1861

Autograph letter signed

Title: Items pertaining to John Augustine Washington [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC02953

September 18, 1790

Pintard, John, fl. 1790-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Tobias Lear

Pintard asks Lear for permission to publish a sketch in "New York" magazine: "I mentioned to you when at the President's that I should take it as a particular favor if you would allow a sketch to be taken of the drawing of the Bastile & the key." (Referring to the model of the Bastile and its key, presented to President Washington by Lafayette, and still at Mount Vernon.) Pintard writes "King Street" in Boston as his address. Docketed on address leaf.

GLC02794.011

2 May 1789

Fenno, John, 1751-1798

Newspaper

Title: Gazette of the United States. [No. 6 (May 2, 1789)]

Includes a description of George Washington's 30 April 1789 inauguration as the first President of the United States, held in New York City, with a printing of his Inaugural Address (page 3). Contains a column on the political state of America, and a printed Congressional debate on a molasses tax. Includes a letter from Dennis Ramsay, Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia, bidding President Washington farewell from his Mount Vernon estate, followed by Washington's reply (page 4).

GLC03518

October 7, 1787

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Comte de Moustier [in French]

A rather formal letter of thanks which mentions Washington's hospitality at Mount Vernon towards the end. Signed in the text by Lafayette.

GLC03281.01

9 September 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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." Discusses financial matters, mentioning a debt he owes Governor George Clinton of New York, which was supposed to have been repaid within twelve months of "the Peace" (1783). For what remains of the loan, Washington is paying seven percent interest. Mentions another, higher debt he owes to an unspecified individual, and that repayment of this…

GLC03705

January 15, 1784

Washington, Martha, 1731-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hannah S. Boudinot

Writes about the pleasure of returning to domestic life after the termination of the Revolutionary War. Congratulates Boudinot on returning to her own home after a seven year exile and on the improved health of her daughter, Susan Boudinot. States, "The difficulties, and distresses to which we have been exposed during the war must now be forgotten. We must endevor to let our ways be the ways of pleasantness, and all our paths Peace." Mentions that she would love to have the Boudinots visit Mount Vernon as she has not the strength to undergo another journey. Comments on the health and…

GLC03909

20 June 1768

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Cary & Co.

Mentions enclosing invoices for goods (not included). Discusses tobacco sales. Criticizes English agents for selling tobacco at too low a price. States that, " ... I have lost (at least) four years out of five by Consignments having better prices offered in the Country than my Tobo. has sold for in England which is not only discouraging but almost sufficient to bring about a change in the System of my management." Laments that tobacco prices rose right after his tobacco was sold and informs that he knew this would happen, "That Tobo. would rise and sell almost as high as it ever had done…

GLC03933

10 November 1793

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 that Lewis keep him updated on the crops, specifically wheat, rye, and corn. Asserts the importance of keeping good reports. Mentions "The old Bull commonly called the Callico Bull," and his livestock of cows. Advises him to tell the overseer that he expects proper reports. Requests that Lewis write to Lawrence Washington and ask him to…

GLC04653

23 May 1785

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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, George Augustine Washington to Fanny [Frances] Bassett, Burrell Bassett's daughter. Expresses his views on marriage, "I have always considered marriage as the most interesting event of ones life. -- The foundation of happiness or misery." States that he does not believe in promoting or preventing a marriage unless it absolutely requires…

GLC04709

26 November 1799

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph document signed

Title: Invoice of Goods to be sent for by Mr. John Gill of Baltimore for and on account of George Washington of Mount Vernon in Virginia, according to agreement

List of dry goods Washington ordered for his plantation. Includes blankets, buttons, and cloth. Most of the items are material for blankets and clothing for his slaves. Asks for "6 pieces of the largest - thickest and best striped Blanketing for negros. - these pieces generally contain 15 or 16 blankets each. -" This list was written two and a half weeks before Washington's death. Previous research stated that the paper has the watermark of George Washington's stationery, but this could not be confirmed. A partial watermark is at the bottom corner of verso.

GLC05100

circa 1860

Meyer, Hermann J., 1826-1909

Engraving

Title: Washington's House Mount Vernon

One engraving titled Washington's House Mount Vernon dated circa 1860. Features a scenic view of the rear porch of Mount Vernon overlooking the river. In the center of the image are three people looking toward the river.

GLC08878.1311

circa 1860

Engraving

Title: Mt. Vernon - The Home of Washington

One engraving titled Mt. Vernon - The Home of Washington dated circa 1860. Features a scenic view of the rear porch of Mount Vernon, with two figures standing on the porch. In the center of the image are four people and a dog gathered on the lawn.

GLC08878.1312

26 December 1774

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 named Kate. Says the whole of Mercer's purchase was for £2385.14.2. Has heard nothing from Colonel Payton on the Loudoun County land for which Mercer was charged. Washington is involved in a disputed land deal through Mercer for Gray & Adams land, and he writes that it appears that the land in question is 56 acres short of the 1224 he was going to…

GLC06335

1800

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Pamphlet

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

Printed by Isaiah Thomas. Uncut.

GLC07425

27 July 1794

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 served as an overseer on Washington's Union Farm after Washington left to serve as President in 1789. Notes that if Ball hires Crow as an overseer on his own farm, he must be strict. Praises Crow's understanding of the farming business, but also received frequent reports of Crow's hasty temper, ill treatment, and frequent absence from his post.…

GLC05287

March 1789

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Washington. Encourages Fairfax to manage Mount Vernon more diligently, stating "I have a very good opinion of your honesty, sobriety and industry, and now is the time to give me proofs of your capacity and skill." Laments the current condition of his manor, stating "it is idle and vain for me to attempt to stall feed any kind of Meats; when I have…

GLC07487

December 14, 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox says he wrote Lafayette "several letters" expressing his affection for him. Says America as a nation believes the same thing and that "you must not regard [such expressions] as compliments but the language of sincerity." Goes on to say "Our independence is now established and we feel the warmest gratitude to all the means what have contributed to effect it." Reports that "The English have at last left us to ourselves, with the full expectation that we shall not know how to govern the ship of state and that we must apply to the Steady and well experienced pilots of Britain." Says "Our…

GLC02437.02830

24 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Knox signs with his initials. References receiving several letters from William since 7 April. Has no excuses for why he has not written more often. Says this letter will not be long because there is a ship in port that is just about to leave for Liverpool and this note needs to be on it. Says they are all well and situated comfortably near the city at Bush Hill, Vice President John Adams's house. Adams was away at Braintree, Massachusetts, so the house was available. Reports he is going into a good house in Philadelphia in the autumn. Is surprised that William is living "in a strange…

GLC02437.05027

16 November 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses routine War Office affairs and preparations for John Pratt's march to Fort Pitt. Comments on Ebenezer Hazard's assurances that a contract would be renewed to guarantee regular postal service. Forwarded some letters from Henry to Winthrop Sargent, Secretary of the Northwest Territory. Discusses the coordination of supplies, namely cartouch boxes, for the trip. Mentions Pratt, John Stagg, and [Samuel] Hodgdon. Covers other military matters, referring to Captains Savage and [Henry] Burbeck. Remarks on a visit of the Count de Moustier, French minister to the United States, and his…

GLC02437.04030

20 July 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Gives a report of his trip to Alexandria, Virginia, and the surrounding area. Mentions that he had dinner with the Washingtons at Mount Vernon. Says he would have stayed with a Mrs. House in Philadelphia, but the Attorney General, Edmund Randolph, arrived with a large family, so William had to lodge elsewhere. Discusses business he tended to while in Virginia and Maryland, and reports on the success of crops, including tobacco, corn, and wheat, in the area. States that Mr. [Alexander] McGillivray left Philadelphia that morning, and will soon see Knox in New York.

GLC02437.04658

14 July 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses meeting Colonel [Marinus] Willet and Alexander McGillivray (Willet was accompanying McGillivray, on his way to negotiate a treaty with the United States). Notes that Willet "appears to have overcome great obstacles in the object of his mission..." Says that McGillivray introduced him to two chiefs who were traveling with the men. Willet informed him that McGillivray sometimes drinks in excess, but nonetheless, Willet thinks highly of McGillivray's abilities. Plans to visit Mount Vernon. Writes, "The people at George Town & this City appeared to be very much delighted with the…

GLC02437.04651

8 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Expresses his happiness on hearing about his son Henry's current situation. Sends Lucy news of various acquaintances, which he lists by number. States that he is sorry to hear of Mrs. [Abigail] Adams's "indisposition," noting that the Adams family has ordered their furniture to be shipped to Boston. Vice President John Adams plans to return to New York without his family. Reports that George and Martha Washington will be going to Mount Vernon the following Wednesday, and will not return until 15 October. Mentions the Ogdens, Mrs. Smith, the Izards, the Stewarts, and Count Andreani.…

GLC02437.05528

24 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Apologizes for not being able to visit her due to his job obligations but states that he will as soon as he can. Mentions that "something has occured relatively to the southern Indians which would seem to open new sources of difficulty." Discusses the children and future plans. Ends by stating, "The President [George Washington] is buried in solitude at Mount Vernon - I write no more to him than is indispensible in order to prevent trouble."

GLC02437.05557

6 September 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses his health and family matters. Talks about gaining weight, stating "I have increased since your departure, owing perhaps to two causes ... more food and less exercise." Mentions that the President (George Washington) has invited him to Mount Vernon. Discusses financial matters and worries about his wife's health.

GLC02437.05602

23 October 1781

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has heard from Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth that Lord Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown had occurred, or would shortly. She has received his letter of 16 October 1781 and is awaiting the next, which Knox wrote on 19 October 1781 (see GLC02437.01231 and GLC02437.01244, respectively). Indicates that this letter will be delivered by Lund Washington, who will provide some news about Knox's young son. She has not heard from their daughter Lucy in Philadelphia. Wants to know when she will see him and indicates that another letter from her will be delivered by Martha Washington. In a post script…

GLC02437.01257