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Discusses plantation management.

Written in the hand of Bartholomew Dandridge. Washington describes his Mount Vernon estate to the English agronomist in great detail, as he is considering leasing four of the Mount Vernon farms. Includes his description of Mount Vernon: "No estate in United America is more pleasantly situated than this."

Letter from George Washington to Edward Snickers accepting his offer to manage the leasing of land purchased from the sale of Colonel George Mercer's estate. Washington sends a map of the plots and a copy of the lease (not identified), summarizes the terms of the lease, and shares his hope that Snickers finds tenants who will become long-term residents rather than see the land become 'Negro Plantations' rented to an absentee landlord. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages.

Regrets hearing that George Augustine Washington is ill, wants him not to do more than he can safely do. Instructions about Mount Vernon.

George Washington appointed George Augustine Washington manager of Mount Vernon in his absence. The letter gives detailed instruction of farming Mount Vernon, as well as decorating the mansion, improvements to farm buildings, supervision and care of the servants, miscellaneous purchases.

Washington first asks Gilpin for the use of a scow with which he intends to dredge mud from the river bottom for trial as fertilizer. Then he goes into some detail about the making of a water level and staff which he desires, "I have joiners that could execute the wooden work ... but my Smith is too great a bungler to entrust anything to him, ..." Washington asks Gilpin to have the iron work done for him, or, if he thinks it preferable to make the complete instrument for him.

Lewis was acting Estate Manager for George Washington at Mount Vernon. The letter contains instructions for various farm activities and personal advice to young Lewis on how to write better reports.

George Washington sends two bank notes of one hundred dollars each for Mr. Butler--is upset that the ice house was not filled during the late freezing spell--wants to know quantity of oats that have been thrashed--instructs them to get seeds from the gardener--has sent a bundle of Poccon or Illinois nuts via Mr. Jefferson--East India hemp seed for sowing--inquires as to the appearance of the growing wheat--using Mr. Whiting's memo book, Mr. Dandridge will settle Mr. Butler's account.

Washington writes that since Anderson didn't answer many of his queries, nothing can be decided about his employment until Washington can see him, which will be at Mt. Vernon at end of month--Washington expected him to speak with candor about his qualifications, although he is "sensible it is not a pleasant thing for any man to speak of himself"--as Washington will reside on the estate from now on, much work will be taken off superintendant's shoulders--Washington describes the writing of the weekly farm reports, etc. that should take only a few hours each week--he sees no need for assistant--Fredericksburg mails made up every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evening.

This is a directive to his managers on subjects of responsibility during his absence