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This is a record of the work done at the various farms making up George Washington's Mount Vernon, reporting the number of hours worked by which workers, just what was being done on each farm during a particular week. Farms include Dogue Run, Ferry Plantation, Muddy Hole, River Plantation, and Frenchs Plantation (or Frenchs Quarter). Work by tailors, carpenters, shoemakers, coopers, ditchers, and millers are recorded separately. Includes "Fairfaxs Report on House People" for several weeks. Begins November 1786 and ends in April 1787. At the end of the volume there is a document titled "Memorandum of things delivered to the different Plantations from the 12th of Apl. 1786, 1786 April 12-August 31" that begins at the last page and works its way back toward the center of the volume. This used to be bound, but has since been unbound and is just leaves.

Letter in Alexander Hamilton's hand, signed by Washington. Washington issues orders for Colonel Christopher Greene's First Rhode Island Regiment, which included formerly enslaved African American soldiers, to march from Newport to West Point under Rochambeau. Washington writes, "only come on with such officers as are to remain in service on the new arrangement and such men as engaged for the war, or at least for a term, that will last through the next campaign. The other men you may dismiss, unless the Count de Rochambeau should find any employment for them where they are now."

Washington encloses an advertisement which he plans to put in various gazettes and newspapers -- he confides in secrecy his plan to rent his farms & the dower slaves -- he may even interest associations in England or Scotland in farms through advertisements in gazettes -- the intermarriage of dower negroes with others and those on neighboring farms will cause affecting & trying consequences, so Washington cautions Stuart to make no mention of the plan for the present -- he doesn't care to rent farms to "our country farmers" because they wear out the land and little else -- he wants Stuart ask in confidence British merchants in Alexandria and Dumfries about the scheme -- Washington mentions Eliza ("Betsy") Custis's marriage and gives his evaluation of the groom, Mr. Thomas Law -- thinking of G.W.P. Custiss interests, Washington asks Stuart whether there might have been an erroneous division of negroes for Mr. Thomas Peter for his wife's (Martha Custis's) share.

Washington acknowledges receipt of Andersons reports & letter -- Andersons opinion of the overseers is no doubt correct, and "if the Negroes will not do their duty by fair means, they must be compelled to do it" -- despite Washingtons policy of feeding, clothing, and caring for the slaves, they will try to shirk their work with feigned sickness especially after night walking, and must be examined promptly when claiming sickness.

Washington commiserates with Lewis over his runaway slave ("the loss of your Servant") -- this will become more frequent -- "I wish from my Soul that the Legislature of this State could see the policy of the gradual abolition of Slavery. It might prevt. much future mischief." -- writes about Lewis coming to make his home at Mt. Vernon -- Lewis will be treated as a member of the family, and not paid -- his duties will be to entertain guests and visitors after the Washington retires to bed or study, & also to record a few papers at times -- Lewis can take advantage of his library ("I have a great many instructive Books, on many subjects, as well as amusing ones") -- he can perhaps also gain some knowledge from observing management of the farms by Anderson.

100 guineas a year for superintendant of Mt. Vernon--recommends that Pearce visit the estate--to determine if all is to his liking-George Washington expects to be at Mt. Vernon on the 20th of Sept.--gives directions, mileage, stage schedule--speaks of worthless overseer to 8-10 Negro carpenters--hopes to replace him by New Year's day.

George Washington explains horse advertisement--care of the youngest jack and mules--Peter--tells Pearce to keep an exact account of all mares and jenneys that go to the jacks--Mr. Prescot of Loudoun (or Fauquier) owes yet for last year--speaks of Mr. Lewis' account that the new visto is opened much further than intended--instructions to buy as much good Oznabrigs--for the making of clothes for the Negroes--requests a sample of the linnen--comments on the price of midlings and ship stuff and superfine and fine flour--corn--breaking of the ground in the fall.

Comments on Pearce's health--hopes that all the oat grounds will be in good order for early seeding--allotment of oats for Washington's horses when he comes to Mt. Vernon--asks about a fallen chimney that injured some Negro children--Doll at the ferry--ableness to work--rotation of crops at Dogue-run--asks about two plows that were sent to Mt. Vernon earlier--asks if they have been used yet.

George Washington requires shells for lime to make mortar for about "40,000 Bricks." Constructing Dogue Run Farm 16-sided barn. Asks his nephew if he hires out "Negro carpenters by the year?" Can he recommend carpenter overseer?

Memorandum detailing a work contract with Mount Vernon carpenter James Donaldson, including his allowances for food, moving expenses, use of tools, use of a house, garden, and cow, and the privilege of the occasional absence, in exchange for his work. Donaldson was a white overseer of the slave carpenters at Mount Vernon. Washington hired him for his "sober and industrious" nature, but soon learned that he was not a competent overseer. Washington repeatedly wrote to his overseer at the time, William Pearce on the subject of Donald's inability to manage slave labor and Donaldson left Mount Vernon by November 1795. Autograph letter signed by Washington and Donaldson, 2 pages.