Title: To George Washington from Edmund Pendleton, 10 January 1775
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Jany 10th 1775

Mr Valentine Crawford and Mr John Neavill have given bonds to Mr Benjamin Temple for £400. for Lands sold them on the Ohio, in which a brother of mine is Interested—the remote Situation of those Gentn makes it difficult to know how to come at the money, and they think your Connection with that Countrey, & particularly with Mr Crawford will enable you to serve them in it, as they would be happy in getting the money into your hands. they requested I would write you on the Subject, and if it should be in your Power to serve them without trouble or inconvenience, I shall esteem it a favr & shall be glad of a line by Post of its’ probability.
I hope you found yr Family well & are by this time recruited so as to make the Assembly Campaign in February. My Complts to Mrs Washington, Mr Custis & his Lady. I am Sir Yr mo. humble Servt

Edmd Pendleton


Title: From George Washington to John West, 13 January 1775
From: Washington, George
To: West, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon January 13th 1775

Your Letter of the 8th, which is just handed to me, could not have given you more pain in writing, than it has done me in reading; Because I never deny, or even hesitate in granting any request that is made to me (especially by persons I esteem, and in matters of moment) without feeling inexpressable uneasiness—I do not wonder at your sollicitude on acct of your (only) Son—In Nurturing, and bringing him up in a proper Tract, is, no doubt, an object of great concern to you, as well as Importance to him; but two things are essentially necessary in the Man to whom this charge is committed—A Capacity of judging, with propriety, of Measures proper to be taken in the Government of a Youth—and leizure sufficient to attend the Execution of these Measures—That you are pleased to think favourably of me, in respect to the first, I shall take for granted, from the request you have made—but to shew my incapacity of attending to the latter, with that good faith which I think every man ought to do, who undertakes a trust of this Interesting nature, I can solemnly declare to you, that for this year or two past, there has been scarce a Moment that I can properly call my own: For what with my own business—my present Wards—My Mothers (which is wholely in my hands)—Colo. Colvills—Mrs Savages—Colo. Fairfax’s—Colo. Mercers (for Colo. Tayloe though he accepted of the Trust jointly with myself, seems no ways inclined to take any part of the Execution of it)—and the little Assistance I have undertaken to give in the management of my Brother Augustines Affairs (for I have absolutely refused to qualify as an Executor) keeps me, together with the share I take in publick

Affairs, constantly engaged in writing Letters—Settling Accts—and Negotiating one piece of business or another, in behalf of one or other of these Concerns; by which means I have really been deprivd of every kind of enjoyment, and had almost fully resolved, to engage in no fresh matter, till I had entirely wound up the old.
Thus much Sir, Candour, indeed the principles of common honesty, obliged me to relate to you; as it is not my wish to deceive any person by promising what I do not think it is in my power to perform, with that punctuallity & rectitude wch I conceive the nature of the trust would require of me—I do not however give a flat refusal to your request—I rather wish you to be fully informed of my Situation, that you may think, with me, or as I do, that if it should please the Almighty to take you to himself so soon as you apprehend (but I hope without just cause) that your Son may be placed in better hands than mine—If you think otherwise, I will do the best I can, merely as Guardian.
I think you will act very prudently in having your will Revised by some person knowing in the Law, as a Testators Intention is often defeated, by different Interpretations of Statutes, which require the whole business of a Man’s life to be perfectly conversant In—and in such a case as yours where there are Children by different Ventures, it becomes still more necessary—I shall not, after what I have here said, add any thing more than my wishes, which are sincerely offered for your recovery, & that you may live to see the accomplishment of your Son’s Education &ca being with very great esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, 16 January 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Bassett, Burwell

Mount Vernon 16 January 1775. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalog reads: “Immediately upon my return from Col. Mercers sale . . . I wrote you a letter, by post, on the melancholy occasion of your sons death. . . . Mrs. Washington, Mr. & Miss Custis intend to accompany me down to the Assembly but it will be the 4th, possibly the 11th of the Month (Feby) before I shall see you at Eltham. . . . It gave me pleasure to hear that Mrs. Bassett, yourself, and family were well at the date of your letter.”


Title: Resolutions of Fairfax County Committee, 17 January 1775
From: Fairfax County Committee
To:

Mr. PINKNEY,
[17 January 1775]

Please to publish, in your gazette, the following extracts from the proceedings of the committee of Fairfax county, on the 17th of January, 1775,
GEORGE WASHINGTON, esquire, Chairman.
ROBERT H. HARRISON, clerk.
RESOLVED, that the defenceless state of this county renders it indispensably necessary that a quantity of ammunition should be immediately provided; and as the same will be for the common benefit, protection, and defence, of the inhabitants thereof, it is but just and reasonable that the expences incurred in procuring the same should be defrayed by a general and equal contribution. It is therefore recommended that the sum of three shillings per poll, for the purpose aforesaid, be paid, by and for every tithable person in this county, to the sheriff, or such other collector as may be appointed, who is to render the same to this committee, with a list of the names of such persons as shall refuse to pay the same, if any such there be.
Resolved, that this committee do concur in opinion with the

provincial committee of the province of Maryland, that a well regulated militia, composed of gentlemen, freeholders, and other freemen, is the natural strength and only staple security of a free government, and that such militia will relieve our mother country from any expence in our protection and defence, will obviate the pretence of a necessity for taxing us on that account, and render it unnecessary to keep standing armies among us, ever dangerous to liberty; and therefore it is recommended to such of the inhabitants of this county as are from sixteen to fifty years of age, to form themselves into companies of 68 men, to chuse a captain, two lieutenants, an ensign, four serjeants, four corporals, and one drummer, for each company; that they provide themselves with good firelocks, and use their utmost endeavours to make themselves masters of the military exercise published by order of his majesty in 1764, and recommended by the provincial congress of the Massachusetts Bay, on the 29th of October last.


Title: From George Washington to William Bronaugh, 18 January 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Bronaugh, William

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon Jany 18th 1775.

The Draft on the other side, shews the Interest that four of us have in the Patent that was granted to you and others, for 7894 Acres of Land on the Great Kanhawa: But as Colo. Muse & I, had another Patent adjoining this, granted to us, and as it was more convenient to us both, to have our Lands in a body, than in detach’d pieces we agreed upon an Excha.—so that the 2000 acres I am to have of you, will be added to his own hundd & makes his Intt in the Patent of 7894 acres 2100. He having lately wrote to me to have a division of this Tract, I informd him that I knew of no method of doing this soon, or indeed better, than by Numbering 3 Tickets, & drawing for them—The person drawing No. 1 to have his quantity of Land (be it more or less) laid off at the upper end of the Tract, as by the supposd Line AB—the Person drawing No. 2 to have his next, as by the other supposed Line CD—and the third No. to take his quantity at the lower end. As I know of no difference in the quality of the Land; and if there was, each person havg an equal chance to get it, I could not think of any better method—Colo. Muse and the Doctr both agree to this, and if you consent, and will empower

Colo. Peyton, or some other at Williamsburg, to draw for you, I will desire the Doctr to do the same—by which means we can ascertain the part of the Tract where each Persons Lott is to be—divide it on the Plot, giving each man his due quantity, & have a partition ⟨Deed⟩ drawn ready for Execution—The Lines may be ru⟨n an⟩d Marked at any time thereafter—but for fear ⟨of⟩ death the partition Deed should not be delayed—I mention this method as the best expedient I can think of. if you approve of it, please to write me as soon as possible, that I may have time to send to Doctr Craik to request his appointment of some person in Williamsburg to act for him before I set of for that place which I expect will happen about the ⟨12th⟩ day of Next Month. I remain Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 20 January 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

Letter not found: to Thomas Johnson, 20 Jan. 1775. On 24 Jan. Johnson wrote GW that on that day he had received GW’s “two Letters . . . dated the 20 instant.”


Title: From George Washington to Lord Stirling, 20 January 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

My Lord,
[20 January 1775]

Your Lordships favour of the 31st of October never came to my hands till a few days ago & then unaccompanied with any Printed Lists of the fortunate Prizes as mentiond in yr Letter. some time ago I came across one of these Lists in a Gentns possession by wch I found that out of the Six Tickets wch I kept on my own Acct two of them were fortunate—viz.
One of £200—No. 58 in the division of Wenhams great Lot, in Hardenbergs Patent, in Ulster County near Rochester.

The other (I think) of £6 & numered 347.
If your Lordship will be obliging enough to let me know what kind of Lotts these are, and what kind of use they can be put to, I shall thank you—Not having a list about me (at the time I examined my own) of the remaining 12 Tickets I could not tell whether any of them were fortunate or not, but have wrote to the purchasers for payment, & shall settle with Mr Cock agreeable to yr Lordships desire. In respect to my own Lotts you will please to do the needful in respect to the conveyance of them—My respectful Compts await Lady Sterlg—Lady Mary—& Lady Kitty, & I am with the greatest esteem Yr Lordships Most Obedt H. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Milnor, 23 January 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Milnor, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 23d Jany 1775

Your favor of the 3d is come to hand. the Gentlemen for whom the forty musquets were intended, want no letters stamped on them; but I should think it would be an advantage to have them numbered. I cannot order Letters on the Cartooch Boxes, because I do not know the particular persons, for whom they are designed.
Your troubles, I find, are like to increase in proportion to your good nature in undertaking business, and the applications

which are made to me in the military Department. I have lately received a request from the Officers of the Prince William Independant company, for the following Articles;
4 Officers Sashes like the one you sent me.
4 Gorgets Do Do dbled having the Virginia arms engraved; but some what smaller than the last.
4 Shoulder Knots exactly like the one I had.
8 Do Do for the Sergeants & Corporals, also made of Gold; but not so showy, finishing at the point of the shoulder with a round rose of gold fringe—the rose to be a little broader than the double of the Lace which it is on.
The above things are for the Prince William Company, and will be paid for by the Gentlemen to whom the enclosed Letter is directed, & to whom you are to apply for the cost. As Sashes are not to be had in Philadelphia, the Gentlen beg that New York may be tried; and the whole to be sent as soon as ready. I am at the same time, in behalf of the Fairfax Independts, to request the favor of you to send, 8 Shoulder Knots for the Sergeants & Corporals of their company, exactly in all respects like those intended for Prince William.
These last shoulder Knots for the Fairfax company you will please to charge to me; and as soon as you can ascertain what I owe you, let me know it, that I may pay the money to you, or to your order.
If Cobourn shou’d not have sailed, before this Letter reaches you, please to direct the musquet you talk’d of sending per him, to Mr Grayson of Dumfries (along with the colours & Drums for Prince William) as the forty stand of arms are for that company. Pray how soon cou’d an hundred stand more, be got?
Please to inform old Mr Wilper, that we look upon the Peace, which Lord Dunmore made with the Indians to be conclusive & certain, & that I dare say it will be of lasting duration. Be so good at the same time to present him with the inclosed letter respecting his money I was to receive from Mr Cuthbert Bullett. I am, with complimts to Mrs Milnor Dr Sir Your most Obt Servt

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 24 January 1775
From: Johnson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dear Sr
Annapolis [Md.] 24 January 1775

Our printer assuring us in his last weeks Paper that there would be a further prorogation of our Assembly and the very doubtful State of American Affairs induced me to think that Nothing would probably be attempted in your Assembly the ensuing Session. This Morning about 11 OClock I received your two Letters by Mr Stewart dated the 20 Instant and this Afternoon Mr Ballendine came to see me on the Subject of them I should have needed nothing more than your Desire to have waited on the Gent. at Alexandria on Thursday if it was in my Power but I am so circumstanced that I cannot oblige you My Time has been lately so much engrossed with Committee Business and Things of the Kind that I have been obliged for a Week or ten Days past to be plodding over my Law Affairs every Oppertunity with more than common Assiduity and I shall with great Difficulty be able to get my Terms pleading done by the last Day of this Month against which Day they must be finished I believe owing to an Anxiety which I cannot quiet on public Matters I am in but an indifferent State of Health nor could I, if for that Reason alone, just now undertake the proposed Journey with tolerable Convenience I had resolved therefore to send you off my Thoughts tomorrow which I do by Mr Ballendine though the Time will not allow me to reduce them to the full Draft of a Bill and desparing of ever seeing Poto. made navigable on the plan I most wished it you may depend on my best Endeavours to get a Bill passed here similar to yours whether upon giving a Fee simple in fiat & invariable Tolls or having the Tolls ascertained anew from Time to Time with an Eye to a limitted profit per Cent on the Cost and Repairs of the Work or giving a Term only with a still higher profit. I may possibly be insensibly led by my own particular Interest to view the Advantages of Navigation on the River as more general and extensive than I ought but I really believe if I had not a Foot of Land

above the Falls I should be as warm a Friend to the Scheme—Unless our Assembly will so far assist us as to emit a Sum of Money for Loan to the Subscribers I do assure you I do not think that those on our Side who would most willingly subscribe will be able to do any Thing alone I myself am in such a Situation that I cannot raise any Sum of Money with out selling a part of the very Estate to be benefited by the Scheme on very low Terms at present and many with whom I have spoke on the Subject are circumstanced as myself I should think nothing of risking a good deal and might prudently do it all Chances considered but in these Times many want to borrow and but few to lend Money I do not know where 500£ could be got on the Sec[uri]ty of 5,000.
General Lees plan has been delayed some Time for a plate I am told it is now nearly done & I hope to have the pleasure of sending you some Copies soon—There has been more Alacrity shewn by our people than I expected but we are but illy prepared with Arms &c. I am apprehensive that the Vigilance of the Govt at Home will make it necessary for us to turn our Thoughts towards an internal Supply of Materials. I am Sr with the greatest Respect Your most obedt Servant

Ths Johnson Junr


Title: To George Washington from Edward Snickers, 26 January 1775
From: Snickers, Edward
To: Washington, George

Der Sier
Jenery 26 1775

The whete I have all Redey halled to you of the Estate of Coll George mercer Comes to £70.10.0 besides the thrathing and what is to hale and you peaid me £18 pounds at the Sale and I Shald take it as a grait faver if you Cald Send me fiftey pounds by the Baror ISac Edwards it will much ablige me as I wont to Settel with all the waginers and thrathers and as Soon as his whete is all Dowen I Shall Send the Remander of my one from Loudon amedetley and when you Return from the Esembly I will weaight on you to Settel the account of Mr Mercers Estate all from youre most obedent Humbil Sarvnt

Ed. Snickers

N.B. If you are not Suployed with aman to Impruve youre Land I think Mr Reed wald be the Best man you Cald Git I am youores E.S.
Mr Elexsander has gote George ⟨Rice⟩ Securetey for ⟨hoge⟩ and I have Gote the morgige to Gite Recordid I am yours E.S.


Title: To George Washington from William Preston, 31 January 1775
From: Preston, William
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Fincastle Jany 31st 1775

I wrote to you some days ago inclosing a Certificate of your Survey at the Mouth of Cole River & intended to have sent the Letter by Colo. Fleming, but meeting with Capt. Meredith who intends to Town in a few Days I got the favour of him to be the Bearer.
Capt. Floyd came here last night & has drawn up his charge which with my Account, I have (at your Request) inclosed. The money may be paid to Mr Trigg a member for this County whose rect shall be good against Mr Floyd & myself.
I make no doubt but Col. Lewis has informed you of a large Purchase made by one Colo. Henderson of North Carolina from the Cherokees. Since I wrote to Colo. Lewis on this Subject I hear that Henderson talks with great Freedom & Indecency of the Governor of Virginia, sets the Government at Defiance & says if he once had five hundred good Fellows Settled in that Country he would not Value Virginia; that the Officers & Soldiers who have Lands Surveyed there must hold under him otherwise they shall not enjoy an Inch there. This & such like Stuff has a great Effect upon ignorant People & will be a means to induce great numbers to Settle in that Country next Spring.
There is now at Wawt⟨mutilated⟩ eighty Indians & upwards of 700 more are expected to the Treaty whi⟨ch is⟩ to be held there some time next Month in order to receive the Goods which now amount to eight Waggon loads & to Confirm the Sale by Conveying the Land.
This in my Opinion will soon become a Serious Affair, & highly deserves the Attention of the Government. For it is certain that a vast Number of People are preparing to go out and

Settle on this Purchase; and if once they get fixed there, it will be next to impossible to remove them or reduce them to Obedience; as they are so far from the Seat of Government. Indeed it may be the Cherokees will support them. I am most respetfully Sir your very hble Servt

Wm Preston


Title: Cash Accounts, February 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

[February 1775]

Cash

Feby  3—
To John Fitzgerald
[£] 57.18.4

18—
To Capt. [Richard] Conway for 100 Bls Corn
100. 0.0

23—
To the P. Wm Independent Coy for Colours, & Drums £13.0.9 Pensy. Curry is
10. 8.7

28—
To Colo. Geo Mason to pay out of it £12.10 Str. to Mr Mezzay [Philip Mazzei] of Robt Cartr Nicholas
18. 0.0

Contra

Feby 10—
By William Milnor for Sundries £17.3.6 P. Curry is
13.14.9 1/4

By Ben Ashby ⅌ his Father Robt Ashby for Surveying & Dividing into lotts my Ch[attins] Run
5. 0.0

By Robt Ashby his Exps. attendg the Survey
1.14.0

18—
By Charity
0. 3.0

By Capt. [John] Harper for the Halfe of £350.16.6 P. Curry laid out by him in Phila. for Am[munitio]n for Fairfax Cy
140. 6.7 3/4

By Do Pd for 8 Qr Cask Powder £27 Py. Curry is
21.12.0

20—
By Club at Mrs [Mary] Hawkins
0. 4.0

By Mr Sidebottom freight of a Chair from Phila.

By Messrs McCrae & Maze ⅌ Accot
46.18.7

22—
By Danl Stone for 25 Bushls Wheat @ 5/ ⅌ Bushl
6. 5.0

23—
By Mr Custis 50 Dollrs @ 6/
15. 0.0

By Servants
6. 0.0

25—
By William Shiller
3. 9.6

By John Garne Hamilton in part for Freight 1000 Bushls Wheat from Malbre [Upper Marlboro, Md.]
7. 0.0

28—
By 6 Prs Leather Breeches @ 24/
7. 4.0

By 10 Bushls Oysters
0.10.0


Title: To George Washington from Andrew Morton, 1 February 1775
From: Morton, Andrew
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Feby 1st 1775

I am at length arrived at Belvoir & (what may seem a little strange to you) have brought the Bond unexecuted. I waited long for Mr Baylor’s Return, but to no purpose! For when I came away, no Account could be given when he was expected. The Season advancing, & the Assurance I had from you, of my having a year’s Rent to pay, made it necessary for me to move without farther Delay.
Major Lowry sensible both of my Ability & Integrity, wanted only a Partner to be my Security. Mr Baylor continuing absent, I should have applied to some other person, to fill the place designed for that Gentleman; but when I came to reflect on the Intimations you gave me, that my Settlemt here would be disagreeable to you, I could not, either with regard to you or myself, be desirous of a Lease. Far, very far be it from me, to give the least Umbrage to a Gentleman, who deserves so well of his Country & of Mankind in general: Therefore I am contented to hold the place only for a year, before the Expiration of which, I doubt not all Difficulties & every Prejudice will be removed For the time being, every Covenant I will faithful fulfill, & as to the future, I shall leave Matters to that Honor & Justice, by which you are distinguished. In the mean time I am, with all Deference Sir, Your most hum: Servt

A. Morton


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 2 February 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

Letter not found: to Thomas Johnson, 2 Feb. 1775. On 25 Feb. Johnson reported to GW that he had “got your Letter from thence of the 2d Inst.”


Title: From George Washington to Andrew Morton, 2 February 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Morton, Andrew

Letter not found: to Andrew Morton, 2 Feb. 1775. On 3 Feb. Morton wrote GW he had “recd your Favor of yesterday.” The missing letter was advertised in Thomas Birch’s Sons catalog no. 663, item 144, 21–23 April 1891.


Title: To George Washington from Walter Magowan, 3 February 1775
From: Magowan, Walter
To: Washington, George

Sir
St James’s 3d Feby 1775

Yours of the 30th Decmr I received the 15th Ult: and should have sent the inclosed sooner, had I not expected to have received

the Cash for the Tickets sold by me; it is not in my power at present to advise you of the names of those who had them, because the Gentlmn to whom I delivered them sold them out afterwards, but shall ascertain them by the time that I come over to see you which shall be soon. I have inclosed two Orders one on Mr Ross, the other on Mr Gibson, being apprehensive that Mr Ross may be out of the way, as I have not heard from him for three months past; by Mr Ross’s advertisement, the Debts contracted by him on Accot of the Company are to be discharged by Mr Gibson, who I hope will accept my Order, in case of his Absence.
I hope you’ll be kind enough to excuse my troubling you with the Order, which I wou’d not have done, if I had the Money by me. With my Compts to your Lady, to Mr & Mrs Custis, I am Sir your Much obliged Hble Servt

Walter Magowan


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Jenifer Adams, 4 February 1775
From: Adams, Daniel Jenifer
To: Washington, George

Honour’d Sir
Portobacco [Md.] Feby 4th 1775

Since I saw you last, I have Wrote to my Uncle at Anapolis, Acquainting Him of my Sisters contending for the Land you Attach’d. He has Since Wrote to them Touching the Matter, and they are Agree’d to give the Land up on conditions they can keep it this Year, as they are prepareing for a Crop and has Sew’d some considerable Quantity of Wheat, and I immagine it will make no Odds with you, as it will be two late for to Rent the Land Out by the time you can have it Condemn’d, I have desir’d Mr Stone to let the Lan’d be condemn’d next Court, if its your desire—Lately Stromatt has brought Sute Against me for the Bond that was Forfeited at Annapolis in the Loan Office. He was the cause of the Bonds being forfeited, and convincd was it defended properly He coul’d not recover it, Untill the Limited time of Payment, but you to Act in this as you think proper as he will have an Undoubted right to fall on the Land as soon as He Obtains a Judgment, which will be next Court if it is not defended. I am Hon. Sir Your Most Obedient and Most Hum. Servt

Danl J. Adams


Title: To George Washington from George Mason, 6 February 1775
From: Mason, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Gunston-Hall February 6th 1775.

My Friend Colo: Harrison (who is now at Yr House) promised to spend a Day or two with Me on his Way down. I beg the Favour of You to present my Compliments to Him; & excuse my being under the disagreeable Necessity of being from Home, until the latter End of this Week; when if He is not gone down, I shall be very glad to see Him here. Poor Mrs Eilbeck has had a Cancer on her Breast for several Months, which has increased so much lately as to affect the whole Breast, upon which the Doctors have determined that there is a Necessity for extirpating it imediatly by amputation of the Breast, before any of the Roots or Fibres of the Cancer affect the Vital Parts; & when I came Home Yesty from Alexandria, I found a Messinger here, desiring Me to go over to-day upon this Occasion, wth my Daughter Nancy. I apprehend such an Opperation must be a very dangerous one, & therefore shall not care to leave Mrs Eilbeck for two or three Days after it is perform’d.
Inclosed You have a Copy of the plan I drew for embodying the People of this County; in which You’ll be pleased to make such Alterations as You think necessary. You will observe I have made it as general as I well cou’d; this I thought better at first, than to discend to particulars of Uniform &c. which perhaps May be more easily done, when the Companys are made up.
I suppose You have seen the King’s Speech, & the Addresses of both Houses in the last Maryland Paper; from the Style in which they speak of the Americans I think We have little Hopes

of a speedy Redress of Grievances; but on the Contrary we may expet to see coercive & vindictive Measures still pursued. It seems as if the King either had not received, or was determined to take no Notice of the Proceedings of the Congress.
I beg my Compts to Mrs Washington & the Family at Mount-Vernon, and am Dear Sir Yr affecte & obdt Servt

G. Mason

P.S. I beg Pardon for having almost forgot to say any thing in Answer to Yr favr respecting the Choice of Delegates from this County to attend the Convention at Richmond. It appears to Me that the Burgesses for the County are our proper Representatives upon this Occasion; and that the best method to remove all Doubt or Objection, as well as to save Trouble, will be for the County Committee to meet & make an Entry & Declaration of this, as their Opinion.
Wou’d it not be proper for the Committee of Correspondence to write to the two Mr Fitzhughs, Mr Turberville, & such other Gentlemen, as live out of this County & have Quarters in it; acquainting them wth the ordr of the Committee relative to the Payment of 3/ for each Tytheable, & desiring them to give their Overseers, or Agents here Orders accordingly?

G. M.


Title: To George Washington from Gilbert Simpson, 6 February 1775
From: Simpson, Gilbert
To: Washington, George

Sr
Y⟨oug⟩h. River [Pa.] Febuary: the 6: 1775

This Coms To acQuaint you of a Sceem That is Now in hand Which is Concerning a County Court Being Fixt Which I understand Mr Crisop has Set on Foot and a Number of people has Sind The paypers To Carrey it The court To Reed Stoon Foort Which I am informd is Mutch out of the Center and a Most Mountanies part insomuch That There Can Bee No hopes of any Land Carrages pasing and Repasing Moreover The situation of The plase Lies in a Mear hole Now heare LIes The Curcumstans of The Whool Matter I verely Beeleive it is Now in your power To have The Town on your Land For The Mejorrity inclines so to have it Neare your Mill, and Reyly great Reason They have so To inclin For very Metarel Reasons For in The First palce There Coms The Best Rood on This side Lorrel hill in The Nex The Situation Lies on a Most Butifull drye Sandey Rigs altogether to Take The Winters soon attended With Three Fine Spring and Within a ⟨Fue⟩ Roods There is Fine Eart For Brick Sand and Lime is as Convenant as Cold Bee desird Without haveing it on The spot and as For Meadow Land There Cant Bee Less Than 300 acers of your own joining The Situation Besids What Belongs To other Men: and but one Small Mile To yough River and That Fine Level way and a good Ford over The Rive in Time of Loe Water and There is all probeble signs of iron owr But it has Never Been sought after Then There is your Mill Which is Within one Quarter of a Mile Besids Just beloe her is Formd By Nature The most Conveniant Seats For Booth Fulling and Saw Mills Now Sr I hope you Will it into your Most Wise Concideration and set Things on a Right Foot and please To Let me know by Jams Cleveland When he Coms out For if you Cant Com out your self Early in The Simmer Which I dont immagon you Can as I Expect your businis is Ergently upon other affairs Concerning The Good of Amerecay—Sr all is Well With Me Except one of my Little Sons Which has had The Slow Fever This seven Weaks but is Now on The Mending hand Sr plase To Send by Jams Cleveland money To defray The Mill Costs Which I beleive you are Tired of Sending and I am Sorey your Letter Never Came To me Concerning you provisions Which I am Certain has been a Stout Sum out of your Way

For I Could have bought at Reasonable Rates so No More But I hope The same God Will Continue To b[l]ess your Store as has blest of old as your out goings is Great and I Remain your Most humble Servant To Command

Gilbt Simpson


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Cresap, 7 February 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Cresap, Thomas

Sir,
Mount Vernon 7th Feby 1775

The acting Executors of my Brother Augustine, have been lately informed that you have taken possession of the Land, belonging to his younger Son, above Fort Cumberland—that you have filled it with Tenants—receive rents—and, that the Land is in a fair way of being injured, to the great prejudice of the orphan. As they cannot conceive under what pretext this is done, they would fain hope that the information is groundless; but that they may know from yourself the certainty of this report, & if true, under what pretence it is done, I have at their request (for I have never qualified as an Executor myself) given you the trouble of this Letter; sincerely hoping, that you do not mean to involve them in a disagreeable Law contest in support of a Right, which was never before questioned, and which you yourself, within these five years, so far acknowledged to me, as to express a desire of buying the Land. I shall be glad to hear from you on this head, and am Sir Your most humble Servant

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Cleveland, 13 February 1775
From: Cleveland, James
To: Washington, George

Sir,
February the 13 1775

I arrive’d home on Saturday Night the 11th of the Said instant but with much Difficulty being taken very ill with the Slow Fever the 7 of the Month and am worse since I came home and may

Prabably not be able to come to you for some time when I got over I found nothing purchas’d and I found it hard to get the commoditys on any terms I roed twelve or thirteen Days before I bought one individual and in this time I got intiligence of some I bougt the Corn and Bacon that you directed at least near the quantity but the greater Part of the Corn at 5S. ⅌ bushell the Bacon at 8d. ⅌ pound also 3 and ½ ⅛ bushels salt at 17S. 3d. ⅌ bushel one Pair of Hand Mill Stones at 20S. Casks agreed for to put the Corn and Salt in and Part of them Deliver’d I laid all in at Gilber Simpsons; Concerning Mr Vauld Crofford the nails and tools that you gave me an accompt of that is there I could not get mov’d the going being so bad that noboddy would angage to do it at that time Major Crofford is to have it done without fail one Coat two westcoats and 3 Pair of Stockings not to be found Major Crofford has under taken to prepare the other things by the time they will be wanting without fail; Craft enough to carry the ware having several ready made by him ten axes and four Mattocks and Irons for the Hand Mill Mr Crofford having a printy of Iron in Store is very glad to serve you the two Servants he is willing to give up Mr Vaulentine Crofford chuses to keep his. Major McCulluks Bond I have taken up and deliver’d as directed. I am your Hble Servt

James Cleveland

N.B. I receivd four half Joes of Vaulentine Crofford and three half Joes one thirty Shillin bill and three Dollars of Major Crofford he has referd several perticulars to me that I cannot relate at present.

Sir,

Just as I had seald the Letter Cap. Rusel Sent Me Wourd that he should Not brack up the Garrozon Tho he has orders from Lord Dun more Near six Weackes so that you May Not Depend on My gitting the things I Rote you I had the Promis of he is a gwine to send to the Congress a bout it As the Indanes does Not seem sattes Fied But I had rather Run the Chance of being hurt by them then to have so Many hunting in the Woods if thay Weare gone the game would soon return a gain so I Conclud yours to Command.

James Cleveland


Title: To George Washington from John Washington, 13 February 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Washington, 13 Feb. 1775. On 6 Mar. GW wrote Washington that he had received “your favr of the 13th Ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from James Cleveland, 15 February 1775
From: Cleveland, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
February the 15th [1775]

I being much Confusd in mind as well as indispos’d in body have not been able to give yuo a regular accompt of my Procedure I cannot get a common House Carpender under 6£ ⅌ Month good hunters is not to be had under 5£ ⅌ Month and Plantation Labourers 4£ or 4£10S. I am yours to Command.

James Clevelain


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Gooding, 16 February 1775
From: Gooding, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sir
Four mile Run febry 16 1775

I have thought of the affair we were talking about & shoud have comunicated my Proposals sooner but have been very unwell

for some time past. if you will advance me Five Hundd Pounds Viz. £100 when I begin the Mill £100 more when she is half done & the other £300 when fit for work & give me a Lease for 100 Acres of Land adjoyning her during my Life & the Lives of my two children I will Build a Convenient Mill both for Mercht & Country work & Perhaps a Saw Mill & if I think Country Manufactur’d Cloth is likely to be Encourag’d will also Build a good Fulling Mill—I & my Successors shall keep the works all in repair & pay you Forty Pounds ⅌ Annum with this Proviso that on Repaying you the sum you Advance within a certain time to be agreed on the Rent shall be Reduc’d Six ⅌ Ct for Each Hundd Pounds so paid.
I am convinc’d it will cost more than the sum I have mentioned to make the Improvments I inten’d but think I can doe with that & what I have, if the Proposals are worth your Acceptance Please let me Know & I will wait on you for if we agree I woud loose no time in Preparing for I woud willingly have her goe next fall. I am Sir Yr most Hble servt

Jacob Gooding


Title: To George Washington from James Scott, Jr., 16 February 1775
From: Scott, James Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
P[rince] W[illia]m 16th Feby 1775

Cap. Marshall & myself being the persons chosen by our Independent company, to wait on you for the purpose of offering you the command; and my not knowing what day he woud call on me, happened to be from home, which prevented my doing myself that pleasure I expected, being quite unprepared for such a journey, the request of the company & likewise of the

Committee Cap. Marshall will inform you my complets to Mrs Washington self & family concludes me Dr Sir Your Most Obdt

Jas Scott Junr


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Cowan, 17 February 1775
From: Cowan, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Baltimore [Md.] 17th Febry 1775

Mr Valentine Crawford got Credit for Some Goods from Capt. William McGachen Some time ago on your Accot and promised to pay for them in a Short time after he Recd them, but a twelvmonth has now allmost elaps’d and have never heard from him—at Capt. McGachens departure for England he left me his Attorney, and beg’d I would request the favour of you to endeavour to get the Money for him, as he told me he was a manager for you in the Back woods. I hope it will not be a dificult Mater for You to Procure payment, Inclosed you have his Accot and Shall take it as a Singular favour if you will drop me a few Lines to let me know whether you will be able to effect it or not, as I am realy in Great want of money at this present time, and am Sir Your most obt hume Servt

Alexr Cowan


Title: To George Washington from George Mason, 17 February 1775
From: Mason, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Gunston-Hall Febry 17th 1775.

I return’d from Maryland but last Night, not being able to leave Mrs Eilbeck sooner, & don’t know how quickly I may be called there again, as I think She is far from being out of Danger, & the Doctor has some Apprehensions of a Mortification. I will if I can, be at Alexandria on Monday; but it is uncertain, as well for the reason above mentioned, as that I am at this time unwell with a bad Cold & a little Pain in my Breast.
I can’t conceive how Mr Harper cou’d make such a Mistake as to buy double the Quantity of powder wanted for this County, when He had the Order in Writing sign’d by You & Me: if there is any Ambiguity in the said Writing (for I don’t now recollect the words) by which Mr Harper might be led into such a Mistake, I think We are in Honour bound to take the whole off his Hands; otherwise it does not appear to Me that He can reasonably expect it; tho’ I am exceedingly concern’d that any kind of Misunderstanding shou’d happen in an Affair, which must have given Mr Harper a good deal of Trouble, & which I am convinced was undertaken by him merely from public Motives, & a Desire to oblige the Committee. I remember Your mentioning, in Conversation, to Mr Harper, an Application made to You from Loudoun County to procure a Quantity of powder for their Committee, upon six Months Credit, & telling Him if it cou’d be purchased in Philadelphia upon such Credit, You wou’d see the Money paid when it became due; to which He answered that Powder was generally a ready-Money Article there, & at this time in particular, He did not imagine it cou’d be got upon Credit. I speak from Recollection (having had no Concern in that Affair) but as nearly as I can remember, this is the Substance of what passed between You & Him respecting the Loudoun Committee, & may possibly have occasioned the Mistake; at least I can account for it no other Way.
I have already paid Messrs McCrae & Maise half their Acct and my half the Money due to Mr Harper for the Articles ordered for Fairfax County, is at any Minute ready, having kept a Sum in Gold by Me for that Purpose, that Mr Harper shou’d not be disappointed in the Payment; but if it will be attended wth no Inconvenience to Him, it will suit Me better to make the

Payment ten Days hence than now; because I think in that time I can collect good Part of the Money from the People, and as the Collection will be partly in Paper Dollars & Pensilvania Money, which from Mr Harper’s Connections to the Northward, may suit him as well, or perhaps better than Gold, Yet it will not replace the Gold wth equal Convenience to Me; I mention this only as Matter of mutual Convenience, at the same time making a Point not to disappoint Mr Harper; & I must beg the favour of You Sir to communicate this to him, that I may send up the Money whenever He wants it, without giving him any Trouble on the Subject.
I shall send my Son George out imediatly to make what Collection He can, being furnish’d with a List of Tytheables for that Purpose: if you incline to do any thing of that kind, You shall have a Copy of the List, distinguishing those who have paid to Him. I think this method will reimburse us sooner, & save Commissions & Trouble to the Sherif.
I had gone a good Way thro’ the Bill for improving the Navigation of Potomack, before I went to Maryland, & am happy in finding that I had fallen into many of Mr Johnston’s Sentiments, tho’ I was a Stranger to them, ’til I recd yr Letter upon my return last Night. I wish it was in my Power to spend a Day wth him on the Subject. some of his Remarks are not so intelligible to Me as they wou’d be, if I had all the Queries which He seems to answer. What He mentions of some kind of Jealosy least the Virginians shou’d have some advantage, & that there shou’d be some Equality between the Maryland & Virga Subscriptions, I can have no Idea of. What Matter is it whether the Majority of the Subscribers are Marylanders or Virginians if their property is put upon an equal Footing, & the Work is of general advantage to both Provinces? Nor can I think his notion of proportioning the Tolls to the average profits can well be reduced to practice: a sufficient Sum can’t be raised by those only who are locally interested; Men who are not, will not advance their Money, upon so great a Risque but wth Views of great & increasing profit, not to depend upon future alterations: the Tolls, to be sure, must be moderate, such as the Commodities will bear, with advantage to the makers; it is probable for some Years they will yield very little Profit to the undertakers, perhaps none; they must run the Risque of this, as well as of the utter Failure

of the Undertaking, & surely if they succeed they have a just Right to the increased Profits; tho’ in Process of Time they may become very great: if I am not misinform’d, this is the Principle upon which every thing of this Nature has been succesfully executed in other Countrys. My Paper will not permit me to add more at present, than that I am Dr Sir Yr affecte & obdt Servt

G. Mason


Title: To George Washington from George Mason, 18 February 1775
From: Mason, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Gunston-Hall Febry 18th 1775.

I shall always think my self obliged to any Friend to communicate wth Freedom & Candour whatever Doubts He may have of my Conduct towards him, as the most effectual means of preventing

Misrepresentation; and I hope You will believe Me when I assure You that You have greatly misconstrued my Intentions in making the Collection I mentioned. Was either of Us to take the Advantage of receiving what He cou’d from those who are most able & willing to pay, leaving the other to scuffle as He cou’d wth the rest, it wou’d not only be unequal & ungenerous, but absolutely dishonest: the thing is self-evident, & neads no Proof.
I thought that the Collection wou’d not be made by the Sherif ’til late in the Summer, & that therefore collecting as much as we cou’d ourselves wou’d not only save Commissions, but expedite the Business, & reimburse us so much the sooner. I had also another Reason; not finding that simular Measures were adopted in the other Countys, I was, & still am of Opinion that the Collection may be more easily made now than sometime hence. I hinted Your taking the same Measures, & offerd a Copy of the List of Tytheables, distinguishing such as had paid to Me: by these means I imagined we coud between Us, collect the greatest part of the Money in two or three Weeks, when a Dividend of what We had both received cou’d be easily made; leaving the Rest to be collected by the Sherif or by any other person (if the Sherif refused) at his Leisure; & as I expected a good deal might be paid in Pensilvania Curry & paper Dollars, I thought, if Mr Harper wou’d wait a few Days, I shou’d get such Money off my Hands (instead of being obliged to keep it upon my own Acct) without Injury to any one; for otherwise the advancing or not advancing the Money just at this time, makes not a farthing odds to Me, having kept a Sum bye me on Purpose; and nothing cou’d be further from my Mind than the Idea of making a partial Collection for my own seperate Benefit; it can not but give Me Concern that I shou’d be thought capable of such disingenuous Conduct. I may perhaps be blameable for not explaining Myself fully before; but in a Matter so palpable, I had no Conception that it was necessary.
It has not been in my Power to do any thing, since I came from Maryland, towards the Potomack River Bill; but I will apply to it as soon as I can, & when finish’d forward it to You.
By a Letter from Maryland Yesterday I am inform’d that his Majesty has ordered his Embassadors at the different Courts in Europe to declare his American Subjects in a State of Rebellion.

I am, wth my Comps to Mrs Washington & the Family at Mount Vernon, Dr Sir Yr affecte & obdt Servt

G. Mason


Title: Promissory Note to John Harper, 18 February 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Harper, John

Feby 18th 1775

I Promise to pay to Captn John Harper or his order, In, or before the Month of May, next ensuing the date hereof, the Sum of Fifty two pounds ten Shilling Virginia Currency It being for value of a Negro boy Tom; or Thomas sold by the said Harper to

Go: Washington

Recd July 24th 1776 of Genl George Washington by the hands of Mr Lund Washington Fifty two pounds 10/ in full for my Father.

John Harper ⟨⅌illegible⟩per


Title: To George Washington from William Milnor, 21 February 1775
From: Milnor, William
To: Washington, George

Honorable Sir
Philada Febry 21st 1775

Your favour of the 22d Janry I have before me. As to Sashes, the Maker tells me, he thinks, he cannot get Silk Enough, for more than three, those he will have done in three weeks, they will come at Nine pounds each perhaps by the time, they are done we may find more Silk. The Gorgets, Shoulder Knots &c. I have bespoke & will send all, as soon as possible.
I inquired of Mr Palmer how soon he could finish One hundred Stand more of Musquets, he says by the first of July, but he declares that, by a true Estimate he finds, he has not a living price, tho., willing to finish the 40, agreable to Contract, he cannot engage any more, for less than four pounds each.
Nicholson, and, Dunwick, would willingly engage them at the £3.15 but I am told, they will neither be so punctual, nor have it in their Power to finish them so well, if you should be pleased to order them, I shall act agreable to your directions.
The Books Containing the Mannual Exercise &c. I have sent to Boston for, & expect to receive them in three weeks—The letter to Mr Ross, has been deliverd & the Order excepted—I have the pleasure to inform you that I mended on riding & arrived safe at home on thursday & found my family well—I am with my best respects & Complmts to Mrs Washington, Mrs Custis & Miss Posey Your Most Obedt Hume Sert

William Milnor

P.S. my respects to Mr Lund Washington & to Mr Custis informing them their Guns ⟨will come by the first opertunity.⟩


Title: From George Washington to William Crawford, 24 February 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Crawford, William

Letter not found: to William Crawford, 24 Feb. 1775. On 6 Mar. Crawford acknowledges receipt of GW’s letter “dated Feby 24th.”


Title: From George Washington to Robert Hanson Harrison, 24 February 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Robert Hanson

Letter not found: to Robert Hanson Harrison, 24 Feb. 1775. Harrison wrote GW on 26 Feb.: “Your favor of the 24 I received.”


Title: Agreement with William Skilling, 25 February 1775
From: Washington, George,Skilling, William
To:

[25 February 1775]

Articles of Agreement made and concluded upon this 25th day of February One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy five, between William Skilling of the County of Fairfax & Colony of Virginia Labourer, of the one part, and George Washington of the County & Colony aforesaid Gentn, of the other part, Witnesseth, that the said William Skilling for the Consideration hereafter mentioned, doth Covenant and agree to and with the said George Washington, that he will be ready by the Sixth day of March next coming, to set of for the Ohio with the said Washingtons Servants and Negros; and will, from thence forward, until the Sixth day of March next following, obey with strictness & punctuallity, all such reasonable orders, and directions as he shall receive from the said George Washington, or any person appointed by, or through him, to manage and conduct his Business on the Ohio, or on the way out there—and the said William Skilling doth hereby oblige himself, to work duely and truely at any business he may be set about by the said Washingtons Manager; that he will behave himself soberly and quietly, and endeavour to set a good example to the Servants. And lastly, the said William Skilling doth hereby Covenant and agree that he will loose no time from the said Washington’s Service that he can avoid; but, if by Sickness, or other accidents he should not be able to work, he will allow for the same at Settlement in the same proportion as he receives. In Consideration of these Services well and faithfully performd on the part and behalf of the said William Skilling, the said George Washington doth hereby agree to pay the said William, at the expiration of the above term, fully to be compleated and ended as above, the Sum of Fifty Shillings Virga Curry pr Month (an allowance for lost time, if any, being first deducted) to commence from the Sixth day of March as above—and will moreover furnish the said William with Working Tools, and Provisions, and be at the expence of Transporting them to the Lands on which they are to be employed—In testimony of this agreement, and for the true and faithful performance of all and Singular the Covenants therein Containd, the Parties have hereunto set their hands and Seals, and each to the

other, doth bind himself in the full and just sum of Ten pounds Curry, the day & year first above written.

Signed, Sealed & Delivered
William Skilling

in the presence of
Go: Washington

Lund Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Connolly, 25 February 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Connolly, John

Dear Sir,
Mount-Vernon, Feb. 25, 1775.

Your servant, on his return from Williamsburg, affords me occasion to answer your polite letter. I confess the state of affairs is sufficiently alarming; which our critical situation, with regard to the Indians does not diminish: but as you have wrote to Lord Dunmore, relative to the prisoners under your charge, there can be no doubt of his Lordship’s having now transmitted you the necessary directions on that subject. I have only to express my most ardent wishes that every measure, consistent with reason and sound policy, may be adopted to keep those people, at this time, in good humour; for another rupture would not only ruin the external, but internal parts of this government. If the journal of your proceedings in the Indian war is to be published, I shall have an opportunity of seeing what I have long coveted. With us here, things wear a disagreeable aspect; and the minds of men are exceedingly disturbed at the measures of the British government. The King’s Speech and Address of both Houses, prognosticate nothing favourable to us; but by some subsequent proceedings thereto, as well as by private letters from London, there is reason to believe, the Ministry would willingly change their ground, from a conviction the forcible measures will be inadequate to the end designed. A little time must now unfold

the mystery, as matters are drawing to a point. I am, dear sir, your friend, and most obedient humble servant,

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Aylett, 26 February 1775
From: Aylett, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
King William Feby 26. 1775

At the request of John Gizage Frazer I apply’d to you in Williamsburg to sign a letter of license, which most if not all his other creditors had acceded to, as he had given up all his property, & that their best chance of geting paid was from his future acquisitions, as he is well acquainted with, and has had repeated good offers of employment, in the West India trade. You answer’d me that you had put your demand into the hands of Mr Lyons and whatever he agreed to would be satisfactory to you. I then apply’d to Mr Lyons who did not choose to come into the measure without your express direction. Some time last week I was about delivering Mr Frazer up to the Sherrif as his Special Bail at your Suit, (as I did not choose to risque his going to the West Indiaes, where he intends going immediately in a Vessell that is to be consign’d him) but as Mr Lyon was present at the

Court house, Mr Frazer desir’d I would again apply to him, and I receiv’d for answer, that provided I would not let Mr Frazer know it, he would acquit me as Special Bail, for that probably he might procure some kind of Security or that he might, if successful & thinking me bound make a point of paying this debt first, but I at this time told Mr Lyons, that Mr Frazer had a letter from you, expressing your willingness to abide by his, Mr Lyons determination, but Mr Frazer was mistaken, it was a letter from me wrote in Williamsburg informing him of your answer, as before mention’d. I have not since apply’d to Mr Lyons for the promis’d acquital, expecting he will not be fond of takeing any Step without your permission in writing, altho. I believe he is satisfied that you have no chance of geting paid by any other plan. and I have so good an Opinion of Frazer that I verrily believe he intends to pay his debts, if he is so fortunate as to have it in his power. and this altogether depends upon his having liberty to leave the Country, and as I have no Interest in it, it is too great a risque for me to run, indeed he does not desire it, but intends to acquit himself by the Insolvent Oath (which will Mortify his Vanity) if he can not otherwise be at liberty. Your answer by the first post directed to the post office Aylett’s, will much oblige me. I am with the highest respect & esteem Sir Your mo. Ob. Servt

W. Aylett

Mrs Aylett joins me in Compts to self Lady &c.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Hanson Harrison, 26 February 1775
From: Harrison, Robert Hanson
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Alexandria Feby 26. 1775

Your favor of the 24 I received, and having Examined the Record furnished by Mr Wagener, I find it is so full, and contains so clear a state of ⟨mutilated⟩ proceedings, which have been had in the Cause, from the Original Writ, down to the Execution & Sheriffs Return thereupon, that I cannot say any thing that will give you or Mr Pendleton a clearer Idea or conception of the matter: he will discover from the Extraordinary motion made about Entering Special Bail when the suit was first called the Errors filed upon obtaining a Verdict to arrest the Judgement, & finally the Injunction in Chancery, that the Doctor and his Counsel have practised every possible ⟨mutilated⟩euvre to defer the payment of the money ⟨wh⟩ich Justice & Generosity call upon him ⟨mutilated⟩dly for. Mr Pendleton will procure from ⟨the⟩ Secretaries Office a Copy of his Bill in order ⟨to⟩ have your & Mr Fairfax’s Answer drawn ⟨w⟩hich I flatter myself will do away every ⟨mutilated⟩arge of Equity he may have Suggested, I am sure It will, for in this case he can have none. I am D. Sir with great regard Your obligd Servt

Rob. H. Harrison

P.S. Should the Answer be drawn here It will be necessary to have these Proceedings. Yrs R.H.H.


Title: Cash Accounts, March 1775
From: Washington, George
To:

[March 1775]

Cash

March 12—
To Cash an Error on the Contra Side of
[£] 300. 0.0

To Mr John Stone for 3000 Bls Corn @ 2/ ⅌ Bl
300. 0.0

To an Acct agt his Craft
1.12.6

25—
To Thos Newton Esqr. for Colo. Fieldg Lewis
100. 0.0

28—
To the Treasurer my further Proportion of the Money raisd for the Delegates
13.15.6

Contra

March  2—
By Charity
0. 5.0

6—
By Caleb Stone
0.10.0

12—
By Mr John Stone for 3000 Bushls Corn @ 2/
300. 0.0

By Mrs [Margaret] Manley by W. Roberts
2. 8.0

By Capt. [Daniel] McCarty ⅌ Acct & Rect
7.16.6

By 5644 Feet of Inch Pine Plank @ 6/ & 699 feet of 1¼ @ 7/6
19.14.1

By Caleb Stone
4.16.0

By Charles [Christopher] Shade
6. 0.0

By Mr Mills 4 lbs. Thread
1. 0.0

17—
By Exps. at Dumfries, Servants &c.
1.11.7

18—
By Exps. at [George] Weedons
0. 1.6

By Repairing my Saddle
0. 1.6

By my Mother of the Granny at her Quarters
0.10.0

19—
By Exps. at Roys, Burk’s Bridge, & Hannover C. house
0.15.3

21—
By Club at Richmond, Ferriages, Charity 5/
0.17.4

By Do at Galts
0. 5.0

24—
By Colo. Mason Pd the Treasurer on his behalfe
16. 5.0

25—
By Club at Coley’s Even. 1/ Charity 5/
0. 6.0

By Major Broadwater Defficiency of Fairfax Cty
3. 0.0

By Servants
2.6

27—
By Door keepers &c.
0. 2.6

By Colo. Preston for Surveying 2000 Acres Land
3. 6.8

By Capt. Floyd for Said Land
2.10.0

By Mr Saml Lewis for Surveying 2950 Acres
5. 0.0

28—
By Exps. at Galt’s Tavern Hano. Ct house, & Roys
2.11.6

30—
By my Mother pd part of her Income
30. 0.0

31—
By Exps. at Weedons, Servants, Ferriages &c.
1. 9.6


Title: To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 2 March 1775
From: Fairfax, George William
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Newton [England] March 2d 1775

Your very obliging favor of the 15th of November last, I received only the 23d Ulto. Immediately upon which, I wrote to London to know whether any Ships would be now sent to America, and have for answer, that one would Sail about the 8th instant.
Therefore I sett down to acquaint you that I had, so far engaged a Horse for you, as only to wait this month for your directions, and its luckey enough they came in time, for I think I should have ventured to have given more than you seem to incline, tho’ much under the Price before mentioned. The uncertainty of your Return, from the Service of the Country, I suppose prevented either Mr Peyton, or Willis waiting on You. indeed I should not like that they should be to troublesome. Mr Willis may have his Reasons for Postponing the Sale, and Renting the House &c. to so late a Season as the 5th Decr; but I should have thought (If the Stock was to be Sold) the time you fix’d would have been more Eligab[l]e, indeed a better time for the whole. As to the Furniture Remaing I can only repeat, that

unless we can gett near the Value of that in the Chinch Room, I should like to have it sent Over if Possible, meaning only the Curtains, Counterpains, and Covers of the Chairs, and that entire in the Blue, or Dressing Room, I must beg your acceptance of, and the sooner its taken away the better. You kindly mentioned, some time ago, that the House at Belvoir leaked very much, and that it was necessary to have it new Coverd. Pray my good Sir direct Mr Willis to gett it done, or whatever you may now, or hereafter think proper to be done in the best manner, you, I dare say, can Order the best Shingles from this the dismal, Plank may be either bought, or sawed in the Neck to cover the Rooff or other Services, for I would by all mean keep the House tight, and well, without, whatever it may be within.
I am exceedingly sorry to hear, that you, & our Friend Colo. Tayloe were engaged in so disagreable a business, as the Sale of poor Colo. Mercers Estate, it’s what I apprehended, and do sincerely wish it may fetch as much as He and Mr Ballendine Estimated it at last Spring, when the Colonel sent it me, to put my name to it, which I was sorry to decline, as I felt much for Him, yett I thought I could not do it against my own Opinion, and give the Mortgagees cause to Censure Me hereafter.
It asstonishes me very much, my good Sir, to find that you have had so many Proved Accots presented against me. You Sir, indeed I might almost say, the whole Colony knew, or heard of my intention of going to England for Years, and its well known, that I Advertised it some time before [I] Embarked, desiring Persons, having any Claim to bring them in, in Order to be discharged, and I thought myself happy in Leaving few or no Debts unpaid. But no sooner than my Back is turned, and not able to Face these Artfull and ill designing People, they are brought in and above all are sworn to. I mention these things my Friend, rather to justify myself a little to You, not to stop any just Debts being paid, and could ask Jonathan Stone, Bryan Allison &c. why they did not bring in their Accots when I was present? which I absolutely say they did not. I must Confess my Book, or Ledger was not kept as I could have, and now wish it had been, yett I thought few excepting yourself, and Merchts could be much more regular, in taking of Receipts, or minuiting in a little long Clasp Book, and a Marble cover’d one; the Money I paid, and also in keeping together such Accots and Receipts, as I did

not think worth raising an Accot for. I could say much more on this Subject, but I fear I have tired your patience already, and that I shall carry it beyond the bounds of a Letter, especially when I am shortened as to time, being again called upon a Committee appointed to draw up a Petition to the C——n in favour of America. Therefore must only beg that You’l lett Mr Peyton (if He has not them already) have the two little Books mentioned, the loose Accot and Receipt, (for I cannot think of taking up either your, or your Clerks time) with directions to pay those that are just and right, without giving You the trouble, for I am truly and sincearly ashamed of the trouble you have had in my affairs, and I want Words to express my acknowledgment of them. Here I must return a little, and inform you, that [I] Employ’d Jonathan Stone rather out of Charity, and lett him have Money, or Orders upon the Mercht at Colchester whenever he wanted, and frequently was largly in advance, during which He told me as well, as he was able, a melancholy Tale of his having a right to some Land in Maryland. I took Council for him, and Employd Mr Johnston who Pleaded in that Province, in Order that the poor Man should have justice, upon this He grew negligent, worked only part of days, and charged me with whole ones, often gave in a greater number of Rails, than either Andrew Faws, or Daniel Stone, after him rendered an Accot of, which I dare say can appears, and if He ment the Honest thing, He must acknowledge that I had frequently offerd him if any Ballce there was, upon a just and fair settlement, if he could make it appear I would pay it. But He was foolishly obstinate, and I did not care to be imposed upon, by paying for Services not performed. As to poor Honest Daniel Stone, He preferred Twenty Pounds, standing Wages, to a Share of the Crop, had it whenever he pleas’d, and often urged me to keep it in my hands to buy a young Negroe, which his heart seemd to be sett upon, but being disappointed, I indulged him with the one He fancied of mine the very morning I saw you last, at a less value than Mr Willis sett her at, and then closs’d and Signd the Accot, so that I apprehend if Mr Willis was to examine that Accot he will find that fifteen or £16 pounds was not at that time due to Daniel, but would be the Jany or Feby following the time that his Wages commenced, and then I dare say I desired him to pay the Ballance, as indeed I would do every Mans, espetially an honest

poor Labourer, who I never ment to injure, in my Life, but on the contrary have assisted many. Pardon my good Sir, this digression, as I cannot help feeling the malignity of such Accusors. Now to return to your last, I am sorry to find that Mr Willis should give you the trouble of writing about the Tobacco, or any part of his Duty, tho’ ultimately it may turn out to my Advantage that no more than seven Hhds were Shipt, yett I wish that the whole had been sent, for this is the time I stand most in need. I hope before this, that Mess. Adam, Campbell & Dalton have ventured upon the Bloomery Accot which I was anzious of doing Years ago, and applyed to Mess[r]s Ross, Henderson and Lawson for that purpose, but owing to the difficulties of getting the parties together or some other Cause that I am a stranger to, It was omitted untill the day before we left Belvoir, when it was impossible to Enter upon such Perplexed a business. Mr Campbell being then there readily offerd his very kind assistance. I gave him the little Trunk containing those Papers, and willingly consented to leave it to him, Mr Dalton and others named in a peice of Paper. If I mistake not, I think Mr Dalton was in the House the morning you & Lady was so good as to come and see Us the day we Embarked. You possibelly may remember (as I do to my great uneasyness) that Mr Willis only came the Eveng before or that very morning, by which, things were left in such confusion, instead of his coming there to reside, as was my Plan.
What can, or dare I say, about the unhappy difference between this Country and America. That you are condemned by the M——y, and their dependents, and much Aplauded by ever wilwisher to the Antient and Constitutional Right of Englishmen, whether on this, or the other side of the Atlantic; of which there are a great Majority in this County. You’l hear probabelly before this reatches you, what Steps have been taken, how supported, and defended, and at last how inconsistantly they have Acted in the great World, various are the Conjectures about the much talked of Motion, and sudden change, some thinks it proceeds from unfavourable Accounts from the Continent of Europe, some that they are frightened at the Expence, and others that it was only intend to Intimidate and cause a decension in the Colonys. But I rather think, that they find they have gone far enough, that the Americans are not so easily Duped, and that

a War cross the Atlantic will be the most expences one they have had, and the difficulty of raising the Supplys to support so unnatural a one. It is pretty certain that the M——r has lost ground, that many of his Friends did desert him upon the late Question, and such a jealousy has arose, that it’s thought, a change in the M——y must soon take Place. God grant, that it may be for the better, worse I think it cannot be, consequently we all hope for an Amendment, yett I fear it never will happen while the Primier, has so many lucrative Places in his disposal, and People grow more and more Extravigant. However this We can, and I believe very justly say, that Law is on our side, for all the Law Lords that do not fill some high Office, and many great & disinterested Gentn in the Commons, are in support of America, and by examining the List, you may find that many of the Worthies are sent from this part of the Kingdom.
It is reported in London, that you are Training the People of Virginia to the use of Arms. I hope you do not find those of your own County the most defficient, or that they misbecome their new uniform. They are going to have a General Review of all the Militia here, but for what I know not, as it’s not Customary, time only will shew the Event of all things, and God grant you, your Privilages, and a happy and speedy Reconciliation upon Constitutional Principals, is the daily Prayer of Dear Sir Your Affect: and Most Obliged humble Servt

Go. Wm Fairfax


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Athawes, 3 March 1775
From: Athawes, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
London 3d March 1775.

The very short Crop & Capt. Pundersons Conduct not proving altogether Satisfactory to myself nor many of my Friends has induced me to take 200 Hogsheads in the Liberty Capt. outram I would have agreed for 50 or even 100 more but he could not accommodate me with them however if there should be a surpluss there is another Ship going out which he is to have the Loading of & in which they are to be put on board He will apply to you for my good Friend the Honble George Wm Fairfax Esqrs. Tobo & I doubt not you will give him the necessary Instructions respecting them. The Revd Mr Moseley who I make no Question but you must have heard our mutual Friend mention was with me this morning—he see them but a few days ago & has since had a Letter which he shewd me & I am happy in informing you they are both very well. I am with Respect Dear Sir Your very obedt Sevt

Saml Athawes


Title: To George Washington from Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 3 March 1775
From: Carroll, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
Annapolis [Md.] 3d March 1775.

Convinced of your attachment to your country, and of your desire to promote its prosperity, I write this letter to recommend to your patronage, a Pamphlet now in our Press on the culture, & management of Hemp. I am well acquainted with the author, who has told me, that his knowledge of the Subject has not been learnt from Theory, but obtained by his practical experience. I have read his little treatise over with attention; it pleased, & instructed me: it will be particularly useful, I think, to these Colonies at this time, and indeed at all others. It was read to several gentlemen of the Committee in this town, who all so far expressed their approbation of the performance, that they recommended it to be printed. Inclosed you have the first sheet, as a specimen, the only one, that is yet struck off. If you should think this Pamphlet will sell well in Virga, the gentleman, who superintends the press, proposes to send you several copies to be sold at your provincial meeting at Richmond, by which means the most advantageous method of cultivating & preparing hemp will be generally known throughout yr Province, and I hope Successfully practised. The price of the Pamphlet will be half a crown our Currency: the purchasers will have no occasion to grudge the money if the[y] steadily pursue the directions of the author—How many copies do you imagine may be sold in Virga? if you can form any computation of the number that may be disposed of, it will be some direction and guide how many to send. If you can conveniently carry with you to Richmond a parcel of these Pamphlets, it will save to the author the expence of a special Messenger to Richmond, and they may be sent from hence to your house: some trusty person may be pitched on at Richmond, who for a small commission will undertake to retail these Pamphlets. My father desires me to present his complts to you, accept also of mine, and believe me to be with real esteem Sir yr most hum. Servt

Ch. Carroll of Carrollton


Title: From George Washington to William Aylett, 6 March 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Aylett, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 6th 1775

Your favour of the 26th Ulto came to my hands by the last Post—and by its return you will receive this Letter. As Mr John Gizage Frazer is unable to pay what he owes me, and my Signing his Letter of License necessary to his enlargement I do (although I cannot charge my Memory with ever having seen it) upon the information and strength of your Letter, hereby signify my consent to it, and do authorize you, or Mr Lyon by these presents to put my name thereto. I expect from the Principles of equal and common justice to be put upon no worse a footing than Mr Frazers other Creditors, & this is the only Condition I stipulate for.
Mrs Washington presents her Compliments to Mrs Aylett & yourself, to which please to add those of Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Stevens, 6 March 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Stevens, William

March 6th 1775

As Mr James Cleveland, whom I have employed to take charge of my business upon the Ohio, is rendered unable at this time by sickness, to proceed out with my People, I must commit the care & management of them, & the business to you, till he can follow, or till you can hear further from me.
Proceed therefore, without any unnecessary loss of time to Mr Gilbert Simpson’s on Youghiogany, where I expect Provision’s

are laid In, & where Majr Crawford will have in readiness Tools, & Canoes ready to transport you down the River—do not delay one moment longer than you can help in that Settlement, but set out with all your necessaries by water for the great Kanhawa—Your Provisions will go in Casks which are provided for the purpose; but the two Horses which are sent for the purpose of drawing in your Logs, fetching in your Provisions, & tending your Corn when they can be spared from other business, must be sent down by Land in the manner which shall appear most advisable to you at Simpson’s.
The Land you are to go to, lays on the great Kanhawa on the lower, or Right hand side as you go up it—the Tract begins abt two Miles from the Mouth of that River and runs up the same, binding therewith, for Seventeen Miles—You may begin your Improvements therefore in any part, but nearest the middle (for fear of getting of[f] it) would be best if you can carry on your works to equal advantage to do wch you should examine the Bottoms well to see where you can clear most in the shortest time.
So soon as you have pitchd upon the Spot to begin your Improvement on, use every deligence in your power to get as much Land as possible ready for Corn, & continue planting, even with the rare ripe Corn, as long as you think it will have time to come to perfection—You may, in the mean while, be putting up Houses for the Convenience of yourselves to live in, but do not spend any time in fencing in the Field till it is too late to Plant, as the Corn can take no Injury till some time after it is up which will be time enough to begin Fencing.
After the Season is too far advanced for Planting, and you have Inclosed the Field—you are then to go to such other kinds of Improvements as will go the furthest in saving the Land—that is, you are to build—to clear—to Fence—to drain—or do any thing else agreeable to the Act of Assembly which will be highest valued in proportion to the Work, & the time spent thereon; & I have a notion that draining will be found among the most profitable things you can do—but as it is impossible for me to judge, at this distance, you must be governd by Circumstances, and your own judgment; which I hope will be employed as much as possible for my Interest.
Consult Major Crawford about a Hunter & endeavr to secure a good one upon the best terms you can to attend you—this

Hunter might, probably, be a proper Person to take the Horses down.
I do not know that any of the white Servants will attempt to runaway from you, but to guard against it as much as possible keep a strict watch—&, as soon as you have got to the Land draw your Canoes (without telling them the reason of it) quite up the Bank & cover them to prevent the Sun from splitting them.
In the Keg with the Lead there is a Cannister of Peach Stone Kernals (near 2000) let them be Planted in Drills as soon as you get to the Land & fixed upon a Place for a Plantation. also Plant Potatoes—Pease & every thing of that kind in their proper Seasons, if you can get them to carry with you—and if you could get 1 Boor, & 2 Sow pigs to carry with you it would be a good thing.
As you will be under a necessity of depending upon hand Millstones for Meal (a pair of which are provided at Mr Simpson’s) you should take care to be provided with pecks to keep them in order—also with a grind stone for your Tools.
I have no reason to doubt, but that you will find every thing provided at Simpson’s by the time you get out—if however it should turn out otherwise, I hope Majr Crawford will give you all the assistance he can in getting what is wanted as it will be a folly to go down without. get 2 light fluke Plows.
Leave with Gilbert Simpson an exact list of every thing you carry down the River, though never so trifling for Mr Cleveland, that he may know what you have, & see if any thing further is necessary for him to provide. Endeavour to make the Servants and Negros take care of their Cloaths & have them mended when wanted.
I give you a description of each Servant—if any of them should Run away, advertize a good reward to any one that will bring them to you, to me, or Majr Crawford.
Take great care of your Tools, that none are lost, or left as you go along down—Take care also that you have full enough of them for your hands; if to spare, so much the better, as I shall probably send out more hands sometime hence; keep a list therefore of the quantity you have, & call them over frequently. after you have built a House for yourselves, there might also be one built to lock yr Provisions, Tools &ca up in.
I cannot pretend to say with certainty, when I shall be with

you; but hope it may happen in May—if not in May, it shall be as soon after as I can make it convenient—Nor can I judge with any certainty how long it will take you to save that Tract on the great Kanhawa, which you are to go first to, as it contains 10,990 acres; but the Buildings & other Improvements ought to be valued (at any rate) before you go to the next Tract or rather return to it, as it lyes on the Ohio, three of four Miles above the Rapid, at the great Bent in the Ohio (which is 30 odd Miles above the Mouth of the great Kanhawa) this is the next 4395 acre Tract I shall Improve, & Lyes in Bottetourt County, as the large one of 10,990 acres does in Fincastle County.
I give you Money to bear your Expences out, and hope and beg, that you will use as much Frugality in Travelling as possible. keep an exact Acct of your Expences that you may be able to settle with me when we meet, or with Mr Cleveland in my behalf.
I would have you, as it is as good a way as any, go by Mr Clevelands House, & if he is well enough to give it, take his advise about your Conduct, if he thinks he shall be able to follow you in any reasonable time perhaps it may be necessary to leave the Horses at Gilbert Simpsons for him & the Negro that is runaway to come after you by Land, & to drive two or three Cows out, if to be had from the Red-stone Settlement.
Sow the Turnep Seed which you carry as soon as you can with safety—and endeavour to provide water Mellon Seed—Cucumbers—& every kind of Seed which will serve to make your Corn &ca hold out at the same time that it adds to your good Living.
Get three or 4 good strong padlocks at Leesburg & as many strong Lines for Fishing, as Fish will be a great help to you.
Get Paper at Leesburg, and write frequently to me how you go on, as Letters are very apt to miscarry.
I wish you well, & that success may attend you & am Yr Friend &ca

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Washington, 6 March 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon Mar. 6th 1775.

Mr Fitzhugh deliverd me your favr of the 13th Ulto on Tuesday last—but as I receivd it on the Road, I could not answer it by him & wish it was in my power to do it satisfactorily now—So far am I from having £200 to lend, that, involvd as I am with one expence and another, particularly in a very heavy charge of seating my Lands over the Alligany Mountains in order to comply with the conditions of the Grant, I would gladly borrow that Sum myself for a few Months; so exceeding difficult do I find it, under the present scarcity of Cash to collect enough to answer this emergency, & at the sametime comply with my other engagements—This information you may rely on as a fact from Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Crawford, 6 March 1775
From: Crawford, William
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Stewarts Crossings [Pa.] March the 6th 1775

Yours by Dotr Connalys man dated Feby 24th I am sory for your in Convenency in regard to your carying on your improvements on your Land as you seem to have bad Luck.
any sarvice I can be of two you it shall be don with Cheerfullness.

Mr Cleveland told me he bought a nough for him and the hands imployd.
and Baicon as much as was wanting axs hoes and such Tools what was wanting I Shall see Provided for you and as I think Val. will be with you befor my son you and him can fix on what will be wanting You seemd to be at a Loos for som Person to help out with your Sarvants I cold not help you to a better hand than my son ho has com down for that porpose to asist your People out he is usd to Traveling and may be of som Sarvice in hastning there march out I have orderd him to be steedy to Each order you shall think proper to give him till he arives here and then I shall see them set out from here my self and see that they are fited out with what they may as far as in my Power. ⟨Sceem⟩ that Mr Simpon of in regard to the County town. Your place is Very near the senter of the Country now but when the Country coms to be more Setled then your Cheertees Land will be near the senter of the Setlement but that will be a Matter to be Setled when the Line is Determnd between the two Provinces till then I do not think it will be worth while to do any thing about it.
Inclosed you have two plats which you must fix Warrants to your Self, and the dats also of the Warrants.
They Land on the river I mentioned to you two men is Disputing with me about it they are Living on the Land and intend to give me som Trouble about it in your Letter seem not willing to Enter into any Disput If I can have the matter Setled so as to sute you I will and if not I will Lay it on Land that will sute you as I now of som that has no person Living on it or but meer Trifling improvements that can be Easeyly setled.
The Land in the 2 plats is very good Land on the Little Kanaway as you cold Wish your other plat shall be sent to you by the first opertunity cold not get it run out now. I am sir your most Hume Sarvant

W. Crawford


Title: To George Washington from Edward Snickers, 6 March 1775 [letter not found]
From: Snickers, Edward
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Edward Snickers, 6 Mar. 1775. On 10 Mar. GW wrote Snickers: “I have receivd your Letter of the 6th Instt.”


Title: To George Washington from William Milnor, 7 March 1775
From: Milnor, William
To: Washington, George

Honorable Sir
Philad[elphi]a 7th March 1775

I have Just been informd by Mr Wiltbert of his going your way. I have Just to mention that the Sashes are all like to be done soon, Silk enough for the whole is procured, the Gorgets will be done about the same time the shoulder Knots are all finished. I hope I shall have them all to send by Peter Jones, he leaves this place on the 19th Inst. I have sent you Two pamplets, one is said to be the performance of Mr Galloway, the other I know not the Auther he lashes those few who dared to publish the sentiments of Many without their knowledg. I am in hast Dr Sir Your Most Obt Humble Sert

William Milnor


Title: From George Washington to Daniel Jenifer, 8 March 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Jenifer, Daniel

Sir,
Mt Vernon 8th Mar. 1775.

As you have been kind enough to mention the Conversation we had respecting Mr D. J. Adamss Land to the Creditors of his Father & procurd answers from some of them the Inclosed Letters will inform you of my determination in consequence thereof.
I will pay Mr Stormat at the time mentioned in my Letters to the other Gentn with Interest but want to know whether he sets up a claim to more than the £150 Sterlg with the Intst wch may be due thereon being told that he talks of demanding a larger Sum for Cost, Charges, or something else which I could not very well understand—I am very willing to abide by the sum mentioned in the list of Debts given to me, & which you saw—I shall be ready to fix the Matter with Mr Adams & the Creditors at any time upon the terms now proposed & did not care how soon the business could be accomplished.
The Skipper who was receiving Corn for Mr Stone did not care to take your Flour on Board—I shall therefore send it over to Captn Marshalls agreeable to yr desire—I am with esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Knox & Baillie, 8 March 1775
From: Washington, George
To: Knox & Baillie

Gentn
Mount Vernon Mar. 8th 1775.

In answer to your favour of the 28th Ulto—If Mr Danl Jenifer Adams (to whom I have now wrote) will suffer a Condemnation of the Land, Slave & Horse which I attached—will surrender possession of the two last; and join his Sisters in conveying the former to me, I will become answerable to you (upon Mr Stromats giving me the same Indulgence in time of payment that you do) for your claim against the Estate of his deceased Father Mr Josias Adams. But I shall expect Gentn that you will not insist upon my paying the Money before our April Meeting of Merchts next year for you know that all, at least most money Matters in this Colony are transacted at those times I might as well therefore undertake to discharge these Debts of Mr Adams in October next as to do it any time between that & the Meeting in April as it is at these times only I receive my Money. I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Fielding Lewis, 8 March 1775
From: Lewis, Fielding
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
March 8th 1775

Mr Page inform’d our Committee that you could furnish them with a quantity of Powder having imported more than you had occasion for in your County; I am directed to request that you will reserve Ten Barrells for the use of this County; and if you can contrive it to Malborough it will be convenient for us to send there, wch I am in hopes you can do as I am informed that you have purchased the wheat made there from Mr Mercer. my Scyths may be sent at the same time. Mr Fitzhugh informs me that I shall have the pleasure of Yr Company on friday senight on Yr way to the Meeting of the Delegates. I am Dr Sir Your most Affectionate Humble Servant

Fielding Lewis


Title: To George Washington from George Mason, 8 March 1775
From: Mason, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Gunston-Hall March [8]th 1775.

I have at last finished the Potomack River Bill; which I now send You, together with some very long remarks thereon, & a Letter to Mr Johnston; into which You’ll be pleased to put a Wafer, when You forward the other Papers to Him. I also return the Acts of Assembly, & Mr Johnston’s Notes, which You sent Me. This Affair has taken Me five times as long as I expected; and I do assure You I never ingaged in any thing which puzled me more; there were such a Number of Contingencys to provide for, & drawing up Laws a thing so much out of my way—I shall be well pleased if the pains I have bestowed upon the Subject prove of any Service to so great an Undertaking; but by what I can understand, there will be so strong an Opposition from Baltimore, & the Head of the Bay, as will go near to prevent it’s passage thro’ the Maryland Assembly, in any Shape it can be offered.
I suppose You have heard of the late Purchase made by some north Carolina Gentlemen from the Cherokee Indians, of all the Country between the Great Conhaway & the Tennissee Rivers—I think, considering this Colony has just expended abt £100,000, upon the Defence of that Country, that this is a pretty bold Stroke of the Gentlemen—It is suspected some of our Virga Gentlemen are privately concern’d in it.
I have always expected that the new fangled Doctrine lately broach’d, of the Crown’s having no Title beyond the Allighany Mountains ’til after the Purchase at Fort Stanwix, wou’d produce a thousand other Absurdities & Squabbles. However, if I am not mistaken, the Crown, at that Treaty, purchased of the six Nations all the Lands as low as the Tenissee River. So now I suppose, we must have a formal Tryal whether the six Nations or the Cherokees had the legal Right; but whether this is to be done by Ejectment, Writ of Enquiry, writ of Partition, or what other Process, let those who invented this curious Distinction determine. The Inattention of our Assembly to so grand an Object, as the Right of this Colony to the western Lands, is inexcusable; & the Confusion it will introduce endless.
If I knew when You set off for the Convention at Richmond, I wou’d trouble You wth two or three Virga Curcy Bills, to make

my second payment to Mr Mozzay, as I may not perhaps have an Opportunity of sending it in April.
We make but a poor Hand of collecting; very few pay, tho’ every body promises, except Mr Hartshorn, of Alexandria; who flatly refused: his Conscience I suppose wou’d not suffer him to be concern’d in paying for the Instruments of Death. George has been very unwell for some Days past; as soon as He gets well, He intends up into the Forrest, whare He has not yet been.
The Family here join in their Compliments to Mrs Washington, & the Family at Mount Vernon, with Dr Sir, Your affecte Hble Servt

G. Mason


Title: To George Washington from Robert McKenzie, 14 March 1775
From: McKenzie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Norfolk March 14th 1775

I am truely concerned to find myself under a Necessity to depart from Virginia without the Pleasure of having paid my Respects at Mount Vernon, which was one of the principal Objects I had in View leaving Boston, my only possible Attempts being frustrated by the pressing Necessity of a Friend, with whom I

travelled, to return to James River sooner than I intended. When I shall again have a Chance for this Honour depends upon Events too intricate to foresee at present, tho’ I anxiously hope they will terminate so favorably as to allow me a longer Indulgence in the Course of next Year. In the mean Time I beg you will accept this as an Assurance of the permanent Respect and best Wishes of, Dr Sir your most obedient and most humble Servant

Robert Mackenzie


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Jenifer Adams, 15 March 1775
From: Adams, Daniel Jenifer
To: Washington, George

Sir
Port-Tobacco. [Md.] March 15th 1775

Yours of the 8th Instat, came safe to hand, wherein you mention, you have come to the resolution of taking upon your Self the payment of my Father’s debts, provided I will Suffer a Condemnation of the Attach’d Effects—join my Sisters in Conveying the Lands to you—& Surrender possession of the Negroe &ca.
To all this I and my Sisters will comply with, but Sir I think it will be very Necessary for you to give from under your hand at the time of Conveyance, that there shall no debt, or debts, hereafter come Against me, or my Sisters, that my Father’s Estate is now liable to—I am in hopes Sir, After my giving up every thing I have to you, you will Set me at liberty, for I do not think I am altogether Acting the honest part, by giving up all that I am worth to you and my Other Creditors to go Intirely without, which if I was to give up to my Creditors and take the benefit of the Act, every Creditor would have an equal part, Agreeable to their Claim, which was my resolution to have Acted, but as you are such a considerable Looser, I am willing to make all Satisfaction I possibly can, and comply with the request of my Freinds, and for my Other Creditors I must trust to Providence for their lenity & Favor, but I have little right to expect any Favour from them, as they do not Share a part with you, in the Estate—I have wated on Stromatt, and he gave me the Inclos’d to send to you, and tells me he does not expect any thing for his Travelling expences, but thinks it reasonable he Should be paid the Cost of Suit, which Mr Clapham at Annapolis inform’d me woul’d

be about five pounds common Cury and what the cost of the ⟨Scirefacious⟩ will be, I am not Aquainted, but Stromatt told me it would be 3 or 4 Hundred pounds Tobacco, that paid off at 12/6 ⅌ Cwt—As you Observe the Sooner matters is Settled the better I am of your Oppinion, and am ready at any time to have Matters Executed, I have wated on Some of the Creditors with your letters, and they Seem very well Satisfy’d with them.
I have One favor to ask of your Hon’or, and would Strongly recommend it to you, to comply with my request, the Negroe you Attach’d was brought up in the Family, has always been a favorate Negroe in the Family, and has been much Indulg’d he has now a Wife and Several Children, which he seems to have a great Affection for, and has declar’d Several times that he will Loose his life, or had rather Submit to Death then go to Virginia to leave his Wife a[nd] Children, and do immagine from his declirations that he has made he will be Troublesome to any Master in Virginia, tho as fine a Slave as any in Maryland if you will be kind enought to favor this Poor wretch, he can get a Master who he is willing to Serve, and will give you more then he is apprais’d to, which is a great price, the Fellow is about five or Six in. Thirty very hefty and well made, but Sickly, at times.
The Horse you Attach’d I Swap’d away las Fall, for another Horse and gave five pounds to boot, as the Horse you Atta⟨ch’d⟩ was very Infurm and I was affraid he would not have got over it, but you may have this Horse Valued, as he is worth considerably more then the Other, or if you will let him Stay on the Plantation till Plowing time is Over you may have him at the Same, the Other Horse was Value’d to.
I shoul’d Immagine the best way to Act to Save expence would be to have the Attachment Stop’d as Soon as Possible and for I and my Sisters to make the Land and Effects Over to you, which I should Suppose would give you as good a Wright as if they were Condemn’d by Law—I am Sir Your Most Obt & Most Hum. Servt

Danl J. Adams


Title: To George Washington from Thomson Mason, 15 March 1775
From: Mason, Thomson
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Rasberry Plain 15th March 1775

As I presume You intend shortly for Richmond Town, I have taken the Liberty of inclosing You a Note of Colo. T. Mann Randolphs, for Ninety one pounds two Shillings including Interest, which I must entreat the Favour of You to receive for me; I must also beg your Care of the inclosed Letter to Captain James Gunn, who I have desired to pay You a Sum of Money for me, Whatever You receive of those Gentlemen, I shall esteem it a

singular Act of Kindness, if You will contrive to me on your Return by my Friend Mr Robert Hanson Harrison of Alexandria or Mr Alexander Henderson of Colchester. I sincerely wish You an agreeable Convention, and am Dear Sir with the greatest Respect Your most obedt humble Servant

Thomson Mason


Title: To George Washington from John Augustine Washington, 16 March 1775 [letter not found]
From: Washington, John Augustine
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Augustine Washington, 16 Mar. 1775. On 25 Mar. GW wrote John Augustine Washington: “Mr Smith deliverd me your Letter of the 16th.”


Title: To George Washington from Richmond County Independent Company, 17 March 1775
From: Richmond County Independent Company
To: Washington, George

March 17th 1775

The Independant Company of Richmond County present their most respectful Compliments to Colo. Washington and beg leave to inform him that they have unanimously chosen him their Commander, should they be obliged to have recourse to Arms to defend their King and Country; they flatter themselves from their Assiduity they shall be able to make a tolerable appearance some time in the Summer, and should look on themselves as highly honoured if the Colonel would be pleased to review them when most Convenient to him; in the mean time they would be glad to be favoured with any Instructions he should think proper to give and Assure him they are with respect His most hble Servants

The Company


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Cresap, 21 March 1775
From: Cresap, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sr
Skipton Mar. 21, 1775.

I have just now Received Yours of Feby 7 last, wherein You tell me that the Executors of Your Brother have been lately informed of my having taken Possession of some Lands belonging to him, which Information is not true; for I only claim my Own which I have been always in Possession of, And the very Person who made that Complaint has Rented it of me these two Years past and being called on for Rent thinks to come off from paying by this Method and carrying a Falshood. I have been in peaceable Possession upwards of Twenty Years, and what Buildings there are on the Land which I claim, was Built by me. Your Brother has a Lott adjoining to mine, which was mine, I having bought it of one Pindergras in the presence of several Gentlemen & paid him the Money down of the spot; after which ⟨he Sold it⟩ to your Bror. When Your Bror came to understand the Matter, he informed me of it, and there being a good Understandg between him & me (& to prevent a Law-suit), I told him I wod give him my Right to it, As Pindergras had run away and cod not be come at, therefore must have lost his Money. This Complainant has Lived sevl Years on Your Brother’s Land and Claims it as his Own.
I have no Objection to by or Sell, if You shd have any inclination. I am Sr Yr most Obedt Servt

Ths Cresap