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

Monday 15th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning—60 at Noon and 50 at Night. A little lowering in the morning, but clear afterwards—Wind till about 10 ’oclock was Southerly after wch. it came out at No. Wt. but neither hard nor cold. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry & Frenchs and to D. Run and Muddy hole. At the first two, Six plows were at Work. The other hands were, some of them, digging Carrots in the Ferry field No. 2 and the remainder were taking the Potatoes out of the Barn with a view to dry them but it appeared to be a vain attempt as there were so many watery ones among them—occasioned by the frost—as to render it scarcely possible to save any without seperating them one by one which would be endless. However, to try the effect I had them spread thin in the sun, and stirred to see if they would dry—ordering them to remain out, in heaps if the appearance of wet, or frost shd. not be great and, after again spreading them tomorrow—to remove them into the Barn Cellar tho’ they will be exposed there & to lay them thin there. At Dogue run—some of the hands were cleaning up Wheat and others about the Corn. The 4 Plows of this place were at Muddy hole. At Muddy hole—Seven plows were at Work—some hands were threshing out Oats and the rest were at D. Run. Received the remainder of the Carrots which were made in the Neck—quantity 93 bushels.


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

 Tuesday 16th. Thermometer at 39 in the Morning—49 at Noon and 48 at Night; Went to Alexandria to day to lay before the Court a plan of the roads as they pass through my Mount Vernn. tract of Land to & from the Ferry with the hardships occasioned thereby and to ask relief agreeably to the alterations which were proposed and submitted by the said plan which was readily assented to. Dined at Colo. Fitzgeralds and returned home in the afternoon.


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

Wednesday 17th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning—32 at Noon and 28 at Night. Wind fresh from No. Wt. all the latter part of the Night with a little Snow and great appearances of its continuing in the Morning early—but about 9 oclock (before the grd. got covered) it ceased and before Eleven O’clock was quite clear but cold the Wind continuing fresh from the same point. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Frenchs and to Dogue run & Muddy hole. At the two first—6 Plows were going. The other hands were, some about the Potatoes & others about the Carrots in Frenchs Corn field No. 4 those out of the Ferry field being topped & sent to the M. House quantity 21 bushels from 12 rows. At Dogue Run—The Plows 4, were at Muddy hole. All the other hands with some from Muddy hole were about the corn. At Muddy hole 7 Plows were at work. The other hands at home were threshing & cleaning Oats.


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

Thursday 18th. Thermometer at 25 in the Morning—26 at Noon and 24 at Night. Not much wind which towards Night was Easterly with Snow after dark. Rid to the Ferry & Frenchs only. Got up the Carrots at the latter & had them brought to the Mansion House—qty. 33 bushels from eight rows. The Plows were stopped. The other hands were about the Corn getting it out of the Ferry field.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 December 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 19th. Thermometer at 25 in the morning—30 at Noon and 32 at Night—but little wind—ground covered about an Inch deep with Snow. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Frenchs and to Dogue run & Muddy hole. At all, the Plows were unable to move.  At the Ferry & Frenchs, all hands were employed about the Corn of the Ferry field. At Dogue run—The People were also about the Corn, getting in & husking it and about cleaning Wheat which they had threshed out yesterday. At Muddy hole—Except the hands which were aiding at Dogue run, the rest were employed in threshing & cleaning Oats. Mr. Madison came here to dinner.


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

Saturday 20th. Thermometer at 22 in the Morning—24 at Noon and 20 at Night. Wind having sprung up in the Night blew hard & cold all day from the No. Wt. Remained at home with Mr. Madison. Sent my Carriage to Dumfries for Mrs. Washington of Bushfield & others—but expect it will find difficulty to cross Occoqn.


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

Monday 22d. Thermometer at 13 in the Morning—16 at Noon and 20 at Night. The Wind though there was but little all day was Southwardly. In the Night it blew pretty fresh from the So. Wt. This morning the river was closed except holes in places. Yesterday a good deal of Ice was formed as there also was the day before. At home all day. The Corn which grew between the rows of Carrots at the Ferry, being in number 38 amounted to 28 barrls. or 140 bushls. Of the above 12 Carrot Rows three were Transplanted, and did not yield more than a peck each, which is an additional proof that this mode of Culture will not succeed. The Carriage Returned from Dumfries without Mrs. Washington

& the others for whom it went—but was obliged to head Occoquan on account of the Ice which had impeded the passage. Doctr. Stuart called here dined and contd. to Abing.


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

Tuesday 23d. Thermometer at 20 in the Morning—20 at Noon and 20 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. again, snowing & cold. At home all day.


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

Wednesday 24th. Thermometer at 14 in the Morning—20 at Noon and 18 at Night. Clear & cold. Wind at No. Wt.—ground about 4 Inches covered with Snow. At home all day.


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

Friday 26th. Thermometer at 19 in the Morning—30 at Noon and 27 at Night. Wind at No. West but not fresh—clear. At home all day.


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

Saturday 27th. Thermometer at 21 in the Morning—28 at Noon and 29 at Night—Wind at No. Et. and heavy all the fore part of the day; with a sleet at Night. At home all day.


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

Sunday 28th. Thermometer at 37 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 44 at Night—Wind still at No. Et. with fine rain, & Sleet in the Morning but thawing afterwards—by Night little or no Snow appeared.


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

Monday 29th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning—44 at Noon and 44 at Night. Cloudy in the Morning, & till near 11 O’clock—after which clear, moderate & pleasant, with the wind at So. Wt. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Frenchs and to Dogue run & Muddy hole. At the two first all hands had began to gather, get in, & husk the Corn wch. grew at French’s. Taking those rows which grew between the 8 rows of Carts. which in number were 28, these Rows yielded 80 bushels of sound & 10 bushls. of Rotten Corn—as the 8 rows of Carrots did 33 bushels of these Roots.  At Dogue run—The Men were making a farm Pen, and the Women breaking & swingling flax and getting up the shattered Corn. At Muddy hole—The Men were about a farm pen and the Women threshing Oats.


Title: [Diary entry: 31 December 1788]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 31st. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. Cloudy in the Morning, with the Wind at No. Wt. Clear afterwards but not very cold. Rid to the Ferry & Frenchs and to Dogue run and Muddy hole Plann. At the two first all hands were about the Corn and dreadfully wet & disagreeable this work and proves however improper and injurious it is to have this business on hand so late in the year. At Dogue run the Men (except those with the Plows) were about the Farm Pen and the Women abt. the flax. At Muddy hole—Seven Plows were at work, 4 from D. Run and 3 from the Plann. The other hands were repairing fences on the Ferry road around field No. 5.


Title: December 1788
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 1st. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning—55 at Noon and 54 at Night. Wind at So. Wt., & very fresh all day, with clouds but no great appearance of Rain. Towards Night it shifted to No. Wt. & continued to blow hard—turning cold.
Visited all the Plantations on this side the Creek.
At the United ones—The Plows as usual were at Work. The other hands were in part digging the remainder of the Potatoes in the Ferry field No. 2 and would go when they were done, wch. would be about Noon, into French’s No. 4 adjoining about the same work. The other part were cleaning Wheat at the Ferry wch. had been tread out before the late wet weather & part of it sprouted.
At Dogue run—The Plow horses, and part of the hands were getting out Wheat. The other part finished taking up the Carrots wch. after topping, stringing and washing turned 86 bushels. These grew on 17 Rows between the Corn—two of which were transplanted & yielded badly—being (generally) small short, & forked—running more into top than root. 34 Rows of Potatoes, also between the Corn & intermixed with the above Carrots, yielded as noted 15th. Oct. 198½ bush. The other mixtures among the Corn were Cabbages, which came to nothing and Turnips (in drills) which at this time, are not much better; five Rows

of each; making together, of the vegitable tribe, 61 Rows, all of which were intermixed between 60 Rows of Indian Corn which are to be gathered, & measured seperately, to see the yield of each.
At Muddy hole the people were getting up Mud for manure.

Tuesday 2d. Thermometer at 37 in the morning—47 at Noon and 46 at Night. Clear, with the Wind at No. Wt. but not strong.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck, the People were gathering Beans, corn, and drawing them in. Only 5 plows were at Work—the Waggon being employed in drawing in Corn. That part of the Corn which was intermixed with Carrots, would be gathered (tho’ not measured) to day. It amounted to 49 rows—between which 23 rows of Irish Potatoes, yielding 135 bushls. (as observed the 10th. of Octr.) hath already been dug, & 13 rows of Carrots, 12 of Turnips, and one of the Turnip rooted Cabbage now remain.
The Hands from Muddy hole were some at Dogue run with their Plows and about the Carrots and some at Frenchs about the Potatoes.
At the two Plantations United, The Plows were at Work as usual. The other hands were employed, some in cleaning up the Wheat as yesterday and the rest about the Potatoes—where also the Ditchers, & such others of the weak gang from the House were also sent.
At Dogue run, the Plow Horses were getting out Wheat—the other hands in topping & sprouting the Carrots and preparing them for putting away.

Wednesday 3d. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—33 at Noon and 29 at Night. Clear with the Wind fresh from No. Wt. & cold—ground as yesterday froze hard.
Rid to the two Plantations united and to the New Barn.
The Plows at these places were at work as usual. After sending of the wheat to the Mill—the whole force with some hands from Muddy hole the ditchers &ca. from the House were employed in getting up & securing the Potatoes in field No. 4 at Frenchs in the Barn.

Thursday 4th. Thermometer at 25 this Morning—42 at Noon and 40 at Night. Wind still at No. Wt. and fresh—but after the Morning the cold was not so severe as yesterday.
At home all day.

Friday 5th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning—46 at Noon and 42 at Night—Wind Southerly and weather moderate—a few flakes of snow fell in the early part of the Morning—but not enough to whiten the grd. This is the first that has fallen here this fall. Clear & pleasant all day—but the Wind getting to No. Wt. again at Night it turned cold.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck the Plows were stopped by the frost which had frozen the ground quite hard. The greater part of the hands had been working on the public roads the two preceeding days. To day they were removing Potatoes into the Barn from the Corn House.
All the hands from Muddy hole were at Dogue run, & digging Potatoes at Frenchs. No plowing.
At Dogue Run—Plows were stopped. Part of the hands were gathering, drawing & husking corn and part cleaning up Wheat which had been tread out.
At the Ferry & Frenchs Plantations The Plows were at work and most of the other hands were from about 10 or 11 Oclock digging Potatoes. In the Morning, and all day yesterday the ground was too hard frozen to dig them up. Some of the People were cleaning up (at the Ferry) the last tread wheat.

Saturday 6th. Thermometer at 33 in the morning—46 at Noon and 44 at Night. Clear morning and day—first part of wch. was calm—the latter part the Wind was pretty fresh from the Southward.
Rid to the Ferry & Frenchs Plantn. Lofting Corn at the first—and digging Potatoes at the latter which were much injured and some entirely destroyed by the frost.
Mr. Dulany dined here yesterday.

Sunday 7th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning—57 at Noon and 57 at Night. Clear, warm & pleasant all day.

Monday 8th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. Clear warm & pleasant with the Wind at South.
Went up to Alexandria on business of the Estate of Colo. Thos. Colvill to whom I am an Executor. Returned in the Evening accompanied by Colo. Henry Lee.

Tuesday 9th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—60 at Noon and 60 at Night. Wind still Southerly and fresh—a good deal of

rain fell in the course of last Night and the early part of this Morning.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs & Dogue run.
At the two first the Plows were at work in field No. 7 at French’s and all the other hands with the assistance as mentioned last week were employed to day as they were yesterday in getting up Potatoes.
At Dogue run. The Plows finished about Noon, breaking up field No. 3 and the other hands compleated the Husking and measuring the Corn which grew in 60 rows between the Carrots—qty. 46 barrls. of sound Corn and 4 of what is called cow Corn—hence

60 Rows of Corn produced
}
230 Bls.

34 ditto of Irish Potatoes intermixed with these
198 1/2

17 ditto of Carrots—ditto
86

Mr. Ludwell Lee & Mr. Elliot Lee came here to dinner and in the afternoon with Colo. Henry Lee returned to Alexandria.
Concluded my exchange after dinner to day with Colo. Hy. Lee of Magnolio for 5000 acres of Kentucke Land agreeably to the memo. which he gave to me—which in case it should have been disposed of by Doctr. Skinner (now deceased) is to be supplied by other Lands of equal value. This bargain was made in the presence of Colo. Humphreys, the two Mr. Lees above mentioned Mr. Lear, & my Nephew Geo. Auge. Washington.

   GW was willing to part with Magnolia because the stallion was expensive to keep and had brought in little or no money for stud service during the past two and a half years despite frequent advertisement of that service (GW to Henry Lee, 30 Nov. 1788, DLC:GW; LEDGER BGeneral Ledger B, 1772–1793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., 227). Dr. Alexander Skinner, of Richmond, who served as surgeon of Lee’s Legion 1780–83, patented tracts of 2,000 and 3,000 acres on or near the Rough River in Jefferson (now Grayson) County, Ky. Lee obtained a deed for these two tracts by 17 Jan. 1789, and in February or March he conveyed his title to GW (BLANTONWyndham B. Blanton. Medicine in Virginia in the Eighteenth Century. Richmond, 1931., 337; Henry Lee to GW, 2 Dec. 1788, 17 Jan., 6 and 14 Feb., and 14 Mar. 1789, GW to Henry Lee, 12 Dec. 1788, 20 Jan. and 14 Feb. 1789, DLC:GW).

Wednesday 10th. Thermometer at 41 in the Morning—44 at Noon and 43 at Night. Clear, with the Wind fresh at No. Wt. all day.
Remained at home all day. William Gardener—my New Overseer for the Neck, arrived (by Water) with his family to day.

   William Garner, of Charles County, Md., today signed a contract with GW, agreeing to serve as overseer of River plantation “with the utmost Industry, Sobriety and Honesty” in return for £36 a year (articles of agreement between Garner and GW, 10 Dec. 1788, DLC:GW). He was employed until 1792 when he was dismissed for the neglectful way in which he conducted

that year’s harvest (LEDGER BGeneral Ledger B, 1772–1793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., 314; GW to Anthony Whitting, 13 Jan. and 26 May 1793, DLC:GW).

Thursday 11th. Thermometer at 37 in the Morning—44 at Noon and 44 at Night—Clear & tolerably pleasant—the Wind being Southerly.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry & Frenchs—Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At the first, the 6 Plows having finished breaking up No. 7 at Frenchs began yesterday about dinner to plow in No. 4 at the Ferry. All the other hands assisted as before were digging Potatoes in No. 4 at Frenchs.
At Dogue run—the 4 plows at this place, and the 3 belonging to Muddy hole, began in the afternoon of Tuesday to plow in No. 5 at the latter plantation having finished breaking up No. 3 at the first. Some of the hands at this place were cleaning Wheat & the others about the Corn.
At Muddy hole—The Plows began in No. 5 as has been mentioned. Some hands were getting in a Stack of Oats and the rest were at French’s.

Friday 12th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning—46 at Noon and 46 at Night—Clear in the forenoon with appearances of Snow, in the afternoon but these vanished before Night. Wind Southerly all day.
Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck 7 Plows were in No. 8 breaking it up. The other hands were pulling and getting in Corn; and topping Carrots.
At Muddy hole—3 plows were at work in No. 5. The other hands were in part threshing Oats and part at Frenchs about the Potatoes.
At Dogue run—the Plow horses were treading Wheat and the hands attending—getting in & husking Corn.
At the Ferry & Frenchs—6 Plows were at work in No. 5 at the Ferry. The other hands were all employed abt. the Potatoes.

Saturday 13th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning—52 at Noon and  at Night. Clear, calm & pleasant.
Visited the Ferry & French’s, & Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations.
At the two first the Horses were getting out the remainder of the wheat—a small damaged stack and the Plow people attending. All the other hands were about the Potatoes which were dug & housed

to day—quantity in the whole (at Frenchs) 1088 bushels—but many of them having suffered by frost—and all being put up wet, owing to the sloppiness of the ground occasioned thereby—the whole must be taken out, assorted & dried in order to preserve them. It is indispensable that this work should be, next year, & every succeeding one, be compleated before the ground begins to freeze—in short as soon as the tops of the Potatoes begin to fade & while there is Sun to dry them properly.
At Dogue run—treading Wheat again & the other hands employed as yesterday.
At Muddy hole—the Plows and other People were at Work as yesterday.

Sunday 14th. Thermometer at 40 in the morning— at Noon and 50 at Night—Clear, warm & pleasant all day with the Wind at So. Et.

Monday 15th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning—60 at Noon and 50 at Night. A little lowering in the morning, but clear afterwards—Wind till about 10 ’oclock was Southerly after wch. it came out at No. Wt. but neither hard nor cold.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry & Frenchs and to D. Run and Muddy hole.
At the first two, Six plows were at Work. The other hands were, some of them, digging Carrots in the Ferry field No. 2 and the remainder were taking the Potatoes out of the Barn with a view to dry them but it appeared to be a vain attempt as there were so many watery ones among them—occasioned by the frost—as to render it scarcely possible to save any without seperating them one by one which would be endless. However, to try the effect I had them spread thin in the sun, and stirred to see if they would dry—ordering them to remain out, in heaps if the appearance of wet, or frost shd. not be great and, after again spreading them tomorrow—to remove them into the Barn Cellar tho’ they will be exposed there & to lay them thin there.
At Dogue run—some of the hands were cleaning up Wheat and others about the Corn. The 4 Plows of this place were at Muddy hole.
At Muddy hole—Seven plows were at Work—some hands were threshing out Oats and the rest were at D. Run.
Received the remainder of the Carrots which were made in the Neck—quantity 93 bushels.

Tuesday 16th. Thermometer at 39 in the Morning—49 at Noon and 48 at Night; Went to Alexandria to day to lay before the Court a plan of the roads as they pass through my Mount Vernn. tract of Land to & from the Ferry with the hardships occasioned thereby and to ask relief agreeably to the alterations which were proposed and submitted by the said plan which was readily assented to.
Dined at Colo. Fitzgeralds and returned home in the afternoon.

   The Fairfax County court today granted GW permission to alter and open public roads on his lands (Fairfax County Order Book for 1788–91, 77, Vi Microfilm; GW to William Pearce, 28 Sept. 1794, DLC:GW).

Wednesday 17th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning—32 at Noon and 28 at Night. Wind fresh from No. Wt. all the latter part of the Night with a little Snow and great appearances of its continuing in the Morning early—but about 9 oclock (before the grd. got covered) it ceased and before Eleven O’clock was quite clear but cold the Wind continuing fresh from the same point.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Frenchs and to Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At the two first—6 Plows were going. The other hands were, some about the Potatoes & others about the Carrots in Frenchs Corn field No. 4 those out of the Ferry field being topped & sent to the M. House quantity 21 bushels from 12 rows.
At Dogue Run—The Plows 4, were at Muddy hole. All the other hands with some from Muddy hole were about the corn.
At Muddy hole 7 Plows were at work. The other hands at home were threshing & cleaning Oats.

Thursday 18th. Thermometer at 25 in the Morning—26 at Noon and 24 at Night. Not much wind which towards Night was Easterly with Snow after dark.
Rid to the Ferry & Frenchs only. Got up the Carrots at the latter & had them brought to the Mansion House—qty. 33 bushels from eight rows. The Plows were stopped. The other hands were about the Corn getting it out of the Ferry field.

Friday 19th. Thermometer at 25 in the morning—30 at Noon and 32 at Night—but little wind—ground covered about an Inch deep with Snow.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Frenchs and to Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At all, the Plows were unable to move.

At the Ferry & Frenchs, all hands were employed about the Corn of the Ferry field.
At Dogue run—The People were also about the Corn, getting in & husking it and about cleaning Wheat which they had threshed out yesterday.
At Muddy hole—Except the hands which were aiding at Dogue run, the rest were employed in threshing & cleaning Oats.
Mr. Madison came here to dinner.

   James Madison was going to Orange County to stand for election to the United States House of Representatives from his home district. In the voting, which occurred 2 Feb. 1789, he won by a large majority (Madison to GW, 2 Dec. 1788, and GW to Madison, 16 Feb. 1789, DLC:GW).

Saturday 20th. Thermometer at 22 in the Morning—24 at Noon and 20 at Night. Wind having sprung up in the Night blew hard & cold all day from the No. Wt.
Remained at home with Mr. Madison. Sent my Carriage to Dumfries for Mrs. Washington of Bushfield & others—but expect it will find difficulty to cross Occoqn.

Sunday 21st. Thermometer at 17 in the Morning 20 at Noon and 16 at Night. Wind hard & cold all day from the No. Wt.
Mr. William Craik, and Mr.  Washington—Son of Mr. Lawrence Washington of Chotanck dined here and returned afterwards to Alexandria.

   Lawrence Washington of Chotank had three sons: George Washington (b. 1758), who died young; Lawrence Washington, Jr. (d. 1809); and Needham Langhorne Washington (d. 1833), who inherited his father’s home (WAYLAND [1]John W. Wayland. The Washingtons and Their Homes. 1944. Reprint. Berryville, Va., 1973., 333, 339; EUBANKH. Ragland Eubank. Touring Historyland: The Authentic Guide Book of Historic Northern Neck of Virginia, the Land of George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Colonial Beach, Va., 1934., 20).

Monday 22d. Thermometer at 13 in the Morning—16 at Noon and 20 at Night. The Wind though there was but little all day was Southwardly. In the Night it blew pretty fresh from the So. Wt. This morning the river was closed except holes in places. Yesterday a good deal of Ice was formed as there also was the day before.
At home all day.
The Corn which grew between the rows of Carrots at the Ferry, being in number 38 amounted to 28 barrls. or 140 bushls. Of the above 12 Carrot Rows three were Transplanted, and did not yield more than a peck each, which is an additional proof that this mode of Culture will not succeed.
The Carriage Returned from Dumfries without Mrs. Washington

& the others for whom it went—but was obliged to head Occoquan on account of the Ice which had impeded the passage. Doctr. Stuart called here dined and contd. to Abing.

Tuesday 23d. Thermometer at 20 in the Morning—20 at Noon and 20 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. again, snowing & cold.
At home all day.

Wednesday 24th. Thermometer at 14 in the Morning—20 at Noon and 18 at Night. Clear & cold. Wind at No. Wt.—ground about 4 Inches covered with Snow.
At home all day.

Thursday 25th. Thermometer at 14 in the Morning 24 at Noon and 18 at Night. Lowering in the Morning but clear afterwards and not very cold there being but little wind.
Sent Mr. Madison after breakfast as far as Colchester in my Carriage.

Friday 26th. Thermometer at 19 in the Morning—30 at Noon and 27 at Night. Wind at No. West but not fresh—clear.
At home all day.

Saturday 27th. Thermometer at 21 in the Morning—28 at Noon and 29 at Night—Wind at No. Et. and heavy all the fore part of the day; with a sleet at Night.
At home all day.

Sunday 28th. Thermometer at 37 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 44 at Night—Wind still at No. Et. with fine rain, & Sleet in the Morning but thawing afterwards—by Night little or no Snow appeared.

Monday 29th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning—44 at Noon and 44 at Night. Cloudy in the Morning, & till near 11 O’clock—after which clear, moderate & pleasant, with the wind at So. Wt.
Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Frenchs and to Dogue run & Muddy hole.
At the two first all hands had began to gather, get in, & husk the Corn wch. grew at French’s. Taking those rows which grew between the 8 rows of Carts. which in number were 28, these Rows yielded 80 bushels of sound & 10 bushls. of Rotten Corn—as the 8 rows of Carrots did 33 bushels of these Roots.

At Dogue run—The Men were making a farm Pen, and the Women breaking & swingling flax and getting up the shattered Corn.
At Muddy hole—The Men were about a farm pen and the Women threshing Oats.

   swingling: swingeing; beating.

Tuesday 30th. Thermometer at 46 in the morning—52 at Noon and 51 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. all day and weather variable—sometimes threatning rain at other times promising fair weather. About dusk it began to drizzle and by Nine Oclock rained fast. Snow all gone.
Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole Plantations.
At the first the Men were about a farm Pen and the Women threshing.
At Muddy hole the Men were still about the Farm Pen & the Women threshing.

Wednesday 31st. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning— at Noon and  at Night. Cloudy in the Morning, with the Wind at No. Wt. Clear afterwards but not very cold.
Rid to the Ferry & Frenchs and to Dogue run and Muddy hole Plann.
At the two first all hands were about the Corn and dreadfully wet & disagreeable this work and proves however improper and injurious it is to have this business on hand so late in the year.
At Dogue run the Men (except those with the Plows) were about the Farm Pen and the Women abt. the flax.
At Muddy hole—Seven Plows were at work, 4 from D. Run and 3 from the Plann. The other hands were repairing fences on the Ferry road around field No. 5.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 1st. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning—47 at Noon and 47 at Night. Clear Morning and wind tho’ not much of it at No. Wt.—clear all day & pleasant. Went out after breakfast to lay of or rather to measure an old field which is intended to be added to Muddy hole Plantation—after which marked out a line for the New road across from the Tumbling Dam to little Hunting Creek to begin [th]e Post and rail fence on.  In the Evening Mr. Bushrod Washington & his wife and Miss Polly Blackburn came in.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 2d. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning—34 at Noon and 34 at Night. Wind at No. Et.—Drizzling & raining more or less all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 3d. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning 40 at Noon and 40 at Night. Wind still at No. Et. with the same kd. of weather as yesterday.


Title: [Diary entry: 4 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 4th. Thermometer at 40 in the morning—44 at Noon and 40 at Night. In the Morning the Wind was at So. West but soon shifting to No. Wt. it cleared and was tolerably & not cold overhead but exceedingly sloppy & deep under foot. The Revd. Mr. Fairfax came here in the evening and stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 6th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning—44 at Noon and 40 at Night. In the Morning the Wind was Southerly—but it soon shifted to No. west. Rid to the Ferry & Frenchs Plantations—and to Dogue run and Muddy hole.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Wednesday 7th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—39 at Noon and 39 at Night. Calm all day, but raw & chilly. Went up to the Election of an Elector (for this district) of President & Vice President when the Candidates polled for being Doctr. Stuart and Colo. Blackburn the first recd. 216 votes from the Freeholders of this County and the second 16 Votes. Dined with a large company on venisen at Pages Tavn. and came home in the evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 9th. Thermometer at 28 in the Morning—31 at Noon and 27 at Night. Wind fresh from No. Wt. all day and cold—in the evening calm. Finished gathering Corn this day only at French’s—quantity  Barrels of yellow which is an indifferent sort—much shrivelled & rotten.  Barrls. of White Corn of the kind had in 1787 from Colo. Richard Henry Lee and  Barrls. of rotten or faulty. I remained at home all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 10th. Thermometer at 28 in the Morning—29 at Noon and 28 at Night. Wind Southerly, but cold notwithstanding. At home all [day.]


Title: [Diary entry: 11 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 11th. Thermometer at 25 in the Morning—27 at Noon and 27 at Night—Abt. Nine Oclock last Night it began to Snow, and continued to do so, more or less all Night & till about 10 oclock to day when it ceased but did not clear. The ground was covered about 4 Inches deep.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Monday 12th. Thermometer at 16 in the Morning—25 at Noon and 25 at Night—Clear and cold—with the Wind at No. Wt.—towards Night it lowered again. This day sowed Clover & Timothy Seed (6 pints of the first & 2 of the latter on an acre) at bothe the Ferry & Muddy hole Plantations—On the Wheat—beginning at the South end of the field at the Ferry and by the Gate at Muddy hole.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 13th. Thermometer at 25 in the Morning—28 at Noon And 29 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. with a mixture of Snow, hail, and sometimes drops of Rain till about Noon when the Clouds broke and the weather promised to be fair.


Title: [Diary entry: 14 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 14th. Thermometer at 29 in the Morning—32 at Noon and 30 at Night. Variable wind, with a little Snow in the Morning but clear about Noon. The Sleet, or hail that fell yesterday making a hard crust on the Snow to day, I discontinued sowing grass-Seeds as they could not bury themselves, & were liable to be blown of the surface of the Snow and drifted.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 15th. Thermometer at 26 in the Morning—30 at Noon and 27 at Night—Clear (with the Wind at No. Wt.) till after Noon when the Weather lowered with appearances of Snow. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Frenchs and to Dogue run & Muddy hole.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 16th. Thermometer at 21 in the Morning—26 at Noon and 26 at Night. Clear all day; with the Wind at No. Wt. in the forenoon, & So. Wt. in the Afternoon. Brought from Dogue run Plantation 15 Mares which were supposed to be with fold; and one that was thought not to be so to the Mann. Ho. Left 3 there to be added to the Plow horses—sent one to Muddy hole—and one to the Ferry for the same purpose And also brot. from the Ferry  Young Horses & Mares to the Mansion House to be fed. Began to put Ice into the Ice Ho. this day. Doctr. Craik dined here & returned to Alexandria afterwards.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 17th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 32 at Night. Wind Southerly in the Morning & forenoon with great appearances of Snow—Afternoon clear with the Wind at No. West. Rid to the Plantations in the Neck and at Muddy hole.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 19th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—37 at Noon and 40 at Night. Heavy lowering Morning and little Wind—drops of rain afterwards with the Wind at South and thawing. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry & Frenchs and to Dogue run and Muddy hole. At Muddy hole, finding the top of the Snow to be sufficiently softened—I directed the Overseer to renew the sowing of grass Seeds on the Wheat.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 21st. Thermometer at 42 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 42 at Night. Very heavy Morning, tho’ last night was very clear—more favourable afterwards but not perfectly clear. At home all day. Mr. Lund Washington dined here.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 22d. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 32 at Night. Snowing, hailing & raining more or less all day—with the Wind at No. Et.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 23d. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—38 at Noon and 37 at Night. Clear & calm in the Morning & continued to be so & very pleasant all day. Rid to the Ferry & French’s Plantations and to Dogue Run & Muddy hole. At the first began to ditch across the New Meadow to inclose or rather seperate fields No. 1 & 2. At Dogue run the People were fencing in field No. 7. Doctr. Stuart came here to Dinner & stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 24th. Thermometer at 36 in the morning—40 at Noon and 40 at Night—Morning heavy & lowering with the Wind at So.—Moderate all day with Sun shine at times. Went into the Neck—measured some fields there and laid off 8 Acres for Tobacco.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Sunday 25th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning 40 at Noon and 40 at Night. Lowering more or less all day with rain after dark. Colonels Fitzgerald Lee & Gilpin dined here, and returned to Alexandria in the evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 26th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning—50 at Noon and 44 at Night. A good deal of rain fell in the course of the Night—Varable Winds & Weather through the day, with rain again at Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 28th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning—34 at Noon and 32 at Night. Wind at No. Et. Raw & cold. About Noon it began to Snow & continued to do so fast for about half an hour, but it soon disappeared—and in the Night rained hard again. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry Frenchs & to those at Dogue run and Muddy hole. Renewed the Plowing in the two first—in field No. 4 at the Ferry—& finished breaking up field No. 5 at Muddy hole & began abt. Noon to plow No. 4 for Buck Wheat at the same place. Major Washington set out for Berkley to see his father who had informed him of the low state of health in which he was.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 29th. Thermometer at 35 in the Morning—35 at Noon and 44 at Night. So. Wt. & very lowering all day—towards Night it began to brighten a little and the sun set clear. At home all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 30th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning—35 at Noon and 34 at Night. Heavy morning with the Wind at No.—which afterwards getting to No. Et. brought on a fine Snow which continued. Visited the Plantations at the Ferry & Frenchs and Dogue run & Muddy hole. At the first two added another Plow to their number.


Title: [Diary entry: 31 January 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Saturday 31st. Thermometer at 29 in the Morning—26 at Noon and 27 at Night. The Snow which began yesterday afternoon continued without through the whole of last Night and till about Sun rising this Morning by which it was near a foot deep. Wind blowing hard all day from No. Wt. it became very cold.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 February 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 1st. Thermometer at 14 in the Morning—22 at Noon And 20 at Night. Clear morning with the Wind at No. Wt. where it continued fresh & very cold, all day. Mr. & Mrs. Herbert—Mr. & Mrs. Young and Mr. George Calvert came here to Dinner and stayed all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 February 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 2d. The Mercury was in the Ball of the Thermometer in the Morning—at 26 at Noon and 20 at Night. Mr. Herbert and Mr. Young and their Ladies went away after breakfast. I went up to the Election of a Representative to Congress for this district. [V]oted for Richd. Bland Lee Esqr. Dined at Colo. Hooes & returned home in the afternoon. On my way home met Mr. George Calvert on his way to Abingdon with the Hounds I had lent him—viz.—

Vulcan—& Venus
}
From France

Ragman & two other dogs
}
From England

Dutchess & Doxey
}
From Philadelpha.

Tryal Jupiter & Countess
}
Descended from the French Hounds


Title: February 1789
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 1st. Thermometer at 14 in the Morning—22 at Noon And 20 at Night. Clear morning with the Wind at No. Wt. where it continued fresh & very cold, all day.
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert—Mr. & Mrs. Young and Mr. George Calvert came here to Dinner and stayed all Night.

   Hugh Young, a Baltimore merchant, assisted GW several weeks later by forwarding some Irish gooseberry cuttings that arrived for him in Baltimore (Young to GW, 16 Feb. 1789, and GW to Young, 3 Mar. 1789, DLC:GW).

Monday 2d. The Mercury was in the Ball of the Thermometer in the Morning—at 26 at Noon and 20 at Night.
Mr. Herbert and Mr. Young and their Ladies went away after breakfast.
I went up to the Election of a Representative to Congress for this district. [V]oted for Richd. Bland Lee Esqr. Dined at Colo. Hooes & returned home in the afternoon.
On my way home met Mr. George Calvert on his way to Abingdon with the Hounds I had lent him—viz.—

Vulcan—& Venus
}
From France

Ragman & two other dogs
}
From England

Dutchess & Doxey
}
From Philadelpha.

Tryal Jupiter & Countess
}
Descended from the French Hounds

   All ten of Virginia’s allotted representatives were elected today. The district in which Fairfax County was located also included King George, Stafford, Prince William, Loudoun, and Fauquier counties. Everyone qualified to vote for members of the General Assembly was entitled to vote in this election (HENINGWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819–23. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 12:653–56). Richard Bland Lee, a Federalist, won and was subsequently reelected twice.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 April 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

[16 April 1789] About ten o’clock I bade adieu to Mount Vernon, to private life, and to domestic felicity; and with a mind oppressed with more anxious and painful sensations than I have words to express, set out for New York in company with Mr. Thompson, and colonel Humphries, with the best dispositions to render service to my country in obedience to its call, but with less hope of answering its expectations.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 April 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

[23 April 1789] The display of boats which attended and joined us on this occasion, some with vocal and some with instrumental music on board; the decorations of the ships, the roar of cannon, and the loud acclamations of the people which rent the skies, as I passed along the wharves, filled my mind with sensations as painful (considering the reverse of this scene, which may be the case after all my labors to do good) as they are pleasing.


Title: [April 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

[16 April 1789] About ten o’clock I bade adieu to Mount Vernon, to private life, and to domestic felicity; and with a mind oppressed with more anxious and painful sensations than I have words to express, set out for New York in company with Mr. Thompson, and colonel Humphries, with the best dispositions to render service to my country in obedience to its call, but with less hope of answering its expectations.

   Although GW evidently kept a diary for at least part of the spring and summer of 1789, the diaries for this period have disappeared. Only two entries for these months are presently available, both in printed form. The entry for 16 April 1789 is taken from MARSHALL [3]John Marshall. The Life of George Washington, Commander in Chief of the American Forces, during the War which established the Independence of His Country, and First President of the United States. 5 vols. 1804–7. Reprint. 2 vols. Philadelphia, 1850., 5:154; it also appears in SPARKSJared Sparks, ed. The Writings of George Washington; Being His Correspondence, Addresses, Messages, and Other Papers, Official and Private, Selected and Published from the Original Manuscripts. 12 vols. Boston, 1833–37., 10:461. The entry for 23 April is from IRVINGWashington Irving. Life of George Washington. 5 vols. New York, 1857–59., 4:505–6.

   On 4 Feb. presidential electors of those states which had ratified the Constitution

were scheduled to meet in specified cities to vote for the president and vice-president. The announcement of the results of the election was to be made by the new federal Congress, which was to convene in New York on 4 Mar. On the appointed day Congress failed to achieve a quorum and it was not until 6 April that the electoral votes were counted (DE PAUWLinda Grant De Pauw et al., eds. Documentary History of the First Federal Congress of the United States of America, March 4, 1789-March 3, 1791. 20 vols. to date. Baltimore, 1972–., 1:6–11). Throughout the month, however, reports reaching GW from various sources made it clear that his election was virtually a certainty, and he reluctantly began preparations to leave Mount Vernon, feeling, as he informed Henry Knox, not unlike “a culprit who is going to the place of his execution, so

unwilling am I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode for an Ocean of difficulties” (1 April 1789, DLC:GW). On 14 April Charles Thomson, secretary of Congress, arrived at Mount Vernon, bringing GW the awaited confirmation of his election. Thomson had “left New York on Tuesday, the 7th of the present month; and though much impeded by tempestuous weather, bad roads, and the many large rivers I had to cross, yet, by unremitted diligence I reached Mount Vernon, the seat of his excellency General Washington, on Tuesday, the 14th, about 12 o’clock. I found his excellency at home; and after communicating to him the object of my mission and the substance of my instructions, I took an opportunity, on the day of my arrival, to address him as follows:

   “‘Sir, the President of the Senate, chosen for the special occasion, having opened and counted the votes of the electors in the presence of the Senate and the House of Representatives, I was honored with the commands of the Senate to wait upon your excellency with the information of your being elected to the office of President of the United States of America. . . .

   “To this his excellency was pleased to make the following reply:

   “‘Sir, I have been long accustomed to entertain so great a respect for the opinion of my fellow-citizens, that the knowledge of their unanimous suffrages having been given in my favor, scarcely leaves me the alternative for an option. Whatever may have been my private feelings and sentiments, I believe I cannot give a greater evidence of my sensibility for the honor they have done me, than by accepting the appointment. . . .

   “Upon considering how long time some of the gentlemen of both Houses of Congress have been at New York, how anxiously desirous they must be to proceed to business, and how deeply the public mind appears to be impressed with the necessity of doing it immediately, I cannot find myself at liberty to delay my journey. I shall therefore be in readiness to set out the day after to-morrow, and shall be happy in the pleasure of your company’” (ASP, Miscellaneous,Walter Lowrie et al., eds. American State Papers. Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States. 38 vols. Washington, D.C., Gales and Seaton, 1832–61. 1:5–6).

   For the ceremonies attending GW’s journey north and his reception in New York City, see FREEMANDouglas Southall Freeman. George Washington: A Biography. 7 vols. New York, 1948–57., 6:167–84; BAKER [2]William Spohn Baker. Washington after the Revolution: MDCCLXXXIV - MDCCXCIX. Philadelphia, 1898., 121–29; BOWENClarence Winthrop Bowen. The History of the Centennial Celebration of the Inauguration of George Washington as First President of the United States. New York, 1892., 19–36.

[23 April 1789] The display of boats which attended and joined us on this occasion, some with vocal and some with instrumental music on board; the decorations of the ships, the roar of cannon, and the loud acclamations of the people which rent the skies, as I passed along the wharves, filled my mind with sensations as painful (considering the reverse of this scene, which may be the case after all my labors to do good) as they are pleasing.

   Today’s diary entry is a fragmentary account of GW’s reception in New York City. The New York Daily Advertiser, 24 April 1789, was more explicit. “Yesterday arrived the illustrious George Washington, President of the United States, amidst the joyful acclamations of every party and every description of citizens. . . . The President was received at Elizabeth-Town, by a deputation of three Senators, five Representatives of the Congress of the United States, and three officers of the State and Corporation; with whom he embarked in the barge, built . . . and rowed by thirteen pilots of this harbour, dressed in white uniform; Thomas Randall, Esq. acting as cockswain.

   “No language can paint the beautiful display made on his excellency’s approach to the city. The shores were crouded with a vast concourse of citizens, waiting with exulting anxiety his arrival. His Catholic Majesty’s sloop of war the Galviston, (Mr. Dohrman’s) ship North-Carolina, and the other vessels in port, were dressed and decorated in the most superb manner. His excellency’s barge was accompanied by the barge of the Hon. Gen. Knox, and a great number of vessels and boats from Jersey and New-York, in his train. As he passed the Galviston, he received a salute of thirteen guns, and was welcomed by an equal number from the battery. . . .

   “On his excellencys arrival at the stairs, prepared and ornamented, at Murray’s wharf, for his landing; he was received and congratulated by his excellency, the Governor of this State, and the officers of the State and Corporation, and [a] . . . procession was formed . . . followed by an amazing concorse of citizens.

   “The procession advanced through Queen street to the house fitted up for the reception of his Excellency, where it terminated, after which, he was conducted without form to the house of Governor Clinton, with whom his Excellency dined. In the evening the houses of the citizens were brilliantly illuminated.”


Title: [Diary entry: 2 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 2d. Dispatching Commissions &ca. as yesterday for the Judiciary. The Visitors to Mrs. Washington this evening were not numerous.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 3d. Sat for Mr. Rammage near two hours to day, who was drawing a miniature Picture of me for Mrs. Washington. Walked in the Afternoon, and sat about two Oclock for Madam de Brehan to complete a Miniature profile of me which she had begun from Memory and which she had made exceedingly like the Original.


Title: [Diary entry: 4 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 4th. Went to St. Pauls Chappel in the forenoon. Spent the remainder of the day in writing private letters for tomorrows Post.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 5th. Dispatched the Commissions to all the Judges of the Supreme and District Courts; & to the Marshalls and Attorneys and accompanied them with all the Acts respecting the Judiciary Department. Exercised on horse back between the Hours of 9 and 11 in the forenoon and between 5 and 6 in the Afternn. on foot. Had conversation with Colo. Hamilton on the propriety of my

makg. a tour through the Eastern states during the recess of Congress to acquire knowledge of the face of the Country the growth and Agriculture there of and the temper and disposition of the Inhabitants towards the new government who thought it a very desirable plan and advised it accordingly.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 7th. Exercised on horseback; & called on the Vice President. In the afternoon walked an hour. Mr. Jay communicated the purpt. of the Instructions received by Sir John Temple British Consul from the Duke of Leeds Secretary for Foreign affairs—viz. Trade. How many foreign Vessels—of what Nations—whether from Europe or their Colonies. What Tonnage—whether any and what difference between British and others—what on American. What Port charges on foreign Vessels—whether any and what difference &ca. What duties on foreign Goods—whether any and what difference as to the Countries producing, and Vessels bringing them—Number of Vessels built where &ca. Staple Commodities. Whether they encrease or diminish—which—in what degree—and why. Manufactures—What—Where—Whether and how encouraged. Emigrations—From Europe in what numbers—from where—whether and how encouraged &ca. From United States—to British and Spanish Territories &ca. Population—whether generally, or partially encreasing or diminishing and from what causes. Justice—Whether there be any, and what obstructions, and where, to the recovery of British Debts according to Treaty. Upon consulting Mr. Jay on the propriety of my intended tour into the Eastern States, he highly approved of it—but observed, a similar visit wd. be expected by those of the Southern. With the same Gentlemen I had conversation on the propriety of takg. informal means of ascertaining the views of the British Court with respect to our Western Posts in their possession and to a Commercial treaty. He thought steps of this sort advisable, and mentioned as a fit person for this purpose, a Doctr. Bancroft as a man in whom entire confidence might be placed.  Colo. Hamilton on the same subject highly approved of the Measure but thought Mr. Gouvr. Morris well qualified.


Title: [Diary entry: 8 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 8th. Mr. Gardoqui took leave, proposing to embark to morrow for Spain. The following Company dined with Me to day. viz. The Vice-President his Lady & Son and her Niece with their Son in Law Colo. Smith & his Lady. Governor Clinton & his two eldest daughters—Mr. Dalton and his Lady their Son in law Mr. Dubois and his lady and their other three daughters. In the Evening the Count de Moustier & Madam de Brehan came in and sat an hour. Mr. Madison took his leave to day. He saw no impropriety in my proposed trip to the Eastward; but with respect to the private agent to ascertain the disposition of the British Court with respect to the Western Posts & Commercial treaty he thought if the necessity did not press it would be better to wait the arrival of Mr. Jefferson who might be able to give the information wanted on this head—and with me thought, that if Mr. Gouvr. Morris was employed in this business it would be a commitment for his appointment as Minister if one should be sent to that Court or wanted at Versailles in place of Mr. Jefferson—and Moreover if either of these was his Wish whether his representations might not be made with an eye to it. He thought with Colo. Hamilton, and as Mr. Jay also does, that Mr. Morris is a man of superior talents—but with the latter that his imagination sometimes runs a head of his judgment—that his Manners before he is known—and where known are oftentimes disgusting—and from that, and immoral & loose expressions had created opinions of himself that were not favourable to him and which he did not merit.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 9th. Exercised on horse-back between the hours of 9 and 11. Visited in my rout the Gardens of Mr. Perry and Mr. Williamson. Received from the French Minister, in Person, official notice of his having recd. leave to return to his Court and intended embarkation—and the orders of his Court to make the following communication—viz.—That his Majesty was pleased at the Alteration which had taken place in our Government and congratulated this Country on the choice they had made of a Presidt. He added that he should take care to make a favourable representation of the present State of things here to his Master who he doubted not would be much pleased therewith. Hitherto he observed that the Government of this Country had been of so fluctuating a nature no dependence could be placed on its proceedings; whh. caused foreign Nations to be cautious of entering into Treaties &ca. with the United States—But under the present Government there is a head to look up to—and power being put into the hands of its Officers stability will be derived from its doings. The Visiters this evening to Mrs. Washington were respectable both of Gentlemen and Ladies.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 10th. Pursuant to an engagement formed on Thursday last—I set off about 9 Oclock in my Barge to Visit Mr. Prince’s fruit Gardens & shrubberies at Flushing on Long Island. The Vice President—Governor of the State, Mr. Izard, Colo. Smith and Majr. Jackson accompanied me. These Gardens except in the number of young fruit Trees did not answer my expectations—The shrubs were trifling and the flowers not numerous. The Inhabitants of this place shewed us what respect they could, by making the best use of one Cannon to salute. On our return, we stopped at the Seats of General, and Mr. Gouvernr. Morris and viewed a Barn of which I have heard the latter speak much belonging to his farm—but it was not of a Construction to strike my fancy—nor did the conveniencies of it at all answer the cost. From hence we proceeded to Harlaem where we were met by

Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Smith—Dined at the Tavern kept by a Captn. Mariner and came home in the evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 11th. At home all day—writing private Letters.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 12th. Received the Compliments of the Count de Pentheve, commanding his most Christian Majestys Squadron in

the harbour of Boston—these were sent by the Marquis de Traversy in the Active Frigate; who with all his Officers, were presented by the French Minister about One clock.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 13th. At two Oclock received the Address from the People called Quakers. A good many Gentlemen attended the Levee to day.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 15th. Commenced my Journey about 9 oclock for Boston and a tour through the Eastern States. The Chief Justice, Mr. Jay and the Secretaries of the Treasury and War Departments accompanied me some distance out of the City. About 10 Oclock it began to Rain, and continued to do so till 11, when we arrived at

the house of one Hoyatt, who keeps a Tavern at Kings-bridge  where we, that is Major Jackson, Mr. Lear and myself, with Six Servants which composed my Retinue, dined. After dinner through frequent light Showers we proceedd. to the Tavern of a Mrs. Haviland at Rye;  who keeps a very neat and decent Inn. The Road for the greater part, indeed the whole way, was very rough and Stoney, but the Land strong, well covered with grass and a luxurient Crop of Indian Corn intermixed with Pompions [pumpkins] (Which were yet ungathered) in the fields. We met four droves of Beef Cattle for the New York Market (about 30 in a drove) some of which were very fine—also a flock of Sheep for the same place. We scarcely passed a farm house that did not abd. in Geese. Their Cattle seemed to be of a good quality and their hogs large but rather long legged. No dwelling Ho. is seen without a Stone or Brick Chimney and rarely any without a shingled roof—generally the Sides are of Shingles also. The distance of this days travel was 31 Miles in which we passed through (after leaving the Bridge) East Chester New Rochel & Marmeroneck; but as these places (though they have houses of worship in them) are not regularly laid out, they are scarcely to be distinguished from the intermediate farms which are very close together and seperated, as one Inclosure from another also is, by fences of Stone which are indeed easily made, as the Country is immensely Stony. Upon enquiry we find their Crops of Wheat & Rye have been abundant

—though of the first they had sown rather sparingly on Acct. of the destruction which had of late years been made of that grain by what is called the Hessian fly.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 16th. About 7 Oclock we left the Widow Havilands, and after passing Horse Neck [Greenwich] Six Miles distant from Rye, the Road through which is hilly and immensely stoney and trying to Wheels & Carriages, we breakfasted at Stamford which is 6 miles further (at one Webbs)  a tolerable good house, but not equal in appearance or reality, to Mrs. Havilds. In this Town are an Episcopal Church and a Meeting house. At Norwalk which is ten miles further we made a halt to feed our Horses. To the lower end of this town Sea Vessels come and at the other end are Mills, Stores, and an Episcopal and Presbiterian Church. From hence to Fairfield where we dined and lodged, is 12 Miles; and part of it very rough Road, but not equal to that thro’ horse Neck. The superb Landscape, however, which is to be seen from the meeting house of the latter is a rich regalia. We found all the Farmers busily employed in gathering, grinding, and expressing the Juice of their Apples; the Crop of which they say is rather above Mediocrity. The Average Crop of Wheat they add, is about 15 bushels to the Acre from their fallow land—often 20 & from that to 25. The Destructive evidences of British cruelty are yet visible both in Norwalk & Fairfield; as there are the Chimneys of many burnt houses standing in them yet. The principal export from Norwalk & Fairfield is Horses and Cattle—Salted Beef & Porke, Lumber & Indian Corn, to the West Indies—and in a small degree Wheat & Flour.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 17th. A little after Sun-rise we left Fairfield, & passing through Et. Fairfield breakfasted at Stratford, wch. is ten Miles from Fairfield, and is a pretty village on or near Stratford Rivr. The Road between these two places is not on the whole bad (for this Country)—in some places very gd. especially through Et. Fairfield wch. is in a plain, and free from Stone. There are two decent looking Churches in this place—though small—viz.—an Episcopal and Presbeterian, or Congregationalist (as they call themselves). At Stratford there is the same. At this place I was received with an effort of Military parade; and was attended to the Ferry which is near a mile from the Center of the Town, by sevl. Gentlemen on horse back. Doctr. Johnson of the Senate visited me here, being with Mrs. Johnson in this Town (where he formerly resided). The Ferry is near half a Mile; and sometimes much incommoded by Winds and cross tides. The Navigation for Vessels of about 75

Tonns extends up to Darby, ten Miles higher, where it is said there is a pretty brisk trade. At Stratford they are establishing a Manufactury of Duck, and have lately turned out about 400 bolts. From the Ferry it is abt. 3 Miles to Milford, which is situated in more uneven and Stoney grd. than the 3 last Villages through wch. we passed. In this place there is but one Church, or in other words but one steeple—but there are Grist & saw Mills and a handsome Cascade over the Tumbling dam; but one of the prettiest things of this kind is at Stamford occasioned also by damming the water for their Mills; it is near 100 yds. in width, and the water now being of a proper height, and the Rays of the Sun striking upon it as we passed, had a pretty effect upon the foaming Water as it fell. From Millford we took the lower road through West haven, part of which was good and part rough, and arrived at New haven before two Oclock; We had time to Walk through several parts of the City before Dinner. By taking the lower Road, we missed a Committee of the assembly, who had been appointed to wait upon, and escort me into town—to prepare an Address and to conduct me when I should leave the City as far as they should judge proper. The address was presented at 7 Oclock and at Nine I received another address from the Congregational Clergy of the place. Between the rect. of the two Addresses I received the Compliment of a Visit from the Govr. Mr. Huntington —the Lieutt. Govr. Mr. Wolcot  and the Mayor Mr. Roger Shurman. The City of Newhaven occupies a good deal of ground, but is thinly, though regularly laid out, & built. The number of Souls in it are said to be about 4000. There is an Episcopal Church and 3 Congregational Meeting Houses and a College in which there are at this time about 120 Students under auspices of Doctr. Styles. The Harbour of this place is not good for large Vessels—abt. 16 belongs to it. The Linnen Manufacture does not appear to be of so much importance as I had been led to believe—In a word I could hear but little of it. The Exports from this City are much the same as from Fairfield &ca. and flax seed (chiefly to New York). The Road from Kings bridge to this place runs as near the Sound as the Bays and Inlets will allow, but from hence to Hartford it leaves the Sound and runs more to the Northward.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 19th. Left New haven at 6 oclock, and arrived at Wallingford (13 Miles) by half after 8 oclock, where we breakfasted and took a walk through the Town. In coming to it we passed thro East haven about mid way; after riding along the river of that name 6 Miles on which are extensive Marshes Now loaded with hay stacks—the ride is very pleasant, but the Road is Sandy which it continues to be within a Mile of the Tavern (Carringtons which is but an ordinary house) at Wallingford. This and about five Miles of the Road beyond—that is West of New haven—is all the Sand we have met with on the journey. These Sandy Lands afford but ordinary Crops of Corn—nor has the Crops of this grain East of Stratford River appeared so heavy as on the West side of it. The Lands (Stone being less) are in part enclosed with Posts & Rails. At this place (Wallingford) we see the white Mulberry growing, raised from the Seed to feed the Silk worm. We also saw samples of lustring (exceeding good) which had been manufactured from the Cocoon raised in this Town, and silk thread very fine. This, except the weaving, is the work of private families without interference with other business, and is likely to turn out a benificial amusement. In the Township of Mansfield they are further advanced in this business. Walling ford has a Church & two meeting houses in it, which stands upon high and pleasant grd. About 10 Oclock we left this place and at the distance of 8 Miles passed through Durham. At one we arrived at Middletown on Connecticut River being met two or three Miles from it by the respectable Citizens of the place, and escorted in by them. While dinner was getting ready I took a walk round the Town, from the heights of which the prospect is beautiful. Belonging to this place I was informed (by a Genl. Sage)  that there was about 20 Sea Vessels and to Weathersfield higher up 22 and to Hartford the like number. Other places on the River have their proportion, the whole amounting to about 10,000 Tonns. The Country hereabouts is beautiful and the Lands good. An average Crop of wheat from an Acre of fallowed Land is estimated at 15 bushels; sometimes

they get as high as 25 and 30 bushls. to the Acre from their best lands—Indian Corn from 20 to 40 bushls. pr. Acre. Their exports are the same as from other places; together with Pot ash. Having dined, we set out with the same Escort (who conducted us into town) about 3 Oclock for Hartford, and passing through a Parish of Middletown & Weathersfield, we arrived at Harfd. about Sun down. At Weathersfield we were met by a party of the Hartford light horse, and a Number of Gentlemen from the same place with Colo. Wadsworth  at their head, and escorted to Bulls Tavern where we lodged.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

 Wednesday 21st. By promise I was to have Breakfasted at Mr. Ellsworths at Windsor on my way to Springfield, but the Morning proving very wet and the rain not ceasing till past 10 Oclock I did not set out till half after that hour; I called however on Mr. Ellsworth and stay’d there near an hour. Reached Springfield by 4 Oclock, and while dinner was getting, examined the Continental Stores at this place which I found in very good order at the buildings (on the hill above the Town) which belong to the United States. The Barracks (also public property) are going fast to destruction and in a little time will be no more without repairs. The Elaboratory, wch. seems to be a good building is in tolerable good repair and the Powder Magazine which is of Brick seems to be in excellent order and the Powder in it very dry. A Colo. Worthington, Colo. Williams (Adjutant General of the State of Massachusetts), Genl. Shepherd, Mr. Lyman and many other Gentlemen sat an hour or two with me in the evening at Parson’s Tavern where I lodged and which is a good House. About 6 Miles before I came to Springfield I left the State of Connecticut and entered that of Massachusetts. The Distance from Hartford to Springfield is 28 Miles—both on Connecticut River. At the latter the River is crossed in Scows, set over with Poles and is about 80 rod wide. Between the two places is a fall and ten miles above Springfield is another fall and others above that again—notwithstanding which much use is made of the Navigation for transportation in flats of about five tonns burthen. Seven miles on this side Hartford is Windsor a tolerable pleasant but not a large Village. Between Windsor and Suffield you pass through a level, barren & uncultivated plain for several Miles. Suffield stands high & pleasant—the Lds. good. From hence you descend again into another plain where the Lands being good are much better cultivated. The whole Road from Hartford to Springfield is level & good, except being too Sandy in places & the Fields enclosed with Posts & Rails generally their not being much Stone. The Crops of Corn, except on the Interval Lands on the River are more indifferent (tho’ not bad) in the Eastern than we found them in the Western part of the State of Connecticut. There is a great equality in the People of this State—Few or no oppulent Men and no poor—great similatude in their buildings—the general fashion of which is a Chimney (always of Stone or Brick) and door in the middle, with a stair case fronting the latter, running up by the side of the latter [former]—two flush Stories with a very good shew of Sash & glass Windows. The size generally is from 30 to 50 feet in length and from 20 to 30 in width exclusive of a back shed which seems to be

added as the family encreases. The farms by the contiguity of the Houses are small not averaging more than 100 Acres. These are worked chiefly by Oxen (which have no other feed than Hay) with a horse & sometimes two before them both in Plow & Cart. In their light Lands and in their sleighs they work Horses, but find them much more expensive than Oxen. Springfield is on the East side of Connecticut River; before you come to which a large branch of it called Agawam is crossed by a Bridge. It stands under the Hill on the interval Land and has only one Meeting house—28 Miles from Hartfd.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 23d. Commenced our course with the Sun, and passing through Leicester met some Gentlemen of the Town of Worcester on the line between it and the former to escort us. Arrived about 10 Oclock at the House of  where we breakfasted—distant from Spencer 12 Miles. Here we were received by a handsome Company of Militia Artillery in Uniform who saluted with 13 Guns on our Entry & departure. At this place also we met a Committee from the Town of Boston, and an Aid of Majr. Genl. Brooke of the Middlesex Militia who had proceeded to this place in order to make some arrangements of Military & other Parade on my way to, and in the Town of, Boston; and to fix with me on the hours at which I should pass through Cambridge, and enter Boston. Finding this ceremony was not to be avoided though I had made every effort to do it, I named the hour of ten to pass the Militia of the above County at Cambridge and the hour of 12 for my entrance into Boston desiring Major Hall, however, to inform Genl. Brookes that as I conceived there was an impropriety in my reviewing the Militia, or seeing them perform Manoeuvres otherwise

than as a private Man I could do no more than pass along the line; which, if he thought proper might be under arms to receive me at that time. These matters being settled the Committee and the Aid (Colo. Hall) set forward on their return and after breakfast I followed; The same Gentlemen who had escorted me into, conducting me out of Town. On the Line between Worcester and Middlesex I was met by a Troop of light Horse belonging to the latter, who Escorted me to Marlborough (16 Miles) where we dined, and thence to Weston (14 More where we lodged). At Marlborough we met Mr. Jonathan Jackson the Marshall of this State who proposed to attend me whilst I remained in it. A good part of the Road from Spencer to Worcester is Hilly, & except a little nearest the latter, very Stoney. From Worcester to Marlborough the road is uneven but not bad and from Marlborh. to Weston it is leveller with more Sand. Between Worcester & Marlborough the Town of Shrewsbury is passed and between Marlborough and Weston you go through Sudbury. The Country about Worcester, and onwards towards Boston is better improved & the lands of better quality than we travelled through yesterday. The Crops it is said have been good—Indian Corn, Rye Buck Wheat & grass—with Beef Cattle & Porke are the produce of their Farms.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Saturday 24th. Dressed by Seven Oclock, and set out at eight. At ten we arrived in Cambridge According to appointment; but most of the Militia having a distance to come were not in line till after eleven; they made however an excellent appearance with Genl. Brook at their Head. At this place the Lieutt. Govr. Mr. Saml. Adams, with the Executive Council met me and preceeded my entrance into town—which was in every degree flattering &

honorable. To pass over the Minutiae of the arrangement for this purpose it may suffice to say that at the entrance I was welcomed by the Select men in a body, Then following the Lieutt. Govr. & Council in the order we came from Cambridge (preceeded by the Town Corps very handsomely dressed) we passed through the Citizens classed in their different professions, and under their own banners, till we came to the State House; from which, across the Street, an Arch was thrown; in the front of which was this Inscription—“To the Man who unites all hearts” and on the other—“To Columbia’s favourite Son” and on one side thereof next the State House, in a pannel decorated with a trophy, composed of the arms of the United States—of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—and our French Allies, crowned with a wreath of Laurel was this Inscription—“Boston relieved March 17th. 1776.” This arch was handsomely ornamented, and over the Center of it a Canopy was erected 20 feet high with the American Eagle perched on the top. After passing through the Arch, and entering the State House at the So. End & [as]cending to the upper floor & returning to a Balcony at the No. end—three

cheers was given by a vast concourse of people who by this time had assembled at the Arch. Then followed an ode composed in honor of the President; and well sung by a band of select Singers—after this three Cheers—followed by the different Professions, and Mechanics in the order they were drawn up with their Colours through a lane of the People which had thronged abt. the Arch under which they passed. The Streets, the Doors, Windows & Tops of the Houses were crouded with well dressed Ladies and Gentlemen. The procession being over I was conducted to my lodgings at a Widow Ingersolls (which is a very decent & good house) by the Lieutt. Govr. and Council—accompanied by the Vice-President where they took leave of me. Having engaged yesterday to take an informal dinner with the Govr. to day (but under a full persuation that he would have waited upon me so soon as I should have arrived) I excused myself upon his not doing it, and informing me thro his Secretary that he was too much indisposed to do it, being resolved to receive the visit. Dined at my Lodgings, where the Vice-President favoured me with his Company.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Sunday 25th. Attended Divine Service at the Episcopal Church whereof Doctor Parker is the Incumbent in the forenoon, and the Congregational Church of Mr. Thatcher in the Afternoon. Dined at my Lodgings with the Vice President. Mr. Bowdoin accompanied me to both Churches. Between the two I received a visit from the Govr., who assured me that Indisposition alone had prevented his doing it yesterday, and that he was still indisposed; but as it had been suggested that the expected to receive the visit from the President, which he knew was improper, he was resolved at all hazds. to pay his Compliments to day. The Lt. Govr. & two of the Council to wit Heath & Russel were sent here last Night to express the Govrs. Concern that he had not been in a condition to call upon me so soon as I came to Town. I informed them in explicit terms that I should not see the Govr. unless it was at my own lodgings.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Monday 26th. The day being Rainy & Stormy—myself much disordered by a Cold and inflamation in the left eye, I was prevented from visiting Lexington (where the first blood in the dispute with G. Britn.) was drawn. Recd. the Complimts. of many visits to day. Mr. Da⟨l⟩ton and Genl. Cobb dined with me and in the Evening I drank Tea with Govr. Hancock & called upon Mr. Bowdoin on my return to my lodgings.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Tuesday 27th. At 10 Oclock in the Morning received the Visits of the Clergy of the Town—at 11 went to an Oratorio and between that and 3 Oclock recd. the Addresses of the Governor and Council—of the Town of Boston; of the President &ca. of Harvard College; and of the Cincinnati of the State; after wch., at 3 Oclock, I dined at a large & elegant dinner at Fanuiel Hall, given

by the Govr. and Council, and spent the evening at my lodgings. When the Committee from the Town presented their Address it was accompanied with a request (in behalf they said of the Ladies) that I would set to have my Picture taken for the Hall, that others might be copied from it for the use of their respective families. As all the next day was assigned to various purposes and I was engaged to leave town on Thursday early, I informed them of the impracticability of my doing this, but that I would have it drawn when I returned to New York, if there was a good Painter there—or by Mr. Trumbull when he should arrive; and would send it to them.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Wednesday 28th. Went after an early breakfast to visit the duck Manufacture which appeared to be carrying on with spirit, and is in a prosperous way. They have manufactured 32 pieces of Duck of 39 or 40 yds. each in a week; and expect in a short time to encrease it to . They have 28 looms at work & 14 Girls spinning with Both hands (the flax being fastened to their waste). Children (girls) turn the wheels for them, and with this assistance each spinner can turn out 14 lbs. of thread pr. day when they stick to it, but as they are pd. by the piece, or work they do, there is no other restraint upon them but to come at 8 Oclock in the Morning and return at 6 in the evening. They are the daughters of decayed families, and are girls of Character—none others are admitted. The number of hands now employed in the different parts of the work is  but the Managers expect to encrease them to . This is a work of public utility & private advantage. From hence I went to the Card Manufactury where I was informed about 900 hands of one kind and for one purpose or another. All kinds of Cards are made; & there are Machines for

executing every part of the work in a new and expeditious manr. especially in cutting & bending the teeth wch. is done at one stroke. They have made 63,000 pr. of Cards in a year and can under sell the Imported Cards—nay Cards of this Manufactury have been smuggled into England. At 11 Oclock I embarked on board the Barge of the Illustrious Captn. Pentheve Gion, & visited his Ship & the Superb, another 74 Gun Ship in the Harbour of Boston, about 4 Miles below the Town. Going & coming I was saluted by the two frigates which lye near the Wharves and by the 74s after I had been on board of them; as also by the 40 Gun ship which lay in the same range with them. I was also saluted going & coming by the fort on Castle Isld. After my return I dined in a large Company at Mr. Bowdoins and went to the Assembly in the evening where (it is said) there were upwards of 100 Ladies. There appearance was elegant and many of them very handsome; the Room is small but neat, & well ornamented.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Thursday 29th. Left Boston about 8 Oclock. Passed over the Bridge at Charles Town and went to see that at Malden, but proceeded to the college at Cambridge, attended by the Vice President, Mr. Bowdoin, and a great number of Gentlemen: at this place I was shewn by Mr. Willard the President  the Philosophical Aparatus and amongst others Popes Orary (a curious piece of Mechanism for shewing the revolutions of the Sun, Earth and

many other of the Planets) —The library (containing 13,000 volumes) and a Museum. The Bridges of Charles town and Malden are useful & noble—doing great credit to the enterprizing spirit of the People of this State. From Boston, besides the number of Citizens which accompanied me to Cambridge, & many of them from thence to Lynn—the Boston Corps of Horse escorted me to the line between Middlesex and Essex County where a party of Horse with Genl. Titcomb  met me, and conducted me through Marblehead (which is 4 Miles out of the way, but I wanted to see it) to Salem. The Chief employmt. of the People of Marblehead (Males) is fishing—about 110 Vessels and 800 Men and boys are engaged in this business. Their chief export is fish. About 5000 Souls are said to be in this place which has the appearance of antiquity. The Houses are old—the streets dirty—and the common people not very clean. Before we entered the Town we were met, & attended by a Comee. till we were handed over to the Select Men who conducted us saluted by artily. in to the Town—to the House of a Mrs. Lee where there was a cold Collation prepared —after partaking of which we visited the Harbour—their fish brakes for curing fish—&ca. and then proceeded (first receiving an Address from the Inhabitants) to Salem. At the Bridge, 2 Miles from this Town, we were also met by a Committee—who conducted us by a Brigade of the Militia, & one or two handsome Corps in Uniform, through several of the Streets to the Town or Court House—where an Ode in honor of the President was sung—an address presented to him amidst the acclamations of the People—after which he was conducted to his Lodgings—recd. the compliments of many differt. Classes of People —and in the evening between 7 and 8 Oclock went to an assembly, where there was at least an hundred handsome and well dressed Ladies. Abt. Nine I returned to my Lodgings. The Road from Boston to this place is here and there Stoney tho’ level; it is very pleasant: from most parts you are in sight of the Sea. Meads—arable Land and Rocky hills are much intermixed—the latter chiefly on the left. The Country seems to be in a manner entirely stripped of wood. The grazing is good—the Houses stand thick. After leaving Cambridge at the distance of 4 Miles we passed through Mistick—then Malden—next Lynn (where it is said 175,000 pairs of Shoes (womens chiefly) have been made in a year by abt. 400 workmen). This is only a row of houses & not very thick on each side of the Road. After passing Lynn you enter Marblehead wch. is 4 Miles from Salem. This latter is a neat Town and said to contain 8 or 9000 Inhabitants. Its exports are chiefly Fish Lumber & Provisions.

They have in the East India Trade at this time 13 Sale of Vessels.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 October 1789]
From: Washington, George
To:

Friday 30th. A Little after 8 Oclock I set out for Newbury-Port and in less than 2 Miles crossed the Bridge between Salem and Beverly, which makes a handsome appearance, and is upon the same plan of those over Charles & Mistick Rivers; excepting that it has not foot ways as that of the former has. The length of this bridge is 1530 feet and was built for about £4500 lawful money—a price inconceivably low in my estimation, as there is 18 feet water in the deepest parts of the River over which it is erected. This Bridge is longer than that at Charles town, but shorter by  feet than the other over Mistick. All of them have draw bridges by which Vessels pass. After passing Beverley 2 Miles we come to the Cotton Manufactury which seems to be carrying on with Spirit by the Mr. Cabbots (principally). In this Manufactury they have the New Invented Carding and Spinning Machines—one of the first supplies the work; and four of the latter; one of which spins 84 threads at a time by one person. The Cotton is

prepared for these Machines by being first (lightly) drawn to a thrd. on the common wheel. There is also another Machine for doubling and twisting the threads for particular cloths. This also does many at a time. For winding the Cotton from the spindles, & preparing it for the Warp, there is a Reel which expedites the work greatly. A number of Looms (15 or 16) were at work with Spring shuttles which do more than dble. work. In short the whole seemed perfect, and the Cotton stuffs wch. they turn out excellent of their kind. Warp & filling both are now of Cotton. From this place with escorts of Horse I passed on to Ipswich about 10 Miles—at the entrance of which I was met and welcomed by the Select Men and received by a Regemt. of Militia. At this place I was met by Mr. Dalton and some other Gentlemen from Newbury-port—partook of a Cold Collation, & proceeded on to the last-mentioned place where I was received with much respect & parade, about 4 Oclock. In the evening there were Rockets & some other fire-works and every other demonstration to welcome me to the Town. This place is pleasantly situated on Merimack River, and appears to have carried on (here & about) the Ship-building business to a grt. extent. The number of Souls is estimated at 5,000.