Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
PO Box 3600Caroline Sharp, Special Collections Archivist
This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library's Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.
[Name and date of item], Ted and Mary Wendell early American collection, [Folder], Special Collections, The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon [hereafter Washington Library], Mount Vernon, Virginia.
This collection consist of 47 documents, 10 maps, and 1 map slipcase collected by Ted and Mary Wendell. The collection pertains to George Washington and includes 25 documents written, annotated, or signed by Washington. Much of the material concerns the Revolutionary War, western land claims following the French and Indian War, and British and American governmental records. The dates of the material range from 1721-1826.
The collection is divided into three series: Manuscripts, Publications, and Oversize. The folders are arranged in chronological order within each series.
Series 1. Manuscripts Series 2. Publications Series 3. Oversize
Land survey with plat map by George Washington for John Elswick, detailing 437 acres on Lost River in Augusta County (now Hampshire County, WV). Two additional people are listed in the document: John Lonem and Samuel McHandry (C.C.-chainmen). The docket on verso notes, 'Deed drawn in Thomas Walter's name'. Autograph document signed, 1 page.
Land survey with plat map by George Washington for Walter Shirley, detailing 311 acres in Frederick County, VA. Autograph document signed, 1 page.
Land survey with plat map by George Washington for Mary Johnston, detailing 400 acres between Bullskin Run and Long Marsh Run in Frederick County, VA (now Jefferson County, WV). Three additional names listed of those who assisted with the survey - John Johnston, James McCarmick (C.C.- chainmen) and Benjamin Pearson (marker). Docketed in Washington's writing. Autograph document signed, 2 pages.
Letter from George Washington, written by Washington's secretary, John Kirkpatrick, to Peter Hog (or Hoge) with instructions to build a chain of forts along the frontiers from Fort Dinwiddie towards the Mayo River. Washington explains that this was decided by a Council of War at Fort Cumberland. He orders Hog to Augusta Courthouse to raise a militia to assist his own company in erecting the forts and urges vigilance against attack: 'you are, while upon this work to keep out constant covering parties, and above all things guard against a surprize'. Washington states that Hog's men will receive double pay for every day they work while construction is under way and he advises Hog about acquiring the necessary building tools. Letter signed, 2 pages.
Land grant to Thomas Martin for his service in the French and Indian War, under the Proclamation of 1763. Granted in New York and signed by Edwin Chandler. The docket reads 'Received New York the 20 January 1767 of Mr. Christopher Roosevelt the sum of ten shillings for my property of lands allotted me' and is signed by Thomas Martin. Manuscript document, signed by Thomas Martin, 2 pages.
Letter from Wills Hill, Lord Hillsborough, to Horatio Sharpe, Proprietary Governor of Maryland. Acting as the agent of King George III, Hillsborough orders Sharpe to submit a 'complete Collection, either in Manuscript, or Print, of the Laws of the Propriety under your Government' at the first opportunity. Letter signed, 1 page.
Order of council concerning George Washington's formal petition on behalf of himself and other veterans of the French and Indian War to receive the 200,000 acres of land promised by Governor Dinwiddie in the Proclamation of 1754. The council has approved the petition and the petitioners will be allowed five years to survey their grants. The docket is in Washington's writing, titled 'Order of Council 15th December 1769. Respecting the 200,000 acres of land petitioned for'. Manuscript document, with autograph note by George Washington, 1 page.
Land agreement between George Washington and George Muse, granting Washington one-third of the bounty lands Muse was entitled to under Governor Dinwiddie's Proclamation of 1754. This agreement stipulates that Washington and his heirs are responsible for the costs of surveying and securing the one-third share. Witnessed and signed by Fielding Lewis, James Hunter, and Charles Washington, as well as George Washington and George Muse. Autograph document signed, 1 page, with 2 partial red wax seals.
Land survey with plat map by William Crawford for George Washington, detailing 587 acres on the Ohio River known as the Round Bottom tract. Two additional men are named as 'chainmen'. Docket note, in Washington's writing, reads 'Memorandum of the warrants laid upon this tract', with names and acreage listed. Autograph document signed, 1 page.
Copy of an order of council, in George Washington's writing, concerning Washington's proposals for apportioning the 200,000 acres of land promised by Governor Dinwiddie in the Proclamation of 1754 to Washington and other veterans of the French and Indian War. The council accepted Washington's proposals for the division of the bounty lands already surveyed. The order goes on to list the individual claimants and their authorized patents, with listed acreage. Listed claimants include George Washington, George Muse, George Mercer, and Joshua Fry. Autograph document, 1 page.
Land survey without plat map by William Crawford for John Fry, detailing 1525 acres. A note in George Washington's writing indicates that this surveyed land is patented to Joshua Fry, John Fry's father, by an Order of Council dated November 6, 1772. This order apportioned bounty lands granted to veterans of the French and Indian War by the Proclamation of 1754. The note continues that the patent will be issued to John Fry, as Joshua Fry's heir. Six additional men are listed as 'chainmen' and 'marker'. Document is signed and docketed by George Washington. Autograph letter signed, 1 page.
Letter from George Washington to Jonathan Boucher concerning the tenancy of Washington's lands on the Ohio River. Washington thanks Boucher and a Dr. Barton for their assistance and asks Boucher to provide Dr. Barton with an enclosed advertisement (not identified). Washington goes into detail about the land and his estimation of its value based on location and the probability of the establishment of a new colony on the Ohio. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages.
Order of council written and signed by John Blair, Clerk of the Council, concerning stipulations for lands granted to veterans of the French and Indian War in the Proclamation of 1763. Thomas Walker is listed as the main petitioner. Docketed in George Washington's writing. Autograph document signed, 1 page.
Account of transactions and costs between George Washington and George Mercer, in Washington's writing. The listed transactions detail Washington's efforts to secure bounty lands granted to veterans of the French and Indian War under the Proclamation of 1754 on behalf of Mercer and his brother. The docket, in Washington's writing, lists a total cost of £40.11.11. Autograph document signed, 1 page.
Account of the proposed costs for exploring, surveying, and patenting bounty lands granted to Richard Smith as a veteran of the French and Indian War under the Proclamation of 1754. Smith's listed part of the 200,000 granted acres is 500 acres. Signed by George Washington. Docket reads, "Pay the within contents of One pound, three shillings, and Eight pence to Captn William Crawford' and is dated February 25, 1774 and signed by Washington as well as William Crawford. Manuscript document signed, 1 page.
Account of the costs between George Washington and the estate of Captain Robert Stobo, in Washington's writing. The listed transactions detail Washington's efforts to secure bounty lands granted to veterans of the French and Indian War under the Proclamation of 1754 on behalf of Stobo. The docket fragment, in Washington's writing, lists a total cost of £40.6.7. Autograph document signed, 1 page.
Letter from George Washington to William Preston concerning land granted to him under the Proclamation of 1754, which granted bounty lands to veterans of the French and Indian War. Washington explains that the land, located on the Great Kanawha River (in present-day West Virginia), was surveyed by William Crawford. Washington asks Preston to certify this survey so that it can be submitted under the later Proclamation of 1763 in order to acquire additional lands. Washington expresses his displeasure at the idea that he will be excluded from these additional bounty lands if they are reserved solely for British regulars: 'I can see no cause why Americans (who have serv'd his Majesty in the late War with as much fidelity, and without presumption, with as much Success, as his British Troops) should be stigmatiz'd...'. Washington goes on to guarantee that he will pay Preston the same fees for approving Crawford's survey as he would if Preston were to make the survey himself. Autograph letter with signature missing (lower section of the sheet is missing), 3 pages.
Fragment of three words, from a letter from George Washington to William Preston. The letter concerns Washington's land on the Great Kanawha River (in present-day West Virginia) acquired under the Proclamation of 1754 and the Proclamation of 1763. This fragment contains three words cut from the letter, 'of it, upon', and is from the missing lower section of the third page. For the remaining letter, see 2024-SC-009-017. Autograph letter unsigned.
Letter from George Washington to Peter Hog (or Hoge) concerning Captain William Crawford. Washington requests Hog's assistance in attaining a commission for Crawford as assistant surveyor to Colonel Thomas Lewis in Augusta County, VA. Washington explains that Lord John Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, has recommended this appointment. He goes on to express regret that Captain Crawford was unable to attend a meeting of the Sandy Creek claimants at Winchester on March 5th. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages.
Account of transactions and costs between George Washington and George William Fairfax, in Washington's writing. The listed transactions range June 15-December 20, 1774, and include costs for 'cash sent to the Annapolis printer advertizing Belvoir and the sale of goods there', etc. Docket note lists a total of £238.11.10. Autograph document signed, 1 page.
Letter from Guy Carleton, British Governor of Quebec, to John Powell, Deputy Paymaster General. Carleton directs Powell to pay 1369 pounds, 19 shillings, and 2 pence sterling to Mr. Bryce McCumming, Paymaster of the 31st regiment, for the subsistence of the regiment from June 25-August 24, 1776. Letter signed, 1 page.
Letter from George Washington to John Hancock. Referring to himself in the third person as 'General', Washington thanks Hancock for the gift of fish sent to his camp at Morristown, NJ. Autograph letter signed, 1 page.
Letter from George Washington to Battaile Muse, Washington's agent for his tenanted lands in Frederick, Fauquier, Berkeley, and Loudoun counties. Washington details the purchasing of various crops such as wheat and clover and discusses market values in Alexandria, VA. Autograph letter signed, 3 pages, with integral address panel.
Land survey plat by George Washington of a tract along Four Mile Run in Arlington County, VA. One notation reads, 'This dotted line from the hickory to the Run gives and takes about 5 1/2 acres of land'. Autograph document, 1 page.
Assessment of the lands and estates of George Washington, with discussion about acreage of certain holdings and description of crop yields and land rents. The document notes, "General Washington possesses 10-100 acres in one body where he lives Constantly employs 250 hands 24 ploughs sowed in the year 1778 600 bushels oats 700 acres wheat..". Specifies livestock holdings as well. Includes a survey without plat map of an unspecified holding, with reference to shared borders with Gilbert Lane, Guisbert Lane, and Samuel Stout. Manuscript document, 1 page.
Appointment of Azor Orne as an elector of the President and Vice President, dated November 17, 1792. Signed on the left side by John Hancock as Governor of Massachusetts and countersigned by Under Secretary, John Avery. Manuscript document signed, 1 page, with paper seal affixed to the upper right corner.
Letter from Joseph Habersham, Postmaster General, to the Postmaster at Machias, Maine. Habersham requests that any letters addressed to George Washington Lafayette (son of the Marquis de Lafayette), Mr. Motier, or Mr. Frestel (George Washington Lafayette's tutor) be directed to President George Washington and forwarded without delay. Autograph letter signed, 1 page, with integral address panel.
Letter from John Quincy Adams, on behalf of George Washington, to the National Assembly of the Batavian Republic. Adams, having served as the Resident Minister of the US to the Batavian Republic, is moving to another post. This letter, in which Adams refers to himself in the third person, conveys a desire for continued harmony and friendship between the two republics. Signed in Adam's writing, 'G. Washington'. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages.
Two indenture forms. The first indenture is the purchase agreement by which George Washington and George Clinton sell 254 acres located south of the Mohawk River in Herkimer County, NY, part of a tract of land called Coxburgh, to four named parties: Thomas Hart, Deodatus Clark, Rufus Willard, and Judah Stebbins. The listed purchase price is £192. Signed twice by George Clinton, once for himself and once as George Washington's attorney. The second indenture form is blank with docket information on the reverse referencing the first indenture. Typescript document signed, with manuscript completions, 3 pages.
Memorandum by George Washington concerning the provisions for the rent of his bounty lands on the Great Kanawha River. Washington details leasing plans for 23,216 acres of land for the next 100 years, including a written chart of the rents from 1798 to 1897. Autograph document signed, 3 pages.
Account and written receipt of payment for back taxes on two tracts of land on the Ohio River in Kanawha County, paid by George Washington to Augustus Woodward. The account of the money owed by Washington for the years 1791-1796 is written and signed by George Alderson, Sheriff of Kanawha County, and details the amount owed as $109.22. John Reynolds signs as a witness for Alderson's authority as Sheriff. A written receipt on verso is in George Washington's writing and confirms payment in a check on the Bank of Alexandria. Receipt is signed by Augustus Woodward. Manuscript document signed, with autograph note by George Washington, 2 pages.
Letter from George Washington to Israel Shreve concerning Shreve's delinquent bond payments to Washington. Washington states '...to be plain, I never expect to obtain what is due from you, to me, but by a resort to a Court of Justice'. If Shreve can provide the Sheriff with the payment he owes, the Sheriff has been instructed to stay the legal proceedings that are about to be brought against him. Washington continues that he cannot extend more time to Shreve and that he expects the late payment as well as the next payment when it is due. Autograph letter signed, 3 pages.
Bond between Lawrence Lewis, the executor of George Washington's estate, William Augustine Washington, and Thomas Lee Jr., for $230.00 for the sale of a bull from Mount Vernon. Typescript document, signed by William Augustine Washington, Bushrod Washington, and Thomas Lee Jr. Typescript document signed, with manuscript completions, 1 page.
Letter from Bushrod Washington to William Augustine Washington concerning George Washington's estate. William is to receive $326.10 for his share of George Washington's U.S. stocks. Bushrod explains that a large part of the stock which George Washington lent to the Potomac Company has been paid to Mr. Lewis for the payment of debts, and Washington's western lands should be divided as soon as possible. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, with integral address panel.
Letter from Isaac Story to Thomas Jefferson concerning Story's desire for a commission. He has not had his authority as a Commissioner of Bankruptcy restored and he details his financial and legal experience. He indicates that he is including a geometrical illustration of the square root that he sent to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (not identified) as proof of his abilities. He goes on to praise George Washington and John Adams, stating of Adams, 'I was conversant with him from a child, as he was often in my Father's office'. He mentions his nephew, Joseph Story. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages.
British Order in Council signed by King George III concerning payment for shipping of British goods by London merchant, George Barclay, to Daniel Clarke in New Orleans. The document details an owed sum of £30,000 and upwards. George III grants permission for Barclay and company to load neutral ships with goods such as gold, silver, and indigo in Havana, River Plata, or Vera Cruz. Signed 'Spencer' at conclusion. Document signed, 3 pages, with blind embossed stamp and wax-sealed paper stamp.
Letter from George Clinton to Benjamin Walker concerning lands owned jointly by Clinton and George Washington which, following the death of George Washington, have been transferred to his nephew and namesake, George Washington. Autograph letter signed, 1 page.
Certificate of freedom for a man named James Dusenbury in the city and county of New York. This document confirms Dusenbury's free status and provides his physical description as five foot two inches, dark eyes, with gray hair, and a listed age of around 62. His birthplace is listed as Queen's County, NY, and his free status was established in 1798. Signed by Andrew Lawrence as a witness and by Richard Cunningham, an Alderman of New York City. Typescript document signed, with manuscript completions, 1 page.
Fragment of a document regarding lease payments with incomplete notes in George Washington's writing. Typescript document with autograph notes, 1 page.
This map was engraved by John Gibson and published in The London Magazine or Gentleman's Intelligencer, vol. 23 (June, 1754). It depicts the region from Lake Ontario southwest to the New River, and shows forts, trails, waterfalls, and general locations of Native American tribe settlements.
Pater Noster Row, London: R. Baldwin, 1754
Broadside by Andrew Van Bibber in Baltimore, MD, advertising lands for sale or rent along the Little Kanawha River. The advertisement references President George Washington's land holdings on the Great Kanawha River and his formation of an 'extensive and valuable settlement'. Van Bibber states he will accept produce, paper, property, or enslaved people as payment. Manuscript note on verso, dated 12 November 1825, concerns 2000 acres of land and a Michael Ryan and Mr. Keys. Typescript document, 1 page.
Printed Congressional act from the fourth Congress of the U.S. in the second session. Concerning additional duties on certain imported goods, including brown sugar, sugar-candy, and cocoa. Typescript document, 1 page.
London : Printed for Daniel Browne, 1721
This map of French Louisiana and the Mississippi Valley is from,'A new general atlas, containing a geographical and historical account of all the empires, kingdoms, and other dominions of the world', 1721. Includes information about Native American settlements.
Map of Canada, and the East Coast of America including Florida, Virginia, New York, North and South Carolina, as well as the course of the Mississippi River. The map was engraved by Herman Van Loon and was part of Nicholas de Fer's 'Atlas Curieux'. Includes notes and a list of coordinates for various locations on the right side, as well as locations of various Native American settlements. The cartouche notes that this copy of the map is available from I.F. Benard (Jacques-François Benard), son-in-law of Nicholas de Fer, who took over the business after de Fer's death in 1720. Benard et al continued to sell de Fer's unaltered maps into the 1740s, dating this edition from c.1720-1747, with the original made in 1702.
Paris: c. 1720-1747
Document signed by Robert Dinwiddie, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, granting 89 acres of land in Brunswick County, VA, to Ebenezer Shearman in the name of King George II. Manuscript document signed, 1 page.
Covers the area from the Great Lakes to South Carolina and from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River. Shows provinces, towns, forts, tribal territories, and Native American settlements. Appears in Giles Robert de Vaugondy's 'Atlas Universal', 1757.
Paris : J. F. La Harpe, 1780
Map of the Midwestern and Southern states, including Florida and Louisiana. Shows topographic features, locations of forts and missions, and Native American settlements. Appears in Jean Françoise de la Harpe's 'Abrégé de l'histoire générale des voyages ... atlas', 1780.
Charing Cross, London: Sold by T. Jefferys, 1758
Copied from the 1755 original, includes historical notes and 3 distance tables. It also locates hundreds of European and Native American settlements and depicts networks of roads and trails. Includes notations for Dartmouth College, the location of 'elephant bones', salt and limestone deposits, petroleum in western Pennsylvania, and coal in Ohio.
One map slipcase, associated with map titled 'A general map of the middle British colonies, in America...' by Lewis Evans and engraved by J. Gibson, 1758. Marbled board slipcase.
Document titled 'The General Account of His Majesty's Quit Rents for the Province of New York Stated by Andrew Elliot Esq:r Receiver General Constituted Thereto by His Majesty's Letters Patent Commencing the 29th day of September 1765 and Ending the 29th day of September 1766'. Provides detailed accounts of the rents paid in proclamation money on New York lands to the British Crown. Signed at the conclusion by General Andrew Elliot, Receiver General of New York; Goldsbrow Banyar, Deputy Auditor-General of New York; and Sir Henry Moore, Governor of New York. Manuscript document signed, 2 pages.
Document titled 'The General Account of His Majesty's Quit Rents for the Province of New York Stated by Andrew Elliot Esq:r Receiver General Constituted Thereto by His Majesty's Letters Patent Commencing the 29th day of September 1766 and Ending the 29th day of September 1767'. Provides detailed accounts of the rents paid in proclamation money on New York lands to the British Crown. Signed at the conclusion by General Andrew Elliot, Receiver General of New York; Goldsbrow Banyar, Deputy Auditor-General of New York; and Sir Henry Moore, Governor of New York. Manuscript document signed, 1 page.
Deed of land granted from Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, to Henry Whiting concerning a 951 acre tract in Berkeley County called Swan Ponds. The surveyor is listed as Guy Broadwater and Richard Rigg, with neighbors listed as Rutherford, Turner, Wilson, Fairfax, and Vanmeter abutting. Document signed by Lord Fairfax, 1 page, with paper seal over wax.
London: Printed for Robt. Sayer, 1775
Map of Virginia and Maryland based on surveys by Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson, accurately delineating boundaries, roads, settlements, and Native American trails, and incorporating considerable new geographical information. It was issued in 1775 for inclusion in Thomas Jeffery's 'American Atlas'.
Document signed by George Clinton, Governor of New York, granting 300 acres of land in the township of Clinton in Montgomery County to Edward Carpenter. Typescript document signed, with manuscript completions and green ribbon seal fragment, 1 page.
Paris: 1789
The map was published to accompany 'Prospectus pour l'éstablissement sur les rivières d'Ohio et de Scioto en Amérique', 1789. The prospectus and map were issued by the Scioto Company, which was associated with the Ohio Company. The map shows Ohio from Lake Erie south to the Ohio River, and as far west as the Scioto.
Identifies individual land grants in the area that would become Ohio. Note printed near top center of map indicates map is meant to be colored.
Map showing the route of the proposed Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, with the route highlighted in red. Includes elevation profile in 3 segments, and 'Tranverse section of the canal'. Statement of responsibility: 'Reduced from the general map annexed to the report upon the contemplated canal and drawn, by Lieut. Farley, U.S.A. ; etched by Wm. Harrison, Georgetown, D.C. ; letter'd by D.R. Harrison'.