Title: Remarks—on the—Weather [October 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

Octr. 1. Clear and pleasant. Still forenoon but brisk Southwestwardly Wind afterwds.

2. Clear, Warm, & Still in the forenoon, a small Southwardly breeze in the Afternoon.

3. Clear & pleasant, with but little Wind & that Southwardly.

4. Brisk Southwestwardly Wind & warm with flying Clouds.

5. Rain in the Night—& in the Morning—clear abt. 8 Oclock with showers afterwards with the Wind westwardly & cool.

6. Clear & cool. Wind brisk from West.

7. Clear with but little Wind—& that Southwardly.

8. Clear with a fresh No. West breeze in the morning, but still afterwards.

9. Cloudy with appearances of much Rain—but none fell. Wind Southwardly in the Morng. & westwardly & cool afterwds.

10. Cool in the Morng. Moderate Afterwds. with little Wind.

11. A Frost this Morning to bite Fodder. Calm & warm forenoon. Brisk So. Westwardly wind & like for Rain in the Afternn.

12. Clear and cool morning. Wind fresh at No. West. Calm afternoon & warm.

13. Clear and cool. Wind still at No. West—in the Evening Eastwardly.

14. Calm and warm forenoon. Cloudy afternoon with appearances of Rain.

15. Foggy & Misty Morning. Warm, clear, & still afterwards.

16. Cloudy with the Wind Northwardly—then cold & Chilly—with appearances of Rain.

17. Cold Rain & disagreeable, with the Wind abt. No. East.

18. A severe frost this Morning—but Calm clear & warm day.

19. Calm, clear, & Warm forenoon, but lowering afternoon.

20. Moderate Rain till abt. 2 Oclock & Cloudy & misty afterwards. Wd. North.

21. A good deal of Rain in the Night & more or less till 9 or 10 Oclock then clear with the Wind Westwardly.

22. Clear and pleasant with a small Southwardly breeze.

23. Ditto—Ditto—Ditto.

24. Clear with the Wind Southwardly & Warm.

25. Foggy Morng. & Clouds—with a good deal of Rain in the Afternoon & night from No. East.

26. Clear & cool Wind brisk from the Westward.

27. Cold & clear. Wind abt. No. West.

28. Less cold Wind being at So. West & clear.

29. Warmer still. Wind continuing Southwardly & the weather clear.

30. Clear and very cool morning. Wind Westwardly. Afternoon Mild.

31. Mild Wind Southwardly and Clear.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 October 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

Octr. 1st. The hound Bitch Tipsey, was lind by the little Spaniel dog Pompey before she was shut up in the House with old Harry.


Title: [Diary entry: 4 October 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

4. Finishd Sowing Wheat at the Mill which field took 75 Bushels.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 October 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

5. Finishd Sowing in the Neck. This field took 216 Bushels. Which makes the quantities sowed as follow—Viz.—

                  At
                  Doeg Run
                  92½
                  Bush.

                  Muddy hole
                  106½

                  Mill
                  75

                  Neck
                  216

                  490

             Began getting Fodder at the Mill.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 October 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

6. Began getting Ditto in the Neck.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 October 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

11. Sowed Apple Pummice in the New Garden—from Crab Apples.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 October 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

15. Finishd pulling (but not securing) Fodder at Doeg Run Quarter. Did the same also at Muddy hole.


Title: Observation’s—in—October [1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

Octr. 1st. The hound Bitch Tipsey, was lind by the little Spaniel dog Pompey before she was shut up in the House with old Harry.

4. Finishd Sowing Wheat at the Mill which field took 75 Bushels.

5. Finishd Sowing in the Neck. This field took 216 Bushels. Which makes the quantities sowed as follow—Viz.—

                  At
                  Doeg Run
                  92½
                  Bush.

                  Muddy hole
                  106½

                  Mill
                  75

                  Neck
                  216

                  490

Began getting Fodder at the Mill.

6. Began getting Ditto in the Neck.

11. Sowed Apple Pummice in the New Garden—from Crab Apples.

   sowed apple pummice: The pomace, a residue from cider making, contained apple seeds that would produce seedlings to use in grafting.

15. Finishd pulling (but not securing) Fodder at Doeg Run Quarter.
Did the same also at Muddy hole.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

Novr. 1. In Williamsburg Dined at the Speakers—with many Gentlemen.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

2. In Ditto. Dined at the Attorney Genls. with Lord Botetourt (the Govr.) & many other Gentlemen.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

5. Dined at Mrs. Campbells where I had spent all my Evenings, since I came to Town.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

7. Set out for home with Betcey Dandridge. Dined at King Wm. Court Ho. & lodgd at Mr. Wm. Ayletts.


Title: [Diary entry: 8 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

8. Dined at Parkers and lodgd at Fredericksburg.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

9. Reached home in about 7 Hours & an half. Found Doctr. Rum[ne]y & Miss Ram[sa]y here.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

11. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg run and the Mill. Mr. Magowan & Mr. Stedlar came to Dinner as Mr. R. Alexr. did in the Aftern.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

12. Went Fox huntg. in the Neck. Started & was run out of hearg. of the Dogs—owing to the Wind. Whether they catchd or not is not known.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

13. Went to Pohick Church, & dined at Home with Mr. Ths. Triplet H. Manley & Mr. Peake.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

16. Went to Colo. Fairfax’s & Dind with Mrs. Wn. & Miss Dandridge. Returnd in the Afr.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

17. Went up to a Race by Mr. Beckwiths & lodgd at Mr. Edwd. Paynes.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

18. Returnd home. Breakfasted at Captn. McCartys—& came by the Mill & Muddy Ho.


Title: [Diary entry: 20 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

20. At home all day alone.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

21. Went up to Court and returnd in the Evening with my Brothr. John.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

22. Went a fox huntg. with Lord Fairfax & Colo. Fairfax & my Br. catchd 2 Foxes.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

23. Went a huntg. again with Lord Fairfax & his Brother, & Colo. Fairfax, Catchd nothing that we knew of. A fox was startd.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

25. Mr. Bryan Fairfax as also Messrs. Grayson & Phil. Alexander came here by Sunrise. Hunted & catchd a fox with them & My Lord his Br. & Colo. Fairfax all of whom with Mrs. Fx. & Mr. Watson of Engd. dind here.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

27. Went to Church.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

28. Went to the Vestry at Pohick Church.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

29. Went a Huntg. with Lord Fairfax & catchd a Fox.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

30. At home all day. Colo. Mason & Mr. Cockburne came in the Evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

3. Clear & Pleasant. Wind Southwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 4 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

4. Do.——— Do.——— Do.——— Do.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

5. Do.——— Do.——— Do.——— Do.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

6. Do.——— Do.——— Do.——— Do.


Title: [Diary entry: 8 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

8. Cool, the Wind shifting Northwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

9. Very cool, & hard frosty Morng. In the Evening Rain (tho not much) & the Wind Eastwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

10. Very Cool. Wind at No. West & blowg. hard. With flying Clouds.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

11. Moderate. Wind shifting Southwardly. The weather clear.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

12. High wind from the Southwest. And clear, till the Eveng. then Cloudy.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

13. Hazy, but otherwise clear and Mild. Wind Southwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

15. Rainy forenoon—that is slow moderate rain—& Wind Southwardly—but clear, cool & windy afternoon from the Northwest.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

16. Cold & Windy from the Northwest. Clear also.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

17. Lowering Morning, but clear & pleasant afterwards. Wind Southwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

18. Clear Morning, but lowering Afternoon. Wind fresh from the Southwest and a good deal of Rain in the Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 20 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

20. Very Cloudy with great appearances of Snow but none fell. Wind fresh from No. West & very cold.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

21. Clear & cool. Wind at No. West—yet pleasant and agreeable—being clear.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

23. Clear & pleasant—also Warm—there being no Wind.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

24. Clear & pleasant, there being little or no Wind.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

25. Warm and lowering with but little Wind. In the Evening Rain as there was in the Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

26. Heavy & lowering day. Evening & Night Rain with some intermixture of Snow.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

27. Wind at No. West & cold, with flying Clouds.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

28. Clear and cold Wind Northwardly till Night, then So. West. Hard frost.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

29. Very hard frost, in the Morning but moderate & thawg. afterwd.


Title: [undated diary entry]
From: Washington, George
To:

Novr. Put up my Beeves & Weathers to Fatten—about the 25th.—of Octr. Put up Hogs to fatten.


Title: [Diary entry: 14 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

14. Began to gather Corn at Muddy hole in the Neck.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

21. Measurd the Cut of Corn in the Neck adjoing. to the Gate, the contents of which was .


Title: [Diary entry: 22 November 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

22. Began to gather Corn at the Mill.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

Decr. 1. Went to the Election of Burgesses for this County, & was there, with Colo. West chosen. Stayd all Night to a Ball wch. I had given.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

2. Returnd home after dinner accompanied by Colo. Mason Mr. Cockburn & Messrs. Henderson Ross & Lawson.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

5. Fox hunting with Lord Fairfax & his Brothr. & Colo. Fairfax. Started a Fox & lost it. Dind at Belvoir & came in the Evg.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

6. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run, & Mill.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

7. At home all day—alone.


Title: [Diary entry: 14 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

14. Stayd there all day. In the Evg. went to see his new Mill.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

15. Returnd home, by the way (that is near Muddy hole) started & catchd a Fox.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

16. At home all day. Jacky Custis came home from Mr. Boucher’s.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

17. Rid out with my Gun but killd nothg. Mary Wilson came to live here as a Ho. keeper a[t] 15/. pr. Month.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

19. Went up to Court & returnd at Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 20–22 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

                  20. At home all day.
                  }
                  Snowing.

                  21. Ditto—Ditto.

                  22. Ditto—Ditto.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

23. Went a Pheasant Huntg. Carrd. hounds & they started & followd a Deer.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

24. Rid to the Mill & Doeg run.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

25. At home all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

26. Ditto—Do.—L. W——n. set of for Staffd.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

27. Ditto—Do.—except Shooting between breakfast & Dinner.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

28. At home all day alone.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

29. Went a fox hunting. Started one but did not catch it. In the Afternoon Messrs. Dalton, Piper & Riddell came here. Also Mr. Mag[owa]n.


Title: [December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

Decr. 1. Went to the Election of Burgesses for this County, & was there, with Colo. West chosen. Stayd all Night to a Ball wch. I had given.

   The election, held at the county courthouse in Alexandria, had been called by the new governor, Lord Botetourt. White adult males who owned a minimal amount of real property were allowed to vote. This property restriction satisfied two convictions long held in English tradition: only a man who owned property would be free from being influenced at the polls by an employer or landlord, and those who held property held the interests of the society at heart. Free Negroes and mulattoes, whether they owned property or not, lost their franchise in Virginia in 1723 (heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819–23. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 4:133). Although many women in colonial Virginia owned real property in their own right (Martha Custis, for instance, while she was a widow), their sex barred them from the polls.

   In accordance with the English belief that secrecy bred corruption, all voting was done in public. The election proceedings were the responsibility of the county sheriff. As the clerks (one provided by each candidate) sat

together at a table, each voter would step forward and announce his two choices, which were then marked down by the clerks on their respective poll sheets. As each vote was given and recorded, the candidate chosen would often thank the voter, and toward the end of a close election, when every vote would elicit a round of cheering, the crowd sometimes got rather unruly. During the voting in the 1755 Fairfax County burgess poll, GW got into a violent argument over the candidacy of his friend George William Fairfax (freemanDouglas Southall Freeman. George Washington: A Biography. 7 vols. New York, 1948–57., 2:146).

   In this election GW and Col. John West were standing for reelection. A third candidate was GW’s neighbor and fox-hunting companion Capt. John Posey, who was trying for the second time to unseat West, possibly because West’s nephew, John West, Jr., was pressing Posey over an inheritance left to Posey’s wife by her first husband, George Harrison, who was John West, Jr.’s uncle. The final poll this day was: GW, 185; John West, 142; John Posey, 81. GW spent about £25 on his election, including cakes and drink (unspecified) and £1 each for his clerk, John Orr, and his “fidler [at] the ball” (freemanDouglas Southall Freeman. George Washington: A Biography. 7 vols. New York, 1948–57., 2:146, 3:141; Posey to GW, 25 May 1771, DLC:GW; General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 281, 287; heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819–23. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 4:476, 7:518). For detailed descriptions of elections in colonial Virginia, see sydnorCharles S. Sydnor. American Revolutionaries in the Making: Political Practices in Washington’s Virginia. 1952. Reprint. New York, 1965..

2. Returnd home after dinner accompanied by Colo. Mason Mr. Cockburn & Messrs. Henderson Ross & Lawson.

   Alexander Henderson (d. 1815) emigrated from Scotland in 1756 and settled as a merchant at Colchester. He was Fairfax County justice of the peace 1770—post 1785; Fairfax County representative in the House of Delegates 1781, 1783; Truro Parish vestryman 1765–85; and churchwarden 1769–70, 1779–80.

3. Went a fox huntg. in Company with Lord & Colo. Fairfax Captn. McCarty & Messrs. Henderson & Ross. Started nothg. My Br. came in the Afternoon.

4. At Home all day.

5. Fox hunting with Lord Fairfax & his Brothr. & Colo. Fairfax. Started a Fox & lost it. Dind at Belvoir & came in the Evg.

6. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run, & Mill.

7. At home all day—alone.

8. Fox huntg. with Lord Fairfax & Brothr. & Colo. Fairfax all of whom dind here. Started nothing.

9. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg run, & the Mill.

10. Went a fox hunting in the Neck & catchd a fox. Afterwards went to the Plantatin. there. Doctr. Rumney came to Dr. & Mr. Alexr. in the Eg.

11. They went away after breakfast—alone aftds.

12. Rid to the Mill Doeg run & Muddy hole. Miss Carlyle & Miss Dalton came here.

   Elizabeth Dalton was the daughter of John Dalton of Alexandria.

13. Set of abt. 12 Oclock for Towlston to hunt with Mr. Bryan Fairfax. Got there in the Afternn.

14. Stayd there all day. In the Evg. went to see his new Mill.

15. Returnd home, by the way (that is near Muddy hole) started & catchd a Fox.

16. At home all day. Jacky Custis came home from Mr. Boucher’s.

17. Rid out with my Gun but killd nothg. Mary Wilson came to live here as a Ho. keeper a[t] 15/. pr. Month.

   Mrs. Mary Wilson was probably a widow. She left her position at Mount Vernon in June 1769 (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 288).

18. At home all day. Miss Sally Carlyle & Miss Betcy Dalton went away & Mr. Stedlar came.

19. Went up to Court & returnd at Night.

   Although today was the third Monday in the month, the day on which the Fairfax County court normally began its monthly sessions, the court apparently did not meet today or any other day in December because of a lack of pressing business.

                  20. At home all day.
                  }
                  Snowing.

                  21. Ditto—Ditto.

                  22. Ditto—Ditto.

   Today GW bought “Fish &ca. of the New Englandman,” which apparently visited Mount Vernon several times (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 112, 286).

23. Went a Pheasant Huntg. Carrd. hounds & they started & followd a Deer.

24. Rid to the Mill & Doeg run.

25. At home all day.

26. Ditto—Do.—L. W——n. set of for Staffd.

27. Ditto—Do.—except Shooting between breakfast & Dinner.

28. At home all day alone.

29. Went a fox hunting. Started one but did not catch it. In the Afternoon Messrs. Dalton, Piper & Riddell came here. Also Mr. Mag[owa]n.

   Mr. Riddell is probably either John or Henry. John was a merchant in Dumfries. Henry, to whom GW later wrote concerning the seating of his western lands, was a merchant at Piscataway, Md., and the chief Maryland factor for Glassford & Co. of Glasgow, Scot. (GW to Henry Riddell, 22 Feb. 1774, DLC:GW; macmasterRichard K. MacMaster and David C. Skaggs, eds. “The Letterbooks of Alexander Hamilton, Piscataway Factor.” Maryland Historical Magazine 61 (1966): 146–66, 305–28; 62 (1967): 135–69., 61:153 n. 32).

30. At home with them all day.

31. Went a hunting & catchd a bitch fox—the above Gentlemn. with me.

   GW played cards on this date, losing an unspecified amount (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 286).


Title: [Diary entry: 1 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

Decr. 1st. Ground exceedg. hard froze. Weathr. very cold—& Snowing at times. The Eveng. of this day was remarkably cold.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

2. Weather clear & very cold. Wind at No. West. River half froze over.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

3. Night exceeding hard—but this day somewhat more moderate Wind Southwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 4 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

4. Close Rain all day with the Wind chiefly at No. East—but afterwards shifting to No. West & clearing.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

6. Hard frost—& cool Morning—but mild afternoon. Wind Southwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

7. Constant slow rain all day—with the Wind variable—but chiefly Eastwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 8 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

8. Clear, & tolerably pleasant, although the Wind was fresh from the No. West.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

9. Very cloudy & like to rain but none fell.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

13. Fine mild & warm forenoon, Wind Southwardly—but lowg. afternoon wind No. Et. & Cold.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

15. Snowd again this Morng. & cold Wind Northwardly. Snow 8 or 10 Inches deep.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

16. Clear & cool tho the Wind was Southwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

18. A Little rain fell in the Night & this day lowering. But mild & thawg. Wind So.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

19. Clear & pleast. forenoon. Lowering Aftern. with a good deal of Snow in the Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

22. Snowing fast the forepart of the day with the Wind at No. West. Snow very deep; I suppose 15 or 18 Inches generally.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

23. Clear & cold. Wind at No. West & fresh. Towards Evening it shifted Southwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

24. More moderate. Wind Southwardly. Clear Morng. & Eveng.—threatng. Noon.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

25. Clear, with the Wind moderately from the No. West and not very cold.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

26. Wind rather to the East of North and Cloudy, but not cold. Frost this Mg.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

27. No frost. Foggy & misty all day and thawing fast.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

28. Raining more or less all Night, Snow mostly gone—off the open ground entirely. Good deal of Rain this day also—no frt.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

29. Cloudy—Misting—& sometimes rain with the wind southwardly. No frost.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

30. Clear. Wind at No. West, & fresh in the Morning but incling. Southwardly in the afternoon. No frost.


Title: [Diary entry: 31 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

31. No frost. Wind southwardly—& Cloudy—but no rain. Evening clear.


Title: Remarks—on the—Weather [December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

Decr. 1st. Ground exceedg. hard froze. Weathr. very cold—& Snowing at times. The Eveng. of this day was remarkably cold.

2. Weather clear & very cold. Wind at No. West. River half froze over.

3. Night exceeding hard—but this day somewhat more moderate Wind Southwardly.

4. Close Rain all day with the Wind chiefly at No. East—but afterwards shifting to No. West & clearing.

5. Clear & tolerably pleast. Wind abt. West. Ground hard froze.

6. Hard frost—& cool Morning—but mild afternoon. Wind Southwardly.

7. Constant slow rain all day—with the Wind variable—but chiefly Eastwardly.

8. Clear, & tolerably pleasant, although the Wind was fresh from the No. West.

9. Very cloudy & like to rain but none fell.

10. Also Cloudy, with sometimes Sunshine & Warm—being still. No frost.

11. Again cloudy & like for rain but none fell. Wind shifting to the No. West but not cold. No frost.

12. Lowering Morning, but clear & calm Noon. No Wind nor frost.

13. Fine mild & warm forenoon, Wind Southwardly—but lowg. afternoon wind No. Et. & Cold.

14. Snowd the best part of last Night and till 2 Oclock this day.

15. Snowd again this Morng. & cold Wind Northwardly. Snow 8 or 10 Inches deep.

16. Clear & cool tho the Wind was Southwardly.

17. Wind Southwardly yet cold & raw with great appearances of Snow.

18. A Little rain fell in the Night & this day lowering. But mild & thawg. Wind So.

19. Clear & pleast. forenoon. Lowering Aftern. with a good deal of Snow in the Night.

20. Snowing best part of the day—abt. 6 or 8 Inches deep.

21. Snowing on and of all day. With but little Wind.

22. Snowing fast the forepart of the day with the Wind at No. West. Snow very deep; I suppose 15 or 18 Inches generally.

23. Clear & cold. Wind at No. West & fresh. Towards Evening it shifted Southwardly.

24. More moderate. Wind Southwardly. Clear Morng. & Eveng.—threatng. Noon.

25. Clear, with the Wind moderately from the No. West and not very cold.

26. Wind rather to the East of North and Cloudy, but not cold. Frost this Mg.

27. No frost. Foggy & misty all day and thawing fast.

28. Raining more or less all Night, Snow mostly gone—off the open ground entirely. Good deal of Rain this day also—no frt.

29. Cloudy—Misting—& sometimes rain with the wind southwardly. No frost.

30. Clear. Wind at No. West, & fresh in the Morning but incling. Southwardly in the afternoon. No frost.

31. No frost. Wind southwardly—& Cloudy—but no rain. Evening clear.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 December 1768]
From: Washington, George
To:

13th. Killd Hogs.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Jany. 1st. At home alone. Mr. Magowan returnd from Alexandria in the Evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

2. Went to Colo. Fairfax’s with the Family and stayd all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

3. Came home again. Colo. Carlyle & Mr. Ramsay returnd with us.


Title: [Diary entry: 4 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

4. Went a fox huntg. with the above Gentlemen, & were met by the two Colo. Fairfax’s but found nothing. Messrs. C & R. went home.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

5. Calm Morning with heavy Clouds & gr. appearance of Rain. Abt. 10 Oclock the Wind comg. to No. Wt. & blowg. fresh dispeld the Clouds toward the afternoon. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and the Mill and in the Afternoon went into the Neck.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

6. The two Colo. Fairfax’s & Mrs. Fairfax & Dr. Rumney dind here & spent the Evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

7. After Dinner the Compy. from Belvoir returnd home. Doctr. Rumney stayd.


Title: [Diary entry: 8 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

8. At home all day with Doctr. Rumney.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

9. At home all day. Opening the Avenue to the House—& for bringing the Road along.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

11. Went a fox hunting in the Neck with Mr. Peake, but found nothing.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

12. Went out in the Morng. with the Hounds in order to meet Colo. Fairfax but did not. In Hell hole started a fox and after an hours chase run him into a hole, & left him. In the afternoon went to Alexa. to the Monthly Ball.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

13. Havg. lodgd at Captn. Daltons was confind there till the Afternoon by Rain & then came Ho[me].


Title: [Diary entry: 14 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

14. At home all day. And alone.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

15. Ditto Do. Do.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

18. Fox huntg. again in the above Compa. and Harn. Manley—started a Fox and lost it. The above dind here as Mr. Wagener also did.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

19. Fox hunting in the same Company—fd. nothing. Mr. Fairfax & Mr. Wagr. dind here.


Title: [Diary entry: 20 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

20. Fox huntg. again with Mr. Wagener Mr. Fairfax and Mr. Clarke. The two last dind here. Mr. Wagener went home.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

21. Fox huntg. again upon long Branch with Mr. Fairfax Mr. Clarke Mr. Mac[ar]ty & Mr. Chichester. All went home from the field. Found Doctr. Rumney here.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

22. Went to Pohick Church. Doctr. Rumney stayd all day & Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

23. At home. Captn. McCarty & Wife, Mr. Chichesr. & his dind and stayd all Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

24. At home. The above Company dind here & went home in the afternoon.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

25. Hunting below Accatinck with Captn. McCarty Mr. Chichester & Mr. Wagener with their dogs. Found a fox & killd it in abt. an hour and 35 Minutes.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

26. At home all day. Jacky Custis set of for School & Mr. Robt. Alexr. came here in the Aft.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

27. At home again all day—Mr. Alexander Staying.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

28. Went a Huntg. with Mr. Alexander. Traild a fox for two hours & then lost it. Mr. Alexander went home from the field.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

29. Ground froze. Weather clear. Wind tolerable fresh at No. West but not very Cold. At home all day—alone.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

30. At home all day, Mr. Campbell the Comptroller dind here & in the afternoon Doctr. Mercer came.


Title: [Diary entry: 31 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

31. Doctr. Rumney dind and lodgd here and in the afternoon Mr. Addisons and Mr. Baynes Sons came and lodgd here.


Title: [January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Jany. 1st. At home alone. Mr. Magowan returnd from Alexandria in the Evening.

2. Went to Colo. Fairfax’s with the Family and stayd all Night.

3. Came home again. Colo. Carlyle & Mr. Ramsay returnd with us.

   The visit may have been more than social. About three weeks later, on 29 Jan., GW wrote William Ramsay to say that it was “out of my power . . . to furnish you & Mr. Fairfax with the sum asked.” Then shifting to a subject closer to his heart, GW continued: “Having once or twice of late heard you speak highly in praise of the [New] Jersey College as if you had a desire of sending your Son William there (who I am told is a youth fond of study & instruction, & disposed to a sedentary Studious Life; in following of which he may not only promote his own happiness, but the future welfare of others) I shou’d be glad, if you have no other objection to it than what may arise from the expence, if you wou’d send him there as soon as it is convenient & depend upon me for Twenty five pounds this [Virginia] Currency a year for his support so long as it may be necessary for the completion of his Education. . . . No other return is expected or wished for, for this offer, than that you will accept it with the same freedom & good will with which it is made, & that you may not even consider it in the light of an obligation, or mention it as such; for be assur’d that from me it never will be known” (DLC:GW).

4. Went a fox huntg. with the above Gentlemen, & were met by the two Colo. Fairfax’s but found nothing. Messrs. C & R. went home.

5. Calm Morning with heavy Clouds & gr. appearance of Rain. Abt. 10 Oclock the Wind comg. to No. Wt. & blowg. fresh dispeld the Clouds toward the afternoon. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and the Mill and in the Afternoon went into the Neck.

6. The two Colo. Fairfax’s & Mrs. Fairfax & Dr. Rumney dind here & spent the Evening.

   the two colo. fairfax’s: Robert and George William Fairfax.

   Rumney brought two musk capsules for Patsy Custis on this visit (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers).

7. After Dinner the Compy. from Belvoir returnd home. Doctr. Rumney stayd.

8. At home all day with Doctr. Rumney.

9. At home all day. Opening the Avenue to the House—& for bringing the Road along.

10. Went a Fox huntg. with L[und] W[ashington]—Jackey Custis, & Mr. Manley. Found nothing.

11. Went a fox hunting in the Neck with Mr. Peake, but found nothing.

12. Went out in the Morng. with the Hounds in order to meet Colo. Fairfax but did not. In Hell hole started a fox and after an hours chase run him into a hole, & left him. In the afternoon went to Alexa. to the Monthly Ball.

13. Havg. lodgd at Captn. Daltons was confind there till the Afternoon by Rain & then came Ho[me].

   John Dalton lived on the north side of Cameron Street between Water (now Lee) and Fairfax streets (moore [1]Gay Montague Moore. Seaport in Virginia: George Washington’s Alexandria. 1949. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1972., 71–72).

14. At home all day. And alone.

15. Ditto Do. Do.

16. Went a ducking in the forenoon—otherwise at home all day. In the Afternoon Mr. B. Fairfax came here.

   During this month Bryan Fairfax bought a hunting horn from GW for 6s. and paid him 2s. 3d. lost at cards (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 287).

17. Fox huntg. in the Neck with Mr. Fairfax Triplet & Peake—started nothing.

18. Fox huntg. again in the above Compa. and Harn. Manley—started a Fox and lost it. The above dind here as Mr. Wagener also did.

   mr. wagener: Probably Peter Wagener (d. 1798), who was a member of the committee of associators of Fairfax County, served as county lieutenant of Fairfax during the Revolution, and married Sinah McCarty a daughter of Daniel McCarty. He is generally referred to in the diaries as “Mr. Wagener.” His father, Peter Wagener (1717–1774), Occoquan Creek, came to America from England in 1738 and served as vestryman in Truro Parish 1771–74. GW usually calls him “Major Wagener” in the diaries.

19. Fox hunting in the same Company—fd. nothing. Mr. Fairfax & Mr. Wagr. dind here.

20. Fox huntg. again with Mr. Wagener Mr. Fairfax and Mr. Clarke. The two last dind here. Mr. Wagener went home.

   mr. clarke: perhaps a member of the Clarke family of Salem, Mass., and Barbados, who were related by marriage to the Fairfaxes and the Washingtons.

21. Fox huntg. again upon long Branch with Mr. Fairfax Mr. Clarke Mr. Mac[ar]ty & Mr. Chichester. All went home from the field. Found Doctr. Rumney here.

   long branch: a tributary of Accotink Creek near Capt. McCarty’s home, Mount Air.

22. Went to Pohick Church. Doctr. Rumney stayd all day & Night.

23. At home. Captn. McCarty & Wife, Mr. Chichesr. & his dind and stayd all Night.

24. At home. The above Company dind here & went home in the afternoon.

25. Hunting below Accatinck with Captn. McCarty Mr. Chichester & Mr. Wagener with their dogs. Found a fox & killd it in abt. an hour and 35 Minutes.

26. At home all day. Jacky Custis set of for School & Mr. Robt. Alexr. came here in the Aft.

27. At home again all day—Mr. Alexander Staying.

28. Went a Huntg. with Mr. Alexander. Traild a fox for two hours & then lost it. Mr. Alexander went home from the field.

29. Ground froze. Weather clear. Wind tolerable fresh at No. West but not very Cold. At home all day—alone.

30. At home all day, Mr. Campbell the Comptroller dind here & in the afternoon Doctr. Mercer came.

   Hugh Mercer (c.1725–1777) was born in Aberdeenshire, Scot., and studied medicine at the University of Aberdeen from 1740 to 1744. In April 1746 Dr. Mercer served as a surgeon’s mate with Prince Charles Stuart’s forces at the bloody Battle of Culloden, where the prince’s army was destroyed. Soon thereafter Mercer immigrated to America, settling on the Pennsylvania frontier. There he practiced medicine until the outbreak of the French and Indian War, when he joined the Pennsylvania forces as an officer. During this service he became acquainted with GW. After retiring from the military,

he settled in Fredericksburg, where he opened an apothecary shop and practiced medicine. Dr. Mercer was not related to John Mercer of Marlborough.

31. Doctr. Rumney dind and lodgd here and in the afternoon Mr. Addisons and Mr. Baynes Sons came and lodgd here.

   Rumney and Mercer apparently consulted with one another today about Patsy Custis’s case and decided on a new way of treating her epilepsy, because four days later Rumney recorded giving her mercurial pills, purging pills, and ingredients for a decoction (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers). Unfortunately, those medicines, like the others tried previously, would give Patsy no relief from her fits.

   The youngest son of Thomas Addison (1679–1727) of Oxon Hill, Md., was Rev. Henry Addison (1717–1789), rector of St. John’s Parish, Prince George’s County, Md., from 1742 to 1775. At this time Addison, a friend of Jonathan Boucher, had placed his two sons in Boucher’s school in Caroline County, Va.; the Addison boys appearing here are probably those sons. Col. John Baynes (c.1726–1785), a local Maryland merchant with Whitehaven connections who worked out of his store at Piscataway, Prince George’s County, Md., had at least one son, Joseph Noble Baynes, who was about 18 years old in 1769 and, like the Addison boys, was probably a schoolmate of John Parke Custis (boucher [1]Jonathan Bouchier, ed. Reminiscences of an American Loyalist, 1738–1789: Being the Autobiography of The Revd Jonathan Boucher, Rector of Annapolis in Maryland and afterwards Vicar of Epsom, Surrey, England. Boston, 1925., 51; macmasterRichard K. MacMaster and David C. Skaggs, eds. “The Letterbooks of Alexander Hamilton, Piscataway Factor.” Maryland Historical Magazine 61 (1966): 146–66, 305–28; 62 (1967): 135–69., 61:151, 309 n.107, 317 n.140).


Title: [Diary entry: 1 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Jany. 1st. Ground but little froze, & soon thawed, day clear & pleasant—Wind Southwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

2. Perfectly calm, clear, and warm—the Morning was a little frosty—but gd. soon thawd.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

3. A large white frost—the gd. a little froze, but soon thawd. Morng. calm & clear—afternoon lowering, & Wind Southwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

5. Calm Morning with heavy Clouds & gt. appearances of Rain. Abt. 10 Oclock the wind comg. out fresh from the No. Wt. the Clouds were dispeld & the afternoon clear & cool.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

6. Ground hard froze—but soon thawd the Morning being clear & moderate—the Wind Still—afternoon a little Muddy.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

9. Hard frost. Clear & cold wind comg. keen from the No. Wt. More moderate towards the Afternoon with less Wind—but gd. not much thawed.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

10. White Frost & Ground hard froze. A little thawd in the Afternoon. Cloudy & Still all day. In the Eveng. Wind at No. Et.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

11. Rain from about 9 Oclock in the Morng. with very little Wind.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

12. Clear & Calm morning but lowering Afternoon.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

13. Raining all the forenoon, & till three Oclock in the Afternoon with very little Intermisn. Much rain fell in this time.


Title: [Diary entry: 14 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

14. Cloudy & sometimes misty with little or no Wind as there was not yesterday.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

15. Cloudy, & sometimes dropping—quite Calm and Warm.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

16. Very cloudy and little Wind—sometimes droppg. of Rain & sometimes snow.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

17. Clear. Wind high from the No. West & cool. Towards the afternoon wind lowered.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

18. Ground froze. Wind fresh from the So. West & clear till the Afternoon then Muddy.


Title: [Diary entry: 20 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

20. Clear and but little Wind—that variable. Ground froze.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

22. Clear, still & warm in the Morning. Wind brisk from the So. West in the Afternoon & in the Night very hard with a little Rain.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

23. Ground very slightly froze. Wind came out at No. Wt. this morning, & blew very hard, Day clear.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

24. Ground very hard froze. Day clear and very cold. Wind still at No. West but not so hard as yesterday.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

25. Forenoon cloudy & cold—afternoon clear & more moderate. Wind variable but chiefly Easterwardly. Grd. hard froze.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

26. Cloudy Morning. Wind Northwardly and Cold—with a mixture of hail & rain in the Afternoon. Ground hard froze.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

27. Raining moderately all day with little Wind & that chiefly Southwardly and warm.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

29. Ground froze. Weathr. clear. Wind tolerable brisk at No. West—but not very cold.


Title: [Diary entry: 31 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

31. Clear forenoon and ground froze; afternoon lowering & Raw wind Southwardly.


Title: An Acct. of the—Weather in Jan. [1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Jany. 1st. Ground but little froze, & soon thawed, day clear & pleasant—Wind Southwardly.

2. Perfectly calm, clear, and warm—the Morning was a little frosty—but gd. soon thawd.

3. A large white frost—the gd. a little froze, but soon thawd. Morng. calm & clear—afternoon lowering, & Wind Southwardly.

4. Lowering Morning without frost, but clear afternoon. Wind Southwardly.

5. Calm Morning with heavy Clouds & gt. appearances of Rain. Abt. 10 Oclock the wind comg. out fresh from the No. Wt. the Clouds were dispeld & the afternoon clear & cool.

6. Ground hard froze—but soon thawd the Morning being clear & moderate—the Wind Still—afternoon a little Muddy.

7. Wind at Southwest & moderate. Raing. slowly most part of the day.

8. Rainy morning with little or no Wind. Abt. 10 Oclock the wind came out at No. Wt. but neither blew hard nor cold. In the Eveng. it cl[eared].

9. Hard frost. Clear & cold wind comg. keen from the No. Wt. More moderate towards the Afternoon with less Wind—but gd. not much thawed.

10. White Frost & Ground hard froze. A little thawd in the Afternoon. Cloudy & Still all day. In the Eveng. Wind at No. Et.

11. Rain from about 9 Oclock in the Morng. with very little Wind.

12. Clear & Calm morning but lowering Afternoon.

13. Raining all the forenoon, & till three Oclock in the Afternoon with very little Intermisn. Much rain fell in this time.

14. Cloudy & sometimes misty with little or no Wind as there was not yesterday.

15. Cloudy, & sometimes dropping—quite Calm and Warm.

16. Very cloudy and little Wind—sometimes droppg. of Rain & sometimes snow.

17. Clear. Wind high from the No. West & cool. Towards the afternoon wind lowered.

18. Ground froze. Wind fresh from the So. West & clear till the Afternoon then Muddy.

19. Clear—the Ground froze—and Wind at No. West but not hard. Afternoon hazy.

20. Clear and but little Wind—that variable. Ground froze.

21. Very little or no Wind. Clear and very Warm. A large white frost but the ground very little froze.

22. Clear, still & warm in the Morning. Wind brisk from the So. West in the Afternoon & in the Night very hard with a little Rain.

23. Ground very slightly froze. Wind came out at No. Wt. this morning, & blew very hard, Day clear.

24. Ground very hard froze. Day clear and very cold. Wind still at No. West but not so hard as yesterday.

25. Forenoon cloudy & cold—afternoon clear & more moderate. Wind variable but chiefly Easterwardly. Grd. hard froze.

26. Cloudy Morning. Wind Northwardly and Cold—with a mixture of hail & rain in the Afternoon. Ground hard froze.

27. Raining moderately all day with little Wind & that chiefly Southwardly and warm.

28. Clear & cool forenoon. Wind at No. West. Cloudy & threatning afternoon.

29. Ground froze. Weathr. clear. Wind tolerable brisk at No. West—but not very cold.

30. Clear and pleasant Wind Southwardly. Ground hard froze.

31. Clear forenoon and ground froze; afternoon lowering & Raw wind Southwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

5. Began clearing Ground in the Neck. Mill People getting Rails to fence Corn field by Mr. Manleys.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

16. Began to open my New Road that is to cut the Bank down this side Hell hole.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

18. Another Spewing frost.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

22. The hound bitch Musick got out of her confinemt. & was lind by Pilot.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

26. She was lined by Mr. Fairfax’s Hound Rockwood.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

27. The black hound bitch Countess was lined by the above Dog Rockwd.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 January 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

28. Countess was again lind by Rockwood. This day recd. 505 Bushels of Oats from the Eastn. Shore for 500 that was put on board.


Title: Remarks & Observations—in Jan. [1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Jany. 4. Finishd measuring Corn in the Neck—total quantity 694 Barrels. About this time Muddy hole People began clearing Ground.

5. Began clearing Ground in the Neck. Mill People getting Rails to fence Corn field by Mr. Manleys.

9. Began to open the Avenue in front of the House in order to bring the Road along it.

10. Finishd gathering Corn at Doeg run Quarter. 242 Barrels.
A Very spewing frost among Wheat particularly in the little field at Doeg run. Note the consequence of this.

   spewing frost: Farmers now refer to this process, which lifts and injures the roots of plants, as “heaving.”

16. Began to open my New Road that is to cut the Bank down this side Hell hole.

18. Another Spewing frost.

22. The hound bitch Musick got out of her confinemt. & was lind by Pilot.

26. She was lined by Mr. Fairfax’s Hound Rockwood.

27. The black hound bitch Countess was lined by the above Dog Rockwd.

28. Countess was again lind by Rockwood.
This day recd. 505 Bushels of Oats from the Eastn. Shore for 500 that was put on board.

   The freight of the oats was £6 5s. (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 287).


Title: [Diary entry: 1 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Feby. 1st. Doctrs. Mercer & Rumney went away as did Mr. Addison’s sons &ca. I dind at Belvoir & returnd in the Evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

3. Went a Gunning up the Creek—killd 7 Ducks. In the Afternoon Colo. F. Lewis & son Fieldg. & Mr. Rozer came here.


Title: [Diary entry: 4 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

4. Mr. Rozer went away after breakfast, the others stayd. At home all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

5. At home all day with Colo. Lewis &ca.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

6. At home all day with &ca.


Title: [Diary entry: 8 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

8. Colo. Lewis and son set of to go home but being stopd at Colchester by Ice returnd in the afternoon. I rid as far as the Mill with them.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

9. Went a Ducking with Colo. Lewis. His son & Betcy Dandridge went to the Monthly Ball at Alexandria.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

10. Went a shooting again. In the Afternoon fieldg. Lewis returnd from Ball.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

11. Ducking till Dinner. Mr. Piper dind here. Betsy Dandridge came home in the Evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

12. Mr. Piper went away after Breakfast. At home all day with Colo. Lewis & Son.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

13. Colo. Lewis & Son set of for home. Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole & Doeg Run.


Title: [Diary entry: 14 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

14. Went a fox hunting—but started nothing. The two Colo. Fairfax’s dind here.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

15. Rid to the Mill Doeg run, & Muddy hole.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

16. At home all day, Joshua Evans who came here last Night put an Iron Ring upon Patcy (for Fits) and went away after Breakfast.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

17. Rid out with my hounds. Started a fox and lost it, after an hours chase. Doctr. Rumney came in the Afternoon.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

18. Went a hunting with Doctr. Rumney. Started a fox or rather 2 or 3 & catchd none. Dogs mostly got after Deer & never joind.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

19. Went to Pohick Church & returnd to Dinner.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

22. At Court again & home in the Eveng.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

23. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg run and the Mill.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

24. At home all day without Company.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

25. At home all day receiving my Goods from Captn. Johnstouns Craft.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

26. At home all day alone.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

27. Fox hunting with Colo. G. Fairfax & Mr. Warnr. Washington. Started & killd a Dog fox after havg. him on foot three hours & hard runng. an hour and a Qr. Dined at Colo. Fairfax’s.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

28. At home all day. Mr. Warnr. Washington & Lady & Miss Betcy Washington came here and staid all Night.


Title: [February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Feby. 1st. Doctrs. Mercer & Rumney went away as did Mr. Addison’s sons &ca. I dind at Belvoir & returnd in the Evening.

   Before Mercer left, GW paid him £6 for seeing Patsy (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 287).

2. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, and the Mill.

3. Went a Gunning up the Creek—killd 7 Ducks. In the Afternoon Colo. F. Lewis & son Fieldg. & Mr. Rozer came here.

   Fielding Lewis, Jr. (1751–1803), was the eldest son of GW’s sister Betty and Col. Fielding Lewis. About 1769 Fielding Jr. married Ann (Nancy) Alexander, daughter of Mary Dent and Gerard Alexander of Alexandria, and settled in Fairfax County (sorleyMerrow Egerton Sorley, comp. Lewis of Warner Hall: The History of a Family . . .. 1935. Reprint. Baltimore, 1979., 142).

   mr. rozer: probably Henry Rozer (Rozier) of Prince George’s County, Md.

4. Mr. Rozer went away after breakfast, the others stayd. At home all day.

   GW today recorded losing 19s. at cards (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 287).

5. At home all day with Colo. Lewis &ca.

6. At home all day with &ca.

7. At home as above.

8. Colo. Lewis and son set of to go home but being stopd at Colchester by Ice returnd in the afternoon. I rid as far as the Mill with them.

9. Went a Ducking with Colo. Lewis. His son & Betcy Dandridge went to the Monthly Ball at Alexandria.

10. Went a shooting again. In the Afternoon fieldg. Lewis returnd from Ball.

11. Ducking till Dinner. Mr. Piper dind here. Betsy Dandridge came home in the Evening.

12. Mr. Piper went away after Breakfast. At home all day with Colo. Lewis & Son.

13. Colo. Lewis & Son set of for home. Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole & Doeg Run.

14. Went a fox hunting—but started nothing. The two Colo. Fairfax’s dind here.

15. Rid to the Mill Doeg run, & Muddy hole.

16. At home all day, Joshua Evans who came here last Night put an Iron Ring upon Patcy (for Fits) and went away after Breakfast.

   Joshua Evans is probably the blacksmith of that name who was living in Loudoun County at this time and died there in 1773 (Loudoun County Wills, Book B, 71–79, Vi Microfilm). According to an English folk tradition dating from the fourteenth century, certain rings called cramp rings could relieve or cure epileptic convulsions when worn on a finger. These rings varied in design and composition, depending on a particular blessing, inscription, or material for their supposed efficacy (jones [2]William Jones. Finger-Ring Lore: Historical, Legendary, & Anecdotal. New ed. London, 1898., 154–55, 162–65, 522–26). GW today paid Evans £1 10s. for his service (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 287).

17. Rid out with my hounds. Started a fox and lost it, after an hours chase. Doctr. Rumney came in the Afternoon.

18. Went a hunting with Doctr. Rumney. Started a fox or rather 2 or 3 & catchd none. Dogs mostly got after Deer & never joind.

   On this date GW paid Rumney for his medicines and visits during the past 12 months: £4 18s. on his own account and £19 6s. 6d. for Patsy Custis (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 287).

19. Went to Pohick Church & returnd to Dinner.

20. Went up to Alexandria to Court. Returnd home in the Evening.

   While GW was in town, he apparently visited Dr. Rumney, who today supplied more ingredients for decoctions and another box of pills for Patsy Custis (receipt from William Rumney, 21 Sept. 1770, ViHi: Custis Papers). The February court lasted three days (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768–70, 76–92, Vi Microfilm).

21. Went to Court again and returnd home at Night.

   The court today ordered GW and Col. John West to “settle & adjust accounts” in a dispute between William Payne and Francis Dade and to report at the next court, their decision to be the court’s official judgment in the case. The report was not made until 18 April, when Dade was ordered to pay Payne 992 pounds of tobacco plus costs (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768–70, 85, 125, Vi Microfilm).

22. At Court again & home in the Eveng.

23. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg run and the Mill.

24. At home all day without Company.

25. At home all day receiving my Goods from Captn. Johnstouns Craft.

   Capt. John Johnstoun, master of the ship Lord Camden, brought goods from London shipped by Robert Cary & Co. for GW. The goods totaled £315 13s. 6d. (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 198).

26. At home all day alone.

27. Fox hunting with Colo. G. Fairfax & Mr. Warnr. Washington. Started & killd a Dog fox after havg. him on foot three hours & hard runng. an hour and a Qr. Dined at Colo. Fairfax’s.

28. At home all day. Mr. Warnr. Washington & Lady & Miss Betcy Washington came here and staid all Night.

   betcy washington: probably Warner Washington’s niece Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Washington (c.1718–1763) of Middlesex County.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Feby. 1st. Ground not froze. Day calm & warm & mostly clear—but sometimes lowering.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

2. The Ground slightly froze, Wind fresh from the northwest. Cloudy and cold.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

3. Hard frost. Wind sharp & fresh from the No. West. Moderate & very pleast. afternn.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

5. A little Snow & Rain in the Night. Wind hard (& cold) from the No. West. All day.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

6. Clear and very cold—Wind being hard from the No. West. Gd. very hd. Froze.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

7. Ground very hard froze havg. thawd none yesterday. Weathr. exceeding cold wind being still hard from No. Wt.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

9. No thaw. Ground very hard froze. Weather clear with little Wind in the forenoon but No. Wt. in the Aftn.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

11. Ground hard froze in the Morning, & but little thawd afterwards. Wind at No. West in the Morng. & So. West in the aftern.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

13. Clear & pleasant—with but little Wind and that Southwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 14 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

14. Raw, cloudy, & still forenoon. Cold afternoon and wind at No. West.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

16. Very hard frost. The River which hath never been clear of Ice since the 6th. was quite shut up today. Morng. clear & cold, wind Northly.—afternn. wind Southly.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

17. Clear, still, warm, & pleasant. Ground still froze but from the continued frost not slopy.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

18. Again Calm clear warm, & pleasant being hazy.


Title: [Diary entry: 20 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

20. Rain more or less all Night with the wind fresh at So. West which cleard the river for the first time (since the frost set in) of Ice. Morning lowering but clear, calm, & pleast. day—no frost.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

21. No frost. Fine clear Morng. Lowering day with the Wind fresh at South.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

24. Morning cloudy but not frozen. Aft[ernoon] clear & cooler than for some days past wind being at No. West.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

25. A large white frost & grd. a little froze but not very cold. Wind first Northwardly & then Eastwardly and lowering.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

26. A good deal of Rain fell last Night & some today. The Wind at So. West and fresh. No frost.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 February 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

27. Cloudy Morning, but clear day—the wind being No. West & westwardly but not cold nor hard.


Title: An Acct. of the Weather—in Feby. [1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Feby. 1st. Ground not froze. Day calm & warm & mostly clear—but sometimes lowering.

2. The Ground slightly froze, Wind fresh from the northwest. Cloudy and cold.

3. Hard frost. Wind sharp & fresh from the No. West. Moderate & very pleast. afternn.

4. Ground froze. Cloudy with great appearances of Rain. Calm & still forenoon. Wind Eastwardly afterwards.

5. A little Snow & Rain in the Night. Wind hard (& cold) from the No. West. All day.

6. Clear and very cold—Wind being hard from the No. West. Gd. very hd. Froze.

7. Ground very hard froze havg. thawd none yesterday. Weathr. exceeding cold wind being still hard from No. Wt.

8. No thaw yet. Grd. close blockd up and very cold. Wind still at No. Wt. but not so hard. Afternoon somewhat more moderate—quite clear. On the 6th. at Night the River was almost froze across & on the 7th. & last Night quite.

9. No thaw. Ground very hard froze. Weather clear with little Wind in the forenoon but No. Wt. in the Aftn.

10. Wind at No. West & cold. Ground hard froze & no thaw, weathr. Clear.

11. Ground hard froze in the Morning, & but little thawd afterwards. Wind at No. West in the Morng. & So. West in the aftern.

12. Ground still froze hard & no thaw; Morning cloudy with the Wind at No. Wt. as it contind. to be all day. Afternoon clear.

13. Clear & pleasant—with but little Wind and that Southwardly.

14. Raw, cloudy, & still forenoon. Cold afternoon and wind at No. West.

15. Cold Morning with Snow from 8 till one with the wind Northwardly—then clear with the wind Eastwardly & warmr.

16. Very hard frost. The River which hath never been clear of Ice since the 6th. was quite shut up today. Morng. clear & cold, wind Northly.—afternn. wind Southly.

17. Clear, still, warm, & pleasant. Ground still froze but from the continued frost not slopy.

18. Again Calm clear warm, & pleasant being hazy.

19. Warm. Wind at So. West—fresh in the forepart of the day—the latter part Cloudy with the Wind at No. Et. At Night Rain.

20. Rain more or less all Night with the wind fresh at So. West which cleard the river for the first time (since the frost set in) of Ice. Morning lowering but clear, calm, & pleast. day—no frost.

21. No frost. Fine clear Morng. Lowering day with the Wind fresh at South.

22. No frost. Rain in the Night. Morng. exceedg. fine & calm. Day clear & pleast.

23. No frost. Day clear & pleast. Wind southwardly. In the Eveng. a little lowering.

24. Morning cloudy but not frozen. Aft[ernoon] clear & cooler than for some days past wind being at No. West.

25. A large white frost & grd. a little froze but not very cold. Wind first Northwardly & then Eastwardly and lowering.

26. A good deal of Rain fell last Night & some today. The Wind at So. West and fresh. No frost.

27. Cloudy Morning, but clear day—the wind being No. West & westwardly but not cold nor hard.

28. No frost. Lowering Morning with the wind at So. Et.—afterwards clearer, with the Wind at So. and warmer.


Title: [undated diary entry]
From: Washington, George
To:

Killd a Wether which waid alive—

                  being a middlesized one
                  103 lbs. Gross

                  When dressd
                  60 lbs. nett a 3d.
                  0.15.0

                   5½ Tallow 7½
                  3.5

                   3 Wool 15
                  3.9

                    Skin
                  1.3

                  £1. 3.5

             Note—the above at a low estimate, appears to be no more than the worth of a fat Wether—it being imagind, that they woud average the above weight and 3d. pr. lb. is a low price at this Season of the year.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Mar. 1. Rid to Muddy hole—Doeg Run & Mill Plantations with Mr. W[arne]r Washington, who with his Lady & Miss Betcy Washington that came yesterday also dind & lodgd here today &ca. Mr. Willm. Crawford came in the Afternoon.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

2. At home all day with the above Company.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

3. Went to the Vestry at Pohick Church and returnd abt. 11 Oclock at Night. Found Mr. Tibbles here.


Title: [Diary entry: 4 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

4. Warnr. Washington & Lady & Captn. Crawford & Mr. Tibbles went away after Brea[kfast]. Myself at home all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

5. Went up to Alexa. after fieldg. Lewis & brot. him down to Dinner where I found Mr. Wr. Washington—who returnd after Din[ner].


Title: [Diary entry: 6 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

6. Set out with Fieldg. Lewis for Fredg. where we reachd after dinner at Peyton’s on Acquia—i.e. reachd my Mother’s.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

7. Went to Fredericksburg & remaind there all day—ding. at Colo. Lewis’s.


Title: [Diary entry: 8 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

8. Still there, dind at the same place, spending the Evening at Weedon’s at the Club.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

9. Set of for Robt. Ashbys, and after dining by the way, reachd it a little after dark.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

10. Went out to run out the bounds of the Land I bot. of Carters Estate but the Weathr. being very cold & windy was obligd to return.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

11. Went out again on the same business & returnd at Night to Captn. Ashbys.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

12. At Captn. Ashbys all day. In the afternoon Captn. Marshal came & spent the Evening.


Title: [Diary entry: 14 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

14. Out in like manner.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

15. Out again with many People attending.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

16. Ditto—Ditto—Ditto.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

18. Went up to Greenway Court where I dined and stayd all Night. Met Colo. Lewis here.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

19. Went with Colo. Lewis to his Plantations where I stayd all day & Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 20 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

20. Executing in the forenoon Deeds, & settling with those who had purchd. Carters Land upon Opechon. In the afternoon rid to Valentine Crawfd.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

21. Went & laid of 4 Lots at the head of Bullskin for several Tenents.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

23. Set of homewards. Breakfasted at Mr. Ariss’s dind undr. the Ridge & lodgd at Wests.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

24. Reachd home before dinner. Found Colo. Bassett, Lady & 2 Childn. Betcy & Nancy here also Mr. W[arne]r Washington & Jacky Custis.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

25. Went a fox hunting with Colo. Bassett & Mr. Bryan Fairfax—who also came here last night. Started & run a fox into a hole after an hours chase. Mr. Fairfax went home after dinner. Dog fox killd.


Title: [Diary entry: 26 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

26. Took an airing with Colo. Bassett on horse back. Mr. R. Alexander came in the Evg.


Title: [Diary entry: 27 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

27. Went a Fox hunting—found and was run out of hearing by some of the Dogs.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

28. Hunting again. Found a fox & killd it in an hour and an half. Mr. Magowan & Vale. Crawford came here today.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

29. Rid with Colo. Bassett into the Neck. Vale. Crawford went to Colo. Fairfax’s.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

30. Dined at Colo. Fairfax’s along with Colo. Bassett & Lady—returnd in the Eveng.


Title: [March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Mar. 1. Rid to Muddy hole—Doeg Run & Mill Plantations with Mr. W[arne]r Washington, who with his Lady & Miss Betcy Washington that came yesterday also dind & lodgd here today &ca. Mr. Willm. Crawford came in the Afternoon.

2. At home all day with the above Company.

3. Went to the Vestry at Pohick Church and returnd abt. 11 Oclock at Night. Found Mr. Tibbles here.

   GW was late in returning because the proposed location of the new Pohick Church was not wearing well with the minority of vestrymen who lived conveniently near the old church. After prolonged debate lasting well into the evening, the vestry finally accepted Daniel French’s bid for building the new church, but “not having compleated their business,” they adjourned till “Fryday the Seventh Day of April next” to sign the articles of agreement (Truro Vestry Book, 137, DLC). For the tradition that GW led the Crossroads majority and George Mason led the old-location minority, see slaughter [1]Philip Slaughter. The History of Truro Parish in Virginia. Edited by Edward L. Goodwin. Philadelphia, 1908., 63–64; mvarAnnual Report of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union. Mount Vernon, Va., 1854–., 1964, 22–25.

   mr. tibbles: GW to Thomas Lewis, 5 May 1774, refers to “Mr. Theobald (or Tibbles, as he is commonly called),” who was a partner of Michael Cresap in a western land speculation scheme (DLC:GW).

4. Warnr. Washington & Lady & Captn. Crawford & Mr. Tibbles went away after Brea[kfast]. Myself at home all day.

5. Went up to Alexa. after fieldg. Lewis & brot. him down to Dinner where I found Mr. Wr. Washington—who returnd after Din[ner].

6. Set out with Fieldg. Lewis for Fredg. where we reachd after dinner at Peyton’s on Acquia—i.e. reachd my Mother’s.

   Peyton’s ordinary, on Aquia Creek in Stafford County, was about 16 miles above Fredericksburg on the main road from Alexandria (see riceHoward C. Rice, Jr., and Anne S. K. Brown, eds. The American Campaigns of Rochambeau’s Army, 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783. 2 vols. Princeton, N.J., 1972., 2:93, 177). While GW was at Ferry Farm he gave his mother £3 cash (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 287).

7. Went to Fredericksburg & remaind there all day—ding. at Colo. Lewis’s.

8. Still there, dind at the same place, spending the Evening at Weedon’s at the Club.

   George Weedon (c.1734–1793) kept a “large and commodious” tavern on the main street of Fredericksburg (now Caroline Street) “nearly opposite” the town hall and public market. Frequented “by the first gentlemen” of Virginia and “neighboring colonies,” it contained “a well accustomed billiard room” and was the place where local horse races were arranged (Va. Gaz., P&D, 12 Sept. 1766 and P, 15 Sept. 1775; Fredericksburg Va. Herald, 23 Oct. 1788). His fellow Freemasons sometimes adjourned there for food and entertainment after meeting at the town hall (goolrickJohn T. Goolrick. Fredericksburg and The Cavalier Country, America’s Most Historic Section: Its Homes[,] Its People and Romances. Richmond, Va., 1935., 37). Born in Westmoreland County, Weedon served in the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War, being commissioned an ensign in 1755 and later rising to the rank of captain. Before April 1764 he married Catharine Gordon (d. 1797) of Fredericksburg, and by 1766 he was running the tavern on the main street, which her parents had previously owned and operated (king [2]George H. S. King. “General George Weedon.” William and Mary Quarterly, 2d ser., 20 (1940): 237–52.).

   the club: It was a common practice among Virginia gentlemen of this time, when dining or supping at a tavern, to do so in groups either at a private table or, at a large tavern like Weedon’s, in a private room. They would be served as a unit by the innkeeper and then would club for the cost of the food, drink, and room; that is, they would divide the total bill equally (gibbsPatricia Ann Gibbs. “Taverns in Tidewater Virginia, 1700–1774.” Master’s thesis, College of William and Mary, 1968., 98–107). On this evening GW paid 2s. 6d. as his share of the club and lost 1s. 6d. at cards (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 287).

9. Set of for Robt. Ashbys, and after dining by the way, reachd it a little after dark.

   Capt. Robert Ashby (c.1707–1792) was the second son of Thomas Ashby (see entry for 12 Mar. 1748). Robert had worked as a marker for GW during the survey of the Fairfax lands in 1748 and was now living at Yew Hill, Fauquier County, about eight miles south of Ashby’s Gap on the southern road to Winchester.

10. Went out to run out the bounds of the Land I bot. of Carters Estate but the Weathr. being very cold & windy was obligd to return.

   George Carter, the youngest son of Robert “King” Carter, died intestate in England c.1742. To settle his estate the Virginia Assembly passed an act (heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819–23. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 5:300) in 1744 directing trustees to sell Carter’s vast holdings of more than 20,000 acres of land in Prince William, Fairfax, and Frederick counties. Twenty years later less than half of the lands had been sold, and Carter’s heirs petitioned the Assembly to name a new set of trustees to sell the remaining acreage. An act was passed in 1766 (heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819–23. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 8:215) naming Robert Burwell, Fielding Lewis, and GW as the new trustees. In Nov. 1767 they met at Capt. Robert Ashby’s home in Fauquier County to sell the remaining lands and GW bought 2,682 acres “of Geo Carter’s Estate” for himself (Va. Gaz., P&D, 19 Nov. 1767; General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 257).

11. Went out again on the same business & returnd at Night to Captn. Ashbys.

12. At Captn. Ashbys all day. In the afternoon Captn. Marshal came & spent the Evening.

   Thomas Marshall (1730–1802), father of Chief Justice John Marshall, was a burgess for Fauquier County 1761–67, 1769–73, and 1775–76. He was a delegate to the first three Virginia Conventions in 1775, and served as colonel of the Third Virginia Regiment during the Revolution. In the 1780s he moved with his family to Kentucky and represented Fayette County in the Virginia House of Delegates. At the time of this entry, Marshall was living at “The Hollow” near present-day Markham, Va., about five miles from Robert Ashby’s Yew Hill home.

13. Out a Surveying till Night with sevel. attending.

14. Out in like manner.

15. Out again with many People attending.

16. Ditto—Ditto—Ditto.

17. Executing Leases to those who had taken Lotts—being at Captn. Ashbys.

   GW had cut up his purchase of Carter’s land into lots of about 100 acres each and was leasing them on a long-term basis to local farmers for about £4 Virginia currency per lot. On this day GW made at least 11 leases, some of which were for more than one lot. In GW’s lease to George Russell, a fairly typical one, Russell was to be charged 30s. for each hand over four that was worked on the lot. Within ten years Russell was to plant and tend “at least Fifty Winter Apple trees at Thirty feet distance every way from each other and One hundred Peach trees at Sixteen feet distance every way from each other” and to build “a Good dwelling house at least Sixteen feet square of framed Work or Loggs Sawed and well hewed and a Barne or Tobacco house of Convenient Size or other houses and Buildings Equal thereto.” GW retained the right to “all Mines Minerals and Quaries,” as well as most of the timber, and reserved to himself “the Priviledge of hunting and fowling in or upon any part” of Russell’s lot (17 Mar. 1769, ViWarFauCt).

18. Went up to Greenway Court where I dined and stayd all Night. Met Colo. Lewis here.

   Greenway Court was not only the residence of Lord Fairfax but also the permanent location of the proprietor’s land office. There GW and Fielding Lewis, in their capacity as trustees for the sale of George Carter’s estate, paid Fairfax the balance of quitrents owed by the estate since 1746 (receipt from Thomas, Lord Fairfax, to GW and Lewis, 18 Mar. 1769, DNA).

19. Went with Colo. Lewis to his Plantations where I stayd all day & Night.

20. Executing in the forenoon Deeds, & settling with those who had purchd. Carters Land upon Opechon. In the afternoon rid to Valentine Crawfd.

   Opequon Creek, then in Frederick County, now divides Berkeley and Jefferson counties, W.Va. It rises a few miles southeast of Winchester and flows into the Potomac 15 or 16 miles above Harpers Ferry (kerchevalSamuel Kercheval. A History of the Valley of Virginia. 4th ed. Strasburg, Va., 1925., 305; norris [1]J. E. Norris, ed. History of the Lower Shenandoah Valley. 1890. Reprint. Berryville, Va., 1972., 29).

21. Went & laid of 4 Lots at the head of Bullskin for several Tenents.

22. Filling up leases for them at Val Crawfords all day.

23. Set of homewards. Breakfasted at Mr. Ariss’s dind undr. the Ridge & lodgd at Wests.

   John Ariss (d. 1799), originally of Westmoreland County, was one of the most successful architects and builders in Maryland and northern Virginia. In

1769 he moved from Richmond County to Frederick (later Berkeley) County. Although he has been credited with participating in work on the Mount Vernon mansion house 1757–59 and 1773–87, no documentary evidence has been found to support such a view (watermanThomas Tileston Waterman. The Mansions of Virginia, 1706–1776. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1946., 243–300, 419). In 1788 he leased 700 acres on GW’s Bullskin tract at £60 a year (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772–1793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 281).

24. Reachd home before dinner. Found Colo. Bassett, Lady & 2 Childn. Betcy & Nancy here also Mr. W[arne]r Washington & Jacky Custis.

   Betcy and Nancy are Elizabeth Bassett (1758–1773), who died in childhood, and Anna Maria Bassett (1763–1773), who was the second Bassett daughter so named, the first, born in 1760, having died in infancy.

25. Went a fox hunting with Colo. Bassett & Mr. Bryan Fairfax—who also came here last night. Started & run a fox into a hole after an hours chase. Mr. Fairfax went home after dinner. Dog fox killd.

26. Took an airing with Colo. Bassett on horse back. Mr. R. Alexander came in the Evg.

27. Went a Fox hunting—found and was run out of hearing by some of the Dogs.

28. Hunting again. Found a fox & killd it in an hour and an half. Mr. Magowan & Vale. Crawford came here today.

   On 26 Jan. of this year GW wrote to Rev. Jonathan Boucher that Magowan “has been fortunate in a Presentation to a good Parish . . . and is now living therein” (writingsJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745–1799. 39 vols. Washington, D.C., 1931–44., 2:498–99). This was the parish of St. James (commonly called Herring Creek Parish) which lay between Herring Creek and the West River in Anne Arundel County, Md. Magowan had apparently passed up Frederick Parish, Va., which was much larger in area and probably not as wealthy as St. James.

29. Rid with Colo. Bassett into the Neck. Vale. Crawford went to Colo. Fairfax’s.

30. Dined at Colo. Fairfax’s along with Colo. Bassett & Lady—returnd in the Eveng.

31. Hunting—found a fox & killd him in a hour. This & the last were both Dog Foxes. Mr. Magowan went to Alexandria.


Title: [Diary entry: 1 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Mar. 1. No frost but raw & cold. Wind North in the Morning—but No. East afterwards and very cloudy—with Misling Rain at Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 2 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

2. Not much Rain in the Night but some hard showers today, with the Wind Southwardly in the forepart of the day and No. Wt. afterwards.—then growing clear & cold.


Title: [Diary entry: 4 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

4. Ground again slightly froze. Wind at No. Et., & day lowering. In the Afternoon fine Rain or Mist & wind fresh from the same point. Evening calm but still misty.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

5. Morning clear & Wind Southwardly. Abt. 10 Oclock the Wind came hard from the Westward & contd. all day but not cold.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

6. Ground a little froze. Wind Westwardly but not hard. Pleast. till Evening then raw cold & cloudy. Wind Eastwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

7. Ground slightly froze. Weathr. raw cold cloudy, & in the Afternn. Snowg.; wind Northwd.


Title: [Diary entry: 8 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

8. Ground coverd two or 3 Inches with Snow but not being cold it thawd fast after the morng. when the Sun broke out.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

9. Ground hard froze—& very raw cold, and cloudy till 12 oclock then more moderate. Wind southwardly and clear.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

10. Exceeding high & cold wind from the No. West all day. Ground hard froze.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

12. Ground hard froze. Calm Mild & pleasant with passive clouds & sunshine.


Title: [Diary entry: 14 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

14. Very pleasant and warm there being but little Wind.


Title: [Diary entry: 15 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

15. Again warm & pleasant with but little Wind.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

16. Morning lowering and sometimes raining with high squals of wind.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

17. Morning pretty sharp wind having shifted to the No. West in the Night—but the day clear still & pleasant.


Title: [Diary entry: 18 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

18. Lowering with a little rain in the afternn. Wind southwardly and Evening clear.


Title: [Diary entry: 19 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

19. A most delightful morning, & pleast. clear day. Afternoon lowering & windy.


Title: [Diary entry: 20 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

20. A little cool but still clear and pleasant.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

21. Clear and very warm the first part of the day. Windy the latter part from the Westward & at Night cool wind at No. West.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

22. Cool. Wind still at North West & clear.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

25. Southwardly wind & Warm. Day clear but very smoky as it hath been for sevl. days past.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

28. Rather cool. Wind at No. West but not hard.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

29. Fine warm Morning & Wind afterwards from So. West & cooler.


Title: [Diary entry: 31 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

31. A fine warm & pleasant day with but little wind and that southwardly.


Title: An Acct. of the Weather—in March [1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Mar. 1. No frost but raw & cold. Wind North in the Morning—but No. East afterwards and very cloudy—with Misling Rain at Night.

2. Not much Rain in the Night but some hard showers today, with the Wind Southwardly in the forepart of the day and No. Wt. afterwards.—then growing clear & cold.

3. The ground slightly froze. Wind still at No. West—but not cold. Weathr. clear.

4. Ground again slightly froze. Wind at No. Et., & day lowering. In the Afternoon fine Rain or Mist & wind fresh from the same point. Evening calm but still misty.

5. Morning clear & Wind Southwardly. Abt. 10 Oclock the Wind came hard from the Westward & contd. all day but not cold.

6. Ground a little froze. Wind Westwardly but not hard. Pleast. till Evening then raw cold & cloudy. Wind Eastwardly.

7. Ground slightly froze. Weathr. raw cold cloudy, & in the Afternn. Snowg.; wind Northwd.

8. Ground coverd two or 3 Inches with Snow but not being cold it thawd fast after the morng. when the Sun broke out.

9. Ground hard froze—& very raw cold, and cloudy till 12 oclock then more moderate. Wind southwardly and clear.

10. Exceeding high & cold wind from the No. West all day. Ground hard froze.

11. Ground excessive hard froze & Morning very cold—wind being fresh from the No. Wt. but the Afternoon more moderate wind falling.

12. Ground hard froze. Calm Mild & pleasant with passive clouds & sunshine.

13. Ground hard froze but the Weather very mild & pleasant after the Morning.

14. Very pleasant and warm there being but little Wind.

15. Again warm & pleasant with but little Wind.

16. Morning lowering and sometimes raining with high squals of wind.

17. Morning pretty sharp wind having shifted to the No. West in the Night—but the day clear still & pleasant.

18. Lowering with a little rain in the afternn. Wind southwardly and Evening clear.

19. A most delightful morning, & pleast. clear day. Afternoon lowering & windy.

20. A little cool but still clear and pleasant.

21. Clear and very warm the first part of the day. Windy the latter part from the Westward & at Night cool wind at No. West.

22. Cool. Wind still at North West & clear.

23. Clear & pleasant. But little wind & that southwardly.

24. Wind Southwardly, & little of it. Day very warm and clear.

25. Southwardly wind & Warm. Day clear but very smoky as it hath been for sevl. days past.

26. Very warm & clear except smokey. Wind still to the southward.

27. Lowering Morning with rain from 10 Oclock from the No. East all day & Night.

28. Rather cool. Wind at No. West but not hard.

29. Fine warm Morning & Wind afterwards from So. West & cooler.

30. A little Rain in the Morning, but clear afterwards with the Wind pretty fresh, & somewhat cool from No. Wt.

31. A fine warm & pleasant day with but little wind and that southwardly.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

10. And from that to the 18 laying of Lotts & leasing them in Fauquier & Loudoun Countys on the Land which I bought of Carters Estate.


Title: [Diary entry: 20 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

20. & from that to the 23d. doing the like on my Land at Bullskin in Frederick County.


Title: [Diary entry: 24 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

24. Returnd home from my Journey to Frederick &ca. and found that the Hound Bitch Maiden had taken Dog promiscuously. That the Bitch Lady was in Heat & had also been promiscuously lined, & therefore I did not shut her up—That Dutchess was shut up, and had been lind twice by Drunkard, but was out one Night in her heat, & supposd to be lind by other Dog’s—that Truelove was also in the House—as was Mopsy likewise (who had been lind to Pilot before she was shut up).


Title: [Diary entry: 31 March 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

Mar. 31. To this time Mopsy had been lind several times by Lawlor as Truelove had been by Drunkard—but as this Bitch got [out] one Night during her Heat it is presumable she was lind by other Dogs especially Pilot, the Master Dog, & one who was seen lying down by her in the Morning. Began about the 28th. to Plow behind the Quarter for oats & grass seeds.


Title: [Diary entry: 3 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

3. Colo. Bassett and family set of homeward as Jacky Custis did to School & the above Gentlemen for Dumfries. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run & Mill.


Title: [Diary entry: 4 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

4. After an early Dinner went to Belvoir to pay a visit to Colo. R. Fairfax, returnd at Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 5 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

5. Run the back line of Spencer and Washingtons Patent & came home to Dinner.


Title: [Diary entry: 6 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

6. At home all day. Mr. Magowan returnd from Dumfries.


Title: [Diary entry: 7 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

7. Went a fox hunting in the Morning & catchd a dog fox after running him an hour and treeing twice. After this went to an intended meeting of the Vestry but there was none. When I came home found Mr. Buchanon & Captn. McGachin here—also Captn. Weeden and my Br. Charles.


Title: [Diary entry: 8 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

8. The two first went to Occaquan works & returnd in the Afternoon. At home all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 9 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

9. At home all day with the above Gentlemen & Mr. Tibbles. In the afternoon Captn. Jno. West came here.


Title: [Diary entry: 10 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

10. Captn. McGachin & Mr. Buchanan & Mr. Tibbles went away. We were at home all day.


Title: [Diary entry: 11 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

11. Went a fox hunting & took a fox alive after running him to a Tree. Brot. him home.


Title: [Diary entry: 12 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

12. Chased the above fox an Hour & 45 Minutes when he treed again after which we lost him. Mr. B. Fairfax came this afternoon.


Title: [Diary entry: 13 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

13. Went a Huntg. with him in the Neck & killd a Dog fox after treeing him in 35 Min[utes]. Mr. W[arner] Washington Dind here & both of them stayd all Night. My Br. & Captn. Weeden went away this Morning.


Title: [Diary entry: 14 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

14. Mr. Fairfax & Mr. Washington went away and we set out to go to Captn. McCartys but Patcy being taken with a fit on the road by the Mill we turnd back.


Title: [Diary entry: 16 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

16. Went to Pohick Church and returnd home to Dinner.


Title: [Diary entry: 17 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

17. Went up to Court & lodgd at Mr. Jno. Wests at Night.


Title: [Diary entry: 21 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

21. At home with Colo. Mason who went away in the Afternoon.


Title: [Diary entry: 22 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

22. Surveying in the Woods all day. Mr. Chichester Mr. Ball Mr. Hale & Miss Sinai McCarty dind here.


Title: [Diary entry: 23 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

23. Dined at Belvoir. Met Majr. Wagener coming to dine with me. Doctr. Rumney came.


Title: [Diary entry: 25 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

25. At home all day alone. The above two Gentlemen went away yesterday afternn.


Title: [Diary entry: 28 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

28. At home all day. Doctr. Rumney came here in the afternoon.


Title: [Diary entry: 29 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

29. Went up to Alexandria and Mr. Jno. Wests & returnd to Dinner.


Title: [Diary entry: 30 April 1769]
From: Washington, George
To:

30. Set of for Williamsburg with Betcy Dandridge & was forcd into Peytons Ordy. at Aquia where we lodgd.