Letter Writing in the 18th Century

Writing in George Washington’s era was a complex technical process that required a diverse array of materials and techniques, often difficult or expensive to acquire, and laden with social meaning.

Primary Source Letters

Our Special Collections is full of letters written by George Washington and the people close to him. 

Rules of Civility

George Washington wrote out a copy of the 110 Rules of Civility in his school book when he was about 14-years old. This exercise, now regarded as a formative influence in the development of his character, included guidelines for behavior in pleasant company, appropriate actions in formal situations, and general courtesies.

The Journal of Major George Washington

Washington wrote a report of his two-and-a-half month trans-Allegheny journey, stretching from October 31, 1753 until January 16, 1754. Dinwiddie immediately rushed the report into print in Williamsburg in order to awaken colonial and British officials to the urgent need to defend the western frontier from French encroachment.

Front Page of the Virginia Gazette

This issue includes a one-of-a-kind schematic of the Breed’s Hill/Bunker Hill battlefield on its front page (see center column). This newspaper brought “fresh” news of the bloody battle near Boston which occurred on June 17, 1775.

Spy Techniques of the Revolutionary War

Spycraft during the American Revolution consisted of a complicated system of hidden networks, interpersonal relationships, scientific knowledge, personal cunning, risk taking, and important written communication. 

George Washington's Library

During his lifetime, George Washington amassed a library consisting of over 900 books, plus dozens of pamphlets and other publications, for a total of more than 1,200 titles. Washington's library included books on agriculture, the military, history, politics, philosophy, and travel, as well as literature, plays, reference works, and books in foreign languages, including French, Dutch, and Latin.

Music in Washington's World

Although he may not have been musically-inclined himself, Washington lived in a world surrounded by music. Both inside and outside the home, music was an important way to express information in the 18th century. 

Music in the Revolutionary War

During the Revolution, the army used fifes and drums not only to boast morale, but also for communication and regimentation.

Community and Tradition in the Enslaved Community

Maintaining customs and community allowed Mount Vernon's enslaved people to affirm their humanity in a world that denied it. Music, storytelling, and religion provided an emotional outlet and carried on traditions—some from Africa and others forged in years of enslavement. 

Harpsicord

George Washington ordered this top-of-the-line, double-manual harpsichord from London for his step-granddaughter Nelly Custis. 

He Comes the Hero Comes

Bull Finch

The Bull-Finch is a songster, that is, a bound collection of lyrics to songs without musical notation of their melodies. 

Washington and Travel

Washington traversed through most of the new United States, stretching north to New England, south to Georgia, and as far west as the Ohio Valley. In the course of his travels Washington met a variety of people.

Hospitality at Mount Vernon

Before the Revolution the Washingtons welcomed many guests to Mount Vernon. However, George Washington's eventual status as a world figure in the post-Revolutionary Era brought considerably larger numbers of guests to the Estate

Slammin' Joe on 18th Century Culture

Slammin’ Joe, a dower slave belonging to the estate of Martha Washington’s first husband, worked as a ditch digger at George Washington’s Mansion House farm. Whenever possible, he traveled to spend time with his wife Pricilla (Silla), a Washington slave and field worker, and their six children who lived at the outlying Dogue Run farm.

Priscilla

Priscilla was born around 1763. She lived and worked at Dogue Run Farm with her six children. She was married to Joe who worked as an enslaved ditcher at Mansion Farm, which means she largely raised her six children on her own with the Dogue Run community.

Washington's Travels

Follow this interactive lesson that explores Washington's travels throughout his life. 

Journey to the Presidency

A printable board game that follows George Washington's journey from Mount Vernon to New York City for his inauguration in April 1789. The board game prints best on 11x17 paper.