Mr. HENRY H. EDES exhibited an original letter dated at Paris, 12 March, 1793, written by Gouverneur Morris to Robert Morris.1 On behalf of Mr. WORTHINGTON C. FORD, a Corresponding Member, Mr. EDES made the following communication: In my edition of the Writings of George Washington (I. 231-234) I gave an extract from the Ledger of income and expenditure kept by Washington from an early period. That extract, covering his expenses in a visit to Boston, was inserted for a special purpose. In the following pages I give a transcript of the early leaves of the same Ledger, beginning with the first general entry and continuing to his Boston journey. After the fashion of good accountants, Washington also kept entries of his accounts with individuals, some of which are of earlier date than the first of these general expenses, but they were also continued in some cases to the opening of the Revolution. It appeared more logical to confine this extract to the general items, leaving to a future time the individual accounts. Washington was at this time in the Colonial service, and later accompanied Braddock as a volunteer aid on his unfortunate adventure. The entries are of value as showing the tastes and amusements of the young Virginian, proving that he played cards and billiards, even when on the serious mission of seeking recognition of the House of Burgesses. He was buying slaves and horses, and some furnishings for his house. The details do not throw much light upon his actions, but they serve to supplement what is already known. WASHINGTON'S LEDGER, 1754-1756. 1754 Oct 15 By Capt Merrie charges on my watch By Ditto for a chance to Raffle for a watch 1 This letter, dated 15 March, 1793, is printed in Anne Cary Morris's Diary and Letters of Gouverneur Morris (1888), ii. 38. The opening words - "I have receiv'd yours of the third of February and reply shortly that I may reply immediately. My Reason for which is that "— are omitted in the Diary and Letters, as are also the words printed in italics in the following sentence: "In the first Place I must have leave to resign from the President but further you will consider that the very Circumstance," etc. Nov 2 To Expences at Armisteads Ordinary 66 9773 3351 1 3 By a Negro Woman called Clio, bo at Ditto 50 11 By M: Mercer for his opinion of the devise By Ditto on his Opinion on the devise of 12 By the farrier for visiting a sick Horse 17 By gave Jn° Alton 71 1 1 6 1 1 1 6 2612 66 Feb 1 By two Salts 1/3 By 1 Mustard Pot 81 By a Beer Glass and Pepper Box 2 10 15 03 3523 71 9 |