Yale University Library

39002002976422

'¦¦fA

V^V*

•^¦i

4?;

r**

¦/v\-

» *, *
*¦
IT a
If'''nix
. = \t Si
if" i '
YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

Gift of
Mrs. Albert J. Clay

W/l5niNQT0N WILl-5.

WILLS

OF

GEORGE WASHINGTON

IMMEDIATE ANCESTORS.

EDITBD BY

WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD.

BROOKLYN, N. Y.:
HISTORICAL PRINTING CLUB.
189I.

250 Copies Printed.
No.^

Cb 36
3Sej

CONTENTS.

PAGE
Will of John Washington, 1675  7
Power of attorney, by Ann Washington, 1698 . . 19
Will OF' Lawrence Washington, 1675  21
Will of Lawrence Washington, 1698  31
Will of Augustine Washington, 1743  39
Edmund Pendleton to George Washington, 3 July,
1769  53
Will of Mary Ball, 1788  59
George Washington to Betty Lewis, 13 September,
1789   63
George Washington to Betty Lewis, 12 October, 1789. 68
George Washington to Surges Ball and Charles
Carter, 18 October, 1789  69
Will of Lawrence Washington, 1752  71
Will of George Washington, 1799  81
George Washington to David Stuart, 15 January,
1788  141
Will of Bushrod Washington, 1826  149
Will of John Augustine Washington, 1822  173
Will of John Custis, 1708  183
Index. , . . , ,  199

NOTE.
I HAVE obtained copies of the wills of the immediate
ancestors of George Washington, and print them with
certain others, as matters of personal as well as histor
ical interest. The wills of John, the immigrant, and
of George Washington, are taken from the originals;
the others are from certified copies, made by the cus
todians of the originals. I have followed the MSS.
closely, adding a few notes, in which I have received
great assistance from Rev. Horace Edwin Hayden, of
Wilkesbarre, Pa. WORTHINGTON ChAUNCEY FoRD.

Brooklyn, May, i8gi.

LU^^

THE

WILL

JOHN WASHINGTON,

GREAT-GRANDFATHER OF

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

In the name [of] god amen. I John Washington
of Washington parish* in y'r Countie of westmer-
landf in Virginie gent, being of good & perfect
* In the session of March 1655-6 the Assembly directed that
all counties not already divided into parishes should be so
divided by the next county court, as the " improvident saveing "
of those who had neglected to do this, made the inhabitants
"loose the greatest benefitt and comfort a Christian caa have,
by hearing the word and vse'of the blessed sacraments." Hen-
ing, I., 400. The act was repeated in March 1657-8, and it
must have been under one of these that Washington parish
was laid off. In 1724 the parish was about thirty miles in
length, five in breadth, and contained about 200 hundred fami
lies. There were two churches in it, one called the Round Hill
church, and the annual salary of the minister 16,000 pounds of
tobacco. "The gentleman who bequeathed my Glebe to the
parish [William Horton, his will bore date 10 January, 1700],
left the whole tract (containing 440 acres), to be disposed of by
the vestry for the better maintenance of a minister and school
master, the Vestry made no division of the land, but gave it to
me as a glebe, with this proviso, that I provide a sufficient per
son to instruct the youth in reading, writing and arithmetic
under my inspection, which condition I have complied with."
Lawrence De Butts, minister of Washington Parish in 1724.
Printed in Perry, Church in Virginia, 292. The glebe was di
rected to be sold in 1778.
t The first mention of Westmoreland county is found in 1 the
Randolph MS., where in 1653, in the fourth year of the com
monwealth, its bounds were laid off " ffrom Machoactoke river
where Mr. Cole lives : And so vpwards .to the ffalls of the great
river of Pawtomake above the Necostins towne." Hening,
( 9 ) memory,

lO

memory, thankes be unto Almighty god (for it) &
Calling to remembrance the uncertaine estate of
this trans[itory] life, & that all flesh must yield
unto death, when it shall plea[se] god for to Call,
doe make Constitute ordaine & declare this my
last will & testament in maner & forme following,
reuoaking & anulling by thes presents all & euery
testament & testa[ments], will & wills heirtofore
by me made & Declared [either by word] or by
writeing & [these?] be taken only for my last will
& testament &noe other, & first being hartily sorry
from the bottome of my hart for my sins past, most
humbly desireing forgiueness of the same from the
Almighty god (my sauiour) & redeimer, in whome
& by the meritts of Jesus Christ, I trust & belieue
assuredly to be saued, & to haue full remission &
forgiueness of all my sins & y^ my soule w^ my
body at the generall day of ressurrection shall arise
againe wV" joy & through the merrits of Christ
death & passion posses & inherit the Kingdom of
heauen, prepared for his ellect & Chossen & my
body to be buried in y! plantation wheire I now
I., 381. The first session in which Burgesses sat for Westmore
land was that of November, 1654, when John Holland and
Alexander Baynham were the representatives. In the session
of October, 1666, Col. Nicholas Spencer and Col. John Wash
ington appeared as the representatives. In 1675 the two men
were associated again, with others, to deal with the Indians,
Hening, II., 331.
Hue,

II

Hue, by the side of my wife* y^ is already buried
& two Children of mine & now for the setling of
my temporall estate & such goods Chatles & debts
as it hath pleased god far aboue my Deserts, to be
stow uppon me I doe giue & dispose the same in
maner & forme following —
first I will y* all those debts & duties y\ I owe in
right or Conscience to any mailer of person or per
sons w' soever shall be well & truly Contented &
payd or ordained to be payd by my executors — f
Inprimis I giue & bequeath unto my eldest
Sonne [ ] ington y^ seat of land wheiron
Heneryflagg ] watts & Robert Hedges, being
by patten & being by my father pope
made ouer to me & my heirs lawfully begotten
of my body —
Item I give unto my son I,awrence Washington
my. watter Mill w'."^ all appertinances & Land be
longing to it a[t] the head of Rosiers Creik to him
& his heirs foreuer, reserueing to my wife her
thirds durring her Life.
Item I giue unto my son Lawrence Washington
y* seate of Land w":^ I bought of MT Lewis Maruim,
being about two hundred & fifty acres, at the mouth
of rosiers Crieck on y* north west side, w'.*" all the
* Anne Pope.
t Three or four words illegible. houseing

12
houseing theirunto belonging to him & his heirs
for euer reserueing to my wife her thirds durring
her Life —
Item I giue unto my sofi Lawrence Washington
y* seat of Land at upper Machotock w^'' I bought
of MT Anthony Bridge & M^ John Rosier being
about nine hundred acres to him & his heirs for
euer, reserueing to my wife her thirds durring her
life. Item I giue unto my soil Lawrence Washington
my halfe & share of fine thousand acres of land in
Stafford * County w':'' is betwixt Coll Nicolas spen
cer & myselfe w*:^ we are engaged y^ there shall be
no benifit taken by suruiuour ship, to him & his
heirs foreuer. f
* Stafford County is first mentioned in a law of 1666, provid
ing that each county provide a weaver and loom at its own ex
pense. In 1730 a part was taken from Stafford and King George
Counties to form Prince William County. Twelve years later
Prince William was divided ; the western part retained the
name of Prince William, and the eastern became Fairfax
County, the parish of Truro.
fThe patent was issued by Thos. Culpepper, i March, 1674,
and conveyed to Col. Nicholas Spencer and Lieut Col. John
Washington, ' ' five thousand acres of land scituate Lying and
being within the said terrytory in the County of Stafford in the
ffreshes of Pottomooke River and neere oppositt to Piscatoway
Indian Towne in Mariland and neere the Land of Capt. Giles
on the North side, and neere the Land surveyed for Mr.
Wm. Grein Mr. Wm. Dudley and others on the south side ;
being a necke of Land bounded betwixt two Creeks and the
Item

13
Item I doe giue unto my soil Johne Washington
y* plantation whereon I now Hue w':'' I bought of
Dauid Anderson y* plantation next to M^ John
[Foxall ?] y^ I bought (w'^'^ was Ric. Hills) to him &
his heirs for euer & y^ seate of Land of about four
hundred acres w*:^ Lyeth uppon y? Head of Rap-
pahanecke Creike & adjoyning uppon David nor-
ways orphants Land the Land being formerly John
Whittsons & to me, to him & his heirs for euer,
reserueing to my wife her thirds of the afoure sayd
Land during her Life.
Maine River, on the East p'te by the said Main River of
Pottomooke, on the North p'te by a Creeke Called by the Eng
lish Little Hunting Creeke and the maine Branch thereof on
the south p'te by a Creeke named and Called by the Indians
Epsewasson Creeke and the maine Branch thereof which
Creeke devides this Land of Gren and Dudley and others on
the west p'te by a right Lyne drawn from the Branches of the
aforesaid Epsewasson and Little Hunting Creeke."
In the Virginia State Land Registry, No. 6, p. 615, is recorded
a grant to Lt. Col. John Washington, of 5,000 acres in Stafford
County, 1677.
Nicholas Spencer stirvived Washington, and served in the
Governor's Council after 1680, as President, and also as Secre
tary of the Colony in 1683. Mr. Hayden tells me he was a jus
tice in Westmoreland County in 1699, and married Miss Mot-
trom, daughter of John Mottrom.
Nicholas Spencer devised his moiety of this tract to his son-
Francis Spencer and his heirs forever. Capt. Lawrence Wash
ington was one of the feoffees in trust under Spencer's will,
dated 25 April, 1688, and received forty shillings for a mourning
ring. Henry F. Waters' Gleanings.
Item

14
Item I giue unto my son John Washington yt
seate of Land v/")" Robert foster now liueth on being
about three hundred acres* to him & his heirs for
euer, Likewise I give unto my sayd son John Wash
ington y^ seat of Land w^'' Robert Richards liueth
on w^'' I had of my bro: Lawrence Washington
being about three hundred & fifty acres to him &
his heirs for euer reserueing to my wife her thirds
of the two sayd tracts of Land during her Life — f
Item I giue & bequeath unto my daughter An
Washington yt seate of Land y*-. tract of Land
yt Tho: Jordan now liueth on being about twelve
hundred acres J to her & her heirs for euer, like
wise I giue & bequeath unto my sayd Daughter
that tract of Land whereon John fries || now
liueth being about fourteen hundred acres after
MT fr ke hath his quantitie out of it to her & her
* Perhaps the 300 acres in Northumberland County, granted
to Major John Washington, i June, 1664. Virginia State Land
Registry, No. 5, p. 49.
t In the Virginia State Land Registry, No. 6, p. 60, is recorded
a grant of 700 acres in Stafford County, to Lawrence Washing
ton and Robert Richards, 27 September, 1667.
i A tract of this size was granted, 4 September; 1661, to Major
John Washington and Thomas Pope. It lay in Westmoreland
County. Virginia State Land Registry, No. 5, p. 54.
Ann married Major Francis Wright. He was justice in West
moreland, 1699.
II Or Frier. heirs

15
heirs for euer reserueing to my wife her thirds of
the two above seates durring her Life.
Item I giue unto my sayd Daughter, w^^ was her
mother's desire & my promise y? Cash in y^ new
parlour & the Diamond ring & her mother's rings
& the white quilt & the white Curtains & vallians —
And as for the rest of ray personall estate after
my debts & dues are sattisfied justly wh^*" I desire
should be sattisfied out of my [ ] Cropps, which
I doe not question but will be far more than I doe
owe (thankes be unto god for it) theirfore it is my
desire y* my estate should not Come to any ap
praisement, but I order & bequeath a[s] foUoweth
y' is to say that their shall be a just Inuentory &
List taken of my personall estate yt I am possessed
of & for to be deuided in quantitie & quallitie,
by three men of Judgement w':'' I request the Court
to nominate, into foure [parts] to be equall &
proportionable deuided in quantitie & qualitie the
[one] fourth part I giue to my Loueing wife in
kind in lew of her dower or [claime], & one fourth
part to my son Lawrence Washington in kind, and
one fourth part to my soii John Washington in
kind, & one fourth part to my daughter Aii Wash
ington in kind to them & either of them seuerally
aud their heirs for euer & it is my will yt if either
my aboue sayd children should happen to dy, be
fore they obtaine the age of one & twenty yeares or
day of mariadge, then the Land of yt child yt Dieth to be

i6
to be the eldest soii then Liueing, & if both my
sons should dy then the Land to be my daughter
Aii, & as for the personall estate if any of my three
Children should happen to dy, before they Come of
age or day of mariadge, then it is my will that the
two suruiueing children should equally deuide the
personall estate of y^ child yt is dead betwixt them
and theirs for euer.
Item I giue and bequeath after all my legacies
payd out wt mony I shall haue in England to my
son Lawrence Washington.
Item my desire is yt their may be a funerall ser
mon preached at y^ church & that their be no
other funerall kept yt will exceed four thousand
pounds of tobacco.
Item I giue unto the Lower Church of washing-
ton parish [ J ten Comandments and the.
Kings armes w';'' is my desire should be sent for
out of wt mony I haue in England.
Item it is my desire yt wt estate I shall dy pos
sessed should be kept intire wt^out deuideing un-
till all debts & dues be payd & sattisfied.
Item I giue unto my bro: Lawrence Washington
four thousand pounds of tobb™ & Caske.
Item I giue unto my nephew John Washington
my godson eldest sofi to my bro: Lawrence Wash
ington one young mare of two years old.
Item it is my desire yt when my estate is de
uided in quantitie & qualitie into foure equall parts
&yt

17
& yt my wife hath taken her fourth part, yt then
euery Childs part should be put put* uppon their
towne t plant [ ] or plantations theire for to be
managed to the best aduantage for the bringing up
& [educating each child] according to the proffit
of each Children's share.
Item it is my desire yt my wife should haue the
bringing up of my daughter An Washington untill
my son Lawrence comes to age or her^^ay of mar
iadge & my wife for to haue the manadgement of
her part to my daughter's best aduantadge.
Item I doe giue to my bro: Thomas Pope teii
pounds out of y^ mony I haue in England.
Item I doe giue unto my sister Marthaw Wash
ington teii pounds out of y? mony I haue in Eng
land & wt soeuer else she shall be oweing to me for
transporteing herselfe into this Country — & a year's
accomodation after her Comeing in & four thousand
pounds of tobbS° & Caske.
Item it is my desire yt my bro: Mf Thomas Pope
haue the bringing up of my soii John Washington
& for to haue the manadgement of his estate to
my sons best aduantadge untill [he] be of age of one
& twenty yeares or day of mariadge —
finally I doe ordaine & appoint my bro: Mf Law
rence Washington & my son Lawrence washing-
ton & my Loueing wife M":^- Aii Washington my
* Or out. f Or owne. whole

i8
whole & soale executors of this my Last will &
testament as witness my hand & scale this 21?* of
7ber 1675. John Washington.
Signed & sealed in y'
presence of us
John Lord.*
John Appi,eton.

Ye lothjana: idyf
Then this will was proved by y^ oath of Cap?
Jn? Lord, Cap? Jn? Appleton being decs4 f re
corded in y? County Court records of WestmorLd.
*John Lord was appointed a Commissioner for Westmore
land, 1660. He was [1661-2] ordered with others to pay for
injuries done to Wahanganoche, king of the Potovnnack In
dians ; refusing to do this, he was fined and suspended from
office. This made the commission for Westmoreland so small,
that Westmoreland and Northumberland were joined under
one commission.
t Died in 1676.

POWER OF ATTORNEY BY THE WIDOW OE JOHN
WASHINGTON.
Know all men by these presents that I Mrs. Ann
Washington Widow & Relict of Capt John Wash
ington of Westmoreland County deed, do hereby
constitute, appoint and ordain my trusty and well
beloved friend Mr. Caleb Butler* of the said County
my true and Lawfull Attorney for me and in my
name, and to my use, to ask, sue, receive and re
cover of all person or Persons whatsoever living,
residing & abiding within this Colony of Virginia
or province of Maryland, all such sum or sums of
money, or Tobacco which shall be made appear to
be due to me whether by bill, bond or Book account
or otherways & upon non-payment of any part of
the above Tobacco or money by any person or per
sons whatsoever I do impower him the said Caleb
Butler to arrest & implead and into prison cast all
such person or persons as he sees fitt, and out of
Prison to release & sett free at his pleasure and ac
quittance or other discharges to give for me & in
my name and for my use, and likewise I give my
said attorney full power to employ any one attorney
or more if he sees fit, and to discharge them at his
* A justice in Westmoreland, 1699. Hayden.
( 19 ) . pleasure

20

pleasure & to act and do in all my afiairs belonging
to me in Virginia or Maryland as if I myself were
personally present, ratifying and allowing & con
firming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall
act and do in the premises. As Witness my hand
and scale this 28th day of March 1698.
Ann Washington, [seal.]
Sealed Signed & Delivered in presence of,
Thomas Howes,
Henry Wickeff.
Westmoreland Set:
At a Court held for the Said County the 30th day
of March 1698.
The above Letter of attorney was proved by the
oaths of the Witnesses thereto subscribed and or
dered to be recorded. Teste
James Westcomb C. W. C. *
*From The Nation, 18 December, 1890.

the

WILL

of

LAWRENCE WASHINGTON
(EMIGRANT.)

In the name of God, Amen.
I, Lawrence Washington, of the county of
Rappac. , * being sick and weak in body, but of sound
and perfect memory, do make and ordain this, my
last will and testament, hereby revoking., annull
ing., and making void all former wills and Codicells,
heretofore by me made, either by word or writing,
and this only to be taken for my last will and testa
ment. Imprs. I give and bequeath my Soule into the
hands of Almighty God, hoping and trusting
through the mercy of Jesus Christ, my one Savior
and redeemer, to receive full pardon and forgive
ness of all my sinns., and my body to the earth, to
be buried in comely and decent manner, by my
Executrix hereafter named, and for my worldly
goods, I thus dispose them. Item, I give and be
queath unto my loving daughter, Mary Washing
ton, f my whole estate in England, both reall and
personall, to her and the heirs of her body, law-
* Rappahannock county was laid off from the upper part of
Lancaster in 1656. In 1692 the county was divided into Rich
mond and Essex.
t Mary Washington was a daughter of the first wife, Mary
Jones, — the only issue of the marriage. (23) fully

24
fully begotten, forever, to be delivered into her pos
session immediately after my decease, by my Exec
utrix hereafter named. I give and bequeath unto
my aforesaid daughter, Mary Washington, my
smallest stone ring and one silver cup, now in my
possession, to her and her heirs, forever, to be de
livered to her immediately after my decease. I
give and bequeath unto my loving son, John Wash
ington,* all my bookes, to him and his heirs, for
ever, to be delivered to him when he shall come to
the age of Twenty-one yeares. I give and bequeath
unto my son, John, and daughter, Ann Washing
ton, all the rest of my plate, but what is before ex-
prest to be equally divided between them, and de
livered into their possession when they come of
age. Item, my will is, that all my debts which of
right and justice I owe to any man be justly and
truly paid, as allso my funerall expenses, after
which my will is, that all my whole estate, both
reall scad, personall., be equally divided between my
loving wife, Jane Washington, f and the two chil-
* Married Mary Townshend. "She was daughter of Col.
Robert and Mary (Langhorne) Townshend. Her sister Frances,
married Francis Dade. In 1727 Mary (Townshend) Washing
ton conveyed part of the Townshend patent of 1850 to her son
John." Hayden.
t Jane Fleming. " I have long thought that Lawrence Wash
ington married a widow Joyce Fleming. ' Aug. 19, 1660, Alex.
Fleming and wife Ursula made deed in Rappk Co. ' ' Feb. 6,
dren God

25
dren God hath given me by her Vizt. John and Ann
Washington. I give and bequeath it all to them,
and the heires of their bodies, lawfully begotten,
forever, my jo««'.y part to be delivered to him when
167^, Lawrence Washington and ¦<n\i^ Joyce conveyed 200 acres
formerly Capt. Ales. Fleming's, by him assigned to Jno.
Thomazine, and by T. assigned to Lawrence Washington.'
' In 1692, Thomas Pace and wife Jane, Rowland Thornton and
wife Elizabeth, one of the daughters of Alex. Fleming, de
ceased, deeded 320 acres, part of 960, given by Fleming to his
wife and two daughters, which 320 came to Pace with Alexia
his former wife.' It seems as if Alex. Fleming married (i)
Ursula; (2) Joyce, who married (2) Lawrence Washington, and
(3)-  ¦." Hayden.
Among the Washington Papers I found a copy of a letter
written by the son of Lawrence Washington, to his half sister
Mary, then residing in England. I give it in full:
Virginia, June yj 22P, 1699.
Dear & Loving Sister,
I had the happiness to see a Letter which you sent to my
Aunt Howard, who died about a year and a half ago ; I had
heard of you by her before, but could not tell whether you
were alive or not. It was truly great joy to hear that I had
such a relation alive as yourself; not having any such a one by
my Father's side as yourself My Father had one Daughter
by my Mother, who died when she was very young, before my
remembrance. My Mother had three Daughters when my
Father married her, one died last winter, and left four or five
children, the other two are alive & married and have had sev
eral children. My Mother married another man after my
Father, who spent all, so that I had not the value of twenty
shillings of my Father's Estate, I being the youngest & there-
he come

26
he come of age, and my daughter's part when she
comes of age or day of marriage, which shall first
happen. Item, my will is, that that land which
became due to me in right of my wife, lying on the
South Side of the river, formerly belonging to
Capt. Alexander Fleming,* and commonly known
by the name of West Falco, be sold by my Execu
trix hereafter named, for the payment of my debts,
immediately after my decease. Item, my will is,
that the land I have formerly entred with Capt.
Wm. Mosely, f be forthwith after my decease, sur-
fore the weakest, which generally comes off short. But I
thank God my Fortune has been pretty good since, as I have
got a kind and loving wife, by whom I have had three sons and
a daughter, of which I have buried my daughter and one son.
I am afraid I shall never have the happiness of seeing you,
since it has pleased God to set us at such a distance, but hoping
to hear from you by all opportunities, which you shall assur
edly do from him that is.
Your ever loving Brother
till death Jno Washington.
If you write to me direct yours to me in Stafford county, on
Potomack River in Virginia. Vale.
To Mrs. Mary Gibson, living at Hawnes in Bedl's. These
sent with care.
* A vestryman and justice in 1675. Hayden.
t William Mosely was associated with Col. John Washington
and others in 1673, in settling the bounds between the Counties
of Northumberland and Lancaster. Hening, II., 309. The
veyed

27
veyed and pattented by my Execx. hereafter
named, and if it shall amount to the quantity of
one thousand acres, then I give and bequeath unto
Alexander Barrow, two hundred acres of the sd.
land, to him and his heires, forever, the remainder
I give and bequeath unto my loving wife afores'd
and two children, to them and their heires, for
ever, to be equally divided between them. Item,
my will is, that if it shall please God to take my
daughter Mary out of the world before she comes
of age, or have heirs lawfully begotten of her body,
then I give and bequeath my land in England,
which by my will I have given to her, unto my
son, John Washington and his heirs, and the per
sonall estate which I have given to her, I give and
bequeath the same unto my daughter, Ann Wash
ington and her heires, forever. Item, I do hereby
make and ordain my loving wife, Jane Washington,
Executrix of this my last will and testament, to see
it performed, and I do hereby make and appoint
my dear and loveing Brother Coll John Washington,
and my loveing friend Thomas Hawkins (in case of
the death or neglect of my executrix), to be the
overseers and guardians of my Children untill they
come of age to the truth whereof I have hereunto
house of William Mosely, Senr. , is mentioned in the act for
dividing Lower Norfolk county. Hening, III., 95. He was a
justice in Essex, 1699. Hayden. Sett

28
Sett my hand and Seale, this 27th of September,
1675- Lawrence Washington, [seal. ]
Signed Sealed and declared to be
his last will and testament,
in the presence of us.
Cornelius Wood.
John B. Barrow,
Henry Sandy, Junr.
A codicil of the last will and testament of Law
rence Washington, annexed to his will, and made
September 27th, 1675.
Item, my will is, that my part of the land I now
live upon, which became due to me by marriage of
my wife, I leave it wholy and solely to her dispos
able after my decease, as witness my hand, the day
and year above written.
Lawrence Washington, [seal.]
Signed Sealed and declared to be
a Codicil of my last will and testa
ment, in xh& presence of us.
CoRNEWus Wood,
Henry Sandy, Junr.
The above named Henry Sandy, Junr. aged 70
veares., or thereab'ts, sworn and examined, saith,
that he did see the above named Lawrence Wash
ington, Sign, Scale and publish the above men
tioned, to be his last will and testament, and that he
was in

29
was in perfect sence and memory at the Signing,
Sealing and publishing thereof, to the best of your
deponent's Judgment. Henry Sandy.
Juratus est Henricus Sandy, in Cur. Com. Rap-
pkac. Sexto die, Jany, Ario 1677. Jr Saca end pr
and probat. Sc st Edmd Crask, CI Cy.
A Copy, Teste
James Roy Micou, Clerk,
Essex County Court,
State of Virginia.*
* I have taken this from that inexpressibly silly book, Welles'
Pedigree and History of the Washington Family. The will
agrees with the summary printed by Bishop Meade, and is ac
cepted by Mr. William H. Whitmore.

THE

WILL

of

LAWRENCE WASHINGTON,

grandfather of

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

In the Name of God amen I Lawrence Washing
ton of Washington Parish in the County of West
moreland in Virginia, Gentleman, being of Good
and perfect memory, thanks be unto Almighty God
for it & calling to mind the uncertain Estate of
this Transitory life & that all Flesh must yield
unto death when it shall please God to call me doe
make constitute, ordain & Declare this my last
will, and Testament in manner and form following,
revoking and annulling by these presents all and
every Testament and Testaments, will or wills
heretofore by me made and declared either by word
or writing & this to be taken only for my last will
and Testament and none other, and first being
heartily sorry from the bottom of my heart for my
sins, most humbly desireing forgiveness of the
same from the Almighty God my saviour & Re
deemer, in whome by the merits of Jesus Christ, I
Trust and believe assuredly to be saved and to have
full remission & forgiveness of all my sins and that
my soal with my body at the General day of Res
urrection shall rise again with Joy, and through
the Merits of Christs Death and passion, possess &
Inherit the Kingdom of Heaven prepared for his
Elect & chosen and my body to be buried if please
God I depart in this County of Westmoreland, by
( 33 ) the side

34
the side of my Father and Mother & neare my
Brothers & Sisters & my children, and now for the
setling of my Temporal Estate and such goods,
Chatties and debts as it hath pleased God far above
my desarts to bestow upon me I doe ordain give
and bequeath the same in manner and form follow
ing: Imprimis I [will] that all those Debts and
dues that I owe in right or Conscience to any man
ner of Person or Persons whatsoever shall be well
contented & paid or ordained or demanded to be
paid by my Executors or Extx: hereafter named.
Item I give and bequeath to my well beloved friends
Mr. William Thompson elk & Mr. Samuel Thomp
son each of them a mourning Ring of Thirty shill
ings value each ring: Item I give and bequeath to
my Godson Lawrence Butler one young mare &
two cows : Item I give and bequeath to my sister
Anne Writts* children one man servant a piece of
four or five years to serve or Three Thousand
pounds of Tobacco to purchase the same, to be de
livered or paid to them when they arrive to the age
of Twenty years old: Item I give and bequeath to
my sister Lewist a morning Wring of forty shillings
price : Item I give to my Cuz : John Washington
Sen: of Stafford County all my wearing apparel:
* See note on page 14.
tJohn Lewis married a sister of Mrs. Washington — Elizabeth
Warner. Item

35
Item I give unto my Cozen John Washington's
Eldest son Lawrence Washington my Godson one
man servant of four or five years to serve or Three
Thousand pounds of Tobacco to purchase the
same: to be paid him when he comes to the age of
Twenty one yeare old : Item I give to my godsons
Lawrence Butler & Lewis Nicholas that Tract of
Land joining upon Meridah Edwards and Daniel
White, being Two hundred and seventy five acres
of Land to be equally divided between them and
their heirs forever: Item I give to the upper and
Lower Churches of Washington parish each of
them a Pulpett cloth & cushion: Item it is my will
to have a Funeral sermon at the church, and to
have none other Funeral to exceed Three Thou
sand pounds of Tobacco. Item it is my will after my
Debts & Legacies are paid, that my personal Estate
be equally divided into four parts: my loving Wife
Mildred Washington* to have one part, my son
John Washington to have another part, my son
Augustin Washington to have another Part, and
my Daughter Mildred Washingtonf to have the
other part: to be delivered to them in specie when
they shall come to the age of Twenty one years old.
Item I give to my son [John] Washington this seat
* Mildred, Daughter of Col. Augustine Warner.
t Mildred was twice married: i. Roger Gregory; 2. Col.
Henry Willis. of Land

36
of Land where I now live, and that whole tract of
Land Lying from the mouth of Machodack extend
ing to a place called the round hills, with the addi
tion I have thereunto made of William Webb and
William Rush to him and heirs forever. Item I
give and bequeath unto my Son Augustine Wash
ington all the dividend of Land that I bought of
Mr. Robert Liston's Children in England Lying in
Mattox, between my Brother & Mr. Balridges
Land, where Mr. Daniel Liston formerly lived, by
Estimation 400 acres to him and his heirs forever, *
as Likewise that Land that was Richard Hills:
Item I give and bequeath unto my said Son Augus
tine Washington, all that Tract of Land where J\Ir.
Lewis Markham now lives after the said [Mark-
hams & his now wife's decease, by estimation 700
acres more or less to him and his heirs forever:
Item I give and bequeath my daughter Mildred
Washington all my Land in Stafford County, Ly
ing upon hunting Creek where Mrs. Elizabeth
Minton & Mrs. Williams now lives by Estimation
2500 acres to her and her heirs forever, f Item I
* This Liston tract was Wakefield, the birthplace of George
Washington. George Washington and Mount Vernon, xxv.
A very careful survey of this place was issued by the United
States Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1879.
fThe Mount Vernon tract. Roger and Mildred Gregory
gave a release, 17 May, 1726, to Augustine Washington, for
2500 acres of the Mount Vernon tract, and iS October, 1726, a
lease and release for the land was executed. give

37
give my water mill to my son John Washington to
him and his heirs forever: Item it is my will and
desire if either of my children should die before
they come to age or day of marriage, his or her
personal estate be equally divided between the two
survivors and their Mother: Item it is my will
and desire if all my Children should die before
they come of age or day of Marriage, that my
Brother's children shall enjoy all their Estate real,
Except that Land that I bought of Mr. Robert
Liston's children, which I give to my loving wife
and her heirs forever, and the rest as aforesaid to
them and their heirs forever: Item I give my per
sonall Estate in case of all my childrens death as
abovesaid, to be equally divided between my Wife
and Brother's children, my wife to have the one-
half: Item I give that Land which I bought of ray
Brother Francis Wright, being 200 acres lying near
Storkes Quarter, to my son John Washington and
his heirs for ever: Item It is my desire that my
[estate] should not be appraised but kept intire and
delivered them as above given according to time &
my Children to continue under the care & Tuition
of their Mother, till they come of age or day of
marriage, and she to have the profits of their Es
tates towards the bringing of them up and Keep
ing them at School: Item I doe ordain and appoint
my Cozen John Washington of Stafford and my
friend Mr. Samuel Thompson my Executors, and
my

38
my loving wife Mildred Washington my Executrix
of this my last Will & Testament. In Witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seale this
nth day of March Anno Dom 169^.
Lawrence Washington. [Seal.]
Signed Seald declared & pronounced in presence
of us, robt redman,
George Weedon,
Thomas Howes,
John Rosier.
Westmoreland Set:
At a Court held for the said County the 30th day
of March 1698.
The last will and Testament of Lawrence Wash
ington Gent deced within written was proved by
the oaths of George Weedon Thomas Howes &
John Rosier Three of the witnesses thereof sub
scribed, and a probate thereof Granted to Samuel
Thompson one of the Executors therein named,
and the Will ordered to be recorded.
Teste
James Westcomb, C. W. C.

THE
WILL OF
AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON,
FATHER OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON.

In the Name of God Amen. I Augustine Wash
ington of the County of King George Gent, being
sick and weak but of perfect and disposing sence
and memory do make my last Will and Testament
in manner following hereby Revoking all former
Will or Wills whatsoever by me heretofore made
Imprimis I give unto my son Lawrence Wash
ington & his heirs forever, all that Plantation and
Tract of Land at Hunting Creek in the County of
Prince William Containing by Estimation Two
Thousand five hundred acres with the water mill
adjoyning thereto or lying near the same. And
all the slaves. Cattle & Stoeke of all kinds whatso
ever and all the houshold Furniture whatsoever
now in & upon or which have been Commonly
possessed by my said son Together with the said
Plantation Tract of Land and Mill.
Item I Give unto my son Augustine Washing
ton* and his heirs for ever all my Lands in the
County of Westmoreland except such only as are
hereinafter otherwise disposed of. Together with
Twenty five head of Neat Cattle forty hogs Twenty
sheep and a Negro Man named Frank besides those
negroes formerly given him by his Mother.
Item I Give unto my said son Augustine three
* Married Ann Aylett
(41) young

42
young working slaves to be purchased for him out
of the first profits of the Iron works after my Decease.
Item I give unto my son George Washington
and his heirs the Land I now Live on which I pur
chased of the Executrix of Mr. Wm. Strother
dec'd* and one Moiety of my Land lying on Deep
Run and Ten Negro Slaves.
Item I give unto my son Samuel Washington
and his heirs my Land at Chotank in the County
of Stafford Containing about six hundred acres f
* Two hundred and eighty acres, purchased by Augustine
Washington of Margaret Grant, Executrix of William Strother,
3 November, 1738. Conway.
fA tract of land, "containing five hundred and thirty-three
acres, more or less, called and known by the name of Chotank,"
was devised by will (1698) of John Withers to his daughter
Sarah, during her life, and after her decease, to his cousin Wil
liam Withers, and the heirs male of his body. In default of
such heirs, the land was to go to Thomas Withers, of Lancaster,
in Great Britain, and his heir male. William never married,
and Thomas, dying in England, the land went to his eldest
son Edmund Withers, and at his death passed to his brother
William. By his death the title became vested in his son
Thomas, who died leaving a son William. In the meantime
Sarah had lived upon the place, married Christopher Conoway,
and, after his death, conveyed the land to Augustine Washington
(12 June, 1727). By his will he left it to his sou Samuel, but
apparently doubted his complete title, for he provides an
equivalent in case the land was not yielded to Samuel. Wil
liam Withers did dispute the title, and Augustine paid him
^600 current money of the colony to quiet Withers' claim, and
the Assembly by special act gave a full possession to Samuel
and his heirs. Hening' s Statutes, vi., 513. and also

43
and also the other moiety of my Land lying on
Deep Run.
Item I give unto my son John Washington* and
his heirs my Land at the head of Maddox in the
County of Westmoreland Containing about seven
hundred acres.
Item I give unto my son Charles Washingtonf
and his heirs the Land I purchased of my son
Lawrence Washington (whereon Thomas Lewis
now Lives) adjoyning to my said son Lawrence's
Land above devised I also Give unto my said son
Charles & his heirs the Land I purchased of
Gabriel Adams in the County of Prince William
Containing about seven hundred acres.
Item It is my will & desire that all the Rest of
my Negroes not herein particularly Devised may
be equally Divided between my wife and my three
sons, Samuel, John and Charles & that, Ned, Jack,
Bob, Sue & Lucy may be Included in my wifes
part, which part of my said wife after her decease
I Desire may be equally divided between my sons
George, Samuel, John & Charles and the part of
my said Negro's so devised to my wife J I mean &
Intend to be in full satisfaction & Lieu of her
Dower in my Negro's. But if she should insist
*John Augustine Washington, married Hannah Bushrod.
t Married Mildred Thornton.
JMary Ball. notwithstanding

44
notwithstanding on her Right of Dower in my
Negro's I will & desire that so many as may be
wanting to make up her share may be taken out of
the Negro's given hereby to my sons George,
Sami John and Charles.
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my said wife
and my four sons, George, Samuel, John and
Charles all the rest of my personal Estate to be
equally Divided between them which is not partic
ularly by this my will. And it is my Will and de
sire that my said four son's Estates may be kept in
my wife's hand untill they respectively attain the
Age of Twenty one years in Case my wife Con
tinues so long unmarried, but in Case she should
happen to marry before that time, I Desire it may
be in the power of my Executors to oblige her hus
band from time to time as they shall think proper
to give Security for the performance of this my
Last Will in paying and Delivering my four sons
their Estates respectively as they Come of age, or
on failure to give such Security to take my said
Sons & their Estates out of the Custody & Tuition
of my said wife and her Husband.
Item I Give and bequeath unto my said wife
the Crops made at Bridge Creek, Chotank and
Rappahannock Quarters at the time of my Decease
for the support of herself aud her Children and I
desire my wife may have the Liberty of working
my Land at Bridge Creek Quarter for the term of
Five

45
Five Years next after my Decease during which
time she may fix a Quarter on Deep Run.*
Item I give to my son Lawrence Washington and
the heirs of his Body Lawfully begotten that Tract
of Land I purchased of Mr. James Nore adjoining
to the said Law. Washington's Land on Mattox in
the County of Westmoreland which I Gave him
in Lieu of the Land my said son bought for me in
prince William County of Spencer & Harrison
and for want of such heirs I give and devise the
same to my son Augustine and his heirs for
ever, t
Item I give to my said son Lawrence all the
right Title and Interest I have to in or out of the
Iron works in which I am Concerned in Virginia
& Maryland provided that he do and shall out of
the profits raised thereby purchase for my said
Augustine three Young Working Slaves as I have
hereinbefore directed, and also paying my Daughter
Betty when she arrives to the age of eighteen
years the sum of four hundred pounds, which
Right Title & Interest on the Condition aforesaid
*Post. f By a lease dated 30 July, 1708, Francis Spencer leased to
William Harrison, 200 acres of land on Dogfue River. William
Spencer in 1739 gave a release to Lawrence Washington for 200
acres of land in Prince William County; and in 1739 a similar
release was given for land in the same county by George Har
rison. I give

46
I give to my said son Lawrence and his heirs for
ever. *
* These shares were in the Principio company, composed of
English ironmasters and capitalists, which opened works in
Maryland in 1715, and existed for more than sixty years. After
establishing the Maryland works, the company were negotiat
ing the purchase of some of Augustine Washington's, land in
Virginia; and in 1725 a furnace at Accokeek, in King George
County, fourteen miles from Fredericksburg, was located.
Augustine's connection with the company probably dates from
this purchase, and he doubtless received a share in the under
taking, a contract for raising the ore and carting it to the fur
nace, and probably a bonus mentioned in the following letter:
"As to ye deviding ye shares of ye new founded works in Vir
ginia, have advised with a Counselor about it . . who tells
me yt except some persons here is appointed yr lawful atumey,
by a power of atturney from you to signe for you here, yt_if
your deed or deeds come over for you to signe in England and
either of you should dy before, or alter your minds yt you dont
sign, than it setts Washington at liberty and all ye work is at an
end. . . But think a twelfth too small for myselfe in this con-
cerne ... If you see fitt to make Capt. Washington a small
present of wine (along ye Virginia Cargo) and tosignifie to him
yt what I tave done with him on yr behalfe you like and ap
prove on, or to that efiFect, yt I leave to your Consideration
either to do it or not." Letter of John England, 5 January,
1725. Some twenty-five years after (1753) the supply of ore at
Accokeek failed, ' ' the movable effects were distributed among
the other works, slaves and store goods, horses, cattle, and
wagons were sold, aud the business in Virginia, as far as related
to iron-making, was gradually closed up, some of the real es
tate being sold in 1767." At the death of Augustine, his share
went to Lawrence, who also appears to have occupied a promi
nent position in its affairs, for he signed on behalf of the com
pany the important purchase of the Lancashire furnace (1751). Item

47
Item I give unto my said Daughter Betty a
Negro Child named Mary Daughter of Sue, &
another named Betty Daughter of Judy.
Item it is my will & desire that my sons Law
rence and Augustine do pay out of the respective
Estates devised to them one half or moiety of the
Debts I Justly owe and for that purpose I give and
Bequeath unto my said Two sons one half of the
Debts due & owing to me.
Item Forasmuch as my several Children in this
my will mentioned being by several Ventures can
not inherit from one another in order to make a
proper Provision ag^ their dying without Issue. It
is my will and desire that in Case ray son Lawrence
should dye without heirs of his body Lawfully be
gotten that then the Land and Mill given him by
this my Will lying in the County of Prince Wil
liam shall go & remain to my son George & his
heirs, but in Case my son Augustine should Choose
to have the said Lands Rather than the Lands he
holds in Maddox either by this will or any settle-
England's letter indicated a division of the company's capital
into twelve shares, and Augustine must have received one un
divided share. In 1780, when the property of the company had
been confiscated as British possession, it was represented that a
"certain Mr. Washington, a subject of the State of Virginia, is
entitled to one undivided twelfth part thereof" — showing the
share still intact. These facts are given in a series of articles
by Mr. Henry Whitely, on the Principio Company, printed in
the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, 1887.
ment

48
ment Then I give & devise the said Lands in Prince
William to my said Son Augustine and his heirs,
on his Conveying the said Lands in Maddox to my
said son George and his heirs And in Case my said
son Augustine shall happen to die without Issue of
his Body Lawfully begotten Then I give and be
queath all the said Lands by him held in Maddox
to my said son George and his heirs. And if both
my sons Lawrence and Augustine should happen
to die without Issue of their several Body's begotten
Then my will & desire is that my son George and his
heirs may have his and their Choice either to have
the Lands of my son Lawrence or the Lands of my
son Augustine to hold to him and his heirs and the
Land of such of my said sons Lawrence or Aug
ustine as shall not be so Chosen by my son George
or his heirs shall go to and be equally Divided
among my sons Samuel John & Charles and their
heirs share and share alike and in Case my son
George by the death of both or either of my sons
Lawrence & Augustine should according to this
my Intention come to be po.ssessed of either of the
Lands then my will & desire is that y? Land
hereby devised to my said son George and his heirs
should Go over and be equally divided between my
sons Samuel & John and their heirs share and
share alike. And in Case all my children by my
present wife should happen to die without Issue of
their Body's Then my will and desire is that all the
Lands

49
Lands by this my will devised to any of my said
Children should go to my sons Augustine & Law
rence if Living & to their heirs or if one of them
should be dead without Issue then to the Survivor
& his heirs, but my true Intent and meaning is
that each of my Children by my present wife may
have their Lands in fee simple upon the Contin
gency, of their arriving at full age or Leaving heirs
of their Body's Lawfully begotten or on their daying
under age and without Lawfull Issue their several
parts to descend from one to another according to
their Course of descents, and the Remainder over of
their or any of their Land in the Clause mentioned
to my sons Lawrence & Augustine or the Survivor
of them is only upon the Contingency of all my
said Children by my present wife dying under age
or without Issue Living my sons Lawrence and
Augustine or either of them.
Lastly I Constitute and appoint my son Law
rence Washington and my good Friends Daniel Mc-
Carty and Nathaniel Chapman, Gent. Executors of
this my Last Will and Testament. In witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the
Eleventh day of April 1743.
AuGus. Washington, [seal.]
Signed sealed and Published
In the presence of us
Rob: Jackson,
Anthony Strothbr,
Jas Thomson. Provided

5°
Provided further that if my Lands at Chotank
devised to my son Samuel should by Course of
Law be taken away then I give to the said Samuel
in Lieu thereof a Tract of Land in Westmoreland
County where Benj? Weeks and Thomas Finch
now lives by estimation seven hundred acres.
Item I bequeath to my son George One Lot of
Land in the Town of Fredericksburgh which I
purchased of Col? John. Waller also two other Lots
in the said Town which I purchased of the Execu
tors of Col? Henry Willis with all the houses and
Appurtenances thereunto belonging. * And whereas
some proposals have been made by M^ Anthony
Strother for purchasing a piece of Land where Ma-
thew Tiffy Lately liv'd now if my Executors shall
think it for the Benefit of my son George then I
hereby empower them to make a Conveyance of
the said Land and Premises to the said Strother.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and seale the eleventh day of April 1743.
AtiGus. Washington, [seal.]
Signed sealed and Published
In the presence of us
Rob: Jackson,
Anthony Strother,
Jas Thomson.
* "Deeds for Lots in the town of Fredericksburg, of no Value
to the Subscriber being sold by the Ex'r of his Father, for his
benefit, and the hands into which they are got unknown to G.
Washington." MS. memorandum of Washington. At a

51
At a Court held for King George County the 6°
day of May 1743.
The Last Will and Testament of Augustine
Washington Gent was presented into Court by
Lawrence Washington one of his Executors who
made Oath thereto and the same was proved by the
Oath of Anthony Strother and James Thompson
and admitted to Record. Cop? Test
Harry Turner, CI. Cur.*
* "Wakefield," on Pope's Creek, was devised by the immi
grant John to his son, Lawrence, from whom it passed at his
death to his wife, and then to his son John. It is said that this
John sold the tract to his brother Augustine, the father of
George, and was left by him to his son, Augustine, a half-
brother of George. Augustine left it, with other property in
Westmoreland County, to his son William Augustine, and the
latter gave it to his son, George Corbin Washington, who sold
it to John Gray, reserving a space of sixty feet square around
the site of the hSuse, where George Washington was born, and
another of twenty feet square around the burial ground and
vault of the Washington family. Lewis William, a son and
heir at law of George Corbin Washington, ceded these reserva
tions to "the mother state of Virginia, in perpetuity, on con
dition solely that the State require the said places to be perma
nently enclosed with an iron fence based on stone foundations,
together with suitable and modest (though substantial) tablets,
to commemorate to the rising generation these notable spots."
The grant was accepted and j5,ooo appropriated to make good
the conditions on which the grant was made.
In 1815 George Washington Parke Custis had with theatrical

52
effects placed a slab of freestone to mark the birthplace, bear
ing this inscription: Here
the nth of February, 1732
George Washington
was bom.
Before i860 this slab had broken into three pieces.

EDM? PENDLETON TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
„ ^. 3"? July 1769.'
I have at last found leizure to peruse & consider
the papers you left with me for my opinion on the na
ture of your Interest in your Fairfax Lands.*
The deed of Settlement made by your Father on
your brother Lawrence is long & complicated occa
sioned chiefly by an Intention to provide against the
contingencie of the Prince W™ Lands which were the
subject of that deed & the Westmorland Lands For
merly settled upon Augustine, from coming into the
same hands by the death of one of your brothers with
out Issue, but as I take it for granted that your brother
Aug* chose to keep the Westmorl? Lands, and not to
* Ann, the widow of Lawrence Washington, married George
Lee, of Westmoreland. Her life interest in Mount Vernon
and the slaves, with a grist mill, was made over to George
Washington by a deed, recorded 17 December, 1754, in consid
eration of an annual payment of fifteen thousand pounds of
tobacco in fifteen hogsheads, to be delivered at the warehouses
in Fairfax county, or 12 shillings six pence, current money,
for every hundred weight of tobacco. The average annual sum
paid under this agreement was ;^87. On her death, the Mount
Vernon estate became the property of George, but by the terms
of Lawrence's will, he had only a life estate. It was this pro
vision of Lawrence's will that led George to consult Pendleton
upon his right to dispose of the Mt. Vernon lands.
An opinion by Judge Bushrod Washington was sold at the
Philadelphia sale, but I am unable to trace its possession.
(53) give

54
give them up & take to the Prince William Lands as
he had power to do upon the death of Lawrence without
Issue, great part of that settlement is of little conse
quence, as to the Point you now want to be satisfied in.
The Prince William Lands then are limited to Law
rence in fee simple upon the Contingencie of his leaving
Issue at his death. He takes Notice of a daughter* in
his will & if she survived him, your fathers Will has
no operation upon the estate, but it must go according
to the Will of yT brother Lawrence by which you take
an estate tail, with a remainder to your brother Aug^ in
fee simple; for tho' the words of the devising clause
would give you a fee, yet by a Subsequent one he di
rects that if you, Sam\ John & Charles or any of you,
die without Lawful Issue such Land as was given you
or any of you, should become the property of his
brother Augustine & his heirs forever, which changes
your and their Estates in all the Lands Claimed
under his will, into estates tail.
If indeed the daughter of Lawrence died before him,
then as he left no Issue, the Land by the settlement
was to be subject to your fathers disposition and by his
Will you have a fee simple in the Prince William
Lands, under the Remainder limited to you if Law.
died without Issue, since one of the contingencies upon
w":^ you were to have a fee, has happened, that of your
arriving to full age, Altho' you have no Issue. If this
latter was the case, and you would choose to support
y\ fee simple, it might be proper to bring a Bill in
* Sarah. Chancery

55
Chancery to Perpetuate testimony to prove the fact of
her dying before her father, as without testimony the
presumption would be that she survived, being named
in his Will; Nothing Further Occurs to me necessary
to be mentioned. I am, Sir,
Your Mo. Ob* hble Serv*
Edm? Pendleton.

WILL

OP

MARY (BALL) WASHINGTON,

MOTHER OF

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

In the Name of God! amen — I Mary Washington
of Fredericks? in the County of Spotsylvania, being
in good health, but calling to mind the uncertainty
of this Life and willing to dispose of what remains
of my worldly Estate, do make & publish this my
last will, recommending my Soul into the Hands of
my Creator, hoping for a remission of all my sins
through the merits & mediation of jESUS Christ,
the saveour of Mankind ; I dispose of all my worldly
Estate as follows —
Imprimis I give to my Son General George
Washington all my lands on Accokeek Run in the
County of Stafford & also my Negroe Boy George
to him and his Heirs forever. & also my best bed,
beadstead of Virginia Cloth Curtains (the same
that stands in my best Room) my quilted blue &
white Quilt & my best dressing Glass —
Item I give and devise to my son Charles Wash
ington my negroe Man Tom to him & his assigns
for ever.
Item I give and devise to my Daughter Betty
Lewis my Phseton & my bay Horse
Item I give & devise to my Daughter in Law
Hannah Washington my purple Cloath cloak lined
with Shag.
Item I give & devise to my grandson Corbin
Washington
(59)

6o
Washington my Negroe wench Old Bet my riding
Chair & two blk Horses, to him and his assigns for
ever. Item I give and devise to my grandson Fielding
Lewis my Negroe man Frederick to him & his as
signs for ever, also eight silver tablespoons, half
my crokery ware, of the blue & white Tea * * *
book case, table, my Bed bedstead, one pT
sheets, one p"; blankets & white cotton counter-
paine, two table cloaths, six red leather chairs, half
my pewter & one half of my Iron kitchen Furni
ture —
Item I give and devise to my grandson Lawrence
Lewis my negro wench Lydia to him and his as
signs for ever.
Item I give and devise to my grand daughter
Betty Carter my negro woman little Bet & her
future increase to her and her assigns for ever —
also my largest looking glass, my walnut writing
Desk with Drawers, a square dining Table, one
Bed, Bedstead, bolster, one pillow, one blanket &
p"; sheets, white Virginia cloth Counterpane & pur
ple Curtains, my red and white tea China,
spoons, & the other half of my pewter, crokery ware,
& the remainder of my Iron kitchen Furniture. .
Item I give to my grand Son George Washing
ton my next best best dressing Glass one Bead,
Bedstead bolster, i pillow, i p": slieet, Blanket &
counterpaine.
Item

6i
Item I devise all my wearing apparel to be
equally divided between my grand Daughters,
Betty Carter, Fanny Ball, & Milly Washington —
but shou'd my Daughter Betty Lewis fancy any
one two or three articles, she is to have them be
fore a division thereof —
Lastly I nominate & appoint my said son Gen
eral George Washington Executor of this my will.
And as I owe few or no debts, I direct my Executor
to give no security, nor to appraise my Estate, but
desire the same may be allotted to my Devisees
with as little trouble & delay as may be — desiring
their acceptance thereof as a little Token I now
have to give them of my love for them. In witness
whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and seal this
20th day of May 1788. Mary Washington.
Signed sealed and published in our presence &
signed by us in the presence of the s"^ Mary Wash
ington & at her desire. js mercer
Joseph Wai,ker
At a Court of Hustings held for the town & Cor
poration of Fredericksburg the 234 day of October
1789. The last Will and Testament of Mary Washing
ton Dec4 was proved by the Oath of James Mercer, Esq.

62
Esq. one of the Witnesses thereto and Ordered to
be certified. Teste
Jn9 Chew, C. C. H.
At a Court of Hustings held for the Town & Cor
poration of Fredericksburg the 22*? day of October
1804 The last will & testament of Mary Washington,
dec"? was further proved by the Oath of Joseph
Walker, another Witness thereto and ordered to be
Recorded. Teste
jN? Chew, C. C. H.*
* This will was reproduced in facsimile and printed in the
Magazine of American History, March, 1887, in one of Mr.
Conway's articles on Fredericksburg.
Joseph Ball had left to his sister "400 acres of land in Rich
mond county, in ys freshes of Rappahn. River." This property
she conveyed 21 May, 1778, to John Augustine Washington, and
the land was described as lying near Fredericksburg. Her hus
band had given her the privilege of working his land at the
Bridge Creek quarter for five years after his decease, "during
which time she may fix a quarter on Deep Run;" but the land
on Deep Run was divided between George and Samuel. "As
my mother's term of years is out at the place at Bridge Creek,
she designs to settle a quarter on the piece at Deep Run, but
seems backward in doing it till the right is made good for fear
of accident." George Washington to Lawrence Washington, 5
May, 1749. On Fry aud Jefferson's map Deep Run is placed
about seven miles above Falmouth, and Deep Creek is down by
"Moratico," the Joseph Ball place, the distance between the

63
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO MRS. BETTY LEWIS.
New York, 13 September, 1789.
My dear Sister,
Colonel Ball's* letter gave me the first account of
my mother's death. t Since that I have received Mrs.
Carter's letter, written at your request, and previous to
both I was prepared for the event by some advices of
her illness communicated to your son Robert.
Awful and affecting as the death of a parent is, there
is consolation in knowing, that heaven has spared ours
to an age beyond which few attain, and favored her
with the full enjoyment of her mental faculties, and as
much bodily strength as usually falls to the lot of four
score. Under these considerations, and a hope that she
is translated to a happier place, it is the duty of her
relatives to yield due submission to the decrees of
the Creator. When I was last at Fredericksburg, I
took a final leave of my mother, never expecting to see
her more.
It will be impossible for me at this distance, and cir
cumstanced as I am, to give the smallest attention to
the execution of her will ; nor indeed is much required,
two being more than fifty miles. It is probable that Deep Run
was the place, and that Mrs. Washington did remove there and
set up a quarter, as Washington visits her in passing from
Dumfries to Fredericksburg.
*Burges Ball.
fMary Washington died at Fredericksburg, August 25th,
1789, in the eighty-third year of her age. She had been a
widow forty-six years. General Washington's father died on
the i2th of April, 1743. if,

64
if, as she directs, no security should be given, or ap
praisement made of her estate; but that the same
should be allotted to the devisees with as little trouble
and delay as may be. How far this is legal, I know
not. Mr. Mercer can, and I have no doubt would,
readily advise you if asked, which I wish you to do.
If the ceremony of inventorying, appraising, &c. can
be dispensed with, all the rest, (as the will declares
that[few or no debts are owing,) can be done with very
little trouble. Every person may in that case immedi
ately receive what is specifically devised. The negroes
who are engaged in the crops and under an overseer,
must remain I conceive on the plantation until the
crop is finished (which ought to be as soon as pos
sible) after which the horses, stock of all sorts, and
every species of property not disposed of by the will,
(the debts if any being first paid) must by law be
equally divided into five parts one of which you, an
other my Brother Charles and a third myself are en
titled to, the other two thirds fall to the share of the
children of our deceased brothers Samuel and John.
Were it not, that the specific legacies, which are
given to me by the will, are meant and ought to be
considered and received as mementos of parental affec
tion, in the last solemn act of life, I should not be de
sirous of receiving or removing them ; but in this point
of view I set a value on them much beyond their in
trinsic worth.
Whilst it occurs to me, it is necessary it should be
known that there is a fellow belonging to that estate
now at my house, who never stayed elsewhere, for
which

65
which reason, and because he has a family I should be
glad to keep him. He must I should conceive be far
short in value of the fifth of the other negroes which
will be to be divided, but I shall be content to take him
as my proportion of them — and, if from a misconcep
tion either of the number or the value of these negroes
it should be found that he is of greater value than falls
to my lot I shall readily allow the difference, in order
that the fellow may be gratified, as he never would
consent to go from me.
Debts, if any are due, should be paid from the sale
of the crops, Plantation utensils, Horses and Stock,
and the sooner an account is taken of the latter and
they can conveniently be disposed of, the better it will
be for two reasons ; first because the Overseer (if he is
not a very honest man) may take advantage of circum
stances, and convert part of these things to his own use
— and secondly because the Season is now fast ap
proaching when without feeding (which would lessen
the sale of the com and fodder) the stock will fall off,
and consequently sell to a disadvantage. Whether my
Mother has kept any accounts that can be understood
is more than I am able to say — If any thing is owing to
her it should be received — and, if due from her, paid
after due proof thereof is made — She has had a great
deal of money from me at times, as can be made appear
by my books, and the accounts of Mr. L- Washington
during my absence; — and over and above this has not
only had all that was ever made from the Plantation
but got her provisions and every thing else she thought
proper from thence. In short to the best of my recol
lection

66
lection I have never in my life received a copper from
the estate — and have paid many hundred pounds (first
and last) to her in cash — However I want no retribu
tion — I conceived it to be a duty whenever she asked
for money, and I had it, to furnish her, notwithstand
ing she got all the crops or the amount of them and
took every thing she wanted from the plantation for
the support of her family, horses &c. besides.
As the accounts for or against the estate must not
only from the declaration in the will, but from the
nature of the case be very trifling and confined I should
suppose to the town of Fredericksburg, it might be
proper therefore in that paper to require in an adver
tisement all those who have any demands to bring
them in properly attested immediately, and those who
are owing to pay forthwith. The same advertisement
might appoint a day for selling the stock, and every
thing, excepting Negroes, at the plantation, that is
not devised by the will, as it will be more convenient
I should suppose for the heirs to receive their respective
dividends of the money arising from the sales than to
be troubled with receiving a cow, a calf or such like
things after the debts (which must be the case) have
been first paid. It might be well in fixing the day of
sale, to consult the Overseer, to know when the busi
ness of the plantation will admit the Cart, Team and
Utensils to be taken from it.
As the number of articles to be sold cannot be many
and will be of small value, I think they had better be
sold for ready money and so advertised, for though
they would fetch more on credit, there would more than

67
than probable be bad debts contracted, and at any rate
delay, if not law suits before the money could be col
lected, and besides if there are debts to be paid money
will be wanted for the purpose, and in no way can be
so readily and properly obtained as by a ready money
sale, and from the crops.
If you think this business will be too troublesome for
you with the aid of your .sons — Mr. Carter and Colonel
Ball — who I am persuaded will give each of us assist
ance, and you will let me know it, I will desire Major
George Washington to attend.
As the land at the Little-falls Plantation goes to
Mr. Bushrod Washington he should be apprised in
time of the breaking of it up, otherwise there may be
injury to the houses and fencing if left without some
person to attend to them. Have particular care taken
of her papers, the letters to her, &c.
I should prefer selling the houses and lotts on which
my Mother lived to renting of them, — and would give
a year or two years' credit to the purchasers paying
interest — and not being acquainted with the value of
lotts in Fredericksburg, I would leave the price to any
three indifferent and impartial Gentleman to say what
they are worth, and that sum I will take.
If they cannot be sold and soon, I would rent them
from year to year to any orderly Tenant on a moderate
rent. If they are not disposed of on sale or by tennant-
ing before the weather gets cool the paling will, I ex
pect, be soon burnt up.
Give my love to Mrs. Carter, and thank her for the
letter she wrote to me. I would have done this my
self.

68
self, had I more time for private correspondences.
Mrs. Washington joins in best wishes for her, your
self, and all other friends; and I am, with the most
sincere regard, your affectionate brother.

GEORGE WASHINGTON TO MRS. BETTY LE'mS.
New York, 12 October, 1789.
My dear Sister,
Your letter of the first of this month came duly to
hand. — I believe Bushrod is right with respect to the
distribution of the negroes — When I gave m}* opinion
that you were entitled to a child's part it did not oc
cur to me that my Mother held them under the will of
my Father who had made a distribution of them after
her death. — If this is the case, and I believe it is, you
do not come in for any part of them.
I thought I had desired in my former letter that all
personal property not specifically disposed of bj- the
will had better be sold. This is my opinion, as it is
from the crops aud personal Estate that the Debts
must be paid. — The surplus, be it more or less, is
divided among her children ; and this I presume had
better be done in money than in Stock, old furniture
or any other troublesome articles which might be in
convenient to remove, but in one or the other of these
ways they must be disposed of, as they are not given
by the Will. — If there is anything coming to the Es
tate it ought to be collected. — In a word, all the prop
erty except Lands aud negroes is considered as per
sonal, and after the Debts are discharged is to be
equally

69
equally divided into five parts, one of which you are
entitled to. * * *
G? Washington.*

GEORGE WASHINGTON TO COL. BURGES BALL AND
CHARLES CARTER, JR.
NEW Haven, i8 October, 1789.
Dear Sirs,
Having set out on a tour through the Eastern States,
it was at this place your letter of the 8*.'^ inst. over
took me.
Not having my father's will to recur to, when I
wrote to my sister, nor'any recollection of the Devises
in it, I supposed she was entitled to a child's part of
the Negroes, but, if they were otherwise disposed of by
that Will (as I believe is the case) she is certainly ex
cluded, and the sons only and their representatives
come in. In this manner the division must be made.
Everything of personal property not specifically dis
posed of by my Mother's Will, had better be sold — with
the proceeds of which, and the crops, the Debts must
be paid. The surplus, if any, must be divided among
the heirs.
Being well convinced that the Gentlemen who were
so obliging as to examine and set a Value upon my
Lots [in Fredericksburg], acted from their best judg
ment, I am perfectly satisfied with their decision, and
beg my thanks may be presented to them for the
trouble they have had in this business.
* From George Washington & Mount Vernon, Iv. If

70
If they are not already sold, I am willing to allow
three, instead of two years credit for the payment of
the purchase money. Interest being paid. In a word,
as I do not tenant them, I should be glad to sell them
on any reasonable terms : as that kind of property, at a
distance, is always troublesome, and rarely productive.
I did not mean to give Mr Mercer the trouble of stat
ing any formal opinion — All I had in view was to
know if the formalities of the law, with respect to in
ventorying, appraising, &c., could be dispensed with. —
If it could, I was sure no other difiSculty would arise,
as I knew my Mother's dealings were small, and the
business consequently easily closed. * * *
G? Washington.*
* From a transcript in the Department of State. The origi
nal is in the possession of Capt. Geo. Washington Ball, of
Washington, D. C., to whose courtesy I am indebted for many
favors.

THE

WILL

LAWRENCE WASHINGTON,
HALF-BROTHER OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON.

In THE NAME OF GoD Amen, I Lawrence Wash
ington of Truro parish, in Fairfax County, and
Colony of Virginia, Gent. — knowing the uncer
tainty of this transitory life, and being in sound
and disposing mind and memory do make this my
last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and dis
annulling all other Wills and Testaments by me at
any time heretofore made. Imprimis, my will and
desire is, that a proper vault, for interment, may be
made on my home plantation. Wherein my remains
together with my three children may be decently
placed; and to serve for my wife, and such other of
the family as may desire it.
Item, my Will and desire is that my Funeral
charges and respective debts be first paid and dis
charged, out of such of my personal estate as my Ex
ecutors hereafter to be n^med shall think best and
most adviseable to be disposed of for that purpose.
Item, my will and desire is that my loving Wife,*
have the use benefits and profits of all my Lands on
Little Hunting and Doegs Creeks, in the County of
Truro and County of Fairfax with all the Houses
and Edifices thereon, during her natural life, like
wise the use, labour, and profits arising from the
one half of all my Negroes, as my said wife and

*Anna Fairfax.
( 73 ) Executors

74
Executors may agree in dividing them. Negro
Moll and her issue, to be included in my wife's part
of the said Negroes. I also divise that my said
wife may have the use of the Lands surveyed on
the south fork of Bullskin, in the County of Fred
erick; during her natural Life, but in case of my
daughter Sarah dying without issue before her said
Mother, then I give and devize my said Bullskin
Tract, to my said Wife; to her and her Heirs for
ever. Item, it is my Will and desire that all my
Household Goods and furniture with the liquors to
be appraised and valued by three persons to be
chosen by my wife and Executors, and that my
wife have the liberty of chooseing any part of the
said Household goods and furniture to the amount
of a full moiety of the whole sum, which they shall
be appraised to, which part I give and bequeath to
her and her Heirs forever; the other moiety to be
sold, and the money arising applied towards the
payment of my Debts.
Item, What I have herein devised and left to my
Wife I intend to be in Lieu, and in stead, of her
right of Dower, provided my Wife, according to her
promise, sells her several Tracts of Land near Sal
isbury plains, and applysthe said money to the
discharge of my Debts due at the time of my
Death, but in case of her refusal then my will is
that all my Household furniture be sold, and the
whole amount to be applied towards the discharge of

75
of my Debts. ItEm I give and bequeath to my
Daughter Sarah and the Heirs of her body, law
fully begotten forever, after my Just debts are dis
charged, all my real and personal Estate in Vir
ginia, and the province of Maryland not otherwise
disposed of But in case it should please God my
said Daughter, should die without issue, it is then
my will and desire my Estate both real and per
sonal be disposed of in the following manner;
First, I give and bequeath to my loveing Brother
Augustine Washington and his Heirs forever, all my
Stock, Interest and Estate in the Principio, Acco
keek, Kingsbury, Lancashire, and N? East Iron
Works in Virginia and Maryland, reserving one-
third of the profits of said works, to be paid to my
Wife, as hereafter mentioned, and Two Tracts of
Land, lying and being in Frederick County which
I purchased of Col° Cresap and Gerrard Pender-
grass. Second, I give aud bequeath unto my lov
ing brother George Washington, and his Heirs for
ever, after the decease of my wife, all my lands in
Fairfax County, with the improvements thereon
and further it is my will and desire that during
the natural life of my wife, that my said Brother
George shall have the use of an equal Share, and
proportion of all the Lands hereafter given and
devised unto my brothers Samuel, John and
Charles. Third, I give and bequeath all those
several Tracts of Lands which I am possessed of
and

76
and claim in the County of Frederick (except the
Tract on the south fork of Bull skin, bequeathed
to my Wife, and the two Tracts purchased of Col°
Cresap and Gerrard Pendergrass, devised unto my
Brother Augustine) unto my Brothers Samuel,
John and Charles, reserving as above an equal pro
portion for my Brother George, provided they,
Samuel, John or Charles, pay or cause to be paid
unto my and their sister Betty Lewis, the sum of
One hundred and fifty pounds. Fourth, my Will
also is that upon the death of any, or all of my said
Brothers, George, Samuel, John and Charles, dying
without lawful issue, such Lands as was given
them or any of them, in case of my said Daughters
demise as aforesaid, to become the property and
Right of my Brother Augustine and his Heirs.
Fifth, my further will and desire is, that after the
demise of my said wife the Negro Woman, Moll
and her increase be given unto my said Brother
Augustine, his Heirs, adm'ors &c and likewise
give him an equal proportion with his other Broth
ers, of the other part of the Negroes, and personal
Estate, upon their paying my said Wife One hun
dred pounds Sterling my intent and meaning is
that the said one hundred pounds sterling be paid
by ray said Brothers to my said wife immediately,
or soon after, it may please God to remove by death
my said Daughter.
Item, I further give and bequeath unto my love ing

77
ing wife, during her natural life one full third part
of the profits from the share I hold in all the sev
eral Iron Works, both in the Colony of Virginia and
Maryland, to be paid unto my said Wife from time
to time by my Executors, immediately upon notice
given them by the partners, residing in England,
of the annual amount of the profits, to be paid
either in Bills or Cash, at the current Exchange, as
she shall choose.
Item, I give unto my brother John Washington,
Fifty pounds in lieu of the Land taken from him
by a suit at Law by Capt. MaxinT Robinson, after
my debts are paid. Item, my will and desire is
that my two Tracts of Land, one Joining my
wife's Tract, near Salisbury plain, the other on
a branch of Goose Creek, being three Hundred
and three Acres, my Two Lots in the Town of
Alexandria with the edifices thereon, and my share
and Interest in the Ohio Company, all be sold
by my Executors, and the money applied towards
discharging my debts, also my arrears of half
pay, which Col? Wilson, the agent, or MT Stuart,
his Kinsman and Clerk, be addressed for and the
money applied to the same use. Item, whereas
the purchasing Negroes and Land may greatly
tend to the advantage of my Daughter, I there
fore fully empower my Executors to lay out
the profit of my Estate, or any part thereof in
Lands, and Negroes at their discretion, i. e. I mean such

78
such part of the Estate as I have devised to my
Daughter Sarah, which said several purchases, in
case of her decease without Issue, shall be deemed
and counted personal Estate, and be accordingly
equally divided among my Brothers as above pro
vided. Item I also desire that my Just suit of complaint
at Law, depending against Gersham Keys, of
Frederick county, for breach of Trust, be efiectu-
ally prosecuted by my Executors.
Item, it is furthermore my will and desire that
all my Estate be kept together till the debts are
discharged. Item I give to my wife, my Mother in Law, and
each of my Executors, a mourning ring;
Lastly, I constitute and appoint the Honb!
William Fairfax and George Fairfax, EsqT, my said
Brothers, Augustine and George Washington, and
my esteemed Friends, M": Nathaniel Chapman and
Maj": John Carlyle, Executors of this my last will
and Testament. Whereof I have hereunto set my
Hand and Seale, this twentieth day of June, one
Thousand Seven Hundred and fifty two, in the
26*.'' year of his Majesty King George the second's
Reign.
Law? Washington [Seal].
Signed, sealed & published in the presence of us
WM Waite, Jno North,

A ^^l -.Tr -.TT Joseph Gound.
Andrew X W. Warren,

At

79
At a Court held for Fairfax County September
the 26'.'' 1752, This Last Will and Testament of
Lawrence Washington Gent. dece4 was presented in
Court by the Honb\ William Fairfax and George
William Fairfax, Esql John Carlyle and George
Washington, Gent"? four of the Executors therein
named who made oath thereto according to Law,
and being proved by the oaths of William Waite,
John North and Andrew Warren, three of the Wit
nesses, is admitted to Record, and the said Execu
tors, performing what is usual in such cases, cer
tificate is granted them, for obtaining a probate in
due form. Test.
John Graham, CI.
A true Copy
Test W^ Moss, CI.

THE
WILL

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

In the Name of God, Amen!
I George Washington of Mount Vernon, a
citizen of the United States and lately President
of the same do make ordain and declare this In
strument, which is written with my own hand and
every page thereof subscribed with my name to be
my last Will & Testament, revoking all others.*
— Imprimus — All my debts, of which there are but
few, and none of magnitude, are to be punctually
and speedily paid, and the legacies hereinafter be
queathed are to be discharged as soon as circum
stances will permit, and in the manner directed.
Item. To my dearly beloved wife, Martha'
Washington I give and bequeath the use profit and
benefit of my whole Estate, real and personal, for
* At the bottom of every page — rwith one exception — he
signed his name. . On the one page, the last word was Wash
ington, which probably led him to suppose he had signed.
There is mention of an earlier will to be found in a letter
written to his wife just after he had accepted the command of
the Continental army. "As life is always uncertain, and com
mon prudence dictates to every man the necessity of settling
his temporal concerns, while it is in his power, and while the
mind is calm and undisturbed, I have, since I came to this
place (for I had not time to do it before I left home) got Colo
nel Pendleton to draft a will for me, by the directions I gave
him, which will I now enclose. The provision made for you
in case of my death will, I hope, be agreeable." i8 June, i775-
(83) the

84
the term of her natural life, except such parts
thereof as are specially disposed of hereafter, — My
improved lot in the Town of Alexandria, situated
on Pitt and Cameron Streets, I give to her & her
heirs forever, as I also do my [2] * household and
kitchen furniture of every sort and kind with the
liquors and groceries which may be on hand at the
time of my decease, to be used and disposed of as
she may think proper.
Item — Upon the decease of wife it is my will
and desire, that all the- slaves which I hold in my
own right shall receive their freedom — To emanci
pate them during her life, would tho earnestly
wished by me, be attended with such insuperable
difficulties, on account of their intermixture by
marriages with the Dower negroes as to excite the
most painful sensations — if not disagreeable conse
quences from the later while both descriptions are
in the occupancy of the same proprietor, it not
being in my power under the tenure by which the
dower Negroes are held to manumit them — And
whereas among those who will receive freedom ac
cording to this devise there may be some who from
old age, or bodily infirmities & others who on ac
count of their infancy, that will be unable to sup
port themselves, it is my will and desire that all
who come under the first and second description
* These figures in brackets mark the beginning of each page
of the MS. will. shall

85
shall be comfortably clothed and fed by my heirs
while they live and [3] that such of the latter de
scription as have no parents living, or if living are
unable, or unwilling to provide for them, shall be
bound by the Couirt until they shall arrive at the
age of twenty five years, and in cases where no
record can be produced whereby their ages can be
ascertained, the Judgment of the Court upon it's
own view of the subject shall be adequate and
final. — The negroes thus bound are (by their mas
ters or mistresses) to be taught to read and write
and to be brought up to some useful occupation,
agreeably to the laws of the commonwealth of Vir
ginia, providing for the support of orphans and
other poor children — and I do hereby expressly
forbid the sale or transportation out of the said
Commonwealth of any Slave I may die possessed
of, under any pretence, whatsoever — and I do
moreover most positively, and most solemnly enjoin
it upon my Executors hereafter named, or the sur
vivors of them to see that this clause respecting
slaves and every part thereof be religiously fulfilled
at the Epoch at which it is directed to take place
without evasion neglect or delay after the crops
which may then be on the ground are harvested,
particularly as it respects [4] the aged and infirm,
seeing that a regular and permanent fund be estab
lished for their support so long as there are subjects
requiring it, not trusting to the uncertain provis ions

86
ions to be made by individuals. — And to my mulatto
man, William (calling himself William Lee) I give
immediate freedom or if he should prefer it (on ac
count of the accidents which have befallen him and
which have rendered him incapable of walking or
of any active employment*) to remain in the situa
tion he now is, it shall be optional in him to do so
— In either case however I allow him an annuity
of thirty dollars during his natural life which shall
be independent of the victuals and cloaths he has
been accustomed to receive; if he chuses the last
alternative, but in full with his freedom, if he pre
fers the first, and this I give him as a testimony of
my sense of his attachment to me and for his faith
ful services during the revolutionary War.f
*On 22d April, 1785, when acting as chain bearer, while
Washington was surveying a tract of land on Four Mile Run,
William fell, and broke his knee pan; "which put a stop to
my surveying; and with much dif&culty I was able to get him
to Abingdon, being obliged to get a sled to carry him on, as he
could neither walk, stand or ride." Washington's Diary. See
Spurious Letters attributed to Washington, 8.
t The following letters relate to this servant:
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO CLEMENT BIDDLE.
Mount Vernon, 28 July, 17S4.
Dear Sir,
The mulatto fellow, William, who has been with me all the
war, is attached (married he says) to one of his own color, a free
woman, who during the war, was also of my family. She has
been in an infirm condition for some time, and I had conceived
Item

8?
Item — To the Trustees, (Governors or by what
soever other name they may be designated) of the
academy in the Town of Alexandria, I give and
bequeath, in Trust, Four thousand dollars, or in
other words twenty of the shares which I [5] hold
that the connexion between them had ceased ; but I am mis
taken it seems they are both applying to get her here, and tho'
I never wished to see her more, I cannot refuse his request (if
it can be complied with on reasonable terms) as he has served
me faithfully for many years.
After premising thus much, I have to beg the favor of you to
procure her a passage to Alexanda., either by Sea, in the Stage,
or in the passage boat from the head of Elk, as you shall think
cheapest and best, and her situation will admit; — the cost of
either I will pay. Her name is Margaret Thomas allias Lee
(the name by which he calls himself). She lives in Philada.
with Isaac and Hannah Sile— black people, who are often em-
ploy'd by families in the city as cooks. I am &c.
TOBIAS LEAR TO COLO. CLEMENT BIDDLE.
New York, 3 May, 1789.
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the i"]^}^ ulto. came duly to the hands of the
President. He would thank you to propose it to Will to return
to Mount Vernon when he can be removed for he cannot be of
any service here, and perhaps will require a person to attend
upon him constantly. If he should incline to return to Mount
Vernon, you will be so kind as to have him sent in the first
Vessel that sails for Alexandria after he can be removed with
safety — but if he is still anxious to come on here the President
would gratify him Altho' he will be troublesome — He has been
an old and faithful Servant this is enough for the President to
gratify him in every reasonable wish — « » *
I am &c. Tobias Lear. in

88
in the Bank of Alexandria towards the support of
a Free School, established at, and annexed to the
said academy for the purpose of educating such
orphan children, or the children of such other poor
and indigent persons as are unable to accomplish
it with their own means, and who in the judgment
of the trustees of the said Seminary, are best en
titled to the benefit of this donation — The aforesaid
twenty shares I give and bequeath in perpetuity —
the dividends only of which are to be drawn for
and applied by the said Trustees for the time be
ing, for the uses above mentioned, the stock to re-
piain entire and untouched unless indications of a
failure of the said Bank should be so apparent or
discontinuance thereof should render a removal of
this fund necessary, in either of these cases the
amount of the stock here devised is to be vested in
some other bank or public institution whereby the
interest may with regularity and certainty be
drawn and applied as above. — And to prevent mis
conception, my meaning is, and is hereby declared
to be that, these twenty shares are in lieu of and
not in addition to the Thousand pounds given by
a missive letter some years ago in consequence
whereof an an[6]nuity of fifty pounds has since
been paid towards the support of this institution.*
*This letter is printed in Washington's Writings (Ford's edi
tion), xi., — .
In his MS. Diary for 1785 is found the following entry under
Item

89
Item — Whereas by a law of the Commonwealth
of Virginia, enacted in the year 1785, the Legisla
ture thereof was pleased (as an evidence of it's ap
probation of the services I had rendered the public,
during the "Revolution — and partly, I believe in
consideration of my having suggested the vast ad
vantages which the community would derive from
the extension of its Inland navigation, under Leg
islative patronage) to present me with one hundred
shares, of one hundred dollars each, in the incor
porated company established for the purpose of ex
tending the navigation of James River from tide
water to the mountains; and also with fifty shares
of one hundred pounds sterling each in the corpo
ration of another company likewise established for
the similar purpose of opening the navigation of
the River Potomac from tide water to Fort Cum
berland; the acceptance of which, although the
offer was highly honorable and grateful to my feel-
date December 17th: "Went to Alexandria to meet the trustees
of the Academy in that place, and offered to vest in the hands
of the said Trustees, when they are permanently established
by Charter, the sum of one thousand pounds, the interest of
which only to be applied towards the establishment of a charity
school for the education of Orphan and other poor children,
which offer was accepted." His letterto the Trustees is printed
in Washington's Writings (Sparks') ix., 151. The act of in
corporation was passed by the Legislature in the October ses
sion, 1786, and Washington was named first in the list of trus
tees. Hening' s Statutes, xii., 392. ings.

go
ings, was refused, as inconsistent with a principle
which I had adop[7]ted, and had never departed
from, namely not to receive pecuniary compensa
tion for any services I could render my country in
it's arduous struggle with Great Britain for it's
Rights; and because I had evaded similar proposi
tions from other States in the Union — adding to
this refusal however an intimation, that, if it
should be the pleasure of the Legislature to permit
me to appropriate the said shares to public uses, I
would receive them on those terms with due sen
sibility — and this it having consented to in flatter
ing terms, as will appear by a subsequent law and
sundry resolutions, in the most ample and hon
orable manner,* I proceed after this recital for
the more correct understanding of the case to de
clare —
That as it has always been a source of serious
regret with me to see the youth of these United
States sent to foreign countries for the purpose of
education, often before their minds were formed or
they had imbibed any adequate ideas of the happi
ness of their own, contracting too frequently not
only habits of dissipation and extravagence, but
principles unfriendly to Republican Governm't and
to the true and genuine liberties [8] of mankind,
*The various laws may be found in Hening, Statutes at
Large, xi., 543; xii., 42. The letters of Washington are in my
xi. which

91
which thereafter- are rarely overcome. — For these
reasons it has been my ardent wish to see a plan
devised on a liberal scale which would have a ten
dency to spread systamatic ideas through all parts
of this rising Empire, thereby to do away local
attachments and state prejudices as far as the na
ture of things would, or indeed ought to admit,
from our national councils — Looking anxiously
forward to the accomplishment of so desirable an
object as this is, (in my estimation) my mind has
not been able to contemplate any plan more likely
to effect the measure than the establishment of a
University in a central part of the United States
to which the youth of fortune and talents from all
parts thereof might be sent for the completion of
their education in all the branches of polite litera
ture in arts and sciences — in acquiring knowledge
in the principles of Politics and good Government
and (as a matter of infinite importance in my judg
ment) by associating with each other and forming
friendships in Juvenile years, be enabled to free
themselves in a proper degree from those local
prejudices and habit[9]ual jealousies which have
just been mentioned and which when carried to
excess are never failing sources of disquietude to
the Public mind and pregnant of mischieveous
consequences to this country: — under these impres
sions so fully dilated,-T-
ITEM — I give and bequeath in perpetuity the
fifty

92
fifty shares which I hold in the Potomac Company
(under the aforesaid Acts of the Legislature of
Virginia) towards the endowment of a University
to be established within the limits of the District
of Columbia, under the auspices of the General
Government, if that Government should incline to
extend a fostering hand towards it, — and until
such seminary is established, and the funds arising
on these shares shall be required for its support,
my further will and desire is that the profit- accru
ing therefrom shall whenever the dividends are
made be laid out in purchasing stock in the Bank
of Columbia or some other Bank at the discretion
of my Executors, or by the Treasurer of the United
States for the time being under the direction of
Congress, provided that Honorable body should
[lo] patronize the measure. And the dividends
proceeding from the purchase of such Stock is to
be vested in more Stock and so on until a sum
adequate to the accomplishment of the object is
obtained, of which I have not the smallest doubt
before many years pass away, even if no aid or
encouraged is given by Legislative authority or
from any other source.*
Item — The hundred shares which I held in the
James River Company I have given and now con
firm in perpetuity to and for the use and benefit of
* This provision of the will was never carried into effect Liberty

93
Liberty Hall Academy in the County of Rock
bridge, in the Commonwealth of Virga.*
Item — I release exonerate and discharge the es
tate of my deceased brother, Samuel Washington, f
from the payment of the money which is due to
me for the land I sold to Philip Pendleton (lying
in the County of Berkley t) who assigned the same
to him the said Samuel, who by agreement was to
pay me therefor. — And whereas by some contract
(the purport of which was never communicated to
me) between the said Samuel and his son Thornton
Washington, the latter became po.ssessed of the
aforesaid land without [ii] any conveyance having
* Robert Alexander, educated in Trinity College, Dublin,
opened a high school in the Valley of the Blue Ridge about
the year 1749. He called it the "Augusta Academy," and it
continued till the Revolution. During that contest its name
was changed to Liberty Hall, and in 1782 it was regularly char
tered as Liberty Hatl Academy. In 1785 it was removed to
Rockbridge County, within a short distance of Lexington, and
it was there that Washington's legacy was received. In 1798,
out of respect to the benefactor, the name was changed to
Washington Academy, and in 1803, on the destruction of the
old Academy by fire, a new one was located within the limits
of Lexington, where it has since remained. The prosperity of
the Academy was interrupted by the civil war, and at the peace
it was again organized under the presidency of Robert E. Lee,
and the name became "The Washington and Lee University."
t Samuel died at Berkley in 1781, aged 47.
X In 1772 the county of Frederick was divided into three,
forming Frederick, Dunmore and Berkeley counties. passed

94
passed from me either to the said Pendleton the
said Samuel or the said Thornton and without any
consideration having been made, by which neglect
neither the legal or equitable title has been alien
ated;* — it rests therefore with me to declare my
intentions concerning the premises — And these are
to give and bequeath the said land to whomsoever
the said Thornton Washington (who is also dead)
devised the same or to his heirs forever, if he died
intestate. — Exonerating the estate of the said
Thornton, equally with that of the said Samuel
from payment of the purchase-money, which with
Interest agreeably to the original contract with the
said Pendleton would amount to more than a
thousand pounds — and whereas two other sons of
my said deceased brother Samuel, — namely, George
Steptoe Washington and Lawrence Augustine
Washington were by the decease of those to whose
* " Mr. Pendleton obtained mj' Deed, or a Bond, or some.
thing obligatory upon me, and my heirs, to make him a title to
the Land he had of me, & sold to you, upon the purchase
money being paid ; not one farthing of which has been done —
even the last years Rent, if I remember right, which he took
upon himself to pay, is yet behind. — However, so soon as I can
get evidences I will send a power of attorney to Lund Wash-
ton, to make a legal conveyance of the land to you. — In the
mean time the Instrument of writing I passed to Mr. Pendleton
will always be good against my Heirs, upon the condition of
being complied with." George Washington to Samuel Wash
ington, 5 October, 1776. Pendleton conveyed to Samuel in
1772. The property was on Bullskin. care

95
care they were committed, brought under my pro
tection, and in consequence have occasioned ad
vances on my part for their education at college
and other schools for their board cloathing and
other incidental expenses to the amount of near
[12] five thousand dollars over and above the sums
furnished by their estate, wch sum may be incon
venient for them or their father's Estate to refund
— I do for these reasons acquit them and the said
Estate from the payment thereof — My intention
being that all accounts between them and me and
their father's Estate and me shall stand bal
anced. — *
Item — The balance due to me from the Estate of
Bartholomew Dandridge deceased, f (my wife's
brother) and which amounted on the first day of
October, 1795, to Four hundred and twenty-five
pounds (as will appear by an account rendered by
his deceased son, John Dandridge, who was the
Executor of his father's will) I release and acquit
from the payment thereof — And the negros (then
thirty three in number) formerly belonging to the
*As early as January, 1786, the support of these two boys
was at Washington's charge. Many letters from Washington
to the boys and their instructors are extant — some being printed
in Sparks.
t Sunday, April 24, 1785. "An express arrived with the ac
count of the deaths of Mrs. Dandridge and Mr. B. Dandridge,
the mother and brother of Mrs. Washington." Diary. said

96
said Estate who were taken in Execution, — sold —
and purchased in, on my account in the year
[1795?]* and ever since have remained in the pos
session and to the use of Mary, widow of the said
Bartholomew Dandridge with their increase, it is
my will and desire shall continue and be in her
possession, without paying hire or making [13]
compensation for the same for the time past or to
come during her natural life, at the expiration of
which, I direct that all of them who are forty years
old and upwards shall receive their freedom, all
under that age and above sixteen shall serve seven
years and no longer, and all under .sixteen years
shall serve until they are twenty-five years of age
and then be free. — And to avoid disputes respecting
the ages of any of these negros they are to be taken
to the Court of the County in which they reside
and the judgment thereof in this relation shall be
final and a record thereof made, which may be ad
duced as evidence at any time thereafter if disputes
should arise concerning the same. — And I further
direct that the heirs of the said Bartholomew
Dandridge shall equally share the benefits arising
from the services of the said negros according to
the tenor of this devise upon the decease of their
mother. * " Proposals from Mr. Jno. Dandridge, with a list of Slaves
in his or his Mother's possession, purchased for and belonging
to G. W  n, Sep., 1795," a MS. sold at auction 10 December,
1890.
Item

97
Item — If Charles Carter who intermarried with
my niece, Betty Lewis, is not sufficiently secured
in the title to the lots he had of me in the town of
Fredericksburg,* it is my will and desire that my
Executors shall make such conveyances [14] of
them as the law requires to render it perfect, f
Item — To my nephew, Wm. Augustine Wash
ington and his heirs (if he should conceive them
to be objects worth prosecuting) and to his heirs a
lot in the town of Manchester (opposite to Rich
mond) No. 265 — drawn on my sole account and
also the tenth of one or two hundred acre lots
and two or three half acre lots in the city and
vicinity of Richmond, drawn in partnership with
nine others, all in the lottery of the deceased
William Byrd are givenj — as is also a lot which
* Fredericksburg was erected into a town by an act of Assem
bly passed in February, 1727. Hening' s Statutes, iv, 234. It
was incorporated in the November session, 1781. Do., x, 439.
"t Betty Lewis, daughter of Col. Fielding Lewis and Betty
Washington, was born 23 February, 1765; m. Charles Carter, of
Culpeper Co., 7 May. 1781; died at Audley in 1829.
J " I drew a prize in Col. Byrd's lottery of a half acre lot.
No. 265, I believe in the town of Manchester, and I have a lot
in some town that was established on James River (below Rich
mond) by a certain John Wood ... I am entitled also in part
nership with, or the heirs of Peyton Randolph, Richard Ran
dolph, Wm. Fitzhugh of Chatham, George Wythe, Richard
Kidder Meade, Lewis Burwell, John Wales, Nathaniel Harri
son, Junr ^ and Thomson Mason, to a tenth part of two or three
half acre lots, & 200 acre lots in the aforesaid lottery. But as
I purchased

98
I purchased of John Hood conveyed by Wil
liam Willie and Samuel Gordon, Trustees of the
said John Hood, numbered 139 in the town of
Edenburgh in the county of Prince George, State
of Virginia.*
Item — To my nephew, Bushrod Washington I
give and bequeath all the papers in my possession
which relate to my civil and military administra
tion of the affairs of this Country: — I leave to him
also such of my private papers as are worth pre
serving; — and at the decease [of my] wife and
before, if she is not inclined to retain them, I
give and bequeath my library of Books and pam
phlets of every kind.f
Thomson Mason (with or without authority) sold this property
and never to me at least accounted for an iota of the amount,
little I presume is to be expected from this concern.'' George
Washington to Bushrod Washington, 29 June, 1796. The man
agers and trustees of this lottery were John Robinson, Peter
Randolph, Peyton Randolph, Presley Thornton, John Page,
Charles Carter and Charles Trumbull, and the deed of trust
was dated i8 December, 1756. In 1781 all the trustees were
dead, Charles Carter alone excepted, and the Legislature passed
an act empowering him to give the proper conveyances of lands
and tenements. Hening' s Statutes, x, 446.
* Prince George county was cut out from Charles City county
in 1702.
t The papers mentioned in this clause were used by Justice
Marshall in the preparation of his Life of Washington, and
later by Sparks. They were purchased by Congress and de
posited in the Department of State.
The library has been scattered, but a number of the volumes
were purchased by the Boston Athenaeum. [15]

99
[15] Item — Having sold lands which I possessed
in the State of Pennsylvania and part of a tract
held in equal right, with George Clinton, late
Governor of New York, in the State of New York;
— my share of land and interest in the great Dis
mal Swamp and a tract of land which I owned in
the County of Gloucester; — withholding the legal
titles thereto until the consideration money should
be paid — and having moreover leased and con
ditionally sold, (as will appear by the tenor of the
said leases) all my lands upon the Great Kanhawa
and the tract upon Difficult Run in the County of
Loudon, it is my will and direction that whenso
ever the contracts are fully and respectively com
plied with according to the spirit, true intent, and
meaning thereof on the part of the purchaser, their
heirs, or assigns, that then and in that case con
veyances are to be made agreeably to the terms of
the said contracts and the money arising therefrom
when paid to, be vested in Bank stock, the divi
dends , whereof, as of . that also which is already
vested therein, is to inure to my said wife during her
life but the stock it'self is to remain & [16] be sub
ject to the general distribution hereafter directed.
Item^To the Earl of Buchan I recommit, "The
"Box made of the Oak that sheltered the Great Sir
"William Wallace after the battle of Falkirk"*—
*The box was presented to the Corporation of Goldsmiths
at Edinburgh, which presented it to David Stuart Erskine, the
Earl of Buchan, with the freedom of the Company. In a letter
presented

lOO
presented to me his Lordship in terms too flattering
for me to repeat, — with a request "To pass it, on
"the event of my decease to the man in my Coun-
"try who should appear to merit it best, upon the
"same conditions that have induced him to send it
"to me" — Whether easy or not to select the man
who might comport with his Lordship's opinion in
this respect, is not for me to say, but conceiving
that no disposition of this valuable curiosity, can
be more eligible than the re-commitment of it to
his own cabinet agreeably to the original design of
the Goldsmith's Company of Edinburgh, who pre
sented it to him, and at his request, consented that
it should be transferred to me; I do give and be
queath the same to his Lordship, and in case of his
decease, to his heir with my grateful thanks for the
distinguished honor of presenting it to me, and
more especially for the favorable sentiments [17]
with which he accomplished it —
of 15 September, 1791, the Earl wrote to Washington: " It is a
respectable curiosity, and will, I flatter myself, be a relic of long
endurance in America, as a mark of that esteem with which I
have the honor to be &c." And in the letter which accom
panied the box (28 June, 1791) he said: " Feeling my own un-
worthiness to receive this magnificently significant present, I
requested and obtained leave to make it over to the man to
whom I thought it most justly due ; into your hands I commit
it; requesting of you to pass it [as in the will]." In 1791 the
bearer of the box, Mr. Archibald Robertson, a portrait painter,
reached America, and in January, 1792, the box was placed in
the President's hands. Washington's letter of acknowledg
ment is printed in Sparks, x., 229.
Item

lOI
Item — To my brother Charles Washington I
give and bequeath the Gold-headed cane left me by
Doct'r Franklin in his will — * I add nothing to it
because of the ample provision I have made for his
issue — To the acquaintances and friends of my ju
venile years, Lawrence Washington and Robert
Washington of Chotanck,'\ I give my other two
* "My fine crab-tree walking-stick, with a gold head curiously
wrought in the form of the cap of liberty, I gfive to my friend,
and the friend of mankind. General Washington. If it were a
sceptre, he has merited it, and would become it. It was a
present to me from that excellent woman, Madame de Forbach,
the Dowager Duchess of Deux-Ponts, connected with some ver
ses which should go with it." Franklin's Will. This staff
passed to the only surviving son of Charles, Captain Samuel
Washington, who transmitted it to his son, Samuel T. Wash
ington. In January, 1843, it was, with a sword of Washington,
presented by Samuel T. Washington to Congress. The verses
appear to have been lost.
t These were descendants of Lawrence Washington, thus: —
Mary Jones = Lawrence = Jane Fleming

Mary John m. Ann
(l) Mary Townshend (2) 

I I
John, m Townshend, m
 Massy Elizabeth Lund

I I
Lawrence Robert Lund
gold-

I02
gold-headed canes, having my arms engraved on
them, and to each (as they will be useful where
they live), I leave one of the spy glasses which
constituted part of my Equipage during the late
war*  To my compatriot in arms and old and
intimate friend Doct'r Craik, I give my Bureau (or
as the Cabinet makers called it Tambour Secretary)
and the circular chair, an appendage of my study
— To Doct'r David Stuartf I give my large shaving
and dressing Table, and my TelescopeJ — To the
* A spy glass, used by Washington, and made by Jas. Chap
man, in London, was sold at auction in Philadelphia, 22 April,
1891. It was inherited by Lawrence Washington, but I doubt
if it was the one of those mentioned in the will.
t David Stuart married Nellie [Calvert] Custis, widow of John
Parke Custis.
i On January i, 1824, George Washington Parke Custis pre
sented to Andrew Jackson, then President, a pocket telescope,
used by Washington during the revolution. ' ' General Jackson
received the relic in . a manner peculiarly impressive, which
showed that however time, hard service and infirmity may have
impaired a frame no longer young, the heart was still entire,
and alive to the heroic and generous feelings of the soldier, the
patriot, and the friend." National Lntelligencer, quoted in
Parton's Life of Andrew Jackson, III., 37.
The remarkable number of telescopes in Washington's pos
session, or so described since his death, led me to suspect that
he had an opportunity of looting the stock of some instrument
maker, or had access to the laboratory of some institution of
learning. The latter was the case. In the Journals of the New
York Provincial Congress, under date 8 August, 1776, is the fol
lowing entry: "A letter from John Berrien and Henry Wilmot,
Reverend

I03
Reverend, now Bryan Lord Fairfax I give a Bible
in three large folio volumes with notes, presented
to me by the Right Reverend Thomas Wilson,
Bishop of Sodor & Man* — To General de la Fayette
Esqrs., dated and received yesterday, was read and filed. They
therein mention that they had, by application to the Reverend
Mr. Inglis, obtained the telescope belonging to the college for
the use of His Excellency General George Washington, and
delivered to his aid-de-camp, whom the General had sent to re
ceive it; that Mr. Inglis readily consented to the delivery of it,
and the General had been anxious to obtain it."
* This account of the bible was an error on Washington's part.
Thomas Wilson, Bishop of Sodor and Man, died 7 March, 1755.
In 1785 appeared "The Bible, with notes, by Thomas Wilson,
D. D., Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man, and various Renderings,
collected from other Translations, by the Rev. Clement Crutt-
well, the Editor." Bath, 1785, 4to., 3 vols. This was the edition
that the «son, also named Thomas Wilson, presented to Wash
ington. The presentation must have occurred immediately
after the Revolution, for the son died at Bath, in April, 1784.
He was chiefly notable by his extravagant appreciation of Mrs.
Macaulay, whose statue, in the costume of the goddess of Lib
erty, he erected in his own church. It is very probable that the
bible was sent over at the time that Dr. Wilson sent to Congress
a number of copies of his father's works, which were distributed
among the delegates. Journals of Congress, 22 March, 1785.
These volumes were sold by auction in New York, more than
twenty years ago, by order, I am told, of Mr. William H. Cor
ner of Baltimore, who had advanced money upon them. They
were purchased by Messrs. Porter and Coates, of Philadelphia,
and were in their possession in 1876. Some time after, they
were bought for the Library of Congress, and are now there, but
inaccessible. Messrs. Porter and Coates write me that each
volume contains the signature of Washington, but they cannot
I give

I04
I give a pair of finely wrought steel pistols taken
from the enemy in the Revolutionary war — To
my sisters in law [i8j Hannah Washington, * and
recall any dedication from Dr. Wilson. My thanks are given
to Messrs. Porter and Coates, and to Mr. David Hutcheson, of
the Library of Congress, for these facts. The library of Mr.
Comer was sold at auction in New York, November, 1866, but
the Bible is not mentioned in the Catalogue.
After this note was in type I received a letter from Mr. Wil
son Miles Cary, of Baltimore, who kindly made inquiries for
me in that city, giving the following account: —
" The Rev. Bryan Lord Fairfax left the three volumes by will
to the Hon. John C. Herbert (1777-1846), who was the eldest
grandson of his sister Sarah, wife of Major John Carlyle.
Thus:

Bryan Fairfax Sarah Fairfax m. John Carlyle
I
Sarah Carlyle m. Wm. Herbert
I
John C. Herbert m. Mary Snowden

Thomas Herbert Edward Herbert

Col. Jas. R. Herbert
From John C. Herbert it descended to his son, Edward Her
bert, of Baltimore, who, subsequently to the war, being in
straitened circumstances, through the medium of Col. Jas. R.
Herbert, his nephew, offered the books to Mr. Comer, then a
collector of such things."
* Hannah [Bushrod], widow of John Augustine Washington. Mildred

I05
Mildred Washington;* — To my friends Eleanor
Stuart ;t Hannah Washington of Fairfield| and
Elizabeth Washington of Hayfield,|| I give each a
mourning Ring of the value of one hundred dollars
— These bequests are not made for the intrinsic
value of them, but as mementos of my esteem and
regard — To Tobias Lear§ I give the use of the
farm which he now holds in virtue of a lease from
me to him and his deceased wife (for and during
their natural lives) free from Rent during his life,
at the expiration of which it is to be disposed as is
hereafter directed — To Sally B. Haynie (a distant
relation of mine) I give and bequeath three hun
dred doUarslf — To Sarah Green daughter of the de
ceased Thomas Bishop and to Ann Walker, daugh
ter of John Alton,** also deceased I give each one
hundred dollars, in consideration of the attachment
of their father[s] to me, each of whom having lived
* Mildred [Thornton], widow of Charles Washington.
t Eleanor Calvert, widow of John Parke Custis, and wife of
Doctor David Stuart.
t Hannah [Fairfax], wife of Warjf^ Washington. ?o-Ct /
II Elizabeth [Foote], widow of Lund Washington.
\ Lear came to Mount Vernon 29 May, 1786, as private secre
tary to the General, and tutor to Washington Custis. In 1795 a
perpetual lease of 360 acres was made to Tobias and Frances
Lear. T[ Sally Ball Haynie was the daughter of Elizabeth Haynie.
** Alton and Bishop were old servants of Washington. nearly

io6
nearly forty years in my family. — To each of my
nephews William Augustine Washington, George
Lewis, George Steptoe Washington, Bushrod Wash
ington, and Samuel Washington, I give one of the
swords or cutteaux of which I may die pos[i9]-
sessed, and they are to chuse in the order they are
named. — These swords are accompanied with an
injunction not to unsheath them for the purpose of
shedding blood except it be for self defence, or in
defence of their Country and it's rights, and in the
latter case to keep them unsheathed, and prefer
falling with them in their hands to the relinquish
ment thereof.*
* The history of these swords is by no means easy to write.
In 1843 Col. George Corbin Washington, of Georgetown, wrote
to George W. Summers, a member of Congress, that he had in
his possession two of the swords, the one devised to him by his
father, William Augustine Washington, aud the other by his
uncle. Judge Bushrod Washington. There were others in the
possession of George Lewis and George Steptoe Washington,
and the fifth was offered by Samuel T. Washington, a son of
Samuel, to the government (1843). "My father," continued
George C. Washington, "was entitled to the first choice under
the will, but was prevented by indisposition from attending at
Mount Vernon when the distribution took place, and Judge
Washington selected for him the most finished and costly
sword, with which associations were connected highly compli
mentary to General Washington ; but I often heard my father
say that he would have preferred the sword selected by Colonel
Samuel Washington, from the fact that it was used by the
General during the revolutionary war. I have at different
times heard similar statements as to this fact made by Colonel
Having

I07
AND NOW,
Having gone through these specific devises, with
explanations for the more correct understanding of
the meaning and design of them, I proceed to the
distribution of the more important parts of my Es
tate, in manner following
Samuel Washington, Judge Washington, and Major Lawrence
Lewis, and am not aware that it has been questioned by any
member of the family. The sword was represented to me" as
being a couteau, with a plain green ivory handle." This par
ticular sword was said to have been worn by Washington during
the Revolution, and again 1794, when he took command of the
army against the Whiskey Insurrection. This sword is now in
the Department of State, Washington. "The handle is of
ivory, colored a pale green, and wound spirally at wide inter
vals with silver wire. It was manufactured by J. Bailey, Fish-
kill, Dutchess County, New York, and has the maker's name
engraved upon the hilt." Custis, Recollections, 160.
A second sword was at Mount Vernon in 1859, and was de
scribed byLossing, as "the Spanish dress-sword worn by Wash
ington when he was President of the United States, and which
appears in Stuart's full length portrait of him at that time. It
has a finely gilt hilt, and black leather scabbard, gilt mounted.
On one side of the blade are the words RECTI FAC ET ICE (?) —
' Do what is right ; ' on the other, Neminem TIMEAS— ' Fear no
man.' " This sword, in a much injured condition, was sold at
auction in Philadelphia, 22 April, 1891, for fiioo. The cata
logue states: " During the late civil war, this sword, with a lot
of other valuables, was hid in a pigeon house, where it was so
injured by rust that the scabbard was destroyed and the blade
so rusted that it obliterated the inscription. About five inches
of the lower portion of the blade has been broken off, but is
joined to the other part of the blade by a gold band. The
First —

io8
First — To my nephew Bushrod Washington and
his heirs (partly in consideration of an intimation to
his deceased father, while we were bachelors and
he had kindly undertaken to superintend my Es
tate, during my military services in the former war
between Great Britain and France, that if I should
fall therein, Mt. Vernon (then less extensive in
dominion than at present, should become his
gold-plated top of the scabbard is missing. The hilt of the
sword, and other trappings, are gold plated." This sword was
the one selected by Judge Bushrod Washington.
A third sword, that selected by George Steptoe Washington.
is now in the possession of Miss Alice L. Riggs, of Washington,
D. C. It was made by Theophilus Alt, of Solingen, Germany,
and sent to America in charge of his son, who was to present it
to Washington. The young man upon reaching America, fell
into bad hands, was frightened out of his purpose, and pawn
ing the sword, went into the interior. Washington had noticed
an announcement in the gazettes that a sword of masterly
workmanship was about to be presented to him by a celebrated
foreign artist, as an evidence of his veneration, &c. "I thought
no more of the matter afterwards, until a gentleman with whom
I have no acquaintance, coming from and going to I know not
where, at a tavern I never could get information of, came across
this sword (for it is presumed to be the same), pawned for thirty
dollars, which he paid, left it in Alexandria, nine miles from
my house in Virginia, with a person who refunded him the
money, and sent the sword to me. This is all I have been able
to learn of this curious affair. The blade is highlj' wrought,
and decorated with many military emblems. It has my name
engraved thereon, and the following inscription, translated
from the. Dutch, 'Condemner of despotism. Preserver of Lib
erty, glorious Man, take from my Son's hands this Sword, I beg
property)

I09
property) I give and bequeath all that part thereof
which is comprehen[2o]ded within the following
limits — viz: — Beginning at the ford of Dogue Run
near my mill and extending along the road and
bounded thereby as it now goes, and ever has gone
since my recollection of it, to the ford of little
hunting Creek, at the gum spring until it comes to
a knowl opposite to an old road wliich formerly
you. A. Soi.i,ingen.' The hilt is either gold, or richly plated
with that metal, and the whole carries with it the form of a
horseman's sword or long sabre." Washington to John Quincy
Adams, 12 September, 1796. This sword also has suffered much
"owing to burial during the late war, by the Washingtons." It
was among the relics exhibited at New York, in 1889.
A fourth sword, that selected for William Augustine Wash
ington, passed into the possession of his son George Corbin
Washington, and from him to that of Lewis William Washing
ton. His wife, Ella Bassett Washington, sold it, with other
relics, to the State Library of New York, where it now is. It
is described in the Report of the Library for 1873, as the "dress
sword of Washington." It is a "straight pointed blade, with
hilt and chain of polished steel, dotted with steel beads. The
present case of green Turkey morocco is not the original ; that
was of white shagreen or shark skin. It was cleaned and cov
ered in 1854 in Baltimore by S. Jackson, cutler."
To the New York Exhibition of 1889, Miss Virginia T. Lewis,
of Baltimore, contributed a dress sword, described as follows:
" It has a handsome filagree handle and guard, with sword-knot
to correspond ; the rapier-blade sheathed in a sheepskin or white
parchment scabbard, which is silver-mounted. Washington
wore this sword when resigning his commission as Commander-
in-chief of the army in Annapolis, December 23, 1783, and when
inaugurated in New York, April 30, 1789, and afterward on all
passed

passed through the lower field of Muddy-Hole
Farm; at which, on the north side of the said road
are three red or Spanish oaks marked as a corner,
and a stone placed — thence by a line of trees to be
marked rectangular to the black line, or outer
boundary of the tract between Thomson Mason
and myself, — thence with that line easterly, {now
double ditching with a post and rail fence thereon)
state and dress occasions." This is probably the sword received
by George Lewis, though I am unable to identify it positively,
no reply being received to my inquiries.
A sword was exhibited in New York, in 1889, as one that had
been presented to Washington by Major-General William
Darke. Upon application to Mr. Thornton A. Washington,
who exhibited the sword, he very courteously gave me the fol
lowing information: "The sword was not one of the five swords
mentioned in George Washington's will. It, together with a
suit of clothes, was presented by G. W. in person, to Lawrence
Augustine Washington, a nephew of his, and a son of his oldest
full brother Col. Samuel Washington, late of Harewood, Berke
ley Co., now Jefferson Co., West Virginia. This Lawrence A.
Washington, together with a brother, George Steptoe Washing
ton, were left orphans by the death of their father, the said
Col. Samuel, in the fall of 1781 . . . On the death of Lawrence
A. Washington, about 1824, the sword and suit went to his son
of the same name. He, the last named L. A. W., after gradu
ating at the medical college in Philadelphia, removed with his
family to Texas, and died there about ten years ago, and his
widow, Mrs. Martha D. Washington, who had become impov
erished by the war, and who became the owner of these relics,
placed them in my hands for sale. They had never been on
any public exhibition. They are now the .property of the
Washington Association, at Morristown, New Jersey." to

Ill
to the run of little hunting Creek, thence with that
run, which is the boundary of the lands of the late
Humphrey Peake and me, to the tide water of the
said Creek thence by that water to Potomac River,
thence with the River to the mouth of Dogue
Creek, and thence with the said Dogue Creek to
the place of beginning, at the aforesaid ford, con
taining upwards of Four thousand acres, be the
same more or less together with the Mansion
House, [2 1] and all other buildings and improvemf
thereon. —
Secondly — In consideration of the consanguinity
between them and mj' wife, being as nearly related
to her as to myself, as on account of the affection I
had for, and the obligation I was under to their
father when living, who from his j'outh had at
tached himself to my person and followed my for
tunes through the vicissitudes of the late Revolu
tion, afterwards devoting his time to the superin
tendence of my private concerns for many years
whilst my public employments rendered it imprac
ticable for me to do it myself, thereby affording me
essential services, and always performing them in
a manner the most filial and respectful ; for these
reasons I say, I give and bequeath to George Fay
ette Washington and Lawrence Augustine Wash
ington* & their heirs my Estate East of little
* Sons of Major George Augustine Washington and Frances
Bassett. George Fayette was the second of that name. It is
hunting

112

hunting creek lying on the River Potomac, includ
ing the farm of 360 acres, leased to Tobias Lear as
noticed before and containing in the whole, by
deeds, Two thousand & twenty seven acres be it
more or less which said Estate, it is my will and
desire should be equitably and advantageously di
vided between them, according to quantity, quality
& other circumstances when [22] the youngest
shall have arrived at the age of twenty one years,
by three judicious and disinterested men, one to be
chosen by each of the brothers and the third by
these two, — In the mean time if the termination of
my wife's interest therein should have ceased the
profits, arising therefrom are to be applied for their
joint uses and benefit.
Third — And whereas it has always been my in
tention, since my expectation of having issue has
ceased, to consider the grand children of my wife
in the same light as I do my own relations and to
act a friendly part by them, more especially by the
two whom we have reared from their earliest in
fancy, namely, Eleanor Parke Custis and George
Washington Parke Custis; and whereas the former
of these hath lately intermarried with Lawrence
Lewis, a son of my deceased sister Betty Lewis, by
not a little remarkable that Washington should have written
Lawrence Augustine Washington for Charles Augustine Wash
ington. Lawrence Augustine Washington was the son of Sam
uel Washington. which

113
which union the inducement to provide for them
both has been increased. — Wherefore I give and
bequeath to the said Lawrence Lewis and Eleanor
Parke Lewis, his wife, and their heirs, the residue
of my Mount Vernon Estate, not already devised
to my nephew Bushrod Washington comprehended
within the fol[23]lowing description. — viz — all the
land north of the Road leading from the ford of
Dogue Run to the Gum Spring as described in the
devise of the other part of the tract to Bushrod
Washington until it comes to the stone and three
red or Spanish oaks on the knowl. — thence with
the rectangular line to the back line (between Mr.
Mason and me) — thence with that line westerly,
along the new double ditch to Dogue Run, by the
tumbling dam of my mill, — thence with the said
Run to the ford aforementioned; — to which I add
all the land I possess west of the said Dogue Run
& Dogue Crk bonded. Easterly & Southerly
thereby — together with the mill. Distillery and all
other houses and improvements on the premises
making together about two thousand acres be it
more or less.
Fourth — Actuated .by the principle already men
tioned, I give and bequeath to George Washington
Parke Custis the Grand son of my wife and my
ward and to his heirs, the tract I hold on four mile
Run in the vicinity of Alexandria containing one
thousd

114
thcusd two hundred acres more or less*; — and my
entire square, numbering twenty one, in the city
of Washington.
[24] Fifth — All the rest and residue of my Estate,
real and personal, not disposed of in manner afore
said — In whatsoever consisting — wheresoever ly
ing, and wheresoever found — a Schedule of which
as far as is recollected, with a reasonable estimate
of its value is hereunto annexed — I desire may be
sold by my Executors at such times — in such man
ner, and in such credits (if an equal valid and
satisfactory distribution of the specific property
cannot be made without) as, in their judgment
shall be most conducive to the interests of the
parties concerned, and the monies arising there
from to be divided into twenty three equ^l parts
and applied as follows — viz: —
To William Augustine Washington, Elizabeth
Spotswood, Jane Thornton, and the heirs of Ann
Ash ton ;t son and daughters of my deceased brother
*A fac-simile of a survey by Washington of this tract is
printed in Custis, Recollections and Private Memvirs of Wash
ington, 445.
f William Augustine, bom at Wakefield, 25 November, 1757,
married (i) his cousin Jane, daughter of John Augustine Wash
ington, 25 September, 1777; (2) Mary, daughter of Richard
Henry Lee, 10 July, 1792; (3)  Taylor, 11 May, 1799; died at
Georgetown, Va., October, 1810. Elizabeth, born at Wakefield,
about 1750 ; married Alexander Spotswood. Jane, born at
Wakefield, about 1752, married Col.  Thornton. Ann, bom
Augustine

"5
Augustine Washington, I give and bequeath four
parts — that is — one part to each of them.
To Fielding Lewis, George Lewis, Robert Lewis,
Howell Lewis, & Betty Carter, sons and daughter
of my deceased sister Betty Lewis I give & bequeath
five other parts — one to each of them.
To George Steptoe Washington, Lawrence Au
gustine Washington, Harriot [25] Parks,* and the
heirs of Thornton Washington, f sons and daughter
of my deceased brother Samuel Washington, I give
and bequeath other four parts, one part to each of
them. — X
at Wakefield, about 1755 ; married Burdet Ashton, of West
moreland county; and had one child who lived — Sarah Ashton.
* Married 4 July, 1796, Andrew Parks, of Baltimore.
t He left three sons.
{Another son of Samuel had incurred Washington's dis
pleasure because of his extravagance, and was the subject of
the following letter: —
TO MR. ROBERT CHAMBERS.
Mount Vernon, 28 Jan. 1789.
Sir, I have received your letter of the 12*11 Inst* enclosing your
account against M^ Ferdinand Washington which is herewith
returned — and must inform you that I have repeatedly refused,
and am determined not to have any thing to do in the settle
ment of his affairs, for his conduct, while living, was such as I
totally disapproved of, and left no means or advice unessayed
to counteract — His extravagance could not be unknown to those
who had dealings with him, and particularly for any length of
To

ii6
To Corbin Washington, and the heirs of Jane
Washington,* I give and bequeath two parts; — one
part to each of them ; —
To Samuel Washington, Frances Ball,t & Mil
dred Ham mond, J son and daughters of my brother
Charles Washington I give and bequeath three
parts — one part to each of them. — And to George
Fayette Washington, Charles Augustine Washing
ton arid Maria Washington, sons and daughter of
my deceased nephew, Geo: Augustine Washington,
I give one other part — that is — to each a third of
that part.
To Elizabeth Parke Law,|| Martha Parke Peter, §
time ;^they therefore who gave credit, and especially for such
Articles as were not necessary for his Support, must have been
sensible, at the time, of the risque which they took upon them
selves, and consequently can have no person to reproach with
having drawn them into it. — ^The Administrators must settle his
affairs in the manner which appears most proper to them with
out my interference in any respect.
I am &c. G. Washington.
*See ante, p. 114.
t Married Col. Burges Ball.
X Mildred, daughter of Charles Washington, bom 1777, mar
ried Col. Thomas Hammond. Hayden.
II A sister of Nellie Custis, born 21 August, 1776, and married
16 January, 1795, Mr. Law, a nephew of Lord EUenborough.
I Bom 31 December, 1777, and married Thomas Peter. and

117
and Eleanor Parke Lewis,* I give and bequeath
three other parts — that is, a part to each of them.f
And to my nephew Bushrod Washington &
Lawrence Lewis, — and to my ward, the grandson
of my wife, J I give and bequeath one other part;
— that is a third part to each of them^ — And if it
should so happen, that any of the persons whose
names are here enumerated (unknown to me)
should now [26] be deceased, or should die before
me, that in either of these cases, the heirs of such
deceased person shall, notwithstanding derive all
the benefit of the bequest, in the same manner as
if he, or she was actually living at the time.
And by way of advice, I recommend it to my
Executors not to be precipitate in disposing of the
landed property (herein directed to be sold) if from
temporary causes the sale thereof should be dull,
*Bom 21 March, 1779, and manied Lawrence Lewis, the
nephew of General Washington.
t The three ladies mentioned in this clause were daughters of
John Parke Custis (son of Mrs. Washington, by her first hus
band) and Nellie Calvert. Receiving no response to some in
quiries made in courteous terms with stamp for reply of Mr.
Edmund Law Rogers, of Baltimore, I turned for information to
the Rev. Horace Edwin Hayden, of Wilkesbarre, Pa., and was
not disappointed. , His work in Virginia genealogies constitutes
one of the most valuable records that time and patience could
collect. I have expressed my particular obligations to his
courtesy in other places; but make this general one as an index
of the extent of those obligations.
X George Washington Parke Custis. land

iiS
experience having fully evinced, that the price of
land (especially above the Falls of the Rivers &
on the Western Waters) have been progressively
rising, and cannot be long checked in its increas
ing value. — and I particularly recommend it to
such of the Legatees (under this clause of my will)
as can make it convenient, to take each a share of
my stock in the Potomac Company in preference
to the amount of what it might sell for; being
thoroughly convinced myself, that no uses to which
the money can be applied will be so productive as
the Tolls arising from this navigation when in full
operation (and this from the nature of things it
must be 'ere long) and more especially if that of
the Shenandoah is added thereto.
[27] The family Vault at Mount Vernon re
quiring repairs, and being improperly situated be
sides, I desire that a new one of Brick, and upon a
larger scale, may be built at the foot of what is
commonly called the Vineyard Inclosure, — on the
ground which is marked out. — In which my re
mains, with those of my deceased relatives (now in
the Old Vault) and such others of my family as
may chuse to be entombed there, may be deposited.
— And it is my express desire that my corpse may
be interred in a private manner, without parade or
funeral oration. *
?Washington died on the night of Saturday, 14 December,
1799. On Sunday a mahogany coflBn was obtained of Henry &
Lastly —

119
Lastly — I constitute and appoint my dearly be
loved wife Martha Washington, my nephews Wil
liam Augustine Washington, Bushrod Washington,
George Steptoe Washington, Samuel Washington
& Lawrence Lewis, & my ward, George Washing
ton Parke Custis, (when he shall have arrived at
the age of twenty years) Executrix and Executors
of this Will & Testament, — In the construction of
Joseph Ingle, of Alexandria, "with silver plate, engraved, fur
nished with lace, handles and a covered case with lifters." So
the undertakers described the coffin. Custis says it was lined
with lead, and " upon it was placed at the head, an ornament
inscribed Surge ad Judicium ; about the middle of the coffin,
Gloria Deo ; and on a small silver plate, in the form of the
American shield, were the words :
GEORGE WASHINGTON,
Born Feb. 22, 1732
Died December 14, 1799."
The funeral occurred on Wednesday, the eighteenth, and the
order of procession is given in Custis's Recollections, 478 note.
The body was deposited in the old burial vault, where it re
mained till the new one was constructed in accordance with the
terms of the will, many years after (1830-1). In 1837, Mr. John
Struthers, of Philadelphia, presented marble coffins, each cut
from a solid block of Pennsylvania marble, and at his sugges
tion an antechamber to the new vault was constructed in which
these marble coffins rest. An interesting record of the transfer
of the remains to their final resting-place was left by Mr. Strick
land, who was present. It is printed in part in Winneberger's
Home of Washington, and Lossing's work of the same title.
The Churchman (date ?} printed a letter from Jane C. Washing
ton on this incident, as well as on the first transfer in 1830, from
the old vault to the new. which

I20

which it will readily be perceived that no profes
sional character has been consulted or has had any
agency in the draught — and that, although it has
occupied [28] many of my leisure hours to digest
&; to through it into its present form, it may not
withstanding, appear crude and incorrect — But
having endeavored to be plain and explicit in all
the Devises — even at the expense of prolixity, per
haps of tautology, I hope, and trust, that no dis
putes will arise concerning them; but if contrary
to expectation the case should be otherwise from
the want of legal expression, or the usual technical
terms, or because too much or too little, has been
said on any of the devises to be consonant with
law, my will and direction expressly is, that all
disputes (if unhappily any should arise) shall be
decided by three impartial and intelligent men,
known for their probity and good understanding;
two to be chosen by the disputants, each having
the choice of one, and the third by those two. —
which three men thus chosen, shall unfettered by
Law, or legal constructions declare their sense of
the Testator's intention; and such decision is, to
all intents and purposes to be as binding on the
Parties as if it had been given in the Supreme
Court of the United States.
[29] In witness of all and of each of the things
herein contained I have set my hand and seal this
ninth day of July, in the year one thousand seven
hundred

121

hundred and ninety [nine*] and of the Indepen
dence of the United States, the Twenty fourth.
G9 WASHINGTON.

Schedule of Property t comprehended in the
foregoing Will, which is directed to be sold, and
some of it, conditionally is sold ; with descriptive
and explanitory notes relative thereto. —
IN VIRGINIA Acres Price Dollars
Loudoun County —
Difficult Run 300 6. 666 (as)
{a) This tract for the size of it is valuable;
more for it's situation than the quality
of it's soil, though that is good for farm
ing, with a considerable portion of gr'd
that might, very easily, be improved
into meadow. — It lyes on the great Road
from the City of Washington, Alexan
dria and George Town to Leesburgh &
Winchester, at Difficult bridge — nine-
*A word omitted by Washington. It is noteworthy that the
will was not signed in the presence of witnesses.
1 1 have thrown the schedule and notes together, for the con
venience of reference. teen

122
teen miles from Alexandria — less from
the City & George Town, and not more
than three from Matildaville at the Great
Falls of Potomac —
There is a valuable seat on the prem
ises — and the whole is conditionally sold
for the sum annexed in the schedule.
Loudoun & Fauquier
Ashby's Bent 2.481 10 24.810")
Chattin's Run 885 8 7.080 1
(b) What the selling prices of lands in the
vicinity of these two tracts are I know
not; but compared with those above the
ridge, and others below them the value
annexed will appear moderate — a less
one would not obtain them from me.—
Berkley —
So. Fork of Bullskin 1600
Head of Evan's M 453
In Wormley's Line 183

(6)

2236 20 44. 720 (^)
{c) The surrounding land, not superior in
soil, situation or properties of any sort,
sell currently at from twenty to thirty
dollars an acre. — The lowest price is
affixed to these.
Frederick —

123
Frederick —
Bought from Mercer* 571 20 ii.42o(^)
{d) The observations made in the last note
applies equally to this tract being in the
vicinity of them, and of similar quality,
altho it lye's in another County.
Hampshire —
{e) On Potk River above B. 240 15 3.600 {e)
This tract though small, is extremely
valuable — it lyes on the Potomac River,
about twelve miles above the Town of
Bath (or Warm Springs) and it is in the
shape of a horse-shoe, the River running
almost around it. — Two hundred acres
of it is rich low grounds ; with a great
abundance of the largest and finest Wal
nut Trees, which with the produce of
the soil might (by means of the im
proved navigation of the Potomac) be
brought to a shipping port with more
ease and at a smaller expense than that
which is transported 30 miles, only by
land.
Gloucester —
On North River ipo abt 3.600 (/)
{f) This tract is of second rate Gloucester
* James Francis Mercer, to whom Washington wrote some ('**'»'*'*•
very .spicy letters upon his shortcomings. The land was taken
for a debt owing to Washington.
low

124
low ground — it has no improvement
thereon, but lyes on navigable water
abounding in fish and oysters : it was
received in payment of a debt (carrying
interest) and valued in theyeari789, by
an impartial gentleman to ^^Soo — N. B.
it has lettely been sold and there is due
thereon, a balance equal to what is an
nexed — the Schedule.*
*WASHINGT0N to COLO. WARNER LEWIS.
Mount Vernon, 19 December, 1788.
Dear Sir,
As it has happened that the only mode by which a pretty
considerable debt whi is due to me, can be discharged with any
convenience to the Estate that owes it, is to receive a small tract
of Land in Gloucester County and I believe not far from you in
payment ; May I take the liberty of requesting the favor of you
to give me your opinion of its worth with a short detail of the
quality of the soil growth thereon — proportion and sort of
Woodland to that which is cleared — Improvements (if any) —
with the advantages and disadvantages attending its local Situ
ation. The following description of it I have had from the Gentle
man who wishes me to take it — see Mr John Dandridges letter
dated 6ti> December 88.
Of two evils which present themselves to my -N-iew in the
present case namely to distress a worthy family, or take Land
whh I do not want in lieu of Money which I really do want I
prefer the latter— The gentleman thinks worth ;^looo. For a
farthing less than it is worth, I do not desire to possess it; but I
wish this to be ascertained by a disinterested gentleman in
whose judgment I can confide— for this reason I appeal to you
Nansemoni

125
Nansemond —
Near Suffolk % of
1119 acres 373 8 2.984 (<?¦)
{g) These 373 acres are the third part of
undivided purchases made by the de
ceased Fielding Lewis, Thomas Walker
and myself, on full conviction that they
would become valuable. — the land lye^s
on the road from Suffolk to Norfolk
touches (if I am not mistaken) some
part of the navigable water of Nanse
mond River — borders on — and compre
hends part of the rich Dismal Swamp ;
is capable of great improvement ; — and
from it's situation must become ex
tremely valuable.
Great Dismal Swamp.
My dividend thereof • abt 20.000 (^)
{h) This is an undivided interest wch I
without offering an apology for the trouble it must necessarily
give you to comply with my request.
Butler says "everything is worth what it will fetch" but
in these times of Scarcity every thing will not fetch what it is
worth — and it is for that reason I have asked your opinion re
specting the latter. — to which I pray you to add to what amount
you conceive it would be rented, for as to selling, I presume it
is entirely out of the question I mean for cash at the sum fixed
for or it would not have been offered to me, it being well known
to the present proprietor that to take the land is solely to ac
comodate the Estate for which he acts.
I am &c. G. Washington. held

Ohio River
Round Bottom t
Little Kanhawa
i6 miles lower down
Opposite Big Bent

587
2,314
2,448
4,395

126
held in the Great Dismal Swamp Com
pany, containing about 400 acres, with
my part of the Plantation and Stock
thereon belonging to the Company |in
the s^d Swamp.*

10

9.744 10 97.440 {i)
(?) These several tracts of land are of the
* Washington owned two of twenty-one shares in the Great
Dismal Swamp Company, which he valued in 1793 at ;^5000.
The Company in 1762 took up 40,000 acres in the interior and
richest part of the swamp.
t "Having mentioned the name of Cresap, it reminds me of
another matter which I must also request the favor of you to
give me information upon. It is, whether, if he has had any
surveys returned to the Land Office of this State, there is one
for about five or six hundred acres for a tract which is well
known and distinguished by the name of the Round Bottom on
the Ohio, opposite to Pipe Creek, and a little above a creek
called Capteening? He has, I find, arrested my survey of it for
587 acres, made under all the legal forms, and upon proper
warrants, for no better reason tliat I could ever learn, than be
cause it has a good bottom and convenient for him to possess it,
and had it in his power to do it with impunity." Washington
to fohn Harvie, 10 Febmary, 1784. See my Washington, II.,
295, 392, 410. first

127
first quality on the Ohio River in the
parts where they are situated; being al
most, if not altogether. River bottoms.
The smallest of these Tracts is actually
sold at ten dollars an acre, but the con
sideration therefor not received, the
rest are equally valuable, and will sell as
high, especially that which lye' s just be
low the little Kanhawa, and is opposite
to a thick settlement on the west side the
River.
The four tracts have an aggregate breadth
upon the River of Sixteen miles and is
bounded thereby that distance.*
*To encourage enlistments for the Virginia regiment designed
to repel the trespasses of the French on the Ohio, Governor
Dinwiddle issued a proclamation dated 19 February, 1754, offer
ing 200,000 acres of land, to be divided among the officers and
soldiers. By an order of Council, 15 December, 1769, surveys
were made, and patents issued by Lord Dunmore. Washington
was much interested in the matter, and, indeed, was the prime
mover in inducing the Colony to fulfill its promise. In .August,
1770, at Captain Weedon's, he met the officers of the old Vir
ginia regiment, and in the following October, he made a jour
ney to the Ohio to locate the grants in the interest of those who
held patents. The journal of this tour is printed in my Wash
ington, II., 285-316. Delays and difficulties occurred in com
pleting the grant, owing in part to the conflicting claims of the
Walpole grant, and it was not until November, 1772, that the
certificates of surveys were lodged in the Secretary's office. A
part of the claims were then satisfied, and Washington obtained
Great

128

Great Kanhawa —

Near the mouth west

10,990

East Side above

7,276

Mouth of Cole River

2,000

Opposite thereto

2,950

Burning Spring

125

23,341 200.000 (/^)
{k) These tracts are situated on the Great
Kanhawa River, and the first four are
patents for "upwards of twenty thousand acres of land on the
Ohio and Great Kanhawa (ten thousand of which are situated
on the banks of the first mentioned river, between the mouths
of the two Kanhawas, and the remainder on the Great Kan
hawa, or New River, from the mouth, or near it, upwards, in
one continued survey). " Advertisetnent,T.$']-ayy,\TJ2>- These
appear to have been obtained in his own right, but fell short of
his allowance by five thousand acres, and did not include an
other five thousand acres, the rights to which he had purchased
from Captain Posey and Lieutenant Thruston.
Under the proclamation of 19 February, 1754, Washington
obtained warrants for
10.990 acres in Fincastle county.
4-395 1
2.448 J-in Botetourt county.
2.314)
These lands were surveyed, and patents granted by Lord
Dunmore, 15 December, 1772, the patents exempting the land
from any quit rents for fifteen years from the date of issue.
"In the month of March, 1774, I encountered in preparation
only, an expence of at least .^300 ; by the purchase of Servants,
nails, tools and other necessaries for the purpose of seating and
cultivating the above lands, agreeably to our Act of Assembly; bound

129
bound thereby for more than forty miles.
— It is acknowledged by all who have
seen them (and of the tract containing
10,990 acres which I have been on my
self, I can assert*) that there is no richer,
or more valuable land in all that Region ;
— They are conditionally sold for the
sum mentioned in the schedule — that is,
200,000 dollars and if the terms of that
sale are not complied with, they will
and for transporting the same over the AUighaney Mountains —
but this was entirely sunk. The disturbances occasioned by the
Indians, which immediately followed, put a stop to my proceed
ings — the servants, some of them, engaged in the Militia — oth
ers squandered — and the whole were lost to me; while my
Goods, as I am informed, were seized for the use of the Militia,
and a fort which was built, upon the Expedition under Lord
Dunmore, and no compensation made me for them — nor, if I
am rightly informed, anything given upon which I can found a
claim. "The March following I went through the second edition of
a similar expence, and find by having recourse to my papers
(since I came home) the certificates which I enclose herewith."
Washington to Edmund Randolph, 18 March, 1784. The de
tails of these expeditions will be found in my collection of
Washington's Writings, IL, 451, 459 ; III., 128.
*The original grant of this tract, dated 6 July, 1784, and
signed by Gov. Benjamin Harrison, together with three surveys
and Iplans of the land, were sold at auction in Philadelphia,
April, 1891.
See letter of Washington to David Stuart, inserted after this
will.
command

I30
command considerable more. — The tract
of which the 125 acres is a moiety, was
taken up by General Andrew Lewis and
myself for on account of a bituminous
spring, which it contains, of so inflam
mable a nature as to burn as freely as
spirits, and is as nearly difficult to ex
tinguish.
Maryland— Charles County 600 6 3.600 (/)
Montgomery County 519 12 6.228 {m)
(/) I am but little acquainted with this
land, although I have once been on it.
— It was receiv'd (many j^ears since) in
discharge of a debt due to me from
Daniel Jenifer Adams, at the value an
nexed thereto, and must be worth more.
— It is very level, lyes near the River
Potomac.
{m) This tract lyes about 30 miles above
the City of Washington not far from
Kittoctan. — It is good farming land, and
by those who are well acquainted with
it I am informed that it would sell at
. . twelve. or $15 pT acre.*
* Known as Woodstock Manor. It was conveyed to Wash
ington I April, 1793, by John Francis Mercer and Sophia, his
wife, and James Stewart and Rebecca, his wife.
Pennsylvania —

^31
Pennsylvania —
Great Meadows 234 6 1.404(72)
(«) This land is valuable on account of it's
local situation and other properties. — It
affords an exceeding good stand on
Braddock's Road from Fort Cumberland
to Pittsburgh and besides a fertile soil
possesses a large quantity of natural
meadow fit for the scythe. — It is distin
guished by the appellation of the Great
Meadows, where the first action with the
French in the year 1754 was fought.*
New York— i>
Mohawk River abt 1000 6 6.G00 (o)
((?) This is the moiety of about 2000 acres
which remains unsold of 6071 acres on
the Mohawk River, (Montgomery Ct'y)
in a Patent granted to Daniel Coxe in
the Township oiCoxebourgh & Carolaca
as will appear by deed from Marin us
Willet & wife to George Clinton (late
Governor of New York) and myself ; the
latter sales h^ve .be,en at six dollars an
acre and what remains unsold will fetch
that,' or more: t '
*C!rawford, on 6 De9ember, 1770, announced, to Washington
that he had purchased the Great M,eadpws from Mr, Harrison
for thirty pistoles. ..,. . ; ; ..
t "I am sorry we have been disappointed in our expectation
North

132
North West Territory —
On little Miami 839
Ditto 977
Ditto 1235

3051 5 15-251 (/)
{p) The quality of these lands & their
situation may be known by the sur
veyor's certificates, which are filed along
with the patents — They lye in the vicin
ity of Cincinnati, one tract near the
mouth of the little Miami, another seven,
& the third ten miles up the same — I
have been informed that they will
readily command more than they are
estimated at. —
Kentucky —
Rough Creek 3,000
Ditto adjoin'g 2,000

5,000 2 10.000 {q)
{q) For the description of these tracts in
detail, see General Spotts wood's letters
of the mineral spring at Saratoga; and of the purchase of that
part of the Oriskany tract, on which Fort Schuyler stands ; but
very glad you have succeeded upon such advantageous terms in
the purchase of six thousand acres adjoining ; for you certainly
have obtained it amazingly cheap.'' Washington to Governor
Clinton, 25 November, 1784. filed

133
filed with the other papers relating to
them — Besides the general good quality
of the land, there is a valuable bank of
Iron Ore thereon ; — which when the set
tlement becomes more populous (and
settlers are moving that way very fast)
will be found very valuable, as the
rough creek, a branch of Green River
affords ample water for furnaces and
forges.
LOTS.
City of Washington —
Two near the Capital Sqr 634 \ j^^qq i^\
Cost I963, and with Buildgs. /
No. 5, 12, 13, & 14, the 3 last water
lots on the Eastern Branch
in Sqr. 667, containing together
34, 438 Sqr. feet at 12 cts.
(r) The two lots near the Capital in
Square 634, cost me $963 only, but in
this price I was favored on condition
that I should build two brick houses,
three storys high each; — without this
reduction, the selling price of those lots
would have cost me about $1350.
— These lots with the buildings thereon
when completed will stand me in #15,-
000 at least.

4.132(5)

4.000 (t)

134
(j) Lots No. 5, 12, 13 & 14 on the East
ern Branch are advantageously situated
on the water, and although many lots
much less convenient, have sold a great
deal higher, I will rate these at 12 cts
the square foot only. *
Alexandria —
Corner of Pitt and Prince Strts
half an acre — laid out into buildgs
3 or 4 of wch are let on grd Rent at
I3 prfoot
{t) For this lot, though unimproved I
have refused #3500, it has since been
*I applied to Col. O. H. Ernst, at present in charge of the
public buildings and grounds in Washington, for the exact lo
cality of these lots. He has kindly sent me the following :
"The records of this office show that Washington acquired
title to the whole of Square 21 ; to Lot No. i6 — not two lots, as
you have it — in Square 634 ; to Lots 5, 12, 13 and 14 in Square
667 ; and to Lots 4, 5 and 6 in square east of Square 667.
"The boundaries of Square 21 are D and E Sts. North, and
25th and 26th Sts. West.
"The boundaries of Square 634 are B and C Sts. North, Capi
tol St. and New Jersey Ave.
"The boundaries of Square 667 are U and V Sts. South, First
St. West and Water St.
"The boundaries of square east of Square 667 are U and V
Sts. South, Water St. and the Eastern Branch. This square
was under water at the time. Lots 4, 5 and 6 were opposite
Lots 12, 13 and 14 in the adjoining Square — 667 — and were of
value only as securing beyond peradventure the water front ap
pertaining to the lots in Square 667." laid

135
laid off into proper sized lots for building
on, three or four of which are let on
ground Rent forever at three dollars a
foot on the street, and this price is asked
for both fronts on Pitt and Princess
Streets. *
Winchester —
A lot in the Town, of half an -j
acre & another on the Commons > 400 («)
of about 6 acres — supposed J
(«) As neither the lot in the Town or
common have any improvements on
them it is not easy to fix a price, but as
both are well situated it is presumed
the price annexed to them in the Sched
ule is a reasonable valuV:
* On this section Mr. Cassius F; Lee, of Alexandria, writes
me : —
"The half square of ground in this city owned by Washing
ton was on the corner of Prince and Pitt streets. It is covered
with dwellings, and is in the best part of the town, and a square
only east of the post office, which is on Prince street. Prince
street is the correct name. Washington also owned a quarter
square on Cameron street, and on this lot was his private office,
a small frame building, that I remember well when a very small
boy. The gentleman owning the lot lived adjoining it, and
wanting it for his garden, tore down the building and turned the
space into a garden-ornamental.
"The next time you come down here, I will show you both
places. The latter is only two squares from Christ Church, di
rectly east of the church."
Bath —

136
Bath — or Warm Springs —
Two well situated and had build- \ g^^ / v
ings to the amount of ;^i 50. J
(w) The lots in Bath (two adjoining) cost
me to the best of my recollection, be
tween fifty and sixty pounds, 20 years
ago & the buildings thereon, ;^i50 more.
— Whether the property there has in
creased or decreased in its value, and in
what condition the houses are, I am
ignorant, but suppose they are not
valued too high.*
*" Having obtained a plan of this Town (Bath), and ascer
tained the situation of my lots therein, which I examined ; it
appears that the disposition of a dwelling house, kitchen and
stable, cannot be more advantageously placed than they are
marked in the copy in the copy I have taken from the plan of
the Town, to which I refer for recollection of my design ; and
Mr. Rumsey being willing to undertake those Buildings, I have
agreed with him to have them finished by the loth of next July.
The dwelling House is to be 36 feet by 24, with a gallery of 7
feet on each side of the House, the whole fronts. Under the
House is to be a cellar half the size of it, walled with stone, and
the whole underpin'd. On the first floor are to be three rooms ;
one of them 24 by 20 feet, with a chimney at the end (middle
thereof) — the other two to be 12 by 16 feet with comer chim
neys — on the upper Floor there are to be two rooms of equal
sizes, with fire places ; the staircase to go up in the gallery —
galleries above also. The kitchen and stable are to be of the
same size — 18 by 22 ; the first with a. stone chimney and good
floor above. The stable is to be sunk in the ground, so as that
the floor above it on the north, or side next to the dwelling
STOCKS.

137

United States 6 pr ct.

3.746

Do deferred

1,873

3 pr ct.

2,946 2,500

6. 246 (x)
{x) These are the sums which are actually
funded, and though no more in the ag
gregate than #7566 stand me in at least
ten thousand pounds in Virginia money,
being the amount of bonded and other
debts due me, and discharged during
the war, when money had depreciated
in that ratio g®^ and was so settled by
public authority.*
House, shall be level with the Yard — to have a partition therein,
the west part of which to be for a carriage, Harness, and sad
dles — the east for Hay or Grain. All three of the houses to be
shingled with * * *. Journal, 1784.
*The law of 4 August, 1790, providing for the funding of the
revolutionary debt called for a loan to the full amount of the
debt, subscriptions to be payable in the certificates or notes is
sued by the Continental Congress or the respective States. For
two-thirds of the subscriptions a certificate was to issue purport
ing that the United States owed to the holder a sum equal to
such two-thirds (when paid in Continental certificates) and to
two-thirds of the aforesaid two-thirds (when paid in States is
sues) bearing 6 per cent, interest per annum, payable quarterly,
and subject to redemption by payments not exceeding 8 per
cent, per annum, principal and interest. These certificates were
known as the "six per cent, stock of 1790." For the balance,
stock was issued not to bear interest until after 1800, when the
Potomac

138
Potomac Company —
24 Shares cost ea ;^ioo .S/^r/'^ , 10.666 (;v)
{y) The value annexed to these shares is
what they have actually cost me, and is
the price affixed by law: — and although
the present selling price is under par,
my advice to the Legatees (for whose
benefit they are intended, especially
those who can afford to lye out of the
money) is that each should take and
hold one; there being a moral certainty
of a great and increasing profit arising
from them in the course of a few years.*

rate of six per cent, would be paid. This was the " deferred 6 per
cent, stock of 1790." One-third of the amount subscribed and
paid in indents of interest issued by authority of the Conti
nental Congress, or in certificates or notes issued by the several
states, should bear interest at three per cent. This was the
"three per cent, stock of 1790."
*This company was organized in December, 1784, and soon
after under laws of Virginia and Maryland, opened its subscrip
tion books for the sale of its 500 shares. Each state took fifty
shares, and private capital soon took up the balance. Little
was done towards completing the canal, and the time allowed
by the legislatures was extended at the expiration of every fixed
period, until 1820, when the scheme was laid aside. The tolls
collected in 1800 were only $2,138, and in iSii — the most pros
perous year— were $22,542. At a later period the charter was
surrendered to a new company, and has never proved profitable.
The State of Maryland virtually owns the canal, and since the
great flood of 1889, which broke down the banks in many places,
it has ceased to be a water way.
James

139
James River Company —
5 Shares each cost $ioo $500 {z)
{z) It is supposed that the shares in the
James River Company must also be
productive — But of this I can give no
decided opinion for want of more ac
curate information.
Bank of Columbia —
170 shares — $40 each 6.8oo~)
Bank of Alexandria — besides \ I (&)
20 to the Free School 5 / i.oooJ
{&) These are nominal prices of the
Shares of the Bank of Alexandria &
Columbia, the selling prices vary ac
cording to circumstances but as the stock
usually divided from eight to ten per
cent per annum, they must be worth the
former, at least, so long as the Banks are
conceived to be secure, although circum
stances may some time [be] below it. *
Stock — living — viz. —
I covering horse, 5 Coh horses — 4
Riding do — Six brood mares — 20
working horses & mares, — 2 Cover
ing Jacks & 3 young ones — 10 she
asses — 42 working mules — 15 younger
ones — 329 head of horned cattle — 640

-^ The. Bank of Alexandria, I am told, failed about the year
1831. head

140
head of Sheep, and a large stock of ^ 15-653
hogs, the precise number unknown —
Jl^'^ My manager has estimated this
live stock at £'j,ooo but I shall set it
down in order to make sd sum at —
Aggregate amt : $530,000
The value of live stock depends more
upon the quality than quantity of the
different species of it, and this again
upon the demand and judgment or fancy
of purchasers.
Mount Vernon,
6fuly, 1799. G. WASHINGTON.
At a Court held for the County of Fairfax the
20th day of January 1800, this last Will and Tes
tament of George Washington, deceased, late Presi
dent of the United States of America, was pre
sented in Court by George Steptoe Washington,
Samuel Washington, & Lawrence Lewis, three of
the Executors therein named, who made oath there
to, and the same being proved by the oaths of
Charles Little, Charles Simms and Ludwell Lee, to
be in the true handwriting of the said Testator, as
also the Scedule thereto annexed, and the said will,
being sealed and signed by him on motion. Ordered
to be Recorded — And the said Executors having
given Security and performed what the Laws re
quire,

141
quire, a Certificate is granted them for obtaining a
probate thereof in due form.
Teste G. Deneale, CI: Fx .•
R. L. H. >.• Ex-^by*
G. Deneale, CI: Fx:

GEORGE WASHINGTON TO DOCTOR DAVID STUART, f
Mount Vernon, 15 January, 1788.
Dear Sir :
In answer to your enquiries in behalf of Mr. Custis
and which you requested I would commit to writing,
you will please to receive and convey, the following
information *"Recorded Liber H, folio i, and examined." George Den
eale became clerk 2d May, 1798.
The original of this will is in the County Court House, at
Fairfax Court House, Virginia, in charge of the County Clerk,
Mr. F. W. Richardson. A story occasionally appears in print
ing, that the MS. is in the secret vaults of the British Museum,
having been sold to that institution by one who obtained it dur
ing or after the civil war. The fact was, fearing lest some dam
age should be done to it, in July, 1861, the will was taken to
Richmond by the then County Clerk, Mr. Alfred Moss, and de
posited for safe keeping with the then Secretary of the Com
monwealth, Mr. George W. Mumford. The office of the Sec
retary was looted by the Federal troops, but by some happy
chance the will was thrown away, and was later found in a heap
of rubbish. It was restored to the Fairfax County Court House,
where it may be seen by any one who applies to the courteous
Mr. Richardson.
t As this contains the fullest account of these Western lands,
I insert the letter entire.
Namely. —

142
Namely. — That the lands which I have to dispose
of beyond the Allegany mountains, are
contained in the following tracts.
2314 — Acres in Bottetourt County on the Ohio,
beginning about 4 miles below the mouth
of the little Kanhawa and bounded by the
Ohio 1720 poles — being the first large bot
tom on the East side of that River, below
the mouth of the little Kanhawa.
2448 — Acres on the same rout and on the said
river about 16 miles below the above tract,
being the 4'.'' large bottom on the east side,
below the little Kanhawa. — this tract is
bounded by the Ohio 1012 poles — has a fine
Creek running through it which (as I am
informed) [will give] Mill seats.
4395 — Acres, in the same County and on the
Ohio, also about 3 miles below the past
mentioned tract and on the same, that is
the East, side, & above the great Bend which
is about 25 Miles from the mouth of the
Great Kanhawa bounded by the River,
1670 poles.

In all 9.157 Acres, on the Ohio; betw? the great
and little Kanhawa. —
10.990 — Acres on the Great Kanhawa, West side
of it in Montgomery County,-'— Beginning
about 2 or 3 Miles from its Conflux with
the Ohio. — Bounded by the former, that is
the Kanhawa, 5491 poles or 17 Miles and 51

143
51 poles. Having many valuable streams
passing through it.
7276 — Acres, about 2 Miles above the latter on
the other or East side of the said river in
Green brier County and bounded thereby.
3947 poles or i2>^ Miles.
2000 Acres about 6 Miles above the last men
tioned tract on the west side of River lay
ing in the fork of the Kanhawa and Coal
River — binding on the first 1400 and on
the latter 588 poles. — *
2950 — Acres on the east side of the Kanhawa
in Green brier County part whereof is oppo
site to the last mentioned tract. — this is
bounded by the River, 1939 poles. —
* "Your having mentioned that you hold laud at the Mouth
of Coal River, I would beg leave to observe that I have one
tract of 2000 acres in the point of fork between that River and
the Kanhawa running up the ist about 2 Miles (from the point)
and up the latter more than 4 — and on the opposite 2 miles
above the fork another of my tracts for 3000 Acres begins, and
runs upwards 6 Miles bordering on the River for quantity. As
these tracts are in the vicinity of yours it is possible you may
have been on them in which case I would thank you for your
opinion of them— From the mouth of Pohitelleca on the East
Side the River for 13 miles down the Kanhawa I hold the land
— and on the other side, from within 2 or 3 miles of the mouth
I have a tract which runs near 20 Miles along the River equal
to any and I have ever seen, all of which may be Seated as
hath 'been mentioned, together with that on the Ohio above."
Washington to Henry Banks, 22 November, 1787. In

144

In all 23216 Acres on the Great Kanhawa. — and
9.157 on the Ohio — on both Rivers. —
Total.32.373

That these several tracts, some from my own obser
vation, and all from good information, are of the rich
est low grounds; being the first choice of the Country,
by a competent Judge, and are well watered and super-
abounding in fine meadow.
That the whole are to be let, on the Conditions here
after mentioned.
That the two first mentioned on the Ohio — and the
two last named on the Kanhawa may be purchased —
as indeed all of them may if any one person for him
self, or in behalf of a number, will strike for the whole
— without this, and not because they are of inferior
quality, but because what remains will be more con
centered, I incline to sell those that are farthest apart
first. That if I sell these, I shall expect (considering the
quality of the soil, there situations on navigable
waters ; and the advantages they possess on accottnt
of Fish wild fowl, &9 ) Twenty Shillings pT Acre. —
part of the monies to be paid down, and such credit as
can be agreed upon given for the residue. I have been
in treaty with some foreigners (thro' there agent My.
Charson) who have large tracts of land, back of or in
the vicinity of some of these Lands of mine, and who
know them perfectly well, for the whole of them at the
price of 30,000 guineas — but as they are not yet re
turned

145
turned from Europe and the time is elapsed in which
they were to have given me a definitive answer, I do
not consider myself bound any longer to them, tho' it
has been the cause (in a great measure) of the lands
remaining unsold.
That the enclosed Gazette will explain my ideas of
what I conceive the Rents ought to be. — but as this, it
seems, is not the mode which is practiced by, and most
agreeable to, the people in that Country possible from
the scarcity of money or want hitherto must conform to
the custome of it and of established markets.
I have accordingly within the course of the last
month authorized Col. Thomas Lewis who lives (at
Point Pleasant, a town at the mouth of the Great
Kanhawa in which I am told 30 or 40 families are
settled and which lies in the center between my several
tracts, to let them on the following terms that is to
say. —
First. With an exemption from the payment of rent
3 years, provided in that time a reasonable quantity of
land is cleared and cultivated ; a comfortable House, or
houses for the accommodation of a family is built and
a reasonable number of frute trees planted. — And pro
vided also (if it be customary) that the Land tax of
whatever the tenant may be inclined to hold is paid by
them. Second. That after the expiration of the third year
Rents shall commence and, as the custom of the Coun
try, is to be received in the specific articles that are
raised on the tenement, and in the proportion of one
third, by my Collector, or agent being near the premises. Third.

146
Third. That under this tenure the tenant may have
a certainty of holding their places (if they incline to
remain and will continue to improve them) for a cer
tain number of years (but not for lives) which may be
agreed upon.
Fourth. That all mines and minerals, with free
egress and regress, shall be reserved. — and an extra
allowance made for Mill Seats, or a reser\'ation of them
if there is not.
Altho' in the hands of Industrious tenants and a
good & faithful Collector, Rents paid in this manner
and proportion would far exceed what I have required
in my printed proposals, yet I must confess that it is
not a pleasing thing to me to let them on these terms
because there is no certainty in the revenue which will
arise from it. Idle tenants will pay little — dishonest
ones will cheat me — and an indolent, or speculating
Collector will make poor returns. Otherwise as I have
already observed no money rents that can be fixed
would be so productive. For instance suppose a farm
of 100 Acres (which' of such land is enough for any man
who has only a wife and their children to assist him)
and ten only of these for the land is most easily cleared,
is in cultivation. Corn we will say, at the expiration of
the 3'^ year-^this it is agreed on ail hands, will yield
60 to 100 Bushels to the acre — but call it 50 only, it
makes 500 Bushels the Yi of which is 166 bushels — the
demand for which in a Country whose population is
encreasing every year by thousands of emegrants will
hardly ever let this article be under a Shilling; but
was it not more than half which is scarcely within the
bounds

147
bounds of possibility, it would amount to f^^.. 3 P.
Hundred Acres.
If Mr. Custis, or his neighbours of whom you made
mention to me has any inclination buy or rent any of
my Lands here described. It would not be improper
to suggest to them that the sooner something is re
solved on the better : for as well formerly as lately, it
has been told me, that I may soon fill my lands, with
tenants agreeably to the terms on which Col? Lewis
has been empower' d to grant them; and on which if
nothing more pleasing to both parties can be agreed,
M^ Custis's neighbours may have them.
Should these circumstances, & conditions on which
I have offered to sell part or Rent the whole of these
lands induce M^ Custis to take a trip by water, or
land, to this place, I will shew him the plats of several
tracts, the manner in which the land lays, give him a
more ample description of the advantages which at
tends it, and if any terms can be agreed upon between
us will endeavor in time to prevent the seating of
them by Col? Lewis, by whose agreements I must be
bound, if he makes any, as I have given him full
powers to let the Land. —
I am, &c — G? Washington.

WILL

OP

BUSHROD WASHINGTON,
NEPHEW OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON.

In the name of God amen. I Bushrod Wash
ington, of Mount Vernon, do make this my last
will and testament hereby revoking all former wills
by me made.
Imprimis. I give to my dear and most excellent
wife,* and her heirs the following negroes, viz.
Ann Luisa, & the children she now has, or may
hereafter have, Sam, Jessy, Clark and Silvia his
wife and Lucy their daughter, with all the future
increase of the females, and also Jenny who I pur
chased from Mr. Turner.
Second. I give to my said wife during her life, the
whole of my Mt. Vernon land, except such parts
thereof as will be hereafter given in trust for my
nephew, Bushrod Washington, and also all the rest
.of my negroes of which I may die possessed or en
titled to.
Third. I give to my said wife during her life the
interest which may accrue after my death upon the
debts now due or which may hereafter become due
to me, as well as the dividends & interest which
may accrue and to be declared upon my bank and
road stock, upon my share in the Dismal Swamp
*Ann, daughter of Col. Thomas Blackburn, of Rippon Lodge,
Prince William county. She survived her husband but a few
days, and died without issue. (isi) Land

152
Land Company, and all other stocks to which I
may be entitled at the time of my death. I also
give to her during her life the whole of my house
hold and kitchen furniture, liquors so much thereof
as she may require for the use of her Family,
riding carriages, horses, mules, cattle, sheep, hogs,
plantation utensils, waggons, & carts on hand &
provisions laid in for the use of my family at the
time of my death, or fattening at that time for
such use. The use only of the above articles is
intended to be given to my said wife during her life.
Fourth. It is my will that as soon & as fast as
the debts to me are collected, their amount, in
cluding whatever I may be entitled to receive from
the estate of my deceased uncle General George
Washington, in my own right or as an assignee of
Major Geo. Lewis, & on account of my commis
sions as Executor, and all rents due to me at the
time of my death may be invested by my Executors
in publick or other safe stocks, the interest whereof
may accrue during the life of my wife I give to her.
Fifth. I give to my said wife all the furniture of
her chamber, also the organ and pianos,-books of
music and her Library of books kept by herself
separate from mine, her Jewels and paraphernalia
of every kind. And whereas there are certain
prints hanging in some of the rooms which I have
given and now confirm to my said wife, but which
I cannot now describe, it is my will that she shallhave

153
have such of them as she may by some writing
under her hand, attested by one witness at least,
and delivered during her life to one of my Execu
tors, distinctly point and describe. Unless my wife
should dispose of the organ by will or by some
other act during her life, I give the same to the
person to whom I shall hereafter devise the man
sion house, as it would hardly suit any other room
than that in which it now stands.
Sixth. After the death of my said wife, I give to
my nephew John A. Washington and to his heirs
all that part of my Mount Vernon Land included
withiu the following boundaries, to wit:
Beginning at the Gum Spring on or near the line
between Mr. Peake & myself and running thence
the straight road along where the post and rail
fence, ran to the gate leading into the house, &
pursuing the road passing the said Gate leading to
the old Ferry house occupied lately by James
Dorsey till it comes to the corner of the fence on
the road leading to the union farm barn, & thence
along the fence and road leading to said barn to the
first wattle fence made by Ja: Dorsey, (at which
point it is my intention to put down a post) and
then along said wattle fence, rectangular or nearly
so, to the last line to the creek, and so with the
meanders of said creek, the river and hunting
creek, including the fisheries and marshes to the
beginning. I also give to my said nephew John, after

154 •
after the death of my said wife, all the green house
and hot house plants and tools or instruments be
longing to the gardens, & also give to my said
nephew after the death of my said wife all the
furniture belonging, and which at the time of my
death may belong to, and be in the mansion house,
kitchen, & other houses (not before given to my
wife,) in which bequest to avoid disputes, I mean
to include not only the standing furniture, but
also the silver and plated ware, cut and other glass,
pictures, prints. Table & bed furniture, & in short
every thing used and generally considered as furni
ture. All the Liquors of every kind remaining in
the house at the death of my wife unused by her,
I give to be equally divided between my nephews,
Bushrod Washington, of Mt. Zephire,* Geo. C.
Washington, t John A. Washington,! and Bushrod
C. Washington. §
* Son of William Augustine Washington and Jane, his cousin,
a daughter of John Augustine Washington. Bushrod was bom
4 April, 1785, and was settled at Mt. Zephyr, Virginia. Married
Henrietta, daughter of General Alexander Spotswood, and died
in 1830.
t Also a son of William Augustine Washington, bom 20
August, 1789, married in 1807 Eliza Ridgeley Beall, and died
in Georgetown, 17 July, 1854.
X Son of Corbin Washington and Hannah Lee, daughter of
Richard Henry Lee. He married Jane Charlotte Blackburn.
J Also sou of Corbin Washington. He removed to Claymont,
Jefferson County, [West] Virginia, and died there in 1851. He
married (i) Anna Maria Blackburn, and (2) Maria Powell Har
rison. Seventh.

155
Seventh. After the death of my wife I give to my
dear niece Mary Lee Herbert, * & her heirs, all that
part of my Mount Vernon Tract of Land, begin
ning at the Knowl opposite to the old road, which
formerly passed through the lower field of Muddy
hole farm, at which, on the north side of said road,
are or were three red or Spanish oaks, marked as a
corner, (which spot is mentioned in the Will of
General Washington,) thence rectangular by a line
of trees to the back line or outer boundary of the
tract 'between General Thomson Mason, (now in
possession of his son,) and myself, thence with that
line Easterly along the double ditch to the run of
Little Hunting creek, thence with that run to the
gum spring, thence along the most northerly of the
two roads being that leading to Major Lewis' mill,
to the beginning.
Eighth. I give to my nephew George C. Wash
ington, and his heirs, on my death, all the land
from the Gum Spring aforesaid lying between the
road leading to Mt. Vernon until it comes to the
lower end or corner of the field (N? 3) in the plot
made by Gen'l Washington, amongst my Mount
Vernon Land papers, f by James Nugent's quarter,
that was, & the road leading from the said Gum
* Mary Lee Washington, daughter of Corbin Washington,
married Noblet Herbert in 1819.
t This survey is now in the possession of Dr. Thomas Addis
Emmet, of New York. spring

156
spring to Major Lewis' mill 'till it comes to the in
ner and upper corner of my new ground 216 acre
field, & thence with the inner fence of the said new
ground field dividing the same from the Mt.
Zephyr land, to the lower end or corner of the said
inner fence near the spring, thence easterly along
the lower fence of Bushrod Washington Jr's new
ground, as it now runs and crosses the swamp 'till
it comes to the edge of the woods on the easterly
side of the swamp to an old road, & thence with
said old road & along the edge of the woods to the
lower fence of the said Bushrod Washington Jr's
ineadow, below his house, and thence easterly fol
lowing the fence as it now runs to the road at
James Nugent's where there is a gate, which said
lines enclose the whole of the cleared land now in
possession of the said Bushrod Washington, Jr.
Also a small part of the swamp on the east side of
the ditch to the edge of the woods, and also a small
angle of wood land lying between the aforesaid two
roads in which stood the school house. I also give
to the said Geo. C. Washington in fee one half of
the aforesaid new ground field, being that half
which lies to the northward of the red line run from
the corner of the fence before mentioned, near the
spring before mentioned, called A in S™ Summer's
plot & survey of the said new ground field to B,
which half in the said plot is marked N? 2, as by
reference to said plat and survey, dated July, 1813,
amongst

157
amongst the Mount Vernon Land papers will more
fully appear. I also give to the said Geo. C.
Washington & his heirs, one equal half part of the
wood land adjoining the afs'? clear land to be laid
off by a line running from the road leading from
the Gum spring to the porter's lodges, north west
erly to the old road by the swamp & edge of the
woods before mentioned in this clause, the said
division to be according to the quantity. The
other half of the wood land here intended, extend
ing to the road leading from the porter's lodge to
the union farm gate, being contiguous to that part
of the Estate, will be disposed of by a future clause
of this will to the person to whom that part of the
land will be devised. If any disagreements should
arise respecting the lines of division mentioned in
this Will, it is my desire that the parties concerned
should submit the same to arbitration, and I de
clare that all the lands mentioned in this clause and
devised to the said Geo. C. Washington, are given
in trust to permit my nephew Bushrod Washing
ton, Jr. his Brother, to receive the rents, issues and
profits there of during his life, and after his death
then in trust for the children of the said Bushrod
Washington, living at his death & their heirs,
equally to be divided.
Ninth. All the rest and residue of my Mt. Ver
non estate not before disposed of, I give, after the
death of my wife to be equally divided between my
nephews

158
nephews George C. Washington & Bushrod C.
Washington and their heirs.
Tenth. I give my Ohio tract of land immediately
on my death as follows, one equal fifth part to my
nephew Geo. C. Washington, and his heirs, one
other fifth part to my niece Mary L. Herbert and
her heirs, one other fifth part to the said Geo. [C.J
Washington, and his heirs to the same uses and
under the same limitations as are mentioned in the
8th clause aforesaid, in respect to the part of the
Mt. Vernon Land devised to him in trust, and the
other two fifths I give to my nephews Jno. A.
Washington & Bushrod C. Washington and their
heirs equally to be divided : Should the said Geo.
C. Washington, think it most to the advantage of
the said Bushrod Washington, Jr. to sell the part
of the Ohio land hereby devised to him, in trust,
he may do the same at public or private sale, on
such terms as he may think best, the proceeds to
be invested in some productive fund & the interest
or dividends to be paid to the said Bushrod Wash
ington Jr. during his life, and after his death to be
equally divided between the children of the said
Bushrod Washington Jr. who shall be living at
his death, their heir and assigns.
Eleventh. I desire that all my law books in
Philadelphia and a few others left with Mr. Berk-
ham in Trenton may be removed to Mt. Vernon,
and together with those now there may remain in
the

159
the study under the care of Jno. A. Washington,
until Bushrod Washington Herbert, son of my
niece aforesaid, arrives to the age of 21, & in case
he should be educated & prepared to practice law
I give all the said books to him ; But if, at the
above period he should not be destined to the bar,
or in case of his death before the said age, I de
sire the said books may be sold aud the proceeds
to sink into the residuum of my Estate. Whea-
ton's Reports belong to the United States and are
to be delivered to the person authorized to receive
them. Twelfth. After the death of my wife, I give all
the rest and residue of my Estate real and personal
in possession or expectancy and not by this will
otherwise disposed of as follows : viz : one fifth part
to my nephew Geo. C. Washington & his heirs,
one other fifth part to John A. Washington, my
nephew and his heirs, one other fifth part to his
brother Bushrod C. Washington and his heirs,
another fifth part to my niece Mary L. Herbert,
& her heirs, & the remaining fifth part to the
said Geo. C. Washington & his heirs in trust
for the same uses & under the same limitations
as are mentioned in the eighth clause of this will
in respect to the part of the Mt. Vernon land
devised to him in trust for Bushrod Washington,
Jr. & his children. It is further my will that
my nephew John A. Washington may be at lib
erty

i6o
erty after my wife's death to take the Gardner
Phil at his appraised value to be paid my Ex
ecutors. Thirteenth: All the papers and letter books de
vised to me by my uncle Gen'l Washington, as
well as the books in my study, other than law
books, I give to my nephew Geo, C. Washington;
the books in the cases in the dining room, I give
to my nephew John A. Washington.
Fourteenth: The sword left to me by Genl.
Washington, I give to the aforesaid Geo. C. Wash
ington under the same injunctions that it was be
stowed to me. My gold watch I give to my friend
Robert Adams, of Philadelphia, knowing that he
will appreciate the gift not for the intrinsic value
of the article but because it was worn by the father
of his country and afterwards by his friend: After
the death of the said Robt. Adams, I give the said
watch to his son Bushrod. I give Cooke's Edition
of Hogarth with the key, to my nephew John, and
Alexander's victories to my nephew Bush: C.
Washington. * I also give to my said nephew John,
the two Globes & the busts of Gen'l Washingtonf
* In the New York Exhibition 1889, were shown by Bushrod
C. Washington some old line engravings by P. Ganst, from the
original painting by Le Bruu, victories of Alexander the Great.
"The pictures are supposed to have been given to General
Washington by Lafayette" Catalogue.
t By Houdon.
& Neckar.

i6i
& Neckar. * The bust of Paul Jones I give to Mr.
Mumford for his museum. My double barrel gun
I give to my nephew Bushrod Washington Jr. and
the pistols which belonged to & were used by Gen'l
Washington, to Geo. C. Washington. Watts'
views I give to my highly valued friend Mr. Justice
Story. Fifteenth. The debts due me from the Estates of
my deceased friends Major Richard Blackburn &
Thomas Blackburn, I hereby forgive and release.
Sixteenth. I give to West Ford the tract of land
on Hunting creek adjoining Mr. Geo. Mason and
that occupied by Dr. Peake, which I, purchased
from Noblet Herbert deceased, which was conveyed
to him by Francis Adams, to him the said West
Ford, & his heirs. Whatever appears by my Led
ger to be due to said West Ford is to be paid to
him, & it is my request that he wi41 continue in
his present situation and employment during the
*This bust was sold at auction in Philadelphia, April 1891.
On the pedestal were two brass plates, on the lower of which
was engraved Presented to
GEORGE WASHINGTON
PREsroENT OF THE United States of America
By his most dutiful, most obedient, and most humble
servant, ESTAING, a citizen of the State of
Georgia, by an act of the 22ND February, 1785,
AND a citizen of France in 1786. life

l62
life of my wife provided she wishes him to do so
on the terms he is now living with me.*
Seventeenth. Whereas, as Trustee for the credi
tors of my nephew Bushrod Washington Jr., I have
made advances greatly beyond the value of the
property conveyed to me, besides being a consid
erable creditoi- of my said nephew, & entitled to
come in as such under the deed of trust, & whereas
the unsold trust property, that is to say the follow
ing negroes, Nat, Sue, Isaac, Joshua, Tetia & her
7 children, James, William, Nancy, John, Henry,
Betsy, & Judy. Also Eliza, and her two children
Warren & Geo. Also Nanny, who have this day
been valued by Lawrence Lewis and Saml. Collard
at the price of #2205, fall very short of the amount
due to me from the said trust estate and for which
the said property is answerable, I do hereby give
the said negroes and the future increase of the
females to my aforesaid nephew Geo. C. Washing
ton & his heirs upon the trusts and under the
same limitations as are mentioned in the 8th clause
of this will in respect to the part of the Mt. Vernon
land devised to him in trust. I also give and re
lease to my said nephew Bushrod Washington, Jr.,
all and every sum and sums of money due by him
to me, and which yet remain unsatisfied.
Lastly. I nominate and appoint my nephews
*West Ford was a mulatto house servant. His portrait is
given by Lossing in his Home of Washington. John

1 63
John A. Washington & Bushrod C. Washington
my Executors, who are to give no security for the
discharge of their duties. In witness whereof, I
have hereunto set my hand and afSxed my seal;
having written the whole of this will with my own
hand, this loth day July 1826.
BUSH: WASHINGTON, [seal.]
Memorandum. All the erasures & interlineations
in this will have been made with my own hand.
B. W.
This is a codicil to my will written and dated
this loth day of July, 1826.
Whereas Chief Justice Marshall & myself con
template publishing some volumes of letters from
Genl. Washington all or the most of which are
already copied & also publishing a second edition
of the life of Washington, it is my will that what
ever sum of money may accrue from these sources
be invested by my executor in some productive
fund, the interest or dividends whereof are to be
paid to my wife during her life and after her death
to be divided and to vest in the persons to whom
the residue of my Estate is given to and for the
same uses and under the same limitations.
Item. I give to our niece Jane C. Washington,
wife of my nephew John A. Washington, & to her
heirs a negro boy called Lewis, son of Ozman &
Aggy. Item.

1 64
Item. And whereas it may so happen that my
wife may die without making any disposition of
the property, I have devised to her in fee simple, I
give to her niece Jane C. Washington, in that
event, and that only the organ and piano forte,
together with all the musick, also all the books in
the chamber book cases and chamber closet, also
the chamber furniture and the prints mentioned in
my will. All the rest of the property so devised to
my wife, I give, in the said event, to be equally
divided between such of the nieces of my said wife
as may be living at the time of her death. The
property which I have purchased from the Execu
tors of Nob: Herbert dec^ ; and from the Adminis
trators of Richard H. L. Washington, dec?, &
which I have conveyed to my niece, Mary L. Her
bert, for whom I bought the whole, and have given
her possession, I hereby confirm and ratify.
In witness whereof, I have here unto set my
hand and affixed my seal this loth day of July,
1826, the whole of this codicil being written with
my own hand & all erasures & interlineations in
the will and codicil being made by myself before
they were signed and sealed.
BUSH: WASHINGTON, [seal.]
This is a second codicil to my will. Imprimis,
my bfloved niece Mary L. Herbert having died
since the making of my former will, I here by give and

i65
and bequeath all the property real and personal in
possession or expectancy devised to her to be
equally divided between her two sons Bushrod W.
Herbert and Noblet Herbert and their heirs, & in
the case of the death of either with out child or
children, his part to go to the survivor, & in case
of the death of both without child or children, the
whole then remaining I give to be divided
amongst my four nephews & their heirs, the part
of my nephew Bushrod under the same trust and
to the same trustee as are mentioned in the 8th
Clause of my will : all the personal property except
negroes, now in possession of ray said nephew
Bushrod Washington on hire I give to him. Item.
If Bushrod W. Herbert should not practice law, I
give my law library to such of the sons of my
nephew John A. Washington as may practice it,
& if more than one should, then to the eldest, and
if neither should, then the same is to be sold and
the proceeds disposed of as directed by the eleventh
clause of my will. Item. Having subscribed for
50 shares, in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal which
I trust may be paid for without a sale of other
property, I hereby appropriate for that purpose,
whatever ready money I may have in any bank or
banks at my death, &. whatever salary may be due
to me at that time, & I further empower my Ex
ecutor to apply to the same purpose so much of
the income of my Estate, or monies he may col
lect,

i66
lect, as may remain after amply supplying the
wants of my dear wife, to whom I hereby give dur
ing her life the dividends which may arise on said
canal stock. But if these funds should be insuf
ficient to comply with the calls of the company,
my said Executors may sell as much of my bank
stock as may be sufficient. In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand & affix my seal the igth
day of January 1828, the whole of this codicil being
written with my own hand & all erasures and in
terlineations being made by myself before signing
and sealing this codicil.
BUSH: WASHINGTON [seal. J
This is a third codicil to my will.
Whereas the line between Major Lewis & my
self from the three red or Spanish oaks marked as
a corner and a stone placed, thence by a line of
trees to be marked rectangular to the back line or
outer boundary of the tract between Thomson
Mason & Genl. Washington, as described in the
clause of Genl. Washington's will, which de
vises a part of the Mount Vernon estate to me, has
never been run by the major and myself, and there
subsists a difficulty of opinion between us to the
construction of the said will in relation to that line
which my frequent and long absences from home
have hitherto prevented us from adjusting, it is my
will that my nephews, the Executors and Trustees of

167
of my deceased niece Mary L. Herbert, (in case it
should not be in my power to settle this matter
with Major Lewis, during my life,) do as soon as
possible settle and adjust with him this controverted
line & in order that it may be done in the most
amicable manner, I do hereby empower my said
nephews John A. and Bushrod C. Washington, or
either of them, or the survivor of them, to submit
any disputed point relative to that subject to arbi
tration hereby declaring any award or awards to be
made in the premises to be final and binding on the
persons who may be entitled to that part of the land
devised by the preceding codicil to the sons of my
niece Mary L. Herbert in like manner as it would
were the submission made by me during my life.
Item. I give the interest which after my death
may become due on Geo. Atkinson's bond until
George W. Washington, son of Bushrod Washing
ton, of Mt. Zephyr, shall arrive at the age of 18
(and which my Executor is to collect as it becomes
due), to be divided as follows: viz.: one third to
Ann Eliza, one third to Jane Mildred, daughters
of the said Bushrod Washington, Jr. of Mt. Zephyr,
& the other third to the before mentioned Geo. W.
sonof the said Bushrod Washington Jr., towards
his education & fitting him for the navy, & after
he has arrived at the age of 18, then I give the
whole of the said debt principal & interest, with all
the securities for the same to be equally divided
between

1 68
between the said Ann Eliza and Jane Mildred
Washington, & their assigns. The above bequest
is intended to be made to my Executors in strict
trust for the uses above mentioned & the principal
to be paid to my nieces on their respective mar
riages and not before.
Item. It is my wish that my Executor may add
to the above bequest to the said Geo. W. as much
out of the income of my Estate as will complete
his Education till his arrival at the age aforesaid,
if in his Judgment the same can be spared after
paying up my subscription to the Chesapeake &
Ohio canal company, & any other debts, and pro
viding for the comfortable and abundant support of
my dear wife. All benefit under this clause in
favor of the said Geo. W. to cease after he arrives
at the af^"? age, except a moderate outfit which is to
be given him in case he should be received as a
midshipman in our pavy. In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this
19th day of July, 1828, the whole of this codicil
being written with my own hand, & all erasures
& interlineations being made by myself before
signing & sealing the same.
BUSH : WASHINGTON.
At a Court held for Fairfax county, the 21st. day
of December, 1829.
This last will & testament of the Honorable Bushrod

169
Bushrod Washington, of Mt. Vernon, deceased,
together with three Codicils thereto annexed, was
presented in Court by Jno. A. Washington, one of
the Executors therein named, & the same being
proved to be wholly in the handwriting of the said
Bushrod Washington by the oaths of Geo. Mason,
Geo. Millan, Dennis Johnson, & Wm. Moss, is ad
mitted to record. And the said John A. Washing
ton having in open court executed bond in the
penalty of $100,000 conditioned as the law directs,
& taken the oath prescribed by law, a certificate is
granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due
form. Teste
Wm. Moss, C. C.
A true copy.
Teste: F. W. Richardson,
Deputy Clerk.
21 November, 1878.

WILL

OP

John Augustine Washington.

In the name of God amen. I John A. Washing
ton, of Jefferson county, in the State of Virginia,
being in perfect health of body & of sound and dis
posing mind, memory and understanding, consider
ing the certainty of death & the uncertainty of the
time thereof &. being desirous to settle my worldly
affairs, & therefore be the better prepared to leave
this world, when it shall please God to call me
hence, do therefore make this my last will and tes
tament, in manner and form following, that is to
say. First. It is my will & desire that all my just
debts and funeral charges be paid & discharged as
soon as possible, by my Executrix here in after
mentioned. Secondly. I give & bequeath unto my most dear
wife & friend Jane C. Washington, * all my negroes
and other real & personal Estate of every kind and
description whatsoever, that I now have or may
here after have any right to dispose of by will or
otherwise in possession, to hold during her widow
hood. Thirdly. I do hereby fully empower my dear
wife Jane C. Washington, to divide my said Estate
among my children in any way she may think
proper. * Daughter of Richard Scott Blackburn.
( 173 ) Fourthly.

174
Fourthly. As it frequently happens that negroes
become extremely disobedient to their mistress
after the death of their masters, I do hereby give
my said dear wife full power & authority should
any act so unfaithfully to her orders, to sell and
dispose of any of them so offending in her opinion,
& vest the money arising there from, in other ne
groes, property or public stock, which at the death
of my dear wife Jane C. Washington is to be di
vided between my children as she may direct.
Fifthly. It is my will & desire that my Execu
trix shall not be compelled to give security upon
qualifying to my will, and that she may not be put
to the trouble of having the Estate appraised.
Also I do hereby appoint her sole Guardian to all
my children, without giving security for the same.
Lastly. I do hereby constitute & appoint my
most dear & affectionate wife Jane C. Washington
my sole Executrix to this my last will & testa
ment, revoking & annulling all former wills by
me heretofore made ratifying and confirming this
and none other to be my last will & testament.
In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed my seal, in mj' own handwriting, this
6th. day of August 1822. The erasures in lines 7
& 8, on page second, I did myself before I set my
hand and affixed my seal.
JOHN A. WASHINGTON, [seal.]
Codicil — Whereas I, John A. Washington, in the
County

175
County of Jefferson, & State of Virginia, have
made & duly executed my last will and testament
in writing, bearing date as above, which said last
will & testament, & every clause, bequest and de
vise therein contained, I do hereby ratify and con
firm & being desirous to alter some parts thereof,
provided my dear wife Jane C. Washington should
die without making her last will devising my estate
as she may think proper between my children, in
that case only do I therefore hereby make this my
codicil, which I will & direct shall be taken & held
' as my will & testament in manner as following :
that is to say, I hereby give & devise all my ne
groes & other personal & real Estate of every kind
& description whatsoever that I now have or may
hereafter have any right to dispose of by will or
otherwise, in possession, reversion or remainder, to
my sons and to their heirs forever in equal propor
tions to be allotted to each of them as soon as they
arrive at the age of 21 years, except what I shall
hereafter devise. I do hereby declare that should
either of my sons die without lawful issue the
property so descending shall go to the surviving
brother or brothers. Item. I give & bequeath to
my dear daughter Anne Maria Washington ten
thousand dollars current money of the United
States to bear interest from the death of my wife
Jane C. Washington, to be raised in the most con
venient manner to the Estate, as speedily as pos
sible

176
sible after her decease ; a negro man and woman,
not to exceed 25 years of age, also a good riding
horse, saddle & bridle, to be paid to her when she
arrives at the age of 21 years or marries. In testi
mony where of I have hereunto set my hand &
affixed my seal, in my own handwriting, this loth
day of September, 1822, the erasure in lines 7 & 8
on page second I did myself before I set my hand
& affixed my seal.
JOHN A. WASHINGTON, [seal.]
Codicil 2d. Whereas my late uncle Bushrod
Washington did by will give to me the Mount
Vernon house and a certain parcel of land attached
thereto, I do hereby authorize my Executrix or Ad
ministrator should they deem it advisable for my
children's interest to sell to the Government of the
United States only if they should be disposed to
purchase Mount Vernon & as much of the land as
they may want, the proceeds to be laid out in pub
lic stock for the benefit of my children. If the
Congress of the United States will take Mt. Vernon
& part of the land, my Executrix or Administrator
may sell the balance to any person or persons, also
all undivided property received from the said
Bushrod Washington & the amount laid out in
public stock for the benefit of my children. In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand &
affixed my seal, in my own hand writing this
Eighth

177
Eighth day of July in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred & thirty.*
JOHN A. WASHINGTON, [seal.]

}

State of Virginia
County of Jefferson
In the county court, July term, 1832.
At a court held for the said county on the i6th
day of July, 1832. The last will and testament of
John A. Washington dec. is this day proved in
open court by the oaths of Bushrod C. Washington
and Edmund I. Lee, JunT , to be altogether in the
handwriting of the said testator, & ordered to be
recorded, & on the same day on motion of Mrs.
Jane C. Washington, the executrix named in the
said will, who made oath according to law, & en
tered into and acknowledged a bond without se
curity, in the penalty of #50,000 with condition
according to law, the said testator having directed
that no security should be required of her, certifi-
* In 1847 John A. Washington offered to sell Mount Vernon
to the United States government for ^ioo,oco, under certain
conditions, one of which was that in the event of a dissolution
of the existing federal government, the property should revert
to the Washington heirs. The offer was not accepted, and in
1855, under the lead of Mrs. Ann Pamelia Cunningham, the
Mount Vernon Ladies' Association was formed to purchase the
house and two hundred acres of the estate. Its efforts to raise
the sum needed, ^200,000, were successful, and since that time
the property has been under their care, much improved, and
many scattered relics brought together. cate

178
cate is granted her for obtaining letters testamen
tary in due form. Teste: Samuel J. Crane, Clerk.
And afterwards, to wit : At a Court held for the
said County on the i6th day of July 1849. It ap
pearing to the satisfaction of the Court, that in
making the entry of the proof of the last will &
testament of John A. Washington, deceased, at
July Term, 1832, of this Court, it was proved that
both will & codicils were in the hand writing
of the Testator, & that the record inadvertently
mentions that the will had been proved omitting
the codicils, on motion leave is given to examine
the same witnesses again, which being done & it
being proved by the said witnesses Bushrod C
Washington & Edmund I. Lee, that the said will
& codicils are all in the hand writing of the said
John A. Washington, the said testator, the same is
ordered to be entered on record, which is accord
ingly hereby done. Teste: T. A. Moore, Clerk.
And at a Court held for the said county on the
i2th day of Octo. 1857. On motion of Richard B.
Washington* who made oath according to law &
* Youngest son of John Augustine Washington. The other
children were George, Ann Maria, John Augustine and a
daughter, who died young. with

179
with Robt. W. Baylor his security, entered into and
acknowledged a Bond in the penalty of $5,000 with
condition according to law, certificate is granted
him for obtaining letters of administration de bonis
nan, with the will annexed of John A. Washing
ton, deceased, in due form (the Executrix who
heretofore qualified having departed this life). *
Teste:
T. A. Moore, Clerk.
True copy.
Teste: T. A. Moore, Clerk.
*Died at Blakeley, Jefferson county, in August, 1856.

WILL

OF

JOHN CUSTIS.

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I John
Custis EsqT of Northampton County in Virginia
being at present in perfect Health and sound in
memory, fhanks be to the Almighty, but consider
ing the State of Mankind, how soon they are taken
out of this life, and being willing to settle those
Worldly Goods, God of his infinite mercy and
goodness far beyond my deserts, he hath bestowed
upon me do make, ordain, and appoint this my last
Will and Testament, revoking all former Wills and
Deeds of Gift whatever.
IMPRIMIS I give my Soul to God, that gave
it me, my Body I give to the Earth from whence it
came, to have a decent Burial at the discretion of
my executors hereafter named, no ways doubting
through the Mercy and merits of my dear Saviour '
Christ Jesus to have a joyful resurrection.
ITEM My Will and desire is, that my dear
and loving Wife Sarah Custis live during pleasure
at. my now dwelling House, and Plantation at
Hungars not to be disturbed by any pretence what
ever while she liveth, but if it please God she mar
ries, her Husband immediately enter into Bond
with Security to keep all the Housing, fencing,
and Plantation in good repair, and in Case of fail
ure my son Hancock Custis, or his heirs enter into
(183) the

1 84
the said Houses and Plantation the Bond to be
made to Hancock Custis, or his heirs, in the sum
of five hundred pounds sterling.
ITEM My will and desire is, that my dear Wife
Sarah Custis have besides what I shall hereafter
give her the feather Bed and Furniture we usely
lye on, one pair of good Sheets, one pair of Blank
ets, her choice of all my riding Horses with her
riding furniture with her choice of any copper ket
tle she please.
ITEM I Give and bequeath unto my said dear
Wife all the Negroes & Slaves of what sort soever,
that I had with her, I likewise give her my Mulat-
toe Woman Chocolate with all her increase that she
now hath or shall have, my Negro men named
Peter, and Trout, and my Girl Dennis to her, and
her heirs forever.
ITEM I lend to my said Wife during her Wid
owhood, my Negro man called Michael, my Indian
Woman called Sarah, and my Mulattoe Girl called
Emmanuel. But in case of my said Wife's Death
or marriage, then the said Slaves to return to those
that I shall hereafter give them to, in this Will, and
my Negro man Bristol during her Widowhood, this
with my hand.
ITEM my Will and desire is, that what goods.
Household Stuff, Cattle and Sheep, I have hereafter
given to my Children, the like proportionable part
shall be set apart for my now Wife, before the rest of

i85
of my Estate be divided, the particulars of which,
I shall hereafter insert.
ITEM I give and bequeath to my son John Cus
tis my Chiconessex Plantation with all the Stock
that shall be found thereon of what nature soever
to him and his heirs forever. I likewise give to my
said son Arlington Plouse together with two hun
dred and fifty acres of Land thereto belonging
which I bought of Mr. William Willett, and have
Patent for it, in my own name with the Appurten
ances thereto belonging to him and his heirs for
ever. ITEM I give and bequeath unto my said son all
my Stock of Male cattle, that he found upon
Smiths Insland and Mackean Island after my de
cease. I say Male Cattle with my own hand.
ITEM I likewise give and bequeath unto my
said son one large Silver Dish, six large Silver
Plates, one large Silver Bason, two Silver Candle
sticks, with a Silver Snuff Dish, and two Silver
Snuffers, one good feather Bed, and furniture, and
the second choice of my riding Horses,- my best
Saddle and furniture, and his choice of my Cases
of Pistols, and Holsters, and my best sword to him
and his heirs forever.
ITEM I give and bequeath unto my son Han
cock Custis after my dear Wife's decease or re
linquishment, my now dwelling House & Planta
tion containing fifteen hundred Acres of Land with all

1 86
all the Appurtenances thereunto belonging during
his natural life together with that Tract of Land,
I bought of Captain Isaac Foxcraft containing by
estimation three hundred and forty Acres of Land
(be the same, more or le.ss) commonly called and
known by the Davis, with that land I bought of
Pierce Davis, which makes upon that quantity,
and after his decease, to the heir of his Body law
fully begotten (That is to say) it is my true intent
and meaning, that my said son hath power to
divide the said Land between two of his issue male.
How and what quantity he shall think fit, and they
to enjoy it, and their heirs forever. But if it should
happen that my said son should dye, without heir
male, then I give it lo his heirs female, and their
Heirs forever, but for want of such heir to my heir
at common Law forever.
ITEM I Give and bequeath unto my said son
Hancock Custis, and his heirs forever, my Planta
tion in Accomack County, containing by estima
tion two thousand acres of Land, together with
three hundred Acres of Swamp low Land lying
near the Land, I sold to William Bradwater, which
I have reserved for timber for the supply of the
two thousand Acres of Land which I Give to my
said son, and his heirs forever. But it is my Will
and desire that my now wife Sarah Custis have free
liberty of range for twenty Steers during her nat
ural life. All the rest of my Land lying at Po-
comock

i87
comock that I shall not be disposed of, in my life
time, I Give and bequeath to my son John Custis,
and his heirs and assigns forever.
ITEM I Give and bequeath unto my son Han
cock Custis besides what already I have given him,
these following Negros & Slaves (viz.) Simon,
Dum, Harry, Bristol, Michael, and Emmanuel al
ways excepted, that my Wife have the use of the
said Michael and Emmanuel as before excepted in
my will: — and Bristol.
ITEM I Give and bequeath unto my son Henry
Custis five hundred & fifty acres of Land on Jingo-
teague Island which I had of Captain William
Kendall* together with an Island adjoining thereto
by a Bridge commonly called and known by the
name of Wild Cat Island by estimation two hund
red and fifty acres of Land with all Marshes and
other advantages thereto belonging to him the said
Henry Custis, and his heir and assigns forever:
Always Provided, and it is my will and desire that
my now Wife have liberty of range for twenty
steers upon the said Island during her natural life,
with free liberty of bringing of and carrying on at
her pleasure.
ITEM I Give and bequeath unto my said son
* In Palmer's Calendar of State Papers is printed a reply of
the Onondagos to the propositions of Col. William Kendall, ,
"Agent for ye Country of Virginia," 1679. Henry

Henry Custis these following Negros and Slaves
(viz) Daniel at Pocomock, Ben, Bull, Jack, Rutby,
the boy Will, Bridget, and Lankaster to him the
said Henry Custis his heirs and assigns forever.
ITEM I Give and bequeath unto my two daugh
ters Elizabeth Custis and Sorrowful Margaret Ken
dall five hundred Acres of Land which I bought
of Henry Towles lying and being on Jingoteague
Island in Accomack county, together with an
Island that I bought of Joh. Morris in the said
county containing by estimation three hundred
acres of Land, and Marsh, to be held in common
between the two Sisters during their natural lives,
and after their decease to any two children of their
Bodies lawfully begotten. And if it should happen
that either of my two daughters should dye with
out issue, then her part to be and remain to the
issue living of either of their Bodies, and their
Heirs forever, and in case of failure of any such
Heir, then I Give and bequeath the said Land to
my son Henry Custis his heir and Assigns forever,
the true intent and meaning of this my Will is, if
the issue of either or both my said Daughters enter
upon the Premises at full age, then they or either
of them enjoy the said Land, and their heir forever,
my meaning is that my daughters, or their now
Husbands give the Land above given to which
child they please of my daughters body begotten.
ITEM I Give and bequeath unto my said
daughter

1 89
daughter Elizabeth Custis these following Negro
Slaves (to wit) George, Sunto, Daniel, her Son,
Lucretia, her daughter Yamnone, Indian Sarah,
and her son Jemme, and Notse (?) to her during her
natural life, and for the life of her Husband
Thomas Custis, and after their decease them and
their increase I Give to any Child or Children ot
their Body lawfully begotten, but for want of any
such Issue, then to Thomas Custis her husband,
and his heirs forever. Always provided that my
now Wife hath the use of the Indian Woman Sarah
during her Widowhood.
ITEM I Give and bequeath unto my daughter
Sorrowful Margaret Kendall these following Negros
or Slaves Nicholas, Jenny his wife, Abigail, Moriah,
John a boy, all Children of the said Jenny; Indian
Betty, Lettitia, Festus, with all their increase, that
they ever shall have, my Negro man named Cesar
to her my said daughter during her natural life,
and for the life of her Husband William Kendall,
and after their decease to be to the issue of the
said Sorrowful Margaret Kendall of her body law
fully begotten, to one or more, as she shall think
fit, and for want of such Issue, then to the said
William Kendall, and his heirs forever.
ITEM I Give to my boy John Atkiuson a Horse,
four Cows, and Calf, four Ewes, and Lambs, one
feather Bed, bolster, one pair of Sheets, two
Blankets, and one Rug, and if it should happen that

I go
that I should dye having either Sloop or Sloops,
the John Atkinson to take his choice of them, with
their Apparel, all which I Give to the said John
Atkinson his heirs and assigns forever, but my will
is that the said John Adkinson live with my now
Wife until he is at the age of one and twenty, un
less my now wife cause to the contrary, in whose
hands I leave every particular given to be deliv
ered at the aforesaid age or sooner, if she think fit.
ITEM I Give and bequeath unto Sarah Custis
Matthews two Cows and two Ewes.
ITEM, I Give and bequeath unto Yardly Michael
the remaining part of that Tract of Land, I bought
of Joseph Benthall, Sen^ , him and his heirs for
ever. Always provided that lives* upon my Plan
tation at Hungars have liberty to get Timber
thereon for the use of this Plantation, I now live
on. ITEM I Give and bequeath unto my daughter
Elizabeth Custis my negro man Toney besides what
I have here already given her, to her and her heirs
forever. Upon mature and deliberate consideration
relating to all the Negros and Slaves given to my
aforesaid two daughters Elizabeth Custis, aud Sor
rowful Margaret Kendall, and the more fuller to
explain my meaning and will, I do make void the
word give, and I do lend the said Negros and Slaves
* Whoever omitted ; or perhaps m.y wife while she lives, as
mentioned in an earlier part of this will. during

191
during the lives of my said two daughters, and
their husbands, and in Case it should happen that
either of my said two daughters dye Childless, they
shall have liberty to dispose of the said Negros and
Slaves to any of their relations as they shall think
most fit.
ITEM I Give and bequeath unto my son John
Custis, my quarter part of the Brigenteen the
Northampton, built by John Bowdoin, and to his
Assigns forever, and I likewise give to my said son
John Custis, my bigest Silver Tankard, and like
wise my father's picture now standing in my Hall.
ITEM I Give to my Wife Sarah Custis, my next
largest Silver Tankard.
ITEM I Give and bequeath unto Elias Taylor
of Accomack County five hundred acres of Land
lying and being at Acaconson in the said County
to him and his heirs forever. Always provided,
and it is my true intent and meaning that the said
Taylor pay to my executors hereafter named, the
sum of seventy pounds Sterling by good acceptable
Bills of exchange, and fifteen thousand pounds of
good Tobacco and cask according to a Verbal
agreement made between us which if he refuseth
then I do impower my executors hereafte rnamed
to make Sale of the said Land for the best advan
tage they can.
ITEM I Give and bequeath unto Henry Toles
[or Joles] of Accomack County and to his heirs and

192
and assigns forever five hundred Acres of Land
lying and being at Pocomock near Hyleys Neck
according to an Agreement made between us, and
likewise ten thousand Nails, Always provided that
he makes over all his right, title and Interest of
five hundred Acres of Land which he lives on: on
Jincoteague Island, and acknowledge the same in
Accomack County Court to those persons that I
[have] given it to by Will, and in the same nature.
ITEM my Will is that before my Estate is divided,
these goods hereafter excepted, or the worth of
them, be set apart for the use of my now Wife, it
being to make her part even of what I have given
before to my Children, three feather Beds, Bolsters,
& Pillows, three Rugs, three Blankets, to sutes of
Curtains and Vallens, ten pair of Sheets, eight pair
of pillowbeers, eight Towels, five dozen of Nap
kins, six Table Cloths, ten pewter dishes, two
Basons, three dozen of Plates, one chamber Pot,
two Candlesticks, one chafing dish, two Iron Pots,
one skillet, one pair of brass and Irons, one pair of
fire Tongs, and shovel, one Iron Spitt, one smooth
ing Iron and Heaters, one dozen of silver Spoons,
one Silver Porringer, one large Trunk, covered
with Russia Leather, one Sealskin small Trunk
marked J. S. C, one Chest that she keeps her
Clothes in.
ITEM I Give and Bequeath unto my said Wife
all her wearing Apparel both Linen and Woolen of

193
of what nature soever they be, and Silks, with all
her Rings, Jewells, and a Gold chain, or locket.
ITEM I likewise give to my said Wife Sarah
Custis twenty four head of cattle and twenty two
Sheep. ITEM my Will and desire is, that before my Es
tate is divided, that all my just Debts and Legacies
be paid; and that is my desire that my executors
make no delay to pay them; all the rest of my Es
tate I Give and bequeath unto my loving wife Sarah
Custis, Hancock Custis, Henry Custis, Elizabeth
Custis, Sorrowful Margaret Kendall, to be equally
divided amongst them, whether they be goods,
Chattels, Creatures, Moneys or Debts, and upon
Division if my Wife have a mind of any particular
thing, to have her first choice. I desire my Good
friends Captain William Harmanson, George Har-
manson, and Mr. Hilary Stringer, to be aiding and
assisting my wife and Children to divide my said
Estate. I do nominate and appoint my loving wife
Sarah Custis, my son Hancock Custis, my son
Henry Custis, to be my executors of this my last
will & Testament & I do make void all former Wills
by me made and Deeds of Gifts whatsoever.
ITEM I give and bequeath unto WiHiam Har
manson, Mr. George Harmanson, and Mr. Hilary
Stringer each of them a Gold Ring of the value of fif
teen shillings apiece to be sent for by my executors.
I give to my sister in law EHshe Frank two cows and

194
and cafs and as much Stuff as will [make] her
Gown and Petticoat as much new good Linen as
will make her three Shifts.
ITEM I give all my wearing apparel to my two
Sons Hancock Custis and Henry Custis, of what
nature soever to be equally divided amongst them
by my now Wife.
ITEM I Give to Robert Housen fifteen shillings
to buy him a Gold Ring, to be sent for as aforesaid,
and either a Young Mare or Horse. In Testimony
that this is my last Will & Testament I have here
unto set my hand and seal this third day of Decem
ber in the year of our Lord God, one thousand
seven hundred and eight. JOHN CUSTIS L. S.
Teste
Robert Housen
John Satcheli,
Sarah S P Palmer
5i£:iium
EwsHE Frank her
Elizabeth x Atkinson
mark
Northampton County Ss: March the 16'.'' lyH.
The said last Will and Testament of John Custis
Esq": was presented to Court by his Relict Mrs.
Sarah Custis, his two Sons, Hancock Custis and
Henry Custis, his Executors, who made Oath
thereto, and upon their motions it is proved in
Court by the oaths of Robert Housen, John Satch- ell

195
ell and Elishe Frank, witnesses thereto is admitted
to record, and according to order it is recorded.
Teste Robert Housen 1 C. Cir*. Co*. Nor-
Recorded Teste Robert Housen J thampton
A Codicil which I annex to this my last will &
Testament, and I desire that it be truly and punc
tually performed as any part of my will whatever.
ITEM That whereas I have in my will given
my now dwelling House and Plantation with all
the appurtenances thereto belonging, I mean the
use of it, to my loving wife Sarah Custis during
her natural life, always provided that if she marries
that her husband immediately enter into Bond with
good Security, as in my said Will is set forth.
Now my desire is that if my said Wife should
marry, and her Husband refuse to give Bond with
Security to my said son Hancock Custis or his
heirs, then it shall be lawful for my said Wife to
enjoy her thirds, as the law in such Cases provides.
Whereas I gave a parcel of Land to Yardly Michael
containing three hundred acres whereon he formerly
lived, I do revoke that Gift, as if it had never been
made, and I do give the said Land with all the
advantages thereto belonging, with one hundred
Acres of Land thereto belonging to the sole use &
Benefit of my now dwelling Plantation to be used
by them that are the true Possessors of this my
now dwelling Plantation for Timber or otherwise
forever. Whereas I have given five hundred Acres of

196
of Land on Jingoteague Island in my Will in com
mon as is there expressed, to explain my meaning,
my Will and desire is, that my said daughters
enjoy the said Land & Negros during their natural
lives, and likewise their Husbands, but after their
decease, then to go to which Child of their two
Bodies lawfully begotten, my said two sons in law,
and my daughters, shall think fit, that is if they
are not pleased to give it to the eldest, then to
any other which they please, still to be held in
common: I mean the Land, but the Negros to be
distributed amongst my Grand Children as they
shall think fit, and whereas I have given my dear
wife liberty of range for twenty head of Cattle, on
Pocomock, and Gingoteague Island, if she is not
pleased to accept of that consideration for her
thirds on that Land she may refuse, and then her
thirds not to be debared her. this I have writ
with my own hand the more to confirm the same.
Teste. JOHN CUSTIS L. S.
Robert Housen
Matthew Newman
Sarah Custis X Matthews
signum.
And my desire is, and I will and bequeath to my
dear wife all the grain of what sort soever shall be
founed on my Plantation either in growing in the
field or lying in the Houses, together with all my
Hogs for her support, and my will and desire is that
the smith Tools I shall be or am possessed with the

197
shall go, and I give them to my daughter, Eliza
beth Custis, and her heirs forever, and my will is
that the Male Cattle gi\^en to my son John Custis
in my will, bars him of any further claim I owed
him of nineteen head, and I owed for the exchange
of his part from Pocomock, being I am sensible
many more; and my will and desire is that my girl
Abigail that I formerly gave to my daughter Mar
garet in my Will be and remain with all her in
crease to my grandson Custis Kendall and his heirs
and assigns forever. Whereas I am sensible of my
interlinings in my Will all that can be thought of
my writing or Mr. Housens, I do confirm, and de
sire that this part of my Codicil with the rest may
be perpetually performed. Signed, Sealed and
acknowledged as the part or Codicil annexed to my
will before
JOHN CUSTIS L. S.
John Atkinson ¦»
Elizabeth Fox [¦ Witnesses.
Robert Housen J
March the 20'.'' Lyii
Upon consideration of a late Act of Assembly
made at Williamsburgh the last Sessions, my Will
and desire is that none of my Estate be appraised
as the law set forth, but that my Estate as formerly
given in this my will and Codicil hereto annexed
be divided accordingly, and every one to enjoy his
part in special I will hope my Estate will not be in
debt, to this I set my hand, and the Day and year
above

198
above written. The Pistols I design for my son
John, I have sent them to him.
JOHR CUSTIS, L. S.
Nor my executors to give Security
JOHN CUSTIS, L. S.
Signed, sealed & acknowledged
as my act and Deed as a Codicil
annexed to my Will amongst
the other Codicils before inserted
Robert Housen
Signum
Philip P. H. Hammon
signum
William N. Banum
signum
Batt N. Nottingham
Northampton County, Sc. March the 16';'^, i7Ti.
The said three Codicils of John Custis, Esq"", dec'd,
being annexed to his said last will and Testament
was also presented in Court by his said Executors
with the said Will and upon their motion the said
three Codicils was like wise proved in Court by the
Oaths of Robert Housen, Sarah Custis Matthews,
John Atkinson, Elizabeth Fox, Philip Hammon,
Batt Nottingham, witnesses thereto, is admitted to
record, and according to order, it is recorded.
Teste, Robert Housen \ C. Cir* C^ Nor-
Recorded Teste, Robert Housen J thampton.
Copies Teste
Griffin Stith, CI. N. C.

INDEX,

Abingdon, 86.
Accokeek, 46«, 59, 75.
Accomac county, 186.
Adams, Daniel Jenifer, 130.
Francis, 161.
Gabriel, 43.
John Quincy, 109.
Robert, 160.
Alexander, Robert, 93^.
Alexander the Great, victories
of, 160.
Alexandria, 77.
Academy, bequest
to, 87«.
Bank, 88, 139.
lots in, 84, 134.
near, 113.
Alt, Theophilus, io8«.
Alton, John, 105;
Anderson, David, 13.
Appleton, John, 18.
Arlington House, 185.
Ashby's Bent, 122.
Ashton, Ann(Washington),ii4. Burdet, ii5«.
Sarah, ii5«.
Athenaeum, Boston, 98«.
Atkinson, John, 189, 190, 197.
Elizabeth, 194.
George, 167.

Augusta Academy, 93«.
Aylett, Ann, 41. See Ann
Washington.
Bailey, J., 107.
Ball, Burges, 63, 67, 69, Ii6«.
Frances (Washington), 61,
116.
George Washington, 7o».
Joseph, 62.
Mary, 43. Se& Mary Wash
ington.
Balridge, 36.
Bank of Alexandria, 88, 139.
Columbia, 139.
Banks, Henry, I43«.
Banum, William, 198.
Barrow, Alexander, 27.
John B., 28.
Bassett, Frances, iii». See
Lewis.
Bath, 123, 136.
Baylor, Robert W., 170.
Baynham, Alexander, io«.
Beall, Eliza R., 154^.
Benthall, Joseph, 190.
Berkeley county, 93, 122.
Berkham, 158.
Berrien, John, I02«.
Bet, negro, 60.

(199)

200

Betty, negro, 47.
Bible, Washington's, 103.
Biddle, Clement, Lear's letter
to, 87«.
Washington's letter to,
86n.
Bishop, Thomas, 105.
Blackburn, Ann, 151.
Ann Maria, I54«.
JaneCharlotte, IS4»,
173-
Richard, 161.
Richard Scott, 1 73«.
Thomas, isin, 161.
Botetourt county, I28n, 141.
Bowdoin, John, 191.
Box, Earl of Buchan 's, 99, ioo».
Bradwater, William, i85.
Bridge, Anthony, 12.
Bridge Creek, 44, 62«.
Buchan, Earl of, 99, 100.
Bullskin, 74, 76, 94«, 122.
Burning Spring, 128.
Burwell, Lewis, 97^.
Bushrod, Hannah, 43. See
Hannah Washington.
Busts, 160.
Butler, Caleb, 19.
Lawrence, 34, 35.
Byrd, William, lottery of, 97.
Canes, Washington, 102.
Capteening Creek, I26«.
Carlyle, John, 78, 104.
Sarah, 104.

Carolaca, 131.
Carter, Betty (Lewis), 60, 61,
63, 67, 97, 115-
Charles, 67, 69, 97.
Charles (the elder),
98^.
Cary, Wilson Miles, io4«.
Chambers, ii5«.
Chapman, James, 102.
Nathaniel, 49, 78.
Charles county, Md., 130.
Charson, Henry L., 144.
Chattin's Run, 122.
Chew, John, 62.
Chincoteague, 168, 192, 196.
Chotank, 42, 44, 50, loi.
Clinton, George, 99, 131.
Cole, Mr., gw.
Cole River, 128, 143.
Collard, Samuel, 162.
Congress, New York Provin
cial, I02«.
Conoway, Christopher, 42«.
Conway, Moncure D., \2n, 60.
Comer, William H., I03«, io4«.
Coxe, Daniel, 131.
Coxeborough, 131.
Craik, Dr. James, 102.
Crane, Samuel J., 178.
Crask, Edmund, 29.
Crawford, William, I3l«.
Cresap, Col., 75, 76, i26«.
Cruttwell, Clement, io3n.
Culpepper, Thomas, i2«.
Cunningham, Ann Pamelia
177-

201

Custis, Eleanor Parke, 112, 113,
116. See Lewis.
Elizabeth, 188, 189, 190,
193. 197-
George Washington
Parke, ^\n, \0171, 112,
113, 117, 119.
Hancock, 183, 184, 185,
186, 187, 193, 194, 195.
Henry, 187, 188, 193,
194.
John, will of, 183.
John, 185, 187, 191, 198.
John Parke, \ozn, losn,
ujn. '
Nellie (Calvert), io2n,
io$n, iiyn.
Sarah, 183, 184, 186, 191,
192, 193. 194, 195-
Dandridge, Bartholomew, 95,
96.
John, 95, 96, i24«.
Mary, 96.
Darke, William, iio«.
Davis, Pierce, 186.
De Butts, Lawrence, 9«.
Deep Creek, 62«.
Run, 42, 43, 45,. 62«.
Deneale, G., 9, 140.
DiflScult Bridge, 121.
Run, 99.
Dinwiddle, Gov., izjn.
Dismal Swamp, 99, 125.
Company,
I26n, 151.

District of Columbia, Univer
sity for, 92.
Dogue Run, 73, 109, iii, 113.
Dorsey, James, 153.
Dower negroes, 84.
Dudley, William, i2n, 1372.
Dumfries, 63^.
Dunmore, Lord, 127^, 128.7.
Edenburgh, 98.
Edwards, Meridah, 35.
Education, Washington on, 90.
EUenborough, Lord, ii6«.
Emmet, Thomas Addis, I55«.
England, John, 46.
Epsewasson Creek, i3«.
Erskine, David Stuart, 997?.
Ernst, O. H., i34«.
Essex County, 23«.
Estaing, i6in.
Evan's Mountain, 122.
Fairfax, Bryan, Lord, 103, 104?;.
George William, 78.
William, 78.
Fairfax County, I2«, 71, 75.
Fairfield, 105.
Falmouth, 62«.
Fincastle County, i2Sn.
Finch, Thomas, 50.
Fitzhugh, William, of Chat
ham, 97«.
Flagg, Henry, 11.
Fleming, Alexander, 24^, 25«,
26.

202

Fleming, Jane or Joyce, 24«,
25», 10I«.
Ursula, 24«, 2572.
Forbach, Madame de, ioi«.
Ford, West, 161.
Foster, Robert, 14.
Four mile run, S6n, 113.
Foxall, John, 12.
Fox, Elizabeth, 197, 198.
Foxcraft, Isaac, 186.
Frank, negro, 41.
Frank, Elishe, 194, 195.
Franklin's cane, loi.
Frederick, negro, 60.
Frederick County, 74, 75, 123.
Fredericksburg, 46«, 50, 59, 62,
63, 66, 97.
Fries, John, 14.
Ganst's engravings, i6on.
George, negro, 59.
Gibson, Mrs. Mary (Washing
ton), 26«. See Mary Wash
ington.
Giles, Captain, I2«.
Gloucester County, 99, 123.
Goldsmith's company, 99;?,
100.
Goose Creek, 77.
Gordon, Samuel, 98.
Gound, 78.
Grant, Margaret, 427;.
Gray, John, 51^.
Great Meadows, 131.
Green, Sarah, loi.
William, 1277, 1377.

Gregory, Roger, 35», 3672.
Hammon, Philip, 198.
Hammond, Mildred (Washing
ton), 116.
Thomas, ii6n.
Plampshire County, 123.
Harewood, iio7Z.
Harmanson, George, 193.
William, 193.
Harrison, Mr., 13172.
Benjamin, 12977.
George, 4577.
Maria Powell, 15477.
Nathaniel, Jr., 9777.
William, 4577.
Harvie, John, 1267/.
Hawkins, Thomas, 27.
Hayden, Rev. Horace Edwin,
1977, 2472, 2577, 2677, 11677, 11777.
Hayfield, 105.
Haynie, Elizabeth, 105.
Sallie Ball, 105.
Hedges, Robert, 11.
Herbert, Bushrod W., 159, 164,
165.
Edward, 10477.
James R., 10477.
John C, 104/7.
Mary Lee, 155, 15S,
159, 164, 166, 167.
Noblet, 161, 164.
Thomas, 10477.
William, 1047/.
Hills, Richard, 13, 36.
Holland, John, 1077.

203

Hood, John, 98.
Horton, William, 977.
Houdon, i6o77.
Housen, Robert, 194, 195, 196,
197, 198.
Howard, 25.
Howes, Thomas, 20, 38.
Hungars, 183, 190.
Hutchinson, David, 10477.
Hyley's neck, 192.
Ingle, Henry and Joseph, 11877.
Inglis, Rev. Mr., 103.
Jackson, Andrew, 10277.
Robert, 49, 50.
S., 10977.
James River shares, 89, 92, 139.
Johnson, Dennis, 168.
Jones, John Paul, 160.
Mary, 2377, ioi77.
Jordan, Thomas, 14.
Judy, negro, 47.
Kanhawa lands, 99.
Kendall, Custis, 197.
Sorrowful M., 188,
189, 190, 193.
Wm., 187, 189.
Kentucky, lands in, 132.
Keys, Gersham, 77.
King George County, 1277, 41,
4677.
King's College telescope, 10277.
Kittoctan, 130.
Lafayette, 103, i6oi'7.

Lancashire furnace, 4677.
Lancaster County, 2377, 26«.
Lands, Western, 118, 126, 141,
Langhorn, Mary, 2477.
Law, Elizabeth Parke, 116.
Lear, Frances, 105.
Tobias, 8777, 105, 112.
Le Brun, 16077.
Lee, Cassius F., 13577.
Edmund I., 177, 178.
George, 53«.
Hannah, 154^.
Ludwell, 140.
Mary, 11477.
Richard Henry, ii4«,
I54«-
William, 86, 8777.
Lewis, Andrew, 130.
Betty (Washington), 45,
46, 59, 61, 63, 76, 9777,
112, 115.
George, 106, 11077.
Eleanor Parke (Custis),
116.
Elizabeth, 34.
Fielding, 60, 9777.
Jr., 115, 125.
George, 115, 152, 155,
166.
Howell, 115.
John, 3477.
Laurence, 60, 107, 112,
113, 117, 119, 140, 162.
Robert, 63, 115.
Thomas, 43, 146.
VirginiaT., logw.

204

Lewis. Warner, 12477.
Liberty Hall, 93.
Liston, Daniel, 36.
Robert, 36, 37.
Little, Charles, 140.
Little Hunting Creek, 1377, 36,
41, 73, 109, III, 112, 155,
Lord, John, 18.
Lossing, Benson J., 107, 11977,
16177.
Loudoun countj', 99, 121.
Lydia, negro, 60.
Macaulay, Mrs., 10372.
Machoactoke River, 977, 12, 36.
Manchester, lots in, 97.
Mansion House, iii.
Markham, Lewis, 36.
Marshall, John, 98, 163.
Maruim, Lewis, 11.
Mary, negro, 47.
Maryland, property in, 130.
Mason, George, 161.
Thomson, 9777, 9877,110,
113, 155. 166.
Mattox, 36, 43, 45, 47, 48.
McCarty, Daniel, 49.
Meade, Bishop, 2977.
Richard Kidder, 9777.
Mercer, John Francis, 123,
13077.
James, 61, 64, 70.
Sophia, 13077.
Miami River, lands on, 132.
Michael, Yardley, 190.
Micou, James Roy, 29.

Millan, George, 168.
Minton, Elizabeth, 36.
Moll, negro, 74, 76.
Montgomery county, Md., 130,
Moratico, 6277.
Morris, John, 188.
Moseley, Capt. Wm., 26.
Moss, Alfred, 141.
William, 168.
Mottrom, John, 1377.
Mount Vernon estate, 12, 3677,
41, 53«. 73. 108, 151, 153- i55r
157, 176-
Muddy hole, no.
Mumford, George W., 141.
Mumford's Museum, 161.
Nansemond county, 125.
Necker, bust of, 160.
Necostin's town, 977.
Negroes, dower, 84.
Newman, Matthew, 196.
New York, property in, 131.
Nicholas, Lewis, 35.
Nore, James, 45.
North, John, 78.
Northumberland Count}', 14,.
1877, 2677.
Norway, David, 13.
Nottingham, Batt, 198.
Nugent, James, 155, 156.
Ohio company, 77.
lands, 126.
Pace, Alexia, 2577.

205

Pace, Jane, 2577.
Thomas, 25«.
Page, John, 9877.
Palmer, Sarah, 194.
Parish, Truro, 12.
Washington, 9, 16, 33,
35-
Parishes in Virginia, formation
of, 977.
Parks, Harriot (Washington),
Andrew, 11577.
Peake, Humphrey, in, 153,
161.
Pendergrass, Gerrard, 75, 76.
Pendleton, Edmund, 53, 6377.
Philip, 93, 94.
Pennsylvania, property in, 131.
Peter, Martha Parke, 116. "
Phil, gardener, 159.
pipe Creek, 12677.
Piscatoway Indian town, 1277.
Pope, Anne, 11, 15, 17, 19. See
Ann Washington.
Thomas, 11, 1472, 17.
Pope's Creek, 51.
Porter & Coates, 10372.
Posey, Thomas, 12872.
Potomac river, 977, 1272, 1372.
shares, 89, 92,
138.
Prince George County, 9872.
William County, 1277, 41,
43, 45, 47, 48, 53, 54-
principio Iron Company, 42,
45, 75, 76.

Randolph, Edmund, 12972.
Peter, 9872.
Peyton, 9772, 9872.
Richard, 9772.
Rappahannock creek, 13.
County, 2372.
Redman, Robert, 38.
Richards, Robert, 14.
Richardson, F. W., 14172, 169.
Richmond, 97.
County, 2372.
Riggs, Alice L., 108.
Robertson, Archibald, 100.
Robinson, John, 9877.
Maxim, 77.
Rogers, Edmund Law, 11772.
Rosier, John, 12, 38.
Rosier's Creek, 11.
Rough Creek, 132.
Round Bottom, 126.
Hill, 972, 36.
Rumsey, James, 13672.
Rush, William, 36.
Salisbury Plains, 74, 77.
Sandy, Henry, Jr., 28.
Saratoga, 13277.
Satchell, John, 194, 195.
Simms, Charles, 140.
Slaves, Washington's, 84, 96.
Sodor and Man, Bishop of, 103.
Sparks, Jared, 98M.
Spencer, Francis, 1372, 4572.
Nicholas, I072, 12, 1372.
Spotswood, Elizabeth (Wash
ington), 114.

2o6

spotswood, Alexander, 11472,
15472.
General A., 132.
Spotsylvania County, 59.
Spy-glass, Washington's, 102.
Stafford County, 12, 36, 42, 59.
Stewart, James, 13072.
Rebecca, 13072.
Stith, Griflan, 198.
Stock, live, 139.
Stocks, United States, 137.
Storkes quarter, 37.
Story, Judge Joseph, 161.
Strickland, 11972.
Stringer, Hilary, 193.
Strother, Anthony, 49, 50, 51.
William, 42.
Struthers, John, 11972.
Stuart, David, 102, 10572, 141.
Eleanor (Custis), 105.
Mr., 77.
Sue, negro, 47.
Summers, George W., 10677.
Samuel, 156.
Swords, Washington, 106.
Taylor, 11472.
Elias, 191.
Telescope, King's College,
10277.
Thomas, Margaret (Lee), 8777.
Thomazine, John, 2577.
Thomson, James, 49, 50, 51.
Thompson, Samuel, 34, 37.
William, 34.
Thornton, Elizabeth, 2577.

Thornton, Jane, 114.
Mildred, 4377,
Presley, 9877.
Rowland, 25M.
Col. — ., 1 1472.
Lieut., 12872.
Tiffy, Mathew, 50.
Tom, negro, 59.
Towles, Henry, 188, 191.
Townshend, Frances, 2477.
Mary, 2472, loi.
Mary (Lang-
horne), 247/.
Robert, 2472.
Truro Parish, 1277, 73.
Trumbull, Charles, 9877,
Turner, Harry, 151.
— •¦ 51-
United States Stocks, 137,
Vault, family, 73, 118.
Wahanganoche, 18.
Waite, William, 78.
Wakefield, 3677, 5177.
Wales, John, 9777.
Walker, Ann, 105.
Joseph, 61, 62,
Thomas, 125.
Wallace, William, 99.
Waller, John, 50.
Walpole grant, 12777.
Warm Springs, 123, 136.
Warner, Elizabeth, 3477.
Mildred, 35.

207

Warren, Andrew W., 78.
Washington, Ann (daughter of
John), 14, 15,
16, 17, 34-
Ann (daughter of
Laurence), 24,
25, IOI72.
Ann (Fairfax),
53«, 73-
Ann (7/2. Ashton),
114.
Ann (Blackburn),
151-
Ann Eliza, 167-
Ann Maria, 175,
17877.
Augustine (son of
Lawrence), 35,
36, 4277, 4672,
47», 51, 53; will
of, 41.
Augustine (son of
Augustine), 41,
45, 47, 48, 49-
5i«, 53, 75, 76,
78, 115-
Betty, 45, 46. See
Lewis.
Bushrod, 5372, 67,
68, 98, 106, 107,
108, 113, 116,
119. 151, 176;
will of, 151.
Bushrod (of Mt.
Zephyr), 154,
156, 157, 158,

159, 161, 162,
165, 167.
Washington, Bushrod Corbin,
154, 158, 159,
162, 167, 177,
178.
Charies, 43, 44,
48, 54, 59, 64,
75, 76, loi, 116.
Charles Augus-
tine, [ill],
II277, 116.
Corbin, 59, 116,
154, 155-
Elizabeth, 11472.
Elizabeth (Foote),
105.
Ella Bassett, 109.
Ferdinand, 11572.
Frances, 116.
George, 3677, 42,
44, 47, 48, 50,
51, 52, 53«, 59,
61, 62«, 75, 76,
78, 12772, 152,
155, 160, 161,
163, 166 ; death
and burial,
11872/ letter to
Mrs. Lewis, 63,
68; letter to Bai
and Carter, 5}
letter to Bush
rod, W., 9872/
letter to Cham
bers, 11572; let-

208

ter to Warner
Lewis, 124; let
ter to Jno. Har
vie, I26«/ let
ter to E. Ran
dolph, 12972/
letter to Clin
ton, 13272/ let
ter to D. Stuart,
141 ; letter of
Banks, 14372 /
swords of, 10877/
will of, 83.
Washington, George Augus
tine, 5o, 67, III,
116.
George Corbin,
517/, 10672, 10977,
154, 155. 156,
157, 158, 159,-
160, i6r, 162.
George Fayette,
III, 116.
George Steptoe,
94, 106, 108,
II077, 115, 119,
140.
George W., 167,
168.
Hannah ( Bush
rod), 43, 59, 104.
Hannah(Fairfax), 105.
Harriet, 115.
Jane (Fleming),
24, 27.

Washington, Jane, 11472, 116;
772. Washington.
Jane, 114 ; 777.
Thornton.
Jane C, 119, 163,
173, 176, 177-
Jane Mildred, 167.
John(immigrant), 10, 1277, 1372,
1477, 19, 26«,
27, 5172/ will of,
9-
John(son of John),
II, 13, 14, 15,
17, 34-
John (son of im
migrant Law
rence), 16, 24,
25, 2572, 27, 35,
37, 5177, IOI72.
John (son of John
2d), 2472, IOI72.
John (son of Law
rence 2d), 36,
37-
John Augustine,
43, 44, 48, 54,
6272, 64, 75, 76,
77, lopt, 11472.
John Augustine,
152, 154, 15S,
159, 160, 162,
163, 165, 167,
16S, will of, 173.
Lavrrence (immi
grant), 14, 16,

209

17, 23, 24, 25,
I0I72 / will of,
23-
Washington, Lawrence (son of
immigrant
John), II, 12,
1372, IS, i6, 17,
33, 51^/ will of,
33-
Lawrence (son of
Augustine), 41,
43, 45, 46, 47,
48, 49, 51, 53;
will of, 73.
Lawrence (son of
John), 35, loi,
102.
Lawrence Augus
tine, 94, 1 1 072,
[in], II277, 115.
Lawrence Augus
tine, 2d, 1 1077.
Lewis William,
5177, 10972.
Lund, 65, 9472,
I0172, 10572.
Maria, 116.
Martha, 17.
Martha (Dand
ridge), 83, 95,
119.
Martha D., 11072.
Mary (Ball), 43,
63, will of, 59.
Mary (Jones), 2372,
10I77.

Mary (T o w n -
shend), 2472.
Washington, Mary(»2. Gibson),
23, 24, 2572, 27,
jom.
Mary Lee, 155.
Mildred(Warner), 35, 38.
Mildred (m. Gre
gory-Willis, )35,
36.
Mildred (wz.Ham-
mond), 116.
Mildred {m.
Thornton), 4377,
61, 105.
Richard B., 178.
Richard Henry
Lee, 164.
Robert, loi.
Samuel (son of
Augustine), 42,
43, 44, 48, 50,
54, 6277, 64, 75,
76, 93, 94, 112.
Samuel (son of
Charles), ioi?2,
10672, 10777, no,
116, 119, 140.
Samuel T., 10172,
10672.
Sarah, 54, 74, 75,
76, 78.
Thornton, 93, 94,
"5.
Thornton A., II072.

2IO

Washington, Townsend, 10172.
Warner, 10572.
William Augus
tine, 5177, 97,
106, 10972, 114,
119, 15472.
Washington Academy, 9372.
Washington and Lee Univer
sity, 93.
Washington city, lots in, 114,
133-
Washington Parish, 972.
Water mill, n, 37, 41, 47, 155.
Waters, Henry F., 1377.
Watts, — ., II.
Webb, William, 36.
Weedon, Captain George, 12772.
George, 38.
Weeks, Benjamin, 50.
Welles, Albert, 2972.
Westcomb, James, 20, 38.
West, Falco, 26.
Westmoreland County, 972, 1877,
33, 41, 43, 50, 53-
White, Daniel, 35.
Whitely, Henry, 4772.
Whitmore, William H., 29.

Whittsons, John, 13.
Wickeff, Henry, 20.
Will of George Washington,
original, 14172.
Willet, Marinus, 131.
Willett, William, 185.
William. See William Lee.
Williams, Mrs., 36.
Willie, William, 98.
Willis, Col. Henry, 3572, 50.
Wilmot, Henry, 10272.
Wilson, Thomas, 103.
Col., 77-
Winchester, lots in, 135.
Winneberger, 11977.
Withers, Edmund, 4272.
John, 4272.
Sarah, 4272.
Thomas, 4272.
William, 4272.
Wood, Cornelius, 28.
John, 9772.
Woodstock Manor, 13072.
Wormley's line, 122.
Wright, Major Francis, 1472,
37-
Wythe, George, 9772.

¦ "^ J^^i "^ ¦'^.'^.'- "^- "^ M^M '>U -vi-* -ir J^ "J-- -vU ''[y -d^ '¦L;' -. - ¦

^|i!iii|«^iii!ii|i|j^^^ ^^^^ti

PUBLICATIONS

OF THE

Historical Printing Club

97 CLARK ST.,

-^ BROOKLYN, N. Y. Ik.

Ilpit^^lillipi^^n^

|lpri^Mii{iiiiii|ii|iii^^iiiiiiii^

*%-:;TC^a%^.t=p4r

./-fv. f Ts; i>Js, Z^ P^^ ^JT

'F^T-

B
ill'

The gaYiNGs of pooR T{i(Lmm.
THE PREFACES, PROVERBS AND POEMS OF
BKNJAMIN KRANKLIN,
ORIGINALLY PRINTED IN
POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACS, 17334758.
EDITED BY
PAUL LEICESTER FORD.
Octavo, pp. 288, 9 plates, half morocco, gilt top, uncut.
Only lOO copies printed.
Price, $S.OO.
Though the sayings of Poor Richard have enj'oyed a world-wide rep
utation, this is the first time they have ever been collected from the
excessively rare original almanacs, as well as their first appearance in a
volume. This large paper edition contains seven photographic illustra
tions not in the ordinary edition, and has been printed and bound to
range with Bigelow's edition of Franklin's writings, to which it forms a nec
essary supplementary volume.
"Published in a more elegant style than their author ever imagined possible."
— New York Observer.
"This reprint of Poor Richard's Proverbs, Poems and Epigrams is a better
commentary on Franklin and his times than could be had in the most labored his
torical essays." — St. Louis Republic.
" Both the compiler and publishers deserve thanks for placing writings, highly ¦
interesting both in themselves and historically, in so attractive and convenient a
form." — Boston Advertiser.
"A gem of Colonial Literature." — Brooklyn Eagle.

S:yiy:::lJld'':bM — ~  ¦:ii!D;:::|3m"|fflj,;a

Ll^

mHiii

Letters of Joseph Jones,
OK VIRGINIA.
1777=87. EDITED BY
WORTHINGTON C. FORD.
Small 4to., pp. xiv, 157.
Only 2S0 copies printed.
Price, in sheets stitched, uncut, $5.00.
In cloth, uncut, $6.00.
These letters, now for the first time printed, form a most important
mass of historical material treating of revolutionary and subsequent events.
The writer, Joseph Jones, was a member of the Virginia House of Bur-
Igesses, of the State Convention of 1 776, of the Continental Congress and
the State Convention of 1 788. Among his correspondents were Wash
ington, Madison, and Jefferson, and his abilities and surrounding make
his opinions and information of interest and value.

Pamplilets on the Constitution of tlie United States.
Published During its Discussion by the People.
1787-8.
EDITED WITH NOTES AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY BY
PAUL LEICESTER FORD.

Large Octavo. 451 Pages. Only SOO Copies Printed.
Price, Half Morocco, Gilt Top, uncut, $6.00.
Cloth, Gilt Top, uncut, $5.00.

This is a reprint of rare pamphlets, written on our Constitution dur
ing the time that government was under discussion prior to its acceptance
by the people. These pamphlets are of much importance for the history
of that period, and an examination of the originals would necessitate visits
to Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Boston, and "take a lifetime of
patient searching and waiting to collect them from the second-hand book
sellers and auction rooms, at prices that few would care to pay." As a
consequence they have hitherto been almost unknown as historical mate
rial. They are as follows:
[Gerry, Elbridge]. Observations on the New Constitution, and on the
Federal and State Conventions. By a Columbian Patriot.
[Webster, Noah]. An examination into the leading principles of the
Federal Constitution. By a citizen of America.
[Jay, John]. An Address to the People of the State of New York, on the
subject of the Constitution. By a Citizen of New York.

[Smith-, Melancthon]. Address to the People of the State of New York,
By a Plebeian.
[Webster, Pelatiah]. The weakness of Brutus exposed; or some re
marks in vindication of the Constitution. By a Citizen of Philadelphia.
[Coxe, Tench]. An examination of the Constitution of the United States
of America. By an American Citizen.
Wilson, James. Speech on the Federal Constitution, delivered in Phil
adelphia.
[Dickinson, John]. Letters of Fabius on the Federal Constitution.
[Hanson, Alexander Contee]. Remarks on the Proposed Plan of a
Federal Government. By Aristides.
Randolph, Edmund. Letters on the Federal Constitution.
[Lee, Richard Henry]. Observations on the System of Government
proposed by the late Convention. By a Federal Farmer.
Mason, George. Objections to the Federal Constitution.
[Iredell, James]. Observations on George Mason's Objections to the
Federal Constitution. By Marcus.
[Ramsay^ David]. An Address to the Freemen of South Carolina on the
Federal Constitution. By Civis.
Bibliography of the Constitution, 1787-1789. By the Editoi.
"A happy thought to reproduce in this centennial period a select number of
the pamphlets which were published for or against the Constitution. . . . gathered
from the wide field of political pamphleteering in 1787 and 1788, we can hear the
political accent of the living age in almost every variety of tone, and can catch, as
from a phonograph, the true and false emphasis which was then peculiar to the
political dialect of the country." — The Nation.
"The fourteen Pamphlets on the Constitution . . . form a valuable addition to
the hterature of American Constitutional law and history. The Bibliography and
reference li.st at the end are especially useful." — The Neiv York Tribune.

'¦i-ili| 'llf^" PPI^^'inTl 'in B™!!"'" "B"^"^ it" "S^^ iJ""'!!'''' "H™S
aiaafJLi^Miiiiwi—iirrLiiBnMiiiii  n iSii At  miimihiimiii^i  ,  mbiiiwiiiiiiTI  flwnii nmiiin  I

THE WASHINGT0N-DUCH6 LETTERS,
Now printed for tlie first time, from the original manuscripts,
witli an introductory note hj
WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD.

Small Quarto, pp. 38. Only BOO copies printed. Price, $l.SO.

"It is not a little surprising to discover that this famous letter has never
been known as it was written, but only from imperfect copies published in
channels where garbling had become a recognized trade. ... On Nov. 29,
1777, in one of the early issues of Rivington's Gazette, was published this
letter, and soon after it was included in a pamphlet issued from the same
press, appended to the "Forged Letters" of Washington. ... It again
appeared with the Spurious Letters of 1 796, but still retaining the Riving
ton text, of which the editor of the Official Letters of Washington to
Congress wrote: T regret extremely that I cannot (without openly avow
ing myself the author) point out to the public the prodigious incorrectness
of Mr. Duche's letter. Having compared it with a correct copy which I
have taken from the files, I find no less than one hundred and forty devia
tions from the genuine text: — in which number I do not count orthography
and punctuation.' When Mr. Sparks was making up his important col
lection of letters written to Washington during the Revolution, he used
the Rivington version, and his example was followed by the cojnpiler of
Washington at Valley Forge." — Preface.
In addition to the Duche and Washington letters, this volume contains
Washington's letter to Francis Hopkinson, and Hopkinson's to Duche,
concerning this letter; and Duche's letter, written after the signing of the
treaty of peace in 1783, with Washington's reply.

mMMiMi

THE SPURIOUS LETTERS

ATTRIBUTED TO

AA^ASHINGTON.

edited by
WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD.

Quarto, pp. 166, paper, uncut.
Only 500 copies printed.
Price $3.00.

This volume contains the famous "forged" letters which were published
in England and America in 1777 with a design to undermine the influence
of Washington and depict him as a traitor to the cause he was leading.
An attempt to establish the authorship is here first made, and many illus
trations from the genuine letters of the General are given to show how
closely the fabricator of the spurious letters imitated the thoughts and even
the style of the supposed writer. Some rare and curious biographical
sketches of Washington, printed during his life-time are added, with other
I material of a like nature.
One hundred copies of the tract contain a reproduction of a letter from
John Randolph, the last royal Attorney-General of Virginia, and the sup
posed forger. Price, $4.00.

J . 1!
ji L ^ :j

X'-he Qj^i£inf ^uz^pose eind ^esu^^

OF THE

HARRISBURG CONVENTION OF 1788.

BY
PAUL LEICESTER FORD.

Quarto, pp. 40, paper, uncut.
Only 250 copies printed.
Price, $1.00.

The Harrisburg Convention was described by its contemporaries as
a "smuggling business," and to this day its original purpose has been in
doubt, as indeed much of its history. To clear up the objects and results
of this secret gathering, the greatest pains have been taken to embody all
information, both printed and manuscript, bearing on it. From the mat
ter thus for the first time brought to light, it appears almost certain that
this meeting of prominent Pennsylvanians, such as William Findley, George
Bryan, John Smiley, Albert Gallatin, and many others, who were united in
their opposition to the Federal Constitution, was held for the purpose of
preventing the organization of the United States Government, or if possi
ble to secure the secession of such counties of the State as were opposed
to that government ; and as the first attempt at nullification or secession,
deserves more prominence in our histories than has as yet been accorded
to it.

YALE UNIVERSITY

39002 Q0297_6i422b

^ .^4^?'

.'. \ '

^ ,ft -
k'Si.«
- 0.
¦ . f 2i)- «