Title: August 1788
From: Washington, George
To:

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

   John O’Bannon (d. 1813), a deputy surveyor of the Virginia Military Reserve lands northwest of the Ohio River, had surveyed for GW three tracts near present-day Cincinnati, Ohio, during the previous winter and spring. Totaling 3,051 acres, these tracts were surveyed on two military warrants purchased by GW: one for 3,000 acres issued to John Rootes for service in the

French and Indian War and the other for 100 acres issued to Thomas Cope for service in the War of Independence. O’Bannon apparently deposited GW’s warrants and surveys in the Virginia Land Office in Richmond, and on 1 Dec. 1790 GW received a patent for the three tracts from the state. However, an act of Congress passed 10 Aug. 1790 stipulated that surveys for Virginia military lands northwest of the Ohio must be recorded with the secretary of state and federal patents issued (1 STAT.Richard Peters, ed. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America, from the Organization of the Government in 1789, to March 3, 1845 . . .. 8 vols. Boston, 1845-67. 182–84). This was not done for GW’s three tracts during his lifetime, and although GW’s heirs later attempted to make good his titles, they were unable to do so (Virginia Land Grants, Book 23, 420–23, and Virginia Surveys, Book 23, 846–48, Vi Microfilm; RANDALLE. O. Randall. “Washington’s Ohio Lands.” Ohio Archæological and Historical Society Publications 19 (1910): 303–18., 303–18.

   O’Bannon, a resident and militia officer of Fauquier County during the American Revolution, moved about 1784 to Kentucky, where he eventually became a prominent citizen of Woodford County (EVANS [2]Nelson W. Evans. “Colonel John O’Bannon.” Ohio Archaelogical and Historical Publications 14 (1905): 319–27., 319–27). George Augustine Washington today paid O’Bannon £4 3s. for the surveys (LEDGER BGeneral Ledger B, 1772–1793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., 270).

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

   GW ordered the plow from Thomas Snowden 9 May 1787 when he stopped at Snowden’s place in Maryland on his way to Philadelphia (GW to George Augustine Washington, 27 May 1787, CSmH). He was so pleased with this type of plow that he decided to employ it generally at Mount Vernon. On 3 Oct. 1788 he wrote Snowden requesting another plow exactly like the first one, as perfectly made as possible in both iron and wood, to serve as a model for others to be made in Mount Vernon’s workshop. He also asked for “two

dozen iron shears . . . of the proper sort and size to be manufactured with as little labour as may be into Ploughs” (DLC:GW).

   The Bassett’s first child, Virginia Bassett, was born 2 Sept. 1787.

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

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

   GW today delivered the annual report of the company’s directors to the general members. “The unusual height of the Waters this Spring & Summer,” he told them, “have greatly retarded our Operations on the River but should the Weather become more favorable we have reason to believe that a partial though not a perfect Navigation may be effected this fall & winter from Fort Cumberland to the Great Falls—at which place the Canal is nearly completed. Our principal force has been applied to the Shenandoah & Seneca Falls, which considering the number of hands & the unfavorable Season are in as great forwardness as we could expect” (BACON-FOSTERCorra Bacon-Foster. Early Chapters in the Development of the Patomac Route to the West. Washington, D.C., 1912., 83–84).

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

   At Mount Vernon this evening GW found his nephew Lawrence Augustine Washington, who had run away from Samuel Hanson’s home apparently with the aid of his brother George Steptoe Washington. Lawrence complained of ill treatment by Hanson and “offered to shew . . . some bruises he had received.” GW severely reprimanded the boy for running away, threatened to punish him with his own hands, and sent him back to Hanson the next day after obtaining a promise “that there should be no cause of complaint against him for the future” (GW to Samuel Hanson of Samuel, 6 Aug. 1788, GW to George Steptoe Washington, 6 Aug. 1788, and Hanson to GW, 7 Aug. 1788, DLC:GW).

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

   Cupid, a dower slave, was one of Ferry plantation’s laborers (see entry for 18 Feb. 1786).

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

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

and betwn. 3 & 4 began a very slow rain wch. increased in the Night and a good deal fell.

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

   William Kilty (1757–1821) of Prince George’s County, Md., was born in London, attended school in France as a youth, and before the War of Independence moved with his parents to Annapolis, where he studied medicine under a local physician. He became a surgeon’s mate in the Maryland Continental

line in 1778 and two years later was promoted to surgeon. Captured at the Battle of Camden 16 Aug. 1780, he was later paroled and then returned to Annapolis, where he began studying law. He served as chief judge of the District of Columbia 1801–6 and as chancellor of the state of Maryland 1806–21 (KOOPMANH. L. Koopman. “Kilty’s Manuscript Travesty of the Iliad.” Maryland Historical Magazine 13 (1918): 103–9., 103–4).

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

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

Monday 11th. Thermometer at 60 in the morning—76 at Noon and 66 at Night. Clear all day with the wind at North.
Visited all the Plantatns. At the Ferry—3 plows were at wk. in the Corn, and all the Hoes (except Cupid, who was stacking Barley at French’s) were weeding and Hilling of Corn.
At French’s—The Waggon and two Carts began to draw in Barley for Stacking—the hands engaged in loading, unloading, and Stacking it. 3 plows were at work in the Corn—turning two furrows to that, and to the Potatoes. Ordered the Flax that was set together (but not properly shocked) to be opened, thoroughly dried and put into a Stack.

At Dogue run—five plows were at Work, throwing (as at Frenchs) two furrows to the Corn and two to the Potatoes. The other hands (except those about the Stock) were hilling Corn—which by this time was so grassy as in a manner to be lost, and the wk. not practicable to do, as it shd. be with either plows or Hoes. Overlooked the Stock at this place. Drew two Steers, & 3 old Cows out of the Cattle to be sent to a fresh Pasture at Frenchs for feeding. Withdrew the Lambs 49 in number from the other sheep for the purpose of weening them and placed them in the upper meadow. Also sorted the Sheep and set apart 3 old ewes and 25 old weathers for my own killing and for Market—The rest—viz.  ewes and  weathers for breeding & for Store sheep. Ordered the Horse Chevalier and a poor Mare to be turned into No. 1 to get fat for selling.
At Muddy hole. The hand were all at the Mn. Ho. Corn ground. Seperated 3 lambs & 5 Weathers from the rest of the Sheep, leaving  yearling sheep for breeding. Drew a work Steer from the Cattle, to be sent to the feeding Pasture at Frenchs—also two young Mares to be broke in the Room of Jocky & Diamond (two old wk. Horses) which are to be sent to the Pasture at Frenchs to be fatted. Directed the Mare called Simpsons to the Ferry, to be broke in lieu of the bay Mare wch. came last year from the Neck and wch. is allotted for a breeder (not to work)—& a brown Mare to the Past[ur]e a[t] F[renc]hs.
In the Neck—Eight Plows were turning in Buck Wheat—one going over the Corn turning two furrows to it. The other hands, except those attending the Carts & stacking were brushing over the Pease which in a very rough and imperfect manner would be accomplished to day. Overlooked the Stock here, and seperated 13 (besides 2 Work Steers which will follow as soon as they can be spared) to go to the feeding Pasture at French’s viz.—5 Steers & 9 cows. Seperated the Lambs 45 in number from the Ewes, & put them in Field No. 2. Drew 12 old weathers and 38 old ewes for killing and Marked and put them in Field No. 7. The residue—viz. 29 weathers & 79 ewes were turned in the Common Pasture. Ordered a Mare called Davy’s and her Colt to Frenchs to recruit.
In the Evening Colo. Humphreys returned—accompanied by Mr. Geo. Calvert.

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

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

Wednesday 13th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 70 at Night. Wind still Northerly and Morning clear. In the afternoon it shifted to the Southward and became warmer.
Visited the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations.
At the first—Three Plows and all the hands were at Work in the Corn ground except Cupid—who was stacking at Frenchs. Examined the Stock at this place; and sent an old Steer and Cow to the fatting Pasture at Frenchs. Of the Sheep there was but one old weather which was brought to the Ho[use]; and there being but one of what might be called old ewes that was in danger of not standing the Winter, it was left to take its chance with the rest—wch. are as follow—

1
old ewe

14
Young & middle aged—Do.

22
Young Weathers—&

23
Lambs—Ewes & Weathers

In all 60 Sheep. Cattle, besides the two which were sent to Frenchs are as follow

2
Bulls

6
Work Oxen

26
grown Cattle

9
Yearlings

8
Calves

4
Ditto from Mn. House

 2
Cows at Ditto.

In all 57. The Horses were agreeable to the former acct. & reports—viz.—8 Workers—besides the one lately sent there from Muddy hole for that purpose & the two Mules—A bay Mare (young) with a small sorrel horse Colt.
At Frenchs—The Waggon and two Carts and all hands, except three people with the Plows, in the Corn field, were getting in and Stacking the Oats. Examined the stock here and put two old Cows, and five old weathers into the fatting field for killing or Market. Remainder of the Sheep were 32 Ewes and 16 Lambs. The horses were found agreeable to the list taken the first of Jany. 1787 and the reports since—as also the Cattle.
At Dogue Run—all the Ploughs and Hoes were in the Corn.
At Muddy hole—The Plows were crossing the Pease. All the

other hands were chopping down Wds. in the Corn at the Mansn. House.

Thursday 14th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning—73 at Noon and 79 at Night. Wind Southerly all day with appearances of rain after noon.
Went into the Neck, and to Muddy hole.
At the first—8 Plows were turning in Buck Wheat & one in the Corn. Two Carts and Ten hands were getting in and stacking Oats. All the rest were Weeding and hilling of Corn.
At Muddy hole—The three plows were employed as yesterday and all the other hands were threshing wheat for Seed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday 20th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning—76 at Noon and 76 at Night. Clear and warm all day, with little or no Wind.

Went up to Alexandria with Mrs. Washington. Dined at Mr. Fendalls and returned in the evening.

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

   The slave Nancy, now about 17 years old, was the wife of Abram, one of the slaves that GW had hired from Penelope French. Her oldest child Oliver was born about 1788 (list of Negroes belonging to GW, c.June 1799, NjP: Armstrong Collection).

Friday 22d. Thermometer at 78 in the Morning 82 at Noon and 80 at Night. Quite clear, calm and warm all day.

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

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

   Dr. William Spence was the stepson of Dr. Thomas Thomson of Westmoreland County. As a boy Spence was sent to Great Britain for his education, which was culminated in 1780 by his taking a medical degree at Glasgow University. In Sept. 1781 he sailed for New York with a wife and child aboard the Buckskin Hero, but the vessel disappeared without a trace after having

last been seen by another vessel two or three days’ sail out of New York harbor. It was assumed that the Buckskin Hero had sunk with all aboard until a report in the spring of 1788 from a man claiming to be a former Algerian prisoner gave some hope that the vessel had been captured by Algerian pirates and the crew and passengers carried into slavery. That report prompted Dr. Thomson’s letter, dated 12 Aug. 1788, to GW (DLC:GW). Although Thomson did not know GW personally, he was confident that GW would assist the family by asking French officials to make inquiries about the fate of Dr. and Mrs. Spence and their child. Strongly doubting the truth of the report, GW wrote for further information to Thomas Barclay of Philadelphia, who had been involved with American affairs in North Africa. Barclay confirmed GW’s suspicions. The Buckskin Hero was not among the vessels captured by the Algerians, a fact that was further substantiated later by Thomas Jefferson through James Madison (GW to Thomson, 24 Aug. and 18 Sept. 1788, GW to Barclay, 31 Aug. and 18 Sept. 1788, DLC:GW; Madison to Jefferson, 8 Oct. 1788, Jefferson to Madison, 12 Jan. 1789, JEFFERSON [1]Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950–., 14:3–4, 436–38).

   George Thomson, a son of Dr. Thomson by his first wife, was apparently a schoolmate of George Steptoe Washington at the Alexandria Academy.

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

Monday 25th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning—84 at Noon and 84 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. all day and clear.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, D. Run and Muddy hole Plantations. At The Ferry—Three plows and the dble. Harrows were putting in Wheat and two Carts & the other hands getting in and stacking of Oats.
At French’s—All hands, including those from D. Run & Muddy hole were weeding & earthing the Potatoes. 3 Plows were at work, but not able to keep before the Hoes.
At Dogue Run—Four Plows and a harrow were in the Corn. The Cart and some hands were getting in & Stacking Barley. The Rest were at Frenchs.
At Muddy hole. Two Plows and a harrow were preparing for and putting in Wheat—Six hands getting in Oats and stacking them and the rest were at Frenchs.
At the Mansion House, began with 8 Scythes to cut the Lawn on the West front of the House which they only accomplished by Night.
Mr. Lee & the young Ladies—and my Nephews, Geo. & Lawe. Washington returned to alexandria after Breakfast.

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

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

   The brother of David Stuart who came today was Richard Stuart (1770–1835) of King George County (see entry for 29 Aug. 1788).

Thursday 28th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—80 at Noon and 78 at Night. Morning clear and calm.

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

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

   David and Richard Stuart’s father, Rev. William Stuart (1723–1798), rector of St. Paul’s Parish, King George County, lived at Cedar Grove in the Chotank area. The estate had been a wedding gift to William and his wife, Sarah Foote Stuart, from her father. Richard Stuart later inherited Cedar Grove and lived there until his death (EUBANKH. Ragland Eubank. Touring Historyland: The Authentic Guide Book of Historic Northern Neck of Virginia, the Land of George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Colonial Beach, Va., 1934., 17–18; ST. PAUL’SGeorge Harrison Sanford King. The Register of Saint Paul’s Parish, 1715–1798, Stafford County, Virginia, 1715-1776, King George County, Virginia, 1777-1798. Fredericksburg, Va., 1960., xxii-xxiii, 134–36).

Saturday 30th. Thermometer at 79 in the Morning 84 at Noon and 79 at Night. Calm, & clear till towards 3 Oclock when there was a pretty hasty shower for a few minutes.

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

   Francis Speake of Charles County, Md., was a privateer captain during the War of Independence and afterwards served as tobacco inspector at Chicamuxen warehouse for many years. GW had reprimanded Speake earlier this year for ferrying passengers across the Potomac River without authorization, thus depriving GW’s public ferry of revenue it otherwise would have received. “I find the Ferry,” GW declared, “inconvenient, and unprofitable enough without this, to wish the discontinuance of it” (GW to Speake, 30 Mar. 1788, DLC:GW).

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


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

Monday 1st. Septemr. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 74 at Night. Morning cloudy with the wind still at No. East. Misting at intervals through the day—but no rain fell. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole.  At the First—Weeding Turnips—The Plows at Muddy hole. At Frenchs—all hands except the Plow People, were at Dogue run. At Dogue run—the Same Work as on Saturday was going on. The Oats would be all in and Stacked to day And the Potatoes nearly wed out. At Muddy hole—The Plows of the Ferry, French’s, & Dogue run were at work, preparing for the Sowing of Wheat. Began about Noon to sow the red wheat raised from English seed, in drills. Of this there was 3 pecks, very indifferent; which occupied 3 lands, 6 feet & better broad, next the pease, South side the field. Next to these—in like manner, sowed the White, or Harrison Wheat  bushels up to the next Stake (the first stake being drove between the red & this). Finding that the barrel disposed of too much seed—after 7 rows were sowed with the Harrison wheat I altered it—wch. alteration continued to the end of the drills thinner. Doctr. Stuart returned here last Night from his Fathers and Mr. Tracy who came here on Saturday went away this Morning.


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

Tuesday 2d. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—76 at Noon and 72 at Night. Wind at No. W. fresh—clear—and cool. Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole—Dogue run—Frenchs and the Ferry. At the first—the Plows would, about 12 Oclock, have crossed the Buck Wheat & would then go into the Pease. The Barrel Plow was sowing Wheat & 2 Harrows covering after it—going twice (once each) in the same row the same way. The other work the same as yesterday. At Dogue Run—The Plows were at Muddy hole. The Potatoes wd. be wed out by Noon—and the hands from French’s and Muddy hole wd. return home. At French’s—The Plows were at Muddy hole and the other People at Morris’s. At the Ferry. The Plows were at Muddy hole—the other hands preparing ground to re-sow Turnips between Corn Rows—where the first sowing were chiefly cut off by the fly. Captn. Gregory dined here and went away afterwards.


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

Wednesday 3d. Thermometer at 64 in the morning—76 at Noon and 75 at Night. Clear morning with the Wind fresh from No. Wt. after which it became calm. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—6 Plows were crossing the B. Wheat field for sowing Wheat; one harrow in the Corn.

The Waggon & Ox Carts were getting in Wheat. The other hands (not with the Carts and at the Stacks) were Weeding and Earthing the Potatoes. At Muddy hole—The Pease having had a furrow thrown to them, all the Plows, except those belonging to the Plantation, went yeste[r]night to French’s. The other hands were getting in Wheat, and threshing out Rye. At Dogue run—The Oats and Barley being all in, & the other People having got through the Potatoes—all hands were employed in fencing Around the above stacks—repairing the Meadow & other fences of field No. 2 and preparing it for the reception of small stock—Into wch. 3 old Ewes and 4 Calves from the Mansion House were put. The Plows were at Work at French’s. At Frenchs—The Plows belonging to the Ferry—Dogue run and the Plantation, were crossing the East part of Field No. 5 (where Buck Wheat had been plowed in) in order to sow Wheat therein. The hands of the place were getting the Seed from the Flax in order to rot it. The cross plowing of the above ground was done miserably bad—owing to the B. Wheat & Weeds not being rotted and by choaking the Plows every 3 or 4 steps preventing them from penetrating the earth. At the Ferry—The Plows were employed as above—the Ferry men cleaning the shattered Wheat & other grain in the Yard and the other hands were brushing over some of the foulest of their Corn. From the Mansion house. Three old Ewes, and 4 Calves were sent to field No. 2 at Dogue run.


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

Thursday 4th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morng. 76 at Noon and 76 at Night. Calm morning with a very heavy fog—Wind afterwards at So. Wt. Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole—Dogue run—French’s and the Ferry. At the first. The Harrison Wheat, 10 Bushels having been sown in drills and covered in—Three harrows were putting in Wheat adjoining thereto, the Seed of which was brot. from the Neck. At the other 3 plantations the work was precisely the same as yesterday. Mrs. Craik, and Miss Craik, came here to dinner.


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

Saturday 6th. Thermometer at 76 in the Morng.—76 at Noon and 72 at Night. Wind at No. Et. with appearances of rain towards evening. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—One harrow was covering the Wheat that had been sown (viz. 12½ Bushels). All the other hands were getting in Wheat, and treading out a bed. Waggn. & 2 Carts employd. At Muddy hole—One harrow was employed in covering the Wheat, the sowing of which was now finished at this place (except a little of the Cape Wheat wch. is to be sown where the Irish Potatoes and Jerusalem Artichokes are now growing) and which is as follow in field No. 3 viz.—In the small cut East of the Branch 10 Bls. Next the Pease three pecks of red imported Wheat in drills—3 rows. This grain was much shrivelled & bad. Next to these, in

drills also, was 10 Bushels of White imported Wheat (called Harrison) large, but not full & plump—then 14 Bushls. of the common Wheat—Seed from the Neck. On the North side of the road leading from the Gate to the Barn 21 bushls. of common wheat also from the Neck was sown—making together—drilled and broad 55 Bushels. The other hands were stripping the Seed from the Flax—getting in and Stacking Wheat. At Dogue Run—The Waggon from the Mansn. House aided the Cart in getting in Wheat. The Plows were at Frenchs and the other hands were stacking and making fences round the Wheat Yard. At French’s—All the Plows were at Work as yesterday; and would finish crossing all the B. Wht. grd. this afternoon. The part South of the road from the Bars was sown—harrowed and compleated—but in a rough manner. Part on the other, or North side of this road was also sown, and the harrows covering it. The Pease ground at the No. end of this field which had been plowed in were cross plowed—part harrowed (across the last plowing) and a bushel of the plain white Wheat, sent me by Beale Bordley, Esqr., sown thereon in drills— rows. The hands of this Plantation were beating the seed from the flax in order to spd. it. At the Ferry. The Plows were at Frenchs as yesterday and the other hands brushing over the Potatoes in the Corn.


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

Tuesday 9th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 66 at Night. A good deal of distant Thunder and lightng. in the Night, but no rain. Wind this Morning at No. Wt. & pleasant—the same through the day. Work going on as yesterday in the Corn ground at the Mansion house. About One Oclock the Wheat on the South side of the road was sown and Hoed & plowed in—and the other side begun. Began also to sow the South side with Timothy Seed on the Wheat. Ordered a gallon of clean seed to be allowed to the Acre. Finished sowing Wheat in the cut at Frenchs where the harrows were at work yesterday. In both sides of this cut (East of the Branch) 32 Bushels of Wheat were Sown. That on the So. side of the road from the Bars, by the Cabbins, to the Gate, was harrowed once before sowing and twice afterwards—but that on the No. side of the said road, was not, at least the No. East end of it, harrowed till after sowing. Finished sowing, in drills, the Wheat by the Gate and Manleys Ho.; & not having enough of the Cape Wheat from

Mr. Bordley to do this I sent half a bushel of my own to compleat it—which with three pecks more was all the sound & clean seed that was raised of this sort of Wheat last year and added to other circumstances which have been heretofore remarked of it, proves that it is of too precarious a kind to be depended on for a crop—for in the first place it will not stand hard frost—and in the next place it does not fill kindly and is subject to rust. The Waggon & Carts that were drawing Brick Wood yesterday, were at it again to day. About 12 Oclock to day the Brick layers compleated the 12th. course of Bricks, of the 14 Inch Wall from the second floor in the New Barn.


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

Wednesday 10th. Thermometer at 60 in the morning—68 at Noon and 66 at Night. Morning clear with the wind at No. Wt. wch. afterwards shifted (though there was but little of it) to the East veering Northerly—clear & pleasant all day. Visited the Plantations in the Neck, Muddy hole and Frenchs Plantations. At the first—the Waggon and two Carts were drawing in Wheat and People as usual employed and stacking of it—Five plows and one harrow preparing for, and putting in Wheat—one triangular harrow running betwn. the Corn Rows—3 Women picking up Apples & threshing rye. The others at the Corn ground at the Mansion House.  At Muddy hole. All hands were in the Corn field at the Mansion House. The Wheat sowed in drills at this place seems to be coming up very thin. Whether more is to arise, or the ground was not sufficiently seeded cannot as yet be decided on. The latter is to be feared—nor is it perfectly in drills being too much scattered. Note—to do this work well furrows should be opened for the seed to fall in. At Dogue run—except the two old Women, the rest of the hands were at the Mansn. House. At Frenchs—Two Women and a boy were spreading the trash which had been raked into heaps in the newly sown Wheat ground and hoeing around the Stumps—all the rest were at the Mansion House. At the Ferry—all were at the Mansion House. The Carts of the last 3 places were engaged at the Brick yard. At the Mansion House—finished sowing the Wheat in the Corn ground 35½ bushls. from the Neck on both sides the road up to the last cleared ground. On the South Side of the road 13 gallons of clean timothy seed (mixed with Sand) was sown. More ought to have been sown—24 at least as I directed a gallon to be allowed to the Acre. On the other, or No. Side of the road Orchard grass was sown—viz.— Bushels. As the whole was not chopped in this afternoon—the hands from Muddy hole and the Ferry were ordered to compleat it to morrow.


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

Thursday 11th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morng.—72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Clear Morning with a breeze from the No. East which cond. through the day. Mrs. Plater and her two daughters, and Mr. George Digges and his Sister came here to dinner and stayed all night. Mr. Lear returned home to day.


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

 Friday 12th. Thermometer at 62 in the morn. 72 at Night and 72 at Night. Cloudy with the Wind to the Eastward of North in the Morning with clouds & Sunshine alternately thro the day. Wind continuing in the same qr. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck. The Ploughs and harrows from the different Plantations were at Work, preparing for, and putting in Wheat—one harrow in the Corn and the Waggon & Carts drawing in Wheat. The other hands were cleaning Wheat (which had been tread out yesterday) and picking up apples. At Muddy hole—The Cart was drawing in Rye—others spreading Flax the seed of which had been taken of and measured 2 Bushels. At Dogue run—Two Carts (one from French’s) and the Mans[io]n Ho[use] Waggon were drawing in Wheat and those who were not employed in loading & Stacking were getting the Seed of the Flax. At French’s the People were Hoeing round the stumps in the field No. 5 Newly sown with Wheat and taking up the grubs. At the Ferry the People were about there fencing—the Ploughs as those of the other Places being in the Neck.


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

Saturday 13th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning—76 at Noon and 76 at Night. A very thick fog this morning, which continued until 10 ’Oclock.  Rid with Mrs. Plater and Mrs. Washington to the Mill and New Barn. Colo. Plater, Mr. Hall & a Mr. Mathews came here (from Mr. Digges’s) just after we had dined—stayed all N.


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

Monday 15th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning—78 at Noon and 74 at Night. Clouds, with the Wind still Easterly in the morning; About noon it shifted to the Southward and there were great appearances of rain but none fell. At Night it got to No. West. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—21 plows and Harrows were employed in preparing for, and putting in Wheat—The Harrow that was in the Corn having finished that Work. The Carts and Waggen were drawing Grain from field No. 3. Some of the People were stacking and others spreading the trash raked together by the Harrows. At Muddy hole—Getting in and stacking the Rye and threshing it out. At Dogue run—The Cart from Frenchs, and the Waggon from the Mansn. House were assisting in getting in the grain—some of the people assisting in this and in Stacking. The rest with the People from the Ferry, were getting the Seed from the Flax. At French’s—The People had just finished about 12 Oclock getting the Seed from the flax and spreading it, after which they were ordered to Dogue Run. At the Ferry—The Plows were in the Neck, and the other People were, as above, at Dogue run.


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

Tuesday 16th. Thermometer at 73 in the Morning—77 at Noon and 76 at Night. Wind Southerly and warm, with appearances of rain till Night when the wind got round to the No. W. Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, French’s & the Ferry. At the first—Having got in the grain, the Cart, after carrying a load of Rye to the Mill went into the Neck to assist with the grain there. Some of the other hands were employed in cleaning the Rye wch. they had threshed and others came to the Corn at the Mansn. Ho. to cut the tops. Note—this Corn, since the working it received to put in the Wheat and grass Seeds, has fired most astonishingly

except the part which was worked since harvest. This seems rather to be benifitted—tho’ after that working it fired a good deal but recovered its colour again. Now it is too to do this by that wch. has lately fired. At Dogue run—The same hands, with the addition of those from Frenchs were employed as yesterday and in spreading the flax from which the Seed had been taken. Finished getting in all the grain this Evening. At French’s & the Ferry—the Plows & People were abroad as already mentioned.


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

Wednesday 17th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Morning clear and Wind at No. Wt.—pleasant all day. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck—Finished sowing Wheat in No. 8 last Night; and the Plow horses were engaged to day in treading out a bed of Rye, and another of Oats. Some Plows, were engaged in the ground where the bunch homony beans grew. 106½ bushels of Wheat were sown in the above field. The Carts from Muddy hole and French’s were assisting here to get in the grain and except those who were employed in loading the Carts and stacking the People were attending the treading out of the above grain. At Muddy hole—The hands except those who were with the Plows were about the Fodder in the Mansion House Corn field. At Dogue run—the same hands as yesterday, were employed about the Flax. Some still remained at the Stacks, the grain not being all secured. At French’s and the Ferry the hands were absent as before mentioned, with the flax at D. R.


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

Thursday 18th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning—76 at Noon and 76 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. in the morning and Southerly afterwards—perfectly clear. Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run Plantations. At the first—began with the Plows belonging to it and those of Frenchs to break up field No. 3 for Corn next year, but the ground had got so hard as to oblige them to go twice in the same furrow. The hands of this place (except the Ferry men) still at D. Run about the Flax. At Frenchs—the Plows were employed as above—the hands at Dogue run. At Dogue Run—Four of the Plows belonging to the place and

the 3 from Muddy hole began to break up No. 7 for Corn, next year. All the other people together with those from French’s and the Ferry were getting the Seed from, & spreading of the Flax. The People from Muddy hole except one who was cutting and attending the Tobacco, were about the Fodder at the Mansion House.


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

Saturday 20th. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning—70 at Noon And 70 at Night. Morning heavy with the Wind at No. East. Cloudy all day, with grt. appearances of rain towards night. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run. At the first—The Plow horses of this place and Frenchs were treading out a bed of Rye—The other hands attending. At Frenchs—The people were cleaning the flax Seed which had been beat out some days ago 4¾ bushl., & Hoeing the waste ground adjoing. the fences of field No. 5 in which to put Wheat. At Dogue Run—The Plow horses were engaged in treading out Rye—the People in attending the work, and cleaning flax Seed—which was sent to the Mansn. House—qty. 22½ bushels. Colonel Harrison, and Colo. Hoe came here to dinner and stayed all Night.


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

Sunday 21st. Thermometer at 60 in the morning—62 at Noon and 60 at Night. Morning clear with the Wind a little to the East

of North—after wch. it shifted more Easterly but still continued tolerably clear. Mr. John Nisbet, & a Mr. Cunningham from the West Indies came here to dinner and stayed all Night. Colo. Hooe returned to Alexandria after dinner.


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

Monday 22d. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning—62 at Noon and 63 at Night. Morning cloudy with the Wind about North a little Et. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run and French’s. At the first the People began to get fodder—aided by the hands from the latter. Six plows were at work, breaking up field No. 3 twice in a Furrow. The Carts (Frenchs joined) were drawing Rails to enclose the Wheat and Hay stacks. At French’s—Hands employed as above at the Ferry. At Dogue run—Eight Plows were at Work breaking up field No. 7—twice in a furrow. The other hands were employed in getting fodder. At Muddy hole—The whole force was about getting in, and securing the fodder at the M. Ho. Mr. Nisbet, Mr. Cunningham, & Colo. Harrison went away after breakfast. Majr. Powell—Sub. Sheriff came here on business before dinner & dined.


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

Tuesday 23d. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning 72 at Noon and 72 at Night. But little Wind and that Westerly in the Morning—towards evening what there was of it was Southerly. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—Seven Plows began yesterday to break up Field No. 9. The rest of the hands were about the fodder. At Muddy hole—All hands, and the Cart, were engaged with the fodder. At Dogue run—The Cart was drawing Rails for a fodder Stack. All the other hands were engaged in pulling Blades. Seven plows were at Work breaking up No. 7. At Frenchs—The Plows and Cart, and all the hands were at the Ferry. At the Ferry—Six plows were at Work in field No. 3. The Carts

were drawing Rails to enclose the Wheat and the other hands were about the fodder.


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

Wednesday 24th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 72 at Night. A heavy fog in the Morning which cleared away between 8 and 9 Oclk. but little wind in the forenoon—in the afternoon a breeze from the So. Et. and lowering. Rid to the Ferry, French’s and Dogue run Plantations. At all of which the same work as yesterday—precisely—so likewise at Muddy hole.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 September 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 25th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 72 at Night. A fog in the morning, but clear afterwards, & warm all day. Dined at Mr. Benja. Dulany’s but passed through the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run. At all of which the same work was going on—both with the Plows and other people—as yesterday.


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

Friday 26th. Thermometer at 63 in the morning—78 at Noon and 73 at Night. Clear morning with little or no Wind—So. Et. afterwards with appearances of Rain in the evening which went off by the winds shifting to the No. Wt. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck—Six plows only were at Work. All the other hands were engaged about the Fodder. At Muddy hole—The three Plows belonging here were at Dogue run and the other hands at the Mansion house about the Fodder whh. would be compleated this Night. At Dogue run—French’s and the Ferry the same work as usual both with the Plows and Hoe People was going on. Mr. & Mrs. Crawford (of Maryland) who came here on Wednesday evening went away this Morning after breakfast.


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

Saturday 27th. Thermometer at 60 in the morning—68 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear Morning with the Wind at No. Wt. Calm afterwards, or very little wind from So. Et. Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run Plantations. The same work at all three, as in the days preceeding—with the Muddy hole hands in aid at the latter. Turned the Mares & Colts from the Pasture at the home house into that at the Ferry to day. Received a Bull calf from Mr. Digges’s to day. Mr. Chas. Lee came here in the afternoon & stayed all Night.


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

 Sunday 28th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—71 at Noon and 73 at Night. Clear morning with the Wind (though not much of it) at South where it continued all day, and towards night lowered a little.


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

Monday 29th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning—75 at Noon and 73 at Night—Wind at South and Morning hazy, or lowering. Cloudy afterwards—and at Night a slow and moderate rain. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—All the tops were cut and blades pulled from the Corn on Saturday last, but not got in being too green. All hands, except 5 people at the Plows, getting them in to day. At Muddy hole—All hands were at Dogue run. At Dogue Run—Six plows only were at Work. All the other hands with those from Muddy hole, were getting fodder—except the Carter who was drawing Rails to make the division between fields No. 5 & 6. At French’s—All hands were at the Ferry—and At the Ferry—Six plows were at work—and the other hands were about the Fodder. Began to cut with Scythes the Indian Pease at Frenchs in field No. 5. Put the Rams to the Ewes at all the Planns.


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

Tuesday the 30th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morng. 65 at Noon and 63 at Night. Cloudy Morning with the wind fresh from the Northward. Raining more or less all last Night. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French’s & Dogue run. At the first—The Six plows were at Work and all the hands of both Plantations about the fodder which would be all down but not dry enough to secure to day. At Frenchs—The Plows and other force, were at the Ferry as above. At Dogue run—Seven plows were at Work. The other hands with those from Muddy hole were about the fodder which would be all down to day—but not got in. A Mr. Cary (who came here to enquire into his right to Lands under the claim of one Williams his father in law) dined here and returned to Alexandria afterwards.


Title: September 1788
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 1st. Septemr. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 74 at Night. Morning cloudy with the wind still at No. East. Misting at intervals through the day—but no rain fell.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run and Muddy hole.

At the First—Weeding Turnips—The Plows at Muddy hole.
At Frenchs—all hands except the Plow People, were at Dogue run.
At Dogue run—the Same Work as on Saturday was going on. The Oats would be all in and Stacked to day And the Potatoes nearly wed out.
At Muddy hole—The Plows of the Ferry, French’s, & Dogue run were at work, preparing for the Sowing of Wheat. Began about Noon to sow the red wheat raised from English seed, in drills. Of this there was 3 pecks, very indifferent; which occupied 3 lands, 6 feet & better broad, next the pease, South side the field. Next to these—in like manner, sowed the White, or Harrison Wheat  bushels up to the next Stake (the first stake being drove between the red & this). Finding that the barrel disposed of too much seed—after 7 rows were sowed with the Harrison wheat I altered it—wch. alteration continued to the end of the drills thinner.
Doctr. Stuart returned here last Night from his Fathers and Mr. Tracy who came here on Saturday went away this Morning.

Tuesday 2d. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—76 at Noon and 72 at Night. Wind at No. W. fresh—clear—and cool.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole—Dogue run—Frenchs and the Ferry.
At the first—the Plows would, about 12 Oclock, have crossed the Buck Wheat & would then go into the Pease. The Barrel Plow was sowing Wheat & 2 Harrows covering after it—going twice (once each) in the same row the same way. The other work the same as yesterday.
At Dogue Run—The Plows were at Muddy hole. The Potatoes wd. be wed out by Noon—and the hands from French’s and Muddy hole wd. return home.
At French’s—The Plows were at Muddy hole and the other People at Morris’s.
At the Ferry. The Plows were at Muddy hole—the other hands preparing ground to re-sow Turnips between Corn Rows—where the first sowing were chiefly cut off by the fly.
Captn. Gregory dined here and went away afterwards.

Wednesday 3d. Thermometer at 64 in the morning—76 at Noon and 75 at Night. Clear morning with the Wind fresh from No. Wt. after which it became calm.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—6 Plows were crossing the B. Wheat field for sowing Wheat; one harrow in the Corn.

The Waggon & Ox Carts were getting in Wheat. The other hands (not with the Carts and at the Stacks) were Weeding and Earthing the Potatoes.
At Muddy hole—The Pease having had a furrow thrown to them, all the Plows, except those belonging to the Plantation, went yeste[r]night to French’s. The other hands were getting in Wheat, and threshing out Rye.
At Dogue run—The Oats and Barley being all in, & the other People having got through the Potatoes—all hands were employed in fencing Around the above stacks—repairing the Meadow & other fences of field No. 2 and preparing it for the reception of small stock—Into wch. 3 old Ewes and 4 Calves from the Mansion House were put. The Plows were at Work at French’s.
At Frenchs—The Plows belonging to the Ferry—Dogue run and the Plantation, were crossing the East part of Field No. 5 (where Buck Wheat had been plowed in) in order to sow Wheat therein. The hands of the place were getting the Seed from the Flax in order to rot it. The cross plowing of the above ground was done miserably bad—owing to the B. Wheat & Weeds not being rotted and by choaking the Plows every 3 or 4 steps preventing them from penetrating the earth.
At the Ferry—The Plows were employed as above—the Ferry men cleaning the shattered Wheat & other grain in the Yard and the other hands were brushing over some of the foulest of their Corn.
From the Mansion house. Three old Ewes, and 4 Calves were sent to field No. 2 at Dogue run.

Thursday 4th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morng. 76 at Noon and 76 at Night. Calm morning with a very heavy fog—Wind afterwards at So. Wt.
Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole—Dogue run—French’s and the Ferry.
At the first. The Harrison Wheat, 10 Bushels having been sown in drills and covered in—Three harrows were putting in Wheat adjoining thereto, the Seed of which was brot. from the Neck.
At the other 3 plantations the work was precisely the same as yesterday.
Mrs. Craik, and Miss Craik, came here to dinner.

Friday 5th. Thermometer at 71 in the Morning—83 at Noon and 82 at Night. But little wind and that from the So. Wt.

Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, French’s and the Ferry.
At Muddy hole—Only one harrow remained to cover the Wheat. The other two went to French’s—getting in Wheat and Stacking it. The other hands were spreading the trash that was raked together by the Harrows to prevent, by laying in heaps the destruction of the Wheat.
At Dogue run—Getting in and stacking the Wheat from field No. 6. The other hands were repairing the fencing between the Corn field and Meadow by the Ho., inclosing the Hay Stacks—and Wheat yard. Turned 3 old Ewes and 25 Weathers into field No. 2 at this place, for feeding—and brought 28 head of Cattle from French (which had been put into the clover of field No. 1) into the large Meadow at the Mill also 2 Calves. The blind Cow was left at Frenchs. One being killed and another having died makes the number (31) that was sent to the above pasture.
At French’s—The Plows from Dogue run, Ferry, & Muddy hole were preparing for sowing Wheat. Three harrows, one pair being added from the ferry were covering the Seed which the Farmer began to sow to day. The Harrow was run over, after the Plows, & before Sowing, to level the ground and rake the grass & Weeds into heaps; but the ground was miserably rough notwithstanding they were to pass twice after sowing. The People at this place were getting the Seed from the flax in order to spread it.
At the Ferry—The Hoe people were brushing over the most grassy Potatoes in the Corn ground—Three Plows at Frenchs.
Mrs. Craik and her daughter went away after dinner to Colo. McCarty’s.

Saturday 6th. Thermometer at 76 in the Morng.—76 at Noon and 72 at Night. Wind at No. Et. with appearances of rain towards evening.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—One harrow was covering the Wheat that had been sown (viz. 12½ Bushels). All the other hands were getting in Wheat, and treading out a bed. Waggn. & 2 Carts employd.
At Muddy hole—One harrow was employed in covering the Wheat, the sowing of which was now finished at this place (except a little of the Cape Wheat wch. is to be sown where the Irish Potatoes and Jerusalem Artichokes are now growing) and which is as follow in field No. 3 viz.—In the small cut East of the Branch 10 Bls. Next the Pease three pecks of red imported Wheat in drills—3 rows. This grain was much shrivelled & bad. Next to these, in

drills also, was 10 Bushels of White imported Wheat (called Harrison) large, but not full & plump—then 14 Bushls. of the common Wheat—Seed from the Neck. On the North side of the road leading from the Gate to the Barn 21 bushls. of common wheat also from the Neck was sown—making together—drilled and broad 55 Bushels. The other hands were stripping the Seed from the Flax—getting in and Stacking Wheat.
At Dogue Run—The Waggon from the Mansn. House aided the Cart in getting in Wheat. The Plows were at Frenchs and the other hands were stacking and making fences round the Wheat Yard.
At French’s—All the Plows were at Work as yesterday; and would finish crossing all the B. Wht. grd. this afternoon. The part South of the road from the Bars was sown—harrowed and compleated—but in a rough manner. Part on the other, or North side of this road was also sown, and the harrows covering it. The Pease ground at the No. end of this field which had been plowed in were cross plowed—part harrowed (across the last plowing) and a bushel of the plain white Wheat, sent me by Beale Bordley, Esqr., sown thereon in drills— rows. The hands of this Plantation were beating the seed from the flax in order to spd. it.
At the Ferry. The Plows were at Frenchs as yesterday and the other hands brushing over the Potatoes in the Corn.

   John Beale Bordley’s wheat seed arrived at Mount Vernon between 1 and 17 Aug. together with some barley and madder. “No Wheat that has ever yet fallen under my observation,” GW wrote Bordley, “exceeds the White which some years ago I cultivated extensively; but which, from inattention during my absence from home of almost nine years has got so mixed or degenerated as scarcely to retain any of its original characteristic properties. But if the march of the Hessian Fly, Southerly, cannot be arrested; . . . this White Wheat must yield the palm to the yellow bearded, which alone, it seems, is able to resist the depredations of that destructive insect. This makes your present of it to me more valuable. It shall be cultivated with care” (17 Aug. 1788, MHi: Waterston Papers).

Sunday 7th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—67 at Noon and 64 at Night. The Clouds of yesterday evening produced Rain about 9 Oclock last Night, which they continued to do, more or less, through the whole of it and part of the forenoon of this day—Wind remaining at No. Et. and continuing cloudy all day.
Colo. Gilpin dined here, and went away in the afternoon for Colchester.

Monday 8th. Thermometer at 65 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Thunder & Rain a little before day—heavy

Morning with the Wind (tho’ not much of it) a little to the East of North in the forenoon and So. Wt. afterwards, & clear.
Brought 12 Ploughs, with all the hands that could be spared from the Wheat yard in the Neck—viz.—all from Muddy hole—all from D. Run except the 2 old Women & two that were sick—and all from Frenchs and the Ferry that were not sick; making in the whole  in order, while the ground was in its present moist State, to get the Corn ground in front of the Mansion house, expeditiously sown with Wheat; began by the White gates, on the South Side of the Road.
The Waggon, and Carts from D. Run, Ferry and Frenchs, were Carting Brick Wood.
Spread all the Flax, wt. the Hay makers, the Seed of which had been taken off at French’s.
At French’s, Harrowing in Wht. on the No. Cut, where the Harrows were on Saturday; the ground since the Rain harrowing better than it did before—also sowing, with the Barrel Plow, One bushel of the White bearded Wheat sent me by Beale Boardly Esqr. adjoining to the plain Wht. sowed on Saturday—and adjoining this again (likewise in drills) 9 Gallons of the Cape Wheat from that Gentleman also. Note—the Plain White which was sown on Saturday (in drills) was either not covered, or covered so thinly as to have much of it left quite bare by the late rains. This, in a degree, was the case of that sown broad in the same field—South side of the Et. cut.

Tuesday 9th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 66 at Night. A good deal of distant Thunder and lightng. in the Night, but no rain. Wind this Morning at No. Wt. & pleasant—the same through the day.
Work going on as yesterday in the Corn ground at the Mansion house. About One Oclock the Wheat on the South side of the road was sown and Hoed & plowed in—and the other side begun. Began also to sow the South side with Timothy Seed on the Wheat. Ordered a gallon of clean seed to be allowed to the Acre.
Finished sowing Wheat in the cut at Frenchs where the harrows were at work yesterday. In both sides of this cut (East of the Branch) 32 Bushels of Wheat were Sown. That on the So. side of the road from the Bars, by the Cabbins, to the Gate, was harrowed once before sowing and twice afterwards—but that on the No. side of the said road, was not, at least the No. East end of it, harrowed till after sowing. Finished sowing, in drills, the Wheat by the Gate and Manleys Ho.; & not having enough of the Cape Wheat from

Mr. Bordley to do this I sent half a bushel of my own to compleat it—which with three pecks more was all the sound & clean seed that was raised of this sort of Wheat last year and added to other circumstances which have been heretofore remarked of it, proves that it is of too precarious a kind to be depended on for a crop—for in the first place it will not stand hard frost—and in the next place it does not fill kindly and is subject to rust.

   The Waggon & Carts that were drawing Brick Wood yesterday, were at it again to day. About 12 Oclock to day the Brick layers compleated the 12th. course of Bricks, of the 14 Inch Wall from the second floor in the New Barn.

Wednesday 10th. Thermometer at 60 in the morning—68 at Noon and 66 at Night. Morning clear with the wind at No. Wt. wch. afterwards shifted (though there was but little of it) to the East veering Northerly—clear & pleasant all day.
Visited the Plantations in the Neck, Muddy hole and Frenchs Plantations.
At the first—the Waggon and two Carts were drawing in Wheat and People as usual employed and stacking of it—Five plows and one harrow preparing for, and putting in Wheat—one triangular harrow running betwn. the Corn Rows—3 Women picking up Apples & threshing rye. The others at the Corn ground at the Mansion House.

At Muddy hole. All hands were in the Corn field at the Mansion House. The Wheat sowed in drills at this place seems to be coming up very thin. Whether more is to arise, or the ground was not sufficiently seeded cannot as yet be decided on. The latter is to be feared—nor is it perfectly in drills being too much scattered. Note—to do this work well furrows should be opened for the seed to fall in.
At Dogue run—except the two old Women, the rest of the hands were at the Mansn. House.
At Frenchs—Two Women and a boy were spreading the trash which had been raked into heaps in the newly sown Wheat ground and hoeing around the Stumps—all the rest were at the Mansion House.
At the Ferry—all were at the Mansion House. The Carts of the last 3 places were engaged at the Brick yard.
At the Mansion House—finished sowing the Wheat in the Corn ground 35½ bushls. from the Neck on both sides the road up to the last cleared ground. On the South Side of the road 13 gallons of clean timothy seed (mixed with Sand) was sown. More ought to have been sown—24 at least as I directed a gallon to be allowed to the Acre. On the other, or No. Side of the road Orchard grass was sown—viz.— Bushels. As the whole was not chopped in this afternoon—the hands from Muddy hole and the Ferry were ordered to compleat it to morrow.

Thursday 11th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morng.—72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Clear Morning with a breeze from the No. East which cond. through the day.
Mrs. Plater and her two daughters, and Mr. George Digges and his Sister came here to dinner and stayed all night.
Mr. Lear returned home to day.

   George Plater, of St. Mary’s County, Md., married Elizabeth Rousby (d. 1789) of Calvert County, Md., in 1764. Their daughters were Rebecca Plater (b. 1765) and Anne Plater (b. 1772).

   The sister of George Digges who came today was probably his unmarried sister Ann, who apparently lived at Warburton until her death about 1804. George Digges’s other two living sisters were married: Elizabeth to Daniel Carroll (d. 1790) and Jane to John Fitzgerald (BOWIEEffie Gwynn Bowie. Across the Years in Prince George’s County: A Genealogical and Biographical History of Some Prince George’s County, Maryland and Allied Families. Richmond, Va., 1947., 258).

   Tobias Lear had set out from Mount Vernon sometime in May to visit his family and friends in Portsmouth, N.H. Although he planned to remain in New England six to eight weeks, several matters relating to settlement of his father’s estate obliged him to stay longer (Lear to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 May and 6 June 1788, MHi: Lincoln Papers; Lear to GW, 2, 22 June and 31 July 1788, DLC:GW).

Friday 12th. Thermometer at 62 in the morn. 72 at Night and 72 at Night. Cloudy with the Wind to the Eastward of North in the Morning with clouds & Sunshine alternately thro the day. Wind continuing in the same qr.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck. The Ploughs and harrows from the different Plantations were at Work, preparing for, and putting in Wheat—one harrow in the Corn and the Waggon & Carts drawing in Wheat. The other hands were cleaning Wheat (which had been tread out yesterday) and picking up apples.
At Muddy hole—The Cart was drawing in Rye—others spreading Flax the seed of which had been taken of and measured 2 Bushels.
At Dogue run—Two Carts (one from French’s) and the Mans[io]n Ho[use] Waggon were drawing in Wheat and those who were not employed in loading & Stacking were getting the Seed of the Flax.
At French’s the People were Hoeing round the stumps in the field No. 5 Newly sown with Wheat and taking up the grubs.
At the Ferry the People were about there fencing—the Ploughs as those of the other Places being in the Neck.

Saturday 13th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning—76 at Noon and 76 at Night. A very thick fog this morning, which continued until 10 ’Oclock.

Rid with Mrs. Plater and Mrs. Washington to the Mill and New Barn.
Colo. Plater, Mr. Hall & a Mr. Mathews came here (from Mr. Digges’s) just after we had dined—stayed all N.

Sunday 14th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 71 at Night. Cloudy morning with the Wind at No. East—clear afterwards but the Wind still remaining at the same point.
Colo. Plater, his Lady & daughters; Mr. Digges & his Sister; and Mr. Hall and Mr. Mathews went away after breakfast.

Monday 15th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning—78 at Noon and 74 at Night. Clouds, with the Wind still Easterly in the morning; About noon it shifted to the Southward and there were great appearances of rain but none fell. At Night it got to No. West.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—21 plows and Harrows were employed in preparing for, and putting in Wheat—The Harrow that was in the Corn having finished that Work. The Carts and Waggen were drawing Grain from field No. 3. Some of the People were stacking and others spreading the trash raked together by the Harrows.
At Muddy hole—Getting in and stacking the Rye and threshing it out.
At Dogue run—The Cart from Frenchs, and the Waggon from the Mansn. House were assisting in getting in the grain—some of the people assisting in this and in Stacking. The rest with the People from the Ferry, were getting the Seed from the Flax.
At French’s—The People had just finished about 12 Oclock getting the Seed from the flax and spreading it, after which they were ordered to Dogue Run.
At the Ferry—The Plows were in the Neck, and the other People were, as above, at Dogue run.

Tuesday 16th. Thermometer at 73 in the Morning—77 at Noon and 76 at Night. Wind Southerly and warm, with appearances of rain till Night when the wind got round to the No. W.
Rid to Muddy hole, Dogue run, French’s & the Ferry.
At the first—Having got in the grain, the Cart, after carrying a load of Rye to the Mill went into the Neck to assist with the grain there. Some of the other hands were employed in cleaning the Rye wch. they had threshed and others came to the Corn at the Mansn. Ho. to cut the tops. Note—this Corn, since the working it received to put in the Wheat and grass Seeds, has fired most astonishingly

except the part which was worked since harvest. This seems rather to be benifitted—tho’ after that working it fired a good deal but recovered its colour again. Now it is too to do this by that wch. has lately fired.
At Dogue run—The same hands, with the addition of those from Frenchs were employed as yesterday and in spreading the flax from which the Seed had been taken. Finished getting in all the grain this Evening.
At French’s & the Ferry—the Plows & People were abroad as already mentioned.

Wednesday 17th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 70 at Night. Morning clear and Wind at No. Wt.—pleasant all day.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck—Finished sowing Wheat in No. 8 last Night; and the Plow horses were engaged to day in treading out a bed of Rye, and another of Oats. Some Plows, were engaged in the ground where the bunch homony beans grew. 106½ bushels of Wheat were sown in the above field. The Carts from Muddy hole and French’s were assisting here to get in the grain and except those who were employed in loading the Carts and stacking the People were attending the treading out of the above grain.
At Muddy hole—The hands except those who were with the Plows were about the Fodder in the Mansion House Corn field.
At Dogue run—the same hands as yesterday, were employed about the Flax. Some still remained at the Stacks, the grain not being all secured.
At French’s and the Ferry the hands were absent as before mentioned, with the flax at D. R.

Thursday 18th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning—76 at Noon and 76 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. in the morning and Southerly afterwards—perfectly clear.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run Plantations.
At the first—began with the Plows belonging to it and those of Frenchs to break up field No. 3 for Corn next year, but the ground had got so hard as to oblige them to go twice in the same furrow. The hands of this place (except the Ferry men) still at D. Run about the Flax.
At Frenchs—the Plows were employed as above—the hands at Dogue run.
At Dogue Run—Four of the Plows belonging to the place and

the 3 from Muddy hole began to break up No. 7 for Corn, next year. All the other people together with those from French’s and the Ferry were getting the Seed from, & spreading of the Flax.
The People from Muddy hole except one who was cutting and attending the Tobacco, were about the Fodder at the Mansion House.

Friday 19th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning—76 at Noon and 70 at Night. Morning clear with the Wind at South—towards evening it got to So. Wt. & began to lower.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—The Carts &ca. would have finished (by Night) getting in all the grain. The other people after cleaning up the Oats & Rye which had been tread out—viz.—43½ of the first, & 72 of the latter were employed in pulling the blades of the Corn from which the tops had been taken yesterday—No Plows at Work here to day—nor since the Wheat was Sown.
At Muddy hole—All hands, except those with the Plows and Cart were employed with the Fodder at the Mansion House.
At Dogue run. Seven plows were at Work. The other hands, with those from the Ferry and French’s were about the Flax which would be stripped of the Seed & spread to day.
At Frenchs—the Plows and other People were employed as yesterday.
At the Ferry—Five Plows were at Work one from Frenchs wanting repairs.

Saturday 20th. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning—70 at Noon And 70 at Night. Morning heavy with the Wind at No. East. Cloudy all day, with grt. appearances of rain towards night.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run.
At the first—The Plow horses of this place and Frenchs were treading out a bed of Rye—The other hands attending.
At Frenchs—The people were cleaning the flax Seed which had been beat out some days ago 4¾ bushl., & Hoeing the waste ground adjoing. the fences of field No. 5 in which to put Wheat.
At Dogue Run—The Plow horses were engaged in treading out Rye—the People in attending the work, and cleaning flax Seed—which was sent to the Mansn. House—qty. 22½ bushels.
Colonel Harrison, and Colo. Hoe came here to dinner and stayed all Night.

Sunday 21st. Thermometer at 60 in the morning—62 at Noon and 60 at Night. Morning clear with the Wind a little to the East

of North—after wch. it shifted more Easterly but still continued tolerably clear.
Mr. John Nisbet, & a Mr. Cunningham from the West Indies came here to dinner and stayed all Night.
Colo. Hooe returned to Alexandria after dinner.

Monday 22d. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning—62 at Noon and 63 at Night. Morning cloudy with the Wind about North a little Et.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run and French’s.
At the first the People began to get fodder—aided by the hands from the latter. Six plows were at work, breaking up field No. 3 twice in a Furrow. The Carts (Frenchs joined) were drawing Rails to enclose the Wheat and Hay stacks.
At French’s—Hands employed as above at the Ferry.
At Dogue run—Eight Plows were at Work breaking up field No. 7—twice in a furrow. The other hands were employed in getting fodder.
At Muddy hole—The whole force was about getting in, and securing the fodder at the M. Ho.
Mr. Nisbet, Mr. Cunningham, & Colo. Harrison went away after breakfast. Majr. Powell—Sub. Sheriff came here on business before dinner & dined.

   GW today paid Joseph Powell, Jr., £14 5s. 7½d. for the current parish levy on his 153 tithables plus clerk’s fees (LEDGER BGeneral Ledger B, 1772–1793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., 268, 275). Powell was sworn a Fairfax County subsheriff 17 Jan. 1785 and apparently served to the end of 1788 or early 1789 (Fairfax County Order Book for 1783–88, 105, and Fairfax County Order Book for 1788–91, 243, Vi Microfilm).

Tuesday 23d. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning 72 at Noon and 72 at Night. But little Wind and that Westerly in the Morning—towards evening what there was of it was Southerly.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—Seven Plows began yesterday to break up Field No. 9. The rest of the hands were about the fodder.
At Muddy hole—All hands, and the Cart, were engaged with the fodder.
At Dogue run—The Cart was drawing Rails for a fodder Stack. All the other hands were engaged in pulling Blades. Seven plows were at Work breaking up No. 7.
At Frenchs—The Plows and Cart, and all the hands were at the Ferry.
At the Ferry—Six plows were at Work in field No. 3. The Carts

were drawing Rails to enclose the Wheat and the other hands were about the fodder.

Wednesday 24th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 72 at Night. A heavy fog in the Morning which cleared away between 8 and 9 Oclk. but little wind in the forenoon—in the afternoon a breeze from the So. Et. and lowering.
Rid to the Ferry, French’s and Dogue run Plantations.
At all of which the same work as yesterday—precisely—so likewise at Muddy hole.

Thursday 25th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—72 at Noon and 72 at Night. A fog in the morning, but clear afterwards, & warm all day.
Dined at Mr. Benja. Dulany’s but passed through the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run.
At all of which the same work was going on—both with the Plows and other people—as yesterday.

Friday 26th. Thermometer at 63 in the morning—78 at Noon and 73 at Night. Clear morning with little or no Wind—So. Et. afterwards with appearances of Rain in the evening which went off by the winds shifting to the No. Wt.
Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck—Six plows only were at Work. All the other hands were engaged about the Fodder.
At Muddy hole—The three Plows belonging here were at Dogue run and the other hands at the Mansion house about the Fodder whh. would be compleated this Night.
At Dogue run—French’s and the Ferry the same work as usual both with the Plows and Hoe People was going on.
Mr. & Mrs. Crawford (of Maryland) who came here on Wednesday evening went away this Morning after breakfast.

Saturday 27th. Thermometer at 60 in the morning—68 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear Morning with the Wind at No. Wt. Calm afterwards, or very little wind from So. Et.
Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs and Dogue run Plantations.
The same work at all three, as in the days preceeding—with the Muddy hole hands in aid at the latter.
Turned the Mares & Colts from the Pasture at the home house into that at the Ferry to day.
Received a Bull calf from Mr. Digges’s to day.
Mr. Chas. Lee came here in the afternoon & stayed all Night.

Sunday 28th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—71 at Noon and 73 at Night. Clear morning with the Wind (though not much of it) at South where it continued all day, and towards night lowered a little.

Monday 29th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning—75 at Noon and 73 at Night—Wind at South and Morning hazy, or lowering. Cloudy afterwards—and at Night a slow and moderate rain.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—All the tops were cut and blades pulled from the Corn on Saturday last, but not got in being too green. All hands, except 5 people at the Plows, getting them in to day.
At Muddy hole—All hands were at Dogue run.
At Dogue Run—Six plows only were at Work. All the other hands with those from Muddy hole, were getting fodder—except the Carter who was drawing Rails to make the division between fields No. 5 & 6.
At French’s—All hands were at the Ferry—and
At the Ferry—Six plows were at work—and the other hands were about the Fodder.
Began to cut with Scythes the Indian Pease at Frenchs in field No. 5.
Put the Rams to the Ewes at all the Planns.

Tuesday the 30th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morng. 65 at Noon and 63 at Night. Cloudy Morning with the wind fresh from the Northward. Raining more or less all last Night.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French’s & Dogue run.
At the first—The Six plows were at Work and all the hands of both Plantations about the fodder which would be all down but not dry enough to secure to day.
At Frenchs—The Plows and other force, were at the Ferry as above.
At Dogue run—Seven plows were at Work. The other hands with those from Muddy hole were about the fodder which would be all down to day—but not got in.
A Mr. Cary (who came here to enquire into his right to Lands under the claim of one Williams his father in law) dined here and returned to Alexandria afterwards.

   John Cary (Carey) married Elizabeth Williams, daughter of John Williams, in Lancaster County 23 Aug. 1785. John Williams had served under GW as a lieutenant in the Virginia Regiment Sept. 1755 to June 1757 but had apparently died without receiving his share of veterans’ lands. Cary did not

succeed in making good his father-in-law’s claim until 12 Dec. 1792 when the Virginia Assembly passed an act authorizing warrants to be issued to Cary and to Williams’s unmarried daughter Martha for 1,000 acres each (HENINGWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819–23. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 13:610).


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

Wednesday 1st. day. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning—56 at Noon and 56 at Night. Cloudy morning with the Wind at No. East. Lowering afterwards till about 2 Oclock when it began to Rain & continued to do so pretty steadily till bedtime—probably all night. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—The Fodder not being dry enough to take in, the People were employed in pulling up the Blackeye pease by the Roots. Seven plows were at work in No. 9. At Muddy hole—all the hands with the Cart were at Dogue run. At Dogue run—Seven plows were at Work. All the other hands (that were well) with those from Muddy hole were turning flax. At Frenchs—the hands of the Plantation, with those from the Ferry, were turning flax & getting Poles & forks for a fodder House. At the Ferry—Six plows were at Work. The other hands, except one or two who were about their fodder house were as above, at French’s.


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

Saturday 4th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—64 at Night and 63 at Night. Raining till about 9 or 10 Oclock with the Wind Easterly. Cloudy all the rest of the day. Towards dusk the wind shifted to the No. Wt. and it grew cool. At Abingdon still.


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

 Tuesday 7th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning—54 at Noon and 50 at Night—Wind at No. Et. with unceasing tho remitting rain till Noon and very cloudy the remaing. part of the day. Did not stir from home.


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

Wednesday 8th. Thermometer at 55 in the Morning—65 at Noon and 63 at Night. A very thick fog till nine Oclock—after which the Sun came out and it was very pleasant till about Noon when there was Sun shine and clouds alternately afterwards—Wind at So. Wt. in the morning which veered more to the northward afterwards. Rid to the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs & the Ferry. At Muddy hole, after pulling up the Early (or Carolina) Pease, the hands about Noon, went to Dogue run to assist about their fodder. At Dogue run—The people were opening & spreading the fodder. 7 Plows were at work and the Cart as that of Muddy hole, Frenchs and the Ferry also were, were carting brick wood at the New Barn. At French’s—After opening the Tops, the People were employed in taking up the Flax which had been spread and was supposed to be rotten enough. Sent Mr. Lear to Alexandria to day on business.


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

Friday 10th. Thermometer at 57 in the Morning—57 at Noon and 57 at Night. Wind at No. Et. all day and very cloudy. After dark it rained pretty briskly for some time. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run. It was this day, and not yesterday, that the above Horses were cut. At the Ferry the hands were assisting about the Fodder. At French’s—all hands were engaged about the Fodder. At Dogue run—after having got all the Flax which had been taken up the overnight into the Tobacco Ho. the People assisted by those of Muddy hole set about taking up the Irish Potatoes in order to prepare the ground for Wheat. 7 Plows at Work.


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

Saturday 11th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning—68 at Noon and 68 at Night. Clear with the Wind at No. Wt. all day, and not unpleasant. Rid to all the Plantation’s. In the Neck—Seven Plows and a harrow were at Work in the Pease grd. by the Barn which by Night would be sowed with Wheat. On the South side of this field  bushls. of the Wh. English Seed Wheat was sown. Next to this (a small space being left) was a Wheat sent me by Mr. Jno. Barns—about 3½ bushels and the residue of the grd. was sown with Wheat raised on the Plantation 19½ bushels. The other hands were turning Pease and digging Irish Potatoes. Of the latter, from 23 rows comprehended between the first & last Carrot Rows were taken 135 Bls. & put into the Corn Ho.  From Muddy hole—all hands were gone to Dogue R. At Dogue run—The whole force were employed (except the Plows) in getting up & carrying in Potats. Seven Plows were at work. At French’s—The hands of the Plantation, with those of the Ferry, were employed about the fodder; finished at this Place with the House gang & Ditchers, cuttg. down the Pease which had been sown in Broadcast in field No. 6 but, though some of them had been cut down more than a week none were dry enough to stack, or put away. At the Ferry—Six plows (as usual) were at work in field No. 3 which was nearly broke up. Cut at the Mann. Ho. to day—the 2 Working Stallions from Frenchs; 1 Year old Mule Colt; 3 Mule Colts of this Spring; and 1 horse Colt belonging to the Black Mare at Frenchs and likewise a spring (sorrel colt with a blaze face) at Dogue run, & one in the Neck. Mr. Hunter and a Captn. Oudebards (a French Gentleman from the West Inds.) dined here to day and returned to Alexandria in the Evening.


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

Sunday the 12th. Thermometer at 55 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 66 at Night. Wind at West in the Morning—abt. No. Wt. at Noon and So. Wt. at Night. Clear warm and pleasant all day. A Mr. Whiting of Berkeley, on his way from Gloucester (with a letter from Mr. Francis Willis Junr.) called here—& dined, after which he proceeded to Alexandria. This Gentleman was requested to inform Mr. Willis, in answer to his letter to me—dated 24th. of Septr. last—that if the sum for which he sold the Negroes (of which Mrs. Washington the Widow of my deceased Brother Saml. Washington died possessed, & by Will gave to her Son, by him, to whom I am heir) with Interest thereon from the time of her death and my interest therein commenced that I shall neither reclaim the Negros—nor give him any trouble for the illegality of the Act of disposing of them.


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

Monday 13th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning—65 at Noon and 64 at Night. Clear and very pleasant all day with the wind Southerly. Rid to all the Plantations and to Majr. Geo. Washingtons to give him, at his request, my opinion respecting the spot on which to place his Houses. In the Neck—The Plows began to put in Rye in the Corn ground—the Pease in Broad cast not being removed from the ground, so as to admit the Sowing of Wheat—Turning the Pease which had been pulled up by the Roots in order to cure & Stack them—Pulling Pumpkins and threshing Oats. Muddy hole hands at Dogue run—the Cart belonging to that place drawing Pease together at French to Stack. At Dogue Run—Seven Plows were at Work and would, by dinner time, finish (with what was plowed in the Spring) breaking up field No. 7 for Corn next year. The Cart was drawing Rails to fence the Hay Stacks in the middle & upper Meadow. All the other hands, with those from Muddy hole were digging Irish Potatoes. From the short Rows between the first Carrot row on the West side of the Field & the Woods 126½ bushls. of Potatoes were dug. At French’s. Two Carts, and all the hands of that & the Ferry Plantation were employed about the Fodder—the Ferry men excepted. The House gang were employed at this place in curing, getting up, & Stacking the Pease which had been cut here. The Ditchers went into the Neck to cutting the broadcast Pease there. At the Ferry 5 Plows only were at Work.


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

Tuesday 14th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—64 at Noon and 64 at Night. Wind Southerly with great appearances of Rain all the forenoon but clear afterwards.  Rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, and Dogue run Plantations. At the Ferry, only 5 plows were at Work. The driver of the other got hurt. The other hands were at French’s. At French’s, two Carts and all the hands were about the Fodder. Stirring the Pease at this place with the small gang about the Mann. House. 3 Men began to ditch below Manleys houses up to the Ferry road. At Dogue run—Two Plows and a harrow began to put in Wheat among the Corn (from whence the Potatoes were taken) on the west side of field No. 5. The other 4 Plows began on the South side of No. 3 to break it up for Spring grain next year. All the other hands with those from Muddy hole were digging Potatoes. A Mr. Brown clerk to Mr. Hartshorn came here on business of the Potomk. Company.


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

Wednesday 15th. Thermometer at 60 in the morning—65 at Noon and 63 at Night. Morning clear and calm. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck—the Mowers having cut down all the Pease (in broad Cast) in field No. 8 were employed in cuttg. down the grass and Weeds where the flax grew in order that it might be spread and rot. The Hoe People were digging Potatoes, chopping in Rye and wd. go to getting the Pease from field No. 8 in order that Wheat might be sowed therein. Seven plows and two harrows were employed in putting in Rye. The Muddy hole people were employed with their Plows at D.R. as usual. At Dogue run—Four Plows were breaking up field No. 3 and three others were plowing in Wheat, but finding more plows necessary for the latter purpose two from the former were added. All the others were digging Potatoes—of which, between the Easternmost and Westernmost Carrot rows came 198½ Bushels from 34 Rows. At Frenchs—about 1 Oclock—the last of the blades were pulled and some of the Pease ground in field No. 6 got in order for plowing in Wheat. At the Ferry—5 plows were at work and would by Night compleat breaking up field No. 3. The other hands were at Work at Frenchs. Colo. Carrington and Mr. Robt. Purviance of Baltimore, and Mrs. Jenifer and Miss Wagener came here to dinner and stayed all Night.