Title: To George Washington from John David Wilper, 23 March 1774
From: Wilper, John David
To: Washington, George

Honnourd Sir!
Philadelphia March 23th 1774:

When I Return, Last from Williams Burg, I was Favourt with your Letter, Dated february 7th I most Humble pegg your parton, In not, observing my Duty upon your favour Recd Dated, the 1st of Novr 1773: I was Inexpectaision to have the Honnour, to waited upon you In a littel Time affter I Recd it, but I was prevented by the wather.
My Tract of Land, which I have by Govenors Dunwoodies proclamaision, I Sold it Last when I come up from WmsBurg, I am greatly oblige to you, for your addveice.
If your Honnour Chooce to buy my Claim of the 2000 acers, for which I got my warant, in the kings proclamaision, 1763.

You are will come to it, If you can get the warant altherd to a Nother County, where you pleass.
Sir, as you have Some Intainsion to Impord Some of my Countery man To Sattlen your Land, and to Resolve your Quistion which you has macke, to your Servant, To which I will give you, my Humble answer, to the best of my knowlegde and Informmaision, by the aldish, pallatains, Importer Samuel Howel, as for The
1. It is Some Times, a great Deficultay to get them, In Holland, or Garmany, on accot of the Interpreters (:or what the Coalled Newlanders:) when these go up to Garmany, Some Tack up some Monye by the Marchant in holland, and Some not, when they come back to holland, The Marcht there, offert them Some monye, who give most to him, will git all the peopell which come with him, The Never get Less then a German Ducat, which is this currencey 17 Shilling, Some Times 20 Shilling—
2. They are not to be had at all Times, but in the month of May, June July, and Augst, So when this Newlanders Ingage, Some Famelis, in Garmany, they aquint the Marcht in Holland, who many Fraight they have upon this, they get the Ships Reathy, it must be one Engelish vessell, no Hollandish Dears come haire, or bring annye pallatains In, they Sent for this vessells to Engeland,
3. How they are precourret, in holland, I maintion it, In the first articual, and upon Therre arrival in holland They muss be Shipped and provision Found, Till they are all togather, that the Ship can be Loadet, In 2 or 3 Days, N.B: If the Ship is provoidet to Recd them on Boart, and with provision, Then they do Seat of—
4. Upon what Terms they are Generaly expected, and how mosh a head will Stand, is to the first, viz.

Ducat to the Newlander
The Rhine Fraight
the provision
the passage over Seas
a Littel, which they called head monye in holland which may Stand between 12 or 13£ virgina Currence a Fraight, a Fraight Is a man, or a women, and one that is 14 yarrs old, and under 14 yarrs to 4 yarrs, one is a half a Fraight, and under 4 yar they are free, but this get no Bet Statt nur provision, This is the Wholt Expences, except a Littel for Medicain.

5. It is not Coustommary, to Sent Some Body to Garmany, to bring them Down to holland (:which I maintion in my first articular) as These Newlanders, macke a Sort of Trad of it, Mr Howel Saiys it will be batter to sent Some Body, with good Commission, and an agrayment, up to Garmany, That they may Signe the agrayment, Then they Cannot be persaudet away from him by another Newlander, or marcht in Holland, and they will be Chippe then to get them in holld wheras the Newlanders cant bring them on to ⟨Spent⟩ and advence them monye, with which they Charge them without Their knowlegde, which mackes the Fraight So high to 25.30.36£ which will be prevented—
6. A Vessell may go Immediately to Holland, with its Load, paying the Duty in Engeland, Let them have, Tobacco, Tare, pitch, this articuals are the best marcket in Ambster Dam, or Rother Dam and will never faill—
7. I maintiond in the 6th articual what marcket will Suit best, As for the whole Cargo Garmans may Cost Mr Howel, which Imported this 30 yars, Saiys it will amount To 15 or 1800£ Sterling 300 Fraight In a vessel, which Cary 2000 or 2500 Barel of Flower, N.B. No body can give annye acot by the Famelis becauss Some are Strong in Number with 2.3.4 Sons, and it may be So mainy Dachters, Some in Numbers 4 or 5 in all, and Some no more but 2 or 3 in a Famely—
8. They are Logged in Bed Stats, macke of boards, 6 feet Long and 2 feet waith. This Bed Stats, are so Regulatted, acorting to the vessel[,] Some Bed Stat are made for 2.3.4.5.6 Fraight to hold, and Lay in it, and To keep Therie⟨s⟩ Nessisary by them, The other paggach, muss be but [put] Down in the hole.
I went to Some Frind, bud Non Could give me better advice, then what I know, and Mr Howel Toll me. I most Humble aquint you with all particulors, who this Famelis can be had and Imported. Mr Howel atweeisses and Tincks, it will be best if a man gos up to Garmany, he will bring them Chiper and So Mainy as him pleasses, as they Generally are Imported, as I maintiond in the 5th articual, with good powers of adorny [attorney], and on agrayment how you will hold them upon the Land.
Hond Sir, you was pleassd to ask me, If I would Inclaine to go to Holland: It is True, I macke a Sort of a prommiss to not go to Sea again, If your Honr Shall Intrucst me with, I will act

that you Shall have no Reasson to Complain against me, If God Spare my Leife and health.
As for Terms, I will Liffe it to your Honr Selfs, you know werry wel when a man Travels, he cant Save as when he is at hom a man must be all most a yarr to go from Till his Return. I Shall keep good hause as it Lais in my power, you know werry well, that I am no Drincker or Spent Extranody.
That this peopell will come over upon better Terms, and none the better as half so moch, as they Commonly Stand, a Fraight will not Stand, So hight, to bring them Down upon the Land, on Ohio, as they Stand, when they come to Philada—
That They may Loock upon them Selfs as your property, Is no more but Just, Till they Reimbursse your monye again, affter this to get a Leais for one or more 100 acers, to pay Rent and affter the Times is expaiert, to Renew it again, That you expect, that they would be Joently bound togather for ther proformens, It will be Just.
When I Shall have the Honr to waited upon you, I would proposs to you, which will be I belive far better to your Indress [interest], That is to Saiy—Some fraight will be that come over from Holld or Garmany, will be Singel men or women, Those can be Disspossd of and Rathy Cash Recd for them, this Cash can be apolyd for expences to Tranceport, their Famelis Down to your Land.
Sir, as I have answerd to your Disseuer, I will proposse Some Thing to you, If you Tack it, in your Consiteraision, I belive, it would be best, and not half So moch expenies, as to Import, Some Garmans.
That is to Saiy, To Draw an a grayment how you want to Settlen your Land, and to get it printed, and a man, go from Court to Court hause, in Court Times, that you prommiss to Tack them up, in a Sartain place, on the Roath, to bring them to Pitts Burg, and to provaid for them There, to Tack them Down by wather as far as the Connoss can go up and Down and find them (:Till they macke a Crop:) with provision, as you Thinck proper, as to Reimburssment the Saime, as by the Garmans.
Sir, I beleve, you will get as mainy as you pleass. This Famelis will know allratty how to worck in this parts, In particular, If you provaid Some Stock for those which are going for 3 yarrs,

and then to Devaid the Stock by this mains you will get your monye Sooner, as by the former—when you get your Chair of Cattels, There will be Enough again to buy your Cattels, and when they have Some Steers, you Tack them on you for your payment or on your Debt. If it Cost you So mainy pounds as to bring in Garmans with expences, and to buy Cattels and Expences to Pitts Burg, and If one accident Shall happnet by them, that a men Died—There will be constand a nother, that will Tack the widow. By the others if a father Died, and a passall of Smal Childern be Lefft, what will you Do with them.
Hond Sir, If you Shall Choose the first It will be best to Imploy a vessell heire and Load it with Tabaco, Infailling of Tabaco, Sent it to Carolina to get Reice, Tare, and pitch, which will Save agreatyle expences, and there muss be made out Some agent in Holland, in good Times, to procurr good and Sound provision, and all Nessisarys, and in Need Some monye, I Supposs your Honr has a Corresponds in Engeland. If not Mr Howel her will (:I belive:) macke out one for you in Holland. The vessell muss be Rathy finish when they peopel come Down the River Rhine to Tack them In, which will Save agreattilly expences. Honnourd Sir I am your Most Humble, and Most Obet Servt

D. Woelpper


Title: To George Washington from Francis Baker, 26 March 1774
From: Baker, Francis
To: Washington, George

Sir
Queen anns County [Md.] March 26 1774

Inclosed you Have Mr potters Rct for Seven pounds paid for—the Schooling and Bording St Larence Posey—which Money has actualy Been paid By me, for the Receving of which I have no other Expecktation than from you—Should you Be Kind enough to pay please Lodge It in the Hands of Messrs Davied Son and Wallace—which will Greately Oblidge Sir your Vy Humbel St

Frs Baker


Title: From George Washington to Hugh Mercer, 28 March 1774
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, Hugh

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 28th March 1774

By my Deeds, the Tract which I hold, adjoining Mr Hunter contains 600 acres; whether it measures more or less, I really know not, as it never was survey’d to my knowledge. The value

I always set upon this Land, on accot of its situation, & contiguity to Fredericksburg, was, two thousand pounds Virga currency; but having an eye to some other Land, more convenient to me; about eighteen months, or two years ago, I desir’d Colo. Lewis if an offer shou’d be made, to take (under a persuasion, that old tracts generally over measure) three pounds an acre for it. Since then, the Land I had in contemplation hath risen a good deal in price, with which, in point of policy, I ought to keep pace; but if you incline to take the Tract, as it stands, at the round sum of two Thousand pounds, you may have it, & pay for it in three, four, or five equal annual payments, as shall suit you, the purchase money to carry interest from the day of Sale, ’till discharged. I am Dr Sir, with real esteem Yr most obt Servant

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Mercer, 28 March 1774
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, James

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 28th March 1774.

A Man in Trust is laid under greater difficulties than one acting on his own Acct; In the latter case he hath nothing more to do than to please himself; in the former, he may please himself and displease his Constituents. So soon therefore as I became sure (and this was upon running the last course down little River) that Mr Powells Mill would be Included within your Survey I felt a good deal of uneasiness; as I foresaw several difficulties that would necessarily arise. How they are to be settled consistent with justice, & agreeably to the Rights & Inclination’s of the several Parties, is now the question.
In respect to myself, as one of the Representatives of your Brother, and his Mortgagees, I shall be willing, as I have signified to Mr Powell, to give up every point which I can do with safety and justice—Two motives prompt me, in the strongest manner to do this; the first is, I think you have no equitable Right to the expenditure of Mr Powell; nay more, I doubt your equitable pretensions to the Land on that side little River, as (if I understood you right) you informd me that little River had

been considered as a boundary of your Land in that part for Forty years last past—If so well might Mr Powell fall into the mistake of Building where he did. this is one of my Reason’s for wishing the matter could be accomodated without delay; the other is, that Colo. Mercer, of all things (I have just receivd a Letter from him to this purpose) desires a speedy Sale of his Land &ca that the Mortgagees may be satisfied, let his sufferings under it, be as it will, expecting, on this occasion, to encounter considerable loss.
If this point then is to be litigated, there is no saying when the business can be finished, which will involve your Brother in much vexation, and the Mortgagees in an unexpected (and perhaps a Suspicious) disappointment: I am clear therefore for fixing the matter upon such a footing, as not to impede the Sale in the Fall: either by fixing upon little River as the Boundary (if this can be done after finding that the Courses of your Patent differ from it)—Compramizing the matter with Mr Powell for a stipulated Sum, to be paid to yourself and Brothers in proportion to your respective Interests therein, in case three Gentlemen eminent in the Law and indifferently chosen shall, after considering a state of the case to be drawn up, and Signed by Mr Powell and yourself, be of opinion that the Mill is lost to him—or lastly by annexing one hundred, or 50 acres of Land contiguous to the Mill, & convenient for a Tenement & setting it a part as a joint Interest, to be sold hereafter for your Mutual advantage, proceed to a division of the residue conformably to the decree of the Genl Court in order to a Sale.
These Sir are my Sentiments in general of the matter; agreeably to which I should be willing to act, but you will please to recollect, that Colo. Tayloe is also an attorney & ought to be consulted on this occasion; and I hope you will do it, as I do not choose in a matter of difficulty to be the sole actor. Upon the whole it now rests with you, as far as my consent will go, to fix with Mr Powell upon either ⟨mutilated⟩ three methods beforementioned, or upon ⟨mutilated⟩ other, which, as a trustee I can with Prop⟨riety⟩ accede to, keeping in view under any agreement you may make, the Sale at the Fall; at least of the Land, leaving the Mill, if it is ⟨mutilated⟩ the Subject of future dispute, a joint concern that no interruption may be given on this Acct to the repeated wishes of your Brother &, as he writes

me, the ardent desires of his Mortgagees; especially Miss Wroughton, who he says, thought herself ruin’d because the Interest was not paid to the day it became due. I shall now only add that I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Valentine Crawford, 30 March 1774
From: Washington, George
To: Crawford, Valentine

Sir,
[Mount Vernon] March 30th 1774

You are to proceed without loss of time to your own Settlement on Youghiogany, and there if it is not already done provide such, and so much Provision, as you shall think necessary to take down with you to my Lands on the Ohio. You are also to provide Canoes for transporting of these Provisions—The Tools—& the Workmen.
You are to engage Three good hands as labourers to be employd in this business; you are to get them upon the best terms you can; and have them bound in articles to serve till the first of December, duely & truely; at the expiration of which term they shall receive their Wages. Provisions & Tools will be found them, but nothing else.
You are also to engage a good Hunter upon the best terms you can, for the purpose of supplying you with provision’s—Let him have the Skins, as I suppose he will engage the cheaper for it. Engage him either altogether for Hunting, or to hunt & Work as occasion requires, that there may be no dispute about it afterwards; so in like manner let every Man else know what it is he has to trust to, that no disputes may arise thereafter—and the best way to prevent this, is to let all your hirelings know that they are not to consider this, or that thing as their particular business; but to turn their hands to every thing, as the nature of the business shall require.
As Much depends upon your getting to the Land early, in

order that as much ground may be clear’d, and put into Corn as possible before the Season is too far advanced, I do most earnestly request you to delay no time in prosecuting your Trip down—And, that as much Ground as possible may be got in order for Corn, & planted therewith, I would have you delay building & Fencing till the Season is too late for Planting, & employ your whole force in clearing.
Begin this operation at, & on the upper Tract; & clear five acre fields in handsome squares upon every other Lott along the River Bank (leaving the Trees next the River standing, as a safeguard against Freshes and Ice)—these Fields may be so near together, as to answer small Tenements of about 100 acres in a Lot in case you cannot get them Surveyd: in short allow each Lott a breadth of about One hundred Rod upon the River, running back for quantity agreeably to the Plots given you.
The same sized Lots—that is Lots of the same breadth upon the River, may be laid off upon all the other Tracts, & five Acre fields cleard upon every other one as above. but after the Season has got too late for Planting Corn, then, at each of these Fields, Build a House Sixteen feet by 18, with an outside Chimney the lower part to be of Logs (with diamond Corners) & to be coverd with three feet Shingles; Also Inclose and fence your Corn at this time, or before, if necessary.
You may then, that is after building Houses to the Fields already Cleared, and fencing them in, carry your clearing, building, & fencing, regularly on together, in the manner above describd.
After the time for Planting Corn is Over; in any of the Bottoms you may be at work in, if there should be any grassy Ponds, or places easily improvd, & draind for Meadow. It may be done, & Inclosed, instead of preparing Land for Corn.
Endeavour to get some rare-ripe Corn to carry with you for your last Planting, & replanting. The Corn which you do Plant must be Cultivated; in any manner which may appear most advisable to you for my Interest.
If you can get, or I should send out, Peach Stones, have them cracked, & the Kernals Planted, as soon as you get to the first Land, & properly Inclose them.
It will be essentially necessary to have all the work done upon any one Tract, appraisd before you move to the next Tract if it

be possible to have it done such work I mean, as can be injured by Fire or other accidents; otherwise I may labour in vain, as I shall have no allowance made for any thing that is not valued. In these appraisements you must let nothing go unnoticed, as it is necessary that every thing should be brought into Acct that will enhance the price of ⟨it⟩.
You should take care to have a Pair of hand Mill-stones with you, as also a Grindstone, for the benefit of your Tools with proper Pecks.
Keep a regular Acct of your Tools, & call them over frequently, to see that none are missing. Make every Man answerable for such as is put into his care. Keep a regular Acct also, of the days lost by sickness—for I expect none will be lost by any other means; that an allowance may be made for it at Settlement. And keep a regular, and clear Acct of all expences, with proper Vouchers, that matters may be settled without any difficulty at the end of the Service.
As I could wish to have my Lands Rented, if it be possible to do it, you may, if Tenants should offer, engage them upon the Following Terms—to wit—upon a Rent of Three Pounds Sterling (to be discharged in the Currency of the Country at the Exchange prevailing at the time of payment) for each ⟨Lot⟩ which is to be laid of as describd on the Platt. Leases to be given for three Lives—four years Rent free where no Improvement is made—and two only where there is a House built, & five acres of Land cleard on the Lott. Or, if it will be a greater inducement to Tenants, I will grant Leases for 21 Years upon the above Rent, payable in the above manner; which Leases shall be Renewable for ever, upon paying at the end of the first 21 Years, Twenty shillings pr ann: additional Rent for the next Seven years; and in like manner the Increasd Rent of 20/ Sterlg pr Ann. for every Seven year’s afterwards. But it is to be noted that I will not give leases for Lives, & Leases for the above Term (renewable) in the same Tract of Land; as it might not be so convenient to have Leases of different Tenures mixd.
As I have pointed out the distance along the water for the breadth of each Lott (in measuring of which go strait), and as the course & distance from the River of each Lott is also particularly set down, you cannot be at a loss if you have a compass and Chain to lay them off & mark them exactly—the back lines of

the Lotts may be markd, or not, just as it suits; the dividing Lines must be Markd at all events & an Acct taken of the Corner Trees in order to insert them in the Leases if any should be given. At the Corner of each Lott, upon the River, blaze a Tree; and with a knife or Chissel, number them in the following manner—viz.—at the upper Corner of the first Lott make the figure 1—at the Corner which divides Lotts No. one and two, make these figures 1/2 at the Corner which divides Lotts No. Two and three make the figures 2/3 and so on with every Lott, by which means the Lotts can always be distinguishd the moment they are lookd at, & no mistake can happen.
Build a House, & clear and fence five Acres of Land upon every other Lott, in the manner describd upon the Plot, by which means should any one Person Incline to take two Lotts they may be added together conveniently, & the Improvements will be convenient to both.
I have now mention’d every thing by way of Instruction to you, that I can at present recollect; let me conclude then with observing, that this business must even under the greatest good management and Industry be attended with great expence, as it will be with equal Injustice, if it is neglected; to this I am to add, that, as you are now receiving my Money, your time is not your own; and that every day or hour misapplied, is a loss to me; do not therefore under a belief that, as a friendship has long subsisted between us, many things may be overlookd in you, that would not in another, devote any part of your time to other business; or to amusements; for be assurd, that, in respect to our agreement, I shall consider you in no other light than as a Man who has engagd his time and Service to conduct and manage my Interest on the Ohio to the best advantage, and shall seek redress if you do not, just as soon from you as an entire stranger. I wish you your health and success, and am Yr Friend &ca

Go: Washington

Note[:] As these Instructions were begun sometime ago, and at a time when I had little doubt of havg my People movd over the Mountains before the first of April; as also at a time when I had a scheme under contemplation of Importing Palatines, in order to settle on these Lands, which scheme I have now Laid aside; those clauses which relate to the turning your whole force

towards preparing Land for Corn, may be entirely, or in part, laid aside as Circumstances may direct, and, if there should be any inconsistentcy between the first and latter clauses pursue the directions of the last mentioned.
If you should not receive an Order of Court (from Botetourt) for valuing the work done on my first Tract, before you move to the Second, have the work done thereon, appraisd in the best manner you can by Steven’s &ca and an acct thereof Sign’d by them, in such a manner as they would swear to, if calld upon.
If it should happen, that you are obligd to wait in your own Neighbourhood for Vessels, Provisions, or on any other Acct let all the People wch you carry out be employd towards forwarding my Mill work at Gilbt Simpson’s.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Lewis, 31 March 1774 [letter not found]
From: Lewis, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Lewis, 31 Mar. 1774. On 5 May GW wrote Lewis that his “letter of the 31st of March” did not arrive until the end of April.


Title: Cash Accounts, April 1774
From: Washington, George
To:

[April 1774]

Cash

April  1—
To Ditto [Cash] recd from Captn [Thomas] Conway
[£] 97.12.4

2—
To Cash recd from Southy Bell by Griffith Kelly for 600 Bushls of oats belonging to Mr Custis
29.12.6

9—
To Cash recd from Mr Robt Adam viz. 86 half Joes @ 46/3
198.17.6

18—
To Cash recd from Mr [William] Ellzey on acct of Distress made on my Ten[an]ts in Fauqr
25. 3.0

19—
To Ditto recd for 20,160 Herrgs @ 3/
3. 0.6

21 Bushls of Salt @ 2/6
2.10.6

1 Barrl of Midlgs 227 lbs.
1. 7.3

3 Quarts of Rum 1/
0. 3.0

21—
To Cash recd from Moses Collet
6. 0.0

23—
To Ditto recd from Mr Jno. Auge Washington on acct of Intt due Mr Jno. P. Custis
15. 0.0

To Ditto from Mr John Dyer
15. 0.0

To Ditto recd from Wm Donaldson
4. 0.0

To Ditto Do Thos West
4.10.0

26—
To Ditto of Mr Craven Peyton for & on acct of Colo. Geo. Wm Fairfax
277.19.2 1/2

Contra

April  1—
By Cash paid Mrs Prescott for 62 pr of Negros Shoes made by her Husband
3.17.6

By Cash to William Skilling
4.10.0

By Ditto pd Jno. Smith Mate of the Anne & Elizabeth
5.18.0

3—
By Charity
0. 6.0

4—
By Freight of 45 M Shingles from Suffolk @ 5/. 17 M for Colo. Mason
7. 0.0

By Cash pd Mr Calvert for Claret had of Mr Saml Gallaway £27 Md Cy
21.12.0

7—
By Charity—to Captn Posey
12. 0.0

By Colo. [George William] Fairfax’s Gardner
0. 3.9

19—
By Cash pd Suekey Bishop
1. 0.0

By Ditto for 2677 feet of Inch P. Plk @ 6/
8. 0.7

551 Do of 1¼ Do Do
2. 4.0

21—
By Ditto to Mr George Young
3. 0.0

23—
By Ditto sent my Mother
25. 0.0

By Ditto pd Mr Frans Peyton for an acct of Mercers wheat
25.16.3

26—
By Mr Craven Peyton 4 Firkins of Buttr 401 Nett @ 9d.
15.12.9

By Cash paid for 1 Barrl of Turpente
0.16.0

By Wm Skillings Exps. after Wm Webster
0. 9.0

By Mr [George] Youngs Exps. after Do
0. 4.0

28—
By Caleb Stones Exps. to Aquia after Stone for my Steps
0.10.0


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Newton, Jr., 2 April 1774
From: Washington, George
To: Newton, Thomas Jr.

Sir,
Mt Vernon 2d April 1774

Inclosed you have Griffen Gilley’s receipt for sixty Barrels of superfine Flour; as also an invoice of the weight &c. of each barrel. Please to dispose of it to the best advantage, for my interest, on credit not ecceeding October.
I was obliged to buy in the Anne & Elizabeth myself at the price of £175 which is thirty odd, short of what it stands me—Will this Vessel, do you think, sell at Norfolk? and at what price for ready money? I could wish to dispose of it at its value, as every one agree’s it must be worth £300—but if I cannot get a price nearly equal to its worth, I must receive freight, one being offer’d to Jamaica, another to Philadelphia, & a third to St Kitts. I shall only add that I am Sir, Your most obt Servt

G: Washington

P.S. Wou’d the Vessel with a sortable cargo on board, consistg of fine & superfine Flour, Bread, Herrings &c. sell at Norfolk.


Title: To George Washington from James Crane, 2 April 1774
From: Crane, James
To: Washington, George

Hon’ble Sir
April 2d 1774

Inclos’d is an Acct against Colo. Fairfax which he desir’d me to apply to you to settle the ballance’s that he should leave unpaid, Therefore should be extremely oblige to your Honour to discharge it if possible and send the Money by Mr Francis Willis Junr. I am Hon’ble Sir Yours to Command

James Crane


Title: To George Washington from Bartholomew Dandridge, 2 April 1774
From: Dandridge, Bartholomew
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New Kent April 2. 1774.

Mrs Black has at last consented to execute the Deed to you which is done & now in my possession. Col. Pendleton & Mr Lyons have also acknowledged a Deed in King Wm Court to confirm your title to Romoncock, & Mr Lyons & Mr Power have acknowledged a Deed as Attos. of Seton for the Mill & 100 Acres of Land, there seems to be nothing wanting now to compleat your title but a Deed from Col. T. Moore for 100 Acres of land adjoining the Mill which was never conveyed to Seton. this I expect shortly to have, I understand Black gave up possession of every Thing & only stayed in the House ’til he could remove which I suppose he has done by this time, He also agreed to account for the Toll of the Mill but had not fully done it when I last heard from him, If I hear nothing from you I shall send the Deed & all the other Papers to Mr Wythe by the first of the General Court that they may be ready for Black’s acknowledgmt whenever he comes down, and if he will not acknowledge it in Court I suppose three of the Witnesses must go down & prove it, I could get but four to the execution of it & Mr Moore neglected to get more afterwards.
I expect the pleasure of seeing yourself & Family within a Month and shall now only add that my Wife joins me in Love to my Sister, Mr Custis & his Lady and that I am sincerely Dr Sir Your very affect. humble Servt

B. Dandridge


Title: To George Washington from James Mercer, 5 April 1774 [letter not found]
From: Mercer, James
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from James Mercer, 5 April. On 11 April GW wrote Mercer: “I have receivd your Letter of the 5th.”


Title: To George Washington from James Tilghman, Jr., 7 April 1774
From: Tilghman, James Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 7th April 1774

The Reason of my not giving a speedier Answer to yours of the 17th February, was owing to my being out of Town when it arrived. I have had some Conversation upon the Subject of it with some of the Gentlemen in the Palatine Trade, and shall think myself fortunate, if any Information that I can give, may be of the least Service to You in the Affair. I have talked about it particularly with Mr Robert Morris, whose Judgment in a Matter of this Nature I would rely upon sooner than that of any Man I know. His Opinion is against your sending out a Ship for Palatines for the following Reasons, which to me, appear good.
The Expence of chartering a Ship, and the Money that must be advanced in the purchase of the Servants (for We are not allowed to send any Thing from hence to Holland) would be exceeding high, and the Loss to which the Importer is subject by their dying is often very great and always considerable; their

being crowded together a great Number of them in a Ship makes contagious Disorders frequent amongst them, which often carry off great Numbers of them, especially if they happen to have a tedious passage. But granting no Accident of this Sort should happen, Mr Morris is of Opinion that You may purchase them in Philadelphia upon much better Terms than you can import them. The Reason of it is this; the People here generally prefer the Children to the Men and Women, so that the latter are commonly left upon the Importers Hands after the former are all sold, and as the Expence of maintaing them is very heavy, they are willing to get rid of them upon any Terms. Mr Morris told Me that the last Fall he would have sold thirty or forty Families such as You want for one half what they cost him. Another Advantage in purchasing here, is that You may get 12 or 18 Month’s Credit for the Payment of them. Mr Morris thinks the Trade so troublesome and precarious, that he has declined it, but was kind enough to tell Me that he would gladly give his Advice and Assistance in procuring them upon the easiest Terms, which I know will be very much in his Power, should You conclude to purchase here; or should You determine rather to import them yourself, he will in that Case, supply You with necessary and full Directions on that Head.
I have passed but a gloomy Winter in Philadelphia; my Disorder was more deeply rooted than I at first imagined. I am now tolerably well recovered; the sweet Spring seems to have brought Me a fresh Supply of Hea[l]th & Spirits, and I hope shortly to be once more Myself. My Happiness is still encreased by the agreeable Prospect that I have of shortly seeing all my Friends in Virginia, I shall leave Philadelphia in a Week, and in one Week more hope to pay a Visit to Mount Vernon. be good enough to present my best Comps. to Mrs Washington, Mr & Mrs Custis, & Mr L. Washington, and believe Me Most Respectfully & Sincerely Yrs

James Tilghman Junr


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Athawes, 8 April 1774
From: Athawes, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
London 8th April 1774.

Our Mutual Friend the Honble George Wm Fairfax, Esqr. having communicated to me that since his return to England a Person has offered to purchase the Blomary which he has in conjunction with Mr Carlisle Dalton &c. tho. not the whole of the Land belonging to it & he being desirous of not only parting with it but of putting an End to that Matter intirely has executed a Power of attorney to this purpose & which Power of attorney accompany’s this to you—The Reason of my troubling you on this occasion is my having long had an Inclination to a small Tract on Shenandoe & finding by my Friend that possibly a Gentleman in the Neighbourhood of the Blomary may sell a little Matter which he has there I should wish to know if that is the Case what are his Terms & whether you think them eligible if you should our mutual Friend seems to think that the Land which belongs to the Blomary & which the purchaser of it does not mean to take & which as you will find by the Power our Friend wishes to have divided into Four parts of equall Value in order to put an End to the partnership acct & as this Tract lays contiguous to that which may possibly be sold—He has intimated to me his entire inclination & Wish that his Fourth part or proportion might adjoin to that which I am disposed to purchase as our Friend if I was to become a purchaser would let me have that which would make the Purchase compact & more compleat—our Friend has wrote to you & pointed out the Estate above hinted & if you wish would make the Enquiry you would oblige me very particularly tho. I could wish the Enquiry not to be made in my Name I know not how or in what Manner I shall be able to return the Civility but if I should have it in my Power I trust you would not find me ungrateful. I am with Esteem Dear Sir Your obligd & Obedt Servt

Saml Athawes


Title: From George Washington to James Mercer, 11 April 1774
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, James

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 11th of Aprl 1774

I have receivd your Letter of the 5th, and consider’d the Report which you have drawn up for the Commissioners to make to the Generl Court; and not knowing (as things are Situated) what better can be done, I have given them ⟨ta⟩cit consent to their proceeding; agreeably thereto, as you required, in case of my approbation thereof. My fear however is, that, a Partition of the Land, consequent of a second order of Court, can hardly be Reported at this Setting; every appearance of delay therefore, gives me some pain, as I know the sollicitude of the Parties to hasten the Sale. Quere then, would not Mr Roses consent (as Guardian of your Infant Brother) to the measure proposed by yourself and me, & which I recommended your taking Colo. Tayloe’s opinion upon, have enabled the Commissioners to have proceeded at once to a division of the uncontroverted part of the Land? Would not Mr Rose have acquiesced in this measure? and would it not have been a shorter Cut if it had been adopted? I only propound these question’s now for Information, for as I have not given the least Interruption to the proceedings of the Commissioners, in conformity to your Report, so neither do I mean to impede the operation of your Plan, but on the contrary,

to do every thing in my power to accelerate, & carry it into execution without loss of time; of which you will please to inform Mr Attorney, after communicating the contents of this, and my former Letter to Colo. Tayloe, and laying before that Gentleman a State of the case, as it now stands, for his Sentiments thereof.
I am not well acquainted with the Gentlemen who live most contiguous to the Bullrun Land, and therefore am more at a loss to recommend one to supply the place of Mr Powell; but should think as Mr Hough will probably attend to make the Partition, there can be no Impropriety in nominating of him a Commissioner, as he will be a pretty sure hand, and must by this time, know as much of the Land as any body; If any objection however should be made to him, I believe Captn Bronaugh does not live far from thence (though if I recollect right, he talkd of going over the Alligany Mountains this Spring) nor doth Mr William Smith, both good Men, and agreeable to me; as any other Colo. Tayloe & you may fix upon, also will be. I remain Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Margaret Savage, 15 April 1774
From: Washington, George
To: Savage, Margaret

Dr Madam,
Mount Vernon April 15th 1774

I am really sorry I cannot give you a more agreeable account, than the following of your Suit against Dr Savage. At March Court for this County, with much difficulty, we brought the matter to a hearing, & obtained a judgement for six hundred & odd pounds, being the Sum due on the Bond to the commencement of the Suit. Against this, the Doctor filed a Writ of Error, which (as there will be no Court this month) cannot be heard ’till May. At which time, it is more than probable, the judgment will be confirmed in this Court; but then, it is said, the Doctor, (merely to procrastinate payment) will appeal to the General Court, where the matter may hang twelve months longer: This information I thought it incumbent on me to give; at the same time I assure you, that nothing has been, or shall be neglected, on the

part of Mr Fairfax or myself, to bring the matter to the speediest determination, the nature of the case will admit of; nor in prosecuting your claims to the money due since the commencement of the last Suit, & for each years Annuity, as it becomes due afterwards.
We have lost several of your old acquaintances since I wrote you last, among whom, Joseph Watson, & Harrison Manley are of the number; & we have had two or three weddings—to wit—Mr Custis to a daughter of Jno. Calvert, Peter Wagener to Sinah McCarty & Capt. Sanford to Miss Caty Porter. Mrs Washington is very well, & joins in good wishes for you with Dr Madam Your Most humble Servant

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Valentine Crawford, 19 April 1774 [letter not found]
From: Crawford, Valentine
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Valentine Crawford, 19 April 1774. The docket on Crawford’s letter to GW of 27 April reads: “From Mr Val: Crawford 27th Apl 1774 Inclosing one dated 19th Apl 1774.”


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Newton, Jr., 19 April 1774
From: Newton, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Norfolk April 19 1774

I Received yours covering an invoice for 60 Barrels f[l]our which is sold at 16/8 & freight payable at the Octbr meeting next. at present there is a prospect of flour’s being in demand & believe you may venture to send one or two hundred barrels

unless you can sell at nearly the same price as above at Alexandria for our market is but uncertain at best, as one week there is a demand & the next we are full from the different rivers. I have been offer’d for the Brig Ann & Eliza. three hundred pounds payable in Octbr next which if youre inclinable to take you may send her down imediatly, tho. I wou’d advise to take a trial at publick sale here, as the charge of that is only one pistole & she may sell for more as every one that wants will have an oppertunity of bidding for her & we alway’s find that it is the best way to dispose off a vessell as many wants that are not known in a private way. Shou’d it suit you to give Credit untill this time twelve months you will get double interest for your money as I am very certain She would sell for ten ⅌ Ct at least more that for ready money.
Herring will not sell here at more than fifteen shillings a barrel & a slow market at that price.
Fine flour from fourteen to fifteen but you’l please to note that the freight will taken out of these prices which reduces it Seven pence per hundr. tho. if you shou’d send the brig down you’l save that freight as you may ballast her with those articles together with the super fine flour. I do not think it worth your while to take a West India freight as believe this vessell wou’d not sell in any of the Islands as she is not calculated for their purposes, I have one of the same built (for a Guineaman) that has been ordered for sale at least a dozen voyages but cou’d never dispose [of] her & the freight of so small a vessell seldom answers as the Port charges are very high. I know of no better market than this at present for disposing of her as vessells are now in great demand, & shou’d you incline to send her down you’l please to forward as fast as possible that she may get here before our Assembly meets. I am Yr Most Hble Servt

Thomas Newton Jr


Title: To George Washington from Craven Peyton, 27 April 1774
From: Peyton, Craven
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Lee’sburg [Va.] Apl 27th 1774

I send you inclosed a Copy of the List of rents we Settled by, according to my promise. I forgot to give you the Tobacco I had received—tho. it was then in my pocket—should be glad you would advise me by the first opertunity what is best to be done with it. I am Y’r Mot H’ble Serv’t

Craven Peyton


Title: From George Washington to Osgood Hanbury & Company, 30 April 1774
From: Washington, George
To: Osgood Hanbury & Company

Gentn
Mount Vernon April 30th 1774

On the 25th (Instt) I drew upon you in favour of the Reverend Doctr Myles Cooper, President of the College in New York, at which Mr Custis has been at School, for Sixty five pounds Sterlg; and of this date, have again drawn on you for the further Sum of One hundred and Ten pounds Sterlg payable to Captn William McGachin on Order, both of which Sums please to pay, & place to the debit of Mr John Parke Custis’s Acct.

This young Gentleman is now Married to a young Lady of Maryland (daughter to Benedict Calvert Esqr.) but as his Estate is still under my care, and will remain so till he is of age which will not happen till Novr 1775 you will please to corrispond with me as usual in all matters relative to his Affairs till you are otherwise advis’d from Gentn Yr Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Fowler, April 1774
From: Fowler, George
To: Washington, George

Sir
Cameron⟨mutilated⟩ April 1774

I am doubtful you blame the Conduct of the Sheriff and myself for taking Mr Crawford in your house you may be assured very cincerely that I had been informd he intended out on Monday morning and having been well informd that he once had escaped did not know but he might attempt it again and certain it is I suspended the Action untill the last hour. when I left home I heard he was at Johnsons Ferry where I expected he woud be servd with the Process and had no thought of going as far as we did when we Set out, but as I had been so repeatedly disappointed and deceived both by Letters and promises and a ⟨mutilated⟩uch blamed for Extending a Credit of that dignity to that Gentleman, that I thought it was my duty & the Sheriffs to Act as we did, and more particularly a Company of Merchants failing in London we were immediately call on for a larger Sum than we coud possibly raise on a sudden, especially when frequently meeting Such disappointments ourselves which reasons I hope will convince you that it was more through necessity that I was induced to act as I did than out of any pleasure I coud take in such an Action and of our necessity I first made Mr Crawford privately Acquainted hoping it might bring him more seriously to consider—I really had been informd and I think even from some of his Friends that he woud escape if in his power a Sufficient reason for the Sheriff to Act with Caution, I did intend to pay the Cost myself as I then told the Sheriff in case it was Settled I am really extremely sorry that I had in any case disobliged

and humbly hope these reasons will render us something more excusable & am yor mot Obedt Hble Servt

Geo: Fowler


Title: Cash Accounts, May 1774
From: Washington, George
To:

[May 1774]

Cash

May 13—
To Cash recd from Mr Hunter Rent
[£] 10. 0.0

To Ditto won at Cards
1. 0.0

17—
To Ditto recd of Doctr [James] Carter—a yrs Intt of his Bond
10.16.0

To Ditto recd from Colo. Andw Lewis on acct of his Land under the Proclamation of 1754
10. 9.9

18—
To Cash won at Cards
2.10.0

20—
To Ditto recd from Mr Frans Whiting on acct of Rent
40. 0.0

23—
To Ditto won at Cards
1.10.0

Contra

May  1—
By 5 Barrls of Tarr @ 10/
2.10.0

By Cash given away
3. 0.0

2—
By Ditto paid Bishops wife laying Betty at the Ferry
0.10.0

3—
By Clemt Trig for 4 days hire of Mr Claggits Flat @ 18/ Md Cy pr day to bring stone from Aquia for Steps
2.17.7

4—
By a pair of Shoes for Will
0. 7.6

By Ditto for Austin
0. 7.6

By Exps. gettg my Carriage to Maryld
0.18.0

By Servants
0. 1.6

9—
By Cash paid William Roberts
20. 0.0

10—
By Ditto paid Mr Thos Triplett
22. 7.6

By Ditto paid Mr Custis
12. 0.0

11—
By Ditto paid Thos Armat Sadler
1. 3.1

12—
By Ditto paid Caleb Stone
12. 0.0

By Servants
0. 1.3

By Exps. at Dumfries
0. 9.8

By Ferriages at Mr [James] Hunters
0. 5.0

13—
By Cash pd Ditto for a years Ferriage
0.10.0

By Cash paid my Mother
10. 0.0

By Shoes for Giles
0. 7.6

By Expences at Weedon’s
0. 3.9

14—
By Servants
0. 1.3

By Exps. at Roys Ordy
0.12.7

15—
By Ditto at Todds bridge
0.18.9

By Ditto at Ruffins Ferry Includg 9/ for Ferriage
0.17.3

By Servants
0. 2.0

16—
By Club at Mrs [Christiana] Campbells
0. 5.0

By Cash lost at Cards
0.15.0

18—
By a Register & Freedom for the Brigantine Farmer
2. 3.0

By Cash paid for a Watch key
0. 1.6

By Ditto for a Sword Knott
0. 4.6

By Club at Southalls
0. 4.8

By Cash lost at Cards
1.13.0

By Club at Southalls
0. 3.9

19—
By a pair of pinching Tongs
0. 4.0

By Barber
0. 6.0

21—
By Cash pd Rinds Estate pr William Russells rect
5.15.9

23—
By Coffee &ca
0. 1.3

25—
By Mrs Washington
10. 0.0

By Servants
0. 1.3

By hair powder
0. 1.6

26—
By my Subscripn to the Burgesses Ball
1. 0.0

By Mr Thos Lewis, Surveyor of Augusta, for Six Entries in the names of Jno. Posey: 3000 Acs.—Goodrich Crump 200 acres—Marshall Pratt 50 Acres—Robt Scott 50 acres—Jesse Scott 50 acres—& Jno. Poo 50 acres
0.15.0

27—
By Colo. Richd Lee Duty on 4 Pipes Wine
6.13.4

By Charity
2. 8.0

By Coffee &ca
. 1.0

28—
By Washing
. 2.6

By Postage of Letters
. 3.0

By Cash to Mrs Washington
6. 0.0

31—
By Ditto paid Mr Waller for his advice
1. 0.0

By Ditto paid Mr Wythe for drawg Deeds from Black & ex[aminin]g his Title Papers &ca
5. 0.0

By a Patent Fee pd at the Secrty Offe
0.10.6


Title: To George Washington from John Connolly, 1 May 1774
From: Connolly, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Pittsburgh May 1st 1774

I just snatch this minute by Major McDonald to acqu⟨mutilated⟩ You, that we are all in infinite confusion at this place, owing to ⟨mutilated⟩tilities now actually begun, & subsisting between us, & the Indians: ⟨mutilated⟩ Amount of which I have in a brief manner mentioned to His Exce⟨mutilated⟩ Lord Dunmore—I have this day sent Expresses into ⟨mutilated⟩ the different parts of the Country, to collect the Militia, & to imp⟨mutilated⟩ all Tools & instruments necessary towards making this place defe⟨mutilated⟩ against the Enemy; & at the same time have dispatched Messeng⟨mutilated⟩ down the River to order our People to desist from further host⟨mutilated⟩ with a View to bring about an amicable reconciliation; ’tho ⟨mutilated⟩ really am apprehensive, the attempt will be unsuccessfull.
I flatter myself upon this occasion not⟨mutilated⟩ing our Government disputes, that we will be unanimous in oppo⟨mutilated⟩ Common Enemy: & therefore hope we will not stand in need of y⟨mutilated⟩ Assistance below: at any rate, I expect we will be enabi⟨mutilated⟩ stand our ground, long enough, at least, to acquaint you with ⟨mutilated⟩ inabilities to resist alone, & to pray assistance from your Qu⟨mutilated⟩.
Excuse (Dr Sir) the inaccuracies of this Le⟨mutilated⟩ the multiplicity of perplexing Circumstances, which now engages ⟨mutilated⟩ attention, flowing from the Source mentioned, prevent me from ⟨mutilated⟩ as copious, on the Subject as I could wish; & therefore pe⟨mutilated⟩ me to subscribe myself your Friend & Obedt Serv⟨t⟩

John Connolly


Title: From George Washington to William McGachen, 1 May 1774
From: Washington, George
To: McGachen, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon May 1st 1774

Inclosed you have Bills on Messrs Osgood Hanbury & Co. for One hundred and Ten pounds Sterlg which be so good as to apply in discharge of payment for the Servants you obligingly bought for me.
I really forgot to send these Bills by the last Post, but hope they are not much out of time now. Be pleased to let the Inclosed

Letter of advice accompany the Bills, and accept my hearty thanks for the trouble you have had in this affair & be assured that I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Gilbert Simpson, 4 May 1774
From: Simpson, Gilbert
To: Washington, George

Sr
Yough a gahahalay [Pa.] May the 4: 1774

This Coms To Let you know That The Cuntry is at This Time in Great Confusion By Meens of The indians deClairing War against us and I suppose There has Brook up and Gon off at Leest Five hundred Familys Within one Weak past But I determain To Stand To The Last or Loos My Lif With What I have: There has Ben Two or Three scrumagses With White people and indians There has Been Nineteen indians killd and one White Man kild and Thre Wounded all Betwen The Mingo Town and pitsburg and I do beleive it has been The White peoples Fault altogether I intend With The Conclusion of The Neibours Next Weak To Build a Foort Wheare I Live it Being Concluded a Conveniant plais and I May as Well Be Ruend one Way as the other For To Flie I Must Loos Great part of What Little I have so I deClare To Stand as Long as I Can See The Lest hoops and Goo on With yor Mill Sr I hope it May be in your power To Send or Contrive sum help of Men after a While To help The Cuntry My Regard To The plase has Causd me To By a Nise Rifel Gun yesterday and I Must buy More Guns if I Can Get them so No More But Remain your to Command

Gilbt Simpson

N.B. Mr Vaul. Craford Came To Me and oferd To Send Me Sum of you Carpenders With in Two or Three days after I Got home But I Was Not in order To Take them But am now and the Mill Wright is Now heare and if I Can Goo on in saifty i shall strive for the Mill Wh[i]ch is begun.


Title: From George Washington to Francis Willis, 4 May 1774 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Willis, Francis Jr.

Letter not found: to Francis Willis, Jr., 4 May 1774. Willis wrote GW on 15 May that he had “receiv’d yours of the 4th Instant.”


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Lewis, 5 May 1774
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Thomas

Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th May 1774

Your letter of the 31st of March did not come to my hands ’till the latter end of last month; and no direct opportunity that I have heard of, has offered since, this letter taking the chance of conveyance from place to place only.
Immediately upon the receipt of your favor by Mr Young, I dispatched a letter to Capt. Crawford (covering yours to him) pointing out the necessity of his attempting to qualify as your Deputy, at your Court for April. before this I did not urge him (as he appeared anxious to return home) to take that rout, for two reasons: in the first place I did not advert to the necessity of this qualification; in the next place, ’till your letter arrived (which was after he was gone) I did not know whether you would accept of him as an Assistant or not. At the same time I wrote to him, I forwarded Letters under his cover (in order to be deliver’d by him) to Mr Madison, Mr Jones, & Capt: Hog, requesting the favour of each to facilitate his business if he came in on this errand; but what has been the result of all this I know not, never having heard a syllable from him since.
I come now to take notice of what you have said in respect to Mr Michael Cresap, whose claim to the round bottom, & other Lands along the banks of the ohio, for (as I am credibly inform’d) thirty miles, is equally well founded; & founded upon no other right, or pretence, than that of claiming every good bottom upon the river; building a cabbin thereon to keep off others; & then selling them, and going on to possess other Lands in the same manner. This if common report tells truth, is the foundation of Mr Cresap’s claim to the round bottom, set

up long after I had made choice of it, and had had it survey’d as a stage, or Lodgment between Fort Pitt & my Lands on the Great Kanhawa: it is true, as this is esteem’d a valuable bottom, he may have taken more pains in the improvement of it, than of the others; but his choice, or even knowledge of it, was long after I had had it survey’d.
This being the amount of his claim, I will now give you the substance of mine, which cannot be better done, than by informing you, that in the fall of the year 1770, when I went to view the Lands which have been since surveyed under the Proclamation of 1754 I made choice of this Spot of Land (called the round bottom) marked Trees, I directed Captn Crawford, when he went down the Spring following to survey it, which he accordingly did, as may appear by his Certificate inclosed you by Mr Young. Sometime after this, hearing that Doctor Brisco had taken possession of it, & actually had, or was going to fix Negroes on it, I wrote him a letter, of which No. 1. is a copy, upon which I was informed he had quit it. Sometime after this again, I learned that Mr Michael Cresap had taken possession of it, built houses, & was working hands thereon, upon which I also wrote him a letter, of which No. 2. is the copy; and was given to understand that Mr Theobald (or Tibbles, as he is commonly called) who was Partner with Mr Cresap in this Land, was determined to give it up; receiving at the same time a message, by Capt: Crawford, from Mr Michael Cresap, that if I would let him have the Land he would pay me what I thought the worth of it; to which, I returned for answer; that as it was the only piece of Land I had upon the Ohio, between Fort Pitt, & the Kanhawa’s, & found it very necessary as a Stage or Lodgment, in coming up the river, I could not agree to part with it, but again offered to pay for any labour or improvement, which he had made.
In this situation things were, when I wrote to you by Mr Young: otherwise, if I had thought that Mr Cresap could, with any colour of Justice, or even at any rate (as he must be conscious, that the mode he has practiced, of engrossing & selling Lands, is unwarrantable) have opposed my claim to this Land; I should have mention’d it to you before, but in truth, from everything that has passed, I concluded that he had yielded to my prior claim. In like manner may my title to the three thousand

acres on the waters of Shurtee & Racoon be disputed: For after that also was surveyed for me; after I had bought the rights (or claims rather) of several people to it, & after I had actually built several houses thereon, by way of strengthening my right, numbers of People went, in a forcable manner, and in defiance of repeated notices, & took possession of the Land, & built cabbins in such a manner as to prevent even entrance into my houses, & may, as Mr Cresap has, dispute my title under pretence of having improved it: but I do not expect that such claims as these can ever have an operation to my prejudice, or ought to retard my Patent; however, I do not wish to hasten any measure faster than it can be done with propriety. I am Sir, Your very humble Servt

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Valentine Crawford, 7 May 1774
From: Crawford, Valentine
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Jacobs Creeke [Pa.] May 7th 1774

I am Sorrey to Enform you the Indens have Stopt all the J[e]ntlemen from going down the River In the first place the Indens Kild one Murfey a trader and wounded and a Nother and Robed the Canews which Elarmed the Jentlemen verey Much and Michal Crisop tuck [a] partey of Men and went and way Laid Som Canews that wase going down the River and Shot two Endins out of them and Scalped them and Emedently Raised a party and tuck Canews and forlowed a party of Endens from wheeling down to the Litle Conaway and Came up with them and Kild three and wounded Severell the Endens wounded three one of which wase verey Bad he wase Shot through and the other two but Slighty and on Saterday Last about 12 Clock thare was one grate house and about 20 men fell on a party of Endens att the Mouth of yalow Creek and Kild 10 of them and brought away one Child a prisoner which is now att my Brother william Crawfords all this Alarming Surcomstances has put it out of My power to Excute your bisness I therefore Come to a Reselution to Send My Son down to you to Let you Know of this Desogreeable desopiontment we have Met with and allso to Know what I must doe with your Carpenters and Sarvents and goods for this Elarm has Made the people Move from over the Monongahala of[f] Shertee and Racoon as fast as Ever you Saw them in the year 1756 or 57 down in fredreck County in virginia there wase More then one thousand people Crosed the Monongala in one day att three ferreys that is Not one Mile a part Mr Simson Seemes Much fritned att this alarm Butt I went to him the day after I got home to Jacobs Creeke and offered him all the Servts and Som of the Carpenters as I wase ablege [to] Make My Canews our Selves the Carpenters was ablige to worke att them and jest as I had got our Canews and got our provisons and Every thing to Start we ware Stopt by the Elarms as above I have Stored up all your goods

and twools Safe and if the Indens Should Com to a peace I am Redy to Start att the Shortest worning your Sarvents is all in verrey good health and if you Should Incline Selling of them I bleve I Could Sell them for Cash out here to deferent people My Brother william Crawford wants two of them and I would take two of them My Selfe or if this desturbance Should be Setled I Could push down the River amedently and Could doe a great dale this fall and in the Mean time your Men Might Build Som houses att your Bottom or att the great Medows or as I Mentioned the Carpenters would be willing to be Discharged if you would be willing to Employ them again as Soon this desturbnce is over pray give Me full Instr[u]ctions how to act in this trouble afair and I am dear Sir your Most Hble Sarvent

Vale: Crawford


Title: From George Washington to Francis Willis, 8 May 1774 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Willis, Francis Jr.

Letter not found: to Francis Willis, Jr., 8 May 1774. Willis wrote GW on 15 May: “I have likewis receivd yours of the 8th instant.”


Title: To George Washington from William Crawford, 8 May 1774
From: Crawford, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
May the 8th 1774

Inclosed you have the Drafts of the round bottom and your Shertees Land don Agreeable to Mr Lewis Derection—I Should

have sent them from Stanton but Mr Lewis had set out for Cheet river before I got there, and I wanted him to See the Returns before I Sent them to you I was Still Disopinted, before I cold Return back again Mr Lewis Sit hom Again and I understand he will be in Williamsburgh soon (If the Returns Dose not do you can have them altred) if you Should not Chuse to enter them Names in the Return now maid for the round bottom I have Sent you a blank to full up which you may do yourself—I Supose by this time Varrious reports has reahd you I have given my Self Som Trouble to aquint my Self with the truth of matters but there is Som Douts remains in Som facts but as well as I can I shall give you best Account I can.
The Survayors that went Down the Konaway as report gos was Stopt by the Shawnee Endiens upon which Som of the white People Sit on Som Endiens and has Killd severale, took 30 horse Loads of Skins near the mouth of Syotha, on which news and Expecting a Endien war Mr Crisap and Som other people fell on Som other Endiens at the mouth of Pipe Creek and Killd 3 Endiens and Sculped them Daniel Great house and Som others fell on Som at the mouth of Yellow Creek and Killd and Sculpd teen and took one Child about 2 Months old which is now at my house have taken the Child from a woman that it had bin given to.
Our inhabetints is much alarmd, many hundreds haveing gon over the mountain and the hole Country Avackquated as far as monongahalia and many on this Side monongahalia is gone over the Mountain in Short a war is every momint Expected we have a Council now with them what will be the event I do not now.
I am now Seting out to Fort pitt at the head of one hundred men many other is to meet me at Fort pitt and Wheeling whare we shall watch the Motions of the Endiens and Shall Acct Accordingly.
we are in great want of Some Proper person to Derect us ho may have comand Mr Connely ho now comands haveing Accurd the Displeashure of the People being but unably to do it, for two Reasons, one is that Contredection betwen us and the pensilvaniens and the other he Rather cary Matters to much in the Militery way, and not able to go through with it.
I have som hops that we may still have matters Setled with the Endiens upon a Method Properly adopted for that perpose.

It Seems that the Say the have not bin paid any thing for the Land, I mean the Shawnees and Delaways, the Six nations Say the have no right to any of the mony, the Land bing not there property.
I would not mean to Say any thing against Mr Connalys Conduct only he can not cary things on as he cold wish, his not being so well Aquinted with the nature of the People he has to Deal with.
Fair means would do better, and he cold get any thing he wanted more handy.
In cass of a war much Dependence from this place Lys one you Sir, as being well Aquinted with our Sircomstance.
Should matters be Setled with the Endiens soon I supose you will Proceed on with the improvement of your Lands if not you will Discharge your people and of Course your Sarvants will be Sold, in, that case I Should be Glad to take 2 of them if you are Willing in a few day you will be better Advised and the[n] you will be more able to Determine one maters. I am Sir your most Hume Sarvant

W. Crawford


Title: From George Washington to Robert McMickan, 10 May 1774
From: Washington, George
To: McMickan, Robert

Sir
Mount Vernon May 10th 1774

I am much indebted to you for the many unanswered Letters you have been pleased to write me, & thank you very sincerely for the trouble you have had in the management of my business with Mr Daniel Jenifer Adams; but as my Connexion with that worthless young Fellow began in an ill-fated hour, so has it continued, and is like to end.

From his idle, and ill formed expectation of obtaining assistance from his friends here (if he had any) to redeem the Brig (Anne & Elizabeth); and in consequence, conditioning for its coming to Alexandria instead of suffering it to be sold at Norfolk, he has sunk the whole Subject, and involved me Thirty odd pounds deeper in the Mire than I was before; for the counter part (or Copy) of the Bottomry Bond which was in the possession of Captn Pollock requiring the Vessell to come to Norfolk only, the hands, it seems, were engaged for that Voyage, & refused to come any further with the Brig—This added (I believe) to a little Tardiness in the Captn detaind the Vessell at Norfolk from the 6th of December, the day of its arrival there, to the 25th of the same Month when it left that Port, and that Night, or the next day, got drove on shore on Sewels point, lost its rudder, Cable, & Anchor, & sustaining other damage, was obliged to put back to Norfolk to refit; to do which took till about the 20th of Jany when a Second attempt was made to get to Alexandria with almost the like success, for by means of Ice, and I believe the Indolence of the Captn, it took Forty days to accomplish this voyage in; so that with the New Anchors & Cables I was forced to buy—The repairs of the Vessell—Mens Wages—and Provisions, I was obliged to pay Two hundred and odd pounds before I got the Vessell to Alexandria; where, after laying a Month agreeable to the terms of the Bond and being Advertized for Sale during that time in the Gazettes of Virginia & Maryland, I was compelld to buy it in myself at the price of One hundred and Seventy five pounds this Currency much against my Inclination, as I had no desire of being concernd in Shipping; but I was obliged to make the best of a bad Matter.
I have now been at the Expence of overhauling and repairing it, altering the Rigging, and, in the opinion of Many People, made a good Vessel of it. It now comes to your Island with a parcel of Herrings belonging to Messrs Robert Adam & Co. and one hundred Barrels of Superfine Burr flour of my own which you will please to dispose of to the best advantage as I think the quality may be relied on—The Nett proceeds (after deducting the amount of your Acct against the Anne and Elizabeth, which you Inclosed me) together with the freight of the Fish, half the Staves (which I am to receive as freight for the other half), and a small parcel of Shingles you will please to return me in the

most Saleable kind of Rum & Sugars, and partly in Molasses provided it can be bought at One shilling, or at most 13d. pr Gallon. In the Sugars let there be a Barrel of the whitest, driest, and best brown (or Muscovado); also one hundred and Fifty or two hundred Weight of the cleanest clayed Sugar for my own use; to which please to add a Barrl of Sweet oranges, two or 3 dozn Coco-Nuts, & as many Pine Apples.
Mr Adams must have been Master of more chacane and Cunning, as well as knavery, than I thought him capable of, to reduce my claim against him to what he has—One step towards it however, is, to charge me 7½ prCt Commission on the Sales, when by express agreement (which I can prove) I was only to allow this on the Sales and returns; but it is a matter of Moonshine whether he consents to allow £500 or £1000 as I never expect to receive the half of the least Sum.
Colo. Carlyle at the Sale of the Brig, gave me notice that he looked to me for one half of the price it sold at in Jama[ica] without considering of himself as liable for any part of the disbursements since, but I beleive it was no more than an unmeaning Sally of his fancy. However, if he should attempt a thing of this kind, I shall be obliged to give you a little trouble in sending me an Authentick acct of the Transactions respecting this Sale in Jamaica, that I may shew upon what grounds it was made.
I have only to add my hopes that, this Flour will come to a better Market than the Corn did, as I lost considerably by that adventure; and with some concern I add, that, one thing may contribute to it, arising (if our fears are not greatly exagerated) from the severest stroke of Providence, that this, or any other Wheat Country ever experienced and that is, a total destruction of our growing Crops of Wheat by a frost the 4th Instt which it is confidently reported from all the Wheat Counties has killd it entirely; as it hath also done our fruit, and the foliage of allmost all the Forest Trees—If these fears of ours should be reallized there can be no dependance upon North America for Flour the next year, & must, I should think affect the present prices. With a grateful sense of the favours you have conferd on me in negotiating my troublesome business with Daniel Jenifer Adams I remain with great esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 15 May 1774 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, George William

Letter not found: to George William Fairfax, 15 May 1774. On 30 June 1786 GW wrote Fairfax: “The letters of . . . 15th of May [1774] . . . contain a full, & accurate acct of every thing that had occurred relative to your business.”


Title: To George Washington from Francis Willis, Jr., 15 May 1774
From: Willis, Francis Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Berkeley County May 15th 1774

I receiv’d yours of the 4th Instant and am much obligd to you for inquireing into the State of things at Belvoir, as one word from you will be more observed by Daniel Stone than half a doz. letters from me, I have weekly proposed down their for Some time, and nothing but the consideration of promoteing Colonel Fairfax’s intrest has prevented me. things being much out of Order I was under a necessity of imploying the inferior sort of Overseers, the Colonel’s Negroes are very bad and I have been under an absolute necessity of Staying at home untill now.
I would set out for Belvoir in about six Days but would wish to stay untill your return from WmsBurgh.
I have likewis receivd yours of the 8th instant respecting the Tobacco which I can not promis to have inspected before the 10th of September we have neglected it this spring untill we could plant corn which is now done and we shall loose no time now untill the Tobacco is finished. I do not think their will be more than 16 hogsheads I will comply with your request concerning the Tobo receivd for rents. I am Sir Your most obedient Servant

Frans Willis Junr


Title: William Ramsay, Robert Adam and Carlyle & Dalton to GW and John West, 16 May 1774
From: Ramsay, William,Adam, Robert,Carlyle & Dalton
To: Washington, George,West, John

Gentlemen
Alexandria May 16th 1774

With this you will receive three petitions to be laid before your honorable House respecting the duty on Rum, an inlargement

of our Town, draining the Marsh lots &c. the other is relative to the Herring fishery which you well know, is become very considerable and therefore worthy of Attention. Perhaps it may be only necessary to say something respecting the inlargement of our Town & the other matters contained therein. As this place is in a very thriving condition, many persons are very desirous to settle in it, the number of people from the northwd that daily resort in great numbers to view the place plainly evinces this—The duty on Rum, the want of houses and Lots for sale are a discouragement to the merchant, the want of houses and lots for sale a discouragement to the Mechanic—Could these things be obviated, our Town & Country about would flourish indeed, & the remotest part of the Colony would experience the happy effects—Not longer than a few days ago a Shop Joiner and Cabinet Maker, a Man well known to many in this place to be of reputiatn and wou’d have introduced three or four workmen to carry on his business, was obliged to return because he cou’d not get a house to fix in; this is a real loss to the comunity, this I only mention of many instances—There is the greatest encouragement for those that have Lots & Money to build, if ten & twelve ⅌cent be an incouragement, this interest they may certainly get.
I know how cautious the Gentlemen that form your honorable House are, of Appropriating Land even for the public use without the owners leave, We are sorry for Mr Alexanders unhappy indisposition & do declare, that we do not move for this at this juncture to take any advantage of his melancholy situation, but that we realy think and are fully satisfied, it will be of great use to this part of the Country in particular and to the Colony in general. The Trustees have always acted with great candour to the proprietors of Lands that were laid out for this Town, the last sales for Mr Alexanders part in the addition, amounted to near seven hundred pounds for about 18 or 20 Acres. The Trustees I hope will always act with candour as well from principal as to shew the public, that they have no sinester views of theire own—The Marsh Lots ought to be done something with, by making them wholesome, they may be made habitable or otherwise usefull. It is hard that when the foreign proprietors have been Applied to both by Letter and personaly, that they shou’d remain in an unwholesome state, and especialy as representatives of Infants are desirous that something to purpose

may be done with them—It wou’d not be amiss that in the Act about Herrings that the Barrell contain thirty one gallons & a half, that the staves be of seasoned White Oak & that there be at least twelve good Hoops on each barrell & a penalty of 5/ and a forfeiture of the Herring and Barrells, one half to the informer, the other to the Parish for the use of the poor, from every person that sold or offered to sell any barrelled Herrings without inspection, or in any way not in conformity to the Act of Assembly—It wou’d be of great use, was a culler of staves and a sworn measurer put into the Herring Bill to be presented to House for their Approbation, to be appointed by the County Court. Those will be real advantages & we doubt not but that they will meet with your incouragement and support.
You will also receive a petition for a more effectual method to prevent the raising of Hogs and suffering them to run at large also Goats and Geese they are a most abominable nusance. a fine per head instead of killing of them wou’d be a more effectual way—20/ per head on Hogs the same on Goats 5/ on Geese wou’d prevent the most obstinate from offending the Laws, and injuring their neighbors Please to excuse this imperfect Scrawle. We hope that you may pick out our meaning. We are with particular esteem Gentn your Most Humble Servants

Wm Ramsay
Robert Adam
Carlyle & Dalton


Title: To George Washington from Edward Snickers, 20 May 1774
From: Snickers, Edward
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
May 20th 1774.

I have received a Letter from Mr Hughes directed to you, and One to William Bird Esqre to your care; which please to deliver; And the Contents (I believe) is, to get him his Warrants for his Lands, which, I hope, you will endeavour to do, and send them to me by the Bearer Mr Smith, and I will take them to him immediately, that he may make Sale of One of them to get himself out of Prison. I offered to be his Bail, to deliver him safe back to Prison, provided they wou’d let him have One Month, to go to Williamsburg and get this Land, which they ref⟨used to⟩ do; without Security that lived in the County, for his good ⟨mutilated⟩ur; And to pay his Prison fees down; which is Eighty Pounds, or upwards: And without you and Colonel Bird will stand his friends, and get his Warrants for him, he has no other Chance. All from, Your Most Obedient, Humble Servant

Edward Snickers.

N.B. If we cou’d make up a Subscription, to get him out, I will pay Ten pounds.


Title: To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 21 May 1774
From: Fairfax, Bryan
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Alexandria May the 21st 1774.

We have obtained a Judgement vs. Doctor Savage for the whole Sum that we expected, amounting to £600, and upwards. I have since spoke to Doctor Savage on the Matter. He now proposes to leave the Affair to Arbitration, alledging the Equity he might have in a Court of Chancery on Account of the Deed of Relinquishment entered into or executed by Mrs Savage before she left Virginia. I have told him that my opinion was that we had no Right so to do. However having promised to write to You to know your Sentiments I shall be glad to be informed of them, and also your opinion as to what is next proper to be done. He intimates that the Affair may Still be long before it is

determined as he has it or will have it in his Power to appeal, and offers to pay the Annuity from the Time that Mrs Savage left his House in Ireland, and to settle an Annuity in Rents for the future. This Letter being intended only for this Business, I shall only add that I am Dr Sir Yr most obedt Servt

Bryan Fairfax


Title: To George Washington from Valentine Crawford, 25 May 1774
From: Crawford, Valentine
To: Washington, George

Dear Colo.
Jacobs Creek [Pa.] May 25th 1774

I Embracs this oppertunity by the Exprass that Coneley Sent to govener to Let you Know all your Sarvents is well and None Run a way.
from Everey acounts Capt. Coneley Can get from the Enden towns they are determed for ware and Coneley has Sent to all the inhabetance of Monongulah to Let them no there is a Large Numbr of the Shanee Indens Left there towns in order to Cut of the frounte⟨er⟩ Inhabetance which has Elarmed the people of our Neabourhood So Much that they are Moving over the Mountains verey fast but I have with the Esistance of Som of your Carpenters and Sarvents Built a verey Strong Block house and the Neabours what few of them are Not Run away is Joynd Me and we are a building of a Stockade Fort att My House and mr Simson and his Neabours is begun to Build a fort att your Botom and we Live in hopes that we Can Stand our ground tell we Can get Som Esistance from be Low I Expect My Son back Everey our from you with orders what I must doe tell then I am Much att a Loss what to doe with your people and goods I[n] Case I am ablige to Move what Must [I] doe with your Nails and goods as it will be hard to get Carages to breng them over the Mountains again So I should be glad you will Send Me a Letter by the Express as I Expect you will Recve this in Williams burge and with have an oppertunity to Send Me back an answer Emedently by the Express who Careys this and if aney thing More acurs you Can write Me Sence the Letters I Sent you by My Son So I am your Most Hble Sarvt

Vale: Crawford


Title: To George Washington from William Preston, 27 May 1774
From: Preston, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Fincastle, May 27th 1774

Agreeable to my Promise I directed Mr Floyd an Assistant to Survey your Land on Cole River on his Way to the Ohio, which he did and in a few Days afterwards sent me the Plot by Mr Thomas Hog. Mr Spotswood Dandridge who left the Surveyors on the Ohio after Hog Parted with them, wrote me that Mr Hog and two other Men with him had never since been heard of. I have had no Opportunity of writing to Mr Floyd Since. Tho’ I suppose he will send me the Courses by the first Person that comes up, if so I shall make out the Certificate and send it down. This I directed him to do when we parted to prevent Accidents. But I am realy affraid the Indians will hinder them from doing any Business of Vallue this Season as the Company being only 33 and dayly decreasing were under the greatest Apprehension of Danger when Mr Dandridge parted with them.
It has been long disputed by our Hunters whether Louisa or Cumberland Rivers was the Boundary between us and the Cherrokees. I have taken the Liberty to inclose to you a Report made by some Scouts who were out by my Order; and which Sets that matter beyond a Doubt. It is say’d the Cherrokees claim the Land to the Westward of the Louisa & between Cumberland Mountain and the Ohio. If so, and our Government gives it up we loose all the most Valluable part of that Country. The Northern Indians Sold that Land to the English at the Treaty of Lancaster in 1744 by the Treaty of Logs Town in 1752 and by that at Fort Stanwix in 1768. At that Time the Cherrokees laid no Claim to that Land & how the[y] come to do it now I cannot imagine.
I have wrote twice to his Lordship on this Subject. If it is not disagreeable to you I would take it as a great Favour if you would Converse with his Excellency on this Matter, and endeavour to have it considered in Council. Most of the Officers have Entered their Lands below the Louisa; but I am almost certain the Surveyors will not Survey any there, untill they have further Instructions. My Reason for taking Enter⟨ies⟩ below that River was, that his Lordship gave Connolly and Warranstaff Warrants for their Claims at the Falls; but I am doubtful that would not

be a sufficient Warrant for me to Survey the Land & Sign Certificates.
Your taking some Trouble on this Head will be doing a great Service to the Officers, and a very particular Favour to Dr Sir your most Obedt and very hble Servt

Wm Preston


Title: To George Washington from John Connolly, 28 May 1774
From: Connolly, John
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Fort Dunmore [Pa.] may 28th, 177⟨4⟩

The infinate confusion into which this country ⟨mutilated⟩ by our disagreement with the indians, has heretofore put it ou⟨mutilated⟩ power to continue a desirable correspondence with you, but a⟨mutilated⟩ importance of the Subject urges, and your interest may be par⟨mutilated⟩ Servicable; together with the pleasure I feel in maintaining an ⟨mutilated⟩ctive intercourse with you, I snatch this moment to write ⟨mutilated⟩.
I have acquainted his Excellency Lord dunmore ⟨mutilated⟩ my Oppinion of matters here, in a concise manner; and oft⟨mutilated⟩ which I judg’d necessary towards the advantage of this promis⟨mutilated⟩ Settlement; & in order to evince the propriety of my argument ⟨mutilated⟩ transmited a Coppy of my Journal Since the begining of ou⟨mutilated⟩ with the natives, which I apprehend his Lordship will lay ⟨mutilated⟩ the Honourable House.
The Shawanese (Sir) have long since looked upon ⟨mutilated⟩ Commencing Settlements down the Ohio with a most jeal⟨mutilated⟩ and have Frequently express’d their disapprobation—as they ⟨mutilated⟩ Remarkable for a haughty, violent & unthinking tribe; they ⟨mutilated⟩ latterly committed many Robberies & Murders upon different ⟨mutilated⟩ going down the River, and their impertinent answer to ou⟨mutilated⟩lence message sent to them by the Delawares in consequen⟨mutilated⟩ what had happened to their people; together with their dir⟨mutilated⟩perations for open Hostillities convinces me that chastise⟨mutilated⟩ will ever prevail upon them to admit of a peacable Sit⟨mutilated⟩ at the Kanhawa—If the Government means to encourage ⟨mutilated⟩ration down this River, so much coveted by people in Gen⟨mutilated⟩ Stockade Fort at the Kanhawa is absolutely necessary to pr⟨mutilated⟩ adventurers & prevent the Frequent interuptions to the cultiv⟨mutilated⟩ the country, which otherwise inevitably will be the case ⟨mutilated⟩ distance from the Kanhawa across to the Kiscapoux Shaw⟨mutilated⟩ is but inconsidarable it will constantly overawe them, w⟨mutilated⟩ that from thence, inroads may be expeditiously made into ⟨mutilated⟩ Country, & every purpose we may desire effectually accom⟨mutilated⟩ as to the expence, I humbly presume it will be but Trifling for the Garrison might be defended by the Militia of the country who

would undoubtedly fly there on every emergency—I also conceive (Sir) tha⟨t mutilated⟩ Shawanese ought upon this occasion to be throughly chastised and convincd ⟨mutilated⟩ their insignifacancy, which will in the first place prove exemplary to ⟨mutilated⟩ contiguous Neighbours, and in the next place it will clearly point to ⟨mutilated⟩ that half doing matters of this nature with Indians can never ⟨an⟩swer any Salutary purpose, for, had the Shawanese been so much ⟨u⟩nder our Power as the Delawar’s were, when Col: Bouquet marched into ⟨mutilated⟩country, their Language would not have been So haughty to day, but on ⟨the⟩ contrary would have been consonant to the tone of their more peacable ⟨nei⟩ghbours. as I expect nothing but a war with them so i flatter my⟨sel⟩f they may be convinced to their Sorrow, that their Rashness will Serve ⟨to⟩ punish them in drawing our just Resentment upon them, I have sen⟨ce⟩ the Begining of this dispute worked with never ceasing hurry at ⟨mutilated⟩ place & now have it in a good posture of defence, so that for this spot, I fear ⟨mutilated⟩thing, but my heart melts for the distress of the people, who fly, in dis⟨mutilated⟩, abandoning all their promising hopes—We have great number⟨s mutilated⟩ here, and I do Every thing in my Power to Comfort them, but the ⟨mutilated⟩ssing difficultys under which we Labour prevent me from giving ⟨mutilated⟩ the aid and comfort I could wish to afford. I have drawn together ⟨mutilated⟩ day one Hundred active men & ordered them to march down to whee⟨ling mutilated⟩ Keeping near the River, so that they might be enabled to discover any ⟨mutilated⟩ts leading into the country, and I am in Great hopes they may ⟨mutilated⟩nately met Some of the Shawanese parties and defeat them, for ⟨mutilated⟩ the first impression made, greatly depends our Success towards a ⟨mutilated⟩y accommodation with the other Nations; a hint of which I gave all ⟨mutilated⟩ Officers of militia—I cannot conclude without assuring you that ⟨mutilated⟩ Government of Virginia having taken place at this critical ⟨mutilated⟩ has been the Sole preservative of the country, otherwise I ⟨mutilated⟩ imagine the whole Settlement must have been abandoned. I am with much Regard Dr Sir Your most Obedt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Francis Willis, 29 May 1774 [letter not found]
From: Willis, Francis Jr.
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Francis Willis, Jr., 29 May 1774. The letter is listed in Charles Heartman’s catalog, item 286, 12 Oct. 1929.


Title: Cash Accounts, June 1774
From: Washington, George
To:

[June 1774]

Cash

June 6—
To Ditto [cash] Ditto [won at cards]
[£] 0.12. 6

7—
To Ditto Ditto
1.10. 0

10—
To Ditto of Mr Thos Prosser—Intt of his Bond
7. 5. 9

11—
To Cash recd from Jno. Randolph Esqr. to be allowd in Acct with Jas Hill viz. 9 Guineas @ 26/
11.14. 0

13—
To Cash won at Cards
5. 5. 0

14—
To Ditto recd from Mr Chas Yates for Wm Wrights part of the cost of Surveying & Patenting Land under the Proclamation of 1754
11. 5. 7

16—
To Cash recd from Colo. Geo: Brooke for one years Intt of Phil. W: Claibornes Bond
14. 0. 0

To Cash recd from Mr James Hill to be allowed at Settlement
147. 1. 3

Also received from Mr Hill the further Sum of
38. 0. 0

To Cash won at Cards
1. 0. 0

18—
To Ditto recd from Carter Braxton Esqr. Interest of his Bond
52.10. 0

To Ditto recd from Mr Wm Dandridge on acct of Intt for his Bond
23. 0. 0

29—
To Ditto recd from Peter Gaulat
10. 0. 0

To Ditto recd from Patrick Lynch for Fish
3. 9. 0

To Ditto recd from Mr Wm Milner for Do viz. 30 Barls @ 15/
22.10. 0

To Cash of Mr James Hill pr Colo. Fielding Lewis
50. 0. 0

To Ditto of Mr Littleton Savage pr Do on Acct of Giles Cook & for the use of Colo. George Fairfax
50. 0. 0

To Ditto of Willm Fitzhugh Esqr. on acct of Rent
22.10. 0

To Ditto of Colo. Fieldg Lewis
49. 1. 1

To Cash of Mr James Hill in a Bill of Exchange from Colo. [John] Syme £200.0.0 20 prCt Excha. 50
250. 0. 0

Contra

June 1—
By Club at Mrs [Jane] Vobes
0. 5. 3

By Cash lent Mrs [Elizabeth] Dawson
2. 0. 0

2—
By Ditto pd Colo. [George] Muse’s order to Colo. [Edmund] Pendleton
20. 0. 0

4—
By Cash lost at Cards
0. 3. 0

6—
By Club at Richd Charltons
0. 6. 0

By Ditto at [Robert] Andersons
0. 4. 3

By Charity
0. 6. 0

By Horse Farrier
0. 6. 0

8—
By Charity
0. 5. 0

By Club at Andersons
0. 5. 0

10—
By Mr Thos Pleasants freight of 4 Pipes of Wine for Mr Custis
8. 0. 0

By Cards
5.15. 0

By Club at [James Barrett] Southalls
0. 5. 0

By Charity
0. 6. 0

By Cash paid for seeing the Fireworks
0. 3. 9

13—
By Charity
0. 1. 6

By Club at Andersons
0. 5. 0

14—
By Charity
1. 5. 0

By Club at Andersons
0. 5. 0

By Cards
2.10. 0

By Cash paid Doct. [John] Baker
0.15. 0

15—
By a pr of black Silk Stockings
1. 6. 0

By a pair of Garters for Mr Custis
0. 1. 3

By Henleys defence agt the cha. of Heresy
0. 2. 6

By the Marquis D’Aubarede
0. 1. 3

By my Subscriptn to the Society for promoting useful knowledge
1. 0. 0

16—
By Cash pd Benj. Harrison Junr Esqr. for 2 Kegs of French Brandy
5.10. 0

By Club at Andersons
0. 5. 0

17—
By Cash paid Mr Alexr Craik for a Soldr Right to Land undr the Procln of 1763
2.10. 0

By Ditto pd Do for Sadlers work
0. 7. 6

By Blank Bonds & Bills for Colo. [George William] Fairfax
0. 5. 0

By Plumbs and Eye Water
0. 2. 6

18—
By Dinner & Club, & Suppr & Club at Anderson’s
0.10. 0

By Mr [Edward] Charltons Acct for Board &ca
14.17. 0

By Mrs [Jane Hunter] Charltons Acct agt Mrs Washington
5. 5. 0

By Ditto against Mr Custis
13.12. 8

By Ditto against Miss [Eleanor] Calvert
1. 6. 6

By my Club and Expens. at Mrs [Christiana] Campbells
2.16. 1

By Miss [Mary] Davenports acct agt Mrs Washingtn
1. 3. 3

By Ditto agt Mr Custis
1.15. 3

By Mr Peale Setting Picture
1.16. 0

By Servants at Mr Charltons
0. 5. 0

20—
By Ditto at Colo. [Burwell] Bassetts
0.10. 0

By Cash to Mrs Washington
0.10. 0

By Exps. at Todds Bridge
0.14. 7

21—
By Ditto at [Benjamin] Hubbards
0.11.10

By Servants
0. 3. 9

By Expences at Roys Ordy
0. 7. 6

22—
By Ferriage at Fredericksburg
0. 4. 3

By Expences at Tylers
0. 7. 6

25—
By Edwd Williams
1.14. 2

By William Williams
0.13. 6

28—
By Mrs Young Captn [Philip] Curtis’s order Far[me]r
3.12. 8

By the Annapolis Printer for Colo. Fx
2. 8. 0

29—
By Peter Gaulat for Mr Custis
1.15. 0

By Mr Wm Milner for a Horse
21. 0. 0

By Thos Triplet
236.19. 5

By Mr Wm Triplett
61. 1.10

By Cash paid Captn Curtis Brig. Farmer
37. 0. 0

By Ditto paid Peter Luke—waggoner
6. 0. 0

By Ditto paid Mabra Madden
6. 0. 0

By Ditto paid Mr Thos Fleming
7.18. 0

29—
By Charity
2. 8. 0

30—
By Cash given away
2. 8. 0

By Do paid Mr [Hector] Ross my assumsit to P. Richd Lee in behalf of Alexr Cleveland
50. 0. 0

By Captn Bronaughs order in favr of Mr Thomson Mason
50. 0. 0

By Mr Thomas Triplets order in favr of Jno. & Geo: Fowler
60. 0. 0

By Colo. [Fielding] Lewis for my half of the Balle due Marmaduke Norfleet
23. 0. 0

By Cash pd Colo. [John] Syme for a Bill of Excha. for Colo. Fairfax of £200 Stg
250. 0. 0


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Athawes, 1 June 1774
From: Washington, George
To: Athawes, Samuel

Sir,
Williamsburg June 1st 1774

Your favour of the 12th of Feby last came duely to hand immediately upon the receipt of which I wrote to Colo. Fairfax’s Steward (who lives 70 Miles above me) to know how much Tobo he had, and when it would be ready, and was surprized at receiving for answer that there would not be above 16 Hogsheads, & that these could not be got ready before the 10th of Septr—As I can see no just cause for this delay, I shall enquire into the meaning

of it & will take the first oppy afterwards of letting Colo. Nelson know with certainty what Captn punderson may depend upon.
I am glad to learn by your Letter, that Colo. Fairfax & his Lady are both recoverd from their Indisposition, especially as a report prevails in this place, that she is, or was, in a very bad state of Health—It gives me a sensible pleasure to hear al⟨so⟩ that my old acquaintance & friend Mr Burnaby (for whom I entertaind a very sincere esteem) is well; we corrisponded for some years after he left this Country but somehow or other, it insensibly dropt, & I had not heard any direct acct of him since his return from Leghorn. permit me therefore through your favour to present my best regards to him; and as I shall be under a necessity of giving you some trouble with my Letters to Colo. Fairfax, as an appology for it to inform you that, it is the Channel of communication which he himself adopted and required me to pursue—permit me further to assure you that I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Hanburys & Lloyd, 1 June 1774
From: Washington, George
To: Hanburys & Lloyd

Gentn
Williamsburg June 1st 1774

Captn Eston this Instt delivered me your Letters of the 24th of March to Mr Custis and myself with an Acct Current Inclosed. As you seem to be under a mistake in respect to my acting, or not acting, as Executor to Jno. Parke Custis I have delayed no time in rectifying the misapprehension you lay under—I always have, and still do act as the Guardian of Mr Custis; and in every draft, either upon your House, or Robt Cary & Cos. I always direct the Bills to be charged agreeably to the Letters of advice which either accompanys, or closely follows the Draft, which I judg’d full sufficient, and no doubts till now, hath arisen, upon it. Your placing the Bills drawn in favour of John Page Esqr. to the debit of Mr John P. Custis was proper; because you were so advised, and the money was drawn for on his Acct—so in like manner you will place the Drafts in favour of Captn McGachin,

and the Revd Doctr Miles Cooper to this acct also, and for the same Reason’s.
I have given Captn Eston orders for Twelve Hogsheads of Mr Custis’s Tobo, which please to Insure so as to receive Eight pounds pr Hhd in case of loss. I hope the prices will be considerably advanced before this Tobo gets to hand, or else I am sure it will not be worth continuing the business of Planting any longer—I shall compare your Acct Curt with my Books when I go home and see how they agree. I conceivd that prior to the drafts in favour of Mr Page the Balle due from you to Mr Custis had been greater than what you make it viz. £519.7.7. I shall add no more at present than that I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 1 June 1774
From: Washington, George
To: Robert Cary & Company

Gentn
Williamsburg June 1st 1774.

Your Letter of the 5th of Mar: by Captn Peterson came to my hands in this City—In answer to it I shall briefly observe that, I am sorry my drafts in behalf of Mr Custis came to hand at an unseasonable time; but as his Guardian, I could let no consideration of a Debt due from me to you, Influence me in a purchase which I thought, and others advis’d, as tending much to the Interest of my ward—To remove however as much as in my power lays, at this time, the Inconvenience you complain of, I have executed the Bond, and other Papers necessary for the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, in order to enable you to receive the Money in the Bank of England; and I have only to

beg of you upon this occasion, to do it at such a time, and in such a manner, as will tend most to my benefit; as I have no other motive for Investing myself with this Money, but to apply it in discharge of my Debt to you.
The Balle so soon as I can with convenience, shall be remitted to you, & I flatter myself it would not have been long before this would have been finally dischargd but for a fatal stroke which we have lately receivd in the destruction of our Wheat by a Frost (the like, at this Season, never known) which happen’d on the 4th Instt, & which has fallen very heavy upon me as I shall loose the better half of more than one thousand acres which I had growing in Wheat, equal (before this accident) to my most flattering hopes.
The Inventory of the Goods administer’d, is returnd in the form drawn by Mr Waller, the Preamble to which is rather more full than need be, in order to keep pace, in some measure, with the Requisition & Bond, which seems to demand more than is requisite, as there is nothing unadminister’d but the principal Sum in the Bank of England.
As I happend to meet with your Letter at this place, where I was attending our Assembly (and Mrs Washington with me) I am enabled thereby to return the requisition (executed) to the aforesaid Court without loss of time. I have also after reserving a few Hhds of Mr Custis’s Tobo for Mr Hanbury (according to promise) directed Mr Hill to put all the residue, together with the whole of mine, on board the Rising Sun to your address—the qty, Mr Hill himself cannot yet ascertain, as it is not Inspected. So soon as I do know it, I will write for Insurance thereon.
Before I conclude (as the whole of my force is, in a manner confind to the growth of Wheat, & Manufacturing of it into Flour) permit me to ask how Flour of a good quality would Sell in London? what would be the Freight of it there? and Commission? and, whether if our Commerce with Great Britain is kept open (which seems to be a matter of very great doubt at present) you would choose to accept of a Commission to sell an Hundred, or two hundred Barrels at a time; as I could meet with convenient freight (for it will not do to be put into Tobacco Ships the heat thereof being too great, and apt to Sower, or render the

Flour musty)—your answer to these queries will much oblige Gentn Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Francis Willis, Jr., 2 June 1774
From: Willis, Francis Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Belvoir June 2d 1774

Since I wrote to you by the Colchester post, I receivd yours wherein you observe that Colonel Fairfax thinks that the raccoon branch might be rented at the highest bidder for fifty pounds a year. I am doubtful that he is not farther wrong than myself I do think that by seting it up the highest bidder it would over go thirty pounds but not withstanding that, I do not approve the plan. I want the fisherys to enable us to rent the House and plantation and while I am obligd to keep the House and Land, would chuse to keep the Fisheries as I think they may encourage some person to take the whole together hopeing to clear by the fisheries the rent of the House &ca. Their has been a Tenant with me of Colonel Fairfax one parker whom pays £3.10 a year for the place he lives on he never obtaind a Lease from the Colo. but says that the last time he spoke to Colo. Fairfax on that subject which was a few Days before he left this place that he told him he would leave it in his Will that he should not be turnd off with respect to the truth of what the Tenant says I can not under take to judge. he is contented to have one hundred Acres laid off to him the first year rent free or have a House

Built, agreable to a promis he says he obtaind from Colonel Fairfax as he has paid a rent from the first entering ⟨into⟩ to an old house on the land that will not serve him, Their is another Tenant the widdow petet whom pais 750 lb. Tobo. I suppose her in the same ⟨Bog⟩ altho. I have not seen Her, Daniel Stone desires to have the refuseal of west point fishery & 200 acres Land at £20. I have mentioned those Tenants & Daniel Stone as I am willing to oblige them if you approve of it, I could wish if convenient to you to have the sale before Harvest as I am doubtful it may be very inconveniant for me to leave home in August on acct of Mrs Willis. I mention this circumstance of the time of sale, mearly because it may be quite indeferant to you (but if it is not) I would not chuse to be considered, or interfear with Your Conveniance. I am Sir your Mt Obt Sert

Frans Willis Junr