Title: Resolutions of Officers regarding the Royal Proclamation of 1763, 15 September 1772
From: Washington, George
To:

Fredericksburg 15th Septr 1772

We the Subscribers Commissioned Officers who had the honour to serve his Majesty in the late War in America, having met to consider of a proper method to obtain the Lands granted to us by his Majestys Proclamation bearing date at St James’s the 7th day of October 1763 and published by Govr Fauquier by his Proclamition bearg date at Williamsburg the 12th day of Jany 1764 have come to the following Resolutions.
First. By the Terms of said Proclamation we are restricted from acting in this affair for any absent Officers, the Personal appearance of each claimant before the Govr of the Provence being necessary to ascertain his Title such absent Officers however who choose to join us are at liberty notwithstanding to do so at our next meeting to be held at this place on Monday the 23d off Novr next.
Second. The Sum of three pounds Cury is at our next meeting to be deposited in the hands of Messrs Woodford & Weeden for each thousand Acres which we severally claim by his Majesty’s Proclamation, to be employed in defraying such expences as the discovery and Surveying of our Lands may require.
Third. Together with Messrs Woodford & Weedon we appoint the following Subscribers who reside in this neighbourhood to act for us in this affair, to wit, Messrs Dangerfield, Buckner, Duncanson[,] Chew & Mercer whom we empower to meet as often as they think necessary and give Instruction’s to proper persons to be employd in Surveying the Lands; by their Orders the necessary Sums are to be disbursed and we hereby oblige ourselves to pay into the hands of Messrs Woodford and Weedon on demand such sums of money as the said Gentlemen or a Majority of them shall find necessary to defray any future contingent expences that may arise in the prosecution of this affair.
Fourth. If any Subscriber fails to deposit the first mentiond

Sum or to comply with the requisition of the Treasurer’s as above mentioned such Gentlemen is to be considered as having alter’d his Intention of Prosecuting this Affair and gives up his claim to any advantage from our proceedings.
Fifth. Nor being sufficiently informd what Lands on the Waters of the Ohio are already appropriated, we defer to our next meeting the consideration of the most proper place to begin our Surveys.

Go: Washington
Wm Woodford

Wm Peachy
Larken Chew

Hugh Mercer
LeRoy Griffin

Wm Buckner
Holt Richardson

Thos Bullett
Wm Bradley

Wm Dangerfield
James Duncanson

Geo. Weedon
John Stadler


Title: To George Washington from John Connolly, 18 September 1772
From: Connolly, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Pittsburgh Septembr 18th 1772.

Since I had the pleasure of seeing you here, some apparent favourable Circumstances induced Me to re-visit the Western

World, & cursorily to feast upon, the various Novelties afforded, in so ample a Speculative Field.
In my return from the Illinois I could not refrain from accompanying Majr Hamilton & the other Gentn on a Visit to the great Licks, where the Elephant’s Bones render them more particularly remarkable; & as they were all employed in collecting Curiosities agreeable to their respective inclinations, I just stumbled upon the Tooth I now present you with, begging your Acceptance thereof, as a Testimonial of my regard for your Person, & those Abilities contributing to the protection, & formerly to the reduction of this extensive, & valuable Territory.
As some Account of the place may be (perhaps) satisfactory to yourself, as well as to your Friends, I shall attempt giving you as instructive an Idea of its appearance, Situation &a as my confined knowledge may permit, & leave you (Sir) & the interested Enquirers into these abstruse matters to ascertain the true Species of these Animals, the course of their Route into that Country, & suchlike relative Speculations, as must naturally arise in the Breast of the inquisitive, from so extraordinary a Phenomenon. About twenty five miles below the great Miamis River, East of the Ohio, & at the enterance of a small Creek you will perceive a path, which by pursuing Easterly leads you into plainer & larger roads, untill having continued the same Course a Mile, or perhaps better, you find yourself conducted by a large well beaten Way, thro. a most delightfull Country, to the Licks; in my Opinion about four Miles from the Ohio.
These Licks (so much frequented by Buffaloe at present,) are an assemblage of a Variety of Springs (the head Sources of the small Creek allready mentioned) tho. not currently discharging the Water as generally happens, but slowly oozing thro’ the Earth it becomes strongly impregnated with nitros or saline particles & nearly resembles the Washings of a dirty Frozil, communicating a Salt taste to the Tongue when applied. The Lick particularly where the large Bones are now found, is the most Westerly One; having a high reddish Bank upon the West, in the sides of which you may perceive a number of Bones, of different sizes, variously projecting. The black Mud forming the Lick, may contain near half an Acre, of a glutinous & oily-like substance, so that unwieldy as these Animals must have been, no doubt became so effectually ingulphed, that all attempts to

extricate themselves became fruitless, & thus accounts for their general distruction at this place. What confirms me in this Opinion, was my incautiously attempting to run a-cross the Lick, to secure a large Bone on the opposite side, when I found the Way impracticable; being so bogg’d that it was not without Assistance I made my road back again.
I discovered an under Jaw very little affected by Time with all the Teeth perfectly secure. This was really a Curiosity, & could not fail giving One an Astonishing Idea of the vast Body it helped to constitute. An Officer of my Acquaintance earnestly requesting it, I was prevailed upon (tho. not without reluctance) to part with my property.
I have seen Doctor Hunter’s Lectures upon some of the Bones sent to the Royal Society by Coll Croghan & Capt. Gordon; in which He calls them the Pseudo Elephant & says such are yet found in different parts of Siberia, but rather abruptly concludes, by affirming the whole Race to be now extinct. It would be construed presumption in Me to question the Authority of so judicious A Man, however inconsistent with the general Operations of Nature so extraordinary an Assertion may appear. It is certainly thus far authenticated, that no such Animals are at present found upon the Continent. I must not omit informing You, for the entertainment of your Philosophic Friends, that about 8 hundred Miles up the Missouri River similiar Bones have been found, tho’ not the Appearance of more than One Skeleton. Thus the Speculative may have some reason to determine their Course from the Westward. We find that Hannibal in his expedition against the Romans was particularly delayed in conveying them over the Rhone on his March to Italy by Bridges &a how then these Animals could have passed the Missisippi & Ohio Rivers only, exclusive of looking so far back as a supposed Strait between the Eastern part of Asia & the S:W: parts of this Continent added to the known obnoxiousness of a Northern Clime, will no doubt be puzzling to the most refined Enquirers. These Matters I refer to the more penetrating researches of inquisitive Investigators, & just beg leave to touch another Vain.
It is astonishing to me that notwithstanding your Colony of Virginia is honoured with a number of spirited, & enterprizing Gentlemen you have so long neglected an Acquaintance with the true value of this Western Country. I am sensible that the

cultivation of Tobacco could be no where more advantageously carried on, than in different parts of West Florida Government; & I am at this present acquainted with large Bodies of Land unappropriated, & excellently adapted to that purpose, open to a Market by a very good, at least tolerable Navigation for Boats of any Burden. An Association amongst a Number of your Friends to send down Negroes with proper Managers by the Ohio, would not only laudably promote & incourage the Settlement, but it must also tend to your very great emolument. I must ask your pardon for thus communicating my unsollicited Opinion, & can only apologize by assuring you, that it proceeds from the great passion I have for facilitating a Settlement in that quarter; which must rise with so many grand Advantages. The Natchez is now flourishing fast, & as I plainly see what may be effected, I sigh to find matters out of my power, & the few Abilities I am possessed of, obscured, by irresistible Necessity urging me to pursuits of a different Nature. I have already exceeded the Bounds of a Letter; I must therefore after requesting your forgiveness for (possibly) intruding upon your Time for Matters of more moment, beg leave to subscribe myself with much respect Dr Sir your Friend & most obedt Servant

John Connolly

N:B. Permit me to present my Compliments to yr Lady altho. I have not the happiness of her Acquaintance.


Title: From George Washington to Sarah Bomford, 20 September 1772
From: Washington, George
To: Bomford, Sarah

Madam,
Mount Vernon 20th September 1772

The tender concern you shew to the distressed is sufficiently exemplifyed in the case of Mrs Savage, & will be attended, I am persuaded, with more pleasing reflections, than the acknowledgments of the Lady, or the thanks of her friends are capable of affording. Brutal as the Doctrs behaviour must appear to the feeling of every dispassionate mind, he is unwilling to be thought the Culprit he proves himself; for he does not scruple to assert, that Mrs Savage was not only provided with every necessary, but all kinds of conveniencies, when he left Ireland:

little, however will these assertions avail him, when oppos’d by your candid & disinterested account of his conduct towards that Lady, ⟨no⟩r will it, I apprehend, avail his purse; as we are not without hopes of bringing her Affairs to a more favourable issue then was expected in my last, there being good reason to believe, we shall now be able to set aside the Transaction with her former Agent, & consequently bring the Doctor to account for all the arrearages due on the Bond. In the mean time I send her the papers she requested thro’ you, & with all due deference & respect remain Madam Yr Most Obt humble Servant

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Margaret Savage, 20 September 1772
From: Washington, George
To: Savage, Margaret

Madam,
Mount Vernon 20th September 1772.

From the purport of Mrs Bomforts last favour by Captn Grayson it wou’d appear that my letter (and the small sum I was able to advance out of my own pocket for your immediate support) had not then got to hand; but as there is no doubt of its having done so before this; I shall not give you the trouble of having the substance of it recapitulated. In pursuance of your request, I have at length, got the original Deeds wch passed from you to the Doctor previous to your marriage, as also an authentic copy of the Doctrs Bond to you, both of which are herewith inclosed. In procuring the former, I met with a good deal of difficulty, being oblig’d to send to Williamsburg for them, after searching Prince William, Fairfax & Loudoun offices in vain. I have, at the same time, the further satisfaction of advising you, that I think we are in a fair way of setting aside the transaction with Mr Montgomerie respecting the annuity of your Bond; and consequently coming upon the Doctor for the whole sum due thereon, since the date of your marriage; but as

the matter yet hangs in suspence, I would not advise you to be altogether sanguine, till you hear from me again, wch shall be as soon as we can get the matter finally fixed with Mr Montgomerie. In the interim the suit goes on against the Doctor, & will, it is hoped, come to a hearg in a Court or two more; I wou’d advise you therefore to adhere steadily to your appointment of Mr Piper, who seems to have taken a little umbrage at your changing the channel of corrispondence from Mr Dixon, as if you were suspicious of some inattention or remissness in one or the other of them. The Doctor begins, I fancy, to squeak at the prospect; & you may for aught I know, soon receive some proposals of accomodation from him, but I wou’d advise you not to be hasty in acceding to them, as I flatter myself we are not without a very good chance of recovering the whole sum due upon the Bond; & you may be assured that his offers will fall short of his expected payments. This packet was intended to go by Capt: Grayson, but being unluckily from home, when his Ship passed by, I missed the opportunity; but hope it will get safe to your hands notwithstanding. I rejoice sincerely, that it is in my power from the information of Mrs Bomfort to congratulate you upon your recover’d state of health; at the same time I assure you that I receiv’d the accot of your affliction with real concern; Persons, & things in this neighbourhood since the date of my last, remain nearly, in statu quo; Mrs Washington & Miss Custis join their best wishes to mine, for you, and I am Madam Your most obt Servant

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Davidson, 29 September 1772
From: Davidson, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
London 29th Septr 1772

I had the Honour of Receiving your Letter with instructions concerning your Saines I shall always pay due attention to the contents I perswade myself you’ll say I have fulfild your instructions given me in these 3 saines which I heartily hope will come safe to your Hands & hope at the same time they will be in time for the intended fishery. am not Afraid but they will meet with your Approbation And if you Should see any alteration wanting if you’ll be so Obliging as to send a line in the same Channel it Shall be attended too with Great Care. Your Order his for the Corks to be put on flat ways I have only put them on upon the 65 fath. Saine for these Reasons we have tryd that Method before w[it]h every other invension for the Satisfaction of our Fishermen here but they have assurd us they realy do not bear the net up so well for they are oblig’d to be tyd on so tight that the twine Cuts them and are much apter to break and after all in Dragg the Net they will Swim Sideways Now Sr you’ll readily see the

above inconveniences I have also put 6 floats in the middle 2 together for to Shew the Center of the Net Likewise the Length of Nettg 120 fath. for the 80 fathom the other 2 in proportion I now enter upon Tanning this you may assure yourself they are pritty well wore if you have them Tand for we are obligd to Hawle them in and out to take the Tan & after that hawlg them about to Get them thoroughly dry before we Can possible pack them or else they wd soon rot And among the Hundreds of Saines I sent Abroad Last Year or this I only tand one besides yours therefore have not tand any of these I think the ¾ Inch Mashes that I have put in in the middle of the Netts this Y[ea]r will be a Cure for the maladie you mention of the herrings hangg in the Mash for last year I only put Inch Mashes which upon Examination you’ll soon perceive therefore Sr I intreat the Honour of a Line wether or no the 2 above ¾ Mashes ansr the purpose I have taperd them away at the ends too Inch & ½. I am Sir Your most Obliged Humble Servant

James Davidson


Title: Invoice from Robert Cary & Company, 29 September 1772
From: Robert Cary & Company
To: Washington, George

London 29th Septr 1772

Invoice of Cost & Charges of Goods Shipd on Board the Trimley James Page Commander for Virginia upon the Acct and risque of Colo: Geo. Washington & Consignd to himself.

John Walker Sugar

12 dble loas. 0. 3. 5 92/
[£]  3.13. 1

14 Single Do 1. 3. 4 72/
6. 8. 7

A Cask
. 3. 6

Benja. Kenton Porter

24 doz. fine old Porter Bottled packd & wird
7.16. 0

2 Casks
.11.

Cartage Shipping &ca
. 5.

Thos Johnson Turn[er]y

30 yds of yd wide fine Matting
1.17. 6

6 Best Mops
. 6.

4 Hair Brooms
. 8.

6 large dble Wire dry Rubbing Clamps
.13.

2 Round Table Brushes
. 2. 4

3 Plate Brushes
. 2. 6

A Matt
. 1.

Mauduit & Co. Woolen

4 ps. best wh: Cotton 100, 100, 98, 102–400 yds—16d.
26.13. 4

3 ps. bro: Do 107, 109, 110–326–18½
25. 2. 7

1 ps. wh: Kendl Cotton for Wrapr
.18. 0

A Bale—Canvas & Cord
. 8. 6

James Davidson Netts

A Sain 70 Fathom long 12 ft deep in the Middle & 7 feet at the ends; ¾ Inch Meshes the Middle taperd to Inch & ½ at the ends; the Corks 2½ feet assunder; the Leads 5 feet apart; best 3 strd twine composed for Fishing
12. 5. 0

A Sain 65 fathom long 12 & 7 feet as above
11. 7. 0

A Cask
.10.

A Sain 80 fathom long as above
14. 0. 0

26 lb. best 3 strd laid Twine 13d.
1. 8. 2

A Cask
. 7.

Glover & Strothoff Oznbr.

A Bale—Packg & Carting
. 4. 6

7 ps. 758 Ells Hempn Oznags 8½
26.16.11

6 ps. 419 ans brown Rolls 209½ Ells 2 prCt is 205½ Ells 4¾
4. 1. 0

1 ps. Hessen Wrapper
1. 0. 0

Darby & Morgan Blan:

A Bale—Packg &ca
. 3. 6

1 ps. best duffield Blankg 87/6
4. 7. 6

1½ dozn pr Pld Hose No. 3 11/6
.17. 3

3½ doz. pr Do Do 4 12/6
2. 3. 9

5 doz. pr Do Do 5 13/6
3. 7. 6

A Box Cord & Cordg
. 5.

Farrer & Garrett China

1 Compt Sett Tea Equipage with 8 Coffee Cups & 8 Saucers, fine Lands⟨c⟩.

1 Compt Sett Breakfast Do wt. 8 Coffee Cups & 8 Saucers
5. 0. 0

Thos Dobb Glass

2 dozn Cutt Wine Glasses 9/
.18. 0

6 Ale Ditto 12d.
. 6.

6 Tumblers Ditto 2/
.12.

4 Qt Decanters Do 4/6
.18.

J: & J: Coleman Breechs

1 pr Buck Breeches
1. 8.

Josh Middleditch Gro[cer]y

A Cask
. 4.

         2 Jarrs Raison’s
         0.2.22

         ⟨Jr⟩
          .1. 4

         1.18
          64/

1. 6. 3

         1 Jarr Currts
         1.13 3/4

         ⟨Jr⟩
         .11 1/4

         0.1. 2
         54/

.14. 6

Orange Chips 6 lb. 18d.
. 9. 0

Box
.  . 9

         Jordan Almonds
         30 lb.
         20d.

2.10.

         White Ginger
         4
         8

. 2. 8

         Mace
         1/4
         20/

. 5.

         Cinnamon
         1/4
         18/

. 4. 6

         Cloves
         1/4
         12/

. 3.

         Nutmegs
         1/4
         9/4

. 2. 4

         Figg Blew
         2
         18d.

. 3.

         Amber grease
         1 oz.

   .18.

Widow Stoughton Bitters

1 Galln Stoughton’s Bitters
1. 0. 0

2 Stone Bottles
. 1.

Francis Nalder Cheese

A Case
. 2.

2 dble Glostr Cheess. 43 lb. @ 6d.
1. 1. 6

1 Cheshire Do 43¼       6
1. 1. 7 1/2

A Chest &ca
.17. 6

Dennis &ca Sadlery

A Long white Swanskin Sadle Cloth bd with Silk, Tags, Web loops & Leather Flaps
. 5.

A large very best bla: Velvet Cap, with a silk band & Silvr Buckle
1. 6. 0

A very best whole Huntg Whip—wt. a large Silvr Cap engravd
.12. 0

1½ dozn strg Dog Couples with straps @ 12
.18.

Wm Hallier Tin

3 Block Tinn Coffee Pots
. 4. 6

Webster & Son W. Keys

A watch Key
. 1. 6

Jno. Watts & Co. Funnels

1 Quart Funnell
. 2. 6

1 pint Ditto
. 1. 6

Richards & Co. Hose

1 pr Womns fine wh. Silk Glovs.
. 6. 0

2 pr Do Mitts @ 4/
. 8.

3 pr Do thrd Hose 3/
. 9.

3 pr Do White Silk Do 10/
1.10.

2 pr Mens bro: thrd Gloves
. 2. 6

6 pr 4 thrd fine bro. thd Hose 5/
1.10.

6 pr sml Mens thrd 2/6
.15.

1 dozn larger Do Do 3/
1.16.

6 pr sml Mens Knit wors[te]d 2/6
.15.

1 dozn larger Do 3/
1.16.

Eleanr Brown Corks

10 Groce Corks & Bag 2/
1. 0. 4

Timothy Bevan Ap[othecar]y

Blister Plaister 1 lb.
. 3. 8

Oil Peper Mint 1 Oz.
. 5.

Do of Comn Mint 1 Oz.
. 3.

Spirit of Lavender 6 Oz.
. 1. 6

Balsum Capivi 4 Oz.
. 1.

Spirit Salvolatili 6 Oz.
. 2.

Bark in Powder 1 lb.
.10.

Jallop in Powder 4 Oz.
. 1. 6

best Glauber Salts 5 lb.
. 4. 2

Bottles, Flint Vials, & Jarrs
. 4. 2

Box & Cord
. 1. 4

Chas Walford B. Balls

1 doz. Blackg Balls
.10.

Edwd Gilbert Staty

1 lb. Sup[e]rf[in]e Sealg Wax red
. 6. 6

½ Rh. Suprf. 4to Post Wri[tin]g Pr
. 4. 3

½ Rm Do fo. Cap Cut
. 6. 9

½ Rm Ordy Post Do
. 3. 3

Stephn Heath Hab[erdasher]y

15 lb. fine shoe thrd 13d.
.16. 3

20 lb. bro: Ditto 18d.
1.10. 0

5 lb. Suprfe Colr 3d. Do Belln 3/
.15.

1 lb. Whited Bro: Do
. 4. 6

6 ps. brd French Tape 10d.
. 5.

3 M best Wh: Pins 7d.
. 1. 9

3 M Midling Do 10d.
. 2. 6

3 M Cauking Do 1/
. 3.

3 fine Ivory Combs 2/3
. 6. 9

8 Oz. col[ore]d Bellende Silk 2/
.16.

6 Bellende Laces 4 yds Ea: 9d.
. 4. 6

1 ps. of thrd Lace qty 80 yd 5½
1.16. 8

15 yds brd new fash. figd Rib: 7d.
. 8. 9

Jno. Didsbury Shoes

3 pr str. & 3 pr dress Shoes
2.14. 0

1 pr Morocco Lea: Slipprs
.11.

Theoa Crowley Iron

1 dozn Smiths large Flat & ½ dozn round Files
.12.

2 Smiths la: Rubr Files
. 8.

2 pr lar: Sheep Shares 18d.
. 3.

6 Bright Iron Table Spoons
.10.

Canvas Board & Cord
.  . 6

Fras Brazier Stock Pis.

To new stocking in Walnut repairing the work &ca of a fine Pistol
.15.

Thos Squire Cutlery

2 dozn pr Chinese green Case Knives & Forks Londn made
3.12.

2 pr Horse Scissars 2/6
. 5.

2 dozn Agate Cut Flints
. 7.

A two bladed knife very gd
. 4. 6

Frans Newbery J: Powdrs

1 Box of essential Salt of Lemon
. 1.

6 Papers James’s Powdrs
.15.

Chas Wilkens Pickles

A Case

To a 9 Pottle case of Pickles
2.15.10

A Box
. 1. 6

10 lb. Sulpher 4d.
. 3. 4

6 Bottles Mustard
. 6.

Box for Mustard
.  . 6

4 Qts fine Oil
.10.

4 Bottles
. 1.

A Trunk
.19.

Susan: Thorpe

a white Sattin Coat
3. 0. 0

A dressd Mi[g]n[onet]t[e] Cap with bla: Hood
3. 5.

A Minionet Cap
2. 2.

2 Pat[en]t Nett Handfs @ 12/
1. 4.

2 Patt Nett Hoods 5/6
.11.

A rich blew Sattin Bonnett trim’d with lace
1. 7.

A Box
. 1.

Hammond &ca Gloves

4 pr Womns best Wh: grd Kid Gloves
. 7. 4

6 pr Do Ditto Mitts 22/
.11.

2 pr Do Ditto Purple flow[ere]d 24/
. 4.

Vinct Mitchell Jew[elr]y

2 fancy Paste & 2 fancy Garnet Pins
1. 0.

A Neat Seal Mountd in gold
2. 2.

A pr of Gold enamd Buttons
2. 6.

a Broach Ditto
.15.

A pair of Plated Spurs
. 9.

A gravd Silvr Pencil Case
.16.

1 dozn Pencils
. 4. 6

Thos White Stays

1 pr of Stays pr Measure
1. 6. 0

Thos Gibson App[are]l

4 yds & ¼ Suprfine Crims. Cloth @ 21/
4. 9. 3

8 yds crimn ⟨scad.⟩ Velvt 11/
4. 8.

Makg the dress Suit wt. rich gold Buttons
4. 3. 9

10 yds Cassimor 9/6
4.15.

5½ yds Silk Serge 5/8
1.11. 2

Makg the dress Suit wt. rich emb[osse]d Buttons
3.15. 6

2¼ yds of Suprfe drab col[ore]d Cloth @ 18/
2. 6.

Makg the Frock and Lining & Triming & Gilt Buttons
1. 7. 9

6½ yds Suprfe blew Rattn 6/
1.19.

Makg the Sartt with Velvet Cape & Buttons &ca
1. 4. 6

1 yd Suprfe Scarlet Cloth
1. 1. 0

6¼ yds brd Gold Lace 15/
4.13. 9

Makg the Waistcoat wt. gold holes Ling &ca
1. 7. 3

A pair of very best bla: Silk Breeches
2. 0. 0

Green Baise for Packg
. 9.

John Stabler Linn

Trunk
.17. 6

1 ps. died fustian
1.18.

2 ps. Irh Linn yd wide N. 15 50 yds 15d.
3. 2. 6

1 ps. fine Do Do 4 25 2/
2.10.

2 ps. Suprfine Do Do 14 51 4/2
10.12. 6

1 ps. fine Holld Sheetg Ellwide 672 45 Ells 4/
9.  .

1 ps. Do Do 673 32½ Ells 4/2
6.15. 5

5 Suprfe dam[as]k Table Cloths Ln HH 8/4 by 10/4 21/
5. 5.

5 Do Do ⟨T.⟩ 23/
5.15.

4 yds fine Book Muslin 8/6
1.14.

5 yds fine 6/4 Jacconot 11/6
2.17. 6

4 fine Handfs y. wd. Jac[one]t bordd 4/6
.18.

1 Demi Cambrick N. 624
1. 3.

1 Suprfine Do 449
5.

1 Suprfe India Chintz bordd
3. 3.

Duty on two Demi Cambks
. 3.

Elizh Vaughan Sieves

Bundles &ca

1 Dozn Sqr. hole Sieves for Wht
2. 8. 0

Heading & Matting
. 4. 6

Packg the Sieves returnd
. 9.

Cr
  3. 1. 6

By Sieves returnd
  2.11.

.10. 6

Boucher Walton Powder

½ Bl Gunpowder @ 90/
2. 5. 0

Wat⟨ng⟩
. 5.

Turpen & Gordon Oars

12 Sqr. loomb Ash Oars 18 feet long @ 17/ a pr
5. 2. 0

Painting Ditto
. 2.

349.13. 6

Entry out Searchers Fees & Shipg Chargs.
3.10. 6

Freight Primage &ca
9.16. 6

Premo of 380£ Insd @ 2 prCt & Policy
7.17. 6

Comn @ 2½ prCt
9. 4. 6

380. 2. 6

E. Excepted
pr Robt Cary & Co.


Title: Cash Accounts, October 1772
From: Washington, George
To:

[October 1772]

Cash

Octr  7—
To Ditto [cash] Won at Cards
£  2. 5. 0

10—
To Ditto Won at Ditto
12. 8. 0

11—
To Ditto receivd for Wool
0.16. 0

19—
To Cash receivd from Mr Geo: Johnston by his Brother Wm for [Anthony] Gholson & [David] Rankins Rents recoverd by him
30.15. 0

To Ditto recd of Messrs John & Geo. Fowler for the following Bills belonging to the Estate of Colo. Thos Colvill viz. Adam Stewart on Colin Dunlop Esqr. & Son 23d Jan. 1772 £222.13.3

Sterlg Ditto on Do Ditto 94.0.4 Sterling [Total] £316.13.7 25 prCt Excha. 79.3.5
395.17. 0

Contra

[Oct.]—
By Expences of a Trip to & from the Annapolis Races travelling
2.10.11

By Servants in the trip
0.17. 6

By sundry Tickets to the Plays there
1. 0. 0

By Do Do to the Ball Do
0.12. 0

7—
By Cash paid Mr Saml Gallaway for 2 Boxes of Claret contg 12 dozn @ 45/ Md Cy pr dozn
20.14. 0

9—
By Ditto pd Colo. Ab[raham] Barnes for the Horse Doctr [James] Craik bot for me of his Son John £50 Maryld Curry equal to
40. 0. 0

By Charity
2. 3. 0

10—
By Cash lost on the Races
1. 6. 0

By Ditto paid for a Hatt for Miss Custis
4. 4. 0

By Ditto to Mr Custis at Annapolis
2.14. 0

12—
By Ditto pd Dennis Curran Ditchg on my Mill Race
4.10. 0

By Ditto paid James Boyd
0. 6. 0

By Ditto paid James Cleveland Balle Acct
26. 7. 2

By Mr Gutridge of Norfolk for Leather
11.11.10

13—
By Cash paid Jonathan Palmer
12. 0. 0

14—
By Ditto pd Captn [John] Posey for his Right to 3000 Acres of Land undr the Kings Proclamation of Octr 1763 5 half Joes
11.11. 3

16—
By Cash pd Mr Harry Piper for 200 Bls Coals
7.10. 0

19—
By Ditto advanc’d Thomas Davis
1. 0. 0

By Ditto lodg’d with Messrs Robt Adam & Co.
375. 0. 0

By ditto paid Dominicus Havenor [Gubner]
1. 0. 0

By Mr Chas Turner puttg a Crystal in W[atch]
0. 1. 6

By Ditto repairg Mrs Washington’s Watch
0.12. 0

20—
By Rappa: Overseer his exps. up after Negros Cloaths
0. 5. 0

By Cash advancd Do to pay for Tobo Hogheads
1. 0. 0

By Tom Nokes for Soree’s
0. 4. 0

By Dominicus Havenor [Gubner]
16. 8. 4

By Mr [Archibald] Cunningham of Alexa. his Acct
1.11. 7

21—
By Cash to Willm Roberts—Miller
2. 0. 0

By Ditto to My Wife
5. 0. 0

By Ditto to Mr Jno. Custis
4. 0. 0

By Ditto to Miss Custis
3. 0. 0

By my travelling expens. to Williamsburg
3.15.10

Mr Custis’s Ditto to Ditto
1. 0. 8

Miss Custis’s Ditto to Ditto
0.12. 9

By Servants in going down
0. 6. 3

22—
By a years & 3 Months Ferriage at the lower Ferry on Rappa. opp[osit]e my Mothers
0.12. 6


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Boucher, 2 October 1772
From: Washington, George
To: Boucher, Jonathan

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Octr 2d 1772.

I snatch a few moments from Company to inform you, that it is my intention at present to be with you on Sunday, in my way to Annapolis—perhaps I may dine with you, but as I have a Gentleman here (Colo. Robt Burwell) who has ninety nine minds to see the Races for one to attend his Duty in Williamsburg; and who, tho. beating about for excuses, is not willing to have it thought that his presence as a judge can be dispens’d with, I cannot think myself so much at liberty as to Command the hour of setting out & therefore beg that, if I am not with you by your usual hour of dining not to be waited for. My Compliments, in which Mrs Washington and Miss Custis join is offer’d to Mrs and Miss Boucher & yourself and I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Jenifer Adams, 3 October 1772 [letter not found]
From: Adams, Daniel Jenifer
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Daniel Jenifer Adams, 3 Oct. 1772. GW wrote in his account with Daniel Jenifer Adams (printed as note 2 in GW to Robert McMickan, February 1773): “In a Letter dated Kingston Jamaica Octr 3d 1772 he [Adams] accts for.”


Title: To George Washington from Gilbert Simpson, 5 October 1772
From: Simpson, Gilbert
To: Washington, George

Honoured Sr
Lowdoun October the 5: 1772

I am informd you have not purchast Mr Fairfaxs and Thralkels Lands the which I was in hopes you had for then I Should

have Expected to have Leest Summore a joining to my loot which is Quite two Small as it is but Sr I hope thes lines will Find you in perfect good helth and bee kindly Receivd by your honour it is now I am going to inform you Sr of what I have been perposeing and thinking of perposeing to you as you have a plenty of good lands lying out at red Stone and unsetled I would undertak to Settle it in pardnership with you on terms of this kind which is for me to find three or foor workeing hands and as many breeding mairs and the same number or more of Cous and other Stock in perpotion Sr if you Should think proper to join this with the Same Quntity of hands and Stock and Could Confer the Charge of the Same to me I Should think it my greatest duty to discharge the Same with the utmost Care and onnesty and as the land is so good for indion Corn and meadows I make no dowt but it would in a Fwe years add Sumthing ⟨worth⟩ to your Fortune and a Reasonable Compency of good liveing to my Self Sr if these lines Should have the good Sucksees to fiend you as I hope they will in a little time I pray you would send me answer by the first opertainity So Sr I remain your humble Servant

Gilbt Simpson


Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 15 October 1772
From: Washington, George
To: Robert Cary & Company

Gentn
Mount Vernon Octr 15th 1772.

By the Martha Captn Brooke I have an oppertunity of Inclosing you the Invoices for York River, and to request that the Goods may be addressd to the care of Mr James Hill who is employed as a Steward to that Estate in the Room of Mr Josh Valentine deceasd.
I have also to desire that you will Insure 14 Hhds of my Tobo by Captn Peterson, and Sixty three or four (I cannot tell which) of Mr Custis’s for some of whose Money I expect to have occasion to draw on you about the first of next Month. I have to beg the favour of you to put the Inclosed Letters into a safe Channel of Conveyance and you will thereby oblige Yr Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Cash Accounts, November 1772
From: Washington, George
To:

[November 1772]

Cash

Novr 15—
To Cash won at Cards
£ 0.10. 0

16—
To Ditto recd from Carter Braxton Esqr. Intt of his Bond due Miss Custis
52.10. 0

17—
To Ditto recd from Peyton Randolph Esqr. Intt of his Bond due Mr Custis
15.12. 6

To Cash recd of Mr Jno. Carter towards prosecug his Decd Bror Claim to Land under his Majestys Proclamn
6. 0. 0

To Ditto recd from Mr Jas Hill viz. Balle of Acct as settled, due G. W——n £23.3.9 Ditto Do due J.P.C. 140.9.8 over & above the Ballances 59.5.9
222.19. 2

18—
To Ditto recd from Jno. Polson by Alexr Craig his Attorney on Acct of the Soldr Land
10.10. 0

20—
To Ditto recd from Mr James Hill on acct of Mr Custis’s Estate
159. 6. 0

25—
To Ditto recd from Colo. Andw Lewis on acct of the Soldiers Land
17.12. 3

To Ditto Recd from Doctr [James] Craik on same Acct
11.13. 3

Contra

2—
By Charity
0. 3. 0

By Cards
0. 5. 0

By Postage & Coffee
0. 2. 0

By a Quire of Paper 2/6 Buckle Brush 1/3
0. 3. 9

3—
By Bossus Acct of Louisiana 2 Vols.
1. 0. 0

By Churchills Sermons
0. 7. 6

By Byrons Voyage round the world
0. 2. 6

By Club at Mrs Vobes
0. 5. 0

7—
By Cash paid Captn Wm Crawford
31.15. 0

By Ditto paid Ditto on my private Acct
9.12. 0

13—
By Club at Mrs Vobes
0. 6. 0

By Cleaning my Watch
0. 5. 0

By Mr Jno. Blair Clerk of the Council on Acct of the Soldier’s Land
5. 0. 0

15—
By Club at the Coffee House
0. 5. 0

16—
By Cash to Mr Custis
7. 4. 0

By Cost of seeing Wax work
0. 7. 6

By Ditto Do Puppit Shew
0.11. 6

By Servants at Sundry times
0.16. 3

By a pair of Shoes for Will
0. 8. 0

By Sundries from Doctr [William] Pasteur’s Shop
0. 7. 6

17—
By 1 lb. of Hair Powder
0. 2. 0

By Club at Andersons
0. 4. 8

20—
By Shoeing my Horses
0. 2. 6

By Mr Southalls Acct
4.16.11

By my Board at Mr Charlton’s
4.10. 0

By Mr Custis’s Board at Ditto
2.10. 0

By my travellg Expens. from Wmsburg home
3.12. 2

Mr Custis’s Ditto Ditto
0.12. 3

Miss Custis’s Ditto Ditto
0. 5. 6

By Cash paid [Thomas] Everard Patent Fees on the 200,000 Acres of Land retd to the Off[ic]e
20.16. 0

22—
By a Musick Book for Miss Custis
0. 6. 6

By Cash to Mr Custis in Wmsburg
3. 0. 0

By 2 Bottles Norris’s Drops for Miss Custis
1. 0. 0

27—
By Cash pd Michl Robinson Junr for Mr Geo: Thornton’s Smiths Acct Rappak Qrs
3.15. 8

By Cash paid my Mother
15. 0. 0

By Charity
0. 3. 0

29—
By Servants
0. 3. 6


Title: Petition to Lord Dunmore and the Virginia Council, 4 November 1772
From: Washington, George
To: Dunmore, John Murray, fourth earl of,Virginia Council

[c.4 Nov. 1772]

To His Excellency, the Right Honble John Earl of Dunmore, His Majestys Lieutt, & Govr General of the Colony & Dominion of Virginia; and to the Honble the Council.
The Petition of George Washington in behalf of himself, and the Officers and Soldiers claiming Land under the late Govr Dinwiddies Proclamation in 1754. Humbly sheweth
That pursuant to an order of Council of the 15th of Decr 1769, William Crawford, a Person of good Character, and well acquainted with the Country to the Westward of the Alligany Mountain’s, was appointed Surveyor of the 200000 acres granted to yr Petitioners by the above Proclamation; that in consequence of this appointment, he has been engaged in exploring, and Surveying the said Land since the Month of Octobr in the year 1770; and that, notwithstanding the greatest diligence & Industry hath been used, has not been able to procure no more than about 120,000 acres; owing to the Inconvenience,

and with due difference & respect your Petitioners wd beg leave to add, hardship, of compelling them to take the Land in large Surveys; when, though the Country abounds in fertile Vales, & small Tracts of good Land, quantities, (especially in those places which they have been allowed to locate their Grant in) cannot be had in one body, without comprehending so much of the Rocky, Barren, & almost ⟨mutilated⟩able ⟨mutilated⟩ ledges of Hills & Mountains which hem them in as to render the whole an Incumbrance instead of a bounty, agreeable to the ⟨origi⟩nal Intentions; for the truth of which, they appeal to every one whose knowledge off, or acquaintance with that Country, has furnishd them with the means of forming a just Idea of its Situation.
Your Petitioners therefore most humbly Pray, that, inasmuch as it appears they have used their best endeavours to obtain the Land In the number of Surveys allowed by the aforesd order of Council and still lack near 80,000 Acres of their quantity—That as they did in order to avoid as much as possible interfering with any Settlements or ⟨other⟩ claims go two or three hundd Miles below Pitsburg, & as much below the then Inhabitants for their Land. And as the nature of the Country they went into has proovd such as to render any more large Surveys in the district allotted them Impracticable (as far as they know or beleive, without Inclosing so much of the Land before describd as to render the good burthensome) That your Excellency & Honours would be pleased to take their case into consideration and suffer them to proceed to the Survey of such smaller Tracts as the nature of the Country affords till they have compleated the full quantity they are entitled to under the Proclamation; and this your Petitioners are induced most humbly to hope for, when it is further considered.
First—That without this Indulgence they consequentially are deprivd of that reward for their Services which the Faith of Government, in a Solemn manner, was plited to bestow on them; & that, so far from deriving any extra benefit from the Proclamation (which Issued at a very Important Crisis to the well being of this Country, and was certainly meant as an encouragement to Men to enter freely into the Service upon that emergency) they fall short of the common Usages which have been practised upon less urgent occasions, for the truth of which they beg leave to refer to several Orders of Council which

took place much about the same period respecting large Grants to Individuals by which it will appear that the Grantees were not confined to any limited number of Surveys, but left at liberty to take them up in one or more as it suited their convenience; and moreover that this has been a prevailg Custom since the first Settlement of the Colony, and indeed from the very nature of things must continue to be so in the Peopling of any New Country where difficulty and danger is to accompany the Adventurer, as it is the cream of the Land if one may be allowed to use the expression which stimulate⟨s⟩ men to such kind of Enterprise, in defiance of fatigue, Hunger, & the danger of a Savage Neighbour.
Secondly—That by considering of your Petitioners as a collective body they are put upon a much worse footing than any Individual of the Community, for were the same number of Men to apply seperately to this, or any other Government (having the same reason & justice on their side) each Person wou’d obtain a seperate Survey; the knowledge of which custom Induced your Petitioners to believe that when the Proportion’s which were to be allotted to each Person according to their respective Ranks were fixed by your Excellency & honours that each Person would be entitled to a seperate Survey; & not in the first Instance be run to a proportionate charge of Surveying the whole quantity & then his seperate Tract afterwards thereby Subjecting them to an extra charge, when, f⟨rom the⟩ whole scope & tenour of the Proclamation, they hoped for every Indulgence which Govt consistently could give them.
And lastly that, whilst your Petitioner’s in vain are expending their money, time, & labour in Search of large Tracts the number of Emigrants into that Country are possessing themselves of all the valuable small ones, by which mean’s in a little time there will be neither great nor small left in the district appropriated to them nothing but actual possession being able to restrain the Settling of these People on any Land they like nor will any thing else secure it agt the numbers [of] Newcomers wch are now spreadg all over the face of that Country[.] Restricting your Petitioners therefore to a confind number of surveys in such a mountainous Country is not only rendering them an exception to the common mode of Proceeding but depriving them of a benefit which others have hitherto enjoyd, and turning that,

which certainly was originally designed as a reward, into a hardship peculiar to themselves, which your Petitioners, from the well known justice that has ever prevaild at your Honble Board by no means suspects to be the Intention altho’ in it’s consequences it is attended with this effect; rather flattering themselves that Men, who had enter’d into an absolute Compact with Government & Seal’d it at the Expence of their Blood would meet with every favour that the Rules of Governmt could endulge them in—in obtaining their Land. For these Reason’s your Petitioners most humbly hope to have the prayer of their Petition Granted or, that your Excellency & honours Could afford them such other relieve in the Premises as to you in your wisdom shall see fit & would moreover be pleased to direct in what manner Patents for the Lands already Surveyed are to Issue as they are desirous of proceeding to the Settlement thereof without loss of time. and your Petitioner’s as in duty bound will ever pray.


Title: To George Washington from Robert McMickan, 13 November 1772
From: McMickan, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Kingston Jamaica 13 Novr 1772

Want of opportunity since closing the Sale of your Herrings has delayd the remittance, which shall go by first Vessel to Alexandria.
Flour at this time is in tolerable demand here, What I have seen of yours by the Fairfax was not of the best quality & I believe sold not for more than Common flour. Mr Adams sails for the Bay of Honduras in a few days.
If you intend exporting your Own Flour, you should endeavour to push out a Vessel in the Winter & another as early in the Spring as possible, during the Winter there is no Supply from Philadelphia & I apprehend your River is not so much frozen up but that Vessels may Sail.
The French & Spainards buy great Quantity’s of flour here & will give 12d. to 18d. a Ct for it more, if in Casks that contain 160 a 180 Libr. Wt than, if in Casks containing 200 lb. & upwards—the reason of this is, that they sell it at so much a Barrel & not by the Lib. or Ct. Therefore should you ship any considerable Quantitys of flour here, let one half of it be in small Barrels. I am with much respect Sir Your mo. Obdt Servt

Robt McMickan


Title: To George Washington from John Baynes, 14 November 1772
From: Baynes, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Piscattaway [Md.] 14th Novr 1772

The 23d of this Month I must Attend at our Court, therefore it will not be in my power to meet at Fredericksburgh. But whatever is Concluded on by you and the other Gentn that may be there, I will on Acct of the Heirs of James Towers, be agreeable to And what Money may be wanting for there part towards defraying any Expence I will Advance for them, when I see you to know how much it is. I am Your very hum. Servt

John Baynes


Title: To George Washington from William Crawford, 15 November 1772
From: Crawford, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
[c.15 November 1772]

I should be Glad to know Maters was Setled at Fredriksburgh at the Last Meeting of the Officers in regard to our Lands under his Majesties Proclamation.
You may Depend on my taking Every Steep in my Power to finish the soldiers Land this fall and winter and as soon as any

can be don it shall be sent to you by the hand of som person ho shall bring it to you Emedetly.
I waited on Colo. Mason on my Re turn hom and have agreed with him to Survay the Ohio Land as soon as the Land for the Soldiers is done.
I am indepted to Mr Hite for som goods had Last spring of him before I want down the River—and I am obliged to give him an order on you for som mony which I hop youl pay as soon as you get it in your hands, Any news you may hear toward the new Goverment that may concearn me I Should be glad to hear as soon as Convenant. Your Land on Chertees is Safe yeat but how Long they may Continue so I dont now as the People at that time going to setle on them that we com down was Driven of and attempt to Return in the Spring, I Shall Setle Som man on them if Posable and hop by that means to Secure them Every thing in my Power shall be don and they must be Strong then me and my Party if the take them I have Agreed to pay twenty pounds for Mr Stephensons Estate to you which I Should be Obliged to you for and I am With due Regard your very Hume Sarvant

Wm Crawford


Title: Memorandum, 20 November 1772
From: Washington, George
To:

Wmsburg 20th Novr 1772

Colo. Lewis is desired to seel the two Bills of £250 & £150 each for what they will fetch—receive £32.10.0 of Colo. John Banister—& all the Money which Hill can collect.
out of which
To pay my part of Norfleets demand—Mr Hodges claim against Mr Robt Adam—£20 to John Washington (being money receivd for him of Mr Ross) and one hundd and odd pound to the Treasury on acct of Mr William Ramsay; provided the £32.10 is recd of Colo. Bannister, and Hill is able to pay at least £125 otherwise no money to be paid for, & on acct of Mr Ramsay, as I cannot spare the money from my wheat Contracts & other Engagements.

also to receive
From Mr Edmund Pendleton, or Mr Montgomerie the further Sum of £270 (a Sum I expected to receive myself) all of which money’s, after making the above payments, under the proviso’s there mentioned be pleasd to bring up & advise me of your arrival by Post that I may send Lund Washington down as I shall be much in want of the Cash to pay for what wheat I have bought.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 20 November 1772
From: Washington, George
To: Robert Cary & Company

Gentn
Williamsburg Novr 20th 1772

By some kind of mismanagement Seven Hogsheads of Mr Custis’s Tobacco (from the Plantation on the Eastern Shore) missed a Passage in Captain Peterson; and Insurance made for that many more than the Ship carried of his, which you will please to have rectified, as I knew nothing of the disappointment till I came to this place a few days ago—I have drawn two Bills upon you of this date in favour of  for One hundred and fifty and Two hundred and fifty pounds Sterling which

please to pay and place to Mr Custis’s and you will thereby oblige Gentn Yr Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Resolutions of the Officers of the Virginia Regiment of 1754, 23 November 1772
From: Officers of the Virginia Regiment of 1754
To:

Fredericksburg 23d Novr 1772

We the Subscribers (being the only Commissioned Officers of the first Virginia Regiment who met at this place pursuant to the request of Colo. George Washington) Have taken into Consideration the State of our affairs respecting the Grant of Land under the Honble Govr Dinwiddies Proclamation (of the 19th of Feby 1754) and finding, that of the 200,000 acres there given, and directed by a Subsequent Order of Council to be laid off in one or more Surveys not exceeding Twenty, that thirteen of them containing 127,899 are actually made, and now in the Secretarys Office for Patenting, have come to the following Resolution’s thereupon.
First—That the Patenting of these Lands in the manner directed by an Order of Council bearing date the 6th day of this Instt Novr is highly agreeable to us, inasmuch as the distribution of the Lands (as far as we are able to judge) appears to be founded in justice, & is certainly consistent with good Policy, to vest the Lands in private hands, before any confirmation of the New Government to the Westward of Us is anounced by Authority.
Second—It appearing to us by the said Order of council, that the legal Title to the said Lands being subjected to an equitable construction, by an offer of Colo. Washington’s at the Council Board, containd in these Words, or Words to this effect
“And Colo. Washington engages, that if at the intended meeting of the several Claimants at Fredericksburg, or in any reasonable Time after, the above distribution should be complaind of

as unequal, & upon a Representation to the Board it should appear to be so, he will give up all his Interest under his Patents & submit to such Regulations as the Board may think fit to prescribe.”
That thô the offer was a proof of his disinterested conduct, and the order expressive of an Intention to administer Impartial Justice, yet in its consequences is like to be attended with apparent disadvantages to the Parties themselves; in as much as by procrastinating the final determination of property, we have less time, & consequently less chance of complying with the Rules of Government for Cultivation &ca; as it cannot be presumd that on Lands so remote, and subjected to such obvious Inconveniencies, any person will run themselves to an extraordinary expence in Building, clearing, Fencing, or Stocking Land which they have no permanent Interest In, and liable to Forfeiture in three years from the date of the Patent, if some one or other of these requisites are not punctually complied with; the doing of which has often been found difficult in the Interior parts of the Country, much more so will it be in those distant and remote; and this reason operating in a still stronger manner in the case of the common Soldiery, many of whom from their dispersd Situation (if any obstacle is thrown in their way after Patenting the Land) will forfeit their Rights before they are apprised of the Grant, it is thought advisable to add therefore
Thirdly—That as it appears to us from the best Information we have been able to obtain, that there is no great inequality in the Land which is already Surveyed—that as the Evil of delay may greatly overbalance the advantage of an after choice—that as a reallotment of the Lands will, in all probability be productive of more trouble & disquietude than the present distribution of them—And, as the principal shares, (under the late order of Council of the 6th Instt) are either Residents in this Colony, or acting by their Agents here, an humble Representation of the case be laid before his Excellency & their Honour’s, praying that an early day may be appointed for the final determination of this matter; (which we hope will not at any rate be later than the next June Court of Oyer) and that they would be pleased to direct in what manner notification of this is to be given; as also at what time the Soldiery are to be advertizd of their Grant, that they may proceed to avail themselves of the benefit of it.

The Subscriber’s at this meeting have also examined the Surveyors Accts &ca; and find a Ballance of £37.12.10 due to him, Independant of his Fees, and that his Legal Fees for Surveying the thirteen Tracts of Land already returnd to the Secretarys Office amounts to £170.16.0—We also find the further Sum of £26.1.0 due to Colo. Washington, for money advancd on the Patent Fees &ca whereupon it is resolvd.
That towards discharging the said contingent Accts each Person claiming as a Field Officer do pay the Sum of £7.9.4; each Captn £4.9.7; and each Subaltern Officer £2.19.9; and that the several Persons in whose names Patents are directed to Issue are to pay the respective Sums due thereupon for Surveying &ca; together with their proportion’s as above into the hands of Colo. George Washington without delay who is to apply it to the purposes abovementioned.

Go: Washington
John West junr
Andw Lewis
Geo. Muse
Jas Craik
Js Mercer atty for Geo. Mercer
Alexr Craig atty for John Polson


Title: Cash Accounts, December 1772
From: Washington, George
To:

[December 1772]

Cash

Decr 5—
To Ditto [cash] recd for old Silver
£  0.16. 0

8—
To Ditto recd from Armisteads Estate pr Mr [Thomas] Montgomerie
250. 0. 0

To Ditto recd for my Bill on Robt Cary Esqr. & Co. drawn 20th Novr 1772 for £250. Exchange 25 prCt 62.10.
312.10. 0

To Ditto recd from Colo. Lewis Burwell by Mr James Hill
55.17. 0

21—
To Cash won at Cards
0.18. 0

23—
To Ditto receivd from Colo. Fairfax in full for his 1st 2d & 3d payment of the Land he is to have out of the Tract I bought from Charles West
90. 0. 0

Contra

4—
By Cash sent Mr [Thomas] Everard extra Fee to hasten the Patenting the Soldiers Land
5. 0. 0

By Ditto returnd Mr Jno. Carter
6. 0. 0

By Giles’s Expences to Wmsburg
0. 8. 0

By Cash paid Mr Chas West 1st paymt Land
200. 0. 0

5—
By 15 Bushls Oysters
0.15. 0

By Cash paid for a pr of Stone Buckles for Mrs Washington
3. 0. 0

By Ditto for a pair of Silvr ones for myself
0.16. 0

By Ditto Do yellow ones for M[illy] Posey
0. 8. 0

By a Watch Chain of Steel
0. 1. 6

By a pr of yellow Buckles for Miss Custis .10. Md Cy a pr of Neat Scissars Ditto .6.6 [Maryland currency]
0.13. 3

By engraving Letters on Mr Custis’s Guns
0. 3. 3

8—
By Cash paid Andw Robinson Nettg Seins
3.16. 3

By Ditto paid Mr Jno. Washington of Suffolk on Acct of Mr [Hector] Ross
20. 0. 0

By Ditto pd Marme Norfleet pr Gibson & Granb[ur]y
200. 0. 0

9—
By Ditto paid my Mother pr Colo. Lewis
10. 0. 0

By Ditto pd Mr [Thomas] Hodge for Mr Robt Adam
45.18. 6

By Servants
0. 2. 0

10—
By Charity
0.12. 0

By Cash pd Thos Davis besides 20/ the 20th Octr
1.13. 6

12—
By Ditto lost at Cards
0.12. 6

14—
By Charity
2. 5. 0

By William Roberts
23. 5. 0

16—
By Cash pd Mr Gutridge on Acct of Mr Custis
13.11. 6

By Ditto lent Mr Val[entin]e Crawford
8.12. 0

By Ditto paid Wm Boswell for 5½ Bls Wheat 5/
1. 7. 6

22—
By Ditto pd Mr Andw Wayles for Strg Beer
8. 0.10

By Ditto pd Doctr William Savage pr Mr [Hector] Ross for an Indented Servant Andw Judge
35. 0. 0

By Ditto pd Mr John Muir for self £10.14.9 Mr Custis 3.10.11
14. 5. 8

23—
By Ditto paid Chr[istophe]r Shade
8. 0. 0

By Charity
0. 6. 0

By Cash paid for Fish & Cranburys
1.10. 0

By Mr [Baldwin] Buckner in Exchange
0. 6. 0

By Copy of a Deed from Proprietors Offe
0. 3. 1

By Cash pd Mr Jno. Hite pr Abm Hite on Acct of Captn Wm Crawford in part of his Draft for £100
50. 0. 0

24—
By Cash paid Jonathan Palmer
10. 0. 0

28—
By Charity
3. 0. 0

By Cash lost at Cards
0. 8. 9

31—
By Ditto paid Lund Washington
80.16. 9

By Cash on hand, & car[rie]d to Acct for 1773
£425. 0.3

By a difficiency
4.

 425.14.3


Title: To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 2 December 1772
From: Fairfax, Bryan
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Decemr the 2d 1772

When I parted with You on Pohic You did not seem inclinable to take my Land there, and I have therefore been bargaining with Mr Henderson about it as I owe a debt to the Store in Alexandria: But as I did not know but what You might come to some Terms with Mr Mercer and in that case choose to purchase mine, I chose to wait till your return before I shewed the Land to Mr Henderson, that if you thought proper you might have the preference; for I think myself under many obligations to you. Mrs Fairfax has been unable to travel so that I could not get the Deed acknowledg’d on her part before Witnesses going to the Genl Court. But would not the Relinquishment of Dower before the Justices be sufficient? I hope to hear that Mrs Washington &

Family have returned in good Health. I am Dr sir Yr most obedt Servt

Bryan Fairfax


Title: From George Washington to John Briscoe, 3 December 1772
From: Washington, George
To: Briscoe, John

Sir,
Fairfax County Decr 3d 1772.

I have been inform’d, that a Survey which Captain Crawford made for me on the Ohio (being the first bottom on the So. East side of the river) above Capteening, & nearly opposite to Pipe Creek, at my particular request, you have either gone, or intend to go, & take possession of; Such a step as this, I cou’d hardly have expected from you However as it is a piece of Land I viewed in Novr 1770 before you had ever explored that Country—have had it surveyed by an Officer legally appointed by the Surveyor General of this Colony—& am resolved to take out a Patent for it (notwithstanding any improvement you either have, or may make upon it,) so soon as Rights are to be had. I have judged it expedient to serve you with this notice thereof, (which I am told is not the first you have had) & to assure you at the same time, that I am determin’d not to relinquish my right to this Tract, which contains 587 acres, & which I am ready to pay for at any time, till I have at least spent the full value of the Land in support of my claim. I am Sir, your humble Servant

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Washington, 3 December 1772
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Samuel

Dear Brother,
Mount Vernon, Dec’r. 3d, 1772

I was in great hopes to have met with you at Fredricksburg, or seen you at this place on your way up but it would almost seem as if you had foresworn this part of the Country.
I have taken the liberty of troubling you with the Inclosed Letter to Doctr Briscoe & beg that you will take a copy of it, and serve him with the original when it happens to suit your convenience—I have also by Colo Fairfax wrote to Colo Stephen respecting our Lands over the Mountains, desiring the former if he should not see the latter himself to send the Letter to your care which I beg may be contrived to him by a safe hand.
If you have heard what is done in Kennedy’s Replevy please to let me know as I fancy the three months must have expired—I was glad to hear by Charles, that you still entertain’d some thoughts of coming down this Winter, but as I have met with so many disappointments, I shall never expect till I see you; My love in wch Mrs Washington &c. joins is offer’d to Yr self, my Sister & Family & I am Dr Sir Yr Most Affec Br

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Crawford, 3 December 1772
From: Crawford, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Decemr 3⟨d⟩ 1772

I wrote you by V. Crawford I was indebted to Mess. Jacob Hitte & Son a Sum of mony whch I have not the mony to pay and afraid I Shall be Sued for it.
If you can answear they sum in the enclosed order and Charge it in my wages for Survaying the Land of the Officers it would much oblidge Sir your Most Hume Sarvant

W. Crawford


Title: From George Washington to John Blair, 4 December 1772 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Blair, John Jr.

Letter not found: to John Blair, Jr., 4 Dec. 1772. On 9 Dec. 1772 the Exec. Journals of Virginia CouncilH. R. McIlwaine et al., eds. Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia. 6 vols. Richmond, 1925–66. (6:516) reported: “Col. Washingtons Letter of the 4th, Inst. to the Clerk, and the Resolves (therein inclosed) of the Commissioned Officers of the first Virginia Regt. at a meeting at Fredericksburg on the 23d of Last Month, were laid before the Board.”


Title: To George Washington from Edward Jones, 7 December 1772
From: Jones, Edward
To: Washington, George

Sir
December the 7th 1772

I Recd your Letter of the 4th Instant in which I find you Desire an Exact Account of all things Relating to my proceedings Since I Have Been your Overseer & In the first place you Inquire if I have done Lofting & prizing which I have not But if weather Permit I Shall Be Done by the Latter End of Next week as for what Quantity I Shall have of Each I Cannot tell as yet But I Shall Know by then your fellow Comes up again But I will Safely Secure the whole Mr powel & I am to Carry the Hogs Down this week and Concerning what you wrote about the Larger hogs I told Mr powel as for the other Stock I will take Care of as Long as I Stay—& the fodder is safely Secured & as for the Rails & out houses I do not Intend to burn them Nor Let any Body do it if I Can help it but I hope Sir you do not Desire me to watch them a nites I paid your Mother 5£10/. Last fall She had 2 Shotes and 3 Lambs and in the Summer a Large Shote I had 4 Barrels of Corn of her and when it Came to be mesured it was But 17 Bushels the Rest I have not had an acct of as yet But you shall know the whole in my next I think Sir I have Been as perticular in Every thing as the Exactness of you[r] Letter Could

Direct or you Could Desire I add no more but Remain your Most Hume Sert

Edward Jones


Title: To George Washington from James Hill, 13 December 1772
From: Hill, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Sunday Morng 13 Decr 1772

Your man got down on monday last & I was up the country at The Quarters & did not Get down till fryday night & when I got Home found yr Man Giles there & after makg inquerery found Your Letters was deliverd agreable to your Instructions But the Gent. coud not get the Answers ready till, Satterday.
& in respect to Mr Fra. foster while I was up the country I sent one of the overseers to him to know if he received yr Letter, & he was from home & his wife told the overseer he had received ⅌ Mr Geo. Webb whom I deliverd it to Soon after you came away; But another of the overseers Met with Mr Foster after sendg to his house & he desird to know if I had any oppertunity of sendg up to you that he had got fifty Pounds of the money & had no oppertunity of sendg it to You & as Giles is down have thought Proper to send him By for one of the overseers to go with him to receive the money & send it up to you, but have been at a Loss to know whether I coud intrust him with so Large a sum or not as you did not write for him to bring it—tho. shall write to Mr foster that if any Accident shoud happen that the money does not get safe to hand that he must stand to the Loss of it or send a man with it up to You, for you were in want of it, Ive not got the wts & numbers of the Tobo we have been so Extremly busy abt

Getg our Corne in & my being up the Country & the Inspecters dont attend the ware house Every day that I have not had it in my Power to get them yet for I have been up at your Quarter indeavourg to have the Ball. of the Hogs got up for they have got 23 of them & coud find no more till a day or two before I got up the overseer got one of his Neighbours to Assist him Serch the Marsh & they Started two of yrs As they suppose but got nare a one of them & one of the Neighbours was in Serch of his out in the woods & came upon Eight as he Adjudged to be yrs wch they have not been got yet the overseer tells me he has been in Serch of them seven days But cant find them, & my being from home at the time of the oyer Court have had no oppertunity of wrighting to Biggs abt the oats But expect a vessell every day from the Easten Shore for the Corn I sold to Mr Wilkins the Ballce of old Corne that I was tellg you of Wilkins has Never Sent for it yet, & if he comes or sends shall have an oppertunity of wrightg tho. its a matter of Doubt with me whether Biggs can get a vessell to go that distance with so small Quantity—As they are not Allowd to take any in but yrs for several of the Easten Shore men has told me that the freight of so small Quantity woud not be worth while going that Distants, tho. will write to him to send them immediately if they are not sent.
When you was down you did not conclude what you woud have done in Respect to the wheat mill Stones.
I have had at your Plantation 4 beeves Put in corn field & Several Muttons which are now fat & have directed the overseer to send them Down Expectg to get a better Price for them in town then he cou⟨d up⟩ the Country But Roger Tandey was at worke in town with ⟨mutilated⟩ Carpenters & informs me that the muttons was so Plenty in ⟨mutilated⟩ this Co[ur]t that they sold at 7/6 which shall endeavour to have y⟨mutilated⟩ Stopt till the meetg of the Mercts 25 Jany. I expect to make a very good Crop at yr Plantation in K. William tho. they hant finishd Getg the corne in nor wont till Next week.
I have got the wench down from the White house that was sick now takg a means from Docter Pasture she is Troubled with the Colleck is the cheafest of her complt.
The Little negroes at yr Plantation is without cloathg & if you chuse to have them any thing Bought Please to write by the first oppertunity as there is but very Little Roles in yr Store not

Enough to give them Shirts & Shifts or whether you intended to give them any thing or not our People has not near Enough Bro. Ling nor Cotton to Cloath them. I have got 40 Ells Bro. Ling & 20 yds Cotten & Expect must get near as much Ling agn to give them to make them two a piece.
I have not received any money for the Corne Chroshea Graves sold of yrs nor dont Expect it till the Meeting of the Mercts the 25 of Jany.
I have Been sadly Plagud to get Mr Averends Answers to yr Letter—I wrote Expectg without fail to get the answers Satterday But Mr Everend being from home his boys sent Back, the Answer was sent by some one Else & thought it did not seem fesable & sent Back to Mr Everend & it was not sent & then his boys coud not be found wch obliges me to send on Sunday morng Mr Craigs answer I understand By Stanhope Vaughn is inclosed with Mr Blairs. from yr Mo. Humble Servent

Jas Hill


Title: To George Washington from Francis Baker, 15 December 1772
From: Baker, Francis
To: Washington, George

Sir
Queens Town [Md.] Decr the 15th 1772

At the time Capn Posey was in this Goal, his Son St Lawrence was in a Starving Condition about the Town—from mear pitty I took him into my House, and a Small time after Sent him with my own Children, to the Free school, where he Continued till his

Father Left this place for Virginia, who then told me the Boy should be under my Care till he himself or his friends sent for him; till which time it was my intention to Continue him on in Learning which ⟨he⟩ took fast, having a Good Master, But to my great surprize his Father was no sooner gone than an order was produc’d, By Mr Wm Miner from the Captain to take the Boy to his House, where he has been Ever since, in Character of Barr keeper, Hostler &c. Subject to Catch the Vices & manners of the Meaner sort of people, of which the House is often full, as I keep a Publick House, I could have had him myself in the same way, But seeing the Inocence of the Boy, I could not think of giving him a Tavern Education, he Cost me while at School £10 in Board & other things, & for his Age when he went to Mr Miner there was not his match for Writing, any Merchant would gladly have such an Assistant, I would not trouble you with this Information But from hearing you are a Friend to the Boys family—and that Charity will Excite you to make known whoever is, acquainted with the matter, as his Continuance a Year Longer may be his total Ruin. I am Sir, Your Very Hble Sert

Frs Baker


Title: From George Washington to Gilbert Simpson, 18 December 1772 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Simpson, Gilbert

Letter not found: to Gilbert Simpson, 18 Dec. 1772. On 26 Dec. Simpson wrote to GW: “I Received yours of the 18 of this instant.”


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Pendleton, 19 December 1772
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
December 19th 1772.

I will pay you the Sum of Four hundred pounds which my

Nephew Informs me he is to give you for the Land he purchased of you in Frederick. I am Dr Sir Yr Mo. Obedt Humble Servt

Edmd Pendleton


Title: From George Washington to James Hill, 21 December 1772 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Hill, James

Letter not found: to James Hill, 21 Dec. 1772. On 5 Feb. 1773 Hill wrote to GW: “I recd your letters in the office the 30th of Jany one dated the 21st Decr.”


Title: From George Washington to the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Regiment of 1754, 23 December 1772
From: Washington, George
To:

Mr. RIND,
Mount Vernon, December 23, 1772

Pursuant to an order of Council, hereunto annexed, I am, through the channel of your Gazette, to inform the officers and soldiers of the first VIRGINIA REGIMENT (those of them I mean who embarked in the service of this colony before the battle of the Meadows in the year 1754) that all the claims which had been presented to me, properly attested, for land under Governor Dinwiddie’s proclamation of the 19th of February, 1754, were laid before his Excellency Lord Dunmore, and the Council, on the 31st of October, 1771; who thereupon resolved, that each officer should share agreeable to the rank he entered upon the campaign in, and That Each field officer should be allowed 15,000, Each captain 9000, Each subaltern 6000, Each cadet 2500, Each serjeant 600, Each corporal 500, Each private soldier 400 Acres.
And were pleased moreover to determine that the quantity of 30,000 acres should be set apart for the purposes of answering any claims which might thereafter come in, and for recompensing those who had been, and were like to be, put to any extraordinary expence or trouble in conducting this business.
That about the first of last month Capt. William Crawford, who

has been legally appointed to survey these lands, produced certificates for 127,899 acres, which he had surveyed in the following tracts, viz. 51,302, 28,627, 13,532, 10,990, 4395, 2448, 2314, 4149, 2084, 1525, 4232, 1374, 927 [Total] 127,899 Acres.
And these surveys being laid before the Council Board on the 6th of the month (November) and it then appearing that some of the principal claimants had contributed nothing, and some but partially, towards the several advances which had been voted at the different meetings for the purpose of defraying the expence of exploring, surveying, and other incident charges accruing on these lands, whilst others again had been run to considerable costs and trouble on these accounts, it was thought reasonable and just that every one (the common soldiery excepted, who have their full complement allowed) should receive out of these first surveys in proportion to their advances, leaving those who are deficient in part, or the whole, to be supplied with their respective quantities of land out of the next surveys which are made, towards the completion of which the surveyor has been directed to proceed with all possible dispatch.
Agreeable to these sentiments, on the aforesaid 6th of November it was ordered, that the survey of 51,302 acres should be immediately patented in the names of George Muse, Adam Stephen, Andrew Lewis, Peter Hog, John West, John Polson, and Andrew Wagener; whereof, by a regulation approved of in Council,
George Muse is entitled to 9073 Acres.
Adam Stephen, Andrew Lewis, and Peter Hog, to 9000 acres each, 27,000.
John West and John Polson to 6000 each, 12,000.
Andrew Wagener (whose full claim is 6000 acres, but in this dividend is, by his advances, entitled to no more than) 3428.
In all to 51,501.
Amount of the survey, 51,302, 199 acres short, and to be allowed at the next distribution.
That the survey of 13,532 acres should be immediately patented in the name of George Mercer, he having a claim, on his own account, to 6000 Acres, As heir to his brother John Mercer, 6000, And for two serjeants, viz. John Hamilton and Mark Hollis, 600 each, 1200.
In all to 13,200.

Amount of the survey, 13,532, 332 acres too much, and to be accounted for at the next dividend.
That the surveys of 4149 acres, 2084 acres, and 1525 acres, should be immediately patented in the name of the heir, or other representative, of Colonel Joshua Fry, deceased, who will fall short 832 acres of his proportionate advance, and be entitled at the next distribution to as much as will compleat his quantity t⟨0 15⟩,000 acres.
That the surveys of 4232 acres, and 1374 acres, should be immediately patented in the name of Dr. James Craik, who will fall short 394 acres of the 6000 he has a right to, and be entitled at the next distribution to that quantity of land.
That the survey of 927 acres should be immediately patented in the name of George Muse, which, added to his allowance of 9073 acres as above, and sale of 5000 as below, compleats his claim of 15,000 acres.
That the surveys of 10,990 acres, 4395 acres, 2448 acres, and 2314 acres, should be immediately patented in the name of George Washington, For his own allowance of 15,000 Acres, A purchase from George Muse, as above, of 5000, And for his right to Serjeant [Rudolph] Brickner’s share, allowed him, 600.
In all 20,600.
Amount of the surveys, 20,147, 453 acres wanting, and to be allowed at the next distribution.
And that the survey of 28627 acres should be immediately patented in the names of John Savage, who, as a subaltern officer, claims 6000 acres, but by his advances is, at this time, only entitled to 3428.
SERJEANTS: Robert Longdon, Robert Tunstall, Edmund Wagener, and Richard Troller [Trotter], 600 acres each, 2400.
CORPORALS: Wire Johnson, Hugh M’Roy [McCoy], John Smith, and Richard Smith, 500 acres each 2000.
PRIVATES: Charles Smith, Angus M’Donald, Nathan Chapman, Joseph Gatewood, James Samuel, Michael Scully, Edward Goodwin, William Baily, Henry Bailey, William Coffland, Matthew Doran, John Ramsay, Charles James, Matthew Cox, Marshal Pratt, John Wilson, William Johnston, John Wilson, Nathaniel Barrett, David Gorman, Patrick Galloway, Timothy Conway, Christian Bombgardner, John Houstoun, John Maid, James Ford, William Broughton, William

Carnes, Edward Evans, Thomas Moss, Matthew Jones, Philip Gatewood, Hugh Paul, Daniel Staples, William Lowry, James Ludlow, James Lafort, James Gwin, Joshua Jordan, William Jenkins, James Commack, Richard Morris, John Gholson, Robert Jones, William Hogan, John Franklin, John Bishop, George Malcomb, William Coleman, Richard Boltan, John Cincaid, and George Hurst, 400 acres each, 20,800.
Amounts of the claims, 28,628.
Number of acres in the survey, 28,627, One acre short.
“And the shares of such of them as are dead, or have assigned, are to go to those who represent them, and it is further ordered that the said patents issue without rights, and with a reservation of quitrents from the feast of St. Michael, which shall be next after 15 years from the date thereof respectively, according to the said proclamation; and Col. Washington engages, that if, at the intended meeting of the several claimants at Fredericksburg (the 23d of November next) or in any reasonable time after (which by a subsequent order of Council, bearing date the 9th of December instant, is limited to the last of the Oyer and Terminer in June next) the above, distribution should be complained of as unequal, and, upon a representation to the Board, it should appear to be so, he will give up all his interest under his patents, and submit to such regulations as the Board may think fit to prescribe.”
At a Council held December 9, 1772.
“The clerk was directed to inform Col. Washington that it would be agreeable to the Board if he would, in the Virginia Gazette, or in some other public manner, advertise the several persons concerned of the orders made in their favour.”
This I have here attempted to do in the fullest and plainest manner I am capable of. It remains, however, to be observed that, as his Excellency and their Honours thought proper to adopt this method of having the land surveyed, rather than permit each claimant, after the proportions were settled, to locate and survey his own particular quantity separately, it was found, after repeated trials, difficult, if not impracticable, to associate different claims in the same patent, so as to make the total amount of them correspond with the quantity of the survey on the one hand, or the several surveys nearer to the amount of the claim on the other, than they now do; and there being a necessity of having recourse to both expedients, in order to the

distribution, I could not help wishing (as I was desirous of proceeding to the immediate cultivation of my portion) to be classed among the latter; which, if considered as an indulgence, it is an indulgence I conceive myself in some degree entitled to, as I have already experienced much trouble, and felt many expences, peculiar to myself.
The necessity of a division, in order to cultivation and improvement, is a measure too obviously necessary to remind the officers of; but it may not be amiss to hint it to the soldiery, and, at the same time, to add (to prevent any unnecessary application and journies, which cannot fail being attended with loss of time and expence to themselves) that I have now nothing more to do with their land: It behooves them, therefore, to fall upon the most eligible method of obtaining a speedy partition of the tract appropriated to their use, to the end it may seated; and I can think of none more likely than for a few of the most interested and intelligent to call a meeting of the whole, and cloath some person, with proper authority, to effect this work. In issuing this notice it should be recollected that the several patentees live very much dispersed, and that a sudden notice will be improper. It is necessary also to inform them that the surveyors fees, and office fees, are yet due from them for this tract. I am, Sir, your humble servant,

George Washington


Title: To George Washington from Gilbert Simpson, 26 December 1772
From: Simpson, Gilbert
To: Washington, George

Sr
Loudown December the 26: 1772

I Received yours of the 18 of this instant by the hand of Mr Crawford and I am a Greable to your perposeal in makeing of Corn the next Summer prvided there Could be Corn got to Live on which I doubt of at that time of year but you and I Shall be more able to Judg of that in the month of Feburery if Mr Crawford Coms in as he Say he will and if any goos out there must goe more than two for I perpose to goe my Self and my Negro fellow and you must Find one fellow and one wench I Shall Stand Good in labor against one [of] them for one Summer for I Should not Care to trust a thing of that Conciquinc with any Common person and there mut be a wagon imployd for to go out for I should Chuse to take tools of Every Sort

Sutable for plantation business and to Carry Two of my harsses and two Cows and Calves and other NesCesryes. Sr there is one thing in the artickels of your agement and mine which is not as I perposed to you or Elce I mistake the mening of it which is that my Family was to hold the pllantation 21 years after my decees but it Looks to me as tho. it was but for that Teerm in my lif and theres which is not according to my Expectation and the Shortnes of your Leeses has put the people much out of heart of setling your Lots which they was very intent to have don but Sr I hope you will Consider that the time is two Short as the Rents is high Sr I Should be Glad to See you or to Receive a line or two from you the First opertunity I Shall Com down to you when Mr Crawford Coms if I Should not Chance to See you before So no more but Remain your humble Servant

Gilbt Simpson


Title: To George Washington from Fielding Lewis, 29 December 1772–28 February 1773
From: Lewis, Fielding
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
[c.29 December 1772–February 1773]

The post just leaving Town I have only time to inform you that I have rented your Houses & the Land between the road & River to Mr Fitzhugh for £22.10.0 ⅌ Ann: with liberty to get Fencing from the Land Mr Hunter want the other field next to him I shall go over in order to agree with him tho’ I think the better way is not to rent the other part nor will I conclude the bargain ’till next post when I may know yr opinion. I shall observe yr directions with regard to the Mr Mercers Negro⟨s⟩ am on my

way to the Sale now. Corn is plenty the price 12/6 no purchasers, no wheat to be sold, I have parted with all my bread & Flour at 15/ Cash Credt to Apl Court have heard Flour has fallen something at No[r]folk tho’ I dont believe it the price wheat has rais’d at Philadelphia & Baltimore consequently Flour cannot fall shall write you next post I am Dr Sir yr most Affectionate Hume Servt

Fielding Lewis


Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 31 December 1772
From: Washington, George
To: Robert Cary & Company

Gentn
Mount Vernon Decr 31st 1772

On the 20th of November from Williamsburg I advisd you of two Bills I had just drawn on you, desiring they might be placed

to the Account of Mr Custis; one of them for One hundred and fifty pounds; & the other of Two hundred and fifty; the last of which was sold and will be presented to you for payment—the other I have taken in, having now of this date, drawn another in its place of One hundred and Ninety Six pounds four Shillings and two pence payable to Bryan Fairfax Esqr. which please to pay and place to Mr Custis’s Account. I am Gentn Yr Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 1 January 1773
From: Fairfax, Bryan
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Towlston January the 1st 1773

Mr Muir has sent me an Account of the Charges on the protested Bill which has run up very high. As it will be very inconvenient to me to go from home at this time I have inclosed a half Sheet indorsed on which I shall be obliged to You to have drawn the Set of Bills payable to me, and delivered to the person Mr Muir may send for them. You may have a Mortgage on any of my Lands as a Security till the repayment of the whole money which shall be done from the Sale of the Land in which Mr W. Washington is concerned either at once or in small Payments as I happen to receive it. We had an Expectation of receiving £500 pensylvania Money each before this time, but according

to Custom have been disappointed. I am Dr Sir Yr most obedt Servt

Bryan Fairfax


Title: To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 1 January 1773
From: Fairfax, George William
To: Washington, George

[1 January 1773]

My whole attention being now fixed upon preparing for my trip to England . . . I find I can’t leave the country with any peace of mind . . . without placing a general power of attorney with some Gentm. of known probity.
In this part of the Colony I have not a Friend (yourself excepted) in whom I can repose such confidence . . . I should by no means wish to add more trouble to your own extensive affairs, than to intreat that you would do me the favor to displace, and appoint another manager, or collector, in case of misconduct or death to receive my Tobacco Notes, and proceeds of my estate from Mr. Willis, direct him in the shipping of tobacco, receive my rents from my collector in order to purchase bills of exchg. to be remitted to me . . . Your favourable answer to this will be gratefully acknowledged.


Title: From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 2 January 1773 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, George William

Letter not found: to George William Fairfax, 2 Jan. 1773. On 19 Jan. 1773 GW wrote to Fairfax: “As I wrote to you in haste the morning of the day Lord Sterlg yourself &ca were to dine here [2 January].”


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Newton, Jr., 11 January 1773
From: Newton, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Norfolk Janr. 11. 1773.

Superfine flour. from 15/6 to 16/8 & the Cask 1/8
Common Do15/Do  Do
Biscuit Stuff 9/ to 10/Do  Do
Herrings12/6—15/  few at market
Indian Corn11/6—12/6 ⅌ Barrell
Sir
Above is the prices current here at this time, if you incline to ship any thing this way I will endeavor to get the highest price going at the time I receive them. you must note that if we sell for ready money dollars pass at six shillings & what we contract for payable at the Courts in Williamsburg is received at the weight if in silver or gold. we have no encouraging markets Just now either from the Eastward or West Indies but hope the adventurer’s will not lose. I am Yr Most Hble Servt

Thomas Newton Jr


Title: From George Washington to Daniel Jenifer Adams, 12 January 1773
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, Daniel Jenifer

Sir,
Mount Vernon Jany 12th 1773

As there appears to be a good deal of Inconsistency between your Letters to me and those to Colo. Carlyle respecting the Sale of the Brig, and as you have changd the Destination of the Vessell contrary to the Original Intention of the Voyage, and contrary to the expectation of the Owner here (to my very great Inconvenience) and as some other reasons might be added, if necessary, still more cogent, I shall stand excus’d I hope for withdrawing my effects out of your hands; In order to which, I have given Mr McMickan a power to settle with, and receive from you the proceeds of my Flour, as also the price of the Herrings you had of me to the amount of £86.5.0 Virga Curry either in the Freight or otherwise—You will not fail I hope to comply with this request as he is vested with sufficient authority to enforce it in behalf of Sir, Yr Most Obedt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Hill, 11 January 1773 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Hill, James

Letter not found: to James Hill, 11 Jan. 1773. On 5 Feb. 1773 Hill wrote to GW: “I recd your letters in the office the 30th of Jany one dated the 21st Decr & the other Jany 11.”


Title: From George Washington to Robert McMickan, 12 January 1773
From: Washington, George
To: McMickan, Robert

Sir,
Mount Vernon Jany 12th 1773

The Inclosed Letter, is occasiond by a Paragraph in one of your Letters to Messrs Robert Adam & Co.; and I should be obliged to you to make use of it, or not, as circumstances may require; for it is not my wish to proceed to any harsh or rigorous measures by which a Man just setting out in Trade may be injurd if there is a possibility of avoiding it. The Inconsistency however in Adams’s Letters, added to his change of Destination, and your hints, leave but too much room to suspect that all is not well; but, if contrary to expectation you should find things in a better way than is apprehended please to withhold the Letter directed to him, and suffer him to proceed without Interruption taking no notice of your having receivd any power on this head which will much oblige Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Robert McMickan, 12 January 1773
From: Washington, George
To: McMickan, Robert

Sir
Mount Vernon Jany 12th 1773

In July last I shipd 273 Barrls of Flour in the Brig Fairfax Saml Brodie Master for Barbadoes; or, in case of bad Markets there, to Jamaica, and consignd them to Mr D. Jenefir Adams who went in the Vessell, and was part owner thereof; directing the proceeds (together with £86.5.0 Virga Curry or £69 Sterg Excha: 25 prCt being the amount of 115 Barls of Herrings sold him & to be paid for in the Freight of the Flour or) to be laid out as you will see by the Inclosd Letter of Instructions since which I have been Informd that a Misunderstanding has arisen between the Captn and Mr Adams—that the Vessell is Sold—purchased by Mr Adams—and taken a Freight to the Bay of Honduras.
These things having happend contrary to the Intention of the

Owners, when the Brig Saild from this Country, added to some more Cogent Reasons (unnecessary to Mention) has given rise to a Suspicion that my Property is in a very precarious way, & by no means safe in the hands of Mr Adams; I must beg the favour of you therefore to make particular enquiry into the state of this matter; and, if you find, as I have much reason to fear, that the proceeds of my Flour has been Misapplied, that you will use your best endeavours to obtain redress for me; to this end, and to effect this purpose, I do hereby constitute & appoint you my full and Lawfull Attorney, to Act and do for me in any manner you shall think fit in the premises, intending by these presents to Invest you with every power that I myself might have if there, to settle, Sue for, and recover the proceeds of my Flour, & the price of my Herrings from Mr Adams; and remit them to me in the manner he was directed to do; & that you may with the greater ease effect this; I have, in the Inclosed Letter to Mr Adams (left open for your perusal) desired him to settle with, & pay into your hands the sums respectively due to me. I am sorry I am laid under the necessity of giving you this trouble, but hope you will excuse it from Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 19 January 1773
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, George William

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon Jany 19th 1773

If you are done with my Compass & Plotting Instruments, I should be glad to receive them by the bearer, as I measure all my Fields, & am now Inclosing a New one, and do not know where to lay the Rails that are to Fence it, till I find how much of the Field will give me the quantity of Land I want to Inclose.
As I wrote to you in haste the morning of the day Lord Sterlg

yourself &ca were to dine here (in answer to your Letter of the 1st Instt) I might not perhaps have expressd my meaning so clearly as I wishd to have done, in respect to the several matters therein containd; and therefore cannot help again repeating, that, if you think, engaged as I often am in Company—with my own business—and the business of others, I can be as serviceable to you in your absence, as another who may have more leisure, but not more Inclination, I shall undertake it with chearfulness—My only diffidence arose from an apprehension that, I had it not in my power to give that attention to your business which the nature of the case might require; and that I might in fact, do you a disservice by undertaking more than I could perform, but upon perusing your Letter more attentively I find that, as you only require that I should have an eye to the conduct of your Steward or manager, and to remit his Collections; I can do it with very little difficulty; and will, if you think proper to repose this Trust in me, discharge it to the best of my judgment.
My Compliments are presented to yourself, & Mrs Fairfax who we hope to hear is better. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt

Go: Washington

P.S. One of the Letters herewith sent was found upon the Road in Stafford & brought from thence a day or two ago by L. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Boucher, 19 January 1773
From: Boucher, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Castle-Magruder, Janry the 19th 1773.

It is certainly expedient to remove Mr Custis to some Place of publick Education, and speedily. And when there is so noble, so princely an Institution of this sort, in his own Country, it is lamentable to find there still shou’d be a Necessity for sending Him to Another. I had, as You know, been endeavouring to believe the many Stories We are perpetually hearing of the Mismanagement at Wm & Mary as partial & exaggerated: but, the Carefulness of your Enquiries on the Spot ⟨precludes⟩ all further Doubt about the matter.
I can truly say, I do not differ from You in Opinion, but with Diffidence of the Rectitude of my own; nor wou’d I venture to mention my differing with You at all, had I not long ago experienced your Candor in allowing for the prepossessions or Prejudices of your Friends. I will therefore yet again take the Liberty of declaring my Opinion in favour of N. York, rather than Philada. It is but justice to premise, that I am not personally acquainted either with the one Place or the other. You, I believe, are; & can therefore better judge, whether what I say on the Report of others, be well or ill-founded.
Philada is a large, populous, thriving, commercial City: & so ⟨is⟩ N. York. The Former, is this only; the latter is more. It is inhabited by some People of the most considerable Rank & Fortune. it is a Place of ⟨th⟩e greatest Resort for Strangers of Distinction; it is the Head-Quarters of the Military; &, on all these Accounts, is, I am told, generally reckon’d the most fashionable & polite Place on the Continent. As a Situation, therefore, for a young Gentleman, who is to be Educated a little in the World, as well as in Books, it wou’d seem, that it deserves the Preference. In fact, a little Residence in such a City is the best Substitute I know of for the Tour that was once projected: as He stands a better Chance for acquiring that Liberality of Manners, which is one of the best Uses of Travel, by mixing occasionally with truly well-bred People. This, tho’ I have not Leisure to pursue it farther, is of some Importance in the Determination of this matter.
Confident that my Letter is for, & will be kept to, Yourself

alone, I will not be afraid to speak out, tho. perhaps I may be mistaken, persuaded that I shall be pardoned, if wrong. I wou’d not rashly reflect either on any Bodies of Men, or Individuals: what, therefore, I am about to say, must be read with great Candor, & large Allowances. From the best Observations I have been able to make on young Gentlemen educated in America, one general Fault is, that They come out into the World, furnish’d with a kind of smattering of Every Thing, &, with very few Exceptions, arrant Coxcombs. Were it not too invidious, I cou’d name to You Individuals, who are really clever, but hurt One by this silly Humour. And, I think, as Many have brought away this Sort of Spirit from the Coll. of Philada, as any other I have taken notice of. I know not a Fault one wou’d more earnestly wish to avoid; nor one, considering the Character & manners of your Ward, that You shou’d more guard against. How far this may be owing to any peculiar Discipline, or Mode of Instruction in these Colleges, I presume not to say: certainly, however, the Fact is, as I have hinted, & I have heard the observation made by others as well as myself. That This is not also the Case with Respect to King’s College in New York, is more than I have any authority positively to assert: I have, however, some Reason to believe, that it is not, at least, not in so great a degree. Most other Colleges are formed on the Plans of Those in Scotld, Leyden, Gottingen, Geneva: Wm & Mary, & King’s College resemble more Those of Oxford & Cambridge. In the former, Men often may become Scholars, if They will; in the latter, They must often be made so, whether They will or no. The Presidt of the Coll: of Philada, whose Abilities are unquestionable, was himself brought up in Scotland, in a less regular manner, than is the Fortune of Scholars in general: &, in spite of his great merit, This must be some disadvantage to Him, in the office He holds. By dint of superior Genius, He has himself arriv’d at Eminence in Literature, by a nearer Cut, as it were: but, the Bulk of Men, must be enforced to travel thither, along the beaten Track. It is therefore, in some sort, necessary that He who undertakes to guide Us, shou’d himself have travelled the Road He is to shew Us. The President of King’s College is allow’d to be as sound & sensible a Scholar as any in America: He was first train’d up regularly in a large School in England, &

afterwards completed his Education by a ten or twelve Years Residence in Oxford. I do not, however, lay much Stress on the comparative Merits of the Professors: both of Those I have nam’d possess extraordinary Merit. But, were the Matter to be so determined, no Reason cou’d be given for his leaving his own Country, as I know very few better Scholars, than either Mr Camm, or Mr Johnson.
It is but Fair in Me, to advertise You, that I have, & long have had, a very warm & close Friendship with Dr Cooper, Presidt of the N. York College, that He is my Countryman, & constant Correspondent, & that, ⟨moreover⟩, I am under some Obligations to the Trustees of his College for an honorary Degree, They were pleased to confer on Me some time ago. How far, these Things may have bias’d my Judgement, You will judge better than I can. I profess, however, that I have not willingly suffered private Friendship or Attachments to warp my Judgement. And I the less suspect myself, inasmuch as I know, that the Dulanys & the Revd Mr Addison, by far the best educated Men, & best Judges of Education in this Province, agree, in this Matter, in Opinion with Me. The Last of these Gentlemen proposes to give this least equivocal Proof of his Judgement on the Matter, the sending of his own Son thither, his youngest, I mean, whenever the ill-Health of Mrs Addison shall permit Him to take Him from Her. And, I think I have heard Mr Walter Dulany also talk of sending his youngest Son, tho. Mrs Dulany is, I believe, a Native of Philada, & has many Relations there.
The Difference in point of Distance, I shou’d imagine too inconsiderable to deserve much Attention, even from a fond Parent. He may write every Week, from the one Place as well as the other: & as his Visits neither can, nor ought to be very frequent, a Day or two’s difference in the Journey can make but little odds.
And now, my dear Sir, relying on your believing what I have said, to have been delivered with the best Intention, I beg Leave to refer the Determination of the matter, where doubtless it ought to be left, entirely with Yourself. I have not now to inform You of my Regard for the Youth: his Welfare, believe me, is the only Motive that I wi⟨sh⟩ to influence my Judgement; and were I not persuaded, that That wou’d be more effectually promoted

by sending Him to York rather than Philada I had never taken the Liberty of troubling You with this long Letter.
Whenever You have finally determined the matter, I beg the Favour of You to let Me know: and, if it be for Philada, as I happen to have no personal Acquaintance with Dr Smith, for whose Charac⟨ter⟩, however, I profess the highest Respect, I will give You the Letter You ask.
I have a Wish indeed, a strong one, to accompany You on this little Tour: the Indisposition of my Eye makes it almost absolutely necessary for Me to seek assistance somewhere, & which, They tell Me, can only be found to the Northward. But, whether I shall be able to set my House in such order, as that my Absence so long may be dispensed with, is more than I can now judge. This only I know, that if I possibly can, I will.
A very disagreeable Controversy with two of our patriot Lawyers, which I was too easily persuaded to enter into, seems likely to cut Me out a good deal of Work: This, however, if other Matters can be got over, is certainly not of moment enough to detain Me.
Mrs Boucher begs her aff. Compts to Mrs Washington & Miss Custis, to which I request mine may be join’d. I am, Dr sir, very truly Yr much obliged Frd & Servt

Jonan Boucher


Title: To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 19 January 1773 [letter not found]
From: Fairfax, George William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from George William Fairfax, 19 Jan. 1773. Listed in Thomas Birch’s Sons catalog no. 663, item 61, 21–23 April 1891.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Newton, Jr., 27 January 1773
From: Washington, George
To: Newton, Thomas Jr.

Sir,
Mount Vernon 27th Jan. 1773.

Inclos’d you have a Copy of my last. By the bearer Captn Silby Harney in the Willing Maid, I send you 200 Barrls of Superfine Flour, and 50 Barrl of Midlings (all the Vessell would carry) pr Invoices Inclos’d, which please to dispose of for the best prices you can get, immediately, unless by keeping it a while, there is an apparent prospect of selling it higher—You may allow Credit till April, July, or even October for this Flour, according as you find my Interest can be advanced by it.
I have not, as yet, sold an Oz. of Superfine Flour under 16/8 at my Mill; what you will now receive has been regularly Inspected the Inspectors Certificate being Inclosed. The Midlings must speak for itself, as I have had no Inspection thereon; but think I should not be much out if I was to add, that they are, in my opinion, of equal quality with common Flour, & in Philadelphia I am told, always bears the same price however as I am perswaded you will make the most of it I need only add that I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Cash Accounts, February 1773
From: Washington, George
To:

[February 1773]

Cash

Feby 12—
To Rent Recd from Thos West
£  4.10. 0

To Ditto Recd from Lewis Lemart
7. 0. 0

To Ditto Recd from Obediah Oliphant
4.10. 0

15—
To Ditto recd from Mr Moses Simpson for a Negro of Colo. T. Colvills Estate
32. 0. 0

Contra

2—
By Mr James Mercers order to Wm Brent
125. 0. 0

7—
By Cash paid the Gumspring Shoemr
0. 3. 0

9—
By Ditto paid for 9 Barrl of Tarr
4.10. 0

By Willm Cash for 58 Bushls Wheat 5/
14.10. 0

12—
By Cash paid Thos West for a Mare
18. 0. 0

13—
By Ditto to Mr Custis
7.10. 0

15—
By Ditto advanced Gilbt Simpson Yough[iogheny]
12. 0. 0

23—
By Ditto paid Mr Wm Roberts on acct of W[age]s
18. 0. 0

28—
By Ditto to Miss Custis
1. 0. 0