FEBRUARY MEETING, 1901.

    A Stated Meeting of the Society was held at No. 25 Beacon Street, Boston, on Thursday, 28 February, 1901, at three o’clock in the afternoon, President Kittredge in the chair.

    The Records of the Stated Meeting in January were read and approved.

    Mr. Worthington C. Ford communicated an unpublished Diary of Washington, kept at Mt. Vernon from the twenty-seventh of September, 1785, till the end of that year, and eleven letters of Washington, written the same year, which illustrate or explain entries in the Diary. In some brief remarks, Mr. Ford called attention to the most interesting matters contained in these documents, among them the popular clamor against the Cincinnati, and the arrival of Houdon for the purpose of making a bust of Washington. The Diary affords an interesting glimpse of Washington as the country gentleman, interested in agricultural pursuits, riding to hounds, attending fox hunts — his especial pleasure — and the races, and dispensing a generous hospitality not only to his kinsfolk, his neighbors and his former comrades-in-arms but also to titled foreigners and others from abroad. It also makes clear Washington’s minute attention to small matters of domestic concern.

    DIARY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON.

    27 September – 31 December, 1785.

    SEPTEMBER — 1785.

    Tuesday, 27th.

    Thermometer at 57 in the Morn’g. — 59 at noon — and 62 at Night. Wind fresh from the N West with flying clouds, and cold.

    Doct [James] Craik who came here last Night, returned this Morning to Maryland.

    Wednesday, 28th.

    Thermometer at 58 in the Morn’g. — 60 at Noon and 62 at Night. Morning lowering, with appearances of rain, but evening clear, wind still to the Nward.

    Doct [Walter] Jenifer and his wife came here to Dinner and went away after it, to Col MCarty’s.

    Mr. Taylor having finished the business which brought him here, I sent him up to Alexandria to take a passage in the Stage, for New York.132

    Thursday, 29th.

    Thermometer at 60 in the Morning — 65 at noon — and 66 at night. Day clear, and not much wind, especially in the Afternoon.

    Mr. Sanders, an undertaker in Alexandria, came dawn between breakfast & Dinner to advise a proper mode of shingling, putting Copper in the Gutters between the Pediments & Dormants, and the Roof and to conduct the water along the Eves to Spouts, & promised to be dawn again on Tuesday next to see the work properly begun: —

    Friday, 30th.

    Thermometer at 60 in the Morn’g. — 68 at noon — and 70 at night. Day clear, wind pretty brisk from the South ward — till the evening when it veered more to the Eastward.

    Mr. Hunter, and the right Honblẹ Fred: von Walder, Captṇ in the Swedish Navy — introduced by M Rich Sódarstrom133 came here to Dinner and returned to Alexandria Afterwards, — in the evening a M Tarte, introduced by a letter from M Lowry of Black river came in to request my sentiments respecting some entry’s they, in Partnership, had made in the Great Dismal Swamp, which I gave unreservedly, that they had no right to.

    One of the Howard Bitches Wcḥ was sent to me from France134 brought forth 15 puppies this day; 7 of which (the rest being as many as I thought she could rear) I had drowned. Run round the ground which I designed for the Paddock for Deer & find it contains, 18a 3r 20P. Began again to smooth the Face of the Lawn, or Bolling Green on the West front of My House — what I had done before the Rains proving abortive.

    OCTOBER.

    Saturday, first.

    Thermometer at 66 in the morning — 70 at noon — and 72 at night. Southerly wind and clear.

    Began to raise a scaffold for shingling the Front side of my House, next the Court Yard. Rid to my River, Muddy hole, and Dogue run Plantations.

    Doct [David] Stuart135 came in whilst we were at Dinner & stayed all night.136

    Sunday, 2d.

    Thermometer at 70 in the Morning — 76 at noon — and at night. Weather warm — forenoon clear, afternoon lowering.

    Went with Fanny Bassett, Burwell Bassett, Doct [David] Stuart, G[eorge] A[ugustine] Washington, M [William] Shaw137 & Nelly Custis to Pohick Church; to hear a M Thompson preach, who returned home with us to Dinner where I found the Rev M Jones,138 formerly a Chaplain in one of the Pennsylvania Regiments.

    After we were in Bed (about eleven o’clock in the evening) M Houdon, sent from Paris by Doct Franklin and Mr. Jefferson to take my Bust, in behalf of the State of Virginia, with three young men assistants, introduced by a M Perin a French Gentleman of Alexandria, arrived here by water from the latter place.139

    Monday, 3d.

    Thermometer at 70 in the Morning — 68 at noon — and 66 at night. Wind at S West, weather variable until noon when it became more cloudy & dripping towards evening it began to Rain and the night was wet.

    The two Reverend Gentlemen who dined and lodged here, went away after breakfast.140

    Tuesday, 4th.

    Thermometer at 63 in the Morning — 62 at noon. — and 66 at night. Wind at S West, veering more Westerly. Morning, wet, and till noon dripping clear afterwards, and wind fresh.

    Wednesday, 5.

    Thermometer at 60 in the morn’g. — at noon — and 68 at night. Brisk wind from the Southward all day. Weather clear.

    Stripped the Shingles of the South Side of the Pediment of the West front of the House, in expectation of Mr. Sanders’s coming to direct the shingling of it, but he never appeared.

    Col Ramsay introducing a M McComb, & a M Lowry; dined here and went away afterwards. Mr. Perin went from this after Breakfast.

    Thursday, 6th.

    Thermometer at 65 in the morning — 65 at noon — and 66 at night. Flying Clouds and a Rainhow, in the Morning with but little Wind; drippings of rain, more or less all day.

    M Burwell Bassett, and M [William] Shaw set out after Breakfast for Dumfries.

    The appearance of the day and the impracticability of giving on acc of the clammyness of the Earth an even face to any more of my lawn, until the grd, should get dryer of which there is no immediate prospect, I sowed what was levelled & smoothed of it, with English grass seeds; — and as soon as the top was so dry, as not to stick to the Roller, I rolled and cross rolled it; — first with a light wooden roller, and then with a heavy wooden roller, with a view of compressing the ground — smoothing the Surface of it, & to bury the seeds.

    M Sanders not coming according to expectation I began with my own people to shingle that part of the Roof of the House wch was stripped yesterday, & to copper the Gutters, &cc

    Friday, 7th.

    Thermometer at 62 in the morning — 64 at noon — and — at night Wind Southwardly all day, and weather clear, warm & pleasant.

    Sat today, as I had done yesterday, for M Houdon to form my bust.

    Mrṣ Jenifer, wife of Doct Walter Jenifer, dined here and returned afterwards; and Doct [James] Craik came here in the afternoon, and stayed all night.

    M [William] Shaw and M Bassett returned from Dumfries about noon. — & Doct Brown came in the afternoon to visit a sick servant of the M Bassetts, & returned.

    Finished trenching my Lawn the spading of which had rec several interruptions by odd Jobs intervening. the ground getting a little drier I began again to level & smooth it. Plowed up a Cow pen in order to sow the ground with orchard grass seeds.

    Saturday, 8th.

    Thermometer at 63 in the Morning — 66 at Noon. — and 68 at night. But little wind — weather clear and exceedingly pleasant.

    Sowed the ground which was plowed yesterday, and which might amount to about a quarter of an acre, with near half a Bushel of the Orchard grass seeds, which was neither very clean nor I fear not very good. Also sowed with English grass seeds, as much more of the Lawn as I could get levelled & smoothed and rolled it in the same manner as that on Thursday last was done.

    Sunday, 9th.

    Thermometer at 64 in the Morn’g. — 70 at noon — and 70 at night. Morning and Evening lowering. Midday tolerably clear, warm & pleasant.

    Accompanied by M Houdon and the two Mr. Bassetts attended the Funeral of M Manley at the Plantation of M Will Triplett and returned to Dinner.

    Monday, 10th.

    Thermometer at 68 in the morn’g. — 70 at noon — and 74 at night. Thunder about day. Morning threatening, but clear & pleasant afterwards.

    A M Jn Lowe, on his way to Bishop Seabury for ordination called and dined here. Could not give him more than a general certificate founded on information, respecting his character; — having no acquaintance with him; nor any desire to open a correspondence with the new ordained Bishop.

    Observed the process for preparing the Plaister of Paris & mixing of it, according to M Houdon. The oven being made hotter than it is usually heated for Bread. The Plaister which had been previously broken into lumps — that which was hard, to about the size of a pullets egg; and that which was soft, and could be broken with the hands larger; was put in about Noon, and remained until night; where, upon examination, it was further continued until the morning without any removal of the heat in the oven, which was close stopped. Having been sufficiently calcined by this operation, it was pulverized (in an iron Mortar) & sifted for use through a fine lawn sieve, & kept from wet. When used, it is put into a Bason, or other vessel with water sifted through the fingers, ’till the water is made as thick as Loblolly — or very thick cream. as soon as the plaister is thus put into the water, it is beat with an Iron spoon (almost flat) until it is well mixed, and must be immediately applied to the purpose for which it is intended, with a Brush or whatever else best answers, as it begins to turn hard in, four or five minutes, and in seven or ten cannot be used, & is fit for no purpose afterwards, as it will not bear wetting a second time. for this reason no more must be mixed at a time than can be used within the space just mentioned. The brush (common painters) must be put into water as soon as it is used, and the plaister well squeezed out, or this also becomes very hard. in this case to clear it, it must be beaten till the plaister is reduced to a powder, & then washed.

    Tuesday, 11th.

    Thermometer at 68 in the Morning — 70 at Noon — and 71 at night. A very heavy fog until near 10 O clock, with very little wind from the east ward. from thence till five P. M. it was tolerably clear; when it clouded again, & looked like rain.

    Sowed more English grass seed on all the ground that had been levelled, & smoothed on the Lawn.

    Began the foundation of the House at the Southwest corner of the South Garden.

    M Dulany, M Sanderson and M Potts dined here and returned afterwards to Alexandria.

    After dark it began to rain and continued to do so fast more or less, all night — which appeared to have washed all the seeds (at least all the Chaff with its contents) which had been just sowed from the ground, and carried it to the lowest parts of it.

    Wednesday, 12th.

    Thermometer at 66 in the Morning — 64 at noon — and 62 at night.

    The Rain which fell last night had made the ground so wet that I could neither level, or in any manner work it. I was obliged therefore to employ the labourers thereon in other Jobs.

    Mr. Livingston (son of Peter Vonbrugh Livingston of New York) came to Dinner & stayed all night. and in the evening M [James] Madison arrived.

    Wind at N E and thick weather all day; and fine rain with intervals.

    Thursday, 13th.

    Thermometer at 62 in the Morning — 62 at Noon — and 62 at Night. Wind at N E all day and raining more or less, sometimes hard.

    M Livingston, notwithstanding the Rain, returned to Alexandria after dinner A Suspension of all out doors work.

    Friday, 14th.

    Thermometer at 62 in the Morning — 65 at noon — and 66 at night. Lowering most of the day, but no wind.

    Mr. Madison went away after Breakfast, My Chariot which went up for, brought down Miss Sally Ramsay & Miss Kitty Washington, to be Bridesmaid to-morrow at the wedding of Miss [Frances] Bassett.

    M George [Augustine] Washington & M Burwell Bassett, went to the Clerk’s office & thence to Col Mason’s for a license & returned to Dinner, having accomplished their business.

    The ground being too wet, I employed the labourers who had been leveling the Lawn in cleaning & weeding the Shrubberies.

    Saturday, 15th.

    Thermometer at 66 in the Morn’g. — 68 at noon — and 68 at night. A Heavy lowering Morning with the wind at South — clear afternoon and fine evening.

    The Reverend Mr. Grayson, and Doct Griffith, Lund Washington, his wife, & Miss Stuart carne to Dinner, all of whom, remained the evening exceptg L. W. After the candies were lighted George Aug. Washington and Frances Bassett were married by Mr. Grayson.

    The ground continuing too wet to level, the labourers worked in the Shrubberies. Put two thousand of the Common Chestnuts into a box with dry Sand, a layer of each — & two hundred of the Spanish Chestnuts in like manner to plant out in the Spring. These were put into Sand in a day or two after they were taken from the trees.

    Sunday, 16th.

    Thermometer at 66 in the Morn’g. — 68 at noon — and 72 at night. Morning thick and lowering, with appearances of rain which vanished about noon, after which it was clear and very pleasant — wind continuing at South.

    Mr. Grayson went away very early in the morning, & Mr. Griffith, M Lund Washington and Miss Stuart after Dinner.

    Monday, 17th.

    Thermometer at 68 in the Morning — at Noon — and — at Night. Foggy and lowering Morning with but little wind — clear afterwards, and wind at N West & Cool.

    Set out to meet the Directors of the Potomack Navigation141 at George Town. Where having all assembled, we proceeded towards the Great Falls, and dispersing for the convenience of obtaining quarters, Gov [Thomas] Johnson and I went to M Bryan Fairfax. Gov [Thomas S.] Lee, Col [John] Fitzgerald, Mr. Potts the Secretary, Mr. Rumsay142 the Manager, & M Stuart the assistant, went to a M Wheelers near the Gt Falls. Col [George] Gilpin — I should have said before had proceeded on to prepare the way for levelling &cr. at that place, in the Morning.

    Tuesday, 18th.

    Thermometer at — in the Morning — at noon — and — at night.

    After an early breakfast at M Fairfax’s, Gov [Thomas] Johnson & I set out for the Falls (accompanied by Mr. Fairfax) where we met the other Directors and Col [George] Gilpin in the operation of levelling the ground for the proposed cut or canal from the place where it is proposed to take the water out to the other where it will be let into the river again. In the highest of which, and for near 70 rod, it is between five & seven feet higher than the surface of the water at the head. After which it descends, & for at least 300 yards, at the lower end rapidly — this cut upon the whole, does not appear to be attended with more difficulty than was apprehended, for tho’ the ground is higher than was expected, it appears from some experiments of sticking a spiked stake down in those parts, that there is two or 3 feet of soft earth at Top, & the lower end of the canal well calculated to receive locks to Advantage; as also to dam the water to throw it back into the canal & thereby reduce the digging wcḥ may also be done at the head by loose stones being thrown into the River to a Rocky Island. The length of the cut from the work of today, is found to be about 2400 yards, a little more or less upon exact measure west.

    Took a view of the River from the Spout, or Cateract to the proposed en trance of the canal below, to see if I could discover (as some supposed there was) the advantage of a canal on the Maryland side in preference to one on this, — but saw no likely appearances of it. About 400 yds below the Cateract, there is a cove into which emptys a small part of the river, tho’ deep & steep rocks on both sides which is a good defence to it, and some little distance below this again, is another cove but how a canal was to be brought thither I could not (having the river between) discover — however at and below both — is rapid water, one little, if any inferior to the Spout at Shanondoah. Having taken a rough level of the proposed cut, — formed general ideas for the Canal, determined to go on with it this winter, as soon as our operations on the water on acc of the season must cease & come to some resolutions respecting the hireg of negros, we broke up after dark & I returned to M Fairfax’s.

    Wednesday, 19th.

    Thermometer at — in the Morn’g. at noon — and — at night. Wind which had been at N Wt yesterday, & clear — had now shifted to the S E and lowered till night, when it began to rain, which it did more or less through the night, the wind blowing fresh.

    Immediately after breakfast I sat out for my return home at which I arrived a little after noon. and found my Brother Jn his Wife,143 Daughter Milly,144 & Sons Bushrod145 & Corbin,146 & the wife of the first. M Will Washington147 & his wife & 4 children, & Col [Thomas] Blackburn, to whom was added in the evening M Willm Craik. M Houdon having finished the business which bro him hither, went up on Monday with his People, work, and impliments in My Barge to Alexandria, to take a Passage in the stage for Philadelphia the next morning.

    Sowed (after making good the vacancies of the former) about a pint of the Cape of Good Hope wheat sent me by M [Samuel] Powell of Philadelphia, in 14 rows alongside of the other in the enclosure behind the stables. Also, sowed about a table spoonful of the Buffaloe or Kentucke River sent me by Doct [David] Stuart alongside of the Guinea grass at the foot of the above wheat & continuance of the rows thereof.

    Thursday, 20th.

    Thermometer at 67 in the Morn’g. 66 at noon — and 65 at night. Wind fresh at South east and weather threatening, with Showers of rain (some pretty heavy) through the day.

    George [Augustine] Washington & his wife, Bushrod Washington his wife, Sister & Brother, the two M Bassetts,148 M [William] Craik and M [William] Shaw notwithstanding the weather set out for the races at Alexandria, and were disappointed of seeing them, as they were put off they did not return.

    Friday, 21st.

    Thermometer at 57 in the morning — 55 at noon — and 53 at night. Flying Clouds and cold with appearances of snow, wind being at N West.

    My Brother, M Will Washington and his wife went up with me to this days races at Alexandria — We dined at Col Ramsays & returned in the evening with the company who went from here the day before, except M W Washington the two Mr. Bassetts and M Shaw.

    Saturday 22d.

    Thermometer at 52 in the Morning — 52 at Noon — and 52 at night. Wind at N West and fresh, & cold with appearances of unsettled weather.

    Went up again today, with My Brother and the rest of the Gentlemen to the Race & dined at M Herberts. all returned except M Jn Bassett who got hurt in the race field, & M Shaw. Mr. Will Scott came here in the evening, from Alexandria.

    Sunday, 23d.

    Thermometer at 50 in the Morn’g. 56 at Noon — and 59 at Night. Fine & pleasant all day with the wind at South. no frost as was expected.

    My Brother, his wife, Daughter and son; M Willm Washington his wife & 4 Children; M Bushrod Washington & wife; and M [William] Scott all went away after Breakfast. M Jn Bassett & M Shaw came home in the forenoon, and Mr. Fitzhugh of Chatham, Gen [Alexander] Spotswood, M McCarty of Pope Creek, and a Col Middleton of South Carolina came here to dinner, & went away afterwards.

    Perceived the Orchard Grass seeds which I sowed on the 8tḥ̣ Instt. in the same inclosure of the Turnips, to be coming up thick and well.

    Monday, 24th.

    Thermometer at 56 in the Morning — 58 at noon — and 58 at night. Variable & squally — with a little rain — wind at South in the Morning and Westerly afterwards.

    The two M Bassetts (Burwell and John) left this after breakfast to return home. In the Afternoon Doct [James] Craik came in, and stayed all night.

    I rid to my Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole, found the orchard grass seeds which had been sowed at Dogue run come up very well — as — the Timothy also had — and that my cornfield now that the Fodder was taken off, looked miserably bad. the wheat on the other hand very good.

    Tuesday, 25th.

    Thermometer at 54 in the Morn’g. 58 at noon — and 56 at night. Forenoon clear and serene and pleasant; but the afternoon windy & cold, with flying clouds — wind about West.

    Doct [James] Craik went away before Breakfast — he intended to Alex but was to call upon John Alton.

    Rid to my Plantation in the neck — found my corn & Wheat there similar with those at the other plantations as described yesterday. Finding the seeds of the Honey locust had come nearly or quite to a state of maturity although the thick part of the pod still retained its green colour I had them gathered lest when ripe they should be gathered by others, to eat.

    Wednesday, 26th.

    Thermometer at 50 in the Morn’g — 56 at noon — and 56 at Night. A large white frost this morning Wind brisk and cold from the NoWest all the day, after 9 o’clock.

    Took the cover off my dry well to see if I could not fix it better for the purpose of an ice House, by arching the Top, and planking the sides.

    Having received by the last Northern Mail advice of the arrival at Boston of one of the Jack Asses presented to me by His Catholic Majesty, I sent my overseer, John Fairfax, to conduct him, and his keeper, a Spaniard home safe, addressing him to Leiut Governor [Thomas] Cushing, from whom I received the information.

    Sent to Morris (Overseer of My Dogue run Plantation) a Bushel of clover seed (reserving, six pounds to sow as fast as he could get the ground which is intended for the reception of it, in order. Yesterday I transplanted a carnation cherry tree, an apricot tree, which were within the Lawn before the door into the North Garden, little ex pee ting that either will live, the first being 33 inches in circumference the latter 21 inches and a good deal decayed.

    Finished the shingling on the West front of the House.

    Thursday, 27th.

    Thermometer at 50 in the Morn’g. 56 at noon — and 58 at night. A remarkably great white frost and the ground a little frozen Wind Southerly all day, after it rose in the morning, but not very fresh. forenoon clear — but the afternoon, especially toward the Suns setting a little hazy & lowering.

    M Battaile Muse came here before dinner but would not stay to it. After finishing some business with me respecting my Tenants — and my agreeing to allow him Six pr Ct for collecting my Rents, he went up to Alexandria. Purchased 1000 Bushels of Wheat of him, to be delivered as fast as he could have it brot down, at My Mill — for which I am to give six shillings in March next, or when he comes here in April.

    Began to put up my Hogs at the different Plantations, to fatten for Porke.

    Friday, 28th.

    Thermometer at 54 in the Morning — 60 at Noon — and 62 at Night. Wind Southerly; clear and pleasant all day.

    Finished levelling and Sowing the lawn in front of the Ho intended for a Bolling Green as far as the Garden Houses. Also began to sow Clover seeds at Dogue Run Plantation.

    Saturday, 29th.

    Thermometer at 59 in the Morning 64 at noon — and 65 at night. Morning clear, calm, and very pleasant — about noon it began to lower a little, and continued to do so all the afternoon.

    Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Dogue run — at the last of which finished sowing the Clover seed which I sent there the 26th. With this I mixed 9 Bushels of the pounded Plaister of Paris; and sowed the whole on about 4¼ acres of Ground (on the side of the run along the old mill race.) as near as I could judge from stepping it.

    Sunk the inner well in the Dry well now fitting up for an ice house, about 8 feet untill I came to a pure sand.

    Mrṣ [David] Stuart & Child Naney, & Miss. Allan came here this evening.

    Sunday, 30th.

    Thermometer at 64 in the Morning — 63 at noon — and 60 at night. Thunder and lightning about day Break and Raining More or less all day, attended in the forenoon with very high wind from the Westward.

    M [William] Shaw went up to Alexandria after Breakfast, & stayed all night.

    Monday, 31st.

    Thermometer at 52 in the Morn’g. 54 at noon — and 56 at Night. A raw and moist air, with a Westerly wind — & lowering Sun.

    M Shaw returned to Breakfast & Mrṣ [David] Stuart, Miss. Allan &cc went away after it.

    A Cap [Richard] Fullerton came here to Dinner on business, of the State Society of the Cincinnati of Pensylvania, for whom I signed 250 Diplomas as President. Went away after.

    Sent half a Bushel of Clover Timothy seed to Morris — to sow at Doeg run Plantation.

    NOVEMBER.

    Tuesday, 1st.

    Thermometer at 50 in the Morning — 56 at Noon — and 56 at night. A white frost. — and damp kind of a Morning, with but little wind. rather hazy all day & towards evening lowering.

    Rid to my Plantations at Dogue run and Muddy hole — at the former preparing, & sowing Ground with Timothy seed.

    Mrṣ Fendall, Mrṣ Lee & Miss Flora Lee, daughter of the former with Doct Skinner came here to Dinner, and stayed all night.

    A M Sacket from Tygers Valley on the monongahela, and another person came here before Dinner and showed me some propositions they had to make to Congress for a large territory of Country West of the Ohio, which I discouraged them from offering, as I was sure they never would be acceded to by that body.

    Wednesday, 2d.

    Thermometer at 58 in the Morn’g̣ 58 at Noon — and — at night. A very thick, damp morning & heavy Fog until about 9 O’clock when it began to Rain; & continued to do so until noon, when it thinned and looked as if it would be fair, but soon recommenced raining, which lasted, until near Night.

    Perceived the wheat from the Cape, which had been sent to me by M [Samuel] Powell of Philad & which I sowed on the 19tḥ of last Month had come up very well. The Guinea Grass in my Botanical garden was as much injured by the frosts which we have had, and the colour of the blade as much changed, as those of Indian corn would have been from the same cause. Could perceive none of the Guinea Grass up which I sowed in the Inclosure behind Stable (old vine yard) on the 1sṭ day of Sepr.

    Thursday, 3d.

    Thermometer at 54, in the Morning — 60 at Noon — and 58 at night. Morning clear, calm, and very pleasant; but the wind springing up about 10 O Clock in the N West, & blowing pretty fresh, it turned cool towards evening.

    Borrowed a scow from Col [George] Gilpin, with which to raise mud from the Bed of the river or Creek, to try the efficacy of it as a Manure, and sent it to the river Plantation for that purpose, went over there Myself to mark off a piece of ground to spread it on after it should get mellowed by frosts of ye winter.

    Mrs. Fendal, Mr & Miss [Flora] Lee & Doct Skinner went away breakfasting, first.

    Took up 11. Pines of a large size & planted them in the green brier hedge & circle at the extremity of the Lawn within the Gate.

    Friday, 4th

    Thermometer at 52 in the Morn’g. at noon — and 60 at night. Lowering, and the wind very brisk from the So West in the Morning; but clear, calm warm, and very pleasant afterwards.

    Raised the heavy frame in my House today — and planted 16 Pines in the avenues on my Serpentine Walks.

    Rid to my Dogue run Plantation, where they were still preparing ground for, & sowing of Timothy seed — went from thence to M Lund Washingtons, on a visit to M Rob Washington who was gone up to Alexandria. Returned home by the way of Muddy hole.

    In the evening a M Jn Fitch came in, to propose a draft & model of a Machine for promoting navigation, by means of a Steam.

    Saturday, 5th.

    Thermometer at 60 in the Morn’g. 64 at noon — and 65 at Night. Morning a little lowering with the wind pretty brisk from the Southward until about noon when it became calm & clear.

    Went over the Creek to see bow my people went on in raising mud from the bed of the Creek — their progress but slow.

    M Robert Washington of Chotanck — M Lund Washington & Mr. Lawrence Washington dined here, as did Col [George] Gilpin and Mr Noah Webster — the 4 first went away afterwards — the last stayed all night — in the afternoon a M Lee came here to sollicit Charity for his Mother who represented herself as having nine Children, a had husband, and no support. He also stayed the evening.

    Sunday, 6th.

    Thermometer at 64 in the morning — 68 at noon — and 68 at night. Clear, Calm, and remarkably pleasant all day — Sun set in Bank.

    M Webster and M Lee went away after breakfast. M Geo. [Augustine] Washington & wife went to Church at Alexandria, as did M [William] Shaw — the two first, returned to dinner. The other not till some time in the night, after the family were in bed altho’ it was omitted in the occurrences of Yesterday.

    I tried 2 quarts of the pulverized plaister of Paris; one of them burned, the other unburnt, upon two sections of the circle in front of the House, from the Dial Post to the Center post opposite to the pavem leading to the gate by the quarter. The section nearest the House was sprinkled with the burned Plaister. These sections are only from one post to another in the circle, and do not contain more than about 145 square ft. A quart therefore on each is at the rate of 8 Bushels to the Acre. This was the poorest part of the circle.

    Monday, 7th.

    Thermometer at 66 in the Morn’g. 69 at noon — and 69 at night. Clear, calm, and remarkably pleasant all day, but rather too warm for the season.

    Mrṣ [William?] Peake and Miss Eagland dined here and returned in the even’g.

    Employed since I first began to supply the dead Trees in the Serpentine walks which I compleated this day except with the lime (or powder) and horse chestnut, neither of Wcḥ have or could easily get at. The number represented are as follows — of Pine 19 — of Elm 2 of Poplar 18 — of the black Gum 17 — of the Aspan 2, — of the Mulberry 5 — Ash 2 — and of the Maple none.

    Tuesday, 8th.

    Thermometer at 60 in the Morning — 66 at noon — and 66 at night. A very heavy fog (with little or no wind) until near noon when it dispelled, became clear, warm & pleasant.

    Rid to Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations — the first preparing ground, & sowing Timothy seed. Began to replace the dead Trees in my Shubberies.

    Doct [James] Craik first, and a Cap Lewis Little page afterwards came here to Dinner; the first went away after it — The other stayed all night. This Capt Littlepage has been Aid de Camp to the Duke de Crillen — was at the sieges of Fort St Phillip (or the Island of Minorca) and Gibralter, and is an extraordinary character.

    In the Evening Doct Griffith came, & stayed all night.

    Wednesday, 9th.

    Thermometer at 64 in the morning — 66 at noon — and 66 at night. A red & watery sun in the morning, which about noon was obscured, slow rain afterwdṣ. Wind Southerly, all day; and at night appeared to be getting to the West ward

    Mr. Griffith went away after Breakfast, and Cap Littlepage after Dinner.

    Having put in the heavy frame into my Ice House I began this day to seal it with Boards, and to ram straw between these boards and the wall — all imaginable pains was taken to prevent the straw from getting wet or even damp but the moisture in the air is very unfavourable.

    Thursday, 10th.

    Thermometer at 59 in the Morning — at noon — and — at night.

    There having fallen so much rain in the night as to convince me that the straw which I had placed between the Ceiling & the wall of My Ice House, must have got wet, and being in some doubt before of the propriety of the measure lest it should get damp, heat, & rot, I had it all taken out, leaving the space between unfilled with anything.

    Went up to Alexandria to meet the Directors of the Potomack Company. Dined at M Fendalls (who was from home) and returned in the evening with Mrṣ Washington. M George [Augustine] Washington & his wife — who accompanied us remaining to a Ball.

    Planted 8 of the Hemlock Pine which were brought from Neabsco in my Shrubberies — more still wanting to make up the deficiencies.

    Friday, 11th.

    Thermometer at 56 in the Morn’g. 54 at noon — and 55 at night. Wind at N Et and fresh all day — very cloudy. and sometimes dripping. at Night it began to fall a little more seriously, but in no great q’tỵ.

    Sent My carriage up for and brought George [Augustine] Washington & his wife down after dinner.

    Saturday, 12.

    Thermometer at 54 in the Morn’g. 58 at noon — and 60 at night. Wind a little West of the N and pretty fresh all the forenoon, and Cloudy. Afterwards clear, still & very pleasant.

    Received 215 apple trees (red strick) from Major Jenifer wh I sent to the river plantation in the neck, to be planted. At the same time and from the same place received two New Town — & 2 Golden Pippin Trees — two of the Bury, & two S Germain Pea[ch] Trees. and two duke Cherry Trees.

    Rid to my Plantations at the Ferry — Dogue run and Muddy hole, at the second of which they were yet preparing ground, & sowing grass Seeds — at the last gathering corn.

    Covered my exotic plants in that section of my Botanical Garden between the Salt House & the House next the circle, & began to cover the Guinea grass, which two days before I had cut of near the crown. but did not finish it.

    Sunday, 13th.

    Thermometer at 59 in the Morning — 65 at noon — 65 at night. Clear all day — Morning calm & very pleasant, but windy afterwards from the No. West.

    M Sam Hanson and his wife, M Tho Hanson and their two Sisters, & Mrṣ Dulany wife to Walt Dulany, lately from England came to Dinner & stayed all night.

    Monday, 14th.

    Thermometer at 58 in the morning 64 at noon — and 62 at night Calm, clear & pleasant Morning Wind pretty brisk afterwards from the No W, but fine notwithstanding.

    The company who came to din yesterday, & lodged here last night went away after breakfast — upon which I went to my neck Plantation in ye Neck with intention to take a descriptive list of My Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Working Tools &c but the forenoon being far spent I could only do it of the Horses & Tools.

    Began to plant the apple Trees which were brought from Major Jenifers on Saturday. Finished covering the Guinea grass in my Botanical garden except 6 Rows of it which I left uncovered, — and uncut — to try the effect of the Winters frosts & snows upon it.

    In the Evening M Willm Craik returned from his trip over the Alligany Mountains having effected no business for his father or me, being disappointed of seeing those with whom he had it to transact.

    Tuesday, 15.

    Thermometer at 54 in the Morning — 56 at noon — and 60 at night. Wind southerly and pretty fresh — weather somewhat hazy and smoaky.

    Went to my Neck Plantation and compleated the acc of My Stock there except that of the Hogs. Which stand thus.

    Horses.

    A grey dray Stallion

     

    Working Horses.

    1

    Buck, a sorrel

    16 y Old

     

    Gilbert, a black

    17 " Do

    Randolph, a grey

    7. " do.

    Doctr, a grey

    7 " Do

    Prentice, a Bay

    10 " Do

    Jolly, a Black

    9 " Do.

    Dick, a White

    12 " Do

    Grunt, a Bay

    9 " Do.

    Pompey, a Bay

    14 " Do.

    Diamond, White

    9 " Do.

    Possum, Grey

    10 " Do.

    Jack — Black

    10 " Do

    13

    Kit a black mare

    5 " Do

    Works’ Mares.

     

    Fly, Dark brown

     

    Patience

     

    Betty — White Stockgṣ

    9 " Do.

    Punch grey flea bitt

     

    Jenny light grey

    9 " Do.

    Brown

    11 " Do.

    Fanny — Black

    9 " Do.

    Overs — Black

     

    9

    A Brown Horse

     

    5

    Unbroke Hors

     

    Bright Bay rising

     

    3

    Black

    Do.

    3

    Brown mealy cod

    Do.

    3

    Black

    Do.

    3

    Back

    small Do.

    3

    Ditto

    Do

    2

    Iron Grey

    Do.

    2

    Black bold Pan.

    "

    2

    9

    A grey spring colt

     

    1

    Dark bay

    9

     

    Sorrel

    5

    Brown

    6

    Black — rising

    3

    Dark brown

    3

    Grey

    3

    Black rising

    2

         

    7

    Black spring colt

       

    1

    In all

       

    40

    Cattle.

    Bulls. yg

    3

    Working Oxen

    7

    Fatting Steers in cornfield

    5

    Cows

    41

    Heifers

    6 yrṣ old

    6

     
     

    3 yrṣ old

    15

     
     

    2 yrs. old

    11

     
     

    1 y old

    7

     

    Spring — cow — calves

     

    19

    58

    Steers — full grown

     

    18

     
     

    4 yrṣ old

    2

     
     

    3 yrs. old

    4

     
     

    2 yrs. old

    7

     
     

    1 y old

    3

     

    Spring Bull calves

     

    11

    45

     

    159

    Cows bro to the House for milk & to go back

    — 8

    Total cattle

    167.

    Sheep.

    Rams

    7

    Ewes

    92

    Weathers

    12

    Ditto in cornfield

    16

     

    127

    Weathers bro to H H

    42

    Total

    169

    Tools & Implimts.

    A Wagon Saddle and Gier for 4 Horses.

    1

    An Oxe Cart — good

    1

     

    Ditto not good

    1

    2

    Oxe Chains

     

    2

    Bolts for Tongues

     

    2

    Yokes, Rings &

       

    Bar Shear Plows

     

    9

    Two p Iron traces to each

     

    18

    Old bridles for ditto

     

    18

    N. B. These Traces serve the wagon

       

    Hitting Hoes helved

    20

     

    Unhelved pretty g

    3

     

    indifferent

    2

     

    At the Smiths shop

    2

    27

    Mattocks but indifft

     

    6

     

    Ditto said to have come to the home H

    7

    13

    Grubbing Hoes indifft

     

    3

    Axes

    7

     

    Ditto at Smiths shop

    1

     

    Ditto old Iron

    1

    9

    Iron Wedges — pairs

     

    3

    Open iron wire sieve

    1

     

    Sand Sieve

    1

    2

    Note these to be sent to the home H

       

    Harvest Rakes — 5 only gd

     

    13

    Pitch forks

     

    1

    Half Bushels — new

    1

     

    Old — Do

    1

    2

    Plantation Gun

     

    1

    Wednesday, 16th.

    Thermometer at 58 in the Morn’g. 66 at noon — and — at night. A large circle round the moon last night. a red & angry looking sky at the Suns rising and a brisk Southerly Wind all day with rain in the evening and night.

    Finished the arch over my Ice House today.

    Went early in the morning to take an acc of my stocks &c at Dogue run & Muddy hole Plan

    AT THE FIRST.

    Horses.

        Height age.

     

    Workers

    Dabster

    a grey

    14¼

    8

    Buck

    Bay

    14

    6

    2

    Nancy

    Bay

    14

    old

    Work’ Mares

     

    From Camp

    Ditto

    14¼

     

    Fly

    Ditto

    13

    8

    Brandy

    Ditto

    13½

     

    Fancy

    Black

    13

    old

    Carried over

     

    5

         

    2

    brought over

    5

    Work’g Mares

    2

    Sorrel

    13. old 1

     

    Ditto

    13 " 1

    Bonny — Bay — very old

    1

    8

    Engl Hunter Brown

    15 old

    Old m.

    3

    Grey Mare bo at Bristol

    Do.

    Dray — Black

    Camp. Do.

    Bay. likely in foal

    14.6

    Unbroke mares.

     

    Bay. Roan — white face

    14.5

    Sorrel

    14½

    Black-snip on y nose

    13.

    Iron grey — dark

    14.3

    Black from Husten

    2

    Black-star & snip likely

    2

    Bay — White face

    1

    Black — long star

    1

    Bay near hind foot wh

    1

    Bay small star

    1

    Bay, (blood) near hind fw

    1

    Bay. star & snip

    1

    13

    A Grey

    snip

    14

    3

    Unbroke horses

     

    *Bay Roan

    wh. face

     

    1

    *Sorrel

    snip

     

    1

    *Dark Grey

       

    1

    Grey Colt. fr Busḳ̣ m.

       

    sp

    * It is not certain whether these are horses or mares not having distinguished them on the spot at the time.

     

    5

    In all

       

    31

    Cattle.

    Working Oxen

    7

    Fatting Steers in Meadow

    2

    Cows

    15

    Heifers

    4 — yrṣ old

    5

     
     

    3 yrṣ old

    3

     
     

    2 yrṣ old

    6

     
     

    1 y old

    2

     

    Spring Calves

    6

    22.

    Steers — full grown

     

    7

     
     

    3 yrṣ old

    1

     
     

    2 yrṣ old

    2

     
     

    1 y old

    7

     

    Spring Calves

     

    5

    22

    Bulls

    1

    Total

    69.

    Sheep.

    Rams

    7

    Ewes

    32

    Weathers

    7

     

    Ditto in meadow fat

    7

    14

    Total

     

    53

    Old cows in ye. Mead

     

    2

    N. B. The Tools, not being got up no acc was taken of them at this time.

       

    MUDDY HOLE PLANTATION.

    Horses.

      Height Age.

       

    Jockey —

    a black

    13½

    14

    2

    Diamond

    Ditto

    14

    10

    Rankins —

     

    14

    10

    Work’ Mares

     

    Fly

    a Grey

    14¼

    8

    Jenny — Brown

     

    13¼

    8

    Finwick Dan Sorrel

     

    13½

    7

    Fancy — Grey

     

    13¼

    9

    5

    White

     

    13

    7

    Unbroke Mares

    9

    Bay — small star &c

     

    13

    5

    Bay — long blaze

     

    13

    5

    Bay — very small star

     

    13

    5

    Dark Bay sm Star &r Sr.

     

    13

     

    Dark Brown Simson

     

    13½

    3

    Bay

    midl’g̣ likely

     

    1

    Bay. small star spring

         

    Black, sm star — spring

         

    Brown Bay, crook blaze

     

    Unbroke Horṣ.

     

    13 hands high 5 yrṣ old

     

    Grey — unlikely

    2

    Bay — sm star unlikely

     

    Grey natural pacan. sp

     

    4

         

    20.

    Cattle.

    Working Oxen

       

    4

    Cows

       

    10

    Heifers

    1 y old

     

    1

    Cow Calves — this Spring

     

    1

    Stress, full grown

    8

     

    2 years old

    2

     

    1 year old

    1

    11

    Male Calves

     

    4

    Total

     

    31

    Sheep.

    Rams

    5

    Ewes

    39

    Lambs

    11

    Total

    50

    Tools & Impliments.

    A good oxe Cart — 2 Oxe Yokes & Iron Rings — Compleat

    1

    Oxe Chain

    1

    Bar shear plows

     

    3

    Iron Traces

    pairs

     

    6

    Haims, Collars, Bridles &cc Comp

     

    2 spare Colters

    2

    Mattoxs

    5

    Axes, includ’ 1 at the Home H

    4

    Iron Wedges — pairs

    1

    Hilling Hoes

    11

    Pitch fork

    1

    A Wheat Fan

    1

    Half Bushel

    1

    The Hogs at all the Plantations running in the Woods after the mast, no acct. could be taken of them.

    Richard Henry Lee, lately President of Congress; his son Ludwell, Col [John] Fitzgerald, and a M Hunter (Merch) of Louden came here to Dinner & stayed all night.

    The Stock at the Ferry not being got up Postponed taking the acc of them until they sho be got together.

    Thursday, 17th.

    Thermometer at 58 in the morning 60 at noon — and 62 at night.

    Col Lee & all the company went away after Breakfast. M [William] Shaw went up to the assembly in the afternoon at Alexandria.

    Morning a little foggy & thick but clear afterwards with the Wind at N West and Cool.

    Friday, 18th.

    Thermometer at 49 in the Morning — 54 at noon — and 50 at night. Morning clear & severe — a white Frost and ground froze — Ice an eighth of an Inch thick — Wind at No. W & pretty fresh until the after noon when it was almost calm.

    Began to take up a number of small Pines to replace the dead ones in my wildernesses got them with much dirt about the Roots. Took an account of the Horses, Cattle & Sheep at Home. viz.

    Horses.

    Magnolia — an Arabian

    1

    Nelson — Riding Horse

    1

     

    Blue skin

    Ditto

    1

    2

     

    Carried over

    3

     

    Brought over

    3

      Height age

    For the Chariot

     

    Partner — A Bay

    15

    12

    Ajax — light Bay

    15

    11

    Chatham, dull Bay

    15

    8

    Valiant, Yellow Bay

    14¾

    16

    English

    Bay

    15 very

    old

    McIntosh

    Bay

    14½

    9

    Careless.

    Bay

    14½

    5

    Young

    Bay

       

    8

    Dragon

    Black

    15

    6

    Wagg Hors

     

    Jolly

    Ditto

    15

    14

     

    Chichester Bay

    14½

       

    Jock — Grey

    14½

    5

    4

    Black — Mare Dray

    15

    old

    Cart. H.

    2

    Black. Horse Ditto

    14

    old

    Used in Tumblers

      H y.  

    A Brown Bay

    14

    6

    Hacks.

     

    Chevalier — dull bay

    14½

     

    Brown Bay, Muddy hole

       

    Columbus, br: D

    14

     

    4

    Total

    21.

    Cattle.

    Working Oxen

    old

    2

     

    Ditto — D

    Young

    2

    4

    Brought over

    4

    Cows. from Camp

    4

     

    Riv Plant

    8

     

    Dogue run

    D

    6

     

    Ferry

    D

    3

    21

    Bull

    1

    In all

    26.

    Note. One of the cows that came from the River Plant (making the above 9) got mired this Fall and died, and of the above, the 4 cows from Camp — two from the Ferry — three from Dogue run — and one from the neck are ordered to be detained here, and all the rest to be sent to their respective places.

    Sheep.

    Weathers

    40

     

    Ewes.

    Sucking Lambs

    4

     

    Lambs

    for killing

    4

    48.

    Began to take up my summer Turnips at the House, got ab half up to day. Sent to Mr. [Dudley] Digges for Papaw Bushes to replace the dead ones in my Shrubberies. Coming late I had not time to plant them but put the Roots in the ground until tomorrow. Planted the two duke cherries — sent me by Major Jenifer in the two gardens — one under each wall, ab 30 feet from the Garden Houses — and planted the Bury & 2 S Germain Pairs also sent me by him in the N Garden, new part thereof one of each kind on the Circular walk and the other two on the strait walk. Put the Box with the Magnolia, & other exotics from S Carolina — and that with the Kentucke Coffee tree under a bush cover in the open part of the Green H — and began to cover the Palmetto Royal at the Front gate with Brush with the leaf on — but got a small part only south of the gate & South part thereof done before night.

    Saturday, 19th.

    Thermometer at 46 in the Morning — 54 at noon — and — at night. Wind at N West and cold all day, with clouds which threatened snow in the evening. Ground very hard frozen.

    Finished digging my Summer Turnips and putting them in a cellar. Also finished covering the Palmetto royal at the front gate, except a small piece on the South side, nearest the gate for which brush could not be got in time.

    My Ice House Walls except the Pediment over the outer door and the inner walls of the arch were compleated this day likewise.

    Doct [James] Craik whom I had sent for to visit York George (in the neck) who is much afflicted with the gravel came here about sundown and stayed all night.

    Sunday, 20th.

    Thermometer at 48 in the Morning 54 at noon — and 54 at night. Clear and calm all day, but the air keen notwithstanding.

    George [Augustine] Washington & wife & M [William] Shaw went to Lund Washingtons to Dinner & returned in the afternoon. Col [Robert Hanson] Harrison (Judge) came here to Dinner — and Doct [James] Craik (who went away early this Morning) at night.

    My Nephew Law Washington came here with a letter to day from M Bailey respecting their Board, &c149

    Monday, 21st.

    Thermometer at 48 in the Morning. at noon — and — at N. Lowering Morning, with the wind at N E — about half after ten A. M. it began to snow & continued to do so (of a wet kind) until night, when it ceased tho’ the ground was not covered more than an Inch thick.

    Col [Robert Hanson] Harrison & Doct [James] Craik left this after Breakfast, and I went up to Alexandria with G. [Augustine] Washington to meet the Directors of the Potomack Com and to a Turtle feast (the Turtle given by myself to the Gentlemen of Alex)

    Returned in the evening and found the Count Doradour recommended by, & related to the Marqs de la Fayette here as also the Rev Mr. [Walter] Magowan.

    Tuesday, 22d.

    Thermometer at 40 in the Morning 46 at noon — and 52 at night. Clear and cold Wind at No West all day — the snow except on the N side of Hills & Houses had dissolved.

    The Count Doradour and M [Walter] Magowan went away after Breakfast. The Re M Keith of Alexandria and a M Bowie of Philadelphia came to Dinner and returned to Alexandria in the evening.

    Gave my people their cloathing p list taken.

    Removing earth today as Yesterday, to cover my Ice H

    Wednesday, 23d.

    Thermometer at 48 in the Morn’g. 54 at noon — and — at night. Clear, warm, and pleasant, with the wind at South.

    Finished all the Brick work of My Ice House today.

    Miss Kitty Washington, Gen [Benjamin] Lincoln, Colonels Hooe & Lyles M Porter, Capt Goodwin, Doct Swift, M Potts, M Dalby, M Morshur, M Williams, M Philips & a M Cramer or Cranmur, came here to Dinner, and all of them returned in the evening except Kitty Washington.

    Sent Mr. [William] Shaw through Alexandria to agree for the schooling & Board of my nephews George and Lawrence Washington now at the Acadamy at George Town — & thence to the latter place to conduct them to the former for the purpose of going to School at the Alexandria Academy.

    Thursday, 24th.

    Thermometer at 48, in the Morn’g. 56 at noon — and 55 at night Clear, warm & pleasant, wind being still Southerly.

    Immediately after Breakfast rid to my Plantation at the Ferry & took the following acct. of my Stock. Viz.

    Horses.

      hand age

    W. H.

     

    Price a black Horse.

    14

    20

    Ditto — a Sorrel Do.

    14¼

    old

    2

    Jenny, bla. Mare

    14¼

    old

    Working Mares

     

    Peggy — White Do.

    14

    10

    Fly — Dark grey Do.

    13½

    8

    Kitty, Small bay Do.

    13

    15

    Bonny — Sorrel Do.

    14

    10

    Nancy — black Do.

    sm

    12

    6

    A Black Mare. Steady

    13½

    4

    unb. M.

    A Sorrel Ditto Leonidas Do.

     

    1

    A bay — D. very small

     

    Spring

    A bla. Horse unlikely

     

    4

     

    A Small bay — Leonedas — likely

     

    1

    Un. H.

     

    A black — bald face

     

    Spi

       

    3

    Total

     

    14

    Cattle.

      age  

    Darling — a red & W. Ox

    6

     

    Bembo, white & red ox

    9

     

    Mark black & White Do.

    11

     

    Duke red brindle — very old

     

    4

    Cows

    14

    Heifers

    4 years old

    1

     
     

    3 yrs.

    2

     
     

    2 yrs.

    2

     
     

    calves this sp

    5

    10

    Steers — full grown

     

    2

     

    4 years old

    2

     

    3 years old

    5

     

    2 years old

    3

     

    1 years old

    1

     

    Spring calves

    7

    20

    Bulls — 2 years old

    1

    Beeves in Corn field

    2

    Total

    51

    Sheep.

    Rams

    1

    Ewes

    9

    Weathers

    5

    Total

    15

    Tools & implements.

    A good Cart —

       

    2 Yokes with Rings.

       

    A Cain

       

    Wheat Fans

     

    1

    Wire Riddles — coarse

    4

     

    Sand Sieves

    1

     

    Coarser size

    1

    6

    Plows Bar Shears

     

    4

    Iron Traces

    pairs

     

    8

    Haims, C’lars, Bridle &c. Compleat for them

    Weeding Hoes

    1

    Hilling — Ditto

    13

    Grubbing — Ditto

    1

    Mattock,

    4

    Axes

    5

    Iron Wedge

    1½ pairs

       

    From the Ferry I went to the Plantation at Dogue run and took the following account of the Tools there — being omitted when I was there last: Viz: —

    Oxe Carts

    1

     

    At the H for repairs

    1

    2

    Oxe Yokes with rings

    4

     

    Oxe Chains

    2

    Wheat Fans

    1

    Riddles — viz

     

    1 open & tolerable good

     

    1 Sand sieve & much worn

     

    Axes

    9

    Mattocks

    6

    Grubbing Hoes

    6

    Hilling, Ditto

    16

    Iron Wedges — pairs

    4

    Spades — good

    1

    Bar Shear Plows

    4

    Iron Traces

    8

    Haims, C’lars, Bridles &cc Complete

    Spare Colters

    3

     

    Adze,

    1

     

    Drawing knife

    1

    Hand Saws

    1

    Froes —

    1

    Broad Chissels

    1

    Narrow D

    1

    Guage

    1

    Auger — ¾ Inch

    1

    Recapitulation of all my Stocks of Horses, Cattle & Sheep.

    Horses.

    Stud Horse — Magnolia

    1

     

    Ditto

    Dray

    1

    2

    Riding Horses

    2

    Chariot Horses

    8

    Hack Horses

    4

    Waggon Horses

    Home H

    4

     

    Cart

    Ditto

    Do Do

    1

    5

    Plow

    Ditto

    Plantns

     

    18

    Cart

    Mare

    Home H

    1

       

    Plow

    Ditto

    Plantọ

    28

    29

     
     

    11

     

    Broke Ditto not worked

    5

     

    Unbroke D ove. 4 yrṣ old

    13

     

    Ditto

    3 yrs

    5

     

    Ditto

    2 yrs

    3

     

    Ditto

    1

    8

     

    Ditto.

    Colts

    3

    — 68.

    Unbroke Horses 4 & upwds

    3

     

    Ditto

    Ditto

    3 yrs.

    6

     

    Ditto

    Do

    2 Ditto

    4

     

    Ditto

    Do

    1 Ditto

    4

     

    Ditto

    D

    Spring Colt

    6

    23

    In all

    130

    Note. In the above acct; are included 2 English mares and their colts, the one a Horse and the other a mare which by being at a meadow had not been included in any of the foregoing lists. Of the above mares 16 may go to Magnolia, and 33 to the Jack-Ass if he should arrive safe, and both of them be in order at the proper Season for covering.

    Cattle.

    Bulls

    aged

    2

     
     

    2 yrs. old

    2

     
     

    1 yr. old

    2

    6

    Drought oxen

    26

    Steers — full grown

     

    35

     
     

    4 yrṣ old

    4

     
     

    3 yrs old

    10

     
     

    2 yrs. Old

    14

     
     

    1 y old

    12

     
     

    Calves

    27

    102

    Cows

    101

    Heifers

    6 yrs. old

    6

     
     

    4 yrs. old

    6

     
     

    3 yrs. D

    20

     
     

    2 yrs Do

    19

     
     

    1 yr. Do.

    10

     

    Calves

    31

    92

     

    327

    Beeves fatting

    9

    In all

    336

    Sheep.

    Rams

     

    19

    Ewes

     

    167

    Lambs

     

    15

    Weathers

    59

     

    Ditto — fatting

    23

    82

    In all

     

    283.

    Friday, 25th.

    Thermometer at 50 in the Morn’g. — at noon — and — at night. Wind Westerly & Cooler than it had been the two days proceeding about noon a black cloud arose to the Westward out of which came a mixture of Snow and Rain — this disappearing the sun shone but the day upon the whole was variable & unpleasant.

    Set out after breakfast, accompanied by Mr. G. [Augustine] Washington, to make M Masan at Colchester a visit, but hearing on the road that he had removed from thence I turned into Gunston Hall150 where we dined and returned in the evening & found Col Henry Lee his & lady here.

    M [William] Shaw returned having removed George & Law Washington to the Alexandria Academy & fixed them at the Widow Dade.151

    Saturday, 26th.

    Thermometer at 44 in the Morning — 57 at noon — and 50 at night. Wind Westerly and rather Cool in the Morning but less of it & warmer afterwards — day variable — Clouds & sunshine.

    Col Lee & his Lady went away after breakfast — crossing to Maryland on their way home.

    Sunday, 27th.

    Thermometer at 46 in the Morn’g̣ — 52 at noon — and 50 at night. Very little wind all day but smoaky with some clouds and rather chilly.

    General [Benjamin] Lincoln and Col [David] Henley Dined here & returned in the afternoon.

    Monday, 28th.

    Thermometer at 46 in the Morning 50 at noon — and — at Night. Thick Smoak and clouds in the Morning & great appearances of snow until one O clock, when the Sun came out and was more pleasant but cold notwithstanding.

    Went with G. [Augustine] Washington to dine with Col Lyles in Alexandria returned in the evening.

    Tuesday, 29th.

    Thermometer at 44 in the Morning — 54 at noon — and 54 at night. A large hoar from frost followed by southerly wind and some clouds — but upon the whole tolerably clear & pleasant.

    Sent my Boat to Alexandria for a Hhd. of Common Rum and some articles brought from Boston for me by General Lincoln — Maj G. [Augustine] Washington were [? went] up to receive them.

    Went out after Breakfast with my hounds from France, & two which were lent me, yesterday by young M Mason, found a Fox which was run tolerably well by two of the Fr Bitches & one of Mason’s dogs. the other French Dogs showed but little disposition to follow, and with the second dog of Mason’s got upon another Fox which was followed slow and indifferently by some & not at all by the rest until the eve: became so cold that it c not be followed at all.

    Wednesday, 30th.

    Thermometer at 45 in the Morning — 52 at noon — and 55 at night. Morning very thick with clouds & smoak — about 9 O’clock it began to snow very moderately which neither continued long, nor lay on the ground — at one the sun came out, and the afternoon became clear and pleasant, the wind though not much of it, being Southerly all day.

    On the Wheat which was given to me by Col Spaight from the Cape of Good hope and which having been sowed forward had become very forward — full half leg high and jointed I determined to try an experiment and accordingly on three Rows next the fencing on the East side the Inclosure I cut it within four Inches of the ground just above the crown of the plant from whence the shutes had issued, the remainder I suffered to remain in its exuberant state to try the difference.152

    DECEMBER.

    Thursday, 1st.

    Thermometer at — in the Morning — at noon — and 52 at night. White frost and clear Morning — very little wind all day and that Southerly.

    Took the hounds out before sunrise — and about 8 O clock after being upon several drags, or the same drag several times put up a Fox which the dogs run very indifferently — being very much dispersed, and often at cold Hunting until about 12 or between that and one when the Scent had got so cold that they could follow it no longer 3 or 4 of the French Hdṣ discovered no greater disposition for Hunting to day than they did on Tuesday last.

    Miss Kitty Washington went from this after Breakfast, to Alexandria — and M [William] Shaw who with G. [Augustine] Washington went out a Hunting with me meeting her in the Road accompanied her to that place.

    In order to try the difference between burning Spermacite and Tallow Candies — I took one of each.

    The 1st weighing

     

    3 oz:

    10 pwt:

    6g:

    2

    Ditto

    5.

    2

     

    and lighted them at the same instant — the first burnt 8 hours and 21 minutes; when of the latter their remained 14 penny weight, which continued to burn one hour and a quarter longer, making in all 9 hours and 36 minutes. By which it appears (as both burnt with out flairing) that, estimating Spirmeciti candies at 3/ p ℔. & Tallow candies at 1/. p ℔. the former is dearer than the latter as 30 is to nearly 13. In other words more than 2¼ dearer.153

    Friday, 2d.

    Thermometer at — in the Morning 56 at noon — and 56 at night.

    Col & Mrṣ Mccarty came here to Dinner — as did Colonels [John] Fitzgerald and [George] Gilpin — and M Chas Lee & Doct Baker.

    Wind Southerly all day — clear & pleasant.

    Saturday, 3d.

    Thermometer at 50 in the Morning 56 at noon — and 61 at night. The day very pleasant until the afternoon when it began to lower — the Wind in the Morning was Westerly, & in the Evening Easterly but not much of it.

    Employed all day at my writing Table on business of the Potomack company — bro 2 Hounds frm Col McCarty.

    George Washington & wife went up to Abingdon after Breakfast Doct Brown dined here and went away afterwards.

    Finished covering My Ice House with dirt & sodding of it.

    Sunday, 4th.

    Thermometer at 53 in the Morn’g. 56 at noon — and 59 at night. A thick fog, or rather mist in the Morning, with out any wind until about 10 O’clock, when it turned to a slow rain, which ceased about noon and assumed the appearance of fair weather, but about 4 O’clock it began to drip again.

    Last night Jn Alton, an Overseer of mine in the neck an old and faithful servant who had lived with me 30 odd years died of an imposthumus in his thigh after lingering for more than four months with it, and being reduced to a mere skeleton and this evening the wife of Tho Bishop, another old servant who had lived with me an equal number of years also died.

    Monday, 5th.

    Thermometer at — in the Morning — 58 at noon & 58 at night. Lowering all day — with very little wind and that Northerly.

    It being a good scenting morning I went out with the Hounds (carrying the two had from Col McCarty, run at different two foxes but caught neither — my French Rounds performed better to day, and have afforded hopes of their performing well, when they come to be a little more used to Hunting, and understand more fully the kind of game they are intended to run.

    When I returned home wcḥ was not until past three O’clock found a Doctr Baynham here recommended to me by Colo [George William] Fairfax of England.

    George [Augustine] Washington and his wife returned in the Evening from Abingdon.

    My Overseer [John] Fairfax also returned this Evening with Jack Ass, and his Keeper a Spaniard from Boston.

    Tuesday, 6th.

    Thermometer at 52 in the Morn’g. 57 at noon — and 59 at night. Morning clear and very pleasant with but little wind — before noon it sprang up from the West ward, and afterwards became cloudy but the sun set clear.

    Finished getting in the Wood the Posts & railing for the fencing of my paddock.

    Made another experiment of the difference in expense between burning Spirmaciti & Tallow candles which showed that a Tallow candle weighing 3oz 11p Wt burned 5 H 48 M. A Spirmaciti D weighing 3 oz.9 P. W. 18 grnṣ burned 7 Hrṣ & 28 M. which is an hour and forty mints longer than the Tallow candle & of which when the latter was burned out there remained 14 penny Wt 6 grnṣ Hence, reckoning as in the former instance, Tallow at 1/ p ℔, & Spurmaciti at 3/. p ℔. the latter is dearer than the former as 31 is to ten & an half or154

    Wednesday, 7th.

    Thermometer at 52 in the Morning & 59 at noon — but removing it afterwards out of the room where the fire was, into the East Entry leading into my study, this circumstance with the encrease of the cold fell the Mercury to 42. Morning clear calm & pleas but the wind coming out violently from the N West about half after eight O’clock, it turned cold & uncomfortable.

    Doc Baynham went away after Breakfast.

    Sent M [William] Shaw to Alexandria to discharge Lieu Governor [Thomas] Cushings draft on me for 300 silver Dollars in favor of M      ! the order being in the hands of M Taylor and to do other business.

    Took away the supports to the Arch over my Ice house.

    Thursday, 8th.

    Thermometer at 30 in the Morning 38 at noon — and — at night. Wind to the eastward of North in the Morning, and cold — ground hard frozen — afterwards it died away in a great measure and shifted more to the Westward backing.

    Finished removing the earth for covering of, and the way in to My Ice House. and again set the people to taking up and planting small Pines in the Wilderness on the Right of the lawn.

    Also sent to Col Mason’s Quarter and got young Crab trees for the shrubberies — but not getting them home in time to plant, the Roots were buried until they could be planted in the places designed for them tomorrow or &c

    Capt Sullivan, of a ship at Alexandria, agreeably to my request came here to dinner, to interpret between me & the Spaniard who had the care of the Jackass sent me — My questions, and his answers respecting the Jack are committed to writing — Capt Sullivan returned after dinner & Captn Fairley155 of New York came here in the Afternoon.

    Friday, 9th.

    Thermometer at 36 in the Morning 39 at noon — and — at night. Not much wind — thick and misting all day — toward night it began to rain & continued to do so until day.

    Planted the Crab trees which were brought here yesterday and more young pines.

    Saturday, 10th.

    Thermometer at 36 in the Morning 38 at Noon — and 40 at night. Little or no wind all day but thick and Mizling as yesterday till night when it began to rain fast again.

    Opened a drain into the that goes from the cellars to receive the water from the gutters and spout from the House top that it may be carried of under ground.

    Flooring the Ice House. Preparing with the Negros for Killing Hogs on Monday.

    Sunday, 11th.

    Thermometer at 38 in the Morn’g. 50 at noon — and 58 at night. A heavy mist all day with little or no wind — at or before dusk it began to rain fast, and about 9 at night it cleared with a puff of wind from the South ward and the moon & stars appeared.

    M Wilson, M Sanderson and a M Hugh Mitchel dined here and went away in the afternoon.156

    Monday, 12th.

    Thermometer at — in the morning — at noon — and 58 at night. Morning cloudy and soft with out any wind. In the evening it began to mizzle and after dark to rain fast and continued to do so until I went to bed and how much longer I know not.

    Maj [James] Farlie went away before breakfast, with 251 Diplomas which I had signed for the Members of the Cincinnati of the State of New York, at the request of General [Alexander] M Dougall, President of that Society.

    After an early breakfast George [Augustine] Washington M [William] Shaw & Myself went in to the woods back of muddy hole Plantation a hunting and were joined by Mr. Lund Washington and Mr. William Peake. About half after ten Oclock (being first plagued with the dogs running Hogs) we found a fox near Col Masons Plantation on little Hunting Creek (west fork) having followed on his Drag more than half a mile, and run him with eight Dogs (the other 4 getting, as was supposed after a second Fox) close and well for an hour — when the Dogs came to a fence and to cold Hunting until 20 minutes after 12 when being joined by the missing Dogs they put him up a fresh and in about 50 minutes killed up in an open field of Col Mason’s. every rider and every Dog being present at the Death. Two Rounds which were lent, and sent to me yesterday by M Chichester — viz — a Dog named Rattler, & a Bitch named June, behaved very well. My French Dogs also came on — all except the Bitch which raized Puppies running constantly whilst the Scent was hot —

    Mr. [William] Peak & Lund Washington came home to dinner as with us.

    Tuesday, 13th.

    Thermometer at — in the Morn’g. 47 at noon — and — at night. Wind Westerly — fresh, & air turning cold. flying clouds all day, but clear at night and still.

    Finished killing My Hogs — the number & weight of which are as follow.

        No. W

    River Plant

     

    44

    6814

    Dogue run.

    D

    28

    4003

    Muddy Hole

    Do.

    30

    3638

    Ferry

    “ Do.

    26

    2930

    Total

    128

    17385

    out of the above Tho Bishop & Tho Green are each to have 500 Hesikiah Fairfax has had 480 & Morris 416 — and Davy 414. leaving for family use 15075℔ which with 4 Hogs killed for early Bacon (in October) weighing 810℔ make in all 15,885℔ laid up for the consumption of my table — use of my people and the poor who are distressed for it.

    M [Abraham] Baldwin formerly a Chaplain in the Army from Connecticut — now a Lawyer in the State of Georgia called here on his way to the last but would not stay dinner.

    A M Douglas came here to rent my Laud on Difficult run for which I asked him £58 p ann. and to which he is to give an answer after consulting his Brother in Alexandria.

    Wednesday, 14th.

    Thermometer at 36 in the Morn’g. at noon — and 42 at night. Morning and day clear & pleasant — Wind at S East Ground a little froze in the Morning.

    M George [Augustine] Washington and his wife set off to visit her friend in New Kent &c M Bassett’s carriage & Horses having come up for them on Sunday night last.

    Rid to the Ferry Planta the Mill, and Dogue run Plantation and went & came by the place (in front of the Ho) where Muddy hole were at work.

    Thursday, 15th.

    Thermometer at 40 in the Morn’g. 45 at noon — and — at night. Moderate & clear all the forepart of the day with the wind at S East, but not fresh — In the Afternoon it began to lower at Dusk turned very cloudy — and in the night set in to a constant rain.

    M [William] Shaw went up to Alexandria after dinner, to a Ball I presume, and in the evening Joseph Winzor & Will Kirchewall 2 of my tenants from Frederick came in & stayed all night.

    Friday, 16th.

    Thermometer at 50 in the Morn’g 56 at noon — and 56 at night Rainy Morning and an Easterly wind but not much of it Drizzling all day — and towards night it began to rain again and threatened a wet night. very light wind all day.

    Before dinner Joseph Hickman, another of my Tenants from Frederick came in to whom and those that came yesterday and — Williams, I passed Leases for the Land on which they live. all went away after it. M [William] Shaw returned before dinner from Alexandria.

    Saturday, 17th.

    Thermometer at 56 in the Morn’g. at noon — and — at night. Rainy Morning, wind though not fresh at No West which afterwards more to the N & East & continued raining off & on all day.

    Went to Alexandria to meet the Trustees of the Academy in that place, and offered to vest in the hands of the said Trustees, when they are permanently established by Charter, the sum of one thousand pounds, the interest of which only, to be applied towards the establishment of a charity school for the education of Orphan and other poor children. which offer was accepted, returned again in the evening157 — Roads remarkably wet and bad.

    Sunday, 18th.

    Thermometer at 44 in the Morning — 54 at noon — and 52 at night. Morning perfectly clear & pleasant, with but little wind and continued so through the day, severe, moderate and pleasant.

    Monday, 19th.

    Thermometer at 42 in the Morn’g, 56 at noon — and 52 at night. Calm and pleasant all day especially in the morning, towards evening the wind, though very little of it, came from the Eastward & the weather lowered.

    Rid to the Mill, and to Dogue Run Plantation — took the Hounds with me, and in the Pincushion found a fox which the Dogs runs very well for all hour — after which coming to a fault — they took (as I presume) the heel & in Muddy hole found a fresh Fox which was only run by part of the Dogs — the others did not seem inclined to hunt.

    Davy a Mulatto man who has for many years looked after my Muddy hole Plantation, went into the neck to take charge of the River Plantation in the room of Jn Alton deceased, and Will (Son of Doll) was sent to Muddy hole as an overseer in his place.

    Both My Mills stopped — & repairing.

    Tuesday, 20th.

    Thermometer at 42 in the Morn’g. 47 at night — and 45 at noon. Morning tolerably clear, but a red sky at the place of the suns rising (which is an indication of dirty weather) and the wind (tho’ not fresh) at No East The day continued tolerably clear and pleasant until the evening when it began to lower.158

    Dispatched at his own req the Spaniard who had the cha’e of my Jack from Spain, sent him with M [William] Shaw to Alexandria to go in the Stage to New York.

    Brought some Carts and Cutters from My Plantations to assist in laying in a Stock of Firewood for Christmas.

    Mr. [William] Shaw returned in the evening accompanied by my Nephew Ferdinando Washington.159

    Wednesday, 21’st.

    Thermometer at 44 in the Morning — 44 at noon — and 46 at night. Lowering all day with but little Wind and that easterly.

    M Dan Dulany (son of Dan) M Benj Dulany Mess. Sam & Tho Hanson, M Phil Alexander, and a M Moursher came here to Dinner and stayed all Night.

    Finished measuring my corn at the several Plantations, which stand thus.

    River — Plantation. viz.

    Barrels

     

    Large end of Corn &c

    203

     

    Small end of Ditto

    135

     

    Fatting Hogs have eat

    44

     

    For Mr. Alton

    6

    388

    Muddy hole Plant viz.

       

    In the Corn House

    112

     

    Given to y fatt’ Hogs.

    28

    140

         

    Dogue Run Plant viz.

       

    In corn House

    45

     

    Given to the Hogs

    30

    75

    Ferry Plantation — viz.

       

    In the Corn House

    85

     

    Fatting Hogs

    28

     

    Overseers share

    14

    127

    Total

     

    730

    Deduct.

       

    Corn already exp on Hogs,

    130

     

    Overseers shares

    20

    150

    Remaining for all my purps, only

     

    580.

    Went a Fox hunting with the Gentlemen who came here yesterday together with Ferdinando Washington and Mr. [William] Shaw, after a very early breakfast. found a Fox just back of Muddy hole Plantation and after a chase of an hour and a quarter with my Dogs, & eight couple of Doctor Smiths (brought by M Phil-Alexander) we put him into a hollow tree, in which we fastened him, and in the Pincushion put up another Fox which in an hour and 13 minutes was killed — we then after allowing the Fox in the hole half an hour put the Dogs upon his Track & in half a mile he took to another hollow tree and was again put out of it but he did not go 600 yards before he had recourse to the same shift-finding therefore that he was a conquered Fox we took the Dogs off and all came home to Dinner except M Dan Dulany who left us in the Field after the first Fox was treed — Lund Washington came home with us to dinner. Doct Brown who had been sent for to Philip Bateman — came to Dinner and returned afterwards as did all the Gentlemen except the two M Hansons & M Alexander.

    The Morning of this day indeed all the forenoon was very lowering but the evening was clear & very pleasant.

    Friday, 23d.

    Thermometer at in the Morn’g. 44 at noon — and 42 at night. Morning cloudy, with the wind at West, which shifting to the No. E produced strong and encreasing appearances of falling weather before the evening.

    Went out with the two M Hansons & M Alexander when they set out on their return after breakfast, with the Dogs; just to try if we could touch on a Fox as we went along the Road — they homeward and I to My Plantation in the neck, this we did, but the scent being Cold, and seeing no great prospect of making it out the Dogs were taking off and the Gentlemen went home — and I to Muddy hole Plantation instead of the neck — it being too late to go to, and return from the former before Dinner.

    Saturday, 24th.

    Thermometer at 38 in the Morn’g. 34 at night — and 36 at noon. Wind at N East with rain in the Morning (a good deal of wcḥ appeared to have fallen in the night.) About 10 O’clock it began to snow & continued to do so untill about 2 Oclock when it ceased just covering the Ground the snow being wet.

    Sunday, 25th.

    Thermometer at 34 in the Morn’g — 42 at noon — and 42 at night. Morning perfectly clear and fine without wind — about 9 O’clock it sprang up from the Southward and blew fresh with various appearances of weather sometimes much like rain & then clearing at night the wind shifted to the Westward and before Morning got to N West blowing hard all the while.

    Count Castiglioni, Col Ball and Mr. Will Hunter came here to dinner — the last of whom returned to Alexandria afterwards.

    Monday, 26th.

    Thermometer at 32 in the Morning — 40 at Noon — and 38 at Night. Clear and cold in the Morning with the wind high at N West which moderated a little towards Night.

    Tuesday, 27th.

    Thermometer at 38 in the morning 44 at noon — and — at night Clear with the wind very high from the Southward until the evening when it shifted to the Westward & blew equally hard but did not get to be very cold.

    Wednesday, 28th.

    Thermometer at 36 in the Morning 38 at noon — and — at night.

    Col Ball went away yesterday, after breakfast, tho’ it was unnoticed in the occurrences of the day.

    Wind exceedingly high from the N West & clear.

    A Mr. Israel Jenny of Loudon County came here in the afternoon, respecting some land which he has been endeavouring to obtain under an idea of its being waste, but which he finds to be within the lines of my Chattin run tract in Fauquier County, though claimed by M Robert Scott, who has put a tenant upon it of the name of Jesse Rite, who has now been upon it three years and thereafter to pay Rent. M [Battaile] Muse my Collector to be written to on this subject as also concerning My land in Ashbys Bend part of wcḥ is claimed by M Landon Carter.

    Thursday, 29th.

    Thermometer at 29 in the Morning — at Noon — and 40 at night. Morning clear with very little wind and that from the South — pleasant all day until the evening when it began to lower and about 8 at night set in to raining with a strong Southerly Wind wh continued through the night.

    Count Castiglioni went away after breakfast, on his tour to the Southward. M [Israel] Jenny also left this at the same time.

    After which I went to My Dogue run Plantation to measure, with a view to new model, the Fields at that place — did not return until dark nor finish my survey.

    M [William] Shaw went to Alexandria to the Assembly.

    Friday, 30th.

    Thermometer at 46 in the — at Noon — and — at night. A good deal of rain fell in the night which ceased about day break but the wind from the Southward continued to blow very hard all day with flying clouds.

    Went to Dogue run again to compleat my surveys of the Fields which I did about 2 O’clock, and upon my return Found Miss Sally Ramsay, Miss Kitty Washington — M Porter and Doct Craik Jun here. M [William] Shaw also returned from Alexandria before Dinner.

    Saturday, 31st.

    Thermometer at — in the Morning — at noon — and 37 at night. A Raw Wind from the Eastw blew in the forenoon — afternoon calm, but chilly. with appearances now & then of a Change in the weather.

    Rid to my Plantations in the neck Muddy hole, and Ferry. George Steptoe Washington came here to Dinner — and after it went away the Company that came yesterday.

    Landed 230 Bushels of oats today from an Eastern shore vessel — and by her had brought from Alexandria the Picture drawn by Mr. [Robert Edge] Pine of Fanny Bassett now Washington and the young [George Washington Parke] Custis.

    NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS.160

    1785.

    • Jan. 10tḥ The white thorn full in berry.
    • 20. Began to clear the undergrowth in the Pine grove.
    • Feb. 12. Renewed the Work in the Pine grove, it having been long interrupted by snow on the ground.
    • 16. Transplanted Ivy under the wall of the N Gard. with as much dirt to the root as could be taken up.
    • 18. Transplanted d [Ivy] under the wall of the S Garden, north side.
    • Mar. 2. Began to cart dung upon the ground adjoining the Pine graves intended for clover and orchard grass seeds.
    • 7. Finished plowing the ground, adjoining the Pine graves, for claver and orchard grass seeds, which was begun in december last.
    • 11. Planted Hemlock Pine from occoquan.
    • 12. A Bushel of the Plaister of Paris pounded and sifted weighs 82 lbs.
    • April 6. Sowed holly berries back of and immediately adjoining to, the green brier hedge on the N side the gate in front of the house in 3 drills.
    • 6. Sent the shad sein to the Ferry to commence fishing for shad.
    • 7. Sowed half the lower semicircle with holly berries in drills as above.
    • 7. Assembled a number of Plows to prepare for sowing the clover & orchard grass seeds by the Pine graves, but rain soon stopped them.
    • 8. Hoed the ground back of the greenbrier hedges to prepare it for sowing grass seeds with diff quantities of the Plaister of Paris, to try the efficacy of it as a manure.
    • 8. Scattered 2½ Bushels of this plaister on ½ the circle in the C yard, N side.
    • 9. Laid off 4 acres of gr at Muddy hole, & sp Dung thick on it for clover from the farm yard and began to break it up and prepare it for sowing.
    • 11. The Plows (tho’ the gr was not in good order being too wet) were again set to work by the Pine grove, & the Hoes in the piece adjoining.
    • 12. Sowed Holly berries in drills (3 rows) from the Kitchen to the ha! ha! — and from the servants Hall to the Smith’s shop [words illegible.]
    • 12. Plowing, rolling, & harrowing the ground for grass seeds at home, by the Pine grove.
    • 14. Sowed the above 4 acres at Muddy hole with clover seed, 40 lbs. — the ground had been twice plowed — once harrowed & gone over with Hoes to break the clods, a bush harrow and [illegible] followed.
    • 14. Sowed 60 lbs. of clover seed in the ground by the Pine grove (upper side by ditch) —leaving a space of 6 feet — sowed half a Bushel of orchard grass seed and 5 pints of clover seed mixed together, in a breadth quite through the field — then leaving another interval of 6 feet, 4½ pecks of the orchard grass seed unmixed were sown and the whole harrowed in with a bush harrow. Note, the ground before it was sowed, had been 3 times plowed — twice harrowed, and twice rolled, upon the last of which the seed was sown — and considering the bad weather of the Winter & spring, was in tolerably good order.
    • 14. Sowed 3 bushels of orchard grass seed on 3 acres of wheat at Muddy hole, adjoining the clover: & six bushels of the Plaister of Paris in powder along with it — both rolled in; but it was observed that the gr had received very little benefit from the rolling; the seed not being buried at all, on acc of the hardness & dryness thereof!
    • 16. Sowed 1¾ Bushlṣ of the Albany Pease behind the stable.
    • 18. Sowed the point (after grubbing and taking the Tussocks and other trash off and burning it) below the clover & orchard grass from a dblẹ chestnut tree downwards, with Barley had from Col Henry Lee — The East side of this was sprinkled with 2 bushels of Plaister of Paris (Powdered) and harrowed in along with the Barley — After wcḥ orchard grass was sown thereon and harrowed in with a bush harrow. On the west side of this point, Barley was also sowed and barrowed in with the Iron harrow as on the east side, & the orchard grass seed harrowed with the bush — but the Plaister was sown last and not touched to try the difference betw burying & letting it lye on the surface — and to try also the virtues of the Plaister as a manure. The gr adjoining this point, along the fence of the hops, was also sowed with the same Barley & orchard grass seed this day, the gr being first manured with stable & farm yard dung.
    • 20. Again rolled the 3 acres of wheat at Muddy hole, on which the orchard grass seed were sown the 15tḥ — This rolling (tho after rain) was but of little service, as the hills of the last year’s corn prevented much, if any good effect.
    • 25. Having got the gr on the N side of the gate, between the brier hedge & ditch in a good state of preparation for the grass seeds intended to be sown in it, for making experiments with the Plaister of Paris, it was divided into equal sections from the outer ditch, pointing to the center of the old gate, the outer part of which, at the ditch was 18½ feet (the inner at the edge of the holly berries 16 feet) — each of these sections contained 655 sq feet — on the first of which, next the road, 5, on the next 4, on the next 3, on the next 2, & on the next 1 pint of the Plaister of Paris was sprinkled — the next section had none — Then 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 & nothing again — and so a third time, which made as it were 3 grand divisions — The first named of which the Plaister was harrowed in with a heavy harrow — The 2 with a bush. — and the 3 was only rolled without harrowing. This was done to try whether burying the Plaister deep, shallow, or not at all, was best, and to ascertain the qt proper to an acre; — the above being at the rate of 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 bushels to the acre. The whole, after the Plaister was treated in this manner, was sown with orchard grass seeds, about 8 quarts.
    • 26. The circle on the south side of the gate, was treated in every respect as the other, beginning with the greatest quantity of the plaister next the road.
    • 26. The Barley and Pease were perceived to be coming up. — the first very generally — the latter first making their appearance.
    • May 7. The Barley & Pease seem to have come on well. The clover had advanced but little — The first sown orchard grass seeds were making their appearance; — but none of the second were to be seen.
    • 7. Discovered no benefit from the Plaister which was put on the circle in the C yard — nor from that which had been spread on the wheat at Muddy hole.
    • 10. Quitted fishing at the Ferry landing.
    • 18. Finished planting corn at Muddy hole. — only began to plant it at the Ferry on 12tḥ and at Dogue run the 18tḥ inst, owing to the constant wet & cold spring.
    • 25 Pease were brought to Table for the first time in the season today.
    • June 3. Opened my Ice House.
    • 17. Cut down (with scythes) the weeds which had shot up, very rank in the ground which had been sown with clover & orchard grass seeds at the Home House — as also those in the circles by the gate.
    • 20. Began to gather seed from the blew or English grass.
    • July 27. Cut my Pease which grew from the Albany seed.
    • 29. Again (for the 2 time) cut the weeds among the clover at the Home House & for the first time those in the clover field at Muddy hole.
    • Aug 15. Obliged to discontinue sowing wheat in corn ground — the drought being so great that the existence of the corn was endangered by stirring the earth.
    • 24 Measured round the ground intended for a deer paddock — find the fence will be about 1600 yards in length that incloses it.
    • 27. Planted about 1000 grains of the cape wheat below my stables in 2 feet rows and 5 inches distant in the rows.
    • 30. The latter rains had revived the corn and occasioned a number of fresh shoots — but it is apprehended that there was not of the farina suff in the Tassel to impregnate the grain.
    • 30. Remarked that corn and wheat grow as well under Persimon trees as in open exposures, which proves the value of them for shades, and for their fruit wcḥ may be distilled &c
    • 31. The Cape wheat was coming up today.
    • Sep. 1. Planted ab 1400 more grains of the Cape wheat along side of the former in rows similar thereto — the 2 quantities about ½ a gill.
    • 17. Transplanted turnips on a rod sq 1 foot apart cutting the tap root.
    • Oct. 7. Plowed a cowpen in front of the House, containing about a quarter of an acre for orchard grass.
    • 8. Sowed it with near half a bushel of seed, (which was neither clean, nor appeared to be good.)
    • 19. Planted, after making good the deficiencies of the former about a pint of the cape of good hope wheat (sent me by M Powell) in 14 rows along side of the other in the inclosure behind the stables.
    • 23. The orchard grass seeds sowed on the 8tḥ inst. was coming up thick and well.
    • 24. A small spot of orchard grass seed, sown on low land at Dogue run the was coming up very well.
    • 28. Put up Hogs to fatten.
    • Nov 2. The Cape wheat (of M Powell’s) was coming up very well.
    • 5. Put powdered Plaister of Paris, 2 quarts, viz. 1 burnt; the other unburnt, on two sections of the circle in the court yard, from the deal post to the center post of the street to the Quarter, which is at the rate of 8 bushlṣ to the acre, being the poorest part of the circle. The west section was spread with the unburnt.
    • 30. The first sowed cape wheat having become very rank at least half leg high and jointed, I cut 3 rows on the East side within 4 Inches of the gr just above the crown of the plant.
    • Dec. 1. Experiment on the difference between spirmaceti candies and Tallow related.
    • 6. Another experiment for the same purpose
    • 13. Killed my Hogs that had been put up to fatten.
    • 21. Finished measuring Corn at all the Plantations — see acc of it.

    LETTERS OF WASHINGTON, 1785.

    I.

    TO RICHARD HENRY LEE.

    Mount Vernon, August 22, 1785.

    Dear Sir — In my absence with the directors of the Potomac navigation, to examine the river, and fix a plan of operations, your favour begun on the 23d, and ended the 31st of July, came to this place. I am sorry to hear of your late indisposition, but congratulate you on your recovery; hoping that tile re-establishment of your health will be of long continuance. The packet which you were so obliging as to send me, came safely, and I thank you for your care of it; but for want of knowledge of the language, I can form no opinion of my own of the dramatic performance of Monsieur Serviteur le Barbier.

    The currency of my information from France is, that the dispute between the emperor and Holland, will be accommodated without bloodshed; but after the explicit declarations which have been made on both sides, I do not see how either (especially the first) can recede from his claims. To save appearances, and to let the contending parties down handsomely, say some of my letters, is now the greatest difficulty; but all agree, that a spark may set the whole in flames; indeed Bavaria, it is expected, will yet do this.

    It is to be hoped that our minister at the court of London, will bring that government to an explanation respecting the Western posts, which it still retains on the American side of the line, contrary to the spirit, if not to the letter, of the treaty. My opinion from the first, and so I declared it, was, that these posts would be detained from us, so long as they changed it, though I wish for cause to do so, as it may ultimately become a serious matter. However singular the opinion may be, I cannot divest myself of it, that the navigation of the Mississippi, at this time, ought to be no object with us; on the contrary, till we have a little time allowed to open and make easy the ways between the Atlantic States and the western territory, the obstructions had better remain. There is nothing which binds one country, or one state, to another, but interest; without this cement, the western inhabitants (which more than probably will be composed in a great degree of foreigners) can have no predilection for us; and a commercial connexion is the only tie we can have upon them.

    It is clear to me that the trade of the lakes and of the river Ohio, as low as the Great Kanhawa (if not to the falls) may be brought to the ports on the Atlantic, easier and cheaper, (taking the whole voyage together) than it can be carried to New Orleans; but once open the door to the latter, before the obstructions are removed from the former; let commercial connexions (which lead to others) be formed, and the habit of that trade be well established, and it will be found no easy matter to divert it; and vice versa.

    When the settlements are stronger and more extended to the westward, the navigation of the river Mississippi will be an object of importance; and we shall be able then (reserving our claim) to speak a more efficacious language than policy, I think, should dictate at present.

    I never have, and I hope never shall bear, any serious mention of a paper emission in this state, yet such a thing may be in agitation. Ignorance and design are productive of much mischief, (the first is the tool of the latter,) and are often set to work as suddenly as unexpectedly; those with whom I have conversed on this subject, in this part of the state, reprobate the idea. exceedingly.

    We have lately had the pleasure of Miss Lee’s and Miss Hannah’s company at this place; they were both well five days ago. Mrs. Washington prays you to accept her compliments; and with sentiments &c &c &c &c

    Geo. Washington.

    P. S.

    Your name, I well remember, stands amongst those of the subscribers for a share in the Potomac Company.

    G.W.

    II.

    TO JONATHAN TRUMBULL.

    Mount Vernon, 1 October, 1785.

    My D Sir — It has so happened, that your letter of the first of last month did not reach me until Saturday’s post.

    You know too well the sincere respect & regard I entertained for your venerable Father’s public & private character to require assurances of the concern I felt for his death; or of that sympathy in your feelings for the loss of him, which is prompted by friendship: — Under it however, great as your pangs may have been at the first shock, you have every thing to console you. A long & well spent life in the service of his Country, justly entitled him to the first place among patriots. In the social duties he yielded to none; & his lamp, from the common course of nature, being nearly extinguished — and worn down with age & cares; but retaining his mental faculties in full vigor; — are blessings which rarely attend advanced life: — all these combining have secured to him universal respect & Love here; & no doubt immeasurable happiness hereafter.

    I am sensible that none of these observations can have escaped you, & that I can offer nothing which your own reason has not already suggested on this occasion; & being moreover of Sternes opinion that — “Before an affliction is digested, consolation ever comes too soon; — and after it is digested it comes too late: — there is but a mark between these two, as fine almost as a hair, for a comforter to take aim at.” I rarely attempt it — nor shall I add more on this subject to you; as it would only be a renewal of sorrow, by recalling afresh to your Remembrance things which had better be forgotten.

    My principal pursuits are of a rural Nature, in which I have great delight; especially as I am blessed with the enjoyment of good health. Mrṣ Washington on the contrary is scarcely ever well, but thankful for your Kind remembrance of her, & joins me in every good wish for you, Mrs. Trumbull & your family — Be assured that, with sentiments of the purest esteem & regard,

    I am &

    G: Washington.

    III.

    TO JOHN PAGE

    Mount Vernon, 3 October, 1785.

    Soon after 1 returned from Richmond in May last, I spoke to a Dutch merchant in Alexandria on the subject of importing Germans; but not receiving any satisfactory information from him, tho’ he was perfectly willing to oblige, I requested him, as he was on the eve of a journey thro’ Baltimore to Boston, at both which Dutch Houses are established, & in the last he is concerned; to make every enquiry be could respecting the mode — the terms, & practicability of obtaining the number we want:— but meeting with no precise information here neither — I wrote some little time ago to M. De Neufville, a Gentleman of very respectable character at Amsterdam, with whom I have long corresponded, for full information; & to know also, if £5000 could be borrowed for the use of the Company161 on such terms, & upon such securities as it purposed to give. Herein also I have been unlucky, for soon after I had written & had sent my Letter to New York to obtain a passage by the Packet, I received an account of this Gentlemans arrival at Boston. These delays following the enquiries which I only considered as auxiliary to those of the Managers, to whom I intended to communicate the result, will be unlucky if they have taken no steps in the mean while themselves — Would it not be advisable in case my good Sir, for you as one of them to go fully into the matter whilst you are at Philadelphia, where, it is to be presumed, the best information on this side the Atlantic is to be obtained; & the most likely place to enter into contracts — unless a person in behalf of the Company, should be sent to Holland expressly for this purpose; or a gentleman there, in whom confidence could be placed would undertake it.

    But unless M Anderson should succeed in negotiating the Joan be was requested to obtain — or the like sum could be borrowed in Holland, — we shall be without funds to carry the Plan into effect, & consequently cannot advance beyond the limits of enquiry — or preliminary agreement.

    Mrs Washington joins me in respectful compliments to Mrs. Page, who we hope will reap all the benefits which are expected from the change of climate.

    With very great esteem &

    G. Washington.

    IV.

    TO THE REV. MR. BALCH.

    Mount Vernon, 22 November, 1785.

    Rev Sir, — The expence attending the residence of my Nephews at Georgetown so far exceeds the idea I was led to entertain when they went there, that, in behalf of their Guardian, I am compelled to remove them.

    When they were sent to the Academy under your management, I was informed by Colo Fitzhugh, that the charge for schooling & Board (if I am not mistaken) was £31 — each — Cloathing if judiciously applied & properly attended to, I knew could not be a very great expence, for boys of their standing.

    But to my surprize, I have already paid M Stoddert £67 — 18 . 6 — Mr. Bayle £55 . 5 . 2 . — & yesterday in a letter from the latter, I am informed that there is half a years board due to him for each — & an acco of cloathing besides, yet to be exhibited.

    The leading motive Sir, which influenced me to send them to Georgetown — was, their boarding with yon, & I expected from what had passed between us, — after the intervention which had occasioned the suspension of it, they would have returned to you: — but now M Bayle writes me that be also declines boarding them after the 24tḥ inst. & points out a third Person.

    These several circumstances combining, added to a conviction founded in experience, that I can not restrain the profuse & improper advances of Goods for them at a distance, have induced me to bring them to Alexandria, where I shall be a witness to their wants, and can supply their necessities upon more advantageous terms, than they have been hitherto —

    I am revd Sir &c.

    G. Washington.

    V.

    TO SIR EDWARD NEWENHAM.

    Mount Vernon, 25 November, 1785.

    Dear Sir, Since I had the honor of writing to you on the 20tḥ of March, which was done in haste (having but little notice of Capt. Bayles intended departure, before the time appointed for his sailing — & then to send my dispatches to Richmond 125 miles) — I have been favored with your letters of the 3 of March, 25tḥ of May, & 23 of July. The first was forwarded to me by Capt Bibby, whom I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing; tho’ he gives me assurances of it, & to whom I shall have pleasure in rendering any services in my power consistently — if it should be found necessary.

    The opposition which the virtuous characters of Ireland have given to the attempts of a British Administration’s interfering with its manufactures, fettering its commerce, restraining the liberties of its subjects by their plan of reform & &, will hand their names to posterity with that reputation & respect to which their amor patriæ entitles them.

    Precedents, as you justly observe, are dangerous things — they form the arm which first arrests the liberties & happiness of a Country.

    In the first approaches they may indeed assume the garb of plausibility & Moderation, & are generally spoken of by the movers as a chip in porrage (to avoid giving alarm) — but soon are made to speak a language equally decisive and irresistible; which shews the necessity of opposition in the first attempts to establish them, let them appear under what guise or courtry form they may; — & proves too that vigilance & watchfulness can scarcely be carried to an excess in guarding against the insidious arts of a Government founded in corruption.

    I do not think there is as much wisdom & sound policy displayed in the different Legislatures of these States as might be; yet I hope everything will come right at last. In republican Governments it too often happens that the people (not always seeing) must feel he fore they Act: — this is productive of errors & temporary evils — but generally these evils are of a nature to work their own cure.

    The situation of affairs in Ireland, whilst the propositions were pending in the Parliament of it, would, I concluded, be a means of postponing your voyage to this country; — but as these seem to have met their quietus, I hope nothing else will intervene to prevent your fulfilling your expectation of coming in the Spring; — the season will then be favourable for crossing the Atlantic.

    Had I been present & apprized of your intention of making an aerial voyage with Mons Potain, I should have joined my entreaties to those of Lady Newenham to have prevented it. As yet, I see no object to warrant a gentleman of fortune (happy in himself — happy in a family wcḥ might be rendered miserable by a disaster, against which no human foresight can guard) running such a risk. It may do for young men of science & spirit to explore the upper regions: — the observations there made may serve to ascertain the utility of the first discovery, & how fat it may be applied to valuable purposes. To such alone I think these voyages ought at present to be consigned — & to them handsome public encouragements should be offer’d for the risk they run in ascertaining its usefulness, or the inutility of the pursuit.

    I have neither seen nor heard of Mr. Thorpe the s[t]ucco worker mentioned in your letter of the 23 of July. A good man acquainted with that business would have come very opportunely to me, as I had, & now have a large room which I am about to finish in this way. I have at length engaged a person to do it; — who from having no rival, imposes his own terms, which I think are exorbitant — good workmen of any profession would meet encouragement in these States. For the many marks of attention which you have been pleased to bestow upon me — I feel myself your Debtor: — could my picture which is placed in a groupe with Dr. Franklin, the Marqs. de la Fayette & others in your library, speak the sentiments of the original, it would salute you every morning with its acknowledgements, I have never seen more than one picture of Gen Green, & that a Mezzotinto print sent to me a few days ago only, by the publisher a Mr. Brown at N 10 George Yard, Lombard Street, London; taken it is said from a painting done at Philad

    The Magazines, Gazettes & which you had the goodness to forward to me, came safe; & I pray you to accept my thanks for them — My best respects, in which Mrs. Washington joins, me presented to Lady Newenham & yourself.

    With sentiments of great esteem & regard,

    I am &

    G: Washington.

    VI.

    TO JAMES MADISON.

    As printed by Mr. Sparks (ix. 146), Washington’s letter to Madison, dated Mt. Vernon, 30 Nov. 1785, omits after the paragraph ending with the word “desirable,” the following lines: —

    “It gives me great pleasure to bear that our Assembly were in a way of adopting a mode for establishing the cut between Elizabeth River & Pasquotanck which was likely to meet the approbation of the State of N. Carolina. It appears to me that no Country in the Universe is better calculated to derive a benefit from inland navigation than this is, and certain I am that the conveniences to the citizen individually, & the sources of wealth to the country generally which will be opened thereby will be found to exceed the most sanguine imagination. The mind can scarcely take in at one view all the benefits which will result therefrom. The saving in draught cattle, preservation of Roads, &c, &c, will be felt most interestingly. This business only wants a beginning. Rappahanock, Shannondoah, Roanoke and the branches of York River will soon perceive the advantages which water transportation (in ways hardly thought of at first) have over that of land and will extend navigation to almost every man’s door.”

    VII.

    TO DAVID STUART.

    Mount Vernon, 30 November, 1785

    D Sir, Your favor of the 16tḥ came duly to hand, & I thank you for its several communications. The resolutions which were published for consideration, vesting Congress with powers to regulate the commerce of the Union, have I hope been acceded to. If the States individually were to attempt this, an abortion, or a many headed Monster would be the issue. If we consider ourselves, or wish to be considered by others as a United people, why not adopt the measures which are characteristic of it, & support the honor & dignity of one? If we are afraid to trust one another under qualified Powers there is an end of the Union — why the need we be solicitous to keep up the farce of it?

    It gives me pleasure to hear that there is such an accordance of sentiments between the Eastern & Western parts of this State — My opinion of the separation has always been, to meet them half way, upon fair & just grounds; & part like friends disposed to acts of brotherly Kindness thereafter — I wish you had mentioned the territorial line between us.

    The port Bill; the Assize Law (or any substitute for the speedy administration of Justice) being established; — good faith with respect to treaties, preserved by public acts; taxation continued & regularly collected, that justice to one part of the community may keep pace with relief to the other, & our National character for Justice, thereby supported; — a due attention to the Militia, and encouragements to extend the inland navigation of this Commonwealth where it is useful & practicable, (which will not only be of amazing convenience & advantage to its citizens, but sources of immense wealth to the country through some of it Channels) — are among the great & important objects which will come before you, & a due attention to them will, I hope, mark the the present epocha for having produced able statesmen, sound patriots & liberal minded men.

    At a late Meeting of the Directors of the Potomac Navigation at the great Falls, & from a critical examination of the ground at that place; we unanimously determined to petition the Assemblies of the two States to be relieved from the expence, of sinking our canals four feet deep; as a considerable expence, & no advantage that we could discover, was likely to attend it. As the petition which is herewith sent under cover to you & Col Syme recites the reasons on which it is founded I shall not repeat them: — the public as well as the Company’s interest calls for an œconomical use of the find which is subscribed for this undertaking; — the enemies therefore (if there are any) to the navigation, are equally bound with its friends, to give it support.

    I should be much obliged to you for desiring the public printer to send me the Journals of the present Session from its commencement, — & to do it thro’ the session as fast as they are printed, by the Post. I pray you to pay him for them, & for My Gazette (if Hay is the public printer) & I will repay you with thanks when you return.

    I am very glad to hear you have got so well over your fever — Mrs. Stuart has had a bad cold but is getting better — All here join me in best wishes for you & I am &

    G: Washington.

    VIII.

    TO COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU.

    Mount Vernon, 1 December, 1785.

    My Dear Count, Your letter of the 2d of June, which you had the goodness to write me at the moment of your taking leave of the venerable Dr. Franklin, now lies before me; and I read the renewed assurances of your friendship with sentiments of gratitude and pleasure, short of nothing but the satisfaction I should feel at seeing you, and the recollection of the hours in which, toiling together, we formed our friendship, a friendship which I hope will continue as long as we shall continue to be actors on the present theatre.

    A man in the vigor of life could not have borne the fatigues of a passage across the Atlantic with more fortitude, and greater ease, than the Doctor did; and since, instead of setting himself down in the lap of ease, which might have been expected from a person at his advanced age, he has again entered upon the bustling scenes of public life, and in the chair of state is endeavouring to reconcile the jarring interests of the citizens of Pennsylvania. If he should succeed, fresh laurels will crown his brow; but it is to be feared, that the task is too great for human wisdom. I have not yet seen the good old man, but have had intercourse with him by letters.

    Rumors of war still prevail, between the Dutch and the Emperor, and it seems, if newspaper accounts are to be credited, to be near at hand. If this event should take place, more powers must engage in it, and perhaps a general flame will be kindled ere the first is extinguished. America may think herself happy in having the Atlantic for a barrier; otherwise a spark might set her a blazing. At present we are peaceable, and our governments are acquiring a better tone. Congress, I am persuaded, will soon be vested with greater powers. The commercial interests throughout the Union are exerting themselves to obtain these, and I have no doubt will effect it. We shall be able then, if a commercial treaty is not entered into with Great Britain, to meet her on the restrictive and contracted ground she has taken, and interdict her shipping and trade in the same manner she has done those of these States. This, and this only, will convince her of the illiberality of her conduct towards us; or that her policy has been too refined and overstrained, even for the accomplishment of her own purposes.

    Mrs. Washington is thankful for your constant remembrance of her, and joins me in every good wish for you and Madame de Rochambeau.

    I have the honor to be, &c.

    IX.

    TO WILLIAM GORDON.

    Mount Vernon, 6 December, 1785.

    D Sir, Altho’ I am so great a delinquent in the epistolary way, I will not again tread over the usual ground for an excuse, but rather silently throw myself upon your philanthropy to obtain one.

    In reading the Memoir which passed thro’ my hands to you (for I have no copy of it) I do not recollect that I was struck with any exagerations or improprieties in it; — nor is it in my power to give you a precise detail of the facts about which you enquire, without unpacking my papers, & entering upon a voluminous research therefore; which might not after all elucidate the points.

    Whether Gen Howe commanded in person at the intended surprize & attack of the Marq de la Fayette at Baron Hill, I am unable positively to say: — I would suppose however that he did — first, because the narrative says so — 2dlỵ because he did not relinquish the command until within a few days of the evacuation of Philadel & 3dlỵ, because the British Army came out in full force. That the column on the right commanded by Gen Grant was strong, can admit of no doubt; (and report to the best of my recollection made the number 7000) because it was design’d to turn the Marquis’s left flank, get into his rear, & cut off his retreat by the nearest & most direct roads; whilst he was to have been attacked in front, & on his right (which was next the Schuylkill) by the Commander in Chief, & light infantry; — by the first in front, by the other on the flank.

    The French troops which were landed from on board the fleet, formed a junction with the American Troops before, & were all under the Command of the Marquis till my arrival. The position at Williamsburgh was taken I believe, with a view to form the junction, being favorable to it; — the defile between the College Creek which empties into James river, & Queen’s Creek which empties into York river, being very narrow, & behind the former of which the French landed in perfect security.

    My excursions up this river (for I have had several) have afforded me much satisfaction, as we find the undertaking to extend & improve the navigation of it, is not only practicable; but that the difficulties which were expected to be met with, rather decrease than Multiply upon us.

    I come now, my good Doctor, to acknowledge in a particular Manner the receipt of your obliging favor of the 7tḥ ult, & and to thank you for your kind & valuable present of Fish which is very fine & had a more successful passage than the last, no acco of which having ever yet been received.

    I have too Mrs. Washington’s particular thanks to offer you for the flower roots & seeds, which she will preserve in the manner directed. I have put into a box with earth, shrubs of the Redwood (or red-bud) & Fringe tree, which General Lincoln promised his vessel should heave to & take for you as she passed by. I was going to send other flowering shrubs, but upon mentioning the names of them, the Gen & Col Henley said your Country already abounded with them. I forgot however, to ask them if you have the Magnolio; — if you have not, I can send some by another opportunity.

    I hope this letter will find you quite relieved from the feverish complaint you had when you wrote last, & Mrs. Gordon in perfect health, to whom & yourself Mrs. Washington & the family (who are all well) join me in every good wish — Fanny Bassett & my nephew Geo: A. Washington have fullfiled an engagement of long standing & are now one bone, and one flesh.

    With great esteen, &

    G: Washington.

    X.

    TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

    Mount Vernon, 11 December, 1785.

    D Sir, I have been favor’d with your letter of the 25tḥ of Nov. by Maj Farlie. Sincerely do I wish that the several State Societies had, or would adopt the alterations which were made & recommended by the General Meeting in May 1784. I then thought & I have had no cause since to change my opinion, that if the Society of the Cincinnati mean to live in peace with the rest of their fellow citizens, they must subscribe to the Alterations which were at that time adopted. That the jealousies of, & prejudices against this Society were carried to an unwarrantable length, I will readily grant, & that less than was done ought to have removed the fears which had been imbibed, I am as clear in, as I am that it would not have done it. But it is a matter of little moment whether the alarm which seized the public mind was the result of foresight, envy, jealousy or a disordered imagination — the effect of perseverance would have been the same; & wherein would have been found an equivalent for the separation of interests which from my best information (not from one State only, but many) would have inevitably, taken place?

    The fears of the people are not yet removed — they only sleep, & a very little matter will set them afloat again.

    Had it not been for the predicament in which we stand, with respect to the foreign officers, & the charitable part of the institution, I should on that occasion, as far as my voice would have gone, have endeavoured to convince the narrow minded part of our countrymen that the Amor patriæ was much stronger in our breasts than in theirs; & that our conduct thro’ the whole of this business was actuated by nobler & more generous sentiments than was apprehended by abolishing the Society at once with a declaration of the causes & the purity of its intention: — but the latter may be interesting to many, & the former is an insuperable bar to such a step.

    I am sincerely sorry to find by your letter that the B — n,162 is again in straightened circumstance. I am much disinclined to ask favors of Congress, but if I knew what the objects of his wishes are, I should have much pleasure in rendering him any services in my power, with such Members of that Body as I now & then correspond with. I had flattered myself, from what was told me some time ago, that Congress had made a final settlement with the B — n much to his satisfaction.

    My compliments & best wishes, in which Mrs. Washington joins, are presented to Mrs. Hamilton.

    I am &

    G: Washington.

    P. S. When you see Gen Schuyler & family, I pray you to offer my best respects to them.

    XI.

    TO GENERAL KNOX.

    Mount Vernon 11tḥ Dec. 1785.

    My Dear Sir, Maj Farlie gave me the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 22 Ins & thereby knowing that you, Mrṣ Knox & the family are all well.

    It has always been my opinion you: know, that our Affairs with respect to the Indians would never be in a good train whilst the British Garrisons remained on the American side of the territorial line — & that these Posts would not be evacuated by them, as long as any pretext could be found to with-hold them. They know the importance of these Posts too well to give them up soon, or quietly. their trade with the Indians in a great measure depend upon the possession of them, knowing full well that all the assertions of our Commeẹ with respect to the Articles of Peace, & their obligations to surrender them, is no more than chaff before the wind when opposed by the scale of possession.

    I am sorry the State Societies should hesitate to comply with the recommendation of the General Meeting of the Cincinati, holden at Phil in 1784. I then thought, & have no cause since to change my opinion, that nothing short of what was then done would appease the clamours which were raised against this Institution. Some late attacks have been made upon it; amongst which a Pamphlet written by the Count de Mirabeau, a French Gentleman, has just made its appearance. It is come to my hands translated into English, but I have not had time yet to read it.

    I am sorry you have undergone any chagreen on acc of the limestone. I have got through my summers work without any disappointment therefrom; having had it in my power at all times, when wanted, to buy Shells. nor would I wish to have any sent me now, unless by contract not to exceed one shilling and three pence at the ships side in Alexandria, or opposite to my House; and this I do not expect, as Stone lime is oftener higher at the former place.

    It is unnecessary to assure you of the pleasure I should feel at seeing you at this place, whenever business or inclination may bring you to this State. Every good wish in which Mrṣ Washington joins me, is offered to you, Mrṣ Knox and the children.

    With every sentiment of friendship & regard,

    I am, My dear Sir,

    Y affec Hblẹ Serv

    G Washington.

    Maj Gen Knox.

    XII.

    TO THOMAS JOHNSON.

    Mount Vernon, 20 December, 1785.

    D Sir, It so happened that your letter of the 4tḥ ult with its enclosures, did not meet A quick passage to me, & that some delays afterwards, more the effect of accident than neglect, prevented the petition & Bill (which you were so obliging as to draw) from getting to the Assemblies of the two States, so soon as were to be wished; however they are now before them; & from that of Maryland, I am informed by a gentleman to whom I had written on the occasion, that the business could meet with no opposition there; — & from that of this State that it was reported reasonable Acts, it is to be hoped, will therefore pass, conformably to our desires.

    I feel myself much obliged by the calculations you have been at the trouble to make & to transmit to me; & at all times shall be happy in a full & unreserved communication of your sentiments on this, or any other business. This in particular is a new work — stands in need of all the information we can obtain, & is much indebted to you for many estimates, & ideas which have been very useful.

    It is to be apprehended, notwithstanding the great encouragements which have been offered by the Directors of the Company for the hire of Negroes, that we shall not succeed in obtaining them. An idea is entertained by the proprietors of them, that the nature of the work will expose them to dangers which are not compensated by the terms. Servants I hope are purchased ere this; — Col Fitzgerald was to have gone yesterday to George town for this purpose. If the appearance of the people is at all favorable, the price at which Col Deakens offers them will be no obstacle.

    This letter, handed to the care of Col Deakens, will be accompanied by a small bag of Spanish Chesnuts — half of which you will please to accept, & the other contrive to M Lee — they were sent to the Alexandria races in October to be given to him, but the delivery was neglected. It might be well perhaps to put them in sand to prevent an over drying to the injury of vegitation.

    With very great esteem &

    G: Washington.

    XIII.

    TO LUND WASHINGTON.

    Mount Vernon, 20 December, 1785.

    D Lund, Having come to a fixed determination (whatever else may be left undone) to attend to the business of my plantations; and having enquired of Geo: Washington how far it would be agreeable to him & his wife to make this place a permanent residence, (for before it was only considered as their temporary abode, until some plan could be settled for them) & finding it to comport with their inclinations, I now inform you that it will be in my power to comply with your wishes with less inconvenience than appeared when you first proposed to leave my employment.

    The business of the Mill is what both of us, will be most at a loss about at first; & as the people wanting flour are in the habit of applying to you for it, it would be rendering me a service to give your attention to this matter, until he can become a little acquainted with the mode of managing it; & your ad vice to him afterwards in this & other affairs may be useful.

    The mode of paying the taxes, the times of collection, & in what kind of property it is most advantageous to discharge them, — & the amount of them, is another business in which he will be to seek; & I have not sufficient knowledge of the practice to instruct him.

    Nothing else occurs to me at this time in which it is essential to give you any trouble after the present year; for if I should not be able to visit the plantations as often as I could wish, (owing to company or other engagements) I am resolved that an account of the stock & every occurrence that happens in the course of the week shall be minutely detailed tome every Saturday. Matters cannot go much out of sorts in that time without a seasonable remedy. For both our interests, the wheat remaining in the straw should he an object of your care.

    I am &

    G: Washington.

    Mr. Charles K. Bolton exhibited and read an anonymous contemporary manuscript belonging to the Boston Athenæum, of which the following is a copy:—

    An elegy on the death of General

    GEORGE WASHINGTON.

    1.

    What mournful strains invade our ears?

    Whence those sad plaints, those copious tears?

    This solemn silence woeful pause!

    All, all bespeak some deep felt cause.

    A deep felt cause! a nation weeps,

    In dust columbia’s Guardian sleeps.

    2.

    A nation’s prayers his life to save,

    To heav’n in clouds of incence rose,

    A nation’s tears bedew his grave,

    And angels gaurd his sweet repose.

    The PATRIOT’s dead! a nation weep.

    In dust Columbia’s Gaurdian sleeps.

    3.

    When Albion’s proud insulting foe

    Aim’d our best rights to overthrow,

    His arm, out stretch’d in conquering might

    Their veteran army put to flight.

    The HERO’s dead! a nation weeps,

    In dust Columbia’s Guardian sleeps.

    4.

    The peace obtain’d so long desir’d,

    To Vernon’s shades the Chief retir’d,

    But faction’s cruel feud arose,

    And broke the Farmer’s hop’d repose.

    Our FRIEND is dead! a nation weeps,

    In dust Columbia’s Guardian sleeps.

    5.

    His Country’s voice once more he hears,

    And in the Council he appears,

    The mighty Charter of our land,

    Is sanction’d by our Moses’ hand.

    Our CHIEF is dead! a nation weeps

    In dust Columbia’s Guardian sleeps.

    6.

    With equal laws he rules the state

    Supports the weak, directs the great;

    Then yields the helmn, retires to rest

    By all his Country lov’d and blest.

    The SAGE is dead! a nation weeps

    In dust Columbia’s Guardian sleeps.

    7.

    Again his ready sword he draws;

    Unmov’d be stands in Freedom’s cause;

    Nor shrinks to heed the marshal band,

    Should hostile foes invade the land.

    Our GENERAL’s dead! &c

    8.

    Thy ways O King of Kings is just

    Or when we live or turn to dust;

    Then cease from man, look up on high,

    Our only hope’s above the sky,

    We all must die and turn to dust,

    Tho’ Man is mortal God is just.

    Mr. Henry H. Edes exhibited a copy of Titan’s New Almanack for the Year of Christian Account 1729, printed by William Bradford and containing manuscript entries of contemporary events. The writer of these entries has been ascertained by Mr. Henry W. Cunningham to have been William Sanford of Portsmouth, Rhode Island.163 Mr. Edes recalled the fact that Bradford was a Quaker who came over with Penn in 1682, and, in 1691, was a partisan of George Keith in his quarrel with the Pennsylvania authorities which resulted in Bradford’s removal to New York, where he was Public Printer for more than fifty years. The Sanfords were also Quakers, which may account for their using this particular kind of Almanac. Mr. Cunningham has prepared notes identifying the persons mentioned by Sanford.

    The following is a copy of the entries:

    1729

    JANUARY

    16

    Jeremiah Clark164 died aged about 8 years

    FEBRUARY

    11th

    in the Evening Thos Durfie165 died

    13

    about 3 a clock in the afternoon Ruth Sanford166 first daughter of my Son Richd167 born

    APRIL

     

    30

    Jashub Wing168 & Dorothy married

    11

    quarterly meeting at Portsmouth

    APRIL

    18

    Turkeys set

    26

    Aiken169 born

    24

    Benja Hassard170 & Hannah Nichols mard

    25

    Stephen Austin171 & Mary Fish married

    MAY

     
     

    the last and this month the Measels was much Spread abroad in the Governm

    JUNE

     

    3d

    Jeremiah Lawtons twin daughters born

    15th

    in ye Eve. Tho Durfie & Sarah Briggs172 married

    19th

    Thomas Shearman173 and Sarah Sisson married

    30

    Deliverance Smith of Dartmouth died

    JULY

     

    3d

    Nathaniel Cotton174 Bristol minister died

    5th

    Ann Kay175 sister to ye Collector died Sudly

    JULY

    31st

    Margaret176 daughter of John Sanford died

    AUGUST

     

    1st

    John Taylors Son died, &

    4th

    young Adam Lawtons first Son born177

    4th

    Hezekiah Hoar178 died

    9

    Wm Cooks Son Enoch179 died

    9

    in the evening Peleg Socums180 [?Slocum’s] first child born

    10

    Abigail Smith died daughter of Deliverance

    SEPTEMBER

     

    1

    my wife went to Groton & had a hard fit of sickness upon Return

    SEPTEMBER

    1

    John Sanfords Son was born181

    8th

    in the Evening William Burnet182 Govr of the Massachusets Bay died

    20

    Anne Goddard died

    OCTOBER

     

    13

    Joseph Card183 died about 80 years

    Mr. Edes also exhibited a copy of James Otis’s Rudiments of Latin Prosody, printed at Boston in 1760 by Franklin’s nephew, Benjamin Mecom.

    Mr. Ford spoke, extemporaneously, at some length of the checkered career of Mecom and of his eccentricities, among which was the habit of setting type in white gloves. He quarrelled with his uncle, and gradually lost the art of good printing, degenerating to such a degree that his bad work lost him his customers, and he was compelled to petition the Philadelphia authorities for a license to sell liquor to gain a livelihood.

    President Kittredge communicated from the Bourne Papers in the Harvard College Library some letters written from Boston and Cambridge in 1775, during the Siege of Boston, to Meletiah Bourne at Barnstable by his son, Sylvanus Bourne (H. C. 1779), his servant Cato, and Isaac Mansfield, Jr. (H. C. 1767). Mansfield gives an amusing account of the self-sufficiency of Caleb Gannett, long the College Steward, and compares it with the kindly bearing and courtesy of President Langdon.

    The President asked for information concerning the word “martinet,” — a word not to be found in Johnson’s Dictionary. He remarked that in 1785 it was in the category of slang, and that in 1820 it had passed into good use.

    Ephraim Emerton, Ph.D., of Cambridge, was elected a Resident Member, and General Joseph Wheeler, U.S.A., of Alabama, a Corresponding Member.

    NOTE ON WILLIAM SANFORD.

    By Henry W. Cunningham.

    John Sanford arrived in Boston in 1631, was there disarmed in 1637 as a supporter of Wheelwright, and in the following year went with Coddington, Hutchinson and others to Rhode Island, where he was one of the original proprietors. He held various offices, including that of President of the Colony in 1653, the year in which he died.184 His first wife was Elizabeth, sister of Henry Webb of Boston. Henry Webb died in 1660, leaving legacies to his nephews, John and Samuel Sanford, and benefactions to Harvard College, the chief of which was his estate in the present Washington Street, Boston, now occupied by Little, Brown and Company, and still owned by the College.185 John Sanford had two sons by his first wife, and after her death married Bridget, daughter of William and Anne Hutchinson, by whom he had nine children.

    Samuel Sanford, second son of John, was born in Boston 21 June, 1635. He lived at Portsmouth, Rhode Island, where he married in October, 1662, Sarah, daughter of William Waddell, by whom he had six children, and there he died in 1712–13.

    William Sanford, the writer of the entries in the almanac exhibited by Mr. Edes, was the fifth child of Samuel and Sarah (Waddell) Sanford, and was born at Portsmouth 21 May, 1676. In 1729, as well as for many years before and after, he was Town Clerk of Portsmouth, Rhode Island. He removed to Dartmouth, Massachusetts, after 1750, and from the Bristol County Deeds it would seem that he was a schoolmaster. He was a Quaker and notes the quarterly meeting at Portsmouth 11 April. As a Justice he solemnized several of the marriages of which he speaks, and nearly all the persons whose names he mentions were either his relatives or his neighbors.

    William Sanford married at Portsmouth 26 January, 1699–1700, Hope, daughter of George and Sarah Sisson of that town, and had the following children: (i) Richard, born 17 March, 1700–01; (ii) Sarah, born 1702; (iii) Mary, born 1703, died 6 February, 1739, who married Thomas Shearman; (iv) Ruth, born 1706, died 1709; (v) Elizabeth, born 1707; (vi) William, born 1709; (vii) George, born 1711, died 1734; (viii) Joseph, born 1715.186 In the first volume of the Portsmouth Records is found, under “earmarks” of cattle, the name of William Sanford as Town Clerk in 1718, 1721, 1722, 1726–28, 1731, 1734, 1736–39, 1741, 1742, 1747–49, 1750. The annual town election was held in June, and on 24 June, 1751, another man was Town Clerk. Shortly after this he must have removed to Dartmouth, form the Bristol County Probate Records, xvii. 120, is found the will of William Sanford of Dartmouth, dated 11 February, 1752, and proved 4 November, 1760. In it he speaks of his daughters Sarah Smith and Elizabeth Smith, of his granddaughters Alice and Mary Shearman, children of his deceased daughter Mary, and of his sons Joseph, Richard, and William. He also mentions his real estate and his burying ground in Portsmouth.