Sold by The Raab Collection, Ardmore, PA, U.S.A.
Association Member:
AbeBooks Seller since August 1, 2006
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Washington's own file copy, with his docket on the backShingles act as a primary protective barrier on a building's roof, shielding it from rain, wind, snow, and sunlight. They prevent water from entering the structure, reduce mold growth, and add aesthetic value.Wood was the overwhelming choice for the composition of Virginia roofs in George Washington's day. Washington purchased hundreds of thousands of wooden shingles for Mount Vernon during his lifetime, most of them split from cypress trees cut in the Dismal Swamp near Suffolk in southern Virginia. Cypress is naturally rot resistant, and an old-growth cypress roof was expected to provide cover for 50 years or more.Today we know the iconic Mount Vernon roof as red. But originally it must have been blue. The Mount Vernon website states, ?These encapsulated shingles were painted slate blue, indicating that the roof was likely this color from as early as 1775.? Additionally, in November 1775, Lund Washington, his nephew who did work at Mount Vernon, wrote to Washington confirming that the house had been shingled in preparation for the winter. This strongly suggests that changes were larger than normal changes were to the roof in 1775. The roof remained this slate blue color until later, when, according to letters from Washington, the roof was changed to red by 1793. Interestingly, in 1775 Washington also did other construction - he installed a plaster ceiling in the dining area with the fireplace.Based on financial records from The Papers of George Washington, Washington paid William Loney for the freight of 5,000 shingles from Suffolk in May 1773. He made a similarly sized purchase the following year. Yet in 1775 the order had changed substantially; rather than a a few thousand, Washington upped the order to nearly 60,000 shingles in one year.Autograph document signed in the 3rd person, April 3, 1775, being a receipt given to William Loney for shingles. ?Then received from George Washington the sum of fifteen pounds fifteen shillings and four pence for freight of 57,075 shingles from Suffolk and for three barrels of tar.? It is signed by Loney as received.An uncommon and interesting link between Washington and improvements for Mount Vernon at a crucial moment in American history. Although he did not know it, Washington's life was about to change. He officially joined the Revolutionary War effort when he was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army by the Continental Congress on June 15, 1775. He formally took command of the army in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 3, 1775.
Seller Inventory # 36384
We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks web sites. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date, as per the Abebooks Return Policy. If you have any questions, please use the [Ask bookseller a question] link to contact us and we'll respond within 2 business days.
Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs vary on time frame and location (if out of the US). If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.
| Order quantity | 5 to 14 business days | 3 to 6 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 3.00 | US$ 5.50 |
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.
