Exhibition The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution

A handwritten document dated September 1759 with the title “Invoice of Sundries to be sent by Rob.t Cary Esq. and Company for the use of George Washington.” — George Washington to London merchant Robert Cary, September 20, 1759. George Washington Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (020.00.00)

A handwritten document dated September 1759 with the title “Invoice Continued.” — George Washington to London merchant Robert Cary, September 20, 1759. George Washington Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (020.00.01)

Buying British Goods

Like other Virginia planters, George Washington bought almost everything he needed from Britain before the Revolution. This invoice lists goods Washington ordered from across the British Empire. It includes London fashions, food, fabric, furniture, artwork, and “strong coarse thrd [thread] hose fit for negroe servts [servants].” These purchases connected the Washingtons to the empire and its networks of colonization and trade. This invoice also records what the Washingtons gave up when they began to boycott British goods.