Title: To George Washington from Valentine Crawford, 23 March 1775
From: Crawford, Valentine
To: Washington, George

Dear Colo.
Mount Varnon March 23d 1775

I Came to this place on fryday Evening and I Should have Com down Sooner But I Never Recved your Drafts till a fews days before I Came down and thinking you Might be gon to the Con grass I thought it advisable to Send them to you by Capt.

Rutherford as you Might Meet with Mr Lewis there and have the plats Examenid by Lewis your Selfe.
I hope you will Excuse My Not breng down all My acounts and Expencs in Trancating of your bisness over the Mount b⟨mutilated⟩ as it is Not in My power to setle till I have Som Conversation with your Selfe and then I will I am in great hopes Setle Every thing to your Satisfaction as I am in formed there has been vi⟨sc⟩is storeys told you In Regard to My Conduct but Had you been on the spot your Selfe it would have Confused you to heard the Complaints of the distresed poor people that Came to My fort and I frequenly Desired of Mr Semson to take the Sarvants and Employ them att worke att your mill ⟨mutilated⟩ and said they would Run away ⟨mutilated⟩ and the Man that Run away I Sent two men after him and found Each of them Horses and Money to Bere there Expens The one went to baltemore and the other down through virginia which were gon Near three weeks and I Could Not get the axact amount of there expencis but it will be verey modest. But I hope to be down Som time in June and I will I hope Setle Every thing to your Satisfaction and as you Ever been a good frend to me and all My fameley and am in hopes for your Kiness to Me you Shall Never Sufer as I am fully Convencd it will be in My power to pay Everey Man I owe one Shilling by Next fall if My Life is Spared If I Cant Reas that Money for fowler I will you May depend deliver My Selfe up to the gaol and Clear you but you May depend with out Som enfortenat acedence hapen Me I shall be able to ⟨mutilated⟩se Considrable Som by fall as I have got so much god Land for Saill that will Comand Money I should have waited till you Com home but I wanted to get home Emedently and you May depend Everey Esestance in My power I will give to Mr Cleveland in fiting of him out or down the River and when I Com down in June I will bring a State of Every thing I did for you and hope to give you full Satisfaction for Every frendship done for your frend and Most Hble Sert

Vale: Crawford

N.B. I have Left your Honour a belt of peace Which I hope you will Recve from yrs V.C.


Title: To George Washington from James Balfour, 25–26 March 1775
From: Balfour, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Little England March 25[–26]th 1775

My Partner Mr Barraud writes me that he has procur’d ev’ry thing in your Order that cou’d be got—I have been confin’d to my Bed for near Six Weeks occasion’d as the Old Women say by a Stone Bruise on my Heel be what bruise it may it had liked to have carry’d me to my long Home thank God I am now out of all danger tho’ still confin’d to my Bed—this has retarded sometime sending for the Flour.
Our Brig George & Charlotte Capt. Wilkinson Barzey now calls for it—I am well convinc’d that the Flour will be ship’d in good Order with dispatch—shou’d Capt. Barzey have occasion for any necessary’s or money please to supply him which shall be return’d on demand with thanks by Sir with great respect & regard—Your most Obt hum. Servt

James Balfour

March 26h By Letter’s this moment recd from our Friend O. Hanbury Esqr. he is appointed by the North American Merchants & Traders one of a Committee of 23 to prepare & bring

in a Petition to the House of Commons for a repeal of all the obnoxious American Acts in which he says they have the greatest prospect of Success.


Title: From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 27 March 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Andrew

Dear Sir,
Richmond March 27th 1775.

In looking over my memorandums, I find that my own warrant for 5,000 acres of Land, was directed to the Surveyor of Botetourt, and executed in part by Mr Lewis your Son, for 2,950 acres.
Recollecting at the same time to have heard the little Kanhawa spoken of as a temporary boundary between your county and Augusta, and having a survey on the lower side of that river as inclosed, for 1800 acres, made by Capt: Crawford, to be returned, with a warrant which I have, to your Brother of Augusta; it has occurred to me, that, if a warrant to Botetourt can be laid on this Land with equal propriety, that so much of my 5,000 acres had better be applied this way as is necessary to cover this survey; than to apply a warrant for Augusta to it, & to have the residue of the warrant (which will be 250 acres) located on the burning Spring, in which if you choose it, you may be an equal sharer under this survey. My whole warrant will then be executed in three Surveys in Bottetourt, & much to my satisfaction.
I shall therefore my good Sir, rely on you to order & conduct this matter for me, and beg to be informd by first opportunity, what I may expect. I shoud wish much to have the Certificates as soon as possible, in order to take the first favourable opportunity of obtaining Patents. Inclosed you have five pounds for

your Son, for the last Survey made, which, as well as I recollect, is about what you thought the worth. I am, with sincere esteem, Dear Sir Your most Obt Servt

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Preston, 27 March 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Preston, William

Dear Sir
Richmond March 27th 1775.

Your favours of the 27th and 31st of Jany were both deliverd to me at this place—the first Inclosing a Copy of the Survey at the Mouth of Coal River, and the Second an acct of the Expence of doing it. By Colo. Christian I send £3.6.8 for your Fee, & £2.10.0 for Capt. Floyd. It was impossible for me, with any sort of propriety to judge the value of Captn Floyds extra:Services; & being told that this Survey was made in his way to Kentucke, & that no uncommon expence could possible have arisen, I have thought this an ample allowance—if I am mistaken, I shall be willing, at any time hereafter, to make a further allowance, as it is my wish to reward every person who performs any Service for me, adequate to their deserts.
It would give me pleasure, to contribute any little assistance in my power towards the promotion of Colo. Fleming’s application to the Assembly for relief as it will do to aid any Person who deserves well of the Country.

It is but very lately that I have come to the knowledge of Henderson’s purchase of the Cherokee Indian’s—there is something in that Affair which I neither understand, nor like, & wish I may not have cause to dislike it worse as the mistery unfolds. Colo. Christian will inform you of the only notice taken of the Proclamation (Issued by Lord Dunmore) in this Convention, as well as the other proceedings of the Meeting, and renders a recital of them therefore, from me, unnecessary—I have only to add then, that, with very great esteem I remain Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I have got a warrant for 3000 acres, which by mistake is directed to Fincastle instead of Augusta—pray my good Sir could you advise me to a good piece of Land (not claimd by any) in your County to Locate it on?


Title: To George Washington from Henry McCabe, 31 March 1775
From: McCabe, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria March 31st 1775

Having Purchac’d a Farm Adjoining the Town of Leesburg, am in want of Some money to Assist in Purchaceing Horses, Implements

of Husbandry &c. if you can Supply me with one hundred & fifty pounds, I will give you Security on the land; or on the Stone house in that Town; Or if you would rather Choose to be secured in this County will give you A Mortgage on my Houses in this place. Your Answer to Mr James Kirk will highly oblige me. I am with Difference & Regard, Truly Sir Your Most hble Servt

Henry McCabe


Title: From George Washington to James Cleveland, March 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Cleveland, James

Sir,
[c.March 1775]

I earnestly recommend to you, to follow after the People I have sent out as soon as you can do it with safety, as much depends upon making a proper beginning.
If you should not arrive at Gilbert Simpsons till after Willm Stevens is gone with the People, Provision, and Tools; you will follow them by Land, or Water, as you shall find it most convenient. I directed Stevens to leave his Baggage Horses there in order that you might go by Land if you chose it as it would be the most expeditious way and you would want the Horses on the Land to draw in your Logs—plow—& bring in your Game.
If you should go by Land, I shall have no objections to your buying & carrying two or three Cows down with you if they are to be had upon reasonable terms. If you should buy Cows get a Bull also that the Breed may be propagated. You will find a Bell necessary for them, as also for the Horses.
As you know the general Plan, and design of my Seating these Lands, I shall not hamper you with particular Instructions, but leave you to be governd by Circumstances—My first, & indeed principal aim, is, to save as much Land as possible in the shortest time, & at the least expence—if this could be done in such a manner, & by such means, as to be serviceable hereafter, it would be so much the better; & for this reason it is, I shall leave you to act from Circumstances.
It runs in my head, that if there is a good stream of Water upon any of the Tracts, & a convenient place out of the way of Freshes, to build a Mill that this might be as good a method as any to save the Land provided an Industrious Mill right could be engaged and there could be any certain prospect of getting Iron work without much trouble or Inconvenience.
When you see Steven’s, call for the Instruction’s I gave him in order that you may see what is there required & govern yr self thereby as nearly as Circumstances will permit—for I do not mean to tye you down strictly to any certain Rule but to allow you to Act in such a manner as shall appear most for my Interest.
If you should find any of the white Servants obstinate, & determind not to behave well, I hereby give you full power & Authority

to sell and dispose of them to the best advantage. I have given Stevens a description of each, that in case any should attempt to run away, they may be advertisd, & every pains taken to recover them that can be consistently [done].
Write to me by every oppertunity, as it is very probable that not one Letter in five will come to hand. Mention in all of them, therefore, what you want and how ⟨y⟩ou go on.
After you have got a place Inclosed, try and buy me all the Buffaloe Calves you can get and make them as gentle as possible. I would not stick at any reasonable price for them, especially the Cow Calves, but I should like at least two Bull Calves for fear of Accidents as I am very anxious to raise a Breed of them.
Take the two Servants from Majr Crawfords that he offered, if you find from their Character that they will answer your purpose, and that they will be useful to you—If you get them you may, in my name, promise them a year of their time if they behave as to deserve it. I wish you your Health & success & am Yr Friend &ca

Go: Washington


Title: Cash Accounts, April 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

[April 1775]

Cash

Apl  1—
To Messrs Robt Adam & Coy 1200 Pern
[£] 75. 0. 0

3—
To Merchds.
0. 2. 6

17—
To Fairfax County Recd of Colo. Mason
31.17. 0

To my own Tythes Vizt 137 @ 3/ each
20.11. 0

To Colo. Mason, Ball. of his Acct this day Settled
0. 2. 6

To Mr Gibson Recd from him on his own & Mr Ross’s Accot
32. 0. 8

To Major Broadwater recd from him on Acct of the Money Pd him 25th March
3. 0. 0

To Cash Overcharged on Contra Side
101. 2. 6

To Colo. Bassett recd from him 27th March
1.12. 0

To Merchds. for 8 Bushls Salt
0.16. 0

20—
To Do for 4 Do
0. 8. 0

To Colo. Mason recd for 300 Bls Salt @ 1/8
25. 0. 0

To Alexr Henderson for Flour ⅌ Acct Sent
15.19. 8

To Mr Gibson Ball. of his Acct
6. 0. 0

22—
To Merchds. 8½ Barrls Salt
0.17. 0

To Do for Fish
1.14.10

23—
To Mr Philsmith recd from him by Mr J. H. Washn
9. 0. 7

To Mr Andw Leitch recd from him towards Paying for the Arms engaged for the P. W. Coy
16.10. 0

24—
To Thos Bishop on Acct of Salt Sold
5.17. 0

25—
To Thos Davies on Acct of Powder for the Spossy Evania Inda. Compy [Spotsylvania Independent Company]
4.16. 0

27—
To 6 Barrls Flour 1260 lbs. @ 16/ & 6 Barrls @ 10/
10.11. 7

To Thos Bishop for Salt Sold
2. 9. 0

To Mr Craven Payton on Acct of Colo. Geo. Fairfax
193. 6.10 1/2

Contra

Apl  1—
By Exps. at Dumfries
0.13. 3

By Messrs Robt Adam & Coy
75. 0. 0

By Thos Bishop ⅌ L. Washington
0.12. 0

3—
By Merchds. 3 Barrls Tar @ 10/ ⅌ Barrl
1.10. 0

By Freight of 57075 Shingles from Suffolk @ 5/
14. 5. 4

By Merchds. 1 Bushl Meal
0. 2. 6

5—
By John G. Hamilton Freight of 1453½ Bls Wht from Md
11. 1. 8

By 1740 Feet 1¼ Plank
6.10. 0

By Boat hire &c. of Do
1.14. 6

By William Robert ⅌ Thos Alford
5. 0. 0

7—
By Jas Boyd
0. 5. 0

9—
By Mrs Washington
 5. 0. 0

By Colo. Mason, ⅌ his Son William
1.15. 0

12—
By  Stone for 2350 Feet 1¼ Plank
9. 8. 0

15—
By Alexr Cleveland
16. 0. 0

By Do my Order on Robt Adam
9. 0. 0

16—
By the Fairfax Inda. Coy Pd towards their Exps.
0.12. 0

By Charity
0. 3. 9

17—
By Thos Bishop
1. 4. 0

By Goin Lanpiere ⅌ his Servt Joe
1.10. 0

By Exps. at Mrs Hawkins
0.14. 2

18—
By William Keating
5. 0. 0

By Charity
1.16. 0

20—
By Colo. Mason Recd from him for 300 Bls Salt @ 1/8
25. 0. 0

By Thos Allison Advanced him in pursuit of Servts
3. 7. 6

By the Annapolis Printer
0. 6. 0

By Alexr Henderson for Raisd Pews in Pohick Church
3. 7. 6

By 50 lbs. Lead @ 4d. ⅌ lb.
0.16. 8

By Colo. Fairfax pd Mr Henderson raisg your Pew
1. 2. 6

By Mr Custis 22 Yds Bombazeen in My Acct with Mr [Hector] Ross
3. 1. 0

By Joel Cooper his Acct agt Briga. Farmer
0.11. 8

By Peter Wise his Acct agt Do
17.18. 1

By William Wilson Do
1. 7. 0

By Leitch & Stewart’s Do
0.11. 6

By Harper & Hartshorne’s Do
17.19. 4

By John & Geo. Fowler
11. 0. 6

By McCrea & Maze
1. 8. 8

By Thos Armat
2. 1. 9

By Mr Gilpin
9. 6. 3

By Robt Donaldson
14. 3.10

By Hector Macome
14. 6. 9

By Thos Wilkenson
8.15. 2

By Capt. P. Curtis Ball. of his Acct
18. 8. 8

21—
By 15½ Dozn of Lamp Black
2. 0. 0

By 12 Fish Barrls
2. 2. 0

26—
By Mr Custis
14. 8. 0

By my Three Nephews Will Washington George & Chas Lewis given them
4. 4. 0

27—
By 277½ lbs. Myrtle Wax @ 1/3
17. 6.10

28—
By 293 lbs. Butter @ 9d.
10.19. 9

By Jas Oram Ball. of his Acct
6. 7. 5

By Exps. at Hawkins 3/9 Charity 2/6
0. 6. 3

By William Johnson
0. 6. 3

29—
By Caleb Stone
5. 0. 0

By Jesse Brummit
1.16. 0

By William Johnson pd him as a reward for pursuing runaway Servants
2. 2. 0

By Thos Johnson pd him on Same Accot
2. 2. 0

By  pd  on Same Accot
2. 2. 0


Title: From George Washington to William Grayson, 2 April 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Grayson, William

Letter not found: to William Grayson, 2 April 1775. On 5 April Grayson wrote GW that he had “the honor of your favor of the 2nd of Aprill.”


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Newton, 3 April 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Newton, Thomas Jr.

 Letter not found: to Thomas Newton, Jr., 3 April 1775. Newton wrote GW on 12 April: “I Received your favor of 3d instant.”


Title: To George Washington from Gilbert Simpson, 3 April 1775
From: Simpson, Gilbert
To: Washington, George

Sr
Yough. River [Pa.] April the 3: 1775

I Reced your letter by Mr William Stephens dated in March in Which I find you are verey Much disturved at the Cost of your Mill and I find that after all My Care and troble To Serve you in a thing of this kind to the great disadvantage of my plantation as Well as the discruttion of my Bedind and houshold furneture—And that all for Notting Except that of incuring your ill Will and being Censurd for Litely and Laishly squading away your money pray What advantage do you immagon I Could Reap by giveing men high Wages and keeing them idle you Cant have for got that you Sent a Bill of hust timber to bee got of Such a sise then how Was this house to bee built Without takeing the ⟨hust⟩ Within the Walls and Sr you Cant have forgot tha you gave me Strict Chare to git her built Strong and Compleat in all her brnches and to have the Walls two storey high and to bee laid in strong Lime marter Could you possably thnk Such a Mill Was to only Cost Three or Four hundred pounds No Sr heare is a three hundred pound Mill within about Seven Mils of this plase Which Was two years in building and only began to grind Last Spring and is Now likely to drop to pesses and is a perpetul Cost and I make no doubt but in Les than Seven Years She will Cost more than yours and then not Worth one hundred pounds and I Expect that yours in the Same Length of time Will not Cost Five pounds and I am Sarrey that Mr Stephens To heare him So Redeculd for he allway declard from the first to make her the most Compleat Mill and to go With the Lest Wayter that he Ever built and I beleive he Will accomplish his desine in a Short thime for I must bee of oppinion not only of my own knowledg but by judgment of them that I beleive to bee Judges and men Whome have Seen your Mill at home Who allows that there is no Compareson in the Workmanship and it is further Said by them Who knows best the men that Stephens is able to teech this same Barel in all the Milwrghts buseness but Sr I beleive that you must think that you are to have no Custumers to this mill and by that meens never to get yor own agand but I Can inform you better for there is near or Quite seventy familys Custom at this time depending on her but Sr When you Com to see and bee Clearly informd that you Will

bee of a nother way of thnking but if your mind then Continues as it appears to bee at this time I have a partner at hand that With a Little indulges Will make you Whole With intrust and as for Mr Stephens he has not drunk one of Sperets sens new year but has always indevourd to bee as near your intirest as was in his power I have had very fue men imployd sens Last fall and fueer now and there fore have discharged non So Sr no more but am very sorrey to think that all I gane is your displeasure and that you dont as much as Wish me good Lock in any of your Letters I Remain your humble Servant

Gilbt Simpson


Title: To George Washington from Dennis Stephens, 3 April 1775
From: Stephens, Dennis
To: Washington, George

Honour’d Sr
Yaugh. River [Pa.] April 3d 1775

I have had the mortification of Seing a letter from under your hand directed to Mr Gilbert Simpson dated march, the purport of which demonstrates, to me that I have incur’d Your displeasure greatly by Amiting my duty with Respect to your mill, What you perticularly seem to alledge is my Extravigance in drinking and also that She never will be finis’d which allegations I humbly acknowledg were they sufficiently Authenticated are Sufficient to fill you with Invitarecy and dislike to me, But Worthy Sr as it is and has been an Antiently A Custom for the Sons of men first to be convicted and then Executed I would ask the favour of you to grant me alot in those antient priveledges, As for Instance I do Aver and am ready to maintain that I have used the Utmost

of my Endevours to Comply with Every thing that should concur with Your Interest, and as for drinking I have drank nothing spirituous Since the first day of January last Or before on any other mans money but my own which I think Every free man has aright to convert to whatever use he thinks most proper, I am Extreamly Sorry that your pen Should be thus Enslav’d or your mind perplex’d by malicious desighning persons to answer their purposes, I hav not the least reason to doubt Should you come out in august next which I understand you intend but You will look on your authaurity with an Eye of Contempt and not take in hand to asperce the charracter of any Individuil in consequence of the like Slender Information, Your water wheel is containd within the house and your plans Executed as direct as lay in my power and when She turns round those Bablers will thereby be Silencd, your honour I hope be mutially Satisfied and the Labourer who now is unworthy of the Charracter of a man be Restord, Be Pleasd to Consult Mr John Balendene a gentleman of the most celebrated charracter Void of partiallity Whether my abillities or quallifications are thus to be cald in question, Should you upon the whole after mature consideration on the matter look on it you are Imposd upon I have a partner at hand who will Jointly purchase your mill with a little Indulgence and Refund your money which you so greatly Commented upon. I am Your most Obedt humble ⟨servt⟩

Denniss Stiphens


Title: From George Washington to George Mercer, 5 April 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, George

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon April 5th 1775.

The writing of this Letter, has been delayed longer than I expected, for the following reasons—want of opportunities of Collectg the inclosed papers—want of a conveyance to forward them afterwards—the necessity of comparing, & examining the Sales, and making some alterations with respect to the purchasers—executing Deeds for the Land &c. This delay, I conceived, could be attended with no great inconvenience, as I did, immediately after the sales, to wit on the 4th of Decembr last, advise you of the total amount thereof.
I now send you John Houghs Survey of the Bull-run Lands, marked No. 1—the commissioners report thereupon No. 2. The decretal order in consequence No. 3. The Commissioners second report No. 4. A copy of Colo. Peytons subdivision of your part of the Bull-run Land, for the accommodation of purchasers No. 5. and, a copy of both Sales, with a list of Balances No. 6. These taken together will give you as full a state of matters, as it is in my power to convey, & save me the trouble of recitals. I was going to send you the Survey of your Frederick Lands, with the division thereof into Lots, but finding I had only one copy, & that necessary in filling up the remainder of the Deeds to the purchasers (some of whom not giving such security as was altogether approved of, I have retained the legal Title, ’till the money is paid, & therefore,) am obliged to postpone this, ’till that business is accomplished, or another copy obtained.
I do not now think, that there can be any contest, in respect to a preference of Mortgages, especially if our exchange should happen to be low when the payments are made; but to guard against every possible contingency, I have wrote to your attorney to be attentive to this matter—to oppose every measure that can have a tendency to obtain a preference in favor of Messrs Dick & Hunter over Miss Wroughtons mortgage (for as to Mr Gravatts, the validity of his Mortgage hath never been questioned;) and, if ultimately a judgment should be rendered in their favor, to appeal from it, to his Majesty in Council agreeably to your desire, but your brother in a late letter, has desired me to propose an expedient to Mr Montague in behalf of Miss Wroughton, which if acceded to, will remove all grounds of contest,

& if that lady is not in immediate want of money had in my opinion, better be closed with; but I do not mean to advise—the proposal is in these words;
“It appears to me, to be yet of some consequence to Messrs Dick & Hunter if they are postponed to Miss Wroughton, tho’ none to Miss Wroughton—In this way—if they are postpon’d, & the purchasers are not punctual, they will not receive their money, but out of the last payments, by which Mr Dick may be greatly affected; for in the mean time his Estate may be seized & sold for half its value. As Miss Wroughton cannot want all her money at once, & will be sufficiently secured, I cou’d wish she would consent to let the Speakers Debt be paid next, after she shall receive £1000—Could this be granted, I shall not dispute her preference. My answer,” (inclos’d in May last to Mr Montague) “shews how much this Debt is. If she will consent, I will guarantee her Debt, or let her have a preference: Pray be so kind as to mention this to Mr Montague.”
Agreeably to your request, I have propounded the questions as desired, to your brother, & his Letter to me, (now enclosed) contains his answer to them. I could wish most sincerely that the unhappy jealousies which seem to prevail between you, were removed, & the confidence which I believe both of you are entitled to, restored. You do not, if I may be allowed to give my opinion, make proper allowances for the situation of each other. The great distance you are apart—miscarriage of Letters, & various other incidental causes have, I dare say, lead each of you into conjectural mistakes which might be explained at a personal interview, but scarce possible in an epistolary way, after the mind is corroded with unfavourable suspicions.
I enclose you a copy of my last letter of the 4th of December, and an account of the proceedings of the Convention held at Richmond the 20th ulto—A great number of very good companies were raised in many Counties in this Colony, before it was recommended to them by the Convention, & are now in excellent training; the people being resolved, altho’ they wish for nothing, more ardently, than a happy & lasting reconciliation with the parent State, not to purchase it at the expence of their liberty, & the sacred compacts of Government—When you see my old friend Colo. Stewart, be pleased to present my warmest wishes to him, and assure him, that having received no answer

to several letters I had written, I concluded that he must either be dead—removed out of the reach of my letters, or had forgot there was such a person in existence as myself—To the best of my recollection I have never received a line from him since his first leaving Jamaica or immediately upon his arrival in London from that Island; since which I have, as above, wrote several times, without ever learning with certainty where he was fixed, or in what Line he walked. I am, with sincere esteem Dr Sir, Your most obt humble Servant

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Edward Montagu, 5 April 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Montagu, Edward

Sir,
Mount Vernon April 5th 1775.

My Letter of the 4th of December to Colo. Mercer (dispatched by the first opportunity that offered after the close of his Sales) would inform you of the total amount thereof; & that the contest between Miss Wroughton and Messrs Dick & Hunter, respecting a preference of Mortgages, would, more than probable, be avoided.
I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 29th of August, & to acquaint you, that the packet herewith sent

to Colo. Mercer, contains such papers & documents as are necessary to give the fullest information of the state of his affairs in this Country; which, circumstances considered, have turned out infinitely beyond my expectation, or the expectation of every one who bestow’d any thought upon them. I shall not therefore, at this time, trouble you either with a recital or copies of those papers, but add, that I have directed the Attorney General (Mr Randolph) who was retained as Counsel for Colo. Mercer & his mortgag[e]s to appeal from any decision which might even appear to give Messrs Dick & Hunter’s trust-Deed the preference to Miss Wroughton’s Mortgage; for as to Mr Gravat’s, it is entirely out of the question, no person disputing the validity of his Mortgage. Mr James Mercer, in a Letter which I received from him some time Ago, proposed a Matter, which if acceded to, might ultimately secure Miss Wroughton, and put an end to all controversy respecting the Mortage. I shall communicate the proposal in his own words, as follows:
“It appears to me to be yet of some consequence to Messrs Dick & Hunter if they are postpon’d to Miss Wroughton, tho’ none to Miss Wroughton—in this way—if they are postpon’d, and the purchasers are not punctual, they will not receive their money but out of the last payments, by which Mr Dick may be greatly affected, for in the mean time his Estate may be seized, & sold for half its value—As Miss Wroughton cannot want all her money at once, & will be sufficiently secured; I could wish she wou’d consent to let the Speakers Debt be paid next, after she will receive £1000. Cou’d this be granted I shall not dispute her preference—My answer shews how much this Debt is—if she will consent, I will guarantee her Debt, or let her have a preference—Pray be so kind as to mention this to Mr Montague.”
After considering this proposal, you will be so good Sir as to let me know Miss Wroughton’s sentiments thereon, that I may communicate them to Mr Mercer, & conform to them myself.
It gives me much pain to find two Gentln, brothers, who individually stand high in the esteem of their Countrymen, imbibing unfavourable impressions, and, to their joint Friends, mu[tu]ally arraigning the conduct of each other, when I am satisfied that both think themselves right, and that neither hath made proper allowance for the situation of the other. At Colonel Mercers request,

I propounded the queries he transmitted, to his Brother, whose answers, in a letter to me, are forwarded to him; but these things only serve to irritate; for as I am thoroughly satisifed on the one hand, that Colonel Mercer has advanced nothing to you, or Mr Gravatt, but what was perfectly consistent with his Ideas of truth & justice: So on the other, I am as well persuaded, that Mr James Mercer hath not intentionally wronged him of a farthing; & yet appearances may be against him, for want of a thorough knowledge of his situation, & the motives which influenced his conduct. That Colo. Mercer has been a considerable loser in the management of his Estate here, nobody will deny; but has not every gentleman in this Country, whose other avocations, or whose inclinations would not permit them to devote a large portion of their time & attention to the management of their own Estates, shared the same fate? Our Gazettes afford but too many melancholy proofs of it in the Sales which are daily advertised; the nature of a Virginia Estate being such, that without close application, it never fails bringing the proprietors in Debt annually, as Negroes must be clothed & fed, taxes paid, &c. &c. whether anything is made or not; and Colo. Mercer must, I think, have been well acquainted with two facts, namely, that his brother had neither leisure, nor a competent knowledge of plantation business, to become a fit person to undertake it—and, that Stewards (in this Country at least) far removed from the inspection of a Superior, are scarce ever to be entrusted. But all this is foreign from the main purpose of my letter, and is an evil out of the power of poor Mercer, or his friends to remedy, at this day; the uneasiness I feel at seeing two Brothers, accustomed to live in perfect amity, now bickering, & accusing each other of hardships occasioned by the other, led me into this digression, for which I ask your pardon. I hope this Letter will find you in a better state of health than your last described, & with esteem & respect I remain Sir, Your most Obt humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Grayson, 5 April 1775
From: Grayson, William
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Dumfries Apll 5th 1775.

I have the honor of your favor of the 2nd of Aprill; in answer to which, it is the desire of our Officers, that if they can’t be furnished with such sashes, as are proper; they would not incline to have any; but this matter is altogether left to yourself, as the person most capable of determining; with respect to the mode of conveying the arms from Philada to this place; I cannot at this time determine, the Company will meet on friday next; after which time, I will do myself the pleasure of informing you particularly on the subject; We are extremely oblig’d to you, for the book of exercise of 1764. Mr Daviss does not at present exercise the Company, but I will take care that the same shall be conformd to, in every instance, agreable to yr orders. I am with great respect yr Most Obedt Servt

Willm Grayson


Title: From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 6 April 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, George William

Letter not found: to George William Fairfax, 6 April 1775. On 30 June 1786 GW wrote Fairfax: “The letters of ... 6th of Apl and 31st of May 1775 ... contain a full, & accurate acct of every thing that had occurred relative to your business.”


Title: To George Washington from William Preston, 9 April 1775
From: Preston, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
April 9th 1775.

Yours of the 27th Ult. came to hand yesterday with my Fee & that to Mr Floyd with which we are Sattisfied.

Henderson I hear has made the Purchase & got a Conveyance of the great and Valluable Country below the Kentucky from the Cherokees. He and about 300 adventurers are gone out to take Possession, who it is said intends to set up an independant Government & form a Code of Laws for themselves. How this may be I cant say, but I am affraid the steps taken by the Government have been too late. Before the Purchase was made had the Governor interfered it is beleived the Indians would not have Sold. Abt 12 or 1300 of them met at the Treaty & I hear near one half went off much displeased, as they shared no part of the Goods given by the Company.
Mr Floyd has sent you a Description of 3000 Acres of Land he surveyed last Summer and which has not been appropriated. Should this suit, let me know by a Line & I will make out a Certificate & send it to any Place you direct. As I imagine you will receive this before you set off for the Congress, you can send an Answer to the Care of Alexr Craig in Wmsburg at the meeting of the Merchants from whence I can readily get it.
But if this Land will not answer your Purpose I can readily have a Tract Surveyed as Floyd sets off to morrow for the Ohio & I can when I receive your Letter have an Oppy of writing to him. The Warrant should be lodged with me, if it is sent to Mr Craig I can get it safe. I am with profound Respect Dr Sir your most humble Servt

Wm Preston


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Newton, Jr., 12 April 1775
From: Newton, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Norfolk 12 April 1775

I Received your favor of 3d instant, I also have received the herrings 60 Bars. of which I have sold at 15/ & am in hopes of getting clear of the remainder at the same price payable next October. the ship stuff is still on hand tho. I hope to get ten shillings for it soon. I will endeavor to get a vessell to bring up the sand tho. I am afraid I shall not procure it to be done under 5d. or 6d. the bushell. superfine flour I think will answer here that is it now sells for 2d. & freight, shou’d you incline to send any please to let it be soon. I am Yr Hble Servt

Thomas Newton Jr

Mr Balfour died on saturday last sunddenly.


Title: From George Washington to John Dickinson, 13 April 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon April 13th 1775.

Mr Lloyd did me the honour to call at this place with your favour of the 4th Instt. If the Letters I have given him to the Governor, and others, will, in the smallest degree contribute to his success, I shall think myself happy; but I dispair of it at this time, as his Lordship is, I know, under a prohibition, by a late Instruction, to grant no more Lands to the Westward of us (but on certain Conditions) till his Majestys further pleasure be made known—this has put a stop to the Issuing of Patents from the Secretary’s Office for Lands which have been Surveyed by the Govrs express Warrants; and leaves the Proprietors of them in a state of uncertainty after being run to the expence of a Survey, & other Costs so strange, & inconsistent is the policy of the times. I am with the sincerest regard, & greatest respect. Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lord Dunmore, 18 April 1775
From: Dunmore, John Murray, fourth earl of
To: Washington, George

Sir
Williamsburg 18th April 1775

I have reveived your letter dated the 3d Instant. The information you have received that the Patents granted for the Lands

under the Proclamation of 1754 would be declared Null and Void, is founded on a report that the Surveyor who Surveyed those Lands did not qualify agreeable to the Act of Assembly directing the duty and qualification of Surveyors, if this is the Case the Patents will of Consequence be declared Null and void. I am Sir Your Most Obedient humble Servant

Dunmore


Title: To George Washington from William Milnor, 18 April 1775
From: Milnor, William
To: Washington, George

Honorable Sir,
Philad[elphi]a Aprill 18th 1775

Your favour by Mr Whilper as well as that by yesterdays post, I have receivd, and I have acted exactly agreable to your directions, respecting the Sashes, as I forbid the maker to proceed any farther with them, immediately on seeing the first he made, which I sent to Mr Gilpin, The Arms are all ready to be sent Agreeable to any directions that Comes. I think you have not Mentiond the receiving the shoulder knots, which I sent some time agone by the post, & likewise the 6 Copies of Manual Exercise, The Gorgets I have not been able to get from the workmen yet, but I have them now in a persons hands who I blive will finish them soon—I am glad to hear your people have began to fish but I was very much alarmed yesterday, to see two of the Coopers returnd, whom I had sent down to the assistance of James Lawrason, as I am sure he is very backward in his preparations, I think to be on my Journey down, the begining of Next week, I have no more to Add but that I have removed from the house you saw me in, up into Arch street Near the Corner of front street, where I am Much more pleasantly situated than before, & where, I hope, to have Company of Colonel Washington as often as it may suite him to Call whilst in Philada. I am with respect & Esteem Dear Sir your Obedt Humble Servt

William Milnor


Title: Certificate, 20 April 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

[20 April 1775]

I do hereby certifie that the Bearer Mr. Philemon Waters was a Soldier at the battle of the Great Meadows in the year 1754, and that he this day applied to me to receive his claim to Land under Mr. Dinwiddie’s proclamation of 1754. But as the 200,000 acres granted by that proclamation hath been long since surveyed, distributed and patents issued in the names of those who put in their claim before Novr. 1773, it is not in my power to give him any relief now.
Given under my hand this 20th day of April, 1775.

Go. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Pendleton, 21 April 1775
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Apl 21. 1775.

I have procured a Copy of Dr Savage’s Bill Which I now inclose you with the other papers, as I imagine Yr Answer may be drawn above with more convenience to you. As to the Release he sets up, ’twil be necessary to set forth where it was made by your consents, or on her privy examination in Court, so far as you are acquainted wth the Facts. it will be time enough to have the Answer agt October, & indeed I fear ’twil be of no use then, as all late Accounts from ⟨Br⟩itain seem to promise Us other emploiment before that time. We have a loose Report that the Govr has taken the Key of the Magazine, & that a sloop with a Company of Marines was lying in each of the Creeks, which it was Supposed were to take the Arms & Amunition from thence. Some of our Independants had a strong inclination to go immediately & secure the Arms & Amunition.
I have as yet heard nothing From the Speaker fixing the time of our setting out, indeed from some disturbances in the City, by the Slaves, I doubt whether he will go—I purpose however to set off at all events Wednesday morning the 3d & shall be glad to meet you at upper Malbrough thursday night. My Complts to Mrs Washington and the young pair. I am Dr Sr Yr mo. humble Servt

Edmd Pendleton


Title: Advertisement for Runaway Servants, 23 April 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Fairfax county, April 23, 1775.

FORTY DOLLARS REWARD. RUN away from the subscriber, on the 19th instant, at night, two servant men, viz. Thomas Spears, a joiner, born in Bristol, about 20 years of age, five feet six and a half inches high, slender made, has light gray or bluish eyes, a little pock marked, freckled, sandy coloured hair cut pretty short, his voice is coarse and somewhat drauling; he took with him a coat, waistcoat, and breeches of light brown

duffil, with black horn buttons, another light coloured cloth waistcoat, old leather breeches, check and osnabrug shirts, a pair of new milled yarn stockings, a pair of old ribbed do. new osnabrug trousers, and a felt hat, not much the worse for wear.—William Webster, a brick maker, born in Scotland, and talks pretty broad, about five feet six inches high, well made, rather turned of 30, with light brown hair, and a roundish face; he had on an olive coloured coat, pretty much worn, with black horn buttons, duffil waistcoat and breeches, the same as Spears’s, osnabrug trousers, and check and osnabrug shirts. They went off in a small yawl, with turpentine sides and bottom, the inside painted with a mixture of tar and red lead. Masters of vessels are cautioned against receiving of them, and the above reward is offered to any person who will deliver them at my dwellinghouse in this county, or twenty dollars for each, from

GEORGE WASHINGTON.


Title: To George Washington from Fielding Lewis, 23 April 1775
From: Lewis, Fielding
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
April 2⟨3d⟩ 1775

I this Day received a Survey of 578 Acres Land for you, from Mr Thos Lewis, on the Ohio for several Assignments made to you by B. Dandrige & others which I shall keep ’till I receive your Orders about it, as I expect it must go to the Office; There is Two other Letters which I have put into the Post office to come next post; as I shall go to Hanover this Day & shall not return ’till Wednesday next; I find my Plaisterer will not finish my passage before the 12th of May therefore think it will be best to keep him ’till that time as I shall by that means have all ready for your Painter except the great Room which must remain ’till your work is done. I dont care how soon your painter comes as he may go on with the rooms that are ready for him.
We have no Ships that bring later Accts than we had in the last papers, by which it seems we must submitt or dispute the matter Sword in hand, every person I think that has any regard for Liberty must prefer the latter; we have sent an express to Baltamore to procure powder, if we do not succeed, we shall send the money we have to you to procure it for us at Philadelphia if you will undertake the matter for us, otherways I fear we shall not get any. I am Dr Sr your most Affectionate Hume Servt

Fielding Lewis


Title: To George Washington from Charles Yates, 25 April 1775
From: Yates, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fred[erick]sburg April 25th 1775

Mr Robert Rutherford has put into my hands a Letter directed to you in Wmsburg or in case of your not being there, to Colo. F. Lewis, the purport of which is to request your paying me Fifty Pounds agreeable to the tenour of a Subscription you signed and has put into my custody a Bond properly executed for repayment of said Fifty Pounds which I am to deliver on recpt of the Money—Colo. F. Lewis tells me he had your instructions to pay the above mentioned Sum to R. R. last Octor but thinks it best to have them renewed & has desired me to apply to you for that purpose before you go to the Norward.
Your directing Colo. Lewis to settle that much with me at Williamsburg will oblige Sir Your most Obedt hble servt

Chs Yates


Title: To George Washington from Prince William Independent Company, 26 April 1775
From: Prince William Independent Company
To: Washington, George

Sir
Dumfries 26th Apl 1775

 We have just recievd a letter from the Officers of the independant Company of Spotsylvania which I have herewith inclos’d;

I immediately call’d together this Company and had the vote put whether they would march to Williamsburgh for the purposes mentioned in that letter which was carried unanimously.
I have nothing more to add but that We are well assured you may depend on them either for that or any other service which respects the liberties of America. We expect yr answer & determination by Mr Daviss. We have the honor to be yr Most Obedt Servts

Willm Grayson
Phil. Rd Frans Lee

By order of the Company.


Title: To George Washington from Spotsylvania Independent Company, 26 April 1775
From: Spotsylvania Independent Company
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fredericksbg April 26th 1775

By intelligence from Williamsburg it appears that Capt. Collins of his Majestys Navy at the head of 15 Marines carried off the Powder from the Magazine in that City on the night of Thursday last and conveyed it on board his Vessell by Order of the Governor. The Gentlemen of the Independant Company of this Town think this first Publick insult is not to be tamely submitted to and determine with your approbation to join any other bodies of armed Men who are willing to appear in support of the honour of Virginia as well as to secure the Military Stores yet remaining in the Magazine. It is proposed to March from hence on Saturday next for Williamsburg properly accoutred as Light Horsemen.

Expresses are sent off to inform the Commanding Officers of Companies in the adjacent Counties of this our Resolution & we shall wait prepared for your Instructions & their assistance. We are Sir Your humble Servants

Hugh Mercer
G. Weedon
Alexander Spotswood
John Willis

As we are not sufficiently supplied with Powder, it may be proper to request of the Gentlemen who join us from Fairfax or Prince William, to come provided with an over portion of that Article.


Title: Account with Mary Washington, 27 April 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

[27 April 1775]

Mrs Mary Washington—in Acct with—George Washington

Dr

1771

Sep.
14—
To Cash lent you, at your request viz. 2 half Joes
£  4.12.6

1772

To Cash
5.  .

Sep.
16—
To Ditto
30.  .

Nov.
27—
To Ditto
15.  .

Decr
9—
To Ditto pd you by Colo. [Fielding] Lewis
10.  .

To Sundry Hogs out of those in the Pen’s, apprais’d by Colo. Lewis & my Brother Charles

To Cash paid you by Edward Jones pr his Letter to me
5.10.0

To 1109 lbs. of Porke pr my Bror Charles’s acct at 27/6 prCt
15. 5.0

1773

May

To Cash paid you by Mr L[und] Washington
10. 0.0

Octr
22—
To Ditto
15. 0.0

Decr
8—
To Ditto
30.  .

1774

April
23—
To Ditto sent you by Mr W[arner] Washington
25.  .

May

To Ditto
10.  .

Aug.
9—
To Ditto
20.  .

Octr
—

         To Ditto pd Phil. Marchinton for a cloak—pr Acct
         £10. 2.1

         To a Chair of Mr [William] Todd
         40. 0.0

         To freight of Ditto
         1.10.

          51.12.1

         deduct 25 prCt Diffe of Mony
          10. 6.5

41. 5.8

Decr
1—
To Cash sent you by Colo. Lewis
20.  .

1775

Mar.
30—
To Ditto paid you myself
30. 0.0

To 20 Barl of Corn @ 10/
10.  .

£296.13.2

Balle due Mrs Washington
£137.18.6

£434.11.8

Cr

1771.

Octr
15—
By Sundry Stock at the Home House valued by Colo. Lewis & my Bro: Charles to
£ 49. 2.4

By Ditto at the Quarter, valued by the same at
44. 9.4

1772.

By Rent of yr Land for the year 1772
30.  .

By hire of your Negros the same year pr charge in your own Book Copied by me
92. 0.0

1773.

By Rent of your Plantn for the yr 1773
30. 0.0

By Hire of your Negros this year pr Charge in yr Book copied as above
78. 0.0

By Rent for the Plantn for 1774
30. 0.0

By Hire of the Negros—reckoning of them the same as last year
78. 0.0

✻By Corn at the Plantation’s  Barls @  pr Barrl

By Doctr [Hugh] Mercer—pr yr acct Book
3. 0.0

£434.11.8

E.E. Go: Washington

Apl 27. 1775.


Title: Memorandum to Fielding Lewis, 30 April 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Memorandum—for Colo. Fielding Lewis May 1775
Apl 30th 1775.
To receive & pay Money agreeable to the List and orders herewith furnished.
If Messrs Balfour & Barraud should, contrary to all expectation neglect to pay me for my Flour, agreeable to contract I shall be very much distress’d, as I must, at all events (if you even

receive but as much Money) pay Mr Brent, Mr Mazzei & the £10 to the Treasurer. The other Sums must be the last paid.
I had, at the meeting in Richmond, a Bill of Exchange from Mr Thos Newton drawn by Ingles & Long in favr of one Wm Hodgzard for £100 Sterlg at 27½ prCt Excha: but the Exchange was to be regulated at the April Meeting. if it should therefore, be under 27½ please to receive the Difference.
The Bill you receivd from Colo. Syme, in June last for Colo. Fairfax, is come back—He promised at Richmond that he would endeavour to take it up this Meeting—please to remind him of it—the Bills are herewith sent.
If you should not have an oppy of seeing Mr Jno. Armistead, speak to young Mr Edd Pendleton abt my Claim on him on Acct of his Fathers Estate & as Exr to Colo. Baylor.
You will please to ask Mr Waller if it be necessary for the Power of Attorney herewith sent to be recorded—if it is, in what manner it can be done—& put into the hands of the most likely person to accomplish it in York, or James City Court—I imagine it will do in either.
If you should see any of Atthawess Captns in Williamsbg please to inform them. or Athawss Agent there, that Colo. Fairfax has 6 Hhds of Tobo at Colchester ready to be delivered when sent for. the Inspectors having Orders for this purpose.
If you should see the Exrs of Mr Jno. Page, be so good as to try to get a fresh Bond with Security, if they do not Incline to discharge the old—I have not been used well in this affair. Mr Page in Novr 1773 ask’d me to lend him £300 Sterg to complt, or make some very advantageous purchase of Land near, or adjoing him; I assurd him very truely, that I had not a farthing of my own to lend, & that I did not care to part with Mr Custis’s—He press’d, & press’d again; assuring me that if I would draw for that Sum he would replace it in April—I told him, I had often refus’d very particular friends, who would take it amiss if I should grant to others, what had been refus’d them; but at last, on his solemn assurance of replacing the money in a few Months, I consented to draw, & contrary to my expectation he gave me a Bond without any Security, because he would not, he said, let it be known that I had lent the Money. In April I heard nothing abt the return of the Money, & before October he died; so that, if his Affairs (as I have been told they are) should be in

a bad way, the Money stands unsecured; which is the reason of my giving you the trouble to call upon the Exrs for a fresh Bond at this time.
Please to contrive Mr Armisteads Letter to him before, or as you go down, as I believe he is seldom in Wmsburg himself.

Go: Washington


Title: Enclosure: Money to Receive and to Pay, 30 April 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

Apl 30th 1775.

Money to receive—May 1775.

From William Fitzhugh Esqr. Rent

£  22.10.0

Mr James Hunter

10. 0.0

Colo. Warner Lewis Intt due in Novr

40.

Honble Jno. Page’s Exrs Intt
£ 15. 0.

Mr Thos Adams—on Acct of Mr Jno. Fry

54.11.4

Messrs Balfour & Barraud

880. 0.1

Mr Frans Whiting Berkeley

50.

Doctr Walker—his acct first ded[ucte]d

6. 7.4

Armistead Exrs—8th Decr 1772
104. 3.3

Intt thereon

Colo. Baylors Exr 8 yrs Intt of Colo. Bernd Moores Bond for £1338.11
535. 8.0

Thos Newton Junr Esqr.

Mr James Hill—if not paid to Mr Custis; should he be down

From Colo. Byrd—left with him for me by Genl Lee

15. 0.0

From the Exrs of Jno. Page Esqr. his Bond given you
300. 0.

954.11.3
£1078. 8.9

Money to pay—May 1775.

To Mr Wm Brent on Acct of Mr Jas Mercer

£ 125. 0.0

To Mr James Mercer abt 35 or

40.

To Mr Mazzei for self
£ 12.10.

Mr Custis
12.10.

To the Treasurer for Mr Taits Salt scheme—Fairfax Subsn

10. 0.0

To Mr Yates for Mr Rob. Rutherfd

50.

To my Mother—her Balle after you have allowd for the wheat & my Brother Chas has allowd for what Corn he has sold from the Plantation

To Mr Thos Lawson abt

45. 0.0

£ 25. 0.
£ 270.

Dr Sir
Please to receive and pay the above Accts agreeably to the Memm furnish’d you by Yr Most Obedt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Warner Lewis, 30 April 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Warner

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon 30th April 1775

I shall be much obliged to you for the interest due on your Bond in Novr last, to wit £40—It is not in my power to attend the meeting of Merchants in Williamsburg this Spring, but Colo. Fielding Lewis will do me the favour to negotiate my business this Court. I am with respectful compliments to Mrs Lewis & your Family—& with very great esteem Dr Sir, Your most Obt Servt

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 30 April 1775
From: Spotswood, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sr
April 30th 1775

It is Immagin’d the first thing, that will Come on the Carpet at the Meeting of the Congress, Will be that, of Establishing Regular Armies throughout the Continent on pay if such a thing, Shd Take place, their is not the least doubt But youl have the Command of the Whole forces in this Collony—and in that Case, shall ever Esteem you as my greatest freind, if you’l use yr Intrest in procureing me a Comission—or Shd the powr of Chuseing Officers, be Vested in you—& you Shd think propper to Confer so great an honr on me, as ⟨to⟩ Quallifying me, as one of yr officers, you’l find me, as I have always been, Ready to serve my Country, in the Glorious cause of liberty, at the Risk of my life, fortune & Gratis—I am extreemly glad to inform you that after a Long debate it was at last agreed we shd not March to Williamsburg. I am Sr with Respect yr obt St

Alexr Spotswood


Title: Cash Accounts, May 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

[May 1775]

Cash

May  1—
To Thos Cortee recd from him by the hands of Capt. Bradstreet (which with Two Bills of Excha. One Drawn by Lyonel Bradstreet on Wm Tippell of Londo. date 12th Apl for £40 Str. & another Bill Drawn by Thos Cortee on Mr Wm Mollison of the Same date for £40 Str.) is in full for the Briga. Farmer Sold the sade Cortee £283.6.8 Maryld Curry is
[£]226.13. 4

To Bryan Fairfax Esqr. Int. of his Bond
12.19.10

3—
To Capt. William Grayson on Accot of Paying for the Prince William Arms at Philadelphia
100. 6. 0

16—
To Colo. Pendleton on Acct of the Colony of Virga Vizt 25 H[alf] Joes @ 45/10½ V. Cy
57. 6.10 1/2

Contra

May  1—
By William Johnson Muster Master (left with Mr John Muir) towards Buying him a Horse & for which he is to Accot 5 Gs.
7. 0. 0

2—
By Dinner & Club at Hawkins
0. 4. 7 1/2

By William McDaniel for taking up W. Webster
6. 0. 0

By Mr Steph. Johnson for 5050 feet of 1¼ Pine Plank
20. 4. 0

3—
By William Skilling your order in favr of Thos Bishop
2.10. 0

4—
By Exps. at the Alexandria Ferry
0. 7. 6

5—
By Servts at Marlbro & Exps. at Widow Ramsay’s
1. 1. 3

6—
By Guide to Baltimore & Ferriage at Petopsco
0.14. 0

7—
By Exps. at Baltimore Servts Charity &c.
 <3.10.10>

Do at [John] Rogers [Rodgers]
0.15. 0

By Do at Cheyns
0. 7. 6

8—
By Do at [William] Stevensons [Stephenson’s]
1. 6. 5

By Do at Charlestown
0. 5. 9

By Do at Christee [Christiana] Bridge
0. 4. 0

By Barber & Bleeding Horses
0. 1. 6

By Exps at Wilmington
1. 7. 7

9—
By Do at Chester
0. 6. 7

By Horse hire
1. 5. 0

10—
By Servts, Barber, Charity, &c.
0. 8. 3

By 8 Tooth Brushes
0. 4. 8

12—
By Money Given away £4.5 Py. Curry is
3. 8. 0

15—
By Club at [Daniel] Smith’s & Sundries &c. 18/7 P. Curry is
0.14.11 1/2

17—
By a Pack of Message Cards
0. 2. 0

By a Woman’s Steel Wat[c]h Chain
1. 0. 0

18—
By Capt. Brown 1 Guinea
1. 8. 0

20—
By Subscription to Hanson’s Books 8 Setts
2. 8. 0

By 2 Dozn Saucers, & 1 Dozn Cups £1.2.6 P. Cy is
0.18. 0

By 1 China Bowl 10/ 2 Dozn Glasses £1.4 P. Cy is
1. 7. 2 1/2

By a Box for Do 1/3 Postage of a letter 1/5 Servts &c. 1/10
0. 3. 7

22—
By a Razor Strap
0. 6. 0

By 1 Dozn Scythe Rifles
0. 9. 8 3/4

By Robt Morris Esqr. left with him to Purchase a Bill for Col: Fairfax
200. 0. 0

24—
By  Palmer pd him for 40 Musketts for P[rince] W[illiam] Coy
120. 0. 0

By Do Pd for the Muskett for Mr Custis
3. 0. 0

By 1 Dozn Window Screws 9/ 1½ Do Do 11/3 P. Cy
0.16. 3

26—
By 1 Barrl Coffee 182 lbs. @ 1/ Py. Cy
 7. 6. 3 1/4

28—
By Exps. at the Provence Island
0. 6. 0

29—
By 1 Quire Paper 2/6 Postage of a letter 1/3 1 Stick Seelg Wax 1/
0. 3.10

30—
By Postage of a letter 2/10 a large Ink Stand £2.10 a Smaller £2
3.13. 3 1/4

By a Travelling Razor Case
2. 0. 0

31—
By Colo. Francis Peyton a Scale, Parallell Ruler & Protracter
1. 1. 0

By Messrs Willing & Morris Robt C. Nicholas Esqrs. Order being my Propn of his Dft
87.12. 0


Title: To George Washington from James Cleveland, 12 May 1775
From: Cleveland, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
May 12th 1775 Kanhawa at The great bend

These Fue lines Comes to let you know that we are all Well & & & And on April 5 I Got to Gilbert Sympsons Whear I Found all the hands; & Nothing Ready but What I Gave you & Account of but the Articles hear after menched; one Cannae Made by your one [own] hands, two Do Made last year; 9 Axes so I bought one Cannae of Sympson at 20/ And one more I Got Which Made Five With my one after I had got loaded I found I Could Not Tacke in all; so I left three bareles of Corn which I hope you would bring with you, Cpt. Crawford Came down To Me just as I was ready to set of, & said he thought I was Loaded to Deap & Would have me to tack one of Mr John wests I Did Refuse to Do it at First as my let Ter was seald; but Remembring your In Structsions was to Consult him but I had reason to Wish

I had Not For it was Stove, tho I Could Not see it so I Was a bliged to leave hur he all so Prest Me To tack white & he turns out well as yet I tuck him After the letter was seald If you have got any of the letters They are all Numberd but the First & seCont on the 10 of The sam Instant I Inbarcket For the Canhawa but the Winds weare so high that I Could Not go above half time on the 18 of the same Instant I had the miss Fortain to Loos the bst Cannoe & Six bareles of Corn one Gun, on the 22 of the same Instant I got to the land then I sot the hands To helveing & fixen, that No time might be lost I proseded To Search out a place I Spent three Dayes be Fore I Could Fix on the Spot Cald the great bend & on the 26 Day of The same Instant I got to the spot Wheare I proseded as directd First the peach Carnals petatoes seads Corn that Night Two of the sarvents Run a way by worter I set out With Five hands & the Night after got back with them; on the 3 Day of This Instant Five of them Run a way I proseded with fore hands Down the ohio as low as giaudot by this I thought I must have pst them then I made to search the Indains shore wheare I got the head man & a rifel which he had stole from the Camp he said thay set out for Pensecole but saw me Pase them Thay Concluded to go to the Shawne town on great musk kingdom as he had been lost five Dayes from the rest I thought I Could ketch them before thay Could git to the town so Marchet a Day but found I Could Not by the tracks I saw so I returnd To The Camp to provide For the jurney & this Day Sets out to the town With one hand the best Diat in the last viorge was worter And wild Weads Which Made Willum Skilling & one of stefens hands give out & weare two Dayes & half before thay Made Camp, the sarvents keeps me & the hiord hands huntting of tham I am bulding a house to lock them in of Nights as there is No other Way to kep them tell you Come out & see What is to be Done For this place Would Not Doe for sarvints Was Not my Credet at stack I should have given up For the time I loos is More then thay are Worth I have the porest set of hands In flesh That Iver I saw & at this time has but 28 bushells of Corn our Meat Is all out & game is as scase hear as it is in loudown so that We have No meat & the fish would Not bite or there is None To bite you know how many hands you have hear Stefenes has got all his hands & I thinck thay are good I hired one hand So that you are abel to judg how

long our Corn would last I have searcht my selef for game but finds there is None to Speak of in less then 25 or 35 miles & that right threw the hiles Wheare SCarsell a man Can go I have been bey Worter But finds No game that the hunters are Not in fault I am Told fish would be very plenty soon if so I shall Want lines As I have hunters & game to be had at a great Distance I am Resolved to Mack all I Can by Skines when thay are in season If We ketch fish I should be glad to have some flower but that or Corn Must be had for all hands & there is None to be had hear Near or then Green brior, Wich is two fear [far] so shall Mack the best of What I have Tell you Come out & see What you Can bring For us I have put betwen 15 & 20 acres in Corn Which is all I Can tend as I have but 8 hoes & them stumps one of Which Is brock the lands hear is the Worst to Clear that Ever I saw And so you Would see when you Come out—We are sot in to buld I am a Mind to trie Which is the spediest way bulding or Clearing I am shore that Clearing is if it weare Not so bad with treaes ⟨Grubes⟩ & at this time the Weade & Grass is wast high & some more As I have Not got much done yet And am at a great Distance from you it may appear to you that more might been Done but you must not thinck that ther is any time lost while I am hear that Can be hope had Not the sarvants run a way ⟨I⟩ Mought have had more Done the peoples Cloes Would be wore out Except britches & hats by the faul Shues ma be had hear.
This garroson I under stand is to be brock up there is plenty of Mataxes for sail Near a 100 head of Cattel Fine Cowes And Calves Cpt. Russel sayes he thincks thay would sell As high as three pound or three pound tenn Such I have Not Seen but I have No money or I would by some of them I Entend To try to by some of them & Draw on you For the Cash I have had some talck with him a bout it he has promist To let Me have a Fue of them if I get them & you should Bring Flower out with you it Would mack up For this Bead liven this Letter Would Come Soon to hand If you should Not a Prove of it let me know it as soon as you Can as it Would bee a bout 5 or 6 weackes before thay are sold if I Find thay go at the price that Some thincks thay woud I shall try to by the ⟨hole⟩ What you would Not want I Would keep if you please but let me know by the first Letter you send to me I All so in tend to by mataxes as I have but two there is No hilling hoes & we want some[.] As We have Done

one house & Directed to praise as we go I think I have three of the most Proper hands sworn before Cpt. Rusell Majestrate of Finncasel County to a praise the Worck Done on this tract.


Title: From George Washington to Fairfax County Committee, 16 May 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax County Committee

Gentn
Phila. May 16th 1775

If I could have communicated any thing by the last Post certain and satisfactory, I should most assuredly have done it agreeable to my premise, but the only articles of Intelligence which came to my hands were containd in the Gazette, & went regularly to you—This is pretty much the case at present, and leaves

me little to add as the Congress are again under the Tye of Secrecy in respect to their proceedings till the business is finish’d, or particular parts of it published by order—the principal design therefore of my writing to you at this time, & under these circumstances is, to recommend strongly, in case a Convention of the Virga Delegates should be calld (as the Treasurer has been advis’d to do) in my absence, that some other person may be chosen Pro:tem. to serve in my Room; in order that, the County may, at this important Crisis, be fully represented—the necessity of a full, and able Representation at such a juncture as this, must be too obvious to need a Comment, or words to enforce the recommendation.
We have a very full Congress, and I flatter myself that great unanimity will prevail among the Members of it. The Colony of New York is said, not only to be hearty, but zealous in the cause—I wish, & I hope it may be so, but, as I never entertaind a very high opinion of your sudden repentances, I will suspend my opinion till the arrival of the Troops there.
The Provencial Congress of the Massachusetts bay have voted 13,600 Men, the other Governments of New Engd have followed their example in proportionate numbers, & the Troops at Boston are confind within the neck by about 9000 of them, Intrenchd, by which means all Communication between the Town & Country is cut off, and the Army and Inhabitants of Boston, it is said, somewhat distressd for Provisions. We have no late Accts from thence; but it is supposed Genl Gage will keep close till he receives his reinforcemt, to consist, our Accts say, of abt 2000 Men & to be expected the last of this Month. What he will then do, time only can tell. The Depositions taken after the Action at Lexington I inclose you, when oppy offers please to forwd a Copy or two into the back Counties.
As Mr Milner has just given ⟨mutilated⟩ notice that he shall set out at One ⟨o⟩clock this day instead of tomorrow (as I expected) I am obligd to write in more haste than I otherwise should have done, I am with sincere esteem Gentn Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Cleveland, 21 May 1775
From: Cleveland, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
May 21th 1775—kanhawa Great bend

I Am so well sattes fied that You have Got the Last letter that I shall Not right so Full as I should If I thought that Could fail as I give You a Full a Count of all My Prosedeurs & that the sarvents Plaged me Much At that Time Fore of them Ware gone to the Indanes town & that Day I should set out after them but Concluded To send stefenes after them & he Returnd to me Last Ni⟨ght⟩ With two of them & the Man that I have sent with him as a pilet is gone one to the other town as these Two Ware so fare spent that thay Could hardele git home & are know both of them Sick & so pore that if thay live Thay Would Not be abel to worck in less then tenn Day⟨s⟩ the best a Count I Can give you is that one of them is starved to Det⟨h as⟩ he Could Not Swim thay Left him With out ⟨mutilated⟩ tacklen & as thay weare 17 Dayes out so that he Must be Dead but if he shoud Git to any of the towns I shall Git him because I have got Capt. Rusell to right to the king of the Indanes & he has promist if any of his hunters Comes a Cross him he Shall be brought in Safe But I thinck he is Dead for When the rest left him he Was all Most spent his Name is Edward Cu⟨mutilated⟩ & John baley & W. braser & Charles Stefenes & Willam trase the head man this trip. he is a good hand or I would Sell him the other fore When I stand by Cant Do as Much as he Can but tenn pounds is the most that I have been oferd for ether of them & that Mol⟨iss⟩ Pay so that I Do Not know What to Do but as thay Would Not stay at home & good for Nothing When there & all the hiord hands wore out I am resolved to part With them tho you Would Be a loser the time after them is more as I have Lost 49 Dayes after them be sides Expences so that My Improve ments is small as yet but small as thay Are ther has been No lost time Nor shall Not bee While I live.

I have got but 25½ busheles of Corn at this time & None to be had hear I hope you would be hear seoon And bring us Corn or flower & I thinck flower is As Cheap as Corn be Caase in broth it goes further & that is Chef of our Diot When we Can Git any thing to Mack it I am bulding know & hope to Right better to you Next time I have had So Much lost Time that my Worck Done is Not worth mencohing So I Con Clud your To Command.

James Cleveland

N.B. Pray let me know how Mattrs Stands be twen great Britton & a merica.


Title: From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 31 May 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, George William

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia May 31st 1775.

Since my last (dated about the first of April) I have received from Mr Craven Peyton the Sum of £193.6.10 (as you may see by the inclosed Account) with which, and the Balance of the former Money, I now remit you the following Bills; to wit, one drawn by Mr Thomas Contee on Mr Mollison, for £40 Sterling, and another drawn by Lyonel Bradstreet on Mr William Tippell of London for the like Sum (indorsed by Mr Contee; the strongest assurances being given me, that they are both good) Mr Contee is Mr Mollison’s principal Factor, or Agent, in Maryland, and is besides a Man of property himself; but notwithstanding this, the times are so ticklish, that there is no such thing as answering for the payment of Bills. You must therefore, either take the chance of receiving bad ones, or suffer your Money to lay dead.
I have also, since my coming to this place, purchased a Bill from Messieurs Willing and Morris of £161.5.10 Sterling, which will, I believe, for I have not a state of our Account with me, about Balance it. With the Copy of Mr Peyton’s Account, you will receive a List of the Rents which he collected since last settlement; and these, as I have not been favoured with a Line from you, since your Letter of June, is all I recollect at present worth communicating relative to your business.
Before this Letter can reach you, you must, undoubtedly, have received an Account of the engagement in the Massachusetts Bay between the Ministerial Troops (for we do not, nor cannot yet prevail upon ourselves to call them the King’s Troops) and the Provincials of that Government; But as you may not have heard how that affair began, I inclose you the several Affidavits that were taken after the action.
General Gage acknowledges, that the detachment under Lieutenant Colonel Smith was sent out to destroy private property; or, in other Words, to destroy a Magazine which self preservation obliged the Inhabitants to establish. And he also confesses, in effect at least, that his Men made a very precipitate

retreat from Concord, notwithstanding the reinforcement under Lord Piercy; the last of which may serve to convince Lord Sandwich (and others of the same sentiment) that the Americans will fight for their Liberties and property, however pusilanimous, in his Lordship’s Eye, they may appear in other respects.
From the best accounts I have been able to collect of that affair; indeed from every one, I believe the fact, stripped of all colouring, to be plainly this, that if the retreat had not been as precipitate as it was (and God knows it could not well have been more so) the Ministerial Troops must have surrendered, or been totally cut off: For they had not arrived in Charlestown (under cover of their Ships) half an hour, before a powerful body of Men from Marblehead and Salem were at their heels, and must, if they had happened to have been up one hour sooner, inevitably intercepted their retreat to Charlestown. Unhappy it is though to reflect, that a Brother’s Sword has been sheathed in a Brother’s breast, and that, the once happy and peaceful plains of America are either to be drenched with Blood, or Inhabited by Slaves. Sad alternative! But can a virtuous Man hesitate in his choice? I am, With sincere Regard and Affectionate compliments to Mrs Fairfax, Dear Sir, Your Most obt servant,

G. Washington


Title: Cash Accounts, June 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

[June 1775]

Cash

June  7—
To John Ross recd from him on Accot of Mr Andrew Leitch P[rince] William Arms
[£] 32. 0. 0

To Colo. Harrison received from him on Accot of the Money paid Mr Thomson last Cong[res]s
1. 0. 0

To Overcharge on Contra Side in John Ross’s Credit
32. 0. 0

To Mr [William] Milnor recd from him on Acct of Andw Leitch P. Wm Company
7. 0. 0

13—
To Messrs Willing & Morris a Bill of Excha. Drawn upon John Motteaux Esqr. Londo. Dated May 31st 1775 for £161.5.10 Str. for the £250 P[ennsylvania] C[urrenc]y lodgd with them 23d May
200. 0. 0

Contra

June  1—
By Dinner & Club at Burris’s Coffee &c.
0. 5. 8

By a Belt & Altering my Hanger
1. 0. 0

By Exps. bringing my Horses from Baltimore
2. 5. 0

3—
By a Cloaths Baskett
0. 7. 6

By Exps. at New Tavern 1/6 Black Cravatt 7/6
0. 9. 0

By Prince William Coy Men’s Accot for Cartooch Boxes &c.
30. 0. 0

5—
By 1 Tomahawk
0. 7. 6

By 15 Yds Narrow Edging @ 1/2. 12 Do Narrow for Mrs [Eleanor Calvert] Custis 11/
1. 8. 6

By Covering my Holsters 7/6 a Circingle 5/
0.12. 6

7—
By 6 Flasks Florence Oyl
0.19. 6

By John Ross recd from him on Acct of Mr Andw Leitch
32. 0. 0

By Do for a Sash had of you by Mr W. Milnor
6. 0. 0

By Messrs Marshall’s Accot for Paints
17. 2. 4 1/2

By Doctr Smith for Medicines
18. 7. 6

By 1 Kegg Raisins
2.15. 0

By 1 Do of Currants 33¾ @ 10d.
1. 8. 1 1/2

By Brooms and Mons per Acct
1. 6. 0

By Ben. Town Pd him ⅌ Mr W. Milnor P. Wm Coy
5. 0. 0

By Two Cloath’s Basketts
0.15. 0

By Two Ps of Irish Linnen @ 2/8 ⅌ Yd
6. 5. 4

By 5 Military Books
1.12. 0

9—
By Charity 2/6. Cash gave away 15/ Barber 1/10
0.19. 4

10—
By 1 Ps Blk Silk Ferreting
0. 7. 6

11—
By Postage of letters
0. 2.10

21—
By Mr Simpson’s Acct
6. 9. 6

By Charity 7/6 Postage of letters 5/8 Py. Cy
0.10. 6 1/2

By 4 prs Stockings
2. 3. 2 1/2

By Club at Burns’s [tavern]
0.10. 0

By Shoemaker
0.17. 7

By Washing
0.14.11

By Letter Case, & Ink Stand
2. 8. 0

By Gallaway Taylor’s Acct
16. 0. 0

By Mending Will’s Boots
0. 3. 6 1/4

By Mr Simson’s Acct for 24/ for Mr Custis & 16/2 for C. Bassett
5. 3 7

22—
By Mr [William] Todd for Harness
6. 4. 0

By John Cotringer Taylor
6. 6. 2 1/2

By Chas Binks Sadler
1.19. 2 1/2

By Jacob Hiltsheimer
0.16. 0

By Elias Botnar
0.14. 5

By Js Shoemaker
0. 8. 0

By Benjn Hemmings Stabler
0.14. 6 3/4

By Mr [Benjamin] Randolph Bd &c.
14. 2. 7

23—
By Mr Smith’s Acct
5.13. 7 1/4

By a Whip 4/ Servts 6/ Charity 1/3 Barber 4/ Ribbon 2/8
0.13.11

24—
By Indians 5/ Washing £1.2.5 1 Pr Breeches for Bill 18/
2. 5. 5


Title: To George Washington from James Cleveland, 7 June 1775
From: Cleveland, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
June 7th 1775 Canhawa great bend

These lines Comes to Let you know how I go one With improven First I Cleard & got in Corn a bote 20 or 25 acares or More Which is More than I rote Before I have bult as Much as Would be praised To a bout 160 Pounds by the Men that is to prais⟨e⟩ It as the lands is hard to Clear & rail timber very Schase I find from Expearance that buld in is the Best Way I have rote so Much a bout the sarvents That I shall say No more a bout them as I got All them from the Townes but one & the king Brought him a Cross the ohio to Fort blare but Be fore I Could git their he had swam over so That I have him to go after a gain & as I have lost 60 od Dayes all ready I am resolved Not to Fetch him home a gain I Must Tack any thing I Can git a gain these that are hear I am a Bliged to Watch I rote to you that one of Them Must be drownded but the indanes saved his life so I have got him a gain The time Lost and Expences is More then I Can Sell them for I have but 12 busheles of Corn at this time &

know Meat to behad & the hands threatenes to run a Way know & When there is No bread thay will Not stay so I thinck it best to Trie to git some Do⟨wn⟩ & as I am a blige to send up to the botomes I have Sent three of the sarvents to Major Crawford & Directed him to sell them on the best Turmes he Can I have No Cash to send for provision but Gives & order on you Which I Expect will Doe if Not to bring the Corn I left at Sympsons & if got to leave & Exeact a Count of it & all That Thay bring so that When you Call for it you May know what stock I have Cpt. Russell Who has assisted Me in Gitting of The sarvents has all so promist Me salt And some Meat & three Cowes tho it Tis Contra[r]y To his Directions[.] the Leter No. 9 I thought to a Bought all the Cattel but as the Indains At this time is Not sattes fied a bout the treaty And ar Ware en the white skalpe that thay Got last year I Shall Not by any thing that I Can Do With thout the improvement seames Two Small Which mackes me Desiros that you Sould Come out as soon as Possibele you Can But if the affares of aMereca Would Not a Mit of that Right very full to Me a bout Your afferes hear & allso let me know: affare⟨s⟩ is ther When you look at the Worck Done remem⟨ber⟩ That fore of the hands has done Nare Dayes Worck sence thay Came hear & Lost time & know thay must go by Warter for it tis Much as thay Can Doe to walck know a b⟨out⟩[.] As I have menchioned in the letters be fore a Bout Close [cloathes] some of Which Will Come to hand Be Cause I in Closed them to Mr John peak & pr favour of Mr Roberts Lewtenant so I Con Clude yours to Command

James Cleveland

Sir

Please to bring me a Qior of Paper When you Come.


Title: To George Washington from Martha Washington, 15 June 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, Martha
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Martha Washington, 15 June 1775. On 18 June 1775 GW wrote to his wife: “I have receivd your Letter of the 15th.”


Title: To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 15 June 1775 [letter not found]
From: Custis, John Parke
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Parke Custis, 15 June 1775. On 19 June 1775 GW wrote to Custis: “I have receiv’d your Letter of the 15th Instt.”


Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 16 December 1769
From: Washington, George
To: Robert Cary & Company

Gentn,
Williamsburg. Decr 16th 1769.

I have drawn upon you this day in favour of Marmaduke Norfleet for One hundred pounds Sterling which please to pay and

place to Acct of Mr. Jno. Parke Custis—I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Thomas Lewis and Samuel McDowell to Virginia Delegates, 14 April 1775
From: Lewis, Thomas,McDowell, Samuel
To: Virginia Delegates

To the Honourable Peyton Randolph, Esq; President, Richard Henry Lee, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Richard Bland, Benjamin Harrison, and Edmund Pendleton, Esquires, Delegates from this colony to the General Congressgentlemen,
[14 April 1775]

we have it in command, from the freeholders of Augusta county, by their committee, held the 22d of last February, to present you with their grateful acknowledgments of thanks for the prudent, virtuous, and noble exertions of the faculties with which Heaven has endowed you, in the cause of liberty, and of every thing that men ought to hold sacred, at the late General Congress; a conduct so nobly interesting, that it must command that tribute of applause, not only from this, but succeeding ages. May that sacred flame that has illuminated your minds, and influenced your conduct, in projecting and concurring in so many salutary determinations for the preservation of American liberty, ever continue to direct your conduct, to the latest period of your lives. May the bright example be fairly transcribed on the hearts and reduced into practice by every Virginian, by every American. May our hearts be open to receive, and our arm strong to defend, that liberty and freedom, the gift of Heaven, now banishing from its last retreat in Europe. Here let it be hospitably entertained, in every breast; there let it take deep root, and flourish in everlasting bloom; that, under its benign influence, the virtuously free may enjoy secure repose, and stand forth the scourge and terrour of tyranny and tyrants, of every order and denomination, till time shall be no more. Be pleased, Gentlemen, to accept of their grateful sense of your important services, and of their ardent prayers for the best

interest of this once happy country; and vouchsafe, Gentlemen, to accept of the same from your most humble servants,

   thomas lewis,

   Delegates.

   samuel m’dowell,


Title: Virginia Delegates to Thomas Lewis and Samuel McDowell, 14 April 1775
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Lewis, Thomas,McDowell, Samuel

Gentlemen,
[14 April 1775]

Be pleased to transmit to the respectable freeholders of the county of Augusta our sincere thanks for their affectionate address, approving our conduct in the late Continental Congress. It gives us the greatest pleasure to find that our honest endeavours to serve our country on this arduous and important occasion has met their approbation, a reward fully adequate to our warmest wishes; and the assurances from the brave and spirited people of Augusta, that their hearts and hands shall be devoted to the support of the measures adopted, or hereafter to be taken, by the Congress, for the preservation of American liberty, give us the highest satisfaction, and must afford pleasure to every friend to the just rights of mankind.
We cannot conclude without acknowledgments to you, Gentlemen, for the polite manner in which you have communicated to us the sentiments of your worthy constituents; and are their and your obedient humble servants,
peyton randolph. richard henry lee. george washington. patrick henry. richard bland. benjamin harrison. edmund pendleton.


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Richardson, 6 April 1774 [letter not found]
From: Richardson, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Daniel Richardson, 6 April 1774. Richardson docketed the cover of GW’s 30 December 1773 letter to him in part: “ansrd 6th April 1774.”


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Horatio Gates, 17 June 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Letter not found: to Brigadier General Horatio Gates, 17 June 1775. On 22 June Gates wrote to GW: “Last night I was Honourd by the receipt of your Obliging Letter of 17th Instant.”


Title: Commission from the Continental Congress, 19 June 1775
From: Continental Congress
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia, 19 June 1775]

In Congress
The delegates of the United Colonies of New-hampshire, Massachusetts bay, Rhode-island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey,

Pennsylvania, New Castle Kent & Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina & South Carolina
To George Washington Esquire
We reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, conduct and fidelity Do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be General and Commander in chief of the army of the United Colonies and of all the forces raised or to be raised by them and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service and join the said army for the defence of American Liberty and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof And you are hereby vested with full power and authority to act as you shall think for the good and Welfare of the service.
And we do hereby strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders & diligent in the exercise of their several dut⟨ies.⟩ And we do also enjoin and require you to be careful in executing the great trust reposed in you, by causing strict discipline and order to be observed in th⟨e⟩ army and that the soldiers are duly exercised an⟨d⟩ provided with all convenient necessaries.
And you are to regulate your conduct in every respect by the rules and discipline of war (as herewith given you) and punctually to observe and foll⟨ow⟩ such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the said United Colonies or a committee of Congress for that purpose appointed.
This Commission to continue inforce until revoked by this or a future Congress.

By order of the Congress
John Hancock President
Dated Philadelphia June 19th 1775.
 Attest Chas Thomson secy


Title: From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, 19 June 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Bassett, Burwell

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia, June 19th 1775.

I am now Imbarkd on a tempestuous Ocean from whence, perhaps, no friendly harbour is to be found. I have been called upon by the unanimous Voice of the Colonies to the Command of the Continental Army—It is an honour I by no means aspired to—It is an honour I wished to avoid, as well from an unwillingness to quit the peaceful enjoyment of my Family as from

a thorough conviction of my own Incapacity & want of experience in the conduct of so momentous a concern—but the partiallity of the Congress added to some political motives, left me without a choice—May God grant therefore that my acceptance of it may be attended with some good to the common cause & without Injury (from want of knowledge) to my own reputation—I can answer but for three things, a firm belief of the justice of our Cause—close attention in the prosecution of it—and the strictest Integrety—If these cannot supply the places of Ability & Experience, the cause will suffer, & more than probable my character along with it, as reputation derives it principal support from success—but it will be remembered I hope that no desire, or insinuation of mine, placed me in this situation. I shall not be deprivd therefore of a comfort in the worst event if I retain a consciousness of having acted to the best of my judgment.
I am at liberty to tell you that the Congress in Committee (which will, I daresay, be agreed to when reported) have consented to a Continental Currency, and have ordered two Million of Dollars to be struck for payment of the Troops, and other expences arising from our defence—as also that 15,000 Men are voted as a Continental Army, which will I daresay be augmented as more Troops are Imbark’d & Imbarking for America than was expected at the time of passing that Vote. As to other Articles of Intelligence I must refer you to the Gazettes as the Printers pick up every thing that is stirring in that way. The other Officers in the higher departments are not yet fixed—therefore I cannot give you their names. I set out to morrow for Boston where I shall always be glad to hear from you; my best wishes attend Mrs Bassett—Mrs Dandridge & all our Relations and friends—In great haste, as I have many Letters to write and other business to do I remain with the sincerest regard Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I must Intreat you & Mrs Bassett, if possible, to visit at Mt Vernon as also my Wife’s other friends—I could wish you to take her down, as I have no expectations of returning till Winter & feel great uneasiness at her lonesome Situation—I have sent my Chariot & Horses back.


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 20 June 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

Dear Brother,
Philadelphia June 20th 1775.

I am now to bid adieu to you, & to every kind of domestick ease, for a while. I am Imbarked on a wide Ocean, boundless in its prospect & from whence, perhaps, no safe harbour is to be found[.] I have been called upon by the unanimous Voice of the Colonies to take the Command of the Continental Army—an honour I neither sought after, nor desired, as I am thoroughly convinced; that it requires greater Abilities, and much more experience, than I am Master of, to conduct a business so extensive in its nature, and arduous in the execution, but the partiallity of the Congress, joind to a political motive, really left me without a Choice; and I am now Commissioned a Generl & Commander in Chief of all the Forces now raisd, or to be raisd, for the defence of the United Colonies—That I may discharg[e] the Trust to the Satisfaction of my Imployers, is my first wish—that I shall aim to do it, there remains as little doubt of—how far I may succeed is another point—but this I am sure of, that in the worse event, I shall have the consolation of knowing (if I act to the best of my judgment) that the blame ought to lodge upon the appointers, not the appointed, as it was by no means a thing of my own seeking, or proceeding from any hint of my friends.
I am at liberty to inform you, that the Congress, in a Committee (which will I dare say be agreed to when reported) have converted to a Continental Currency—have ordered two Million of Dollars to be struck for payment of the Troops &ca and have voted 15,000 Men as a Continental Army—which number will be augmented, as the strength of the British Troops will be greater than was expected at the time of passing that vote. Genl Ward—Genl Lee—Genl Schuyler—and Genl Putnam—are appointed Major Genls under me—the Brigadier Genls are not yet appointed. Majr Gates Adjutant Genl—I expect to set out to morrow for Boston & hope to be joind there in a little

time by Ten Companies of Rifle men from this Provence, Maryland, & Virginia—for other Articles of Intelligence, I shall refer you to the Papers, as the Printers are diligent in collecting every thing that is stirring.
I shall hope that my Friends will visit, & endeavour to keep up the Spirits of my Wife as much as they can, as my departure will, I know, be a cutting stroke upon her; and on this acct alone, I have many very disagreeable Sensations—I hope you & my Sister, (although the distance is great) will find as much leisure this Summer, as to spend a little time at Mt Vernon[.] My sincere regards attend you both as also the little ones and I am Dr Sir Yr most Affecte Brother

Go: Washington


Title: Instructions from the Continental Congress, 22 June 1775
From: Continental Congress
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia June 22d 1775

In Congress
This Congress having appointed you to be General & Commander in chief of the army of the United Colonies and of all the forces raised or to be raised by them and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service and join the said army for the defence of American liberty and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof, you are to repair with all expedition to the colony of Massachusetts-bay and take charge of the army of the United Colonies.
For your better direction
First, You are to make a return to us, as soon as possible of all forces, which you shall have under your command, together with their military stores and provisions; and also as exact an account as you can obtain of the forces, which compose the British army in America.
Secondly, You are not to disband any of the men you find raised until further direction from this Congress; and if you shall think their numbers not adequate to the purpose of security, you may recruit them to a number you shall think sufficient not exceeding double that of the enemy.
Thirdly, In all cases of vacancy occasioned by death or a removal of a Colonel or other inferior officer, you are by Brevet or Warrant under your seal to appoint another person to fill up such vacancy, until it shall be otherwise ordered by the provincial Convention or Assembly of the colony, from whence the troops, in which such vacancy happen, shall direct otherwise.
Fourthly, You are to victual at the continental expence all such volunteers as have joined, or shall join the united army.
Fifthly, You shall take every method in your power, consistent with prudence, to destroy or make prisoners of all persons, who now are, or who hereafter shall appear in arms against the good people of the United Colonies.
Sixthly, And whereas all particulars cannot be foreseen, nor positive instructions for such emergencies so beforehand given, but that many things must be left to your prudent and discreet management, as occurrences may arise upon the place or from

time to time fall out; You are, therefore, upon all such accidents or any occasion, that may happen, to use your best circumspection and (advising with your council of war) to order and dispose of the said army under your command, as may be most advantageous for the obtaining the end, for which these forces have been raised, making it your special care, in discharge of the great trust committed unto you that the liberties of America receive no detriment.

By Order of Congress,
John Hancock President

In addition to yr Instructions it is Resolved by Congress, That the troops including the volunteers be furnished with camp Equipage & blankets if necessary at the continental expence.
That the Officers now in the army receive their commissions from the Genl & commander in chief.
That a Sum not exceeding two Millions of Spanish milled dollars be emitted by the Congress in bills of Credit for the defence of America.

Chas Thomson Secy
By Order of Congress
John Hancock President


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Horatio Gates, 22 June 1775
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Travellers-Rest 22th June 1775

Last night I was Honourd by the receipt of your Obliging Letter of 17th Instant, I shall Obey your Commands with all possible Expedition, & hope to be in philadelphia Thursday next, & wish earnestly to find you there. I must take the Liberty to entreat it of you, not to leave the Congress, until you are provided not only with all the Powers, but all the Means, their Power can bestow, if it is indispensibly necessary you should leave philadelphia before I get there, I hope to find with Colonel Harrison, your possitive, & particular Commands, in regard to any business you may leave unsettled behind you—the request for the Riffle Men was well received in this province, and in Maryland, Major Stevenson Commands one of the Companys from hence, & I believe Cap. Morgan the other. both excellent for the Service, Col. Creasup told me on Monday morning that his Son, had Eighty Riffle Men ready to March, those go for one of the Companys from Maryland. Immediately upon the Arrival of your Express, I dispatch’d your packets to your Brother, & Col: Stephen. if their Answers don’t come in half an hour, I will bring them with me.
My Gratefull Thanks are most Respectfully due to the Congress, for the very Handsome manner in which they conferred their Commission.
I will not intrude more upon that Time, which is now so precious to you, only to assure you I will not lose a moment in paying you my personal attendance, with the greatest respect for your Charactor, & the sincerest attachment to your person, I am Dear General Your most Faithfull, & Obedient Humble Servant,

Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Delegates, 22 June 1775
From: Massachusetts Delegates
To: Washington, George

Sir
Phyladelphia June 22. 1775

In Complyance with your Request We have considered of what you proposed to us, and are obliged to give you our Sentiments, very briefly, and in great Haste.
In general, Sir, there will be three Committees, either of a Congress, or of an House of Representatives, which are and will be composed of our best Men; Such, whose Judgment and

Integrity, may be most rely’d on; the Committee on the State of the Province, the Committee of Safety, and the Committee of Supplies.
But least this Should be too general, We beg leave to mention particularly Messrs Bowdoin, Sever, Dexter, Greenleaf, Darby, Pitts, Otis of the late Council—Hon. John Winthrop Esq. L.L.D. Joseph Hawley Esqr. of Northampton, James Warren Esqr. of Plymouth Coll Palmer of Braintree, Coll Orne and Elbridge Gerry Esqr. of Marblehead, Dr Warren, Dr Church Mr John Pitts all of Boston, Dr Langdon President of Harvard Colledge, and Dr Chauncey and Dr Cooper of Boston. Coll Forster of Brookfield.
The Advice and Recommendations of these Gentlemen, and of Some others whom they may introduce to your Acquaintance may be depended on.
With great Sincerity, We wish you, an agreable Journey and a glorious Campaign; and are with much Esteem and Respect, Sir, your most obedient Servants.

            Samuel Adams
            John Hancock

            John Adams
            Thomas Cushing

            Robt Treat Paine


Title: From George Washington to Martha Washington, 23 June 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Martha

My dearest,
Phila. June 23d 1775.

As I am within a few Minutes of leaving this City, I could not think of departing from it without dropping you a line; especially as I do not know whether it may be in my power to write again till I get to the Camp at Boston—I go fully trusting in that Providence, which has been more bountiful to me than I deserve, & in full confidence of a happy meeting with you sometime in the Fall—I have not time to add more, as I am surrounded with Company to take leave of me—I retain an unalterable affection for you, which neither time or distance can change, my best love to Jack & Nelly, & regard for the rest of the Family concludes me with the utmost truth & sincerety Yr entire

Go: Washington