Title: [Diary entry: 28 January 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 28th. Thermometer at 34 in the morning—43 at Noon and 44 at Night. Morning calm & clear but the [ground] hard frozen. About 10 oclock the wind sprung up at South, but did not blow hard. Thawed the ground a good deal. Went out after breakfast with my hounds. Found a Fox in the Branch within Mr. Thomson Masons Field and run him sometimes hard and sometimes at cold hunting from 11 oclock till near two when I came home and left the huntsman with them who followed in the same manner two hours or more longer, and then took the Dogs off without killing. In the course of the chase, & at the upper end of the cover in which the above Fox was

found I see two run out at once neither of which appeared to be the chased Fox. This shews how plenty they are on that side the Creek. When I came home found Colo. Gibson a Mr. Pollock (of Richmond) and Colo. Allison here, who dined and stayed all night. Getting Ice again to day.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 January 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 30th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning—56 at Noon and 50 at Night. The Morning foggy, with showers at intervals till near 11 oclock after which it cleared, with a brisk Southwardly wind. Mrs. Washington with Betcy & Patcy Custis came home, from Abingdon before dinner and after it Colo. Greyson & Mr. Orr left this. Planted the Hemlock Pine wch. was brought to me by Cornelius McDermot Row from Colo. Blackburns, in my shrubberies—and—on sixteen square rod of ground in my lower pasture, I

put 140 Bushels of what we call Marle viz—on 4 of these N. Wt. corner were placed 50 bushels—on 4 others So. Wt. Corner 20 bushels—On 4 others So. Et. Corner 40 bushels and on the remaining 4: 20 bushels. This marl was spread on the Sod, in these proportions—to try—first whether what we have denominated to be marl possesses any virtue as a manure—and secondly—if it does, the quantity proper for an acre. Transplanted (after dividing it into two) the French honeysuckle in my North garden to the Lawn—one half in front of ea. garden gate.


Title: [Diary entry: 31 January 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 31st. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning—40 at Noon and 34 at Night. The morning was a little cloudy but the weather soon cleared with a brisk No. Wester which occasioned a great change in the air. Planted a few pine trees in my Wildernesses.


Title: January 1786
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 1st. Thermometer at 36 in the Morng.  at Noon and  at Night.
Lowering day, with but little Wind, and that Easterly.
Lund Washington and Wife dined here & returned in the Afternoon.
Mr. Shaw went up to Alexandria and stayed all Night.

Monday 2d. Thermometer at 34 in the Morng. 35 at Noon and 35 at Night.
Heavy lowering Morning with the wind at East. About 9 Oclock it began to rain and continued to do so, slowly, all day.
Immediately after an early breakfast I went out with the Hounds but returned as soon as it began to rain, without touching upon the drag of a Fox.
Mr. Shaw returned from Alexandria this Morning before Breakt.

Tuesday 3d. Thermometer at 39 in the Morning—46 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Clear and pleasant morning without wind at Sun rising but it soon sprung up from the Southwesterly quarter and veering more to the westward blew hard until the evening when it again turned calm & very pleasant.

Wednesday 4th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Morning calm and clear with very little wind all day.
After breakfast I rid by the places where my Muddy hole & Ferry people were clearing—thence to the Mill and Dogue run Plantations and having the Hounds with me in passing from the latter towards Muddy hole Plantation I found a Fox which after dragging him some distance and running him hard for near an hour was killed by the cross road in front of the House.
Having provided cutting Knives, and made the Boxes at my own Shop, I directed my Overseers at the several Plantations at which I had been to cut Straw and mix three 4ths. of it with one

fourth Bran (from my Mill) to feed their out lying Horses—whilst their work Horses is also to be fed with this and Oats mixed.

I also directed that my Chariot Horses and all others about my home Ho[use] except the Stud horse and three horses which will be frequently rid a hunting to be fed with Bran & chopped Hay in the above proportion and that my waggon & Cart Horses should be fed with chopped Rye & chopped Hay in the same proportion of one to 4.
Mr. Bushrod Washington and his wife came here in a Chariot 4 Horses & 3 Servants just after we had dined.

Thursday 5th. Thermometer at 33 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Morning clear and cold—ground hard froze—as it was yesterday

Morning. Wind at No. West, blowing pretty fresh all day. Went into the Neck.
A Daniel McPherson from Loudoun came here with some money from my Loudoun Tenants—sent by the Widow of Lewis Lamart.
The Cape Wheat which (on the 30th. of November) was cut, not as I thought and had ordered, that is within 4 Inches of the ground; but between 6 and 8 from it; having grown a good deal I ordered (and 6 or 8 days ago tho not noticed before, it was in par[t] done) that it should be again cut. Part of 2 Rows of the No. Et. Corner were, by mistake of orders, cut within 1 or 2 Inches of the ground; so as to shew the Crown of the Wheat quite bear & white. I thereupon stopped the cutting of any more, resolving to attend to the effect of this close shearing, at this season. About 12 feet of these Rows, were all that received the second cutting.
Took an Acct. of the Tools about the home house which are as follow

7 Spades
7 Axes

4 Mattocks
8 Butchrs. Knives

5 Weedg. Hoes
3 Hillg. Do.

1 Cuttg. Knive
1 Hay Ditto

   Lewis Lemart (Lamart), GW’s rent collector in Loudoun County, had died sometime in 1785, and his widow, Anne, sent to Mount Vernon the £27 12s. owed by GW’s tenants in that county (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772–1793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 68).

Friday 6th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morng. 28 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Wind at No. Et. in the Morning, which was Cloudy, with intervals of Snow through the day and very cold. The wind towards Night getting to the No. Westward blew h[ar]d.
My Boat went up with a load of Flour to Alexandria from my Mill for Mr. Hartshorne. A distressing time It is to be feared the people must have had of it & probably would not, after all, reach the Port.

Saturday 7th. Thermometer at 26 in the Morning—34 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Morning clear with the Wind at No. West. Fresh, and Cold, all day. The little Snow which fell yesterday had disappeared except in places where the influence of the Sun could not be felt.
The Boat which was sent off yesterday with flour got no further

than Johnsons Ferry & there by neglect suffered to get aground. Sent and ordered it to be got off, and to proceed, or to return, as circumstances might dictate. The last of which was done.

Sunday 8th. Thermometer at 27 in the Morng.—38 at Noon and 35 at Night.
Day clear, with the wind pretty fresh at No. West in the forenoon which moderating as the Sun rose backed to South West and grew calm towards the evening.
Mr. Bushrod Washington and his Wife went away after Breakfast and about 11 Oclock Betcy & Patcy Custis returned to Abingdon in my Chariot—accompanied by their Brother & Sister, Nelly & Washington Custis.
Sent my Boat of this afternoon with the Flour for Alexandria, with which she returned last Night on Acct. of the weather.

Monday 9th. Thermometer at 28 in the Morng. 38 at Noon and  at Night.
Wind Southerly all day. Clear but a chilly air.
Saturday, yesterday, and this day morning, the flats and Creeks were froze, but that on the former dispersed with the tide when the Winds blew. The latter remained.
Sent Mr. Shaw to Alexandria to dispatch my Boat which went up yesterday and to pur⟨cha⟩se & send down a ton of Iron in ⟨it⟩ wch. was accordingly [done]. He and the Boat both, returned at Night.
Rid over my ferry plantation—thence to the Mill, & thence to my Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations before dinner—as also to the place where my Negro Carpenters were at Work and directed them to get me a stick for a heavy roller, and scantling for Plow stocks—Harrows &ca. &ca.

Tuesday 10th. Thermometer at  in the Morning— at Noon and 38 at Night.
Wind Southerly all day & at times pretty fresh, and in the forenoon cold—but warmer & much pleasanter afterwards.
Rid to my Plantation in the Neck, and took the hounds with me. About 11 Oclock found a fox in the Pocoson at Sheridens point and after running it very indifferently and treeing it once caught it about one Oclock.
In the evening one William Barber from the lower end of

Fauquier came here to rent some Land I have in that quarter and stayed all Night.

Wednesday 11th. Thermometer at 34 in the morning—36 at Noon and 33 at Night.
Morning very thick and heavy. About 8 Oclock it began to Snow moderately with the Wind at So. Et. and continued to do so until 12.
Agreed to let William Barber have 50 (or more acres of Land if he chooses it) at the rate of Ten pounds pr. Hundred Acres; for the term of fourteen years; and to allow him one year free from Rent in consideration of the improvements he may make.
Sent Mr. Shaw to my Mill to get the Mill Book, and to take a state of the flour in the Mill.
And sent my Overseer to forwarn some persons who were hunting upon my land from the like practice.

Thursday 12th. Thermometer at 28 in the Morning—39 at Noon and 40 at Night.
The Snow which fell yesterday had not covered the ground more than ¾ of an inch thick.
A very heavy hoar frost this Morning. Day calm, and the evening clear, and remarkably pleasant & warm.
Mr. Shaw went up to the Ball at Alexandria.

Friday 13th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—38 at Noon and 35 at Night.
But little wind all day and that from the No. West. Evening quite calm.
Laid out the ground behind the Stable, formerly a Vineyard, for a fruit Garden.
Mr. Shaw returned about 12 Oclock from Alexandria.

Saturday 14th. Thermometer at 26 in the Morng.—35 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Went out with the Hounds, & run a fox from 11 Oclock untill near 3 Oclock when I came home and left the Dogs at fault after which they recovered the Fox & it is supposed killed it.
Before the Chase, I visited my Ferry & Dogue run Plantations.

Sunday 15th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning 42 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Little or no Wind all day. Clear and very pleasant.

Nelly & Washington Custis returned home to day.
Doctr. Stuart came here to Dinner & returned in the Afternoon.

Monday 16th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morng.  at Noon and 38 at Night.
Lowering Morning with theatnings, & spittings of Snow till about Noon when the wind (for before it was calm) came out at No. West tho’ not hard dispelled the Clouds.
Run round my Plantation at the Ferry and on my return found a Mr. Armstrong here on business of Mr. Balch’s respectg. my Nephews—who after dining returned.
Began, from an appreh[ensio]n that there would not be much frost to put Ice in to my Ice Ho[use] tho there was but little of it.
Sent my Stone Mason—Cornelius McDermott Roe, to the Proprietors of the Quarries of free Stone along down the River to see if I could be supplied with enough of a proper kind to repair my Stone Steps & for other purposes.

   Along the right bank of the Potomac River below Occoquan Creek lay large reserves of sandstone that were quarried for constructing buildings in the Potomac Valley, including George Mason’s Gunston Hall (MILLERHelen Hill Miller. George Mason: Gentleman Revolutionary. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1975., 47).

January 17th. Thermometer at 27 in the Morning—30 at Noon and 28 at N.
Wind at No. West all day, and Cold. Thawed but little, altho’ it was clear.
Employed as yesterday, in collecting Ice, but under many disadvantages, being obliged to go over to the Maryland shore and pick up the floating Ice in the River—which I was disposed to do, rather than run the risk of not laying up a store.
Cornelius McDermott Roe returned, having had the offer of Stone [from] Mr. Brent.

   Sandstone quarries along the lower reaches of Aquia Creek were owned in the eighteenth century by the Brent family of Woodstock and Richland, Stafford County. Stone from these quarries was later used in the construction of the Capitol and the president’s house in Washington (BRYANWilhelmus Bogart Bryan. A History of the National Capital: From Its Foundation through the Period of the Adoption of the Organic Act. 2 vols. New York, 1914–16., 1:169).

Wednesday 18th. Thermometer at 20 in the Morning—22 at Noon and 26 at Night.
Day very cold—no thawing and the afternoon threatning of Snow. A fine mist of it falling—Wind Northerly.
Colo. Fitzgerald called here on his way from Dumfries & dined and then proceeded. Fixed with him, and requested that he would give the Board of Directors of the Potomack Company notice of the meeting intended to be held at the Great Falls on Monday the 30th. Instt.
Getting Ice this day also.

Thursday 19th. Thermometer at 19 in the Morning—20 at Noon and 22 at Night.
Morning Cloudy—Wind Northerly and weather cold. Snow about an Inch deep fell in the Night. After ten oclock it began again, & continued Snowing fine till bed time with the wind Northerly.
Discontinued getting Ice, the river not being in a State to get it from the other shore and the prospect such as to get it any where in the course of a day or two.
The Negro Shoemaker belonging to Mr. Lund Washington came to work here in the forenoon of this day.

Friday 20th. Thermometer at 18 in the Morng.—24 at Noon and 26 at Night.
A Mixture of Snow and hail fell all the fore part of the day and hail & rain the latter part, which consolidated the Snow

which in the Morning might be about 6 or 8 Inches deep. Wind Northwardly all day, but not much of it in any part of it.

Saturday 21st. Thermometer at 26 in the Morning— at Noon and 34 at Night.
Cloudy and hazy till betwn. eleven & 12 oclock when the Suns feeble efforts to shine were overcome. About one oclock a heavy mist came on. About two it grew very dark—thundered and rained—after whch. it continued misling till bed time.
Rid to my Plantations at Muddy hole and Dogue run—from thence to the Mill. Upon my return found Mr. Jno. Dandridge here.

   mr. jno. DANDRIDGEDanske Dandridge. Historic Shepherdstown. Charlottesville, Va., 1910.: either John Dandridge (d. 1799), son of Mrs. Washington’s brother Bartholomew, or John Dandridge (b. 1756), son of Nathaniel West Dandridge and grandson of Mrs. Washington’s paternal uncle, William Dandridge of Elsing Green.

Sunday 22d. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Raining more or less all day, and a close thick fog the whole day proceeding from the dissolution of the Snow which by Night was almost gone. Wind tho’ not much of it Southerly and warm—the damps in the house being also very great the damps upon the walls being to be swept of.

Monday 23d. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning—46 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Clear all day with the Wind at No. West but neither hard nor cold.
Snow entirely gone, except in places hid from the influence of the Sun & the Southwardly wind which blew yesterday.

Tuesday 24th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 34 at Night.
Morning clear & pleasant: Lowering afterwards; with appearances of Snow—little or no Wind all day.
Began my work of Ice-getting again to day but it was not in a proper State being rather a mixture of Snow & Ice and not hard enough.

Wednesday 25th. Thermometer at 34 in the morning  at Noon and 40 at Night.
Morning calm and very foggy till after 8 oclock when the fog

dispersed and was very pleasant. About one oclock the Wind sprung up at No. West but blew neither hard nor cold.
Mr. Jno. Dandridge set off on his return home after breakfast.
I rid to Morris’s, Muddy hole and Neck Plantations between Breakfast and dinner.
The State of the Ice was such that I was obliged to disist from getting more until the next freezing spell.
And set about the Banks round the Lawn, in front of the gate between the two Mounds of Earth.

Thursday 26th. Thermometer at 33 in the Morng.— at Noon and 39 at Night.
Clear and pleasant all day and more especially in the afternoon—Not much wind, but that from the No. West.
Renewed my Ice operation to day, employing as many hands as I conveniently could in gettg. it from the Maryland shore, carting, and pounding it.
Mr. Shaw went up to the dancing assembly at Alexandria after Dinner.

Friday 27th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night.
Clear and pleasant all day; Wind at No. West in the forenoon and Eastwardly afterwards, but not much of it.
Mrs. Washington set out after breakfast for Abingdon—to see Mrs. Stuart who is ill.
I rid to my Mill and to the Plantation at Dogue run—also to the places where the Muddy hole & ferry people were at Work.
Mr. Shaw returned home an hour or two within Night.
Getting Ice again to day.

Saturday 28th. Thermometer at 34 in the morning—43 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Morning calm & clear but the [ground] hard frozen. About 10 oclock the wind sprung up at South, but did not blow hard. Thawed the ground a good deal.
Went out after breakfast with my hounds. Found a Fox in the Branch within Mr. Thomson Masons Field and run him sometimes hard and sometimes at cold hunting from 11 oclock till near two when I came home and left the huntsman with them who followed in the same manner two hours or more longer, and then took the Dogs off without killing. In the course of the chase, & at the upper end of the cover in which the above Fox was

found I see two run out at once neither of which appeared to be the chased Fox. This shews how plenty they are on that side the Creek.
When I came home found Colo. Gibson a Mr. Pollock (of Richmond) and Colo. Allison here, who dined and stayed all night.
Getting Ice again to day.

   George Gibson (1747–1791), born in Lancaster County, Pa., joined the Virginia service at the beginning of the Revolution and held the rank of colonel in the 1st Virginia State Regiment from 5 June 1777 to Jan. 1782. After the war he returned to his home in Cumberland County, Pa. (Va. Mag., 18:24–25, n.1; HEITMAN [1]Francis B. Heitman. Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army during the War of the Revolution, April, 1775, to December, 1783. 1893. Rev. ed. Washington, D.C., 1914., 189).

   Oliver Pollock (c.1737–1823), born near Coleraine in northern Ireland, came to Philadelphia in 1760. He went into the West India trade and before the Revolution settled in New Orleans, where he developed a prosperous trading business. During the war Pollock served as commercial agent both for Virginia and the Continental Congress. His financial assistance to George Rogers Clark’s army in the West was vital to its success. Gibson’s association with Pollock dated from Aug. 1776 when the two men collaborated in securing a supply of gunpowder for Virginia from Don Luis de Unzaga y Amézaga, governor of Louisiana (JAMES [2]James Alton James. Oliver Pollock: The Life and Times of an Unknown Patriot. New York, 1937., 1, 3, 4, 61, 143–45). Pollock carried a letter of introduction from Patrick Henry (Henry to GW, 18 Jan. 1786, DLC:GW).

Sunday 29th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning—54 at Noon and 50 at Night.
The morning remarkably fine & pleasant, with little or no wind—the afternoon a little lowering and at Night it began a mizzling rain which encreased and continued raining all night.
After breakfast the Gentlemen who came yesterday returned.
In the afternoon Colo. Grayson & his Nephew Mr. Benjn. Orr, came in and stayed all Night.

   Col. William Grayson’s sister married John Orr (b. 1726); Benjamin Grayson Orr was one of their three sons.

Monday 30th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning—56 at Noon and 50 at Night.
The Morning foggy, with showers at intervals till near 11 oclock after which it cleared, with a brisk Southwardly wind.
Mrs. Washington with Betcy & Patcy Custis came home, from Abingdon before dinner and after it Colo. Greyson & Mr. Orr left this.
Planted the Hemlock Pine wch. was brought to me by Cornelius McDermot Row from Colo. Blackburns, in my shrubberies—and—on sixteen square rod of ground in my lower pasture, I

put 140 Bushels of what we call Marle viz—on 4 of these N. Wt. corner were placed 50 bushels—on 4 others So. Wt. Corner 20 bushels—On 4 others So. Et. Corner 40 bushels and on the remaining 4: 20 bushels. This marl was spread on the Sod, in these proportions—to try—first whether what we have denominated to be marl possesses any virtue as a manure—and secondly—if it does, the quantity proper for an acre.
Transplanted (after dividing it into two) the French honeysuckle in my North garden to the Lawn—one half in front of ea. garden gate.

Tuesday 31st. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning—40 at Noon and 34 at Night.
The morning was a little cloudy but the weather soon cleared with a brisk No. Wester which occasioned a great change in the air.
Planted a few pine trees in my Wildernesses.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday first. Thermometer at  in the Morng.— at Noon and  at Night. Ground very hard froze, Wind Eastwardly in the Morning, and So. Et. the remaining part of the day; but clear, & tolerably pleasant notwithstanding. Not being able to leave here yesterday (as I intended) for the appointed meeting of the Directors of the Potomack Navigation at the Great Falls this day, I set out this Morning at the first dawning of day, for this purpose, and after as disagreeable a ride as I ever had for the distance, arrived, at the Falls at half after 11 Oclock where I found Colo. Gilpin (who had been there since Sunday Night) levelling &ca. and Colo. Fitzgerald who got there just before me. Spent the remainder of this day in viewing the different grounds along which it was supposed the Canal might be carried and after dining at the Huts went in the evening accompanied by Colo. Fitzgerald & Mr. Potts to a Mr. Wheelers in the Neighbourhood (abt. 1½ Miles off) to lodge.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 2d. Thermometer at  in the Morning— at [noon] and  at Night. A very remarkable hoar frost, with but little Wind; day pleasant till the evening when it clouded up and abt. 8 oclock began to Snow. Spent this day in examining the ground more attentively, and levelling the different ways we had discovered yesterday but on acct. of the swolen state of the river, & rapidity of the currant we could not determine, absolutely, upon the best cut and therefore directed Mr. Stuart, the Assistant Manager to have all of them opened, accurately measured, levelled, & their bottoms sounded by the day of March when the Directors are to be requested pointedly to meet for the final choice. Dined again at the Hutts; some little time after which, Govr. Lee (who had been detained by high waters) and Mr. Rumsey came in—the first concurred in sentiment with us on these measures. After 7 Oclock at Night, Colo. Fitzgerald Mr. Potts & Myself left the Hutts, & came to Mr. William Scotts about 6 Miles on this side of the Falls where we lodged.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 3d. Thermometer at  in the Morng.— at Noon and  at Night. The Snow that fell last Night did not cover the ground an Inch. The Wind was at So. West, and the day overhead was pleasant. Snow soon disappeared. After an early breakfast we left Mr. Scotts; and about noon I reached home; where I found an Eastern shore man delivering the Oats which Doctr. Stuart had engaged on my behalf of a Mr. George Savage of Northampton—viz. 800 Bushels. Soon after I arrived Miss Sally Ramsay, Miss Kitty Washington, Doctr. Craik Junr. & Mr. Porter came in and Dined, and stayed all Night. After Dinner Mr. Rumsey arrived and stayed the evening also.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 5th. Thermometer at 34 in the morning—36 at Noon and 37 at Night.  Wind Northerly. About 9 oclk. last Night it began to Snow which turned soon to rain which continued through the Night and more or less all day, intermixed now & then with spittings of Snow. Abt. Noon the Wind shifted to the No. West and blew pretty fresh but the weather in other respects did not change.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 6th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning—40 at Noon and 38 at Night. Flying Clouds in the morning with a brisk No. West wind all day and cold though clear after ten oclock. The largest of my Buck fauns which had been missing since friday last came home after dinner with its left hind knee broke & much shivered—supposed to be by a shot. Planting pines in the wilderness on the left of the lawn and spading the ground there to day.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 7th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning— at Noon and 54 at Night. Morning clear & very pleasant, as it continued to be all day. Wind Southerly, but not fresh. Mrs. Washington, Kitty Washington, Miss Ramsay, Mr. Shaw and myself went to Colo. McCartys to the funeral of Mrs. Peers (one of his daughters). I took my ferry & dogue run plantations in the way. We returned home to dinner—after which Doctor Griffith came in and my overseer from the Plantation on Rappahannock.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 9th. Thermometer at 43 in the Morng.—54 at Noon and 50 at Night. Clear morning, with a remarkable white frost. Wind Southerly all day.  Went early in the Morning to my river Plantation. Took the Dogs with me and on my return hunted, but never got a fox a foot tho I dragged one to Mr. Robt. Alexanders Pocoson at whose house I called. In my way home I took Muddy hole plantation. Found Mr. Willm. Craik gone and Mr. Fendall and Mr. Hipkins here who went away at Night by which Doctr. Craik Senr. came in.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 10th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning—62 at Noon and 66 at Night. Wind Southerly & pretty fresh all day, till evening, when it shifted to the No. West and turned cold—a large circle round the Moon. This day was remarkably fine & promotive of vegitation. The buds of the lylack were much swelled & seemed ready to unfold. Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast. I began to hand weed the drilled wheat from the Cape behind the Stables. The part which was cut so close by mistake appeared to be quite dead to, if not at the roots. The top of the blades of the other, in some places, had turned red as if singed with the frost; and the bottom blades were, in many places grown yellow. The last sowed wheat had, within these few days, vegitated a good deal, and was stooling very prettily. Making up the banks round the serpentine walks to the front gate.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 12th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morng.—32 at Noon and 34 at Night. Snow about half an inch deep in the Morning but soon disappeared afterwards—cloudy for the most part and but a feeble Sun at any time of the day—not much Wind and that about So. Et. Messrs. Wilson, Murray, and Mease went away before breakfast—Mr. Wooldridge and Mr. Waddell after it and Miss Ramsay & Kitty Washington some time after them in my Chariot.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 15th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 36 at Night. Morning lowering. Towards Noon it became clear and warm, after which it clouded up again. Between 4 and 5 it began to Rain wch. turned to snow in a little time soon after which it ceased. Wind for the most part of the day was Southerly. Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast. Began with some of the Men abt. the House to bundle faggots for filling up gullies; as they could not on acct. of the Weather remove earth.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 16th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning—46 at Noon and 46 at Night. Morning cloudy and not pleasant, wind being at No. West, but not fresh. Afterwards it became clear, calm, and exceedingly agreeable. The warm & pleasant afternoon almost carried of the Snow. Put one of Doctr. Gordons Subscription Papers (yesterday) in the hands of Doctr. Craik to offer to his acquaintance.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Saturday 18th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning—56 at Noon and 50 at Night. The morning lowered—cleard at Noon and about two it rained a little; with appearances of a good deal, at first—however it soon ceased, though it continued cloudy till night, when the Wind, which had blowed pretty fresh from the Southward all day, shifted to the No. West. Began the yards back of the Green house designed for the Jack Ass & Magnolia. The Bitch Stately was lined by the Dog Vulcan. Jupiter had been put to her and Venus but never seemed to take the least notice of them but whether he ever lined either of them is not certain. The contrary is supposed. Rid to the Plantation in the Neck and returned home by Muddy hole and visited the sick men there whom I found better. Took a list to day of all my Negroes which are as follows at Mount Vernon and the plantations around it—viz.—
Home House.
Will	Val de Chambre	1
Frank 	Waiters in the House	2
✻Austin
Herculus	Cooks	2
Nathan
Giles	Drivers, & Stablers	3
✻Joe
Paris—boy
✻Doll	almost past Service	2
✻Jenny
✻Betty	Sempstresses	3
✻Lame Alice
✻Charlotte
✻Sall	House Maids	2
✻Caroline
Sall Brass	Washers	2
✻Dolly
✻Alce	Spinners old & almost blind	4
Myrtilla
✻Kitty
Winny
✻Schomberg	past labour	1
Frank	Stock keeper old Jobber	2
Cook Jack

Gunner	Labourers	7
Boatswain
Sam
Anthony
✻Tom Davis
✻Will
✻Joe
Jack	Waggoner	1
✻Simms	Carter	1
Bristol	Gardener	1
Isaac	Carpenters	4
James
Sambo
✻Tom Nokes
Natt	Smiths	2
George
✻Peter—lame	Knitter	1
grown	41
✻Oney	Betty’s	Children House	12 yrs. old
✻Delphy	Ditto	6 do.	2
✻Anna	little Alice’s	13 do.
✻Christopher	Do.	11 do.
✻Judy	Do.	7 do.
✻Vina	Do.	5 do.	4
✻Sinah	Kitty’s	14 do.
✻Mima	Ditto	12 do.
✻Ally	Ditto	10 do.
✻Lucy	Ditto	8 do.
✻Grace	Ditto	6 do.
✻Letty	Ditto	4 do.
✻Nancy	Ditto	2 do.	7
✻Richmond	Lame Alce	9 do.
✻Evey	Do.	2 do.
✻Delia	Do.	3 mo.	3
Lilly	Myrtilla’s	11 yrs. old
Ben	Ditto	8 do.
Harry	Do.	3 do.
Boatswain	Do.	6 do.
Lally	Do.	3 mo.	5
✻Cyrus	Sall’s	11 do.	1
✻Timothy	Charlottes	1 do.	1

✻Wilson	Caroline	1 do.	1
✻Moll	Mr. Custis’s Estate	2
✻Peter
In all	67
Mill
Ben	Miller	1
Jack Tom Davy	Cowpers	3
In all	4
River Plantn.
✻Davy 	Overseer	1
✻Breechy	Labourg. Men dead	10
Nat
Ned
Essex
Bath
✻Johny
Adam
✻Will
Robin
✻Ben
✻Molly	Overseers Wife	1
Ruth	labourg. Women	17
✻Dolly
Peg
Daphne
Murria
✻Agnus
Suck
Sucky
Judy—M
Judy—F
✻Hannah
✻Cornelia
✻Lidia
✻Esther
Cloe
✻Fanny
✻Alice
grown	29

Children
Will	Mill Judy’s	–13 yrs. old	1
✻Joe	Hannahs	–12 Do.	1
Ben	Peg’s	10 Do.
Penny	Ditto	- 8 Do.	2
Joe	Daphne’s	8 do.
Moses	Ditto	6 do.
Lucy	Ditto	4 do.
Daphne	Ditto	- 1 do.	4
✻Ned	Lidia’s	7 do.
✻Peter	Ditto	5 do.
✻Phoebe	Ditto	- 3 do.	3
Cynthia 	Suckey’s	6 do.
Daniel	Ditto	- 4 do.	2
✻James	Ferry Doll’s	8 do.	1
✻Bett	Neck Dolls	7 do.
✻Natt	Ditto	4 do.
✻Dolly	Ditto	3 do.
✻Jack	Ditto	- 1 do.	4
Rose	Suck-Bass	12 do.	1
✻Milly	House Sall’s	7 do.	1
✻Billy	Do. Charlottes	4 do.	1
✻Hukey	Agnus’s	1 do.	1
✻Ambrose	Cornelia’s	1 month	1
In all	52
Dogue Run—Plantn.
✻Morris	Overseer	1
Robin	Labourg. Men	8
Adam
Jack
Jack—long
Dick
Ben
✻Matt
✻Morris
✻Brunswick	Ruptured	1
Hannah	Overrs. wife	1

✻Lucy	Labourg. Women old	10
Moll
Jenny
Silla
Charity
✻Betty
✻Peg
✻Sall
✻Grace
✻Sue
grown	21
Children
Sarah	Charity’s 6 yrs. old
Billy	Ditto 5 do.
Hannah	Ditto 3 do.
Elly	Ditto 6 mo.	4
✻Jesse	Salls 6 yrs. old
✻Kitty	Do. 4 do.
✻Lawrence	Do. 1 do.	3
✻Jenny	Lucy’s 9 do.
✻Daniel	Do. 3 do.
✻Ned	Do. 6 Mo.	3
Aggy	Jones (dead) 9 yrs. old
Simon	Do. 4 do.
Bett	Do. 3 do.	3
Sophia	Sylla’s 3 do.
Sabra	Ditto 6 Mo.	2
✻Andrew	Bettys’ 1 yr. old	1
✻Crager	Pegs 6 Mo.	1
In all	38
Ferry—Plantn.
✻Sam Kit	labourg. Men	5
London
✻Caesar
✻Cupid
✻Paul
✻Betty	labourg. Women	3
✻Doll
✻Lucy

✻Lucy	Labouring Women	7
Flora
✻Fanny
✻Rachel
✻Jenny
Edy ✻
Daphne
grown	15
Children
✻Godfrey	Betty’s 12 yrs. old
✻Beck	Ditto 11 do.
✻Hanson	Ditto 7 do.
✻Lucretia	Ditto 6 do.
✻John	Ditto 3 do.
✻Bill langston	Ditto 6 Mo.	6
✻Patt	Doll’s 11 yrs. old
✻Milly	Ditto 4 do.
✻Daniel	Ditto 3 do.
✻Silvia	Ditto 1 do.	4
✻Edmund	Lucy 6 do.
✻Mike	Ditto 3 do.
✻Phill	Ditto 8 Mo.	3
Joy	Flora 8 yrs. old
Jacob	Ditto 5 do.	2
In all	30
Muddy hole Plann.
✻Will	Overseer	Labourg. Men	5
✻Will
Charles
Gabriel
✻Jupiter
Kate	labourg. Women	9
Nanny
Sarah
Alice
Peg
Sackey
Darcus
Amy
Nancy
grown	14

Children
Molly	Kates	14 yrs. old
Virgin	Ditto	11 do.
Will	Ditto	8 do.
Kate	Ditto	4 do.	4
Moses	Darcuss	8 do.
Townshend	Do.	6 Mo.	2
Letty	Peg’s	7 yrs. old
Forrister	Ditto	2 do.	2
Uriah	Sackey’s	10 do.	1
Kate	Alice’s	4 do.	1
Isbel	Sarah’s	3 do.	1
Muddy hole	In all	25
Home House	67
River Plantation	52
Dogue Run Plantn	38
Ferry Plantation	30
N.B. Those marked with asterisks are Dower Negros.	Mill	4
Total	216


Title: [Diary entry: 19 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 19th. Thermometer at 35 in the morning—38 at Noon and 38 at Night. Morning clear and tolerably pleasant, though the horison was red & angry at the place of the Suns rising. After noon it lowered a good deal and at Night there fell a mixture of Snow and Rain—which turned to a kind of misling rain that continued through the Night. But little wind in the fore part of the day—at So. Et. and East afterwards.


Title: [Diary entry: 20 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 20th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning—38 at Noon and 38 at Night. Missling all day intermixed at times with Rain with but little wind. Began, though the ground was too wet, to set the Posts of my Paddock fence. Mr. Lawrence Washington of Chotank, Mr. Wm. Thompson Mr. Willm. Stuart and Mr. Lund Washington came here to dinner—all of whom except the first went away after it.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Tuesday 21st. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning—40 at Noon and 38 at N. Clear, with the wind pretty fresh at No. West in the forenoon calm afterwards. A Mr. McPherson of Alexandria came & returned before dinner. His business was, to communicate the desires of a Neighbourhood in Berkeley County, to build a School & Meeting House on some Land of mine there, leased to one . My answer was, that if the tenant’s consent could be obtained, and the spot chosen was upon the exterior of my Land, so as that no damage would result from Roads &ca. to it, mine should not be wanting. Colo. Carrington, Doctr. Brown, and a Mr. Scott of Maryland (a liver with Colo. Fitzhugh) also Mr. Lawe. Washington (of this County) came here to dinner; all of whom except Colo. Carrington went away after it. In the evening Mr. Crawford and his wife—child and nurse came in and stayed all night.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 22d. Thermometer 36 in the Morning—40 at Noon and 40 at Night. A grey Morning with a red and angry looking horison at the place of the Suns rising. About 10 Oclock it began to lower very much & at Noon to drip Rain which continued with intervals all the remaining part of the day but not so as to drive people from their work. Calm all day. After breakfast Colo. Carrington & Mr. Crawford [and] his wife left this—the first for Alexandria to pursue his rout to Congress (of which he is a member)—the other on his return home. Mr. Lawe. Washington went up to Alexandria after breakfast—dined & returned in the Evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 23d. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning—32 at Noon and 32 at Night. Wind at East all day. By eight A.M. it began to Snow and continued to do so more or less all day, covering the ground by Night 3 or 4 Inches when it became a kind of Sleet.  Mr. Lund Washington came here to dinner, and returned afterwards. A Mr. Rice Hooe came in the afternoon and stayed all Night. Mr. Shaw went to Alexandria to the Assembly and to do some business in town for me. The weather early in the Morning obliged me to quit planting Posts for my Paddock.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 24th. Thermometer at 32 in the morning—33 at Noon and 29 at Night. Cloudy about day break—but it soon cleared, and about 8 oclock the wind began to blow very high from the No. Wt. and continued to do so all day—growing very cold & freezing hard especially towards Night. Mr. Lawe. Washington and Mr. Hooe left this after breakfast, and crossed in my Boat (which could not get back till the wind moderated after Sun down) to Maryland, as the nearest cut home. After sunset Mr. Shaw returned from alexandria. Not being able either to remove Earth, set Posts, or plant Trees sent the Men into the New grounds to making faggots and the Women to picking the wild onions from the Oats which I wanted to Sow.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 25th. Thermometer at 24 in the morning—31 at Noon and 30 at Night. Clear and calm in the forenoon—wind Southerly afterwards and thawing, the ground being hard frozen. Renewed the fencing of my Paddock to day. Went into the Neck and to Muddy hole Plantations to measure the fields which I had plowed for Oats & for experiments—also to Dogue run to divide some fields and to mark the Rows for planting Corn. In the Afternoon Mr. Willm. Boo⟨th⟩ came in and stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 26th. Thermometer at 29 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 40 at Night. Clear & calm all the forenoon, wind Southerly afterwards, & towards sunset lowered a good deal; but cleared again after dark.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 February 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 28th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morng.— at Noon and  at Night. A hard frost, and very cold morning, Wind being still at No. West. The forenoon clear—afternoon lowering and about eight oclock in the evening it began to Snow. Set out, by appointment, to attend a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Potomack Company at the Great Falls. Dined and lodged at Abingdon, to which place Mrs. Washington and all the Children accompanied me. Mr. Shaw also set out on a visit to Dumfries.


Title: February 1786
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday first. Thermometer at  in the Morng.— at Noon and  at Night.
Ground very hard froze, Wind Eastwardly in the Morning, and So. Et. the remaining part of the day; but clear, & tolerably pleasant notwithstanding.
Not being able to leave here yesterday (as I intended) for the appointed meeting of the Directors of the Potomack Navigation at the Great Falls this day, I set out this Morning at the first dawning of day, for this purpose, and after as disagreeable a ride as I ever had for the distance, arrived, at the Falls at half after 11 Oclock where I found Colo. Gilpin (who had been there since Sunday Night) levelling &ca. and Colo. Fitzgerald who got there just before me.
Spent the remainder of this day in viewing the different grounds along which it was supposed the Canal might be carried and after dining at the Huts went in the evening accompanied by Colo. Fitzgerald & Mr. Potts to a Mr. Wheelers in the Neighbourhood (abt. 1½ Miles off) to lodge.

   the huts: The Potowmack Company made its construction headquarters on the Virginia side of the Great Falls, where in 1790 the town of Matildaville was authorized. In 1786 this settlement, which was never more than a construction

town, probably consisted of little more than “huts” for the workers (HENINGWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819–23. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 13:171; BACON-FOSTERCorra Bacon-Foster. Early Chapters in the Development of the Patomac Route to the West. Washington, D.C., 1912., 87).

Thursday 2d. Thermometer at  in the Morning— at [noon] and  at Night. A very remarkable hoar frost, with but little Wind; day pleasant till the evening when it clouded up and abt. 8 oclock began to Snow.
Spent this day in examining the ground more attentively, and levelling the different ways we had discovered yesterday but on acct. of the swolen state of the river, & rapidity of the currant we could not determine, absolutely, upon the best cut and therefore directed Mr. Stuart, the Assistant Manager to have all of them opened, accurately measured, levelled, & their bottoms sounded by the day of March when the Directors are to be requested pointedly to meet for the final choice.
Dined again at the Hutts; some little time after which, Govr. Lee (who had been detained by high waters) and Mr. Rumsey came in—the first concurred in sentiment with us on these measures.
After 7 Oclock at Night, Colo. Fitzgerald Mr. Potts & Myself left the Hutts, & came to Mr. William Scotts about 6 Miles on this side of the Falls where we lodged.

Friday 3d. Thermometer at  in the Morng.— at Noon and  at Night.
The Snow that fell last Night did not cover the ground an Inch. The Wind was at So. West, and the day overhead was pleasant. Snow soon disappeared.
After an early breakfast we left Mr. Scotts; and about noon I reached home; where I found an Eastern shore man delivering the Oats which Doctr. Stuart had engaged on my behalf of a Mr. George Savage of Northampton—viz. 800 Bushels.
Soon after I arrived Miss Sally Ramsay, Miss Kitty Washington, Doctr. Craik Junr. & Mr. Porter came in and Dined, and stayed all Night. After Dinner Mr. Rumsey arrived and stayed the evening also.

   George Savage, of Northampton County, Va., was a planter descended from an established Eastern Shore family. In a letter to Dr. David Stuart on 24 Dec. 1785, GW thanked Stuart for contracting on his behalf with Savage for 800 bushels of oats. In addition, GW asked Stuart to try to procure for him another 1,200 bushels because his corn crop had been less than one-third of the previous year (DLC:GW). Early in February, GW acknowledged the delivery of the 800 bushels by Savage’s skipper John Whitney (GW to George Savage, 8 Feb. 1786, DLC:GW) and later that month, Savage wrote GW to expect shortly a shipment of corn from him via the schooner Molly

   and Betsey (18 Feb. 1786, DLC:GW). Since about 1782 Savage had held the position of commissioner of wrecks in Northampton. After becoming president, GW appointed Savage collector of the port of Cherrystone, also in that county.

Saturday 4th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morng.— at Noon and 40 at Night.
Clear morning with very little wind—after which it sprung up but not fresh, from the Eastward, and lowered.
Mr. Porter and Doctr. Craik went away before Breakfast and Mr. Rumsay after dinner.
Having assembled the Men from my Plantations, I removed the garden Houses which were in the middle of the front walls to the extreme points of them; which were done with more ease, & less damage than I expected, considering the height one of them was to be raised from the ground.

Sunday 5th. Thermometer at 34 in the morning—36 at Noon and 37 at Night.

Wind Northerly. About 9 oclk. last Night it began to Snow which turned soon to rain which continued through the Night and more or less all day, intermixed now & then with spittings of Snow. Abt. Noon the Wind shifted to the No. West and blew pretty fresh but the weather in other respects did not change.

Monday 6th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning—40 at Noon and 38 at Night.
Flying Clouds in the morning with a brisk No. West wind all day and cold though clear after ten oclock.
The largest of my Buck fauns which had been missing since friday last came home after dinner with its left hind knee broke & much shivered—supposed to be by a shot.
Planting pines in the wilderness on the left of the lawn and spading the ground there to day.

Tuesday 7th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning— at Noon and 54 at Night.
Morning clear & very pleasant, as it continued to be all day. Wind Southerly, but not fresh.
Mrs. Washington, Kitty Washington, Miss Ramsay, Mr. Shaw and myself went to Colo. McCartys to the funeral of Mrs. Peers (one of his daughters). I took my ferry & dogue run plantations in the way. We returned home to dinner—after which Doctor Griffith came in and my overseer from the Plantation on Rappahannock.

   Valentine Peer’s wife was Margaret (Peggy) McCarty Peers (Fairfax County Deeds Book O–1, 432–40, Fairfax County Courthouse).

Wednesday 8th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morng.—52 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Day rather variable, but upon the whole pleasant; In the morning there were flying clouds with the wind pretty fresh from the No. West—after which it was clear and still, till the evening, when the Wind came out at So. East.
After Breakfast Mr. Griffith went away, and before dinner Mr. Wm. Craik came in and stayed all Night.
Finished planting all the young pine trees in the Wilderness on the left.

Thursday 9th. Thermometer at 43 in the Morng.—54 at Noon and 50 at Night.
Clear morning, with a remarkable white frost. Wind Southerly all day.

Went early in the Morning to my river Plantation. Took the Dogs with me and on my return hunted, but never got a fox a foot tho I dragged one to Mr. Robt. Alexanders Pocoson at whose house I called.
In my way home I took Muddy hole plantation. Found Mr. Willm. Craik gone and Mr. Fendall and Mr. Hipkins here who went away at Night by which Doctr. Craik Senr. came in.

Friday 10th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning—62 at Noon and 66 at Night.
Wind Southerly & pretty fresh all day, till evening, when it shifted to the No. West and turned cold—a large circle round the Moon. This day was remarkably fine & promotive of vegitation. The buds of the lylack were much swelled & seemed ready to unfold.
Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast.
I began to hand weed the drilled wheat from the Cape behind the Stables. The part which was cut so close by mistake appeared to be quite dead to, if not at the roots. The top of the blades of the other, in some places, had turned red as if singed with the frost; and the bottom blades were, in many places grown yellow. The last sowed wheat had, within these few days, vegitated a good deal, and was stooling very prettily.
Making up the banks round the serpentine walks to the front gate.

Saturday 11th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning—34 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Wind at No. East all day—very raw, and cold—a red angry sky at Sunrising; lowering about Noon and snowing afterwards, by intervals, towards night.
A Mr. Wooldridge (an English gentleman) and a Mr. Waddell of No. Carolina—together with Mr. Murray, Mr. Wilson, & Mr. Maize came here to dinner & stayed all night.
Transplanted the following trees, to the following places in the North garden—viz.—the first on the left, looking eastward from the garden house, along the walk in front of it, is a peach tree transplanted the 14th. of last March from the Gardeners nursery, to the South side of the walk, by the Englh. Walnuts. The 2d. & 4th. on the same side, are burgamy Pears, grafted the first of April last yr. by the green House. The 3d. on the same side, is a black May heart cherry, grafted at the same time, in the same place. The 5th. on the same side is a Duke cherry, Do. Do. The 3d. tree from the same house, on the right side (looking the

same way) is also a Duke cherry, grafted as above. By the stumps of the Cornation Cherry, and apricot, which were removed in to the same garden on the 26th. of last October (not expecting either of them to live) I planted a white heart cherry; and one of the small cherries that used to grow in the walk, in front of the House; the white heart was placed by the stump of the Cornation Cherry.
Brought a Goose & Gander of the Chineese breed of Geese, from the reverend Mr. Griffiths and also two of the large white (or Portugal) Peach trees; and 2 Scions from a tree growing in his garden, to which he could give no name—the last for my Shrubberies.

   In 1775 the merchants of London appointed a committee to consider the importance of American trade to Britain. They chose Thomas Wooldrige, a British merchant, and two others to report on the situation in North Carolina (Va. Gaz., D&H, 8 April 1775). Residing in New York City after the war, Wooldrige belonged to the firms of Wooldrige & Kelly and Kelly, Lot & Co., which engaged in West Indian trade. Wooldrige was in financial straits in 1786, for on 20 July 1786 Alexander Hamilton wrote to him concerning ways to satisfy his creditors. The following year Wooldrige was imprisoned in New York City for debts (HAMILTON [2]Harold C. Syrett et al., eds. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. 27 vols. New York, 1961–87., 3:678, n.1).

   Edmund Waddell (Waddill), a prosperous planter of Randolph County, N.C., represented that county in the state House of Commons in 1787 and in the Senate from 1793 to 1798. In 1788 Waddell attended the state convention called to ratify the Constitution.

Sunday 12th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morng.—32 at Noon and 34 at Night.
Snow about half an inch deep in the Morning but soon disappeared afterwards—cloudy for the most part and but a feeble Sun at any time of the day—not much Wind and that about So. Et.
Messrs. Wilson, Murray, and Mease went away before breakfast—Mr. Wooldridge and Mr. Waddell after it and Miss Ramsay & Kitty Washington some time after them in my Chariot.

Monday 13th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning—34 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Cloudy Morning but tolerably clear afterwards till Noon when it lowered and sprinkled fine Snow by intervals till Night by which the ground was not covered more than half an inch. Wind Southerly but raw and cold notwithstanding.
Planted the two peach trees which were brought on Saturday from Doctr. Griffiths in my fruit garden behind the Stable (the

two uppermost ones at the No. Et. Corner of it). Also planted  others from the Nursery in the Garden.
Began to raise the Mound of earth on the right of the gate (coming in).
Rid to my Plantations at Muddy hole—Dogue Run and Ferry and also to the Mill. Found Doctr. Craik here on my return, who dined with us and proceeded to Mr. Littles at Cameron to whose wife he was sent for.

   Charles Little (c.1744–1813) emigrated from Scotland to Virginia in 1768, married Mary Manley, a sister of Penelope Manley French, and settled near Cameron at Cleesh, which he bought from the estate of the late Thomas Colvill (POWELLMary G. Powell. The History of Old Alexandria, Virginia: From July 13, 1749 to May 24, 1861. Richmond, 1928., 202; HARRISON [1]Fairfax Harrison. Landmarks of Old Prince William: A Study of Origins in Northern Virginia. Berryville, Va., 1964., 285).

Tuesday 14th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—36 at [noon] and 38 at Night.
In the course of last night there fell 8 Inches Snow and it continued snowing slightly till 10 or 11 Oclock when it cleared & became a fine afternoon and evening—Not much wind and that variable sometimes at So. Et. then at No. West and then calm.
Employed all the women and Weak hands (who on acct. of the Snow) could not work out, in picking the Wild Onion from the Eastern shore Oat for seed.
Doctr. Craik came in whilst we were at Dinner and stayed all Night.

Wednesday 15th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Morning lowering. Towards Noon it became clear and warm, after which it clouded up again. Between 4 and 5 it began to Rain wch. turned to snow in a little time soon after which it ceased. Wind for the most part of the day was Southerly.
Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast.
Began with some of the Men abt. the House to bundle faggots for filling up gullies; as they could not on acct. of the Weather remove earth.

Thursday 16th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning—46 at Noon and 46 at Night.
Morning cloudy and not pleasant, wind being at No. West, but not fresh. Afterwards it became clear, calm, and exceedingly agreeable.
The warm & pleasant afternoon almost carried of the Snow.
Put one of Doctr. Gordons Subscription Papers (yesterday) in the hands of Doctr. Craik to offer to his acquaintance.

   Dr. William Gordon (1728–1807), a dissenting minister in England, migrated to America in 1770 and settled in Roxbury, Mass., where he soon became active in the independence movement. As the Revolution progressed Gordon began copying and collecting documents with which to write a history of the struggle, and in 1784 he visited at Mount Vernon for 2½ weeks while he copied and abstracted Revolutionary documents from among GW’s papers (FREEMANDouglas Southall Freeman. George Washington: A Biography. 7 vols. New York, 1948–57., 6:36). Before he returned to England (1786) to find a publisher, Gordon circulated subscription papers for his history, which was first published in four volumes as The History of the Rise, Progress, and Establishment of Independence of the United States of America (London, 1788). Besides this subscription paper given to Dr. Craik, GW forwarded copies to correspondents in Alexandria and Fredericksburg. GW subscribed to two sets himself, for a total of £2 (GW to James Mercer, 20 Jan. 1786, DLC:GW; General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772–1793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 223; see also PILCHERGeorge W. Pilcher. “William Gordon and the History of the American Revolution.” The Historian 34 (1971-72): 447–64.).

Friday 17th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning—52 at Noon and 48 at Night.
A thick fog till 9 oclock A.M. when it dispelled; was clear and pleasant till towards Sunsetting when the western horison seemed to cloud & lower. Wind Southerly all day but the ground very wet—Snow all dissolved where the Sun had access.
Rid to my Mill, and the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue Run & ferry.
Sent for Doctr. Brown, who visited my Negro Overseer (Will) and Gabriel at Muddy hole who were both sick—the first since this day week & was visited by Doctr. Brown on Tuesday last.

Saturday 18th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning—56 at Noon and 50 at Night.
The morning lowered—cleard at Noon and about two it rained a little; with appearances of a good deal, at first—however it soon ceased, though it continued cloudy till night, when the Wind, which had blowed pretty fresh from the Southward all day, shifted to the No. West.
Began the yards back of the Green house designed for the Jack Ass & Magnolia.
The Bitch Stately was lined by the Dog Vulcan. Jupiter had been put to her and Venus but never seemed to take the least notice of them but whether he ever lined either of them is not certain. The contrary is supposed.
Rid to the Plantation in the Neck and returned home by Muddy hole and visited the sick men there whom I found better.
Took a list to day of all my Negroes which are as follows at Mount Vernon and the plantations around it—viz.—

Home House.
Will	Val de Chambre	1
Frank 	Waiters in the House	2
✻Austin
Herculus	Cooks	2
Nathan
Giles	Drivers, & Stablers	3
✻Joe
Paris—boy
✻Doll	almost past Service	2
✻Jenny
✻Betty	Sempstresses	3
✻Lame Alice
✻Charlotte
✻Sall	House Maids	2
✻Caroline
Sall Brass	Washers	2
✻Dolly
✻Alce	Spinners old & almost blind	4
Myrtilla
✻Kitty
Winny
✻Schomberg	past labour	1
Frank	Stock keeper old Jobber	2
Cook Jack

Gunner	Labourers	7
Boatswain
Sam
Anthony
✻Tom Davis
✻Will
✻Joe
Jack	Waggoner	1
✻Simms	Carter	1
Bristol	Gardener	1
Isaac	Carpenters	4
James
Sambo
✻Tom Nokes
Natt	Smiths	2
George
✻Peter—lame	Knitter	1
grown	41
✻Oney	Betty’s	Children House	12 yrs. old
✻Delphy	Ditto	6 do.	2
✻Anna	little Alice’s	13 do.
✻Christopher	Do.	11 do.
✻Judy	Do.	7 do.
✻Vina	Do.	5 do.	4
✻Sinah	Kitty’s	14 do.
✻Mima	Ditto	12 do.
✻Ally	Ditto	10 do.
✻Lucy	Ditto	8 do.
✻Grace	Ditto	6 do.
✻Letty	Ditto	4 do.
✻Nancy	Ditto	2 do.	7
✻Richmond	Lame Alce	9 do.
✻Evey	Do.	2 do.
✻Delia	Do.	3 mo.	3
Lilly	Myrtilla’s	11 yrs. old
Ben	Ditto	8 do.
Harry	Do.	3 do.
Boatswain	Do.	6 do.
Lally	Do.	3 mo.	5
✻Cyrus	Sall’s	11 do.	1
✻Timothy	Charlottes	1 do.	1

✻Wilson	Caroline	1 do.	1
✻Moll	Mr. Custis’s Estate	2
✻Peter
In all	67
Mill
Ben	Miller	1
Jack Tom Davy	Cowpers	3
In all	4
River Plantn.
✻Davy 	Overseer	1
✻Breechy	Labourg. Men dead	10
Nat
Ned
Essex
Bath
✻Johny
Adam
✻Will
Robin
✻Ben
✻Molly	Overseers Wife	1
Ruth	labourg. Women	17
✻Dolly
Peg
Daphne
Murria
✻Agnus
Suck
Sucky
Judy—M
Judy—F
✻Hannah
✻Cornelia
✻Lidia
✻Esther
Cloe
✻Fanny
✻Alice
grown	29

Children
Will	Mill Judy’s	–13 yrs. old	1
✻Joe	Hannahs	–12 Do.	1
Ben	Peg’s	10 Do.
Penny	Ditto	- 8 Do.	2
Joe	Daphne’s	8 do.
Moses	Ditto	6 do.
Lucy	Ditto	4 do.
Daphne	Ditto	- 1 do.	4
✻Ned	Lidia’s	7 do.
✻Peter	Ditto	5 do.
✻Phoebe	Ditto	- 3 do.	3
Cynthia 	Suckey’s	6 do.
Daniel	Ditto	- 4 do.	2
✻James	Ferry Doll’s	8 do.	1
✻Bett	Neck Dolls	7 do.
✻Natt	Ditto	4 do.
✻Dolly	Ditto	3 do.
✻Jack	Ditto	- 1 do.	4
Rose	Suck-Bass	12 do.	1
✻Milly	House Sall’s	7 do.	1
✻Billy	Do. Charlottes	4 do.	1
✻Hukey	Agnus’s	1 do.	1
✻Ambrose	Cornelia’s	1 month	1
In all	52
Dogue Run—Plantn.
✻Morris	Overseer	1
Robin	Labourg. Men	8
Adam
Jack
Jack—long
Dick
Ben
✻Matt
✻Morris
✻Brunswick	Ruptured	1
Hannah	Overrs. wife	1

✻Lucy	Labourg. Women old	10
Moll
Jenny
Silla
Charity
✻Betty
✻Peg
✻Sall
✻Grace
✻Sue
grown	21
Children
Sarah	Charity’s 6 yrs. old
Billy	Ditto 5 do.
Hannah	Ditto 3 do.
Elly	Ditto 6 mo.	4
✻Jesse	Salls 6 yrs. old
✻Kitty	Do. 4 do.
✻Lawrence	Do. 1 do.	3
✻Jenny	Lucy’s 9 do.
✻Daniel	Do. 3 do.
✻Ned	Do. 6 Mo.	3
Aggy	Jones (dead) 9 yrs. old
Simon	Do. 4 do.
Bett	Do. 3 do.	3
Sophia	Sylla’s 3 do.
Sabra	Ditto 6 Mo.	2
✻Andrew	Bettys’ 1 yr. old	1
✻Crager	Pegs 6 Mo.	1
In all	38
Ferry—Plantn.
✻Sam Kit	labourg. Men	5
London
✻Caesar
✻Cupid
✻Paul
✻Betty	labourg. Women	3
✻Doll
✻Lucy

✻Lucy	Labouring Women	7
Flora
✻Fanny
✻Rachel
✻Jenny
Edy ✻
Daphne
grown	15
Children
✻Godfrey	Betty’s 12 yrs. old
✻Beck	Ditto 11 do.
✻Hanson	Ditto 7 do.
✻Lucretia	Ditto 6 do.
✻John	Ditto 3 do.
✻Bill langston	Ditto 6 Mo.	6
✻Patt	Doll’s 11 yrs. old
✻Milly	Ditto 4 do.
✻Daniel	Ditto 3 do.
✻Silvia	Ditto 1 do.	4
✻Edmund	Lucy 6 do.
✻Mike	Ditto 3 do.
✻Phill	Ditto 8 Mo.	3
Joy	Flora 8 yrs. old
Jacob	Ditto 5 do.	2
In all	30
Muddy hole Plann.
✻Will	Overseer	Labourg. Men	5
✻Will
Charles
Gabriel
✻Jupiter
Kate	labourg. Women	9
Nanny
Sarah
Alice
Peg
Sackey
Darcus
Amy
Nancy
grown	14

Children
Molly	Kates	14 yrs. old
Virgin	Ditto	11 do.
Will	Ditto	8 do.
Kate	Ditto	4 do.	4
Moses	Darcuss	8 do.
Townshend	Do.	6 Mo.	2
Letty	Peg’s	7 yrs. old
Forrister	Ditto	2 do.	2
Uriah	Sackey’s	10 do.	1
Kate	Alice’s	4 do.	1
Isbel	Sarah’s	3 do.	1
Muddy hole	In all	25
Home House	67
River Plantation	52
Dogue Run Plantn	38
Ferry Plantation	30
N.B. Those marked with asterisks are Dower Negros.	Mill	4
Total	216

Sunday 19th. Thermometer at 35 in the morning—38 at Noon and 38 at Night.
Morning clear and tolerably pleasant, though the horison was red & angry at the place of the Suns rising. After noon it lowered a good deal and at Night there fell a mixture of Snow and Rain—which turned to a kind of misling rain that continued through the Night. But little wind in the fore part of the day—at So. Et. and East afterwards.

Monday 20th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning—38 at Noon and 38 at Night.
Missling all day intermixed at times with Rain with but little wind.
Began, though the ground was too wet, to set the Posts of my Paddock fence.
Mr. Lawrence Washington of Chotank, Mr. Wm. Thompson Mr. Willm. Stuart and Mr. Lund Washington came here to dinner—all of whom except the first went away after it.

   William Thompson, of Colchester (see entry for 16 April 1775), in 1785 married Ann Washington, daughter of Lund Washington’s brother Robert Washington (b. 1729). William Stuart (b. 1761) was a younger brother of David Stuart.

Tuesday 21st. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning—40 at Noon and 38 at N.
Clear, with the wind pretty fresh at No. West in the forenoon calm afterwards.
A Mr. McPherson of Alexandria came & returned before dinner. His business was, to communicate the desires of a Neighbourhood in Berkeley County, to build a School & Meeting House on some Land of mine there, leased to one . My answer was, that if the tenant’s consent could be obtained, and the spot chosen was upon the exterior of my Land, so as that no damage would result from Roads &ca. to it, mine should not be wanting.
Colo. Carrington, Doctr. Brown, and a Mr. Scott of Maryland (a liver with Colo. Fitzhugh) also Mr. Lawe. Washington (of this County) came here to dinner; all of whom except Colo. Carrington went away after it. In the evening Mr. Crawford and his wife—child and nurse came in and stayed all night.

   Edward Carrington (1749–1810) was the son of George and Anne Mayo Carrington of Goochland County, Va. He served in the Revolutionary War as a lieutenant colonel in the 1st Continental Artillery and was a member of the Continental Congress 1786–88; in 1789 GW appointed him marshal of the United States District Court of Virginia. In 1791 he was made supervisor of the revenue for Virginia. Carrington served as the foreman of the jury in the Aaron Burr treason trial in 1807.

Wednesday 22d. Thermometer 36 in the Morning—40 at Noon and 40 at Night.
A grey Morning with a red and angry looking horison at the place of the Suns rising. About 10 Oclock it began to lower very much & at Noon to drip Rain which continued with intervals all the remaining part of the day but not so as to drive people from their work. Calm all day.
After breakfast Colo. Carrington & Mr. Crawford [and] his wife left this—the first for Alexandria to pursue his rout to Congress (of which he is a member)—the other on his return home.
Mr. Lawe. Washington went up to Alexandria after breakfast—dined & returned in the Evening.

Thursday 23d. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning—32 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Wind at East all day. By eight A.M. it began to Snow and continued to do so more or less all day, covering the ground by Night 3 or 4 Inches when it became a kind of Sleet.

Mr. Lund Washington came here to dinner, and returned afterwards. A Mr. Rice Hooe came in the afternoon and stayed all Night.
Mr. Shaw went to Alexandria to the Assembly and to do some business in town for me.
The weather early in the Morning obliged me to quit planting Posts for my Paddock.

   mr. rice hooe: probably Rice Wingfield Hooe (1764–1806), of King George County, the son of Richard and Anne Ireland Hooe. In 1790 he married Susannah Fitzhugh. He was sheriff of King George County 1804–6.

Friday 24th. Thermometer at 32 in the morning—33 at Noon and 29 at Night.
Cloudy about day break—but it soon cleared, and about 8 oclock the wind began to blow very high from the No. Wt. and continued to do so all day—growing very cold & freezing hard especially towards Night.
Mr. Lawe. Washington and Mr. Hooe left this after breakfast, and crossed in my Boat (which could not get back till the wind moderated after Sun down) to Maryland, as the nearest cut home.
After sunset Mr. Shaw returned from alexandria.
Not being able either to remove Earth, set Posts, or plant Trees sent the Men into the New grounds to making faggots and the Women to picking the wild onions from the Oats which I wanted to Sow.

Saturday 25th. Thermometer at 24 in the morning—31 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Clear and calm in the forenoon—wind Southerly afterwards and thawing, the ground being hard frozen.
Renewed the fencing of my Paddock to day.
Went into the Neck and to Muddy hole Plantations to measure the fields which I had plowed for Oats & for experiments—also to Dogue run to divide some fields and to mark the Rows for planting Corn.
In the Afternoon Mr. Willm. Boo⟨th⟩ came in and stayed all Night.

Sunday 26th. Thermometer at 29 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 40 at Night.
Clear & calm all the forenoon, wind Southerly afterwards, & towards sunset lowered a good deal; but cleared again after dark.

Monday 27th. Thermometer at 38 in the morning—46 at Noon and 43 at Night.
Forenoon warm, and variable with but little wind. About noon it sprung up fresh from No. West and blew hard all the afternoon.
Mr. Booth went away after breakfast—and Doctr. Brown came after dinner (and returned) to visit Boatswain a sick Negro man.
Having received, yesterday Evening, a number of fruit trees from my Nephew, Mr. Willm. Washington of Blenheim I planted them in my fruit garden in the following order & places—
viz.
In the No. Et. Square of this garden—the Tree at the No. Et. Corner is a Carnation Cherry—and the next to it, below, on the East side, is also a Carnation. The 3d. row, three two pound Pears, east side, next the Carnation—& one, 1 pound ditto. 5th. Row. 2 Cooks pears East, & 2 green Burgamot. 7 Row, 3 Bell pears East & 1 Catharine Ditto. 9th. Row 2 yellow Burgamot East & 2 Boncriton Pears.
No. West Square.
2d. Row 1 popes pear—next the cross walk & 3 of Colo. Richd. Henry Lee’s fine winter Pear. 5 Row, four old Ho. Russitans. 6 Row four of the Heath Peach. 7 Row—four of Booth’s Genitan. 8 Row, three amber Plumbs next the cross walk and 2 Green gage Do. west of them. 9th. Row, two Booths Genitans next the cross Walk & 2 Newtown pippin west of them.
So. West Square
1st. Row, next the cross Walk, Peaches from the Garden. 2d. Row 4 New town pippin. 3d. Row, Peaches from the Garden. 4th. Row, 4 Gloucester white apple—5 Row Peaches from the garden. 6 row 2 Glostr. whe. Ap. on the West side, & next these, adjoining the cross walk, are 2 apple trees taken from the middle walk in the No. Garden—said to be Vandiviers—7 Row, Peach trees from the Garden—8 Row, 1 apple tree next the cross walk, taken from the border in the No. garden, by the English Walnut trees & the other 3 trees are from Stratford, given to me by Colo. Henry Lee 1 of which he calls the Medlar Russitan—another the Chantilly pear—and the 3d. the Carnation cherry but this being a mistake, the others are not to be depended upon.
The 3d. and 7th. Trees in the outer or East row, next the fencing are May duke Cherry from Blenheim.
So. East Square
2d. Row, next the cross walk, are two Golden, and two New Town Pippins from Major Jenefirs—4th. Row four of the Maryland

Red strick from the same place. 6th. Row—next the cross walk, two more of the same—that is Maryland red strick.

   Fruit trees not previously mentioned in the diaries are listed here. The Pound pear was used only for cooking, a very common “kitchen” variety. The Bell may be the Windsor, often called Summer Bell, a summer pear not highly regarded. The Catherine pear was listed in the first catalogue of fruits issued in the colonies, William Prince’s 1771 catalogue. Boncriton is GW’s rendering of Bon Chretien. DOWNINGA. J. Downing. The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America; or, The Culture, Propagation, and Management, in the Garden and Orchard, of Fruit Trees Generally; with Descriptions of all the Finest Varieties of Fruit, Native and Foreign, Cultivated in this Country. New York, 1845., 406, lists two Pope’s pears, the Scarlet Major and the Quaker, both from Long Island. Colonel Lee’s winter pear is not further identified. The Russitan apple is GW’s rendering of Russeting, an alternate form of Russet. The Heath peach was a late-ripening clingstone developed in Maryland from a stone brought from the Mediterranean. “Booths Genitans” means the Jenneting, an early apple which folk etymology often corrupted into “June-eating.” It was probably brought to GW by William Booth, of Westmoreland and later the Shenandoah Valley, who left Mount Vernon this day. The Amber plum may be the Amber Primordian, an early variety from the south of France. The Green Gage is still a universally popular variety (all plums are Prunus domestica). The Vandervere apple was a winter variety said to have been named for a family in Wilmington, Del., where it originated (DOWNINGA. J. Downing. The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America; or, The Culture, Propagation, and Management, in the Garden and Orchard, of Fruit Trees Generally; with Descriptions of all the Finest Varieties of Fruit, Native and Foreign, Cultivated in this Country. New York, 1845., 141). The medlar, Mespilus germanica, no longer considered to be an apple, is a crooked tree or large shrub bearing fruit which is eaten after frost. The Chantilly pear is one of the seemingly endless number of French pears, not further identified. The Golden Pippin is a variety of the Newtown Pippin already discussed.

Tuesday 28th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morng.— at Noon and  at Night.
A hard frost, and very cold morning, Wind being still at No. West. The forenoon clear—afternoon lowering and about eight oclock in the evening it began to Snow.
Set out, by appointment, to attend a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Potomack Company at the Great Falls. Dined and lodged at Abingdon, to which place Mrs. Washington and all the Children accompanied me. Mr. Shaw also set out on a visit to Dumfries.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 2d. Thermometer at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. A little Snow fell in the Night. About Sun rise there were some appearances of fair weather but about 8 Oclock it began to Snow fast. By 10 it was intermixed with hail & Rain—which, about Noon, became wholly Rain and towards Sun down all Snow, and storming; indeed the day through it blew hard from the No. East quarter. Accompanied by Mr. Fairfax I repaired again to the Falls where we arrived about 8 oclock & where we found Colo. Gilpin, who remained there all Night. About two hours afterwards, Govr. Johnson, Colo. Fitzgereld and Mr. Potts arrived but the day was so stormy that we could neither level, nor Survey the different tracks talked of for the Canal—which, & to determine on the most eligable one were the principle objects of the meeting. Unable to do any business without doors, we returned to the Huts—resolved on the next advances—considered some other Matters—dined there as we did yesterday and again seperated for lodgings. Colo. Fitzgerald & Mr. Potts accompanied Mr. Fairfax & myself to Towlston.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 3d. Thermometer at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. The Snow which fell yesterday & last night covered the ground at least a foot deep and continuing snowing a little all day, & blowing hard from the No. West. We were obliged tho’ we assembled at the huts again to relinquish all hopes of levelling & Surveying the ground this trip; & therefore resolved on the Rout for the Canal from the best view we could take, & information

get; and after doing some other business, as a board—particularly resolving to advertize a Contract for the Supply of our labourers with provisions, we broke up the Meeting; and I again returned (first dining at the Hutts) with Colo. Fitzgerald to Towlston, in a very severe evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 4 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 4th. Thermometer at  in the Morng.— at Noon—30 and at Night. The Wind blew hard all last Night at No. West, and it was as cold this Morning as at any time this winter; but not havg. the thermometer to apply to, I could only judge from appearances, & my own feelings. After breakfast Colo. Fitzgerald and myself set off on our return home, & parted at 4 Mile Run. About half after four I got to Mount Vernon, where Mrs. Washington, Nelly, and little Washington had just arrived—as also Mr. Shaw from Dumfries.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 6th. Thermometer at 36 in the morng.—37 at Noon and 37 at Night. Cloudy & heavy all day, with little wind & that soft. Mr. Lee went away about 10 Oclock and Mr. Thornton Washington came in after we had dined and stayed all night. Mr. Lund Washingtons Negro Shoemaker left working here on saturday last. Returned to the erection of my deer paddock, which the bad weather had impeded. Brought carts from the plantations to assist in drawing in the Materials for the Work.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 7th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning—⟨4⟩6 at Noon and 42 at Night. Morning clear & calm—grd. a little frozen. Wind pretty fresh afterwards from the Northwest—notwithstanding which it lowered a good deal towards evening.  I rid to Muddy hole and Dogue run Plantations and by the grd. where the ferry hands were at work.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 9th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning—41 at Noon and 38 at Night. Clear all day, & for the Season cold, the wind being fresh from the No. West. After breakfast the Gentlemen who came yesterday returned to Alexandria and after candles were lighted Doctr. Jenifer came in and stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 10th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—44 at Noon and 44 at Night. Ground very hard froze in the Morning, which was cold—the wind being fresh all day at No. West. In the evening it became calm. The day was clear. Lund Washington came here to Breakfast—after which he and Doctr. Jenifer both went away. Between breakfast and Dinner, a Mr. Rollins, who has undertaken to finish my new Room came here settled a plan with my joiners & returned before dinner.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 11th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morning—44 at Noon and 40 at Night. Weather clear and cool, Wind at No. West, and ground hard froze in the Morning. Rode to all my Plantns. and to the Mill. On my Return found a Mr. James Hains, the Manager of the James River Canal here—sent by the Directors to me—and to proceed with Letters from me to the Potomack and Susquehanna Works which being given, he proceeded after dinner to the former. Brought a Load of Salt in my Boat from Alexandria, for Fishing.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 12th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morng.—53 at Noon and 50 at Night. Very clear and pleasant, all day, till towards sunset, when the western horison became thick. The Wind in the forenoon was at No. West but not hard. Afterwards it was at East and variable

—a large circle round the Moon at 8 and 9 Oclock in the Evening. About dusk, Mr. William Harrison (a delegate to Congress from the State of Maryland) and his Son came in on their way to New York.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 13th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning—49 at Noon and 48 at Night. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind, and that variable. In the forenoon it was Northerly and in the afternoon easterly and towds. Sun set lowering—the sun setting in a bank. Mr. Harrison and son went away after breakfast and Mr. Lund Washington came immediately afterwards and stayed till the afternoon. The ground being in order for it, I set the people to raising and forming the mounds of Earth by the gate in order to plant weeping willow thereon. Sent my Boat to Alexanda. for Salt with the Overseer in it who by my order, engaged my Fishing landing at Johnsons ferry to Mr. Lomax in Alexandria—who is to put doors and windows to the house and pay Twenty five pounds for the use of it during the fishing Season.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 15th. Thermometer at 38 in the morning—41 at Noon and 46 at Night. Misting all day, and now and then raining pretty smartly, wind constantly at East. The wet obliged me to discontinue my working on the Mounds and set the people to picking the wild onions out of the Oats which I am abt. to sow. In the afternoon, the Vessel wch. I sent to york river for Corn from the Plantations of the deceased Mr. Custis arrived with 1000 bushels.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 16th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning—57 at Noon and 50 at Night. Misling morning. About 9 Oclock it cleared and was warm and pleasant overhead but very wet under foot, occasioned by the quantity of Rain that fell last Night—but little wind and that from the Westward. About 4 oclock a pretty heavy shower of Rain fell. Finished the Mound on the right and planted the largest weeping willow in my nursery in the centre of it—ground too wet to do any thing to the other Mound on the left. Landed 450 Bushels of Corn to day—more might have been got up but for the badness of the road occasioned by the late rains made it difficult passing with Carts.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 17th. Thermometer at 49 in the morning—52 at Noon and 48 at Night.  Cloudy all day, and sometimes dripping rain—Wind at No. West but not fresh nor cold. Finished landing Corn—viz. 1000 Bushels which had swelled 13 bushels over. Had every species of stock turned off my Muddy hole Wheat field except two English Colts and  with young.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 18th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning—56 at Noon and 52 at Night. Morning a little cloudy, and the Wind at No. West with appearances of blowing hard; but towards noon it cleared, the wind moderated, and in the afternoon it became calm and very pleasant. Rid to my Ferry, Dogue Run, Muddy hole, and Neck plantations. On my return before dinner found a Mr. Charton (a french Gentleman) here introduced by a letter from Governr. Henry. Got the Mound on the left so far compleated as to plant the next largest of my weeping Willows thereon the buds of which were quite expanded, and the leaves appearing in their unfolded state—quaere, how much too far, in this state of the Sap, is the Season advanced? Also planted the cuttings from, or trimming, of these trees in a nursery they being in the same forward State. Spaded up some of the ground in my botanical garden for the purpose of planting the scaly bark hiccory nut of Gloucester in. Also a piece of ground No. West of the green House, adjoining thereto, the garden Wall, & Post & rail fencing lately erected as yards for my Stud horses in order to plant the Seed of the Honey loccust &ca. &ca. About Noon this day finished crossing the ground in the Neck—designed for Oats and clover—and nothing but the lateness of the Season could (if that will) justify my doing it whilst the ground is so wet—or beginning to inlist Corn ground which I did at the same place whilst the ground was in this condition.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Sunday 19th. Thermometer at 46 in the morning—50 at Noon & 46 at Night. Wind moderate in the forenoon, and the morning exceedingly pleasant; but blowing fresh from the Eastward after twelve o’clock. It lowered in the afternoon and threatned an unfavourable change. A Gentleman calling himself the Count de Cheiza D’arteignan Officer of the French Guards came here to dinner; but bringing no letters of introduction, nor any authentic testemonials of his being either; I was at a loss how to receive, or treat him. He stayed dinner and the evening. Mr. Charton went away after dinner.


Title: [Diary entry: 20 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 20th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning—48 at Noon and 46 at Night. Wind fresh from the No. East all day—misling and raining, more or less, till eveng. At times it fell pretty heavily. Planted in that square of my Botanical garden, adjoining to the Servants & spinning House in two and an half rows, 95 of the gloucester hiccory nut. They are on that side of the square next the House—between the Walk, and a locust tree standing within the Square. Trimmed all the Weeping willow trees which had been planted in the serpentine Walks both sides & which had begun to display their leaves.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 21st. Thermometer at  in the morning—60 at Noon, and 58 at Night. Wind brisk from the No. West all day (drying the ground finely)—in the morning it was a little cloudy but clear afterwards. The Count de Cheiza D’Artingnon (so calling himself) was sent, with my horses, to day, at his own request, to Alexanda. Mr. Shaw went to town to day on my business. In the So. West square of my fruit Garden, beginning with the upper row, next the cross walk, the following trees were planted—viz.—1st. row 4 damisons—3d. Row 4 common plumbs—5th. row 4 damisons—7 Row 4 common Plumbs—9th. row 4 damisons; according to my Gardiners account—all from Mr. Manleys place—And in the So. East square, at the east side of the 3d. Row (counting

from the cross Walk) are 2 Pears (common) from the same place. A Captn. Hite came here between breakfast and dinner to see if I would join him in an Iron work on the So. Branch wch. proposition I rejected—and Captn. W. Brooke came here to dinner and returned afterwds. Mr. Shaw returned from Alexandria abt. 9 Oclock at Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 22d. Thermometer at 50 in the morning—58 at Noon and 58 at Night. Wind rather variable, but chiefly from the Westward. About noon it lowered and a large circle appeared round the Sun—but the Sun set clear and the evening was red. Had the intervals between my Cape Wheat hoed. Cut the top of every other row of the first sowed of it about 8 Inches from the ground it being not less than 12 or 14 Inches high and many of the blades, in places, appearing to be dying. Left the alternate rows untouched, to see what effect this cutting will have. The second sowing of this Wheat appears very lively & thriving. Having a few grains of it left I had it planted in the missing places. Hoed the ground behind the Garden again and planded therein, in three Rows 177 of the wild, or Cherokee plumb; (sent me by Mr. Geo. A Washington) 8 inches a part in the rows with 18 inch intervals. Also hoed up, under the Pines, in the inclosure near H[ell] hole abt. 4 Rods of ground wch. is much shaded, and poor, to try whether it will bring the orchard grass. Rid to all my Plantations; directed the Overseer at Dogue Run to harrow the ground wch. had been sometime plowed for Oats, in order to get it ready for sowing, though it was much wetter than were to be wished. Did the same in the Neck, or River plantation, where the ground intended for the same purpose was in like condition.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 23d. Thermometer at 51 in the Morning— at Noon and 50 at night. Wind very fresh the whole day at No. West, and weather clear. Along side the Cherokee plumb (planted yesterday) I planted in a Row and piece, the Spanish chesnuts sowed last fall. And next these 43 rows, one foot apart & about an inch asunder in the row between 17 and 18,000 seed of the honey locust.  Next these, in three rows, planted 160 of the Portugal peach stones. And adjoining these are 3 other rows of the common chestnut. In the Evening Doctr. Craik came in. Muddy hole hands finished grubbing their side of the New ground, in front of the House, & went about their fencing at home.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 25th. Thermometer at 53 in the Morning—68 at Noon and 64 at Night. Clear, warm, and pleasant all day—wind southerly, and pretty fresh—smoaky, the sun, consequently, looking red. Rid to all the Plantations, and to the Mill. Finding the ground both at Dogue run and River plantation (which had been twice plowed at each) for Oats, too much consolidated & baked (the last plowings being when it was too wet) for the harrow to make much impression in it, and the lateness of the Season not allowing time to give it another plowing before sowing, I directed the Seed to be sown on it as it now is, and to be plowed in, smoothing it afterwards with the harrow—but the ground in many places breaking up in large clods, & flakes, more so indeed than at the first plowing, it is to be feared the seed will be irregularly sown—burried too deep—and the Crop (after all the pains I intended to take with it) be indifferent and in bad condition to receive the grass seeds which were intended to be sown therewith. In removing the planks about the Venetian Window, at the North end of the house, the Sill, and ends of the Posts, and studs, were found decayed; and were accordingly, the first renewed, and the other repaired.  Doctr. Craik came here to dinner, & returned to Maryland after it.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 26th. Thermometer at 57 in the morning—67 at Noon and 67 at Night. Clear and very smoaky all day, with the wind brisk from the Southwest. Towards sundown it began to lower a little. The warmth of yesterday and this day, forwarded vegetation much; the buds of some trees, particularly the Weeping Willow & Maple, had displayed their leaves and blossoms & all others were swelled, and many ready to put forth. The apricot trees were beginning to blossom and the grass to shew its verdure.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 27th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning  at Noon and 56 at Night. Cloudy all the forenoon—Wind at No. Wt. Rid to all my Plantations. Finished plowing in the Oats at Dogue Run—ground much too wet; but not to be avoided, as nothing could be well worse than a longer delay of getting them sowed. Ordered the ground to be harrowed, to smooth and prepare it for the Timothy seed which I mean to sow with the Oats when they are up and require rolling. What from the wetness of the above ground, and the last plowing (after sowing) being deeper than I chose, it is to be feared the Seed will come up badly. The same apprehension I have concerning the Oats in the Neck, which are plowed in in the same manner, and the ground equally wet. The harrow at this place follow the plows close. At Dogue Run the whole was first plowed in before the harrow moved.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 28th. Thermometer at 42 in the morning—50 at Noon and 52 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind at So. It should have been noted, that in the Night of the 26th. there fell Rain—tho’ not a great deal—enough however to wet the top of the ground. Finished sowing my Oats in the Neck and plowing them in, but not the harrowing of the ground after the Plows. Finished the Land sides of my Paddock fencing, and as a temporary expedient, set about Water fences at each end, to serve till the fishing season is over. Also finished the Mound on the left side (going out) of the front gate.

Sowed in  rows in my botanical garden, one foot assun⟨der,⟩ and about ¾ of an inch a part, in the rows, all the seed I had of the palmetto royal. Replaced the following trees in my Shrubberies which were dead or supposed to be so—viz.—

10
swamp Magnolio

4
red buds

5
black haws

3
locusts

1
swamp red berry.

 Sent Mr. Shaw to Alexandria to settle some accts. and receive money. He returned in the evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 29th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning—60 at Noon and 62 at Night. Lowering in the forenoon, and sometimes dropping Rain—clear afterwards—Wind Southerly all day and at times fresh.  Finished crossing the ground at Muddy hole plantation, intended for experiments. Began to plow a piece of grd. in the Neck for Burnet, Saintfoin and Rib grass, in front of the overseers house. Rid to all my Plantations and to the fish house at the ferry where my Carpenters were at work. In the afternoon a Mr. Brindley, manager of the Susquehanna canal and Mr. Hanes manager of the James River Navigation came in and stayed all night.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 30th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning—63 at Noon and  at Night. Lowering more or less all day, with the wind at South. Rid to the ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole plantations & to the Mill. On my return home, found a Mr. Wallace, an Irish Gentlemen—some time since recommended to me by Mr. Edward Newenham, here. The Corn which I had lately received from York River having got very hot, I was obliged to send part of it to be spread in my Mill loft—part to be spread on the Barn floor at Muddy hole—part I spread above stairs in the servants Hall and part I spread on Carpets in the yard the last of which from the appearance of the Weather I was obliged soon to take in again. Finished harrowing the ground in which Oats had been sowed at Dogue Run, and in the Neck; and set a number of Hoes at the former to breaking the clods wch. the harrow could not effect. The ground in the Neck in many places was left very lumpy also but on acct. of other jobs there I could do no more to it at present. Perceived the Oats which had been sown, at Dogue run on the 14th. instt. to be generally up. On Monday last they were beginning to peep out of the ground.  Planted in the holly clumps, in my shrubberies, a number of small holly trees which some months ago Colo. Lee of Stratford sent me in a box with earth—also in the same shrubberies some of the slips of the Tree box. I also planted several holly trees which had been sent to me the day before by a Neighbour Mr. Thos. Allison. Mr. Brindley and Mr. Hains or Harris, went away after breakfast.


Title: [Diary entry: 31 March 1786]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 31st. Thermometer at 56 in the Morng.— at Noon and  at Night. Raining a little before day with thunder & lightning—after which it misted till towds. Noon when there were appearances of its clearing; but in the afternoon it rained pretty smartly, and continued threatning. Wind No. & No. West sometime No. E. Walked to my Plantation in the Neck where, tho’ the ground was nearly prepared for my grape Seeds I could not sow them on acct. of the Weather. Got my Paddock fence quite inclosed except along the margin of the Rivr. In the afternoon, George Washington and his wife arrived in Colo. Bassetts Chariot.