Washington, George (1732-1799) to Tobias Lear
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06431 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Bladensburgh, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 March 1791 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 31.1 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Writes about household affairs at Mount Vernon. Discusses the staff and forbids the steward from having wine. Asks him to keep the garden in order. Asks Lear to, "Furnish Mrs. Washington with what money she may want and from time to time ask her if she does want, as she is not fond of applying."
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Bladensburgh, Mar 27, 1791
Dear Sir
My attention was so much occupied the days preceeding [sic] my departure from Philadelphia, with matters of a public nature, that I could scarely [sic] think of those which more immediately related to my own.
Who the Stewart & House keeper shall be, must be left to Mr. Washington & yourself to determine from circumstances, & offers that are made. - Francis unless Holkers man could be unexceptionably obtained, I should prefer, for reasons I have already mentioned to you; - but be him or them ho they may, it must be expressly understood that wine is nor admissable [sic] at their Table - if it is so under any pretence whatever, it will terminate as the permission given Hyde has done. - It [inserted: w[oul]d be] w[hi]ch is all other respects to have a clear definition of the expectations, and obligations of the Parties that mistakes may [inserted: not] happen. -If Frauncis [sic] should be employed, it ought to be maid known to him, that his services in the Kitchen as usual, will be expected, and tat in case of the present Cooks leaving me, or attempting to raise his wapes [sic], [page 2] that he is to do with Herculas, and such under aids as shall he found indispensably necessary; - may further, that if upon trial he finds as I am sure is the case, that we can do without Vicars, he may be discharge. -How far, under present circumstances the Dutch girl in the Kitchen is necessary, you must judge of, and act accordingly-As Jacobs wife is brought into the family, the new Laundry woman will go out of course.
I wish you would have all the packages moved out of the Garden &have it kept in complete order, at my expense and the paved yard also. -Rhemer and Jacob are, certainly competent to this business. -The top of one of the Urns in the Garden was broke off by its falling -I made John Mauls carry it to Mr. Hyde -let it be cemented on again.
Furnish Mrs. Washington with what money she may want -& from time to time ask her if she does want, as she is not fond of applying. -As I write in haste, I shall add no more at this time but my best wishes for Mrs. Lear &ca. -for the history of our travels & adventures so far I refer to a letter I wrote to Mrs. Washington form Annapolis yesterday. -
I am your sincere and
Affectionate
Go: Washington
[docket]
No. 17 From The Presidt. of the U.S. March 27th, 1791
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