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The Writings of George Washington, collected and edited by Worthington Chauncey Ford (New York and London: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1889). Vol. II (1758-1775).

Author: George Washington
Editor: Worthington Chauncey Ford

Part of: The Writings of George Washington, 14 vols.

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1768.

DIARY FOR 1768.1

january.

1st. (a) Fox hunting in my own Neck with Mr Robt. Alexander and Mr Colville. Catchd nothing. Captn. Posey with us. (b) Ground exceedg hard froze, but this day calm & moderate. (c) Neck People clearing a piece of ground which was begun the 23d of Decr.
2. (a) Surveying some Lines of my Mt. Vernon Tract of Land. (b) Moderate, wind southwardly, thawing a little.
3. (a) At home with Doctr. Rumney. (b) Rain, with the wind at So. West. gd. still hard froze except the Top of it.
4. (a) Rid to Muddy hole, D: Run & Mill Plantn. (b.) Foggy & warm. Midday clear. Frost still in the Earth. Calm.
5. (a) Went into the Neck. (b) Very Thick & Foggy in the morning. Wind afterwards at No. Et. and Rain all day, the wind shifting southwardly.
(c) Doeg Run People working in the Swamp which they began to clear this Fall—Muddy Hole People (except two threshing) clearing ye skirt of woods within ye fence. 4 men & a woman from Doeg Run assisting—Mill People also clearing.1
6. (a) Rid to Doeg Run and the Mill before Dinner. Mr. B. Fairfax and Mr. Robt. Alexander here. (b) Warm clear, & pleasant, in the Morng. Wind high from No. Wt. & cool afterwards. (c) Doeg Run People finishd grubbing ye Swamp they were in and proceeded to another adjacent.
7. (a) Fox hunting with the above two Gentn. and Captn. Posey, Started but catchd nothing. (b.) Clear and frosty. Wind brisk from No. W.
8. (a) Hunting again in the same Compy. Started a Fox and run him 4 hours. took the Hounds off, at night. (b) Clear, frosty & still.
9. (a) At home with Mr. B: Fairfax. (b) Cloudy, with misty forenoon & [ ]. Rain afterwards. Wind southwardly.
10. (a) At home alone. (b) Weather clear, wind southwardly, yet raw and cold. Hard frost.
11. (a) Running some Lines between me and Mr. Willm. Triplet. (b) Clear with the wind at west. Evening very cold and wind northwardly; sever Frost. River froze across.
12. (a) Attempted to go into the Neck on the Ice but it wd. not bear. In the Evening Mr Chs. Dick, Mr Muse & my Brother Charles came here. b. Wind at No. west and exceeding cold and frosty. c. Threshing wheat at all Plantations. Ground being too hard froze to Grub to any advantage.
13. (a) At home with them. Col Fairfax, Lady &c. (b) More moderate and yet very cold, with a little snow in the Morng. and eveng. clear.
14. (a) At home with them. Colo. Fx & famy. went home in the Evening. (b) Clear and pleast. Wind at south. River still froze.
15. (a) At home with the above Gentlemen and shooting together. (b) Clear and pleasant. Wind Southwardly. Thawed a good deal.
16. (a) At home all day at cards1 —it snowing. (b) Constant snow the whole day from the Northward. (c) Finished my smiths shop—that is the carpenters work of it.
17. (a) At home with Mr. Dick &c. (b) Clear and pleasant. Wind So. West and West. hard frost.
18. (a) Went to Court & sold Colo. Colvil’s Ld. Returnd again at night. (b) Still & cloudy—very like to snow but broke away abt. sunset. Cold. (c) Carpenters went to saw Plank at Doeg Run for finishing the Barn there. Will put new girders into my Mill where they had sunk.
19. (a) Went to Belvoir with Mr. Dick, my Bror &c. (b) Clear and pleast. morning. Afternoon, raw & cold. (c) Mike, Tom, and Sam went abt. the overseers House at Muddy hole.
20. (a) Returned from Belvoir by the Mill Doeg Run and Muddy hole. (b.) Clear, still, & warm—thawed a great deal. (c) Plantations chiefly employd in getting out wheat.
21. (a) Surveyd the water courses of my Mt. Vernon Tract of Land, taking advan. of the Ice. (b) Very warm and still—snow dissolving fast.
22. (a) Fox hunting with Captn. Posey—started but catched nothing. (b) Warm, still, & clear again. Snow almost gone. (c) Davy, George, Jupiter and Ned, finishd sawing at Doeg Run & joind Mike &c. abt. overseers House at Muddy hole.
23. (a) Rid to Muddy hole, & directed paths to be cut for Fox hunting. (b) No frost last night. Warm & clear in the forenoon; cloudy, with some Rain in the Afternoon, afterwards clear again. Ice broke in the River.
24. (a) Rid up to Toulston in order to Fox hunt it. (b) Lowering morning, but very fine & warm till 7 in the afternoon, when the wind shifted to No East from So.
25. (a) Confind by Rain with Mr. Fairfax & Mr. Alexander. (b) Drizzling & Raing. all day. Wind, No. Et.
26. (b) Went out with the Hounds, but started no Fox. Some of the Hounds run of [f] upon a Deer. (b) Wind at No. West, cloudy and cold, with spits of snow.
27. (a) Went out again—started a Fox ab. 10, run him till 3 and lost him. (b) Cold, cloudy & still morng.; clear & pleast. afterwards—Wind southwardly.
28. (a) Returned Home. found Mr. Tomi Elsey1 there. (b) Wind at No. West & very cold.
29. (a) Went to Belvoir with Mrs. W—n &ca. after Dinner, left Mr. Ellzey at home. (b) Wind at No. West & very cold. River froze up again last night.
30. Dined at Belvoir and returned in the afternoon—borrowd a hound from Mr Whiting, as I did 2 from Mr. Alexr. the 28th. (b) Very hard frost last night. Morng. cold but more moderate afterwards. Wind gettg. southwardly.
31. (a) At home alone all day. (b) Lowering, wind southward & moderate. Ice breaking and dispersing.

february.

1. Rid round into the Neck and directed the running of the Fence there. Carpenters all (except Will) went to sawing Pailing for a goose yard.
2. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, & Mill.
3. Fox hunting with Captn. Posey & Ld. Washington—started but catchd nothing.
4. Snowing all day, but not very fast—At home.
5. At home alone till Mr. Robt. Alexander came in the Evening.
6. Fox hunting with Mr Alexander & Captn Posey. Started but catchd nothing.
7. At home alone.
8. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & Mill, and in returng I met Mr. Alexander, Mr. Stoddard and Captn. Posey who had just catchd 2 foxes, returnd wt. ym. to Dinner.
9. Went out Hunting again; started a fox, run him four hours, & then lost him. Mr Stoddard went home. Alexr. stayd.
10. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run and Mill. Mr. Alexander going in the Morng. as Mr. Magowan1 did to Williamsburg.
11. Went into the Neck and returnd to Dinner.
12. Fox hunting with Colo. Fairfax, Captn. McCarty,2 Mr. Chichester, Posey, Ellzey & Manley,3 who dind here with Mrs. Fairfax & Miss Nicholas. Catchd two foxes.
13. Hunting in the same company. Catchd 2 more foxes,—none dind at Mt. Vernon. Finishd the Goose Pen at Home; also finishd clearing the Point of woods between where Carney & Rollins & Crump livd in the Neck—abt. 30 acres.
14. At home alone.
15. At home alone.
16. Went up to Alexa. and returnd in ye eveng.
17. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & the Mill. returnd to Dinner and alone.
18. Went a ducking between breakfast & dinner—In the afternoon Mr. Thruston, Mr Alexander, & Mr Carter from Gloster came in. Rais’d overseer’s House at Muddy hole. Finishd threshing & cleaning my wheat at Doeg Run Plantn. bushl.
19. After dinner the above Gentlemen went to Belvoir.
20. Fox hunting with Captn. Posey—catchd a Fox.
21. At home all day. Mr. Wm. Gardner dind here. A Gentleman from York River came to buy wheat.
22. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, and the Mill before Dinner, and went out with my Gun after it.
23. Fox hunting with Captn. Posey—catchd a Fox we suppose, but being dark coud not find it. Stopd clearing the Field on the Ck. in the Neck and began upon those pieces of woods in the other field by Mr. Sheridines.4
24. Went a ducking between breakfast & dinner & killd 2 Mattards & 5 bald faces. found Doctr. Rumney here at dinner, who staid all night. Mr. Magowan returnd.
25. Doctr. Rumney went a way. I went to the Creek but not across it. Killd 2 ducks, viz. a sprig tail and Teal.
26. Laid of a Road from Mt. Vernon to the Lain by Mr. Manleys. Began to deliver my wheat to Mr Kirk. Carpenters not having quite finishd the overseers Ho. at Muddy hole for want of some Plank, went abt. a Corn Ho. there. Much abt. this time a Hound Bitch Mopsey of Mr. R. Alexander (now with me) was proud, & shut up chiefly with a black dog, Tarter, who lind her several times, as did Tipler once, that is known of. The little Bitch Cloe in the House was also proud at the same time, but whether lind or not cannot be known—see how long they go with Pup, and whether both at same time, being very difft. in size.
27. Went on the Road clearing between Mt. Vernon and the Mill. In the evening Mr. Stedlar1 came. Transplanted trees of differt kinds into the Lucerne Patch.
28. In the after noon went up to Mr. Robt. Alexander’s in order to meet Mr. B. Fairfax & others a fox Huntg. None came this day but Captn. Posey.
29. At Mr Alexanders all day with his Phil & Captn. Posey.—it raining.

march.

1. Went a fox hunting with the two Alexr. and Posey—was, during the chase (in which nothing was catchd) joind by Mr. Fairfax, Jno. Alexander & Muir.2
2. Hunting again, & catchd a fox with a bobd Tail & cut ears, after 7 hours chase in wch. most of the Dog’s were worsted.
3. Returnd home, much disorderd by a Lax, Griping & violent straining. Deliver’d a Lodd of 508 Bushels of Muddy hole wheat to Mr Kirks ship and my schooner returnd.
4. At home, worse with the above complaints. Sent for Doctr. Rumney, who came in ye afternn.
5. Very bad—the Doctr. staying with me. Deliverd another Load of 517½ Bushls. of the Neck Wheat to the above ship and returnd the same day. Finished cutting down corn stocks at all my Plantations.
6. Something better. Doctr. still here—& Mr. Ramsay came down to see me.
7. Rather better. Doctr. went home after breakfast. Mr. Ramsay staid to Dinner.
8. Mending fast. Colo. Thos. Moore calld here in his way from Alexa. Home, but made no stay. Colo. Fairfax & Mr. Gilbt. Campbell (Comptroller) Dined here.
9. Still mending. At home alone.
10. Mending still. Rid out. Mr. Peake & Augs. Darrel dind here.
11. At home alone all day.
12. Rid to the new Road-Mill Doeg Run & Muddy hole Plantns, & found Doctr. Rumney upon my return, who dind & stayd all night. Large parts of my Wheat Field at Doeg Run, ye same I believe at the Mill, were found to be exceedingly Injurd by the Frost (and I apprehend by the last frost abt. ye 7 & 8th Inst.)1 Upon examining the wheat which appeard to be so much hurt, I found the Roots for ye most part were entirely out of the ground; some indeed had a small fibre or so left in & here perhaps a green blade might be found in a bunch, but when the Root was quite out the whole bunch seemd perishd & perishing. Note. Watch ye Progress of this wheat, & see if there be any possibility of its taking Root again (as it lyes thick on the gd.) near a stake in ye 18 Inch cut, and abt. 100 yds. from the Barracks is a spot of an acre or so of this kind. Observe this place, being poor gd also. Carpenters returnd from the Road abt. Muddy hole Corn House.
13. At home alone all day.
14. With the people working upon the new Road between breakfast and Dinner.
15. At home alone all day. Deliverd the last load of my wheat to Mr Kirk’s ship, which makes 1921 Bushl. delivd. him in all—reckg. 15 Bushl. to be delivd. him by Mr. Digges.
16. Hunting with Captn. Posey and Lt. W. started and catchd a fox in abt. three hours. Began to list corn ground at Muddy hole. Recd. my goods from Mr. Cary by Captn. Johnston. Sent my vessel about 4 o’clock in the afternoon to Mr. Kirk agreeable to his Letter.
17. Rid into the neck, to Muddy hole, and upon the New Road. When I came home found Colo. Carlyle & his wife & children there.
18. Went with Colo. Carlyle & our Families to Belvoir. Myself and Mrs. W—n returnd, leaving the others there. Found Mr. Stedlar at Mt. Vernon. Began to lay of my corn ground in the Neck.
19. At home all day.1 Mr. Stedlar here. Sent Chaunter (a Hound Bitch) up to Toulston, to go to Mr. Fairfax’s Dog Forester, or Rockwood—she appearg. to be going Proud. Forester not beg. at Home she went to Rockwood.
20. At home all day. Mr. Stedlar still here. In the afternoon Mr. Carlyle & Family returnd from Belvoir.
21. Went to Court.2 Colo. Carlyle & Family also went up. Mr. Stedlar stay’d & Sally Carlyle.
22. Rid to the Mill, Doeg Run and Muddy hole Plantation.
23. Rid out to see and examine whether a Road coud not be discovd & opend from Posey’s ferry back of Muddy hole Plann. thereby avoiding the Gum spring, which I think may be done to advantage. Note. This moon w’ch changd 9. 18. appeard with the points directly upwards exactly of a height.
24. Rid out again with Mr Peake on the above accn. and observd that a good Road might be had along Hg. Ck. upon Colo. Masons Land.
25. Went into the Neck, grafted some cherries, & began to measure the ground for my Grape vines. Observd a Lamb in my Pasture, being the first fallen from Ewes put to my Ram the—
26. Went Fox huntg. but started nothing. Mr. Lawr. Washington came here & Miss Ramsay in ye afternoon. My Vessel returnd from Mr Kirk’s employ abt. sundown, being 10 days gone.
27. At home. Lawr. Washington went away.
28. At home.
29. Fox hunting, with Jacky Custis & Ld. Washington. Catchd a fox after 3 hrs. chase. Began to cork & pay the bottom of my schooner.
30. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & Mill Plantations. Finishd my Fencing & began to enlist my Corn Ground at the Mill. Looked again at the wheat at Doeg Run (particularly abt. ye stake near the Barracks) and found no alteration for the better, it appearing to have no root in the Ground.
31. Went into the Neck. At my Return found Doctr. Rumney & Mr. Wm. Crawford1 at the house. Dr. Rumney went away in the afternoon. Finished corking my vessel & weeding out my Lucern.
Memor. of Ewes & Lambs are restraind from wheat Fields, & no green food servd to support them in the spring, contrive that no more fall after this year till ye last of March.

april.

1st. At home with Mr. Crawford.
2. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & ye Mill. Mr. Crawford went to Alexandria. Sewed a patch of Flax in the Neck. Also sewed a patch at Doeg Run by the last yrs. Turneps.
3. Went to Pohick Church2 & returnd to Dinner. Mr. Crawford returnd in the afternoon.
4. Fox hunting with Messrs. Chichester, ye Triplets, Manley, Posey, Peake & Adams. Never started a Fox, but did a Deer.
5. At home with Mr. Crawford. Mr. Campbell came here & dined. Mrs. Washington, Miss B. Ramsay & Patey Custis went to Belvoir & returnd.
6. Mr. Crawford set of home, and we (together wt. Miss Betey Ramsay) went up to Alexa. to a Ball. Sewed part of the Ground at home (the Cowpens) in Flax.
7. We returnd from Alexandria through Snow. Carpenters finishd the Corn Ho. at Muddy hole, and went to trimmg. fish Barrls.
8. At home alone, except with Price, ye Bricklayer who has been here since Tuesday.
9. Fox hunting with the two Triplets,1 Mr. Peake2 & Mr. Manley—started but catchd nothing.
10. At home alone.
11. Planting out Grape Vines according to Mm.3 Mrs. Posey dined here, and Mr. Alexander & Mr. Edwd. Payne4 supd & lodgd.
12. Payne and Alexander went away after Breakfast—and Miss Tracy Digges & her sister Betty came in the aftern. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg R. & Mill. Sewed remainder of Flax Ground at Home. Also sewed Flax Seed at Muddy hole. White fish began to Run catching 60 or 70 at a Haul with some Herg.
13. At home. The Miss Digges here in the afternoon Mr. Chichester came.
14. Fox hunting with Mr. Chichester, Captn. Posey, Messr. Triplet, Peake & Adams, started but catchd nothing—Posey & Adams dind here as did Mr. Digges. Sewed Flax at Doeg Run at the head of the Meadow. Began plowing at Doeg for Corn, that is to list. Carpenters went to getting staves for Cyder Casks.
15. At home. Mr. Digges & his daughters went away after breakfast.
16. At home alone. In the evening went to the Neck.
17. Went to Church & returnd to Dinner.
18. Went to Court and returnd in the evening. Began fishing for herrings with carpenters &c.
19. Measurd the field designd for corn at the Mill and Doeg Run this year.
20. At home alone all day.
21. Rode to Muddy hole, Doeg Run and Mill Plantns. at the first & last of which just began to check corn ground. Mr. Stedlar came here. Began to cross ground at Muddy hole & the Mill, having run only a single furrow for a list.
22. At home all day. Mr. Stedlar here.
23. At home all day again. Mr. Stedlar still here. The great abundance of rain which fell within this 48 hours carried away my dam by the Miss Wade’s & broke the back dam by the mill.1
24. Mr. & Mrs. Peake & yr. daughter dined here, as also did Mr. Stedlar.
25. Went to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & Mill before Dinner, & into the Neck afterwards.
26. Set of for Williamsburg with Mrs. Washington Jacky & Patey Custis & Billy Bassett. Lodgd at Mr Lawsons.
27. Reachd Fredericksburg.
28. Stayed there all day at Colo. Lewis.
29. Proceeded on our journey and reached Hubbards Ordy. in compy. with Colo. Lewis & Mr. Dick.
30. Breakfasted at Todds Bridge. Dind at Claibornes, & came to Colo. Bassett’s.

may.

1. Rid to a place called Roots’s to see a meadow of Colo. Bassetts.2 returnd to Dinr.
2. Went to Williamsburg with Colo. Bassett, Colo. Lewis & Mr Dick. Dind with Mrs. Dawson, & went to the Play. My carpenters & House People went to planting corn at Doeg Run after they had finishd fishing.
3. Dined with the Speaker.3 The hound bitch Mopsey brought 8 puppys, distinguished by the following names: viz, Tarter, Jupiter, Trueman, & Tipler (being Dogs), and Truelove, Juno Dutchess, & Lady, being the bitches—in all eight.
4. Dined with Mrs. Dawson,1 & suppd at Charlton’s.
5. Dined at Mrs. Campbells.
6. Rid to the Plantations near Williamsburg & dined at Mr. Valentine’s.2
7. Came up to Colo. Bassett’s to Dinner.
8. Went to Church & returnd to Dinner.
9. Went a Fox hunting and catched a Fox after 35 minutes chase; returnd to Dinner & found the Attorney, his Lady & daughter there.
10. Rid to the Buck House & returnd to Dinner; after which went a dragging for sturgeon.
11. Dined at the Globe with Mr. Davis.
12. Went to New Kent Court with Colo. Bassett.3
13. Went after sturgeon & a gunning.
14. Went to my Plantation in King William by water and dragd for Sturgeon & catchd one.
15. Rid to see Colo. Bassetts meadows at Roots’s.
16. Fishing for Sturgeon from Breakfast to Dinner but catchd none.
17. Rid to the Buck House & returnd to Dinner.
18. Did the same & got my Chariot & Horses over to Claibornes.
19. Went a shooting & hair huntg. with the Hounds who started a Fox which we catchd.
20. Set of from Colo. Bassetts for Nomony, crossd over to Claibornes; from thence by Frazer’s Ferry to Hobs hole dining at Webbs Ordinary.
21. Reachd my Brothr. John’s who & his wife were up the Country. Crossd over to Mr. Booths.
22. Went to Church (Nomony) & returnd to Mr Booths to Dinner, who was also from home in Gloucester. Mr. Smith, the Parson, dind with us.
23. At Mr Booth’s all day with Revd. Mr. Smith. My Carpenters & House People went to work at my Mill repairing the Dams, hightening of them & opening the Race.
24. Came up to Pope’s Creek & staid there all day.
25. Got up to my Brother Sams to Dinner, found Mrs. Washington &c. there.
26. Remaind at my Brother Sams where my Brother Jno. came, as also Mr. Lawr. Washington &c. to Dinner.
27. Dined at Mr. L. Washingtons with the Compy. at my Bro.
28. Went to Boyd’s hole & returnd to my Brothers to Dinr. where we found Colo. Lewis & my Br. Charles.
29. Went to St. Pauls church & Dined at my Brothers. The bitch Chanter brought five Dog puppies & 3 Bitch puppies which were named as follows: viz—Forrester. Sancho, Ringwood, Drunkard, and Sautwell—and Chanter, Singer & Busy.
30. Went fishing & dined under Mr. L. Washington’s store.
31. Returnd home crossing at Hooes Ferry—through Port Tobacco.

june.

1. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & the Mill. Upon looking over my wheat I found all those places which had been injured by the March frosts extreamely thin, low & backward, having branched but little, & looking puny. Indeed in many places the Ground was entirely naked; and where it was not, there was but too much cause to apprehend that the wheat woud be choaked with weeds.
It was also observable that all my early wheat (generally speaking) was headed and heading; the common wheat was but just putting out head, & the Red straw wheat had but very little or no appearance of head & was lower than any of the other allthough first sewn. The heads of the whole appeard short & did not promise any great increase. It was also remarkable that the red straw wheat had a great deal of smutty or blasted heads in the same manner it had last year when they did put out.
2. Went into the Neck.
3. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & Mill.
4. At home all day writing.
5. Went to Church at Alexandria & Dined at Colo Carlyles. The Maryland hound bitch Lady took Forrester, and was also served by Captn. & refused the Dogs on ye 11th. Finishd breaking up corn ground at Doeg Run.
6. Rid to Muddy hole and the Mill & met with Doctr. Rumney upon my Return who dined here.
7. Went up to Alexandria to meet the Attorney-General & returnd with him, his Lady & Daughter, Miss Corbin & Majr. Jenifer.
8. At home with the above Company. Colo. Fairfax, his Lady & Miss Nicholas, Colo. West & his wife, & Colo. Carlyle, Captn. Dalton & Mr. Piper—the three last of whom stayd at night. Carpenters went to getting the frame for my Barn at the House.
9. The Attorney &ca. went away, leavg. Miss Nicholas only here.
10. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run and the Mill.
11. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & the Mill.
12. Went to Pohick Church and returnd to Dinner.
13. Went to Belvoir where Mr. Selden, his Lady &c. were.
14. Returnd home again & found Mr. B. Fairfax here. Sent for Doctr. Rumney to Patey Custis, who was seizd with fitts. Mr. M. Campbell lodg’d here.
15. Colo. Fairfax & Family, together with Mr. Selden & his dind here as also Dr. Rumney. Mr. B. Fairfax went in ye mg.
16. Rid to the Mill, Doeg Run, and M. hole. Mr. Campbell came here in ye Eveng.
17. Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole. Finishd breaking up corn ground at Muddy hole.
18. At home all day preparg. Invoices and Letters for England.
19. At home, all day preparg.
20. Went to Court and returnd at night.
21. Went up again and stayd all night.
22. Returnd home in the afternoon. About this time Captn. Poseys Bitch Countess was discoverd lined to Dabster, & was immediately shut up & none but Sterling suffered to go to her. Musick was also in heat & servd promiscuously by all the Dogs, intending to drown her Puppys.
23. At home all day.
24. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, and the Mill before Dinner, & was sent for by express to come to Alexa. to settle and arbitrate an Acct between Mr. George West & Mr. Chas. Alexander with Mr. Thomson Mason & Mr Ellzey.
25. Returnd home, & remaind there all day. Doctr. Rumney came in the afternoon & stayd all night. The Carpenters finishd getting the Frame for the Barn at my House.
26. At home. Doctr. Rumney went away in the afternoon.
27. At home. Colo. Fairfax & his Lady dind here, & returnd in ye aftern.
28. Set of for and reachd Fredericksburg. Began to cut the upper part of my Timothy Meadow.
29. Rid round and examind the wheat fields there, which were fine.
30. Went to Mr. Bouchers, dind there and left Jackey Custis—returnd to Fredericksburg in the aftern.

july.

1st. Went over to Stafford Court House to a meeting of the Missisipi.1 dined and lodged there.
2. Dined at Dumfries and reached home. Finishd going over my Corn ground in the neck, both with the Plows & Hoes.
3. At home all day.
4. Rid to see my wheat at differt. Places. Doctr. Rumney came here in the aftern. Began to cut my wheat at the Mill, but upon Examination, finding it too green, desisted. Note. Upon looking into my wheat the Rust was observed to be more or less in it all, but except some at Doeg Run it was thought no great damage woud follow as the wheat was rather too forward.
5. Went to Muddy hole with Doctr. Rumney to see the Cradlers at work. Jonathan Farmer coming down last night & examining my wheat to day, was of opinion that some Muddy hole field was fit, at least might be cut with safety, accordingly began it with himself, 3 other white men & negroe cradlers, letting the grain lye upon the stubble abt. 2 days to dry.
6. Rid to Muddy hole and Doeg Run after Dr. Rumney went away. When I returnd found Mr. William Lee & Dr. Lee here.
7. Mr. Lee went away—Mr. Darnel & Daughter—Mr. Geo. Digges & his two eldest sisters came here & stayed all night.
8. Dr. Lee & all the rest went away & I rid to the Cradlers (cutting my wheat at the mill.) Began to cut the wheat at the Mill in the Field round the Overseers House which was cut and abt. 4 acres in the other this day by 10 and sometimes 11 cradlers which were all that worked—amounting in ye whole to abt. 40 acres.
9. Rid to Muddy hole the Mill and Doeg Run before Dinner, & to the Mill afterwards—where my People was harvesting. Six and sometimes 7 Cradlers, cut the remainder of the field (abt. 28 acres) on this side today. The wheat at Muddy hole was (that is, all that was cut down) got into shocks by 11 oclock to day, and abt. ¾ of the field round the Overseers House at the Mill Pulld the Flax at Muddy hole.
10. Went to Church and returnd to Dinner.
11. Rid to Muddy hole where three white men were cradling, & then to the Mill where we were getting in wheat. Mr. Chichester with his wife, Miss S. McCarty & Dr. Rumney came. Pulld the flax at Home. Got in the most of the mill wheat but was prevented finishing by rain. Three white men (cradlers) cut down abt. 10 or 12 acres of Muddy hole wheat.
12. Rid to Muddy hole before breakfast where all hands were harvesting the wheat. The company went away. Hands went to Muddy hole and finishd harvesting the wheat there, that is, cutting and securing it in shocks.
13. Went into the Neck where I this day began my Harvest. Colo. Fairfax & Doctr. Lee dind here and returnd. Some hands went & got the Residue of the Mill wheat into the House, & all the rest with the Cradlers went into the Neck & cut down & securd little more than 20 acres of wheat.
14. Attended at the Neck again. The hands from the Mill joind the others & altogether finishd the Cut of wheat (containing 50 acres) at the Orchard point, great part of which was very thick, Rank & heavy cuttg.
15. Went over again & drove back by Rain about one oclock, which continued all the afternoon. Began cuttg. the wheat next to it on the River side—abt. one o’clock was stop’d by Rain.
16. Went by Muddy hole & Doeg Run to the Vestry at Pohick Church—stayd there till half after 3 o’clock & only 4 members coming returnd by Captn McCarty & dined there. Finishd this cut & began the one next to the House. This day it also raind & stopd the Harvest abt. an hour or two.
17. At home all day. Dischargd three Cradlers keepg. only Jonathan Palmer & Eliab Roberts.
18. In the Neck with my People harvesting. Nine Cradlers at work including ye two white men.
19. In the Neck with my People harvesting. Mr. Richard Graham came here in the afternoon.
20. In the Neck with my People harvesting, in the Forenoon; in the afternoon went with them to cut the wheat at Doeg Run. Abt. 11 o’clock finishd harvesting the wheat in the Neck; that is, cutting it down & securing it in shocks. In the whole, allowing for the time lost by Rain we were six days doing it. About 2 o’clock in the afternoon began to cut the Field at Doeg Run containing 150 acres with 10 Cradlers—3 of them sorry hands.
21. Went to the harvest field at Doeg Run. Finishd one quarter of the above field abt. 2 o’clock. Note. This cut was, in places, greatly injured by the Rust.
22. Rid to Doeg Run in the forenoon with my wife & Patey Custis About 2 o’clock finish’d another cut in this field being of the same size as the last. This was also injured by Rust, as well as by the frosts.
23. Rid to Doeg Run in the forenoon where I met with one Russel, a Tenant of mine upon the land I bought of Carter’s Estate, coming down to see upon what terms he coud get the Land. At 12 o’clock finishd the third cut of 37½ acres at Doeg Run & clapd into the last one.
24. Went to Pohick Church.
25. Went to Alexandria & bought a Brick layer1 from Mr. Piper & returnd to Dinner. In the afternoon Mr. R. Alexander come. Finished the last cut abt. one oclock this day (Monday), part of wch. was much hurt by the Rust, & cut down the small pieces at home & securd it. Note. From the most accurate experiments I coud make this year upon wheat siezd with the Rust before it is fully formd & beginning to Harden, it appears to be a matter of very little consequence whether it is cut down so soon as it is seizd with this distemper (I mean the parts of the field that are so), or suffered to stand; for in either case the grain perishes & has little or no flower in it, that indeed wch. is sufferd to stand may gain a little & but a little in respect to the grain & the other in respect to the straw so that I think it is nearly equal wch. of the two methods is followed. Note also, from this year’s experiments, it appears certain that wheat may be cut down (suffering it to take a day or two sun) much sooner than it generally is. I took wheat of three differt. degrees of Ripeness, i. e. some whose straw and head was green (but the grain of full size and milky); some whose straw from the upper joint was coloring; and some that the straw from the said joint was cold, but the knots (at ye joints) Green, & observed after they had lain 2 or 3 days in ye sun that the grain of the first was but little shrunk, the 2d scarce perceptable, & the last plump & full by wch. it evidently appears that to cut wheat knot green is not only safe but the most desirable state it can be cut in, & that where there is a large qty. the question is whether it may not be better to begin while the wheat is coloring from the upper joint as the grain will lose but little (if any) than to cut it in an over ripe state when it may loose a good deal more by shattering. For my part I am clear it is better to cut it green & shall have no reluctance to practise where the whole cannot be cut at the exact period one woud choose it.
26. Rid with Mr. Alexander to my Meadow & returnd with him to Dinner. Mr. Val. Crawford here. They went away. Began to cut my Timothy Meadow.
27. Rid to the Meadow again. Val. Crawford & his Br. Wm. came this afternoon.
28. Went to the Meadow with ye above two about the 27 and 28 sowed some Turnep seed in Corn Ground at Morris’s, that is at Doeg Run Plann.
29. But little wind, that southwardly; very warm. Rid to the Meadow in ye afternn. Writg. in ye. Evng.
30. Rid into the Neck and from thence to Doeg Run where we were Hay makg. Colo. Carlyle & Lady came last N: & went to day. Went to Alexa. Church. Dind at Colo. Carlyle’s & returnd in the afternoon. Memm. on the 30th of this month I agreed with Jonathan Palmer to come and work with my carpenters; either at their trade—cowpering—or in short at any thing that he may be set about. In consideration of which I am to pay him £40. pr. ann: allow him 400 lbs. of meat & 20 Bushels of Indian Corn. I am also to allow him to keep two milch cows (one half of whose Increase I am to have) and to have wheat for which he is to pay; he is to be allowed a garden & I am to get the old dwelling House at Muddy hole repaird for him. I am also to take his waggon at £17, if he brings it free from damage and it is no older than he says—that is about a 12 month. Note. He is to be here as early as possible in April, if not in March.

august.

1. Went to Belvoir & dined. returnd in the afternoon. Began to tread out wheat at the mill. Also began to draw it in the neck.
2. Rid to the Mill, Doeg Run and Muddy hole. Miss Manly dind here, & Mr. Alexander came in the evening.
3. Mr. Alexander & Miss Manly went away. Rid to the Mill & Muddy hole.
4. Went a fox hunting in the Neck with Lund Washington & Mr. Thos. Triplet. Started nothing. Began to draw it in (that is to carry it from the field on this side the Run over to the Barn) with only my ox cart at Doeg R.
5. Went to Muddy hole, the mill & Doeg Run. Plantations to a Race at Cameron. Returnd in the evening. Began to cut my Timothy seed, there. Getting wheat in at Muddy hole.
6. At home all day. The Hound Bitch Lady brought four puppys. that is 3 dogs and a bitch, distinguished by the following names: viz: that with the most black spots, Vulcan; the other black spotted Dog, Searcher; the Red spotted Dog, Rover—and the red spotted bitch, Sweetlips.
7. At home all day. The Hound Bitch Lady brought four puppys. that is 3 dogs and a bitch, distinguished by the following names: viz: that with the most black spots, Vulcan; the other black spotted Dog, Searcher; the Red spotted Dog, Rover—and the red spotted bitch, Sweetlips.
8. Went a fox hunting but started nothing. Visited Plantations in the Neck & Mill. Sowed Turnep seed at home, in the Neck and at Muddy hole Plann. Began to sow wheat at the Mill & at Doeg’s Run.
9. At home all day.
10. Rid to the mill, Doeg Run and Muddy hole and returned to Dinner. Sowed Turnep at the Mill.
11. Rid to the same places as yesterday & returnd to Dinner. Began to beat cyder at Doeg Run, Muddy hole & in the Neck.
12. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run and Mill, & returnd to Dinner when I found Doctr. Rumney.
13. The hounds havg. started a Fox in self huntg., we followed & run it after sevl. hours chase into a hold when digging it out it escapd. Ye Doctr. went home.
14. At home. Mrs. Fairfax & Miss Nicholas came in the afternoon.
15. Went to Court. Mr. Igns. Digges, Mr. Lee and Mr. Hill came here. Set in to sowing wheat at Muddy hole.
16. At home with the above Gentlemen. Mrs. Fairfax & Miss Nicholas went home after Dinner.
17. Dined at Belvoir with the above Gentlemen, & returnd in the afternoon.
18. Rid round all my Plantations after the above Gentlemen went away.
19. At home. Settled & paid the Sheriff.
20. Set of for my Brother Sam’s & Nomony crossd at ye Mouth of Naugemy & went to my Brothers.
21. At my Brothers. Colo. Lewis & my Brothr. Charles came there.
22. Still at my Brothers with other Company, his child being christned.
23. Hawling the sein under Mr. Laurence Washington’s shore.
24. Imbarkd on board my schooner for Nomony, lay of Captn. Laidler’s.
25. Hawling the sein upon the Bar of Cedar Point for sheeps-heads, but catchd none, run down below ye Mouth of Machodack & came to.
26. Reachd my Brother John’s at night. Finishd drawing in & securing my wheat in the Neck.
27. Hawling the sein upon Hollis’s marsh Bar & elsewhere for sheeps heads, but catchd none.
28. Went to Nomony church & returnd to my Brothers to dinner.
29. Went into Machodack Ck. fishing and dind with the Revd. Mr. Smith. Began to sow wheat at the Neck.
30. Hawling the sein on the Bars near Holl’s marsh & other places.
31. Dind with Mr. Jno. Smith who was maryed yesterday to the Widow Lee.

september.

1. Set out from Nomony in my return to Chotauck—lodgd on board the Vessel between Swan Point & Cedr. P.
2. Came up as high as Hoes ferry & walkd to my Brother Sams.
3. Went to Mr. John Stiths & din’d there. returnd in the afternoon.
4. Went to Church, dind at Colo. Harrison & returnd to my Brs. in ye afternoon.
5. Crossd over to the lower point of Naugemy where I met my chariot & returnd home.
6. Went in the Forenoon to the Mill, Doeg Run & Muddy hole, in the afternoon paid a visit to Majr. Fairfax (Brother to Lord Fx) at Belvoir. My ox cart finished drawing in the wheat at Doeg Run, but during this time it was employed in getting home the Cyder from all the Plantations.
7. Dined at Belvoir with Mrs. W—&c.
8. Went to a Ball in Alexandria.
9. Proceeded to the Meeting of our Vestry at the New Church and lodgd at Captn. Edwd. Paynes.
10. Returnd home & dind at Belvoir with Lord Fairfax, &c.
11. At home all day.
12. Lord Fairfax & his Brother & Colo. Fairfax & Mr. B. Fairfax dind here—the latter stayd all night.
13. Went fox huntg. with Lord Fairfax, Colo. Fairfax & B. Fairfax. Catchd nothg.
14. Mr. B: Fairfax & myself went a huntg. started a Fox & run it into a hole but did not catch it. Finishd sowing the second cut of wheat in the Neck which compleated the half of the corn ground there.
15. Dined at Belvoir with Colo. Robt Burwell.
16. Went into the Neck—returnd to dinner. Anointed all my Hounds (as well old Dogs as Puppies) which appeard to have the Mange with Hogs Lard & Brimstone.
17. At home. Colo. Robt Burwell, Mr Grymes & Colo. Fairfax dind here. Ye latter went home in the Evening. Got done sowing wheat at Doeg Run. Sowed 92½ Bushels. The Hound Bitch Mopsey going proud, was lind by my water dog Pilot before it was discoverd—after which she was shut up with a hound dog, Old Harry.
18. Colo. & Mrs. Fairfax dined & and lodgd here. My Schooner Sailed for Suffolk for a load of Shingles.
19. Went to Court with Colo. Burwell &c.
20. Colo. Burwell &c. went away to Belvoir, & Mrs. Washington & ye two childn. were up to Alexandria to see the Inconstant or way to win him acted.
21. Stayd in Town all day & saw the Tragedy of Douglas playd.
22. Came home in the forenoon. Spread my Flax for Rotting at the Home House.
23. Went a fox hunting & catchd a Bitch Fox after abt. 2 Hours chase. Finishd sowing the third cut of wheat in the Neck.
24. At home all day. Colo. Henry Lee & Lady & Miss Ballendine came to dinner & stayd all night.
25. At home. The above Company went away after Breakfast.
26. Went Fox huntg in the Neck. Started & run up a Fox or Foxes 3 Hours & then lost.
27. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & Mill—Spread Flax for Rotting at Doeg Run. Began to cut Tops at Doeg Run.
28. Dined at Colo. Fairfaxs and returnd in the afternoon. Finishd sowing wheat at Muddy hole: the field took 106 Bushls. to Sow.
29. Went to a Purse Race at Accatinck & returnd with Messrs. Robt. and George Alexander.
30. At Home all day. After Dinner Mr. Geo Alexander went away, the other (Robt.) stayd.

october.

1. Fox hunting back of Mr. Barry’s with Mr. Robt. Alexander, Mr. Manley & Captn. Posey. Started & catchd a bitch Fox. The hound Bitch Tipsey was lind by ye little spaniel dog, Pompey, before she was shut up in the House with old Harry.
2. At home. Mr. Alexander went away before breakfast. Mr. Stedlar remd all day.
3. Clear & pleasant with Very little wind. Rid to Muddy hole & Doeg Run. Miss Sally Carlyle came here.
4. Went into the Neck, & up the Creek after Blew wings. Finishd sowing wheat at the Mill, which field took 75 Bushels.
5. Went to Alexandria after an early dinner to see a ship (the Jenny) launched, but was disappointed & came home. Finishd sowing in the Neck. this field took 216 Bushels, which makes the quantities sowed as follows: viz.
at Doeg Run 92½ bushels
Muddy hole 106½
Mill 75
Neck 216
490
Began getting Fodder at the Mill.
6. Went up again, saw the ship Launchd, stayd all night to a Ball & set up all night. Began getting Fodder at the Neck.
7. Came in the morning & remaind. Mr. Townd. Dade (of Chopk.) came here.
8. Went Fox huntg. (in ye Neck) in the forenoon. Started but catchd nothing, & in the afternoon went up the Ck. after Blew wings, killd 7 or 8.
9. At home all day. Mr. Dade went away.
10. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & the Mill. Captn. McCabe dind here.
11. At home all day alone. Sowed apple pummice in the new Garden, from Crab apples.
12. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & Mill in the forenoon, in the afternoon went into the Neck.
13. Went fox hunting and catchd a Bitch fox after two hours chase.
14. Went into the Neck in the forenoon.
15. Went a hunting with Captn. Posey & Ld. Washington. Catchd a Bitch Fox after a chase of 1 Hour and 10 Minutes. Finishd cutting (but not securing) Fodder at Doeg Run Quarters. Did the same also at Muddy hole.
16. Went to Pohick Church. Dined at Captn. McCarty’s & came home at night, Doctr. Rumney who came here last night went away this morning & Mr. Ramsay & Mr. Adams came here at night.
17. At Home all day. Messrs. Ramsay & Adams went home this Evening.
18. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & the Mill.
19. Set of on my Journey to Williamsburg & reachd Colo. Henry Lees to Dinner.
20. Detaind there all day by Rain.
21. Reachd Fredericksburg, found Warren Washington & Ca. there.
22. Dined at Parkers Ordy. & lodgd at Mr. Benja. Hubbards, Colo. Lewis also.
23. Dined at the Causey & got to Colo. Bassetts.
24. Dined at Josh. Valentine’s sent Chairs & Horses over James River, & lodgd in Wms.burg ourselves.
25. Crossd James River, & by Rain was forcd to lodge at one Captn. Stowey (or Stowe’s).
26. Breakfasted in Suffolk, dined & lodgd in ye Dismal Swamp at Jno. Washingtons.
27. Went up to our Plantation at Northfleets in Carolina & returnd in ye afternoon.
28. Went into the Pond with Colo. Lewis, Majr. Reddick & Jno. Washington, & at Night went to ye Majrs.
29. Got to Smithfield in return to Wms.burg.
30. Set out early; breakfasted at Hog Island and dined in Wms.
31. Dined at the Mayor’s Entt. of the Govr. in Wms.

november.

1. In Williamsburg. Dined at the Speakers, with many Gentlemen.
2. In Williamsburg. dined at the Attorney Genls, with Lord Botetourt (ye Govr.) & many other Gentlemen.
3. In Williamsburg. Dined at Mrs. Dawson’s.
4. In Williamsburg. Dined with several Gentlemen at Ayscoughs. Colo. Byrds Lottery began drawing.1
5. Dined at Mrs. Campbells, where I had spent all my Evenings, since I came to Town.
6. Left Williamsburg & Dined & lodgd at Colo. Bassetts.
7. Set out for home with Betsey Dandridge. Dined at King Wm. Court Ho. & lodgd at Mr. Wm. Ayletts.
8. Dined at Parkers and lodgd at Fredericksburg.
9. Reached home in about 7 Hours & an half, found Doctr. Rumy. & Miss Ramy. here.
10. At Home all day. The Doctr. and Miss Ramsey went home.
11. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg run and the Neck. Mr. Magowan & Mr. Stedlar came to Dinner as Mr. R. Alexr. did in ye aftern.
12. Went Fox huntg. in the Neck. Started & was run out of hearg. of the Dogs, owing to the wind. Whether they catchd or not is not known.
13. Went to Pohick Church & dined at Home with Mr. Ths. Triplet, H. Manley & Mr. Peake.
14. Rid to Muddy hole & all my Plantns. Began to gather corn at Muddy hole and in the Neck.
15. Went to Fox hunting in the Neck, catchd a bitch fox, after an hour and 40 minutes chase.
16. Went to Colo. Fairfaxs & dined with Mrs. Wm & Miss Dandridge. returnd in ye aftn.
17. Went up to a Race by Mr. Beckwiths & lodgd at Mr. Edwd. Paynes.
18. Returned home, breakfasted at Capt. McCartys & came by the Mill & Muddy hole.
19. At home all day, alone.
20. At home all day alone.
21. Went up to Court and returnd in the evening with my Brothr. John. Measurd the cut of corn in the Neck, adjoing to the Gate, the contents of which was:—
22. Went a fox huntg. with Lord Fairfax & Colo. Fairfax, & my Br. Catchd 2 Foxes. Began to gather corn at the Mill.
23. Went a huntg. again with Lord Fairfax & his Brother, & Col. Fairfax. Catchd nothing that we knew of. A fox was started.
24. Mr. Robt. Alexander here; Went into the Neck.
25. Mr. Bryan Fairfax, as also Messrs. Grayson & Phil. Alexander, came here by sunrise. Hunted & catchd a fox with these & my Lord his Bro. & Colo. Fairfax, all of whom with Mrs. Fx. & Mr. Wetson (?) of Engd dined here.
26. Hunted again in the above Compa. but catchd nothing.
27. Went to Church.
28. Went to the Vestry at Pohick Church.
29. Went a Huntg. with Lord Fairfax &c. Catchd a Fox.
30. At home all day. Colo. Mason & Mr. Cockburne came in the evening.

december.

1. Went to the Election of Burgesses for this County & was there, with Colo. West chosen.1 Stayd all Night to a Ball wch. I had given.
2. Returnd home after dinner, accompanied by Colo. Mason, Mr. Cockburn & Messrs. Henderson Ross & Lawson.
3. Went a fox huntg. in Company with Lord & Colo. Fairfax, Captn. McCarty & Messrs. Henderson & Ross. Started nothing. My Br. came in ye afternoon.
4. At Home all day.
5. Fox hunting with Lord Fairfax & his Brothr. & Colo. Fairfax. Started a Fox & lost it. dined at Belvoir & came in ye Evg.
6. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & Mill.
7. At home all day, alone.
8. Fox huntg. with Lord Fairfax & Brothr. & Colo. Fairfax, all of whom dind here. Started nothing.
9. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & ye Mill.
10. Went a fox hunting in the Neck & catchd a fox; afterwards went to the Plantatins there. Dr. Rumney come to Dr. & Mr. Alexr. in ye Evg.
11. They went away after breakfast. Alone aftd.
12. Rid to the Mill, Doeg Run & Muddy hole. Miss Carlyle & Miss Dalton came here.
13. Set of about 12 o’clock for Towlston to hunt with Mr. Bryan Fairfax. Got there in the afternn. Killd Hogs.
14. Stayd there all day, in the Evg. went to see his new mill.
15. Returnd home, by the way (that is near Muddy hole) started & catchd a Fox.
16. At home all day. Jacky Custis came home from Mr. Bouchers.
17. Rid out with my Gun, but killd nothg. Mary Wilson came to live here as a Ho. keeper at 15/ pr month.
18. At home all day. Miss Sally Carlyle & Miss Betey Dalton went away & Mr. Stedlar came.
19. Went up to Court & returnd at night.
20. At home all day. } Snowing
21. At home all day. }
22. At home all day. }
23. Went a Pheasant Huntg., carried hounds & they started & followd a Deer.
24. Rid to the Mill & Doeg Run.
25. At home all day.
26. At home all day. L. W—n set of for Staffd.
27. At home all day. except shooting between breakfast & dinner.
28. At home all day alone.
29. Went a fox hunting—started one but did not catch it. In the afternoon Messrs. Dalton, Piper, & Riddell came here. also Mr. Magowan.
30. At home with them all day.
31. Went a hunting & catchd a bitch fox, the above Gentlemn. with me.1

TO REV. JONATHAN BOUCHER.1

30 May, 1768.

Rev. Sir,

Mr. Magowan who lived several years in my family, a tutor to Master Custis (my son-in-law and ward,) having taken his departure for England, leaves the young gentleman without any master at this time. I should be glad therefore to know if it would be convenient for you to add him to the number of your pupils. He is a boy of good genius, about 14 years of age, untainted in his morals and of innocent manners. Two years and upwards he has been reading of Virgil and was (at the time Mr. Magowan left him) entered upon the Greek testament.

I presume, he has grown not a little rusty in both having had no benefit of his tutor since Christmas, notwithstanding he left the country in March only. If he comes, he will have a boy (well acquainted with house business, which may be made as useful as possible in your family to keep him out of idleness) and two horses to furnish him with the means of getting to Church and elsewhere, as you may permit; for he will be put entirely and absolutely under your tuition and direction to manage as you think proper in all respects.

Now Sir, if you incline to take Master Custis, I should be glad to know what conveniences, it may be necessary for him to bring, and how soon he may come. For as to his board and schooling (provender for his horses, he may lay in himself.) I do not think it necessary to enquire into and will cheerfully pay ten or twelve pounds a year, extraordinary, to engage your peculiar care of, and a watchful eye to him, as he is a promising boy, the last of his family and will possess a very large fortune. Add to this my anxiety to make him fit for more useful purposes than horse racer.

This letter will be sent to you by my brother at Fredericksburg and I should be obliged to you for an answer by the first post to Alexandria near to which place I live. I am, &c

P. S. If it is necessary for him to provide a bed, could one be purchased in your neighborhood? It would save a long carriage.

TO ROBERT CARY & CO.

Mt. Vernon, 6 June, 1768.

Gentlemen,

My old chariot having run its race, and gone through as many stages as I could conveniently make it travel, is now rendered incapable of any further service. The intent of this letter, therefore, is to desire you will bespeak me a new one, time enough to come out with the goods (I shall hereafter write for) by Captn. Johnston, or some other ship.

As these are kind of articles that last with care against number of years, I would willingly have the chariot you may now send me made in the newest taste, handsome, genteel and light; yet not slight, and consequently unserviceable; to be made of the best seasoned wood, and by a celebrated workman. The last importation which I have seen, besides the customary steel springs, have others that play in a brass barrel and contribute at one and the same time to the ease and ornament of the carriage. One of this kind, therefore, would be my choice; and green being a color little apt, as I apprehend, to fade, and grateful to the eye, I would give it the preference, unless any other color more in vogue and equally lasting is entitled to precedency. In that case I would be governed by fashion. A light gilding on the mouldings (that is, round the panels) and any other ornaments, that may not have a heavy and tawdry look (together with my arms agreeable to the impression here sent) might be added, by way of decoration. A lining of a handsome, lively colored leather of good quality I should also prefer, such as green, blue, or &c., as may best suit the color of the outside. Let the box that slips under the seat be as large as it conveniently can be made (for the benefit of storage upon a journey), and to have a pole (not shafts) for the wheel horses to draw by; together with a handsome set of harness for four middle sized horses ordered in such a manner as to suit either two postilions (without a box), or a box and a postilion. The box being made to fix on, and take off occasionally, with a hammel cloth &c., suitable to the lining. On the harness let my crest be engraved.

If such a chariot as I have here described could be got at second hand, little or nothing the worse for wear, but at the same time a good deal under the first cost of a new one (and sometimes though perhaps rarely it happens so), it would be very desirable; but if I am obliged to go near to the original cost, I would even have one made, and have been thus particular in hopes of getting a handsome chariot through your direction, good taste and management—not of copper, however, for these do not stand the powerful heat of our sun. * * *1

[1 ]The private diaries of Washington, during the earlier years of the series, were written in interleaved Virginia Almanacs; but the later years are contained in note-books, of uniform size and binding. The entries in the Almanacs are of three descriptions: where, and how he spent his time; occurrences and a record of the weather. I have printed one month in full; but for the rest of the year have omitted the weather record.

[1 ]Three entries without date.

[1 ]Lost 3/6. Ledger.

[1 ]Tomison Ellzey, a lawyer.

[1 ]Mr. Walter Magowan was tutor to Master and Miss Custis. In March of this year he went to England to enter Holy Orders.

[2 ]Daniel McCarty.

[3 ]Harrison Manley.

[4 ]John Sheridine was leasing one of Washington’s properties in Clifton’s Neck, paying 730 pounds of tobacco a year rent.

[1 ]In 1766 Mr. Stedlar was teaching Mrs. Washington and two children music.

[2 ]John Muir.

[1 ]His weather record for the two days was:—

7. Clear & cool, wind still northwardly. 8. Frosty morning, but clear & pleast. day. Wind southwardly.

[1 ]“One of the most disagreeable days of the whole winter.”

[2 ]At Alexandria. He generally stopped at Arrols.

[1 ]Captain William Crawford who located in 1769 some land for Washington at the Forks of the Monongahela and the Yaughyaughany. It was on this visit that he interested Washington in the matter.

[2 ]About five miles from Mount Vernon, near the road from Alexandria to Occoquan.

[1 ]William.

[2 ]Humphrey Peake.

[3 ]Memorandum.

[4 ]Elsewhere spoken of as Capt. Edward Payne.

[1 ]His weather record showed that it rained more or less on the 21st, constant rain on the 22d and 23d, until sunrise on the 24th.

[2 ]Burwell Bassett.

[3 ]Peyton Randolph.

[1 ]On the 7th he bought two tickets in a raffle on her coach.

[2 ]Jos. Valentine.

[3 ]Stopped at Mrs. Campbell’s.

[1 ]In September 1763, I find an entry of a meeting of the “Missisipi Adventure,” at which Washington advanced £8. 15. 0 as his quota of money. Meetings were also held in November 1765 and December 1767. William Lee was interested in it.

[1 ]Michael Treacy, for whom he paid £18. 4.

[1 ]A lottery ticket of this year read as follows:

“This ticket (No. 274) shall entitle the Posessor to whatever Prize may happen to be drawn against its number in the Mountain Road Lottery.

“G. Washington.”

[1 ]1768. At an election of Burgesses for Fairfax County held December 1, 1768, Washington received 185 votes, Col. John West, 142, and Captain John Posey, 87.

[1 ]“Having discontinued the growth of tobacco myself, except at a plantation or two upon York River, I make no more of that article than barely serves to furnish me with goods.”—To Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 5 May, 1768.

“I can affirm with equal truth that I have lost (at least) four years out of five by my consignments, having better prices offered in the country than my tobacco has sold for in England, which is not only discouraging, but almost sufficient to bring about a change in the system of my management.”—To Robert Cary, 20 June 1768.

“The more aggravating circumstances attending the disappointment are that scarce any of the sacks [of salt] contained four bushels (which I conceive they ought to have done) and not one of the bags worth a shilling, nor ever could be so, no two being alike, some extremely wide, others very narrow, and all, or mostly all, made of old slaizy, and patched cloth.” He had ordered the salt to get some good bags.—To James Gildart, 25 June, 1768.

[1 ]Jonathan Boucher was born in England, migrated to Port Royal in 1759, and in 1762 became rector of the parish in King George County, removing shortly after to St. Mary’s. He established a school in his house and among his pupils was John Parke Custis. At this time he was a constant and voluminous correspondent of Washington, but on the advent of the Revolution he became a loyalist, and, as such, a severe critic of Washington’s conduct. It is in the light of that position that the following extract from his autobiography must be read. “Mr. Washington was the second of five sons of parents distinguished neither for their rank nor fortune. Laurence, their eldest son, became a soldier, and went on the expedition to Carthagena, where, getting into some scrape with a brother officer, it was said he did not acquit himself quite so well as he ought, and so sold out; soon after which he died at Barbadoes. George, who, like most people thereabouts at that time, had no other education than reading, writing and accounts, which he was taught by a convict servant whom his father bought for a schoolmaster, first set out in the world as surveyor of Orange County, an appointment of about half the value of a Virginia rectory, i. e. perhaps 100 l a year. When the French made encroachments on our western frontier in 1754, this Washington was sent out to examine on the spot how far what was alleged was true, and to remonstrate on the occasion. He published his journal on this occasion, which, in Virginia at least, drew on him some ridicule. Yet when, soon after, a regiment was raised in Virginia, he had interest enough to be appointed the Lieutenant-Colonel of it, or rather, I believe, at first the Major only. A Colonel Jefferson [it was Fry] who had formerly been grammar master in the College, commanded the regiment, and a Colonel Muse [Innes?] who had been a sergeant, and therefore knew something of military discipline and exercise, was the second in command. Jefferson soon died, and Muse was disgraced, from some imputations of cowardice, so that the command devolved on Mr. Washington. At Braddock’s defeat, and every subsequent occasion throughout the war, he acquitted himself much in the same manner as in my judgment he has since done—i. e. decently, but never greatly. I did know Mr. Washington well; and though occasion may call forth traits of character that never could have been discovered in the more sequestered scenes of life, I cannot conceive how he could, otherwise than through the interested representations of party, have ever been spoken of as a great man. He is shy, silent, stern, slow and cautious; but has no quickness of parts, extraordinary penetration, nor an elevated style of thinking. In his moral character he is regular, temperate, strictly just and honest (excepting that as a Virginian, he has lately found out that there is no moral turpitude in not paying what he confesses he owes to a British creditor), and, as I always thought, religious: having heretofore been pretty constant, and even exemplary, in his attendance on public worship in the Church of England. But he seems to have nothing generous or affectionate in his nature. Just before the close of the last war he married the widow Custis, and thus came into possession of her large jointure. He never had any children, and lived very much like a gentleman at Mount Vernon, in Fairfax County, where the most distinguished part of his character was that he was an admirable farmer.”

[1 ]In September 1768 a chariot was shipped from Christr. Reeves, described in the invoice as follows:—

“To a new handsome Chariot, made of best materials, handsomely carved anticks to middle of pillars, and carved scrowl corners to top of pillars and roof, batten sides, sweeps of sides and mouldings round the roof carved with double ribings, hind battens and fore battens arched and carved; panneled back and sides japaned and polished, and roof japaned; lined with green morocco leather trimmed with cuffoy lace, an oval behind, a large trank (?) under the seat, the bottom covered with red leather and a handsome carpet to bottom. Plate glass, diamond cut; handsomely painted, the body and carridge and wheels painted a glazed green; all the framed work of body gilt, handsome scrowl, shields, ornamented with flowers all over the panels; body and carridge oil varnished; the carridge with iron axle tree screwed at ends, handsomely carved scrowl standards, twisted behind and before, and stays of foot board barrs and beads carved with scrowls and paneled; patent woorm springs in brass sockets; a boot covered with leather, japanned and garnished, brass nails, a handsome seat cloth, embroidered with broad la (?) and two rows of handsome fringe with gimp head, all complete.” The cost of the chariot was £103, but the harness, covers, blinds, and other extras brought the cost to £133. See letter to Robert Cary, 20 August, 1770, post.

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