In this book Washington kept track of his daily expenses while presiding over the federal Constitutional Convention, which met in Philadelphia from May to September, 1787. He noted not only his expenses for travel and lodging, but also for the luxury goods he purchased and entertainments he enjoyed in this cosmopolitan city. These include powderpuffs, silk handkerchiefs, hair ribbons, lengths of fabric for dressmaking, a "fan chair"; a weathervane purchased from Josh Rakestraw for the cupola atop Mount Vernon, theater and concert tickets, and more. Washington reports his expenses for clothing and medical treatment for William Lee and Paris, two slaves who traveled with him. The many entries for "charity" were probably for beggars Washington met in the street. The transactions from this account book were transferred to General Ledger B, folio pages 253-256.

There are 14 pages.

Washington, George. George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers: Pocket Book of Daily Expenses, Constitutional Convention, 1787. 1787. Manuscript/Mixed Material. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/mgw500032/. (Accessed February 16, 2017.)