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to Henry Knox

"His Excellency," George Washington, compliments Colonel Knox, asks him to come to headquarters immediately, and invites him to dinner at 2 o'clock that night. The letter must be from 1776, since this is the only year in which Knox is a Colonel in...

GLC02437.00546

to Henry Knox

Invites Knox to join him for "Dinner to day at 2 o Clock." The year is not given, but has to be 1776 as Knox was a Colonel then.

GLC02437.00531

to Daniel Brodhead

General Washington refers to previous correspondence with General Brodhead, known for leading several military expeditions against Native Americans. Writes that a previously mentioned expedition "against the Natches and the English settlements upon...

GLC06690

[Authorization for William Lee to return to Virginia].

Pass authorized by the Council Chamber of the State of Massachusetts Bay and attested to by Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts John Avery releases Lee from Massachusetts on parole as of September 13, 1779. A note confirming Lee's...

GLC02064

to James McHenry

Describes his scheme to return a runaway slave to his master William Drayton of Charleston, S.C. After visiting Mount Vernon with his master, the enslaved person escaped and returned to Washington's home. Washington writes that "[t]he fellow pretends...

GLC02065

to Thomas S. Lee

Asks Governor of Maryland Lee to intervene on the behalf of Captain Thomas Shilds, who Henry Knox ordered to gather supplies for the siege of Yorktown. Shilds was authorized to impress material and he confiscated wooden planks from a man named...

GLC02437.01273

to the Board of War and Ordnance

In the hand of, and composed by, Henry Knox on behalf of George Washington. Discusses order to prepare a battering train in Philadelphia concerning a secret mission.

GLC02437.00898

At a council of war held at Frederickburgh Octr 16th 1778

Knox's handwritten copy of Washington's queries to his Council of War. Washington informs the Council that the British force consists of two divisions (one at New York and one at Rhode Island). A detachment from New York were recently "employed in...

GLC02437.00731

to James Clinton

Apologizes for not being able to extend Clinton's furlough any longer. There is a shortage of officers, so Clinton must return as soon as possible. Possibly written in the hand of Tench Tilghman, Washington's aide-de-camp.

GLC02336

to James McHenry

In reply to McHenry's letter of 2 May 1799. Written as commander of Provisional Army created during the fear of a French invasion to McHenry as Secretary of War in the Adams Administration. They are attempting to find the best candidates to fill...

GLC02337

to James Clinton

Ordering Clinton to go to Albany to "assist in the command of the Northern department" under General Schuyler. Warns Clinton that there is not time for delay. "General McDougal will take the direction of matters in the Highlands when you are gone."

GLC02366

to Alexander McDougall and and Henry Knox

Written jointly to General McDougall and General Henry Knox. Washington names them commissioners to meet with the commissioners of Sir Guy Carleton, the commander of British forces in America, to settle issues with prisoners of war. Mentions enclosed...

GLC02380

A Proclamation [printer's proof of neutrality proclamation]

Printer's broadside proof of Washington's neutrality proclamation printed at the Columbian Centinel (Boston). The date is inferred.

GLC02391

Extract of a letter from General Washington to Timothy Pickering Quarter Master General, dated Rocky Hill, Sepr 4th 1783

Written in Timothy Pickering's hand. Signed in text by Pickering in the body of the document. Docket on verso is in Knox's hand. The extract says: "If it is well ascertained that the Chain can be preserved in perfect order for future use, I should...

GLC02437.02467

to Henry Knox

Discusses his orders regarding collecting wood to be used as fuel for the nearby hospital. Washington states he directed the Fourth Connecticut regiment to gather the wood because he found the corps idle and the rest of the army was employed in...

GLC02437.10429

to the Emperor of Morocco

Thanks the Emperor for sending letters to the rulers of Tunis and Tripoli re: Barbary pirates, explaining that America cannot pay the desired tribute, having "no Mines, either of Gold, or Silver, and ... just recovering from the Waste and Desolation...

GLC09033

[Indian treaties]

Discusses treaties with the Indians, particularly the Creeks. Mentions a land dispute between the natives and settlers in Georgia, which has been a major roadblock to obtaining a treaty. Date previously inferred, written in pencil.

GLC02437.09985

to Henry Knox

One of Washington's most famous letters, written shortly before going to New York for his inauguration. Washington writes about his apprehensions on assuming the presidency: "my movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied with feelings...

GLC02437.09419

to Jonathan Trumbull re: unwillingness to accept a 3d term, political attacks

Explaining unwillingness to accept a third term, describing political attacks, etc.: "Let that party [the Democrats] set up a broomstick, and call it a true son of Liberty, a Democrat, or give it any other epithet that will suit their purpose, and it...

GLC05787

to Henry Knox

Refers to the constitutional rights of Massachusetts. Also discusses insurgents in that state (Shays' Rebellion was losing momentum). Relates in confidence that he does not want to go to the Constitutional Convention (to be held in Philadelphia)...

GLC02437.09410

to John Francis Mercer

Washington replies to a letter from Mercer, noting that he would have replied sooner, but he had a fever. Expresses his plan to never enslaved another person again, and his wish that slavery be abolished by "slow, sure & imperceptible degrees."...

GLC03705

to Samuel Huntington

Washington transmits several Acts and duplicates (not included) to Huntington, Governor of Connecticut. Includes Acts for allowing for compensation to the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, for the establishment of the Post Office...

GLC05231

to Burgess Ball

President Washington discusses the construction of a tilt hammer. Relates that the United States Government may be interested in purchasing a tract of land from Ball, upon which to establish an arsenal. Discusses the character of Hyland Crow, who...

GLC05287

to John Marshall

Marked private. President Washington offers the Ministry of France to Marshall. Says it was necessary to recall Monroe, the current minister. Hopes he will accept the offer as soon as possible. Post script says he wants Marshall to see him when he...

GLC05288

to Edward Carrington

Thanks him for earlier letters. Discusses official appointments. States that the Senate has denied the appointment of John Rutledge as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Informs that the Department of War is still unfilled and he is waiting for...

GLC05310

to James McHenry

States he is stuck on the Susquehanna River because of low tide and bad winds. Takes the opportunity to discuss administration of the Provisional Army. Says War Department should only communicate with a concentrated military leadership, or else it...

GLC05319

[The Address of the Religious Society called Quakers, from their Yearly Meeting for Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware...].

Also represents Quakers in western Maryland and Virginia. Composed at a September 9, 1789 meeting and issued by the meeting's clerk, Nicholas Waln. Addressed to the President of the U.S. The Quakers offer support and prayers for Washington's...

GLC05329

to Oliver Pollock

States that upon receiving Pollock's previous letter, he was engaged in a business meeting with the director of the Potomac Company at Shenandoah Falls, Virginia. Declines Pollock's request for recommendation to Esteban Rodriguez Miro y Sabater, the...

GLC05454

[Patent for George Chandler's improvement in making nails]

Signed by Washington as President. Countersigned by Timothy Pickering as Secretary of State and Charles Lee as Attorney General. Chandler's written description of his improvement is signed by J. Churchman and Peter Barker as witnesses. Includes a...

GLC06040

A Catalog of the Washington collection in the Boston Athenaeum

Compiled by William Coolidge Lane. First edition, 8vo, frontis portrait, 1 other plate and 12 facsimile titlepages. "A catalogue of the books from Washington's library and assorted Washingtoniana on deposit at the Athenaeum, with an inventory of...

GLC06187

to William Alexander

Remarks upon the importance of information received from spies. "Every minutiae should have a place in our collection: for things of a seemingly triffling nature when conjoined with others of a more serious cast may lead to very valuable conclusions...

GLC06193

to James Mercer

Written by Washington a month after the adjournment of the first Continental Congress to Mercer as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Informs Mercer of the cost of purchases made for him in Frederick, Maryland including £29 for a slave...

GLC06335

[Survey for distribution of land among Virginia veterans of French and Indian War]

Crawford's survey of lands west of the Ohio and Great Kanawha Rivers. Signed by William Crawford. At the bottom, Crawford writes the names of five "sworn Chairmen and Markers." Washington adds his faded seven line autograph note on verso.

GLC06346

to Anthony White

No free frank. Orders Colonel White to send two troops from the regiment to Baltimore to pick up cavalry supplies. Specifies that one should be Captain David Hopkins's. Marked no. 1 at top. Free frank in clerical hand.

GLC06425

to Joseph Woodbridge

Negotiates for credit to purchase a cannon for the Continental Army. With a presentation note on page three dated 17 April 1844 from Sheldon Woodbridge to H. A. Sheldon (signed by Woodbridge).

GLC06427

to Joseph Woodbridge

Indicates that he has referred Woodbridge's letter about finalizing a cannon purchase to Robert Morris because he (Washington) has to march southward (for the Yorktown campaign). See also GLC06427 on the cannon purchase.

GLC06428

to John E. Howard

Transmits to the governor of Maryland "an Act providing for the Expenses which may attend Negotiations or Treaties with the Indian Tribes, and the appointment of Commissioners for managing the same." With presentation note on verso indicating that...

GLC06430

to Tobias Lear

Writes about household affairs at Mount Vernon. Discusses the staff and forbids the steward from having wine. Asks him to keep the garden in order. Asks Lear to, "Furnish Mrs. Washington with what money she may want and from time to time ask her...

GLC06431

[Recognizing Dannery as French Consul at Boston]

Countersigned by Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State. Official recognition of Thomas Dannery as French Consul in Boston. Given "such functions, powers, and priviledges, as are allowed to Consuls of the French Republick by law." Large raised seal...

GLC06432

to Gouverneur Morris

Marked both duplicate and private. President Washington writes to Morris as Minister to France. Assures Morris of his continued confidence in him, despite the need to recall him from his position in Paris. Says he was not going to write and simply...

GLC06433.01

to James McHenry

Washington as commander of Provisional Army during Quasi War to James McHenry, Secretary of War. References McHenry's letters and enclosures of 11, 19, 21 May 1799 and his letter of 13 May 1799 to McHenry. Washington claims he cannot get enough...

GLC06435

to Caesar Rodney

Discusses poor performance of militia and possibility of losing Philadelphia. "The conduct of the Militia is much to be regretted. In many instances, they are not to be roused, and in others, they come into the Field with all possible indifference...

GLC06482

to Caesar Rodney

Discusses moving the cavalry of Count Pulaski's legion to where it will interfere less with supply with Rodney, then President of Delaware. Suggests Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware as a possible location and seeks the proper authority to...

GLC06483

to Caesar Rodney

Circular letter written by Washington as commander of the Continental Army to Rodney as Governor of Delaware. The two page letter is accompanied by a leaf entitled "List of American Officers Prisoners who have violated their Paroles belonging to the...

GLC06484

to Caesar Rodney

Desires that the posts for "Four Vacant Ensigncies" be filled by new officers. Says "It is essential to service that Troops should be well officered -- and in our's the compliment allowed should be generally full." He mentions that two officers in...

GLC06485

to Samuel Huntington

Manuscript copy of a letter from Washington to President of Congress Huntington dated 20 June 1780. With address leaf that enclosed this copy sent from South Carolina politician John Mathews to Delaware Governor Caesar Rodney. Washington writes that...

GLC06486

to Caesar Rodney

Asking Rodney to give orders for the Delaware militia "to march and join the army under my command where ever it may be."

GLC06487

to Caesar Rodney

Original manuscript copy, with clerical signature, of a letter appealing to the Committee of Congress for Cooperation. This copy of the letter was sent to Delaware Governor Rodney. Discusses the shortage of troops in the Continental Army, the...

GLC06488

to Caesar Rodney

Informs Rodney that all provisions for the army should be placed at Christiana Bridge, Delaware. This was in accordance with an act of Congress saying that the provisions provided by each state should be placed at a point of Washington's choosing....

GLC06489

to Caesar Rodney

Informs Delaware Governor Rodney to send enlisted troops to Virginia. "One battalion of Infantry and a Corps of Horses... are required of the State of Delaware to serve for three Months" due to the "alarming progress which the Enemy are making in...

GLC06490

Letter by George Washington and prisoner list [Decimalized .01-.02]

A letter by George Washington regarding his campaign, and a list of prisoners from General Burgoyne's surrender.

GLC07115

to Landon Carter

Signed twice by Washington. Discusses his campaign, the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Red Bank and Saratoga, and the danger of being captured. "at the same time that I assure you, that, It is not my wish to avoid any danger which duty requires...

GLC07115.01

to Thomas Mifflin

Presidential circular letter in which Washington transmits to Mifflin "the duplicates of the two Acts - one to establish the Treasury Department - and one for registering and clearing Vessels, regulating the coasting trade, and for other purposes."

GLC07116

to Edmund Randolph

Signed with initials ("G.W.") President Washington states that a painful disorder prevented him from replying sooner to a letter from Randolph. Discusses the lottery of the deceased Colonel Byrd, stating that one of the associates of this lottery...

GLC07161

The Last Will & Testament of.... George Washington

Printed by Isaiah Thomas. Uncut.

GLC07425

to George Baylor

Advises Baylor to "use every means in your power" to ascertain as much information as possible about the British troops embarking from New York. Also instructs him to keep an eye on the North River and to notify West Point if he sees any British...

GLC07486

to John Fairfax

Before leaving Mount Vernon to serve his first term as President of the United States, Washington instructs Fairfax regarding management of the estate. States that all matters should ultimately be directed by his nephew, Major George Augustine...

GLC07487

to Charles Lee

Anticipates a prisoner exchange. Worries the British will try to exchange men who are not really continental soldiers, therefore requests Lee to order all officers to make lists of those in their units who are missing or dead. Encloses "a...

GLC07491

to Burwell Bassett

In a humorous letter, chastizes Bassett, his brother-in-law, for not attending church. States "strange it is that you will be so blind to truth that the enlightening sounds of the Gospel can not reach your Ear, nor no Examples awaken you to a sense...

GLC07545

to David Stuart

Washington thanks Stuart for his observations on the fitness of the Potomac for the fur trade with China. Asks if Stuart has informed Colonel John Fitzgerald and Colonel Howe of his observations and inquires if he gave them reason to believe those...

GLC07546

to Henry Knox

General Washington informs General Knox of the British army's progress (possibly in the Hudson Highlands, New York). States "It would appear from a number of circumstances that they mean to press their operations against the posts on the highlands...

GLC07674

to Nathanael Greene

Informs Greene of the size of a British expeditionary force of 1600 men under the command of traitor Benedict Arnold. Also mentions conflicting reports of the battle at Blackstock Plantation in South Carolina between Continental General Thomas...

GLC07675

to Daniel Brodhead

General Washington discusses Colonel Bowman's apprehension regarding British progress with General Brodhead, stationed at Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania. States "what men can be spared from the Garrison of the upper Country- St. Johns- Montreal and Quebec...

GLC07702

To: Benjamin Lincoln.

Inserting advertisement into a Gazette of Lincoln's choosing seeking tenants for his western lands.

GLC08019

To: Samuel Athawes

Declining to be exectutor of George W. Fairfax's estate following his death.

GLC08020

Farewell Address

Farewell Address, printed in "Resolves of the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Together with the messages..."

GLC08021

[Presidential pardon of the ten ringleaders of the Whiskey Rebellion, who had been convicted of high treason]

Countersigned by Timothy Pickering as Secretary of State. Pardons Daniel Hamilton, William Miller, Richard Holcroft, Ebenezer Gallagher, William Hannah, Peter Lisle, David Lock, Alexander Fulton, Samuel Hannah and Thomas Spiers. Includes the...

GLC08072

to John Clark

Declines to take Major Clark on as an aide during the Whiskey Rebellion. Comments: "Nothing short of imperious necessity can justify my being absent from the seat of government while Congress is in session."

GLC08075

to Henry Knox

Responds to a letter from Secretary of War Knox relating to the security of the Old Northwest. Comments on a speech by Lord Dorchester [Sir Guy Carleton], the commander in chief in British North America, and states his belief that the British intend...

GLC08076

To: John Mckinley

Appealing for provisions, including shoes . For troops soon to be at Valley Forge. (To the president of Delaware).

GLC08078

to Sir John Sinclair

Written by President Washington to Sinclair the Scottish politician and writer on finance and agriculture. Describes the natural characteristics of various sections of the country, their chief resources, climates, interests and activities, relative...

GLC08095

Accepting resignation of Col. Edward Wigglesworth

Accepting resignation of Col. Edward Wigglesworth: "I hope your success in the line of life which you are about to pursue will fully compensate you for the losses you have sustained in the service of your country..." with Charles Thompson MD, 3-10...

GLC08134

to William Maxwell

Confirming death sentence against Major Daniel Platt, commuting another, [in reaction court martial 12 soldiers who deserted and planned to join the British].

GLC08135

[Mount Vernon account page].

Account page from Mount Vernon listing monies paid to George Washington by Lewis Lamart, one of his rent collectors.

GLC08228

to John Franklin

Acknowledgement of Franklin's acceptance of the agency of British prisoners and his intention to contact Sir Henry Clinton to make sure that he makes no objection to Franklin's returning to New York.

GLC08229

[Receipt for slave-catching services].

Receipt made out to James Rumsey for payment received by Daniel Neale for pursuit of "Runaway Servants" (most likely slaves). Endorsed by George Washington and George Rumsey on verso.

GLC08254

to Captain Caleb Gibbs

Headquartered at Morristown after a brutal winter, reorganizes his personal, offical and family possessions for residence in Philadelphia as he re-builds the Army to answer Cornwallis's New Jersey campaign: "Bring...my sword, my gun etc.. can had...

GLC08341

to Thomas Johnson

Regretfully accepting resignation of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. ". . .besides the difficulty of finding characters to fill the dignified and important station of Judge, in whom are combined the necessary professional, local and other...

GLC08367

[Draft survey and plot drawing of Fairfax's land jutting into Mount Vernon Estate]

Washington submitted his final version to the Virginia Proprietors, and succeeded in adding the land to Mount Vernon.

GLC08379

[List of men that worked for Potomac Company]

Listing men that worked for Potomac Company at Shenandoah Falls under Jacob Hackney, overseer, from 9 September 1785 to the 24th inclusive. Lists names, occupations, wages, etc.

GLC08385

[Dismal Swamp Survey notes]

Including detailed references to specific plantations, mills, dams, and various other landmarks. With small map and image of George Washington adhered to a board.

GLC08386

Message of the President [official documents re: Genet affair]

Printed by Matthew Carey

GLC08660

to Robert Lewis

Gives to his nephew "The Land which was given to me by my Mother, or as Heir at law I am entitled I do," as a present. Describes the tract in Virginia. Also asks if "Major Harrison went to Mount Vernon as you expected" and about Harrison's...

GLC08930

[Later copy of a letter August 24, 1782 letter to Lord Stirling]

"My Lord: I thank you for naming a gentleman for the officer of Commissary of Prisoners...I thank you, also for the loan of the History of Jno. Sobeiski...If your Lordship is done with the map of Staten Island, I should be glad to have it returned as...

GLC09069

Instructions for visiting the hospital

Headquarters, Valley Forge. "The Commander in Chief being informed that many disorders and irregularities have taken place at the Hospitals and in some the sick are not tended with due care thinks it necessary that each Hospital should be visited by...

GLC09246

to John Hazelwood

As commander-in-chief, sending confidential orders to Commodore John Hazelwood, introducing Captain Samuel Treat, who is delivering "a message of so interesting and important a nature, that I thought it unadviseable to commit it to writing.…" Per...

GLC09378

to Alexander McDougall

Introduction of French engineer, Colonel Louis des Hayes de la Radiere, who was to superintend fortifications on the North (Hudson) River. Washington appointed de la Radiere to oversee the construction of the Hudson's Highlands in late 1777, but a...

GLC04215

to Elizabeth M. Clymer

A one page note pasted in oblong direction on front pastedown of Barlow's Vision of Columbus. (The book is carried on inventory as GLC 4217.01.) Written as president of the Constitutional Convention. The Barlow book was printed in Hartford.

GLC04217

to George Gilpin

Writes as President of Potomac Company informing fellow director Gilpin about the arrangements for an impending meeting of the Company's directors at the falls of the Shenandoah River. He stresses that he hopes the meeting will be productive and...

GLC04387

[Appointment of Robert Morris as judge of district court in New Jersey]

Countersigned by Thomas Jefferson. The words "By the President" are written in Jefferson's hand. Endorsed on verso by James Kinsey, stating that Robert Morris appeared on 10 September 1790 and took the oath of office as Judge of the district court...

GLC04421

to Josiah Quincy

Written just one week after Continental forces captured Boston. Thanks Quincy and the nation for their praise, saying "To obtain the applause of deserving men, is a heart felt satisfaction - to merit them, is my highest wish. If my conduct...

GLC04442

to Ebenezer Hazard

Washington requests a report on the general state of the United States Post Office from Hazard, the Postmaster General.

GLC04444

to William A. Washington

Commisserates with his nephew, Colonel William A. Washington, on the death of his wife. Regrets he cannot find employment for Mr. Ashton, who had been recommended to him by his nephew, as he already has hired a clerk. Notes the grains he uses to make...

GLC04445

[Forgery of a George Washington check]

Written to Mr. M. Pringle for the sum of $287.50. This document is considered to be a forgery created by Robert Spring, a prolific forger of Washington documents.

GLC04541

to Howell Lewis

Writes to his nephew, who was temporarily serving as overseer at Mount Vernon, about the rain they have been experiencing and the effects on the wheat crop. Mentions that the fields should be plowed soon. Asks Lewis to send him any bills. Requests...

GLC04653

to Burwell Bassett

Mentions that he would have enjoyed seeing him at Richmond if it had been possible. Remarks that an artist, Mr. Pine, was at Mount Vernon and had to wait for him to return to do his historical painting. Comments on the engagement of his nephew...

GLC04709

A Collection of speeches of the President... to both Houses of Congress

GLC04718

Land grant transferring land from Capt. Gallohill Minnis to Richard Means

Signed by George Washington as President and countersigned by Timothy Pickering as Secretary of State. Includes handwritten description of the boundaries of the property. Docket on verso signed by James McHenry as Secretary of War on January 16, 1797...

GLC04842.39

to Joseph Palmer

Washington discusses supply and armament of the Army, strategic locations for placing artillery, how best to prosecute the war, and his public image. Asks Palmer for his advice on strategy for defending Boston and the surrounding area, and has...

GLC04858

to Anthony Walton White

Washington writes that the recipient should scrutinize the characters of his men and immediately dismount any suspicious ones since "the loss of a worthless soldier will occasion less regret when it is not accompanied with that of a Horse and...

GLC04859