7 October 1796

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Commissioners of the City of Washington

Notifies the commissioners that Washington sent the wrong enclosure in a recent letter to them, requests its return, and indicates that the correct one has been sent. The commission was superintending the construction of the city of Washington and the United States capitol building.

GLC04103

21 March 1778

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: 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 dispute with General Israel Putnam, commander at the Highlands, caused de la Radiere to return to Washington's camp. Putnam went on leave in March of 1778 and General McDougall assumed his command. Shortly thereafter, Washington sent de la Radiere back.

GLC04215

18 September 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

28 August 1790

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Document signed

Title: [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 of New Jersey. On parchment. Faded with ink decay at top. One black and white seated engraving of Washington included.

GLC04421

24 March 1776

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 therefore...hath merited the approbation of the great Country, I shall esteem it one of the most fortunate & happy events of my life." Despite the joy of his victory, Washington cautions that the Americans must remain on guard. Worries about the British fleet at "Nantasket Road." But is more afraid of spies, "There is one evil I dread, & that…

GLC04442

8 June 1789

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to Ebenezer Hazard

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

GLC04444

29 May 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 that Colonel Fitzgerald and the Maryland members will attend. Advises him to bring the papers related to the charges against Richardson Stewart, the assistant manager of the Potomac Company. One bust engraving of Washington included.

GLC04387

circa 1840

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript

Title: [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

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

December 9, 1781

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln re: reprimanding Col. Gibson (Yorktown, British POW)

The document is overall stained, especially on verso. Written to Sec. of War Benjamin Lincoln. Reprimanding Col. Gibson for allowing a British officer, Dr. Thomas Shield, to leave Yorktown. Shield was surgeon of the 87th Regiment, British Army.

GLC04942

January 17, 1797

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Document signed

Title: 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. Also docketed and signed by the Chief Clerk at the Department of State. Features paper and wax seal.

GLC04842.39

22 August 1775

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 solicited the advice of other men on this topic.

GLC04858

1 August 1777

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: 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 Accoutrements." Written in response to the disappearance of a horse from White's unit.

GLC04859

18 March 1789

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Mercer

Written one month before taking his oath of office as the first United States President, Washington attempts to collect a debt owed by the estate of James' father John Mercer. States that he was formerly promised repayment by James' brother, Colonel John Francis Mercer, but John did not deliver the sum in full. Informs James "I am thus explicit, for the purpose of evincing to you, that necessity alone prompts me to make this plain and unequivocal declaration" regarding reimbursement. Reveals willingness to receive land titles as repayment. Expresses his wish to secure titles for two lots…

GLC04860

February 1, 1796

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Oliver Wolcott

Responds to a previous letter from Wolcott announcing the death of Samuel Huntington, Governor of Connecticut. Informs Wolcott that "At the same time that I regret the loss of so worthy a character, I cannot but feel consoled; that the Administration of the Government of that State has fallen into such good hands as yours." Refers to attacks made upon his Presidential Administration, declaring that "If the enlightened, and virtuous part of the Community will make allowances for my involuntary errors, I will promise they shall have no cause to accuse me of wilful ones." Confirms the…

GLC04861

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

1796

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Book

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

GLC04718

30 May 1797

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William C.C. Claiborne

Thanks him for his "favourable sentiments," noting that "If all our Citizens were actuated by the principles you profess, it would much promote the happiness and prosperity of our Country." In regard to some papers Claiborne requested, Washington claims that he is determined not to interfere "directly or indirectly - in recommendations to Office." Closes by stating that it was "very pleasing to me to learn from such good authority that the people of the state of Tennessee are well affected to the General Government & that your prospect of peace with the Indians is not likely to be…

GLC04877

1790

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Hand-drawn map of portions of Dismal Swamp & environs]

Hand drawn map of a portion of the Dismal Swamp between Norfolk and Nansemond Counties in Virginia. Docket reads: "Plat of the Company's land in the Great Dismal Swamp, 40,000 ac[re]s. Watermark: Plow. (Per J. Rhodehamel letter 9/4/96, letter must date from 1790s because of GW's personal watermarked paper.)

GLC05099

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

1897

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Book

Title: 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 Washington's books as drawn up by the appraisers of his estate, and the later history and present ownership of those books not in the Athenaeum collections." Includes a re-ordered transcript of the estate inventory of Washington's library.

GLC06187

6 October 1778

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: 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." States that what the British are foraging and amassing in New Jersey may tell them something about their plans. Asks him to collect information about this and other circumstances that may help ascertain the British movements.

GLC06193

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

6 November 1772

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: [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

12 December 1796

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Document signed

Title: [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 paper seal and light blue ribbon.

GLC06040