If Moses at the Mill is of sufficient skill for the purposes of
the Garden, I see no material objection to his being placed
there — indeed with so little Merchant work as is done at my
Mill, I never saw much occasion for him at the place. — for
the Miller J^noics, that by his agreement, he ought to be Coop-
ering himself, when he is not employed in the Mill ; — and he
12
.
178 GEORGE WASHINGTON
certainly knows too, that the Mill does not require half hi.-
time: — in the summer, Scarcely any of it. — Hard therefore
would it be, if Jack and Tom, with such occasional aid as
himself and Ben could afford, is not sufficient to keep the Mil]
in Barrels. —
I did not expect Gray's rent wd otherwise be received than
as a credit to his weaving ace1 — If this is done, 'tis suffi-
cient.—
I perceive Isaac is still employed in making Ploughs, whilst
Donaldson is working at the Carpenters trade. — The principal
advantage I expected to derive from the latter, was the char-
acter he had of being skilled in making of these, and other
impliments of husbandry; and the insight the former would
get by attending him in this work. —
I send the Gardener a small paper of Pease, of which desire
him to make the most seed he can, as they were given to me
for a very valuable sort. —
An English Gentleman, of family and fortune, of the name
of Strickland, from whom I received the Turnip and many
other seeds which were forwarded by the last Vessel from
this place, will, I expect, be at Mount Yernon before I shall. —
If this should hapen, (and he will have a line from me to yon)
I request you to treat him withall the attention and civility
in your power. — He is a plain man in his dress and manners,
and being a farmer, may wish to go over my farms, if this
should be the case, I request you to ride with him over them.1 —
As I expect you have (according to my former request) got
some red wine, let him have of this, and some of that kind of
Madeira which was left out by Mrs. Fanny Washington. —
1 Mr. William Strickland brought Washington his diploma as Honorary
Member of the English Board of Agriculture, concerning which Washing-
ton wrote the interesting letter to L an don Carter, published in Appendix
L. Concerning Strickland, Washington wrote to Sir John Sinclair, " Notb
ing has, I believe, escaped his observation that meritted attention." For :»
letter to Strickland see Sparks, xii. p. 820.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 179
Whether you have Porter in the house, or not, I am unable
to say; but I desire it may be there, as well for him, as
against I come home. —
I wish you well, and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
LXIY.
Philadelphia 5th April 1795,
Mr. Peakce,
I perceive by your last report — enclosed In your letter of
the 29th ult° — that Carter Ben,1 at River farm, has been laid
np many weeks ; with a person to attend him, the whole
time. — What is the nature of his complaint? — When these
extraordinary cases happen, let the report respecting them,
say what the cause is ; — without which, and at this distance
from the scene, it is not easy for me to conjecture even what
the matter is. —
Whether would it be best to let the lot at Mansion house
(intended for Lucern) remain a naked fallow, stirring the
ground now and then until seeding time, or plant it early with
Potatoes (which may be taken off by, or early in August) ? —
The last, well manured, would be productive; and well cul-
tivated, would prepare the ground for the Lucern which is to
follow. — I leave it to you to do the one, or the other, as from
circumstances shall appear best. — If the Potatoe plan is pre-
ferred, let part (and not the best part, but every other row
for instance) bo planted with the shoots, as directed in the
Pamphlet I gave you the reading of last year; and which 1
believe was, tho' not effectually, by the Gardener, tried last
year. — I have promised to make the experiment accurately*
and wish you to attend to it accordingly; either on the ground
just mentd or some other.
1 So called from having been purchased or hired from one of the Carter
family: e.g., French Paul, etc.
ISO GEORGE WASHINGTON
I am sorry for the impediments you have met with from
the weather, in sowing your Oats ; — but over this there is n.»
controul ; and nothing for us remains but submission.— 3
have only to repeat on this head, that I had rather encounter
delay, than not sow when the ground is in prime order fur
it.—
As all danger from frost must now be over, your winter
grain will have assumed its spring appearance (since vegita-
tion is advancing rapidly, also) — and what is the appearance
of your different fields? Do not neglect the Holler, if you
can apply it to any advantage ; — and this I am sure it will,
not only to the grain (the roots of which have been thrown
out of the ground) but to grass also ; especially clover, if yon
are in condition to use it.
You know how much a friend I am, to cutting small grain
before it is suffered to get too ripe. — The enclosed advertise-
ment carries the matter farther than I sh(I incline to risque a
quantity / but the ascertainment of so important a fact is well
worth risking an acre or two, and it is my wish that it should
be done ; — at the same time that I would have the whole har-
vest begun at an earlier period than is usual, with most
farmers.
I hope the Honey locust seed are in the ground ; that they
may vegitate and get above ground before the weather may
become hot and dry. —
I had no other objection to the advertising of Paul than
that of having my name appear therein ; — at least in any
papers Xorthof Virginia: and that he has not gone South of
it, is natural to infer, if lie was governed by motives of policy,
or by advice. —
I still expect to be with you about the time mentioned in
my last, and therefore shall only add that
I am — Your friend <fec*
G° Washington.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 181
LXV.
Philadelphia 12th April 1795.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 5th, with its enclosures, I received yes-
terday.—
I propose to commence my journey for Mount Vernon
tomorrow — but as the road through Maryland, by informa-
tion, is almost impassible, and business will detain me a day
or two at the federal city, I do not expect to reach home be-
fore sunday (this day week). —
This being the case, my letter will be short ; I shall add
however, that I was, as you supposed, under a mistake with re-
spect to the meadow which has been injured by the freshes.—
Be this however as it may, the injured parts should be re-
sown ; and as soon as the ground is in order for it, if you
have seed to do it ; which is the reason of my mentioning it
now, to avoid delay. — If that, or the other meadows, was once
well taken with Timothy, floods would not wash of [f] the soil,
nor in other respects be injurious.
I am Yr friend
G° Washington.
Monday morning — 13th April. — The day is storming I shall
wait therefore until it ceases before I set out.
LXVL
Philadelphia 4th May 1705.
Mr. Pearce,
I arrived in this city on Saturday at noon — about which
time I reccl your letter of the 20Hl ult°.
It gives me pleasure to hear that your grain and grass have
benefitted by the late rains. — As both are liable to great
changes from the viscissitudes of weather, mention every
182 GEORGE WASHINGTON
week what the then appearance of the fields and meadows are ;
particular whether any grain is to be expected from the in-
jured parts of the Wheat fields — especially from those in
2s° 5 at Union farm — and whether the new sown grass in the
Mill Meadow is coming on well. —
Let the flour in the Mill be inspected ; and all that will not,
or with difficulty, pass inspection, be disposed of for the most
you can get ; — I was going to add — keep that that is good,
until you coidd hear further from me — but as the quantity at
any rate will be small, you may as well let the whole go, and
deposit the money in the Bank of Alex. — If no danger was
to be apprehended from keeping it on hand, I believe from
the scarcity in Europe, and great demand for this article, one
might command their own price.
I am — Your friend
G° Washington.
P. S.
I expected the fishery was nearly over when I left Mt.
Vernon. — I intended, but forgot when I was at Mount Ver-
non, to measure the size of the picture frames in the parlour;
which contains my picture — Mrs. "Washingtons — and the two
child" l — I wish you to do it, and send me the account in your
next letter. — Measure the frames (I believe they are all of a
size) from out to out ; — and then on the inside, where they
show the Canvas, or picture. —
LXVII.
Philadelphia 10th May 1795.
Your letter of the 3d instf, with the Reports of the pro-
ceeding week, was received yesterday ; and I am glad to find
by it that the "Wheat and grass continues to mend — I hope
the warm days we have had, and the showers of rain (if they
1 Eleanor and G. W. P. Custh
AND MOUNT VERNON. 1S3
have extended to you) have also brought on the Oats. — It is
high time they were advancing, if much is to be expected
from them. —
Considering the quality of my ilour this year, and the
smalness of the quantity, 1 am very well satisfied that you
have got it off your hands at the prices it sold ; altho' flour at
this market is at 12 dollars a barrel and rising. — In short, the
scarcity of this article in Europe, and demand for it ; — added,
to the failure of the last wheat crop in this Country will enable
the holders to get any price they please. — Let me know the
quantity of Midlings and Ship-stuff you disposed of. — And
tell Davenport to make out, and to have sent to me, the Mill
ace* for last year, that I may see what Wheat has gone into,
and what flour has come out of, the Mill. — I have no reason
to suspect that Davenport is otherwise than an honest man ;
but regular and fair accts should be stated, and rendered by
all Men. — In doing this with him, the Overseers accts of the
Wheat sent to, and his of what is received in the Mill, should
agree ; — so likewise ought his charges of the flour, Bran &cfc
sent to Mansion house, the Overseers, etc* to agree with
what is reported and credited. — This being done, and added
to the different kinds of flour that are sold, and the shorts
and Bran used, will (accounting also for the Toll Wheat) show
the state of the Manufacturing business — which is not only
satisfactory, but absolutely necessary ; — for I strongly suspect,
notwithstanding it would appear by the experim^ which have
been made of an hundred bushels that the balance is in
favor of flour, — that the case is otherwise on the aggregate
quantity which is ground. — That it is so this year, can admit
of no doubt ; — it would be inconceivable otherwise that the
[torn] of my last years crop of Wheat, and [torn] that of the
year before, should yield only [torn] barr18 of flour, besides
what was consumed in the family. —
If the boy at the Mill, is to go into the Garden, at Mansion
house, the sooner it happens the better ; — and I really (con-
1S4 GEORGE WASHINGTON
sidering the little work my Mill does) see no reason why he
should not.— I am sorry to find by your last reports that
there has been two deaths in the family since I left Mount
Yernon ; — and one of them a young fellow. — I hope every
necessary care and attention was afforded him. — I expect little
of this from M°Koy, — or indeed from most of his class; for
they seem to consider a Negro much in the same light as they
do the brute beasts, on the farms; and often times treat them
as inhumanly.1 —
If I recollect rightly, it appears in some of the weekly
reports, that Posts and rails were getting at Dogue-run to
inclose the Barn yard at that place. — I forgot when I was at
home, and on the spot with you, to fix on the manner of do-
ing it. — I once pointed out my plans [?] to Green and Davis,
and I think toMcKoy, but little attention seems to have been
paid to these things afterwards by either of them. — To the
best of my recollection, it was intended to run, from each end
of the sheds, a Post and rail to the railing leading into the
Barn, or treading floor of it, for the stable yard ; — on one side
of which to have a gate, through which to pass into the yard
which incloses the Barn on the other sides and intoK0 5 also ;
— then back of the two sheds at sufficient distances therefrom
allowing full room to receive the litter, dung, &ct from the
Stables, to run Post and Bail fences from the lane South of
the Barn, to the fence of H° 5, which is back of the lots. —
1 Rev. Dr. McGuire, for Botany years rector of St. George's Church, Fred-
ericksburg, who married a daughter of Robert Lewis, Washington's nephew,
relates: " Returning to his house one day, from a ride over his farm, lit
[Washington] found his overseer in the act of chastising severely one of his
servants Indignant at the sight as being in the mode or degree contrary
to his orders, he dismounted hastily, and advancing towards the overseer
with his horsewhip in his hand, the affrighted man retired towards the
fence, exclaiming, 'Remember your character, General,- remember your
character!' The General immediately stopped, and reprimanding him for
disobeying his commands, admonished him to beware of again correcting his
people in a manner so cruel." — The IMkffoua Opinions and Character of
Washington. Ed. 1836, p. 400.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 185
Fences run straight, in the manner here described, and at
hiifficient distances from the back parts of the sheds or stables,
would afford ample room for the grain in stacks ; — and I
believe it would be sufficiently capacious also for cow yards,
but it would have a bad exposure ; and besides, is in low
ground ; therefore a yard, or yards for this purpose (cattle and
Sheep) might adjoin (one on each side the Stable yard) the
Lane between iST° 3 and the lots — and the Stable yard fences ;
as will appear more distinctly in the sketch enclosed.
The number of Bricks which will be required for the Earn
in the Xeck (Elver farm) will fall xevy little short of 140,000
of those that are sound and good, as you will see by the calcu-
lation herewith. — And that no other than hard [torn] bricks
may be put into the Walls, letting it as soon as it is burnt,
and cool, be immediately taken down and the — [remainder of
letter missing].
LXYIIL
Philadelphia 24th May 1795.
Mr. Pearce,
I have duly received your letter, and the reports of the 17th
instant. —
The enclosed sketches, will give my ideas so fully, of the
Barn, proposed to be built at Eiver farm, as to leave me
scarcely anything to add to it. — If 2 Inch (white oak) plank,
is thought sufficient for the threshing iloor of the Barn, I do
not want it to be got any thicker ;• — and if Inch and quarter
(Pine) plank, is thick enough for the lower floor of the grain-
cries, I do not wish it to be more. — Inch Plank is fully ade-
quate to the floors over them, to support the grain in the
straw. —
I mention these things now, that the Oak plank may be
sawed as soon as you are able to do it, that there may be time
for it to season ; and that the Pine plunk may be got with-
1S6 GEORGE WASHINGTON
out delay, not only for the same purpose, but for security of
the Bricks also, before they are burned. — Of the oak plank,
it will require for the threshing floor, 30 feet square, 900 feet
when laid ; — allowance for waste must be made. — Fur the
lower floor of the graineries, the like quantity of 1 J (if that
is the thickness resolved on) with the like allowance for waste,
will be required. — And for the upper floor of the graineries
precisely the same; — But as the pine plank will waste more
than the oak ; — is more liable to be stolen — and besides will
sustain injury in the Brick yard; and moreover may be want-
ing for a variety of uses in the building; — you had better lay
in 1500 or two thousand feet of each sort, at once. — And 1
would have you enquire of those (who deal in that way) on
what terms they would deliver at one of my landings, shingles
of the following dimensions — viz — 3 feet, — 2 feet,— and IS
Inches ; specifying the width, and thickness of each, they
will warrant them to average. — When you furnish me with
this account I shall be better able to decide on the kind of
covering to bestow on the building, and the sort, and number
of nails it will'require. — Of the last, I find they can be had
in this city on better terms than in Alexandria ; and of course
will be sent from hence. —
The body of the Barn (as you always understood, independ-
ent of the sheds) is to be GO feet long, and 30 feet wide. — ■
I have allowed 12 feet sheds only, which I conceive is suffi-
cient, as the Backs and Mangers will be close to the wall
(and not as those are at Union farm) — and in case I should
not think of it at the time they are about, let the latter be
duo* out of the solid wood. — Such will last as lon^ as the wood
itself does, whilst those made of plank, however thick, are
soon coming a sunder ; — wasting the grain ; — and requiring
repairs. —
What sort of Clay is found where you are making bricks? —
Desire Mr. Stuart to keep a regular accfc of the number that
are made — or (as has been the case before) hundreds will be
AND MOUNT VERNON. 187
magnified into thousands; — and deception follow of course. —
It is highly necessary too, that he should have an eye to the
tempering, and beating the clay well before it is moulded ; —
for on this the goodness of the bricks depend ; — especially as
it was not exposed to the frosts of last winter. —
I think as you do, that the Oak plank, and all the scantling,
ought to be got off my own land ; — but this is not to with hold
the Carpenters, or any others, from the Harvest field, when
their services are required there. — In time, be laying shells in,
or you will meet with disappointment. — Did you ever enquire
particularly into the character of the carpenter who built Mrs.
Peak's Earn ? — If so, what was the result \
I find I was mistaken, respecting Posts and Rails for the
farm yard at Dogue-run. — The sketch of one — sent you in a
former letter, may be preserved notwithstanding — it will serve
when they are provided. —
If you have transplanted any of the Honey locust plants (in
the manner before directed) and find they succeed, continue
the practice as long as the season will allow it. — 1 send a book
for your perusal between this and my next visit to Mount
Yernon, which contains many useful experiments, and ob-
servations on Hedging &ct. — At that time it may be returned
to me after information is got from it. (This book is written
by a man of established character — of course, except what
may proceed from difference of climate is to be depended
upon — and followed by us.) —
A bundle of Pekan, or Illinois nuts is also sent ; which de-
sire the gardener to plant along with those I sent him some
time ago. — These are fresh, and I have no doubt will come
up. — Enclosed likewise, is the copy of a list of Plants which
were sent by a Gentlemen of Jamaica to Norfolk, for me. — If
they should have been forwarded to Mount Yernon desire
Elhcr to pay particular attention to them. —
Let Doctr Craik, if he has not already done it, examine the
case of Cooper Jack and prescribe the needful for him. — No
188 GEORGE WASHINGTON
report of Carpenters work was among the enclosures of your
last letter. — I am
Your friend &cl
G° Washington.
. LXIX.
Philadelphia 31st May 1795.
Mr. Peakce,
I am quite surprized to find by your letter of the 24th in-
stant (which with the Reports came duly to hand) that your
crops had stood in need of Bain. — There has been no three
days together without it, at this place, since I arrived here ;
and some times for whole days and nights, with little or no
intermission. —
The exhausted state of Provisions (bread) in Europe ; — the
demand for flour there ; — and the bad prospect for grain
where most of it was usually grown, leaves not a doubt but
that every thing of the bread kind, or substitutes for it, will
bear a high price in autumn. — Some time ago I recommended
it to you to plant a good many Potatoes — this I repeat, and
wish also that you wd lay yourself out for more Buck wheat
than usual for a crop. — I have heard much of the white
(homony) Bean as being very productive, and a ready sale : —
suppose you were to devote an acre of Corn ground to this
purpose, to see what the yield would be : — or, if they would
do without something to run upon, and support them, to plant
an acre or two without Corn, in X° G at Union farm ; by the
side of the Corn you cultivate in that field. —
Cut the forward Wheat in good season, and save all for
Seed. — Doctr Stuart thinks it more subject to weavil than the
common wheat ; — If so, you will judge whether it can best be
preserved from them in stacks or otherwise, and do with it as
shall seem best to you. —
How does the hooey locust stand transplanting? — If well.
follow it up as long as the season will answer. —
AND MOUNT VERNON. 189
The Gardener does not, I perceive, take any notice of the
boy in his report. — this he ought to do.
Has no remedy been discovered for the disorder in horses ?
— If I should loose my Plough horses — or even have them
rendered unfit for work, it will be unfortunate. —
I am Your friend and well wisher
G° Washington.
LXX.
Philadelphia 7th June 1705.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 31st of last month, enclosing the weekly
reports, came duly to hand — yesterday. —
Let the person who is to supply you with plank and
Shingles, have the precise length of the first given to him,
that it may not waste in cutting. — This length you will be
able to ascertain from knowing the uses for which it is in-
tended ; and by consulting the plan which I sent you. — The
plank for the lower floor of the Granaries, as I mentioned at
first, ought, I have no doubt, to be of Inch and half stuff ;
and if the floors above them, were of Inch and quarter pine,
they would not be the worse for it. — Care too shd be taken
that the shingles are of the dimensions (both in length, and
the average width) that is agreed for; — nothing being more
common of late than to contract for IS inch shingles, and give
those of not more than 16 inches, — and in that proportion
with respect to the two, and three feet shingles : — which is an
unjustifiable imposition, as more nails, as well as more shingles,
are consequently required. —
Are the Cabbins at River and Union farms all removed, as
were intended? — I ask because' I have seen work of this sort
reported, but know not if it be compleated. —
I wish you could find out the thief who robbed the Meat
house at Mount Vernon, and bring him to punishment. — And
190 GEORGE WASHINGTON
at the same time secure the honse against future attempts ; —
for our drafts upon it will be pretty large, I expect, when we
come home ; — \vch probably may be about the middle or 20th
of next month. — Nathan has been suspected, if not detected,
in an attempt of this sort formerly; and is as likely as any
one to be guilty of it now. — Postilion Joe has been caught in
similar practices ; — and Sam, I am sure would not be re-
strain [ed] by any qualms of conscience, if he saw an opening
to do the like. —
I am Your friend &c*
G° Washington.
LXXI.
Philadelphia 14th June 1795.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 7th instant, and the "Weekly reports, were
received yesterday. — On Wednesday night, thnrsday, and part
of friday, we had a great deal of rain in this city, and as it
appeared to be general, I hope you partook of it. — If the Com
is not destroyed by the insect you complain of, I do not de-
spair (on account of its backwardness) of making a good crop.
yet. — It is in the months of July and August that this crop
is to be made, or marred, by seasonable, or unseasonable
weather. —
It is fortunate that the distemper among the horses have
ceased that you may keep it clean and in order for Wh1 — it
would have been a heavy stroke, if they had been rendered
unfit for use at this busy season of the year, even if they had
not died with it. —
Are you selling Hay in Alexandria, that for several weeks
passed I perceive the Waggon has been employed in trans-
porting it thither ?— If so, what do you get for it ? — and how
much will you, or have you, disposed of. —
Let Mr. Halley know that I am not inclined to reduce my
AND MOUNT VERNON. 191
lot ia Alexandria without first viewing the part he wants for
an allay ; and comparing the advantages, and disadvantages
together ; — then., if no inconvenience will result to me, and
the price to be given, is adequate to the real value, according
to a judgment from circumstances ; I may, though I do not
clmse to be under any engagement, suffer ten feet to he taken
off for the purpose designated in your letter — viz — an allay. —
Enclosed I send you a iNewspaper containing some ideas on
the culture of Potatoes ; — on the different kinds ; — and on the
manner of flaking them into bread. — It comes from the "best
board of Agriculture in England, and may be worth attending
to.
I am your friend &c*
G° Washington.
P. S.
By the last Post, I received the enclosed letter from James
Butler ; I wish you to let him know (and as soon as you con-
veniently can, that he may be under no mistake in the case)
that he must look to those who placed him where he is — (if
they think him cjualified for the Office — ) for his money ; not
a copper will lie receive immediately from me. — I allow £50
pr annum to the Academy in Alexandria for the purpose of
instructing the children of poor persons who are unable to he
at that expence themselves; but I have nothing to do with
providing, or paying the Master who is employed for that pur-
pose.— This is left to the Trustees of the School, and I wish
it may he found that my donation is as benilieialJy applied as
my intention in bestowing of it, has been good. — Whether
the Pevd Mr. Muir (to whom the money has usually been
paid) has any "particular agency in the business, or not, I am
unable to say ; but wish you to shew him Butlers letter on
this subject and let me know what he says to the applica-
tion.—
Yours
G. W .
19^ GEORGE WASHINGTON
LXXIL
Philadelphia 21st June 1795.
Mk. Peajrce,
Your letter of the 14th instant with the Reports were re-
ceived yesterday. —
I am sorry the rain you were wishing for, should have
come attended with the disasters your letter represents;— but
to these it is our duty to submit. — I never repine at acts of
Providence, because I always suppose, however adverse they
may be to our wishes, they are always for the best.1 — Let the
place of the young mule, that was killed, be supplied in the
best manner the stock of them will afford. —
I hope the shells you engaged were of what they call live
shells. — Those from the bank, if not well cleansed, are so
mixed with dirt as to make very weak lime. — As to the price,
I do not expect to get them for less than others give. — Of
course they must be landed at the Mansion house on ace* of
burning them (to the best advantage, and with the least waste)
in the Kiln made for this purpose. —
I think it would be proper to fill in, between the logs of
the Cabbins, as soon, and as fast as circumstances will admit ;
that the clay may get dry before cool weather approaches. —
Damp walls, are very apt to give Rheumatic complaints. —
This filling may be done as well before, as after the Cabbins
are covered. —
I hope your crop of Wheat, as the prospect when you wrote
was tolerable, and the almost certainty of the high prices con-
tinuing, will meet with no diminution now from either the
scab or rust. — If it had shed its blossom before the heavy
rain, and was free from the Scab at the date of your letter, I
think that it wod. receive no injury from it afterwards ; — and
1 Appendix G.
■
AND MOUNT VERNON. 103
as the rain and thick weather was attended by wind, and was
also cool, I hope it is free from the Bust likewise. —
Whenever you have leisure to do it, it would be serviceable
by way of stopping the progress of that gully at the mouth
of the lane, at Mansion house — and indeed all others — to
drive stakes across and wattle them at different distances, to
catch and retain the trash that is swept down with the tor-
rent.— They also serve to break the force of the water : and
by degrees, with other assistance, fill them up. — The gullies
I mean. — Without these obstructions, the descending water
from very heavy rains sweep all before it,
I am Your friend &cfc
G° Washington.
LXXIII.
Philadelphia 5th July 1795.
Mr. Peabce,
Your letter of the 28th, with the enclosed reports, was duly
received. —
I think it very likely that I shall commence my journey
for Mount Yernon about the middle of this month — but as
business may detain me a few days longer than I expect, I
will not speak positively at this time. — In my next, 1 shall, I
hope, be able to name the day I shall leave the city. — But let
not this prevent your writing as usual, as I shall meet the
letter on the road, if it does not arrive here, before I set
out. —
If the dormant windows are not put in, on each side of the
Pediment, front side of the stable, I could wish (if it docs not
interfere with the more important work of Donaldson) that
it might be set about; it would not only add to the look of
the building, but the grain and hay both, would derive bene-
fit from the air it wd receive from those windows ; — as would
the Stables, if the back dormant windows could be compleated
13
!-,
194 GEORGE WASHINGTON
on the range with those already in, and of the same size, and
appearance.
Davy's lost lambs, carry with them a very suspicions ap-
pearance ; — and it will be to be regretted, if he betakes him-
self to Rogueries of that sort; — for in that case, nothing will
escape, if he can avoid detection ; and grain will be less liable
to it than animals. — If the lambs has been poisoned, or had
died a natural death, or their deaths had been occasioned by
any accident, their bones would have been forth coming, arid
his not being able to produce them, is an argument both of his
guilt, and of his not expecting to be called upon for that evi-
dence of the truth of his assertion, and fair dealing. — This
circumstance will make it necessary to watch him a little
closer. — He has some very sly, cunning and roguish negroes
under him ; among whom none has a greater disposition to be
so, or who he can make a more useful agent of, than Nathan ;
his mother and father. —
How, when the Manufacturing season is over, or the water
is scarce, is Ben at the Mill employed ? — Surely the Miller
(who ought himself under these circumstances to be employed
in Coopering) does not keep him in the Mill merely to save
himself 'the trouble of taking off, and pulling on a few bags of
grist, in the week. — I have often intended to enquire into this
matter; but always, at the time of writing, forgot to do it. —
What is the matter with Ruth and Ben, (not the Ben that
cut himself) at River farm, that week after week they are re-
turned sick? — The first of them, Ruth, has been aiming, for
sometime, to get herself excused from work. — More than they
are able to do in reason, I do not expect ; — but I have no idea
of their being totally exempted, whilst work proportioned, and
adapted to their strength and situation, can be found for
them. — The example is bad, and will be too readily (as is the
case at present with several more of them) attempted ; if.
under the plea of pains, &C* &cfc they find they can carry their
point. — ■
AND MOUNT VERNON. 195
I am sony to hear you are indisposed, and that Groves is
ill — I hope this letter will find you both recovered. —
I am Your friend and well wisher
G° Washington.
LXXIV.
Charlestown [Ya] 9th Aug* 1795.
Me. Pearce,
The day before I left home, I rode by the field at Dogue-
run called Davy's field — and intended to have had some further
conversation with you on the subject of a second "Wheat field
at that place this seeding time ; but the suddenness of my de-
parture prevented it.1 —
1 The President had left Philadelphia for Mount Vernon on July 15. On
July 26 the British Minister revealed to Mr. Wolcott, Secretary of the Treas-
ury, an intercepted letter of the French Minister, Faucliet, which, ap-
parently, involved the Secretary of State (Edmund Randolph) whose side
Washington had taken, in refusing an unconditional signature to the British
Treaty — in opposition to the rest of the Cabinet. The opponents of Ran-
dolph, without his knowledge of the " cause, insisted on summoning Wash-
ington to the seat of government. That he should have taken Charlestown
en route is remarkable, as well as the speed by which alone he could have
reached Philadelphia, as he did, on August 11, in time for dinner, to which
Randolph was invited. Mr. Cabot Lodge (George Washington, ii. pp. 191,
195) seems to think that "Washington was expecting a recall to Philadelphia,
and -was going on to ratify the Treaty. The tenor of these letters, however,
suggests that he did not intend to return, having resolved to await the ac-
tion of the British government on a protest against the Provision Order
which he had instructed Randolph to write. While he knew that the criti-
cal negotiations might demand his presence at the capital, that he did not
intend to return and ratify the Treaty is shown by an unpublished letter
before me, to Major George Lewis (his nephew, at Fredericksburg) dated
"Mount Vernon, 27 July, 1795," in which Washington writes: "Unless
business should require my presence in Philadelphia sooner (and then I
shall go thither alone) it is not likely I sluVll leave this place until the end
°f Se|^A£&ber,;. If therefore you and Mrs. Lewis, my sister and Harriet;
orany t*f you -can make it convenient or agreeable to favor us with a visit,
we should be happy in seeing yon." For this important bit of evidence on
a controverted point I am indebted to R. B. Lewis, Esq., of Washington, a
grandson of Major George Lewis.
196 GEORGE WASHINGTON
In looking at the field above mentioned, it did not strike
mc as sufficient, in addition to jS^° 5 for a wlieaten crop at
that farm (if more can be got in, advanced as the Season is)
— 1st because the quantity of Acres in it is too small ; — and
2lly because part of it is very poor, and turning in the grass,
in places, would be difficult ; — without which attempting it at
all, at this late hour, could not be justified upon any true
principle of husbandry. — for these reasons, I intended to have
told you, that in my opinion, K° 7 ought to be preferred ;
provided there be a moral certainty of getting it seeded in
good time ; — and the work well done. —
If you attempt this field, I have been considering further,
whether it wd not be better to plow the same way it was laid
last ; but to make the parting furrow where the ridge now is,
— the work, I am confident, will be better executed ; and the
growth now on it, turned in with more truth ; and to do this
carefully, is all in all ; for if the sward, or one furrow is not
turned immediately into the other, and an even face at top,
made with the under earth ; that kind of husbandry, so
strongly recommended on a clover lay and may succeed with
other grasses, would be entirely defeated : — good plowing
therefore is essential ; — and I would have you sow, as fast as
you plow ; to be well harrowed, but not so as to bring the
grass up again ; for it is the manure, occasioned by the fer-
mentation and rotting of it, that is to benefit the land, and to
produce the Wheat. —
The storms of wind and rain, seems to have been mere
severe in these parts than with you ; notwithstanding, I find
seeding has begun on the other side Susquehanna in two or
three places. — The roads are miserably torn up, and the Mill
dams, bridges, ifcc* almost universally carried away.
Among other reasons for preferring N° T at Dogue-run t<>
what is called Davys field, is, because I see your chance for
wheat next year is hurt by the laying down of the Corn — the
delay it has necessarily occasioned in sowing — and the con-
AND MOUNT VERNON 197
tennen't grassiness of the fields from that circumstance ; and
the inability of keeping them clean with so much rain. — I am
satisfied your forward Corn must be first taken from the grd
before it can be sown : — This also will be hurtful to the next
years wheat — but this is to be preferred to any measures
which may injure the Corn at this time. — ■
Do not forget to plow in some of your greenest Buck wheat,
and sow wheat thereon immediately, for an experiment ; — if
this should answer well, it would be proper, always to sow
the Buck wheat (intended for manure) at such a period as to
sow wheat thereon when it is not more than six or eight in-
ches high, as is done upon a clover lay. — But if this mode is
found to succeed^ the Buck wheat ought to be sown thick,
otherwise it would not afford much improvement to the soil. —
If the money is due for the flour sold let it be collected,
and deposited in the Alexandria Bank.—
I am your friend Szc1
G° Washington.
LXXY.
Philadelphia 12th Aug6 1795.
Mr. Peauce,
I forgot to ask you, what prospect there was of your saving
clover seed, sufficient for your next years purposes ? — If it is
a good one, there will be no occasion of buying, if it is nut.
the sooner I am informed thereof, the better. — I hope you will,
not only of this kind of seed, but of all others, endeavor to
save as much as will answer my own demands, as the purchase
of them falls heavy upon me. —
As soon as your ground, and other things are in order for
it, I would have your Wheat sowing commence ; and prose-
cuted with diligence until it is completed, as I have found
that early sowing, four times out of five, has succeeded best
with me.— If you attempt K° 7 at Dogue-run, let it be well
198 GEORGE WASHINGTON
ploughed, and in the manner mentioned in my letter from
Charlestown unless reasons which do not occur to me, should
render ploughing across the ridges more eligable. —
Give me, in your next letter, after this gets to hand, the
length, and breadth of the two pavements between the steps
of the middle door — and those of the end doors of the Man-
sion house. — Measure from the outer line of stone (each way;
that encloses the brick tile.
I am Your friend <fec*
G° Washington.
LXXYL
Philadelphia 16th Augfc 1795.
Mr. Pkarce,
Your letter, begun on the 9th and ended on the 12th ins*,
with its several enclosures, came to my hands yesterday.
It is to be regretted that the frequent, and hard rains
should have involved you in such difficulties. — But all that
can be done in cases that are not to be guarded against, or
avoided, is to do the best under them that circumstances
will admit. — More ought not to be expected; and I am sure,
that more is not desired by me. — I fear, however, that if
the forward corn is turned differently than it was by the
first storm, — that all the roots have given way, and, of
course, the plant must suffer — ; if not perish : — but of this
you can judge better than I.
I am anxious to get my Wheat in the ground as soon as
possible, but would not, nevertheless, sow before the ground
is in order for it. — It is some consolation to hear that ail
your Wheat and Oats are in — I wish the Hay was also
secured — and as free from damage as possible. — That which
is so much sanded, will be' fit for little, or nothing, unless
some method can be devised of threshing, or beating the
sand of(f), before it is fed. —
As Donaldson is going away, I think it best to decide,
AND MOUNT VERNON. 199
at once, to take the Carpenter recommended by my nephew
Col° Wm Washington ; although his allowances are high —
particularly in Corn — for 1 cannot conceive how he is to con-
sume 15 barrels of Corn in addition to the flour. — However,
vou will want a man to carry on my Carpentering business ;
and if from his appearance, and talking to him, you think
he will answer, engage him positively, and firmly. — If he is
competent to do Mill-work — Wheel-work — and is a tolerable
plain Joiner, he will be very useful ; as my buildings are
going very much to decay. — He may have the house and gar-
den that Donaldson occupies, as his year will have expired
before the first of jSovember. — Donaldson therefore must be
taken at his word, as there is no other house and Garden that
John Neale— the person offering — can have but that ; and
the latter (if he is such a man as I conceive him to be, from
the character given of him) will be of more service to me
than the former. — I wish you well and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
LXXYTI.
Philadelphia 23d Augt 1795.
Mpt. Peaece,
Your letter of the 10th instant, covering the weekly reports,
came to my hands yesterday. —
As you have begun upon what is called Davy's field at
Dogue-run, I do not wish any change ; — and when to this is
added the high, and dry parts of the Mill swamp Corn, and
one of the lots by the P>arn, the quantity of ground in Wheat,
at that farm, will be pretty well. — But I wish your sowing
had kept pace with the plowing where one plowing only is
intended, and the Wheat is to be harrowed in. — Let this be
the case with the clover lot ; — and that it may have fair play,
let the clover be icell turned in by good plows and good plow-
200 GEORGE WASHINGTON
men. — I wish the same had been done by the Buck Wheat,
which you turned in for an experiment. —
From the knowledge I have of the nature of the soil of my
farms, I am very sensible that it is not in your power ?iozo
either to get the wheat sown in such good season, or in such
good order, as were to be wished: — but to do the best one
can, under existing circumstances, is all that can be expected.
— As some of your fields, however, may be drier, and in better
order for sowing than others ; would it not be good policy to
employ the force of other farms, besides the one to which
[torn] belongs, in getting the Wheat sowed the [torn] first,
and go on in that manner until the whole are compleated, by
that kind of management (always taking that first which is
in the best order for seeding) or till all the residue are in
order, that the respective force may return to its own
farm. — Grounds which are declining, or that have sand in
them, may be in order to sow (as Muddy-hole fields for
instance) when the flat land at the other places can not be
touched. —
I would have you, merely that it may be unequivocally
ascertained whether Barley will do upon my land, sow some
of it again this year. — If it will, diversifying the Crops will
be an advantage. —
How does the Wheat which has been threshed, or tread out,
appear to yield, not only in quality, but as to the stack, or its
bulk of straw also ? — Send me two bushels of the best of the
early Wheat, by the first Yessel bound to this city. — I have
promised it to a gentleman or two of my acquaintance in these
parts. — Let it be well cleaned, and certainly of the true sort. —
It may be consigned to Mr. Ivitt, my household Steward, in
case I should not be here. —
I recollect that, in one of your letters in the Spring, you
informed me, that you expected there would be about 900
bush,s of Oats for Sale ; — and some time afterwd\ that you
had sold (I think) 300 :— I forgot to enquire when I was at
AND MOUNT VERNON. 201
home whether you had sold any more, or what quantity there
was on hand. —
Have you secured overseers for Union and Doguc-run
farms ? — This is the season for getting such as are good. — If
delayed much longer you will be obliged to take indifferent
ones perhaps. —
I wish you well, and am
Your friend,
G° Washington.
LXXVIIL
Philadelphia 2Sth Augfc 1795.
Mr. Peaece,
The enclosed letter for Miss Betcy Custis ! relates to a mat-
ter, respecting which, I have made some enquiry in her behalf
— Put it into her own hands, if she is at Mount Vernon — and
as she might wish, perhaps, to revolve the subject a little, be-
fore she communicates the contents to any other, give it to
her when she is alone, with this letter also, which only serves
to cover it.—
I am Your friend
G° "Washington.
P. S.
I shall write to you again at the usual time— viz — by Mon-
days Post.
1 Elizabeth Parke Custis, Mrs. Washington's grand-daughter, who after-
wards married Mr. Law, kinsman of Lord Ellenborough, to whom the in-
quiries may have related. The marriage was not happy, and in later life
the lady resumed the name of Custis. It is notable that when this and the
preceding, and several succeeding letters, were written, the Government
was in the midst of a crisis brought on by the resignation of the Secretary
of State (Randolph) and the death of the Attorney General (Bradford). The
letters are more brief, but the hand of the writer does not shake, nor does
he fail in thought fulness for the affairs of Betsy Custis.
202 GEORGE WASHINGTON
LXXIX.
Philadelphia 30th Aug* 1705.
Mk. Pearce,
I have written to you so fully of late, that little remains to
be said in this letter, beyond the acknowledgment of yours of
the 23d instant.
1 shall however add, that late as it is to be, in a manner,
beginning to sow Wheat, I would rather have it delayed still
longer than to be sowed in ground that is too wet; or in
other respects unfit for its reception. — Xo seed will ever
yield well when put in in bad order; or too much out of
season. —
This reminds me of the necessity there is for sowing, with-
out delay, the lot by the Spring, where Potatoes are growing,
with Lueern. — Prepare the ground well, and do not spare
seed (trying the goodness of it beforehand). — Admitting that
the Potatoes are not yet got to their full growth, it is better,
notwithstanding, that they should suffer, than the Grass (by
late sowing) from which permanent advantages are expected
should be injured. —
The Ploughs made by Isaac must be badly executed, or
vastly abused at the Farms, from the continual employment
he lias in making them. — A sett of Ploughs, made and taken
care of as they ought to be, cannot, surely want replacing as
often as mine are, by the Carpenters report ; especially as
there are so few stumps and stones in any of my arable
fields. — The Overseers ought to be attentive to this matter. —
If they had the making, or paying for the making, them-
selves, there wd not be this demand for them I apprehend —
and it is no good reason why they should be constantly calling
for them, because they are done within myself. —
I hope from the character given of Mr. Xeale, that no dis-
appointment will follow — but if the mode of communicating
AND MOUNT VERNON. 203
with him was not direct and certain you had better not rest
it upon a single letter. — I wish you well, and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
LXXX.
Philadelphia Gth Sep1 1795.
Me. Peakce,
I was glad to find by your letter of the 30th of August, and
the reports of the preceeding week, that you had recommenced
seeding, with more favorable weather. — If the latter should
continue good, and the ground can be put in tolerable order,
all the Wheat, sowed by the middle of this month, will be in
the ground in good Season ; and if the Autumn is favorable,
any time before the end of it, may answer very well.— I fear
however, if what is called Davy's field, at Dogue-run, was too
wet to sow after the Plough, it must have been too wet also
for the latter ; — for such land as mine, when plowed wet,
always bakes hard. —
As I expect to set out in two or three days for Mount
Vernon I shall add no more in this letter than that I wish
you well and am your friend
G° Washington.
LXXXL
Head of Elk, Monday Even.
19th of Oct. 1795.
Mr. Pearce,
Owing to the bad weather, and the siekness on the road of
both Washington and one of the Postilions (Joe) I am no
further advanced yet ; and do not expect to reach Philadel-
phia at soonest, before tuesday afternoon.
As my Wheat would be a heavy loss to me, if the Weavil
should get much into it ; I must again request that no time
204 GEORGE WASHINGTON
may be lost in getting it out of the straw, and ground up as
fast as the Mill is able to do it.— As the River farm has no
place in which the threshed Wheat can be secured, let that be
the first cleaned and sent to the Mill. — At the other places let
it be got out of the Straw and lye in the chaff, to be cleaned
as fast as the Mill can grind it, and no faster. —
I wish also that you would have your Corn taken out of the
field as soon as you think it can be done with safety, altho' it
may not be dry enough to loft. — Xothing injures the growing
Wheat among it, more than running Carts over it when the
ground is in a freezing, and thawing State. — The Wheels, the
feet of the Oxen, and [torn] those of the People also press
[torn] about buries, and tares up (wheu the ground has been
frozen, and thawed at top) a great deal of it. — Corn this year
is drier, I conceive, than is usual at this season. — To this
cause, or to want, I know not which, I have seen several fields
gathered on the Eoad I came. —
Do not delay gathering (before the birds thin them) all the
berries of the White thorn — and lay up a large store of Cedar
berries in due Season. — On this subject, and hedging, I shall
write to you more fully after I get to Philadelphia ; but men-
tion them now that the White thorn berries (which I fancy
are rather scarce) may be got while they are in being. —
The sooner your Potatoes are up and secured the better. —
The weather seems to be getting cold ; and if it should be
freezing, will prevent them from drying and keeping well. —
Order the Overseers to be particularly attentive where these
and corn grow together, to measure each separate from what
may grow in other places, that I may know the comparative
yield of both. —
Desire the Gardener not to trim either the Lombard)'
Poplar or Yellow Willow until the season shall arrive for
putting out the cuttings; as I may want them for Hedging. —
I am Your friend &ca
G° Washington.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 205
LXXXIL
Philadelphia 25th Octr 1795.
Mr. Peakce,
The Post of yesterday, brought me your letter of the 21st
instant, and the Reports of the preceding "Week. —
I am sorry to hear you have been sick, but glad to find von
have recovered. — That the fly should be much in your Wheat
is to be regretted ; but proves the necessity of converting it as
speedily as possible into flour: or even selling it in grain, if
it cannot be ground in time; and a good price can be had for
it in that way. —
The disappointment you have met with in the Englishman
for an Overseer, is more unlucky on ace* of the lateness of the
season, than for any other reason ; but since it has happened,
I think you had better take the chance of o-ettino; a jrood one
from the Eastern Shore (as you are going there) than to en-
gage an indifferent one before you go. —
From George Town, I enclosed you a certificate for Donald-
son ; — and from the head of Elk I wrote you again, and prom-
ised to be more full on the subject of Hedging — (than which
nothing is more interesting to me) — when I got to this place ;
but the pressing, and. important business which has accumu-
lated in my absence, will oblige me to postpone it to an hour
of more leisure.1 — I shall, -however, refer you to a Book (or
pamphlet) I sent you some time ago on that subject, contain-
ing many useful experiments, and hints ; whilst I inform you
that you can have no dependence (I presume) on the berry of
the White thorn from your friend in ^Newcastle. — I did not
come, it is true, through Xewcastle, but I observed all the
1 The Secretary of State, Edmund Randolph, had resigned Aug. 21, and
the Attorney General, Bradford, died on the 23d. The President's unex-
pected unconditional signature of the Treaty, which both Hamilton and
Randolph opposed, had caused a critical situation. The President was
vainly trying to fill adequately the vacancies in his Cabinet.
20G GEORGE WASHINGTON
Hedges about Christiana, and from that to Wilmington, and
do not believe a gallon of Seed could be gathered from the
whole of them. — This makes it more necessary to secure all
you can at home ; — Cedar berries, — <vjca- — &ca —
I send you another Pamphlet on the subject of Manures
(which I request care to be taken of.) — By reading it atten-
tively at your evening, or leisure hours, you may, by following
the precepts contained in it, benefit me, and yourself too,
hereafter. —
As that trusty old negro Jack has taken leave of the
troubles of this world, you must supply his place at the
Stable, or rather at the Provender for it :• — and I should think
Allison had better keep the key of the corn loft ; — for I know
of no black person about the house that is to be trusted. —
I want a Green Pocket book, wtCK is to be found in the hair
trunk, which is usually put on my writing Table in the Study,
with my Land papers. — The key of this trunk is under the
lid of the writing Table. — it is tied to a bunch of other keys,
by a twine. — This Pocket book is of green parchment, and
contains the courses and distances of many surveys of the
grounds &ca in, and about my farms. — let it be put under a
cover, and sent to me by the first Post, with the reports — I
am,
Your friend and well wisher
G° Washington.
P. S.
The Pamphlet on Manures is the newest, and supposed to
be from the best source of any that has been written.
LXXXIII.
Philadelphia 22d Xovr 1705.
Mr. Peaijce,
I received no letter from you yesterday, nor the Saturday
before ; nor have I written to you for several weeks, on
account of your proposed journey to the Eastern Shore :
AND MOUNT VERNON. 207
postponing it until the time I expected your return from
thence. —
In one or two of the letters I have written to you since I
left Mount Vernon, it was intimated that I should be more
full on the subject of Hedging whenever I was at leizure. —
This will hardly happen I believe, while I am in this city. —
But, as there is nothing which has relation to my farms — not
even the Crops of grain — that I am so solicitous about as get-
ting my fields enclosed with live fences, 1 cannot too often,
nor too strongly inculcate this doctrine upon you ; and I find
it more necessary to do so, as it is considered in the light of a
subordinate object, and made to yield to other things. —
It is a useless expence and trouble, to buy, or gather seeds;
— to put them in the ground ; — or to transplant from the
nursery to the hedge ; if they are not attended to afterwards
with as much care as a field of Indian corn : — nay, as plants
in a garden ; until they are too powerful to be injured by
Weeds or grass. — Unless this is done, every antecedent ex-
pence and labour is thrown away ; — and disagreeable as that
is, — it is not to be compared with the loss of time : in effect-
ing this plan year after year. —
At least 15 years have I been urging my managers to
substitute live fences in lieu of dead ones — which, if con-
tinued upon the extensive scale my farms require, must
exhaust all my timber ;— and to this moment I have not one
that is complete : — nor never shall, unless they are attended
to in the manner before mentioned ; and if plants die, to
replace them the next season ; and so on, until the hedge is
close, compact, and sufficient to answer the purpose for
which it is designed. —
It may be said, and with great truth, that the latter part
of last summer was so wet as to- render it impossible to keep
weeds and grass under — of course that labour was greatly
multiplied ; — but this is an evidence also of another thing
which I have been equally anxious to adopt, and that is to
208 GEORGE WASHINGTON
tend less ground — and to manure and cultivate the smaller
quantity higher. — Sure I am, the profit will be greater : — wliv
else will a particular spot of ground, if it is well dressed and
prepared, yield five and twenty or 30 bushels of Corn or
Wheat to the acre, when the circumjacent land (of the same
original quality) will not, at most, produce more than eight
or ten? — The reason is obvious; — the ground, in the first
place, is kept clean ; — is well prepared ; — and well culti-
vated ; — and in the next place, the manure which is put on
it, and would hardly be perceived in an hundred acre field,
would be sensibly felt m one of 50 acres. — But this is not all
— a small quantity of ground, proportioned to the force that
is to cultivate it — may, under all circumstances of weather.
be kept in order ; — for if the weather be bad, it still can be
managed ; if good, it not only can be managed, but time is
afforded to get up mud, and do many other advantageous
things on a farm ; — Whereas a full crop, is hardly manage-
able as it ought to be even in good weather, and is much
injured, if not lost, if it proves unfavorable ; whilst every-
thing else of smaller magnitude is ruined.
The last paragraph is a digression from the subject of
Hedging, but serves to shew my ideas of aiming at too
much ; — at the same time that it serves to prove what are
really facts, that hedging, ditching, and putting my Meadows
in prime order, would be infinitely more agreeable to me,
and ultimately more profitable, than an attempt to encrease
my crops of grain. — But to return to hedging. —
At the proper season let all the English thorn, in the
Vineyard, be transplanted (I do not care where, so it be) to
places where the strongest inner fences are required. — Let
the long string of fence from the gate at Union farm (going
into jS«"0 1) quite through to the branch be planted with the
honey locust, if they are of a size proper for it. — Continue
the Cedar hedge from the Barn at that place, to the Mill
road ; or as far as you have plants for the purpose : — and
AND MOUNT VERNON. 209
then (on both sides of that lane) in ground properly spaded,
or well hoed np, and formed, into a bed, sow the Cedar ber-
ries in a single straight row ; after rubbing off the skin, or
Mutinous substance' which surrounds the seed, in the manner
which has been mentioned to you ; and which, it is said, is
necessary to their vegitation.— But with respect to these, and
other berries, the vegitation of which is said to be promoted
by their passing through the body of an animal, I have often
thought, that if they were put into a pot with water suffi-
cient to moisten the whole mass of them, and kept warm
(but not hot) from morning until night, and then to have
the skin rubbed off as before mentioned, it would answer as
well as the heat' of the animal body. — The only danger
would be from carelessness, in letting them get so hot as to
destroy vegitation altogether.
The cross fences, where hogs are not suffered to run,
might, in my opinion be made from the cuttings of the Lom-
bard}7 poplar ; which being quick of growth would, wattled
in the manner I have described to you, soon form a hedge
against horses, cattle and Sheep : and might, if necessary
hereafter, have a hedge, on the contrary side of the ditch
made of locust. Thorn, Cedar, or something equally substan-
tial, tho' of slower growth ; to aid, or supply the place of the
first, if it should decay soon.-— But it is useless to attempt
more than can be executed ; — and a folly to begin on fresh
ditches until those which are planted on the old ones, are
made good. —
Xo hedge, alone, will, I am persuaded, do for an outer in-
closure, where tico, or four footed hogs find it convenient to
open a passage ; but I am equally satisfied, that any hedge
will do for partition fences, where no hogs are suffered to
run ; — consequently those that can be quickest raised, will
answer my purposes best; if I am even obliged to have a
double hedge, in the maimer before mentioned, to be ready
for the decline of the first. —
14
210 GEORGE WASHINGTON
On board of Capta Ellwood, I sent you, to the care of Mr.
Hartshorn, or CoJ° Gilpin?, 2S-?r lbs of Cliicory seed in a
bag ; twelve pounds of wch I request you to sow in the lot bv
the Spring, at Mansion house (once intended for Lucern) as
early in March as you can get the grd in perfect order. — You
may sow it alone, or with Oats, very thin ; The residue of
this Seed, sow, at the rate of twelve pounds to the Acre, on
the Wheat in the lot by the Barn at Dogue-run. — Let this be
done in February or March, on a slight Snow; and sow tin-
residue of that lot, at the same time with Lucern seed, at the
rate of at least 15 lbs to the acre. — The rest of the Lucern
seed you may sow at the other farms, as convenient to the
Stables as you can find suitable grd; that it may be handy for
soiling the work horses in its green State ; or where else yon
please. —
The Chiccory being a very light seed, should be mixed with
Sand, ashes, or something of this sort to make it sow regular.
— The enclosed paper will give you some idea of its worth. —
So much has been said of the value of this plant for feeding
horses, cattle and Sheep, that I have been induced to give
upwards of Six pounds Sterling for the small bag I now send
you. — this circumstance alone, makes particular attention to
it necessary. —
Give the small papers enclosed, to the Gardener, and de-
sire him. to pay particular attention to them. — -
The small sketch enclosed, shews the course of the Road
from the white gates in Front of the Mansion house, to the
end of the little old field ; and I could be glad, if circum-
stances would allow it, if a new road was opened along the
streight line A B if you can, without a compass, lay it on
streight or if it was to strike the road a little beyond the
field, next the Gum spring no other disadvantage than
lengthening of it, and increasing the labour in opening of it,
would result therefrom. — This road would leave out a small
part of the inclosure by the White gates, and would cross a
AND MOUNT VERNON. 211
rising by the little old field ; but if I Lave a proper recollec-
tion of it, the assent in going to the house will be very easy,
and none elsewhere in returning — and a good view of the
house would be had from it. — If this road was opened, a sub-
stantial ditch (as soon as the ditchers could be spared from
the Mill race) might be thrown up along it as far as the fence
at C where the line I laid off the morning I left home, would
meet it, and a good fence be placed thereon. —
Urge the Miller to grind up my Wheat as fast as he can. —
Let me know how you have gone on in getting it out — and
what the quantity, and quality of it is likely to be — How
your Corn turns out — And how the growing Crops look. — I
wish you well, and am
Your friend
0° Washington.
P.S.
Have you got an Overseer yet for Union Farm.
LXXXIY.
Philadelphia 29th Xovr 1T95.
Mr. Peakce,
The Post of yesterday brought me your letter of the 26th
inst*, and the weekly reports of the 14th and 21st preceeding. —
I am sorry to find by them that you have had much sick-
ness among the Xegros ; and that the prospect of a good crop
of Corn, as well as a tolerable one of Wheat, is diminishing.
— As the latter of these is got out, and the horses more at
liberty, I hope every diligence will be used in breaking up
the fields intended for the ensuing crop, when the weather
will permit, and the ground is in order for it : — and I request
also, that your shelters may be prepared for the reception of
the different species of Stock, at all the Farms, by, or before
the season requires them to be used ; for if Cattle suffer in the
early part of winter, they rarely recover it. —
212 GEORGE WASHINGTON
By the Eeport from River farm I perceive shelter is pre-
paring for the horses at that place ; — what this means I kn<r.v
not ; but it reminds me of the necessity of giving substantial
shores to the Barn and Stables there : — otherwise some very
disasterous accident may befal not only the horses, but negros
also, in a high wind, or storm, —
How does Xeale seem to conduct himself in the superin-
tendence of the workmen ? — I hope he will have a little more
command over them than Green or Donaldson had ; or he
will get little more done by them than they did. — I take it
for granted, that by his agreement, he is to work himself. —
If then, you perceive any backwardness in his doing so re-
mark it to him at first appearance of it. — Xeglects of this
sort come on by degrees ; and increase in proportion as they
are overlooked. — Let him cast his eyes round, and see what
kind of work is, or will be wanting, and can be done- within
doors ; — when the weather is such as to prevent the people
from working out to advantage, or with safety ; and have the
materials previously lodged in the Barn, to go on with
it.—
Among these, I recollect at once — Dormant "Windows to
the Barn ; — Sashes to the Kitchen where they are falling to
pieces ; — Plank tried up for the iSTorth end of the ^Mansion
house, that is now rotting ; — (Plank of a proper width and
thickness, and without sap should be procured for this pur-
pose)— the same for the Pillars of the covered way going into
the Kitchen ; — Locust Posts for the circle before the door ; —
Harrows, Ploughs, rakes, Wheels, Carts, cradles for the grain
harvest ; — repairing spinning Wheels, and many other things
which might be thought of, and executed within, to advan-
tage, when the weather is rainy, snowy, very sloppy, or very
cold.- — If he is a man of industry and contrivance, and will
give his attention to these things, more will be done by a
proper arrangement of the business than can easily be con-
ceived ; and by such an arrangement, work might be so for-
AND MOUNT VERNON. 213
warded out of the rough, as to supereeed the necessity per-
haps, of calling hands in, to do occasional jobs ; — or keeping
Isaac and Joe always, as it were, from the other people, doing
less, it is presumed than they would do, if they were under
the eye of a man who would attend to them. —
Enclosed, is a copy of the Invoices of the Oznabrigs and
Blankets ; — there are, as you will perceive, two kinds of each,
— let the better sort of Linnen be given to the grown people,
and the most deserving; whilst the more indifferent sort is
served to the younger ones and worthless. — I request that
particular attention may be given to the cutting out that,
there may be neither waste, nor embezzlement if it is cut out
by the Xegro women ; and a piece at a time only used. — the
number of yards in each piece appears by the Invoice, and it
is easily ascertained what quantity a shirt ; or shift will take
(of the different sizes) and calculate thereby. — xill my People
that want blankets (or rather all that are entitled to them)
must be supplied ; giving to the grown Negros the larger,
or better sort. — Many have lately been given to the laying
in Women, — but where the children are living, it is usual to
let them come in with the rest notwithstanding; — but where
dead, not to do so. —
You said something to me about Sein twine, but nothing
was fixed that I recollect; if you depend upon me for it, not
a moment is to be lost in sending round, as the Navigation
may soon be stopped by Ice. — ■
Have you recd the money yet for my flour and Corn ? — Pay
yourself, Overseers, and everything I owe with it, and let me
know how the accfc stands. — Charge Peter to be careful of the
Mules designed for my own particular use — and let the num-
ber be Six instead of four.
I am Your friend, &ca
G° Washington.
214: GEORGE WASHINGTON
LXXXV.
Philadelphia 6th Decr 1795.
Mr. Peaj?ce,
I have received your letter of the 29th ult° with the Weekly
reports of the 6th and 2Sth of November.
I wish you to make the most you can of the materials you
have within yourself, for hedging ; for I do not believe you
will get any berries of the white thorn from Newcastle; for
the reason given in one of my letters after I arrived at this
place, from Mount Vernon last. — I hope the Ceder berries
will prove better than you expect, that you may, as soon as
possible, get the lane from the New barn (at Union farm) to
the Mill road compleated with that kind of hedge on both
sides. — Make good the hedges as you proceed, in this busi-
ness ; otherwise you will have incomplete ones, that will
render no service. — Anxious as you perceive I am, to substi-
tute hedges instead of dead fences, I have full confidence in
your exertion to raise them ; — and as I have observed in a
former letter, those for inner and cross fences, where no hogs
are suffered to run, may, in the first instance, be made of any-
thing that suits the soil, and will grow quick ; altho' they
should be doubled hereafter. — "When I speak of tilling too
much land, and add that a less quantity would be more pro-
ductive than the greater quantity, which is now tended in
order to produce an adequate quantity of Corn ; I would not
be understood to mean that half of one of your fields in the
condition they now are, would produce you as much corn (or
other things) as the whole of it would do ; — that would be
absurd ; — but for example, suppose ten hands are necessary
to cultivate a field of 100 acres (more or less) and that this
quantity, in common seasons, can be cultivated as well as
usually is done, but will allow no spare time, or labour for any
extra work — my idea then is, that- by turning half that field
out, or rather let it be enclosed, and nothing suffered to run
and MOUNT VERNON. 215
upon it (that all the grass and weeds it produces may fall, rot,
and ameliorate the soil) — Cultivate the other half better than
vou could do the whole ; — and bestow all the spare labour of
the ten hands in raking, — scraping, — collecting and carrying
out all the manure that can be obtained from Swamps, ponds,
trash about houses, and in the lanes, — and even leaves and
rotten trees from the woods ; that more would be produced
in a year or two from the 50 acres, than is now got from the
hundred : — and by this means gullies might be filled up — and
many other improvements made on the farms that are not,
nor cannot be done, with a full crop. — Is it not better to get
20 bushels of Wheat (and other things in proportion) from
one acre of ground, than from two acres ? — That worn land,
undressed and unimproved will not produce the latter, that is
20 bushels, and when well cultivated and manured, will pro-
duce the former, is known to every man who has attended to
these things; — and yet, such is the force of habit, that people
will not quit the path their fathers have trod in. — Besides, I
am so well persuaded of the injury, land sustains from the
growth of Indian Corn, I never desire to raise more than
enough for my [Negros (who cannot do without it ;) substitut-
ing other species of food for Horses, Hogs &ca — or even buy-
ing, from the sales of other crops if I cannot do this. —
I agree to your putting N° 1 at Muddy-hole in Oats instead
of N° 6. — And one object which makes me desirous of clear-
ing ground at the Mansion house, and tilling what has been
grubbed, is to relieve those worn out fields at the former;
whilst the principal design, is to improve and beautify the
grounds about the latter. — But altho' I wish very much to
have the new road (sketched out in one of my late letters,)
opened, yet I cannot, nor do not request it, if more essential
matters arc to suffer by it. — perhaps it may be done on a
straight line from the sweep by the white gates, to the inter-
section of the proposed road, and the fence, which was marked
out the morning I left home.
216 GEORGE WASHINGTON
I am glad to hear that your growing grain looks well. —
take care to make drains, in time, to take the water from ail
low places ; — and let me know, as soon as the matter is ascer-
tained, the amount of your "Wheat and Corn Crops at each
place ; and in each field ; if the accts have been kept di.»-
tinct. —
I remain your friend and well wisher
G° "Washington.
P...S.
What Hogs have you put up for Porke ? and when will
they be fit to kill ?
LXXXYI.
Philadelphia 13th Decr 1795.
Mr. Peakce,
Your letter of the 6th inst*, enclosing the "Weekly reports,
has been duly received.
I am glad to find by it that the sickness among my people
is abating. — If Cvrus 1 continues to give evidence of such
qualities as would fit him for a waiting man, encourage him
to persevere in them ; and if they should appear to be sin-
cere and permanent, I will receive him in that character
when I retire from public life, if not sooner. — To be sober,
attentive to his duty, honest, obliging and cleanly, are the
qualifications necessary to fit him for my purposes. — If he
possesses these, or can acquire them — he might become useful
to me, at the same time that he would exalt, and benefit
himself.
When you receive the money for my last years flour and
Corn, I wish that every demand, of whatsoever nature or
kind, may be discharged. — I never like to owe anything, lest
I might be called upon for payment when I am not possessed
of the means. — A Dun, would not be agreeable to me, at any
1 A negro boy.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 217
time; — and not to play money when it is due, and might
really be wanting, would hurt my feelings. —
Wheat in this market is at from 15 to 20/. pr bush, and
flour thirteen dollars and an half pr barr1. — Probably this
may be occasioned by the desire of Shipping it before the
frost sets in, to stop the Navigation. — I therefore request
that the Miller would exert himself in grinding mine ; and
if you can get the above price (allowing for the deduction of
freight from Alexandria to this City) to sell, on a reasonable
credit, all the flour he has, or can get ready, at that price. —
I will make enquiry for Sein twine and if it is to be had
on better terms here than in Alexandria, and a Vessel offers
(which is not the case at present) I will send a quantity
round. —
Two more mules (altho' they may be older than the four
now up) may be turned over to Peter — Let him chuse those
which are most promising, and nearest in colour.
I am Your friend tfee1
G° Washington.
LXXXYII.
Philadelphia 20th Decr 1795.
Mr. Peaiice,
Having received neither the Weekly reports nor a letter
from you yesterday, as usual, I fear you are unwell, or some-
thins: else is the cause of it, as I got other letters by the
Southern Mail. —
Flour keeps up to 13 J- dollars pr bar1. If I have any there-
fore on hand, to dispose of, I wish it were sold at that price,
on a reasonable credit ; allowing for the freight to this place ;
which is all that the purchaser ought to require, unless lie
contends for Insurance also. — One cause for this price is, to
get it out before the frost sets in, so as to impede the Naviga-
tion.— -Whether a fall afterwards may be permanent, or not,
218 GEORGE WASHINGTON
I will not undertake to decide ; — but I had rather sell at that
price than run the hazard of its doing it. —
' I could buy Sein twine in this city at j- this money, but no
Vessel offers for Potomack, and probably will not before the
river closes; you must do therefore what seems to you best
under these circumstances — that is to buy there — weight, and
take the chance of getting it from hence in time — or to rent
the Landing for a certain sum ; obliging the Hire, er of it, to
furnish you from the first running, with as many Shad and
Herrings as you usually put up for family use. — Sometime
last year, I wrote you a letter on this subject which may con-
tain (altlio* I dont know that it does) some useful ideas, if the
latter mode should be preferred. —
I am your friend and well wisher
G° Washington.
LXXXYIII.
Philadelphia 3d Jan. 1796.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 27th with the reports came to hand
yesterday — and I am glad to find you have met with a supply
of twine in Alexandria, as there is no prospect that has yet
openedj of getting it from hence in time and J have no doubt
that under all chances fishing yourself will be more profitable
than hiring out the landing for Sixty pounds. —
I am not disposed to take any thing less for my Hour than
it sells at here (allowing for freight and Insurance) for if it is
well manufactured, it will pass Inspection in this Market, and
of course command the price of other flour, without the credit
which is required in Alexandria and would be for my interest
to bring it hither, rather than sell at an under rate. — In any
case, however, I request that Davenport may hasten the grind-
ing as much as possible, that you may be enabled to take the
advantage of a Vessel wanting a quantity to dispatch her, and
AND MOUNT VERNON. 219
the badness of the roads, which may prevent its coming from
the upper country by land ; "vvhieh. must be the case nowy from
the openess of the winter, hitherto ; and will be the case in
the spring when it is breaking up which circumstances are
favorable for a good sale if you keep a good lookout. —
My letter to you, must have been opened after it went
from me, for I think it never could have left my hands with-
out a seal.1 — But letters for sometime past have been opened,
to come at Lank and Post notes ; and some persons are now
under trial for this practice.
I am Your friend &ca
G° Washington.
LXXXIX.
Philadelphia 17th Jan. 1790.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letters of the 3d and 10th instfc are both before me, —
the last came yesterday, and the first on tuesday.
I should be sorry if Davenports disorder should prove fatal
to him ; it would be a heavy stroke upon his family at any
time, and unlucky for me at the present. — ■
I am under no concern for the fall which has taken place
in the price of flour — that it will be up again, and higher
than ever in the spring there is but little doubt — indeed some
well informed Merchants declare they should not be surprized
to find it at twenty dollars pr Barrel at that season. —
There can be no question, in my mind that herrings will be
at 10/. pr Thousand and Shads at three dollars at least pr hun-
dred for which reason, my advice to you is, not to take less
from Mr. Smith, or any other who may offer to contract, be-
forehand.
You may manage the fields at Union farm in whatever
manner you think best — My great object (more than making
See Introduction.
220 GEORGE WASHINGTON
crops) is to preserve the land and the mode you have sug-
gested for the ensuing crop, may answer that purpose. —
I have no objection to your disposing of all the fallen tim-
ber to Waggoners that you see no prospect of getting up
vourself upon the best terms you can obtain. — taking care to
prevent, as far as possible, impositions and inconvenience-
from admitting them within your outer fences. — To keep
which up, is an object of great importance ; and I wish it to
be done as far as it is in your power without neglecting
things of greater moment. — It was always my intention, and
is my earnest wish, to get a hedge of the honey locust, or
some plant of quick and stubborn growth upon the outer
ditch as soon as possible. — ■
How does your winter grain stand this open weather? — It
lias been fine for grubbing, and I hope that business has, and
is going on well. — Have you a prospect of getting all grubbed
within the line I laid off the morning I left home ? — and is it
likely you can do anything towards the Kew road from the
White gates this winter or Spring ?
As Allison knew that it never was contemplated to bring,
or have a married man about the Mansion house as an Over-
seer, lie would be rightly served to be turned of [f] ; but as it
might be difficult to supply his place at this season I can give
no direction about it, but leave the matter to yourself to act
as circumstances dictate.
It is hardly possible it can be three years since I subscribed
to the Salary of Mr. Davis 1 — how then can there be two
years due when one has been paid \ Surely it was not the
terms of the Subscription to pay ten pounds at the beginning.
and ten pounds at the end of the first year. But you can as-
certain this matter by having recourse to the paper — or, Mr.
Herbert, who was the gentleman that obtained my name to
it—
1 Rev. Thomas Davis. (See ante.)
AND MOUNT VERNON. 221
It is not want of water, but the great quantity of it that is
wasted, that makes the scarcity at the Mill, and this will con-
tinue to be the case until the Xew race is done and all the
rotten and week parts below it are thoroughly repaired. —
after which, except in very dry summers I do not conceive
there will be much cause for complaint. —
I remain your friend and well wisher
G° Washington.
XG.
Philadelphia 25th Jan. 1796.
Mr. Pearce,
The letter which accompanies the two parcels of Rice
herewith sent, gives all the information I am able to trans-
mit, respecting the cultivation of them ; — and to which I
request you to pay particular attention. —
As these small things may be laid by, and forgot when the
season for sowing or preparing ground for them arrives ; — and
even after sowing them, may be forgotten in the due cultiva-
tion of them — It would be proper to avoid the first, to put
them in places where they cannot be overlooked — and as a re-
membrancer of the latter, to note down in your book of re-
ports the time — and place — where and when, they are put
into the ground. —
I am Your friend
G° Washington.
XCI.
Phila 315t Jany 1706.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 24th inst. with the reports, came to
hand, at the usual time, yesterday. — And I am sorry to find
by them that sickness is so prevalent among the people. —
222 GEORGE WASHINGTON
It is occasioned I presume by the changeableness of tin
weather; — and will I hope, be carried off by the steady cold
which seems to be how setting in. —
Has your grain been covered with snow ? — If not, how
does it, and is it likely, to withstand these open frosts ?
If you cannot get a Miller until the first of June — (I mean
who will remain with you until that time) — let me know ir.
and I will endeavor to send one from hence : — but the season
will, in a manner, be passed away before one could reach you
from hence ; for which reason, if you could get a lit character
nearer home, it would be better. — I hope the loss of Ben will
not be added to that of Davenport. — Let care be taken of
him, and all the rest of the sick. —
As I am almost as confident as I can be of anything, thai
depends upon a bad memory, that it is not three years since
I subscribed to a Salary for Mr. Davis, I cannot discover
upon what ground it is he claims three years payment ;
unless my subscription anticipated a years payment, of which
I have no recollection ; — but which must certainly be known
to Mr. Herbert who was the Gentleman that solicited my
name to the instrument. — I am always willing to pay what 3
owe— but never that which I do not owe.
I wish you well and am yr friend
G° Washington.
XCIL
Philadelphia 7th Feby 1796.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter, begun on the 31?t of last month, and ended the
2d of this, came, with the Eeports enclosed, duly to hand
yesterday ; together with the Hot of Dower a^egros which are
taken exactly as I wished.— I now wish you would forward t"
me a list of all the remaining Xegros on the Estate ;—dis-
AND MOUNT VERNON. 223
tingnisliing French's from the others ; and both made out in
the manner of the last — giving the ages &cV
After I hear from you again, respecting a Miller, I shall be
better able to determine than now, whether to send a Miller
from hence or not ; — especially as, all circumstances con-
sidered, it may be found as well to sell the Wheat in grain as
to grind it, if the Mill can be rented on Advantages terms
before the next Manufacturing season comes on — of which I
request you to be particular in your enquiries that I may
know the utmost she will Bent for. —
Let me know in your next (for the Mill report gives no ac-
count of it) what quantity of flour is ground : — and I should
be glad to know as nearly as you can give a guess from what
you have already got out of the Straw, the quantity remaining
in it. — In short I wish to know as nearly as may be con-
jectured (with certainty I am sensible it cannot be) the whole
amount of the last years crop, of this article. —
I never was under any apprehension, from the fall in the
price of Wheat or flour in Alexandria, that I had missed the
market for mine ; — and I am more convinced now than ever,
that both will be higher than it ever has been. — The high
bounty given by the British Parliament for the importation
of both these articles into that country ; — the scarcity in
Europe generally, and the great demand for the latter in the
"West Indies ; will raise the market beyond any thing ever
known in this country. — Wheat at this moment is at 20/. pr
Bushel, and flour at fourteen dollars pr Barrel and rising in
this City. — Keep me advised of the Alexandria prices. —
If you can get a good workman who will be industrious
and sober (and not extravagent) it would not only be my
1 The exact date of Washington's Will is unknown, a blank being left
after " seventeen hundred and ninety — ." The information requested of
Pearce was probably desired for the preparation of that characteristic docu-
ment, in which his own negroes are carefully distinguished, from those of
his wife, for immediate emancipation.
I
224 GEORGE WASHINGTON
wish to have the North end of the Mansion house thoroughly
repaired, but every other part of it ; with the Pillars of the
Piazza — covered ways to the Kitchen and Servants hall, com-
pleatly repaired also ; — together with the sashes of all the
houses where they require it. — And I would have Venetian
blinds made for the Windows above, on the west side of the
house like those below, but to fit better than they do. — Or, if
the windows are so framed as to permit it, these Venetian
blinds would look, and be better on the out side ; to open and
shut (by means of hinges) like those on the front door, but
in a neater Stile. — If they are made for the outside above,
the same must be below, in order to correspond ; or it would
have an odd appearance. — In that case the blinds now in use
may be worked up. — It must be a good workman to execute
these several jobs (for I would have none of them done in a
bungling manner) — and that they may come lighter to me, as
jobs of this sort must be undertaken at day wages, let Isaac
and the boy assist, under his direction, in slitting out and
trying up the stuff from the rough. —
The check which Doctr Stuart has given you on the Bank
of Alexandria you may lay out in Stock (or shares) therein.
— I do not know the cost of a share, but if it wants a little
aid to complete a share, or certain number of shares, and you
have the means of affording it, I would have you do so. — But
tell Doctr Stuart when you see him, that I apprehend he is
under a mistake in charging me three years hire of Peter. —
The last time he paid me money (which cannot be three
years ago) the hire of Peter was allowed for therein ; and a
receipt taken for the same ; or else my memory has failed me
exceedingly. — This however, if an error, can easily be recti-
fied by having recourse to that settlement, or to the receipts.
If Mrs. Davenport means to remove to Norfolk, you may
aid her with a little money to do so; — to the amount of
three, four or five pounds, according to circumstances. —
You will perceive by the enclosed advertisement, which is
AND MOUNT VERNON. 225
intended more as an essay to see whether I can rent my
farms — [remainder of letter missing'].
XCIIL
Philadelphia 21st Feb. 1796.
Mr. Peaece,
Since my last to yon, I have received yonr letters of the
7th and 14th Instant.
I am under no apprehension of flour falling ; but keep me
advised of the Alexandria price. — The fears expressed by the
purchasers, of its falling, is calculated to alarm the Sellers. —
They know full well, it is not likely to happen. — The scarcity
and demand being so irreat. —
As I wish, after this Crop of "Wheat is Manufactured, to
Rent my Mill, it would scarcely be worth while to send a
Miller from hence, even if I knew where to get one, but
that I do not : — and therefore would have you do as well
as yon can to procure one yourself, to grind up the present
crop. —
The Gentlemen who think 250 dollars a sufficient Rent
for my Mill diiler very widely from me. — This sum would
not bring me 2§ pr Cfc for the money wch has been expended
on her, the Pace, &c* — Mr. Digges' Mill near Bladen sburgh
Rented for £300 Maryh1 Money pr Ann. and it was supposed
would go much higher when the term (which is now about
expiring) was out. — But of this you may get particular in-
formation from Col° Fitzgerald (one of the Executors) which
I wish you would do, and let me know. — Mr. Diggers Mill
may have a more constant stream of Water than mine, but in
no other respect is better ; — and a considerable alteration will
take place in mine, when the Xew Pace is compleated. —
Those tenants which you speak of, near Mrs. French's,
must pay more than 20/. Pent for every acre of tillable land
they possess ; few of them, if I am not mistaken, having
15
226 GEORGE WASHINGTON
more than ten, 12, or fifteen Acres cleared: and it was the
cost of the cleared land I was enquiring after; — not what
they paid for a lot, when eight-tenths of it might be in
Wood ; which could produce them nothing. — Mine Leii:_;
cleared, and fit for the plough, I wanted to know what others
got, as some rule to fix a value thereon. —
I do not understand the Alexandria Printers1 meaning.
when he talks of not having tipes to spare for my Adver-
tisement.— Does it take more tipes for that, than any other
piece of the same length ? — If not, would he not have the
same tipes to use in the interval, between every publication
whether of a week, fortnight, or any other given time? —
I am willing to encourage the Bank of Alexandria if it is
not at too great a loss, in the purchase of ]Sew shares, and
therefore leave you at liberty to apply the money that way
under that restriction only. —
The repairs to the Xorth end of the Mansion house, and
perhaps some others, are so essential, that you must engage
the person whom you had in view to do them, upon the best
terms you can ; whether he is aided by the iN'egro carpenter.-
or not.- —
I see by the last weeks report that Caesar lias been absent
six days. — Is he a runaway ? — If so, it is probable he will
escape altogether, as he can read, if not Write. —
I thought to have given yon the terms on which I propose
to let my farms, but other matters have eno-a^ed me so much,
that I have not had time yet to digest them to mv satisfac-
tion ; but you shall have them as soon as lam able to do
it. — In the mean time, if any enquiries have been made, let
me know it and the tendency of them. —
I am sorry you entertain a doubt of remaining with me
another year ; for whether'I retain the farms ; — Rent them :
1 The "Columbian Mirror and Alexandria Gazette," which was first issu< ■*
21 Nov. 1792. It had a precursor in "The Times and Alexandria Adver
User," which was in existence as early as 17SG.
I
AND MOUNT VERNON. 227
or do both, in part ; your services would be equally essential
to me: and my unwillingness to look out for another Manager
would be equally great: — especially as I should, so soon after,
quit public life, and settle myself once more in Peace, under
my own Vine and fig tree ; and could, thereafter, attend more
to my own business than I am able to do at present — And as
it is probable too your health may be better, after you are
more innured to a Water situation. For these reasons I hope
your determination is not so fixed but it will be altered. —
I wish you well, and
am Your friend
G° Washington.
XCJY.
Philadelphia 9th Mar. 1706.
Mr. Pearce,
As I did not receive your letter of the 2Sth ult°, until eight
o'clock last night ; — and am hurried this morning in prepar-
ing other letters for the Post. — I shall do no more than in-
form you, that besides the Cask of Clove Seed by Captn Hand,
— there went a small box of Apple grafts for the Gardener. —
The apples are of a most extraordinary large size, and good
for eating. — Desire Ehler (as I hope he will receive them in
time) to graft them carefully. — I do not know what name the
Apple goes by ; — but he may distinguish them by — the large
Apple. —
If you have not already purchased shares in the Bank of
Alexandria, desist until you hear further from me ; — but if
you have done it, take no notice of this countermand.
I wish you better health and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
228 GEORGE WASHINGTON
XCY.
Philadelphia 13th March 1706.
Mr. Peakce,
Your letter of the 28th of Feby (as I mentioned in a short
letter written to you on Wednesday last) did not reach un-
hands until tuesday evening ; — and I had it not in my power
next morning, before closing the Mail, to mention some things
which I am about to do in this letter. —
The scarcity of Corn, and high price of that article in all
the Southern States, and in the Southern and western parts
of Virginia, gives serious alarm.- — Whether I have enough to
serve me, or any to spare, I know not, but in either case, I
request the utmost care and parsimony may be observed in
using it. — In many places I am told it is at six and seven dol-
lars a barrel already ; and expected to rise.
When you have got the whole of the iNew ground at Man-
sion house properly cleaned up, and fit for the Hoe and plough :
calculate what force of hands, and horses it will take to culti-
vate it ; and well ; in Corn this year ; and that you may be
certain of accomplishing it as it ought to be; (as my great
object is to kill the roots, and destroy the sprouts, so as to lit
it for grass) I would, if there be any doubt of effecting this in
the manner here expressed, have the Corn ground else where
reduced : — especially too as I should like to have the waste
ground, adjoining to the last years corn, at the same place,
also brought into cultivation ; and for the same purpose as
the other ; — that is — that it may be thoroughly reclaimed
from Hoots, sprouts and Shrubs ; and laid to grass. — As there
were many ugly gullies in the part last mentioned, I hope you
have had, or will have them tilled up, with the brush &efl
from the other parts.— Xot being sure that I gave you a plat
of these grounds, I do it now; that by knowing the exact
quantity you may calculate your force accordingly ; — allowing,
as no doubt you will, for the extra : labour of working 2Cevr
AND MOUNT VERNON. 229
ground, where there will be so many interruptions by roots
\V'Ca; and old ground, where the Plough wd run smooth and
easy. — Let all the Trees wch have been left, (as well this year
as formerly) except where they stand in clumps, be trimmed
to one even height from the ground ; and as high as they
well can be, by means of a Chizzel and Staff. — To do this
properly, will have a two fold effect ; — 1st, by lopping off so
many limbs, and so high up, the shade, and of course the in-
jury to the corn, will be less;' — and 2d!y, it will add beauty to
the appearance of the trees, when they get to be of larger
growth. —
Altho' I am under no apprehension of Flour falling in
price (but, on the contrary, that it will continue to rise,
especially if the British forces have arrived in the West
Indies, of which I believe there is no doubt) I would have
you keep me regularly informed of the Alexandria price of
this article, and the terms of payment; that I may know
when to strike. — And that it may all go together, I beg you
to exert your best endeavors to complete the grinding of my
Wheat as soon as possible. — Let me know the number of
Barrels you have on hand, and how many more there prob-
ably will be from the supposed quantity of Wheat yet to
deliver. — If the Miller's weekly report was to contain the
quantity of flour on hand it would save me these enquiries.
— Whenever it is sold, take care to reserve a full quantity
for my Table — and the demands of those who are to be sup-
plied by agreement. —
I wish to know from Col° Fitzgerald what the Bent of
Mr. Digges Mill near Bladensburgh is. — What Bickets pays
for Bird's near Alexandria ; — and that you wd extend your
enquiries as much as you can, and let me know the result. —
I cannot speak with certainty for want of the accounts, but
should suppose that £100 pr Ann. for my Mill would fall far
short of the common interest of the money she has cost me ;
including the labour of my own People. —
1I1V
v iii
230 GEORGE "WASHINGTON
I never supposed you had made any mistake in giving an
ace11 of the Rents which Airs. French, and tho.se about her,
received for their Lands, by the hundred acres. — The tend
ency of my enquiries was to ascertain a fact — viz — If She, in
they, give leases for lots containing- 100 acres each, what pro
portion of that hundred acres is cleared, and in order fur
cultivation? — If the Tenant gives fifteen pounds for an
hundred acs and there is only fifteen acres of that hundred
cleared, he does (until more is arable) actually pay 20/. per
acre for the cultivable Land. — Therefore, as the Land I
propose to let, is already in order for the Plough — 1
wanted to draw a comparison between what I ask for
fields, and others give by the acre for cleared land, alreac
order for tillage. — I do not know that my conjectures with
respect to the tenements about Mrs. French's are well founded ;
—but if they are, and in a hundred acre lot, there be not
more than 15 or 20 acres of arable, those tenants pay double
what I ask for my land ; supposing a dollar to be the medium
price of a Bushel of Wheat ; — and yet I have not much
expectation of letting my farms on the terms I offer them ;
as sounds, of ten terrify more than realities. — The truth is, if I
do not get what I conceive to be an adequate Rent, and good
tenants, who will do justice to the land, I shall not rent them
at all. — The terms have been forwarded to you in a former
letter. — It is not my intention to let the Xegros with the
farms. — But you may, nevertheless, when enquiries are made
know what could be obtained for both, e\:ca.
Until all danger from frost is over, mention in your let-
ters how the Winter grain looks : — and when this danger
is past, inform me how it appears; whether the ground i>
sufficiently stored with it; and whether the naked place-
are numerous and large. — Do not spare the Boiler if you
should be of opinion that good would result from the use of
it.—
My public duties press so much upon me, that unless some-
AXD MOUNT VERNON. 231
thing occurs, to remind me of my private concerns they
escape me altogether. — This would have been the case with
respect to the Jacks, and Stud horse had you not mentioned
Allison's request. — Had it occurred in time, I intended to
have informed you, that both Col° Ball (near Leesburgh) and
Mr. Eobfc Lewis (near Fauquier Court house) had sug-
gested, that one of my Jacks, at either of those places, would
have Many Mares sent to him. — And I should have added,
that I did not object to the measure ; but would leave it to
you and Peter (the last of whom ought by this time to know
which it would be best for me to retain) to say which should
go. — Xow, I presume it is too late in the Season to change
their destination ; for before one could be got to either of
those Gentlemen, and notice thereof given, the covering sea-
son would be far advanced. — After mentioning these things
I still leave it to you to do what you conceive will be most
conducive to my interest. — If either of those Gentlemen was
to get either of the Jacks, two things I should insist upon — ■
l5t the utmost care of the animal ; — and 2'lly ]S o credit to be
given ; at least for the part which is to fall to my share, for
there is no collect3 debts of this sort.
I know nothing of Thomas Allison's circumstances, respon-
sibility, Plan or terms, — consequently can say nothing relative
to his offer. — But as he lives in the same neighbourhood, and
cannot, I should suppose, be provided with either Stable,
Forage or Pasturage fit for such purposes, I do not see what
more is to be expected from sending the horse there, than
keeping him at Mount Vernon ; (especially as his profits
would be to be deducted from the earnings of the coverings :
and besides, I thought the horse was necessary to be with the
Jacks, to try the Mares by. —
As you have already taken ten shares in the Alexandria
Bank, I am very well satisfied thereat; and that it should so
remain.
Open and Mild as the winter has been, will you not have
232 GEORGE WASHINGTON
Hay to sell? — In that case, how much, and what is the price
of it in Alexa — I remain Your friend
G° Washington.
P. S.
Your letter of the Gth instant came to hand yesterday, but
there is nothing contained in it, that is not already noticed in
the aforegoing letter. —
XCYI.
Philadelphia 27th Mar. 1790.
Mr. Pearce,
Yesterday brought me your letter of the 20th instant, with
the Eeports of the preceding week. —
I am sorry to find by it that your winter grain has change*!
its appearance, for the worse ; and that your fences have been
so much deranged by the high wind you have had — in a
greater degree I think than it was here — tho' it was very
violent with us also. — These being acts of Providence, and
not within our controul, I never repine at them : — but if the
Poller will be of any use to the grain I beg it may be applied.
— Let the damage which the Cupulo, and other things have
sustained from the wind, be repaired as soon as possible.
I would not have you undertake more of the New ground
in Com than you can cultivate Well with the Mansion house
and Muddy-hole hands ; assisted as much as possible (at con-
venient times) by those from the other farms. — It was always
my intention and expectation, that the vjhole would have been
tilled in Corn ; and the field at Muddy-hole which, otherwise,
would have been in this article, would have lain over to an-
other year. — I went upon the principle that it was of very
little use to clear and grub ground, if it was not cultivated ;
because in a year or two it would be as foul as ever. — How-
ever, I do not make this observation with a view to stimulate
you to attempt more than you can execute cornpleatly ; for
that would not only defeat the view of preparing the held for
AND MOUNT VERNON. 233
grass, but .by not cultivating it well, would be the loss of the
Crop. —
I am under no apprehension, or fear, that flour with you,
will not again take a start ; — it is now at 10 dollars in this
city ; and every account from Europe developes more and
more the scarcity of it there, besides the demand for it in the
A\rest Indies ; but dispose of yours (if you can) on the terms
mentioned in a former letter; and let me know from time to
time what the current price is. —
You say Compound may be spared, but do not add that he
will, or to ivho?)i, altho' I left both altogether to your own
discretion. — Xo time is to be lost if he goes at all — Mr. Lewis
would, probably attend more to him than Col° Ball— and is,
besides, an Agent of mine for other purposes. —
From the present state of the business in Congress, I see very
little prospect of its rising before June ; — of course I shall not
be able to visit Mount Vernon at an earlier period. — From
hence you can form as good a judgment of my wants as I can,
of Hay. —
I am Your friend tfcea
G° Washington.
P.S.
Enclosed is a Letter, and some certificates from Mr. Butler.
— Let the letter be given to him ; and if his distresses are
truly represented, give him five or Six dollars ; — or more if it
appears that lie merits them : — But tell him at the same time,
his claim on me is no greater than on any other ; and there-
fore not to think of establishing it. — And with respect to the
school, I have nothing to do in providing Tutors for it. —
XCVIL
Philadelphia 3d xVpril 1796.
Me. Peaece,
Your letter of the 27th ult°, with a Postscript of the 29th,
came duly to hand yesterday. —
234 GEORGE WASHINGTON
As I have expectation that by the time this letter will have
reached you, a Vessel from Liverpool called the Commerce,
will have arrived at George Town with eight bushels of the
field Pea ; — as much of the Chiccory as will sow four acres of
land ; — and eight bushels of the Winter Yetch — for, and on
my account, I request you to have the two first sowed as soon
as you are able.1 — By looking into some of the farming books
I lent you, you will discover what quantity of the Pease to
allow to the Acre. — If these shd be silent, allow two bushels
sowed broad cast : — at any rate do not give as much as the
English husbandry directs, for the quantity allowed in that
country (formerly at least) greatly exceeds ours. — I sent for
as much Chiccory as would sow four acres of ground, but nut
mentioning whether in drils or broad cast, I am unable to give
you any particular direction on this head ; and therefore must
leave it to yourself to judge from the quantity of seed, whether
it is designed for four acres broad cast, or four acres in drills
that the seed is adequate to. — The Vetches must be secured
in the Seed loft for fall sowing. —
If the Chiccory is as valuable for Soiling horses (that is
giving it to them green) as I am told it is ; I think it would
be desirable to allow a proportional quantity of it to each of
the four farms ; — to be sown as convenient as may be to the
Stables. — As you did not, in enumerating the different places
in which Oats were to be sowed, mention any for the ground
that was in Potatoes, near the quarter, at Mansion house ; 1
think, if it is yet unsown, it would be a good spot (or as much
thereof as is necessary) to sow the Pease in : — and I see no
reason why clover may not be sown with them, as well as with
1 On the 22 May 179G Washington sent through Mr. Pinckney, in London,
his thanks to Lord Grenville (with whom the Jay Treaty had been negoti-
ated), "for his politeness in causing a special permit to he sent to Liverpool
for the shipment of two sacks of field peas, and the like quantity of winter
vetches, which I had requested our Consul at that place to send me for seed,
but which it seems could not be. done without an order from the govern-
ment. "
AND MOUNT VERNON. 235
Oats. — If this ground should have been seeded already — sow
them wherever you please; and with as little delay as pos-
sible.— Do the same with the Chiccory, as the Season is get-
ting late — and if it continues dry they will come to nothing
without.
In one of my letters, I mentioned planting the vacant
ground in the Corn field, at Mansion II0, with Corn, along
with the jSTew ground; — but in my next letter, I suggested
the idea of putting it in Oats, to avoid letting the other part
lying waste, or the expence of a fence. — But I leave it to
you to do what you think best, or rather what you are able
to accomplish. — My plan always was, and always will be, to
attempt no more than can be executed tcell. And this made
me desirous of cultivating all the Xew ground ; being well
convinced that it will soon, be as bad as ever, if the roots
and sprouts are not destroyed by this means. —
In one of your late letters, speaking of the damage done by
the Wind, you mentioned its having blown down many
Trees: — it did not occur to me at that time, that this might
have happened to the Trees in the yards, gardens, or Lawns. —
If this was the case, I hope they were set up again. —
If the locust Posts for the circle, are ready, let them be put
up. — And if you should sell the flour on the terms I have
mentioned, take care that the payment is well secured. —
Mr. Minor has recommended a Mr. Darnes,1 as a Tenant,
whom he thinks would preserve my land near Alexandria
from the Tresspasses it undergoes ; and I have, in the en-
closed letter (left open for your perusal) requested him to
put the said Darnes on. — Let the letter be sent to him that
he may certainly get it. (And let Mr. Darnes have the field
you speak of, and more ground ff necessary, to put a house
on. — But make your agreement 'with him in writing-; that
there may be no mistakes. — I should not incline to give him
1 Mr. George Minor and Mr. Darnes were both overseers of the poor.
2** GEORGE WASHINGTON
a =n?efy of the place for more than 5, 6 or 7 y1"8 — for the rest
I ears not.)
Unless 1 rent my Farms, and I have very little expectation
of doing it, for the next year, I shall be indifferent about
renting my Mill ; unless tempted by a good price : — but with-
out letting this be known you may learn from Mr. Gill what
Lis friend, or any other, would give for her, for the term of
years I have offered her. —
Let me know the exact size of the Chimney in the New
room, at the Mansion house; — that is, how wide at the
front, and at the back, and how deep at the sides; — and
whether the sides are of Marble. — Let me know also how
far the chimney piece projects from the plaistering above
it; — whether there is a middle part that projects more than
the rest;— how much, and the width of it, &ca; and what
the whole length of the chimney piece at top is, from side
to side or end to end. —
I am your friend and well wisher
G° Washington.
XCYIII.
Mk. PeaECE,
If Mrs. Green and her family are really in distress, afford
them some relief ; — I cannot say to what amount, because that
depends upon the nature and extent of it. — But in my opinion
it had better be in anything than money, for I very strongly
suspect that all that has, and perhaps all that will be given to
her in that article, is applied more in rigging herself, than in
the purchase of real and useful necessaries for her family. -
To aid her in this wray is notnry intention — but you will, from
enquiry, know what her real situation is, and govern yourself
thereby. —
If She cannot support her children she ought to bind them
AND MOUNT VERNON. 237
to good Masters and Mistresses, who' will learn them Trades
and do that justice by them which the Law directs.
I am Yours &ca
G° Washington.
4th April 1796.
[Enclosed]
Alexandria March 23, 1796.
Sir,
I am sorry that I have to trouble you once more in craving
your Assistance but my Situation and Distress is such as in-
duces me to intrude on your Generosity Myself and Children
have been for some time sick and still continue so ; if you
please consider my Distress and helplessness and send me
what relief you may please to think proper your past kindness
to me gives me a hope that you will still Regard the petition
of your Humb Ser*
Sarah Green. —
XCIX.
Philadelphia 10th April 1796.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 3d instant, with the Weekly reports, was
received yesterday ; and I have also seen Mr. Lear, who ar-
rived here yesterday about the same time. —
As there is no prospect from the last European accounts
(down to the first of March) of Peace ; but on the contrary,
every appearance of a vigorous prosecution of the War — at
least for another Campaign — and they speak (tho' tlour is
low in some parts) of a general scarcity, and rise of it in
others ; — particularly in London : — I am not under the small-
est apprehension of getting fifteen dollars pr barrel for mine,
even at a shorter credit than Six months ; but as I wish to
have it oft; my hands, as the warm weather is coming on.
which may occasion it to sour, besides being liable to other
1
e-
mil
238 GEORGE WASHINGTON
accidents, I consent to your selling it to Mr. Smith for fifteen
dollars on a credit of Six months; provided he will give .;
negociable note, with a good Endorser, on the Bank of Alex-
andria.— But, as there will have been a lapse of time betweei
the conversation you had with Mr. Smith's Clerk, and the r
ceipt of this letter, it would be prudent, before you offer
the flour on the above terms, to sound, and to discover from
him, whether he is still disposed and authorised to make such
a contract. — and if he is, — or if Mr. Smith himself shd be re-
turned from jSTew York (which I think highly probable) to
see if you could not sell it to him at a shorter credit ; but if
you cannot, then, and in that case, to dispose of it at a credit
of Six months for fifteen doll" per barrel. — get rid of the
midlings and Ship stuff also — that the whole may be off your
hands.
1 am sorry to hear that the only rain (and that a light one)
which you have had of late, should be attended with such high
and destructive winds to your fences. — I fear your Overseers
do not see that the fences are well made, by their meeting
with such frequent accidents. — The winds have been very
high here also, but the same disasters have not resulted from
them. —
You have either misunderstood me, or I must have ex-
pressed myself very odly about the Jacks, for I never had any
idea of parting with more than one of them ; and left, or in-
tended to leave it, to you and Peter, to determine whether
that one should be Compound, or the Knight of Malta ; ' not
intending to use the young Jack at all, this season ; or if any.
at least very sparingly. — As the Season is now, or soon will
be far spent, you had better part with neither ; unless one of
them is actually gone, or engaged to go to Mr. Lewis. —
Keep a little good Hay for my horses, as 1 should prefer
1 The grand name was probably given by Peter, a negro who supervised
Washington's stud, and of whom he once wrote that he (Peter) seemed '* to
regard it as a degradation to attend to horses of plebean birth."
AND MOUNT VERNON. 239
old to new for them, — and may, tbo' I do not expect it, be at
ML Vernon before June. —
1 hope the Gardener tried the Graffs all ho' the Season was
late, as they were of a peculiar kind of Apple.
I wish the end may be better, than you represent the be-
ginning, of your fishery to be ; as continual bad seasons would
be discouraging. — I am
Your friend
G° Washington.
C.
Philadelphia 17th April 1796.
Mk. Pearce,
Your letter of the 10th in at* with a Postscript three days
later, came to hand in due course of Post. —
I am sorry to hear that Maria continues unwell — and that
Charles Washington1 was siezed with a fever: Let them want
for nothing, and whenever it is needful, get Doctr Craik to
attend them. —
It would be unlucky, as my crop of Wheat last year turned
out but indifferently, and the prospect of a good one this
year, bad ; if I should have missed the best Market for flour.
— If there ever was good cause for flour's selling for fifteen
dollars per barrel, hitherto ; there is none, that I know of,
for the fall in the price of this article now ; for all
accounts from Europe agree, that the Crops of Wheat are
very short, and the apprehensions of the Want of bread,
great. — Under these circumstances I am at a loss to what to
ascribe the reduced price, and therefore will keep mine up for
the price mentioned in my last ; until I have better evidence
than appears to me at present, for this fall. — but authorise
you, as I did in my last, to take Mr. Smiths offer, if you can-
not obtain better terms.
If a good occasion offers, I will make some enquiry of Mr.
A neero.
240 GEORGE WASHINGTON
Christie into the character of Mr. Joseph Gallop, and his
brothers; — not that I expect there is any chance of agreeing
with them ; first, because I do not want the Land and Kegros
to go together. — and 2dly because 2000 bushels of "Wheat pr
ann. for River farm is very little more for the land, Negros
and Stock, than what I ask for the land alone ; as there is
1207. acres within the present fences, of ploughable ground.
— I knew, that by fixing the Rent in Wheat (while it bore so
high a price) would make it appear high ; — but I believe no
reasonable person expects, when Peace is established, that it
will, be more than a dollar. — and if it was more, that the
trouble or expence in raising it would be greater. — Besides, as
Wheat is a staple article, it will be the standard or regulating
price of other articles : and is equal and just, for both Land-
lord and Tenant ; for otherwise, if instead of a bushel and
half of Wheat pr acre, I was to set a dollar and half, and the
former should rise, by degrees, to 25/; and other things (which
I might have occasion to buy) in proportion ; a money rent,
under such circumstances, would be ruinous to me / on the
other hand, if it was at £5. pr Bushel, the Bent (for the reason
already mentioned, namely, that it costs the Tenant no more
to raise it) would not be oppressive to him ; and even if it
were to be bo* if the price of a Cow, a sheep, or a hog bore a
proportionate price, the difficulty in paying for it would not
be greater than if it was at G/. and the price of other articles
was governed thereby. —
Are all the repairs to the Mansion and other houses com-
pleted ? — If the windows in the Corn and hay lofts, over the
stables, and on the back side, are not put in, I request they
may be ; as both lofts and Stables wants Air exceedingly. —
If Mr. Bobt* Lewis has not been to M* Vernon, keep the
enclosed until his arrival — but if he has been there and gone
let it go to the Post Office. —
I am Your frd cv/ca
G° WASHINGTON.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 241
CI.
Philadelphia 24th April 1796.
Mr* Peakce,
I am sorry to find by your letter of the 17th instant, accom-
panying the reports of the preceeding week, that the drought
continued ; and that the prospect for good crops of small,
grain was so unpromising. — I should hope, however, that they
cannot be so much injured yet, as not to be recovered by sea-
sonable weather. — If the grain stands sufficiently thick on the
ground, I shall not regard the backwardness of it, occasioned
by the want of rain ;• — running much into straw is no service
to the grain. — I had flattered myself (until your letter was
received) that the fine rain which fell in these parts on Sat-
urday the 16th instant had extended to you. — The alteration
occasioned by it, both in grain and grass in the neighbourhood
of this city, is very great indeed. —
I wish, as your prospect for grain is discouraging, that it
may, in a degree, be made up in a good fishing season for
Herrings ; — that for Shad, must, I presume, be almost, if not
quite over. —
As I can see no permanent cause for the fall, in the price
of flour, and believe it will rise again ; I am not, at this time
at least, disposed to take less for mine than has been men-
tioned in my former letters to you : — but continue to advise
me, always, of the Alexandria price of this article ; that I
may know better how to govern myself. —
I expected Mr. Robert Lewis's collection would have
amounted to more than £169.17.0 — and the promised draught
for forty pounds, which you had not, at the time of writing,
received. — This, and other money, except for current ex-
pences, had better bo deposited in the Bank of Alexandria,
as a place of security ; and from whence it can be drawn
when wanted.
Since the receipt of your letter of the 10th, I have seen Mr.
1G
242 GEORGE WASHINGTON
Hughs, to whom Joseph Gallop and his brothers are tenants,
on Spesusa Island. — He speaks of them in favorable terms ;
as honest, industrious men, and good farmers. — But it is some-
what extraordinary that the one who was with yon, should
entertain an idea of giving no more than 2000 bushels of
Wheat as a rent for River farm, with all the Kegros and
Stock thereon ; when, for 450 acres only, (about the half of
Spesusa Island, for Mr. Hughs says they have no more ground
tho' they are allowed the use of the Marsh for their Cattle to
run upon) they pay him annually 1200 bushels of Wheat and
1500 bushels of Indian Corn : — and before those men had it,
the same part rented for 30/. pr Acre.— This, reckoning two
bushels of Indian Corn for one of Wheat, makes 1950 bushels
of the latter, or more than four bushels of it to the acre ;
without labourers, or stock of any kind furnished by him. —
It is true that the Land on the Island is good, and there is an
advantage in the Marsh, as a range ; but these are far short
of compensating for the difference between Six pecks of
wheat, which is all I ask as rent pr acre for mine, and 174- .
pecks which (allowing 2 bushls of Corn for one of wheat) he
gets for his. — I fixed mine at a moderate rent because I
wanted to induce good farmers to settle thereon — and would
wish to see them thrive ; which would enable them to do
justice to, and improve the premises ; which will be a primary
object with me. —
What prospect have you for fruit this year? — Has it sus-
tained any injury yet from the frosts ? — Have you altered the
fields 2s° 2 and 3 at Dogue-run, agreably to the line of stakes
set up while I was last at home. — Is your Lucern seed sown *
— and how does that, the Chiccory, and Clover seed come up.—
I am glad to hear that Maria and Charles have got well
again. —
I wish you health and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 243
CII.
Philadelphia May 1st 1796.
Mr. Peakce,
Your letter of the 24th ult° has been received, and I am
sorry to find by it that the drought still continued with you. —
On this day week there was a very good rain here, and on
Wednesday following a great deal fell*; but the weather has
been windy, cold and disagreeable ever since: — notwithstand-
ing which, the Grain and grass in these parts look extremely
well.—
I am glad to find that you were, at the date of your letter,
so near the completion of Corn-planting ; and hope, if you
have had the late rains, that it will have come up well, for I
think this happens best when it is planted dry, and rains
come after. —
I wrote you on friday last (and put the letter under cover
to Air. Lear) informing you, that the Seeds were arrived at
last ; at George Town : — and expressing an earnest wish that
the Peas and Chiccory might be got into the ground as soon
as possible and that the Peas, as they were of two distinct
sorts — might be seperately, and distinctly sown. — I wished
also, that the Chiccory might be sown as convenient to the
Stables at the different farms, as fit ground could be obtained ;
as it was designed to be cut and fed green to the work horses.
— The Winter vetch must be carefully preserved till Autumn,
as that is the season for sowing it.
I am sorry to find that flour continues to depreciate in price ;
but the present cause for this is, the dispute in the House of
Representatives respecting the provisions for carry [ing] the
British Treaty into effect ; which has, for sometime past, oc-
casioned a suspension in purchasing, shipping, and the Insur-
ance of all sorts of property: but as the discussion is now
brought to a close, it is to be hoped, and expected, that mat-
244 GEORGE WASHINGTON
ters will recover their former tone again.1 — At any rate, I will
risque there getting worse, rather than take the present Alex-
andria price for my flour : — but I repeat what I have said
in former letters, that 1 will take 15 dollars, at 6 months
credit. —
By a letter which I' received from Mr. Robfc Lewis (dated
in Alexandria, the 21st of last month) he informs me that lie
had left for, and on my ace*, in the hands of M essrs Bennett &
Watts, of that place, the Sum of Forty pounds; which it would
be proper yon should receive, and place it with the sum he
paid into your own hands.
I am surprized to find by the Reports so few calves pro-
duced from my stock. — Does it proceed from indifferent
Bulls, or the "Want of them. — Be it either, or from any other
cause, a remedy should be applied. — And I wish, the same
with respect to the Bams, as the number of my Lambs are
not equal to what they formerly were.
I would have you again stir up the pride of Cyrus; that
he may be the fitter for my purposes against I come home ;
sometime before which (that is as soon as I shall be able to
fix on the time) I will direct him to be taken into the house,
and clothes to be made for him. — In the meanwhile, get him
a strong horn comb and direct him to keep his head well
combed, that the hair, or wool may grow long.' — I wish you
well and
am Your friend
G° Washington.
1 The Jay Treaty conditionally ratified by the Senate, and signed by the
President, had been amended and exchanged in London, without further
submission to the Senate for ratification of the same in its altered form.
This doubtful procedure, and the ofi'ensiveness of the Treaty itself to the
Representatives, cansed an effort in their House to defeat the Treaty by re-
fusing the means necessary for carrying it into effect. The President in-
sisted that the House had no choice in the matter, and a serious collision
was escaped only by a surrender on the part of the Representatives. This
doctrine was repudiated by Jefferson (Letter to Giles, 31 Dec. 1795) and the
republicans.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 245
?. S.
By a Vessel which says she will sail from hence to Alexa on
Wednesday next, I shall send two doz'1 Windsor Chairs which
the Captn has promised to land as lie passes Mount Vernon, —
Let them be put in the New Room. —
cm.
Philadelphia 8th May 1796.
Mr. Peaece,
I am glad to find by your letter of the first instant, that the
rain wch fell here on the 27th ult° had extended to you. — The
cold and drying Winds I knew would deprive the plants of
some of its good effects ; but benefit must have resulted to
them notwithstanding. — If the frosts which accompanied
those Winds have injured the fruit (as you fear) it will be
a circumstance much to be regret3 altho' not to be avoided. —
I wish you had sowed all the Peas as soon as they were
received (as the grd was prepared) altho' the season was far
advanced, and the Books spoke of February as the proper
period for depositing this Crop in the ground. — They may
not come up another year ; but admitting they would do it,
and it shall be found that they are A Crop worth cultivating,
your prospect for getting into a good stock of seed would have
been better by sowing the whole quantity, than an Acre only,
and keeping the residue of the Seed until next Spring. — In-
deed, dry as the weather has been with you, it is a question
whether sowing at the time you did was not better than to
have done it a month sooner; .especially as it is to be hoped
that the fine rains which fell here on thursday night and all
day friday were general. — Ko alteration, or addition to what
you have already done can take place after this letter gets to
hand, with either Peas or Chiccory, as the Spring will be too
far advanced.
If the clover seed which vou sowed did not vegitate, and
246 GEORGE WASHINGTON
perish with the drought, it is to be hoped it may yet come to
something. — It will be unfortunate if it should not; more ?<>
on ace' of the want of the Crop than on ace4 of the high price
of the seed though both are bad enough. —
Did you begin your lane at Dogue-run at the 2a gate, next
the Overseers house, or at the outer gate, so as to extend it
across the Meadow ? — The last if you had had time, would
have been best on two accounts ;— first by throwing that
meadow into two divisions — and 2dly by making both more
secure ; — for the gates being often left open Hogs and other
things are frequently getting in and doing injury; and be-
sides, having space enough, the Carts are cutting different
tracts which form new gullies ; wch would not, nor cannot be
the case in a lane. —
Let me know the amount of your receipts for Fish sold. — I
do not want the particulars, but the aggregate sum of what
they have fetched, or will fetch, when the money is all re-
ceived.
If an accs was kept of the times my Coach Mares went to
the Jack — particularly when those called aSTancy and the blind
Mare, were covered, let me know it in your next letter. — The
two whose names are mentioned I am pretty sure are with
foal, and I want to know at what time it may be expected
they will bring them, that I may regulate their movem^ on
the Road to Mount Yernon. —
It is expected that Congress will rise between the 20th and
last of this month. — But admitting the fact, it is impossible
for me, at this time, to say precisely when I shall be at Mount
Yernon. — I wish you well and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
P.S.
Mrs. Washington sends a memorandum enclosed which 1
pray you to have attention given to. —
AND MOUNT VERNON. 247
CIV.
Philadelphia 15th May 1796.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the Sth, with the Reports, are at hand ; — and
I am glad you sowed all the Peas (except the small reserve
mentioned in your letter) and the Chiccory : as I think it
better than withholding them, until next Seed time. — I am
glad also that you have got your flour off hand (as warm
weather and accidents were against keeping it longer) altho' I
am convinced that if I had held it up a month or two longer,
I could have obtained a better price ; — or an any rate the
same price on a much shorter credit. — Deliver it as soon as
possible for two reasons. — first, to be exonerated from risque,
by fire or otherwise ; — and 2dly that the day of payment may
not be prolonged, by the detention of it in your posses-
sion.—
I am sorry to hear you speak of no more than showers of
Pain ! — On friday the 6th instant it rained here, and through-
out the whole of this country, from before six in the morning,
until after seven in the evening without ceasing ; and in the
best manner possible ; and showers have fallen since. — Such
weather if it had extended to you although it has been a little
cool, must have changed the face of everything with you ;
and would have brought on the Oats, Peas and grass seeds of
all kinds, finely, as it has done here.
I do not, now, know where to advise you to get supplied
with good Rams, unless Mr. Gough (near Baltimore) has
them for sale. — He imports both cattle and sheep, and is
curious I am told in the Breed of them, and sells their de-
scendants high. — But this ought not to deter you from the
purchase of (at least) one good Ram, to go to a score or more
of your choicest ewes. — from such an experiment and begin-
ning, you might, by the year following, have Rams enough
24S GEORGE WASHINGTON
for the whole flock. — This method I pursued some years ago
to the very great advancement of my breed of sheep. —
If Mr. Darnes is a man in whose integrity and activity full
reliance can be placed, and he will agree to watch, diligently,
in order to prevent the depredations which are aimed at my
land on four mile run,1 I will give him a surety of living
thereon Rent free during his life ; and the priviledge of clear-
ing a small, but defined quantity there-of : — and an agreement
conformably to these ideas, you may enter into with him as
soon as you please : — and the sooner the better. —
To What height, lias Davis raised the Walls of the Barn
at River Farm? — Does he raise the shed Walls at the same
time?— If not, the' work will not appear so well united, even
with pains and proper attention ; and without them, they will
have a disjointed look. — Do you frame the inside upon the
same plan as that of Union farm? — I think I directed it to be
done so, but cannot speak with certainty. —
Let the house in the upper Garden, called the School house,
be cleaned and got in order against I return ; — Glass put in
the windows if wanted ; — and a lock on the door. — I cannot
yet say with certainty when I shall be able to visit Mount
Vernon, but hope it will be by, or before the midle of June. —
Have good meats ready for us by that time ; and tell the
Gardener I shall expect an abundance of every thing in the
Gardens;— and to see every thing in prime order there, and
in the Lawns.
I am with best wishes
Your friend
G° Washington.
Paschal seems to be pretty regularly reported sick, Six
days in the Week. — What is the matter with him ?
1 Appendix F.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 249
cv.
Philadelphia 22d May 179G.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 15th inst*, enclosing the Peports of the
proceeding "Week, came duly to hand. —
I am glad to hear that the weather has been seasonable of
late ; but sorry indeed, to find by your letter that the grain
and grass has received so little benefit from the rains which
have fallen, here, in great abundance. — And it is peculiarly
unfortunate after giving so high a price for Clover Seed, that
it should either not have come up, or been destroyed after-
wards, by the droughts. — Has your Corn come up well, and
how does it thrive ? — And how does the Oats — Peas — Chic-
ory— and other things which have been sown, and planted
this Spring come on ? — ■
It is much to be regretted, and I do regret exceedingly,
that the Honey locusts which have been set out, should have
perished. — It would seem I think as if I never should get for-
ward in my plan of hedging. — With respect to the trans-
planting of Cedar (or any other evergreen) I am persuaded
there is no other sure way of getting them to live, than by
taking them up in the winter with a block of frozen earth
around the Roots (and as large as it can conveniently be ob-
tained — proportioned to the size of the plant). — This not only
gives them their mother earth, but by its adhesion to the
principal roots, it nourishes the body until the fibres from the
former shoot sufficiently to secure the vegitation and thrifti-
ness of the plant. — I transplanted thousands of Pine and
Cedar without getting scarcely one to live until I adopted the
above method ; after which, so long as it was practised, I
never lost one. — Witness the pine groves by the Gardens ;
both of which were planted in this manner, and to the best
of my recollection not one of them died : — whereas, out of the
250 GEORGE WASHINGTON
first planting, just as they now are, not more than two or
three of them lived. —
I am very sorry indeed to hear of the damage which the
family piece of the Marquis de la Fayette has sustained. —
and am unable to account for it. — If the window shutters had
been left open, I should have attributed it more to the sun,
than to the dryness of the xVir.
Ask Peter, if some of the Mares wch I took down with me,
when I went alone to Mount Vernon in April of last year,
did not go to the Jack at that time? — If they did not, their
foaling will be much about the time I shall be on the Eoad
which will be unfortunate. —
For what purpose is the "Well house from the Mansion, car-
ried to Union Farm 1 — Save a plenty of the best Hay of last
year for my horses, as I had rather they should be fed upon
old, than the Hay of this season, when I come home. —
I am Your friend
G° Washington.
CYL
Philadelphia 29th May 1796.
Mr. Peaiick,
Xo Mail beyond Baltimore (Southerly) was received at the
Post Office in this City yesterday ; — consequently, I got no
letter from you ; — what may have been the cause I know not,
unless the considerable falls of rain which happened here
during last week, may have rendered the waters between
xilexandria and Baltimore (if they extended so far) impassi-
ble.—
You have never mentioned in any of your late letters, nor
has it occurred, at the time of writing mine, to ask, whether
a Pipe of Wine, and box of Tea, which was sent from this
place for Mount Vernon, had arrived, and in what condition.
— It was in March, or the beginning of April they left this -
AND MOUNT VERNON. 251
And another Vessel with Windsor Chairs and sundry other
articles for the same place, have been gone from hence long
enough to have heard of their arrival 'ere this. — These occur-
rences ought always to be noticed in your letters, to relieve
one from the suspence which otherwise follows. — Before we
leave this, we shall send several other matters round, but
whenever they are shipped you shall have notice thereof that
they may be taken from Alexandria so soon as they arrive
there ; — at which time procure a groce of good Porter to be
taken down along with them. — In the mean time, have a few
Bottles of Porter there, and some wine for particular com-
pany, who may be particularly recommended to you by my-
self : — among these Mr. Aimes,1 a respectable member of
Congress (travelling for his health) will, I expect, be one ; as
he proposes to set out from hence for the Federal City about
the middle of this week, and is one I wish to be well treated,
while he stays. — I have requested Mi*. Lear to shew him the
way down to Mount Yernon.
Is Maria and the two boys at that place now, or where are
they ? — ~Ko mention has been made of them for some time. —
When (from present appearances) will your early Wheat be
ready to cat 1 — and how does that, and the other small grain,
Peas, and grasses come on ? — What was done with the Seed
saved from the India Hemp last Summer ?— It ought, all of
it, to have been sown again ; — that not only a stock of seed
sufficient for my own purposes might have been raised, but to
have dissiminated the seed to others ; as it is more valuable
than the common Hemp. —
Congress talk of rising about the middle of this week ; but
there is no dependance on it. — In about ten or twelve days
1 Fisher Ames (1756-1803) of Massachusetts; served in Congress 1789-
1797 ; author of the Address of the House to Washington on his retirement
from the presidency. The speech of Ames in favor of the appropriation
for the British Treaty probably secured the majority of three by which it
passed the House.
252 GEORGE WASHINGTON
after the Session closes, it is likely I shall commence my jour-
ney homewards : — as soon as I can fix the day, I will advi.-e
you of it. —
I have several times spoke concerning a necessary for the
Quarter People, at Mansion house ; and once or twice shewed
Thomas Green the precise spot to place it — viz — in the drain
that leads from the old brick kiln back of the Well, towards
the gulh" leading towards the gate; — that, having this advan-
tage the offensive matter might be washed off by the -Rain
water that collects in the gutter. — I wish vou would have this
done before Ive come home that the yard of the Quarter may
be always clean and Sweet. — If the old necessary on the brow
of the Hill can be moved with more ease than building a new
one, let it be done, as it is not only useless where it is, but is
an eyesore. — Order the other two to be well cleaned and
kept in good order. — During my stay at Mount Vernon I ex-
pect much company there, and of the most respectable sort,
it would be pleasing to us therefore to find everything in nice
order. —
I wish you well and am your friend
G° Washington.
cm
Philadelphia 5th June 1796.
Mr. Peaece,
Since my last I have received your letters of the 22'1 and
29th of last month. — The first came to hand on Tuesday, tire
other on Saturday, as usual. —
On Wednesday last Congress closed their Session ; but
there is yet a good deal for me to do, before I can leave the
Seat of the Government. — My present expectation however
is, that I shall be able to do this on tomorrow week : but as
this is not certain, and as I shall travel slow, to avoid what
usually happens to me at this season — that is — kill nig, or
AND MOUNT VERNON. 253
knocking up a horse ; and as we shall, moreover, stay a day
or two at the Federal City, it is not likely we shall arrive at
Mount Yernon before the 20th, or 21st of this month. —
In a few days after we get there, we shall be visited, I ex-
pect, by characters of distinction; I could wish therefore that
the Gardens, Lawns, and every thing else, in, and about the
Houses, may be got in clean and nice order. — If the Gardener
needs aid, to accomplish as much of this as lyes within his
line, let him have it ; and let others rake, and scrape up all
the trash, of every sort and kind about the houses, and in
holes and corners, and throw it (all I mean that will make
dung) into the Stercorary and the rest into the gullied parts
of the road, coming up to the House. — x\nd as the front gate
of the Lawn (by the Ivies) is racked, and scarcely to be
opened, I wish you would order a new one (like the old one)
to be immediately made — and that, with the new ones you
have just got made, and all the boarding of every kind that
was white before, to be painted white again. — If oNeal and
my own people cannot make the front gate, above mentioned,
get some one from Alexandria to do it — provided he will set
about and finish it immediately. — This must be the way up
to the House. —
Let the Rooms in the Servants Hall, above and below, be
well cleaned ; and have the Beds and bedsteads therein put
in order; after which have a good lock put on the door of the
west room, above, and order Caroline, or whoever has the
charge of those rooms, to suffer no person to sleep, or even to
go into it, without express orders from her Mistress or my-
self.— Let exactly the same things be done with the Rooms
over the Kitchen ; as there will be a white Cook with us that
will require one of them ; and the other may also be wanted
for some other Servants, or use. It being likely, there will be
a call for all these places and things. — And I hope, especially
as there is no Ice to keep fresh meats, that you will have an
abundant supply for the demands that will probably be made
254 GEOIIGE WASHINGTON
thereon during our stay at home. — And besides, will ascertain
from the Butcher in Alexandria, the stated days on which
r.eef and Yeal are killed, that we may know what dependence
to place on him. — Tell the Gardener, I shall expect every-
thing that a Garden ought to produce, in the most ample
manner. —
There may be many other things necessary to be done, as
well for appearance as use, that do not occur to me at this
mom4 but as you can judge from what I have said, what my
wishes are, I have no doubt but that you will contribute all
you can to accomplish them ; and give the whole as neat, and
clean an appearance as they are capable of. —
About the time you were employing a Joiner to do the
North end of the House, I directed Venetian blinds to be
made, and painted green, for all the windows on the West
side of the House; and mentioned the manner in wch I
thought it best to execute them : — but have never been in-
formed what, or whether any thing has been done in conse-
quence of it. The omitting to give information of what has.
or what cannot be done in consequence of such requests, often
throws me into a disagreeable suspence, and frequently occa-
sions me to write often on the same subjects. — I am equally
ignorant whether the dormant windows are yet put into the
stable, and Corn lofts ; both of which, for the purpose of Air,
is indispensably necessary ; besides adding to the appearance
of the building. —
Take care to keep a sufficiency of Oats, and the best of
your old Hay on hand. I shall have eight or ten horses of
my own with me, and there will be many others with
Visitors. —
You had better, I conceive, get the Midlings and Ship-stutl
off your hands at what they will fetch ; as the weather is get-
ting warm, and the flour may turn Sower. — Unless you want
the money for current expences, it might be sold on such a
credit as to receive payment on the same day your demand
AND MOUNT VERNON. ^DO
upon Smith, for the other flour, will become due: so as to
have the whole at once. — This credit may enhance the price,
and will be (if the money is not wanted for the purposes be-
fore mentioned) no disadvantage to me in giving it. —
I hope, at your last shearing, there was a complete cull, and
seperation of all the old, scabby and disordered Sheep. — I do
not know how to account for the weekly loss you sustain, in
this species of Stock, unless it be by keeping such poor and
diseased sheep in the flocks as contaminate others. —
I have no doubt but that you will endeavor so to arrange
matters, as to keep your grain, and Hay harvests from inter-
fering as much as possible with each other ; and this too with-
out either suffering, by standing too long, if it can possibly be
avoided. — Begin the former as soon as it can be cut without
loss. —
If Miss Nelly Custis ! should apply to you for a Cart to
Transport her Trunk and other things from Doctor Stuarts
to Mount Yernon — let it be sent as soon as applied for, and
something to cover and secure the contents against Rain — in
case any should fall while they are on the Road. —
I perceive Mrs. Washington's Memm herewith sent contains
nearly the same requests that are made in this letter — but 1
send it notwithstanding. —
I wish you well and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
P.S.
Direct your next letter to me, to be left at the Post Office
in Baltimore till called for. — If I set off according to my
present expectation, I shall, probably lodge in that Town on
1 Mrs. George Washington's granddaughter, whose marriage with the
General's nephew, Lawrence Lewis (his only sister's son), 22 Feb. 1799,
made the romance of Washington's last years. Washington (who adopted
her on her father's death, when she was a child) was much attached to
her.
256 GEORGE WASHINGTON
thursday Night ; — which is the Night the Mail of that day
from Alexandria reaches that place.1 —
CVIIL
Philadelphia 5th Septr 1796,
Mk. Pearce,
Your letter of the 31st of Aug* from Chester Town, came duly
to hand ; but as you did not acknowledge the receipt of the
one I wrote you from hence, this day week, I presume it had
not got to hand ; — Owing, I conceive to a misapprehension of
mine as to the time of closing the Mail for the Eastern shore
which I find is an hour and an half earlier than those which
go Southerly or Easterly. — I put my letter under cover to the
Postmaster in Chester Town with a request to forward it to
Mount Vernon if you should have left that place. —
As you appear (by your letter above mentioned) to have
attended to most of the matters which were recommended
in mine, your not receiving it at Chester Town was not very
material. —
By my letters from Mount Vernon I find the weather up to
the date of them has continued extremely wet — of course
Seeding must have gone on slowly, if not badly. —
1 On Juno 26, Washington wrote from Mount Vernon to his nephew,
Robert Lewis: ''We arrived at this place on Monday last, where it, is
probable I shall remain till the middle of August, when public business will
require my attendance in Philadelphia, until towards the end of September.
I shall then return to this place again for Mrs. Washington, with whom, in
the latter part of October, I shall make my last journey, to close my public
life the 4th of March ; after which no consideration under heaven, that I
can foresee, shall again withdraw me from the walks of private life.''
"My house, I expect, will be crowded with company all the while we shall
be at it, this summer, as the ministers'of France, Great Britain, and Portu-
gal, in succession, intend to be here — besides other strangers.'' (The
new French Minister was M. Adet; and the British Minister, Mr. Liston,
— the same that stole Arthur Lee's papers in Berlin during the Revolu-
tion.)
AND MOUNT VERNON. i^O <
Washington Cnstis1 writes me that Mr. Stuart, at the River
farm was very ill of a fever, on thursday last. — I hope it will
not prove a fatal one, and thereby add to your present diffi-
culties in providing good Overseers. — If Scoon is a first rate
Overseer, I had rather give him £75 Maryland curry than run
the risk of getting an indifferent one ; especially if he can
bring another whom you know to be a good one, along with
him ; although the wages of that other should exceed 133£
dollars. — I do not know what Violet's and Cash's present
wages are, I did not care to increase it with them (although
they may be industrious men) as they cd have no plea to ask
higher wages for the year to come, than for the year past. —
Men who are old, experienced, and of established reputation
and skill, have better ground to stand upon, than they. —
Washington [Custis] in his letter mentioned further that
the Weavil was very much in Stuarts Wheat. — If this is really
the case, it is much to be regretted, but there is no other
remedy but to get it out as quick as possible ; — and as he has
no place to keep it securely in the Chaff, — to grind it up with
all the dispatch the Mill is capable. — He said something also
about one of the Bolting cloths beins; out of order, or unfit
for use — this will require attention. —
Write me by the first Post (fridays) after you get this letter,
how every thing is, and going on ; for if I can accomplish the
business which bro* me here, I hope by Wednesday, or thurs-
day in next week, to leave this, on my return to Mount Ver-
non.— I wish you well and am Your friend
G° Washington.
1 George Washington Parke Custis, Mrs. Washington's grandson, adopted
by Washington, on the death of his father, John Parke Custis, in 1781.
Washington Custis (1781-1857) wrote "Recollections and Private Memoirs of
Washington.'1 He married Mary Lee Fitzhugh of Chatham, Stafford Co.,
near Fredericksburg and these were the grandpareuts of Gen. Robert E.
Lee.
17
25S GEORGE WASHINGTON
CIX.
Philadelphia 11th Sep. 1796.
Mb. Pearce,
Tour letter of the 4th instfc came to ray hands yesterday,
and the one you wrote me from Chester Town has also been
received. — My last would have informed you of the reason,
which, probably, prevented your receiving a former one at
that place, but which I expect has got to hand ere this ; as
the Postmaster was requested, in case you had left it, to send
it by the Mail to Alexandria.
As your letter says very little with respect to the situation
of Matters on the Farms, I have the less to say in answer to
it. — But wish that the Wheat may be sown as soon as pos-
sible ; — but not faster than the ground can be put in good
Order for its reception; especially for that which was sent by
Mr. Lewis. —
Having made no mention of Stuart, I hope he has got well
again ; from the Tenor of Washington's letter, I began to ap-
prehend he was in danger. — As you have said nothing con-
cerning the Fly, in your stacks, I hope his account in this
respect also was more the effect of his fears, than of accurate
examination ; but let it be closely attended to ; — for neither
interest nor policy will suffer a Crop made, to be lost, in order
to prepare for another which a thousand accidents may
destroy before it gets into the Barn : and when, possibly, and
even probably, the price may be lower than it is at present by
50 pr Cfc. — This, supposing no danger from the fly, is a strong
reason for grinding up — and selling the flour before the
Market is glutted with this article, from Wheat of this years
growth. —
Do not let the proper Season escape you, for sowing the
Winter Yetch — I should conceive it ought not to be much
longer delayed. — But among the Books you have, of mine, it
AND MOUNT VERNON. 259
is probable the precise time, and quantity of Seed to the
Acre, may be mentioned. — Let these be attended to ;— and
unless the directions are given in some authors of modern
date, be more sparing of your seed than is mentioned by
them.1 — I recollect a year or two ago to have sent some rape
Seed to Mount Vernon, but do not recollect what has been
the result of it : — but particular care ought always to be paid
to these kind of Seeds as they are, generally, given to me,
because they are valuable — rare, — or curious. —
1 hope you have received favorable answers from the per-
sons you were in treaty with on the Eastern Shore. — It is very
interesting to me, at all times, to have good Overseers; but
may be particular so next year. — Did you receive any benefit
from Doctr Perkins's Metallic application. — which, possibly
ought to be repeated and continued for some time. — I wish
you well and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
CX.
Federal City, 26th Oct. 1796.
Mr. Pearce,
Cyrus was obliged to come on to this place, in order to take
the horses back, which Mr. Frestal and Mr. Lafayette "
rode, which is the cause of his delay. —
Mrs. Washington desires me to inform you that there was
some Butter left in the Cellar, and some Beef in a Tub
which (after supplying James) may be applied to any uses
you think proper. —
1 Appendix L.
0 Son of the Marquis, Mr. Frestal being his tutor. On his father's impris-
onment at Olmiitz young Lafayette came to America and sought Washing-
ton's protection. In view of the excitement of the anti-French party,
Washington confided the youth to his friend, Colonel Hamilton, for a time ;
hut he passed a year or two under Washington's roof in Philadelphia and
Mount Vernon.
260 GEORGE WASHINGTON
Let my Study be cleaned out, and the Room afterward.-,
locked up. — Do not miss the opportunity of getting our Bag-
gage, and James, round by the first Vessel to Philad* — taking
a Bill of Lading for the several parcels, and. sending it in a
letter, that we may know when we eret them All. —
When your family quit the house they are now in, and you
remove to the Mansion, let Dinah and the other girl join the
Mansion house people and Mrs. Washington may, afterwards
chuse either for a Washer woman. —
Have the Earth removed from the stone quarry where I
showed you — that Mr. Blagden may be able to examine it
when he calls there. —
Let all the Saddles and Bridles that I have left at home be
cleaned and locked up — or they will be hacked about, injured,
and perhaps lost. —
The Mules for my Carriage — the two Colts from the
Chariot Mares — and the one from the Augusta Mare must be
well kept and attended to, till I come home. — I shall write
you more fully as soon as I get to Philadelphia in the mean-
while I remain your friend &ca
G° Washington.
CXI.
Philadelphia IIth Nov1 1796.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 6th was received (with the Reports) on
Saturday ; — but I do not clearly understand by it, whether
James Wilkes re embarked with, or without a bed, — or is yet
at Mount Yernon. — If the latter, he had better (if his health
is sufficiently restored) offer himself to Mr. Law1 as A
Coachman ; for before he could get here, and be well settled,
I shall be making my arrangements to return to Virginia ;
An English gentleman, who married Elizabeth Parke Custis. {Ante.}
AND MOUNT VERNON. 201
when I sliall have no further occasion for hired Servants, un-
less to carry me there, —
I am extremely sorry that Mr. Alexr Smith will not be able
to take up his note when it becomes due. — I wish that may be
the worst of it, notwithstanding the Language he makes his
Book of Accounts speak. — However dangerous and incon-
venient it is to me, to lye out of the money (for the reasons
which were given to you in my last letter or Memorandum)—
I have informed him in a note of this date, that I should di-
rect you to make an estimate of the several sums which were
wanting to pay of [f] every farthing that is due from me, be-
fore you go (which is my earnest desire) and that i£ he will
give you unequivocal surtty of paying you the aggregate
amount of them, on, or before the 24th day of December, J
would (however inconvenient it was to me) wait until the first
day of March next for the balance; — Provided he would give
indubitable security for the payment of botli sums at the
times above mentioned, witli interest thereon, from the time
his note becomes due. —
You will perceive I lay a stress upon the goodness of the
Security, and the surety of payments. — I do it, because I
know speculators (without meaning to apply the term to Mr.
Smith, whose pursuits I am unacquainted with) may be men
one day, and mice the next. — If he is a responsible character
he can find no difficulty in giving the security required. — If
he is not, the sooner I take effectual means to secure the debt,
the less risk I run of loosing it. —
I hope Richmond was made an example of, for the Rob-
bery he committed on Wilkes Saddle bags. — I wish he may
not have been put upon it by his father (although I never had
any suspicion of the honesty of the latter) for the purpose
perhaps of a journey together. — :This will make a watch, with-
out its being suspected by, or intimated to them, necessary ;
nor wd I have these suspicions communicated to any other lest
it should produce more harm than good.
262 GEORGE WASHINGTON
The drought here, is also very severe. — It is unlucky that I
cannot get my "Wheat ground into flour, on ace* of the sale af
it, and the fly also ; — but the latter, I hope, is not very bad,
or you would have mentioned it, that I might decide whether
to await the operation of the Mill, or sell the grain unground,
if it should appear to be in much danger. — ■
Did you get the Quarter at River farm removed without
much difficulty, or injury? — and is it now, or soon will be,
comfortable to its inhabitants? — Let that at Muddy-hole be
made tight, if by patchwork only, as I am unwilling the
people should suffer. —
As I wish to have Venetian blinds for all the Windows in
the West front of the Mansion house — on the outside — I re-
quest you will give me the dimensions of the window frames,
above and below ; — and though Xeal is not a competent judge
of the manner of hanging them, — or precisely where the
hooks should be drove, on which the Venetian Shutters are to
be hung — yet understanding that these hooks are to go as far
back as there is solid wood to drive them into (the shutters
being double, and coming together as they do at the front
or West door.) he cannot be much at a loss to give the
width, and height, of those in the first and second stories ; —
allowing them to cover as much of the frame on both sides,
and at top, as the Mouldings will permit: — into which the
hooks, on which the shutters hang, might be drove, if there
be solid wood to receive them (for this is all important, other-
wise the hooks would get loose, and be a constant plague) ; —
the Shutters, or blinds would, in that case, go from moulding
to moulding at the sides and at top. — The shutters which are
now to the lower Windows will be to be taken away alto-
gether, as two sets cannot be on the outside ; and there is no
place for them within. — I wish you well and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 263
:
p.s.
If Mr. Smith cannot give unquestionable Personal security
and has real property (unincumbered and) adequate thereto,
you had better have me secured that way, and in time. — I pay
but little regard to fair promises ; — as I know that distressing
times are coming upon the Merchtd for their Speculatn.
CXII.
Philadelphia 20th }\ovr 1796.
Me. Pearce,
Your letter of the 13th insfc, and the Reports of the pro-
ceeding week, were received yesterday. —
I am sorry to hear that the growing Wheat is suffering for
want of Rain — but hope you had some on Tuesday last (three
days subsequent to the date of your letter). — If the fact how-
ever is otherwise, let the ground in which the Egyptian
Wheat was deposited, be watered, and continued to be so
until the Eains fall. — ■
I have no doubt but that the Causey through the Swamp
would prove a pretty heavy job to execute the work in the
manner I proposed ; — but when so done— I shall have no
plague with it thereafter ; — and the other part will be much
less tedious and laborious. — To form a judgment however of
this matter, when the Causey is completed, work onwards to-
wards the Mansion until you cross (or rather come to) the in-
tended road leading from Muddy hole Barn. — Working thus
far — as it will pass through as grubby ground as any there is
in the whole road, you will be able to form a judgment of the
time necessary for the completion of the whole; — and be-
sides, after this junction is formed, there can be no mistake
afterwards. — Let Davy know, and Mr. Anderson1 also, that
where the Road turns on the top of the Hill (South of the
James Anderson succeeded Pearce as Superintendent at Mount Vernon.
264 GEORGE WASHINGTON
Causey) the fence is to turn also ; and run with the road until
it strikes the line of the other fence, in which the Gate
stands ; — which fence is to be continued streight until the two
meet, by the side of the Road. —
I expected the line of the Road, when extended back to the
River, would have struck it nearer to Hell hole, by several
hundred yards, than where Cupids house stood. — What sort
of ground does it go over? — and, if you can form a judgment
from your present view of it, would the River, or vessels
passing thereon be seen in travelling along it from the Causey
to the White Gates?—
I had no idea that Oznabrigs was scarce in Alexandria after
the great Importations we had heard of ; — or that the price
c<l have been so high. — I will make enquiry into these matters
here, and inform you of the result in my next ; — as I shall
also do abfc Paints and Oil ;— but when you spoke of White
Lead ground in Oil being 24/. pr Keg, you ought to have men-
tioned what the Keg contained, as they are of various sizes
from 25. to 100 lbs weight. —
As Mr. Lear is very frequently at his farm, I wish you
would consult him with respect to Mr. Alexr Smiths circum-
stances; and the best mode of having the sum he owes me,
and the payments, according to my last to you, perfectly se-
cured.— I can run no risks in this matter; — the sum is too
large to be trifled with ; — and I am not one of those who
place implicit confidence in strong assurances, or in outward
appearances, unless they are corroborated by corresponding
actions. — You might, at the same time, advise with him on
the prices of Oznabrigs— Paints — Oil — Xails &ca that I may
decide in time whether to provide them here — or in that
quarter.
I presume Mrs. Washington's Bed Chamber is the same
pitch of the other rooms on that floor — but that I may be
certain of it, I wish you would measure the height from the
iloor to the ceiling, and inform me thereof. — I request also
AND MOUNT VERNON. 2G5
that you wd let me know the exact width, and height (in
front of the fire place) of the Chimney in the Xew dig-Koom,
that, if I should want to get a stopper (or chimney board) for
it, as in some of the other rooms, I may be at no loss to fit
one to it. — And with respect to the Cellar windows at the
South end of the Mansion house, I did not, in my former re-
quest, describe, clearly, what I wanted — which was, to know
how far it was from the top of the frame which is about the
level of the brick pavement and projecting into it without, to
the top — or within an inch of the top of the window frame. —
This, and not the whole size of the frame, I wish now to
know. (Is the f2-xTi width, and fl-x2 height of the Cellar
windows in front — the dimensions of the frame from out to
out of it — or from in, to in? — Are the Stone Gills, at bottom
of these window frames, wider than the wood frames thereon ?
— And how much ?)
Order Peter to take good care of the three young (as well
as the three covering) Jacks this Winter ; and to feed them
in such a manner as to keep them in very thriving order, that
I may turn them to a good Account hereafter. —
I am Your friend
G° Washington.
P. S.
Let me know the size of the blue Parlour — that is the
length and breadth of it — and how far it is from the hearth
on each side to the sides of the Poom that the size of the
hearth may be taken out — the Carpet as it now is with the
[torn]. The dimensions of the 4 sides must be sent also.
CXIII.
Philadelphia 27th Xovr 1796.
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 17th under cover from Mr. Lear came
duly to hand, as did the Weekly reports of the 10th yester-
day.—
266 GEORGE WASHINGTON
I am disposed to let Mr. Smiths debt stand upon the
security you have placed it — unless before the 2ith of next
month any circumstances should occur to render other meas-
ures necessary — or, on that day he should be unprepared to
make payment and require further indulgence. — In either of
these cases, it is my desire that you will consult with Mr. Lear
and pursue effectual measures by requiring additional personal,
or real Security, or both, to place my debt out of danger.—
As you mentioned nothing relative to the Farms in your
last letter I have nothing to add in this but to request infor-
mation, and answers to the queries contained in my last let-
ters— and a wish, to know how the Winter grain and Yetches
look, and How your Wheat and Corn is likely to yield. —
I am Your friend
G° Washington.
P.S.
In one of your letters, you mentioned, that you had recov-
ered eleven dollars of Jas Kirks money, but do not say
whether it was returned to him or not. — If it was not, give
me credit for it, as he will be paid here. —
GXIY.
Philadelphia 4th Decr 1796.
Mr. Pearce,
Getting no letter from you by the Post of yesterday — nor
receiving any account from home, leads me to conclude that
something more than common has happened, as your last
letter is dated the 17th of November. —
Hearing nothing of the state, in which my business is, for
so long a time, — especially too as the weather, for the Season,
has been severe— I have but little to found my letter upon at
this time. —
Enclosed you have a bill of lading, and Invoice of Goods
shipped on board of Captn Elhvood, on my account. — Let the
Oil and paint be put into some secure Cellar, there to remain
AND MOUNT VERNON. 207
until I come home ; — and such of the Oznabrigs as is neces-
sary for cloathing the people (most wanting) to be cut out
and made up as fast as circumstances will permit. — In doing
this, I beg every care and attention may be used to prevent
waste or embezzlement in the Act of cutting out ; — and by
taking a list, to be left, of all who are served ; — otherwise the
same persons, if they thought they could succeed, would apply
over and over s^ain. — Give out but one roll of Oznabriirs at
CD O
a time, and see how that is cut, — worked up, — and disposed
of, before another piece is delivered.— How far the Gardeners
wife, or Allisons wife is to be depended upon in a business of
this sort, I know not ; — but this I know, it is as little as either
of them can do for the inconvenience I sustain by their living-
there, and the attendance they receive from my People. —
The enclosed letter to the Gardener, relative to the planting
of shrubs, seal and deliver to him after you have read it ; —
and if such freezing weather should arrive, before your de-
parture, as I have described, give him all the assistance you
can to improve it ; and in case it does not, let Mr. Anderson
know what my wishes are respecting this matter. — 1 repeat
to you my solicitude to have the Ice house prepared for, and
well filled, and rammed, when Ice is formed. — It will be of
immense importance to me when I get home.
I hope Frank has taken particular care of the Tarriers.- — I
directed him to observe when the female was- getting into
heat, and let her be immediately shut up; and no other than
the male Tarrier get to her. — I wish you well, and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
CXY.
Philadelphia 11th I)ecr 1796.
Mr. Peakce,
Since my last to you was dispatched, I have received your
letters of the 30th of Xovr and 4th insV—
2GS GEORGE WASHINGTON
I am sorry to hear that your Wheat begins to heat. — If it
does this in a degree to do it much injury, it ought to be dis-
posed of for the best price you can get ; — but otherwise, as I
have waited so long to grind it, and shall have occasion for
the Bran, I had rather Manufacture it myself. —
It is a matter of astonishment to me, that the lower floor
of the Barn at Dogue-Bun has given way so soon. — How it
was laid at first, being from home, I know not ; — but if it
had been extended according to my directions, and the end of
the sleepers, by the tenons had rested on a Wall, it could not
have given way until the Sleepers themselves had failed. — As
the case is, I must endeavour, after I come home, to make the
floor without the circle, of some well tempered earth, or com
position, to guard against the expence of such frequent de-
cays.— In the meantime, the best shift that can, must be
made. —
I must remind you of having the Pork killed and salted
before you go away ; — and above all things attend to the Ice
house, as it is of serious importance on account of fresh meat
next summer, that it should be filled.
Isot perceiving by the weekly repts, that any of the Trees
at the Mansion house have been taken up, or trimmed ; and
as little, if anything, can be done at it now, give Mr. Ander-
son all the information you can relative to this business ; and
turn the string of Memorandums (which I sent to you some-
time ago) over to him.
Belying on Mr. Smiths making you the first payment (on
the 521th ins1) according to promise, I request again, that no
demand against me may be left unpaid ; — among these pay
Gray the Weaver ; — and let all that is owing to me, be re-
duced to promissary notes. —
I hope all the Shelters for the Cattle are up, that they may
be secure from Snows, Bain and cold weather ; for it is al-
ways observable, that if they suffer in the early part of the
Winter, they rarely get perfectly recovered of it. —
AND MOUNT VERNON. 269
Ml'. Craik informs me that Clark (I think his name is)
whom you recommended to him, has been very sick, but, not-
withstanding, has given evident demonstrations of his fitness
as an overlooker. — I wish you would make it a point to see
Clark, and fix him to me, as agreed, for the next year ; —
otherwise I may have more difficulty in doing it, than at the
present time ; from causes which you will be at no loss to
conjecture. — It was extremely unlucky, after waiting so long
to get an answer from the Eastern Shore, that I had not
waited a few days longer — until Clark arrived — Pray did you
see the person on the Eastern shore, when last there, from
whom you had been expecting to hear ? — and what excuse
did he make for not fulfilling his promise of writing to
you i —
In my next letter, I will send you a certificate of my satis-
faction in your Services as a Manager. — I would have done it
now, but am hurried, and it will be in time then. — I am Yr
friend
and well wisher
G° Washington.
CXYI.
Philadelphia lSth Decr 1796,
Mr. Pearce,
Your letter of the 11th, with the enclosures, came to my
hands yesterday; and I am sorry to find by it that so late as
thai, you were still without rain. I hope what lias fallen
to-day, will have extended to you: — here it has rained the
whole day without ceasing. —
I do not know whether I understand Mr. Alexr Smiths
proposition, with respect to putting the note for 4S39 dollars
in the Bank, to be discounted- at the end of Sixty days;
making the Bank (instead of himself and securities) liable
therefor. — If he means, that at the end of the Sixty days,
I am to receive that sum from the Bank without interest
270 GEORGE WASHINGTON
tliereon for that time, I shall not accept the offer; because
there is neither reason nor justice why I should suffer that
loss for my indulgence to him; — but on the other hand, if
at the end of CO days, it is to be paid at the Bank with
interest, in the same maimer that it would be paid by him,
I should suppose it ought to be preferred : — however, as I
know very little of Bank transactions, but believe that money
matters stand rather on ticklish ground, I would (if you have
an opportunity) have you consult Mr. Lear, and be governed
by his advice in this business. — If you have not that oppor-
tunity, act for me in the case, as you would for yourself, and
I shall be satisfied therewith. —
I will not have the ground, in which I directed Ivy and the
wild honey suckle to be planted, plowed beforehand. — Kor
can I find what it is the Gardener means by saying he has
as much to do between this and Christmas as he is able to
accomplish, when one of his own hands (according to his
report) is at work with the House gang, and might be re-
called,— besides which he has been authorised to employ
Frank, .Hercules and Cyrus — nay, even to call for more aid
if necessary. — If he won't do it, or makes any delay, or diffi-
culty in doing it, desire him to give up my letter of directions;
and order Allison to set about the work agreeably thereto. —
If the ground is as hard frozen as I presume it is, there being
no Snow on it, he has missed the most favourable opportunity
of taking the Plants up, with frozen earth to their roots, that
ever occurred, or may occur again in seven years. — And I
suppose, after plowing the ground up, would give me a naked
furrough to look at all next spring and summer, instead of a
Plantation of flowering Shrubs. — I am much displeased at his
conduct. —
It would give me great pleasure to have the Xew road
compleated, or in a state of forwardness, this Winter and
Spring ; — but I would not have this attempted at the expence
of more important concerns.— As you have crossed the road
AND MOUNT VERNON". 271
leading into Muddy-hole farm, let the Road from thence in
a line as marked be opened into it — 16J feet wide on each
side of the stakes, which were set up. —
I am sorry to hear that Mr. Xeal continues so much indis-
posed, for my Carpenters really appear to me to do nothing; —
and there is Sail who was constantly at work when we were
at home, is now regularly returned sick six days in the
Week ; — and Mima, Dick, and some others, nearly as bad. —
I had a letter from Mr. Anderson by the last Post, who in-
forms me that it was not in his power to leave the concern he
was enirao-ed in at the time I wished him to be at Mount
Yernon ; — but that he certainly would be there by the 27th or
28th of this month, if he was alive and well. — I wish it may
be convenient for you to stay a few days after he comes to
give him a thorough insight into the business, and then
transfer the directions I have given concerning it to him. —
Shall I not want Clover, and other Grass seeds for the next
year ? — and how much ? — As these things can neither be pro-
cured, or sent at all times, they shd be noticed in season. — I
wish you well and am
Your friend
G° Washington.
P.S.
What has Frank, Hercules and Cyrus been employed in. —
Xo mention is made of any work performed by them in the
Gardeners or other Eeports.
CXYIL
[Certificate]
Mr. William Pearce having Superintended the Farms, and
other business appertaining to my estate of Mount Yernon,
during my absence as President of the United States for the
last three years (ending the 31st of the present month) — It is
272 GEORGE WASHINGTON
due to him to declare, and I certify it accordingly, that his
conduct during that period has given me entire satisfaction ;
and that I part with him reluctantly, at his own request, on
account of a Rheumatic affection which he thinks would pre-
vent him from giving that attention to my business which
from laudable motives he conceives would be necessary.
His industry and zeal to serve me, during the period above
mentioned have been conspicuous on all occasions.— His
knowledge in Farming, and mode of managing my business
in all its relations, have been highly satisfactory to me. — and
I have every reason to believe that his conduct in paying and
receiving money has been strictly regular and just. — In a
word, 1 have bad great confidence in his honesty, sobriety, in-
dustry and skill ; and, consequently, part with him with
regret.
Given under m}T hand at Philadelphia
this lSth day of December 179G.1
G° Washington.
CXYIII.
Mount Vernon, 17th July 1707.
Mr. Peaiice.
Sir,
My Overseers at Union and Dogue-run Farms are endeav-
ouring to play the same game they did last year — that is — to
raise their wages; but as I am fully resolved not to doit
(especially as the price of produce is reduced a hundred pr
Gfc) I am induced to ask you — as Clark who engaged with
Mr. Craik is dead, and expectation from that quarter is at
an end — if you could recommend a person whom you know
would suit me, for Union farm ?
It is not impossible but that I may reduce the hands at
Union farm and place it and Dogue-run Farm under the same
Overlooker : — but even in this case, I will not inve more than
'Appendix M.
AND MOUNT VERNON
070
Sixty pounds wages, with the Usual allowances of Provis-
ions.—
I shall insist upon a Dairies being attended to by the Over-
seers wife, and that Fowls shall be raised for my Table ; — and
that nothing shall be sold from the Farms for their benefit ;
as the wages, with the allowances of Provisions, is all the
man and his wife have to expect. —
I would thank you for acknowledging the receipt of this
letter by the Post, as soon as it gets to hand, that I may be
certain of its safe arrival : — and as soon after as possible, let
me know (without absolutely engaging any one) what depend-
ence I could place on your getting a good man ; with, or with-
out a wife, but not too large a family. — It is necessary I
should hear from you soon on this subject, as some are offer-
ing, and the season for engaging good Overseers is at hand. —
I hope to hear your health is restored to you, and that your
crops have been, and are likely to be, good. — My Crop of
Wheat is as good as I had any reason to expect ; but the Hes-
sian fly began just before harvest to cut it down. — Next year
I expect their attack will be formidable and severe. — Could
there be any dependance on purchasing three or 4 hundred
bushels of Itye in your Neighbourhood, and at what price ? —
I wish you and family well and am your friend and Hbl°
Servant
G° Washington.
P.S.
The drought is, and has been extremely severe upon us : —
Corn not half leg high ; what will be the consequence I know
not.
CXIX.
Mount Vernon 14th Aug* 1707.
Mr. Pearce.
Sir,
Your letter of the 24th of July has been received, and I
thank you for your ready compliance with my request ; but
271 GEORGE WASHINGTON
recollecting how I was served lash year, I must remind you,
that the season will not allow me to wait long for your decis-
ive answer — especially too, as persons are now applying in
this quarter. —
I must repeat in this, what I said, or meant to say in mv
last — that is — that I do not wish you to enter into any engage-
ment that will be binding on me ; — but to make enquiry for
such an Overseer as you know would suit me; — know precise-
ly the lowest terms on which he could be obtained for Union
Farm; — and give me as speedy notice thereof as is in your
power. — Mr. Anderson seems to think that one man may
Overlook both Union and Dogue-run Farms for the wages
of Sixty pounds, but whether this would be more eligable
than two at about £70 or £75 between them is questionably,
as there are few Negros who will work unless there be a con-
stant eye on them — or who will not slight it if there is not
this eye. —
The fallow fields at Union and Dogue-run farms looked
well at Harvest; and I believe will yield well, but the Hes-
sian fly had made an attack upon the latter which had injured
it in some degree. — ISText year I expect this attack will be
much more formidable, which is one reason why I propose to
encrease my seeding with Itye, considerably this Fall. — I per-
ceived no difference between the French plowed part and the
parts adjoining from hence the inference is that it was attend-
ed with no advantage ; in the last Crop at least. —
We have been as wet latterly as we were dry before:
which, to me, has produced both good and evil. — .My Corn is
much amended by it, but my Hay ruined ; and T have had
Wheat injured in the Stack. — I am glad to hear that your
Crop has, and promises to be, tolerable good. — But am sorry
that your own, and daughter fancy's indispositions con-
tinue.—
A small bag of Rye-grass seeds came here without any
letter. — We guessed from whence it came, but was not cer-
AND MOUNT VERNON. 275
tain until some time after, when your letter announced it. —
For sending it I thank you, and if several bushels of the Seed
could be purchased and sent to me, I would with pleasure pay
the cost to your order. —
Mrs. Washington and the rest of the family are as usual1
— and I am your friend and
IIble Servant
G° Washington.
cxx.
Mount Vernon 0tlj May 1798.
Me. Peaece,
A few days ago the enclosed a/c was sent in, and others of
a similar nature have also been presented. — To guard against
these after el&ps was the reason why I urged you with so much
earnestness to leave no accounts unpaid, of your own con-
tracting.—
Why The balance, if just, was left unpaid, when you had
money to go to, at pleasure, or why it was referred to Mr.
Lear to pay, T am unable to say. — Some accounts which have
been presented, I have caused to be proved ; — but in the case
of Mess" Fosters & May, they have been informed that the
account should be transmitted to you for explanation. — I
request therefore you would let me know whether the Bal-
ance claimed by them is really due— In short, be kind
enough to give me such information concerning it as you
are possessed of, that the matter may be settled with those
Gentlemen ; and with it, return their Account.
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, theymight need an Instructor. —
Would it be in your power to engage a person who under-
stands this business perfectly, and fixing the Cradles, to be
1 Appendix N.
276 GEORGE WASHINGTON
here by the 25th June — to be paid by the day while here, and
for coming and returning — and his reasonable travelling ex-
pellees ? —
At any rate I pray you to let me know, and as soon as you
conveniently can, if I might depend upon it. — Inform me at
the same time, if you please, whether the Cradles and Scythes
differ in any respect from those which you know I use — and
if they do, to inform me in what the difference consists, that
I may be preparing against Harvest. — The Scythe, I presume
must be the same, but the fixing of it to the sneed may differ;
— and the Cradle may vary from the usual Kind, by having
more, or less fingers — more or less coming — &ca. — All of
which can readily be described in a letter, by a person well
acquainted with the two sorts, so as to enable me with the
assistance of Mr. Stuart, who you know is, from his own
account, acquainted with all things to go on in this mode even
if you shd not be able to procure me a very skilful hand (for
none other I would have sent). — I remain Your friend and
Hble Servant
G° Washington.
CXXL
"Washington Octr 24th 1795.
Mr. William Pearce —
Dear Sir,
This will be handed to you by Mr. Philips,
a gentleman from England, who is travelling in this part of
the Country, and is desireous of Seeing the Seat at Mount
Vernon. — You will be so good as to shew him attentions and
civilities and Oblige
Your most Obedt Ser\rt
Tobias Leak.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 277
CXXIL
Alex* ¥ovr 11. 1796.
Mk^^^^^. Peiece
Dear Sir
Permit me to introduce to your
acquaintance Mr. Ja: Potts a Gentleman lately from England,
who being on his way to Fredericksburgh, and having heard
much of the Seat of the President, impelled by the curiosity
so natural to Strangers in the neighbourhood of Mount Vernon
to visit the residence of the Man whose Fame all Europe Ac-
knowledge— will take Mount Vernon in his way — any civilities
shown him or his Friend a Mr. Millburn who will accompany
him — will not only be pleasing to them, but particularly ac-
knowledged by
Your Humble Serv*
Tnos Patten.
CXXIII.
Articles of Agreement entered into between George Wash-
ington of Mount Vernon in Virginia, at present President of
the United States and residing in Philadelphia of the one
part, and of the County of Westmoreland and
State aforesaid House Carpenter and Joiner of the other part.
Witness that the said for the wages and other
considerations hereafter mentioned, doth oblige himself and
four Xegro Carpenters belonging to him, who he engages to
be good workmen, to wit, to serve
the said George Washington one year from the time they
shall enter upon the execution of their duties at Mount Ver-
non (which he promises shall be on or before the day of
next ensuing. — During winch time he, and thev, will
conduct themselves soberly, honestly and diligently in what-
ever business (in the line of their profession) they shall be
employed in, — That he will besides attending to his own,
278 GEORGE WASHINGTON
superintend all such Xegro Carpenters belonging to the said
George Washington as shall be placed under his care and
direction ; and to the utmost of his skill and industry, so
order and contrive the work for the whole, or any part thereof,
as to carry it on to the best advantage and with the greatest
facility. — That he will be particularly attentive as well to the
conduct of his own as to such other Carpenters as may be en-
trusted to him, suffering no idleness when they' are in health,
nor no neglect of them when sick. — That he will cause proper
care to be taken of the Tools, and see them forthcoming when-
ever called for ; or a satisfactory account rendered of them if
they are not. — That he will enter in a book to be kept for
that purpose an "ace* of all the Work which has been done by
himself and the Carpenters over whom he is placed, and re-
port the same weekly. — That he will never be away from his
people when they arc at work and he is in health ; nor be ab-
sent from his duty without permission from the said George
Washington or his Manager ; but on the contrary, by close
attention, and an industrious conduct, will set an example to
them worthy of imitation. — And Whereas it too often hap-
pens that men (regardless of their engagements and of course
their reputation) when working on standing wages are apt to
be idle, careless and indifferent to the interest of their Em-
ployers, thereby setting the' reverse of good examples, it is
hereby clearly understood and expressly agreed to by the said
that he will be at his business as soon as it is
light, and remain thereat until dark, when he is in health ;
and when not employed in laying out, or marking off work for
others, that he will labour as faithfully, and as effectually as
any hand under him ; as well for the purpose of fulfilling this
agreement as for the good example he would set by so doing
to those who are under his care, and who are not so ignorant
(knowing this is required of him) as not to relax as lie relaxes,
and be idle in proportion as he is idle ; because all of them
have discernment enough to know that no man can, with pro-
AND MOUNT VERNON. 279
priety, or a good conscience, correct others for a fault lie is
guilty of himself; — the consequence of which is, that indo-
lence and sloth take possession of the whole. — Lastly, the
said doth hereby oblige himself, during the term
aforesaid, to conform to all orders and directions in the line
of his business, or in any other that is reasonable (his time
being paid for by the said George Washington) which he the
said George Washington, or person having the general Super-
intendency of his business, shall require. In consideration of
these Services well and truly performed on the part of the
said . and his four Negro Carpenters before named,
the said George Washington doth hereby oblige himself to
pay the said the sum of ten pounds pr Kalender
month — estimating dollars at Six shillino-s and other gold and
silver at that rate ; for the hire of the said and
the four Xegro Carpenters before mentioned ; and in that
proportion in case any of them should be unable to come, or
die in the service after they have entered upon it. — The said
George Washington doth moreover agree to furnish the said
and his four Negro Carpenters with provisions;
himself with lbs. of Porke or Beef, and bushels of
Indian Meal or midling flour equivalent in value, thereto;
and his Xegros with the same provisions in quantity and
quality as his own Negro Carpenters are allowed — And will
provide the whole with Tools, and pay their taxes. — He also
agrees to furnish the said with a house to live in,
or if this cannot be done in time, conveniently, then, and in
that case, a room seperate and distinct from any other person
or persons. — But the said is to provide his own
bed and necessaries ; as also such kind of bedding as he
chuses to allow his own Negros. — For the true and faithful
performance of this agreement, the parties do bind them-
selves each to the other in the sum of pounds this
day of • 1790. G° Washington.
Test, for G° Washington Bw Daxdridge.
280
GEORGE WASHINGTON
CXXIY.
Calculation of the number of Briclcs wanting for the Barn
at Rivr farm.
Bricks.
16,200
From the foundation (which ought to be below the
penetration of frost) to the Sleepers, suppose 3
feet ;■ — this of a 2-J brick wall, would require abfc
30 bricks to the foot, and the 2 sides and 2
ends making together ISO feet running meas-
ure, will take
From the Sleepers, or water table, to the top of the]
wall— 16 feet high, and 2 brick thick, will re- <^ 69,120
quire at the rate of 21- to foot J
The two inner walls of the sheds from the barn (in- "]
tended for Stables) being 30 feet each, and 2
V 4- °^0
brick thick to the water table, of the Barn — say
3 feet high — requires
From hence to the top of the wall 16 feet, a brick
and half thick — Twice 30 feet
17,280
Two outer walls of d° 60 feet long each and 1-J brick
thick ; and within, and out of the grd 10 feet
high ; will require
The 4 ends of the sheds 12 feet each makes 4S feet
— the medium height of wch will be about 15
feet and these of a brick and half will need. . . .
.21,600
ai,460
Total 139,980
AND MOUNT VERNON.
281
282 GEORGE WASHINGTON
cxxv.
Rotation of Crops for Dogue Run Farm.
First Corn and Potatoes in alternate Hows — to be .hid
down in Wheat — with Clover sown therein at
the breaking up of the Frost. —
Second . . . Wheat — and Clover.
Third, ...Clover,
fourth.. . .Clover — but to be sown in the Fall with Wheat on
a single plowing.
Fifth Wheat — and Buck Wheat on the Stubble as soon
as the Wheat comes off. —
Sixth Oats.—
Seventh. .Pasture to Pen on — and to receive all the Manure
which can be procured — for the purpose of again
beginning with.
Corn and so on as above. —
Rotation for the other Farms.
1st Corn and Potatoes (if to be had) as above to be laid
down with Wheat.
2d Wheat.
3d Buck Wheat to be plowed in for Manure and Wheat
sowed thereon in the Fall.
-1th Wheat.
5th Half in Oats and half in B : Wheat.
0th Pasture.
7th Ditto — to be penned on and manured as above.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 283
CXXYI.
Xorth side of the Road cleared formerly 43 — 3 — 4
S° of the Eoad 17—0—19
Cleared last "\Yintr 21—2— 3
82—1—26
Within Corn field 22—3—19
Total— M : House 105—1-
0
CXXVIL
Terras on which the Farms at Mount Vernon may he obtained.
There not being ranch difference in the quality of the soil
of River, Union, and Dogue-run farms, the rent of each, by
the acre, will be the same. The soil of River farm has, gen-
erally, been most productive ; but not having the meadow
grounds of the other two, it will hardly be esteemed more
valuable, or more profitable in future.
The rent of these three farms (in which the meadow
grounds at the two latter will be blended with the arable) is
a bushel and an half of Wheat for each acre contained within
the limits of the present fencing, or on failure of that Crop
an equivalent in Cash at the Market price of the article : —
the bounds of which shall be correctly described in the Teases,
and the quantity precisely ascertained by accurate resurvevs,
for the purpose of rectifying former errors, if any have been
committed,— or alterations, if any have been occasioned by the
removal of fences, since the fields were first established.
(The reasons why I fix the rent in Wheat are, 1st because
it is the staple produce of the part of the country in which
the Estate lies. 2d because it is convenient to the Tenant, and
284 GEORGE WASHINGTON
equitable for both him and the Landlord; there being no
more trouble or expense in raising this article when it bears
a high, than when it is at a low price : — consequently as it
now is, and probably will continue to be a regulating standard
for the price of other articles foreign and domestic, the Rent
thus established will keep pace therewith. \Vhereas was it
fixed in money, the depreciation in that, and progressive rise
in other things might render a good rentnow a mere nominal
one fourteen years hence. To fix the rent in wheat now
when it bears so high a price, may be thought extravagant:
but no person of information can, or does suppose otherwise,
than that the price of this article will be reduced to its old or
progressive price so soon as the wars in Europe cease and
tranquillity is again restored. It is to be understood, that the
rent when paid in wheat, is to be delivered on or before the
first of December in every year, to the Collector.)
To the two farms which lie on the river, the Fisheries
which now are, have been, or again might be used as such,
may be annexed ; and may be obtained for the same term of
years that the Lease is given for the farm adjoining, and at a
reasonable rent ; — or they will be let separately to others, with
the priviledge of ingress and regress thro' the farms.
Dogue-run farm will comprehend no part of the Mill
meadows, or mill swamp; nor any ground without the present.
outer fences of the fields, except the woodland wch is, in a
manner, encompassed by fields ?\0 2. 3. 5 and T, which if the
farm is let in an undivided state, may be enclosed merely for
a woodland pasture. In like manner the other farms are to
be circumscribed by the outer fences of the respective fields;
and no more land is to be cleared within them, than what is
now in use, except by special agreement, and for a certain
fixed compensation. —
Each farm, whether in its present or divided state, will be
supplied with fuel from the woodland ; and with timber for
all sorts of farming implements and for fencing, with the
AND MOUNT VERNON. 2S5
necessary repairs to it, until hedges can be raised ; a measure
which will be insisted upon as far and as soon, as it is reason-
ably practicable.
Muddy hole farm being more indifferent than either of
the other three, will be let for a quarter of a bushel less per
acre ; but subject in other respects to the same regulations. —
Tobacco will not be allowed to be cultivated for market,
on any of the farms ; ! nor more than a sixth part of the ara-
ble Suffered to be in Indian Corn, in any year during the
term of the Leases ; and the rotation which is annexed, or
some other not more oppressive to the land, will be insisted
upon ; as also that Hogs shall not run at large.
If the farms are let in their undivided state, no more
buildings will be necessary than what are already on the
premises : — but if they are divided, houses in proportion to
the number, and size of the Lots which will be separated
from those which may contain the present buildings, will be
required ; tire materials for which must be provided by the
tenants themselves, except small aids from the woodland.
But as the earth at every farm, and in every part of each
farm, is good for brick or mud walls, (the last of which are
warm and good when judiciously made) they would be rec-
ommended ; especially the former, as infinitely preferable,
more durable, requiring less repairs, and very little, if any,
dearer than wood buildings, even in their first cost.
Leases will be given, conformably to the advertisement in
the Gazettes ; namely, for fourteen years, if the farms are
undivided; and for eighteen years, if they are divided, for
such lots as will be excluded from the present buildings ;
'In 1789 Washington planted 30,000 tobacco plants at Dogne linn farm,
but afterwards reached the conclusion that tobacco was injurious to the soil.
With reference to the use of tobacco by Washington personally, an Alex-
andria legend says he was once nearly choked by a bit of tobacco, kept in
his mouth as he lay down; but Dr. McGuire says, "lie never used tobacco
in any shape, always expressing a great aversion to it."
2^6 GEORGE WASHINGTON
with the usual covenants for tile security of the rents ; keep-
ing the farms in tenantable repairs ; planting fruit trees
&cl &ca.
The Mill, and every thing appertaining to it, is, at the time
of letting, to be critically examined, and must be returned in
like good order at the expiration of the Lease.
The present farms, as has been mentioned before, may be
divided into large, or small lots, so as to suit the convenience
of those who may incline to associate ; but less than one of
the present fields, at any of the farms, except where they are
large, ought not to compose a lot ; and to lay them off In-
fields, would be convenient and desirable, on account of the
Ditches, hedges and fences that are now in use. —
Although the admission of slaves with the tenants will not
be absolutely prohibited ; it would nevertheless, be a pleasing
circumstance to exclude them ; if not entirely, at least in a
great degree : — to do which is not among the least induce-
ments for dividing the farms into small Lots. —
Adjoining to Hiver farm, are grounds which now are a com-
mon, between the fences of fields ~N° 1. 2 and 3. and the river.
These may become part of those Lots at the rent per acre of
the other part, whether the farm is divided or not ; making
the river, instead of the present fences, the boundary.
For every acre contained in the Lease, an apple tree of
good grafted fruit is to be planted on the premises, in a reg-
ular orchard truly laid out in rows forty feet a part each way.
Between which (also in regular order) rows of peach trees will
be required.
G° A\tashingtox.
February 1st 1706.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 28'
CXXVIII.
Rotation referred to, for a Farm containing six fields;
besides a homestead, or Inclosure for the Houses, garden,
and yards.
1st. .. .Indian Corn, with intermediate rows of Potatoes, or
any root more certain or useful (if such there he)
that will not impede the plough, hoe or harrow in
the cultivation of the Corn.
2d . . . .Wheat, Eye, or Winter Barley at the option of the
Tenant — sown as usual when the Corn receives its
' last working.
3d ... . Buckwheat, Peas, or Pulse ; or Vegetables of any sort,
or partly of all; or any thing else, except grain (that
is corn crops) — for which this is preparatory.
4th.. . .Oats, or Summer barley, at the discretion of the Ten-
ant, with Clover, if and when the ground is in con-
dition to bear it. —
5. ... .To remain in Clover for cutting, for feeding, or for
both — or if Clover should not be sown — or if sown
should not succeed ; — then and in that case the field
may be filled with any kind of Vetch, pulse or
Vegetables.
6 To lie uncultivated in pasture, and for the purpose of
manuring, for the same round of crops again.
The other fields passing through the same courses will,
supposing the rotation to commence in the year 1797, appear
in one view by the plan on the other side.
A Farm containing 100 acres, gives six fields of 10 acres
each ; and leaves -4 acres for the houses, garden and yards. —
The following plan shews what crops will be taken from the
28S
GEORGE WASHINGTON
said farm annually ; and these at a very moderate estimate
will produce as follows
10 acres in Indian Corn at 12 bush13 is 192 bush8 a 3/.is£2S.10
Same in Potatoes D° D° . .
1G acres. .Wheat .10 160..
1G acres. .Buckwheat ... 10! 1G0. .
1G acres.. Oats 15 240..
1G acres. .Clover or Vegetables, .uncertain
. 2/ . .
.6/.
.2/.,
'.2/6
19. 4
48...
1G...
30...
Total, besides Clover or &ca £142. 0
Rent of 100 acres at a bushel and a half of "Wheat,
or a dollar and half pr acre 45 . 0
Remains for the Tenant "97. 0
ROTATION FOR A FARM OF SIX FIELDS.
Number
ot the
Fields.
1797.
1798.
1799.1
1S00.
1801.
1
ISO*. |
j
1.
Corn
k
Potatoes
Wheat
Kye
Buck-
wheat
or &c»
Oats or
barley
with
Clover
Clover
or
Pulse.
— ■■
j
Pasture
&
Manure
2.
Pasture
Manors.
Corn
Pota*
Wheat
Rye
or &c»
Buck-
wheat
or &ea
Oats or
barley
with
Clover
1
I
Clover
or
Puis,?. i
3.
4.
Clover
or
Pulse
Pasture
&
Manure
Corn
&
Pota*
Wheat
Rye
or &ca
Buck-
wheat
or &ca
!
Oats or
barley
with
Clover.
Oat;, or
barley
with
Clover.
Clover
or
Pulse
Pasture
&
Manurs
Corn
Potas
Wheat
Rye
or &c»
Buck-
wheat
or &c»
5.
1
Buck-
wheat;
or &c»
Oat* or
barley
with
Clover
Clover
or
Pulse
Pasture
&
Manure
Corn
&
Pota»
Wheat
Rye i
or &C*
6.
Wheat
Rye
or &c»
Ruck Oats or | n
wtt 1 gp 1 C1or€r
«** Closer ™-
Pasture
Manur?.
Corn
Potas
1 Appendix O.
AND MOUNT VERNON. 280
In England, where taxes and rents are both high, it is
estimated that if every thing which is raised on the farm, will
sell for three times the rent, that the farmer is in eligible
circumstances. — One-third pays the rent — another third the
taxes, and all other incidental expenses of the farm — and the
remaining third is applied to whatever purposes the farmer
may chuse.— The above principles and proportions, apply
equally to large and small farms. —
APPENDIX.
A (p. 3).
"Washington's earlier managers were his relatives, — Lund
Washington, George Augustine Washington, Robert Lewis,
Howell Lewis, successively. Circumstances having deprived
him of their services, — though Robert Lewis continued to be
his general agent for collections etc. on his estates in Vir-
ginia,— he employed in succession Messrs. Whiting, Fearce
and Anderson. It appears also that for a time he employed
a Mr. Feake in this capacity. This is mentioned by the Rev.
Dr. E. C. McGuire, in his little book on " The Religious
Opinions and Character of Washington," published in 1S3G.
Dr. McGuire, for many years rector of St. George's Church,
Fredericksburg, Ya., married Judith, daughter of Robert
Lewis, Washington's nephew and agent, and had good
sources of information. The contents of a letter which I
have not seen have been reported to me, in which Washing-
ton (while President) gives Robert Lewis, when undertaking
the management of Mount Vernon, detailed instructions.
He is to send in careful and minute weekly reports of every
event on the estate, of the smallest incidents, especially re-
lating to the negroes. In the letters he shall receive from
Washington, every question is to be noted for answer and
then cancelled with a pencil. The work involved was by
no means small and, though liberally paid, it is not wonder-
ful that the managers were changed pretty often. The one
who served him longest was Lund Washington, concerning
whom see Appendix II.
292 APPENDIX.
The following letter shows that at one time Washington
thought of employing the elder brother of Robert and Howell
Lewis. It is probable, however, that the mother of Lawrence
could not spare him, for there appears no indication of that
young gentleman's having resided at Mount Vernon until
after "Washington had retired from the presidency. The
letter was written to his relative Col. Burgess Ball, and 1 am
indebted for its use to his grandson Capt. George Washington
Ball, author of an invaluable monograph on "The Maternal
Ancestry and nearest of kin of Washington."
Philadelphia, Aug. 4th, 1793.
Dear Sir,
Previously to the receipt of your letter of the 25th ulto,
some persons had been mentioned to me as well qualified for
the Superintendence of my business at Mount Yernon, and
until something is decided with respect to them, (letters hav-
ing passed on the subject,) I can say nothing farther with
respect to Mr. Lawrence Lewis. So much am I engaged in
public business, and so little have I it in my powrer to visit or
attend to my private concerns, that it becomes extremely
necessary (besides fidelity) to have an experienced and skilful
man of some weight to manage my business — one whose
judgment is able to direct him in cases which may arise out
of circumstances that can neither be foreseen nor previously
guarded against.
What the age of Mr. Lawrence Lewis is, what opportunities
lie may have had to acquire any knowledge in the manage-
ment of a farm, what his disposition, whether active or
indolent, whether clear in his perceptions and of good judg-
ment, whether sober and sedate, or fond of amusements and
running about, with other queries which might be asked as
well applying to a young man just entering on the career of
life, are all matters to which I am an entire stranger, and ii
you can give me information respecting them, I shall thank you.
APPENDIX. 293
You will readily perceive that ray sole object in these en-
quiries is to ascertain the competency of a character to whom
I should commit an important trust. Consequently going no
farther can operate nothing to the prejudice of my nephew,
whatever in confidence you say to me on the foregoing points
and such others as may occur to yon.
So far as integrity, and I presume sobriety, would qualify
him, I should give him my entire confidence ; but though
these are xery essential, something more, circumstanced as
I am, is equally necessary. Was I at home myself, I should
prefer a person connected with me, as he is, to a more skilful
man that was not, (provided he had no thoughts of soon
forming a matrimonial alliance) because he could aid me in
attention to company, which I should stand as much in need
of as of one to look after my estate, as my disposition won
lead me to endnlge in retirement whenever I shall quit
public walks. My love to Mrs. Ball and your family, in vrc
Mrs. Washington joins. With sincere regard and friendship,
I am y'rs affectionately,
G° Washington. "
By the favor of Governor Wilson, of West Virginia, a con-
nection of the Washington and Lewis families, I am able to
print a characteristic letter from Washington to Howell
Lewis, his nephew (see p. 10) while managing Mount Yernon.
Germantown, Nov. 3, 1703.
Deajr Howell,
The short time I was with you, and the hurry into which
I was thrown by the pressure of many matters, public and
private, prevented my mentioning many things which ought
to have been communicated to you before I left home ; but
I shall do it by letter as they may happen to occur to me.
I have already told you, that the corn is to be gathered
without loss of time as soon as circumstances will permit —
a
VAX
1
294 APPENDIX.
when this is done, let all that is intended for the nse of the
respective plantations be put into corn houses by itself; and
the overplus into other Houses. As there is but one corn
house at Muddy hill, Davy must put all that grows at that
place into it.
I hope the quantity will exceed 150 barrels; but if it
should fall short of it, that quantity must be made up from
the field he tended at Dogue Run — after which, the residue
of that field of his, may be lofted along with Mclxoy's corn.
Let McKay put ISO barrels into one of his corn houses for
the use of the Farm, and the residue in the other. — Crow
may put 250 barrls in one house, and the residue in an-
other; — and Stuart may do the same — that is — put 250
barrels in one house, and all that remains in the other. — Tell
all of them that I exhort them most earnestly to be extremely
careful of the Corn. — I know this article will fall short of my
demands for it ; and I know not where it is to be bought, or
where to find money if I did. — Unless you can buy oats, the
horses at the Mansion house must be fed with Corn and Bran,
and that sparingly, except the five horses which are to come
this way with your Aunt. — Have an eye that Martin does not
neglect them ; — nor spare the curry comb. — lie wants look-
ing after. — The Corn with which these five horses are fed
should be ground into small homony, and if Bran was mixed
with it, it would be none the worse, and would go farther. —
The Horses on the different Farms, tell the overseers, must be
kept in good heart (notwithstanding the sparing use of the
corn) as they will have a great deal of heavy plowing to do
this Fall and Winter ; which, not being sure I fully explained
to all of them, I herewith enclose a list ; with which you will
furnish each of them, that is, with so much as relates to his
own business. —
As a house will be built for Crow at the place marked out
(not far from the Barn) the corn house near to the one in
which he now lives, ought to be removed to the Barn, and
APPENDIX. 295
set in uniformity with the other, before the corn is lofted (if
it can be done conveniently) and as there is no spring near to
the house which is to be built for Crow, a well should be dug
in the Barn lane, opposite to the centre of that house, and
exactly half way between the same and those which will be
opposite to it for the Xegros. — My ideas on this head have
been explained to Thos. Green, as to the spot. — This well
need be no larger in the diameter than is sufficient to contain
a pump, which it must receive ; and the size proper for this
you must enquire into. — I should think Thomas Davis and
Mucins must have ingenuity enough to sink this well as 1
hope and expect it will be very shallow after they have laid
the foundation (with Brick) for the Overseer's house ; but if
they have any doubts themselves of their sufficiency, employ
the well-digger in Alexandria, who sunk the well at the Man-
sion house lately; and if it is to be done by him let it be
undertaken immediately — For water found at this season of
the year, and especially after so parching a drought, may be
depended upon — this is a good reason for its being done
soon, by whomsoever it is undertaken. —
I directed the Miller to put up 6 Hogs for forward Bacon,
and to call upon Mclvoy for corn to feed them. — I always
forget to tell the latter to send it, and possibly it has been
neglected. — enquire into, and see that it is done.
As I am almost certain I shall want feed next year, both
for man and beast, more than 1 have made this; and as a
good deal of my wheat (unless it surprisingly alters from the
Bain which has lately fallen here, and I hope with you) tell
Mr. Stuart and Mr. Crow (whose wheat I think was next) that
if they could sow a part of that which is most missing with
Bye, if to be had, it will be a pleasing thing to me. — I mean
such parts of the field only as are not likely to produce Wheat
next year with any prospect of success. — It is not too late to
sow Bye, and the straw will be useful for thatching sheds for
the cover of my cattle ; which I should wish to do before
29') APPENDIX.
the winter, next after this which is now approaching sets
in. —
If you cannot get oats, about ten bushels of old corn ought
to be reserved for feeding the horses with, which are to come
this way, some days before they set out, otherwise travelling
them after being fed upon new corn may be the loss of
some of them on the road, besides the detention it would
necessarily occasion to your Aunt.
Just before I left home, I discovered that the Carters and
Waggoner, in order to get their horses easily of mornings,
turned them into the clover lot by the kquarter. — forbid this
absolutely.-— They have injured it considerably already, by
eating it so bare as for the frosts to kill the roots but will
ruin it entirely if they are suffered to continue this practice
any longer. —
When the Potatoes are taken up, tell Butler to have the
tussocks of course grass or Broom, and large weeds (which I
noticed on the lower part of that lot) taken up also ; that the
ground, when sown next Spring, may be in better condition
for the oats and clover which is to be put in it.
Whenever the weather appears to be settled, and the morn-
ing promises a good day, get Peter and Martin, or Charles
(for I know not what he does) and take every thing out of
the Store that requires to be aired — cleaned from Mould, and
the other injuries they are sustaining — and when thoroughly
cleaned and dried, returned and put away again together with
the other things in that place ; with that regularity and order
that whatever is wanted from thence may be seen and got at
without difficulty. — When this is done, take an exact inven-
tory of the whole (even to minute things) and send it to me,
That I may know what is there. — The Yaleses (that is things
like Portmanteaus) which contain my Marquee and other
things, ought all to be opened, wiped clean, and dried. — The
Trunk, belonging to my camp equipage should be served the
same way (The Keys you will find in my writing table) and
APPENDIX. 297
in short every tiling rescued from the disorder and injury
which they seemed to he undergoing. — The nails, where they
are not in whole Casks shd he counted (which is soon done by
counting 125 and putting the same weight of nails in the
other scale and keep doubling of them until you get 1 000 in
a scale ; after which you will soon ascertain the whole num-
ber of thousands in the Cask). — I sent (not a great while ago)
a considerable quantity of Paint from Philadelphia to Mount
Vernon ; but do not recollect to have seen any in the store. —
enquire for this, and let it he put there for safety (if it can
be stored there conveniently) or kept under a lock the key of
which is in the box ; for unless this is done there will be a
flemish account of it when it is wanted for use. — Before I left
home 1 directed old Jack to clean the seed left over the green
house thoroughly, that the several Bins might be in order for
the reception of oats or other grain in quantities, which might
be placed there for Spring seeding. — To put the Casks which
had Timothy and Orchard grass seeds by themselves, so as to
be known — and all the empty Casks by themselves, and as
much out of the way as they could be. — See that this is done,
and tell Butler it is my wish as soon as his Potatoes arc up,
and secured in the manner already mentioned to you ; I de-
sire he will immediately thrash out all the oats at the Man-
sion on the Barn floor if it can be spared by the work people
— Measure and put them in the seed loft above mentioned,
and inform me of the quantity. — Then in the corn lofts, if
any remains after the others are thrashed, might be thrashed
also ; as I want all I have for seed ; being of a good kind. —
The straw after the oats are taken from them, may be still
cut for the Work horses as usual, but Bran or chopped corn
must be mixed therewith, to give the more nourishment to
them. —
As the Corn house at Crows is of frame work, and not
heavy, while empty, it may be removed on Rollers; — and as
Mr. Stuart pretends to be well acquainted with the manner
298 APPENDIX.
of doing this work having been frequently engaged therein
consult him, as well as Green on this business. —
Stuart says there is a gum tree on the Farm he is at that
will make excellent rollers — Let these be got from thence
and well made that they may serve for other purposes here-
after. It will naturally occur to you that this work (if done
at all this season) ought not to be delayed until the ground
gets soft, for that would increase the labour four fold, if not
render it impracticable at all. — And speaking of this I will
mention a proverb to you which you will find worthy of at-
tention all the days of your life ; under any circumstance?,
or in any situation you may happen to be placed ; — and that
is, to put nothing off 'till the Morrow, that you can do to
(][\\. — The habit of postponing tilings is among the worst in
the world doing things in season is always beneficial — but
out of season, it frequently happens that so far from being
beneficial, that oftentimes, it proves a real injury. — It was
one of the sayings of the wise man you know, that there is a
season for all things, and nothing is more true ; apply it to
any occurrence or transaction in life.
I am your sincere friend and
Affectionate Uncle
Gr. Washington.
P.S.
If you could get a fair rope for the well by the quarter it
would be desirable. — I directed Peter two or three times to
make enquiry for one at the Pope Makers in Alexa, but I do
not know the result of it. — As your Aunt may wish to see
my letters to you, always show them to her.
Yr as above.
G. W.
APPENDIX. 290
B (p. 5).
Col. Bassett's sister Elizabeth married Benj. Harrison,
signer of the Declaration of Independence, and great-grand-
father of our present President (1SS9).
Washington's pleasant personal and political relations with
his connections at Elthara appear in the following note, for
which I am indebted to Miss Virginia Carter Minor, of Xew
York, a descendant of Washington's aunt, Mildred Willis, of
Fredericksburg. The Association alluded to was the Is on-
importation Association, formed in May, 1700. The
" Patsy*' mentioned was Mrs. Washington's daughter, who
died in 1773. She had fits, for which Washington's diary
mentions an application of " the iron ring."
Mount Yernon,
Juneye lSth, 1769.
[Col. Burwell Bassett, Eltham.]
Dp;ar Sir,
As we have come to a Resolution to set of (if nothing un-
forseen happens to prevent it) for the warm springs about the
lStTl of next Month ; 1 do, according to promise give you no-
tice thereof, and should be glad of your Company up with
us, if you still entertain thoughts of trying the effect, of
those waters. —
You will have occasion to provide nothing, if I can be ad-
vised of your Intentions before the waggon comes down for
my necessaries, so that I may provide accordingly.
We are all in the usual way, no alteration for better or
worse in Patsy. —
The Association in this, and the neighbouring Counties of
Prince William and Loudoun is compleat, or near it, how it
300 APPENDIX.
goes on in other places I know not, but hope to hear of tin
universality of it. —
We all join tendering our Loves to Mrs. Bassett and your-
self, Family and Mrs. Dandridge and Betsy, and 1 am Dr
Sir
Yr Most Affecfc
Hbl Servt
G° Washington.
APPENDIX. 301
C(p.l2).
German Town 24th Novr 1793.
Col. Burgess Ball, Leesburgli
Dear Sir,
I have duly received your letter of the lGth Instant,
from Leesburgli.
In answer to which, respecting the purchase of Buck Wheat,
I send you a Bank note for two hundred dollars ; being more
disposed to give two and six pence pr Bushel in Loudoun than
depend upon the purchase here, and the uncertainty of get-
ting it round in time. — What the Waggonage of it to my
house from thence (as fast as it is bought, for that I make a
condition in order that no disappointment may happen) will
be, I know not ; but with a view to place the matter upon an
absolute certainty I had rather give three and six pence for it,
delivered at Mount Vernon, than encounter delay, or trust to
contingencies; because as it forms part of my system of Hus-
bandry for the next year, a derangement of it would be a
serious thing; for which reason a small difference in the price
can be no object when placed against the disconcertion of my
plans ; especially too, as I am persuaded you will purchase,
and transport the B. Wh* for me on the best terms you can.
Four hundred and fifty bushels, or call it 500, is the quan-
tity I shall want ; and more money shall be sent io you as
soon as I know your prospects, and the expenditures of what
is now forwarded. For the reason I have already assigned, I
must encounter no disappointment ; if therefore your pros-
pects (as you proceed in this business) are not so flattering as
those detailed in your letter, inform me of it in time, that I
may supply myself from hence before the frost sets in.
The malady with which Philadelphia has been sorely
afflicted, has, it is said, entirely ceased ; — and all the Citizens
302 APPENDIX.
are returning to their old habitations again. — I took a lion.-.-
in this town when I first arrived here, and shall retain it until
Congress get themselves fixed; although I spend part of my
time in the City.
Give my love to Mrs. Ball and Milly, and be assured of the
sincere esteem and regard with which I am
Dear Sir,
Your affect6 Servfc
G° Washington.
[The original of the above letter belongs to Mr. O. L.
Sypher of New York.]
APPENDIX. 303
D (p. 47).
I am indebted to the X. E. Historic-Genealogical Society
for the following extract from a letter to Gen. Knox.
o
Mount Yernon, 2Sth Feb. 1785.
"The State of Virginia accompanied these proceedings
with another Act, which particularly respected myself, and
tho' generous in the extreme, is rendered more valuable by the
flattering yet delicate expression of its recitals. It directs
their Treasurer to subscribe for my use and benefit one hun-
dred shares (50 in each navigation), which it declares vested
in me and my heirs for ever. But I can truly aver to you,
my dear sir, that this Act has given me more pain than
pleasure. It never was my inclination — nor is it my inten-
tion— to accept anything pecuniary from the public; but how
to decline this gift without appearing to slight the favor
(which the Assembly ascribe to a sense of gratitude) of my
country, and exhibiting an act of seeming disrespect to the
Legislature on the one hand, or incurring the imputation of
pride or an ostentatious display of disinterestedness on the
other, is my embarrassment. But I must endeavor to hit
upon some expedient before the next session (for I had not
the smallest intimation of the matter before the rising of the
last) to avoid any of these charges, and yet follow the bent of
my wishes, which are to be as independent as the air. I have
nobody to provide for, and I have enough to support me
through life in the plain and easy style in which I mean to
spend the remainder of my days."
The number of shares presented, Jan. 1885 (see Ilening's
Statutes, vol. xi. p. 525) is inexactly stated above, — 100 being
given in the Potomac Co., and 50 in the James River Co.
(Value §100 each Potomac, and £100 each James River share.)
301 APPENDIX.
In 1705 the 50 Potomac Shares were appropriated for the
erection of a University in the Federal City. The 100 James
River Shares were given to Liberty Hall Academy, Rock-
bridge Co., Va., — an endowment now enjoyed by Washington
and Lee University, Lexington, Va., where Washington's letter
of presentation is framed. The donations were confirmed in
perpetuity by Washington's Will.
APPENDIX. 305
E (p. 53).
The following is from the account-book of Robert Lewis,
for which I am indebted to his grand-daughter, Mrs. Lewis
Washington, a distinguished Regent of Mount Vernon.
" Robert Lewis in acct with the President of the IT. S.'
1791. 1792.
Apr. 14. By cash paid £. s. d.
Battaile Muse, 39.3.51
Dec. 25. To amount of Rental £. s. d
rendered for this year, 314 .4.0
By D° paid John Mauzy Surveyor for running
(Robert Scott) the line between you and Scott 3 . 2 . G
By Cash paid Majr G. A. Washington 125.0.0
By Do. Do. 3G.0.0
By Cash paid for taxes on your land 2.3.5
By Do. paid Mrs. Haney agreeable to order. . 10.0.0
By my commission on the whole at 10 pT cent. 31 . 8 . 0
By expences in collecting 1 . 10 . 0
1792 Be
1793
1794
179G
1797
'1794. £248. 7. 4^"
By Cash remitted Howell Lewis for rent
(ditto 1795, 1796) 17.9 .0
By Cash remitted to Tho8 Greenfield who
had his barn burnt in 1793, which I
omitted charging 10 . 0 0
By cash paid L. Lewis for 40 Bus. wheat
and expences 28.0.0.';
'1798.
By my travelling expenses to and from Fred-
erick and Berkley collecting and attending
law suits on replevins 3.0.0
By cash to Col. McGill, Attorney agfc Ken-
nedy, who proved insolvent 1.4.0.
ital 302. l.G.
315.15.0.
355.17.0.
37G.12.0.
412.12.0." / * "
Concerning the Mrs. Haney mentioned in the account, a
pensioner of Washington, see Introduction.
20
306 APPENDIX.
The following has been sent me by Dr. William T. Dar-
lington of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Robert Lewis, Spring Hill, Fauquier Cty.
Mount Yernon 4th June 1T9S.
Dear Sie,
Your letter of the 23rd ult° has been received. —
Mr. Airass'5 draught on Mr. Russell (of Alexandria) has
been presented and accepted ; payable in ten days.
I am glad to hear of your good luck with the eloped ten-
ant in Berkeley county ; Recovery of the Tenement is of
more importance than the security of the Rest. — I am not
disposed to lease it for more than seven years, and if you
could let it for a shorter time, to a good tenant, I should pre-
fer it ; — but act from circumstances and your best judgment
in the case. — If there is any defect in the old leases they
must by this time, have become obvious to you, and will of
course, be amended ; I recollect nothing that requires altera-
tion, if the Covenants are complied with, and if the old ones
are not it is not probable new ones will. —
I am sorry to hear the unpromising account of your
Wheat. Mine is bad enough, but many degrees better than
the description of that in your parts ; nor do I perceive any
fly, as yet, amongst it ; but there is sufficient time between
this and harvest for the entire destruction of it by that Li-
sect. The drought could not have been more severe with
you than it was here until the 23rJ ult°, — since which we
have had (for my lands) a superabundance of Rain. If it
had continued a few days longer we should have made neither
oats nor Hay — and our Pastures would have starved the cat-
tle that had escaped the Winter. — What effect it might have
had on the Wheat I know not,' but I never form an opinion
of Com until the month of August ; nor dispair of making a
tolerable crop of that grain unless a drought happens when it
is shooting and filling, be the weather what it may before.-
APPENDIX. 307
All here unite in best regards for Mrs. Lewis and yourself,
and I remain your Affecte uncle G. Washington.
(Endorsed.)
Alex. O. Inne Free.
Mr. Robert Lewis Spring Hill Fauquier Cty.
Eecomd to the care of )
Mr. Jas. Lewis Fredericksburgh. i G. Washington. "
The following is from the collection of Dr. Thomas Addis
Emmet.
Fredericksburg, March [Postmarked 7] 1S01.
Gentlemen,
I am favd with jour circular letter respecting Mrs. Wash-
ington's wish to surrender into the hands of the Executors of
the late Gen1 Washington, all that part of her life Estate at
present taxable, — which derives her no profit, and yet is in
her possession. — I cannot but agree with you in opinion that
such property as would be inconvenient to divide should be
sold. — The Kenhawa Lands ought to be an exception — These
are extensive — nearly equal in quality taken agregately, and
might with very little trouble or difficulty be divided — At all
events it is my wish, and would be carrying into effect the
desires of the Testator. — To elucidate, however, my ideas
more clearly, I will only add, shoird any obstacle arise in the
division of the above property (which I do not anticipate at
present) I wou'd have you to understand that no impediment
is to be expected from me in your proceedings, as I am clearly
determined to go with the majority of Legatees, and will aid
and assist the Executors in the execution of their duty all
that lies in my power. — I am, Gentlemen, Respectfully,
Your mo. Obfc Ser1
Hob1' Lewis.
Endorsed.
The Executors to the Estate of the late Gen1 Washington
now at Mount Vernon.
308
APPENDIX
F (Pp. 75, 100, 248).
The beginnings of Washington City brought into the Dis-
trict of Columbia a large number of folk who seemed to re-
gard it as the abode of freedom to an extent which the chief
landowner on the Virginia side of the river had vainly con-
tested. The following, to Bushrod Washington, is owned by
Mr. O. L. Syphcr of New York.
Philadelphia, Jan* Sth 1792.
Dear Busheod,
I have long suspected — but such has been my situation for
some years back that I have not been able to ascertain the
fact — that a tract of about 1200 acres w- I hold on four-mile-
run near Alexandria has had the wood thereon dealt pretty
freely with by unauthorized persons in its vicinity. The en-
closed from Mr. Whiting gives information of a particular
Act. He is directed in a letter of this date to wait upon
Col0 Little ; and with such proofs of the trespass as he can
obtain to call upon you therewith. If they shall appear to
you indubitable, I am resolved — as an example — to punish
the agressors ; and pray you to issue a process against them,
and prosecute the same in the name of George Aug0 Wash-
ington as my Attorney, who I think has been announced as
such in the Gazettes of Alexandria and Richmond ; and, I
presume, has a power from me to that effect.
Lest any misconception of Whiting's should lead me or you
into an error, I beg you will, when an opportunity shall pre-
sent itself, enquire of Col° Little whether the Hoop poles
were, incontestibly, taken from my land ; who the persons
are that did it — and whether there can be any demur to the
propriety (legality I mean) of bringing the suit in the name
APPENDIX 309
of G. A. Washington as my Attorney — not being willing to
have my own name called in Court on this occasion.
Your aunt joins me in best wishes, and the compliments of
the season to you and Nancy, — and I am your sincere friend
and
affectionate uncle
G° "Washington."
Col. Charles Little was a friend of Washington and one of
his pallbearers.
310 APPENDIX.
G (Pp. 76 and 192).
Washington was so reserved in religious matters that even-
word of that kind may be regarded as well weighed. The
subjoined letters may here be placed on record. The first
letter is in possession of the Rev. Dr. J. G. Van Slyke, pas-
tor of the First Reformed Church of Kingston, X. Y., to the
consistory of which it was written in reply to a congratula-
tion on the close of the war.
Gentlemen,
1 am happy in receiving this public mark of the esteem of
the Minister Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant
Dutch Church in Kingston.
Convinced that our religious liberties were as essential as
our civil, my endeavors have never been wanting to encourage
and promote the one while I have been contending for the
other — and I am highly flattered by finding that my efforts
have met the approbation of so respectable a body.
In return for your kind concern for my temporal and eter-
nal happiness, permit me to assure you that my wishes are
reciprocal — and that you may be enabled to hand down your
Religion pure and undefiled to a Posterity worthy of their
ancestors is the fervent prayer of
Gentn.
yr most obedfc serv*,
G° Washington.
Kingston
10th Nov,
. j 1782.
A letter to Gen. Knox (for which I am indebted to the
Now England Historic-Genealogical Society) concludes as
follows : "
APPENDIX 311
"Mrs. Washington joins me in offering compliments of
congratulation to Mrs. Knox and yourself on the increase of
your family by the birth of a son ; and 1 pray you to accept
the acknowledgment of my sense of the honor you have con-
ferred on me by giving him my name. I hope he will live
to enjoy it long after I have taken my departure for the world
of Spirits, and that he may prove a blessing and comfort to
you both in your declining years."
This was written Jan. 10, 1788. The boy died in 1707.
In a note of sympathy on the death of another of his chil-
dren Washington wrote to the same friend (S Sept. 1701):
" He that gave, you know, has a right to take away. His
ways are wise — they are inscrutable — and irresistible.''
The next letter is to the Itev. Joseph Buckminster.
Xew York, December 23, 17 SO.
Sir,
Your letter of the 27th of November and the discourse
which it enclosed have been duly read. I consider the ser-
mon on the death of Sir William Pepperell which you were
so good as to send me by the desire of Lady Pepperell his
Eelict as a mark of attention from her which required my
particular acknowledgments ; and I am sorry that the death
of that lady, which I see is announced in the public papers,
prevents my thanks being returned to her for her respect and
good wishes. Yon, sir, will please accept them for yourself
in forwarding the discourse, and mv request that they may
be added to the Eevd Clark with my approbation of the
doctrine therein inculcated.
I am, Sir, yr? &ca
G° Washington.
This letter to Dr. Buckminster is especially notable, be-
cause, though the larger part was dictated, Washington has
312 APPENDIX.
added in his own hand his approbation of the doctrine of the
discourse. It is doubtful if in all his writings similar a]
proval of any statement of doctrine can be found. The title
of the able discourse alluded to is " A Sermon occasioned by
the Death of the Honourable Sir William Pepperell, Bart.,
Lieut. Gen. in His Majesty's Service, etc., who died at his
Seat in lattery, July G, 1759; Preached the next Lord's Day
after his Funeral by Benjamin Stevens, A.M., Pastor of the
First Church in Ivittery. Boston, etc., 1759." The text
selected for this most eminent personage of Maine — -the only
native of America ever baroneted, though two were knighted
(Fitch and Randolph) — was from the S2nd Psalm, "But ye
shall die like men." Referring to the previous part of the
verse (7), "I have said ye are Gods," the preacher said that
rulers might in a sense be properly so styled, because govern-
ments being appointed of God, magistrates were His repre-
sentatives, lie defined God as a moral governor, engaged in
a great plan of wisdom and benevolence. "As this world is
not a state of Retribution, it is requisite that these earthly
Gods should be removed by Death as well as other Men, in
order to compleat the Plan of the Divine Government. In-
deed the great ends of the moral administration of God seem
to require this, to suppress the progress of vice and promote
virtue and goodness in the present state, but especially for
the final adjustment of all things with equity." This, prob-
ably, is the doctrine of which Washington intimates his ap-
proval.
It will be seen by the references in the letters to Pearce. to
Alexandria clergymen, that "Washington kept on strict busi-
ness relations with them. This is further shown by the f"i-
lowing letter concerning a clergyman whom he held in niucli
esteem,— the Rev. David Griffith (1741-1789), the first
Bishop elect of the Virginia Convention (17S6), but !••••'
ordained because the expenses of a journey to England counl
not be raised. This letter, at once kind and cautious, '■•>-
APPENDIX. 313
been loaned me by Llewellyn Iloxton Esq. (of the Episcopal
High School, Alexandria), a grandson of Mr. Griffith. It is
addressed to the Hon. Charles Carroll of Carrol ton.
Mount Yernon Apr1 5th 1786.
Sir,
The Hevd Mr. Griffith, who will present this letter to you,
is possessed of much property in the Town of Alexandria, the
value of which he is desirous of increasing, by buildings. —
To enable him to do this, he wishes to borrow, on interest
about Two thousand rive hundred pounds. — As security for
such a loan, he is willing to mortgage his interest in the above
place, and proposes as a further security, to offer other means.
— The nature of all, he will explain to you. They arc, in my
opinion, amply sufficient ; such as I should not hesitate to
take if I had the money to lend ; but you will be able to judge
more fully of the matter when they are laid before you.
From a long and intimate acquaintance with Mr. Griffith, I
have a high opinion of his worth, and entire dependence on
his representations, which (as he may, in some degree, be a
stranger to you) I have thought it a piece of Justice to men-
tion—
I have the honor to be — Sir,
Yr Most ObedL IP1 Ser
G° Washington.
'14 APPENDIX.
H (pp. 89 and 134).
Lund "Washington (1737-1796), several times referred to
in the letters to Pearce, managed Mount Yernon for 25 years,
retiring in 1785. His degree of relationship to the General,
probably unknown to either of them, may be traced in the
:-; Introduction. He married Elizabeth Foote (1782). lie id
ehielly known by Washington's rebuke (in the famous letter
of 1781) of his over-loyalty to the owner of Mount Yernon,
which, after his own severe losses, led him to conciliate the
British officers with refreshments from Mount Yernon ; but
the subjoined letters, and others, show that Washington was
always grateful to Lund Washington, but for whom his
property might have gone to ruin. After the revolution
iLund remained with the General, who parted from him with
reluctance. "Mr. Lund Washington," he writes to Dr. Wil-
liam Gordon (20 April 17SG), " having expressed a wish to
quit business and live in retirement and ease, I could not op-
pose his inclination, and his having carried these desires into
effect, that kind of business which he usually transacted for
me is now thrown on my shoulders, in addition to what they
bore before, and has left me less time than ever for my numer-
ous correspondences and other avocations/' Lund resided in
the neighborhood, until his death, however, his residence be-
ing known as kw Hayheld," — 1200 acres.
The original of the following letter is in possession of Mr.
Grenville Kane, of Kew York.
Head Qrs Middlebrook, Dec. the 18th 1778.
Dear Lund,
Your letter of the 9th Instfc came to my hands this day after
I had dispatched a long letter to you by Col° Harrison— TIk'
quantity of land mentioned therein, as appears by my plats.
APPENDIX. 315
is I dare say, the exact number of acres held by M. ; for more
than which he ought not to expect payment — The three small
quantities which serve to compose the aggregate 480^ are (I
presume) those which lye on Muddy hole — the Korth-side of
the Main Koad joining A\rade's and my line — and on the
South adjoining Mauley and me — This as it is by actual
and careful measurement and intended for my own satisfac-
tion and government, does I am persuaded, contain to the
utmost inch all that he holds ; and chearfully acquiesce in it
as just — But at all events fix the matter with him by a re-
survey or any other way to close the bargain ; letting him
know however, that if it is resurveyed and the Surveyor
makes it less than -1SCKV I shall pay for no more than is found
by the last survey (if it should even fall short of 400 a[c]res)
and unless you have conditioned to the contrary, I shall ex-
pect, as the survey will be made to gratifie him, that it will
be done at his expense and by the Surveyor of the County —
or at least a sworn Surveyor. — you will see that the chain is
full 33 feet in length.
With respect to the small slipes which he engaged to let me
have, the matter taken up in a strict sense, may be determined
in a moment, by only solving a single question — to wit — did
he, or did he not agree to take 40/. an acre for the Land in
the event of not getting Alexander's? — If he did not do this,
the matter is at an end, because there is not in that case room
for even the shadow of argument — If he did, where is the
hardship of it? — or in other words, why is it a greater hard-
ship to receive money (short of one's wishes) for lands sold,
than for any other thing. — The money which General
Weedon was to pay you is due for Lands I sold Doctr Mercer
and for the very purpose of enabling me to pay for this and
other Lands in that Xeck as opportunities might present ;
what difference then is there in the cases more than in the
Sum ? — and a case still more in point is, that the very money
advanced Alexander was in fact for the payment of this land
31 6 APPENDIX.
of M's. — It is not harder then upon him to suffer a part than
for me the whole — Such local disadvantages as these are to
he placed to the misfortunes of the times — some men indeed
are benefitted by them while others are ruined — I do not it is
true come in under the latter class (so far as it extends to
ruin) but I believe you know, that by the comparative worth
of money, six or seven thousand pounds which I had in Bonds
upon Interest is now reduced to as many hundreds because I
can get no more for a thousand at this day than a hundred
would have fetched when I left Virginia — Bonds, Debts,
Rents (in Cash) and annuities undergoing no change while
the currency is depreciating every day in value and for ought
I know may in a little time be totally sunk.
I do not labour this point because I expect much, from it.
but simply to shew Mr. M. the light in wch he should consider
the matter if he has a mind to act upon such principles as
ought to actuate every honest man — and to shew him more-
over the falacy and error of his arguments when he endeav-
ours to prove that 1 have derived benefits from his Land
which he has not experienced from Alexanders — The falacy
of them — because if I have taken the timber of [f], it is not
there, consequently the land now is of so much less value —
The error of them — inasmuch as I am exceedingly mistaken
if he has not inclosed and worked part of Alexanders Land-
which (now I am upon the subject) is a matter that you ought
to enquire into, as I have some recollection of Alexandei ;
telling me, that he had not only put M. in possession of the
whole, or such part of the land as he wanted, but that th<
Rents which usually came to him ceased ; intimating, th::: the
bargain between him, me, and M. was so far compleated ■-
that he no longer received the Rents or act. of them nor wa*
I to expect Interest for the money lent him — If therefoi-e 1
am to pay M. for his whole land at the price now agreed -
by the acre, and to receive no Interest from Alexander I eha
be very prettily handled between the two.
APPENDIX. 317
This circumstance is mentioned for your government ; at
the same time I leave you at full liberty to close the bargain
with M. on any terms if you should even be obliged to allow
as much for the slipes as other parts of his land and even to
come up to 500 acres for the quantity as I neither wish to dis-
appoint you, or be disappointed myself in our present views
— You will do the best you can to have justice done me —
their impositions afterwds I must submit to as a tax to dis-
honorable men.
Among these plats which contained the quantity of M's
land you will also find one which shews the contents of those
tracts I bought of the two Ashfords and Simon Pearson,
which with so much of the waste land (taken up by me) as
lyes above the tumbling dam shews (after taking of [f] what
Mr. Triplet is to get) the amount of what you are to have of
me, and how far it will fall short of the purchase from M.,
thereby enabling you to make a proper settlement — If you
find more than one plat of these Lands (as I think there is)
the last is the truest and most correct.
It is not reasonable that Mr. Triplet should remain longer
out of the land which he is to s;et in exchange for his by my
Mill Race as there is no prospect of my seeing home this
Winter ; and yet I really am at a loss to find out how it can
be done without my being present, as no person knows the
true and complex state of that matter as well as I do— Never-
theless if he desires it, I will give you the best direction I can
in order that possession may be given him this winter. — The
way that I always expected and wished to have it done was,
to extend a line from the bridge, at the head of the race by
the tumbling dam to the little branch between that and
Morris's field at the road leading thither — thence by a direct
line to the County road, as (if my memory serves me) my
fence runs ; This, if the fence is removed in, as I think it
was six or seven years ago, will give as many acres as I shall
receive between the race and the line of my new Patent. —
31 8 APPENDIX.
but if it should not, then to pay for the difference at what-
ever the land would sell for at the time of ascertaining the
several quantity we give and take — even if it should be £50
pr acre. — If Mr. Triplet will agree to this, the matter, so far
as respects the land, and the use of it to both of us may be
settled at any time ; and a sum may also be deposited in his
hands to be adjusted hereafter ; which will prevent bis suffer-
ing any delay or injustice on ace1 of the money he is to re-
ceive— Or if this will not do, from his apprehension that he
shall give more land than he will get (in which I think he will
be mistaken, if I am not wrong in my ideas respecting the
removal of my fence which was done to this very view) I.
would in order to satisiie him, and bring the matter as far as
possible to a close and without further delay let the line from
the branch at the Iioad as before mentioned bear a little
more to the right to include a little more land — a measure of
this kind must remove every difficulty and will certainly give
content — The legal fees of the County surveyor in ascertain-
ing this work would amount to the value of both pieces of
land ; for not knowing, or not depending the circumstances
or with a view perhaps to increase his fees, he would survey
Harrisons patent (on which Mr. Triplet lives) — Pearsons (the
Patentee of which I do not recollect) — my Land, lately taken
up as waste — and part perhaps of that I bought of George
Ashford — all of which may be avoided by the mode I speak
of ; and the disadvantage resulting from the want of a final
settlement thrown upon me, by giving him more land, and
more money, than he will be entitled to upon a fair and im-
partial measurement of the exchanged tracts — If you and Mr.
Triplet should agree without anything further from me, have
a stone, or a locust Post fixed at the Poad for the corner.
With respect to your bargain with Lanphire I can say
nothing — I wish every contract that I make, or that is made
for me should be fulfilled according to the strict and equi-
ft • O *
table sense of it — and this in the present case you must be a
APPENDIX. 319
better judge of than I am — if at the time of engaging him
the extra allowance of Corn etc more was expected and prom-
ised than has been performed you are certainly under no ob-
ligation to comply with your part till he has fulfilled his — if
on the other hand he has fulfilled his you are bound to com-
ply altho it may prove hard — But from your statement of the
case, the true and equitable construction of the bargain seems
to me to be that he ought to have the corn and wool, but
should be obliged to continue his and servants labor at their
present wages till the covered way and such work as was
particularised or had in contemplation at ye time is finished. —
"Without this his wages will be monstrous, the end not
answered — and what neither of you at the time could possibly
have in view — I therefore think that this is the proper foot-
ing to place it on, and tho slow he had better be kept on
those terms till you can at least bring his wages within the
bounds of moderation by time if he should not quite compleat
the work expected of him. — The Corn (which I am told Qr
Master Finnic is now giving six pounds p. Bar1 for) should
be delivered to him by little at a time for if he gets the
whole at once you may, I suppose, catcli him as you can.
I come now to mention a matter which more particularly
respects yourself — The depreciation of money and the sudden
rise in the price of produce in the course of this year and
other things principally to this cause owing render your pres-
ent wages especially under short crops totally inadequate to
your trouble and services — I am therefore willing that you
&ha receive a certain part of the last crop, to be disposed of
by you for your own benefit— and so in future — this will give
you the reward of yr industry without subjecting you to the
peculiar hardship resulting from depreciation as it is presum-
able that the price of produce will rise in proportion to the
fall of the other — I do not at this time ascertain what the part
shall be, because I wish you to say what you think is just and
right — that it is my full wish to give, and more I do not
OW APPENDIX.
think you would ask, therefore we cannot disagree. — Being
little acquainted with the produce of my estate, amount of
Crop etc is the reason of my wishing to leave the matter to
yourself as it is my first wish that you should be satisfied.
Mr. Archer lias got the letter you inclosed — and I have
only to add that I am sincerely and affectionately, yr3
G°. Washington.
For the two following letters I am indebted to Mr. II. R.
Treadwell, of Kew York :
West-point Sepr 14th 1779.
Dear Ltjnd,
Your letter of the 25th ult° which ought to have come by
the last Post, and the one of the 1st inst*, both came to ray
hands yesterday.
Two reasons induced me to except the M s when I de-
sired you to decline receiving payment of any more oh]
Bonds — the one was a presumption that theirs actually were
paid — the other that you might be under obligation or prom-
ise to receive them, and I never choose to be worse than my
word — What has passed between you and Mr. M. on this sub-
ject, and how far it is obligatory on me you are the best
judge — What were the precise words of my answer to your
quaere, concerning Mr. M's proposition, I cannot at this time
say — the idea that filled my mind at the time I perfectly wc',1
recollect — and it was this — If Mr. M. possessed so little honor
— I may say honesty — as to attempt paying me two shillings
in the pound for a debt he was greatly indulged in ( — the de-
preciation at the time he made the offer not exceeding this)—
I must be content; for knowing nothing of your Laws, and
being unwilling that any act of mine should injure the enrren
cy, I chose to make no difficulties in the case if the loss of tin*
whole debt should be the consequence of it. — but why i-<-
should withhold payment from that time to this when It -.-
APPENDIX. 321
than a shilling in the pound will pay it, lie can ace1 better
than I. — Might he not with the same parity of reason — if the
depreciation is still going on — wait six months longer and pay
me with sixpence or even a penny in the pound? — Surely
yes; and the palpable and obvious injustice of it needs no
comment, though I will give an instance in proof. — About the
time he offered you this money Marshall's Land was bought
for £12 pr acre, and I presume Barry's might then have been
had for the same. — If Marshall was in possession of his Land
again coidd I get it for that money ? — Is Barry's to be had for
it ? — This proves at once the difference between paying the
money at the time he offered it and now. — You say he may
think it hard to receive money in one way and pay it in an-
other,— in other words to receive at the nominal, and pay
at the real value. This may or may not be so according to
the time these debts were contracted, and the circumstances
attending them, for if they are of recent date both parties
knew what they were about, so far at least as to make it a
mere matter of judgment between themselves; each having
equal knowledge of the depreciation at the time of the con-
tract, and forming their own judgment of the consequences
of it. — If the sales which you speak of his having made of
his Fathers Estate for the purpose of paying this debt of
mine and others, are of old standing, how comes he to be
without the money at this day? — lie cannot have had it by
him, because he would have paid it to me at the time prof-
ered, and stopped interest, if this had been the case — and if
it is not, why did he not receive the money in time, and why
will lie receive nothing (I may say) for something now ? — Be-
sides, I make some distinction between a bond given for pay-
ment of a sum of money at a future period, and money lent
to be returned upon demand — the first is subject to the con-
tingencies which may happen between the periods of contract-
ing and paying — the other being on demand puts it in the
power of the lender to call in his money upon any unfavour-
21
322 APPENDIX.
able appearances, or have it secured to him in any manner lie
likes: and Mr. M. cannot but be sensible that letting- his
Fathers bond lay, and at length taking his own bond for pay-
ment of a certain sum instead of pressing payment of the
whole, was a mere matter of favor and indulgence ; how well
requited I shall be for these, his own. feelings must determine
if I am to receive a shilling or 8d pence in the pound. — But
in all matters of this kind as I mentioned to you in a former
letter, I had much rather you would advise with, and pursue
the advice of, some sensible Whigs who are known to be men
of discernment, and of honor and probity (that are acquainted
with the laws and practises of the State in like cases) than to
consult, and refer things to me, who am totally unacquainted
with both — [Remainder of letter losi.']
Newburgh, 25th Decr 1782,
Dear Lmn>,
I approve of your conduct with respect to Dow's Land and
am very glad you have bought it whether I get Dulauy's or not,
as I have no idea of loosing by it if it will Rent for £120 pr
aim. — which is more than the Virginia Interest of the sum
given though less than what I am to pay for the loan of it in
this State. — This circumstance, independent of the desire I
have to repay the money borrowed in this State makes it in-
dispensably necessary to collect my Rents — my debts — and to
use every means possible to raise money to answer this pur-
pose. I have already mentioned A 's debt — he has not
the slightest pretensions to further indulgence, and there may
be other debts (which do not strike me at this moment) the
payment of which may be deinandcd with equal propriety. —
to enable me to judge of this, I shall be obliged to you to
send me a list of my Bonds— (I suppose Mr. Custis took all
his after the settlement made by Col. Mason) — the sums for
which they are given — and what Interest is due on them. — I
used, if I recollect right to keep a list of the Ballances when
APPENDIX: 323
I settled my aecte — if this is to be found in my Ledger, and no
alterations have taken place since, I wish to have a copy of
this also.
As it does not appear that you had any notice from Mr.
[Edmund] Randolph (the Attorney General) to whom 1 had
committed the management of the business relative to the
affairs of Col0 Mercer and his mortgagees — nor no authentic
information or proof of Mr. Jn° Mercers having complied
with the requisition of the Court respecting the security, I
think you acted with proper caution in withholding the Bonds
— but as there can be no doubt of the decree — and as I wish
very much to get quit of the business, it is my earnest desire
that the Bonds and other securities and money (if any there
be) in your hands may be given up when he has done this,
and upon the passing of a proper receipt for them. — An ace*u
should also be rendered of the money that has been received
and how applied, that the produce of the Sales agreeably to
my report thereof to the Court may be accounted for. — This
is all the decree requires of me, nor should I bo willing to
give up (more than copies of) the Sales and other Original
Papers ; depriving myself thereby, if it should thereafter be
found necessary, of the only means by which a proper account
of my transaction of this business could be rendered. — The
Attorney General has been furnished with copies of the
Power of attorney under which I acted. — Accts of sales in
Berkeley — also of those in Loudoun — with a memorandum
respecting the Latter and the purchasers, from whom Mr.
Mercer conveniently can — if it is necessary — obtain Copies at
any time. — The only money that has ever passed through my
hands was the Bills of Loan Office certificates — amounting to
1392 Dollars which were sold in Phil3 by Chs Petit! Esq. at
my request and the money placed in the Virginia Funds
agreeably to the request of James Mercer Esqr. — I say this
from the information of Mr. Petitt, who wrote me to this
effect — the Bills sold at 35 for 1. — That vou may be certain
. 324 APPENDIX.
of pursuing a proper and cautious conduct on this occasion I
I have requested the Attorney General as yon will see by (lie
Inclosed letter to him — left open for your perusal — and to be
sealed and forwarded immediately by Post to give you his Sen-
timents.— There should he a particular enumeration of the
Bonds and other Papers which are surrendered — a lumping
receipt may be liable to exceptions from the generality of it,
in case of disputes hereafter.
If you purchase the Young horse belonging to the Estate
of Mr. Cnstis, I should be glad to get him ; and shall think it
rather hard 'if so small a part of my Debt cannot be received
by way of discount, when I am willing to forbeare and have
not the smallest intention of putting the Estate to the least
inconvenience to pay what it owes me. On this subject I
wrote Mr. Dandridge a Post or two ago, but if the Sale did
really take place on the 20th, agreeably to the advertisement,
I do not suppose the Letter reached him previous to it. — I
should have been well pleased to have got both the Horses ;
but readily relinquished one that the produce of the Sale
might be applied to the wants of the Estate.
1 observe what you say respecting the Flowering Shrubs
and other Ornamental Trees at the X° end of the House — and
as the locusts by the goodness of their growth may lay claim
to an establishment there — I wish that the afore-mentioned
■
shrubs and ornamental and curious trees may be planted at
both ends that I may determine hereafter from circumstances
and appearances which shall be the grove and which the
wilderness. It is easy to extirpate Trees from any spot but
time only can bring them to maturity.
In a drawer in the Locker of the Desk which stands in my
study you will find two small (fore) teeth ; which I beg of
you to wrap up carefully, and send inclosed in your next
letter to me. — I am positive T left them there, or in the secret
drawer in the locker of the same desk.
Mrs. AVashimrton and mvself are sorry to hear that Mrs.
APPENDIX. 325
Washington lias been delivered of a dead child, but very glad
to find she is so well after it. — We have nothing new and are
beginning to be hard bound in frost.
I am sincerely and affect17
y
G° Washington.
f
P.S. When the case will admit of it — The Trees and Flow-
ering Shrubs that are transplanted to the ends of the House
have a better chance of living if taken from the open fields
than the woods. — In the first case they have been more ac-
customed to bear drought and are hardier than those taken
from the Woods, where sun, winds, frost, nor drought has
had much power on them, — and besides are handsomer."
The allusion to his teeth in the foregoing letter may lend
a certain interest to the following note (loaned me by Dr.
Coutant of Tarrytown,) from Washington's dentist.
New York, Jan'y 11, 1799.
Sir,
Your Letter of the Gth with the two enclosed Bills, contain-
ing fifteen dollars, came safe to my hands, for which I Re-
turn you thanks. I will Kite and let you know if I Remove
from here, and where to, as I meain to perform for you in
my present professional line when I have done with every
other person.
1 am Sir your very humble Servant
John Greenwood.
IA G. George Washington Esq.
P.S. Ine^
or other ways."
P.S. I never make any Charge xigainst you either in book
Edmund Randolph, whose legal services are alluded to in
the third letter to Lund Washington, (see also p. 134) refused
to accept payment from Washington, though such services
326 APPENDIX.
were continued for many years. In a letter of 17 July 17^4
Iiandolph writes to Washington: "You will excuse me, J
hope, from accepting fees for any business which I may
execute fur you in the line of my profession. It is indeed a
poor mode of acknowledging the repeated acts of friendship
which I have experienced at your hands, hut I beg to be
gratified in this, the usual way in which lawyers give some
small testimony of their attachment. The grants [i.e. of
lands, secured by [Randolph for Washington] which accom-
pany this letter are of a bulky nature, but I thought I ought
to enclose them by post, the stage having been found in one
instance not to be the most certain eonvevance."
.
APPENDIX.
I (p. 103).
For the following letter I am indebted to Ferdinand Dreer
Esq., of Philadelphia.
Mount Vernon, 24 May —99.
Thomson Mason, Esq.
Sir,
I mean to renew the outer fence, on the line between you
and me, — and in a manner more substantial than usual.
Mr. Anderson will explain the method by wch I propose to
accomplish this, to you, and ask your leave to profit by your
Ditch, and present fence : — which can be attended with no
temporary inconvenience to yourself — and may, ultimately,
be of singular advantage to vou, as well as myself ; as my
fence may subserve your purposes as well as my own. With
esteem and regard
I am — Sir
Your most Obcd1 Hble Serv'
G° Washington.
328 APPENDIX.
J (p. 130).
Washington's cosmopolitan ideas of farming made him
curious in breeds of cattle, and particularly of pigs. In 17SS
Gouverneur Morris offered to send him a couple of Chinese
pigs, i( and in conpany with the pigs shall be sent a pair of
Chinese geese, which are really the foolishest geese I ever
beheld ; for they choose all times for setting but in the
spring, and one of them is even now [Kovember] actually
engaged in that business." To which Washington responds,
" You will be pleased to accept my thanks for the exotic
animals which you are meditating to send me." (Constance
Cary Harrison in the Century, April 1889.) Washington
made an effort to improve these pigs, which are alluded to
in the following letter, loaned me by Mr. O. L. Sypher, of
Xew York.
Philadelphia, 11th Feb. 1796.
Busiirod Washington, Esq., Richmond in Ya.
Dear Sir,
Since my last to you, relative to my Executorship of Col?
ColveH's Estate, I sent as therein mentioned, to the person
from whom I had purchased the Guinea, or Chinese Hogs
which you saw at my Mill ; and obtained two ; a boar and
a sow ; — the latter with Pig. lie informed me, however,
that they were not of the whole blood, — but, in his opinion,
improved from their mixture with another breed of Hogs,
which he has. — They were accompanied with as much Corn
as would serve them — plentifully — on the passage, and ordered
immediately to the Vessel, which was on the point of sailing,
and did sail yesterday ; and a receipt to be taken therefor
appendix. 320
and brought to me. — This not being received until today, I
was surprised, (but too late to remonstrate ag* it) at the
freight that is charged. But it is the way we are imposed
upon here in almost everything. — My love to Mrs. Wash-
ington, wch your aunt joins. — I am always, and aft'ect!y
Yours
G° Washington.
330 APPENDIX.
K (p. 259).
Washington's Library contained a large number of works
On agricultural science. The improvement of Virginia
methods was a subject of consultation between him and his
connection, Landon Carter, of Cleve, (1750-1S10) whose
scientific studies excited the attention of Dr. Rush, The
original of the following letter to Landon Carter is in pos-
session of Mrs. Lewis Willis Minor, of ^Norfolk, Va., whose
husband was a grandson of Landon Carter, who was a de-
i . . • .
scendant of the famous "King Carter," administrator of
Lord Fairfax's vast estates.
I
■
Mount Vernon, 17th Oct. 1796.
SlK,
The letter with which you have favoured me, dated the
2Slh ult. came duly to hand.
A few months more will put an end to my political exist-
ence, and place me in the shades of Mount Vernon under
my Vine and Fig Tree ; where at all times I should be glad
to see you.
It is true (as you have heard) that to be a cultivator of
Land has been my favorite amusement ; — but it is equally
true that I have made very little proficiency in acquiring
knowledge either in the principles or practice of Husbandry.
My employments through life, have been so diversified — my
absences from home have been so frequent, and so long at a
time, as to have prevented me from bestowing the attention,
and from making the experiments which are necessary to
establish facts in the Sience of Agriculture. — And now,
though I may amuse myself in that way for the short time I
may remain on this Theatre, it is too late in the day for me
t<» commence a scientific course of experiments.
APPENDIX. 331
Your thoughts on the mode of cultivating Indian corn,
appeared to me, to be founded in reason, — and a judicious
management of the Soil for different purposes, is as highly
interesting to, as it has been neglected by, the People of this
Country ; to the consequent destruction of much valuable
land. —
How to restore it to its original fruitfulness ; — and to in-
crease the means by Stercoraries etc. ; to preserve it in that
or an improving state ; — what rotation in crops is best adapted
to soils, of different qualities, in order to keep our fields in
health and vigour, and at the same time to derive immediate
profit from them, are the great desiderata of the Husbandman.
It is what the People of the interior parts of our country
must come to soon, or emigrate to the exterior parts of it for
subsistence on more productive Soil.
^Nothing has contributed, nor will any thing contribute
more to effect these desirable purposes than the establishment
of Agricultural Societies in this, as they have been in other
countries : that the community may derive advantages from
the experiments and discoveries of the more intelligent com-
municator through such channels. — Besides the numerous
local Societies which are to be found in all parts of Great
Britain and Ireland, a national one is now established under
the auspices of the government of those countries ; which
will, I conceive, be found among the mast useful and bene-
ficial institutions in them, if it is prosecuted with as much
assiduity as it has commenced, under Presidency of Sir Jn"
Sinclair —
I shall always feel myself obliged by your communicating
any useful discovery in Agriculture ; and for the favourable
sentiments you have been pleased to express for me, I pray
you to accept the thanks of
Sir,
Your most obedfc and very IIb,c Servant
G° Washington.
332 APPENDIX.
L (p. 2T2).
The gap of time between this and the succeeding document
may be partly filled by the letters following. For the corre-
spondence with Landon Carter of Cleve I am indebted to his
great grandson, L. M. Blackford, Principal of the Episcopal
High School, near Alexandria, Va.
Philadelphia, 27th Feb., 1797.
Lyndon Carter, Esq.
Sir:
Your favor of the 14th inst.'came duly to hand ; and I hope,
as the season is approaching fast when the ground should be
prepared for it, that you have informed Mr. James Anderson
(my manager) in a letter directed to the care of the Post-
master in Alexandria, at what time he may send for the Peas
you were so obliging as to promise me.
Having informed Mr. Anderson of my expectation of Peas
from you, he suggested (and I thought it a good expedient)
that instead of sending my own Waggon along the heavy road
between Mount Vernon and Stafford Court Flouse, that one
should be hired by you to transport them to some land? on the
Potomack at which my Boat at an appointed time, might
meet them. — As the roads, I am told, were never worse than
at present ; and as no road in the world can be deeper or
more distressing for horses to plunge through than the one
from Occoquan to Stafford Court House; the expedient
before mentioned has, in a manner, become essential : and I
will cheerfully add the cost of Waggonage to the price of the
Peas, and pay the whole by your order ; or remit it in Bank
notes as soon as the amount is made known to me.
As delay or uncertainty in any respect, may prove injurious,
I have put this letter (open) under cover to Mr. Anderson,
APPENDIX. 333
with a request that lie may also write you on the subject, for
the purpose of having a time and place fixed, that my Boat
may not be disappointed when it arrives. — The matter there-
fore now rests between you, and him. —
"With great esteem
I am — Sir
Your Obedient TIble Serv.
G° Washington.
Mount Yernon, 3d March 1797.
Laxdox CahteEj Esq.
Sir:
At the request of the President of the United States I have
to beg leave to hand His letter under the same cover with
this.
I have only to add to that wrote by the President — that
the sooner you have 40 Bushels of the White Indian pease,
with black eyes — ready, you will the more Oblidge the Presi-
dent, I do not wish any of the small kind either the round
kind called the Gentlemen pease, nor of the other small kind,
which resemble the large — It is not for sale that I intend
raising them — Our Stock of Sheep being upward of GOO and
probably may increase them, These pease are meant to be fed
away to them, which with the assistance of Turnip will (you
know) make an excellent Winter food — Have you any of the
grey pease raised in the County of Glocester, under the name
of the Yeatman pea \ If so, It will be conferring a still
greater Obligation Your leting us have 2 Bushels of them.
As I will raise a little Cotton for Mrs. Washington, please
send us 2 Bushels of the seed of white Cotton, such as you
can recomend, and place this with the Carriage &e to the
same account.
Your Superior knowledge of the Potomack and its Creeks
makes me refer the place of delivery to Yourself. May there-
fore please mention the nearest and most convenient Shiping
o'3± APPENDIX.
place on this River, or its Creeks for Your delivery. And
such as our Boat will come into. — She draws 2 to 3 feet water
when Loaded — I will expect the favor of hearing from you
on receipt hereof. And will be sure to send when and where
you direct being with much respect
Sir
Your most Obed1
Humble Serv*
J as. Anderson."
The next letter (for which I am indebted to my friend Dr.
F. B. Coutant, of Tarrytown) is unsigned. It is in Wash-
ington's handwriting, and endorsed by him: "From Mrs.
Washington to Col. Humphreys, 26 June 179?."
Mount Vernon, June 26th 1797.
Deak Sir,
Your polite and obliging letter of the 18th of Feby came
safe to my hands as did the gold chain which you have pre-
sented me with as a token of your remembrance. I wanted
nothing to remind me of the pleasure we have had in your
company at this place ; but shall receive the chain notwith-
standing, as an emblem of your friendship, and shall value it
accordingly.
About the middle of March we once more (and I am very
sure never to leave it again) got seated under our own Roof,
more like new beginners than old established residenters, as
we found everything in a deranged, and the buildings in a
decaying state.
Poor Mrs. Stuart has had very ill health for the last six or
eight months but is better now. Her two oldest daughters as
you know, or have heard, are both married, and each have a
daughter, Kelly lives as usual with us, to all of whom 1 have
presented you in the terms you required, and all reciprocate
your kind wishes in an affectionate manner. Mr. Lear who
APPENDIX. 33b
often visits us, has lost Ills second wife more than a year ago.
Mr. Lund Washington died in August last. Our circle of
friends of course is contracted, without any disposition on our
part to enter into new friendships though we have an abun-
dance of acquaintances and a vast variety of visitors. Dr.
Craik is alive and enjoys tolerably good health, but Mrs. Craik
declines fast. They have lately lost their second daughter,
Mrs. West, who has left five young children.
Perceiving from your letter to Mr. W. that you were upon
the eve of an important change, I wish you every possible
happiness in it. With very great esteem and regard
I am Dear Sir
Yr obed't llble Serv't.
330 APPENDIX.
M (p. 275).
During the last year of her husband's presidency Mrs.
Washington had aged greatly, and indeed remained an in-
valid to the close of her life (1S02). The unhappy separation
from old friends, through political differences (alluded to in
her letter to Col. Humphreys, Appendix L) was accompanied
by domestic worries, some of which are indicated in the fol-
lowing letters, which fall within the long interval left by the
Pearce Letters. For the first I am indebted to Mr. 0. L.
Sypher, of Xew York.
Mount Vernon, 3 Xovr 1707.
Bcshrob "Washington, Esq., Richmond.
My Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 30th ult. was received by the last Post.
Your aunt's distresses for want of a good housekeeper are
such as to render the wages demanded by Mrs. Forbes (though
unusually high) of no consideration ; and we must, though
very reluctantly, yield to the time she requires to prepare
for her fixture here. We wish however that it might be
shortened.
If you are in habits of free communication with Mr. Brooke
or with others who had opportunities of judging competently
of the qualifications and conduct of Mrs. Forbes as a house-
keeper, I would thank you for ascertaining and giving it to
me in as precise a manner as you can obtain it. Among
other things it would be satisfactory to know —
What countrywoman she is ?
Whether Widow or A\rife ? if the latter
Where her husband is ?
What family she has ?
What her age is?
APPENDIX. 337
Of what temper ?
Whether active and spirited in the execution of her busi-
ness ?
Whether sober and honest %
Whether much knowledge in Cookery, and understands
ordering and setting out a Table?
What her appearance is ?
With other matters which may occur to you to ask, — and
necessary for me to know.
Mrs. Forbes will have a warm, decent and comfortable
room to herself, to lodge in, and will eat of the Victuals of"
our Table, but not set at it, at any time with us, be her ap-
pearance what it may ; for if this was once admitted, no line
satisfactory to either party, perhaps, could be drawn there-
after.— It might be well for me to know however whether
this was admitted at Govr Brookes or not.
Is it practicable do you think to get a good and well-dis-
posed negro cook on hire, or purchase? — Mention this want
of ours to Mrs. Forbes. She from the interest she would
have therein might make enquiry. — Yours always and affec-
tionately
G° Washington.
P.S. Since writing the foregoing Mrs. L. Washington
informs me that Mr, Swan is anxious to learn from the
Returns, or Records in the General Court, — or from the best
information you can obtain whether it has been the invari-
able practice to survey the Land Docked by a writ of Ad
quod damnum — whether it has frequently been dispensed
with — and what has been the consequence. — Let me thank
you for making this enquiry and furnishing me with the result
of it. Yrs. G. W n "
The next letter is to his nephew, Major George Lewis of
Fredericksburg, fur which I am indebted to his great grand-
son R. 13. Lewis Esq. of Washington.
33 S APPENDIX.
Mount Vernon, 13 JSTov. 1797
Deae Sir,
The running off of my cook has been a most inconvenient
tiling to this family, and what rendered it more disagreeable
in that I had resolved never to become the Master of another
slave by purchase, but this resolution I fear I must break. I
have endeavored to hire, black or white, but am not yet sup-
plied. A few days ago, having occasion to write to Mr.
Biishrod Washington on other matters, I asked if one could
be had in Richmond. The following is his answer : " Mr.
Brooke (late Governor) informs me that he had a very ex-
cellent cook, with no other fault than a fondness for liquor
(which a town affords him too many opportunities of indulg-
ing), who is now in Fredericksburg and is to be sold. I shall
write to the gentleman who had him not to sell him till lie
hears from you. — Should you, under this character, wish to
buy or hire him, please address a letter to Mr. George Murray,
of that place. He cooked for Mr. Brooke while he was in
the government."
Let me ask you now to see both Mr. Murray and the man
himself, and if, upon conversing fully with the latter, you
should be of opinion, from the account he gives of himself,
that he is a good cook and would answer my purpose, then
discover the lowest terms on which he could be had by
purchase, or on hire, and inform me of the result by
the first post, to which an answer shall immediately be
given.
I should like to know the age, and as far as you are enabled
to ascertain it, the temper and looks of the man described ;
whether he has a wife and expects to have her along with
him, and in that case, what children thev have — with her aire
and occupation. By the time I can receive an answer from
you I expect Mrs. Forbes, who was Governor Brooke's house-
keeper, and from her own knowledge, of the person and your
APPENDIX. 339
account I shall be enabled to determine what answer to give.
Our loves to Mrs. Lewis etc. I am your affectionate uncle
G. Washington.
Mount Vernon, lSth Decr 1797.
Busheod "Washington, Esq
My Dj:ak Bushrop,
Your letter of the 20th ult° came safe in the usual course of
the mail, and about a week ago Mrs. Forbes arrived ; and
from her appearance, and conduct hitherto, gives satisfaction
to your aunt. — Having, as she says, obtained ten dollars of
you, to defray her expences to this place ; I herein return
them, with thanks for the aid it afforded to get her here. —
and as you may have paid for the copies of sundry papers
taken from the Records of the General Court, let me knowr
the amount and it shall be remitted also.
About a month ago a Mr. Woodward, living, according to
his own account, at Greenbrier Courthouse presented draughts
(of which the enclosed are copies) from the Sheriff of Kan-
hawa for taxes of my land in that County. I did not incline
to pay the amount without making further enquiry into the
matter. — Upon this he informed me that I might obtain the
necessary information at the Treasury, or Auditor's Office in
Richmond ; to which the returns were made, and where the
money might be, and often was, paid, instead of doing it to
the Sheriff of the Back counties, by non-residents. You
would oblige me by making this enquiry, and if the taxes are
correctly stated, and the amount of them can be paid with
propriety in Richmond, to inform me thereof; and measures
shall be taken as soon as I am in Cash, to discharge the same.
The enclosed paper, after it has enabled you to make the
necessary enquiry, may be returned to me again. — The family
here join me in offering you and Mrs. Washington the com-
pliments of the approaching festival — and I am with much
truth Your sincere friend and affectionate uncle
G° Washington.
340 APPENDIX.
N (p. 288).
There is something pathetic in these dates. The national
horizon cleared of the clouds which had threatened to call him
again from his beloved Mount Vernon, there opened before
the farmer a prospect of farther years in which he should en-
joy his estate and his repose. His physical decline was more
apparent to careful observers than to himself ; among others
to Landon Carter of Cleve, who, though not a physician, was
a careful student. My friend L. M. Blackford (Principal o£
the Episcopal High School, near Alexandria) sends me a- cor-
respondence between his great-grandfather, Landon Carter,
and Washington of which a portion is here inserted. In a
letter dated "Cleve, King George Co., Ya., 1 Oct. 179S"
Landon Carter says to Washington :
"Health is a grand object with man but it becomes all
important when the preservation of it in any one person
comprehends all the relations of a People ; when like a
focus the views of all direct to a single point : Permit me
therefore to lay before you some leading principles ; some
conclusions; and some consequent practice for the security
of health.
"I believe it is a fact generally admitted, that all the works
of nature are sustained by principles which, beyond a certain
point, become destructive — or technically speaking, "all
things contain within them the seeds of their own dissolu-
tion/' In pursuance of a conviction of this truth, I sought for
that principle in Man : " Dust thou art and unto dust thou
shalt return " are solemn words pronounced in that last office
performed by his weeping friends.
" A great modern Philosopher in his nomenclature has
arranged live Elements as the constituents of all the variety
APPENDIX. 341
in nature. One of these I trace to the characterising the
matter of Earth — the same is found, by experiment, to form
the basis of oils — I therefore suppose it to be the fundamental
principle of the animal Oeconomy. This principle is also
found to be the basis of fixed air, and that compound is de-
nominated an asscid. I trace many diseases to an asscid for
their source when it is detained in the stomach and is taken
up in too great quantities into the system. I conclude then
that, by arresting that superabundance while yet in the
stomach and before it is taken up I arrest incipient disease.*'
The letter then proceeds to give, at some length, prescrip-
tions drawn from the writer's experience and studies. "Wash-
ington's reply follows.
Mount Vernon, 5th Oct., 1798.
Dear Sir,
Your favor of the lsfc inst. lias been received, and if it had
been convenient, I should have been glad of your company as
you travelled to Annapolis. — As you propose, however, to
send in your servant, and I am generally on horseback be-
tween breakfast and dinner, that he may not be delayed or
disappointed, you will receive, enclosed, one letter for the
Govr of Maryland (an old acquaintance of mine) and another
for Mr. McDonali, President of the College.— -which, I hope
may answer your purposes. — They will be left under this
cover for whomsoever you may send, in case I should be
out.
I thank you for the trouble you have taken in delivering
your thoughts on the means of preserving health. Having,
through life, been blessed with a competent share of it with-
out using preventatives against sickness, and as little medicine
as possible when sick ; — I can have no inducement now to
change my practice. — against the effect of time and age, no
remedv has ever yet been discovered : — and like the rest of
342 APPENDIX.
my fellow-mortals, I must (if life is prolonged) submit, and be
reconciled, to a gradual decline.
With esteem and regard
1 am — Dear Sir
Your Most Obed1 IIble Serv*
G° Washington.
Please to put wafers in the '
letters before delivery.
The last year of Washington's life opened with schemes
for the rounding out of his beautiful district on the Potomac.
The following letter, with which I am favored by Professor
Chapman Maupin, of Ellicott City, Maryland, a descendant of
Lawrence Washington the immigrant, refers to a piece of land
between Mount Vernon and Occoquan Creek.
Mount Yernon, 18th Mar : 1799
Capts Willm Thompson.
Dear Sir,
Col. Thos Lee (of Loudoun) is possessed, I am. informed, of
a tract of about 400 acres of Land within a mile of Colchester,
which he is disposed to sell. — Let me request the favour of
you to describe it to me as accurately as you can from your
own knowledge, or from the information of others on whose
judgment you can rely.
In doing this, say what the kind and quality of the soil
is ; — whether level or broken ; — what the nature of the
growth ; — what proportion is in wood ; — How timbered ;
what tenements are on it ; — the condition of them ; — whether
much worn and gullied, or in good heart ; — and whether they
are tenants at will or on leases ; and what kind of leases ;
with the scms of improvements. — How watered also. —
To this catalogue of enquiries, permit me to ask, what, in
your opinion, and the opinion of such as are acquainted with
the value, and prices of land in that .neighbourhood, and
APPENDIX. 343
situated as it is, it is worth in Cash — also on credit, and what
credit.
I will offer no apology for giving you the trouble to make
these enquiries, but shall thank you for answering them ; as
I have an object in requesting this kindness from you. — With
esteem,
I am Dear Sir
Your Obedient llble Serv*
G° Washington"."
The original of the next letter is in possession of Dr. Wil-
liam T. Darlington of Pittsburgh; it is to his Manager, James
Anderson, then, it would appear, on a remote part of the
estate.
Mount Vernon, Sth Sep. 1799.
Mr. Anderson,
Mrs. Washington passed a good night — is clear of fever
today — and is taking the Bark — which I hope will prevent a
return of it.
I am much hurried and pressed, with one thing and an-
other, but do what humanity requires for Roberts : — who
ought not to have engaged in the situation he is in without
first informing me of it.— Dr. Craik is not noio here ; — nor
ejected if Mrs. Washington should not relapse; — but the
case may be stated to him against tomorrow afternoon, when
I shall send up to the Post Office. — If it be found that he is
not now — nor soon will be, in a condition to discharge the
duties of a miller, some other must, undoubtedly, be got; as
I cannot loose the Fall work of the mill. — lie may have medi-
cine, or anything else from hence.
I did not send to the Post Office yesterday— of course no
papers came. — I was sorry to hear of your indisposition. — I
fear the charge with which you are entrusted, is too much
for your health, and that to execute it properly will rather
increase than diminish your complaint.
3±± APPENDIX
I shall therefore, so soon as company — sickness — and
other circumstances will allow me time to digest my thoughts
on this subject — express them to you in a more full and ample
manner than I can do at present — I am always
Your friend &ca
G : Washington."
This volume may fitly close with the following letter to
Col. Burgess Ball, to whose grandson, Col. George Washing-
ton Ball of Alexandria, I am indebted for it. Washington
died eighty-three days after writing this pathetic note con-
cerning the death of his brother Charles.
Mt. Vernon, Sept. 22d, 1709.
Dear Sib :
Your letter of the 1.6th inst. has been received, informing
me of the death of my brother.
The death of near relations always produces awful and
affecting emotions, under whatsoever circumstances it may
happen. That of my brother has been so long expected, and
his latter days so uncomfortable to himself, (sic) must have
prepared all around him for the stroke, though painful in the
effect.
I was the first, and am, now, the last of my father's chil-
dren by the second marriage, who remain.
When I shall be called upon to follow them is known only
to the Giver of Life. When the summons comes I shall en-
deavor to obey it with a good grace.
Mrs. Washington has been and still is very much indis-
posed, but unites with me in best wishes for you, Mrs. Ball,
and family.
With great esteem and regard, I am, Dear Sir, your affec-
tion'te seiwt
G° Washington.
INDEX.
A BINGDON, Ya., lxxv.
Abram, negro, 58.
Academy, Alexandria, lxxv ; An
dover, lxxxviii ; Fredericksburg,
lxxxviii.
Achoactoke, river, xx.
Acquis, lxxiv.
Acrostic, Washington's, xxxvi.
Adams, Mrs. John, xlviii.
Adams, Hon. Thomas, xxxix.
Adct, French Minister, 256.
Adwick-le- Street, xvii.
Airass, Mr., 306.
Aix-la-Chapelle, lxviii.
Alexanders, xxxvi, 315.
Alexandria, relics at. lxxi ; ball at,
lxxiii.
Allison, overseer, 220, 270.
Allison, Col. Thomas, 231.
Ambler, Mary (Cary), xxxvi.
Ames, Hon. Fisher," 251.
Anderson, James, manager, 2G3,
267, 271, 274, 327, 332, 343.
Andover, Washington at, xlviii ;
academv, lxxxviii.
Archer, Mr., 320.
Arms, Washington, xiv.
Ashbv, Cant.. Ixvii.
Ashford, George, 318.
Asses, from Spain, lxxiv, lxxv.
Association, non-importation, 299.
Atherall, Hannah, xxiv.
Augusta County. Ya., xlix.
Aylett, Anne (see Washington).
"RA1LEY, Pierce, 106, 166, 169,
-° 176.
Ball, arms, genealogy, etc., xxiii ;
Agnes, Alice. Als, xxiii ; Anne,
xxiii, xxx, 85 ; Col. Burgess,
xxx, lvii. Ixxxv, 11, 41, 48, 53,
54, 96, 231, 233. letters to 292.
301, 344: David, xxiv ; Dorothy,
xxiii ; Edward, Elizabeth, xxiii ;
Esther, xxiv ; Frances, xxiv ;
George, xxiii ; Capt. George
Washington, xxiii, 292, 344 ;
Hannah, xxiv, xxxviii, xliii ;
James, xxiv, xxv, 85; Jeduthun,
12 ; Joane, John, xxiii ; Col.
Joseph, xxiv, xxx ; Joseph,
xxiv, xxxi, xlii ; Margaret, xxiv ;
Mary, xxiv, xxx (see Washing-
ton) : Richard, Samuel, xxiv ; Sa-
rah, xxxviii ; Stretchley, xxiv ;
William, xxiii, xxiv, 12.
i Ball, Moses, 160.
| Bancroft, George, v.
| Barbadoes, xxxix.
j Barn, old, lxix ; bricks for new,
280.
Barney, Capt., lxxvi.
Bassett, Col. Burwell, 5, 62, 299 ;
-Mrs., xlvii, lxxiii.
Bassett, Ella (see Mrs. Lewis Wash-
ington).
Beattic, Dr., xi.
Bclvoir, xxxiv.
Benjamin, Walter R., lxvi.
Bentley, Caleb, Ixxxi ; Mrs. Rich-
ard, lxxxi.
Berkeley, Sir William, xxi.
Berkeley Springs, Ya., lxiv.
Bermuda, xix.
Bible, Washington family, xix :
Lewis, 1.
Bishop, servant, lxxiii, 143
Llackburn, Col., lxxvii.
Blackford, L. M., 322, 340.
Blagden, Mr., xc, 260.
Blair, President, lxxiv.
Boatswain, negro, 107, 109.
Boston, lxxi.
Boucher, Rev. Jonathan, xxix,
Ixxxii.
Bowcock, Capt., xci.
Brfiddock, xlii, lxxiii.
Braddock House, 126.
Bradford, William, attorney-gen-
eral, 165, 201, 205.
Bvevoort, James Carson (see Pref-
ace).
346
INDEX.
British cruisers, 59, 229.
British treaty, 168, 344
Broad well, Mrs., L\x.
Brooke1, Gov., Va,, 336.
Brown, Alexander, xix.
Browne, J udith, 53.
Bruuswick, parish, Va., xxx.
Buckrainster, Rev. Joseph, 311.
Burroughs, Silas, xliv.
"Bushtield," xxxi, xliii.
Bush rod, Hannah, xliv.
Busts, lxxiv.
Butler, -lane, xxvii ; wife of Capt.
Augustine Washington, xliv.
Butler, Lawrence, xxvii.
Butler, overseer, 16, 29. 31, 37, 92,
103, 107, 111, 140, 101.
Buttons, symbolical, lxxi.
pANDLES, funeral, lxxi.
^ Carlvle, Co).,.lxxv.
Caroagie, Rev., xxiv.
Caroline, servant, 253.
Carroll, lion. Charles, Ixiv, 313.
Carter, Betty (Lewis), 1, lxi.
Carter, Charles, lvii, lxxvi.
Carter, Landon, Ixxii, lxxiii, 178,
233, 330, 340.
Carter, Robert ("King Carter"),
330.
Carpenter, agreement, 277.
Cary, Robert & Co., xvi.
Carv. Sally (see Mrs. G. W. Fair-
fax).
Champe, Col., lxxiii.
Champe, Jane, xliv.
Chapman, Lucy, xliv. v.
Charlemagne, lxviii.
tl Chatham," lxxvii.
Cheiza d'Artignan, Count, lxxv. ■
Chester. Col. Joseph L., xiv.
Chichester, Mr., lx.
Chinn, Raleigh, xxiv.
Cincinnati, the, lxxi.
Clark, Maj. John, 112.
Clark, overseer. 209, 272.
Coach, xvi, Ixix.
Cogswell, Joseph, v.
Colchester, lxvii, lxxvii, 110, 342.
College, William and Mary. Ixxii ;
Carlisle, Pa., lxxviii ; Harvard, j
lxxvii.
Colvilie, Col., 328.
Company, Potomac, 47, Go, 102,
303 ; James River, 303.
Congress, 77, SO, 112, 117, 147, 242,
240, 251.
Constable, Mr., lxvi.
Convention, Constitutional, lxxvi.
Conway, Col. Edwin, xxiv, xxviii,
85.
Conway, Capt., 85.
Conway, Joseph, 85.
Conway, Mary, 85.
C oil way, Nelly, 85.
Conway, Richard, 85.
Conway, Richard M., xliv.
Conway, Sarah, xxxviii, 128.
Cooper Jack, negro, 1ST.
Cornwallis, Lord, xli.
Cotton, Dr., letter of, xxxii.
Coutant, Dr., 325, 334.
Cowpeus, hero of, xxi.
Craik, Dr., lxvii, lxxvi, Ixxxviii,
128, 187, 239, 269, 343 ; William,
lxvii.
Cresap, Col., lxiii.
Crest, Washington, xvii seq.
Crow, overseer, 6, 9, 15, 19, 31, 41.
58, 92, 96, 102, 294.
Culpeper County, lxvii.
Cupid, negro, 204.
Custis, children, Ixxii, 255.
Custis, Daniel Parke, lxviii.
Custis, Eleanor (Nelly), xlvii, lix,
lxxiv, Ixxxix, 182, 255.
Custis, Elizabeth, 201, 2C0.
Custis, G. W. P., li, 182, 257.
Custis, Jackv, xxix.
Custis, John P., 107, 257, 322, 324.
Custis, Martha Dandridge (see
Washington).
Custis, Martha (Patsy), xlvii.
Cyrus, negro, 216, 270, 271.
"TJAIXGERFIELD, Catharine, 1.
■^ Dandridge, Anna, 5.
Dandridge, Bartholomew, 31, 71,
279, 324.
Dandridge, John, lxviii ; Mrs., 300.
Daniel, Hannah, xliii ; Peter, xiiii,
37.
Darlington, Dr., 300, 343.
Darnes, Mi., 235, 248.
Davenport, miller, 218 ; Mrs., 224.
Davis, Thomas, 20, 62. b2. 97, 295.
Davis, Rev. Thomas, 47, 126, 131,
Daw' overseer, 13, 20, 24, 194, 203,
294.
I Dawson, Rev. M., 1.
| Deer at Mount Vernon, 146.
Dick, Maj. Charles, xlii, xlix,
lxxxv.
Dick, Mary, 1.
Dick, Miily. li.
Digges, Mr., lxxiv.
Dinwiddie, Governor, xlvii, lxiii.
INDEX.
347
Dix, Alfred, xlviii.
Dixon, Lucy, J.
Dixon, Roger, 1.
Donaldson, James, carpenter, 113,
119, 127, 136, 142, 178, 198, 205.
Douglass, Mr., 79.
Downman, Frances, xxiv, xxx.
Downman, Raleigh, and Rawleigh,
xxiv, xxx.
Dreer, Ferdinand J., xlvii, lxxi.
Dulany, Benjamin, 37, 322
Dumfries, Va., lxiii, lxxvi, Ixxxvi.
Duumore, Lord, iiii.
Durham, England, xx.
PARLY, Widow, lxviii.
Edwards, Meridah, xxvii.
Ehler, gardener, 22, 40, 44, 2G7 ;
Mrs. , 1 56, 227.
Elliot, Miss. xxii.
Embargo, 59, 64, 7G.
Emmet, Dr. Thomas A., xix, xxvii,
307.
England, seeds from, 234 ; farming
in, 289.
Everett, Hon. Edward, vii. .
Ewell, President, 128.
Echstein, artist, Ixxiv.
"P AIRE AX, Ann (Mrs. Lawrence
A Washington, afterwards in.
George Lee), xxxiv, xliv,
Fairfax, Rev. Bryan, 126.
Fairfax, Col. George W., xxvi. xl,
liv, lxxix ; Mrs. (Sally Cary),
xxiii, xxxvi.
Fairfax, Lord, x, xxxiv, lxi, lxiv,
127.
Fairfax, William, xxxiv.
Fairfax County, xxviii, xxxviii.
Fairfax, John, overseer, lxxv.
Falmouth, xxx. 70.
Fauchet, French minister, 08, 195.
Fauntleroy, Betsy, xxxvi, xxxix.
Fauntleroy, Moore, xxxix.
Fauntleroy, William, sr. , xxxix.
Federal Citv, 1 xxxix, 114, 119, 253,
308.
Federalist, ship, lxxvi.
Fellenberg. Baron, v.
Ferry, Posey's, 115.
Ferry, Spotswood's, xxxii.
Fendall, Governor Maryland, xx.
Fitzgerald, Col, lxxv, lxxxvii, 143,
225, 229.
Fifzhugh, family, xxxvi.
Filzhugh, Col. and Mrs. William,
lxxvii, lxxxv, lxxxvii, lxxxix.
Fitzhugh, Mrs., at Blount Vernon,
lxxxii.
Fitzhugh, 'Mary Lee, 257.
I Fitzhugh, William of Ravensworth,
| lv.
I' lemming, Jane, xxi.
Forbes, Mrs., housekeeper, 336.
Ford, Worthington C, xxxii, lxii.
Foote, Elizabeth (Mrs. LuDd W.),
314. 325.
Fox, David, xxiv.
"Frances Alexa," xxxvi.
Franklin, Dr., Ixxiv, lxxvi.
Frederick the Great, xi.
Fredericksburg, xxviii, xxx ; fair
at, xxxviii ; club, Ixxiv, lxxxiv,
| 70.
; Freemason, lxxi, lxxxiv.
! Freeman, Mr., lxxv.
J Freke arms, xviii.
| French, Daniel, 37 ; Mrs., 151,
| 230.
; French, Capt. Hugh, xxvii.
[ French, George, xliii.
"French Paul." negro, 102, 176.
Frestal, M., 259.
Frost, Amariah, 23.
Fry, Col., 128.
Furnaces, xxxi.
(GALLAGHER, Capt., Ixxxvi.
^ Gallagher, Rev. M., Ixxxvi.
Gallop, Joseph, 240, 242.
Garnett, Richard, British Museum,
xvii.
Gazette, Alexandria, 226 ; George-
town, 102.
Genet, French minister, 63.
Gibourne, Rev. Isaac, Ixxiii.
Gill, Mr., Alexandria, 106.
Gilpin, Col.
40.
j Gordon, Dr. William, 314.
| Gough, Mr., 247.
j Graham, Mr. and Mrs. Macauley,
i lxxi.
! Grant, Margaret, xxxi.
| Gray, Asa, eit., 40.
! Gray, weaver, 208.
i Green, Rev. Charles, xxviii, Ixxiii.
Green River lands, liv.
Green, Sally, 122, 131, 230.
Green, Thomas, carpenter, 27, 36,
43, 65, 97, 110.
Gre'enrleld, Thomas. 305.
Greenwood, John, dentist, 325.
Gregory, Roger, xxxiv.
Grenville, Lord, 324.
Griffith, Rev. David, 312.
Grove, William, " convict," xxx.
34S
INDEX.
IT ALE, Rev. E. E., xlii.
XJ- Hale, J. P., letter, lxiv.
Halley, Mr., Alexandria, 190.
Hamilton, Col., lxxxviii, 203, 259.
Hamilton, Dr., xv.
Hancock, John, xvi.
Harrison, Benjamin, 290.
Harrison, Constance, 328.
Harrison, Maj., lx.
Harrison, President, 299.
Hartley, Mrs., xlvii.
Hartshorn, Mr., Alexandria, 47, 210.
Haverhill, Washington at, xlviii.
Hawkins, senator, 124.
Hayden, Rev. H. E., xxviii.
" Hay field," 116, 314.
Haynic, Mrs., lxxviii, 305.
Heard, Sir I., xiv.
Hening, cit., xxxii.
Henley, Frances Dandridge, G3.
Herbert, William, Alexandria, lxxv,
120, 220, 222.
Hercules, negro, 2T0.
ilildebrand, Pope, xi.
Historical and Genealogical Regis-
ter, xix.
Historical Society, New York, liv.
Hobby, Sexton, xxix acq.
Houdon, Ixxiv.
Hough, John, lxxv.
Howell, George R. , librarian, xv.
Howes, Thomas, xxvii.
Hoxton, L., 313.
Hughes, Mr., 242,
Humphreys, Col., 334.
Husbandry, books, 234, 245, 259,
330.
Huntington, Countess, xiv.
IREDELL, James, xlvii.
Irving, Washington, v.
JACKSON, President, xli.
Jackson, Robert, 1.
Jay, his treaty, 59, G4, 63, 234.
Jefferson, 30, 63, 244.
John, gardener, 91.
Johnson, Mary, general's grand-
mother, xxiv, xiv.
Johnston, S., xlvii.
Jones, chaplain, Ixxiv.
Jones, Joseph (Judge) and Mrs., 1.
Jones, Paul, ixxxv.
Jones, Sarah (Ball), xxxviii.
TTANAWHA, lxiii, 10, 307, 339.
A\ Kane, Greenville, 314.
" Kenraore," xliv, 10.
Kiger, George, anecdote, xli.
King George County, xxviii.
Kingston (X. Y.) Church, 310.
Kirk, James, 2G6.
Kitt, steward, 200.
Knox, Gen., lxxi, lxxii, 300, 310.
Kountze, Luther, liii, lxxxvii.
"T ACOM," story of the general's
fatber, xxvii.
Lafayette, Marquis, lxxv ; bust of,
250, 259.
Lambton, Knight of, xx.
Lamphire, Mr., '318.
Lawrence, Sir James, xviii.
Laurie, Dr., lxxiii.
Law, Mr., 201, 2G0.
Lear, Tobias, xlviii, lxxii, lxxv, 5,
31, 63, 66, 142, 243, 201, 2GG, 270,
275; letter, 27G.
Lee, Arthur, 25G.
Lee, Charles, lxxv, 1G5.
Lee, George, lxii.
Lee, R, 1L, 111.
Lee, Gen. Robert E., 257.
Lee, Col. Thomas, 342.
Lefferts, Dorothy, vi.
L'Enfant, Major, xvi.
Lewis, Andrew, lxiv, lxvii.
Lewis, xVnn, Mrs., 1*
Lewis, xVugustin, 1.
Lewis, Betty, the general's sister,
xliii, xliv ; portrait., li ; letters.
lv scq., lxi, lxxii, lxxvi, lxxxiv,
*10, 53, 58, 114.
Lewis, Betty (see Carter).
Lewis, Catbarine (Washington), 1-
Lewis, Charles, xlix, 1.
Lewis, Hon. Edward P. C.,1.
Lewis, Col. Fielding, xliv, xlix, lii ;
letters, liii, Ixxiv, lxxxv. 10.
Lewis, Fielding, jr.. 1. lxxvi.
Lewis, Frances, xlix, 1.
Lewis, Major George, 1, lxiv, lxxx,
195, 337.
Lewis, G. W., lxxvi.
Lewis, Howell, li, Iviii. lxxx, 10,
IS, 27, 53, 291 ; letters to, 293, 305.
Lewis, Capt. II. Howell, 1, lxi.
Lewis, James, 307.
Lewis, Maj. John, xxxiv, lxix.
Lewis, John, xlix, lxxvi.
Lewis, Lawrence, 1, lix, lxi, Lxxx,
255, 292, 305.
Lewis, Lucy, 1.
Lewis, Robert, of Wales, xlix.
Lewis, Robert, 1 ; mayor, li ; airent,
lx, lxxviii, lxxx. 41, 44, 53, 231,
233, 240. 241, 25G, 291 ; account-
book, 305, doO.
INDEX.
340
Lewis, R. Byrd, 1, 105, 337.
Lewis, Samuel, 1.
Lewis, Hon. Thomas, xxxvi.
Lewis, Warner, brother of Col.
Fielding, xiix.
Lewis, Warner, son of Col. Field-
ing, 1.
Lincoln, Gen., 63.
Liston, family, xxv.
Liston, British minister, 256.
Little, Col. Charles, Ixxxvii, 308.
Little, William A., xxxii.
" Little Falls/' farm, xxxseq,, Ixxvii.
Lodge, Hon. Cabot, xvii ; his
"Washington," 195.
Logan, chief, lxiii.
Logan, Daniel Boone, xv.
Lomax, Judge, Ixxvii.
Long, Miss (Mrs. Lear), 63.
Lormg, his child, xlviii.
Louis XVI., portrait, xvii.
Lovell, Howell L., Iviii.
" Lowland Beauty," xxxvi.
Lucy, cook, 23.
Lund, the name, xviii.
Lyle, Col., 56, 102, 105, 108.
M'CRAE,Mr., lxxiii.
1 M'Donotigh, president, 341.
M'Guire, Rev. E. C, xxviii, lxxx,
184, 285, 291.
M'Guire, Frederick, li, lii, lxxiv,
lxxix.
Madison, James, 85 ; Mrs., Ixxxiv.
Magazine of American History, liv ;
Harper's, xlvii ; Historical, xviii,
xx, xliii ; Lippincott's, Ixxxii.
M'Kov, overseer, 13, 15, 20, 25, 31,
41, 44, 86, 92, 06, 110.
Markham, Louis, xvii, xxv.
" Marmion," 1.
Marshall, Mr., 321.
Marshall, Mrs., Ixxxviii.
3Iarye, Rev. James, xxxv.
Marye, Peter. 1.
Mask of Washington, Ixxxvii. See j
portrait.
Mason, Hon. Armstead T., 103.
Mason, Col. George, lxxiv, 103, 322. j
Mason, Stevens Thomson, 103.
Mason, Thomson, lx, 103, 113, 115, |
1 J, Q-il.
Massaponax Creek, xxxii.
Massey. Rev. Lee, lxxvi.
Mass}-, Miss, xxV.
Maupin, Prof. Chapman, lxx, 342.
Mau/.y, John, surveyor, 305.
Meigs, John, Ixv.
Metes. Col. It. J., Ixv.
Mercer, Col. George, 323.
Mercer, Gen. Hugh, Ixxxv, 315.
Mercer, James (Judge), li, lvii, lxxv,
lxxvi, 323.
Mercer, John, 133, 323.
Mercer, John F., lxxix.
Mifflin, Warner, xlvi.
Milburne, Mr., 277.
Mills, Clark, Ixxxvii.
Minor, George, 75, 131, 235.'
Minor, John B., 75.
Minor, Virginia Carter, 299.
Elinor, Mrs., 330.
Minton, Mrs., xxvi.
Mochodock Creek, xxvii.
Monroe, James, Ixxxv.
Morris, Gouvcrneur, 68, 328.
Morris, Robert, xvi, lxvi, Ixxxviii,
lxxxix.
31 otto, Washington's, xv.
Mount Vernon, xxviii, lxii ; build-
ing, lxx ; alterations, 236, 254,
262, 265 ; school-house, 248 ; com-
pany, 252 ; managers, 201 ; cot-
ton, 33 ; and in loc.
Mucins, negro, 21, 83, 97, 295.
" Muddy Hole Will," overseer, 22.
Muir, Rev. James, 47, 191.
"Mulatto Will." 74.
Murray, George, 338.
Muse, Battaile, 305.
Mussipontarius, on urbanity, xxxv.
1SJEALE, superintendent, 202, 212,
x> .262, 271.
Negroes, their names, 119.
Nicholas. Lewis, xxvii.
Norton. John, 126.
O'HARA, Gen., xli.
^ O'Neill, stonemason, 82, 87,
94, 139.
Overdursh, Dutch family, bought,
lxxvi.
p'AGE, John, 126.
Page, Mann, ixxvii.
Paine, Thomas, "Common Sense,"
liii, 47.
Parin, M., lxxiv.
Parks, Ixxxiv.
Paschal, negro, 119, 248.
Peake, manager, lx xviii, 291.
Peale, C. W,, lxxxvi.
Pearce, William, manager, in loc.;
certificate, 271.
Pearson. Simon, 317.
Peekskill, Ixv.
Pendleton, E. B., letter, lxiv.
350
INDEX.
Pcppcrell, Sir W., 311.
Perin, Leonard, xxxv.
Perrin, Mrs., xliv.
Peter, keeper of stud, 48, 87, 142,
217, 224, 238, 205.
Pettit, Charles. 323.
Peyton, Mrs. Frances, xxi.
Peyton, Col. Valentine, xxi.
Pinekney, American minister in
England, 234.
Philips, Mr., 270.
Phillips, A. K., letter, xxxii.
Pollard, Miss, 10.
Pope, Ann, xx.
Port Royal, lxxiii.
Port Tobacco, lxxvi.
Pose)-, Capt. John, 115.
" Postilion Joe," 190, 203.
Potts, James. 277.
Powell, Elizabeth, letter to, lxxxviii.
Prescott. Capt.. xx.
Prince William County, xxviii.lxvii.
Pursli, eil,, 30.
Pyne, Mr., 107, 110, 114, 123, 131.
17 AXDOLPH, Edmund, xiii, Ixxv,
xt lxxxvii, 59, 89, 112, 134, 195,
201, 205, 323 ; declines Washing-
ton's fee, 325.
Readman, Robert, xxvii.
" Redemptioners," lxxv, lxxvi.
Renwick, James, v.
Richmond, negro, 119, 261.
Kidgway, Gen., lxx.
Rietstap, dt., xviii.
Rogers, Miss (Mrs. Joseph Ball),
xxiv.
Rosier, John, xxvii.
Rotation, of crops, 282, 287.
" Rules of Civility," xxxv.
Russell, Mr., 300.
q AM EELS. Judge, lxxix.
k~' Scott, Robert, 305.
Seals, xiv.
Seatons, 1.
Shearman, Mrs., xxw
Simms, Col., lxxxvii, 106, 160.
Sims, Mrs., xiviii.
Sinclair, Sir J., xvi, 178, 331.
Slaughter, Rev. Dr., xii, xxvii,
xxx, 75, 128.
Smith, Alexander, 53, 1C7, 219, 238,
2t.il, 266, 269.
Smyth, Dr., lxxxiv.
Spencer, Nicholas, xxvi.
Spolswood, Col., xxxii, lxxvii,
lxx xv.
Stabler, Edward, xlv ; Henry, xlvi ;
Jessie, xiv.
Stafford, County, xxviii ; C. -H.,
lxxvii.
Steptoe, Anne, xliv.
Stevens, Rev. B., 312.
Stewart, Robert, lxii.
St. George's Church, Fredericks-
burg, xxx. lxxvii.
Strickland, William, 178.
Stuart, Dr. David, lxxiv, 107, 152,
1S8, 224 ; Mrs., 334.
Stuart, overseer, 6, 13, 24, 34, 41,
81, 258, 276, 297.
Storke, xxvii.
Strother, Alice, xxx ; Jane, xxxv ;
John, xxxiii ; William, xxxi,
xxxv.
Sullivan, Capt., lxxv.
Swan, Mr., 337.
Maj.,
XXX 11
TALIAFERRO,
x Mary, 1.
Tayloe, Delia, xxxv.
Thompson, Rev., lxxiv.
Thompson, Capt. William, 342.
Thornton family, xxxiv ; Frances,
1 ; George, 1 ; John, 1 ; Mildred,
xliv; William, lxxxix.
Thorn, the Washington, 36, 67.
Tilghman, Col. Oswald, 3 ; Col.
lxxi
William
Tench, lxvi,
(Judge), 3.
Tobacco, 385.
Toner, Dr. J. M., xxxv, xliv
lxxxvii.
Townshend, Mary, xxi.
T ravers, Hannah, xliii.
Travers, Rawleiirh, xxiv.
Triplet t, Mr., 31*7.
Truro Parish, xxviii,- xxix, 75.
Turner, Mr., of Alexandria, 45.
U
DIVERSITY, Washington and
Lee. 304.
y~AN SLYKE, Rev. Dr., 310.
WAKEFIELD, xvii, xxvi ; burnt,
' ' xxviii, xxxix.
Ward, Gen. Artemas, xiviii.
| Warner, Augustine, xxxiv, xlix ;
Elizabeth, " xlix ; Mildred, xx ;
! "Warner Hall," xlix.
[ Washington, arms, family, etc., xiv
seq.
W ashington, Captain Augustine,
father of the general, ix, xix.
INDEX.
351
xxiv, xxvi, xxvii seq.; will, xxxi,
lxll.
Washington, Augustine, half-broth-
er of the general, xxiii, xliv, xci,
110.
Washington, Anne (Aylctt), xliv,
110.
Washington, Col. Bailey, xxi.
Washington, Baron, xviii.
Washington, Betty (see Lewis).
Washington, Bushrod, Judge, lvi,
lxvii.lxx, lxxxvii, xcii, 308, 32b,
336.
Washington, Catharine, xlix.
Washington, Charles, xxix, xliv, 1,
lix, 62 ; death. 344.
Washington, Corbin, lxvi.
Washington, Dyonis, xviii.
Washington. Frances, xlviii, 5, 12,
IS, 22, 32, 40, 69, 82, 87, 112, 128,
171, 173.
Washington, George, Gen. , on war,
ix, xlvi ; character and works,
xii ; seals, xv ; education, xxix,
xxxv ; inheritance, xxxi; rules
of civility, xxxv ; poems, xxxvi,
xl ; early love, xxxvi ; anecdotes
of, xli, 57 ; self-command, xlii ;
with his mother, xlii ; wife, xliv ;
and Quakers, xlv, lxx, lxxxi ; love
of children, xlviii ; inherits Mt.
Yernon, lxii ; lands, xxxii, lxii ;
elm, lxiv ; taste, lxx ; chancellor-
ship, Ixxii ; diaries, Ixxiii seq.;
plow, Ixxiii ; charities, lxxviii,
255 ; gaiety, lxxxii ; a Mason,
lxxxiv ; portraits, xiii, lxxiv,
lxxxvi; will, xci, 03. Ill, 223,
304, 307 ; his flag, 153 ; cherry-
tree story, 153; humanity, 184;
desire for retirement. 227, 250,
331); religion, 76, 192, 310 seq. ;
death, xcii, 344.
Washington, George, of Bermuda,
xix.
Washington, Geonre Augustine. Ix,
lxxiv, lxxvi, 5, 02. 74; 291, 305,
309.
Washington, George Steptoe, 128.
Washington, Harriot, lxxviii, 195.
Washington, Herbert, lxxix.
Washington, James, xviii.
Washington, Jane. xliv.
Washington, Col. John (immigrant),
xviii, xx.
Washington, John, of Stafford, Va.,
xxvii.
Washington, John, sou of Towns-
hend, xxxvii.
Washington, John Augustine, broth-
er of general, xxix, xxx, xliii,
lxvi ; death, lxxvi, xcii, 110.
"Washington, John Augustine, son
of Corbin, lxxxvii.
Washington, Lawrence (Bermuda),
xix.
Washington, Lawrence (Chotanck,
Va.), xxi.
Washington, Lawrence (Virginia
immigrant), xv, xx, xxv, xc, 342.
Washington, Lawrence, son of Col.
John, xxvi ; will, xxvii.
Washington, Lawrence, half-broth-
er of general, xxxi, xxxiv, xxxix,
lxii, lxxxii ; his will, xci.
Washington, Lawrence, son of Sam-
uel, lxxx, 128.
Washington, Lewis W. , xv, li ; Mrs.
(Ella Bassett), lii, lxxviii, lxxxi,
53, 305.
Washington, Lund, xxi, xlix, 89,
116, 124, 126, 131. 133, 150, 160,
108, 173, 291 ; letters to, 314 ;
death, 335.
Washington, Martha, general's
wife, xliv ; portrait, li ; marriage,
Ixviii ; anecdote, lxxxiii ; 45, 58,
90, 112, 126, 128, 140, 148. 179,
210,
343.
loo, 250, 275, 298, 307, 336,
Washington, Mary, general's moth-
er, xli, xliii ; monument, xlv ;
will, lvii. Ixxiii ; at Fredericks-
burg, lxxiv, lxxvii.
Washington, Mildred (Warner),
general's grandmother, xxvi.
Washington, Mildred, general's
sister, xxix, xliv.
Washington, Richard, Ixviii.
i Washington. Robert, xxi.
j Washington, Robert, of Chotanck,
xxxvi, xxxvii.
: Washington, Robert J., xiv.
Washington, Samuel, general's
brother, xxix, xliv, 1, Ixxiii. 128.
Washington, Samuel, son of Charles,
lxxx.'^
Townshend
xxi,
Washington,
xxxvii.
Washington, Warner, lxxix.
Washington, Col. William, xxi scql
Washington, William Augustine,
general's half -nephew, lxxxvii
seq.; correspondence, xc, 110, 114,
119, 127, 100. 199.
Washington farm, xxxi seq.
Washingtons, the German, xvii.
Waters, H. P., cit., xix,
632
INDEX.
Weedon, George, xxvii.
Weedon, (Jen. George, lxxiv, lxxvi,
1 xxxiv, 315.
Weenis, Rev. Mason, x, lxxvi.
Wellford, Judge Beverley, xxxii,
lxxx ; Surgeon^Gen. Robert, lxxx ;
his career, lxxxv.
Westmoreland Countv, Va., xxviii.
Whiskey Rebellion, lxxxv, 111, 165.
White, David, xxvii.
Whitinsr, Anthony, manager, 14,
24, 29, 37, 41 ; estate, 63, 154.
Whiting, Francis, Iv.
Williams, Mrs., xxvi.
Williams, Mr., teacher, xxxiv.
Willis, Maj. Byrd, xxxv ; Col.
Harry, xxxiv, xlix ; Lewis, xxxv,
lxxvii, lxxxv; Mildred, 1, 299.
Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. John E., xvii.
Wilson, Gov. West Virginia, 203.
Wine., at Mount Vernon, 128, 178.
Wodron, Mr., lxiii.
Wolcott, Secretary of Treasury, 195.
Woodford, Gen., lxxxv.
Woodward, Mr.. 339.
Wonneley, Katharine, anecdote,
Ixxxii.
Wright, Ann, xxvii ; Francis,
xxvii.
Wright, artist, lxxiv; Mrs., xvii;
letter to, lxxiv.
Wythe, Chancellor, xlix.
YATES, Charles, 1.
x Yates, Hon. Jasper, xlvii.
Young, Arthur, Ixxii.
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