Memorandom[53] to have my Coat made by the following Directions
to be made a Frock with a Lapel Breast the Lapel to Contain on
each side six Button Holes and to be about 5 or 6 Inches wide all
the way equal and to turn as the Breast on the Coat does to have
it made very Long Waisted and in Length to come down to or below
the bent of the knee the Waist from the armpit to the Fold to be
exactly as long or Longer than from thence to the Bottom not to
have more than one fold in the Skirt and the top to be made just
to turn in and three Button Holes the Lapel at the top to turn as
the Cape of the Coat and Bottom to Come Parrallel with the Button
Holes the Last Button hole in the Breast to be right opposit to the
Button on the Hip[54]
[Footnote 53: The minuteness of detail is very characteristic of
the writer. While Washington was observant of the proprieties of
life and of good taste in dress, there was not the least leaning to
foppishness. But it was a principle with him to have whatever he
bought, consonant with good taste and of the best quality.]
[Footnote 54: At this point in the book there are 18 blank pages.]