Mapping a Spanish Donkey’s Long Journey
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By Mary Wigge
January 29, 2015
Mary is a Research Editor with the Financial Papers Project.
It’s not every day that you sit at your office desk, contemplating the journey of a Spanish donkey, even if it did belong to George Washington. But last week found me hunkered down looking at various maps, trying to identify and pinpoint cities and towns through which this prominent creature journeyed. It’s this type of research that brightens my work-day, actually seeing and applying small pieces of history – locations, people, and, in this case, animals – to a physical map.
At the request of an individual who wished to learn more of Royal Gift, GW’s Spanish jack, we began investigating the letters and financial documents that referenced this noteworthy animal. Many of these documents have already been transcribed and published by the Papers, but we wished to dig deeper, especially relating to the southern tour that the noble donkey embarked on.
This particular Spanish donkey was a gift to GW from the Spanish King Charles III. GW had desired to breed mules in Virginia – he considered them superior as draft animals to horses or oxen. Mules could live longer than horses, did more work with less feeding, and withstood the potentially harsh handling of farmers’ hands.
At the time, one required the permission of the Spanish king to acquire and import the high-bred stock from Spain. However, upon hearing of GW’s request, the Spanish king accommodated and sent him two jacks: one was lost at sea and the other, Royal Gift, arrived safely to Mount Vernon in 1785.
Reading some of GW’s letters that discuss or reference Royal Gift reveal a side to Washington – his enjoyment in animal husbandry and a lightened sense of humor – that’s uncommonly seen. Though often serious in voicing his concerns and directing attention to the maintenance of the jack, GW at times displayed a comic tone when discussing Royal Gift’s performance (or lack thereof) in breeding mules (see GW to Bushrod Washington, 13 Apr. 1786 or GW to William Fitzhugh, Jr., 15 May 1786). Over time, however, Royal Gift became a reliable stud that bred with jennies (female donkeys) and mares to create donkeys and mules. GW advertised Royal Gift for further breeding purposes and to generate interest in mules amongst farmers. In 1791, GW agreed to send Royal Gift on a southern tour to South Carolina where he would reside at John Freazer’s plantation for breeding, under the official care of William Washington, GW’s second cousin. Washington, who lived in Sandy Hills, South Carolina, hired James Allen to transport Royal Gift to South Carolina; Allen and Royal Gift began traveling southward in the early fall of 1791.
It’s this journey that we chose to focus on and detail. By using the financial documents (from the Chicago Historical Society) that detailed payments Allen spent, we found numerous towns and locations mentioned. This information provided a window into their journey and gave us the means to map out where they went and stayed. Starting at Mount Vernon, for example, Allen had “expences @ Colchester,” rested shortly at Dumfries and Stafford Courthouse, and stayed “2 Nights at frederigsburg.” Moving on, he stays in Bowling Green and Hanover Courthouse, followed by “5 Nights & 4 days at Richmand”. He later stays at “Mr olifers”, then “Mr kings”, and “Mr Slauters.” In such cases when only names are given, the path grows foggy, and it requires more digging to determine who these individuals are and where they live. Once found, we plan to map these locations and the overall route on a web-based visualization for viewers and researchers to study and explore.
These financial documents literally create a road map that offers greater understanding and visual clarity of a unique, fascinating past event. And, digital tools grant us the chance to display this imagery. Not to mention, it’s exciting to unravel and piece together a trip that occurred over two centuries ago! We look forward to unfolding and sharing Royal Gift’s journey with you soon.
30 Jan. 2015: As an addition, we wish to mention that Royal Gift was advertised to stud as early as 1786. You can find more information and resources on Royal Gift here. It includes links to letters and documents, published works, and newspaper articles referencing the prized jack.
Jenn, thank you so much for sharing the correspondence between John Jay and George Washington regarding Spanish donkeys on the Columbia blog. While I was aware of the exchange, I know that others interested in this history will find it most interesting. The story of American agriculturists making efforts to improve livestock breeds in their new country is an important one that has not received the attention it has deserved in the past. Attention given to the American Mammoth Jackstock, the most American of heritage American breeds, may assist with preserving it, since the breed is currently listed as “threatened”. All the attention is most gratefully appreciated!
What a great piece to read regarding our wonderful donkeys and their place in the history of our country. This historical aspect is very interesting. I enjoyed reading this very much!
This piece inspired us to write about John Jay’s correspondence with Washington on Royal Gift: https://blogs.cul.columbia.edu/jayprint/2015/01/31/jay-washington-and-donkeys-and-mules/
Jenn, yes, they advertised Royal Gift’s services in such newspapers as the Maryland Journal and Baltimore Advertiser. Please see the above added note and link for more information. Thank you to everyone for your comments!
Did they advertise his stud “services” in newspapers and broadsides the way they did horses?
Thank you for digging deeper into this important story. The donkey and mule are such important icons of history and the backbone of American agriculture. Bless our founding father for wanting to be a part of their legacy.
Great article! George Washington was very influential in enhancing the quality of mules by improving the jacks used to produce them. I raise American mammoth jackstock, the breed of donkey Washington developed starting with Royal Gift. I see you found the definitive expert on Washington’s acquisition of quality jacks, and his passion for animal husbandry. Deb is a knowledgeable researcher who has gotten to the heart of this story! I love it! Glad to see the Papers of George Washington are pursuing this long mis-told tale.
I am so very happy that the Papers of George Washington are sharing parts of Royal Gift’s story with others. The jack was one of Washington’s most prized possessions, and the true history of the jack is just now coming to light. A truly interesting story it is! Thank you!