Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - RR0179
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
From early manhood until he was nearly fifty years old, George Washington was a frequent visitor in Williamsburg, and was often at the Governor's Palace, the Capitol, and the various taverns, ordinaries, lodging houses, shops and stores in the capital city. He was also entertained in a number of private homes.
Washington's first visit to Williamsburg was probably made to the College of William and Mary in the spring or early summer of 1749, when he received a commission as surveyor of Culpeper County from the President and Masters there. In 1753 he left Williamsburg to carry a letter from Robert Dinwiddie, Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, to the French commandant on the Ohio, protesting the encroachments of the French along that river. The commandant's reply precipitated the French and Indian War; and subsequently, while fighting in that war (1754-17513), Washington returned to Williamsburg on various missions.
From 1759, when he first took his seat in the House (after resigning his commission as Colonel of the First Virginia Regiment), until 1775, Washington was a member of the House of Burgesses — first representing Frederick County and, after 1765, Fairfax County.
In 1759, after Washington's marriage to Martha Dandridge Custis (daughter of Colonel John Dandridge, and widow of Daniel Parke Custis), he administered the Custis estate in and around Williamsburg, until John Parke Custis — son of her first husband, came of age. The Custis estate included a large brick house on a square near the site of the Eastern State Hospital, three lots and houses on Duke of Gloucester Street opposite Bruton Church, and a plantation in York County on Queen's Creek. Although Washington and his bride may have occupied the Custis Square property on occasion, most of the Williamsburg property was rented during the period of Washington's administration of the estate.
After the outbreak of the Revolution, and until the days immediately preceding the Siege of Yorktown, when Washington was again in Williamsburg preparing for the siege, he had neither time nor occasion to visit Williamsburg.
Washington's diaries are missing for many of the years during which he came to Williamsburg. Most of the diary entries that exist are very brief. There are places mentioned in his diaries or account books which have not yet been located. For instance, in 1754 he lodged with a Mrs. Coulthard; in 1755 he paid "the French Barber in Williamsburg" two shillings sixpence; in 1758 he visited Dr. John Amson, who apparently lived in Williamsburg and between 1768 and 1774; he often stayed with Mrs. Dawson (widow of Commissary William Dawson, former president of the College of William and Mary) when in town.
However, we can identify the following places with which he was associated, and feel that information concerning these associations may be of interest to present-day visitors:
This house, which was purchased by James Anderson (blacksmith and public armourer during the Revolution) in 1770, was occupied for a time prior to Anderson's ownership by Mrs. Christianna Campbell, who kept a tavern in Williamsburg for many years. She occupied this house from ca. 1760 until ca. 1769; removed to the "Coffee-House in the main Street, next the Capitol" until sometime in 1771; and on October 2, 1771, gave notice that she had "opened TAVERN in the House, behind the Capitol [on Waller Street], lately occupied by Mrs. Vobe."
Washington frequently lodged or took meals with Mrs. Campbell when in Williamsburg; and he was familiar with all three of her locations. During 1768 and 1769, when she was probably still in the house now known as the "James Anderson House," he referred to her as follows in his diaries:
| May 5, 1768: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| November 5, 1768: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's, where I had spent all my Evenings since I came to Town." [He arrived in Williamsburg on October 30, 1768, and left on November 6th.] |
| May 4, 1769: | "Dined at the Speaker's [Peyton Randolph's] and spent the Evening (that is suppd) at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| May 6, 1769: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and spent the Eveng. there without supping." |
| May 8, 1769: | "Dined at Anthony Hay's [the Raleigh] and supped at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| May 10, 1769: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and spent the Evening at Hay's." |
| May 11, 1769: | "Again dined at Mrs. Campbell's and spent the evening at Hay's." |
| May 13, 1769: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and went over to Gloucester…" |
| May 15, 1769: | "Returned to Williamsburg… Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and Supped at Hay's." |
| November 8, 1769: | "Dined at the Speaker's [Peyton Randolph], and supped at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| November 9, 1769: | "Dined at Mrs. Dawson's, and supped at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| November 10, 1769: | "Dined at the Treasurer's [Robert Carter Nicholas], and supped at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| November 13, 1769: | "Came to Town [from Eltham] abt. 11 Oclock. Dined and suppd at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| November 14, 1769: | "Dined and Supped at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| November 16, 1769: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's at or after 5 Oclock, and spent the Evening there without Supping." |
| November 17, 1769: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's after 4, and spent the Evening there without Supping — Having 1 Bowl of P. and Toddy." |
| November 18, 1769: | "Had a Mutton Chop at Mrs. Campbell's with Colo. Bassetts about one Clock, and then came up to Eltham." |
| November 21, 1769: | "Came to Town with Mrs. Washington P[atsy] and Jacky Custis [his stepchildren]. I dined at Mrs. Campbell's; Mrs. W. &ca. dind at Mrs. Dawson's. I spent the Eveng. (without suppg.) at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| November 22, 1769: | "Dined at Mrs. Dawson's all of us. I and J. P. Custis supped at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| November 25, 1769: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's with Mrs. Washington and J. P. C. [John Parke Custis], as also did Color. and Mrs. Bassett. Spent the Evening in my own Room." |
| November 26, 1769: | "… Mrs. Washington, J. P. C. and Mrs. Bassett dined at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| November 27, 1769: | "… Supped with J. P. Custis at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| November 28, 1769: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's by Candle light. Spent the Evening there without Supping." |
| December 1, 1769: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's with the Speaker, Treasurer and other Company. … Myself and J. P. Custis supped at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| December 2, 1769: | "Mrs. Washington and children [John Parke and Patsy Custis], myself, Colo. Basset, Mrs. Basset and Betsey Bassett, all Eat Oysters at Mrs. Campbell's abt. on oclock, and afterwards went up to Eltham." |
| December 4, 1769: | "Returned to Town and dined at Mrs. Campbell's. Spent Eveng. there also witht. Supg." |
Washington remained in Williamsburg until December 21, 1769, and he dined at Mrs. Campbell's on twelve other occasions before his departure. As before noted, he continued to go to Mrs. Campbell's after she moved to her new location. We are not sure just when she moved to the site on the Duke of Gloucester Street, near the Capitol, and some of the above entries may concern her new location.
Christopher Ayscough (who had been Governor Fauquier's gardener at the Palace), and Ann, his wife (who had been Fauquier's cook), operated a tavern in Williamsburg from 1768 until 1770. Their tavern was in the house near the Capitol which now bears their name.
Washington dined at this tavern on at least two occasions: On November 4, 1768, he noted in his diary that he "Dined with several Gentlemen at Ayscough's." Again, on May 7th, when in Williamsburg to attend the May 8-17, 1769 session of the General Assembly at the Capitol, Washington "Dined at Ayscough's, and supped there also."
Although there are only a few references in Washington's existing diaries concerning his attendance at Bruton Church when in Williamsburg, such attendance was doubtless so much a matter of course that it was not considered noteworthy. On Sunday, April 27, 1760, he did note that he "Went to Church." On June 17, 1770, Washington "Went to Church in the Forenoon." On May 29, 1774, he "Went to Church in the fore and afternoon." On June 1, 1774, the day set aside by the House of Burgesses as "a Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer," in protest against the sealing of the Port of Boston with an armed force, Washington wrote: "Went to Church and fasted all day."
Between the years 1762 and 1768, Washington's name appeared in the Bruton Parish Register eleven times as having had slaves baptized there. These slaves were doubtless the property of the Custis estate in and near Williamsburg, which estate Washington administered for his wife, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, the widow of Daniel Parke Custis, until her son, John Parke Custis, came of age.
Before Mrs. Campbell occupied this property, in October, 1771, Mrs. Jane Vobe leased it, and kept a tavern here. She was doubtless occupying this location when Washington noted in his diary on November 6, 1769: "Came to Williamsburg [from Eltham]. … supped at Mrs. Vobe's with Colo. Fitzhugh." She was probably still on this site when he noted, on May 6, 1771, "Returned to Williamsburg [from Eltham] by 11 Oclock with Colo. Bassett and Colo. Lewis. Dined at Mrs. Vobes; and Suppd at Anderson's." By 1772, Mrs. Vobe had moved to the building now known as the "King's Arms" on Duke of Gloucester Street.
Mrs. Christianna Campbell kept a tavern in Williamsburg for many years; and occupied three different locations during that time. Her first tavern was in the building now known as the "James Anderson House,"1 which she occupied from ca. 1760 until ca. 1769 or 1770. She next moved (in 1769 or 1770) to "the Coffee-House in the main Street, next the Capitol." By October, 1771, she had again moved — this time to Waller Street, behind the Capitol. On October 2, 1771, she gave notice in the Virginia Gazette that she had "opened TAVERN in the House, behind the Capitol lately occupied by Mrs. Vobe; where those Gentlemen who please to favour me with their Custom may depend upon genteel Accommodations, and the very best Entertainment." We have not located her "Coffee-House in the main Street, next the Capitol," but in his diaries for 1770 and 1771, Washington noted: "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's"; "Dined at the Club and Mrs. Campbell's"; "Had a cold Cut at Mrs. Campbell's"; "Drank a Bowl or two of Punch at Mrs. Campbell's"; etc., mentioning Mrs. Campbell's some fourteen times on his visits to Williamsburg between May, 1770, and July, 1771.
When he arrived in Williamsburg on October 29, 1771, Mrs. Campbell had again moved; and occupied the building now known as "Mrs. Campbell's Coffee House," on Waller Street. He mentioned visits to Mrs. Campbell in this location as follows:
| November 6, 1771: | "Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and Spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| November 14, 1772: | "Dined with Mrs. Ambler and spent the Evening at the Coffee House" [probably Mrs. Campbell's]. |
| March 6, 1773: | "Dined at the Treasurer's [Robert Carter Nicholas] and Spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| March 8, 1773: | "Dined and Spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| March 10, 1773: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and Spent the Evening there also." |
| March 11, 1773: | "Dined and Spent the Evening in the Club Room at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| [In his ledger, Washington noted: "By Sundry Evening Clubs at Mrs. Campbell's. £1: 4: 0."] | |
| March 12, 1773: | "Did the same." [Left Williamsburg on March 13th.] |
Washington was again in Williamsburg from October 26, 1773, until December 4th. He "spent the Evening at the Coffee House" or at "Mrs. Campbell's" some seven times during this visit.
When in Williamsburg May 16, 1774, through June 18th, Washington also "spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbell's," "Dined at the Club at Mrs. Campbell's," "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and spent the Evening at my Lodgings," — mentioning her five times during this period.
Washington was in Williamsburg in August, 1774, to attend the Virginia Convention of Delegates, which elected him one of the delegates to the Continental Congress to be held in Philadelphia that fall. On August 6, 1774, he "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and spent the Evening at my own Lodgings."
Mrs. Campbell continued on this site until her death, ca. 1792.
There is no record that Washington ever saw the first Williamsburg Capitol, which burned in 1747 when he was about fifteen years of age. However, he was a familiar figure in the second Capitol — erected on the foundations of the first, and in use by the fall of 1753.
Although his existing diaries do not specifically mention the Capitol during the period of the French and Indian War, Washington visited Williamsburg a number of times between 1754 and 1768. His business on those visits was often with the governor; but matters concerning the war were constantly before the General Assembly when in session, and it is highly probable that Washington went to the Capitol from time to time. In February, 1754, the House of Burgesses voted Major Washington the sum of fifty pounds as a testimony of their "Approbation of his Proceedings on his Journey to the Ohio." Records do not state whether Washington appeared at the Capitol at that time.
In 1758 Washington was elected to represent Frederick County in the House of Burgesses. He took his seat (after resigning his commission as Colonel of the First Virginia Regiment) on February 22, 1759, the opening day of that session of the Assembly and, incidentally, his twenty-seventh birthday. It was during this session, on February 26th, that he was asked to stand in his place in the House to receive the thanks of the Burgesses for "his brave and steady Behaviour, from the first Encroachments and Hostilities of the French and their Indians, to his Resignation, after the happy Reduction of Fort DuQuesne." William Wirt, Patrick Henry's biographer, described Washington's confusion and shyness on this occasion, and Speaker Robinson's words: "Sit down, Mr. Washington, your modesty is equal to your valour; and that surpasses the power of any language that I possess."
Washington represented Frederick County in the house of Burgesses from 1759 through 1765; and from 1766 until the outbreak of the Revolution, he represented his home county of Fairfax. He attended most of the sessions of the House during his sixteen years as a burgess. He also attended the meeting of the Virginia Convention of Delegates at the Capitol in August, 1774 — which convention elected him one of the delegates to the Continental Congress to meet that fall in Philadelphia. He did not attend the last active session of the House of Burgesses, which met at the Capitol June 1-24, 1775, as he was at the Congress in Philadelphia. On June 15, 1775, the Continental Congress elected him a commander-in-chief of the United States army.
While a burgess, Washington attended a number of balls at the Capitol. In March, 1759, when he visited Williamsburg with his bride, he noted tickets to a ball in his ledger; and on November 10th of the same year his ledger carried the entry: "By Capitol Ball 35/ Two Tickets 20/." On December 13, 1769, Washington noted in his diary: "… went to the Ball at the Capitol." As Mrs. Washington had accompanied him to Williamsburg on this trip, she was doubtless there also. This ball was described in the Virginia Gazette as being given by "The Gentlemen of the Hon. the House of Burgesses to his Excellency the Governour [Botetourt], his Majesty's Council, and the Gentlemen and Ladies of this city, who were chiefly dressed in Virginia cloth, and made a genteel appearance." On June 4, 1770, Washington "spent the Evening at the Councill's Ball at the Capitol." On March 18, 1772, Washington again attended "the Burgesses' Ball in the Capitol." On May 27, 1774, he "went to the Ball given by the House of Burgesses to Lady Dunmore."
By the time Washington returned to Williamsburg for the Yorktown Campaign, in the fall of 1781, the seat of Virginia government had moved to Richmond, and the Capitol building in Williamsburg served other purposes.
[Note: See also the notes on the Raleigh Tavern — which contain further details as to Washington's visits as a burgess to Williamsburg.]
George Washington's first recorded visit to Williamsburg, in January, 1752, was made to the new Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, Robert Dinwiddie, who occupied the house now known as the "Carter-Saunders House" while the Palace was undergoing repairs and additions. Young Washington, who had reached Yorktown by boat on a return trip from the Barbadoes, hired a horse and rode to Williamsburg to meet the new governor and present him with letters which had been entrusted to his care. Washington mentioned "the great metropolis," in his diary, and noted that the governor had received him graciously and invited him to dine.
On at least two later occasions, after he had made a name for himself in the French and Indian War, and had become a member of the House of Burgesses, Washington was a guest at this house. In his diary for May 5, 1769, Washington made the following entry: "Dined at the Governor's [Lord Botetourt] and supped at Mr. Carter's." Again, on November 6, 1769, he noted: "Came to Williamsburg. Dind at Mr. Carter's with Lord Botetourt, Govr. Eden [of Maryland], etca." This Mr. Carter was Robert Carter of "Nomini Hall," who was a member of the Council, and who moved to Williamsburg and occupied this house from 1761 until 1772.
The house on Duke of Gloucester Street which now bears this name was associated with the Charlton brothers, Edward and Richard. Both of the Charltons were wigmakers and barbers, and Richard was also a tavern-keeper.
We have not been able to establish Richard Charlton on this property during the years he kept tavern in Williamsburg (1767-1777) — although he may have occupied it at some period during that time. Early research reports have stated that he had a tavern on this site; but additional information, though incomplete, indicates that although he and his brother may have owned the property together, Richard's tavern was on another site which has not yet been identified. In June, 1767, he advertised that "THE Coffee-House in this city being now opened by the subscriber as a TAVERN, he hereby acquaints all Gentlemen travelers, and others … that they will meet with the best entertainment and other accommodations…" In 1775 Richard Charlton was mentioned as being on "the back Street"; and in 1777 the house "occupied by Mr. Richard Charlton, in the back street," was again mentioned.
Whether at the Charlton House on Duke of Gloucester Street, or at some other location, Washington patronized Richard Charlton from time to time — as is evidenced by the following entries in his diaries or ledgers:
| May 4, 1768: | "Dined with Mrs. Dawson, and Suppd at Charlton's." |
| December 8, 1769: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's, and was engaged at Charlton's abt. Colo. Moore's Lott[er]y the Evg." [Thomas Moore of King William County]. |
| March 4, 1773: | "… got to Williamsburg abt. half an hour by Sun. Lodgd at Mr. Charlton's, spending the Eveng. in my own Room alone." [In his ledger Washington noted: "Board at Mr. Charlton's durg. ye Session £2.0.0."] |
| [On his visit to Williamsburg from October 26 — December 4, 1773, Washington's ledger indicated that he and his stepson, John Parke Custis, paid Mr. Charlton £10 for their lodgings there; and Mrs. Washington and Miss Nelly Calvert, with whom young Custis was in love, paid Mrs. Charlton £17.0.6.] | |
| May 31, 1774: | "Dined at Mr. Charlton's and spent the Evening in my own Room." |
| [He again lodged at Charlton's, for his ledger carried the entry: "By Mr. Charltons Acct. for Board &ca £14.17.0. By Mrs. Charltons Acct. agt. Mrs. Washington £5:5.-"] | |
| June 2, 177: | "Dined at Mr. Charlton's and came up to Colo. Basset's in the afternoon." |
| June 6, 1774: | "… Dined at Richd. Charlton's and Supped at Anderson's." |
In October, 1753, George Washington (then an Adjutant of the Southern District of Virginia with the rank of Major) was commissioned by Robert Dinwiddie, Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, to carry a letter protesting the French encroachments along the Ohio to the French commandant there. He visited Dinwiddie at the Palace before setting out on his journey on October 31st. Returning with the commandant's reply on January 16, 1754, Washington was requested by the Governor to prepare a journal of his trip for presentation to the Council. This journal was subsequently published by William Hunter, Williamsburg's printer, prefaced by an apology from Washington for "the numberless Imperfections" caused by its very hasty preparation from rough notes.
The French commandant's reply to Dinwiddie precipitated the long French and Indian War, during the course of which Washington made frequent visits to Williamsburg and to the Palace on various missions. He fought first as a lieutenant-colonel under Colonel Joshua Fry, returning to Williamsburg on July 17, 1754, to report their defeat at Fort Necessity to Governor Dinwiddie. He was again in Williamsburg in October, 1754; and after hearing of the appointment of Governor Horatio Sharp of Maryland as commander-in-chief against the French, he presented resignation of his commission to Dinwiddie, who accepted it. However, after the arrival of General Braddock in 1755, Washington again joined the campaign against the French, and served as Colonel and commander-in-chief of the Virginia forces until the reduction of Fort DuQuesne in 1758. He made several trips from the frontier to Williamsburg during the years 1755-1758, and undoubtedly visited the Palace on these occasions.
In 1758 Francis Fauquier replaced Dinwiddie as lieutenant-governor. Washington was elected a member of the House of Burgesses for Frederick County in that year, and took his seat in the House in February, 1759. From that time on, Washington attended most of the sessions of the Assembly in Williamsburg and undoubtedly visited Fauquier, as he had his predecessor, at the Palace. Unfortunately, Washington's diaries for most of this period are missing.
Diaries kept during the administration of the two succeeding royal governors, Lord Botetourt and Lord Dunmore, give evidence that Washington continued his contacts at the Palace: On October 31, 1768, he was entertained by the newly arrived governor, Lord Botetourt. On May 5, 1769, he "Dined at the Governor's"; and on May 19th he "went to the Queen's Birth Night at ye Palace." On November 7, 1769, he dined with Botetourt, as he did again on May 25, 1770. Botetourt died in October, 1774, and Lord Dunmore arrived at the Palace in September, 1771. On October 31, 1771, Washington "Dined at the Governor's, and went to the Play." On March 3, 1772, he "Dined and Sup'd at the Governor's"; and on November 3rd he "Breakfasted, Dined and Suppd at the Governor's." On October 27, 1773, he dined with Lord Dunmore at the Palace; and on May 25, 1774, he "Dined and spent the Eveng. at the Governor's" and the next morning "Rid out with the Govr. to his Farm [Porto Bello in York County] and Breakfasted with him there."
As there are no further references in Washington's diaries to the Palace, this may have been his last visit. Dunmore left Williamsburg in June, 1775: and when the Palace was occupied by Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, Washington was commander-in-chief of the United States forces, and busy elsewhere. It is possible that he visited the wounded of the Continental Army who were hospitalized in the Palace during and after the Siege of Yorktown, in the fall of 1781; but there is no record of any such visit.
Mrs. Jane Vobe had a tavern on the site now occupied by "Mrs. Campbell's Coffee House" on Waller Street, where Washington occasionally dined with her before she moved to her Duke of Gloucester Street location.
On February 6, 1772, she gave notice to her former customers that she had "just opened Tavern opposite to the Raleigh, at the Sign of the King's Arms," and she continued on this site until her death ca. 1789.
Washington visited her new location in 1772; for he noted in his diary on November 4th that he "Supped at Mrs. Vobe's." On November 12, 1772, he "spent the Evening at Mrs. Vobe's." In his ledger for early June, 1774, Washington entered the following: "By Club at Mrs. Vobe's 5/6."
When George Washington was in Williamsburg from March 2 — April 9, 1772, he was evidently having trouble with his teeth, for he noted in his ledger for this period: "By Mr. Baker — Surgn. Dentist £4.0.0."
Again, when in Williamsburg March 4 — 13, 1773, Washington saw Dr. Baker, and noted, on March 11th, "Cash paid Doctr Baker, Dentist. £1.6.0."
Later in 1773, Dr. Baker visited Washington at Mount Vernon. Washington's diary carried the following entries: October 13: "In the afternoon Mr. Willis and my Brother Charles came, as also Mr. Baker, Surgeon Dentist." October 16: "Mr. Robt. Harrison and Mr. Baker both went away after Breakfast. I remained at home all day." In his ledger Washington noted: "By Mr. Baker Surgeon Dentist £5." His diary mentioned Dr. Baker's being at Mount Vernon again in December 1785.
Dr. John Baker, "Surgeon Dentist," first advertised in the Virginia Gazette on January 2, 1772, when he informed "the Gentry that he is now at Mr. Maupin's [the building now known as "Market Square Tavern"], in Williamsburg, and will wait on them on receiving their Commands. He cures the SCURVY in the GUMS, be it ever so bad; first cleans and scales the Teeth from that corrosive, tartarous, gritty Substance … which … eats away the Gums, so that many People Teeth fall out fresh. He prevents Teeth from growing rotten… and renders them white and beautiful. He fills up, with Lead or Gold, those that are hollow, so as to render them useful… He transplants natural Teeth from one Person to another, which will be as firm in the Jaw as if they originally grew there, without any Ligament. He makes and fixes artificial Teeth with the greatest Exactness and Nicety, without Pain or the least Inconvenience, so that they may eat, drink, or sleep, with them in their Mouths as natural Ones, from which they cannot be discovered by the sharpest Eye." Dr. Baker added that he had given sufficient proof of his ability to the principal "Nobility, Gentry, and others, of Great Britain, France, Ireland, Holland, and other principal Places in Europe and America.
Small wonder that Washington visited Dr. Baker, on reading of his abilities. On March 12, 1772, Dr. Baker begged "Leave to express his Gratitude for the Favours he has received while in this City," noting that he would continue at Mr. Maupin's until he left the city. He also advertised his "ANTISCORBUTICK DENTRIFICE" which was "a certain Cure for all Disorders of the Teeth, Gums and foul Breath."
Dr. Baker was in Williamsburg on other occasions before purchasing, in July, 1773, the house now known as the "Norton-Cole House," which he owned until 1777 or 1778.
The Raleigh, which was a popular Williamsburg hostelry by the time young Washington first visited that capital city, received its share of attention from Washington between the years 1754-1774.
In October, 1754, after his return from his first battle with the French and Indians on the Ohio, Washington visited Williamsburg while the General Assembly was in session. On October 23 he made the following entry is his ledger: "By Dinner and Club at Finnie's 5/3." On October 31st, when preparing to leave Williamsburg, Washington settled his account of £5: 9:6 at Finnie's. Alexander Finnie was keeper of the Raleigh in 1751; and although he sold the tavern to John Chiswell and George Gilmer, gentlemen, of Williamsburg in August, 1752, it is probable that it continued under his management for a time. We know of no other tavern kept by Finnie in Williamsburg during these years, so assume that Washington referred to the Raleigh as "Finnie's."
Other references to the Raleigh, or to its keepers, appear in Washington's existing diaries or ledgers - although many of the diaries for the years he came to Williamsburg are missing. Anthony Hay was keeper of the Raleigh from January, 1767, until his death in December, 1770. He was followed by James Barrett Southall, who purchased the Raleigh from Hay's executors in December, 1771, and owned it throughout the remainder of the eighteenth century. Washington mentioned visits to the Raleigh on the following occasions:
[While attending the session of the General Assembly which met from May 8 through May 17, 1769. At this session a strong series of resolutions were passed against Great Britain's right to tax Virginia, and to transport colonists across the sea for trial; and Lord Botetourt dissolved the Assembly.]
| May 3, 1769: | "Went into Williamsburg, and dined with the Council and spent the Evening in ye Daphne [room in the Raleigh.]" |
| May 8, 1769: | "Dined at Anthony Hay's and supped at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| May 10, 1769: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's, and spent the Evening at Hay's." |
| May 15, 1769: | "… Supped at Hay's." |
| May 17, 1769: | "Dined at the Treasurer's [Robert Carter Nicholas's], and was upon a Committee at Hay's till 10 oclock." |
[Note: This was after Lord Botetourt has dissolved the Assembly on May 17th. The Virginia Gazette carried an account of this meeting of "The late Representatives of the People," who repaired to the "house of Mr. AnthonyHay, in this City" and formed articles of Association in a non-importation agreement.]
[The next General Assembly met at the Capitol November 7 — December 21, 1769. Washington reached Williamsburg on November 6th and remained until the 21st.]
| November 7, 1769: | "Dined at the Governor's [Lord Botetourt] and Supped at Anthony Hayes." |
| November 15, 1769: | "Dined at Wythe's, and supped at Anthony Hay's." |
| November 24, 1769: | "J. P. Custis [Washington's stepson] and I dined with others at the Govr's. I spent the Evening at Haye's." |
[The General Assembly next sat from May 21 through June 28, 1770. Washington was in Williamsburg from May 22nd through June 23rd.]
| May 22, 1770: | "Dined at the Palace and attended a Committee of the Association at Hayes'. Spent the Eveng. there." |
| [Note: This Association was entered into "by the Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses, and the Body of Merchants," assembled in Williamsburg, banning importation of British merchandise or European goods listed therein. Signed in Williamsburg on June 22, 1770, by Peyton Randolph, "Moderator," Edmund Pendleton, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, etc. — in all by some 164 burgesses and merchants.] | |
| May 28, 1770: | "Returned to Williamsburg [from Burwell Bassett's at Eltham] by 9 Oclock. Dined at the Speaker's and attended a Committee of the associn. at Hayes till 11 Oclock." |
| May 31, 1770: | "Dined at the attorney's, and attended a Committee of the association at Hayes till one Oclock." |
[Washington visited Williamsburg from Eltham, the home of Burwell Bassett, from May 2 — May 11, 1771. The Assembly was not in session at that time.]
| May 8, 1771: | "Dined at Southall's [keeper of the Raleigh, which he purchased from Anthony Hay's executors in December, 1771] with Colo. Robt. Fairfax and some other Gentlemen., and went to the Play and [sic]" |
| May 9, 1771: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and Spent the Evening at Southall's with the Treasurer, &c." |
[The General Assembly met at the Capitol from July 11 through July 20, 1771. Washington reached Williamsburg on July 15th, and left on July 21st.]
| July 19, 1771: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and spent the Evening at Southall's." |
[Washington visited Williamsburg for some nine days in October-November, 1771, but did not record a visit to Southall's, or the Raleigh, during this period. The next General Assembly met from February 10 through April 11, 1772. Washington did not arrive in Williamsburg until March 2nd, and left on April 9, 1772.]
| March 13, 1772: | "Dined at the Club and Spent the Evening at Southall's." |
| March 20, 1772: | "Dined at Mrs. Ambler's and Spent the Evening at Southall's." |
| April 4, 1772: | "Took a Cold dinner at Mr. Southall's and came to Eltham in the afternoon." |
| April 9, 1772: | "Took an Early Dinner at Southall's and set of[f] for Eltham on my return home." |
[Washington was in Williamsburg from November 2 — November 20, 1772. The Assembly was not in session at that time.]
| November 2, 1772: | "Went to Williamsburg in Company with Captn. Crawford. Dined at Southall's and went to Mr. [John] Baylor's Ball in the Evening." |
| November 6, 1772: | "Took a Cold Cut at Southall's. Went up to Colo. Bassett's [Eltham]." |
| November 12, 1772: | "Went to Williamsburg with Mrs. Washington, Mr. and Miss Custis…" |
| November 13, 1772: | "Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and went to a Ball at the Apollo [in Raleigh] in the Evening." |
| November 17, 1772: | "Rid to the Plantations [Custis plantations] under Mr. Hill near Town, and dined at Southall's." |
[The General Assembly met at the Capitol from March 4 — March 15, 1773. Washington was in Williamsburg from March 4 through March 13th; but he made no mention of the Raleigh, or Southall's, in his diary. It was at this session of Assembly that a resolution was passed appointing a Committee of Correspondence to obtain intelligence from other British colonies of all "such Acts and Resolutions of the British Parliament…as may relate to or affect the British Colonies in America." This resolution was agreed to by the Burgesses "nomine contradicente" on March 12, 1773 — they day before Washington left Williamsburg.]
[Washington visited Williamsburg again in 1773 — although the Assembly was not in session. He arrived in town on October 26th and, making trips to Eltham during this time, left on his return home on December 6th.]
| October 26, 1773: | "Went to Williamsburg. Dined at the Raleigh, and supped at the Coffee House." |
| November 4, 1773: | "Dined at the Speaker's and spent the Evening at Southall's." |
| November 25, 1773: | "Dined at Southall's and spent the Evening again at the Coffee House." |
| November 26, 1773: | "Dined at Southall's and spent the Evening in my own Room." |
| November 27, 1773: | "Dined at Southall's and came up to Colo. Bassett's…" |
| November 29, 1773: | "Went to Williamsburg again and Dined at Southall's…" |
| November 30, 1773: | "Again Dined at Southall's…" |
| December 2, 1773: | "Dined at Southall's and spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| December 4, 1773: | "Din'd at Southall's and reached Colo. Bassett's in the Afternoon." |
[The General Assembly met again from May 14 through May 26, 1774. Washington arrived in Williamsburg with Mrs. Washington on May 16th. On learning of the closing of the Port of Boston by British troops, the Burgesses set aside June 1st as a day of "Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer"; and, hearing of this, Lord Dunmore dissolved the Assembly on May 26th. The Burgesses reconvened at the Raleigh Tavern on May 27th, entered into a general Association against the East India Company, and recommended that the Committee of Correspondence, appointed in March 1773, communicate with committees in other colonies, suggesting a general congress at some convenient place. As a result of this suggestion, the Continental Congress first convened in Philadelphia in September, 1774. Washington remained in Williamsburg until June 18th.]
| May 17, 1774: | "Dined at the Speaker's and spent the Evening at Southall's." |
| May 18, 1774: | "… spent the Evening at Southall's." |
[Note: Although Washington was present at the meeting in the Raleigh on May 27, 1774, and signed the Association, he did not mention it in his diary.]
| May 27, 1774: | "Dined at the Treasurer's and went to the Ball given by the House of Burgesses to Lady Dunmore." |
| May 30, 1774: | "Dined at Mrs. Southall's. …" |
| June 7, 1774: | "Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and spent the Evening at the Raleigh." |
| June 8, 1774: | "Dined at the Raleigh…" |
| June 9, 1774: | "Dined at the Raleigh and spent the Evening there also." |
| June 10, 1774: | "Dined at the Raleigh and went to the Fireworks." |
| June 13, 1774: | "Returned with him [Col. Bassett] to Willg. Dined at the Raleigh and spent the Evening at Anderson's." |
| June 14, 1774: | "Dined with the Council at Southall's, …" |
[When Washington attended the first meeting of the Virginia Convention of Delegates, which met at the Capitol in August, 1774, he was in Williamsburg from August 1st until August 7th. He was appointed one of the delegates to the Continental Congress at this Convention. He did not mention the Raleigh in his diary covering this visit to Williamsburg.]
Peyton Randolph, Speaker of the House of Burgesses from 1766 until his death in 1775, inherited the house which bears his name from his father, Sir John Randolph. Washington frequently visited Speaker Randolph in this house, noting the following occasions in his diaries:
| May 3, 1768: | "Dined with the Speaker" |
| November 1, 1768: | "In Williamsburg Dined at the Speaker's, with many Gentlemen." |
| May 4, 1769: | "Dined with the Speaker and spent the Evenng (that is supped) at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| May 16, 1769: | "… Dined at the Speaker's and spent the Evening at Hay's." |
| November 8, 1769: | "Dined at the Speaker's…" |
| December 10, 1769: | "Dined at the Speaker's, …" |
| May 28, 1770: | "… Dined at the Speaker's and attended a Committee of the associn. at Hayes till 11 Oclock." |
| June 14, 1770: | "Dined at the Speaker's and went to Bed by 8 Oclock." |
| May 3, 1771: | "Dined at the Speaker's and went to the Play; …" |
| July 16, 1771: | "Dined at the Speaker's. Spent the Evenng in my own Room." |
| October 30, 1771: | "Dined at the Speaker's, and went to the Play in the Afternoon." |
| March 2, 1772: | "Set out for Williamsburg [from Eltham] and got in about 12 Oclock. Dined at the Speaker's and sup'd at the Treasurer's." |
| March 15, 1772: | "Dined at the Speaker's and Spent the Evening at my own lodgings." |
| November 4, 1772: | "Dined at the Speaker's, and Supped at Mrs. Vobe's." |
| November 15, 1772: | "Dined and Spent the Evening at the Speaker's." |
| March 5, 773: | "Dined at the Speaker's and Spent the Evening there also." |
| October 28, 1773: | "Dined at the Speaker's and spent the Evening in my own Room." |
| November 4, 1773: | "Dined at the Speakers and spent the Evening at Southall's." |
| November 21, 1773: | "Dined at the Speaker's and spent the Evening in my own Room." |
| November 24, 1773: | "Dined at the Speaker's and spent the Evening at the Coffee House." |
| May 17, 1774: | "Dined at the Speaker's and spent the Evening at Southall's." |
| May 21, 1774: | "Dined at the Speaker's and went up to Colo. Bassett's in the afternoon." |
| May 24, 1774: | "Dined at the Speaker's and spent the Evening at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| August 3, 1774: | "Dined at the Speaker's and spent the Evening at my own Lodgings." |
[This was while Washington was attending the Virginia Convention of Delegates, which met at the Capitol in Williamsburg, and appointed both Washington and Peyton Randolph delegates to the Continental Congress, to meet in Philadelphia in September, 1774. Randolph was elected President of the Continental Congress when it convened, and died in Philadelphia in 1775 while attending the Congress.]
The first playhouse in Williamsburg, erected on the Palace Green ca. 1716, was converted into a Hustings Court House in 1745. A second theatre, on Waller Street, was built in 1751 for the Murray and Kean "Company of Comedians" who opened there on October 21, 1751, with Shakespeare's Richard III. In 1752, Lewis Hallam arrived from London with his "Company of Comedians," and opened in this theatre in September with The Merchant of Venice, and The Anatomist. Lewis Hallam, Sr. died; and his widow married a Mr. Douglass, who, with his wife, Lewis Hallam, Jr., and a Miss Hallam, played in Williamsburg in the 1760's. Their company was known as the "American Company of Comedians." In 1768, "The Virginia Company of Comedians" performed in this theatre. Other companies, and other types of entertainment were presented there. In 1755, "that elaborate and celebrated Piece of Mechanism, call'd the Microcosm, or The World in Miniature was presented; in 1769, Peter Gardiner presented his puppet show — "a curious set of Figures, richly dressed, four feet high, which shall appear upon the stage as if alive," etc. The theatre continued in use until 1772.
In his diaries or ledgers, George Washington noted attendance at "the Play," when in Williamsburg; but, unfortunately, he seldom did more than mention it, or note the cost of tickets:
| May 2, 1768: | "Went to Williamsburg [from Eltham, Col. Burwell Bassett's home] with Colo. Bassett, Colo. Lewis and Mr. Dick. Dind with Mrs. Dawson, and went to the Play." [Washington's ledger for this date has entry "By Play Tickets £1: 7: 6." Although his dairy does not mention it, Washington also went to the Play on May 5th or 6th, according to his ledger. We do not know what plays he saw. The "Virginia Company of Comedians" was playing at the theatre in the spring of 1768, where they presented The Constant Couple, or a Trip to the Jubilee; The Miller of Mansfield; The Orphan, or the Unhappy Marriage; The Gamester; Polly HOneycomb; The Beggar's Opera; The Anatomist, or Sham Doctor; The Miser; The Brave Irishman, and doubtless, other farces and plays. |
| June 16, 1770: | "Dined at the Club at Mrs. Campbell's and went to the Play in the Evening." |
| June 18, 1770: | "Came into Williamsburg in the Morning [from Eltham]. Dined at the Club and went to the Play in the afternoon." |
| June 19, 1770: | "Dined at the Club and went to the Play." |
| June 20, 1770: | "Dined at the President's and went to the Play afterwards." |
| June 22, 1770: | "Dined at the Club and went to the Play, after meeting the Associates at the Capitol." |
| [In his ledger Washington entered expenses for tickets: June 16, "Tickets to Play &ca 15/6." June 19, "By Play Ticket 7/6." June 20, "By PLay Tickets £1: 0: 0." He entered £2 for play tickets on June 23 — covering these expenses. Mr. Douglass' "American Company," which included his wife, Lewis Hallam, Sr.'s widow, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Hallam, Jr., and a Miss Hallam, gave notice on June 14, 1770, that they would open with "the Beggar's Opera and other entertainments."] | |
| May 2, 1771: | "Set out with Colo. Bassett for Williamsburg… Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and went to the Play." |
| May 3, 1771: | "Dined at the Speaker's [Peyton Randolph's] and went to the Play; after wch. Drank a Bowl or two of Punch at Mrs. Campbell's." |
| May 8, 1771: | "Dined at Southall's [the Raleigh] with Colo. Robt Fairfax and some other Gentlemen., and went to the Play…" |
| [In his ledger Washington noted Play Tickets 10/ on May 2nd; and on May 9th he listed expenses for tickets as 37s. 6d. Douglass' "American Company" was again in Williamsburg at this time — and among their presentations were The Beggar's Opera (which they had presented the spring before), The Tender Husband, The Honest Yorkshireman, etc.] | |
| October 29, 1771: | "Reached Williamsburg before Dinner, and went to the Play in the Afternoon." |
| October 30, 1771: | "Dined at the Speaker's, and went to the Play in the Afternoon." |
| October 31, 1771: | "Dined at the Governor's [Dunmore's], and went to the Play." |
| November 1, 1771: | "Dined at Mrs. Dawson's. Went to the Fireworks in the Afternoon and to the Play at Night." |
| November 4, 1771: | "Dined with the Council and went to the play afterwards." |
| [Washington's ledger contained the entry: "By Sundry Play Tickets whilst in Williamsburg £4: 1: 0." Douglass' "American Company" was again in Williamsburg, and their repertoire included The West Indian, and The Musical Lady.] | |
| March 12, 1772: | "Dined at the Club and went to the Play." |
| March 17, 1772: | "Dined at the Club and went to the Play in the Afternoon." |
| March 19, 1772: | "Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and went to the Play in the Evening." |
| March 25, 1772: | "Dined at Mr. Lewis Burwell's and went to the Play." |
| March 26, 1772: | "Dined at the Club and went to the Play." |
| April 3, 1772: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and went to the Play; …" |
| April 7, 1772: | "Dined at Mrs. Campbell's and went tot he Play; …" |
| [Douglass' "American Company" advertised a new comedy, A Word to the Wise, during this season; and also False Delicacy, Thomas and Sally, The Provoked Husband, Dorcas, The Way to Keep Him, The Oracle, etc.] | |
The unrestored building now known as "Tazewell Hall," was owned by Sir John Randolph (died 1737), and by his son John Randolph — attorney-general of Virginia from 1766-1775. After John Randolph, who remained loyal to Great Britain, left Virginia for England in 1775, the property was purchased by John Tazewell. Part of the house — which had wings on either side — has disappeared; and the part remaining was moved from its original site to allow for the continuation of England Street.
George Washington often dined with John Randolph when he came to Williamsburg. On November 2, 1768, Washington "Dined at the Attorney Genl's with Lord Botetourt (ye Govr.) and many other gentlemen." On December 1, 1769, "Mrs. Washington and Childn. [John Parke and Patsy Custis] Dined at the Attorney's." On December 15, 1769, Washington "Dined at the Attorney's." He "Dined at the Attorney's and Spent the Evening at the Governor's [Lord Dunmore's]" on March 4, 1772. On March 9th, and on November 2, 1773, he dined at "the Attorney's." On May 23, 1774, he came to Williamsburg from Eltham "with Mrs. Washington. Dined at the Attorneys, and spent the Evening there." He dined "at the Attorney's," probably for the last time, on August 4, 1774, when he was attending the Virginia Convention of Delegates in Williamsburg. This Convention elected Washington as one of the Virginia delegates to the Continental Congress at Philadelphia; and there is no record that he was again in Williamsburg before John Randolph left Virginia in 1775.
The unrestored building now known as "Wetherburn's tavern" was once a popular tavern operated by Henry Wetherburn (a former keeper of the Raleigh) from ca. 1746-1760.
While Washington was serving in the French and Indian War, he visited Williamsburg from time to time. His diaries are missing for the period, but on one brief visit to Williamsburg (March-April, 1756), Washington entered expenses at Wetherburn's in his ledger: On March 30, 1756, "By Exps. at Weatherburns 26 Barber 3/1-½." On April 1, 1756, "Exps. at Weatherbns. 25/10."
James Barrett Southall kept tavern on this property for a time after Wetherburn died, before he moved to the Raleigh in 1771.
Southall was succeeded at Wetherburn's former tavern by Robert Anderson, who announced in Virginia Gazette of March 9, 1771, that he had "taken the House lately occupied by Mr. Southall, where he hopes to be prepared, by the ensuing General Court, for the Accommodating of Gentlemen." He advertised for "A single Man, well recommended, who understands the Business of a Bar," at the same time; and he continued to operate a tavern there for the next five or six years.
Washington's diaries indicate that he often patronized Anderson during the years 1771-1774:
| May 6, 1771: | "… Dined at Mrs. Vobes; and Suppd at Anderson's." |
| May 7, 1771: | "Dined at Mrs. Dawson's and Spent the Evening at Anderson's." |
| November 3, 1771: | "Dined at Anderson's and Supped at Mrs. Dawson's." |
| March 24, 1772: | "Dined at the Club and spent the Evening at Mr. Anderson's." |
| November 18, 1772: | "In My own Room settling Mr. Hill's Acct. all Dinner time: but spent the Evening at Anderson's." |
| [Washington's ledger for this date shows entry: "By Club at Andersons 4s. 8d."] | |
| November 23, 1773: | "Dined with Lord Dunmore at his Farm [Porto Bello], and spent the Evening at Anderson's." |
| November 30, 1773: | "Again dined at Southall's. Spent the Evening at Anderson's." |
| June 6, 1774: | "… Dined at Richd. Charlton's and Supped at Anderson's." |
| June 8, 1774: | "Dined at the Raleigh, and spent the Evening at Anderson's." |
| June 13, 1774: | "… Dined at the Raleigh and spent the Evening at Anderson's." |
| June 14, 1774: | "Dined with the Council at Southalls [the Raleigh], and spent the Evening at Anderson's." |
| June 16, 1774: | "Dined at the Governor's and spent the Evening at Anderson's." |
| June 17, 1774: | "Dined at Anderson's and spent the Evening there." |
Although there is no existing record of this visit, it is probable that the College of William and Mary was the object of George Washington's first visit to Williamsburg. By its charter of 1693, the College had been granted the office of Surveyor=General of the Virginia Colony, with the right to appoint all county-surveyors.
The General Assembly of Virginia (which met at the College for a time after the Capitol burned in 1747) passed an act establishing Culpepper County from part of Orange County, in its March-May, 1749, session. Young Washington, then only seventeen years old, applied for and obtained commission as surveyor of Culpeper County. The college records concerning this commission are missing, but the commission from "the President and Masters" was entered in the Culpeper County records on July 20, 1749. It is highly probable that young Washington visited the College during the session of Assembly which established Culpeper County, or shortly thereafter, to obtain this commission from President William Dawson and the professors.
Although there is nor record of his visiting the College at the time, Washington, as commander-in-chief of the forces, had control of its disposition during the Revolution. In October, 1781, John Blair wrote to General Washington at Yorktown, asking that the French, who were then occupying the College as a hospital, be removed as soon as possible. Washington replied that nothing but "absolute Necessity" could induce him to occupy the "College with its adjoining Buildings for Military Purposes," and added that he hoped "the good People of this Part of the Country" would "more readily submit to a partial & temporary Inconvenience," when they had "Reason to hope, that the Close of our present Operations will place them in a State of Quiet and Security." The surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown occurred a few days later. On October 27, 1781, Washington acknowledged the congratulations of the "President and Professors of the University of William and Mary," on the British surrender, stating that "The Seat of Literature at Williamsburg, has ever in my View, been an Object of Veneration," and adding that it would "receive every encouragement and Benefaction" in his power "towards its Re-Establishment." The French, however, continued to occupy the College until 1782.
In 1788 the Visitors and Governors of the College appointed Washington its Chancellor, to which he inquired as to "Whether any active Service" was "immediately expected from the person holding the Office of Chancellor." He said that if the office required "a regular and indispensable Visitation once or perhaps twice a year" he must decline the honor. On receiving a copy of the original statute designating the duties of the office, and "Influenced by a heart-felt desire to promote the cause of Science in general, and the prosperity of the College of William and Mary in particular," he accepted the office. The original statute, incidentally, described the Chancellor as the "Patron of the College, such a One as by his Favour with the King, and by his Interest with all other Persons in England, may be enabled to help on all the College Affairs." There is no record that Washington visited the College during his Chancellorship.
George Wythe, who occupied the house which now bears his name from ca. 1755 until he moved to Richmond in 1791, was clerk of the House of Burgesses in 1769, during which year Washington dined with him on at least three occasions. On May 12th he "Dined with Mr. Wythe, and Supped at Hay's." On November 15th, and again on December 11th, he "Dined at Wythe's."
Washington's next association with the house, of which we have record, was in the fall of 1781,. He arrived in Williamsburg on September 15th to begin preparations for the siege of the British at Yorktown. St. George Tucker, then an officer in Washington's army, wrote his wife of Washington's arrival on September 15th, stating that "His Quarters are at Mr. Wythe's House." The Wythe House served as Washington's headquarters until he marched, with his American and French forces, for York on September 28th.
From early manhood until he was nearly fifty years of age, George Washington made visits to Williamsburg, and was often at the Governor's Palace, the Capitol, and the various taverns, lodging houses, shops and stores in the capital city. He was also entertained in a number of private homes in and near Williamsburg.
Possibly his first visit was made in the spring or early summer of 1749, when he received a commission as surveyor for Culpeper County from the President, Masters and Professors of the College of William and Mary — the College holding the office of Surveyor General of Virginia. In 1753 he came to Williamsburg to meet with the Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, Robert Dinwiddie, to discuss the French encroachments on the Ohio, and was sent with a letter to the French commandant protesting the encroachments. The answer the French commandant sent Governor Dinwiddie precipitated the French and Indian War. During the course of this war (1754-1758) Washington returned to Williamsburg on several missions, resigning his commission as Colonel of the First Virginia Regiment in 1758.
In 1759 Washington first took his seat in the House of Burgesses in Williamsburg, and served as a burgess until 1775, representing Frederick County and, after 1765, Fairfax County. In 1759 he married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, daughter of Col. John Dandridge and widow of Daniel Parke Custis of New Kent County, who had two children by her first husband. Custis owned considerable property in and near Williamsburg, and until his son, John Parke Custis, came of age, Washington administered the Custis estate for his wife and stepchildren. When attending sessions of the General Assembly, Washington and his family often stayed at "Eltham," in New Kent County — the home of Mrs. Washington's sister and brother-in-law, Anna Maria (Dandridge) Bassett and Col. Burwell Bassett. "Eltham" was about twenty miles from Williamsburg; and sometimes Washington and Col. Bassett (who represented New Kent County in the House of Burgesses 1762-1774) remained in lodgings, or in the homes of friends in Williamsburg, to be joined there by their families for a few days.
After the outbreak of the Revolution, Washington had little time to visit Williamsburg until the fall of 1781. On September 15, 1781, he arrived in Williamsburg, where the American and French forces assembled, to prepare for the Siege of York. On September 28th he left Williamsburg with the forces for York.
Many of Washington's diaries are missing for the years he came to Williamsburg, and where his diaries have survived the entries are usually very brief. However, from the diaries which have survived, and from surviving expense ledgers, he can be associated with the following Williamsburg buildings:
Report by.
Mary R. M. Goodwin
1954.