Collection Search

to George Clinton

Reporting the battle of Stony Point and the situation on the Hudson River. With brief postscript by Washington. Docketed on page 2.

GLC00496.102

to James McHenry

George Washington forwards Anthony MacHarg's letter of application for cavalry instructor to Secretary of War McHenry. Washington expresses interest in MacHarg's experience but requires further testimonial to professional ability and personal...

GLC00496.103

[Land Lease for James Welch]

Washington's copy with annotations throughout. Includes detailed boundary and rent information.

GLC00496.104

to John Davidson

Regarding an address from the Yankee Club of Stewartstown, County Tyrone, Ireland. Recipient inferred from docket.

GLC00496.105

to unknown

Fragment from a longer letter with only the signature and postscript remaining. Postscript discusses surgeons in Philadelphia recommended by delegates of the Continental Congress. "Mr. Palmer" is visible on verso.

GLC00496.107

to James McHenry

Written during the Quasi-War with France. The letter discusses concerns about Democrats infiltrating and subverting the army. Washington remarks that "you could as soon scrub the blackamore white, as to change the principles of a profest Democrat...

GLC00581

to James McHenry

McHenry served as Secretary of War. Mentions appointment of ambassadors to France during Quasi-war and newspaper accusations by William Duane against federalist officials (in a July editorial) for supposedly accepting bribes. Humorous letter (on...

GLC00604.01

Inaugural address [leaf from 1st draft of discarded first inaugural = pp.36-37]

Concerning foreign relations, American trade, manufacture and defense. This was a first draft which Washington later discarded. The manuscript was disassembled by Jared Sparks and leaves or clippings were given away as samples of GW's handwriting....

GLC00639.25

to George Clinton

Washington writes that he had sent to General McLean (commanding at Niagara) communications of Sir Guy Carleton including the proclamation of the King for the cessation of hostilities and a "New York newspaper, containing articles of general...

GLC00639.26

to John Tayloe

Washington discusses the sale of the Mercer estate and the siege of Boston. He writes "I have no doubt that you... as well as others are wondering how it happens that two armies almost in stone's throw of each other should keep so long from action."...

GLC00639.27

to the Marquis de Lotbiniere

A kind letter in which Washington thanks the Marquis for his friendly sentiments. New York's ratification of the Constitution had been uncertain. Docketed on verso of second leaf. Lotbiniere's letter is in Library of Congress's Washington Papers...

GLC00639.29

to George Clinton

With Clinton's docket and note in another hand on page 2. Washington says that the "army has been pretty well supplied" since previously asking for supplies. The letter also answers complaints about Israel Putnam's command on the Hudson River...

GLC00639.30

to Thomas Wharton, Jr.

George Washington forwards a letter from Mrs. Mary Pemberton to Wharton, President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania. Pemberton had requested a passport for wagons with supplies for her husband, Israel Pemberton, and other Philadelphia...

GLC00639.31

to George A. Washington

In the letter, George Washington discusses Pennsylvania troops mutiny and Treaty of Paris. Docketed on page 4 by his nephew. Also mentions Congress moving to New Jersey. The letter is in very poor condition from severe mold damage (inactive).

GLC00652

to George Clinton

George Washington asks the New York Governor "whether any ways & means can be devised to procure Money for the payment of the Troops of the New York Line." He describes it as an urgent "matter of...interesting importance." The letter written during...

GLC00683

to Samuel Griffith

George Washington discusses his uncertainty as to whether he is fit to be the school's Chancellor. Also mentions Presidency of William and Mary College.

GLC00745

to Henry Knox

Sends a circular letter with a general disposition for the army (not included), "which is to be varied according to circumstances and the particular movements of the enemy," should the British attack West Point. Henry Clinton's forces had seized...

GLC00780

to William Stephens Smith

Letter in hand of aide-de-camp Benjamin Walker, and written to Smith, the Commissary of Prisoners to the Army. References Smith's letter from December 12, 1782. Thanks him for intelligence it contains. Disagrees with Smith's assessment on Dobbs Ferry...

GLC00949

to John Polson

Washington replies to a letter from Polson delivered by Captain Samuel Milford, stating that he did not receive a letter Polson claimed to have sent. He reports that all information regarding Polson's land on the Great Kanawha River is communicated...

GLC00967

Manuscript draft: [Sixth annual address to Congress]

Washington asserts the constitutional authority of the federal government during the Whiskey Rebellion. Written by GW's secretary Bartholomew Danbridge, on Washington's personal stationery, extensively corrected by Washington and signed by him at the...

GLC01054

The Deposition of John Posey, re: parcel of spoiled herring

Document signed by Washington in the text and at the end as Justice of the Peace, with a nine line docket in his hand. Concerning a parcel of spoiled herrings.

GLC01058

[Muster roll of Potomac Company]

Signed by Richardson Stuart, authorizing payment of those on the muster list. Also signed by John Fitzgerald, Washington's former aide-de-camp, and by Colonel George Gilpin. Lists the names of workers in the Potomac Company, founded by George...

GLC01083

to Alexander McDougall

Written by Washington as commander of the Continental Army to Major General McDougall. References McDougall's letter from October 5, 1783. Authorizes McDougall to visit New York on business. Says he has tried to discourage American troops from...

GLC01106

to Thomas Mumford, Groton

Docketed. Containing the comment that gunpowder "will be of the utmost service to the cause of Liberty & America." Free franked "On the service of the United Colonies" (probably not George Washington's hand), but not signed.

GLC01117

to Jonathan Trumbull

Written by Washington as commander of the American army around Boston to Trumbull as Governor of Connecticut. Trumbull was the only colonial governor to join the patriot cause. References his hasty dispatch of January 19, 1776. Says he forgot to...

GLC01138

to Francis Barber

Letter addressed to Barber in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, where he was recovering from a wound received at the Battle of Monmouth. Washington instructs Barber to obtain intelligence on the British movements across the Hudson river in New York while in...

GLC01201

[Orders to submit a regimental return]

A working draft of a clerical copy of a circular letter from George Washington. These, or comparable, orders were given by George Washington on 12 March 1777 to various colonels of the Continental Army. (See Fitzpatrick and the GW Papers at the...

GLC01205.04

to Benjamin Franklin

A cryptic but important letter written in the same month as the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, as commander in chief, in response to Franklin's letters. Possibly a draft since Washington has left the day and a name blank, but soon or...

GLC01588

G. Washington. Alexandre Tardieu, after Houdon [collateral]

Accompanied letter, GLC 1588. A print by Alexander Tardieu, designed and engraved after Houdon, with poem in French by J. Castera: "Pour saver sou pays du pouvoir arbitraire, / Washington combattit en guerrier valeureux...." Presumably the Houdon...

GLC01588coll

Inaugural address [leaf from 1st draft of discarded first inaugural = pp.57-58]

Concerning trade and population growth, with allusion to the postal service, newspapers and manufactures. This was a first draft which Washington later discarded. The manuscript was disassembled by Jared Sparks (whose unsigned autograph note...

GLC01589

to Mrs. Elizabeth Powel

Washington thanks her for a reflecting lamp that was apparently a new and unusual European import. Comments, "The benefits which will flow from the general use of such Lamps, are too apparent for the light of them to be long hid from the American...

GLC01646

to Benjamin Tallmadge

Letter signed as commander in chief and written in the hand of John Laurens, Washington's aide. Assures Tallmadge that his cavalry would receive enough supplies but warns that there will be no new horses. Complains about the dragoon's ill use of the...

GLC01746

to Mary Katherine Goddard

Washington responds to a previous letter from Goddard, who requested his intervention in her replacement as postmaster of Baltimore, Maryland. Replies that "the Resolutions and Ordinances establishing the Post-Office under the former Congress, and...

GLC01747

to Gen. David Forman

Letter written in the hand of Washington's aide-de-camp Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. Written two months before the signing of the first provisional peace treaty between Great Britain and the United States in Paris on November 30, during the uneasy lull...

GLC01783

to John Sullivan

Informs Sullivan that Greene has prepared winter quarters for those of his men commanded by Clinton and Hand. Written in McHenry's hand. Written from "Head Quarters."

GLC01830

[Endorsed receipt for 100 lbs of gunpowder for the Potomac Company].

Cosigned by John Fitzgerald and George Gilpin. Receipt for payment made out from Richardson Stuart to Henry Bedinger and Jacob Bedinger. The Potomac Company was Washington's first business venture after the American Revolution.

GLC01831

Bill for surveying and patenting land grant French & Indian War

Document signed for claim against James Ludlow with another Washington document, cosigned by William Crawford 2/25/1774, assigning the debt to Crawford.

GLC01963

To the Members of the Society of Cincinnati... [speech as president]

One manuscript speech dated 1789, signed by Washington and addressed to those members of the Society in Massachusetts.

GLC01972

[Certifying return of three runaway servant men from the Potomac Company]

Certificate signed by Samuel Love Jr. that John Dubell brought before him three "Runaway Servant men the property of the Potomack Company." Says they were brought from Anthony Baine's property, which he thinks is 28 or 30 miles away. Verso has note...

GLC01976

to Thomas Jefferson

Recommends purchasing land and building a facility rather than leasing space for the United States Mint. So that "all the applications may be brought to view," letters and engravings are "to be shewn to the Director of the Mint" and brought to...

GLC01996

[Society of Cincinnati membership certificate for George Ogier]

Countersigned by Henry Knox. Washington as president of the Society of the Cincinnati, attests to the membership of George Ogier. Partially printed. Notations in bottom left and right corners stating artisans of print as Aug. L. Belle, Del. and J.J...

GLC00033

[Pardon of Samuel Davis for unlading two bales of cotton without a permit].

Countersigned by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. Davis was convicted in Massachusetts. No reason given for pardon.

GLC00068.01

Proclamation [Trenton proclamation]

Signed in type by Washington. The proclamation allowed residents of Trenton and Central New Jersey to reaffirm their loyalty to the United States, after devastating British campaigns.

GLC00070

to Frances "Fanny" Basset Washington re: adding another story to home

Written from Philadelphia. Frances Basset Washington was niece by marriage and a favorite of George Washington's wife ("Your Aunt"); she died of tuberculosis, just as her husband, George Augustine, did.

GLC00077

to James Madison

President Washington transmits dispatches to Madison from Gouverneur Morris, United States Minister to France. States that Morris' dispatches "unfold ... the disposition of the British Ministry."

GLC00092.01

to Gov. Edward Rutledge SC

The letter discusses the European war and military preparedness.

GLC00122

Free frank for letter to Rutledge (#122)

GLC00123

to Col. Alexander McDougall

Washington writes that he is told that a vessel has just arrived with gun powder, which he asks McDougall to obtain. (Name is McDougall, per Fitzpatrick.)

GLC00154.03

Printed Farewell address with autograph note (written on Claypoole's Advertiser)

Printed copy of Washington's farewell address in Claypoole's Advertiser. Washington has added manuscript notes to his copyist for copying: "The letter contained in this Gazette addressed to the People of the United States is to be Recorded -- and in...

GLC00185

to James McHenry

Marked private. In response to McHenry's private letter of April 29, which was a response to Washington's letter of April 23. Washington, commander of the Provisional Army created in 1798 in response to French aggression, wrote to McHenry, Secretary...

GLC00204

General Washington's Letter Declaring his Acceptance of the Command of the Armies of the United States

Regarding the Quasi-War with France, Washington's support for the Administration and acceptance of commander in chief. Signed: "D.R. Slade" in upper right corner. Washington's letter is dated July 17, 1798 from Mount Vernon. The document is also...

GLC00265.04

to Samuel Powel

Washington writes to Powel, Mayor of Philadelphia, one day after being elected as the first President of the United States. He states that he delivered enclosures previously sent from Powel to his nephew, Bushrod Washington. He predicts that the...

GLC00310

to Messrs. Duchesne, de Barth, Thiebaud & Assoc.

Washington responds to French settlers who had invested in the Scioto Company, which had obtained an option on 5 million acres in the Northwest Territory. The company sold the lands to French citizens fleeing the Revolution. Unfortunately the Scioto...

GLC00311

to Henry Knox

This letter uses oblique language (apparently chosen to avoid its detection by Newburgh conspirators) to call for a meeting of Generals Henry Knox and Jedediah Huntington: "I should be glad to see you & General Huntington at Dinner but be here...

GLC00390

Journal of Major George Washington and map [decimalized .01-.02]

GLC00419

Journal of Major George Washington, sent by the Hon. Robert Dinwiddie

First English Edition, with rare folding map (housed separately as .02) of what became the Eastern United States to Mississippi River. Howes W134, Sabin 101710, Church 999, Streeter Sale 1713. Initially published in Williamsburg.

GLC00419.01

[Land bond to increase acreage at Mount Vernon]

Cosigned by Robert Alexander. Washington refers to himself in the third person seven times. Alexander wants to sell 300 acres of Maryland land his wife inherited from her father to George Washington. Washington hoped to exchange the plot with Thomas...

GLC00479

to Gouverneur Morris

Discusses his non-involvement in foreign affairs. The death that called Washington to Mount Vernon was that of his nephew, George Augustus Washington, who died of tuberculosis.

GLC00494

to Henry Knox

Marked "Duplicate" at the top by George Washington. Mentions the return of General Benjamin Lincoln. Hopes the transition to a peacetime military establishment will commence without further delay. Does not think Congress intends to abolish the...

GLC02437.09403

to Henry Knox

General Washington writes to Knox, who had been Chief of the Continental Artillery during the Revolutionary War. Recently visited his "aged Mother," Mary Ball Washington. Thanks Knox for so diligently reporting the state of the garrison and stores...

GLC02437.09404

to Henry Knox

Washington encloses letters "under flying Seals" to the Count de Rochambeau and the Marquis de Chastellux "introductory of Mr. Swan." Also includes certificates for Lieutenants Seaver and Henley (no documents included). Discusses suspending a...

GLC02437.09405

to Henry Knox

Washington complains of applications, letters of compliment, and enquiries which occupy his time and deprive him of exercise. He plans to hire someone to deal with the drudgery of this troublesome correspondence. Assures Knox that his letters are...

GLC02437.09406

to Henry Knox

Congratulates Knox on his appointment (on March 8, 1785) to the post of Secretary at War. Encloses a certificate of service for Major Sergeant (not included). Hopes to receive limestone for use in construction. Discusses the Virginia Assembly's...

GLC02437.09407

to Henry Knox

Discusses trade between Indians and the British stationed on the American side of the territorial line (in the Northwest Territory). Reports criticism of the Society of the Cincinnati, including a pamphlet, Considerations sur l'ordre de Cincinnatus...

GLC02437.09408

to Henry Knox

Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes "I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them!" Alludes to...

GLC02437.09409

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for several letters, which put his mind at ease regarding General Benjamin Lincoln's military operations (Lincoln led the Massachusetts state militia in Shays' Rebellion) and the dignity of Government. Congratulates Knox on the recent...

GLC02437.09411

to Henry Knox

Relates reasons for not wanting to attend the Constitutional Convention, including the possibility that all states might not attend (rendering representation partial). Notes that if all Delegates attend with the power to address and cure the defects...

GLC02437.09412

to Henry Knox

Transmits a copy of an excerpt from a letter (see GLC 02437.03338) sent by Mr. Jefferson (Thomas Jefferson). Notes that the excerpt pertains to a translation of the article "Cincinnati," from the Encyclopedie Methodique, and reflects the way the...

GLC02437.09413

to Henry Knox

Discusses the Constitutional Convention, and cannot predict the result. Hopes Congress, the states' legislatures, and the community at large will adopt the government agreed upon in the Convention. Is convinced that such government is the best that...

GLC02437.09414

to Henry Knox

Discusses which states are ratifying the Constitution, and predicts its success. Notes "The determination of New York, of all others, seems most problematical; and yet, I can hardly entertain an idea that she will be disposed to stand alone..."...

GLC02437.09415

to Henry Knox

Expresses regret that "the important question" Massachusetts is deliberating "stands on such precarious ground" (referring to ratification of the Constitution; Massachusetts ratified 6 February 1788). Predicts that Virginia will choose to ratify...

GLC02437.09416

to Henry Knox

Relates that he received a letter from Knox, and that Mr. Madison informed him Knox had recovered from a "severe indisposition." Discusses ratification of the Constitution at state conventions, commenting that New Hampshire's behavior has baffled...

GLC02437.09417

to Henry Knox

Received Knox's previous letter on the eve of departure for Fredericksburg, to visit his mother. Doubts acceptance of the United States Constitution by the Virginia Convention for ratification. Accuses Anti-Federalists of creating jealousies and...

GLC02437.09418

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for recently sending cloth and buttons. Notes that his coat requires six more buttons for trim, and asks Knox to procure and hold these until Washington arrives in New York. Mentions an article of impost, and laments "the stupor, or...

GLC02437.09420

to Henry Knox

Discusses an expedition against the Wabash Indians. Expresses disappointment in General [Josiah] Harmer. Expected little from Harmer, after hearing he was a drunkard. Instructs Knox to present other important matters before Congress, as they occur...

GLC02437.09421

to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter from the President of the Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina (possibly William Moultrie). Relates that the enclosed letter pertains to a resolution of the Society. At the bottom of the page, indicates that Knox is...

GLC02437.09422

to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter from Colonel Nicholas, who Washington describes as an "influential character in Kentucky." Sends Knox the letter without asking Nicholas's permission. Notes that the transmitted letter pertains to the lack of confidence the...

GLC02437.09423

to Henry Knox

Instructs Knox not to disclose information regarding the nomination of General Officers and a bill that has not yet passed. Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.09424

to Henry Knox

Discusses the case of General St. Clair (possibly Arthur St. Clair), noting that he wishes to answer St. Clair's letters with a reply that can be published. Comments that saying neither too much nor too little with be difficult concerning St. Claire...

GLC02437.09425

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for information he previously sent within his private letters. Mentions Mr. [George] Hammond (the first British envoy to the United States), Mr. [John] Penn (former colonial governor), and Andrew Allen (former colonial attorney general...

GLC02437.09426

to Henry Knox

Marked "private" by George Washington at the top of page one. Addressed to The Secretary of War (Knox). Comments that a ship has arrived from New Orleans, carrying several Ohio residents. Asserts that the United States Government should be...

GLC02437.09427

to Henry Knox

Discusses General Israel Chapin's negotiations with the Six Nations (possibly referring to the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794). Notes that the Treaty should take place apart from British agents and spies.

GLC02437.09428

to Henry Knox

Marked 'private' by George Washington at the top of page one. Discusses an insurrection (the Whiskey Rebellion) and mentions a letter from [Attorney General William] Bradford concerning Colonel [John] Neville and Major [David] Lenox (the federal...

GLC02437.09429

to Henry Knox

Washington recently received a letter from Knox "with great pleasure." He comments on Knox's home in Maine (Knox retired to his estate, Montpelier, in 1795, located near the St. George River in Thomaston, Maine). Mentions the "Treaty with Great...

GLC02437.09430

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for a letter recently received. Offers condolences to Knox for his recent losses (three of Knox's children died 1796-1797, including his seven year old son named after George Washington). Washington complains of those who lack...

GLC02437.09431

to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Declares that it is in vain "to look for ease & happiness in a world of trouble," noting that the call of his country has persuaded him to participate in public service (Washington accepted command of the army in 1798, but did not assume an active...

GLC02437.09432

to Henry Knox

Refers to a letter and other papers of a Mr. Anderson. Provides an enclosure for Mr. Cameron. Instructs Knox to return the enclosure to Washington.

GLC02437.09433

to Henry Knox

Later copy, "No. 19 Copied from & compared with the Original Feb'y 8th 1854." Marked private. Mentions a letter from Mr. Bradford concerning Colonel Neville and Major Lenox (possibly referring to David Bradford, Presley Neville and Marshal Lenox)....

GLC02437.09434

[Proclamation regarding a violation of the Hopewell Treaty]

Later copy. A note written at the top states, "Recd- from Lt. Henry Knox Thatcher Aug. 9 1855, by mail." Requires all citizens and inhabitants of the United States to "govern themselves according to the treaties."

GLC02437.09435

to Henry Knox

Later copy. An estimated date of March 1780 is written in pencil at the top of page. Washington thanks Knox for three recent favors, including sending him a "Suit of the Hartford Manufacture." Discusses a recent election, noting that votes have...

GLC02437.09436

[Drafts of secret articles in a treaty between the United States and the Creek Nation]

A working manuscript that has been corrected by Knox probably intended for George Washington. Consists of several secret articles pertaining to the proposed treaty; in each case, "secret" has been struck. One article grants trading rights in United...

GLC02437.09459

The President's address to the people... [farewell address -- proof copy]

The only separate book printing, by J. Ormrod and Conrad. With proof reader's notes and marks. Signature of Robert Meir on first page. Howes WI43, Sabin 101579

GLC02556

Address to officers with General orders 3/11/1783 & Newburgh address

A contemporary transcript written by an unknown soldier on the leaves of a stitched pamphlet. Contains the anonymous "Address to the Officers of the Army" calling the army's general officers to a meeting (a mutinous situation) (pp. 1-12), Washington...

GLC02624

[Appointment of David Rittenhouse commissioner for subscriptions of the Bank of United States]

Signed by George Washington as President, countersigned by Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State. Appoints Rittenhouse one of the commissioners to seek subscriptions for the first Bank of the United States. Seal on left side.

GLC02717

to Jonathan Trumbull re: American prisoners in Algiers

Written as President to Trumbull, Speaker of the House of Representatives, concerning the petition of American prisoners in Algiers which Trumbull forwarded.

GLC02793.001

to Henry Lee re: his reluctance in accepting a second term

Written as President to Lee, Governor of Virginia, who has congratulated Washington for his re-election. The president writes "to say I feel pleasure from the prospect of commencing another tour of duty, would be a departure from truth" and...

GLC02793.002

to James Jameson re: the Dismal Swamp Land Co. and profits from slave labor

Responding to Jameson's call for $80 (on behalf of his deceased uncle), Washington writes that he had hoped to see profits from the company since the elder Jameson had the money in his own hands. He notes in passing that the profits would have been...

GLC02793.003

to John Adams re: career prospects of John Q. Adams, the Jay Treaty

Written as President to his Vice President. Washington writes that young Adams should not think of retiring because his fair prospects may bring him to the head of the diplomatic corps. Washington also mentions the protests in Boston and elsewhere...

GLC02793.004

to Harriot Washington Parks, his niece, re: congratulations on her marriage

Written as President, offering his congratulations and suggestions for "a prudent deportment" towards her husband, including "the accomodation of your views to his circumstances." Also advocating frugality, he adds "always keep the old adage in...

GLC02793.005

to James Anderson re: instructions for management of Mount Vernon

Written as President. Washington goes into considerable detail regarding farming, especially innovations (a new red clover). He also mentions building a new road and the drought of the previous fall.

GLC02793.006