- Meet George Washington - Visit His Estate - Support His Vision
- Educational Resources George Washington was a tireless
correspondent and detailed record keeper. As he assumed the
roles of military leader and first President, his volume of
letters, memoranda, and accounts grew. The management of his
papers increasingly demanded his concern and time. The "copying
press" was a timely invention by James Watt, a Scottish engineer
better known for his development of the steam engine. The press
was eventually integrated into Washington's management of
records. As Commander-in-Chief, Washington assumed the
responsibility of preserving and protecting the growing mass of
reports and instructions that systematically documented the
decisions and activities of the Continental Army. In April 1781,
Washington wrote Congress requesting assistance in managing his
files. Upon Congress's approval, he brought on board New York
lawyer Richard Varick, who was asked to hire a staff of clerks
to copy Washington's orders, instruct