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Princeton University Library Collection of George Washington Materials
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Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
Bushrod Washington was George Washingto's nephew. He inherited Mount Vernon.
John Augustine Washington was the great-grandson of Washington's brother, John Augustine Washington.
Lawrence Washington was a great-great grandson of Washington's brother, John Augustine Washington.
The collection consists of photostats of over 100 Washington letters in the private collection of Edward Ambler Armstrong, as well as 14 original Washington letters and documents, and several supplementary items. Included is an original survey (1750) of land in Frederick County, Virginia, made by Washington for Isaac Pennington. While many of the letters deal with military affairs of the Revolutionary War, Washington's management of his estate, Mount Vernon, including a list of persons he and Martha enslaved (1799), and that of the government during his presidency are also prevalent topics in others. Correspondents include George Clinton, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, Robert Morris, and Bushrod Washington.
Arranged in two chronological groups: photostats, originals.
This collection is made up of various accessions. Dinner invitations are a gift of Mrs. Douglas Rutherford. Transcript of letter to Mrs. William Alexander is a gift of Maria Miller. Photocopy of a letter to Maj. Gen. Henry Know is a gift of Carl Otto v. Kienbusch. Photocopy of letter to Gen. Huntington is a gift of John N. Kenyon. Document signed by Washington is a gift of Mrs. Phillip Marshall Brown.
For preservation reasons, original analog and digital media may not be read or played back in the reading room. Users may visually inspect physical media but may not remove it from its enclosure. All analog audiovisual media must be digitized to preservation-quality standards prior to use. Audiovisual digitization requests are processed by an approved third-party vendor. Please note, the transfer time required can be as little as several weeks to as long as several months and there may be financial costs associated with the process. Requests should be directed through the Ask Us Form.
Folder inventory prepared by Alicia Corona '2013 in 2011.
Collection-level description was revised and subject headings added by Faith Charlton in 2023 per reparative description practices. Collection title updated in 2023 by Faith Charlton.
No appraisal information is available.
People
Subject
- Presidents -- United States -- 18th century
- Surveyors -- United States -- 18th century
- African Americans -- Genealogy -- Sources
- Enslaved persons -- Virginia -- Mount Vernon (Estate) -- History -- 18th century -- Sources
Place
- Publisher
- Manuscripts Division
- Finding Aid Date
- 2008
- Access Restrictions
-
The collection is open for research.
- Use Restrictions
-
Single copies may be made for research purposes. To cite or publish quotations that fall within Fair Use, as defined under U. S. Copyright Law, no permission is required. For instances beyond Fair Use, it is the responsibility of the researcher to determine whether any permissions related to copyright, privacy, publicity, or any other rights are necessary for their intended use of the Library's materials, and to obtain all required permissions from any existing rights holders, if they have not already done so. Princeton University Library's Special Collections does not charge any permission or use fees for the publication of images of materials from our collections, nor does it require researchers to obtain its permission for said use. The department does request that its collections be properly cited and images credited. More detailed information can be found on the Copyright, Credit and Citations Guidelines page on our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us through the Ask Us! form.
Collection Inventory
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Relative to some delay in the arrangements in the army due to Congress. Superscription has also the signature.
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"Were it as much in my power as it is my desire, I would contribute effectively to your relief"
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With regard to some business matter. Mentioned Forbes.
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Professing the sincerity of his friendship although he (Washington) had "complained of neglect" at a time when he needed his services as Quarter Master General
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(in the third person) asking for an interview
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These are photocopied pages from a ledger in the handwriting of George Washington with lists of persons enslaved by George and Martha Washington on their five farms at Mount Vernon at some point during June 1799. Included in the list are enslaved individuals Washington rented from Mrs. Penelope French.
The lists include persons' names, where they worked, relatives, and at times their ages.
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Concerning Master Curtis' illness. Signatures torn off.
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Signed by John West, George Washington. Witness Lund Washington.
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Sending books. Ice in river making it impassible so Jack is detained. "Mrs. Washington begs the favour of you to get her for Patey another Phial of ether and bring with you when you come to Mount Vernon."
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In the handwriting of George Washington.
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Directing Lund Washington to collect certain moneys.
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Inquiry as to the possibility of getting families from the Palatines to settle his Western lands; necessary from a political and personal interest. Mentions the marriage of "Jack Custis" (John Parke Custis) to Nelly Calvert and the price of wheat and flour in Alexandria.
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Necessity of Congress retaining the right to name officers: "I should hope every post would be deemed honorable which gave a man opportunity to serve his country"
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Instructions for a journey.
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(in the third person) Returning a horse.
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Speaks of the landing of the enemy at Frog Point and thinks they mean to cut off access to the country.
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Advice and directions for organizing a regiment of horse.
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Recommending a gentleman for his regiment of horse.
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"Much depends on our Taking the field early with a powerful force, by which means Victory...will be certain"
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Every suspicious person should be sent to New York. Wants stores cared for. Thanks for a copy of the King's speech.
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Objects to keeping stores in Philadelphia. Expecting an attack on Philadelphia.
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Glad to hear that the "Governor of Virginia has consented that their musket factory shall equip" &c. Speaking of some "who left the Army without permission and must return to their Companies immediately, or expect to be treated roughly".
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Letter of advice and directions.
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"The expences that necessarily arise to recruiting Officers I believe is much increased but at the same time can't help remarking that (by every Information I receive) they spend a great part of their time in Idleness and Dissipation to the great detriment of the service and increase of Expence" &c.
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Repeating instructions "that you will send on your regiment troop by troop as fast as you can equip them".
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Making several requests and giving directions for personal services
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Concerning innoculation for smallpox and "to see that the inferior officers do not spend their time in dissipation"
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About raising a regiment of cavalry and selecting a chaplain. "Let him be a man of character and good conversation, who will influence the manners of the Corps both by precept and example"
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Transmitting an enclosure from General Lee received by stage. Starting for Boundbrook.
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Instructions to prevent solider from taking more than their share of clothes
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Directing troops to be sent immediately
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Telling of the movements of General Howe. Franked by George Washington.
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Concerning a complaint of William McIlvaine
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Directing him to come on. Written by R.H. Harrison who has added a jocular postscript of his own
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An account of the Battle of Germantown
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Praising his public service and promising an escort. Hoped for his speedy return to public duties.
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Reciting the need of supplies.
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Placing him in command along the Hudson and giving directions.
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Plainly speaking he says there is "not that activity and expedition in the conductory of our Elaboratories that the advanced season demands".
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Suggesting that he get the General's approval on his appointments to his regiment.
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Concerning the purchase of horses for his Corps
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"As yet I have had no official information of the Marquis De La Fayette's appointment as Ambassador from the Court of France to the United States of North America".
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As to arrival of men and horses, and obtaining swords and pistols.
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Expressing appreciation "for the indulgent terms you express" for "my conduct in our late encounter with the British army".
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Orders to come to camp.
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Ordering him to head an expedition against the Indians and that he is to succeed General Stark.
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Stating the difficulties of obtaining supplies of grain for the army. Copy of reply on November 1, 1778 written on the last two pages.
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Asking for names, ranks, and dates of appointment of officers in Colonel Henley's regiment.
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Directing the disposition of troops on the frontiers of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Coles Fort. Count Pulaski.
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Fort Laurens, Fort McLintock.
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Giving estimate of enemy strength in New York, Staten Island, Long Island.
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Concerning the discharge of the militia.
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Expressing high respect for the State but views "the event which you suppose probable as preganant with unhappy consequences".
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Acknowledging receipt of letter.
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Speaking of the sailing of British troops from New York. General Sullivan destruction of the settlement of the Six nations.
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Friendly letter expressing concern for his health.
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As to the piracies of the inhabitants of Long Island.
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Introducing his nephew who had been appointed an aide by Steuben but felt constrained to decline. Thanking him for the honor to his nephew.
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About the necessity for restricting communications between New York and Elizabeth Town.
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Advising him to fortify himself at Elizabeth Town
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Sending General Knot to protect against the proposition of legislature to withdraw militia to serve under their own officers.
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Colonel Malcolm will march with his command towards King's Ferry. Discontent prevailing. Troops should be relieved by additional levies.
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Directing him to take troops to winter quarters - from King's Ferry.
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"If prejudice will still prevail against experience, the fatal effects of temporary inlistments must be endured to the risque, if not the ruin, of the cause".
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Informing him that will probably be no call on the militia.
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Tells of the revolt of the Jersey troops, their trial, and executions of two of the leaders.
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Necessity for the states to complete their quotas of troops for the new series.
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"his conduct has been uniformly deserving of applause"
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Assuring him that his joining of his (Washington's) family the first part of June will be convenient.
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A friendly and personal letter deploring the "policy which has been but too generally adopted in all of the States, to wit, that of temporary expedients, which, like quack medicines, are so far from removing the cause of complaint that they only serve to increase the disorder".
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As to movement of troops. The postscript signature is unusual in that it omits the little "o" after G. Only four such signatures known by Judge Armstrong and two of these are in his collection.
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Announcing the arrival of Count DeGrasse "with 20 sail of the line" in Chesapeake Bay. Landing 3000 men to join Marquis de Lafayette to prevent the retreat of Lord Cornwallis.
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In the hand of Colonel David Humphrey's, dated and signed in Washington's autograph. Directions as to the embarkation of troops and equipment in the campaign against Cornwallis at Yorktown.
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Circular letter to all the states calling upon them to complete their quota of troops by the first of March.
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Circular letter to all the states calling upon them to complete their quota of troops by the first of March.
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In the handwriting of Washington, signed by Philip Walmsley. One of the rare cases in which Washington writes himself "General".
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As to the need of money and supplied for the army.
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Asking him to ride to Kingston, New York with him.
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Written on the back of a certificate made by Major General Horatio Gates, certifying Major Debouchet was under service in his command. Washington adds "I have every reason to recommend him as an officer of zeal, intelligence and bravery".
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Newburgh.
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Appointing Philadelphia as the place of general meeting of the "Society of the Cincinnati".
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Approving plan for preventing illicit intercourse with the enemy. Authorizes him to draw on public moneys for expenses.
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Certifying that the Wetmore deputy paymaster is authorized to pay bills. Mentions protection of citizens and public property.
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Regarding provisional treaty as to negroes. Reference to Sir Guy Carleton.
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Invalid regiment. Signed by J. Trumbull and John Pugh (adjutant).
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Taking over the British Western Forts and the removal of the forces and supplies on the Western waters.
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Certifying that Brinley is a "good friend to the cause and liberties of the United States".
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Concerning Captain DuCains and a claim made for him promising support.
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Mentions negotiating a loan with Robert Morris for "17 hundred pounds York currency". On his way to Virginia after the war.
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Commending Colonel David Humphreys
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Asking him to send on a woman whom "the mulatto fellow William" is attached.
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Draft to George Plater, Chas. Carroll, John Cadwallader, Samuel Chase. Introducing his nephew. Signed G.W.
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Friendly letter about family affairs.
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About business in Richmond. Advertising for a meeting of the proprietors of the Great Dismal Swamp.
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Hopes for action requesting Congress to favor a commercial system, favoring laws for militia.
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About oats and stock. Congratulates him on increase in his family.
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Asking him to arrange with Mr. Lear to become a member of his family as tutor for the children and private secretary.
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Concerning wheat and flour prices and manufacture.
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Letter on various business matters, a lawsuit, some land titles, etc.
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Sending his dues to the Society of the Cincinnati.
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Concerning a tenant of his whom he believes to be a bad man.
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Wishing him success in the Mezzotint Prints he has undertaken.
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Defending the Philadelphia Convention and Constitution.
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Thanking him for his letter and pamphlets.
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Asking about the reputation of a Frenchman in Baltimore.
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About the robbing of the Southern mail "on the 22nd ult".
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Certifying Hurlbut's gallant conduct and bravery, his wounding and death, and that his heirs should be entitled to half his pay. See also Martha Washington to Mrs. Welch, Ann Hurlbut Welch to Gideon Granger, and R. Griswold to Gideon Granger.
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Expressing sympathy for the loss of her husband, Captain John Welch, and her brother Captain George Hurlbut.
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Refusing to make promises or give encouragement to candidates.
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Transmitting "An act for establishing an Executive Department to be denominated the Department of Foreign Affairs".
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Concerning establishment of Treasury Department, registering and clearing vessels, and regulatiing coasting trade
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Giving information of the passage by Congress of 8 acts.
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1 folderFacsimile of a document at the Free Public Library, Trenton NJ.
A long letter on private business matters.
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Asking him to ascertain whether General Cobb would accept the appointment (of Marshal for district of Massachusetts) and in case he declined would General Brooke accept it. "The refusal of commissions make a bad impression on the public mind".
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On the business of building proof against fire.
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Speaking of the refusal of Major Charles L'Enfant to give him the map of The Federal City.
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As to the Revenue Cutter of Maryland and asking what Colonel Hugh Mercer said of "my sentiments respecting his speeches".
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A letter written to introduce Tobias Lear (Washington's secretary). Signature cut out.
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Enclosing pamphlets and letters relative to some plan or design under consideration. Signature cut out.
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Thanking him for seeds, pamphlets, etc.
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Enclosing a letter of Mr. Morris.
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Offering to sell 400 acres in Gloucester County.
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Appointed director of U.S. Mint. Signed by George Washington and Timothy Pickering.
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A recital of the "Presentation of the standard of France to the United States" with a resolution of the House of Representatives. Signed by George Washington and Timothy Pickering.
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In reference to Lafayette and the Prison at Olmutz, also in reference to the Treaty with France and Germany.
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A long letter speaking of the revolution in France and the disturbed conditions of Europe. A detailed description of each one of the United States.
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As to a housekeeper for Mrs. Washington. Mrs. Forbes.
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A friendly letter on business and family affairs.
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Names certain Colonels whose cases he will pass on "with special notice when the case requires".
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Personal letter with family news, also concerning a John Langhorne and Mr. Nicholas. "I little thought when I retired to the shades of private Life, last year, that any event would happen in my day that would bring me again on the public theatre".
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Suggestions as to study of George Washington Parke Custis. Mentions his penmanship and advises against social activity.
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Giving general directions.
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Discussing the disposition of troops, selection of officers. Giving general observations. "I have no object separated from the general welfare to promote".
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Forwarding a request.
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Speaking of sending a carriage. Martha Washington illness.
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Probably the last order of goods in the handwriting of George Washington. He died 17 days later.
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Believed to be a forgery by Joseph Cosey 1941.
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In reference to rescuing General Lafayette from the prison at Olmutz, and also in reference to the treaty with France and Great Britain.
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Asking him "to request and even to press Colonel Shreve and Cannon and Mr. Charles Morgan to settle and pay to you" money due.
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A note in Washington's hand addressed to James Madison during Washington's presidency. Also a paperscription of a letter to Henry Knox during the Revolution.
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Letter refers to Blagden, the contractor, of two of Washington's dwellings and the next payment due.
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He was highly esteemed by Washington and after his death Lady Sterling received a letter of tribute from Washington.
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Notes of a conversation.
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Presented by Moses Taylor Pyne '77.
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