Special Collections Research Center
spcoll@wm.eduSpecial Collections Staff.
Administrative Information
Conditions Governing Use:
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.
Conditions Governing Access:
Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
Preferred Citation:
George Washington Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Acquisition Information:
The materials that comprise this collection were donated and purchased by W&M Special Collections from numerous individuals between 1928 and 1997.
Processing Information:
Box and folder list inventory completed by Zach Woodward, SCRC staff, in March 2011.
Biographical Information:
George Washington (February 22, 1732 - December 14, 1799) led America's Continental Army to victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), and in 1789 was elected the first President of the United States of America. He served two four-year terms from 1789 to 1797. Washington served as the first American Chancellor of the College of William and Mary from 1788 to 1799.
Scope and Contents
Photostats, typescripts, original and printed copies of letters and papers of and about George Washington, Martha Washington and Mary Ball Washington; manuscript of "The Washingtons of Sulgrave" by S. H. Lee Washington; portrait engravings and prints of George Washington and places and events associated with him, including an original pen and ink sketch [ca. 1790] by Benjamin H. Latrobe; a piece of sheet music written in honor of George Washington by George M. Cohan; and various maps. Original Washington letters in the collection include: Letter, 1796 June 26, George Washington to his nephew Robert Lewis concerning his retirement from public life; and letter, Letter, 1799 March 18, of George Washington to James McAlpine concerning the making of a suit; Letter, 1783 November 15, George Washington to Governor George Clinton (Acc. 1997.073).
Related Material
For other Washington material, see Dunmore Family Papers (I) (Mss. 65 D92), Dismal Swamp Collection (Mss. 39.2 D63), Powell Family Papers (Mss. 65 P875) and Leven Powell Papers (Mss. 65 P87).
Artifacts transferred to the Manuscripts Artifact Collection (Mss. 1.03) include: Facsimile Dinner Plate (Mss 39.1W25.01)
Separated Material
Artifacts transferred to the Manuscripts Artifact Collection (Mss. 1.03) include: Facsimile Dinner Plate (Mss 39.1W25.01)
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- Correspondence
- Photocopies
- Typescripts
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783
- United States--Presidents
- Washington, George, 1732-1799
Container List
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 1 id86167
Correspondence1775-1896, undatedScope and Contents
18 July, 1755. G[eorge] Washington, Fort Cumberland, [Md.], to [Gov. Robert dinwiddie]. Gives report of an unexpected attack by about 300 French and Indians during his troop's march to Fort Dequesne, in which heavy losses of American men were felt; includes a list of officers wounded or killed at Monogehela. [ca. 18 July, 1755]. R. Orme, [Fort Cumberland, Md.] to Gov. [Robert Dinwiddie], n.p. Detailed report of surprise attack on them by French and Indians; mentions the bravery of [George] Washington and his small band of men. 13 September, 1771. Survey map of Washington's boyhood home along the Rappahannock River, opposite Fredericksburg. Surveyed by George Washington. See oversize file. 19 June, 1775. Commission of George Washington as General and Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army. Signed by John Cancock, President of Congress. See oversize file. June 1775-June, 1783. George Washington's accounts with the United States. 17 August-21 October, 1775. Orderly book of the camp at Cambidge, [Mass.], General Washington's headquarters. 17 October, 1777. John Hancock, Presid[en]t [of Congress], York Town, Pennsylvania, to the Assembly of the State of Virginia, [Williamsburg, Va.]. Transmits a copy of the returns from General [George] Washington, indicating the continental Army's dire need for clothing. 22 Oct. 1780. G[e]o[rge] Washington, H[ea]d Q[uarte]rs, Passaid Falls, [N.J.], to Geo[rge] Mason, Introduces Gen[era]l Gates Command, whose conduct is being investigated by Congress; tells of present problems, and relates feelings of despair that the struggle [American Revolution] has been based on false hopes; details changes which must take place in order to continue the war, including a permanent army, replenished funding, and a unified Congress. 22 May, [17]82. G[eorge] Washington, Newburgh, [N.Y.]. To Col. [Lewis] Nichola [sic] [Nicola]. Expresses wish to visit him [at Mount Vernon] soon; tells of news relating to the treaty [of Paris, 1783]; mention of the replacement of Doctor [Benjamin] Franklin; sentiments of affectionat friendship. See oversize file. 25 June, 1788. George Washington, Mt. Vernon, [Va.], to Sam[ue]l Powell, Thanks for the chair, which arrived "in good order," and is "handsome and neat"; agricultural discussion including the mention of Sainfoin[?] grass seed, and Winlaw's threshing machine; critisizes Congress for their indecision in setting a new meeting place. 17 Sept. 1790. Washington's farewell address. See oversize file. Including correspondence relating to the gift. [ca. 1790]. Pen and ink sketch of George Washington made by [Benjamin H. Latrobe]. Including relative explanation. 18 May, 1794. G[eorge] Washington, Philidephia, [Pa.], to his nephew, Robert Lewis, Realestate discussion about lands owned in Winchester, [Va.], in Bath, and Berkeley counties, and along the Patomac [River].26 June, 1796. G[e]o[rge] Washington, Mt. Vernon, [Va.] to his nephew, Rob[er]t Lewis, n.p. Tells of upcoming schedule, including his retiring from public life on March 4, at which time "no consideration under heaven that I can forsee shall again withdraw me from the walks of private life"; mentions his mother's will in realtion to a dispute over some land on Accocoek Run; expresses sorrow at the death of Mrs. [Elizabeth Ball] Haynie, and readily agrees to care for her daughter in a monetary fashion; however, cannot have her stay at Mount Vernon because of his absence and later, much company, including the Ministers of France, Great Britain, and Portugal. Including items concerning the provenance and history of the letter 9 July, 1796. Document giving permission to Thomas Holder, captain of the ship Maria, to depart for spain, carrying a cargo of lumber. Signed by G[eorge] Washington and Edm[und] Randolph. See oversize file. 18 Mar. 1799. G[e]o[rge] Washington, Mt. Vernon, [Va.], to James McAlpine [Glasgow, Scotland]. Discussion of a custom-made suit, and gold thread needed. Including XCy. 1 p. 9 July, 1799. Will of George Washington. 11 May, 1896. Lawrence Washington, Alex[andria], Va., to Beverly Chew [?], n.p. Asks if he would be interested to buy, and at what pice, an original bookplate of Gen[era]l [George] Washington. Fragment of letter signed by George Washington.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 1 Item: 1
Item 1: George Washington, Fort Cumberland [Maryland, to Gov. Robert, Dinwiddie County], 1755 July 18English.Scope and Contents
Gives report of an unexpected attack by about 300 French and Indians during his troop's march to Fort Duquesne, in which heavy losses of American men were felt; includes a list of officers wounded or killed at Monongahela.
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Item 2:English.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 1 Item: 1
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 2 id86176
Printed material relating to George Washington1754-1930Scope and Contents
1754. Title page of a book, The Journal of Major George Washington, printed in Williamsburg, Va. 1800. Funeral oration delivered by Henry Lee, on the death of George Washington, printed in The Western Spy, and Hamilton Gazette, Cincinati, [Ohio]. See oversize file. 1839. Monuments of Washington's Petriotism: An Appeal to the public b P.W. Gallaudet. 1841. monuments of Washington's patriotism: an appeal to the public by P.W. Gallaudet. 1859. James Ross Snowdon, Director of the Mint of the United States, requesting, through a circular, anyone owning medals, coins, or tokens bearking Washington's name or head to turn them into him to supply the cabinet with a "full set of these interesting materials." 1877. Daily Richmond Dispatch article entitled "Washington--Pater Patriae." 1883. Invitation from the chamber of commerce of the state of New York to Benjamin S. Ewell for the unveiling of the statue of George Washington in Wall Street. PM. Framed. Missing 10-25-82 1895. The Spirit of '76, a monthly publication showing on its front cover a photograph of Washington's marriage to Martha Custis in 1759. 1897. Article from The Spirit of '76 about the relationship between George Washington and Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth. 1917. Booklet advertising the plight of French children after World War I, and asking for assistance, relating the French's help to America (and George Washington) during the Revolution. 1920. Selections and annotations about a notebook written by Washington while in Va. in 1757. Edited by Victor Hugo Paltsits. 1925. Program of official ceremony celebrating the 193rd birthday of George Washington. 1925. Anniversary of the Birth of Washington: Address of Rep. R. Walton moore of Virginia at the Annual Washington Banquet of the Sons of the American Revolution, Pittsburgh, Pa. 1929. The George Washington Scandals, by John C. Fitzpatrick. Bulletin No. 1 of the Washington Society of Alexandria, [Va.]. PM. 1930. "When Washington's Sweetheart Fainted," a pamphlet advertisign restored Colonial Williamsburg.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 3 id86376
Letter, George Washington to Governor George Clinton (Acc. 1997.073)1783 November 15
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 4 id86377
Print of George Washington, based on the painting by Gilbert Stuart (Acc. 1997.073)undatedScope and Contents
Engraved by H.H. Hall's Sons, New York
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 id86183
Map, "The Travels of George Washington"1931Scope and Contents
Map drawn by National Geographic. See oversize file.
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 id86184
Program for 135th anniversary of placing of the Houdin statue of Washington in the Capitol rotunda in Richmond1931
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 id86185
The Life of George Washington , Series I, Series II1931
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 id86186
The Life of George Washington , Series III1932
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 id86187
Item 51932
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 id86188
Some Outstanding Characters of the American Revolution , Series II1932
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 1 id86370
Printed material relating to George Washington1932-1948Scope and Contents
1932. Circular printed by the George Washington Bicentenial Committee of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Indiana. Signed by Ja[me]s M. Clift, Grand Secretary. 1932. Pamphlet printed in conjunction with the Exhibition of Portraits of George Washington and his Associates at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. 1932. Invitation from the Governor of Virginia to be present at a celbration honoroing the religious character of George Washington and the drafting of the statues of Religious Liberty and Separation of Church and State. 1932. "George Washington the Churchman," a sermon by Rev[eren]d Frank Landon, Humphreys, delivered at Bethesda-by-the-sea, Palm Beach, Florida. 1932. Pamphlet printed in conjunction with the American Tree Association entitled "George Washington Bi-Centennial Tree Planting." 1932. Principal Events in the Life of George Washington. A map by the General Drafting Co., Inc. for Standard oil Company of New Jersey, giving no scale. 1933. "Harvard's First L. L. D." An article from the Boston Daily Globe. 1934. Advance release of address delivered by Hon. R. Walton moore entitled, "Washington the Statesman in his Home Country." Including two items of correspondence regarding the aforementioned item. 1937. Program of the Unveiling Exercises of a Portrait of George Washington in the Court House at New Kent Co., Va. 1938. "Washington's Burgess Route," by the Rev. Arthur P. Gray. 1938. "George Washington's Godfather of Child Baptized at Cologne in 1795" including one item of correspondence relating to the article. 1938. George Washington Biography Calendar. 1939, April. Inaguration of Gen. George Washington [showing his and John Adams' routes to New York City, N.Y. and a plan of the city of New York]. A map by the United States Constitution Sequicentennial Commission, with scales of 5:20 and 4:4000. 1948. Washington, D.C. Paper, The Evening Star, article on a recent discovery of a George Washington letter to Samuel Galloway.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 2 id86371
Printed material relating to George WashingtonundatedScope and Contents
"General Washington's Order Book in the American Revolution." "Subscribers to the Life of Washington." Advertisement entitled "Washington and His Generals." "Washington's Farewell Address, September 19, 1796," issued by the National Association of Democratic Clubs. Pamphlet, Known Journeys of Washington to Williamsburg between May 28, 1748 and August, 1775, by Sir Arthur Gray. "Places in Fredericksburg Associated with George Washington." Guide to the Washington Memorial at Valley Forge. Pamphlet, Music written by George M. Cohan entitled "Father of the Land We Love." "History of the Great Republic," p.20, referring to George Washington. Advertisement of Forbes Lithograph Mfg. Co., using Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington. "George Washington, the Engineer," by Charles Colfax Long, President, sons of the Revolution in the District of Colombia. A Brief History of Alexandria: Washington Lodge No. 22 and of its First Worshipful Master General George Washington. Newspaper articles relating to George Washington. Various prints relating to George Washington, including one rendition of the Washington Monument, and Washington's various headquarters during the American Revolution.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 3 id86372
Imagery related to George Washington and his memoryScope and Contents
Prints, engravings, pictures, and photographs of portraits of George Washington. Lithograph design of George Washington Monument by Charles Parsons (1821-1910), a certificate of subscription signed by James K. Polk, G[eorge] M. Dallas, John Quincy Adams, H[enry] Clay, Albert Gallatin, and Dan[ie]l Webster. See oversize file.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 4 id86373
Material relating to Martha WashingtonScope and Contents
1925 article from Collier's magazine entitled, "She Knew Martha Washington," prints and engravings of Martha Washington, and a facsimile of her china [Transferred to Manuscripts Artifact Collection].
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 5 id86374
Material relating to George Washington's homesScope and Contents
Materials related to Mount Vernon, "Wakefield," and the Mount Vernon Ladies Association.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 6 id86375
Genealogical material related to the Washington familyScope and Contents
Includes: coat-of-arms of the Washington family; genealogical charts of the Washington family; material relating to the English branch of the Washington family, and their home, Sulgrave Manor, including a variation of a watercolor painting of the home, by Waller Scott; "The Will of Mary Washington, Mother of George Washington, First President of the U.S."; extracts from the will of Col. John Washington. Also see oversize file.