Title: Washington’s Slave List, June 1799
From: Washington, George
To:

[June 1799]

Editorial Note
The list of Mount Vernon slaves which GW drew up, probably some time in June 1799, included those slaves owned by him outright, those who were controlled by him as part of Martha Washington’s dowry, and a number who were rented by him in 1786 by contract with Mrs. Penelope French at the time he acquired her life rights to land that she owned on Dogue Run.
The slaves Washington owned in his own right came from several sources. He was left eleven slaves by his father’s will; a portion of his half brother Lawrence Washington’s slaves, about a dozen in all, were willed to him after the death of Lawrence’s infant daughter and his widow; and Washington purchased from time to time slaves for himself, mostly before the Revolution.
Washington also hired for varying periods of time individual slaves, usually skilled artisans, from neighbors and acquaintances. These do not appear on this slave list.
Only one other complete roll of the slaves at Mount Vernon has been found. In February 1786 Washington recorded in his diary all the

Mount Vernon slaves, dower and personal, the farms on which they lived, and their jobs. The total at that time came to 216; it did not include Mrs. French’s slaves, the use of whom Washington acquired later in the year.
There are also in the Washington Papers at the Library of Congress Washington’s lists of his tithables in Truro and Fairfax parishes (where Mount Vernon lies) for every year from 1760 through 1774. These have been printed in the Papers, Colonial Series. These lists name slaves living at Mount Vernon but do not include children under the age of sixteen and a few elderly slaves who were not tithed. The lists of tithables also include the names of indentured white servants and other whites living on the farms, including GW’s overseers and managers. For further information on GW’s slaves, see Charles Lee to GW, 13 Sept. 1786, and especially note 4 to that document, GW to William Triplett, 25 Sept. 1786, and notes 3 and 5 (Papers, Confederation SeriesW. W. Abbot et al., eds. The Papers of George Washington, Confederation Series. 6 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1992–97., 4:247–49, 268–74), Memorandum: Division of Slaves [1762] and note to that document (Papers, Colonial SeriesW. W. Abbot et al., eds. The Papers of George Washington, Colonial Series. 10 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1983–95., 7:172–74), Division of Slaves, 10 Dec. 1754 (ibid., 1:227–31), and DiariesDonald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig, eds. The Diaries of George Washington. 6 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1976–79., 4:277–83.

Negros Belonging to George Washington in his own right and by Marriage

GW TRADESMEN &CA

Names
ages
Remarks

Nat
Smith

His Wife
Lucy
D[ogue] R[un]
dow[e]r

George
Ditto

Ditto
Lydia
R[iver] F[arm]
Ditto

Isaac
Carp[ente]r

Kitty
Dairy
Ditto

James
Ditto
40

Darcus
Muddy Hole
GW

Sambo
Ditto

Agnes
R.F.
dowr

Davy
Ditto

Edy
U[nion] F[arm]
GW

Joe
Ditto

Dolshy
Spin[ne]r
dowr

Tom
Coop[e]r

Nanny
Muddy Hole
GW

Moses
Ditto

No Wife

Jacob
Ditto

Ditto

George
Gard[ene]r

His wife
Sall
D.R.
dowr

Harry
Ditto

No wife

Boatswain
Ditc[her]

His wife
Myrtilla
Spinr
GW

Dundee
Ditto

His wife
at Mr Lears

Charles
Ditto

Ditto
Fanny
U.F.
dowr

Ben
Ditto

Ditto
Penny
R.F.
GW

Ben
Miller

Ditto
Sinah
Mn Ho.
dow.

Forrester
Ditto

No Wife

Nathan
Cook
31
Wife
Peg
Muddy Hole
GW

W. Muclus
B[rick] Lay[e]r

Ditto
Captn Marshalls

Juba
Carter

No wife

Matilda
Spinner

Boson
Ditcher

Frank
Ho[use] Servt

Wife
Lucy—Cook

Will
Shoem[ake]r

Lame—no wife

amount 24

MANSION HOUSE

Passed Labour

Frank

80
No Wife

Gunner

90
Wife
Judy
R.F.
GW

Sam
Cook
40
Ditto
Alce
Muddy Hole
Ditto

amount
 3

Trades &ca not engagd in Cropping
24

Total

2[7] not cultivators of the Soil

DOWER TRADESMEN &CA

Names
ages

Remarks

Tom Davis
B: layr

Wife
at Mr Lear’s

Simms
Carpr

Ditto
Daphne—French’s

Cyrus
Post[ilio]n

Ditto
Lucy
R.F.
GW

Wilson
Ditto
15
no wife

Godfrey
Cartr

Wife
Mima
Mn. Ho.
dowr

James
Ditto

Ditto
Alla
Ditto
ditto

Hanson
Dist[ille]r

No wife

Peter
Ditto

Ditto

Nat
Ditto

Ditto

Daniel
Ditto

Ditto

Timothy
Ditto

Sla[min] Joe
Ditchr

Wife
Sylla
D.R.
GW

Chriss
Ho. Ser:

Ditto
Majr Wests

Marcus
Ditto

no Wife

Lucy
Cook

Husband
Ho[use] Frank

GW

Molly

No Husband

Charlotte
Sempst[res]s

No husband

Sall
Ho[use] M[ai]d

Ditto

Caroline
Ditto

Husb[an]d
Peter Hardman

Kitty
Milk Md

Ditto
Isaa.
Carpr
GW

Alce
Spinr

Charles
Freeman

Betty Davis
Ditto

Mrs Washington’s—Dick

Dolshy

Husbd
Joe
Carpr
GW

Anna

Ditto
liv[in]g at George Town
GW

Judy

21
No Husband

Delphy

Ditto
ditto

Peter lame
Kn[i]tt[e]r

No wife

Alla
Ditto

Husbd
James
Cartr
dower

amount 28

MANSION HOUSE

Will

Wife
Aggy
D.R.
GW

Joe
Postiln

Ditto
Sall
R.F.
Ditto

Mike

No wife—
son to Lucy

Sinah

Husbd
Miller
Ben
GW

Mima

Ditto
Godfrey
Wag[one]r
dowr

Lucy

No Husband

Grace

Husbd
Mr Lear’s Juba

Letty

No husband

Nancy

Ditto
ditto

Viner

Ditto
ditto

Eve

17
Ditto
a dwarf

Delia

14
Ditto
her sister

Children

Phil

Son
to Lucy

Patty

daughter
to Ditto

Rachel

12
Daughr
to Caroline

Jemima

9
Ditto
Ditto

Leanthe

8
Ditto
Ditto

Polly

6
Ditto
Ditto

Peter—B.

4
Son
Ditto

Emery

Son
to Alce

Tom

Ditto
Ditto

Charles

Ditto
Ditto

Henriette

Daughr
Ditto

Barbara

10
Ditto
to Kitty

Levina

6
Ditto
Ditto

Elvey

Ditto
to Charlotte

Jenny

Ditto
Ditto

Eliza

Ditto
Ditto

Nancy

9
Ditto
to Betty D[avis]

Oney

6
Ditto
Ditto

Lucinda

2
Ditto
Ditto

Daniel

6
Son
to Anna

Anna

4
daugh.
Ditto

Sandy

1½
Son
Ditto

Sucky

5
daughr
to Dolshy

Dennis

2 mo.
Son
Ditto

John

Ditto
to Mima

Randolph

Ditto
Ditto

Nancy

daughr
to Sinah

Burwell

Son
to Lucy

Passed labour

Doll

No husband

Jenny

Ditto
Ditto

Old
 2

Workers
12

Children
28

Amount
42 Mansion House

House Serts Spinners &ca &ca
28

Total
70 Not employed in the Crops &ca

Geo: Washington
2[7]

Dower
70

In all
9[7] not employed in the Crops

GW MUDDY HOLE F[ARM]

Names
age

Remarks

Gabriel
30
Wife
Judy
D.R.
GW

Uriah
24

Moses
19
Son
to Darcus

GW

Kate
old
Husbd
Will
Muddy Hole
dowr

Nanny
ditto
Ditto
Tom—Cooper

GW

Sacky
40
No Husband

Darcus
36
Husbd
James—Carpr

GW

Peg
34
Ditto
Nathan—C[oo]k

GW

Alce
38
Ditto
Sam ditto

GW

Amie
30
No Husband

Nancy
28
Husbd
Abram

French

Molly
26
No Husband

Virgin
24
Husbd
Gabl

Mr Lear

Letty
19
No husband

Kate long
18
daughr of Kate

Kate sht
18
Ditto
Alce
Muddy Hole

Isbel
16
Ditto
Sarah—dead

Townshend
14
Son
to Darcus

Children

Alce
8
Daughr
to Darcus

Nancy
2
Ditto
ditto

Lucy
11
Daughr
to Peg

Diana
8
Ditto
ditto

Alexander
3
Son
ditto

Darcus
1
Daughr
ditto

Oliver
11
Son
to Nancy

Siss
8
Daughr
ditto

Martin
1
Son
ditto

George
8
Ditto
to Alce

Adam
7
Ditto
ditto

Cecelia
2
Daughr
ditto

Sylvia
10
Ditto
to Molly

James
7
Son
ditto

Rainey
8
Daughr
to Amie

Urinah
2
Ditto
ditto

Billy
2
Son
to Letty

Henry
1
Ditto
ditto

Workers 18

Children 18
together 36

DOWER MUDDY HOLE F[ARM]

Names
age

Remarks

Davy—Ov[ersee]r
56
Wife
Molly
Muddy Hole
dowr

Will—Mink
60
Ditto
Kate
ditto
GW

Molly
76
Husband
Davy—Ovr

Patience
14
Daughtr
Dolly
U. Farm

Mary
11
Ditto
Betty
ditto

Workers
3

Does nothing
1

Young
1
In all 5

Altogether at this Farm 41.

GW RIVER FARM

Names
age

Remarks

Robin
80
nearly passed labr

Natt
55
Wife
Doll
R.F.
dowr

Ned
56
Ditto
Hanh
ditto
ditto

Ben—Cartr
22

Peg
56
Husbd
old Ben
R.F.
dowr

Judy
55
Ditto
Gunna

GW

Cloe
55
No husband

Suckey
50
Ditto
ditto

Suckey—Bay
46
husbd
belongg to Adans

Sall
30
Ditto
Postn Joe

dowr

Rose
28
No husband

Penny
20
Husbd
Ben Hubd

GW

Lucy
18
Ditto
Cyrus Post[ilio]n

dowr

Hannah
12
daughr
Daphne dead

Daniel
15
Son
to Suckey
R.F.

Henry
11
Son
to Sall
ditto

Nancy
11
daugh.
to Bay Suke
ditto

Children

Elijah
7
Son
to Sall
R.F.

Dennis
5
Ditto
Ditto
ditto

Gutridge
3
Ditto
Ditto
ditto

Polly
1
daughr
Ditto
ditto

Hagar
6
Ditto
to Rose
ditto

Simon
4
Son
Ditto
ditto

Tom
2
Ditto
Ditto
ditto

Joe
1
Ditto
Ditto
ditto

Nancy
4
Daughr
to Bay Suke
ditto

Passed labour

Ruth
70
husbd
Breechy
dowr

Workers
17

Children
9

Passed labr
1
together 27

DOWER RIVER FARM

Names
age

Remarks

Ben
70
Nearly done
Peg for wife

Breechy
60
not better
Ruth his wife

Johny
39
Wife
Esther
R.F.
dowr

Richmond
20
No Wife

Ned
20

Heuky
17
Son
to Agnes
R.F.

 Joe
22

Esther
40
Husbd
Johny
Ditto

Doll
58
Husbd
Natt
R.F.
GW

Lydia
50
Ditto
Smith Geo:

GW

Agnes
36
Ditto
Sambo—Car[pente]r

GW

Alce
26
Ditto
Lears John

Fanny
30
Ditto
Alexanders

Betty
20
Ditto
Lears Reuben

Doll
16
No husbd
Daugh. to Doll

Cecelia
14
No husbd
Ditto to Agnes

Jack
12
Son
to Doll

Anderson
11
Ditto
to Agnes

Lydia
11
Daughr
to Lydia

Children

Ralph
9
Son
to Sall
R.F.

Charity
2
Daughr
Ditto
Ditto

Charles
1
Son
Ditto
Ditto

Davy

6
}

4
Cornelia’s Childn dece[ase]d dow.

2

Lewis

Alce

Suckey
4
Daughtr
to Alce
R.F.

Jude
1
Ditto
Ditto
ditto

Milley
1
Daughr
to Betty
ditto

Peter
9
Son
to Doll
ditto

Hannah
old
Cooks—Husbd Ned
ditto

Workers
19

Children
10

Cook
1
making 30

Altogether at this Farm 57.

GW DOGUE RUN FARM

Names
age

Remarks

Ben
57
Wife
Peg
D.R.
Dowr

Long Jack
60
Wife
Molly
Ditto
GW

Dick
46
Ditto
Charity
Ditto
Ditto

Carter Jack
40
Ditto
Grace
Ditto
Dowr

Simon
20
No Wife

Lawrence
14
Son
to Matilda

GW

Judy—blind
50
Husbd
Gabriel
Muddy Hole
GW

Molly—Cook
45
Ditto
long Jack
D.R.
GW

Charity
42
Ditto
Dick
Ditto
Ditto

Priscilla
36
Ditto
Slamin Joe

Dowr

Linney
27
No husband

Agnes
25
Husbd
Will
Mann Ho.
Dowr

Sarah
20
No Husband

Betty
16
Ditto Ditto

Sophia
14
Ditto Ditto
Siller’s daughr

Savary
13
daughr
to Siller
D.R.

Children

Penny
11
Ditto
Ditto
ditto

Israel
10
Son
Ditto
ditto

Isrias
3
Ditto
ditto

Christopher
1
Son
Ditto
ditto

Fomison
11
Daughr
to Charity
ditto

Dick
3
Ditto
Ditto
ditto

Bartley
6
Ditto
to Linney
ditto

Matilda
1
Daughr
Ditto
ditto

Lucy
2
Ditto
to Sarah
ditto

Guy
2
Son
to Agnes
ditto

Passed labour

Hannah
60
No Husbd partly an ideot

Workers
16

Children
10

Pass’d labr
1
together 27

DOWER DOGUE RUN FARM

Names
age

Remarks

Lucy
50
Husbd
Smith Natt

GW

Sall Twine
38
Ditto
Gardr George

GW

Grace
35
Ditto
Cartr Jack

GW

Peg
30
Ditto
Ben
D.R.
GW

Kate
18
Ditto
a Negro of Moreton’s

Ned
14
Son
to Lucy
D.R.

Children

Teney
10
Daughr
to Lucy
D.R.

Barbary
11
Daughr
to Sall T.
D.R.

Abbay
10
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto

Hannah
4
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto

George
1
Son
Ditto
Ditto

Roger
10
Ditto
to Grace
D.R.

Molly
6
Daugr
Ditto
ditto

Jenny
3
Ditto
Ditto
ditto

Billy
6
Son
to Peg

ditto

Fendal
2
Ditto
Ditto

ditto

Peg
8 Mo.
Daughr
Ditto

ditto

Passed labour

Sue
70
No Husband

Workers
6

Children
11

Pass’d labr
1
Making 18

Whole amt at this Farm 45

GW UNION FARM

Names
age

Remarks

London
64
No wife

Joe
24

Edy
26
Husbd
Davy—Carp[ente]r
GW

Children

Sarah
6
Daughr
to Edy

Nancy
1
Ditto
ditto

Passed labr

Flora
64
No Husband

Workers
3

Children
2

Pass’d labr
1
Making 6

DOWER UNION FARM

Names
age

Remarks

Sam Kitt
78
Wife
at Danl Sto⟨n⟩es

Cæsar
50
No Wife

Paul
36
Ditto
Ditto

John
16
Son
to Betty
U.F.

Betty
62
No husbd
Cooks

Lucy
50
Husbd
at Cap. Marshalls

Fanny
36
Ditto
Charles—Ditchr

Jenny
34
Ditto
Mrs Washns George

Rachell
34
No Husband

Milly
22
Ditto
Ditto

Lucretia
20
Ditto
Ditto

Gideon
13
Son
to Betty

Jamie
11
Ditto
to Fanny

Ephraim
11
Ditto
to Rachel

Children

Davy
8
Ditto
Ditto

Guss
3
Ditto
Ditto

Beck
4
Daughr
Ditto

Eneas
1
Son
Ditto

Elizabeth
9
Daughr

to Doll

Suckey
11
Ditto
at Mrs W.
Ditto

Elias
2 Mo.
Son

Ditto

Daphne
5
Daughr
to Fanny

Charles
1
Son
Ditto

Felicia
7
Daughr
to Jenny

Jonathan
3
Son
to Ditto

Hellam
1
Ditto
Ditto

Diana
1
Daughr
to Milly

Jesse
6
Son
to Patt dead

Passed labour

Daphne
70
No Husband

Doll
52
Lame & pretds to be so

Workers
14

Children
14

Non-Workrs
2
Making 30

Whole amount at this Farm exclusive of French’s Neg[roe]s 36

RECAPITULATION

         Belonging to GW
          Dower

  Workg
  Childn

  Workg
  Childn

Grand

Where & how Empld
Men
Womn
boys
girls
boys
girls
Total
Men
Womn
boys
girls
boys
girls
Total
Total

Tradesmen & others, not employed on the Farms—viz.

Smiths
2

2

2

Bricklayers
1

1
1

1
2

Carpenters
5

5
1

1
6

Coopers
3

3

3

Shoemaker
1

1

1

Cooks
1

1

1

1
2

Gardeners
2

2

2

Millers
1

1

2

2

House-Servants
1

1
2
4

6
7

Ditchers
4

4
1

1
5

Distillery

4

1

5
5

Postilions

1

1

2
2

Waggoners & Cartrs
1

1
2

2
3

Milk Maid

1

1
1

Spinners & Knitrs

1

1
1
7

8
9

Mansion-Ho.

3
9
3
2
8
15
40
40

Muddy-hole
3
14
1

8
10
36
2

2

4
40

River-Farm
3
9
2
2
6
4
26
6
9
2
1
5
5
28
54

Dogue Run F.
6
7

1
7
3
24

5
1

5
6
17
41

Union-Farm
2
1

2
5
4
6
3

8
6
27
32

36
32
4
3
21
19
115
28
42
11
5
26
32
144
259

Passed labr or that do not Work

Muddy hole

1

1
1

River Farm
1
1

2
1
1

2
4

Dogue Run

3

3

1

1
4

Union Farm

1

1

3

3
4

Mansion Ho.
3

3

2

2
5

40
37
4
3
21
19
124
29
50
11
5
26
32
153
277

Hired fm Mrs. French
9
9
2
4
6
10
40

40

Grand Total
49
36
6
7
27
29
164
29
50
11
5
26
32
153
317

A LIST OF NEGROS HIRED FROM MRS FRENCH

Names
Ages

Remarks

Will
Old but hearty
Looks after the Stock
Wife at Mrs French’s

Abram
in his prime
Wife
at Muddy hole
Nancy

Paschall
Ditto
No wife
lately lost
Cornelia M.H.

Tom
Ditto 28
No wife
getting Blind

Isaac
Ditto 29
Ditto
lives at Muddy hole Farm

Moses
Ditto 26
Plowman & Carter

James
24
At the Distillery

Julius
23
Carter

Spencer
20
Ditto and Mower

Sabine
60
Husband

Lucy
55
Ditto
McCarty’s George
a Knitter

Daphne
40
Ditto
Simms Carpenter
Plougher

Delia
35
No Husband

Spinner

Grace
28
Husband
Mrs Washns Davy
Plougher

Siss
25
Ditto
Ditto Jack
Ditto

Milly
18
No Husband

Nancy
16
Ditto

Hannah
14
Ditto

Daniel
16
Son
of Delia’s

Isaac
14
Ditto
of Rose
deceased

Matilda
13
Daughr
of Daphne

Betty
13
Ditto
Delia

Briney
12
Ditto
Lucy

Grace
12
Ditto
Rose
deceased

Children

Stately
10
Son
of Lucy’s

Renney
6
Daughr
Ditto

Raison
3
Ditto
Ditto

Morgan
2
Son
Ditto

Phœnix
1
Ditto
Ditto

Polly
9
Daughr
of Daphne’s

Maria
2
Ditto
Ditto

Jack
7
Son
of Delia

Julia
4
Daugh.
Ditto

Nelly
2
Ditto
Ditto

Ambrose
1
Son
Ditto

Bob
10
Ditto
of Grace

Sall
8
Daugh.
Ditto

Judy
4
Ditto
Ditto

Augusta
1
Ditto
Ditto

Nancy
10
Ditto
of Sabine

Men
9

Women
9

Workg Boy’s & Girls
6

Children
16
In all 40


Title: I, 15 December 1799
From: Lear, Tobias
To:

[Mount Vernon, 15 Dec. 1799]

The following circumstantial account of the last illness and death of General Washington was noted by T. Lear, on Sunday following his death, which happened on Saturday Eveng Decr 14th 1799 between the hours of ten and eleven.
On Thursday Decr 12th the General rode out to his farms about ten o’clock, and did not return home till past 3 oclk. Soon after he went out, the weather became very bad, rain hail and snow falling alternately, with a cold wind. When he came in I carried some letters to him, to frank, intending to send them to the Post Office in the evening. He franked the letters; but said the weather was too bad to send a Servant up to the Office that evening. I observed to him that I was afraid he had got wet, he said no, his great coat had kept him dry; but his neck appeard to be wet, and the snow was hanging on his hair. He came to dinner without changing his dress. In the Evening he appeard as well as usual.
A heavy fall of snow took place on friday, which prevented the General from riding out as usual. He had taken cold (undoubtedly from being so much exposed the day before) and complained of having a sore throat—he had a hoarseness, which increased in the evening; but he made light of it, as he would never take anything to carry off a cold; always observing, “let it go as it came.” In

the evening, the papers having come from the post Office, he sat in the room, with Mrs Washington and myself, reading them, ’till about nine o’clock, and, when he met with anything which he thought diverting or interesting, he would read it aloud. He desired me to read to him the debates of the Virginia Assembly, on the election of a Senator and Governor; which I did. On his retiring to bed, he appeared to be in perfect health, excepting the cold before mentiond, which he considerd as triffling, and had been remarkably chearful all the evening.
About two or three o’clk Saturday Morning he awoke Mrs Washington & told her he was very unwell, and had had an ague. She observed that he could scarcely speak, and breathed with difficulty—and would have got up to call a servant; but he would not permit her lest she should take cold. As soon as the day appeared, the Woman (Caroline) went into the Room to make a fire & he desired that Mr Rawlins, one of the Overseers who was used to bleeding the people, might be sent for to bleed him before the Docter could arrive—And the Woman (Caroline) came to my room requesting I might go to the General, who was very ill. I got up[,] put on my Cloths as quick as possible, and went to his Chamber. Mrs Washington was then up, and related to me his being taken ill about 2 or 3 o’clk, as before stated. I found him breathing with difficulty—and hardly able to utter a word intelligibly—I went out instantly—and wrote a line to Dr Craik, which I sent off by my Servant, ordering him to go with all the swiftness his horse could carry him, and immediately returned to the General’s Chamber, where I found him in the same situation I had left him. A mixture of Molasses, Vinegar & butter was prepared, to try its effect in the throat; but he could not swallow a drop, whenever he attempted it he appeard to be distressed, convulsed, and almost suffocated. Mr Rawlins came in soon after sun rise—and prepared to bleed him. When the Arm was ready—the General, observing that Rawlins appeard to be agitated, said, as well as he could speak, “don’t be afraid,” and after the incision was made, he observed “the oriface is not large enough.” However, the blood ran pretty freely. Mrs Washington, not knowing whether bleeding was proper or not in the Generals situation; beg’d that much might not be taken from him, lest it should be injurious, and desired me to stop it; but when I was about to untie the string, the general put up his hand to prevent it, and as soon as he could speak, he said “more.”

Mrs W. being still uneasy lest too much blood should be taken, it was stop’d after about half a pint was taken from him. Finding that no relief was obtaind from bleeding, and that nothing would go down the throat, I proposed bathing the throat externally with Salvalaltita, which was done, and in the operation, which was with the hand, and in the gentlest manner, he observed ’tis very sore. A piece of flannel was then put round his neck His feet were also soaked in warm water. This, however, gave no relief. In the mean time, before Docter Craik arrivd, Mrs Washington requested me to send for Doctr Brown of Port Tobacco, whom Docter Craik had recommended to be called, if any case should ever occur that was seriously alarming. I dispatched a Messenger (Cyrus) to Dr Brown immediately (about nine o’clk)—Docter Craik came in soon after, and upon examining the General he put a blister of cantharides on the throat & took more blood from him, and had some Vinegar & hot water put into a Teapot, for the General to draw in the steam from the nozel—which he did, as well as he was able. He also orderd sage tea and Vinegar to be mixed for a Gargle. This the General used as often as desired; but when he held back his head to let it run down, it put him into great distress and almost produced suffocation. When the mixture came out of his mouth som[e] phlegm followed it, and he woud attempt to cough, which the Docter encouraged him to do as much as he could; but without effect, he could only make the attempt. About eleven o’clock Dr Dick was sent for. Docter Craik bled the General again about this time. No effect, however was produced by it, and he continued in the same state, unable to swallow anything. Docter Dick came in about 3 o’clk, and Dr Brown arrived soon after. Upon Dr Dick’s seeing the Genl & consulting a few minutes with Dr Craik, he was bled again, the blood ran slowly—appeared very thick, and did not produce any symptoms of fainting. Docter Brown came into the Chamber soon after, and upon feeling the Generals pulse &c. the Physicians went out together. Dr Craik soon after returned. The General could now swallow a little (about 4 o’clk)—Calomil & tarter em. were administered; but without any effect. About half past 4 o’clk, he desired me to ask Mrs Washington to come to his bed side—when he requested her to go down into his room & take from his desk two Wills which she would find there, and bring them to him, which she did. Upon looking at them he gave her [one] which he observed was useless,

as it was superceeded by the other, and desired her to burn it, which she did, and then took the other & put it away. After this was done, I returned again to his bed side and took his hand. He said to me, “I find I am going, my breath cannot continue long, I beleived, from the first attack it would be fatal, do you arrange & record all my late Military letters & papers—arrange my accounts & settle my books, as you know more about them than anyone else, and let Mr Rawlins finish recording my other letters, which he has begun.” He asked “when Mr Lewis & Washington would return”? I told him I beleived about the 20th of the month. He made no reply to it. The Physicians again came in (between 5 & 6 o’clk) and when they came to his bed side, Dr Craik asked him if he could sit up in the bed. He held out his hand to me & was raised up, when he said to the Physicians. “I feel myself going, you had better not take any more trouble about me; but let me go off quietly; I cannot last long.” They found what had been done was without effect—he laid down again and they retired excepting Dr Craik. He then said to him, “Docter, I die hard, but I am not afraid to go, I beleived from my first attack that I shd not survive it, my breath cannot last long.” The Docter pressed his hand but could not utter a word. He retired from the bed side—and sat by the fire absorbed in grief. About 8 o’clk the Physicians again came into the Room, and applied blisters to his legs, but went out without a ray of hope. From this time he appeared to breath with less difficulty than he had done; but was very restless, constantly changing his position to endeavour to get ease. I aided him all in my power, and was gratified in beleiving he felt it; for he would look upon me with his eyes speaking gratitude; but unable to utter a word without great distress. About ten o’clock he made several attempts to speak to me before he could effect it—at length, he said, “I am just going, Have me decently buried, and do not let my body be put into the Vault in less than two days after I am dead.” I bowed assent. He looked at me again, and said “Do you understand me”—I replied Yes, Sir, “Tis well,” said he. About ten minutes before he expired his breathing became much easier—he lay quietly—he withdrew his hand from mine & felt his own pulse—I spoke to Dr Craik who sat by the fire—he came to the bed side. The Generals hand fell from his wrist—I took it in mine and laid it upon my breast—Dr Craik put his hands over his eyes and he expired without a struggle or a Sigh! While we were fixed in silent grief—Mrs Washington asked, with a firm & collected Voice, “Is he gone.” I could

not speak, but held up my hand as a signal that he was. “Tis well” said she, in a firm voice “Tis All now over. I have no more trials to pass through. I shall soon follow him![”]
Occurences not noted in the preceding pages—
The General’s servant, Christopher, attended his bed side & in the room, when he was sitting up, through his whole illness. About 8 o’clk in the Morng the General expressed a wish to get up. His clothes were put on, and he was led to a Chair, by the fire. He lay down again about two hours afterwards. A glister was administerd to him, by Dr Craik’s directions, about one o’clock; but produced no effect. He was helped up again about 5 o’clock—and after sitting about an hour, he desired to be undressed and put in bed, which was done. Between the hours of 6 and nine o’clk, he several times asked what hour it was. During his whole illness, he spoke but seldom & with great difficulty and distress, and in so low & broken a voice as at times hardly to be understood. His patience, fortitude & resignation never foresook him for a moment. In all his distress he uttered not a sigh nor a complaint, always endeavoring to take what was offered him, or to do what was desired.
At the time of his decease Dr Craik & myself were in the situation before mentioned. Christopher was standing by the Bedside. Mrs Washington was sitting near the foot of the bed. Caroline, Charlotte, and some other of the servants were standing in the Room near the door. Mrs Forbes, the House-keeper, was frequently in the Room in the day & evening. In the afternoon the General observing that Christopher had been standing by his bed side for a long time—made a motion for him to sit in a chair which stood by the bedside.
As soon as Dr Craik could speak, after the distressing scene was closed, he desired one of the servants to ask the Gentlemen below to come up stairs. When they came around the bed, I kissed the cold hand, which I had ’till then held, laid it down, went to the fire and was for some time lost in profound grief, until aroused by Christopher desiring me to take care of the General’s keys and things which he had taken out of his pockets, and which Mrs Washington directed him to give to me. I wraped them up in the General’s Handkerchief, and took them with me down stairs; About 12 o’clk the Corps was brought down and laid out in the large Room.


Title: II, 14 December 1799
From: Lear, Tobias
To:

[Mount Vernon] Saturday Decr 14th 1799.

This day being marked by an event which will be memorable in the History of America, and perhaps of the world, I shall give a particular statement of it, to which I was an eye witness.
The last illness and Death of General Washington
On thursday Decr 12th—the General rode out to his farms about ten o’clock, and did not return home ’till past three. Soon after he went out the weather became very bad, rain, hail and snow falling alternately with a cold wind: When he came in, I carried some letters to him to frank, intending to send them to the Post Office in the Evening. He franked the letters; but said the weather was too bad to send a servant to the Office that Evening. I observed to him that I was afraid he had got wet; he said no, his great coat had kept him dry; but his neck appeared to be wet and the snow was hanging upon his hair. He came to dinner (which had been waiting for him) without changing his dress. In the evening he appeared as well as usual.
A heavy fall of snow took place on friday, which prevented the General from riding out as usual. He had taken cold (undoubtedly from being so much exposed the day before) and complained of a sore throat: he however went out in the afternoon into the ground between the House and the River to mark some trees which were to be cut down in the improvement of that spot. He had a Hoarseness, which increased in the evening; but he made light of it. In the evening the Papers were brought from the Post Office, and he sat in the parlour, with Mrs Washington & myself reading them till about nine o’clock—when Mrs W. went up into Mrs Lewis’ room, who was confind in Child bed, and left the General & myself reading the papers. He was very chearful, and when he met with anything interesting or entertaini[n]g, he read it aloud as well as his hoarseness would permit him. He requested me to read to him the debates of the Virginia Assembly on the election of a Senator and a Governor; and on hearing Mr Madison’s observations respecting Mr Monroe, he appeared much affected and spoke with some degree of asperity on the subject; which I endeavoured to moderate, as I always did on such occasions. On his

retiring I observed to him that he had better take something to remove his cold; He answered no; “you know I never take anything for a Cold. Let it go as it came.”
Between two & three o’clock on Saturday Morning, he awoke Mrs Washington, and told her he was very unwell, and had had an ague. She observed that he could scarcely speak and breathed with difficulty; and would have got up to call a Servant; but he would not permit her lest she should take cold. As soon as the day appeared, the Woman (Caroline) went into the Room to make a fire, and Mrs Washington sent her immediately to call me. I got up, put on my clothes as quickly as possible and went to his Chamber. Mrs Washington was then up, and related to me his being taken ill as before stated. I found the General breathing with difficulty, and hardly able to utter a word intelligibly. He desired that Mr Rawlins (one of the Overseers) might be sent for to bleed him before the Doctor could arrive. I dispatched a Servant instantly for Rawlins, and another for Dr Craik, and returned again to the General’s Chamber, where I found him in the same situation as I had left him. A mixture of Molasses, Vinegar & butter was prepared to try its effects in the throat; but he could not swallow a drop; whenever he attempted it he appeared to be distressed, convulsed and almost suffocated. Rawlins came in soon after sun rise, and prepared to bleed him. When the Arm was ready the General observing that Rawlins appeared to be agitated—said, as well as he could speak “Dont be afraid.” And after the incision was made, he observed “The orifice is not large enough.” However the blood ran pretty freely. Mrs Washington not knowing whether bleeding was proper or not in the General’s situation, begged that much might not be taken from him, lest it should be injurious, and desired me to stop it; but when I was about to untie the string, the General put up his hand to prevent it, and as soon as he could speak, said “more, more”! Mrs Washington being still very uneasy lest too much blood should be taken, it was stop’d after taking about half a pint. Finding that no relief was obtained from bleeding, and that nothing would go down the throat, I proposed bathing it externally with Salvilatila, which was done; and in the operation, which was with the hand, and in the gentlest manner, he observed “’tis very sore.” A pi[e]ce of flannel dip’d in salvilatila was put round his neck, and his feet bathed in warm water; but without affording any relief.

In the mean time; before Dr Craik arrived, Mrs Washington desired me to send for Dr Brown of Port Tobacco, whom Dr Craik had recommended to be called, if any case should ever occur that was seriously alarming. I dispatchd a Messenger (Cyrus) immediately for Dr Brown (between 8 & 9 o’clk). Dr Cra[i]k came in soon after, and upon examining the General, he put a blister of Cantharides on the Throat, took some more blood from him, and had a gargle of Vinegar, & sage tea, and ordered some Vinegar & hot water for him to inhale the steam, which he did; but in attempting to use the gargle he was almost suffocated. When the gargle came from his throat some ph[l]egm followed it, and he attempted to cough, which the Doctor encouraged him to do as much as possible; but he could only attempt it. About eleven o’clock Dr Craik requested that Dr Dick might be sent for, as he feared Dr Brown woud not come in time. A messenger was accordingly dispatched for him. About this time the General was bled again. No effect, however, was produced by it, and he remained in the same state, unable to swallow anything. A glister was administered about 12 o’clk, which produced an evacuation; but caused no alteration in his complaint.
Doctor Dick came in about 3 o’clk, and Dr Brown arrived soon after. Upon Dr Dick’s seeing the General, and consulting a few minutes with Dr Craik, he was bled again; the blood came very slow, was thick, and did not produce any symptoms of fainting. Dr Brown came into the Chamber soon after; and upon feeling the General’s pulse &c. the Physicians went out together. Dr Craik returned soon after. The Genl could now swallow a little. Calomil & tarter em. were administered; but without any effect.
About half past 4 o’clk he desired me to call Mrs Washington to his bed side, when he requested her to go down into his room, and take from his desk two Wills which she would find there, and bring them to him; which she did. Upon looking at them he gave her one, which he observed was useless, as being superseded by the other, and desired her to burn it; which she did, and took the other and put it into her closet.
After this was done, I returned to his bed side and took his hand. He said to me, “I find I am going, my breathe cannot last long; I beleived from the first that the disorder would prove fatal. Do you arrange & record all my late military letters and papers—arrange my accounts and settle my books, as you know more about them than any one else, and let

Mr Rawlins finish recording my other letters which he has begun.” I told him this should be done. He then asked if I recollected anything which it was essential for him to do, as he had but a very short time to continue among us. I told him I could recollect nothing; but that I hoped he was not so near his end; he observed, smiling, that he certainly was, and that as it was the debt which must all pay, he looked to the event with perfect resignation.
In the course of the afternoon, he appeard to be in great pain & distress, from the difficulty of breathing, and frequently changd his posture in the bed. on these occasions I lay upon the bed & endavourd to raise him, & turn him with as much ease as possible. He appeared penetrated with gratitude for my attentions, & often said, I am afraid I shall fatigue you too much; and upon my assuring him that I could feel nothing but a wish to give him ease; he replied “Well! it is a debt we must pay to each other, and I hope when you want aid of this kind you will find it.”
He asked when Mr Lewis & Washington Custis would return. (they were in New Kent.) I told him about the 20th of the month.
About 5 o’clk Dr Craik came again into the Room & upon going to the bed side, the Genl said to him, Doctor, I die hard; but I am not afraid to go, I beleived from my first attack, that I should not survive it; my breath cannot last long.
The Doctor pressed his hand; but could not utter a word. He retired from the bed side & sat by the fire absorbed in grief.
Between 5 & 6 o’clk Dr Dick & Dr Brown came into the room, and with Dr Craik went to the bed; when Dr Craik asked him if he could sit up in the bed. He held out his hand & I raised him up. He then said to the Physicians, “I feel myself going, I thank you for your attentions; but I pray you to take no more trouble about me, let me go off quietly; I cannot last long.” They found that all which had been done was without effect; he laid down again, and all retired, exceptg Dr Craik. He continued in the same situation, uneasy & restless; but without complaining; frequently asking what hour it was. When I helped him to move at this time he did not speak; but looked at me with strong expressions of gratitude.
About 8 oclk the Physicians came again into the room & applied blisters and cataplasms of wheat bran to his legs & feet; after which they went out (except Dr Craik) without a ray of hope.
I went out about this time, and wrote a line to Mr Law & Mr

Peter, requesting them to come with their wives (Mrs Washingtons Granddaughters) as soon as possible to Mt Vernon.
About ten o’clk he made several attempts to speak to me before he could effect it; at length he said, “I am just going! Have me decently buried; and do not let my body be put into the vault in less than three days after I am dead.” I bowed assent; for I could not speak. He then looked at me again and said, “Do you understand me?[”] I replied yes! “Tis well” said he.
About ten minutes before he expired (which was between ten & eleven o’clk) h[is] breathing became easier; he lay qu[i]etly; he withdrew his hand from mine, and felt his own pulse. I saw his countenance change. I spoke to Dr Craik, who sat by the fire; he came to the bed side. The General’s hand fell from his wrist—I took it in mine and put it into my bosom. Dr Craik put his hands over his Eyes and he expired without a struggle or a sigh!
While we were fixed in silent grief, Mrs Washington (who was sitting at the foot of the bed) asked, with a firm & collected voice, Is he gone? I could not speak; but held up my hand as a signal that he was no more. “Tis well, said she in the same voice, All is now over, I shall soon follow him! I have no more trials to pass through! [”]
Occurrances not noted in the preceding Narattive.
The General’s Servant Christopher was in the room through the day; and in the afternoon the General, directed him to sit down, as he had been standing almost the whole day. He did so.
About 8 o’clk in the Morng he expressed a desire to get up. His Clothes were put on and he was led to a chair by the fire. He found no relief from that position, and lay down again about 10 o’clk.
About 5 P.M. he was helped up again & after sitting about half an hour desired to be undressed & put in bed; which was done.
During his whole illness he spoke but seldom, and with great difficulty and distress; and in so low & broken a voice as at times hardly to be understood. His patience, fortitude and resignation never forsook him for a moment. In all his distress he uttered not a sigh nor a complaint; always endeavouring (from a sense of duty as it appeared) to take what was offered him, and to do as he was desired by the Physicians.
At the time of his decease Dr Craik and myself were in the situation

beforementioned; Mrs Washington was sitting near the foot of the bed. Christopher was standing by the bedside. Caroline, Molly & Charlotte were in the room standing near the door. Mrs Forbes, the House Keeper, was frequently in the room during the day and evening.
As soon as Dr Craik could speak, after the distressing scene was closed, he desired one of the Servants to ask the Gentln below to come up stairs. When they came to the bed side; I kissed the cold hand, which I had held to my bosom; laid it down & went to the other end of the room; where I was for some time lost in profound grief; until aroused by Christopher desiri[n]g me to take care of the General’s keys and other things which were taken out of his pockets; and which Mrs Washington directed him to give to me. I wrapped them in the General’s handkerchief & took them with me to my room.
About 12 oclk the Corps was brought down stairs and laid out in the large Room.


Title: To Burwell Bassett from George Washington, 9 August 1759
From: Washington, George
To: Bassett, Burwell

                        Dear Sir,
                        Mount Vernon 9th Augt 1759

                    I wrote you a running Letter of Yesterday, and take the oppertunity of a conveyance to Fredericksburg today, to acknowledge the Receipt of your favour of the 8th Ulto—Miles who carries these Letter’s to Fredericksburg has Order’s to return by Mr Churchhills and bring home the Mare you bought.
                    We have nothing worth communicating, Mrs Washington is mustering up all the occurrances She can get to transmit Mrs Bassett, & to her Letter I refer—I informd you in my last that I expected to be at Mr Mercers about the first of next Month to get his assistance in sorting my Papers; I mention it now again, least if you shoud arrive here about that time we shoud be disappointed for a few days of seeing you; for I believe it will be necessary that Mrs Washington shoud accompany me in order to clear up any doubtful matters.
                    If this Letter shoud reach you in time be pleasd to get from James Danforth and bring up wi<th> <you> a Horse brand of this figure viz. F-X for Colo. Fairfax and make it in the neatest manner he is capable—please to pay him and I will repay you Mrs Washington also begs the favour of you to bring her some Canary Seed for her Birds. I beg you will present my best Compliments to Mrs Bassett, & be assurd that I am Dr Sir, Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

                        Go: Washington

                        P.S. Your care of the Inclosd Letters is desird by M. W.


Title: To James Tilghman, Jr., from George Washington, 27 April 1772
From: Washington, George
To: Tilghman, James Jr.

                        Sir
                        Mount Vernon April 27th 1772

                    Your Horse having, in appearance at least, got perfectly over his Founder I send him to you by the bearer, and am with very great esteem Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Captain Samuel Bartlett, 4 March 1778
From: Bartlett, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                        Camp Valley Forge March 4 1778

                    I would beg leave to acquaint your Excelency that by reason of the Fatigues of the Past Campaign I am Reducd to So low a State of Health that I am intirely unfit to do Duty in the Camp, and as it is very improbable that I Shall recover So long as I Continue in the Camp, must beg your Excelency to grant me a Discharge from the Service. Your Excelencys Granting my Request will much Oblige your most Obedt Humle Servt

                        Saml Bartlit Capt. in Col. Wessons Regt


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Shepard, 26 May 1780
From: Shepard, William
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Highlands [N.Y.] may 26 1780

                    I would inform your Excellency that the Revd Wm Van Horn—Chaplin to General Glovers Brigade on the account of his Domestic Affairs is Very Desierous of a Discharge from the army—Mr Van Horn has Servd with Reputation in his Station.
                    if a greeable to your Excellency I Could wish he might obtain an Honorable Discharg. I am with Greate esteem your Excellencys most obedt Humle Servt

                        Wm Shepard Colo. Com.


Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 11 March 1786
From: Henry, Patrick
To: Washington, George

                        Dear sir
                        Richmond March 11th 1786

                    Three Gentlemen, two of them from France, the other from Geneva, have taken up a large Body of Land, on the Waters of Ohio near to some of yours—They propose to settle it by white people, chiefly from Europe—whither one or more of them is going soon, for the purpose of getting Settlers—This very interesting Business I have long wished to see going on, as there seems to be nothing which can more essentially promote the public good. Mr Savary & Mr Gallatin, two of these Gentlemen I have been acquainted with for twelve months & more, during which they have been labouring at this Scheme, but the Indian Depredations have retarded its Execution—Now, when there is a prospect of these ceasing, it will be resumed by them with Spirit I believe—Mr Charton who will probably have the Honor to deliver you this, is the other partner, I’ve known him but a short Time, but I concieve well of him, & cannot but wish him well, on Account of his Undertaking.
                    I have taken the Liberty to introduce him to you judging that it would be agreable to you to be acquainted with a Subject of this Nature—If any thing was said concerning the Climate, Soil, or Situation of these Lands, or if any of their natural Advantages were explained, it would no Doubt have Weight with Foreigners inclined to come over. Mr Gallatine, of whose Merit I have a high opinion, & who has often described these Lands to me with his Hopes of settling them, has explored them thoughroughly & is pretty sanguine of succeeding in his Veiws—I beg pardon for giving you the Trouble of this, & wish the highest Estem & Regard I am dear Sir your most obedient Servant

                        P. Henry


Title: To George Washington from Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 4 October 1798
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

                        Sir,
                        Washington, 4th October 1798

                    We have made all the examination in our power of the enclosed Estimate, and so far as relates to the foundation Stone, free stone and Brick work, taking it for granted the materials are to be of the best kind, and the work done in the strongest and neatest way, that the Estimate is not unreasonable. We have the highest opinion of the integrity of Mr Blagdin, and of his knowledge of stone and Brick work. Of Carpentry probably he has less knowledge, but is intimately connected with an English Carpenter of reputation and ability—Nor are we able to say whether the Estimate on that subject is reasonable or not.
                    If you on examining it, should not be satisfied, the opinion of some Master workman may be taken—Whatever determination you may come to on this subject, it will give us much pleasure to carry your wishes into effect. Hoban is confined by indisposition, or we would have taken his opinion on Mr Blagdin’s Estimate.
                    Your Deeds from Mr Carroll and the Commissioners are executed, and delivered to Dr Thornton, to be handed to you. We are, &c.

                        G. Scott
                        W. Thornton
                        A. White


Title: To Thomas Billington from George Washington, 5 August 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Billington, Thomas

                        Sir,
                        Sunday Morning [c.5 Aug. 1787]

                    If you have not already taken as much of the brown cloth as will make me a Coat—I pray you to decline doing it till I return (a few days hence) when I will examine all the Patterns you had, again; to which please to add such others for Vest coats, as you can find; as I do not admire the one that is made up so much in the piece as I did the sample. I am Your Hble Servt

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 19 November 1799
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

                        Sir,
                        Washington, 19th Novr 1799.

                    We were this morning favored with your letter of yesterday—Your check has been paid, and the Balance of your Dividend being 93 53/100 Dolls. is enclosed in a post note of the Bank of Columbia—We are, with Sentiments &c.,

                        G. Scott
                        A. White


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Ebenezer Sproat, 26 July 1780
From: Sproat, Ebenezer
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Highlands [N.Y.] July 26. 1780

                    I have Enclosed Lieut. Hubbells Commission with Certificates that he is not indebted to the Public—Mr Hubbell Says his Domestic affairs oblidge him to leave the Army, and seems Unalterably determined in the Matter, I therefore beg of your Excellency to give him a discharge, as I think his dismission will not be an Injury to the Public. I am with the highest Esteem your Excellency’s Obedt & Very humble Sert

                        E. Sprout Lieut. Colo. Comdt 12. Mass: Regt


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Elijah Vose, 30 April 1780
From: Vose, Elijah
To: Washington, George

                        Dear sir
                        Highlands of York Apl 30th 1780

                    Lieut. Hunt of the first Massachusetts Regiment having represented the Curcomstances of his affairs in such a Manner, that it appears he May leave the Regiment, without any Dettrement to it—therefore Recommend him for a discharge. I am Sir with every sentiment of esteem your Most Obedt Servant

                        E. Vose: Lt. Col. Comdt


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Joseph Vose and Colonel William Shepard, 7 March 1778
From: Vose, Joseph,Shepard, William
To: Washington, George

                        May it Please your Excellency
                        Camp 7th March 1778

                    Upon the repeated Application of Adjt. Pearl of my Regt for a Discharge from the Service, and he being in an Ill state of Health I would beg leave to recommend him for the same

                        Joseph Vose Colo.
                        W. Shepard Colo. Commdt


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant William Thompson, 17 May 1777
From: Thompson, William
To: Washington, George

                        The Petition of William Thompson
                        [c. 17 May 1777]

                    Sheweth That Your Excellencys Petitioner was appointed Second Lieutenant in the Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment; But finding it inconvenient to me through Sickness to supply the place into which I was appointed I therefore beg Your Excellency’s permission to Resign; Should I therefore be so happy as to obtain that Favour, Your Petitioner as in Duty Bound will be ever Thankful.

                        William Thompson


Title: To George Washington from Major Morgan Alexander, 17 December 1777
From: Alexander, Morgan
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        17th Decr 1777.

                    The Smallnes of my Fortune, and the confused Situation of my affairs, obliges me to offer you my comision, could my family Subsist without me, I would by no means think of parting with the honour of holding a comision in so very desirable a Service. I am with the greatest esteem your Excelency’s Most Obdt Huml. Servt

                        Morgan Alexander


Title: To William Gordon from George Washington, 10 August 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Gordon, William

                        Dear Sir,
                        Mount Vernon 10th Augt 84

                    I have been favored with your letters of the 12th & 19th Ulto, and congratulate you on your safe return, and happy meeting with Mrs Gordon. The Boston paper has come regurlarly every week, and I thank you for sending them; but pray, that you may not let the continuance of it be attended with the least inconvenience to yourself, or the work you are engaged in.
                    Your sensibility greatly over pays any civilities you may have met with at this place. what you are pleased to consider in the light of an obligation, we view as a pleasure; & shall be happy if oppertunities wd enable us to repeat them.
                    The same inducements which brought the celebrated Mrs MaCauly (now Graham) & Mrs Haley to Boston, wi<ll> more than probably, prompt them to se<e> other States of the Union; and if led so far Southwardl<y> I should think <my> self honored by their calling upon me.
                    We have nothing new in this Quarter—My time is spent in the manner you were witness to—I am now indeed, repairing my pack saddles, and preparing for a Journey to the western Country, where it is necessary for me to pay some <attention> to the property I hold in it, or suffer, after having attained Patents (12 years ago) & encountering much expence, my lands to be taken from me by occupants who do not trouble their heads so much about the right, as the convenience of the Land they are disposed to settle upon.
                    Mrs Washington, and all round me, Join in best wishes for you, & compliments to Mrs Gordon—We are all well—Mrs L. Washington has not encreased her family yet. with gt esteem & regd I am—Dr Sir, Yr Most Obt & very Hble Ser[vt]

                        Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., 14 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Deakins, William, Jr.

                            Dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 14th Novr 1796.

                        Permit me to recommend the enclosed letter to your care. And to ask if it be
                            practicable to procure me ten or a dozen Bushels of Oats from the Glades for feed, by the
                            first of March next? With esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Obedt Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Lee, 14 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

                            Private
                            Dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 14th Novr 1796.

                        This letter is for your eye only—It is written for the purpose of expressing my
                            regret for your continued absence from the Seat of the Government. Rely upon it, it is
                            productive of unpleasant remarks, in which I must be involved. It will, indeed is,
                            considered as making a Sinecure of the Office. To suppose there is no particular occasion
                            for the Law-Officer of the government at the Seat of it during the recess of Congress is
                            incorrect—Many cases have presented themselves since the adjournment, requesting the opinion
                            & advice of the Attorney General (besides other duties marked out by the Laws)—some
                            points have called for your aid since I have been here—and will occur without an hours
                            previous notice in times like the present. Let me entreat you therefore to come on without
                            delay and to be assured of the esteem & friendship of Your
                            Affectionate

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Smith, 14 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, Alexander

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia 14th Novr 1796.

                        Your letter of the 9th has been duly received. When I authorised Mr Pearce to
                            sell my flour, I limitted him to the largest credit the circumstances of my own business
                            would enable me to give, consistently with my own wants, & the arrangements I had
                            contemplated. To extend the credit ninety days longer, would not only derange my own
                            plans—but, as the same causes will always produce the same effects, at the end of ninety
                            days, a further indulgence might be required.
                        It is from the produce of this flour that Mr Pearce himself, all the Overseers
                            and a variety of other incidental expences, are to be paid. It is, and ever has been a rule
                            with me, never to suffer a man to look for a just debt without receiving payment; and before
                            I left home (repeating it since) in very strong terms, I have directed—Mr Pearce to settle
                            with every one, and pay to the last farthing I owe; that there may be no after claims when
                            he is gone, either upon his successor or myself. I mention these facts, and circumstances,
                            to show you how extremely inconvenient it will be for me, to comply with your requests.

                        Nonetheless, being unwilling to distress anyone, if it be possible to avoid it,
                            I shall direct Mr Pearce in the letter I am about to write to him, to day, to ascertain the
                            aggregate sum required, to pay the demands upon him, on my account; and if you will give him
                            the most unequivocal surety of paying it on, or before the 24th of December (that he may
                            have time between that and the first of January to clear himself out) and will give
                            unquestionably security also that the residue shall be paid on or before the first day of
                            March, both sums carrying interest from the day they become due until paid; that he may
                            fix the matter with you agreeably thereto. I cannot forbear adding, however, that the receipt
                            of the whole sum, on the day it becomes due, would be infinitely more pleasing to me; but if
                            this cannot be, you are to expect no favor from me in case of A second disappointment—I
                            am—Sir Your Very Hble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Augustine Washington, 14 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William Augustine

                            My dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 14th Novr 1796.

                        The letter which you put under cover to me, for Mr Philips of Andover, was forwarded, and with its enclosure
                            safely received, as you will perceive by the Answers herewith sent.
                        Without any application, intimation, or the most remote thought or expectation
                            of the kind, on my part; Sir Isaac Heard, Garter & principal King at Arms, wrote to
                            me some years since enclosing our Armorial; and requesting a genealogical account of our
                            progenitors since the first arrival of them in this country. I gave him the best information
                            of which I was possessed; to wit—that John & Lawrence—two brothers—came over in, or
                            about the year 1657. and traced our descent from John, who was the elder. He next wished to
                            know the descendents of Lawrence from whom the Chotanck Washington’s have proceeded. I wrote
                            (to the best of my recollection) to Lawrence Washington for an account of them, but have
                            never received one, and of course could give none.

                        Lately, I have received another Letter from Sir Isaac Heard, of which the
                            enclosed is a copy; and although I have not the least Solicitude to trace our Ancestry, yet
                            as this Gentleman appears to interest himself in the research, common civility requires that
                            he should obtain the aids he asks, if it is in our power to give it to him. Let me request
                            of you, therefore, to give me what assistance you can to solve the queries propounded in his
                            letter, if you have any old papers which have a tendency towards
                            it: if not, or whether or not, by examining the Inscriptions on the Tombs at the Ancient
                            Vault, & burying ground of our Ancestors, which is on your
                            Estate at Bridge-Creek. And if you are able to do it, trace the descendents of Lawrence
                            Washington, who came over with John, our Progenitor. With much truth, I am your sincere
                            friend, and Affectionate Uncle

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Arthur Campbell, 15 November 1796
From: Campbell, Arthur
To: Washington, George

                            Sire
                            Washington County V. Nov. 15. 1796

                        It would be doing violence to my feelings, did I omit the present opportunity to
                            express at least some sentiments of affection some effusions of gratitude for your many and
                            important services to the United States in general, but more especially for the share of
                            attention you have paid to the safety and prosperity of the Western Country, and that not by
                            slight and temporary measures but by the most solid and useful regulations. Our Wives, our
                            Children, and vast property now pass and repass in safety, as it were in full view of our
                            late enemies. The hand that was used to raise the bloody Hatchet, now meets the wearied
                            Traveller with greetings, and a supply of provisions. This is almost literally, the Wolf
                            lying down with the Lamb, and none to do hurt in all my holy Mountains, saith the Lord of
                            Hosts. The finishing hand to the great business of peace, with the Aborigines of the Country
                            is now about to be made, by your calling a full Representation of the Tribes to meet at the
                            seat of the general Government. There is now more than a hope that the peace will be
                            permanent if a sacred regard to Treatys on our part can be maintained.
                        It came from the lips of the greatest Friend to Man—Blessed is the peace-Maker.
                            May blessings of more value than can be given by temporal Things, be a solace in your old
                            Age, and your sure and great reward in the World to come. your Affectionate fellow Citizen
                            And devouted humble servant

                            Arthur Campbell


Title: From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 15 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, George Washington Parke

                            Dear Washington:
                            Philadelphia, 15th November 1796.

                        Yesterday’s mail brought me your letter of the 12th instant, and under cover of
                            this letter you will receive a ten-dollar bill, to purchase a gown, &c., if proper.
                            But as the classes may be distinguished by a different insignia, I advise you not to provide
                            these without first obtaining the approbation of your tutors; otherwise you may be
                            distinguished more by folly, than by the dress.
                        It affords me pleasure to hear that you are agreeably fixed; and I receive
                            still more from the assurance you give of attending closely to your studies. It is you
                            yourself who is to derive immediate benefit from these. Your country may do it hereafter.
                            The more knowledge you acquire, the greater will be the probability of your succeeding in
                            both, and the greater will be your thirst for more.

                        I rejoice to hear you went through your examination with propriety, and have no
                            doubt but that the president has placed you in the class which he conceived best adapted to
                            the present state of your improvement. The more there are above you, the greater your
                            exertions should be to ascend; but let your promotion result from your own application, and
                            from intrinsic merit, not from the labors of others. The last would prove fallacious, and
                            expose you to the reproach of the daw in borrowed feathers. This would be inexcusable in
                            you, because there is no occasion for it; forasmuch, as you need nothing but the exertion of
                            the talents you possess, with proper directions, to acquire all that is necessary; and the
                            hours allotted for study, if properly improved, will enable you to do this. Although the
                            confinement may feel irksome at first, the advantages resulting from it, to a reflecting
                            mind, will soon overcome it.
                        Endeavor to conciliate the good will of all your
                            fellow-students, rendering them every act of kindness in your power. Be particularly
                            obliging and attentive to your chamber-mate, Mr Forsyth; who, from the account I have of
                            him, is an admirable young man, and strongly impressed with the importance of a liberal and
                            finished education. But above all, be obedient to your tutors, and in a particular manner
                            respect the president of the seminary, who is both learned and good.
                        For any particular advantages you may derive from the attention and aid of Mr
                            Forsyth, I shall have a disposition to reward. One thing more and I will close this letter.
                            Never let an indigent person ask, without receiving something,
                            if you have the means; always recollecting in what light the widow’s mite was viewed.
                        Your grandmother, sister, and all here are well, and feeling a strong interest
                            in your welfare, join most cordially with me in every good wish for it. Affectionately, I am your
                            sincere friend,

                            G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Van Vleck, 15 November 1796
From: Van Vleck, Jacob
To: Washington, George

                            Honored and Dear Sir
                            Bethlehem Nov. 15. 1796.

                        Your Esteemed favor of the 9th Inst. signifying Your desire to place Your Niece
                            in our boarding-School is before me.
                        Under a lively sense of the honor done to our humble Institution for the
                            education of young Ladies by the Confidence Your Exlly is pleased to place in our imperfect
                            endeavors to promote as far as in us lies the wellfare of the rising generation, and with a
                            sincere Wish, to render even the smallest Service to the beloved father of our Country; Tho’
                            not without diffidence, lest the merits of our School might have been overrated and your
                            favorable Expectations with respect to your Niece may be disappointed in the end—I do
                            myself the honor to inform You, that I will endeavor to accomodate Your Niece within the
                            Course of two or three Months, agreeable to your request. With the most profound Respect to
                            Your good Lady and Yourself, I have the honor to subscribe myself Your Excellys most Obedient
                            Servant

                            Jacob Van Vleck


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 16 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

                            My dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 16th Novr 1796

                        I hardly know what apology to make for the positive manner in which I declared
                            the Certificate for the hundred shares in the Bank of Columbia, had never been in my hands.
                            The fact is otherwise, and I delay no time to correct my error.
                        I found it last night and account for it thus. Given to me, I suppose, (for I
                            have not the most obscure recollection of the circumstances) at a time when my mind was
                            occupied on, or immediately called to some other subject I put it loose in my
                            travelling Chaise-box, where Papers (frequently wanted at Mount Vernon) always remained;
                            intending, I presume, to file it with the other certificates, in the same box, but not doing it then, and forgetting to do it afterwards, and every
                            recollection of having seen it, it might have remained there ’till dooms-day undiscovered, If
                            I had not, for another purpose, examined every paper therein separately, and by that means found the certificate which has puzzled both you
                            and me, to know what had become of it.
                        Mr Dandridge (as I presume he has informed you) applied, without encouragement,
                            to the Revd Mr Medor of this City (one of the Moravian Clergy) for the Speedy admission of
                            Maria, into the School for young Ladies, at Bethlehem. Since then, I have
                            written to the Principal of that School—the Revd Mr Vanvleck, but have not received his
                            answer. When it comes I will forward it to you.

                        Mr Smith of Alexandria to whom my flour was sold, is craving, earnestly, a
                            prolongation of payment ninety days. This I do not like for two reasons—1. because it
                            carries along with it distrust of his circumstances; and 2. because the doing of it, would be
                            inconvenient, and a derangement of my own measures. I have however, not wanting to distress
                            him, placed the matter upon the following ground. Pay Mr Pearce the aggregate of his
                            estimate of the Sums necessary to pay his own wages; the Overseers; & other
                            incidental expences of the Estate, on or before the 24th of next month, & I will
                            wait until the first day of March next for the balance—provided he can, and will give
                            indubitable surety that these shall be done.
                        As Mr Pearce may not be well acquainted with business of this sort, or indeed
                            with the adequacy of the Security which may be offered—Personal or Real—I have taken the
                            liberty of mentioning the matter to you—praying, if you should go down to your farm, that you
                            would aid him with your advice.
                        Washington Custis has got settled at Princeton College, and I think under
                            favourable auspices, but the change from his former habits is so great & sudden, and his
                            hours for study so much increased beyond what he has been accustomed to, that though he
                            promises to be attentive, it is easy to perceive he is not at all reconciled to it yet. That of getting up an hour before day to commence them, is, I will venture to
                            pronouce not the least irksome to him at present.

                        Offer my Respects to Mrs Lear, & love to the Children, in which Mrs
                            Washington unites, and be assured of the sincere esteem & regard of Dear Sir, Your
                            affectionate

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 17 November 1796
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Mountvernon Novr 17th 1796

                        I have Recived your Letter of the 14th Instant.
                        With Respect to Mr Alexander Smith I have Taken up his note of 6439 Dollars
                            which was Lodged In the Bank of Alexandria & have Taken 2 others one payable on the
                            24th day of December—for 1600 Dollars—the other for 4839 Dollars payable
                            the first day of March those notes are now Inclosed by Danniel Duglass &
                                Jesse Simes they are both considered good men
                            and I beleive Mr Smith him self good for the money—but Mr Simes Is
                            considered as the Most Monied man In Alexandria. I inquired of Several Gentlemen, men In
                            Alexandria with Respect to his Credit & Circumstances and I am fully assured that
                            there is no man safer—but Mr Smith Desired me to Inform you If on Inquirey you should not
                            think the money perfectly Secure he will Give further Security. and at the same time Desired
                            me to Inform you was Exceedingly obliged to you for your Indulgence
                            & says that he will Ceartainly pay to the Time agreed on In the
                            notes.
                        This will be Given to Mr Lear who I have Requested the favour of to send on
                            with a note of his to Give you his opinion with Respect to the goodness of the Indorsers of
                            the notes and If he is not fully Persuaided they are safe I will Git Mr Smith to add others
                            To them.
                        James wilks went on In the Vessel which Took your goods. I am with the Greatest
                            Respect Sir your Hume Sert

                            William Pearce


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 18 November 1796
From: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            City of washington 18th novr 1796

                        We the Commissioners of the City of Washington, with the greatest respect,
                            represent to the President of the United States,
                        That, recurring, with much Satisfaction, to his Speech to both Houses of
                            Congress, soon after the Commencement of the Columbian Government, in which he very
                            earnestly recommended a particular Attention to, and a provision for, the Education of the
                            rising Generations.
                        That, having at various times since our Appointment been honored with a
                            free personal Communication of his Sentiments on this interesting Subject,
                        That, having by Letter on the 28th of January 1795 received his Opinions
                            more at large, in which "he regrets that the youth of the United States should be sent to
                            foreign Countries for the purpose of Education, "where, though
                            doubtless many under these circumstances escape the danger of contracting
                            principles unfriendly to republican Government; yet we ought to appreciate the hazard
                            attending ardent & susceptible Minds from.

                        We are induced to offer our Sentiments in favour of appointing proper persons
                            to receive the Donations of the Patrons of Science & Learning—towards the
                            establishment of a grand National University in the City of Washington
                            towards the advancement of the same; and for the promotion with the
                            laudable Intentions contemplated by the , in such a way as to the
                            President of the United States shall seem meet.

                    G.S.W.T.A.W.


Title: To George Washington from William Deakins, Jr., 18 November 1796
From: Deakins, William, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir,
                            Geo. Town Novr 18th 1796

                        I have received your much Esteem’d favor of the 14th Instant with a letter for
                            my Brother which shall be forwarded. he has gain’d his Election by a Majority of 347 Votes.
                            In my Journey to the Glades last August I engaged 20 Bushels of Oats to
                            be delivered to Major McCarty at the Mouth of New Creek by the first Instant. & I
                            have Wrote McCarty they were for you & requested him to have them sent down by his Boats this Fall, & I have hopes they will come to hand. I am with much Respect & Esteem Dear Sir Your Obt
                            Servt

                            Will. Deakins Junr


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 19 November 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            N York Novembr 19. 1796

                        I duly received your letter of the 12th instant. My avocations have not
                            permitted me sooner to comply with your desire. I have looked over the papers &
                            suggested alterations & corrections; and I have also numbered the paragraphs I. II.
                            III &c. in the order in which it appears to me eligible they should stand in the
                            Speech.
                        I thought upon full reflection you could not avoid an allusion to your retreat
                            in order to express your sense of the support of Congress—but that the simplest manner of
                            doing it was to be preferred. A paragraph is offered accordingly.
                        I believe the commencement of a Navy ought to be contemplated—Our fiscal
                            concerns if Congress please can easily be rendered efficient. If not tis their fault
                            & ought not to prevent any suggestion which the interest of the Country may require.
                            The Paragraph in your letter respecting our Mediterranean Commerce may well be incorporated
                            in this part of the communication.
                        You will observe a paragraph I have framed contemplates a full future
                            communication of our Situation with France—At present it seems to me that this will best be
                            effected in the following mode.

                        Let a full reply to Mr Adets last communication be made containing a particular
                            review of our conduct & motives from the commencement of the Revolution—Let this be
                            sent to Mr Pinckney to be imparted to the Directory & let a copy of it with a short
                            auxiliary statement of facts if necessary be sent to the House of Representatives. As Mr
                            Adet has suspended his functions I presume no reply can be made to him; but not having seen
                            his paper I cannot judge.
                        The crisis is immensely important to the glory of the President & to
                            the honor & interest of the Country. It is all important that the Reply to Adets
                            last communication to whomsoever made should be managed with the utmost possible prudence
                            & skill—so that it may be a solid justification—an inoffensive remonstrance—the
                            expression of a dignified seriousness reluctant to quarrel but resolved not to be humbled.
                            The subject excites the greatest anxiety. I have the honor to be very respectfully &
                            Affectly Sir Your Obed. Ser.

                            A. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 19 November 1796
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Dr Sir
                            Philada Novr 19. 1796

                        Mr D. Russell of Boston, son of the late Thos Russell Esqre, has requested me
                            to present the Book sent herewith to you in his Name which I do with pleasure as I respected
                            & esteemed the deceased very much. With great Respect & Regard I am Yrs

                            R.M.


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 20 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

                            Mr Pearce,
                            Philadelphia 20th Novr 1796

                        Your Letter of the 13th inst., and the Reports of the preceeding week; were
                            received yesterday.
                        I am sorry to hear that the growing Wheat is suffering for want of Rain—but
                            hope you had some on Tuesday last (three days subsequent to the date of your letter). If the
                            fact however is otherwise, let the ground in which the Egyptian Wheat was deposited, be
                            watered, & continu’d to be so until the Rains fall.

                        I had no doubt but that the Causey through the Swamp would prove a pretty heavy
                            job to execute the work in the manner I proposed; but when so done—I shall have no plague
                            with it thereafter, and the other part will be much less tedious and labourious. To form a
                            judgment however of this matter, when the Causey is completed, work onwards towards the
                            Mansion until you cross (or rather come to) the intended road leading from Muddy hole Barn.
                            Working thus far as it will pass through as grubby ground as any there is in the whole road,
                            you will be able to form a judgment of the time necessary for the completion of the whole;
                            and besides, after this junction is formed, there can be no mistake afterwards. Let Davy
                            know, & Mr Anderson also, that where the Road turns on the top of the Hill (south of
                            the Causey) the fence is to turn also; and run with the road until it strikes the line of
                            the other fence, in which the Gate stands; which fence is to be continued streight until the
                            two meet, by the side of the Road.
                        I expected the line of the Road, when extended back to the River, would have
                            struck it nearer to Hell hole, by several hundred yards, than where Cupids house stood. What
                            sort of ground does it go over? and, if you can form a judgment from your present view of it,
                            would the River, or Vessels passing thereon be seen in travelling along it from the Causey
                            to the White Gates?
                        I had no idea that Oznabrigs was scarce in Alexandria after the great
                            Importations we had heard of, or that the price cd have been so high. I will make enquiry
                            into these matters here, & inform you of the result in my next; as I shall also do
                            abt Paints & Oil; but when you spoke of White Lead ground in Oil being 24/ pr Keg,
                            you ought to have mentioned what the Keg contained, as they are of various sizes from 25 to
                            100 lbs. weight.

                        As Mr Lear is very frequently at his farm, I wish you would consult him with
                            respect to Mr Alexr Smiths circumstances; and the best mode of having the sum he owes me,
                            and the payments, according to my last to you, perfectly secured.
                            I can run no risks in this matter; the sum is too large to be trifled with; and I am not one
                            of those who place implicit confidence in strong assurances, or in outward appearances,
                            unless they are corroborated by corresponding actions. You might, at the sametime, advise
                            with him on the prices of Oznabrigs—Paints—Oil—Nails &ca that I may decide in time
                            whether to provide them here—or in that quarter.
                        I presume Mrs Washington’s Bed Chamber is the same pitch of the other rooms on
                            that floor—but that I may be certain of it, I wish you would measure the height from the
                            floor to the Cieling and inform me thereof. I request also that you wd let me know the exact width, and height (in front of the fire place) of the
                            Chimney in the New dining Room, that, if I should want to get a stopper
                            (or chimney board) for it, as in some of the other rooms, I may be at no loss to fit one to
                            it. and with respect to the Cellar windows at the South end of the Mansion house, I did not,
                            in my former request, describe, clearly, what I wanted—which was, to know how far it was
                            from the top of the frame which is about the level of the brick pavement and projecting into
                            it without, to the top—or within an inch of the top of the window frame. This, & not
                            the whole size of the frame, I wish now to know. Is the 2 f.–7 1/2 I. width, and 1 f.–2 I.
                            height of the Cellar windows in front—the dimensions of the frame from out to out of it—or
                            from in, to in? Are the Stone Cills, at bottom of these window frames, wider than the wood
                            frames thereon? And how much?
                        Order Peter to take good care of the three young (as well as the three
                            covering) Jacks this Winter; and to feed them in such a manner as to keep them in very
                            thriving order, that I may turn them to a good Account hereafter. I am Your friend

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. Let me know the size of the blue Parlour—that is the length and
                                breadth of it—and how far it is from the hearth on each side to the sides of the Room
                                that the size of the hearth may be taken out of the Carpet as it now
                                is with the . The dimensions of the 4 sides must be sent
                            also.


Title: Authorization to Borrow Money from Maryland, 21 November 1796
From: Washington, George,Pickering, Timothy
To:

                             21 November 1796

                        Be it known to all persons to whom these presents shall come, that I, George
                            Washington, President of the United States of America, have authorised and empowered, and by
                            this present writing do authorise and empower, Gustavus Scott, William Thornton and
                            Alexander White, commissioners appointed by virtue of an act of congress, entitled, An act
                            for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the government of the United States, or
                            their successors in office, or any two of them, by themselves, or their attorney or
                            attornies, agent or agents, duly empowered for that purpose, to borrow of the state of
                            Maryland, for the purpose of erecting the buildings authorised by the act of congress above
                            mentioned, a sum not exceeding one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, on the terms
                            authorised by an act of congress, entitled, An act authorising a loan for the use of the
                            city of Washington, in the district of Columbia, or on such other terms as the said
                            commissioners, or their successors, or any two of them, may judge reasonable, provided no
                            higher or greater interest than at the rate of six per cent. per annum shall be allowed, and
                            no longer term stipulated for the repayment of the sums borrowed, than that expressed in the
                            last mentioned act of congress for the repayment of monies borrowed under the said act. And
                            I do declare, that the stock of the United States bearing a present interest of six per
                            cent.. per annum, may be received on such loans as specie, at par.
                        In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of
                            the United States to be affixed, at Philadelphia, this twenty-first day of November, in the
                            year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six.

                            G. WASHINGTON.
                            By the President,
                            Timothy Pickering,
                            Sec. of State.
                            (Seal)


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 21 November 1796
From: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Washington 21st November 1796

                        We do ourselves the honor of inclosing a Memorial concerning the intended
                            University, about which, you expressed a desire to receive some documents, which, if judged
                            proper, might be laid before Congress—The one inclosed, has been drawn up with a view to
                            that object; and the authors of it will feel the highest gratification, if it in any degree
                            brings about the commencement of this great National object. The arguments for passing a
                            Loan appear to be so reasonable that it is impossible to suppose the measure can meet with
                            opposition—Congress surely may, whilst the law is under their own controul, avoid any ways,
                            committing themselves, for its completion—It certainly would have a very powerfull effect
                            towards creating a general confidence: if even the smallest public donation was made to the
                            institution—A few thousand acres of back-lands, now of little value, would add weight to the
                            solicitations of our friends abroad: and although these Lands are already pledged for public
                            purposes, a grant of them, subject to this burthen would have every good effect, flowing
                            from a grant of Lands entirely clear—Many years must elapse before any Lands which congress
                            will grant, can be productive of useful revenue, except by a Sale, & that ought, we
                            think to be prohibited by the very act of grant.

                        Some difficulties have occurred in the last negotiation for $32,000 which
                            Messrs Morris & Nicholson have been carrying on with the Bank—Things, however, are
                            now so far adjusted as to bid fare to be brought to a successful conclusion, on Thursday
                            next—In that case, our remaining debt of $32,000 due to the Bank, will be transferred to
                            these gentlemen, and we shall be cleared of all demands from that quarter. Our Letter,
                            however, to the Secretary of the Treasury, now preparing to inclose the semiannual account,
                            directed to be laid before Congress, will give so full a detail of our finances, that it is
                            now unnecessary to go into them, further, than to observe, that without some effectual aid,
                            we shall, in a few weeks, be obliged to stop. The power, therefore, to negotiate with the
                            State of Maryland cannot come on too soon—What success it will be attended with, we cannot
                            pretend to say, as we did not choose to enter into the business, until the arrival of the
                            power.
                        The inclosed copy of a Letter from George Walker & advertisement,
                            inserted by him, in the City-Gazette, are forwarded, because we wish every thing said
                            against us, to be known, from whatever quarter it comes—We shall forbear saying more of his
                            pretended ground of complaint, than that the conduct pursued respecting Walkers property,
                            has been precisely the same with that observed to every other proprietor, and submitted to,
                            as far as we know, without a murmur—We have the honor &c.

                            G. Scott
                            W. Thornton
                            A. White


Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 21 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William

                            Gentlemen
                            Philadelphia 21st Novr 1796.

                        Your letter of the 11th Instant has been duly received. The altered One to
                            Messrs Wilhem, and Ian Willink has been forwarded to its address, and the former is herewith
                            returned.
                        Your application to the Bank of the United States for the loan of money,
                            having failed (as I presume the Secretary of the Treasury has informed you, and as I had
                            always supposed would be the case) I have executed the Power which was sent to me
                            authorising a similar application to the Legislature of Maryland. and hope, if made, that it
                            will be attended with better success. I advise the retention of it however, a few days,
                            until you hear from Mr Wolcott the result of his soundings of a Mr Hope (of the House of
                            Hope, late of Amsterdam) who is just arrived in this City; and of whom it is supposed money might be obtained. With great esteem I am
                            Gentlemen Your Obedient Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Gerardo Joseph de Souza, 22 November 1796
From: Souza, Gerardo Joseph de
To: Washington, George

                            Exmo. Senor.
                            Tripoly de Berberia 22. de Noviembre de 1796

                        Dandome motivo el Dey de Angel con su Carta de 8 de octubre proximo pasado
                            que me fue entregada en primero del de la fecha por el Capitan Obrien,
                            que dho dia fundió en este Puerto, para que cooperase con mis oficios afin de persuadir a
                            este Baxa combienese en otorgar la Paz con los Illes. Estados Americanos, segun las
                            proposiciones de a quel Principe; la felicidad de haverse concluido este importante Asunto
                            segun aquel detalle, y conforme los deseos del Comisionado Obrien; parece que tambien me lo
                            dá para dar A. V.Sr Exa. La Enhorabuena de esta satisfacion, seguro de
                            que la tendrá muy completa por el resultado beneficio que como Padre Comun de sus Patricios
                            Ve sobre sus intereces. Proporcionalmte merece Con toda Justicia el mas
                            digno louvor la Conducta, providad, y Patriotismo de Ricardo Obrien: que conducido del
                            paternal Amor de su Patria, nos deja memorias perpetuas de las mas sanas Virtudes, en
                            Servicio de su Pais.
                        En consequencia detodo, devendose apoyar con la posible estos honrados
                                sentimtos me preguntaso aque quedase en mi compañia el Encargado
                                interinamte de los Negocios de V. Nacion, el Capitan Ingraham que me
                                recomendo Mr Joel Barlou Consul de los Illes. Estados en Argel, con su carta de ique
                            fecha de 8 de 8ieme pasado.

                        A la penetracion de V. Ex no se oculta que tanto se necesita la
                            conservasion de esta Paz, quanto fue Ardua la conpresa de consequirla: a
                            cuyo grande concepto tendra el correspondiente lugar la instruccion adjunta que se encamina
                            a quellos fines, y el sobre dho obrien me asegura recogio de persona inteligente, como en
                            verdad de ella se de muestra. Con esta lisongera Causa tengo el honor de ofrecerme a las ordenes
                            de V Exa., certificandole, que en quanto se sirva des pensarmelas, seran exactamente
                            obedecidas, conforme a los deseos de obtenerlas.
                        Mientras Ruego a Dios Gue A. V. Exa. con los mayores
                            felicidades. Exmo. Senor. B. L. M. de V. Exa.

                            Gerardo Joseph de Souza