Branham, Caroline, 1764?-1843

Scope and Contents Drenching rains, fields flooded, mill race broke again, roads almost impassable--Tayler little to be confided in, has kept horse since the Major is away--mill has plenty of wheat--will try to straighten fence from Manley Bridge to the Mill--snows gone, wheat not damaged, but freezing would cause covering of ice--fences and gates can't go in such wet ground--too wet to paint buildings--mixing paints--will let Green have corn--asks whether to continue work on Major Washington’s...

Scope and Contents Washington's farm manager reports the bad conduct of Thos. Green, carpenter -- will not use delegated authority concerning Green, because realizes he is necessary -- good men are hard to come by -- suggests an addition of carpenters, or estate will be a long time in improving -- mentions all the buildings that need to be built or repaired -- wishes farms to look neat -- will put up fences and gates -- suggests moving post and rail fence at Dogue Run to make meadow correspond to fields -- new...

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George A. Washington writes about how he didn't write sooner because George Washington had just left Mt. Vernon -- will be more prompt with reports hereafter -- unable to complete the barn for the stock because of many other jobs for Carpenters & their illness -- some progress made on barn.

Scope and Contents Safe arrival of Will--expected him home at Mt. Vernon sooner--his great anxiety to do right in Washington's affairs--considering moving Anthony Whiting to place occupied by Fairfax when he goes--estimate of Whiting's capabilities and character--Garner [Wm. Gardener, overseer of the River Plantation?] is leaving too, wants higher wages--Mr. Gwin in Alexandria has recommended a young boy of respectable family to take Garner's place--he has had no experience--no family--George A. Washington...

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The significance of this letter to Martha’s niece Fanny is the mention of several specific slaves in the Presidential household. Martha complains about the sewing work of Charlotte and Caroline and gives her condolences regarding Giles, an enslaved coach driver who was apparently injured in an accident. She also mentions Hercules, the enslaved Washington cook who several years later would run away from the household. Misdated as '1790.' Autograph letter signed, 3 pages.

Scope and Contents It is not likely that Washington will be at Mt. Vernon before the 20th--everything about the houses should be got in clean and nice order--Neal--Caroline--cleaning servants quarters--abundant supply of meat--inquires of the venetian blinds and the dormant windows in the stables--insists that Pearce mention these and the like in his reports--keep a sufficiency of oats for Washington's horses and those of his visitors--keep the grain and hay harvests from interfering with each other--Miss...