Powel, Samuel, 1738-1793

One envelope, no letter or note. Addressed to Samuel Powel.

The Speaker of the Senate of Pennsylvania [Mr. Powel] will wait on President and Mrs. Washington on Thursday--Mrs. Powel sends regrets.

Has seen coach painter and quotes prices for painting, gilding, etc. the chariot--this is for varnishing coach body and surface polished, with no varnish to be added later--a cheaper mode is painting first and varnishing later--work will take 4-5 weeks--has made no contract with him, nor mentioned names--cannot give price of lining since coach-maker is away--a postscript gives price of lining as £3 exclusive of cloth and lace--quotes price and yardage of lace and cloth.

Writing for the General and herself, Martha regrets their inability to have tea with the Powels tomorrow -- George Washington is to be dining out, and Mrs. Washington has invited guests for the day

Mrs. Washington is indisposed with a cold -- afraid she will increase it by going to the circus this afternoon -- President and rest of family will go to see exhibition of Mr. Ricketts.

Anyone recommended by Mr. Powel is welcome at Mt. Vernon--encloses letter from an unknown gentleman [this was a Mr. Charles Vancouver, desiring to dedicate a publication to George Washington]--investigate to see what others think of author & his project.

Mr. Powel's advice has made him write Mr. [Charles] Vancouver, declining dedication of his publication--hopes to see Dr. Mayes, Powel's friend, on return from Caroline--Mrs. Macauly Graham's journey to the south--Mrs. Powel's letter to his nephew [Bushrod Washington] in Fredericksburg will be cared for.

Thanks for inquiring into prices of painting and lining carriages--he has employed a Mr. Clark to repair chariot--well spoken of--can see progress every day when passing his workshop in the Square.

The Powel's safe arrival in Philadelphia [after visit at Mt. Vernon]--the Mr. Morrises [Robert and Gouvernor] visited on way to Richmond--hopes to hear of the [Pennsylvania] state convention's decision on Federal Government--Spanish chestnuts--will send more about the 1st of October next year.

Thoughts about various states debating ratification of Constitution--generosity of landholders in county of Philadelphia in proposing it for seat of Federal government.

Thanks to Society for letter and present accompanying it -- beneficial consequences to rural economy from prizes awarded -- Mr. Matthewson's improvements in art of cheese making. Signed by Washington, though not written in his hand.

Received his letter by Mr. Robert Parish -- declines proposals for dedicating the travels of William Bartram to himself, as it sets a bad precedent -- however, approves book and adds name as a subscriber.

Presents one set of the Annals sent him by Mr. Arthur Young to the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture as requested.

Washington will gladly accept one of tubs of grape vines from Madeira if Mr. Powel doesn't need them all -- a vessel sails for Alexandria in a few days -- will send sundry parcels to Mt. Vernon.

Received from Arthur Young two sets of his Annals, numbered 98-108--presumes one set intended, as usual, for Agricultural Society of this city--accordingly, sends them to him as president.

Letter discussing the "Agricultural Society of Philadelphia," also known as the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture.