Person:George Weedon (1)

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George Weedon (1734–1793) was an American soldier during the Revolutionary War from Fredericksburg, Colony of Virginia. He served as a brigadier general in the Continental Army and later in the Virginia militia. After the Revolutionary War ended he became an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati (Va.).

Weedon served as a lieutenant under George Washington in the French and Indian War, mainly assigned to garrison duty in western Virginia. After the war, he moved to Fredericksburg and opened a tavern.^[1] It was within Weedon's tavern that Thomas Jefferson in January 1777 wrote the Statute of Religious Freedom; the very first document of its kind to acknowledge government recognition of religious tolerance. In 1775, he was made a lieutenant colonel and second in command to Hugh Mercer. They were tasked with creating the 3rd Virginia Regiment, Virginia Line, Continental Army. He was promoted to colonel in 1776 and succeeded Mercer in command of his regiment. On Mercer's death at Princeton, Weedon was promoted to brigadier general in 1777 and again succeeded him. He fought in the Battles of Trenton, Brandywine, and Germantown. At Valley Forge, Weedon commanded a brigade in Nathanael Greene's division. His brigade included Stewart's 13th Pennsylvania Regiment along with the 2nd, 6th, 10th, and 14th Virginia regiments.

In 1778, he resigned after a dispute with the Congress over seniority. He went home to Virginia to lead a brigade of the state's militia at the request of Governor Thomas Jefferson. He led his militia unit in the Yorktown campaign, where his brigade successfully repelled the feared and infamous unit of Colonel Banastre Tarleton, thus closing the one means of British escape at Gloucester Point.^[2]

1. ↑ ^{1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12} Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia.

   "George Weedon"

2. ↑ This Day in History.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9} Ward, Harry M. Duty, Honor, or Country: General George Weedon and the American Revolution. (Philadelphia: The American Philosophical Society, 1979).
4. ↑ Crozier, William Armstrong. Spotsylvania County records, 1721-1800: being transcriptions, from the original files at the county court house, of wills, deeds, administrators' and guardians' bonds, marriage licenses, and lists of revolutionary pensioners. (New York: Genealogical Association, 1905).
5. ↑ Jackson, Ron V. Virginia, Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1607-1890.
6. ↑ Bockstruck, Lloyd de Witt. Revolutionary War bounty land grants : awarded by state governments. (Baltimore [Maryland]: Genealogical Pub. Co., c1996).
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3} Find A Grave.

   Gen. George Weedon

8. ↑ Fredericksburg, Virginia, Court Order Book, 1787-1802
   Court Proceedings, 24 Jan 1794.

   The Last Will and Testament of George Weedon, deceased, with a Codicil annexed was proved by three witnesses thereto and Ordered to be Recorded and Robert Patton and John Mercer Two of the Executors therein named made oath thereto and It is ordered that they enter into bond with Wm. Glassell and Robert Dunbar Securities in the Penalty of £15000 in the Clerks office on or before the next Court. Charles Mortimer, Fontaine Maury, James Somerville, George French and William Lovell Gentlemen or any three of them are appointed to appraise the Estate of Gen. George Weedon dec'd.

9. ↑ Virginia Gazette and General Advertiser (Richmond)
   25 Dec 1793.

   On Monday evening last [i.e., Dec 23] departed this life, George Weedon, Esq., late Major-General in the army of the United States. The death of this valuable citizen will be long lamented, not only by his relatives, but by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.

10.   U.S. National Archives
    https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-08-02-0573, 8 Mar 1777.

    From George Washington to Brigadier General George Weedon, 8 March 1777
    
    Head Quarters Morris town 8th March 1777
    
    Dear Sir
    
    You are so well acquainted with our Circumstances and Situation that I need not assign any Reason for desiring you to call upon every Colonel within your reach and order him to march whatever Men he may have raised to join the Army immediately. Let a good Officer be sent forward with the first party who may receive and take Care of the Men of his Regiment as they come up. Endeavour to procure me the Returns all of the Regiments, that I may form some Judgment of the time in which a force may be drawn together, a Matter that I am present entirely ignorant of.
    
    Be pleased to forward the inclosed to Genal Lewis as quick as possible,1 it being on the same subject as yours. I am Dear Sir Yr.
    
    ----------
    
    NOTES:
    
    Df, in Tench Tilghman's writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
    
    1. See GW to Brig. Gen. Andrew Lewis, this date.

11.   U.S. National Archives
    https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-14-02-0331, 29 Mar 1778.

    From George Washington to Brigadier General George Weedon, 29 March 1778
    
    Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 29th March 1778.
    
    Dear Sir
    
    Inclosed you will receive a copy of a Resolution of Congress, respecting the Rank of the Brigadiers in the Virginia Line -- by this you will perceive they have given General Woodford the precedence he claimed.1
    
    In my letter of the 15th, I mentioned my sentiments upon this subject and that it was my Opinion the parties interested should acquiesce in whatever decision might be given concerning it -- this I still wish, and the pressing necessity there is for General Officers in Camp induces me again to request your most expeditious return. At the same time if you are determined not to serve in inferior rank to Generals Woodford & Scott -- you will be pleased to inform, as the State of the Virginia Troops in such case, will demand another immediate appointment in your room. I am Dear Sir Your most obedient Servt
    
    G.W.
    
    Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The letter apparently was carried to Virginia by Brig. Gen. William Woodford.
    
    1. For this resolution of 19 Mar., see Henry Laurens to GW, 21 Mar., n.3.
    
    ----------
    
    NOTES:
    
    Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The letter apparently was carried to Virginia by Brig. Gen. William Woodford.
    
    1. For this resolution of 19 Mar., see Henry Laurens to GW, 21 Mar., n.3.

12.   U.S. National Archives
    http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-14-02-0467, 13 Apr 1778.

    To George Washington from Brigadier General George Weedon, 13 April 1778
    
    Fredericksburg [Va.] April 13th 1778
    
    Dr Sir,
    
    I am honored with your favr 15th Ulto which only this day got to hand, Also the one by Genl Woodford inclosing a Resolution of Congress Ratifying the report of a board of Officers respecting my rank.1
    
    I have coolly and impartially considered every Circumstance attending this extraordinary change. I have advised with many friends on the Subject. I have endeavoured to devest myself of little Punctilios and place it on the most generous Military scale I possibly can, but cannot with my own feelings, And with the Coroberating Opinion of many of your friends, as well as my own, pursue any other line of Conduct Consistent with my honor than to refuse Service under those that have been so long my Junior Officers and who have taken such ungenerous Steps to obtain precedence, particularly General Woodford, whose former conduct on Mercers and Stephens’s promotion surely Cancel’d every claim to rank previous to that Time.2 His resignation is confessed by Congress in their Resolve of 21st Febry 1777 where they Assign as a reason for Giving John Cadwallader, and many others rank of him, that he had quited the Army.3 He also Acknowledges it himself in a letter to me of 17th March 1777 declairing my Seniority and Congratulating me on my Appointment to Brigr Genl Saying: “I have heard within these few days of the late promotions, let me with much Sincerity give you joy, and assure you I shall serve with pleasure under my Old Friend.”
    
    Nor was there any signs of discontent that ever came to my knowledge, till Joseph Jones went to Congress by whom a petition was presented and a resolution obtain Exparta, giving him and General Scott rank of me. This I believe passed that House on the 12th of Novr and on the 2d of Decr your Excellency was pleased to shew me the resolve at white marsh which had only that day come to your hands.4 This was the first knowledge I had of General Woodfords pretentions to any former Claim, tho’ it had been some time before Congress. The Committee that came to the Army ware Directed to enquire into it. Those Gentlemen had Generals Woodford, Scott, & myself before them the day before I left Camp. and after being furnish with facts respecting the dispute, told me I had no Occation to stay any longer as they ware then fully informed of every circumstance, & tho’ disagreeable would determine on it in a few days,5 And notwithstanding Genl Woodford positively refused to submit it to any other set of men, It is afterwards laid before a board of Officers and again reported an Exparta. I make not the least doubt but those Gentlemen Divested themselves of every Vestige of Partiallity, but what grounds it was taken up on, or what presedent they followed, I cant pretend to say.6 As I have never had an Opportunity of defending my rank in any one Instance but before the Committee who I expected was to have setled it.
    
    I informed your Excellency, And I also informed the Committee, that I should have no Objections to General Scotts taking Precedence of me, provided all Similar promotions out of the line of Succession was deranged, so as not to make me the only Instance,7 Indeed I wished it for the peace and felicity of the Army. but what must the world think when they see me tamely Submit to be banded about like a football, and subject my reputation to the command of every Individual? will they not naturally conclude that I am Callus to honor? I would ask if Generals Mercer & Stephens ware now in service whether Genl Woodford would at this day be placed at the Head of the Virginia line over them. If not why over Genl Muhlenburg & myself, I apprehend the case is exactly Similar. If he was disgusted by Stephens’s promotion so as to leave the Service & retire into the body of the people, why would he again Accept an Appointment under him, and not declair his intentions publickly, and if after so long Service as an inferior Officer he has a right to relative rank, has not every officer who have resigned in consequence of Irregular promotions, the same pretentions. The absurdity of his claim must strike the meanest Capacity, and that evil spirit Intrigue was never more Strickingly Obvious.
    
    The great desire I have of retaining your Excellencies good wishes has induced me to be thus particular in justification of the conduct I shall pursue, you have known my Services as an Officer for many years, and I hope you will do me the justice to say I have ever discharged my duty. I have ever held your advice as sage and friendly, nor nothing would ever make me deviate from it, but a train of injuries and unheard of Injustice offered my honor as an Officer, None of which do I charge you with, having ever experienced the reverse. I shall only add that I cannot serve in the present Arrangment which is diametrically oposite to all Military Usage, and without Example in Ours, or any other Army on earth. I have the honor to be with every Sentiment of esteem & Regd Your Excellencies most Obt Most H’ble Servt
    
    G. Weedon
    
    P.S. I have advised Congress of my determination, and have desired them to proceed to the appointment of some other person, in order that the service may not suffer on my Accot.8
    
    G.W.
    
    ----------
    
    NOTES:
    
    1. See GW to Weedon, 15 and 29 March.
    
    2. William Woodford had resigned his commission as colonel in protest of the promotions of Colonels Hugh Mercer and Adam Stephen to brigadier general in June and September 1776. For Woodford’s objections to those promotions, see his letter to GW of 6 July 1776 and GW’s reply of 30 July 1776.
    
    3. Although the election of brigadier generals occurred on 21 Feb. 1777, Congress did not settle their ranks until the next day. The resolution of 22 Feb. 1777, to which Weedon refers, placed Woodford behind the other brigadier generals created the previous day (including Weedon and Peter Muhlenberg) because he held no continental commission at the time (see JCC, 7:141-42).
    
    4. The resolution of 12 Nov. 1777 confirmed the settlement of the rank of Pennsylvania officers as determined by a board of general officers that met on 19 Aug. 1777 (see JCC, 9:896-97, and General Orders 17 Aug. 1777, n.4). On 29 Nov. 1777 Congress directed GW to regulate the ranks of the Virginia generals "agreeable to the resolution of Congress of the 12th of Novr. instant" (JCC, 9:981).
    
    5. For discussion of the camp committee deliberations on this matter, see GW to Henry Laurens, 1 Jan. 1778, n.8; for the committee’s report of 2 Mar. summarizing the case and requesting the decision of a board of officers, see GW to a Continental Congress Camp Committee, 1 Mar. (second letter), n.1.
    
    6. See a Board of General Officers to GW, 4 Mar. 1778.
    
    7. The committee’s report of 2 Mar. (cited in n.5) stated that Weedon objected to Brig. Gen. Charles Scott having rank over him.
    
    8. See Weedon to Richard Henry Lee, 12 April, ViU: Lee Family Papers.

13.   Documenting the Americn South (Colonial and State Records of North Carolina)
    http://docsouth.unc.edu/csr/index.html/document/csr14-0522, 16 Sep 1780.

    Letter from George Weedon to Horatio Gates, September 16, 1780 (Vol. 14, p. 624).
    
    
    Fredericksburg, September 16th, 1780.
    
    Dear Genl:
    
    I two days ago received your orders to Mr. James Hunter to furnish a thousand Camp Kettles, and Waggons to bring them on. I immediately waited on Mr. Hunter, and shall very shortly send on the Kettles as his whole force is now employed in getting them ready. He will not have it in his power to furnish many waggons, as he has worked up most of his prepared timber, but promises to provide as many as he can, in doing which he will be obliged to advance his own Money. Your Draught on the treasury of Virginia will enable him to proceed in purchasing what he can't make at his own works. I have to day sent on fifty Men, part of the New Levies, and with them is also sent 150 Kettles to the Care of Colo. Carrington at Richmond, who has Orders to forward them on to the Advanced Army. I regret exceedingly our Misfortune at Cambden; We must only double our Exertions in getting again in Condition, And hope the Event of another day will prove more fortunate.
    
    I have the Honor to be,
    With much Esteem & Regd.
    Your most Obt. Servt.,
    
    G. Weedon.

14.   Lee Family Digital Archive
    https://leefamilyarchive.org/9-family-papers/367-richard-henry-lee-to-george-weedon-1781-may-10, 10 May 1781.

    Letter by Richard Henry Lee to George Weedon.
    
    Chantilly May the 10th 1781
    
    Dear General
    
    Permit me now to thank you for your favor by Mr. Price and for the newspapers inclosed. It is to be hoped that the pride of Great Britain will with her power be reduced e’er long within the bounds of moderation; and this will certainly be the case if the Dutch will exert themselves as they ought, and the Spaniards cease to knock their heads in vain against the rocks of Gibralter. In the mean time, it seems as if we should be left to struggle against the pride, the power, and the rancor of the british court. it is now a war of inveterate malice on her part against us, so that what they cannot carry off they destroy. Your letter of the 4th instant to Colo. J. A. Washington was by him transmitted to me on monday night last at 12 oclock -- I did not then know that the Express had been below, and therefore I immediately dispatched a messenger to Colo. Gaskins with a copy of your letter, and a request that he would cause Lookouts to be placed on the most advantageous parts of the Bayshore for descrying vessels far down Chesapeake, and to give me the quickest notice of the coming up of the hostile fleet to the end that an Express might carry it on to you. We have held a council of field officers and captains upon the subject of your letter to Colo. Washington, and our opinion respecting the defence of the lower part of the Northern Neck you will see in the letter to the Governor which is left open for your perusal and that the business might pass thro your hands to government, as we conceive that your superior command should not be interrupted by that of a younger general Officer whom we solicit to be placed in these 5 lower counties. Our situation is singular, differing from that of any other part of the State -- we are as it were empounded by the Bay on one side, Potomac & Rappahanock on two other sides, and only a narrow egress of a few miles, in some places I believe not more than 5 miles wide, from whence to the lowest part of the N. Neck, is 60 or 70 miles, containing very many slaves, much Tobacco public & private, with abundant stocks of all kinds. Thus affording to the enemy the double temptation of greatly profiting themselves and ruining a considerable tract of country whilst we are in a manner cut off from the aid of our fellow citizens by water enclosures possessed by the enemies vessels, and only accessible to our friends by a very narrow entrance. Every reason therefore calls for a special attention to such a situation. Whilst your mind may be engrossed by the greater objects up Potomac and about the Falls of Rappahanock, the immediate eye and presence of a skillful general officer to organize our militia with a small regular corps for them to resort to and form with if the enemy should come would at least stay the hand of ravage until you could bring upon their backs a superior force from above -- but in our disjointed unskillful present state, and indeed almost unfurnished with ammunition, we may be swept from Fredericksburg to Fleets Bay, 80 or 90 miles, with infinite ease and great profit to the enemy. Your letter ought to have animated us all, yet I found yesterday in a neighboring county that all was quiet and unmoved as if peace with the whole world placed them in the greatest security -- In truth Sir we want an active knowing officer upon the spot with power consistent to the compelling a due attention to those things which are requisite for our own salvation. Cannot Gen. Spotswood be placed here so long as the present storm threatens, during which alone it is that our idea extends to the having a regular Corps to countenance the Militia. Can you spare us any Cartridges if we were to send up to Fredericksburg for them. We have a person making for us as fast as possible, but we have not a sufficiency of materials for him. We have appointed a place of rendezvous and a Commissary to make conditional contracts for provision, and persons are employed in making Cartridge boxes & Canteens. We have done everything in our power in this country, and I wish the same activity prevailed in the other counties. We have no military experience, no artillery, little ammunitions, and no Cavalry at present. We are endeavoring for the latter, and hope soon to have about 50 light horse in this County. We hear that our friend Greene goes rapidly on in S. Carolina, hath any certain good news from that or any other quarter reached you? If Gen. Greene pushes the enemy well in the South it may disburthen us of this destructive band that are doing this country so much injury. They seem to destroy for the sake of destruction, and to mean that hostility shall for ever remain between the blood of this country & that of G. Britain. How far is Gen. Wayne off, and is he with our N. Neck Militia to be pushed southward whilst the opinion is that the enemy is coming to this northern river. You say that the Marquis [Lafayette] has directed you "to prepare for the worst."
    
    I think indeed that you may prepare to see the worst catastrophy take place in the northern parts of Virginia, if all the strength is sent into the south whilst the enemy are quitting that & coming here. But this will surely be rectified by the wisdom of the Marquis and his assistant general officers.
    
    My compliments if you please to your family both civil & military --
    
    I am dear general sincerely yours
    
    Richard Henry Lee
    
    
    
    P.S. When you have read, be pleased to seal & send the Governors letter forward -- if you approve, no doubt you will add your weight to our desires.
    
    
    Richd Henry Lee
    
    May 10 1781
    
    
    ----------
    
    
    Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 2, M2012.008, Jessie Ball duPont Library, Stratford Hall.

15.   Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library
    http://research.history.org/DigitalLibrary/view/index.cfm?doc=Manuscripts%5CM2012.9.xml, 26 Sep 1781.

    Letter by Robert Andrews & Gen. George Weedon.
    
    Wmsburg Sepr. 26. 1781---
    
    Sir
    
    Mr . Hunter has laid before the Governor the a Variety of Matter, Part only of which can be just now observed on. The Hurry of Business & the Governor's Indisposition oblige to defer the Consideration of many Particulars till to Morrow. A Body of the Loudoun Militia on their March to this Place, have been ordered to change their
    Route, & join you immediately. They amount, we are told, to about 4 or 500 Men. -- The Governor has directed that all Negroes taken from the Enemy be returned to their
    former Proprietors. The Principle on which it is supposed Men fight at present is to protect & secure to themselves & fellow Citizens their Liberties &, Property, & not to procure Plunder.
    
    I am, Sir, with very great Respect,
    your Obedt . & very hble Servt .
    
    Robert Andrews Secy .
    Genl . Weedon

16. ↑ Fredericksburg, Virginia, Will Book A
    p. 148.

    Will of George Weedon, 25 Nov 1793.
    
    In the name of God I George Weedon of the Town of Fredericksburg do make and constitute this my last will and Testament. Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife the Houses and Lotts whereon I now dwell known by the name of Sentry Box also Lotts Number 240 and 250 drawn as prizes in Dixon's Lottery, Numbers 239 and 260 purchased of William FitzHugh of Chatham and William FitzHugh of Marmion, No. 230 & 231 purchased of Philip Roots, No. 259 purchased of Roger Dixon and No 251 purchased of Doctor Charles Mortimer as agent for Thompson to her and her heirs assigns forever and during the term of her natural life, remainder to her male issue lawfully begotten and for want of such Issue remainder to my nephew John Mercer and his heirs forever, but should he die without Issue male, It is my Will that the same shall go to my nephew Hugh Tennant Weedon Mercer and his Heirs forever, but if he die without male Issue then I will that the same should go to my niece Ann Gordon Patton and her heirs forever. I also bequeath to my said wife all my plate household and kitchen furniture.
    
    Item: I give and bequeath unto my nephew John Mercer all my three per Cent Stock standing on the Books of John Hopkins Esq. Commissioner of Loans for the State of Virginia.
    
    Item: My Will and desire is that my Land on the Fall Hill with my slaves plantation utensils and stock thereon should be equally divided between my nephews John Mercer and Hugh T. W. Mercer to them and their heirs forever with Cross remainders over should either die without issue Lawfully begotten.
    
    Item: It is my will that my said nephews, John and Hugh Mercer do supply and bring in for my said wife as much wood as she shall need for the use of herself and family during her life.
    
    Item: I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife one moiety of all the Interest which may become due during her life on the six per Cent Stock standing in my name on the Books of John Hopkins Commissioner of Loans for the State of Virginia.
    
    Item: I give and bequeath to my nephew Hugh T. W. Mercer the other moiety of the said Interest Together with the whole of my Six per Cent Stock after the death of my wife but should he die without Issue then I then devise the Interest on the said six per Cent stock to my niece Ann G. Patton forever.
    
    Item: I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife during her life my Lotts in the Town of Fredericksburg marked in the plott of said Town No. 25 and 26 with the Houses thereon now occupied by John Benson, Remainder to my nephew Hugh T. W. Mercer in fee simple but should he die without Issue lawfully begotten Remainder over to my nephew John Mercer in fee simple and should he die without Issue lawfully begotten Remainder over to my niece Ann G. Patton and her heirs forever.
    
    Item: I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife all my House Servants (Viz) Phillis Lucy Bett Jim and Bill and it is my will that after her death my said Servants be equally divided between my nephews John and Hugh T. W. Mercer. I do also give unto my wife during her life my faithful servant Bob and the waggon and Team which he drives and after her death it is my will that he be made free, but should the Laws of the Country then in existence not admit this it is my will and earnest request that my Executors will petition the Assembly or adopt such other means as they may deem most expedient for carrying this part of my will into effect.
    
    Item: I give and bequeath unto my Brother in law William Strother and his heirs forever one moiety of an undivided tract of land which I have in the county of Fayette State of Kentucky containing four thousand acres, the other moiety of the said Land I Give and bequeath unto Mr. Samuel Roddy he having been a partner with me in the original survey which happened to be made out in my name and it is my will that he meet with no impediment whatsoever in entering and enjoying the said Moiety. I also give and bequeath unto my said Brother in Law William Strother a Military Land warrant No. 2418 signed by Henry Knox Secretary at War for 850 acres of Land being the bounty allowed me by Congress for my services in the late war.
    
    Item: I Give and bequeath unto my Relation George Gray and to his heirs forever two thousand acres of Land in the State of Kentucky on the first large Creek running into beach fork of Salt River above Pleasant run and adjoining a tract of five hundred acres of Land belonging to Col. Shelby. I also give to him and his Heirs forever a location of one thousand acres of land on the Rowling fork of Salt River and abut thirty miles from Bullock's lick or where there is a Salt spring, but as I have authorized John Obannon to sell the said Land it is my will that if he should have sold the same , the sale shall be good and the Issues thereof paid to George Gray.
    
    Item: I give and bequeath unto my nephew George Mercer a Bill penal of Thacker Washington and George Fitzhugh bearing date the 24th of November 1785 payable the first of June 1792 upon this express Condition that he the said George Mercer do relinquish and assign over to his sister Mrs. Ann G. Patton all right and title which He may have in or to any part of the Estate of his deceased mother.
    
    Item: It is my will than all monies due me (except that due on the penal Bill above devised to my nephew George), be collected by my Executors and applied in the first place to the payment of my Debts and the remainder if any to be equally divided
    between my wife and my nephews John and Hugh T. W. Mercer.
    
    Item: I give to my wife all the wine which I have in bottles, all my other wine I desire may be sold and the money arising therefrom be invested in Books for the use of my nephew John Mercer and be it know[n] that the Legacies I have herein before given to my nephews Hugh and John are upon the Condition that they relinquish to their sister Mrs. Patton all right and Title which they have in or to any part of their deceased mother's Estate (she having expressed a wish that the same should be enjoyed by her alone) except a Lott purchased by General Mercer of Doctor Southerland which it was her wish should be enjoyed by her son John, but as she died without a will the Law will direct the Disposition of that.
    
    Item: I give unto my nephew John Mercer my gold watch and the sorrell Horse which I purchased of James Pottinger.
    
    Item: It is my will that as soon as my nephew Hugh Mercer shall arrive to the age of Twenty one years my Executors shall purchase for him a watch of equal value with that which I have give my nephew John and a horse of the price of six pounds, and whereas the Congress of the United States granted a sum of money payable yearly to be applied by me to the support and Education of my said nephew Hugh Mercer, part of which I have Received and applied to the purpose aforesaid, but have never kept any account of the particular disbursement thereof, and a part thereof has never yet been paid, it is my will that the monies which I have received on the account aforesaid shall be applied to the purpose of supporting and educating him and of purchasing Books for him and it is my will that my said nephew Hugh Mercer do relinquish all claims on my Estate for monies which I have received on the account aforesaid under the penalty of forfeiting all Legacies which I have herein before given him.
    
    Item: It is my will that whatever ballance shall be found due on the Settlement of my account with General Hugh Mercer and of my Executors account of his Estate shall be applied to the credit of a Bond entered into by the said General Hugh Mercer dated 16th of April 1776 Conditioned to pay the sum of £375 and that the balance of said Bond shall be given up to my said nephew John Mercer.
    
    Item: All the rest and residue of my Estate of what nature soever not herein disposed of I require may be sold and the money arising from such sale divided equally among my beloved wife and my nephews John and Hugh Mercer, and lastly I do constitute and appoint my wife, Mr. Robert Patton and my nephews John and Hugh Mercer Executors of this my will hereby revoking all other wills which I have made.In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 25th day of November 1793.
    
    [signed] G. Weedon [SEAL]
    
    Witness:
    Chs. Mortimer
    Fontaine Maury
    James Walker
    Jno. Hardia
    
    Codicil: Having a wish to dispose of Lotts No. 231, 240 and 251 in another manner than is expressed in this my will I make this my Codicil and thereby do give and bequeath unto my nephew John Mercer and to his heirs forever the said Lott No. 251 in the Town of Fredericksburg and to my nephew Hugh Tennant Mercer I give the Lotts. No. 231 and 240 in the said Town, to him and his heirs forever. In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 26th day of November 1793.
    
    [signed] G. Weedon [SEAL]
    
    Witness:
    Chs. Mortimer
    Fontaine Maury
    James Walker
    Jno. Hardia