Search

Major George A. Washington gone to Berkeley so he will address him [Whitting] on Mount Vernon matters -- send weekly reports -- corn at the mill should be ready -- gather this corn & stalks together for fodder -- plant this meadow in grass -- further instructions on harvesting and seeding -- all autumn grain and grass to be put in as soon as possible -- wants an overseer for Dogue Run, a man with a small family -- house for overseer, can move one from the Mansion to Dogue Run easier than build a new one, add a brick chimney -- this was originally at Dogue Run -- instructions for Tom Davis, bricklayer, about "the other Wing of the Green House" -- be sure brick work on old & new walls coincide exactly -- instructions for Will, "if ... is not likely to provide shoes enough for the Negroes in due Season" -- clover -- use the barn floor to tread wheat -- not to use Mr. Lund Washington's smith for work on Harrows, Mt. Vernon's smiths are competent -- how is wheat crop -- if 335 bushels all? -- crop short indeed.

Washington writes to his Mount Vernon overseer about farm matters; mentions crop rotation system, decreasing productivity of land, wheat experiments, mill production, and missing horse.

Discusses plantation management.

Written in the hand of Bartholomew Dandridge. Washington describes his Mount Vernon estate to the English agronomist in great detail, as he is considering leasing four of the Mount Vernon farms. Includes his description of Mount Vernon: "No estate in United America is more pleasantly situated than this."

Some time ago a mulatto girl, body servant to Mrs. Washington, ran away--she was found in Portsmouth, N.H.--asks Bassett that since he is going to Portsmouth, would he take steps to send her back--a Frenchman enticed her away but has left her--if she causes no further trouble, she won't be punished--Washington doesn't wish him to do anything "unpleasant, or troublesome" to bring her back.

George Washington appointed George Augustine Washington manager of Mount Vernon in his absence. The letter gives detailed instruction of farming Mount Vernon, as well as decorating the mansion, improvements to farm buildings, supervision and care of the servants, miscellaneous purchases.

Washington first asks Gilpin for the use of a scow with which he intends to dredge mud from the river bottom for trial as fertilizer. Then he goes into some detail about the making of a water level and staff which he desires, "I have joiners that could execute the wooden work ... but my Smith is too great a bungler to entrust anything to him, ..." Washington asks Gilpin to have the iron work done for him, or, if he thinks it preferable to make the complete instrument for him.

Lewis was acting Estate Manager for George Washington at Mount Vernon. The letter contains instructions for various farm activities and personal advice to young Lewis on how to write better reports.

Washington writes that since Anderson didn't answer many of his queries, nothing can be decided about his employment until Washington can see him, which will be at Mt. Vernon at end of month--Washington expected him to speak with candor about his qualifications, although he is "sensible it is not a pleasant thing for any man to speak of himself"--as Washington will reside on the estate from now on, much work will be taken off superintendant's shoulders--Washington describes the writing of the weekly farm reports, etc. that should take only a few hours each week--he sees no need for assistant--Fredericksburg mails made up every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evening.

Washington acknowledges receipt of Andersons reports & letter -- Andersons opinion of the overseers is no doubt correct, and "if the Negroes will not do their duty by fair means, they must be compelled to do it" -- despite Washingtons policy of feeding, clothing, and caring for the slaves, they will try to shirk their work with feigned sickness especially after night walking, and must be examined promptly when claiming sickness.