His visit lasted five days, a lengthy stay in his whistlestop tour of the new nation. George Washington left a few hundreds words in his diary about the trip that historians have been analyzing ever since. Now you can read his complete journal entries.
What Did Washington Really Think
About Portsmouth & Exeter, NH?
There are many accounts of what Washington did while in Portsmouth. He reportedly attended an engagement party for his secretary Tobias Lear, kissed the daughters of merchants Stephen Chase, stopped off in Kittery and visited the widow of former British royal governor Benning Wentworth. None of those events appear, however, in Washington’s diaries. In the essay linked above, we tracked the legends and details of Washington’s only visit to town, but for the record, this is Washington’s own version. It was not intended as a literary work. Washington was a methodical and scientific man, more accountant than author much of the time. But these are his words from his arrival on New Hampshire soil to his departure in November 1789. -- JDR
Saturday 31st. Left Newbury-port a little after 8 Oclock (first breakfasting with Mr. Dalton) and to avoid a wider ferry -- more inconvenient boats -- and a piece of heavy Sand, we crossed the River at Salisbury two Miles above; and near that further about -- and in three Miles came to the Line wch. divides the State of Massachusetts from that of New Hampshire. Here I took leave of Mr. Dalton and many other private Gentlemen who accompanied me -- also of Genl. Titcomb who had met me on the line between Middlesex & Essex Counties -- Corps of light Horse and Many officers of Militia -- And was recd. by the President of the State of New Hampshire -- the Vice-President; some of the Council -- Messrs. Langdon & Wingate of the Senate -- Colo. Parker Marshall of the State, & many other respectable characters; besides several Troops of well cloathed Horse in handsome Uniforms, and many Officers of the Militia also in handsome (white & red) uniforms of the Manufacture of the State. With this Cavalcade we proceeded and arrived before 3 Oclock at Portsmouth, where we were received with every token of respect and appearance of Cordiallity under a discharge of Artillery. The Streets -- doors and windows were Crouded here, as at all the other Places -- and, alighting at the Town House, odes were Sung & played in honor of the President. The same happened yesterday at my entrance into New-buryport -- Being stopped at my entrance to hear it. From the Town House I went to Colonel Brewsters Ta[ver]n the place provided for my residence and asked the President, Vice-President, the two Senators, the Marshall and Majr. Gilman to dine with me, which they did -- after which I drank Tea at Mr. Langdons.
Mother Courage May 16 - 17, 2008 Our mainstage season wraps up in May with the Senior Youth Repertory Company production of Bertolt Brecht’s epic masterpiece Mother Courage and Her Children. Through Brecht’s stark vision, the play relentlessly questions the distinctions between war, bu...
Remembering Oney Judge May 17, 2008 PORTSMOUTH -- In commemoration of the Bicentennial Anniversary Year that ended the legal U.S. Atlantic Slave Trade and Annual Spring Symposium From Saturday, May 17, 2008 - 9 am to 1 pm -
Keynote: Cheryl LaRoche describing him life at Presid...
Books & Blooms Sale May 17, 2008 BRENTWOOD -- Our Annual Books & Blooms Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 17th from 9 - 11:30 am! Come to the Mary Bartlett Library, 22 Dalton Road in Brentwood, to purchase lots of books for little money - and purchase great plants at great prices. Pl...
Lighthouse Cruise May 17, 2008 Lighthouse cruise from Portsmouth aboard the Thomas Laighton, sponsored by the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. This cruise will leave from the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company dock at 315 Market Street in Portsmouth, across from the Sheraton Harbors...
American Lighthouse Foundation Annual Dinner May 17, 2008 Portsmouth Elks Lodge, 500 Jones Ave., Portsmouth, NH. Buffet dinner featuring garden salad, baked stuffed haddock, chicken breast with fruit glaze, roast beef, and more. The featured speaker at the dinner will be Chris Mills, author, former lighthous...
2nd Portsmouth Peace Treaty Commemorative Concert May 17, 2008 Seacoast Wind Ensemble presents “Peace & The Presidency: Music for Washington, Lincoln & Theodore Roosevelt” featuring Aaron Copeland's "Lincoln Portrait" narrated by Phillips Exeter Chaplain Robert Thompson. At The Music Hall. In 1905, diplo...
Free Gaelic Football Clinic May 18, 2008 Gaelic Football is a FUN, fast moving high scoring game that incorporates the skills used in playing soccer and basketball.
When- Sunday, May 18th, 2008
Where- Stevens Field-Stratham, NH
Ages- 5-12-Boys & Girls
Cost- FREE!!
Prior Expe...
Mother Courage and Her Children May 18, 2008 Our mainstage season wraps up in May with the Senior Youth Repertory Company production of Bertolt Brecht’s epic masterpiece Mother Courage and Her Children. Through Brecht’s stark vision, the play relentlessly questions the distinctions between war, bu...
4 Walls 1 Roof Meeting May 19, 2008 Join the new "seacoast chapter" of 4 Walls 1 Roof, a network of women business owners and professionals who collaborate on a variety of marketing initiatives for our respective businesses. Members offer services or products for home owners, fr...
Greenability Lecture & Soup May 19, 2008 EXETER -- Blue Moon Natural Foods, 8 Clifford Street, Exeter, celebrates its thirteenth year with “an intergenerational green initiative” that includes three different cooking series running through May. The anniversary schedule of events promoting h...
