Title: [June 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday. June 1st. About Sun rise, we set out for the Great Falls, where having met Mr. Smith (the assistent Manager who resides at the works at the Seneca falls) we examined the Canal, banks and other operations at this place and were pleased to find them in such forwardness and so well executed. The upper part of the Canal, however, still requires to be widened—Stones &ca. removed out of it and the lower side banked. From hence we proceeded by a Small cut, & wall About a mile higher up the River to the Seneca falls, where much digging & blowing had been performed for the purpose of conducting the Navigation through one of the Swashes on the Virginia side and a good deal of Substantial Wall erected but the whole being in a rude & unfinished state no judgment could be formed of the time necessary to execute it; but Mr. Smith supposes 20 hands will be able to accomplish it this Summer as a like number wd. do that at the Great falls above the Lock Seats. At this place we breakfasted, and in Company with Mr. Smith continued our journey. Dined at Leesburgh & lodged at Mr. Jno. Houghs.

Monday 2d. About 5 Oclock, after an early breakfast, we set off, pilotted by Mr. Hough thro’ by roads, over the short hills—by the House & Mill of one Belt for the Mo. of Shenandoah where we arrived partly by a good, & partly by a rugged road, at half after eight Oclock—distance about 12 Miles. Soon after came Govr. Johnson, and about 10 Oclock Govr. Lee & Colo. Gilpin arrived. We then, together, crossed the River, walked up to the head of the Canal on the Maryland side & viewed all the Works. Found that the Canal At the head was accomplished, & appeared to be well walled on both sides; and a tow path on the Maryland side for some distance below—but that much of the work remained yet to do How[eve]r the supposition is, that it may be so far compleated as to open the navigation in the course of the Summer for the passage of Boats tho much more labour will be necessary to perfect it. After dinner the board set—proceeded to the examination of Sundry accts. and other business which came before them; but that for which it principally met at this place—viz.—an investigation of complaints exhibited against Mr. Richardson Stuart, was postponed on acct. of his non-attendance occasioned as was said by a Law suit on the Genl. Court at Annapolis at which he was obliged to be prest. The board however conceiving that a

Manager without an Assistant was suffict. to superintend the works and thinking Mr. Smith the most competent of the two, resolved to discontinue Mr. Stuart at the expiration of the year for which he was engaged—viz.—the 15th. of July and to vest the chief direction in him.

   The four directors informed Richardson Stewart of their decision by a letter written this same day. “The present funds or prospects will not warrant our continuing two managers . . . ,” they explained. “It is with reluctance we found ourselves under the necessity to make an arrangement which at this point of time may possibly be thought by your enemies to be occasioned by the charges against you, but it has proceeded solely from our duty and inclination to promote the Company’s interest without being influenced in any degree by facts alleged and not examined into. The preference given to Mr. Smith is on different principles and we expect cannot surprise you or hurt your feelings” (BACON-FOSTERCorra Bacon-Foster. Early Chapters in the Development of the Patomac Route to the West. Washington, D.C., 1912., 82).

   To James Smith the directors recommended that “the most vigorous efforts” be made to open the navigation at all three falls by summer and that, with that view in mind, the work force “be increased as the occasion may require and opportunity will serve” (BACON-FOSTERCorra Bacon-Foster. Early Chapters in the Development of the Patomac Route to the West. Washington, D.C., 1912., 83).

Tuesday 3d. Having accomplished all the business that came before the board by 10 Oclock, the members seperated and I (Colo. Humphreys having returned the day before) went to my Brothers about eight miles off—dined there and continued on in the Afternoon to Colonel Warner Washington’s where I spent the evening.

Wednesday 4th. About 7 Oclock I left this place, Fairfield, bated at a Small Tavern (Bacon fort) 15 miles distant—dined at the Tavern of one Lacey 14 Miles further and lodged at Newgate 16 Miles lower down.

   Joseph Lacey apparently began renting and operating Charles West’s tavern in Loudoun County some time before West’s death in 1786 and subsequently purchased the place (HARRISON [1]Fairfax Harrison. Landmarks of Old Prince William: A Study of Origins in Northern Virginia. Berryville, Va., 1964., 495–96).

Thursday 5th. After an early breakfast I continued my Journey by the upper and lower churches of this Parish & passing through my Plantations at Dogue run, Frenchs, and the Ferry and the New Barn I reached home about Noon in about 28 Miles riding where I found Colo. Humphreys who had just got in before me from Abingdon.
The Weather and Thermometer by the Accounts rendered—stood as follow.
Saturday afternoon a heavy rain, mixed with hail and a violent wind (which blew down much of my fencing at French’s).

Sunday—Clear Morning and evening, cloudy mid-day. Wind No. in the Morning—No. W. at Noon & So. W. at Night.
Munday—Cloudy Morning, clear afterwards. Wind at No. Et. in the Morning, & South afterwards.
Tuesday—Cloudy with the wind at So. Et.
Wednesday—Much rain fell last Night, and this day, till 12 or 1 Oclock; Cloudy afterwards. wind at No. Et. in the Morning—So. Et. afterwards.
Thursday—Cloudy or foggy morning clear afterwards with very little or no wind.

Mercury.

Sunday
Morng.
61
Noon
68
Night
—

Monday

62

72

69

Tuesday

64

68

68

Wednesday

67

69

72

Thursday

70

79

78

On Saturday, the Ditchers finished weeding the honey locusts in the vineyard. Planted in the No. Garden, between the Green house & quarter 10 grains of early Corn; given to me (from So. Carolina) by Genl. Spotswood. And finished replanting Corn at Dogue Run.
On Monday—Finished plantg. every other Corn Row with Potatoes at Dogue run & began the intermediate ones (next the Carrots. Planting Potatoes at the Ferry, after repairing the Fencing which had blown down at this place & French’s. Listing & harrowing for Potatoes at all the Plantns. Finished cutting grass (that was fit for it) at French’s about 12 Oclock to day—but the Rains had much injured the first hay. Sent Materials for the Dairy in the Neck to day—Churns &ca.
On Tuesday—Muddy hole People, as had been the case at the Ferry, Dogue run &ca., had cut Rye out of their Wheat & were hoeing baulks in the New grd. At the Ferry the Potatoe planters having overtaken the Plows & Harrows, went to weeding Corn, with their hoes, as was the case at Frenchs—that is weeding Corn with Hoes. Made the Pole fence at D. Run round the English Barley in field No. 1. Chopped in (the Potatoe Planters having overtaken the Hoes & harrows) Oats & Timothy seed in the ground that had been prepared in the Swamp, in the middle meadow at this place. At the River every other Row of Patoes had been planted, & up to the farm pen of the intermediate ones when the Plows being overtaken the Planters were employed in weeding Water Mellons & taking Wheat from the Rye.

Seperated the Rams from the Ewes. Finished landing Corn from Chamberlains Vessel—viz.—425 at the Mill & 1004 at the Mansn. House.
On Wednesday—Transplanted part of a Row of Carrots to compleat an unfinished one at the ferry. Recd. 10,000 ft. of Inch pine plank from Messrs. Peterson & Tayler. Discharged Mr. Chamberlns. Vessel.

   The upper church of Truro Parish was Payne’s Church; the lower one was Pohick Church (see main entry for 9 Sept. 1768).

Friday 6th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning—82 at Noon And 80 at Night. Clear, Calm and warm all day.
Visited all the Plantations.
In the Neck the Plows & harrows were Weeding Corn, & preparing for the Reception of Potatoes between. The other hands were planting them till they overtook the harrows; then employed in taking Rye from Wheat. Shearing Sheep &ca.
At Muddy hole, except the Plow people, the other hands were engaged in the New ground at the Mansn. House, assisted by the Dogue-run hands.
At Dogue run—the Plows & harrows were weeding Corn, & preparing for the Reception of Potatoes. The other hds. were (as above) at the New grd. except 2 Shearing of Sheep.
At French’s, the ground being too wet to plant & cover Potatoes I ordered the People (except those with the Plows & harrows) to weed Corn, & cut Rye from the Wheat. Harrowing in Pease in the West part of field No. 5. This was done after the ground had been plowed & twice harrowed—3 harrowings afterwards but notwithstanding the ground by the frequent and hard rains which had fallen af[ter] it was plowed, was settled & too closely bound together. The Hay at this place was opened, & stirred but had received great injury.
At the Ferry—The plows and harrows were weeding Corn, & preparing for Potatoes. The hoes, the grd. being too wet to plant them, were weeding Corn.

Saturday 7th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning—82 at Noon and 82 at Night. Clear morning—but clouds arising about Noon, produced one or two showers (of no long continuance) about one Oclock, with thunder & lightning—but little Wind.
Visited the Ferry, & Frenchs Plantations. At the first, the Plows & harrows were at Work as usual and the other hands planting

Potatoes, but as the ground was very heavy (especially in places) I directed them to desist and go to weeding Corn.
At Frenchs the People were planting Potatoes—but improperly on Account of the wetness of the ground. Plows in the Corn & one harrow following them—two harrowing in Pease.
Finished yesterday afternoon hoeing up the balks in the New part of the New grd. and went to replanting the Corn there, which would be compleated to day.
Ditchers after having made up the fence along the ferry road were about a similar one at Frenchs between fields No. 1 & 2.
Stirring, and endeavouring to secure what hay was down but it is scarcely worth the trouble, from the injury it has sustained.

Sunday 8th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 69 at Night. A very heavy Shower of rain for an hour fell after dark last night with continual lightning and loud thunder. Wind at No. Et. all day with very clouds but no rain.

Monday 9th. Thermometer at 62 in the morning—76 at Noon and 75 at Night. Thick foggy morning, with the Wind at So. Et. Clear towards noon with the Wind at So. Wt.
Captn. Barney, in the Miniature Ship Federalist—as a present from the Merchants of Baltimore to me arrived here to Breakfast with her and stayed all day & Night.
Remained at home all day.

   The Federalist, a fifteen-foot-long boat rigged as a ship, was a showpiece designed to represent Baltimore’s maritime trades and to symbolize the proposed federal union. “Highly ornamented” and mounted on a horse-drawn carriage frame, the little ship had been pulled through the main streets of Baltimore on 1 May as part of a great procession of merchants, artisans, and professionals celebrating Maryland’s ratification of the new Constitution five days earlier. Miniature ships, named the Federalist or the Union, were features of many Federalist victory parades before and after Maryland’s ratification. However, in Baltimore a group of Federalist merchants took the further step of launching their vessel after the celebration and dispatching it to Mount Vernon under the command of Joshua Barney (1759–1818), a naval hero of the Revolution and a staunch Federalist, for presentation to GW “as an Offering . . . expressive of their Veneration of his Services and Federalism” (Md. Journal, 6 May 1788 and 3 June 1788; GW to William Smith et al., 8 June 1788, anonymous donor).

Tuesday 10th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning. 80 at Noon and 79 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. A hard shower of Rain about 5 Oclock in the Afternoon which continued half an hour or more.
Between 9 and 10 Oclock set out for Fredericksburgh, accompanied

by Mrs. Washington, on a visit to my Mother. Made a visit to Mr. & Mrs. Thompson in Colchester & reached Colo. Blackburns to dinner, where we lodged. He was from home. The next Morning, about Sun rise we continued our journey. Breakfasted at Stafford Court House and intended to have dined at Mr. Fitzhughs of Chatham but he & Lady being from home we proceeded to Fredericksburgh—alighted at my Mothers and sent the Carriage & horses to my Sister Lewis’s—where we dined and lodged—As we also did the next day, the first in company with Mr. Fitzhugh, Colo. Carter & Colo. Willis and their Ladies, and Genl. Weeden. The day following (Friday) we dined in a large Company at Mansfield (Mr. Man Page’s). On Saturday we visited Genl. Spotswoods dined there & returned in the Evening to My Sisters. On Sunday we went to Church. The Congregation being alarmed (without cause) and supposg. the Gallery at the No. End was about to fall, were thrown into the utmost confusion; and in the precipitate retreat to the doors many got hurt. Dined in a large Company at Colo. Willis’s—Where, taking leave of my friends, we re-crossed the River, and Spent the Evening at Chatham. The next Morning before five Oclock we left it—travelled to Dumfries to breakfast—and reached home to a late dinner and found that Captn. Barney had left it about half an hour before for Alexandria to proceed in the Stage of Tomorrow for Baltimore.
Upon examination of the Accts. of the Work & Weather at home, during my absence, found them to be as follow.

   Charles Carter of Ludlow, encumbered by heavy debts, had a few months earlier been obliged to sign over Ludlow farm and his other property in Stafford County to three trustees for public sale in order to satisfy his many anxious creditors (Va. Herald, 27 Mar. 1788). He and his wife, Elizabeth Chiswell Carter (d. 1804), were probably now living in Fredericksburg, where the following year Mrs. Carter advertised that she would take in “a few young gentlemen” as boarders at the rate of £25 a year (Va. Herald, 20 Aug. 1789; SHACKELFORDGeorge Green Shackelford. “Nanzatico, King George County, Virginia.” Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 73 (1965): 387–404., 394, 402).

   Lewis Willis (1734–1813), of Willis Hill near Fredericksburg, was the son of GW’s aunt Mildred Washington (1696–c.1745) and her second husband, Col. Henry Willis (c.1691–1740). Lewis Willis served as a lieutenant colonel in the 10th Virginia Regiment during the War of Independence and was for many years a vestryman of St. George’s Parish, Spotsylvania County. His first wife was Mary Champe of King George County, and after her death he married his present wife, Ann Carter Champe, widow of his brother-in-law John Champe, Jr. (d. 1775).

   At St. George’s Church, Mrs. Washington “perceived the Tomb of her Father the late John Dandridge Esqr. to be much out of sorts.” GW subsequently wrote Charles Carter asking him “to have it done up again.” GW bore the expense of the work, £1 10s. (28 June 1788, DLC:GW; LEDGER BGeneral Ledger B, 1772–1793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., 270).

Wednesday 11th. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning—75 at Noon and 75 at Night. Clear with the Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning and So. Wt. in the afternoon.
That the Plows from French’s and Muddy hole—as also the hands of those places, had been at work in the Mansion House New ground since Sunday and the Plows (except one to throw a furrow to the Corn) from Dogue run had come there yesterday.
That at the Ferry, and Dogue run, (the ground being too wet to plant Potatoes) the Plows at both places on Monday, and at the first yesterday and to day, were plowing Corn & throwing a furrow on each side to the plants (whilst the Hoes were weeding the same)—also prepg. for Pots.
That in the Neck, the ground not being quite so wet, the hands continued planting Potatoes on Monday & yesterday—plowing & harrowing as usual for them.
That four Mowers went on Tuesday (yesterday) to cut the Clover in the Neck; Tom Davis one of them.
That Cornelius, his Brother, and the two boys, returned to bricklaying again yesterday.
And that the following Gentlemen dined here—to wit—Colo. Fitzgerald & Messrs. Digges & Carroll, and Doctr. Hall & Brother from Maryland; and Messrs. Rumney, Hodgsden, Munsher, Cary & Williams from Alexandria.
That the Muddy hole hands this day (Wednesday) had wed the Pumpkins & Sweet Potatoes.
The Dogue run hands weeding Corn with the Hoes after the furrows had been thrown to it.
At Frenchs, the hands were grubbing Bushes in the ground which was receiving Pease; & the farmer showing and covering them near Manleys Houses with two pair of Harrows.
At the Ferry, the Plows were throwing furrows to the Corn & preparing as usual for Potatoes between it. Hoes weeding the Corn.
Finished cutting the Clover in the Neck about 12 Oclock to day.

   Among the several Dr. Halls living in Maryland at this time was the prominent Harford County physician and educator Dr. Jacob Hall (1747–1812), but the Dr. Hall who visited Mount Vernon on 11 June was probably Dr. Elisha Hall (1754–1814) of Fredericksburg. He had one or more brothers living in Maryland, and he treated GW’s mother for what was apparently breast cancer during her final days in the summer of 1789 (PLEASANTSJ. Hall Pleasants. “Jacob Hall, Surgeon and Educator, 1747–1812.” Maryland Historical Magazine 8 (1913): 217–35., 217–26; JOHNSTON [6]Christopher Johnston. “Hall Family of Calvert County.” Maryland Historical Magazine 8 (1913): 291–301, 381–82., 297–99, 381–82; BLANTONWyndham B. Blanton. Medicine in Virginia in the Eighteenth Century. Richmond, 1931., 359–66).

   William Hodgson (1765–1820) came to Alexandria from Whitehaven, Eng., about 1785 and established himself as a merchant, an occupation in which he engaged for many years.

Thursday 12th. Thermometer 70 in the Morning. 78 at Noon. and 77 at Night. Wind at So. & So. W. A hard rain in the evening with some Hail.
At the Mansion Ho. New ground 6 Plows were at Work—viz.—4 from D. Run 1 from Frenchs, & 1 from M. Hole which would by Noon have finished breaking up the balks on the So. Side of the Road.
At Muddy hole, the hands belonging there, were hoeing up balks in the above New ground where the Plows could not conveniently run.
At the Ferry 3 plows were weeding Corn & preparing for Potatoes—the Hoes weeding Corn also.
At French’s, the Hoes were weeding Corn—two Plows doing the same. and two harrows preparing for, and putting in Pease in Field No. 5 broadcast.
At D. Run, all hands were weeding Corn—1 plow throwing furrows to it.
Cutting Clover at French’s.

Friday 13th. Thermometer at 71 in the Morning—69 at Noon and 70 at Night. Wind at No. Et. & rain till 8 Oclock moderately then hard till 4 Oclock.
Five plows, when the Weather would permit, were working in the Mansn. House New grd.—as were the hands from Muddy hole.
At the Ferry, the hands had been attempting to weed corn (wet as the grd. was).
At Frenchs weeding Water Mellens.

Saturday 14th. Thermometer 66 in the Morning—69 at Noon and 68 at Night. Wind at No. E. and Showery all day.
Hoeing and plowing balks in the New grd. at Mansn. Ho. with the People from Muddy hole & 2 plows from the Ferry, 3 from Frenchs, and 1 from Muddy hole.
At Muddy hole threw a furrow to the Irish Potatoes (back of the one that first covered them).
At the River Plantation, all hands were planting Potatoes & weeding Corn. The Plows were throwing a furrow (on each side) to the Corn, covering Potatoes, &ca. The Pumpkins were also weeded and the Planting of Potatoes compleated at this place; qty. 269¾ Bushels. Plows prevented working here yesterday—but this day after putting in & compleating their work for the Potatoes plowed between the Pumpkins & then went into field No. 8 to

prepare what remained of the unsowed part for Buck Wheat &ca.
At Dogue Run the hands were yesterday & to day weeding Corn—3 plows previously throwing a furrow on each side to it—little or no plowing here yesterday owing to the rain.
At French’s weeding Pumpkins and setting Corn.
At the Ferry they were employed in doing the latter.
Finished cutting the Clover at French’s.
Colo. Harrison and Mr. Corbn. Washington came here to Dinner, and stayed all Night.

Sunday 15th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning—68 at Noon And 68 at Night. Wind at No. Et. in the Morning—then So. Et.
Colo. Harrison & Mr. C. Washington went away after Breakfast. Cap. Barney (who went to Alexa. on Wednesday last) returned here this Morning—dined at Mr. Lund Washington’s with Colo. Humphreys—came back afterwards.

Monday 16th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning, 70 at Noon and 70 at Night. Wind at So. Et. Morning & evening clear but cloudy between.
Finished plowing the New grd. at the Mansn. House about Noon to day. The ferry Plows went home—the others to Plowing at French’s for Pease. The hands from Muddy hole were weeding the New ground Corn with their Hoes.
At the Ferry, Frenchs, D. Run and River Plantations the People were Weeding of Corn with Hoes. The Plows throwing furrows to it and at the River breaking up for B. Wheat.
Returned home this evening as has been mentioned already.

Tuesday 17th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morng.—78 at Noon and 77 at Night. Morning and evening clear, midday cloudy.
Visited all the Plantations except that in the Neck. Examined the grain at each, and find the fields as follow.
At Muddy hole, the Wheat in No. 2, as might be expected from the exhausted state of the Land, was generally thin, and in some places scarcely worth reaping. The Rye (in the same field) though indifferent in places is full as good as could reasonably be expected from the Land, except the defect in the head. The Wheat in No. 4, where the ground had any strength, exceeded (considering the late sowing of it) my expectations. Other parts was good for nothg. and upon the whole very indifferent. The Oats in this field may be deemed above mediocrity—being, (though not high or stout) very regular & even. The Wht. in No. 1 (self sown, being

the shattered grains which were plowed in when the Buck Wheat was sown) was very thin in places and not sufficiently thick in any. The Barley in this field (except being very much mixed with Oats) may be deemed tolerable. That part of the grd. wch. had been sprinkled with dung bore the best grain and next to it, that which had been in Potatoes. The whole was too thin. The Clover, generally, which had been sown with this Barley looked full as well as could be expected.
At Dogue run, The Wheat & Rye in field No. 4 (except the defect in the head) may be considered as very good for Corn grd. Wheat. The fallowed Wheat in field No. 6 is very stout on the East side of the field but too thin even there. Another part of the field was, in a manner, Intirely lost by the Winters frosts, aided in the lowest places by the continual Rains which have fallen this Spring and Summer. Upon the whole, though it was (partly) put in late, and in bad order. It exhibits an evidence of its superiority over Corn ground. The Rye in the No. part of the field with the exception beforementioned may (tho thin in places) be deemed good. The Barley at this place, contrary to my expectations, is much inferior, except in spots, to that at Muddy hole; & will turn out very indifferently: whether from the nature of the Soil, which was not able to bear the wet so well, the Land being more worn, which I do not conceive to be the case, or to some other cause I am not able to decide. The Oats in the same field (No. 2) are tolerably good, rather preferable to those at Muddy hole. The Clover is fully equal to my expectations which was sown among them. The Flax at this place may be called very good—but the rankest & best of it was twisted and laid down by the repeated Rains, and Wind.
At French’s, the Wheat, generally, is thin—Scarcely any good and much of it very indifferent. The Rye is partly good, and partly very indifferent. The Barley at this place is some good, and some very indifferent. It is, however, much better than that at Dogue run & perhaps upon the whole preferable to that at Muddy hole. The Oats here, with scarcely any exception, may be esteemed fine and the Clover which was sown among them, and the Barley very promising in general. The English Pease & Beans which had been sown here were entirely destroyed with weeds. The Minorca Barley (but this was late sown) appeared as if it would come to little—nor did the English Barley & other small parcels which were sown at D. Run promise much. None of the Buck Wht. at this place looked well. The last sown was, almost entirely destroyed and in every, even the best parts of the field there were

spots, and in some places large ones, where the B. Wht. after coming up, seemed to have been drowned, and drowning even where the Water did not lay & where the Soil was good.
At the Ferry, there was no good Wheat. That which was sown in the fallowed ground (late) was miserable—only parts of the grd. havg. any. The Corn ground Wheat was thin, except in the Hills which had been manured with fish guts &ca. and there it appeared, tho’ rank, to be fired and entangled. The Rye (which was early sown, and looked remarkably well, & stood very thick in the fall) is exceedingly bad, being thin, week, & much broken down by the winds and rain. The Oats stand regular, & equal through the whole, and may be deemed middling.
Remarks—No rust appeared in any of the Wheat, though from the continual rains & cloudy weather it was much expected. This grain, however, and the Rye more so, is a good deal injured by the speck; that is, from the farina’s being beat off before the grain was fully impregnated by which whole heads, parts of heads and grains here & there have not filled which must diminish the quantity considerably. Having suffered nothing to feed upon my grain this year, the Crop would have been much the better for it, but the frosts of Winter (when the Snows were blown off) destroying some parts of the fields entirely & thinning it in others and the constant rains since the middle of March drowning that which was in the low parts—though it brought forward others which otherwise would have come to nothing has rendered the prospect of a crop very indifferent. The grain which is not injured appears to be full, & seems as if it would be large—but it (the Wheat) is exceedingly intermixed with cheat and must be very much injured thereby.
Weeding Corn at all the Plantations with the Hoes, and throwing furrows to it with the Plows—also plowing the intervals between for Potatoes and at French’s plowing & harrowing for Pease.

Wednesday 18th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—75 at Noon And 72 at Night. Clear in the Morning; at Noon & Night Cloudy with rains about 10 Oclock for an hour. Wind at South.
Rid into the Neck and to all the Plantations.
Examined the grain in the Neck which appears as follow—viz.—The Wheat in field No. 7 which I expected would have been very fine scarcely merits the epithet—Middling the whole being too thin being injured by the frosts of Winter & the wet of this Spring. Of the red wheat which was sown in this field scarce any is to be seen and of the white (both imported from England) the ground

was but thinly Covered. The Corn ground Wheat in No. 3 was too thin every where—in places scarcely any. In the Orchard the Wheat in places was good—in other places indifferent—upon the whole scarcely to be denominated middling. No rust appeared among it, but the speck was as much here as in other fields—but I think not quite so much cheat. The Rye at this place may, upon the whole, be deemed Middling though a good deal injured by the Speck. In some places it stands thick & well—in others thin and much fallen down. The Barley, generally, was but indifferent; some parts of the field being low, thin, & having scarcely any head. Other parts again (particularly on the So. & West sides of the field) were pretty good. The Oats, in the aggregate may be called good and those growing from General Spotswoods Seed are very fine. The Clover in both Barley & Oats (where the grd. is tolerable) is very good. The flax is also good, but the best of it is a good deal entangled by the Winds, and beat down with the Rain. Finished plowing the Corn here to day and all the plows went to cross plowing of field No. 8 for B. Wheat but were directed to plow the So. part of it for Pease to be sown in Broad cast. Set one plow with a single horse to plow between the Pease which were planted in hills and which were getting foul.
At Muddy hole the plows were throwing the So. part of field No. 3 into three feet Ridges—to be hilled for Pease. The Hoes were in the New ground at the Mansn. House.
At Dogue run, Two plows were plowing for Pease. The other 3 and the Hoes were weeding Corn.
At Frenchs, three plows and a Harrow were preparing for, and putting in Pease in Field No. 5. The other Plow was throwing a furrow to the Corn before the Hoes which were weeding it.
At the Ferry the Plows & Hoes both were in the Corn.

Thursday 19th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—73 at Noon And 70 at Night. Wind in the Morning and evening No. Et.—at Noon So. Raining in the Morning and evening with Showers between.
Rid to the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations.
At the three first, Work the same as yesterday. At the last, I had a piece of ground, containing 500 hills four feet a part, spaded up the depth of the Spade—half a bushel of well rotted farm yard dung put upon each 4 feet Square, and chopped in; after which the above number of Hills were made, & planted with Tobacco

Plants (of the common kind) given to me by Mr. Abednego Adams.
Began to cut grass in the large Meadow at the Mill to day.

Friday 20th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning—72 at Noon And 62 at Night. Wind in the Morning & evening No. W. and at Noon So. Wt. Forenoon clear, Afternoon Cloudy with a heavy shower in the evening.
Visited the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs & the Ferry.
At the first the Plows were in the ground intended for Pease, and the Hoes setting Corn in the New ground at the Mansn. House.
At the other three the work the same as yesterday and before, except that about Noon, the Plows at Frenchs finished plowing for Pease and went into the Corn at that place.
In the Morning, while we were at Breakfast, Mr. Jno. Mason, Son to Colo. Mason came in to ask my commands for France. After breakfast he returned.

   John Mason (1766–1849) had recently become a partner with the brothers James and Joseph Fenwick of Maryland in a trading company based in Bordeaux. He sailed for Bordeaux 22 June and returned two years later (COPELANDPamela C. Copeland and Richard K. MacMaster. The Five George Masons: Patriots and Planters of Virginia and Maryland. Charlottesville, Va., 1975., 245–61).

Saturday 21st. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning—72 at Noon And 71 at Night. Weather clear, Wind at No. Wt. in the forepart of the day & at North the latter part.
Visited all the Plantations.
In the Neck, the Plows were employed in preparing for Pease, & the Harrows putting them—one plow weeding the Potatoes in hills—all the Hoes in the Corn.
At Muddy hole—both Plows & Hoes were weeding Irish Potatoes.
At Dogue run three plows and the Hoes were in the Corn.
At Frenchs—The Plows and Hoes were in the Corn as usual, and the Harrow finished covering the last Pease—quantity sown 33 bushels. The ground being a little cloddy, that wch. was sown next the slash (running thro the field) was rolled.
At the Ferry both Plows, Hoes & harrow were in the Corn.

Sunday 22d. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning—78 at Noon And 76 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind at So. Wt.
Mr. Fendall, and Mr. Willm. Craik came to dinner and went

away afterwards—the latter to Alexandria and the former to Westmoreland.

Monday 23d. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning—88 at Noon And 78 at Night. Clear forenoon and very warm, the Wind being Southerly; About 3 Oclk. a cloud arose to the Westward which about 4 Oclock produced much rain and wind and entangled the flax that was rank very much.
Visited all the Plantations.
In the Neck, all the Hoes were weeding & setting Carrots where they were missing. Set two plows with single horses into the Corn with orders to throw the furrows towards the Corn—A small triangular harrow to level them and to tare the clods & grass asunder. One plow weeding the Pease in Hills and the others, & harrows preparing for, and putting in Pease broad-cast.
At Muddy hole, the Plows and Hoes finished, about 9 Oclock, weeding the Irish Potatoes. The first went to Frhs. and the others came to the New ground at the Mansn. Ho. & finished setting Corn—after which they came into the vineyard Inclosure to Weed Potatoes Carrots &ca. but the rain drove them in and the wetness of the ground prevented further working there.
At Dogue run, The Hoes, and the Plows were weeding Corn. The other 2 Plows being at Frenchs were ordered home this Evening.
At French’s—the 3 plows from Muddy—the two from Dogue run & the three belonging to the place were plowing the Corn—one, following the rest—turning the Mould to the Plant. Stopped one of the Plows & set in lieu of it two harrows to preparing the Newly plowed ground for Potatoes. The Hoe people were pulling weeding from some foul pease about Manleys Houses.
At the Ferry—Both Hoes & Plows were weeding Corn and a harrow preparing the Intervals betwn. for Potatoes.

Tuesday 24th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning—78 at Noon And 67 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning and weather clear but about One Oclock a cloud came up and produced rain but neither hard or much of it—afterwhich it turned cool—the Wind being at N. W.
Rid to all the Plantations.
In the Neck—the ground being too wet to plow in the Corn ground, those & the harrow which were there, were obliged to quit and return to the Pease ground—the rest working as usual. About 10 Oclock the Hoe people finished weeding & transplanting Carrots,

and all (except Ben who was left to Sow Pease, as the ground could be prepared—Lydia for the purpose of Milking, & Will because he was unable to walk and all 3 to weed the Pease in hills) came to the New ground at the Mansn. House.
At Muddy hole, the Hoes were in the New grd. and the Plows at French’s.
At Dogue run all the Plows (the two being returned from Frenchs) were plowing the Corn and the Hoes weeding it.
At Frenchs the same work as yesterday—but a plow was ordered to open furrows for Potatoes & the People to go about Planting of them tomorrow.
At the Ferry—One Plow opening furrows for Potatoes—the others weeding Corn. The Hoe people planting Potatoes after an Interval, occasioned by the continual rains and very wet ground of 16 days.
Began, yesterday, to set another Brick Kiln.

   Ben, who was about 59 years old, and Lydia, who was about 39, were both dower slaves (list of Negroes belonging to GW, c.June 1799, NjP: Armstrong Collection).

Wednesday 25th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning—62 at Noon And 60 at Night. Morning clear & cool with the wind fresh from No. Wt. at which point it continued all day.
Rid to the Ferry, French’s and Dogue run Plantations.
At the Ferry—The Plows, Hoes and harrows were preparing for, and putting in Irish Potatoes. Began, and finished cutting the Rye at this place not so much because it was ripe, as because it was of little worth, and because the grain would get nothing by remaining and the Straw would grow worse. To what cause, unless to its being Sown too early, or too thick, to ascribe the meanness of this Rye, I know not; in the Autumn it looked the most promising of any I had.
At French’s—Began to Plant Potatoes. The Plows and harrows were preparing for it as yesterday.
At Dogue Run, The Plows and Hoes were in the Corn. Set two Harrows to preparing for the reception of Potatoes between the Carrots Cabbages &ca.
Set fire to another Brick kiln to day—qty. said to be 35,000.
Mrs. Stuart who went to Maryland on Sunday, returned this Morning accompanied by her brothr. George Calvert. Mr. Tracey came here this evening.

   George Calvert (1768–1838) was apparently the second oldest of Benedict Calvert’s surviving sons (BOWIEEffie Gwynn Bowie. Across the Years in Prince George’s County: A Genealogical and Biographical History of Some Prince George’s County, Maryland and Allied Families. Richmond, Va., 1947., 102–3).

Thursday 26th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—68 at Noon And 68 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind Southerly.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue Run and Muddy hole Plantation.
At the Ferry—the Hoe People were (as yesterday) planting Potatoes. One harrow preparing for them—a Plow opening for, and covering of them and the other two Plows throwing a furrow to the Corn on each side one.
At French’s, The Plows having got through the Corn ground about 10 ’Oclock those belonging to Muddy hole returned home. The Work at this place being backward, I put the 6 hands which had been cradling, and all that could be spared from the Hay, to planting Potatoes and Weeding Corn—also to setting it in the Missing parts.
At Dogue run. The Hoes having finished weeding Corn, as was the case also with the Plows, the first were employed in planting Potatoes, two harrows preparing before them. Two plows (when one of them was not opening furrows for, & covering the Potatoes) were engaged in plowing between every other Corn-row (those first planted with Potatoes) and in the following manner—viz.—to the Corn, on each side, three furrows were thrown, wch. brought the Plows as near to the Potatoes which grew between as could be done with propriety. This plowing was immediately followed by the light triangular harrow which went four times between the Corn—i.e. twice between it and the Potatoes—once as near the latter as the tines could run without injuring them & next, as near the Corn as it could go without breaking it down, or touching it. This operation drew loose earth to both kinds of plants. Pulverised the ground—levelled the furrows and gave the whole a very good & garden like appearance. At this place, for an experiment, I caused five of the short rows of Potatoes at the No. Wt. corner of the field to be harrowed. This was done by running one of the double harrows twice upon the Potatoes (which had been just plowed). The ground by this means was put in fine order but some of the Potatoes were drawn up by the Roots—many appeared to be loosened and covered with the dirt. Time must shew how far they have been destroyed, or injured by this operation. The rows, especially the fifth; seemed to be as well taken as those adjoining.
At Muddy hole—One plow (which came from Frenchs last Night was employed in checquering at the distance of 3 feet the three feet ridges which had been plowed for Pease and the others were to open these furrows, to see if the time & trouble of hilling

could not be saved by it and the Pease equally well planted. The Hoes (as those also from the Neck) were in the New-ground, after they had wed the things in the Vineyard inclosure.

Friday 27th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning—67 at Noon and 66 at Night. A brisk So. Wt. Wind all day. Morning tolerably clear but the Clouds soon began to gather, & by Noon it was very thick & now & then dropping rain but none fell though it continued very Cloudy.
Mr. Griffith, who came in yesterday afternoon, staying to dinner prevented my riding to day. Colo. Wren (Commr. for receiving the list of Taxable property) came in before dinner & went away with Mr. Griffith.

   James Wren (c.1728–1815) of Long View, Fairfax County, was appointed tax commissioner in “Truro district” by the Fairfax County court 22 Jan. 1788 and took the oath of office 19 May 1788 (Fairfax County Order Book for 1783–88, 488, 505, Vi Microfilm). Born in King George County, he moved to Fairfax County by 1756. He was a vestryman of Fairfax Parish by 1766 and became a justice of the Fairfax County court in 1783 (STEADMAN [2]Melvin Lee Steadman, Jr. Falls Church by Fence and Fireside. Falls Church, Va., 1964., 471–78).

Saturday 28th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning— at Noon and 66 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. and Morning very cloudy, but no rain had fallen in the Night; it afterwards cleared and became pleasant.
The Inhabitants of Alexandria having received the News of the ratification of the proposed Constitution by this State, and that of New Hampshire and having determined on public rejoicings, part of which to be in a dinner, to which this family was envited Colo. Humphreys my Nephew G. A. Washington & myself went up to it and returned in the afternoon.
On my way up I visited all my Plantations and
At the Ferry, found that the Planting of Potatoes had been compleated last night—quantity 128 bushls. That the Hoe people were gathering up, & shocking the Rye which had been cut down on Wednesday. And that three plows were throwing, as at Dogue run and in the Neck, 6 furrows to the Corn, 3 on each side; followed by the light harrow and one of the dble. harrows (drawn by the Mules) was going to work where the Potatoes had been Planted in the No. part of the field for the purpose of levelling the covering over them and tearing up the grass where the ground was harder.
At French’s—Precisely the same work was going forward as on Thursday with some additional hands from the Meadows yesterday and to day.

At Dogue-run—the Hoe people had finished planting (last evening) Irish Potatoes and were weeding, and thinning the Carrots in Rows between the Corn.—qty. of Potats. 124½ Bls.
At Muddy hole—the Plows were at Work for Pease and the Hoes were in the Mansion house New ground.
In the Neck—The Hoe People except two Men, two boys, and a Woman who were weeding Pease (in hills) were in the Mansion Ho. New ground. The Plows that were not in the Corn ground, and the Harrows, having just finished preparing for, and putting in Pease & Beans in broadcast had returned to, and were preparg. for Buck Wht. All the ground in field No. 8, South of the road leading to the Creek landing was Sown with Pease; to do which it took 21 bushels: Whereof 13¾ bushels were of the large redish crowder kind which was on the East part next to the gate—as far as a line of stakes—the remainder 7¼ bushls. in the West part, were of the common Sort of Pease. On the other, or No. side of the Road, & next the Creek, were 2¾ bushls. of homony beans sown in broadcast.

   The New Hampshire Convention ratified the Constitution 21 June by a vote of 57 to 46, and Virginia’s Convention did the same four days later with a vote of 89 to 79. As the ninth and tenth states to ratify, they made it legally possible to implement the new Constitution.

   Alexandria received news of Virginia’s ratification during the previous evening and of New Hampshire’s action a short time later. “Foederal to a man,” the Alexandrians promptly illuminated their town “in an elegant manner” and communicated “the agreeable intelligence . . . to . . . neighbours, up and down the river, by a well timed discharge of cannons.” The dinner held this day was at John Wise’s tavern. GW “was met some miles out of town by a party of Gentlemen on horseback, and escorted to the tavern, having been saluted on his way by the light infantry company in a respectful manner. His arrival was announced by a discharge of ten cannon,” and after dinner ten toasts were drunk, each punctuated by a cannon shot (GW to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 28 June 1788, DLC:GW; GW to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 June 1788, MH; Pa. Packet, 11 July 1788).

Sunday 29th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning—68 at Noon And 68 at Night—Wind at No. Wt. with flying clouds & cool all day. Towards evening the appearances of rain encreased but none fell.

Monday 30th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—72 at Noon And 72 at Night. Morning clear & cool, the Wind being at No. W. but shifting afterwards to the So. Wt. it grew warm.
Rid to the Ferry, French’s and Dogue run Plantations; and to the Brick yard.

At the Ferry—three plows & two harrows were at work as mentioned yesterday & the other people were gathering up & Shocking the Rye which had been cut down.
At French’s. The Muddy hole plows came there about 8 Oclock; and the Hoe People from D. Run (except the two old women) about 11; in order that my Corn might be hoed and my Potatoes get Planted. And abt. 5 Oclock in the Afternoon 12 hands from the Neck were also added to them. The whole employed in Weeding & setting Corn, & planting Potatoes. Two harrows and one plow were preparing for, and covering the latter—While 4 plows threw a single furrow on each side of the Corn to facilitate the Hoe work.
At Dogue Run—the Hoes, until I ordered them to French’s were weeding and thinning Carrots; but seeing no prospect of their accomplishing it today, and the work above mentioned being more essential the change of course was made. Three plows were Plowing Corn as usual. The little harrow following. Moll being Sick the 2d. harrow (newly-fitted up) was stopd.
At Muddy hole—the Plows having checquered the ground intended for Pease went, as before mentioned, to French’s. The Hoe people having, abt. 5 Oclock, finished the Mansion House New ground, recd. the Pease sent me by Colo. Spaight & those brought from York river by my Nephew, and went to planting them in the following manner—viz.—the small white Peas picked from the others, which were red, and which hardly exceeded a pint were to be planted in the South Corner of the ground. Then leaving an interval of a Row, the Red Pease of do. were to be planted, & then after another interval of a Row, those from York River were to follow.

   Moll, a laborer, may be the cook Molly, age 45, who was at Dogue Run in 1799 (see entry for 18 Feb. 1786; list of Negroes belonging to GW, c.June 1799, NjP: Armstrong Collection).

   The peas from Richard Dobbs Spaight came to Mount Vernon “by way of Baltimore.” GW sent his thanks to Spaight on 25 May, promising to “cultivate the Pease with care—this year in hills, to accumulate Seed—Next year in broadcast, for a crop” (Nc-Ar).


Title: [Diary entry: 1 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

July first. Thermometer at 68 in the morning—74 at Night and 78 at Night. Wind at So. West in the forenoon but calm afterwards.  Rid to the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations. At the first, the Plows and harrows were at work, as usual. The other people having gathered up, and put the Rye in shocks, went this morning to assist in Weeding Corn & Planting Potatoes at French’s. At French’s. The hands which were there yesterday, with the addition of those from the Ferry, were employed in Weeding Corn & planting Potatoes. The first was accomplished with the Hoes about 4 Oclock. Eight Cradlers were employed here, who cut down the Rye in No. 6 by 10 Oclock—next the ripest of the Wheat on the Creek side and then went about the Rye by the road in the Meadow. At Dogue-run, 4 plows and a harrow following, were in the Corn as usual, and At Muddy hole—the Hoe people, (except three sick) were planting Pease. The Plows at French’s as before. Began to lay the frame for the lower floor of the New Barn—1st. the part for the threshing floor. Miss Nancy Stuart came here this evening from Mr. L. Washingtons.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 2d. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—78 at Noon and 76 at Night. A little rain fell in the Night. Morning clear with the wind at No. Wt. but calm afterwards. Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, and Dogue run Plantations. At the Ferry—The Plows were going as usual and the Assembled force, after the business was accomplished at French’s, repaired hither and wed out the Carrots and Cabbages. At Frenchs—the hands which had been brought from the several quarters, finished Planting the Potatoes 136 bushels, all of the red Sort and wed out the Carrots. The Plows also got over the Corn grd. and two from Muddy hole, and one belonging to the plantation with a small harrow began it again on the West side—the harrow to follow the Plows as at the other places. At Dogue Run four Plows and a harrow were at work as usual and about 10 Oclock got over the first Planted Potatoe Rows East of the Carrots and went back to plow the intermediate ones subsequently planted. Began with 8 Cradles to cut Rye here to day. At Muddy hole. Finished planting the ground with Pease which had been prepared for them—which took all those sent me by Colonl. Spaight of No. Carolina—and abt. 3 pecks of those

brought from York River. Intervals between them as has been mentioned. Mr. Bushrod Washington, and Mr. Richd. Blackburn came here to dinner; & Mrs, Stuart &ca. went away.


Title: [Diary entry: 4 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 4th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—74 at Noon—And 74 at Night. A very heavy Morning with the Wind at South where it continued all day with sparse dripping rain at Intervals till One or two Oclock when the clouds broke; but another arising at dusk it rained hard for about 20 Minutes. Visited all the Plantations in the Morning, and all except that in the Neck in the afternoon. At the Ferry—The same Plows as yesterday, were at Work. The other hands were following the Cradlers; binding & putting the Wheat in small shocks. At French’s—The Rye which had been cut down being too wet to bind—the People were Hoeing, till the Afternoon, Corn; Three plows and two harrows were at work as yesterday. At Dogue Run—The same cause preventing the binding of Rye, the Hoe People went to thinning and weeding of Carrots. Two Plows and a harrow at Work. The Cradlers having cut down the Rye in field No. 6, went, after breakfast to cutting the ripest & thickest set Barley in No. 2—where they were ordered to remain till dinner time and then repair to Muddy hole and cut the forwardest of the Barley there till Night and then to proceed into the Neck to do the like at that place tomorrow. At Muddy hole. Being interrupted by the dripping Rains, the binders fell a good way behind the cradlers, but when the State of the grain would permit they returnd to this Work. The Cradlers (4, Jack having cut himself) would nearly finish the Rye this Evening.  In the Neck—The Cradlers continued to cut, but the grain being too damp to bind, the People for the greater part of the time were weeding the Pease in hills. Two Plows & a harrow were in the Corn—One in the hilled Pease—and two Plows & a harrow were preparing for & putting in Buck Wheat. In the Afternoon, Mr. Madison and Doctr. Stuart, with a Son of Mr. Willm. Lee, arrived from Richmond.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 5th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—79 at Noon and 74 at Night. Morning pure, and day clear till evening when there were great appearances of Rain but little or none fell here—The body of the cloud passing to the Southward of us. Doctr. Stuart, after breakfast left this and Colo. Humphreys, who went with Mrs. Stuart to Abingdon on Wednesday returned home. I remained at home all day with Mr. Madison.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 6th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—78 at Noon—And 79 at Night—heavy morning with Clouds all day—In the afternoon a slight Shower & about dusk a pretty heavy one for 15 or 20 Minutes. Colo. Fitzgerald and Doctr. Craik came here to Dinner and after Dinner, Colo. Gilpin and Mr. Hartshorn on business of the Potomack Company called—all of whom went away in the Afternn.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 7th. Thermometer at 71 in the Morning—82 at Noon And 82 at Night. Morning clear with the wind pretty fresh from South, which continued all day. About Sundown a cloud from the Westward produced a hard rain for 12 or 15 minutes with strong wind. Some thunder and lightning. After dinner—Mr. Madison, and the Son of Mr. Lee went (in my Carriage) to Alexandria in order to proceed on to New York in the Stage tomorrow. I remained at home all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 8 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Tuesday 8th. Thermometer at 76 in the morning—82 at Noon and 82 at night. Morning clear with the Wind pretty fresh from the Southward which continued all day. Visited all the Plantations. At the Ferry—Only one plow at Work (the driver of the other being sick). About Noon sent two more Cradlers to this place—one from Dogue run & the other from Muddy hole to assist in cutting down Wheat that the Oats here which were getting very ripe might be set about. At French’s—The grain that had been cut down, being too wet, from the Rain of yesterday evening, to gather up but that which was standing being drier, and to be bound with safety the Cradlers and their followers were set about the standing Wheat untill that which was down should dry. The ground being wet I stopped the Plows to assist with the grain. The Barley at this place was cut down yesterday. At Dogue run—the same cause produced the same effect with respect to the management of the standing, & lying down grain; but three Cradlers only were at work here (the two belonging to French’s having gone home, the Cradle of another being broke, and a fourth having been sent to the Ferry). As soon as the Rye, which was on the ground, was dry enough to take up & bind (which happened by 10 Oclock, it was set about; and the Cradlers went to cutting the remainder of the Barley. Stopped the two plows which were at Work here (the driver of the third being unable to follow it) on acct. of the wetness of the grd. and to assist in the harvest. At Muddy hole. Till the cut grain was dry enough to take up, the force here was employed in cutting down & securing Wheat. About 10 Oclock the Cradlers as well as others—went to raking & binding Barley. In the Neck—the Morning was spent in cutting down and securing Wheat—after which in taking up Rye & Barley. But my forward Oats (from Spotswoods seed) in field No. 2, being lodged, and in a ruinous way, I set the Cradlers into these about One ’clock to cut them down. Finished covering the last of the Buck Wheat here this Morning—Four Plows and a harrow at work here.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 10th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning—81 at Noon and 76 at Night. Morning clear, with the Wind fresh from the So. Wt. In the Afternoon, about 4 O’clock a very heavy & severe rain fell for about ten or 15 minutes which set every thing on float. Visited all the Plantations. The work at each very much impeded by the Rains—the Grain in places broken down by them, and the Wheat being very ripe, and the Oats getting so very fast, makes an unfavourable prospect in the Harvest fields. Work as usual at all.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 11th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning—85 at Noon And 82 at Night. Clear Calm in the Morning, with the Wind at So. Wt. afterwards & clear all day. Visited the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations and after going to the last returned back by the former on my way home. The Wet occasioned by the Rain of yesterday afternoon, and the very heavy dew of this morning rendered it impracticable to do any thing to good effect with the grain and the Plowing being very heavy I directed the Plows to be stopped and the drivers to go to the harvest field. At the Ferry—Finished cuttg, but not binding & shocking all the

Oats and the Cradlers went into the best of the Wheat about One Oclock. At French’s—Having got up all the Wheat that was down, the Rakers went into the Barley that had been cut down since Monday and the Cradlers to cutting down the English Oats. At Dogue Run—The Cradlers and Rakers (the Barley in the Morning not being fit to Rake up) went into the field No. 4 and by Dinner time would have cut all that part next the House down and got it secured. After which the workers would return to the Barley again. At Muddy hole—The Cradlers & Rakers in the Morning were employed in the Wheat—after which all hands returned to getting up the Barley. Began to set another Brick kiln to day.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 13th. Thermometer at 78 in the Morng.—84 at Noon and 79 at Night. Calm & clear in the Morning, but about two O’clock a cloud arose in the No. Wt. quarter which produced very heavy rain for 15 or 20 Minutes with violent wind, which laid down a great deal of my standing grain—grass—and flax; Blew down much of my fencing; the caps of all the shocks of grain and in many places (where they had been lately made) the Shocks themselves. About dark another gust came which discharged more

rain but with less Wind than the former and both together made the ground exceedingly wet. Doctr. & Mrs. Stuart and the three girls, and Mr. George Lee of Maryland came here to Breakfast and Mr. Lowry with a Mr. Tate and a Mr. Hamilton (the first from England and the other from the West Indies) and Mr. Williams came here to Dinner—after whh. all of them went away except Doctr. Stuart and family.


Title: [Diary entry: 14 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 14th. Thermometer at 74 in the morning 79 at Noon and 76 at Night. Calm Morning, with very little wind all day, & that variable. Rid before Breakfast to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs Dogue run and Muddy hole—at all they were putting up the Fences which were blown down yesterday—after which, At the Ferry the hands went to cutting & securing Wheat (which, tho’ standing, was very damp). At Frenchs the hands were united with those from the Ferry in the above work. Plows were stopped on acct. of the heaviness of the ground. At Dogue-run—after putting up the Fencing, the hands with the Cradlers (which had been cutting Oats till then) went into field No. 6 to cut the ripest and strongest Wheat. No plowing here to day. At Muddy hole—after rectifying the Fencing all hands went to cutting and securing Wheat in field No. 2.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 15th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning—80 at Noon and 78 at Night. Cloudy Morning with droppings of Rain but more clear afterwards with variable winds. Early in the Morning Mrs. Stuart and family left this and about 11 Oclock Mrs. Washington & myself accompanied Mr. Mrs. Morris &ca. as far as Alexandria on their return to Philadelphia. We all dined (in a large Company) at Mr. Willm. Hunters; after which Mr. Morris & his family proceeded and Mrs. Washington, Colo. Humphreys & myself retd.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 16th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning—80 at Noon and 78 at Night. The Morning was cloudy, a good deal of Rain having fallen about day break. Wind at East & varying between that and South. Cloudy all day. Visited all the Plantations—Plows stopped at all by the wet, & heaviness of the ground except in the Neck. Harvest impeded by the former—but I directed the grain at all to be cut down (tho’ it

could not be bound up in the Morning) as it had got quite ripe and the Wheat in many places broke down.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 18th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning—86 at Noon And 77 at Night. Morning clear with the Wind Southerly, and fresh all day. About 2 oclock a cloud from the Westwd. produced

for 10 or 15 minutes a good deal of rain and wind from No. Wt. which cooled the Air very much. Visited all the Plantations. At the Ferry—one plow and harrow were at work, and the other people in the Morning weeding Potatoes. Afterwards till the Rain, assisting at French’s to bind & shock Oats. The whole then, went into their respective Corn fields. At Frenchs—One plow and harrow were at Work. The other people with the assistance, and in the manner above were securing of Oats. At Dogue run—The Cradlers would, about 11 Oclock, have finished cutting down the Wheat in fd. No. 6, & would proceed to cut down what was left standing in No. 4. The other Cradlers, by Night, would have finished cutting down the Oats, & were to unite. The hands of the Plantation were binding & shocking Wheat (a good way in the rear of the Cradlers) in No. 6. Except 2 plows at work. At Muddy hole—all hands were in No. 4 Cutting & securing Wheat and had their work all up; that is, the binding & shocking even with the cutters. In the Neck—It was the same and about the half of field No. 7 was secured. Five plows and a harrow was in the Corn field at work.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 19th. Thermometer at at 66 in the Morning—75 at Noon And 74 at Night. Clear and tolerably pleasant all day. Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning but not much of it then, or at any other time of the day. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—5 Plows and a Harrow were at Work in the Corn field. All the other hands were in the Wheat in No. 7. At Muddy hole the two setts of Cradlers which had finished cutting down the grain last Night at Dogue run had come to this place and having finished Cutting the Wheat before breakfast were in the Oats which they would have cut down about or a little after dinner and wd. join the rakers in getting up the Wheat. At Dogue run—All hands, except the Cradlers and two people at the Plow were getting up the Wht. that had been cut down. And after breakfast, Frenchs & the Ferry People came here to get up the Oats. At French’s—A Plow and Harrow were at Work—the other hands (as above) after getting their Oats in to Shock had gone to Dogue run.  At the Ferry. The hands from this place had also gone to the same place. Two plows and a harrow were at Work here.


Title: [Diary entry: 20 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 20th. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning—75 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear and calm in the forepart of the day—some clouds and an Easterly wind afterwards. Mr. & Mrs. Herbert, Mr. & Miss Muir, Doctr. Brown & his wife and Mrs. Conway came here to dinner and returned in the Afternoon.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 21st. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—74 at Noon And 70 at Night. Cloudy with the Wind at East in the Morning at which it continued varying Northerly all day. Visited all the Plantations. At the Ferry—two Plows and a harrow were at Work in the Corn. The other hands were all at Dogue run in the Harvest field. At French’s—Three plows and a harrow were in the Corn. All the other people were at Dogue run. At Dogue Run. Two plows and a harrow were in the Corn—the other hands, with those mentioned above from the Ferry & Frenchs, were all in the Harvest field. About Noon, all the Wheat was got into Shocks and by Night the Oats were also secured in like manner. At Muddy hole—The Rakers were employed in getting up the Oats—all the Cradlers went into the Neck. In the Neck—Five plows and a harrow were in the Corn—the 1st. of which would finish Plowing the alternate rows about 4 Oclock, and would next go into the Pumpkins. The Cradlers from Muddy hole would, about dinner time, finish cutting the Wheat in the Orchard Inclosure. The others wd. not be able to compleat the cuttg. of Field No. 7. Two men, sent by  began about 10 Oclock to sink a Well at my New Barn. Mr. & Mrs. Porter and a Mr. Ingraham, and Young Doctr. Craik and his Sisters Mrs. West & Nancy Craik came here to Dinner & returned afterwards.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Tuesday 22d. Thermometer at 62 in the Morng.—76 at Noon, and 72 at Night. Morning clear with the Wind at No. East—continued clear all day. Visited all the Plantations. At the Ferry. Two plows and a harrow were at work in the Corn grd. as were and had been the two Ferrymen. The other people were in the Harvest at Muddy hole. At French’s—Three plows and a Harrow were in the Corn—the rest of the hands were at Muddy hole. At Dogue run—Two plows and a harrow were in the Corn field and the two old Women were weeding Pumpkins. The other people were at Muddy hole. At Muddy hole—All hands were binding and securing Oats which was accomplished about dinner after which all hands (except the Women who had young Children) went into the Neck. In the Neck—the Oats were cut down about Noon, & the last of the Wheat about five Oclock, when the Cradlers assisted in binding and securing the grain. One harrow in the Corn and the five Plows finished Weeding the Pumpkins after dinner. Got Water which seemed to be good, and in tolerable plenty in about ten feet digging at my New Barn. Mr. and Mrs. Fendall came here in the afternoon.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 23d. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 74 at Night. Morning heavy with the Wind at No. East Where it continued fresh all day with mists in the forenoon and a smart shower about 2 ’Oclock. Visited all the Plantatns. At the Ferry—Two plows and a harrow were at Work. The Plows began on the So. part of the field and were employed in throwing a furrow to both the Corn & Potatoes. The two ferry men were employed in weeding and hilling the former. The harrow in levelling the former plowings, and taring up the grass. The other hands were in the Neck closing the harvest at that place. At French’s—The Plows having got through the Corn, the two belonging to Muddy hole were sent home. The other was employed in throwing a furrow to the first Pla[n]ted Potatoes. The Harrow was engaged as usual. The other People were in the Neck, except a woman with a young Child who was weeding Pumpkins. At Dogue run—Two plows and a Harrow were in the Corn. The two old Women, & two young ones with Children, were weeding Pumpkins. The rest were in the Neck. At Muddy hole—The two women with young children, and the

two Plow Women who had just returned from Frenchs were employed in Weeding Pumpkins. the other hands were in the Neck. In the Neck—Five Plows and a harrow were in the Corn. The first, beginning on the West side, were going through every other row—throwing one furrow to both Corn and Potatoes &ca. The other hands were binding & shocking the last of the Wheat; which finishing about the hour of One, they, with those from the other plantations went, after the rain ceased to pulling flax. The Men who were digging the well compleated their work this afternoon and returned to Alexandria—having, as they say, obtained 6½ feet of what appears to be good & constant water.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 24th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—71 at Noon and 74 at Night—A very high No. Et. Wind all Night, which, this morning, being accompanied with Rain, became a hurricane—driving the Miniature Ship Federalist from her Moorings, and sinking her—blowing down some trees in the groves & about the houses—loosning the roots, & forcing many others to yield and dismantling most, in a greater or lesser degree of their Bows, & doing other and great mischief to the grain, grass &ca. & not a little to my Mill race. In aword it was violent and severe—more so than has happened for many years. About Noon the Wind suddenly shifted from No. Et. to So. Wt. and blew the remaining part of the day as violently from that quarter. The tide about this time rose near or quite 4 feet higher than it was ever known to do driving Boats &ca. into fields were no tide had ever been heard of before—And must it is to be apprehended have done infinite damage on their Wharves at Alexandria—Norfolk—Baltimore &ca. At home all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 27. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—75 at Noon and 76 at Night—More or less cloudy with a heavy Shower of Rain about 3 oclock. Wind Southerly.  Whilst we were at Dinner Judge Harrison of Maryland came in and stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 28. Thermometer at 74 in the Morng.—80 at Noon and 79 at Night. Morning very heavy with the Wind Southerly—About 7 Oclock it began to rain and continued to do so for half an hour, fast; after which through the day there were light showers and close funky weather. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue Run & Muddy hole. At the first—three plows were plowing in Buck Wheat—the other hands were repairing the fence which had been washed away by the tide. At French’s—all hands were at Dogue Run pulling flax. Ordered two of the Plows belonging to this place (the 3d. being disabled) to repair tomorrow the Ferry to plow in Buck Wheat. At Dogue run—Four plows were at Work at Muddy hole and some hands on the Mill race. All the rest with those from Frenchs were pulling flax—the ground at every place being too wet to plow or Hoe in the Corn fields. The flax at this place as well as in the Neck, has been greatly injured by the continual rains which has beat a great deal of it to the ground which has rotted and by the immense growth of Weeds from which it was impracticable to seperate it unless each plant, in a manner was individually pulled. At Muddy hole—The three plows belonging to the Plantation and the four from Dogue run, were plowing in Buck Wheat. The other hds. were weeding a yard for the reception of grain and imprudently opening the shocks till they were ordered to do them up again. The continual rains—the heat and closeness of the Weather conspiring was sprouting all the outside sheaves of the Shocks of every kind of grain that had been examined except Rye—and without the speedy interposition of dry weather—sun—and Wind must soon ruin it.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 29th. Thermometer at 74 in the morning—81 at Noon and 79 at Night. Little or no wind—Morning though somewhat clear about sun rise soon became very thick foggy and heavy—after which the Wind came out—first at No. Wt. and then shifted to the No. Et. at which it continued. Visited all the Plantations. At the Ferry—Five plows were turning in Buck Wheat two of

them from Frenchs. The other hands were weeding their Wheat yard. At French’s—Except the two Plows which were at the Ferry, all were pulling flax at Dogue run. At Dogue run—Four Plows were at work at Muddy hole. All the rest were pulling flax. At Muddy hole—Seven plows were turning in Buck Wheat. The other People were weeding a yard for treading Wheat. In the Neck—Eight Plows were turning in Buck Wheat. The rest of the hands, except some who were preparing the yard for the reception of grain and getting Corn Stalks to bottom the Stacks with Were weeding Pease. Sowed Turnips yesterday in a square below the Stables—Norfolk Globe. And began yesterday to cut Hay in the Neck. Finished this evening, except such parts of the Meadows as were under Water. A Mr. Vender Kemp—a Dutch Gentn. who had suffered by the troubles in Holland and who was introduced to me by the Marquis de la Fayette came here to Dinner.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 30th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morng.—78 at Noon and 76 at Night. A heavy morning with sprinklings of Rain; one of which, about 10 oclock, was a pretty heavy shower about Dogue run. Afternoon less cloudy with the wind brisk from the No. Et. & East. A red light (supposed to be the Aurora Borealis) in the North. Rid to the Ferry, French’s and Muddy hole Plantations. At the Ferry—five Plows were at wk. The other hands were setting up Corn. At Frenchs—Binding and shocking the Oats which were on the ground and the little Wheat in No. 2—The hands from D. Run assistg. At Muddy hole. Seven plows were at Work; which where the Buck Wheat was Rank and stood thick on the ground turned it in very indifferently—nor no contrivance I could make seemed to have any good effect. The other hands after pulling the flax, weeded some of the foulest of the Pease in order to come into the New grd. Corn tomorrow. The Man (Sullivan) who was to Wall up my Well, came to day to do it. Mr. Vender Kemp returned.


Title: [Diary entry: 31 July 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 31st. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 72 at Night. Wind still at No. Et. but not hard at any time of the day—tolerably clear. Rid to all the Plantations. At the Ferry—five Plows were at Work as yesterday. The other

hands were hilling or hoeing Corn, though the ground was very heavy and wet. At French’s—The People with those from Dogue Run were pulling flax and cutting a few latter Oats. At Muddy hole—Seven Plows (including those from D. Run) were at work. The other hands (except 5 in the Corn grd. at the Mansn. Ho. were employed in gettg. in & stacking Barley. In the Neck—9 Plows were turning in B. Wheat. The other hands were weeding Pease, & getting in & stackg. Oats. Mrs. Dulany & her daughter, and Doctr. Craik & Mr. B. Grymes dined here all of whom went away afterwards.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

1st. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—75 at Noon—and 74 at Night—Not much wind, and that at So. Et.—Morng. clouded but tolerably clear afterwards. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue Run and Muddy hole. At the Ferry—the same plows as yesterday were at work in the B. Wheat. The other hands, except the Carter, who was drawing rails to the Wheat yard, were Hoeing Corn. At French’s after getting up the Oats &ca. the People began to clean their Wheat yard. At Dogue run—The same work was going forward together with the getting in Wheat from field No. 4. Four plows were at Muddy Ho. At Muddy hole—The Cart, with proper assistance, was drawing in Wheat. The other hands were examining the Shocks of Oats &ca. A Mr. Obannon—D. Surveyer in the Western Country—came here with some executed Land warrants—dined & proceeded on to Richmond afterwards.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 2d. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning 77 at Noon and 73 at Night. Wind Southerly all day and tolerably clear. Visited all the Plantations. At the Ferry—Six plows were turning in B. Wheat—three of them from Frenchs. Tried the Patent Plow sent me by Major Snowden, whh. run easy and did good work. Gathered up the thin wheat wch. had been cut down some days ago. At Frenchs—The hands were still preparing the Wheat yard, and the Cart drawing Rails to enclose it. At Dogue run—five plows were at work at Muddy hole. The other hands and the Cart were getting in and stacking Wheat from field No. 4. At Muddy hole—Eight plows were turning in B. Wheat. The other hands were getting in and stacking Wheat from field No. 2 and drying Barley shocks in the same field. In the Neck—Eight Plows were turning in B. Wheat—One harrow preparing for Turnips between Corn Rows (left for the purpose, 13 in number, and which were sown with the Green Turps.) in No. 6. The rest of the hands, and two Carts, were getting in and stacking both wheat & Bar[le]y. Mr. John Bassett & Wife and child, and Miss Brown, went away very early this Morning.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 3d. Thermometer at 70 in the Morng.—81 at Noon and 79 at Night. Wind South; and raining moderately from about five Oclock till nearly 7 when it ceased, and cleared—the Wd. remaining in the same place and continuing warm. At home all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 4 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 4th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—81 at Noon and 79 at Night. Very little Wind and warm—towards the afternoon Sultry. Went up to alexandria to a meeting of the Potomack Company; the business of which was finished about Sun down—but matters which came more properly before the Directors obliged me to stay in Town all Night. Dined at Wise’s and lodged at Colo. Fitzgeralds.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 5th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning—82 at Noon and 79 at Night. Warm with but little wind. The business before the Board of Directors detaining till near two Oclock (I dined at Colo. Fitzgeralds) and returned home in the Afternn. Called by the Plantation at Muddy hole. Found the Cart and some hands getting in the grain to the Barn and yard and others chopping down weeds in the Corn at the Mansion house.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Wednesday 6th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—76 at Noon—and 74 at Night. Very warm with the Wind Southerly & great appearances of Showers all the forenoon, but no rain fell here. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run & Muddy hole. At the first—The Rows between the Corn, which had been planted with Cabbages and had perished, had been plowed and harrowed and were sowing with the Green (Norfolk) Turnip. One Plow was at Work before the Hoes in the Corn ground, & the other two, with the three belonging to Frenchs, had gone to that Place about 10 Oclock to plow in the Buck Wheat, weeds, &ca. in field No. 5 for Wheat—where 4 plows frm. Dogue run—& 3 from Muddy hole had gone for the same purpose yesterday. The Hoes except Cupid were hilling & Weeding Corn. At Frenchs—all hands—with the Ferry Cart, & the Waggon from the mansn. Ho. were getting in the Wheat & Rye from field No. 6. At Dogue Run, One plow was preparing the Intervals which was designed for Turnips between the Corn for sowing—Six hands were weeding & hilling Corn—and the others with the Cart were getting in and stacking the Wheat & Rye of No. 4. At Muddy hole—Six hands were chopping down the Weeds in the Corn at M. Ho. The others were getting in and Stacking the Barley.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 7th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning—79 at Noon and 76 at Night. Clear with the Wind at No. West and tolerably pleasant. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—Nine hands were weeding & hilling Corn, one plow going before them to throw a furrow on each side. The rest with the Waggon & two Carts were getting (Spotswood’s) Oats—The Barley and wht. in the Orchard having been brot. in and stacked. Six plows were turning in Buck Wheat. At all the other Plantations the Work was precisely the same as yesterday.


Title: [Diary entry: 8 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 8th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning 69 at Noon and 70 at Night—Morning clear & rather cool—with appearances of dry weather—Wind North. About one Oclock however it overcast

and betwn. 3 & 4 began a very slow rain wch. increased in the Night and a good deal fell. Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, French’s D. Run & Muddy Ho. At French’s—they would have finished, about two ’Oclock, getting in and stacking all the grain in No. 6; and would proceed to fencg. the yard, & securing the Inclosure—after which if there was time for it they would begin to get in and stack the Barley & Oats in No. 2. Plows in No. 5. At the Ferry—One Plow, and the Hoe people were weeding and Hilling of Corn. At Dogue Run—the Cart and necessary attendance for that, and Stacking, were employed about the Rye (Six besides the Overseer). The rest Seven, with two plows were in the Corn. At Muddy hole. Having finished getting in, and stacking the Barley all hands about 1 Oclock came to the Corn grd. at the Mansn. Ho. but the Cart was ordered tomorrow to assist in getting in the Rye at D. Run. Brought the Jenny with the Jack Colt from Muddy hole, and turned them, with the other Maltese Jenny—the two yearling Mule Colts and the 4 Sorrel Colts, into the Clover Paddock. The other Mares and Colts which were in No. 1 at Muddy hole were carried to No. 1 at Dogue Run for the benefit of the pasture. Mr. Geo. Digges & a Dr. Kelty came to Dinr. & retd.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 9th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Raining about day break—very heavy afterwards with the Wind at No. East till towards noon, when it cleared. Visited all the Plantations. At the Ferry. One Plow and the Hoes were in the Corn. At French’s—The Plows would have finished turning in the Buck Wheat & Weeds in the East part of No. 5. The other hands were repairing the fences around fields 1 and 6. At Dogue run—the rain which fell in the Night prevented the removal of grain till Noon, when the Cart &ca. continued getting in Rye. The other hands, were in the Corn as yesterday. At Muddy hole all hands were threshing Rye. In the Neck—The Carts were stopped by the wet. The Plows 8 of them were turning in B. Wht. and the other People were weeding Pease which were most abominably foul. Mrs. Jenifer who came here yesterday to dinner returned home this afternoon. Colo. Humphreys went to Abingdon and George Town.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 10th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—67 at Noon and 67 at Night. The Wind was a little to the Eastward of No.—and as much to the Westward of it at Noon. The Morning lowered, but the weather brightned afterwards and looked more settled.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 12th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning— at Noon and 68 at Night. Wind Northerly all day but not much of it. The whole family, accompanied by Colo. Humphreys and Mr.

Calvert crossed the River—dined with Mr. Geo. Digges—& returned in the Evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 15th. Thermometer at 67 in the morning—72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Wind though very little of it, at East in the morning about Sun rise, with a small sprinkling of Rain; Abt. Noon a pretty serious shower fell with frequent sprinklings afterwards. Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run. At the first—the Plows and Hoes were employed as they were yesterday and the day before, that is the Plows were breaking up the grd. between the Corn and Potatoes—and the Hoes were weeding and drawing dirt to the latter—havg. hilld the Corn. At Frenchs the wet morning prevented working among the grain. All hands therefore went to weeding a yard for the purpose of treading out the Barley & Oats in field No. 2. At Dogue run the 5 plows would have finished throwing a furrow to the Corn & Potatoes by Noon and would begin on the West side of the field to plow up the balks between these two furrows. At Night the Hoes compleated the hilling of the Corn. At Muddy hole—The Hoe people were all in the Corn at the Mansion House. The plows finished crossing the Pease, and breaking up the ground which had been in flax in No. 3.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 16th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning 69 at Noon And 67 at Night. Wind at East, & No. Et. all day—Showery in the Night & this morning but moderate & without wind—also towards Sundown. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole. At the Ferry—the same work, precisely, was going on as yesterday. At Frenchs—No Carting or Stacking of grain. 3 plows were in

the Corn—the other hands weeding a yard to tread out the English Oats No. of the Branch. At Dogue run—3 Plows were at work—one was stopped on acct. of sickness—and another to Harrow. The other hands were weeding and drawing dirt to the Potatoes. At Muddy hole All hands were threshing Wheat.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 17th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Wind at No. Et. with clouds and appearances of Rain but none fell—except what fell in the Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 18th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning—69 at Noon and 68 at Night. Wd. still at No. Et. and raining more or less, moderately, all day. Remained at home.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 19th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—75 at Noon and 73 at Night. Wind at No. Et. in the forenoon with mists and light showers—In the afternn. it was at So. a little West and clear—though the Sun set in a bank. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run, and Muddy hole. At the first—three plows were in the Corn and all the other hands were drawing dirt to the Potatoes. At Frenchs—The Ploughs were stopped, till I set them to work abt. 11 Oclock. All hands till that time and the rest afterwards were hoeing the Corn. At Dogue run, Four plows (one plowman being still sick) and all the rest of the hands, except one Woman sick, were among the Corn—The latter Weeding, and drawing dirt to the Potatoes. Ordered all except the Plow people & Carter, the latter with his Cart to Muddy hole, to go to Frenchs tomorrow to Hoe Corn. At Muddy hole—three ploughs were crossing the East cut by the gate of Field No. 3 for Wheat. This ground did not work well. The Buck Wheat had not been buried long enough to have got sufficiently rotted; consequently the Ploughs choaked. The Waggon from the House, and the Cart were taking out dung to spread on the poor knowls in the field. Some hands were spreading it—and the others weeding, & drawing dirt to the Irish Potatoes and Jerusalem Artichokes adjoining.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 21st. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning—79 at Noon and 79 at Night—Very little wind from the Southward—clear and warm all day. Visited all the Plantations. At the Ferry—began with 3 plows & a harrow, to sow and cover Wheat in field No. 7—The ploughs crossing the lately plowed in Buck Wheat and the harrow covering the grain at twice—that is—going as the plows do the first time—next, crossing it. Every other land was also sowed with Buck Wheat—for the experiment of its falling with the frost, and by laying on the Wht. during the winter keeping it warm and from being hove out of the grd. The Hoe people were weeding and drawing dirt to the Potatoes. At French’s—The ploughs finished throwing on each side of the Corn a furrow—and begun on the West side of the field to break up the balks between. The other hands were employed—some in getting in and stacking the grain and the rest with those from Dogue-run and Muddy hole in hilling and weeding of Corn. At Dogue run—three plows and a harrow were breaking up, and levelling the balks between the Corn & Potatoes. The Overseer and five hands were getting in & stacking the Rye that grew in field No. 4. The rest of the hands that were well—were at work at Frenchs. At Muddy hole. Two plows & a harrow were putting in Wheat in the East cut of field No. 3. The Overseer & five hands were getting in and stacking the Wheat that grew (voluntarily) in No. 1. The rest of the hands—except Nancy, who was sick were at Work at French’s. In the Neck—Six plows were turning in B. Wheat. Two and a harrow were breaking up and levelling the balks between the Corn & Potatoes. Two Carts with the necessary attendance were getting in and stacking the Remainder of Spotswoods Oats, which would be finished this day (9 Stacks) and proceed to bringing in Wheat from No. 7. The rest of the hands (one pressing Cyder) were weeding Pease.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 22d. Thermometer at 78 in the Morning 82 at Noon and 80 at Night. Quite clear, calm and warm all day.  Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run, & Muddy hole plantations. At the first, and two last the Work was precisely the same as yesterday. At Frenchs—the getting in, stacking and securing the last of the grain would be compleated abt. Noon. About which time or a little after the Hoes would nearly have got over the Corn and would begin to weed & draw dirt to the Potatoes. Mr. Richard B. Lee and his brother Theodk. Lee came here to dinner and stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 23d. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning—83 at Noon and 82 at Night. The Morning was very clear, calm, and Warm; but a pretty fresh Southwester blew afterwards and towards Evening the Weather looked hazy & lowering. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—Eight Plows and a harrow were at work in the Corn. The Waggon and two Carts were drawg. in Wheat from field No. 7 and the rest of the hands were about finishing weeding the Pease & pulling the large weeds from among the Pompions—after which would gather up the apples under the Trees. At Muddy hole, the Plows and harrow were plowing for and putting in Wheat. The other hands were getting in & Stacking Oats and working at French’s as yesterday. At Dogue run—The Plows and harrow were in the Corn. The other hands were at Frenchs except such as were employed in getting in and stacking the Barley. At Frenchs—The Plows as yesterday were breaking up the balks. All the rest were weeding and drawing dirt to the Potatoes. At the Ferry—The Plows and harrow were crossing for, & putting in Wheat. One land of which, designated by a stake drove into it, was trench plowed; or dble. plowed in the same furrow to break the ground 8 or 10 Inches deep to try the effect. This ought to have been done in the fall. A Mr. George Thompson, from the Academy in Alexandria, with a letter to me from his father Doctr. Thompson respecting his Son in law Doctr. Spence; and Geo. Step. Washington came here to dinner & stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 24th. Thermometer at 75 in the morning—84 at Noon and 82 at Night. Morning clear with but little Wind and that at No. Wt.—very warm. Mr. & Mrs. Roger West & Miss Craik and Mr. Chas. Lee & his Sister and Miss Ballendine came here to dinner, all of whom stayed all night except Mr. & Mrs. West.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Tuesday 26th. Thermometer at 79 in the Morning—82 at Noon and 76 at Night. But little wind in the Morning & that at So. Wt. Afterwards—about Noon, a black cloud arose to the Northward which seemed highly charged with Wind or rain, a small part of the latter, only, came to our share. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck—8 Plows and a harrow were in the Corn and all the hands except those who were with the Carts & Waggon getting in Wheat and stacking of it were weeding & Earthing Potatoes which work they began yesterday. At Muddy hole—the same work going on as yesterday. At Dogue run—The Plows havg. finished the Balks in the Corn field went after Dinner yesterday to French’s and were there to day, where the same hands from Muddy hole and this place were at Work. At Frenchs, the same work with the addition of 4 Plows from D. Run were going on. At the Ferry—The Oats were got in just before the Rain And the Wheat on Stoney hill was next set about. The Ploughs, harrows, and other hands were employed as usual. At the Mansion House—the Lawn East of the House was nearly cut down to day.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 27th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—80 at Noon and 80 at Night. Clear Morning with the Wind at No. West—but calm, and warm afterwards. Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole. At the first the same work precisely, as yesterday. At Frenchs the same till the Plows finished breaking up the balks in the Corn—when trying, & finding the Buck Wheat which had been plowed in at this place not sufficiently rotted to cross they went to the Ferry to prepare for and put in Wheat at that Plantation. At Dogue run—the same work going forward as yesterday. And at Muddy hole the same. Mrs. Stuart, Miss Nancy Stuart, a Brother of the Doctors and their children came to Dinner, as did Commodore Brooke. In the evening Doctr. Stuart came.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 28th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—80 at Noon and 78 at Night. Morning clear and calm.  Visited the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole—accompanied by Doctr. Stuart. At the first—Ten plows and a Harrow were at Work—preparing for and putting in Wheat. The other hands with the Waggon and two Carts were getting in and stacking the grain from the fields. At French’s—The Plows having finished the Corn went as has been observed to the Ferry yesterday And the Hoes having wed the Potatoes & earthed them all went this morning to D. Run. At Dogue-Run, The Hoes from French’s & Muddy hole—Six from each—having joined those of the Place were at Work in weeding & earthing the Potatoes. The Plows were at the Ferry and a Cart and Six hands were getting in & Stacking the Oats. At Muddy hole—Two Plows & a harrow were preparing for Wheat & the Cart & Six hands were getting in, and Stacking what was in the fields. The other hands were at Dogue run.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 29th. Thermometer at 80 in the Morning—83 at Noon; and 81 at Night. Wind at So. W. clear & very warm. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—The Waggon & 1 Cart were getting in Wheat—the other was at Mill. The other hands except those at Plow and employed in getting in and Stacking the Wheat—were threshing out Oats, & pressing Cyder. At Muddy hole—The Plows wch. had just finished preparing for, & putting in Wheat at the Ferry (with the Ferry Plows) set into work after dinner. All the other hands were employed as yesterday. At Dogue run—The same hands were at the same work as yesterday. At Frenchs—The Hoe & Plow people were, as before mentioned, at the other places. At the Ferry—The Plows went after dinner to Muddy hole—the rest were employed in getting with the carts & Waggon the Grain. Doctr. Stuart & his Brother Richard left this before Breakfast for their Fathers.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 30th. Thermometer at 79 in the Morning 84 at Noon and 79 at Night. Calm, & clear till towards 3 Oclock when there was a pretty hasty shower for a few minutes.  Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole—Dogue run—Frenchs and the Ferry. The work at all, was precisely the same as yesterday. Finished to day, getting in and stacking all the grain at the Ferry. Cleaned up a stack of Oats wch. had been threshed out in the Neck which yielded 81 Bushls. The stack was small, but of the shortest Oats. The Wheat from the English seed was also threshed & cleaned—of the red there was but 3 pecks. Of the other (White or Harrison Wheat) 13¼—vast loss in both—the goodness of the sort, of both, much questioned. The quantity of ground sowed at the Ferry in Wheat may be abt. 30 acres—on which  Bushels was bestowed—viz. 18 bushls. from Muddy hole 18 bushls. from Captn. Speak and 3 bushls. of the White or Harrison Wheat from England. NB. This last was sown on the North part of the field next the Woods and Stoney field.


Title: [Diary entry: 31 August 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 31st. Thermometer at 76 in the Morning—76 at Noon and 72 at Night. A Little Rain, with some thunder & lightning fell in the Night. Morning & most part of the day cloudy with appearances of Rain but none fell—the Wind at No. Et., & sometimes Easterly all day. Mr. Murray and his wife, Colo. Fitzgerald; a Mr. Hancock and Son, the former a Merchant of London, a Mr. Aitkinson (all three introduced by Colo. Fitzgerald), and Captn. Gregory came here to dinner and returned to Alexandria afterwards. Mr. Tracy who came here last night remained.