TODAY
Thomas Johnson, a Maryland delegate to the Continental Congress, writes to Washington to discuss Maryland's preparations for impending conflict, particularly the challenge of acquiring arms. He expresses concern that British vigilance would force the colonies to seek local sources for materials rather than rely on imports.
Washington makes preparations for two Virginia militia units. In a letter from Mount Vernon, Washington details his orders for military supplies, including muskets, sashes, and gorgets. He requests additional shoulder knots for the sergeants and corporals of the Fairfax Independents and offers to pay for them himself.
Washington is visited at Mount Vernon by Daniel Jenifer Adams, a man who has outstanding debts to Washington dating back to a 1772 trading voyage. They discuss Adams’s ongoing efforts to settle these debts, a process that will ultimately involve a land transfer in Maryland later in the year.
On a warm and pleasant day, Washington goes hunting with his stepson John (Jacky) Parke Custis and kills “a Dog Fox” before returning home for dinner.
Washington spends his day at Mount Vernon. His stepdaughter-in-law’s sister, Elizabeth “Betsey” Calvert, returns home after a lengthy visit to Mount Vernon.
After three days in Alexandria, Washington rides home in the rain and snow. “Returnd home to Dinner alone,” he writes in his diary.
Washington, still in Alexandria, spends another day as chair of the Fairfax County Committee, addressing preparations for the potential escalation of conflict.
In Alexandria, Washington participates in military activities and chairs the Fairfax County Committee during a rainy evening. As chairman, he oversees the drafting of resolutions declaring it essential for Fairfax County to provide ammunition for a volunteer militia funded by a tax of three shillings per person. Additionally, the committee resolves to form a voluntary militia of men aged 16 to 50. This militia aims to give the colonies their own means of defense, reducing the need for Britain to maintain a standing army in the colonies and impose taxes to support it.
Washington travels from Mount Vernon to Alexandria, where he reviews the Fairfax Independent Company, a voluntary militia not under the royal governor’s control. He also participates in an election to choose members for the Committee of Fairfax County. He spends the night in Alexandria.
Washington attends Pohick Church on a “pleasant but rather too warm” Sunday. George Mason and others return with Washington to Mount Vernon “& stayed all Night.”
Washington replies to a letter from John West, who reported poor health and asked Washington to be the guardian for his son Roger. Washington expresses deep sympathy but explains that he is overwhelmed by numerous responsibilities and is reluctant to commit fully to the guardianship.
“Went a Fox hunting—found but did not kill,” Washington writes in his diary.
Washington spends a clear and cold day at Mount Vernon. Across the colonies, committees of correspondence disseminate information about British actions, helping unify colonial grievances.
The morning starts with a hard frost. Washington notes that a “Mr. Stone” dines at Mount Vernon—likely Thomas Stone, a prominent Maryland lawyer and a future signer of the Declaration of Independence.
“At home all day,” Washington writes in his diary from Mount Vernon. “Doctr. Rumney & Mrs. Newman went away after Breakfast.”
Dr. William Rumney, a local physician and friend of Washington’s, arrives to dine and lodge at Mount Vernon. Rumney is known for his role in treating the sick among Mount Vernon’s enslaved population.
Visiting friends, including prominent Maryland planter George Digges and his three sisters, depart Mount Vernon after breakfast.
The Washingtons, on the day of their 16th wedding anniversary, host friends at Mount Vernon.
Washington spends his day at Mount Vernon. “Very pleasant in the Morning, and calm,” he records. “Towards Noon the wind sprung up Northerly, but neither cold or hard.”
General Charles Lee departs Mount Vernon after breakfast. Washington lends Lee £15 cash, likely for traveling expenses to Williamsburg. Leonard Tarrant, representing the Hampton, Va., law firm of Balfour & Barraud, visits for breakfast and discusses a contract to purchase flour and bread from Washington.
![Charles Lee Esq'r. - Americanischer general-major, G.N. Raspe Nürnberg, [1778], Library of Congress.](https://mtv-drupal-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/files/resources/charles-lee-loc.jpg?VersionId=uu3tCvdw.uiyEX.KgfCS9eOURgq6n1iv)
“At home all day,” Washington writes in his diary on an “exceeding pleasant” day. General Charles Lee, a vocal supporter of colonial rights, spends the night at Mount Vernon.
“Genl. [Charles] Lee and myself rid up to Alexandria & returnd in the Afternoon,” Washington writes in his diary.
1775
“At home all day,” Washington writes in his diary from Mount Vernon. The first day of the new year is “calm, clear, warm, & exceeding pleasant.” His guest Dr. James Craik, a close friend and trusted physician, departs after breakfast.
