Letter, to James Anderson, 1798

Containers:

Box 14, Folder 1798.06.12, Folder OUT

Scope and content:

Washington expresses his opinions on Anderson's "Memorial" to him on proposed plan of work at Mt. Vernon -- agrees substantially with his principles for conducting the different farms & modes of carrying them into effect -- some minor modifications may be necessary -- overseers don't need to know anything except to obey orders without question -- comments on specifics in Anderson's Memorial -- grass & oat fields at Mt. Vernon -- farm & woodland pastures -- "Although there will be little or no cultivation at the Mansion House after the year 1798, yet keeping up the fences - getting fuel and performing other multifarious jobs" make it difficult to predict force necessary to work it -- grass at River Farm -- Muddy Hole, Dogue Run, Union Farm turned more to meadows -- wishes new mill race to be completed because he wishes to keep mill busy through the season by purchasing wheat to grind -- approves Andersons plan of a distillery to make profit, and will put carpenters to it as soon as possible -- Washington is not inclined to place Andersons compensation for running the distillery & other business on footing Anderson suggests [Washington and Anderson to share the profits from distillery] but prefers to pay a standing wage -- Washington gives his reasons, and will pay £140 to him & if he establishes the distillery which answers purposes, he will increase the salary in appreciation -- will also hire a clerk if necessary -- but if River Farm is rented, won't increase his wages at all -- no overseer necessary for Mansion House, Will can do the work -- Washington doesn't want one overseer overlooking both Union and Dogue Run because he has "always found, however, that Negroes will either idle or slight their work if they are not closely attended to."

Language:

English.

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