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Papers of George Washington, Multiple numbers, Special Collections, University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.
This collection was acquired through gift and purchase, ca. 1930-present.
On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. "As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent," he wrote James Madison, "it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles."
Born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family, he learned the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginia gentleman.
He pursued two intertwined interests: military arts and western expansion. At 16 he helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax. Commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754, he fought the first skirmishes of what grew into the French and Indian War. The next year, as an aide to Gen. Edward Braddock, he escaped injury although four bullets ripped his coat and two horses were shot from under him.
From 1759 to the outbreak of the American Revolution, Washington managed his lands around Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Married to a widow, Martha Dandridge Custis, he devoted himself to a busy and happy life. But like his fellow planters, Washington felt himself exploited by British merchants and hampered by British regulations. As the quarrel with the mother country grew acute, he moderately but firmly voiced his resistance to the restrictions.
When the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia in May 1775, Washington, one of the Virginia delegates, was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. On July 3, 1775, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, he took command of his ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war that was to last six grueling years.
He realized early that the best strategy was to harass the British. He reported to Congress, "we should on all Occasions avoid a general Action, or put anything to the Risque, unless compelled by a necessity, into which we ought never to be drawn." Ensuing battles saw him fall back slowly, then strike unexpectedly. Finally in 1781 with the aid of French allies--he forced the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.
Washington longed to retire to his fields at Mount Vernon. But he soon realized that the Nation under its Articles of Confederation was not functioning well, so he became a prime mover in the steps leading to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787. When the new Constitution was ratified, the Electoral College unanimously elected Washington President
He did not infringe upon the policy making powers that he felt the Constitution gave Congress. But the determination of foreign policy became preponderantly a Presidential concern. When the French Revolution led to a major war between France and England, Washington refused to accept entirely the recommendations of either his Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who was pro-French, or his Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, who was pro-British. Rather, he insisted upon a neutral course until the United States could grow stronger.
To his disappointment, two parties were developing by the end of his first term. Wearied of politics, feeling old, he retired at the end of his second. In his Farewell Address, he urged his countrymen to forswear excessive party spirit and geographical distinctions. In foreign affairs, he warned against long-term alliances.
Washington enjoyed less than three years of retirement at Mount Vernon, for he died of a throat infection December 14, 1799. For months the Nation mourned him.
This collection consists of ca. 42 items, chiefly letters to and from George Washington.
#6693-c. Washington requests permission to "wait on Miss Betsy in hopes of a revocation of the former cruel sentence ...."
#7289-b. Washington thanks Dinwiddie for his commission as Lieutenant Colonel, and advises him of the current situation of the Virginia troops and their lack of officers, his plan to promote Lt. Van Braam, and the ordering of troops to Winchester prior to Washington's 2nd Expedition to the Ohio.
Barrow, #2027. Washington describes Braddock's defeat on the Monongehala River on July 9th, declaring "Our poor Virginians behaved like men and dyed like Soldiers for I believe out of three Companys that were there that day Scarce 30 was left alive...." He fears the defeat will force the abandonment of the back country by the settlers unless means are taken to insure their protection. A postscript lists Virginia officers killed and wounded.
#5951. Baylor thanks Washington for his kindness when Baylor was with the militia in Winchester, and promises he will have deserters caught and sent back. He sends his compliments to the other officers.
#3620. Lewis writes concerning land claims of soldiers who had served under Washington in 1756.
#13483. An adaptation of the Washington family coat of arms. Washington ordered the original copper engraving and 300 prints of his bookplate from London in 1771. The bookplate also contains the family motto, "Exitus Acta Probat," which translates as "The end proves [or justifies] the deed."
#4562. Washington writes regarding Wood's survey of lands along the Mississippi River.
#10576. Washington sends Governor Trumbull the latest military news, particularly the sailing of a small British fleet from Boston which he fears may bombard a coastal town. He mentions the recall of General Gage and his replacement by General Howe, and notes that Gage's account of Bunker Hill tallies with his own in regard to number of casualties.
#38-532. Washington writes regarding his appointment to command the Continental Army, Congress' approval of a Continental currency, and inviting Bassett to visit his wife at Mount Vernon.
#38-532. Washington writes regarding his departure from Philadelphia and his affection for her.
#9671. Washington instructs General Heath to obtain intelligence necessary for the defense of New York, and to harass enemy troops if feasible.
#9375. Washington assesses the strengths and weaknesses of General Howe's forces and the probability he will attack Philadelphia, and expresses dismay at the treatment of Hessian prisoners of war. After analyzing the current situation of his army and the British army he notes "It is with difficulty (if I may use the expression) that I can keep the life and soul of this Army together."
#9791. Washington writes about the condition of the Continental Army after the winter and speculates on the British Army's next move. He comments on his desire for a speedy conclusion to the war and subsequent retirement.
#13481. Given in honor of Hope McCurdy Olmsted. Washington writes to Dayton from his Camp at Germantown, 1777 August 6, enclosing an undelivered letter sent previously (not present). Dayton is orderd to halt due to uncertainty as to the destination of the British fleet and then to "march to Peekskill upon receiving authentic intelligence that the Fleet have again arrived at the Hook or any where upon the Coast of New England."
#15686. Washington acknowledges the receipt of Potter's letter in which "Col. Greene's letter" was enclosed [neither present]. Washington has "had the account of Fort Mifflin being evacuated." He tells Potter that the "fascines which you were to make may still be wanted, tho' the Army is not to cross the Schuylkill for some time." Washington tells Potter not to collect the brushwood for the fascines "all at any one place, or they might become an object of the enemy's attention & occasion an attempt to destroy them." The letter is in an unidentified secretarial hand and signed by Washington.
#4562. Washington writes concerning reenlisting the services of the Virginia troops under Wood's command.
Washington orders Bland to oversee the convention barracks of Hessian prisoners at Charlottesville, Va. On the reverse is copy of a resolution from General Bond for Charles Thompson in Congress, August 21, 1779, concerning quarters for Hessian soldiers in Virginia. #9803
#8136-a. An entry mentions the purchase of a periwig for "Genl. Washington's entertainment."
#11632. Randolph conveys to Washington "the vote of the Virginia assembly, expressing their sentiments of your conduct and exertions at York," declares his own sentiments in accord and asks Washington to forward an enclosure to Lafayette.
#8265-c. Washington thanks Captain Barney for his care of packages sent by the Marquis de Lafayette which he asks Barney to store with Thomas Jefferson in Annapolis. He will send a carriage for them and pay expenses.
#3490-a. Mr. and Mrs. Washington invite Mr. and Mrs. Nourse to dinner at Fairfield on Friday.
#6044. Rumsey writes concerning payment of workers of the Potomac Company; signed by George Washington and others.
#9251. Certificate of membership for Daniel Bedinger; signed by George Washington. Location of original unknown.
#8122. Washington writes concerning the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, mentioning Charles Lee, Samuel Chase, the payment of British debts, and the purchase of corn.
#8122. Washington inquires about a slave he has hired from Mrs. Stuart whose term of service was up at Christmas.
#382-d. Washington responds to a bill of complaint filed in Fairfax County, Va., by William Owens, in a case concerning the estate of George Mercer.
#10530-c. Washington replies to a letter from Hancock congratulating him on his election to the presidency.
#8122. Washington's brief note covers an enclosure [not present] regarding a compromise with "Alexander."
#8122. An incomplete letter concerns the irritation of the public with the proceedings and practices of Congress and the assumption of state Revolutionary War debts.
#11017. Addressed in Washington's hand to Mr. Robert Lewis, near Fauquier Court House, Virginia.
#2447. Towles asks Washington to verify the particulars of an incident in which Washington, as Commander in Chief, did not allow Towles to resign his commission in the army at the time of "so perilous a crisis" in 1777.
#8041. Signed by George Washington and Henry Knox, Richard M. Greaton commissioned at the rank of Captain in the second sublegion of the United States.
#13481. Given in honor of Hope McCurdy Olmsted. In a letter marked "Private," Washington writes to Madison from Mount Vernon, 1793 October 14, concerning "the calamitous situation of Philadelphia," i.e. the Yellow Fever epidemic. He seeks Madison's advice on the legality of the Executive convening Congress at Germantown, or some other place. He mentions that he has requested an official opinion from the Attorney-General and has also sought Thomas Jefferson's advice. He notes that Governor Thomas Mifflin has reported 3500 deaths and that Philadelphia is "now almost depopulated by removals and death."
#9030. Washington thanks Barrell for a gift of a sea otter skin.
#38-301. Bill and receipt, written and signed by overseer William Pearce, to Selden for horse breeding services at Mount Vernon. On verso of address leaf is a letter signed "Chas. W. Farrand," a Union soldier, written from the vicinity of Fredericksburg, Va. probably in the spring of 1862.
#10036. A form letter signed by Washington directs Henry Tazewell as U.S. Senators from Virginia to come to a session in Philadelphia to deliberate on "matters touching the public good."
#3086-a. Washington writes regarding a possible visit by Lewis and a land sale involving Henry Lee and Alexander Spotswood. (Harriot?)
#15686. Washingto replies to "the address and resolutions of the Citizens of Cheraw District, who assembled on the 15th of August, to express their opinions on the treaty, and who desired my sanction might be withheld." Washington states that it is now widely known that the treaty "has received my assent" and regrets that "this should differ from that of any of my fellow citizens, but I have conscientiously done what appeared to be my duty." He thanks the citizens of Cheraw for the "respectful and grateful sentiments of the meeting, flowing, as they are pleased to say from a recollection of my former services." Washington concludes by stating that he wishes to assure them that if his "sincere endeavours to promote the interest of my fellow citizens, ever entitled me to their approbation, I have not by this act ceased to deserve it."
#5025. Washington proposes the establishment of a national university and a military academy. A tally of ayes and noes is on verso together with other notes concerning the proposal, including one regarding a similar proposal by Jefferson.
#11629. Washington assures Heath that he did not attribute any motive of office seeking to a congratulatory letter Heath wrote; hopes that the country will avoid the current European crisis and "do justice to all, and have no political connexion with any of the European powers" and looks forward to reading Heath's memoirs. He writes in closing that "my hours...glide smoothly on," and "the prosperity of our country will always have the first place in my thoughts" while farming will occupy his remaining days.
#2529. Washington writes concerning Mr. Booker's improved threshing machine which he wishes to try.
#1231. Washington deplores public attacks upon the government but declares he is impervious to attacks upon him personally as his is now in his long sought retirement.
#38-114. Heth writes regarding "enemies to our government" and the dangers of partisan politics, and the necessity of counteracting with a pamphlet he has written "for the perusal of the plain farmers."
Regarding Washington's health in his declining years. Enclosed is a letter to John McDowell, President of St. John's College, introducing Carter, who was enrolling his sons at the college. #1445
#1445 Washington authorizes payment of $283.00 to Edward Livingston.
#38-114. Washington has been so long away from his home county that he does not feel competent to suggest men to be selected as militia officers. He leaves the task to the three recipients. He supports the creation of a militia against a future emergency and encloses a division and subdivision of the state into recruiting and rendezvousing districts and a list of officer quotas for the 12 Virginia regiments.
Lear discusses his day-to-day affairs including marriage to "my dear Fanny" [Frances Dandridge Henley]; boarding with [Thomas?] Law; initiation in the Masonic Lodge at Alexandria; dining with Jefferson and Madison, news of the Louisiana Purchase; July 4th celebration; journey to Boston via Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York; visit to his Portsmouth, N.H. home; a rumor, begun by John Marshall, that he had suppressed certain papers of George Washington; and preparations for the journey to Algiers on the U.S.S. Constitution under Edward P reble [no entries the month of the voyage.]
Lear writes at length about his diplomatic mission to Algiers to negotiate a treaty with Tripoli and the current situation with the Barbary pirates. He discusses the capture of an American brig; the replacement of Commodore Richard Morris; assistance to the H.M.S. Childers,an English brig in distress, whose captain, Sir George Bolton, was carrying dispatches to Lord Nelson; discussions on Barbary affairs with consuls James L. Cathcart and James Simpson; the arrival of the Emperor of Morocco in Tangiers and subsequent negotiations including ratification of the Treay of 1786; and attempts by British men of war to lure away American sailors. The diary ends on October 23, a week before the capture of William Bainbridge and the crew of the Philadelphia.
#13752.
#8122.
Washington states that "ammunition, tho' competent to the defensive, is, by a late estimate of the commanding officer of artillery, vastly short of an offensive operation of any consequence." He says that the army does not have enough clothing for "the few recruits which may be expected" and unless the supply from France arrives "the troops must, next winter, go naked, unless their states supply them." Washington says that the "proportion of the Continental Army already allotted to Southern service is as much as ... can be spared for that purpose." He says that he will do all in his power to "give support to the Southern States, but you may readily conceive how irksome a thing it must be to me to be called upon for assistance, when I have not the means of affording it."
#5605.
Published 1951 by the Washington Library, San Mateo, Calif.
1797 May 29, George Washington to James McHenry. Washington describes his daily round of activities which prevent him from responding to correspondence quickly.
1798 May 6, George Washington to James McHenry. Washington inquires about the establishment of an arsenal at the mouth of the Shenandoah which he believes the best situated place in the entire United States, and comments briefly on the disarray in Democratic party following the publication of dispatches from U. S. envoys abroad.
1798 December 16, George Washington to James McHenry. Washington advises McHenry on the proper way to set up a military system, with a few principal officers who would communicate with the War Dept. He accepted command of the army, but will not be active unless his presence is required in the field. Direction of military affairs in the southern states should go to General Pinckney. General Hamilton should superintend all troops and posts not under Pinckney including the army under Wilkinson. The recruiting service should be under the Inspector General. "This will serve to unite and simplify...and enable you to devote your attention to ... general Plans and to an effectual Superintencence...."
#11550