Washington, George, 1732-1799 to Burgess Ball
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05287 Author/Creator: Washington, George, 1732-1799 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 July 1794 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; Height: 22.6 cm, Width: 19 cm Order a Copy
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. Offers his opinions on how best to oversee enslaved people, "if you can keep him always with your people [enslaved people] he will make you a good overseer; & without it, neither he, or any man will."
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