George Washington’s Diaries: Volume III

[The following text was taken from The Diaries of George Washington Volume 3: 1786-1788. Washington details his visits to and the work of his plantations. For the full account, click HERE.]

(Ferry Farm at Washington’s Mount Vernon property | Source: Mount Vernon)

Tuesday, first. Rid to the Ferry, French’s, Dogue Run and Muddy hole Plantations.

At the first, the Plows and harrows were at work, as usual. The other people having gathered up, and put the Rye in shocks, went this Morning to assist in Weeding Corn and Planting Potatoes at French’s.

At French’s, the hands which were there yesterday, with the addition of those from the Ferry, were employed in Weeding Corn and planting Potatoes. The first was accomplished with the Hoes about 4 Oclock. Eight Cradlers were employed here, who cut down the Rye in No. 6 by 10 Oclock, next the Ripest of the Wheat on the Creek side, and then went about the Rye by the Road in the Meadow.

At Dogue Run, 4 plows and a harrow following, were in the Corn as usual; and,

At Muddy hole, the Hoe people, (except three sick) were planting Pease—the Plows at French’s as before.

Began to lay the frame for the lower floor of the New Barn, 1st. the part for the threshing floor.

Miss Nancy Stuart came here this evening from Mr. L. Washington’s.

Wednesday, 2d. Rid to the Ferry, French’s and Dogue Run Plantations. At the Ferry, the Plows were going as usual, and the Assembled force, after the business was accomplished at French’s, repaired hither and wed out the Carrots and Cabbages.

At French’s, the hands which had been brought from the several quarters, finished Planting the Potatoes, 136 bushels, all of the Red Sort, and wed out the Carrots. The Plows also got over the Corn grd., and two from Muddy hole and one belonging to the plantation with a small harrow began it again on the West side, the harrow to follow the Plows as at the other places.

At Dogue Run, four Plows and a harrow were at work as usual, and about 10 Oclock got over the first Planted Potatoe Rows East of the Carrots, and went back to plow the intermediate ones subsequently planted. Began with 8 Cradles to cut Rye here to day. At Muddy hole, finished planting the ground with Pease which had been prepared for them, which took all those sent me by Colonel Spaight of No. Carolina, and abt. 3 pecks of those brought from York River. Intervals between them as has been mentioned…

Thursday, 3d. Rid to all the Plantations.

At the Ferry, two Cradlers began to cut Wheat in No. 1 on Stoney hill; but it being rather green in places, it was thought best to let it lay a day before binding. The People therefore went into and wed the Corn which was in the low part of the field—2 Plows and harrows at work as usual there.

At French’s, three plows and two harrows were at Work, one of the double harrows going before the Plows (over the Newly planted Potatoes) and the small (triangular one following after them). Will (the Overseer) and 4 of his own Women—Delie being taken from Spinng, Davy from the Mill, and Dinah and Billy from the House—were employed in taking up the Wheat and Rye that was cut down on Tuesday last.

At Dogue Run, two plows and a Harrow were at work in the Corn. All the other hands, with Mima from the House, were engaged in securing the Rye that was cut yesterday. The Dutchman and Simms were cutting the cape Wheat, Cradlers were at work cutting Rye in field No. 6 by Colo. Mason’s, viz. Isaac, Cooper Tom, Ben Adam, Jack, Paschal and Abram, which they began pretty early this morning after finishing that in fd. No. 4…