Title: February [1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

[Thursday 1st.] Mercury at 32 in the Morning—46 at Noon and 46 at Night.
Wind (tho’ not much of it) variable and weather lowering but with changeable appearances.
Mr. Fendall, Colo. Lee & his Lady, & Miss Lee went away after breakfast.
I rid to the Ferry & French’s Plantations. At the first the women were cleaning up field No. 1 below the Hill.

Friday 2d. Mercury at 30 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Very cloudy most part or all the day. Wind at No. Wt. in the Morning and So. Wt. afterwards and cold and raw.

Majr. G. Washington & Mr. Jno. Dandridge came here to dinner yesterday. Rid to all the Plantations to day and to the Ditchers. At the River Plantn. began to sow 3 pints of Timothy seed (mixed in a bushel of Ashes) to the Acre on Tuesday last, on the Snow—but it melted so fast that not more than 2 Acres were sown before the ground getting uncovered put a stop to the Sowing. Began at the same place to plow the Homestead for Barley or Oats, or both, as Seeds could be obtained. A horse failing at French’s yesterday one of the plows was stopped about 12 Oclock.
Yesterday Morning the Dogue run (Men 3 of them) began to get rails to fence in the Largest piece of Tobo. ground at Frenches for Corn.
The Mill wrights finished the repairs at my Mill last Night.

   John Dandridge (d. 1799) was the son of Martha Washington’s brother Bartholomew Dandridge by his second wife, Mary Burbidge Dandridge. Young Dandridge lived in New Kent County where he practiced law.

Saturday 3d. Mercury at 30 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 36 at Night.
About 8 Oclock in the evening of yesterday it began to Snow & continued to do so moderately thro the Night & till about 10 Oclock this day when after getting to be about 6 Inches deep it cleared. Wind, what little there was of it being Southerly the whole time.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French’s Dogue run and Muddy hole; also to the Mill and to the Ditchers.

Sunday 4th. Mercury at 24 in the Morning—30 at Noon and 34 at Night.
In the Night; or early this Morning, the Wind shifted to the No. West blew very hard and turned cold.
At home all day. About two Oclock Doctr. Stuart came in.

Monday 5th. Mercury at 18 in the morning—30 at Noon and 30 at Night.
Ground very hard froze. Wind at So. Et.; raw & cold with great appearances of a change in the weather.
After breakfast Doctr. La Moyeur went up to Alexandria and Doctr. Stuart and Mr. Jno. Dandridge to Abingdon.
I rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs Dogue run & Muddy hole. At the Ferry the Overseer had begun to sow Timothy seed mixed with Sand in the Rye field on the Snow—but the Sand being too wet & clammy to do it regular I ordered him to desist

till the Sand could be dried. Three gallons of Timothy Seed mixed with ashes was Sown on Rye in the Neck on Saturday—adjoining what was sown there on the last Snow. Heaping the dung in the Farm pens at Muddy hole.

   the overseer: Hezekiah Fairfax.

Tuesday 6th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning—50 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Last evening & Night being Soft no frost to day—little or no Wind. Clear and exceedingly pleasant. Snow tho’ there was a good deal in the Morning had quite disappeared by Night.
Mr. Willm. Craik who came here to dinner yesterday went away after breakfast. I rid to all the Plantations and to Simpsons with my Nephew G. A. Washington to advise him (as he was going to settle a plantation there) abt. his fencing. Sowed  gallons of Timothy Seed mixed in ashes on the Rye in the Neck. Began to put up a New fence through the wood at the Ferry plantation to day—The Dogue run people putting up the rails that wer mauled by them a round frenchs Tobacco grd.—French’s People also fencing and getting New rails.
About Sun down Messrs. Bushrod & Corbin Washington came in on their return from Berkeley County.

   simpsons: a plantation in Clifton’s Neck and part of GW’s 1760 purchase from William Clifton. The land had originally been leased by Clifton to Gilbert Simpson, and after Simpson’s death in 1773 the lease was inherited by his son Gilbert Simpson, Jr. In Nov. 1786 Simpson agreed to sell his lease to GW (agreement between Gilbert Simpson, Jr., and GW, 21 Nov. 1786, DLC:GW).

Wednesday 7th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning—30 at Noon and 32 at Night.
A good deal of rain fell in the Night. About Sun rise it began to Snow and continued to do so, more or less all day.
Continued at home.

Thursday 8th. Mercury at 27 in the Morning—30 at Noon and 30 at Night.
The Wind which had been at No. Et. all day yesterday still continued there. In the Night and early this Morning it Rained after which it hailed and then Snowed.
At home all day.

Friday 9th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 38 at Night.

Clear, with the wind at No. Wt.; but neither hard, nor cold.
Mr. Bushrod Washington and his Brother Corbin went away after breakfast and Geo. Washington went up to Alexandria. Doctr. La Moyeur left this but meeting with some accident to his Chaise returned again.
I rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run, & Muddy hole and to the Mill & Ditchers. At the first the people were cutting down Corn stalks—at the latter heaping the dung of the Farm yards and at the other two fencing.
In the evening Doctr. Craik returned with Majr. Washington.

Saturday 10th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning—38 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Clear but raw and cold the Wind being pretty fresh all day from the So. Et. In the Night it blew very hard.
After breakfast Doctr. La Moyeur again set out & soon after Docter Craik went away.
I went into the Neck to run the outer lines of my land there bounded by Mr. Mason and Mr. Alexander and to ascertain lines for the fences of the Plantation let Major Geo. Washington.
Meeting with Mr. Edwd. Williams I bought his lease for 20 pds. and some other priviledges wch. I agreed to allow him.

   bounded by mr. mason: This land, consisting of four tracts totaling 676 acres, had formerly been owned by Col. George Mason. He had transferred it to his son Thomson Mason by deeds of 1781 and 1786 (Fairfax County Deeds, Book Q–1, 249–54). The younger Mason began building his home, Hollin Hall, on the property at about this time, and he and his wife, Sarah McCarty Chichester Mason, and their children moved into the new house in Dec. 1788 (COPELANDPamela C. Copeland and Richard K. MacMaster. The Five George Masons: Patriots and Planters of Virginia and Maryland. Charlottesville, Va., 1975., 237–38).

   plantation let major geo. washington: Although George Augustine Washington and his wife, Fanny, had made their home at Mount Vernon since their marriage, in a statement to George on 25 Oct. 1786 GW wrote that “to make that situation more stable and pleasing . . . it is my present intention to give you, at my death, my landed property in the neck; containing by estimation, between two and three thousand acres . . . And under this expectation and prospect, that you may, moreover, when it prefectly suits your inclination and convenience, be preparing for, and building thereon by degrees.” GW stressed that he did not intend this as a hint for the young couple to prepare another home. “To point you to a settlement which you might make at leizure, and with convenience, was all I had in view. More than once I have informed you that in proportion as age and its concomitants encrease upon me, I shall stand in need of some person in whose industry and integrity I can confide, for assistance.” GW added that “no other married couple could give, or probably would receive the same satisfaction by living in it [the Mount Vernon family] that you do” and that with George’s help he would be able “to manage my concerns without having recourse to a Steward,

which comports neither with my interest nor inclination to employ” (GW to George Augustine Washington, 25 Oct. 1786, WRITINGSJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745–1799. 39 vols. Washington, D.C., 1931–44., 29:28–31). Young Washington stayed on as manager at Mount Vernon until his death in 1793. It was he who managed the estate during GW’s absence at the Constitutional Convention and during the early years of the presidency.

   Edward Williams had a lease on some of William Clifton’s land in the neck when GW purchased it in 1760 (see entry for 5 Dec. 1772). In 1782 Williams had 12 whites and no slaves in his household, and in 1785 he still had 10 whites (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: Virginia; Records of the State Enumerations, 1782 to 1785. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1970., 17, 86). In 1786 one Edward Williams was exempted by the Fairfax County court from paying any further taxes (Fairfax IndexEdith Moore Sprouse, ed. A Surname and Subject Index of the Minute and Order Books of the County Court, Fairfax County, Virginia, 1749–1800. Fairfax County History Commission. Fairfax, Va., 1976., 2:15).

Sunday 11th. Mercury at 31 in the Morng.—33 at Noon and 33 at Night.
Began to rain at or before day and kept very steadily at it—sometimes hard, till abt. 2 Oclock when the Sun came out for a short duration—little or no Wind & that Southerly.

Monday 12th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 40 at Night.
The Sun rose clear, and the Morning was tolerably free from clouds but it soon over cast, and all the latter part of the day had great appearances of Snow or rain.
Rid to the Plantations at The Ferry, French’s, Dogue run and Muddy hole—Plowing at the Ferry in the New Meadw. and at French’s in field No.  intended for Turnips Potatoes &ca. Field No. 5 in which they had been plowing for Oats & Barley being too wet. Three Plows from Muddy hole went to work at this place about Noon. Neither the Dogue run, nor Neck Plows were at Work to day.
Mr. Lear went to an Assembly at Alexandria to be held this evening and Mr. John Dandridge came from Abingdon here to Dinner.

Tuesday 13th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning—48 at Noon and 45 at Night.
Moderate and pleasant with Sun and Clouds alternately—Wind Southerly.
Rid to all the Plantations. Plows at Work—those of Muddy hole at work at Frenchs.
Ferry people came to work in the New ground front of the Mansion house on Friday the 9th.

Wednesday 14th. Mercury at 36 in the Morng.—36 at Noon and 36 at Night.

Thick and heavy clouds in the Morning and wind at No. Et. About 8 Oclock A. M. it began to rain and kept steadily at it all day—at times raining very fast.
Rid immediately, after breakfast to French’s Plantation to see a sick man and intended to have gone to others but was driven back by the rain.

Thursday 15th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning—56 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Clear, wind at So. Wt. in the Morning which blew fresh by Noon—after which it came out at No. Wt. blew hard and turned cold.
Rid to the Plantations at The Ferry, French’s Dogue run and Muddy hole—also to the Mill and ditchers—Plowing at all except Muddy hole—the plows of that being at Fr[enc]hs—where No. 5 being too wet they were plowing in No. 2—at the other two places, plowing the ground intended for Meadow.

Friday 16th. Mercury at 28 in the Morning 52 at Noon and 50 at Night. Very clear and pleasant in the Morning with little or no Wind. About 9 Oclock it Sprung up at No. Wt. and seemed inclined to blow hard—but before Noon it died away and came out afterwards at So. Wt.
Mr. Dandridge went away after an early breakfast and G. A. Washington set out for Berkley.
I rid to all the Plantations. Plowing at all except at Muddy hole the plows of wch. at Frenchs—In the Neck the men employed in getting Posts for railing. The Plows at that place had just got into the Orchard—the Women heaping dung.
Bath (a Negro Man from the Neck) joined the Dutch man Danl. Overdonck in ditching, yesterday.
Mr. & Mrs. Lund Washington dined here to day.

Saturday 17th. Mercury at 32 in the Morng.—48 at Noon and 42 at Night.
Wind Southerly and warm all day. Towards night it lowered.
Went into the Neck to Mark some lines for fences. Finished this Evening plowing the orchard for Barley.
Received, before I had done a message acquainting me that Colo. Wadsworth and a Mr. Chaloner were here which brought me home.

   Jeremiah Wadsworth (1743–1804), of Hartford, Conn, was an active advocate of independence and for several years served as commissary general for

the Continental Army. Of his service GW wrote: “I only wish his successor may feed the Army as well as he has done” (GW to Samuel Huntington, 24 Nov. 1779, DLC:GW). After the war Wadsworth became an active member of the Cincinnati. Now a member of the Continental Congress while also engaging in various business enterprises, he was visiting Mount Vernon to discuss his hopes for a new and stronger national government (PLATTJohn D. R. Platt. “Jeremiah Wadsworth: Federalist Entrepreneur.” Ph.D. diss., Columbia University, 1955., 199).

   Mr. Chaloner was John Chaloner, formerly an assistant commissary of purchases during the Revolution, and now a partner in the Philadelphia firm of Chaloner and White. Chaloner had been the Philadelphia agent for John Barker Church and his wartime partner Jeremiah Wadsworth, and he was at this time engaged in settling the tangled business affairs of their now defunct company (HAMILTON [2]Harold C. Syrett et al., eds. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. 27 vols. New York, 1961–87., 3:12, 432, n.1, 634, n.4).

Sunday 18th. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at N.
Clear, Warm, and very pleasant all day, with very little wind. Towards dusk it began to lower again.
After dinner Colo. Wadsworth & Mr. Chaloner returned to Alexandria.

Monday 19th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning—60 at Noon and 56 at N.
A very thick fog till nine or 10 Oclock when it dispelled, became clear & exceedingly pleasant.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck heaping dung with the

Women ar[oun]d the Barn. Began after the Fog dispelled to plow for Oats in the Easternmost cut of drilled Corn (Timber landing field) intending to sow and harrow close at the heels of the Ploughs. At the other Plantations (Muddy hole plows at Frenchs) Plowing as before. The Muddy hole People finished hoeing thr. side of the New ground in front of the house.

Tuesday 20th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning—35 at Noon and 30 at Night.
The Wind in the Night sprung up at No. West and blew very hard all day and till within Night. Ground froze this Morn.
Went with Mrs. Washington to Mr. Fendalls to make a visit to Colo. and Mrs. Lee. Dined and returned home in the Evening. Found Doctr. Craik here.

Wednesday 21st. Mercury at 24 in the Morning—45 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Morning clear, but cold; ground hard froze—wind fresh all day from West.
Doctr. Craik went away before breakfast—after wch. I rode to Muddy hole and Neck Plantations. Began to Sow Oats at the latter in the ground which the Plows went into on Monday abt. Noon, & finished yesterdy. about dinner time. They were not more than half (at the East end) harrowed; in the way the plow went yesterday and this forenoon it was too hard to do it. Ordered it to be done this afternoon tho’ the ground has not thawed much. Part of the ground about the place where the water had been drained from broke up in large flakes—whether because wet, or because the frost was in it when plowed yesterday I know not, but does not appear as if it would be made fine by harrowing & cross harrowing. The ground adjoining this (intended for Barley) which they were plowing to day, broke up in large flakes owing to the frost not being sufficiently out of it. Quaere will these large lumps or flakes crumble & fall to pieces by the sun & Rain when the frost is out?

Thursday 22d. Mercury at 30 in the morng.—55 at Noon and 48 at Night.
Day pleasant, with the Wind at South till the evening when it began to lower. The Wind had shifted to the No. Et. & the Moon & Stars looked dim.
Rid to Muddy hole Dogue run & Frenchs Plantation.
At the first about a fence on the New ditch which was begun

yesterday. At the second, the Plows having done all they could in the newly inclosed Meadows for the Washes & wet places went over into the Mill Meadow & had begun to plow the Island where the hay stacks are (containing by stepping abt. 4¼ acres) which would be done today when they wd. get into the piece above East side the Mill race which was in Wheat last year and which by stepping contains about 5¾ acres. At the last, i.e. Frenchs Plantation the plows having finished plowing the Cut along the Road were beginning to plow the Corn ground next adjoining between that & Manleys old Houses but finding it too Wet to sow immediately with Oats and that by lying (as one plowing only was intended) it might get hard again before it was dry enough to sow I directed the Plows to continue there no longer than this day and to morrow to go into No. 1 and plow that part of it which was intended for Barley and which would receive before it was seeded two plowings. Staked off a ditch along the ferry road.
On my return home found Mr. Bryan Fairfax, his wife & daughter here.

   Bryan Fairfax and his first wife, Elizabeth Cary Fairfax (1738–1788), had two daughters, the younger of whom, Elizabeth, appears here with her parents (KILMERKenton Kilmer and Donald Sweig. The Fairfax Family in Fairfax County: A Brief History. Fairfax, Va., 1975., 39–42, 90–100).

Friday 23d. Mercury at 27 in the Morning—33 at Noon and 30 at Night.
The Wind which shifted last Night to No. Et. brought Snow which by day break was abt. 2 Inches deep. It continued Snowing with the wind in the same quarter till 12 Oclock this day when the Sun appeared, tho it did not perfectly clear.
At home all day. In the Evening Mr. Griffith came in and stayed all night.

Saturday 24th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning—44 at Noon and 36 at Night.
Cloudy, heavy morning—wind Southerly tho not fresh—Red horison at the Suns rising & lowering all day.
After breakfast Mr. Fairfax, his wife & daughter and Mr. Griffith went away.
I rode to the Plantations at the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run, & Muddy hole. Plowing at Frenchs and Dogue run. Finished the Ditch at Muddy hole which divides fields No. 2 & 3. Would this afternoon finish plowing the other piece about 5¾ acres of Wheat Stubble on the East of the Mill race for Barley. This would have been done yesterday but there was no plowing any where.

Looked at the Dogue run Wheat. That which was sowed on lay land seemed to be well set in the ground—the Roots but little turned out with the frost. The early sown wheat in the Corn ground also looked tolerably well; but in places the roots were turned out of the ground, and in spots was injured by Water lying, or remaining on them too long. The latter sown Wheat cut but a very indifferent appearance—little being to be seen & that which was, seemed (the Root) to be entirely thrown out, except on the highest parts of the ridges. What alterations, or whether any for the better will take place must be determined here-after.

   Rev. David Griffith was going to Nomini Hall with a letter of introduction from GW to Robert Carter (24 Feb. 1787, PHi: Dreer Collection).

Sunday 25th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning—50 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Dull heavy morning, with the Wind what little there is of it at No. Et. The Moon last Night had a dim circle round it—also a bur and the Stars when they did appear were dim also. About Noon it became quite calm—this afternoon was clear & exceedingly pleasant.

Monday 26th. Mercury at 33 in the Morning—44 at Noon and 32 at Night.
Red Sky at Sunrising—Wind Southerly in the fore Noon and at East in the afternoon. Morning heavy and damp with great appearances of rain. About Noon the clouds broke and the Sun appeared after which it clouded and looked very much like rain.
Rid to all the Plantations—to the Mill, and to the Ditchers. In the Neck, the ground which had been sowed the 21st. instt. with Oats, and which (though I sent 15 bushels of seed for it) was sown with 12 (on about 8 acres) was this day cross harrowed with the light harrows—the part I mean which was not cross harrowed on Thursday last and sowed with quarts of Timothy seed previous to the last harrowing. Finished at the same place plowing in the Middle cut adjoining the Wheat, and went about 11 Oclock into field No. 9 to breaking up—The other People grubbing, cutting, & filling up Gullies in the same field. At Muddy (except the Plows, which were at French’s) the People were making the New fence. At Dogue run the Plows began to Plow in the No. end of the field west of the Mill race for Oats—all the other hands filling gullies before them the 2 Men who were Mauling. At Frenchs the Plows &ca. were employed as on Saturday. At the Ferry Caesar was beginning to lay out the list for Corn. The other two were plowing in

the ground intended for the New Meadow. The Women were fencing.
Began to Ditch along the Ferry road from where the New fence East of the Plantation comes to it towards the Mill—The Dutchman, Charles Bath & Cupid employed abt. it.
G. A. Washington returned this Evening from Berkeley.

Tuesday 27th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning—52 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Morning early, cloudy, with the Wind Southerly. Before Noon it became clear—warm, and very pleasant, after which the wind came out at No. Wt. blew pretty fresh turned cloudy, & grew colder, but not disagreeably so, or likely to freeze.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenches, Dogue run and Muddy hole. Set the Plows at the first to crossing the Winter fallow, in order to sow Oats. The Plows and hands at the other Plantations, all working as yesterday.

Wednesday 28th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning—54 at Noon and 44 at Night.
Morning clear—ground not froze—Wind westerly, but not very fresh. Afterwards it shifted more to the No. West and blew hard but did not freeze.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck began to cross the Plowing in the homestead (orchard inclosure) in order to sow Oats; but the grd. in places having been tolerably well turfed, and stiff and not having had time since the plowing thereof for the grass to rot the last furrows were only cut in two, and remained exceedingly rough. Finding this would not answer I ordered the Plows to discontinue crossing and a heavy harrow to go over the ground the way the Ploughs run last to see if that, and harrowing after the Seed was sown, & cross harrowing, would be sufficient for the Oats. Began to cross the So. Et. quarter of the plowing at the ferry, to prepare it for Oats; intending to Sow the No. Et. quarter without crossing. At French’s finished plowing all the ground between the Wheat and the Creek about 10 Oclock; and got into that pt. which was in Wheat last year immediately afterwards. At the Ferry spread some dung which had been carted out on the plowed ground which would be with in the New Meadow No. Wt. Corner of it.
On my return home, found young Doctr. Craik and his two Sisters Mariamne and Nancy here. The first returned after dinner—the girls remained.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday First. Mercury at 40 in the Morning—56 at Noon and 46 at Night. Morning very pleasant with little or no wind—but it soon Sprung up at No. West and blew fresh and though it grew cooler was not cold. Rid to all the Plantations. The operation of harrowing which was begun yesterday in the Neck was going on; but as it did not appear to me that it would prepare the ground sufficiently for Oats I desired my farmer to go over and give me his Sentiments thereon. Had the Posts, which were morticed at this place counted—of which there were 184 of the long kind, & 116 of the Short. The New fence at Muddy hole being at a st[an]d for want of rails—the old fence round field No. 2 was righted up to keep creatures out of it and the Women went to Threshing rye in the Barn. Began to Sow Oats at Dogue run where the plows had been preparing the ground. The parts that were wet & heavy I ordered to be harrowed before sowing, & to receive the same workings after it, as the other part should. Began to Sow Oats at the Ferry on that part of the field which had been cross plowed. Harrowed after sowing. Began to spread Ashes on the poorest part of the Lawn, in front of the House. The first levelled, and sown part of it, was the part on which it was laid. Ordered Robin from Dogue run & Paschal from French’s to join James Lawson in the work of Ditching to morrow. Observed the difference between plowing with a broad furrow and narrow ones and the propriety of a narrow one where one only is to be given, as now in the case of Oats. My Farmer in field No. 1, at Frenchs East side of it began with the Narrow furrow and the ground seen as fitting again for the Oats as that which had been before plowed with a broad furrow. Where the Land is to be a second and a third time plowed broad furrows answer better because it rids over more gr[oun]d.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 3d. Mercury at 31 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 40 at Night. Very rainy Morning and till towards Noon—when it ceased, but no sun appeared all day. Wind, tho’ very little of it, was at No. Et. The Revd. Mr. Weems, and yg. Doctr. Craik who came here yesterday in the afternoon left this about Noon for Port Tobo. Doctr. Stuart came here in the evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 5th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 38 at Night. Cloudy morning with the Wind at No. West, but neither fresh nor cold. Cloudy all day with appears. of rain or Snow. Doctr. Stuart and Mr. Fitzhugh went away after breakfast. I rid to the Ferry, French’s Dogue run and Muddy hole Plantations. Began at French’s to Sow Oats, & to harrow them in and at Dogue run to Cut & Maul rails with the two Jacks for the string of fencing through the Woods to inclose the Meadows. The Rain which fell on friday Night and the forenoon of Saturday was more considerable than I had conceived by the wetness of the ground and other appearances. The Ferry plows had desisted from putting in Oats but I ordered them to go at it this afternoon again. James Lawson with his Party consisting of Boatswain Paschal & Robin just began on friday evening to ditch f[ro]m the Plank bridge towards the other Party but the Rain on Saturday prevented a full commencement of the work till this Morning—when in the two Parties 8 Ditchers were at work. Whilst we were at dinnr. a Mr. Custis of the Eastern shr. came in—dined and stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 7th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning—63 at Noon and 54 at Night. Cloudy with the wind brisk at So. Et. in the Morning, and varying more westerly afterwards and blowing fresh all day—Clear after 8 Oclock. Mr. G. W. Lewis went away after breakfast. Colo. Ball rid with me to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run, & Muddy hole—Sowing Oats at the 3 first as also grass seeds—At the Ferry & Dogue Run of no other kind than Timothy, 3 pints, mixed with a bushel of Sand to the acre—at the other (French’s) sowing Clover Orchd. Grass and Timothy mixed in the following proportions, 5 pints of Clover, one Gallon Orchd. grass, and 1 quart of Timothy Seeds Which is the allowance for an acre. More would be given of the Orchd. Grass but I had it not to afford. Plowed the last yrs. Wheat Stubble in field No. 1 and began abt. breakfast time to Plow the Corn in the back part of the field—West of the Wheat which was sown by Robinson. Began to thresh the Clover seed at Muddy hole yesterday—very tedious.


Title: [Diary entry: 8 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 8th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning—48 at Noon and 42 at Night. Grey Morning with some appearances of falling Weather—the wind however at No. West; about 9 Oclock it shifted to the No. East and blew raw and cold; before Noon it died away, and was very pleasant but towards evening it sprung up again at No. Et. and looked threatning again. Colo. Ball went away immediately after breakfast. I rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, removed from the Homestead, or orchard Inclosure where Oats were sowing, to the Middle cut of drilled Corn (plowed for that purpose) and began to sow Poland Oats with Orchard, & Timothy grass Seeds—a gallon of the first, and a quart of the latter to the Acre. Finished sowing the Corn grd. at frenchs below the Tobo. grd. in which the house stands; both with Oats and grass Seeds. Of the first it took 20 bushels of the sort had from Mr. Young—of the latter abt.  lbs. of Clover  gallons of Orchd. grass, and  quarts of Timothy Seed. No appearance of the 1st. sowed Oats in the Neck coming up. Finished the Ditch along the Ferry road, East of Muddy hole

branch and began on the west side—Danl. Overdonck and the 3 with him at the Plank bridge and James Lawson with his 3 at the Forks of the Road—each party working towards each other. This was begun late in the afternoon of yesterday. My Corn house, with Robinsons Corn in it at French’s was burned down in the Night, either by carelessness or design. The latter seems most likely, but whom to suspect was not known.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 10th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning—62 at Noon and 59 at Night. A clear and pleasant Morning with the Wind at So. after wch. it shifted to the No. Wt. and blew fresh but not cold. Towards evening it became calm and exceeding pleasant. A violent [wind] in the Night with storms of rain. Rid to all the Plantations. Found that much rain had fallen and that the sowing of Oats was stopped at every place on acct. of the wetness of the ground—but that the Plows at Dogue run were at work in that intended for them. In the Neck they were breaking up No. 9 for Corn—at the Ferry they were listing the Stoney field part of No. 1 for Do. and at Frenchs were breaking up No. 2 for Turnips, Pease &ca. At Muddy hole the Overseer and Women were threshing & getting out the clover Seed. No appearances of the first Sowed Oats in the Neck coming up.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 11th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning—58 at Noon and 50 at Night. Calm, clear and remarkably pleasant all day till about Sun down when the wd. sprung up fresh from the So. Et. and the Sky became Muddy. Doctr. Craik came here to dinner to day. Mrs. Jenifer came here to dinner yesterday.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Monday 12th. Mercury at 36 in the Morng.—60 at Noon and 58 at N. Morning a little Cloudy with the wind at South—much the same all day. Towds. Night the wind freshened and in the Night blew a storm. Rid to all the Plantations—Plowing, and Sowing Oats and grass Seeds at all except at Muddy hole—threshing clover Seed there. No appearance of the first Sowed Oats rising yet. Majr. Washington went up to town on my business.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 13th. Mercury at  in the Morning—68 at Noon and 64 at Night. The Southerly Storm of last Night was very violent—blowing down some of my fencing and the tops of my Hay & wheat Stacks. Much rain also fell by which the ground was made very wet and the Runs filled with water. Till about 8 Oclock this morning it continued to rain fast after which it cleared with a fresh Southerly Wind which continued till afternoon when it shifted to the No. West and blew hard. Rid to the Ferry, French’s and Dogue run Plantations. No sowing at any—Plows picking the driest spots to plow in. At the Ferry they were listing for Corn in Stoney field & at Frenchs breaking up field No. 2.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 16th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning—64 at Noon and 60 at Night. Clear, warm, and very pleasant all day with but little Wind and that Southerly. Rid to all the Plantations, to the Mill and to the Ditchers. The last began to ditch on both sides the New Meadow at the ferry—Plowing and sowing as usual at all the other places. Mrs. Jenifer and the two Miss Craiks went away yesterday and Mr. Porter who came here last Night left it before breakfast this Morning. Mr. Griffith came in the evening and stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 17th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning—52 at Noon and 48 at Night. Morning tolerably clear but lowering all day afterwards and sometimes misting with the wind at No. Et. Mr. Griffith went away after breakfast. I rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, French’s, and Ferry Plantations. At French’s the Plows began yesterday after noon to plow in that cut of field No. 5 by Manleys houses. At the Ferry, in ground which had been sown with Oats on Wednesday last, I measured, by stepping, on the line formerly dividing this plantation from French’s two Ac[re]s on the most Southerly of wch. I had sowed two bushels, and on the next, one bushel of Oats, in addition to what was in the ground before; and wch. was, as near as could be estimated, two bushels to ea. acre. These two, with the grd. on each side, were as nearly of an equallity as possibly could be in every respect; and perfectly level. It was done as an experiment to try what quantity of Seed was best for an Acre. The one and two bushels added, would give 3 on one Acre and 4 on the other. On the right & left of these the grd. would have only two Bushls. thereabouts to the acre. These two acres on acct. of harrowing in the additional Oats will have had one harrowing more than the other. In all other respects the management, as well as the soil, was precisely the same and will be a fair trial. The same experiment was this day made also in the Neck, in field No. 2; which had been sown & harrowed on thursday last, with abt. a bushel and

half of Oats to the acre—the addition making 3½ and 2½ to the Acre. This ground likewise lyes perfectly level, and as near as possible of a quality. The acre which has 3½ bushls. is the most westerly of the two. These will also have had by means of the additional quantity of Seed, an additional harrowing. These two acres as well as those at the ferry are marked of by stakes—in order that they may be Cut and threshed separately at harvest.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 18th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning—62 at Noon and 63 at Night. A thick fog in the early part of the Morning and lowering till towards Noon—Clear afterwards till evening when the Sun set in a bank—Wind at So. Et. till Night when it appeared to be at So. West. The day was warm & pleasant. Wind fresh in the Night. A Mr. Black from New York, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Porter, Mr. Monshur, Mr. Murray, & Mr. Clanagan of Alexandria dined here & returned in the Evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 19th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning—63 at Noon and 63 at Night. Morning lowering, and the Wind fresh from South. The same kind of Weather through the day, with drops of rain now and then. Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations; and to the Ditchers. Plowing and Sowing Oats as usual at the 3 first and at all of them the first sowed Oats were coming up. The ground is in gd. order for plowing, but in some places where it had been plowed for some time it had become rather too closely settled by the rains wch. had fallen since, for the harrow to do as good work as were to be wished. The early Wheat is beginning to spring fast, and looks as well as can be expected from the ground. The lay land Wheat, both at Dogue run & Muddy hole, looks promising, and stands sufficiently thick on the ground. The latter sowed Wheat at Dogue run begins to show something better; but is thin, and very backward, as the Rye at this place also is. Set the Ditchers this Morning to continue the Ditch wch. runs

through the New Meadow at the Ferry into Muddy hole branch and to cleanse the old ditch in the said New Meadow.


Title: [Diary entry: 20 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 20th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning—62 at Noon and 56 at Night. A Very thick fog all the Morning—lowering afterwds. with but little Wind. A little rain last N. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, and Dogue run. Had the hands from the latter and Muddy hole brot. to Frenchs to put up the fence along the Road, that that by Grays house might be removed out of the way of the plows. Mr. Martin Cockburn, for the purpose of taking the list of taxable property; and Mr. Potts & Mr. Roger West for the purpose of taking the privy examination of Fanny Washington came here—dined and returned in the afternoon.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 21st. Mercury at 48 in the Morning—64 at Noon and 60 at Night. Heavy, lowering Morning; with but little wind from the So. Et. Calm all day with Clouds and Sun shine alternately through the whole of it. When the Sun was out, it was very warm—Vegetation advancing very quick. The grass had come on surprisingly & the blossoms of the early fruits were putting forth as were the leaves of the early trees, and the buds of all. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck the Oats in the Homestead or Orchard Inclosure would be all in by noon except just the Orchard part of it—that is the part on which the Trees grow. And the Plows finished breaking field No. 9 except the small Neck next the wood which they entered upon about breakfast time. At Dogue run the plows by dinner time would have finished breaking up the field West of the Mill race except two or 3 wet spots, wch., together would not amount to an Acre. At Frenchs the

field No. 1 would be finished this Evening, except abt. 5 Acres designed for Barley which had been plowed and a small slipe adjoining the Wheat, which by mistake the plowing was omitted. This, the Barley ground, and the ground in Wheat, may together, make about 15 acres, wch. will leave about 40 Acres that are sowed in Oats. The Oats every where, according to the time they were sowed are coming up very well and to appearance sufficiently thick. In the field No. 1, at Frenchs, which according to the above estimation contains 40 acrs. in Oats 87 Bushels of them were sowed therein, and the following grass—mixed together—viz. 26 gallons and 1 Quart of Red Clover Seed (of that had from Alexandria) 42 gallns. of Orchard grass seeds, and 9½ gallons of Timothy Seed. Directed the Toll (⅛th.) to be taken from 10 Bushels of Corn and the residue to be ground at my Mill and the quantity of Meal it yielded to be reported to me—wch. is as follow—viz.—
11 Bushl. & 1 peck of unbolted Meal and
10 Bushls. 1 peck & 4 quarts when the husks were bolted from the Meal.
 So that there will be more meal when bolted in Measure than there is of the Corn before the Toll is taken from it.  And  It appeared by another trial that a peck of unbolted Meal midlingly heaped will yield more than a peck of Meal when bolted or sifted.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 22d. Mercury at 44 in the Morning—58 at Noon and 44 at N. Clear all day, with the wind pretty fresh from the Southward. Towards Night and in the Night, it encreased; and grew colder. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, & Dogue run. Began to sow Oats in Field No. 5 at Frenchs—in the West cut East side thereof with the Oats from George Town (the common kind). At Dogue run the Plows would finish breaking up field No. 1 as follow—the land next the lay wht. quite across the field from the Meadow fence to the Swamp being untouched either in the fall or Winter and which was now coming up very thick with the White clover principally was turned for the first time. The land next to this was untouched having been flush plowed in the fall. The 3d. land was in grass the same as the first and plowed in like manner. The 4th land had been plowed in the fall in half furrows, by my farmers directions—that is, a furrow was turned upon an

equal breadth of unbroke ground quite through the land and was then, that is the unbroke part, split and turned with the plow. My ditchers having cleansed the ditch in the Middle of the New Meadow returned to the side ditches again.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 24th. Mercury at 28 in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. The Wind still violent at No. Wt.—ground frozen and so dried & baked with the Wind as not to be in condition for plowing or harrowing in the Morning. Ice almost through the day which was very cold for the season and exceedingly disagreeable. Rid to the Ferry, French’s, and Dogue run Plantations—The Plows at the first listg. of Field No. 3 below the hill. Attempted with the harrow to level and smooth the grd. intended for a New Meadow at this place—righted all the Fencing at Frenchs which had been blown down with the Wind—compleated the New Fence on the ditch by the road up to the plank bridge and as the ground could not be harrowed there, nor the unbroke ground plowed, the plows went to crossing that which had been plowed some time ago

in the east cut of the same field No. 5 West part. The Harrow being also stopped at Dogue run all the plows united and finished breaking up the grd. between the two Meadws. adjoining the Overseers Ho[use] except the lowest part thereof where the water drains. A Captn. Rice came here in the evening with Mr. Lear who went up to Alexandria to day.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 25th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning—48 at Noon and 49 at Night. Very severe frost last Night—More Ice than yesterday morning—Wind still at No. West but not so fresh as yesterday and weather clear. Mr. Snow from Alexandria came down and dined and returned in the Afternoon with Captn. Rice—immediately after which a Mr. Martin—an English Gentleman came in and a few minutes afterwards Mr. Arthur Lee, both of whom stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 26th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning—58 at Noon And 54 at Night. Morning clear and pleasant Wind Southerly but not much of it. At home all day. The English Gentleman went away after breakfast and Mr. Lee after Colo. Gilpin—Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart and Betcy & Patcy Custis came here to Dinner. The first went away after it. Finished sowing Oats in the Neck on Saturday last, in the Homestead, or Orchard Inclosure; Which took 57 bushels; Whereof 15

bushels of the first sown were of those from Mr. Young, the others from the Eastern shore which had been culled from the wild garlick. Had the harrows brot. from hence. The light double ones were carried to French’s and the heavy one to Dogue run. Plowed the last years Turnip patch up at this place for Barley (about 5 Acres) on Saturday last and began to lay off field No. 9 for Corn. At Dogue run about an acre was sown in my Meadow—part of which had been cowpened and part had had dung carried on it, with 3 Bushels of Oats sent me by General Spotswood and after harrowing these in, with abt. half a bushel of New River grass seeds. The ground in which these Oats were sown, had been plowed, cross-plowed, & twice harrowed before Sowing, and twice harrowed afterwards; once for the Oats, & once for the Seed. Removed the Ditchers into field No. 5 at French’s to ditch for a fence. The Plows at this place were also removed into the West cut in the same field from whence they were taken when the ground was frozen but finding after trying some time that the ground had got very hard by the late drying & baking winds I shifted them back & continued cross plowing.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 27th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning—50 at Noon and 49 at Night. Very smoky, and lowering all day with but little wind & that from the Southward. Rid to the Ferry, French’s Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations. At the first began yesterday, & would finish to day, harrowing Timothy Seed on the Rye which had been omitted in the Fall; and on the Snow during winter. Ordered a part of it to be cross harrowed in order to raise more loose earth for the covering of it. Began at this place also to Harrow & others ways to prepare the New Meadow for the Sowing of Oats & grass Seeds in it. Sowing Oats and fencing at French’s and threshing Clover Seed at Muddy hole. Doctr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart and the two girls went home after dinner. Had a descriptive list taken of all my Horses and Cattle in the Neck today.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 28th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning—52 at Noon and 54 at Night. A heavy fog in the Morning—a pretty brisk shower of Rain for about an hour at Noon and clear warm and pleasant Afternoon. Rid into the Neck and was [prevented] from going to the other

places by the Rain. The cold winds and frost last Week had turned the Oats yellow and in some places had bitten the blades. Rid over my Wheat at this place and found it more indifferent than I expected—indeed scarce any on the ground, especially in the cut on the River; and the whole so weedy that I do not expect it will be worth reaping. Examined the clover also on this place, in field No.  and found this likewise very thin and indifferent, except at the point where it had been sown with flax. Whether the goodness of this was owing to the ground being stronger—better prepared—or by being sown with the flax—I know not; but the difference was very apparent. The clover was also much better where the Mud had been spread last Spring, than it was any where else except at the point; & the white Clover was coming up very thick on it. In the other parts of the field the Clover was not only very thin but looked weak and sickly. Began to set the posts and rails for a ditch fence on the line between Mr. Mason & myself in the Neck and began to list, or rather to renew the listing, in field No. 3 at this place.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 29th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning—56 at Noon And 50 at Night. Raining before day with the Wind fresh and cold from the No. West. About 8 Oclock it began to Snow, and continued to do so by intervals till 11 or 12 but not enough at any time to cover the ground. The afternn. was clear and tolerably pleasant the wind what remained of it having shifted round to the So. West. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run & Muddy hole. At the first, finding the harrow to make tolerable good Work in the New Meadow I directed it to continue on, till the ground, with the assistance of the hoes in the places which had been unbroke, were the wettest & most grassy—should be properly prepared for sowing the Oats, and grass seeds. The Ditchers would have finished the side ditches to this Meadow to day and were ordered to open a ditch between the fields No. 2 & 3 at Frenchs. The rain having put the ground about Manleys old House in better order for plowing the Plows, after the rain Let up proceeded to finish this part of field No. 5. At Dogue run the Sowing of Oats &ca. going on as usual—At Muddy hole the clover seed was all threshed out, but not cleaned. Ordered 50 bushels of dung to be carried upon the half acre squares of No. 2 & 4 (counting from the ditch fence) and on that part adjoining the Wheat, in order to sow Oats thereon.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Friday 30th. Mercury at 39 in the Morning—48 at Noon and 44 at Night. A Frost this Morning, notwithstanding the Wind appeared to have been Southwardly all Night. Abt. 8 oclock, or Sooner the wd. shifted to No. Wt.—blew fresh—turned cold & spit Snow. Towards the afternoon it veered round more to the Southward again, but continued cool. Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, French’s, and the Ferry. The dung ordered to be spread yesterday at the first having been laid on, the cross plowing of the ground was set about. The Square No. 2, the South half of it, was very Sandy, and did not require a 2d. plowing, but that all might have equal culture, this and the other half, as well as the square No. 4, was plowed; this last was much stiffer soil than No. 2 and the North end a good deal stiffer than the South half of it—Cutting down Corn Stalks at Dogue run with the Women. Finished about Noon, Plowing that part of field No. 5 at Frenches round Manleys old houses, & went to cross plowing again in the other part of the same field from whence they had shifted—Preparing the New Meadow with the Hoes & Harrows at the Ferry. Mrs. Lund Washington & Captn. Walter Brooke dined here.


Title: [Diary entry: 31 March 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 31st. Mercury at 34 in the Morning—58 at Noon and 54 at N. The ground was frozen this Morning. The Wind however had got Southerly and the day except flying clouds was for the most part clear. The evening was warm and pleasant. Rid to all the plantations. In the Neck 105 Pannels of Post and rail fencing which was begun there on Wednesday was compleated—Plows listing & women threshing. At Muddy hole, the Clover seed being cleaned, measured 3 bushls. and 3 quarts—Sowed the Squares No. 2 & 4 at this place with Oats in the following manner—viz.—the East half of No. 2 with half a Bushel of Oats from George Town and the west half with a Bushel of the Poland Oats—The east half of No. 4 with half bushel of the Poland Oats and the West half with a bushel of the George Town Oats. The objects, and design of this experiment, was to ascertn. 3 things—1st. which of these two kinds of Oats were best the George Town (which was a good kind of the common Oat)—2d. Whether 2 or 4 bushels to the Acre was best and 3d. the difference between ground dunged at the rate of 5 load, or 200 bushels to the Acre and ground undunged. It is to be observed however that though these two squares appears to be of equal quality, or rather strength

yet the So. half of each, which had no dung was the lightest and much the greater mixture of Sand in them. Brought another of the Muddy hole plows home from French’s, & set it to laying off the 20 acre cut designed (if Carrot Seed can be obtained) for Carrots, Potatoes, Peas, & Turnips between the Corn which will be drilled in Rows 10 feet a part. Women Threshing wheat at this place. Employed at Dogue run as yesterday. At Frenchs harrowing in the Oats about Manleys old houses—as also cross plowing the square next the Road in the other cut and about 2 Oclock began to cross plow about half of the other part next the water ditch, east end of it adjoining the Cabins. At the Ferry the west side of the New Meadow—above the Water ditch was compleated and Sowed both with Oats & Timothy Seed. The ground appeared to be in very good order by the frequent harrowings it had received.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday. first. Mercury at 36 in the Morning—54 at Noon and 50 at Night. Wind at No. West in the Morning and Southerly afterwards but not very fresh at any time of the day—Weather clear. At home all day. Mr. Hunter, Mr. Rumney, Mr. Porter, Doctr. Craik and a Captain Nixon dined here—all of whom except Mr. Hunter went away after it. In the evening, one Young who lives on Colo. Balls place, a Farmer, came here to see, he says, my drill plow & stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday. 3d. Mercury at 38 in the Morning—50 at Noon and 52 at Night. Ground froze, and Ice half an Inch thick with a small, white frost. Morning tho’ cool, pleasant, being calm and clear. Scarcely a Morning since the high wind the 23d. of March that has not produced frost in a greater or less degree. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck finished listing field No. 3. Ordered the Plows to do the same in field No. 9 with 3 furrows only the others having 5 furrows. Sowing Clover & harrowing and rolling it on the lay wheat at Muddy hole. Finished Sowing the long field, West of the Mill race, at Dogue run with Oats and Timothy Seed; of the first it took  bushels and of the latter  quarts. The quantity of ground may be about 75 Acres. At French’s began to Sow Barley. Began to Fish to day. Brought the Ditchers to the home house to finish the New road and to compleat the sunk fence in front of the Lawn. Ordered Cupid from the Ferry to return home.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday. 5th. Mercury at 54 in the Morning—80 at Noon and 76 at Night. Wind Southerly in the Morning, variable afterwards, often times at No. Wt. and pretty fresh but clear and very warm all day—very smoaky and hazy with the Sun red and other indications of a drought. Rid to the Fishing landing, and to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole. At the first, sowing Oats and grass Seeds on the No. Et. Corner of the New Meadow. At Frenchs finished covering the Barley which was sown on ten acres in field No. 5—quantity 19 Bushels. This ground had been twice plowed and 4 times harrowed after the Barley was sown—as thus—first half the quantity of Seed sown and harrowed—then the other half sown and harrowed; both as the Plows run and then twice cross harrowed. N.B. the half sowings was to cause the ground to be more regularly sown. At Dogue run the Harrows began to Cover Oats in field No. 1 next the road & the Branch by Manleys; and the 3 plows were listing in Field No. 4. At Muddy hole began to Sow, harrow, & roll the Clover & orchard grass Seeds on the Rye by the Barn which I directed to be sown in the following proportion to the Acre—viz.—a gallon of orchard grass Seeds and Six pints of Clover Seed. N.B. all the Clover Seed Sown at this place was raised on it. In the afternoon a Mr. Beall of Williamsburgh came in & stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 7th. Mercury at 52 in the Morning—58 at Noon and 52 at Night. Wind Easterly in the Morning & cool; but shifting afterwards more Southerly and dying away till the evening it grew warmer. The appearances of rain vanished. Rid to the Fishing landing and the Plantations at the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run, and Muddy hole. At French’s the rolling of the Barley, and the Flax seed & Oats would be compleated by Night and the grd. round the Barn which had been originally intended for Barley was sown upon the first plowing with Oats and grass seeds as the other parts of the field had been. The qty. of grd. being about 5 acres recd. 9 bushls. of Oats and  gallns. of Orchard grass Seed,  pints of red clover, and  pints of Timothy. At Muddy hole plowed the 1st. & 3d. square for Barley; as I had done the 2d. & 4th. before for Oats. These two Squares were, that is the North half of them, manured each with 50 bushels of dung, precisely as those for Oats had been. In my Botanical garden in the Section immediately adjoining to, & west of the Salt House I sowed first 3 rows of the Kentucke clover 15 inches a part and next to these 9 rows of the guinea grass in rows the same distance apart. Colo. Henry Lee, and his Brother Mr. Richd. Lee came here to dinner and proceeded to Alexandria afterwards. Sent up to day for my Nephews George & Lawe. Washington who came down whilst we were at Dinner.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 11th. Mercury at 54 in the Morning—76 at Noon and 74 at Night. Calm, clear, and Warm all day—Wind, what little there was of it, Southerly. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, cross plowing, as directed, for Barley. At Muddy hole finished harrowing in grass Seeds on the Rye by the Barn—viz.—a bushel of clean red clover

Seed, and 13 gallons of Orchard grass seed—qty. of Land abt. 13 acres. The Barley was sowed as directed; harrowed in, and compleated as mentioned yesterday. Ordered the 6th. half acre to be deep plowed for to receive the Jerusalem Artichoke plants. At Dogue run, began to Sow in drills, in the Meadow, by the Gate (the rows 18 Inches asunder) the new River grass, had from Colo. Chs. Carter, at least what remained of it. The Women at this place were hoeing the wet part of the grd. between the meadows which the plows could not touch. Ordered them as soon as this was done, to go to the Ferry, and Assist in getting the grd. in the New Meadow in order for Oats and Timothy. At Frenchs the Farmer was sowing grass Seeds on the Wheat & was harrowing & rolling it in. The qu[anti]ty to the acre the same as had been given to the Oat Land in the same field. The double harrows do this work better than the heavier single harrow by raising more mould wch. the roller presses down again benifitting both the grain wch. is growing and the Seed wch. is Sown.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 13th. Mercury at 62 in the Morng.—74 at Noon and 74 at N. A Fresh Southerly wind all day with some appearances of rain. Warm. Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, French’s and the Ferry—and to the Fishing Landing. At Muddy hole the artichokes were planted as directed yesterday but upon recollection the method does not seem to be proper, because the cross in which they were planted (being the bottom of the furrows) must be unbroke earth and the bed not so compendious and light as it might have been in a hill. In each of these checks or crosses, one Root, when it was large and looked well was put and two where they were small. None was cut, but this it seems might have been done, as with Potatoes—leaving an eye to each cutting. About 1½ bushels planted the Square, or half acre. Near half a bushel was left for replanting. At Dogue run, finished Sowing the Winter fallow by the Ferry road with Pold. Oats and grass Seeds. Of the first it took  bushls. and of the latter  gallons of Orchard grass,  pints of Clover, and  quarts of Timothy. From here the harrows went into the Meadow by the house & began to cover Oats in the fork thereof wch. were sowed on the plowing the ground had received about the  of . The ground in No. 1, by the road, by the harrowing in the Oats with the heavy harrow once; & sometimes where it was hard or grassy, twice, and the crossing, to put in the grass Seeds was got light, smooth, & in very good order. The Barley at this place was begun to be sowed on a second plowing of the ground by the Bars near the house in the Meadow this afternoon and the lay Wheat which had been harrowed, and cross harrowed got rolled this evening. Making the trunnel fence at French’s in the line that divides this Plantation from the Ferry. The Barley here was perceived to be coming up thick and well. At the ferry, breaking, and rending as fine as the case would admit, the ground in the New Meadow—Sowed 7½ bushls. of Barley in the Turnip ground wch. had been plowed & cross plowed and harrowed it in with the dble. harrow. Mr. Benja. Grymes (of the Eagles Nest) came here this Evening and Stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 14 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 14th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 68 at Night. Cloudy in the Morning with a few drops of rain, but the Wind getting to No. Wt. it soon cleared, and blew pretty fresh all day. Towds. Night it grew cool. Mr. Grymes went up to Alexandria after breakfast, returned to dinner, and crossed the river afterwards. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck Sowed on the Barley which was put in yesterday a bushel (lacking a quart) of the Clover seed which was saved at Muddy hole—harrowed and rolled it in. Began yesterday afternoon to make or rectify the fence around field No. 3. Directed the Plows which were laying off in field No. 9, to lay off what is east of the branch which runs through the field, 4 feet each way; that it may be planted with a single stalk of Corn in a hill. Rid over the rye at this place, and was surprised to see how much it had amended; the two Eastermost cuts (except in a few places which appeared to have been injured by the wet) looked very Promising, and nearly thick enough, and the Westermost cut in wch. hardly any was to be perceived all winter, and till very lately, discovered a good deal. At Muddy hole laying off, & listing for Corn. At Dogue run, besides sowing Oats as mentioned yesterday, and grass Seeds in the same proportion as in field No. 1, the Island (abt. 4 Acres) in the Mill meadow was cross plowing, and sowing with Barley. Rid over the rye at this place, which was exceedingly bad; in great part of the field not any; whe[ther] this was altogether owing to late sowing, or to that and harrowing the grd. too level when sowed, is questionable. The forward Wheat at this place where the ground is tolerably good, looks well; and the latter wheat seems to be coming on beyond expectation. The Cape Wheat is forwarder than the common wheat and has a broader blade. The spelts, black and common, look very indifferent[l]y. At French’s the Flax was coming up—Work here going on as yesterday. At the Ferry the same.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Sunday 15th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning— at Noon and  at N. Clear, with the Wind fresh and Cool from the No. West all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 16th. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at N. Morning Cold with the wind (tho not fresh) still at No. Wt. calm afterwards—frost. Went up to Alexandria to the Election of Delegates to represent the County in General Assembly—when Colo. Mason and Doctr. Stuart were chosen. Returned in the Evening, accompanied by Colo. Mason—his two Sons William and George—& his Son in Law Colo. Cooke. Ordered my Overseers in the Neck, and at Muddy hole, to begin (with the drill plows) to plant Corn.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 17th. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. Calm and very smoaky, but not warm. Towards night it seemed to lower and put on appearances of rain but cleared after dark again. Colo. Mason and his Sons, & Colo. Cook, going away about 11 Oclock I rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole—Dogue run, Frenchs and the Ferry. At the first they had begun to harrow the List and plant Corn with the drill plow—but the land having been thrown into a 3 furrow list and from being hard and dry not well broke, I ordered both to desist and to make the 3 furrows 5 that the ground might be better prepared. At Dogue run the Island in the Mill Meadow had been sown with Barley and grass (Timothy only) and each harrowed in after the ground had been cross plowed. From hence the Plows went in to the other Meadow to cross plow the ground on the West side of it for Barley—beginning next the piece which had been sowed with the 3 bushels of Oats from Generl. Spotswoods. The ground in the fork, within this Meadow between the Meadow and Swamp was sown both with Oats & the mixture of Clover Orchd. grass & Timothy seed as usual & the harrowing of them in (on the first

plowing) compleated. To do this it required  bushels of Oats & grass seeds in proportion. From hence they went to the plowed ground between the upper and lower part of this Meadow. At Frenchs; Fencing as usual. At the Ferry; they were so near finishing chopping over, and compleating the ground in the New Meadow for Oats and Timothy, that I ordered the Dogue-run hands home. This tedeous job would be about compleated to morrow; though the ground would not be in such good order as were to be wished, as it was next to impossible to get the grassy clods wch. were hoed up, in the lowest part of it perfectly reduced. However, by the assistance of the harrows and roller, it will be laid tolerably smooth and fine; and dry.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 18th. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. Wind at So. West in the forenoon and at No. Et. afterwards—Cloudy all the forenoon with slow rain; but not much more of it than would lay the dust. About 2 Oclock the Sun came out after which it clouded agn. Mr. Jonathan Williams of Nantz—Nephew of Doctr. Franklins came here yesterday, dined, and returned to Alexandria in order to proceed on in the State for Richmond. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck; they finished fencing of field No. 3. and began to plant Corn with the drill plow on Monday afternoon in it, preceeded by two harrows a heavier and a lighter which were directed to go as often on the list as would make the ground fine. Ordered to day, a hand to follow the drill to cover any Corn that the small harrow at the tale of it should miss doing. These workings would put the Corn in very effectually and well. At Muddy hole began to sow Carrot Seeds betwn. the rows intended for Corn. Rubbed the Seeds, so as to separate them well; then mixed a pint (thus prepared) in half a bushel of dry sand incorporating them well and sprinkling it along the list which was previously harrowed once, twice, or more, to render it sufficiently fine—lastly followed a light bush to cover the Seed. This method if it answers is expeditious but the plants if too thick will be to be thinned either by the hoe or with the hand. Ordered two plows from French’s after they were done with the Barley at Dogue run to come to this place to assist in preparing the ground &ca. At Dogue run; Sowing Barley, Oats, and grass Seeds in the

home meadow as yesterday. Women putting up the New fence but ordered them to chop in Oats in the low parts wch. had been hoed, and where the Plows & harrows could not make good work. At Frenchs; about the Fencing—The Barley and Flax at this place were up thick and well. At the Ferry; finished all the work of the New Meadow—both the Oats and grass being Sowed—harrowed and rolled in. In the Afternoon, Mr. Wil. Craik and his Sisters Jenifer & Nancy came in and stayed all Night. Adjoining the rows of Guinea grass in my botanical gardn. (sowed the 7th. instt.) I sowed 12 rows more. Next to these, and compelating the Section are 19 rows of the Birding grass sent me by Mr. Sprigg of Annapolis.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 19th. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon And  at Night. The Wind shifting to No. Wt. in the Night it blew fresh and cold. This morning there was a small white frost and a black one wch. was so severe as to stop brick laying till the sun had removed the effect of it. The leaves of the clover in the lawn were quite stiff & there was Ice full half an inch thick. Before noon the Wind got to the Southward but blew moderately. The air nevertheless continued cool. Mr. Craik and his Sisters went away after breakfast. I rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs, and the Ferry and to the fishing landing. At Muddy hole, finished sowing Carrot seed in drills—viz.—Every eighth row of exactly 20 acres of Corn; drilled in rows 5 feet a part. These were sowed in the manner, and in grd. prepared as mentioned yesterday, in two equal parts; The Northernmost of which was sowed with the large orange Carrot Seed (sent to me unaccompanied by a letter, or intimation from whom it came). The other half was sown with Carrot seed saved in my garden, and to be relied on. Of the first it took a quart, and about a gill to sow the Northern 10 Acres; of the latter it is presumed the same quantity sufficed—No. acct. of the qty. rendered. The 8th. square, or half acre which had been plowed the 11th. inst. for the Sweet

Potatoes, was, the West half of it, hilled this day (by order yesterday) to plant, whilst the other half was to have been planted in drills 4 feet a part between the rows; and 8 inches between the cuttings or sets in the rows to try the difference; but the frost last night induced me to postpone this planting. Two plows, according to order, came to work here to day. Recommenced planting of Corn with the drill plow at this place, this afternoon. The harrow was ordered to preceed it once, or as many times as the ground, from the clodiness, or grasiness of it, should appear to need it, to prepare the ground for the drill. At Dogue run, putting in Barley, Oats, and grass Seeds as yesterday. The Women were hoeing the low part between the two meadows—that is breaking the clods and pulverising the ground to fit it for the Seed. Sowed the remainder of the New river grass seeds in broad cast (yesterday just before the rain fell) adjoining that wch. had been sowed in drills the 11th. inst. at this place. At Frenchs, fencing on the ditch between fields No. 2 & 3, with trunnels. At the Ferry, the plows had just finished listing the So. cut of field No. 1 below the hill and the Women were employed in making the trunnel fence on the ditch along the road. A good many Herrings were caught last Night and this afternoon, at my fishery—but few this forenoon.


Title: [Diary entry: 20 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 20th. Mercury at  in the Morng.— at Noon And  at Night. Morning cold, with the Wind at No. West at which point it continued most part, if not all of the day. The fruit much injured with yesterdays frost—as it is to be feared that the grain, by this and the drought, also is—the Wheat appearing to turn yellow and the Oats in Week land to be dying; and neither, any more than the grass to grow. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, the grd. being rather hard, and in places rough—two harrows could not prepare it sufficiently to keep the drill plow constantly at work. I therefore ordered the plowman who attended it to make good the work of covering the corn, which the little harrow at the tail of it might leave unfinished and this he is well able to do, because where the ground is difficult to prepare he can outgo the harrows, and here it is assistance is wanting. When the ground is light and the harrows prepare it sufficiently there is no

occasion of the hoe to follow. This supercedes the necessity of the special hand ordered for this Service on Wednesday last. Where the grd. is naturally light, or well pulverized the drill plow plants with great dispatch regularity and to good effect. Where it is rough and hard manual labour as in the common mode must be applied. Muddy hole-Cross plowed deep the east half of the 10th. half acre, or Square, for the purpose of sowing Carrots in Broadcast. Before plowing the Northern half of this piece was manured with 25 bushels of Dung and after plowing, it was harrowed, to be ready for sowing in the Morning. Finished laying off Corn ground at this place about breakfast time. At Dogue run, Finished Sowing Oats, wch. compleated my seeding of this grain (except a little at the Mansion house with which to sow grass Seeds). The whole quantity of Oats Sowed at this Plantation amounts to 215 bushls. Whereof 59 were Poland, in field No. 1; the rest were, 50 from York River, 52 from Mattawoming, 29 from Mr. Young’s, 13½ from George Town, and 12 from the Eastern Shore. The quantity of Barley sowed here amounted to 22 Bushels. With the Oats and Barley which were sown in field No. 1, and the inclosure of the Meadow near the Overseers house, was sown 4 bushls. and a galln. of red clover Seed—5½ bushls. of Orchard grass Seeds and 1 bushl. and 3 Gal. of Timothy seed. The other Oats in the Mill Meadow, & long field

adjoining, had only Timothy seed mixed—of which there was sown in them 3 bushels & 6 gallns. At French’s and the Ferry the People were putting up fences. On my return home I found Mr. Arthur Lee, the Revd. Mr. West, Mr. McQuir, Mr. Porter and Mr. Triplet here—All of whom went away after dinner except Mr. Lee and Mr. Porter.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 21st. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. Wind at No. Wt. all day, and at times fresh & cool. Towards Sundown the Wind increased, seemed to be getting to the Eastward—with appearances of Rain. Mr. Porter going away before breakfast and Mr. Lee directly after it, I rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs, and the Ferry—and to the fishing landing. At Muddy hole, in the ground which was cross plowed, & harrowed yesterday, (which did not make it very fine) I sowed 2½ pints of Carrot seeds; which weighed 1 lb. lacking an ounce, and which is at the rate of 4 lbs. to the acre, the qty. directed in Youngs Annals of Agriculture. Harrowed them in with a light bush. Half the Seed was mixed in half a bushel of Sand and sown and then the other half in the like quantity, and sown over it a second time, to spread them more regularly. These Seeds were a mixture of the large Orange, and others, & from my garden. The goodness uncertn. At Dogue run directed a small spot of low ground, in the swamp, between the two Meadows, to be hoed up, and made fine on which to sow part of the Birding grass which was sent to me by Mr. Sprig; and which he wrote me delighted in low, moist land. Three plows were listing and a heavy harrow running after them, to see if the ground could, without a second plowing, be sufficiently pulverized to plant Corn in with the drill plow. At Frenchs, and the Ferry, fencing as yesterday.  No great hand made of fishing—few were caught in the forenoon of this day & only about 30,000 last Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 22d. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon And  at Night. Clear and cold, with the wind hard all day at No. Wt.—Ice of considerable thickness in the Morning. Doctr. Craik returned here this forenoon from Maryland—Dined and proceeded afterwards to Alexandria. At home all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 23d. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. Wind at No. Wt. all day, but not so cold as yesterday. Clear with every appearance of a continued drought, the atmosphere being very thick (smoaky) with a red looking Sun. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck began with James Lawson, Danl. Overdonck, Boatswain, Charles, Bath, Robin and Pascal to dig a ditch to the Post & rail fence erected on the line between Colo. Mason and me. The ditch to be 5 feet at top, 18 Inches at bottom, and two feet deep and to be faced with sod. Lawson, Boatswain, Robin & Paskall beginning at the So. and Danl., Charles, and Bath at the No. end—working towards each other. Drilling Corn going on but slow, because the harrows cannot prepare the ground fast enough for the Drill. Davy, and Ned, Ben, Essex & Robin; and two Women, began to put up the Posts and rails through the woods. Barley coming up at this place. Oats look very thin, and indifferently here, especially in some parts of the Orchard Inclosure. Cutting down Corn Stalks in field No. 2. At Muddy hole. Planting Corn with the drill plow after the harrow—3 plows listing the intermediate rows, between the Corn. Overseer and Women cutting down Corn Stalks—Carting out dung on field No. 1. At Morris’s (that is Dogue run)—One plow is laying off—2 are listing and one Team harrowing, to prepare the lists for Corn. Sowed abt. a Quart of Birding grass (sent me by Mr. Sprigg) partly on the ground prepared on Saturday and partly on a little Spot near the Spring (which had been sown with Barley). The first was sown with Oats. Overseer & Womn. making up fences round the Mill Meadow. At French’s raising a trunnel fence on the ditch between fields No. 2 & 3 and a harrow employed in crossing the ground which

was first plowed in the first. The Barley at this place is come up well, & looks well and the Oats tolerable, considering the dryness of the ground. The Flax also is up thick, and looks well. At the Ferry 3 plows Are listing the other hands cutting down Corn Stalks. But poor success in fishing to day. Sowed in drills in the Inclosure behind the Stables (called the Vineyard) on the West side of it the Seeds of the honey locust. Part of these were sown on Saturday and part to day—part remains yet to be sown. The rows were about 15 Inches a part and the Seeds an inch or two a sunder in them.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 24th. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon And  at Night. Calm, clear, and very warm. Rid to the Fishing landing and to the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run, and Muddy hole Plantations. Caught many fish at the first this evening. At the Ferry, clearing the Wheat field of the Corn Stalks and listing as yesterday with 3 plows. At French’s still about the same fence & harrowing as yesterday. At Dogue run, laying the worm of the New fence through the Woods. Sowed the remains of my Carrot Seed, between the rows intended for Corn, first ploughing the list a second time (as the first) and then harrowing it 4 times with the heavy harrow, after wch. the Seed (mixed in sand) was sown. The first row (west side next the huts) with a little Seed from Miss Balendine. The next (Carrot) rows, all to 50 yds. from the So. end, at which a stake is driven are of the early Car[ro]t and the others 6 in number besides the part are the large red Carrot. Directed a bush to be passed over the Seeds thus Sown. Of the last kind there was near a Quart Sown. At Muddy hole, preparing for, & planting Corn with the drill, as yesterday—also cutting down Corn Stalks & Cartg. out Dung. Majr. G. Washington’s Child which had been sick since Sunday, & appearing to be very ill occasioned the sending for the Revd. Mr. Massey to Christen it who arriving about 5 Oclk. performed the Ceremony and stayed the evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 25th. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. The Morning lowering with the Wind—at times great appearances

or rain, at other times the clouds looked thin and the Sun shone—but about half after five it began to rain, and continued to do so pretty fast and steadily for about half an hour preceeded by thunder & lightning which continued through the Rain frequent & sharp. The Majors child dying betwn. 7 & 8 Oclock A.M. Mr. Massey stayed to bury it. About 10 Oclock Doctr. & Mrs. Stuart arrived & as were setting down to dinner Doctr. Craik came in from Maryland—all of whom went away after it. A good many fish caught before the rain.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 26th. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at N. Cloudy and soft all day with appearances of more rain. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck the People were putting up the fence between fields No. 4 and No. 9—the last of which would be listed by Night when two plows would go to Crossing the list of No. 9 and the rest to preparing No. 3 for Corn by relisting the grd. that had got hard by laying. The harrows and drill plow working as usual. The Overseer & other Men putting up the Posts & rails through the Woods. The ditchers did about 2 rods each of the five foot ditch they began on Monday & sodded it. At Muddy hole, the Corn Stalks would be cut down and piled this evening & the people would next be employed about the New ground in front of the Mansion house—In hoeing up the old list of last year wch. never was planted. The plows at work as usual. At Dogue-run, the last sowed Barley, and the Clover wch. was first sown, were coming. The New river grass which was sown broad with Oats and that wch. was sown in drills was also coming up. Began here with 3 pair of dble. harrows and one single one to harrow Clover, orchard grass, & Timothy as a Mixture, & that part of the Wheat & rye which falls within field No. 1. The Women were raising & securing the fence about the Meadow near the Overseers House. At French’s Two plows were, as before, at Work at Muddy hole; & a harrow at Dogue Run. The Overseer, Women and boys grubbing & cleaning the sides of the Meadow by Manley’s house. At the Ferry, the 3 plows were listing, and the Women & other hands after having picked up & piled the Corn Stalks came to their side (South) of the New ground in front of the Mansion house. Receiving an Express between 4 & 5 O’clock this afternoon informing me of the extreme illness of my Mother and Sister Lewis,

I resolved to set out for Fredericksburgh by daylight in the Morning and spent the evening in writing some letters on business respecting the Meeting of the Cincinnati, to the Secretary General of the Society, Genl. Knox. A Captn. McCannon came here this evening and got 40 Diplomas signed for the Delaware line.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 27th. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. Wind Northerly, cool, and pleasant all day. About sun rise I commenced my Journey as intended. Bated at Dumfries, and reached Fredericksburgh before two Oclock and found both my Mother & Sister better than I expected—the latter out of danger as is supposed, but the extreme low State in wch. the former was left little hope of her recovery as she was exceedingly reduced and much debilitated by age and the disorder. Dined and lodged at my Sisters.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 28th. Dined at Mrs. Lewis’s and Drank Tea at Judge Mercers; Genl. Weedon, Colo. Chs. Carter, Judge Mercer, and Mr. Jno. Lewis and his wife dined with me at my Sisters.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 29th. Dined at Colo. Charles Carters and drank Tea at Mr. John Lewis’s.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 30th. Set out about Sun rise on my return home. Halted at Dumfries, for about an hour where I breakfasted. Reached home about 6 Oclock in a sml. shower, which did not continue (and that not hard) for more than 15 Minutes. On my return, recd. the following report of the Weather and business of the plantations—viz.—

M.
N.
Night

Friday 27th.
Mercy.
50
63
58

Saturday 28.
Do.
51
72
58

Sunday 29
Do.
58
74

Monday. 30.
Do.
58
74


Title: [Diary entry: 27 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

27th. In the morning the Wind was at No. Wt.—at Noon So. W. and at Night calm. Many Fish caught to day—no demand for them. At the Ferry, the plows were listing, and the People grubbing in the New ground. Drill plow sent for to begin Corn planting, preceeded by the harrow. At French’s, the People were grubbing and cleaning along the sides of the Meadow—two plows at Muddy hole and a harrow at Dogue run. At Dogue run, The Women were hoeing the enclosed Tobacco ground for Corn—1 Plow listing, and 4 harrows putting in grass Seeds at the rate of  gallns. of Orchard Grass,  quarts of red Clover, and  qts. of Timothy to the Acre on the Wheat and rye in field No. 1. At Muddy hole, Planted half an acre of the Sweet Potatoes one half of which (containing 1240 hills) were in Hills, the other half was in rows 4 feet apart—The cuttings about 6 inches apart in the Rows; which were marked by the Plow. To plant the hills (with 2 or 3 cuttings in each) it took 1½ Bushl.; a bushl. of wch. was had from Marshalls Neg[roe]s, and the remaining half bushl. was of those brot. from York River. Those in drills (14 in number) took a bushel and a peck—the Bushel had from Marshalls People and the Peck fm. my old Negro fellow Jupiter. Finished planting the Seed of the honey locust, began on the  instt. Breaking the remainder of the Turnip patch at the home house for Oats and grass Seeds.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

28th. Wind at So. W. in the forenoon—So. afterwards till it grew calm. Much fish caught and no demand for them; Salting them up. At the Ferry commenced Corn planting with the drill plow; first running the harrow on the list, to smooth & pulverise the ground, 3, 4, and sometimes oftener, before the drill and this not enabling the small harrow at the end, to cover well, on acct. of the grassiness of the grd. particularly wire grass. A hand followed with a hoe to make the work good. At French’s the hands employed as yesterday.  At Dogue Run, nearly so, except that a plow was re-listing for Parsnips which were intended to commence where the Carrots ended, and to occupy every 8th. Row in like manner as they did. Finished sowing Grass Seeds on the wheat and rye in field No. 1—quantity of which amounted to 32 gallons of Orchard grass; 12 gallons of red clover and  gallons of Timothy Seed. This ground was harrowed and cross harrowed and the roller was following them. The grd. where the rye was and which had been harrowed in the fall was very hard, run together, and much baked. At Muddy hole, finished planting Corn with the drill about 1 Oclock, and sent it to Dogue run. All the plows now, 6 in number went to compleating the intermediate lists. Hands at the New grd. in front of the H[ome] House. In the Neck, 3 plows listing in Field No. 3—two harrows following them—and the drill plow following the Harrows. In field No. 9 two Plows were crossing to prepare for Plantg. Corn. Women staking and ridering fence of the said field.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

29th. Wind at So.—& warm all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 April 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

30th. A brisk Southerly Wind all day, with appearances of rain; some of which, abt. 6 oclock, fell for abt. 15 Minutes. But few fish caught to day. At the Ferry drilling Corn as on Saturday but run the harrow oftener—6 times at least, before the drill which made it do better work. One plow listing—the hands in the New grd. At Frenchs, employed as on Saturday. At Dogue run, The Harrows having finished puttg. in grass Seeds, the one from French’s returned home, and those belonging to the place went to preparing by listing Corn grd. whilst the drill plow preceeded by the harrow began to plant. Women hoeing New ground. Roller going. At Muddy hole, the Plows were breaking up the Corn field, and the other hands listing the New grd. at the home house. At the River Plantation began to Plant Corn in field No. 9. Hoeing up the old road through the Turnip fld. at home, and otherwise preparing the grd. for the intended seed by crossing plowing it.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday—May first. Mercury at  in the Morng.— at Noon and  at Night. Wind Southerly with appearances in the forenoon of rain but the Wind shifting to the No. Wt. it cleared. Notwithstanding my fatiegue I rid to all the Plantations to day. The Ditchers in the Neck had compleated about 500 yards of the 5 feet ditch—or in other words about 2 rods each pr. day. The Drill plow would about finish the 2d. cut of No. 3 by Noon. The Barley by the Barn is either not all come up, or was irregularly sown. The clover among it is up in places thick. The first planted Corn is coming up & destroyed by the Birds as fast as it appears. Harrowing in Timothy Seed on the middle cut of Rye. This must have been much too long delayed as the Rye was almost on the point of putting forth its ear—but being thin did not appear to be much, if any injured by the harrowing and trampling. At Muddy hole, the Plows and hands employed as yesterday. No appearance of the first planted Corn at this place coming up. At Dogue run Parsnips all but the two last rows of them, west of the road leading from the gate to the Houses were sown in the same manner, and with the same preparation of the grd. as the Carrots had been. In other respects all things were going on as yesterday. At French’s—the same as yesterday; except that a harrow was crossing the plowing in No. 2.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 2d. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. Cooler than yesterday, and clear Wind being at No. West. Rid to the Fishing landing where few fish were caught and to the Ferry, French’s & Dogue run Plantations—also to the Carpenters. At the Ferry, the Work going on as yesterday except that the drill plow having finished the No. end (beyond a sml. branch) was stopped till the harrow could make head before it. In the meanwhile the Plow man went to crossing in the other part of the field which was intended for Corn in the common way, 5 feet, a Plow was listing in Stony field part of No. 1—Women &ca. working in the New grd.  At French’s, the same work going on as yesterday. At Dogue run the same. The drill plow about Noon had got on the East side of the road leading up to the Houses. The Oats every where in strong and moist land seem to thrive; but appear at a std. elsewhere. The Barley at French’s look well. And the Cape wheat at Dogue run is forwarder than the common Wheat; but not more branched—perhaps less so, and of a paler green. It was, as has been observed before, more eaten by the Sheep and other Stock that had been fed upon the field than any of the other—whether owing to any peculiar taste or to its being generally forwarder cannot be determined with precision. A Mr. Wilson of Elizabh. Town, in the State of New Jersey called here to know on wht. terms I would dispose of my tract of Land in Fayette & Washington Counties. These I gave him agreeably to what I had mentioned in my letter to Colo. Jno. Cannon. At Fredericksburgh, I was informed by Mr. Chs. Yates, a Gentleman on whose veracity entire confidence may be placed, that he has tried the experiment of raising Irish Potatoes by laying them on unbroken, hard, or grassy ground & covering them with straw and found them to succeed admirably. The following he gave as an instance—viz.—an irregular piece of ground 28 of his Steps one way which he computed might be abt. 23 yards—18 wide at one end, and 8 or 10 at the other, reduced in the same proportion will not exceed 255 sqr. yards. These he says produced 36 bushls. of fine large well tasted Potatoes, and 12 bushl. of Seed Potatoes. In this proportion an Acre would yield 900 Bushels but as Mr. Yates said that he computed at the time upon 700 bushls. it is probable there may be some mistake as to measurement of the ground or Roots. The way he managed was this—In April he laid the Seed Potatoes (after cutting them in the usual manner) on the ground (no matter what sort of land he thinks) in rows 2 feet a sunder, and the cuttings 8 or 9 inches apart in the rows. The whole of this Space was then covered 6 inches thick with straw. When the Potatoe vines had risen 6 Inches through this bed of straw another layer of equal thickness—that is 6 inches—was spread between the rows and close up to the Stems—after which nothing more was done with them. The Land on which these Potatoes grew was perfectly cleansed of weeds &ca. when the Potatoes and Straw were taken of and ameliorated. Mr. Yates also mentioned another matter worthy of attention, respecting Potatoes; which was discovered accidentally—viz.—that some in a Corn field which had remained over (being left when the rest were dug, or unattended to) being covered with Corn

stalks in the usual manner when they are cut down and thrown into heaps grew (the tops) through the stalks and yielded abundantly of very fine Potatoes. Query whether this covering, laid on thicker will not do instead of Straw. It seems to be agreed by the farmers about Fredericksburgh that 6 bushels of Clover in the pug, or chaff is equal to 16 lbs. of clean Seed and that either is sufficient for an Acre. Colo. Carter sows 2 Bushels of Orchard grass (when alone) to an Acre and One peck when unmixed with other Seed, of Timothy. When clover and Orchard grass are sown together he gives 10 lb. of the first and a bushel of the latter. Sowed the Turnip patch, and last years Cowpens in front of the Mansion house with Oats 11 bushels—Orchard Grass 3 Bushels, and Clover 1 Bushel. The qty. of ground my Farmer thinks is near 4 Acres but I believe this is large guessing. Perhaps there may be about .


Title: [Diary entry: 4 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 4th. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. Morning clear and cool, tho the Wind was Southerly; and in the afternoon fresh with appearances of rain. Rid into the Neck to explain to G.W. the business to be done there, and mode of conducting it. At this place the Post and rail fence around field No. 9 would be closed, and entirely compleated (except the ditch) by Noon. Harrowing, drilling, and listing in field No. 3 going on as usual. The first planted Corn in this field appears to have been much destroyed by the birds and the first planting of all not to have come up. Finished planting in field No. 9, the So. Wt. cut and began the middle cut with the Corn from Nomeny. At Muddy hole finished breaking up the Corn ground, ordered the two plows from French’s home; and the plows of the Plantation to cross plow the 9th. square allotted for experiments (to be previously dunged as the others had been) in order to receive the bunch homeny bean, the common homeny bean, and the common black eyed Pease. At Dogue run, the Harrow, drill, and other plows were working as yesterday. Finished Hooing the Tobacco grd. which had been inclosed by French’s for Corn. And sowed 9 gallons of Clover Seed on the Barley in the Island in the Great Meadow and ordered it to be rolled in. At French’s the Harrow at work as usual—the two Plows from Muddy hole would return home to their work after dinner And the Rest of the People were grubbing along the sides of the Meadow, and preparing them for grass. A Person calling himself Hugh Patton dined here & returned to Alexandria afterwards.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Saturday 5th. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. A few drops of rain fell in the Night—the Morning cloudy and the Wind brisk from the Southward. A good shower abt. 10. Rid to the Fishing landing, Ferry, French’s and D. run Plantations. At the first Plantation One Plow was listing in the Stoney field, another crossing in the flat, and the harrow preparing for the drill plow. The Women preparing, & hoeing the New grd. in front of the House; At Frenchs two Plows were set to plowing alongside the Meadow, where the roots and Grubs had been taken out in order to prepare it for grass seeds but making bad work my farmer thought the grd. cd. not be made fit to receive them this Spring. One harrow was harrowing as usual And the rest of the People grubbing. The clover seemed to be coming up pretty thick in places among the flax. The flax & Barley seemed to grow pretty well. At Dogue-run, one Plow was crossing in the last years Tobo. grd. for Corn. In the laps of the fence Inclosg. it 139 pumpkin hills were Planted. Drilling corn, & listing going on as usual there. At Muddy hole, the Plows began to break up the ground which was in drill Corn last year for Turnips, Pease, Potatoes &ca. Finished Plantg. their parts of the New ground in front of the home house with Corn—in every other 4th. row of which and 10th. hill two Pumpkin seeds were planted through the whole ground. Ordered this to be done on the other side by the Ferry People. Mr. Bull—A Delegate in Congress from South Carolina on his return to that came here to dinner and stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 6th. Mercury at  in the Morng.— at Noon and  at Night. Wind Southerly, lowering at times till about 12 Oclock when it began to rain and continued to do so slowly for an hour but not so as wet more than a thin Surface of the Earth. Colo. Fitzgerald, Doctr. Stuart and Doctr. Craik came here to dinner and returned afterwards.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 7th. Mercury at  in the Morng.— at Noon and  at Night. Clear, with the wind pretty fresh at No. Wt. all day but not cold.  At home preparing for my journey to Philadelphia. In the Afternoon Cols. Simms and Darke came in, the first expecting to meet the Governr. here, the other on business of the Potomack Compy. Both returned in the Evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 8 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday. 8th. Mercury at  in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. The Weather being squally with Showers I defer’d setting off till the Morning. Mr. Chas. Lee came in to dinner but left it afterwards. A concise acct. of my Journey to Philadelphia, and the manner of spending my time there, and places where, will now follow—after whih. I shall return to the detail of Plantation occurrances as they respect my Crops & intended experiments agreeably to the reports which have been made to me by my Nephew Geo: Auge. Washington in my absence.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 9th. Crossed from Mt. Vernon to Mr. Digges a little after Sun rise & pursuing the rout by the way of Baltimore—dined at Mr. Richd. Hendersons in Bladensbg. and lodged at Majr. Snowdens where feeling very severely a violent hd. ach & sick stomach I went to bed early.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 11th. Set off before breakfast. Rid 12 miles to Skirretts for it. Baited there and proceeded without halting (weather threatning) to the Ferry at Havre de gras where I dined but could not cross the wind being turbulent & squally. Lodged here.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday. 12th. With difficulty (on acct. of the Wind) crossed the Susquehanna. Breakfasted at the Ferry house, on the East side—Dined at the head of Elk (Hollingsworths Tavern) and lodged

at Wilmingtons at O’Flins. At the head of Elk I was overtaken by Mr. Francis Corbin who took a seat in my Carriage.


Title: [Diary entry: 14 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 14th. This being the day appointed for the Convention to meet, such Members as were in town assembled at the State Ho[use]; but only two States being represented—viz.—Virginia & Pensylvania—agreed to attend at the same place at 11 ’Oclock to morrow. Dined in a family way at Mr. Morris’s.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 15th. Repaired, at the hour appointed to the State Ho[use], but no more States being represented than were yesterday (tho’ several more members had come in) we agreed to meet again to morrow. Govr. Randolph from Virginia came in to day.  Dined with the Members, to the Genl. Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 16th. No more than two States being yet represented, agreed till a quoram of them should be formed to alter the hour of Meeting at the State house to One oclock. Dined at the President Doctr. Franklins and drank Tea, and spent the evening at Mr. Jno. Penns.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 17th. Mr. Rutledge from Charleston and Mr. Chs. Pinkney from Congress having arrived gave a representation to So: Carolina and Colo. Mason getting in this Evening placed all the Delegates from Virginia on the floor of Convention. Dined at Mr. Powells and drk. Tea there.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 18th. The representation from New York appeared on the floor to day. Dined at Greys ferry, and drank Tea at Mr. Morris’s—after which accompanied Mrs. [Morris] and some other Ladies to hear a Mrs. O’Connell read (a charity affair). The lady being reduced in circumstances had had recourse to this expedient to obtain a little money. Her performe. was tolerable—at the College-Hall.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 May 1787]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 19th. No more States represented. Dined at Mr. Ingersolls. Spent the evening at my lodgings—& retird. to my room soon.