Enslaved persons -- Diseases

Scope and Contents

This document is an account of medical calls and treatments at Mount Vernon, mostly to slaves, from 8 March 1791 - 4 Nov. 1791. "Paid in full." Part of account, which should begin 17 March 1789, is missing.

Scope and Contents Autograph letter signed "Jean C. Washington." Jane writes to her son that an enslaved man named George has died. "He was very much reduced, not being able for some time to retian any nourishment. He was delirious, but never violent or ungovernable: fancying he saw lovely angel children near him - and when I read to him, was calm, and apparently pleased, tho' he seldom spoke." She adds, "I shall miss him very much, he was a faithful and affectionate servant - and in traveling watchful and...

Scope and Contents

Mount Vernon to Charlestown. Tells mother of proposing to Nelly; describes horse races; financial matters.

Scope and Contents

Sickness among the negroes--diminishing prospect of a good crop of corn--breaking up the fields for the ensuing crop--preparing the shelters--for the horses at River farm--asks about Neale--list of work for the carpenters--Isaac and Joe--enclosed copy of the invoices of the oznabrigs and blankets--seine twine--payment of Pearce and the overseers--Peter.

Scope and Contents

Carter Ben at the River farm, laid up many weeks--potatoe plan experiment--impediments from the weather in sowing oats--winter grain should now show its spring appearance--roller-cutting small grain before it is suffered to get too ripe--honey locust seed--advertising of Paul.

Scope and Contents

George Washington's letter to William Stoy references medical treatment requested for Christopher, Washington’s body servant, who had been bitten by a dog with rabies. Stoy was a minister of the German Reformed Church in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He discovered a “cure” for hydrophobia and Stoy’s Drops, a popular cure-all medicine. Celebrated for curing person bit by 'Mad animals,' Stoy successfully treats Christopher.