I i ll

. . : : I.

Hlli

MINIATURE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON Presented to Tobias Lear by Mrs. Washington.

and Recollections

eorge Wash* >n

of G

ir and oti

rwecn \ 1799, showing

Ameri' the manager,

and ?ic affairs.

• E WAM Lear by M • <lon.

Being letters to Tobias Lear and others be- tween 1790 and 1799, showing the First American in the management of his estate and domestic affairs.

With a diary of Washington's last days, kept by Mr. Lear.

Illustratid from far* »ld portraits, pbotagraphi and tngravingt

New York

Doubleday, Page & Company 1906

Copyright, 1905, by W. K. Bixby

Copyright, 1906, by

Doubleday, Page & Company

Published, July, 1906

AH rights reserved,

including that of translation into foreign languages, including the Scandinavian

The letters to Mr. Tobias Lear contained in this volume were copied from the originals writ- ten by Washington. The volume was furnished to me, while I was preparing Washington's Writ- ings for the press, by Mr. Lincoln Lear, and I now present it to his daughter, Miss Louisa Lear.

JARED SPARKS Cambridge,

October, 1852.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The publishers acknowledge gratefully the permis- sion given by Mr. W. K. Bixby to use in this collection those letters to Tobias Lear included in a privately printed volume of Washington letters already issued by him.

But for the courteous assistance received at the Lenox Library, much that it was our privilege to include in this collection, must have been omitted.

The volume of " Letters to William Pearce from George Washington," brought out by the Long Island Historical Society, is the authority for several interesting letters to Mr. Pearce herein reproduced.

ix

INTRODUCTION.

The letters from George Washington to my grand- father, Tobias Lear, included in this volume, are inter- esting as showing a side of that great man's character new to the public. His mastery of detail in domestic life appears to have been as remarkable as his power to conduct the affairs of a great nation.

His confidence in my grandfather is proved by these letters to him — if proof is needed. He entrusted him with the management of those household details so interesting and important in his eyes. Tobias Lear was born in 1760 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; he graduated from Harvard in 1783, entering at once upon the duties of tutor to Washington's adopted children, afterwards becoming his private secretary, in which capacity he remained for sixteen years, or until Wash- ington's death. He was also his military aide, with rank of Colonel, when such services were needed. Be- sides his professional position, he had a higher standing in the family through marriage. After the death of his first wife — Mary Long, of Portsmouth, N. H., my own grandmother — he married Fanny Washington; and again, after her death, Frances Dandridge Henley, a niece of Martha Washington. Through this last

marriage, I became the possessor of a very valuable and unique quilt, made by Mrs. Washington's wn hands, . which was used on George Washington's bed. The min- iature of Washington here reproduced was presented to Tobias Lear by Martha Washington, after her husband's death. It has a large lock of his hair at the back of it. The miniature of Tobias Lear is a remarkably fine one, painted by Cottoni, an Italian. The setting is of gold, bordered by a narrow band of blue enamel, edged on each side by seed pearls.

Tobias Lear's only child — my father — was christened Benjamin Lincoln, after General Lincoln. My grand- father writes, in a letter to William Atkinson: "Our boy has the name of Benjamin Lincoln in memory of my true friend and one of the best of men. Many express their surprise that a son of mine, born too in this family, should receive any other name than that of George Washington. But altho' I love & respect the great man who bears that name, yet I would not for the world do a thing that could savour of adulation toward him — and if I would not adulate him I am sure I would adulate no human being."

Washington was this child's godfather, presenting him with a silver pap-cup and spoon. Unfortunately, the cup was stolen.

The locket here shown, containing a lock of my grandmother's hair, is of glass, set in gold, upon which is engraved the date of her death, and "To B. L. L. from his friend M. Washington. "

xi

/» t

Tobias Lear evidently had, in a quiet way, consider- able influence over Washington. The diary mentions the fact of his moderating Washington's excitement over something he was reading in the paper. It was also through his persuasions that his New England trip was taken.

I have written this short introduction to show in what high esteem Washington held Lear. As to my grandfather's affection for Washington, the diary shows.

I was defrauded of the originals of these letters.

LOUISA LEAR EYRE.

CONTENTS

PAGE

Letters from George Washington to his Secre- tary, Tobias Lear 3

The last days of George Washington from a

diary kept by Mr. Lear . . . .129

Miscellaneous letters revealing the great States- man's mode of life at Mt. Vernon . . 142

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Miniature of George Washington . Frontispiece

FACING PAGE

Miniature of Tobias Lear . , , , 68

Washington's bedroom in which he died . . 134

Commemoration of the death of Washington . 140

Quilt given to Mr. Lear by the Washingtons . 162

The Stuart portrait of Martha Washington . 184

Third Wife of Tobias Lear . . . •. 226

(Also a niece of Martha Washington)

The homes of Washington and Robert Morris,

Philadelphia , . 250

LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON

No. i

PHILADELPHIA, Septr. sth. 1790. Dear Sir,

After a pleasant journey we arrived in this City about 2 o'clock on Thursday last. To morrow we proceed (if Mrs. Washington's health will permit, for she has been much indisposed since she came here) towards Mount Vernon.

The house of Mr. R. Morris had, previous to my ar- rival, been taken by the Corporation for my residence. It is the best they could get. It is, I believe, the best Single house in the City ; yet without additions, it is in- adequate to the commodious accommodations of my family. These, I believe will be made.

The first floor contains only two public Rooms (ex- cept one for the upper Servants). The second floor will have two public (drawing) Rooms & with the aid of one Room with the partition in it, in the back build- ing will be sufficient for the accommodation of Mrs. Washington & the children & their maids — besides affording me a small place for a private study and dress- ing room. The third story will furnish you and Mrs. Lear with a good lodging Room, — a public office (for there is no place below for one) and two Rooms for the Gentlemen of the family. The Garret has four good Rooms which must serve Mr. and Mrs. Hyde (unless they should prefer the Room over the Wash house),

4 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

William — and such servants as it may not be better to place in the addition (as proposed) to the back building. There is a room over the Stable (without a fireplace, but by means of a Stove) may serve the Coachman & Postillions; and there is a smoke house, which possi- bly may be more useful to me for the accommodation of Servants, than for smoking of meat. The intention of the addition to the back Building is to provide a Ser- vants' Hall, and one or two (as it will afford) lodging Rooms for the Servants, especially those who are coupled. There is a very good Wash house adjoining the Kitchen (under one of the Rooms already men- tioned). There are good Stables, but for 12 horses only, and a Coach house which will hold all my Carriages.

Speaking of Carriages, — I have left my Coach to re- ceive a thorough repair against I return (which I expect will happen before the first of December) and I request you will visit Mr. Clark (into whose hands it is com- mitted) often, to see it well done ; and that I may not be disappointed in the time allowed him for the com- pletion, which is by the 25th. of November. The har- ness is also left with him, and he has my Ideas on this subject: — generally they are, if the wheel harness (which I understand was left at New York) can be made complete, and look as well as if they were new, then & in that case, he is to make a set of pole-end Har- ness to suit them, both to be plated — but if this can- not be accomplished, the set is to be made entirely new, — and in the best style.

I have requested Colo. Biddle to take measure for laying in wood for me, this being, he thinks, the proper time for doing it, & to draw upon you for the amount of Cost.

The pressure of business under which I laboured for several days before I left New York, allowed me no

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 5

time to enquire who of the female servants it was pro- posed or thought advisable to remove here, besides the wives of the footmen, — namely, James and Fidas. The Washerwomen, I believe, are good, but as they, or one of them at least, has a family of children — quere, whether it is necessary to incumber the march, — and the family afterwards with them? I neither contradict or advise the measure — your own judgment, and the circumstances of the case must decide the point: — but unless there is better reason than I am acquainted with for bringing Mrs. Lewis, her daughter and their fami- lies along, they had better, I should conceive, be left : — but as I never investigated the subject, I will give no decisive opinion thereon.

As Mr. Hyde some little time before I left New York expressed dissatisfaction, signifying he could neither enjoy under the conduct of the servants the happiness he wished, or render those services he thought might be expected from him, it might be well for you before I am at the expense of his removal, to know decidedly what his determination is, and his views with respect to a continuance. There can be no propriety in sad- ling me with the cost of his transportation, & that of his baggage, if he has it in contemplation to leave me at, or soon after his arrival. And I am the rather in- clined to make this suggestion now as time will allow you to scrutinize his accounts, and to form a good com- parative view of them with Francis's. As a steward, I am satisfyed William (independent of the woman, & what her excellence is I really know not) would be full his equal — and I think the dinners, if the Cook had more agency in the planing of them, would be better ; — at least more tasty, but this Mr. and Mrs. Hyde's pride will not submit to. As I have got to the end of the paper and am tired, I shall only add that your let- ter of the 3d. with its enclosures came safe — and that

6 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Mrs. Washington joins me in best wishes for Mrs. Lear and yourself. I am sincerely & affectionately —

Yrs. P. S.

In a fortnight or 20 days from this time, it is ex- pected Mr. Moms will have removed out of the house. It is proposed to add bow windows to the two public Rooms in the South front of the house, but as all the other apartments will be close and secure the sooner after that time you can be in the house, with the fur- niture, the better, that you may be well fixed and see how matters go on during my absence. MR. LEAR.

No. 2.

BALTIMORE, Septr. gth. 1790. Dear Sir,

Agreeably to the information given in my last, I left Philadelphia on Monday and arrived here yesterday afternoon. To day I rest. To morrow I proceed, and hope to arrive safe at Mount Vernon on Saturday, after taking dinner at Abingdon, on our way.

In order that you may not be too fast or too slow in your removal to Philadelphia, it might be well to open a correspondence with Mr. Morris, requesting him to inform you at what time the house will be ready to re- ceive the furniture, because it is proposed as I was in- formed after writing to you on Sunday last, to have the Rooms painted after Mr. Morris should have left it. I would not let the bow windows, or any other addi- tion to the house, or any of the out buildings be any impediment to your removal, for you will have suffi- cient Room to stow the furniture (intended for the two large Rooms) in some other parts of the house ; and for all those who will accompany you ; and by being on the spot you will have it more in your power to provide

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON" 7

wood, and make such other arrangements as shall be found necessary, than you can do at a distance, besides accomplishing the main point (that is, the removal) before the weather becomes cold and intem- perate.

In my last I left it with you to decide on the pro- priety of bringing the Washer women. I do so still. But with respect to Mrs. Lewis and her daughter, I wish it may not be done, especially as it is in contem- plation to transplant Hercules or Nathan from the Kitchen at Mount Vernon to that in Philadelphia ; and because the dirty figures of Mrs. Lewis and her daughter will not be a pleasant sight in view (as the Kitchen always will be) of the principal entertaining rocms in our new habitation.

Upon a second conversation with Mr. Clark, the Coach maker, it was concluded to have the Harness for the Coach quite new and plated ; and I should be glad it you would see that they are handsomely executed. He is to make harness for the pole-end as well as for the wheel horses, & promises that every thing shall be completed by the middle of November.

Mr. and Mrs. Morris have insisted upon leaving the two large looking Glasses which are in their best Rooms, because they have no place (they say) proper to re- move them to, and because they are unwilling to hazzard the taking of them down. You will therefore let them have, in place of them, the choice of mine. The large ones which I purchased from the French Minister they do not incline to take ; but will be glad of some of the others. They also will leave a large Glass lamp in the entry or Hall, and will take one or more of my Glass lamps in lieu of it. In disposing of the Yards Mr Morris will take in (to the House he removes to; the part which formerly belonged to it. I mention this that you may not be surprised at the attempt.

8 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Nothing further occurs at present. Mrs. Washington unites with me in good wishes for Mrs. Lear and yourself and I am,

Sincerely & affectionately Yrs.

No. 3.

MOUNT VERNON, Septr. i7th. 1790. Dear Sir,

Having received no letter from you since the one dated the 3d Instant, I have nothing to reply to. The motive for writing to you at this time is, that upon un- packing the china ornaments which accompanied the mirrors for the Tables, it was found (notwithstanding they were in Bran) that many of the delicate and tender parts were broken ; occasioned, I believe, by the Bran not being put in and settled down by a little at a time. To press the Bran around the Images (you have to re- move with the platteaux) will not answer ; still it must be so compact as to prevent friction, in moving; and this can only be done by putting each Image or figure in a separate box, with Bran, by little and little, shaking and settling it by degrees as it is added.

By a letter which Major Jackson has received from General Steward, he has completed his removal, & Mr. Morris had begun to take things out of the house I am to have, to make room for my furniture, but as Mr. Morris was desired, so I am persuaded he will inform you when it will be safe and proper for you to remove. The sooner I think it can be done the better; as you will be able to make such arrangements, and provide such conveniences as you will know we shall want, and which (I suppose) through the channels they are now making, may be accomplished.

We have resolved to take one of my Cooks with us, and if upon examining into the matter it shall be found

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 9

convenient, I may also take on a boy; — at any rate, there will be no occasion for Mrs. Lewis or her daughter ; for a Scullion may always be had in Philadelphia.

In one of my former letters I suggested to you the propriety of knowing decidedly what Mr. Hyde's views are before he is removed from New York at my expence, and I now repeat it : — first, because it is necessary for me to be placed upon a certainty; — and secondly, be- cause if he has any difficulties or doubts — or has it in contemplation to talk in a short time (which is but too common a case) of increased wages, it would be best to separate at once, as well for these reasons as the one I communicated in a former letter and because I fear his Table is a much more expensive one than it ought to be. But as this is conjecture only, I will not charge him with it — tho' I think the short duration of the first Pipe of Pintard wine, is a pretty evident proof that that article was expended more expeditiously than it ever was in Francis's time. How it has been with other things if you have been able to compare the accts. of the one with the other, you must be the best judge.

We arrived safe at this place on Saturday last, but not without one upset of the Charriot and Waggon — fortunately neither was hurt. We all unite in best wishes for you and Mrs. Lear, and I am your sincere friend and affectionate Servant,

Take measure either by yourself or through Colo. Biddle to engage Wood in season & whilst it is to be obtained on good terms.

No. 4.

MOUNT VERNON, Septr. 2oth. 1790. Dear Sir,

The Servant who carried my letter of the i yth. to the

io LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Post office in Alexandria, returned with yours of the 1 2th. which shall be the Subject for this reply.

What ever Ideas or remarks may have been excited by my going into Mr. Morris's house I know not, but this I am sure of, that to do it was farthest from my ex- pectations. The Corporation of the City (by whom it was engaged) made attempts it seems to get other places, but none being to be obtained to their liking, Mr. Morris's was offered, and accepted, subject to my decision. To the Academy there were exceptions which it was said could not be overcome. To Hunter's Houses there were impediments. The Houses of Mrs. Allan and Mr. Guirney could not be had because Mrs. Pollock (tenant in the latter) would not relinquish it, and Mr. or Mrs. Kepley's was found not to answer. This, I was told, was the history of the business.

I have not the least objection to Fida's wife's coming to Philadelphia in the vessel with the other servants; nor to her continuing in the family afterwards, if she chuses it and can do the duties of her station tolerably, because I think he merits indulgence on James' account (who I also think is a very good servant) I consent read- ily, if it was his expectation & wish that his wife may accompany the servants in the manner suggested by you, or as a house maid if she is thought fit for it; — but not being acquainted with the views of the parties (James and Wife I mean) I can only say that I shall be perfectly satisfied with whatever you do respecting the matter. As I do not believe the House can be better supplied with Washer women, I think it best to bring those you have ; on condition that I shall not be bur- thened with Fanny's children after they arrive. Thus much for the lower Servants and their connections.

With respect to Mr. Hyde and his wife, if the duties of the family are too much for both, will Mr. Hyde alone be able to discharge them? If she quits, will not

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON n

a substitute be necessary? In that case or in case Mr. Hyde acts alone, does he expect the same wages as are now given to both? If it is not stated on some paper handed in by Mr. Hyde, it is nevertheless strong in my recollection, that his wife's services were stated at one, and his own at 200 dollars per Annum. I have no wish to part with Mr. or Mrs. Hyde, first because I do not like to be changing ; — and secondly because I do not know where or with whom to supply their places. On the score of the accts. I can say nothing never having taken a comparative view of his and Frauncis's, but I am exceedingly mistaken if the expences of the second Table at which Mr. Hyde presides, has not greatly ex- ceeded that kept by Frauncis ; for (but in this I may be mistaken) I strongly suspect that nothing is brought to my Table of liquors, fruits or other things that is not used as profusely at his. If my suspicions are un- founded, I shall be sorry for having entertained them, and if they are not, it is at least questionable, whether his successor might not do the same thing ; — in which case (if Hyde is honest and careful, of which you are better able to judge than I am) a change without a benefit might take place, and is not desirable, if they are to be retained on proper terms. I say they, for if Mrs. Hyde is necessary for the purposes innumerated in your letter, and the Cook is not competent to the desert, making Cake, &c. I do not see what use Hyde, more than William, would be without her — nor do I see why she should execute part of his duties and there- by make her own too burthensome. Francis, besides being an excellent Cook, knowing how to provide gen- teel Dinners, and giving aid in dressing them, pre- pared the desert, made the Cake, and did every thing that Hyde and Wife conjointly do; consequently, the services of Hyde alone, are not to be compared with those of Francis, and if his accts. exceed (in the same

12 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

seasons) those of Frauncis 4 or £5 a week and at the same time appear fair, I shall have no scruple to ac- knowledge that I have entertained much harder thoughts of the latter than I ought to have done, altho' it is inconceivable to me how other families on 25 hd. or 3000 dollars should be enabled to entertain more company, at least more frequently, than I could do for twenty five thousand dollars annually.

I am glad to hear that the furniture of the large drawing Room, especially the Glasses, are packed in a manner which you think secure. With respect to the Table ornaments, my opinion has been so fully given on the mode of putting them up, that I shall say nothing further on the subject in this letter, and as I presume a correspondence has been opened between Mr. Morris and you, I have no doubt of your embracing the proper moment for their removal, & the best mode of accom- plishing it.

Mr. Macomb may in reality be indifferent as to the taking the House off your hands — but it is highly prob- able he will assume the appearance of it, in order to derive an advantage in the terms, therefore as I shall have to pay rent for it until May, if he or some other does not take it, it would be well to bring him to some decision at once or advertise the renting of it, and the sale of the buildings I have put up at the same time. You will make better terms for these than any Agent that will be left behind & besides, it may hasten Mr. Macomb (who from what I have heard I'm sure wants the house) by alarming his fears, that others may step in. To receive some compensation would be better than to sink the whole rent & to lose the buildings which I have erected on the lots. If there is no like- lihood of my getting a tenant for the house you are in, would not Mr. Macomb be glad to take it at the dif- ference which disinterested and impartial men would

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 13

fix between it and the house he is in and for me to pay the rent of the latter until a Tenant for it could be ob- tained? This would be a step gained and is perhaps what he is driving at.

With respect to Dingwell I join Colo. Hamilton & Mr. Jefferson in opinion, that it is no more than a catchpenny plan, — yet, for the reason assigned by Genl. Knox, I think twenty or thirty dollars may be given him, professedly for his trouble; with an assur- ance that it is believed B has meant an imposition

on him, in as much as part of his information we know is unfounded, & am sure from the complexion & ex- pression of some of the letters, pretended to be re- ceived from some of the King of G. B.'s Ministers, that they are spurious. Yet, nevertheless, as it is supposed that he, Dingwell, meant well, and has been at some trouble in his report, this sum is given expressly on those accts.

We have all of us been very well since we came to this place and all join in best wishes for you and Mrs. Lear.

With sincere regard & affecn. I am, Yrs. &ca.

No. 5.

MOUNT VERNON, Septr. 27th. 1790. Dear Sir,

Since my last to you (the date I do not recollect, keeping no copies of my letters to you) I have reed. yours of the i7th.&2oth. Inst. and shall answer such parts of them as require it.

I am glad to find that the house according to Mr. Morris's notification to you will be ready about the time you had made arrangements for the removal of my furniture, the mode of doing which, is, I am persuaded,

i4 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

the cheapest and best. How have you disposed (for safety) of the Pagoda? It is a delicate piece of stuff and will require to be tenderly handled.

I expected that Mr. Macomb, if he found that no other person was disposed to take the house off my hands, would endeavor to impose his own terms: and allowing me only j£ioo for seven months use of it, when the rent (independent of the houses I put on the lots) is £400, is a pretty strong evidence of it. And if you do not take some measures to see what can be had for the Wash house and Stable, he will impose his own terms there also. But after all, we are in his power, and he must do as he pleases with us.

As the Lustre is paid for & securely packed up and may suit the largest drawing Room at Mr. Morris's, I do not incline to part with it ; the Franklin Stoves and other fixtures, if they cannot be disposed of without loss, must be brought round with the other furniture: we may find use for them. Such things as are freighted in the common way (if the vessel you desired Colo. Biddleto procure is unable to carry the whole) had better be of the kinds which require least care.

The sale of the old Charriot was proper, for although the price is small it will be so much saved for the public. If much worn or lumbering articles could be disposed of to any tolerable account, might it not be better to sell them at New York & buy (if necessary) new ones at Philadelphia, than to pay freight for them round?

Mrs. Morris has a mangle (I think they are called) for Ironing of Clothes, which, as it is fixed in the place where it is commonly used, she proposed to leave and take mine. To this I have no objection provided mine is equally good and convenient ; but if I should obtain any advantage, besides that of its being up, and ready for use, I am not inclined to receive it.

Mrs. Washington and all of this family unite in best

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 15

wishes for you and Mrs. Lear, and I am your sincere friend and

Affectionate Servant,

No. 6.

MOUNT VERNON, OCTR. 3d. 1790.

Dear Sir,

Your letters of the 22d. Ulto. came safe. I wish the information given by Mr. Danl. Parker to Doctr. Crai- gee may prove true. No mention of such event is in Morris's letter to me, but the date is prior to that of Mr. Parker's by six days. The declaration and counter- declaration of the Minister of Britain and Spain are published with the Communication thereof to the Lord Mayor of London ; and yet it seems to be the opinion of some of the Paragraphists, that the matter remains un- settled. Further information (not contained in the News papers) of these or any other interesting matters, you would do well to give me the earliest intelligence of. Mr. Jefferson being from New York will more than prob- able delay official advices through the Office of Foreign Affairs longer than it otherwise would be in coming to me.

I request after you get to Philadelphia and previous to our arrival there, that you would use your best en- deavours to ascertain the characters or reputation of such schools as it may be proper to place Washington at, so soon as we shall be fixed in our new habitation ; — particularly if there be any fit school in the College for him, under good and able Tutors, & well attended. His trip to Mount Vernon will be of no service to him, but will render restraint more necessary than ever. If the College is under good regulations, and have proper tutors there for boys of his standing to prepare them for the higher branches of education, quere, whether it

16 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

would not be better to place him in it at once ? the pre- sumption being that a System prevails, by which the gradations are better connected than they are in Schools which have no correspondence with each other. Mr. S — is a man of acknowledged abilities but — it may not be well perhaps to say more in a letter, especially as his re-instatement may have given rise to a reform of that conduct which did not escape censure formerly.

The enclosed letters having been put under cover to me, will of course occasion delay in the receipt of them by you & Fidas. In all your communications respecting the Servants no mention has been made of John's wife. What do you understand to be her plan? Enclosed is a letter from him to her, or some friend I suppose of hers — and another from James to his deltoboso.

If I have not already advised you of it, it is necessary now to do so, that Mrs. Stuart has paid for the tickets you purchased for her and Mrs. Alexander that was.

When you can get at the last letter or letters of the Count de Estaing to me, I wish you would send me a transcript of what he says, or whether any thing of a Bust he has sent me, of Mr. Necker, together with a number of Prints of that Gentleman and the Marquis de la Fayette, which are come to my hands in a pack- age from Baltimore.

We all join in best wishes for you and Mrs. Lear and I am

Your sincere friend

And affectionate servt.

No. 7.

MOUNT VERNON, Octr. roth. 1790. Dear Sir,

Your letters of the 26th. & 3oth.of the last & 3d. of the present month have come duly to hand.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 17

Without entering into the details, I can assure you that I am perfectly satisfied with the steps you have taken respecting the vessel which is to bring the furni- ture and servants to Philadelphia — with your agree- ment with Mr. Macomb & whatever you shall do with the houses I was compelled to build on his Lots — with your conduct towards and agreement with Mr. and Mrs. Hyde — and with your taking the carpeting from Barry and Rogers, although it arrived much after the time it ought, by agreement, to have been delivered. As Mr. Macomb will, more than probable, get the houses for little or nothing, you acted very properly, I think, in taking down the closets, partitions and fixtures, which I purchased of the French Minister, and which would have been equally convenient to him, rather than increase his gains at my loss. If the vessel can bring them, they can unquestionably be made useful in our intended habitation — if not, they will probably fetch something.

The easy and quiet temper of Fanny is little fitted I find for the care of my niece Harriot Washington who is grown almost, if not quite a woman, & what to do with her at the advanced size she is arrived at, I am really at a loss. Her age (just turned of 14) is not too great for a boarding school, but to enter now with any tolerable prospect, the Mistress of it must not only be respectable, but one who establishes and will enforce good rules. She is prone to idleness, and having been under no controul, would create all the difficulty. I have formed no resolution respecting what will be proper for me to do with her, but that I may the better judge, I request that you will enquire whether there be a prop- er School (for her to board at) in Philadelphia. If so, whether there are at it genteel girls of her size & age — who the mistress of it is, — what her character — terms, &ca, are — the numbers of it — who of the principal fami-

i8 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

lies, and how they are entertained and accommodated? I have not intimated any thing of this matter to Har- riot yet, who if it should be, would I dare say be a good deal alarmed, as she had I dare say rather mix with other company than be in a boarding school. Among other things enquire what is taught at these schools. I must further desire, that in pursuing your enquiries after a School for Washington, particularly if one is to be found in the College at Philadelphia fit for him, that you would extend them to the reputation of the higher branches in that Seminary, & whether much good could be expected from my fixing my Nephews George & Lawrence in it. From what I can find, they are doing but little in Alexandria, having left the study of the languages, & indeed Mr. McWhir, & are learning French & the Mathematics under a Mr. Harron. George & indeed Lawrence, I am told, are well disposed youths, — neither of them wanting capacity; and both, es- pecially the first, very desirous of improvement. I would wish to know what their studies and board would stand them annually — in a word, the best estimate (exclusive of clothes) of the expense of fixing them at that place.

As I have had no account yet of what has been done, or is doing to our new habitation, or what ideas to an- nex to Mr. Morris's information to you that the House would not be ready for your reception before the roth, of the present month, I should be glad to receive a full statement of these matters as soon as you arrive at Philadelphia & have time to look into things.

We all join in best wishes for you & Mrs. Lear — and for your — and the safe arrival of everything in Philadelphia.

With sincere regard and affection I am Yrs.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 19

No. 8

MOUNT VERNON, Octr. 27th. 1790.

Dear Sir,

On Sunday last I returned from a twelve days ex- cursion up the Potomack, and found your letters of the 6th. & loth, from New York and i4th.& i7th. from Philadelphia. I am very glad to hear that you are all arrived at the latter place safe, and the furniture, as you conceive, in good order. It was very right to give John's wife the same privilege that was allowed to others, and Mr. and Mrs. Hyde's coming in the stage is equally agreeable to me.

I have no particular directions to give respecting the appropriation of the furniture. By means of the Bow windows, the back rooms will become the largest, and of course will receive the furniture of the largest dining and drawing Rooms, and in that case, although there is no closet within the former, there are some in the Steward's room directly opposite, which are not inconvenient; or (but here I am speaking somewhat at random, not knowing to what use it has hitherto been applied) there is a small room adjoining the Kitch- en (by the Pump) that might, if it is not essential for other purposes, be appropriated for the Images, save china, and other things of this sort, which are not in common use. Mrs. Morris, who is a notable lady in family arrangements, can give you much information in all the conveniences about the house and buildings ; and I dare say would rather consider it as a Compli- ment to be consulted in these matters (as she is so near) than a trouble to give her opinion of them, or in put- ing up any of the fixtures, as the house is theirs, and will revert to them, with the advantages or disadvan- tages which will result from the present establishment of things i I am very glad you pressed them not to

20 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

incommode themselves by an inconvenient remove — we are very happy to hear of her recovery and request you to present our Compliments of congratulation to her & Mr. Morris on the occasion.

I am very anxious to have the rent which I am to pay for my new residence ascertained before I take up my quarters in it — you will perceive by the enclosed answer to a letter I wrote to Mr. Morris on the subject that this point is yet unsettled. Previous to my ap- plication to Mr. Morris, I was informed by the Com- mittee, with whom I had conversed on the subject, that it was well understood I was to pay rent. I have therefore to request that you will get the matter fixed in some way or other with them. A just value I am willing to pay — more I have no idea will be asked, but my fears rather are that they want to make it the expence of some public body (which I shall not consent to) and that they do not care to avow it.

If the servants can be conveniently accommodated without using the Stable loft, it will certainly be much the best & safest; for I am certain no orders given to my people wd. restrain them from carrying lights if they were to be in it as lodgers.

I send you a letter with the Bill of loading for wines shipped by Fenwick Mason &c., which if arrived you will give the necessary orders about. By return of the person who carries this and other letters to the Post office in Alexandria, I expect to receive accounts of later date than the 1 7th. from you, and possibly some- thing more indicative of Peace or War between Spain & England which has hung long in suspence.

Our best wishes attend you and Mrs. Lear, and I am Dear Sir

Your affectionate friend

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 21

No. 9.

MOUNT VERNON, Octr. 3ist. 1790.

Dear Sir,

I have reed, your letter of the 24th. since the date of my last to you, and am very glad to hear that the most valuable parts of the furniture have borne their transportation without receiving damage, and that your expectation of equal success respecting the re- mainder is sanguine. I am pained, however, to find there is a doubt that the house will not be completely finished and ready for our reception towards the latter end of next month. At all times this would be at- tended with inconvenience, but at that season and while Congress are in session, it would be exceeding so. As the Pagoda can be put up in half an hour, at any time, it may (if not already disposed of) remain un- fixed, until we arrive, and that I may be in Philadel- phia in time, it is my present intention to leave this place on Monday, the 226.. of next month. I could not clearly understand Colo. Van Home when I applied to him (as I came through Baltimore) for a proper and convenient Stage Coach for part of the family to return in. He said he could provide and would provide and so