A Collection in the Library of Virginia
Accession Number 24147
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia 800 East Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219-8000 USA Phone: (804) 692-3888 (Archives Reference) Fax: (804) 692-3556 (Archives Reference) Email: archdesk@lva.virginia.gov(Archives) URL: http://www.lva.virginia.gov/
George Washington was born 22 February 1732 (adjusted calendar) in Westmoreland County, Virginia, to Augustine Washington
(1694-1743) and Mary Ball Washington (1708-1789). He became a surveyor at a young age, and an officer in the Virginia militia.
Washington was appointed a lieutenant colonel in the Virginia militia during the French and Indian War. He was a member of
the House of Burgesses from 1758 to 1774, and a member of the first and second Continental Congresses in 1774 and 1775. On
15 June 1775, Washington was appointed General commanding the Continental Army and served until 1783. He was president of
the Federal Constitutional Convention in 1787, and was elected the first president of the United States, serving from 1789
to 1797. He married Martha Dandridge Custis (1731-1802) 6 January 1759. Washington died at Mount Vernon in Fairfax County,
Virginia, 14 December 1799, and was buried there
Letters, 1779-1796, from George Washington (1732-1799) to Henry Lee (1756-1818) concerning military matters relating to Lee's
command and its monitoring of British movements; expressing Washington's desire to improve communication and transportation
routes between the Atlantic coast and western settlers; stating Washington's disinclination to have portraits painted; concerning
Washington's interest in a threshing machine; and discussing political concerns. Also includes an address to Washington from
the citizens of Alexandria, Virginia, on his election to the presidency.
Letter,
30 October 1779,
from Washington at headquarters at West Point, New York, informing Lee that the British have evacuated Rhode Island and General
Horatio Gates had moved in.
Letter,
13 April 1780,
from Washington at headquarters at Morristown, New Jersey, regretting the necessary delay of Lee's Legion moving caused by
problems with equipment and horses, also discussing a court martial with Lee.
Letter,
28 June 1780,
from Washington at headquarters at Ramapough, New Jersey, asking Lee to gather information on the enemy.
Letter,
11 July 1780,
from Washington at headquarters telling Lee to get necessary supplies and livestock and to give owners certificates.
Letter,
19 July 1780,
from Washington at headquarters telling Lee to keep an eye on the British fleet.
Letter,
24 July 1780,
from Washington at headquarters ordering Lee to take horses within Monmouth County, New Jersey for use by the Continental
Army.
Letter,
5 August 1780,
from Washington at headquarters at Peekskill, New York, providing orders to Lee.
Letter,
18 June 1786,
from Washington at Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia to Lee concerning a shipment of books and stating Washington's belief
in the necessity of improving transportation routes between the Atlantic coast and western settlers.
Letter,
14 March 1789,
from Washington at Mount Vernon thanking Lee for his letter.
Address,
April 1789,
from the people of Alexandria, Virginia, congratulating Washington on his election to the presidency.
Letter,
3 July 1792,
from Washington in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, concerning having his portrait painted.
Letter,
16 October 1793,
from Washington at Mount Vernon concerning a threshing machine and expressing fear that opponents of the general government
were trying to damage it.
Letter,
11 January 1796,
from Washington in Philadelphia concerning appointments of a chief justice and cabinet positions.