The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk

Collection Reference Number GLC05287
From Archive Folder Documents Relating to 1794 
Title George Washington to Burgess Ball regarding the purchase of land
Date 27 July 1794
Author Washington, George (1732-1799)  
Recipient Ball, Burgess  
Document Type Correspondence; Land transaction document
Content Description President Washington discusses the construction of a tilt hammer. Relates that the United States Government may be interested in purchasing a tract of land from Ball, upon which to establish an arsenal. Discusses the character of Hyland Crow, who served as an overseer on Washington's Union Farm after Washington left to serve as President in 1789. Notes that if Ball hires Crow as an overseer on his own farm, he must be strict. Praises Crow's understanding of the farming business, but also received frequent reports of Crow's hasty temper, ill treatment, and frequent absence from his post. Offers his opinions on how best to oversee slaves, "if you can keep him always with your people [slaves] he will make you a good overseer; & without it, neither he, or any man will."
Subjects Science and Technology  President  Land Transaction  Government and Civics  Ammunition  Weaponry  Mount Vernon  Agriculture and Animal Husbandry  Slavery  African American History  
People Washington, George (1732-1799)  Ball, Burgess (1749-1800)  
Place written Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Theme Science, Technology, Invention; The Presidency; Government & Politics; Agriculture; Slavery & Abolition; African Americans
Sub-collection The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Additional Information Ball was the husband of George Washington's niece. In the American Revolution, Ball served as a volunteer aide to Washington, Captain of the 5th Virginia Regiment of Foot, and as a colonel. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Transcript Show/hide