Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 23 April 1799
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Private
My dear Sir,Mount Vernon 23d April 1799
Six days do I labour, or, in other words, take exercise and devote my time to various occupations in Husbandry, and about my Mansion. On the seventh, now called the first day, for want of a place of Worship (within less than nine miles) such letters as do not require immediate acknowledgment I give answers to (Mr Lear being sick & absent). But it hath so happened, that on the two last Sundays—call them the first or seventh day as you please, I have been unable to perform the latter duty, on account of visits from Strangers, with whom I could not use the freedom to leave alone, or recommend to the care of each other, for their amusement.
This short history of the manner in which I employ my time is given by way of an apology for suffering your letters of the 30th & 31st Ulto to remain so long unanswered—acknowledged they were—and two points which related most immediately to yourself, personally, were dwelt upon in my last. Were it not for this, I should have appropriated sooner, one of the six days I am now about to borrow, for the following communications.

I have perused with attention your Instructions to General Hamilton, and can readily conceive from the purport of them what the tenor of those are which you have issued to General Pinckney. These Instructions appear to me to be well digested; and are appropriate to the ends contemplated.
I once thought, it being more regular, that the old Troops under the command of General Wilkinson, had better have remained subordinate to the Orders of Genl Hamilton—to whom, through the Department of War (for the reasons alledged in the Instructions) all Reports and returns ought to be made. But on more mature consideration of the multiplied—extensive—& chequered position of those Troops, I am disposed to believe that your plan is preferable.
In my last, I gave what I conceiv’d to be the reason why you were uninformed of the intentions of so many of the appointed Officers, and took the liberty of suggesting a mode by which their acceptance, or refusal, might speedily be ascertained—This suggestion, and your Circular (which now appears in all the Gazettes) renders it unnecessary for me to say any thing more on that head.
And if the obstacles which were opposed to the preparatory measures for Recruiting, were such as not to be overcome, like many other things—most desirable—but unattainable, we may regret the loss, though we submit to the disappointment.
Until your Circular appeared, I do not believe that it was the expectation of the newly appointed Officers (who had not received their Commissions[)], that they were to draw pay from the date of their Acceptances; and to this uncertainty, after having thrown themselves out of other business, was their discontents to be ascribed. Your circular communication, and a just arrangement of Rank hereafter, will, no doubt put all matters to rights. But if these Officers are not speedily employed in the Recruiting Service, a clamour will soon arise in another quarter, for it will be asked why are they in actual pay & unemployed.
Care will be taken, I presume, in settling relative Rank not to be governed by the date of the acceptances, for that would give to the Officers of those States who are most contiguous to the Seat of Government, advantages which would be as unjust as they are great.
I do not recollect with precision the circumstance you allude to, as having taken place in the year 1792 under the auspices of one

of your Predecesors. But however anxious Officers are to be possessed of their Commissions, I have no hesitation in declaring it as my opinion, that I see no cause they would have to complain at their being withheld, for the reasons you have mentioned, when the matter is explained to them, & they are in the receipt of the emolumts.
With respect to Connecticut, and the States South of Virginia, I was at no loss to account for the delays which had taken place in them, not only as it respected the Recruiting Service, but as it related to the appointment of the Officers also.
General Hamilton having communicated to me his arrangement of the State of Virginia into districts—& sub-divisions—with the places of rendezvous in each, I have suggested a few (unimportant) alterations in the sub-districts, with which I am best acquainted.
In the revised printed Instructions for Recruiting, which you have been pleased to send me, there are several blanks which I presume will be filled up before they are finally issued—These are to be found in the 2d 5th & 28th Articles.
The quotation of the answer given to your representation, respecting the suspension of the arrangement, & consequent delay in Recruiting; betrays a manifest want of knowledge of the Subject. There is a “tide, it is said, in all things” and there was a combination of circumstances at the passing of the Act—among which resentment was not the least—which produced an uncommon enthusiasm; & which, until it began to slacken & ebb, might have been improved to great advantage. But taking the matter up, upon the principle of the answer, could there have been a stronger reason assigned agt delay than the difficulty of obtaining Men? If the enumerated obstacles were such as would retard the Recruiting Service, it ought to have commenced with redoubled ardour. The voice of the People, as expressed by their representatives adjudged this Force necessary. The Law was positive, where then lay a Power to dispense with, or suspend it? I will go no farther however on this point; perhaps I have gone too far already; but as you have not only authorised, but requested that I would communicate my Sentiments to you with freedom and candour, I could not restrain this effusion while I acknowledge, & have declared upon all proper occasions, that you were not responsible for the delay in organizing the army; as you have been informed in my last letter.

In the case of Major Gibbs, I shall make but two short remarks—1st that it was not from any prediliction to the man that he was brought forward by the Board of Genl Officers—and 2d that I should have thought, that the testimony of Generals Lincoln, Knox, Brooks⟨,⟩ Jackson & others, added to the weight of that board, would have been a counterpoise to the objectioners; unless something injurious to his character was adduced. But with respect to young Mercer’s promotion, I cannot but express my regrets; notwithstanding the high opinion I have of his merit, and the sincere regard I entertained for his deceased father. This promotion, you may rely on it, is radically wrong; & will be felt sorely. Although no one is less disposed than I am to call in question the right of the President to make appointments (with the participation of the Senate) yet I must be permitted to add, that if there is not a good deal of circumspection observed in the exercise of it, as it respects the regulation of the army, he will find it much easier to plunge into, than to extricate himself from, embarrassments occasioned by injudicious arrangements; of this, I can speak from the experience I have had.
In the arrangement of Mr Mercer at Philadelphia, his comparative pretensions were duly considered, & a Lieutenancy was conceived to be a handsome appointment for him. Many applications for Captaincies of Dragoons, from meritorious characters, who had had Commands in the horse on the Western Expedition in 1794 could not, from the smallness of that Corps be accomodated; & on that acct only turned over to the Infantry. Among these a Captn Thos Turner, highly spoken of as a horse Officer, & a very respectable character, is numbered. How then must this Gentleman; how must Captn Randolph—so highly recommended by Genl Morgan for past services; how must others, who served through a Winter’s Campaign on that occasion with eclat; and how must the Senior Lieutenants of equal pretensions with those of Mr Mercer, feel on the appointment of a Student just from College, in preference to them? The question is easily answered; but, as there is no remedy for it now, my only motive for dwelling on the case, is to shew you how necessary precaution is, in your Military Movemts; & to prove moreover, that after five weeks diligent application of the three first Officers of your Army, their work ought not to be battered down by sinester, or local considerations, unless impeachments, or discoveries unknown, while they were about it, are of sufficient weight to effect this measure.

Having now gone through all the points of your last letters, I have only to declare that the observations I have made on the several parts of them, and the opinions delivered thereon proceed from the purest motives; and from an earnest desire that the Military system may be well composed; may harmonise in all its parts; may perfectly answer the end of its Institution, and that the President & Secretary of War may find no difficulty, but be quite easy & happy in their government of it. As it respects myself, I have no object seperated from the general welfare, to promote—I have no predelictions—no prejudices to gratify; No friends whose interests or views I wish to advance at the expence of propriety—and I may add in the sincerity of my heart, that there is no wish of it equal to that of their being no exigency in our Affrs which may call me from retirement to take the direction of our forces. With sincere esteem & regard—I am—My dear Sir Your Most Obedt & very Hble Servt

Go: Washington

In the hands of an English Gentleman lately at this place, I have seen a Map of the United States on a large Scale, Edited by Arrowsmith London—It is very necessary the Commander in Chief should be possessed of such an one. If the Public will not furnish it (in a travelling case) I would wish to have one sent to me at my own expence, if to be procured in Philadelphia.


Title: To George Washington from Roger West, 23 April 1799
From: West, Roger
To: Washington, George

Sir
W. Grove 23 April [17]99

From the delicate state of my health and the extreme debility I am at present laboring under I am unable to wait upon you personally as I otherwise would do, from these causes I hope to find an apology for troubling you by letter—I have this moment received a paper from Alexa. of this date exhibiting some attempts to prove that in my late application for a Commission in the army contemplated to be raised I have acted with duplicity—with you Sir I had a conversation upon this subject, and if it is my misfortune to differ from you on some political opinions in regard to our Common Country, I rely with entire confidence upon your doing me on all occasions strict and compleat justice—I will therefore proceed to ask the favor of you to state what was the Conclusion in your Mind in regard to my application to you for a recommendation, and beg leave to state as well as I can recollect the prominent parts of our conference—Did you not after reading Colo. Hooe’s Letter which I was the bea⟨r⟩er of ask me whether I wanted a Commission in the Army of ten thousand men or whether it was in the provisional Army? and did I not answer that my object was to go into the provisional Army? that the ten thousand men which I calld a standg army would be disagreeable to me while there was no active employment for them? and that it

was my determination to unite in repelling any Enemy who might Invade our Country? and were you not pleased to say you were glad to find such a disposition? Did you not add that if I wanted a recommendation for a Commission in the Army of ten thousand men that you would take the matter into consideration, or that you would always be glad to ⟨illegible⟩ when you could [do] so consistently? The first question is the most important to my feelings and I beg you Sir to say whether from the whole of the Conversation which passed you were not then and have not been ever since under an impression that ⟨my⟩ application upon that subject was not ⟨mutilated⟩ind to the Provisional Army—My ⟨ne⟩rves have been so greatly affected for three or four days past that I can scarcely write legibly I hope to be excused therefor for not copying this letter—permit me to subscribe myself with all possible respect Your mt obt Huble Servt

R: West


Title: To George Washington from William B. Harrison, 24 April 1799
From: Harrison, William B.
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Wednesday Evening April 24th [17]99

I have Recevd yours of the 10th Instant & Return my Sincear thanks for your spontanious favours to me & will do my Self the Honor to take a bed with you & accept the Services of your Clerk to Survey my Lands[.] on the 14th of may I shall be down for that perpose I Expect & have no doubt but I can get Chain carriers amongst my tenants it is out of my power to be down sooner if that Time will suit you if not I will put it off untill it will[.] if I do not hear from you to the Contrary between this & that I shall expect the time fixed as above & will be down accordingly. I have the pleasure to Enclose to you A narration of the Elections of this County & faquire[.] that of this County I will vouch for I think that of faquire may be relyd on for I have it from Capt. Crain who this moment gave it me you will discover Ellzey has but one vote in this County which was the vote of ⟨Genl⟩ S⟨t⟩. Mason I am with all the Respect A mortal can ⟨illegible⟩ yours &c.

Wm B. Harrison

please Excuse wrote in haste Wm B. H.


Title: Enclosure: Election Returns, 24 April 1799
From: Harrison, William B.
To: Washington, George

[24 April 1799]

Faquire County for government

for Senat of State
Colo. Peyton
447

for Congress
Genl Blackwell
422

for State assembly
Wm Clarkson
386

dto
Elias Edmonds
376

1631

Against Government

offerd for Congress
Nicholas
196

dto Senat of State
Elzey
159

dto State Legislatr
Gust. Genings
241

⟨dto dto⟩ "
Docr Horner
237

833

Loudoun County Federal Party

for Congress
Colo. Powell
548

for Senat of the Stat
Colo. Peyton
620

for the Assembly
Joseph Lewis
504

of the Stat
William Noland
500

1846

against the government

for senat of State
Wm Elzey
1

for Congress
Roger West
81

for the Assembly
Charles Bins Jones
153

of this state
Abner Osburn
92

327


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 25 April 1799
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond Apl 25. 1799

Knowing the anxiety of your mind on the subject of General Marshalls election I can not omit, for a moment, after being ascertained of the State of the polls, to communicate to you the satisfactory intelligence of its having issued fortunately by a majority of 108 Votes. So small a majority after so long and so active a canvas, is an evidence of the deep root which jacobinism had taken in the district; but as that channel of misrepresentation through which we had been deluged with circular letters, is now cut off, we are to hope that a general change of popular opinion in the district will be the consequence, which with the addition of like consequences in some other districts, may pervade the State—It is to be hoped

indeed that we are arriving at a new era of Virginia politics. I am Dear Sir with the Greatest respect Your Most Ob. St

Ed. Carrington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Law, 25 April 1799
From: Law, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
[c.25 April 1799]

The Accompg note will be explanatory[.] the Boxes came in the George Berkely by Capn Corfeild who has forwarded my Lre. I am now in the Office writing a building Contract your Corner Stone is to be laid to day & I am to attend—my Garden is preparing & I am planting Poplars—My Square is to day sown with Clover—I am filling in a Wharf. I hope therefore to be excused for this hasty scrawl With affe. regards to Mrs Washington I remain Dear Sir With unfeigned esteem & affn yrs mt Oby

T. Law

I wrote to more persons than one & hope to receive in other Ships.


Title: From George Washington to Ludwell Lee, 26 April 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Ludwell

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 26th April 1799

Your occupation on Wednesday last, put it out of my power to speak to you without giving interruption to more important business than I am now about to communicate.
Having good information that some land which I hold on four mile run was much depredated on, I went up some short time ago to run round the Lines, and found the fact to be as reported; but

not being able to ascertain all the Corners—and those holding the adjacent Lands not being present, I forbore to re-mark any of the lines; but being desirous of doing this, & meeting with all the parties at the Election, monday next is fixed upon for this purpose; who have engaged to meet me at the beginning Corner of Adams’s Patent (under which I hold) by nine o’clock on that morning; where, & when, being informed that you have Land adjoining mine, I should be glad to meet you. As you may not know where this Corner is, I shall pass a little house at the junction of the Leesburgh Road (a widows) half an hour before nine on my way. With great esteem & respect—I am Dear Sir Yrs

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 26 April 1799
From: Washington, Bushrod
To: Washington, George

My dear Uncle
Walnut farm April 26 [17]99.

Yesterday Evening we recieved a list of votes from the different Counties of this District, & I have now the pleasure of announcing to you the triumph of federalism in this Corner of the State. Genl Lee is elected by a majority of 32 votes. Had the election been postponed a week longer, it is generally believed that he would have divided even Doctr Jones’s County. He had not time completely to do away the illfounded & unceasing calumies which were dayly propagated against him. The people in this District are attached to the government, but until the present contest, not an effort has been made in the two lower Counties to undeceive them upon the grossest misrepresentations which have [been] made to them by a few designing men. I have endeavoured to impress upon all the friends of the government with whom I have had conversation, that so far from permitting our late success to plunge them into their former State of Supineness, that their exertions should be constant and ardent in order not only to maintain, but to improve the ground we have gained. I wish that similar efforts may be made in other parts of the State. We send two federal men from this County; the former member was lost by a considerable majority, & for the honor of Westmoreland he was deserted by his warmest friends upon the single principle of his politics. Lancaster & Richmond are divided, instead of having four votes against the Government as their Situation was in the late Assembly.
Nothing can equal my anxiety to hear from the other Districts & Counties. I hope to be agreably relieved from this State of suspence in a few days. Nancy Joins me in love to my Aunt & yourself—Believe me to be My dear Uncle Most sincerely yr affect. Nephew

Bushrod Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Buxton, 27 April 1799
From: Buxton, Charles
To: Washington, George

respected Sir,
Perth Amboy [N.J.] April 27th 1799

In assuming the liberty of troubling you with the enclosed I hope you will attribute the freedom, to the motives that has influenced the action, and of which you will the more readily form an estimate, by perusing the Intended personal introductory letter of my (late) highly esteemed friend Doctor John Bard, who cheerfully favoured me (on request) about twelve months past, with the accompanying letter, at which time I contemplated the pleasure of a Journey to the Southward: this desire however, having been unable to accomplish, after repeated procrastinations, and now doubtful if ever it will be realized, Induces me to embrace the present opportunity of Genl Bloomfield’s visit to Philadelphia, who very politely takes charge of the package containing two Proof prints, Engraved from a picture composed as mentioned by my (late) friend—It’s publication was not originally intended, but the flattering encomiums of a Book-seller, after repeated application, obtained the temporary use of the Drawing for that purpose, & by whom I was presented with a small number of the first Impressions; Your acceptance of those forwarded will prove an ample gratification To, Sir One who feels all that gratitude which Ought to warm the heart of every American, & Ardently Inspire him with the most lively wishes for the continuation of your life & happiness. With these sentiments Yours in sincerity

Chas Buxton

P.S. My friend Dr Bard Died about 14 days ago.


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 28 April 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 28th Apl 1799

Since my last I have receiv’d the Seeds which you sent me by Captn Hand—after several fruitless enquiries after them.
There was a Manufactury of Machines for raking Meadows, and

Harvest fields after they are cut, at Kensington while I resided in Philadelphia—These are worked by a horse, and were, in my opinion useful impliments on a Farm, for expeditiously gleaning the fields of the scattered grain, or Hay. I would (if now to be had) thank you for sending me one by the first Vessel bound to Alexandria.
What would well cured Shad and Herrings sell for by the Barrel in the Philadelphia Market? I have put up some this Season, and if the price would encourage it, would send you a few barrels of each, to sell on Commission. Be so good as to inform me what price Wheat & Flour bear in your Market—I am—Dr Sir Your Obedient Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 28 April 1799
From: Fairfax, Bryan
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
London April the 28th 1799.

I was much pleased last week in receiving Your Favor of the 20th January by the Hands of Mr Dandridge. And tho’ I am thinking now of my Return, and with anxious expectation of being able to set off in a few weeks yet I could not omit acknowledging the Receipt of it, so sensible am I of the Favor you continue to do me.
I am very glad to find that some of the Letters I mustered up resolution eno. to write on my Arrival have got safe to hand, especially those to you, for I was then very weak indeed, but at present am very well and have continued so for a Week past which is I think a longer space of uninterrupted Health than I have had Since Christmas, having been afflicted most of the winter at York with my old complaint. I thank God for my present good State and

the Prospect of it’s continuance. At York I heard that you were very ill last Summer, but had the Pleasure of hearing at the same time that you were quite recovered in October.
With respect to your having acceded to the wishes of your Country in taking the Command of the Army I was persuaded it proceeded from a Desire of serving it at a time when it was earnestly required, and this when I heard it wondered why you would accept of an inferior command after having filled the highest Station so long. In my opinion it was one Instance among many of your preferring the public good to every other consideration. Yet still I hope that You will have no Occasion for any further operations than the present preparations, for with you I trust in a kind providence, and several times have hoped that as America had so lately undergone a long course of Affliction that she wo’d not for many years experience any of the great troubles of War, especially as She felt of late the Scourge of Pestilence, or something like it.
I thank you sincerely for your Prayers & good wishes with respect to my restoration to Health & to my Family and Friends, which would now prove a great Blessing even in the decline of Life. My Brother when he was the first time with his Family in England I heard should say that he felt like a Fish out of Water, which I have often thought of since my Arrival.
When I was in England before I compared myself to an Indian who longed for his native Woods—But that strong desire did not come upon me ’till I had been some months here—But now in a measure I had it from my first arrival—Yet this seems to be a desireable country to live in, but a Man must be born here to relish it much, because of that natural Attachment to one’s native Land.
With respect to the other Objects of my voyage for which you are pleased to express also your good wishes, particularly the matter of Estates to which I may be entituled, I have been often told from time by Friends that I should finish one thing first—one thing at a time—And this has kept me more in the dark than I need have been—And I have at last got more insight by having recourse to the Study of the Law myself than I had otherwise thro’ these delays been able to obtain. And I have also had the Caution of Friends—that tho’ the object may be great—the Uncertainty of the Law is such that a man should be very wary in engaging in it. These things have hitherto kept me from going further than the Outlines of Enquiry and that too superficially to avail much.

One Friend indeed in a Letter mentions some in Possession being alarmed at hearing of my Arrival—Yet think it very hard that those who have long been in Possession should now be disturbed.
I am very sorry to find that the Spirit which had been observed before I left home seems rather to increase, but I hope it will not continue, and that it may please God to restore a Spirit of Concord & Unanimity, and this for the same Reason as has been already mentioned, because America has lately undergone a long scene of troubles. As a Man of Peace it is very irksome to me to see such growing Dissentions, being convinced that they originate from an evil Spirit, who can influence & blind the minds of men whenever permitted so to do—So that we must always look ultimately to the supreme disposer of all things.
The Winter here has been very severe, & continued long—& every Body speaks of the present Spring as uncommonly disagreeable from the much Rain & much cold damp Air. The Drougth you had last Fall perhaps might have aided the destructive Fever at Phila. which I find raged with violence—But the Fly is an alarming circumstance to the Farmer. Lord Hawke is a great Farmer in Yorkshire—I forget many particulars—one thing I remember—He makes or has made 2800 Bushels of Oats in a year. His being much engaged in this Line caused us to have much conversation about You, and I was sorry that I was not better qualified than I was to give him more particular Information than I did—He was surprised however to find that your Wheat Fields scarcely produced ten Bushels to the Acre, as their Lands yeild a short Crop when they produce but twenty. He seemed to dwell much upon the practice they have of studying the nature of the Soil, and the successive as well as the kind of successive Crops they intend to raise from it. He did not begin with wheat after a Fallow as I always thought was the Custom here according to what I have read from the old Books, but with some other Sort, such as Turneps—Clover—& something else—making the Process very different from what I had been accustomed to understand it—Such as wheat first after being well manured, then Oats & Barley—then clover for two or three years—Lord Hawke was exceedingly kind to me in instances that shewed a friendly temper.
This of Farming reminds me to inform you that I have not had the Pleasure of seeing Sir John Sinclair—and it has happened unexpectedly—Before I went the last time to York I called at the

House then with an Intention of leaving my Address as usual but after the Coachman had knocked long & no one appearing I returned—And this since my ⟨Return⟩ I called again—& found the House seemingly empty.
And now I cannot but repeat how very friendly Lord Buchan has been by Letter⟨s⟩ from him & also introductory to others—His Brother & his Sister also, Lady Ann Erskine who succeeds the Countess of Huntingdon in her extensive Concerns—for in this Lady I find another Sister as well as Relation—We became soon acquainted and have continued to be very friendly—I am going this moment to see her at 5 o’Clock and expect the Satisfaction of drinking tea with her, & then hearing the Organ & a good Sermon at the Chapel which adjoins the House. Going to her House has afforded me the best Entertainment I have had in England, For my Time has been mostly an unhappy time since I left Home, and some part of it distressing, such as I have passed at home under Spells of the Cholic.
I have Reason to be very thankful to You for the Attention You have been pleased to pay to my Wife & Family—& was much pleased to hear that you & Mrs Washn had dined lately at Mt Eagle. I now conclude with my best Compliments to Mrs Washington, Miss Custis if still so & all the Family at Mt Vernon, & beg you to accept of Assurances of the greatest Regard & unabated Affection from Dr Sir Yr most obliged & Obedt St

Fairfax

I have seen lately in a Book Mr King lent me, two Views, one of Mt Vernon Ho. & the Hill before it, & the other of the River from thence, both as unlike the true Prospects as they could well be. The Author, a late Traveller, who like most other travellers seems to have received the 1st Information—Yet not many mistakes as I expected.


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 29 April 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

 PrivateMy dear Sir.
Philad[elphia] 29th April 1799.

I received, this morning, your letter of the 23d inst. for which I am much obliged to you. I did not in my own mind consider you dilatory in your answer, aware of the nature of your employments, and the incessant interruptions, by company to which you are subject.
There are one or two points you mention which I shall say a few words to.
The officers of the additional Regiments were put upon pay from the date of their acceptances, because such has been the uniform practice of this office; because the obligation of the U.S. to pay is complete from the date of the acceptance; and because the law has left no discretion with the President to withhold their pay. It is true there are instances, where the President has said to certain General Officers, that it was expected they would not consider themselves intitled to pay till called into actual service: But even in such cases the consent of the officer was deemed necessary to give to the United States any right to withhold it.
Some of these officers are now, and all will be speedily employed. Major General Hamilton has completed his arrangements for the recruiting districts in New York Connecticut, New Jersey

Pennsylvania and Delaware, and nearly for Maryland and Virginia; and I have taken all the measures dependent upon me, to give immediate activity to the commencement and vigorous prosecution of the recruiting service. If it should languish at any time it will be on account of some deficiency of cloathing. Mr Francis is exerting himself in this branch of supply.
The President desired me to send him a plan for settling the rank of the field officers of the additional regiments. Inclosed is the plan that appeared to me the best, and which I flatter myself he will approve.
Mr Mercer has declined his second appointment. But altho’ the office is once more vacant I apprehend great endeavours will be used to have it filled either from this State or Massachusetts.
Inclosed is the arrangement for the distribution of the artillery, made in conformity with the ideas contained in your letter of Decmbr ulto and my instructions to the Major Generals. I add also a copy of my letter to General Pinckney respecting it.
If I can procure one of Arrowsmith’s maps of the U.S. I shall send it to you. I am my dear Sir Yours truely & always

James McHenry

The dollar came safe.


Title: To George Washington from John Tayloe, 29 April 1799
From: Tayloe, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Mount Airy 29th April 1799

I find I shall be detained in Virginia much longer than I expected—& when I set my face north shall pursue the nearest route by Hooes ferry to Annapolis—This being the case—I am compelled to ask the favor of you to forward the letters you promised me for Phi[ladelphi]a under cover to me in Annapolis—as I shall go immediately on to Phia from thence—I have peculiar satisfaction in informing you of the Election of Generals Marshall & Lee—the former by a majority of 111 votes—the latter by a majority of 33—The representation to our Assembly in this District is altered for the better—tho’ not up to our wishes—I beg to be very particularly presented to Mrs Washington. In haste—I am very respectfully Your Obliged & Obedt Se⟨rvt⟩

John Tayloe


Title: To George Washington from Alexandria Poor Relief Committee, 30 April 1799
From: Alexandria Poor Relief Committee
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Alexandria 30th April 1799.

We received some time ago from your Manager Mr Anderson, One hundred Dollars to be used for the benefit of the poor in this place. There were many poor among us whom the severity of last winter greatly increased. We sought out the most needy upon whom we bestowed your Charity. Widows with a number of Children, Industrious persons prevented by sickness from earning their daily bread, were preferred. A number of such objects your Charity has releived. Their names and circumstances we would have inclosed, but we thought it unnecessary as they must altogether be unknown to you. Be assured that every exertion in our power was used to render your Charity as useful as possible. Accept of our expressions of gratitude in being distinguished by you as Instruments of doing good to our fellow Citizens, and receive through us, the acknowledgments of those needy Persons whom you have relieved, and their prayers that the father of Mercies may abundently repay your kindness. Beleive us to be with the greatest respect Sir, Your obt humble Servts

John Dundas
James Muir
Andw Jamieson
Wm Herbert


Title: To George Washington from John Marshall, 1 May 1799
From: Marshall, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond May 1st [17]99

You may possibly have seen a paragraph in a late publication, stating that several important offices in the gift of the Executive,

& among others that of secretary of State, had been attainable by me. Few of the unpleasant occurrences produc’d by my declaration as a candidate for congress (& they have been very abundant) have given me more real chagrin than this. To make a parade of profferd offices is a vanity which I trust I do not possess, but to boast of one never in my power woud argue a littleness of mind at which I ought to blush.
I know not how the author may have acquird his information, but I beg leave to assure you that he never receivd it directly nor indirectly from me. I had no previous knowledge that such a publication was designd, or I woud certainly have suppressd so much of it as relates to this subject. The writer was unquestionably actuated by a wish to serve me & by resentment at the various malignant calumnies which have been so profusely bestowd on me. One of these was that I only wish’d a seat in Congress for the purpose of obtaining some office which my devotion to the administration might procure. To repel this was obviously the motive of the indiscreet publication I so much regret.
A wish to rescue myself in your opinion from the imputation of an idle vanity which forms, if I know myself, no part of my character, will I trust apologize for the trouble this explanation may give you.
Messrs Goode & Gray who are the successors of Messrs Claiborne & Harrison are both fœderalists. Mr Hancock who opposd Mr Trig will, to our general disappointment not succeed. At least such is our present information. Shoud Haymond or Preston be elected the Virginia delegation will stand ten in opposition to the government—nine in support of it. Parties, I fear will not be so nearly balancd in our state legislature. With the most respectful attachment I remain Sir your obedt Servt

J: Marshall


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Washington, 1 May 1799
From: Washington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dear Uncle
Cha[rle]s Town May 1st 1799

Mr Brown the Gentleman who I mentioned in my Last Letter would wait on you, is Obliged to Alexandria sooner than he expected, but he being so good an opportunity—I have got him to ride to mount vernon to see you, And should it be convenient for you to Let him have the Draughft it will be doing me a Great kindness as I know of no person going from this place that I could get to do it, he is a relation of Mr Hammonds therefore will put himself to some trouble to Oblige me I would have waited on you myself, but the Ill health of my Father Lately obliges me to be constantly with him for should any thing happen to him in my absence the Family would be at a great Loss for me. I Remain Dear Uncle your Affectionate Nepthew

Saml Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 2 May 1799
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Alexa[ndria] 2nd May 1799

I was in town yesterday, and have come again today for no other purpose that to see if the note sent by the Bank of this place to Baltimore had been paid—’tho’ the note has been sent near a fortnight, they have not it seems ever heard from their correspendent of its being recieved—This appears to be very strange—I can have no doubt of its being eventually paid when presented; as I gave the person on whom the draft was, notice of it, and recieved a fiew lines informing me, it should be punctually paid—The delay appears to proceed from the negligence of their Correspondent in Baltimore—Expecting it will be here tomorrow evening, I have left a check in the Bank for you amounting to £753.12 which if I am right, is the ballance now due—You will therefore be pleased to send up on saturday. By a gentleman who arrieved in the stage last Evening from Richmond, intelligence is recieved that Parker and Evans are reelected, and that Mr Gray Mr Clark and Mr Goode are elected in the places of Harrison, Clayborn⟨e⟩, and Clay—It is allso said that Hancock is certainly elected. I am Dr Sir with great respect Your Affecte Servt

Dd Stuart


Title: To George Washington from William Augustine Washington, 2 May 1799
From: Washington, William Augustine
To: Washington, George

My Dr Sir
Haywood May 2d 1799

The Vessel I ingaged to take my Corn up to you, never returned from Baltimore untill the 23 Ulto after repairing her Sealing she came down on friday last to Load, but the rainy and Windy weather ever since has retarded us—she will I hope get ⟨on⟩ her Load in a day or two & will deliver you Two Hundred Barrels, and return immediately for the Ballance; the freight you will be pleased to settle with the Bearer Capt. Bowcock & charge me with the half; you can settle wth me for the Corn after the Ballance is delivered.
If you have any Whiskey of fine quality made intirely of Rye, you would oblige me by sending me a Barrel, it is the only Spirit I make use of, when I can get it good agreeing better with my Complaint, than any other.
I suppose you generally put up a good many Herrings; If you have any to part with, shou⟨ld⟩ be glad to get a Barrel of well cured for my own use.
It give me pleasure to tell you of my improvement in health, & that I leave home tomorrow, with a hope and prospect of making myself as happy as Man [can] be in this World of Woe.
I congratulate you on Genl Lee’s & Genl Marshals Election to Congress; I hope it will half retrieve the Honor of the State. with

my best respects to Mrs Washington I conclude My Dr Sir Your ever Affectionate Neph⟨ew⟩

Wm A. Washington

P.S. I have directed Bowcocks rect to be inclosed & left my Letter open for that purpose.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 3 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

PrivateDr Sir
New York May 3d 1799

At length the recruiting for the additional regiments has begun in Connecticut New York New Jersey Pensylvania and Delaware. The enclosed return of cloathing will sufficiently explain to you that it has commenced at least as soon as the preparations by the Department of War would permit—It might now also proceed in Maryland and Massachusettes, and the next post will I trust enable me to add Virginia—but that I do not think it expedient to outgo our supply of Cloathing. It will have the worst possible effect—if the recruits are to wait a length of time for their cloathing.

I anticipate your mortification at such a state of things—various causes are supposed to contribute to it.
It is said that the President has heretofore not thought it of importance to accelerate the raising of the army—and it is well understood that the Secretary of the Treasury is not convinced of its utility—Yet he affirms that for a long time past he has been ready & willing to give every aid depending on his department.
The Secretary of War imputes the deficiency in the article of Cloathing to a failure of a contract which he had made and to the difficulty of suddenly finding a substitute by purchases in the market. It is however obvious that the means which have been since pursued have not been the best calculated for dispatch. The materials procured at distant places have been brought to Philadelphia to be made up—They are stated to be adequate in quantity.
You will observe that 6[00 suits] are numbered 1—This applies to a Regiment in the Western Country. I proposed to the Secretary to change the buttons. It has not been done.
Yet if the Secretary’s energies for execution were equal to his good dispositions, the public service under his care would prosper as much as could be desired. It is only to be regretted that good dispositions will not alone suffice, and that in the nature of things there can be no reliance that the future progress will be more satisfactory than the past.
Means, I trust sufficient, have been taken to procure from Europe a supply of Cloathing for the next year—And the Secy has assured me that he would immediately take measures for procuring a supply for the succeeding year.
As to other supplies I believe things are in tolerable train—and that there is a certainty of the most essential articles in due abundance.
The officers for North Carolina have been appointed—No nomination has yet come forward from South Carolina.
Not a single field Officer has yet been appointed for the Regiment to be raised in New Hampshire Vermont & Rhode Island—It seems the members of Congress dissuaded from the nomination of those who were proposed by the General Officers and promised to recommend preferable characters—but this promise has not yet been performed. This want of organisation is an obstacle to the progress of the affairs of this Regiment.
It is understood that the President has resolved to appoint

the Officers to the provisional army and that the Secretary has thought fit to charge the Senators of each State with the designation of characters. With the truest respect & attachment I have the honor to be Dr Sir Your Obed. ser.

A. Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 May 1799
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Private
My dear Sir,Mount Vernon 5th May 1799
Your private letter of the 29th Ulto was received yesterday, and requires but a short reply.
From an observation of yours, in answer to my letter of the 23d Ulto, I perceive my meaning with respect to the settlement of relative

Rank, has been misunderstood; or, if taken properly, I must adhere to the opinion I gave of the injustice which would be inflicted upon the Officers of States remote from the Seat of Government; if those in the vicinity of it are to Rank before them, because they were on the spot to announce the acceptance of their appointments at an earlier day.
Rank & Pay are distinct things; the Officer who may have received the latter to day, sustains no injury from him who received it yesterday; but if the commencement of Rank in the same grades, is to be regulated (under the circumstances I have mentioned) from the dates of their acceptances it will have injustice stamped on the face of it: for in that case those who are most remote—not by any act avoidable in themselves, but from the nature of things—become in almost every instance juniors; when perhaps many of them, in consideration of former Services, or other weighty pretensions might, justly, be entitled to Seniority.
The mode which you have suggested to the President for settling the Rank of the field Officers, is, certainly the best that could be offered to his consideration; and I trust will be approved by him.
Let the vacancy, occasioned by the non-acceptance of Mr Mercer be filled by whomsoever it may, I am glad he has refused it. But, in the name of common modesty, what did this young Gentleman expect? the command of the Regimt? Upon the principle wch governed the Board of General Officers in assigning the present addition to it, I think it would be injudicious to fill the Vacancy from a quarter that did not occasion it; Nor can it be better filled, I believe, than with the appointment of Turner, or Randolph—the first of whom is spoken of as possessing talents peculiarly adapted to this Service.
What is the determination of Watts? With very great esteem and regard I am—My dear Sir Your Most Obedient and Affectionate Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Peter, 5 May 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Peter, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th May 1799

I have had the enclosed Tobacco note by me sometime. Too long perhaps for the best Market.
If Mr Peter (your father) whom I presume is a good judge of these matters, should be of opinion that it had better be sold now than wait longer, for a rise in the price of that article, I pray you

to sell it for what it will fetch. I give you this trouble because the Tobacco is in the Warehouse at George Town.
Be so good as to let me know by the return of Washington Custis, if there has been any a/c received of the Sales of my Tobacco in London—and inform me at the sametime what the Stock in the Bank of Columbia divided the last half year, that I may know what to draw for. Best wishes attend you all—& I am—Dr Sir—Yr Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Tayloe, 5 May 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Tayloe, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th May 1799

I received, yesterday, your favour of the 29th Ult.; and by tomorrow’s Post for Baltimore, the enclosed will be dispatched, to meet you at Annapolis.
I hope the contents of it will meet your ideas—I have given these, as nearly as I could recollect them, in my communication to the Secretary of War.
With sincere pleasure I received the information of Generals Lee & Marshall’s Elections. Had the Majorities in their favor been greater, it would have added gout to the result. But they are Elected, and that alone is pleasing. With Mrs Washington’s compliments united with mine to Mrs Tayloe—and with my best respects to Govr Ogle—I am—Dear Sir—with esteem & regard Your Obedient Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 5 May 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

My dear Sir
Mount Vernon 5th May 1799

Your letter of the 26th Ulto—as also that of the 10th, have been duly received.
The Elections of Generals Lee and Marshall are grateful to my feelings. I wish however both of them had been Elected by greater majorities; but they are Elected, and that alone is pleasing. As the tide is turned, I hope it will come in with a full flow; but this will not happen if there is any relaxation on the part of the Federalists. We are sure there will be none on that of the Republicans, as they have very erroneously called themselves. It is apprehended, latterly, that Mr Hancock will not carry his Election; and that in numbers we shall not exceed nine. In point of abilities, I think the majority will be greatly on the side of Federalism.

I have mentioned Mr T. Turners name to the Secretary of War with the respect that it has been handed to me; but in a letter I received from him last night, he thinks the President has given, or will give, the vacant Troop to a Gentleman in another State. Our loves to Mrs Washington. I am Yr Most Affecte Uncle

G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to William Booker, 6 May 1799 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Booker, William

Letter not found: to William Booker, 6 May 1799. On 15 May Booker wrote GW: “Your letter of the 6 Inst. I duly receivd.”


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 6 May 1799
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Mount Vernon 6th May 1799

It is a point from which I have not deviated, to forward all recommendations, & applications, which have been made to me for Military appointments, to the Department of War.
In confirmation of what is said in the enclosed letters from General Morgan, and the Colonels Meade and Parker, I may add that, the same good report of the merits of Major Lawe Butler has, verbally, been made to me by others. Although he served through the War, his person is unknown to me. This, however, is no evidence of his unfitness to fill the vacancy his friends solicit for him; because, the Virginia line of the Army, to which he belonged, was but a short time under my immediate Command.
With respect to the application of Rowland Cotton, through the medium of Mr Cooper, I have only to add that, the Applicant & Recommender (if it is the Cooper who was in Congress) are as well known to you, as they are to Sir—Your Most Obedient Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Peter, 6 May 1799
From: Peter, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
City of Washington 6th May 1799

I received yours of the 5th by the Hands of Washington Custis, enclosing a Note of Tobacco, nett weight 912 lb. which I disposed off this Morning at Six dollars ⅌ Hd & a dollar for the cask, there was but one person in Town that would give more than 5¾, it being under a thousand; a Mr Williams sold this day ⟨5⟩0 Hhds all weighing upwards of 1000 at a Credit of 60 dy for Six & a half dollars. The price falling here & in Europe, induced me to sell yours at the above price.
I called on Mr Carleton the last Eveng respecting the Tobacco you shipt to his House, & find your Tobacco is not yet disposed off, it went in the Hamilton that Sail’d about the 4th of October, the Ampheaton saild in September & as he was informed by a few lines from his Friends they had made sale of a considerable Quantity of Tobacco at 7⟨5/7⟩ Stg pr Hd he was hopeing the Hamiltons Cargo was included in the Sale, but Mr Wood of Baltimore (who is an other Partner) informed him on Saturday the Hs. Cargo when he last had advices was on hand, but was expecting daily to hear of the Sale.
Mr Carlton sais if you wish to Draw in favor of any Person in Europe for the Proceeds of the Tobacco when disposed off, that your Bills will be duly Honourd. Enclosed you have two Notes One for 50 & an other for 5 dollars, change 75 Cents. Mrs Stuarts Family are here under inoculation, but not yet Broke out, we are

all well, our best regards attend you & Mrs Washington & I am Dr Sir—Your Affece Servt

Thomas Peter

P.S. The Bank of Columbia divided 8 p. Ct or $160/100 Cents pr Share. T.P.


Title: To George Washington from George Lewis, 9 May 1799
From: Lewis, George
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Marmion, King George County 9th May 1799

Being anxious to get a Command in the immediate Army, I wrote to a friend in Congress at an early day on the subject, expressing my desire to be with the Army, and requested him to signify the same to the Secretary of War, or so arrange the business as I might be considered a candidate for a Command—to this letter I have never received a reply, and am now inform’d by a friend, that my name is not known at the War office, among those gentlemen who have applied for appointments, how to account for this inattention I am at a loss.
Still desierous of an appointment and hearing that the Gentleman appointed to the Command of the Cavalry had declin’d his acceptance—I take the liberty of offering my Services to that Command. having a Personal acquaintance with most of the Gentlemen belonging to that Regiment, and strongly urged by some of them to make this application—if this appointment cannot be had, I am informed that Congress have it in contemplation to raise another Regiment of Cavalry (if so) I should be thankful Sir (thro. you) to be considered as a candidate for that Command, having

served the greater Part of my time whilst in the Revolutionary War in the Cavalry, and again as Commander of the Virginia Cavalry on the Western expedition (I feel a Partiallity for that service) Any attention or Service that you can render me in this business will be gratfully acknowledg’d by—Yr Affectionate Nephew

G. Lewis


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 9 May 1799
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir,
Newark 9 May 1799

I take the Liberty to enclose a Letter long since transmitted to me for Monsieur de la fayette. It was in London with my Papers when I saw him last at Altona but (if in my Possession) I should perhaps have withheld it as having no probable Relation to any Matter within his present Competency—I should have delivered it into your own Hands at Mount Vernon if Business which demands my Attendance had not compelled me to return from Philadelphia Northward—But I assure you my dear Sir the Pleasure of passing a few Hours with you is among the greatest which I promised myself in returning to my native Country. Render I beseech you my Respect acceptable to Mrs Washington and beleive me as ever yours

Gouv. Morris


Title: From George Washington to Daniel Morgan, 10 May 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, Daniel

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 10th May 1799

I have just received a letter from the Secretary of War, in which, after giving it as the opinion of the President of the United States, that Officers for the twenty four additional Regiments ought to be had in contemplation; that, in case the exigency of our Affairs should require them, greater dispatch might be used in the formation, is the Extract which follows.
Having given these Extracts, so fully, but little remains for me to add, further than to request your aid in carrying the Secretary’s views into effect, conformably to the principles he has laid down; and that you will consider my application to you, as an evidence of my confidence in your knowledge of characters (especially of the old & meritorious Officers of the Virginia line)—of your patriotism, and willingness to form a respectable Corps of Officers for our native State.
I have no objection to your conversing with Colo. Parker; or others on whom you can place reliance; on this occasion. Letting it be clearly understood, however, that the enquiry, and Selection here proposed, is eventual only, not as a thing actual resolved on, but preparatory, in case the President in the recess of Congress should, from the aspect of things, deem it expedient to carry the Law for raising twenty four Regiments into effect.

That you may be enabled, better to understand that part of the Secretary’s letter, wch relates to the distribution of Officers to counties, I enclose you the Inspector Generals allotmt of the State into divisions & subdivisions, for the convenience of recruiting & rendesvousing in each. Hoping that you continue to improve in your health, I remain with very sincere esteem & regard, Dear Sir, Your most Obedient and Very Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Russell, 11 May 1799
From: Russell, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 11th May 1799

The fatality which has so long attended my endeavors to forward the Sheep seems still to attact, for the poor fellow when embark’d in the first Vessell we have had this Spring for New York has met an unusually long passage and by a subsequent detention here is very much reduced in his appearance, however as upon my arrival here I learn that a Sloop is now up for Alexandria I have desird my friend to embark him therein & I expect he will proceed in a day or two in the Sloop Lark Capt. Leaman bound for Alexanda where Mr Thos Porter is to attend to him, unless the Wind is favorable for Landing him at Mount Vernon, which Capt. Leaman has then promis’d to effect—The Sheep will, I know, be very much reduc’d, but a Summers good grass will I doubt not effectually restore him, & Show him a good Sheep, tho not equal to what I wish, & still hope to present you with—By Captn Leaman I also Send the Chaff engine, with another Small Box, which contains the Ground Borer, and an Hoe, made at Middletown, under the direction of an English Gentleman who has found Hoes in that form, preferrable to all others, both for dispatch & effect, and as this Gentleman, has more to do with practice, than theory, I am induced by his opinion, to ask your acceptance of it, with the Borer—This Hoe is of a breadth which he finds best adapted, to general use, but he varies the breadth, according to the purpose for which it is wanted, either in the Farm, or the Garden—I am sorry my Servant omitted to procure a wooden handle for the Borer, but there will be no difficulty in supplying this deficiency—It will be proper, that the Person who fixes the knife of the Chaff Engine in its place, should observe a direction tied round one of the screws appurtaining to it—I take leave to add, that I have just receivd from England, a pair of young Swine, of a celebrated Breed, from which I hope to obtain a family, & if successfull, shall be happy to ask your acceptance of a Pair of them, in the interim I remain with the highest respect Sir Yor Sincere & Obedt

Willm Russell

By an accidental oversight originating in the particular situation of a traveller, this Letter had been detaind in my Port Folio instead of being at the Post Office as I expected.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 12 May 1799
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

dear Sir
Ab. 10 a.[m.] Sunday mor[nin]g [12 May 1799]

I found yr letter by Mr Anderson last evening at my lodgings & took the earliest opportunity of conversing with Mr Page on its contents Mr Page says that on his first conversation with Mr Harrison he rated his property at five pounds pr acre, but that on a subsequent meeting he fell to 50/ pr acre, for which price he could have purchased the land.
He offered 45/ & proposed renewing the negotiation whenever he should again see Mr H.
Mr P. is of opinion that he can now obtain the land for 50/ & if you defer acting in the business when Mr H. comes down, I will thro Mr Page renew the negotiation without any recurrence to you—of the propriety of yr avoiding any bargain with Mr H. you will yrself judge: my own opinion is favorable to such avoidance—I will wait on you in a few days & remain most respy & most affy yr ob: Svt

H. Lee


Title: From George Washington to James McAlpin, 12 May 1799
From: Washington, George
To: McAlpin, James

Sir
Mount Vernon 12th May 1799

Having heard nothing from you since my last request (now more than two Months ago) that you would complete, and send on my Uniform Suit so soon as the gold thread, which you informed me was expected in the Spring shipping, should have arrived; I give you the trouble of receiving this letter on the Subject: and to request that no unnecessary delay may prevent the accomplishment of it.
Send the cloaths in such a Portmanteau as I described in my former letter, & by some Person (if you can) who may be coming through, to Alexandria; to be lodged at the Post Office, or Stage Office in that Town; with the Bill of cost &ca. I am Sir Your Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Ralph Wormeley, Jr., 12 May 1799
From: Wormeley, Ralph Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dear sir,
Rosegill 12 May 1799

I am about to ask a favour of you, which I think it probable you may refuse, the frequency of applications of this sort having induced

a resolution, on your part, never to comply with any; I mean, “Letters of recommendation”—in June I propose to embark at Norfolk for New York in my way to Boston; my business is to settle my second son as a student at Harvard College Cambridge.
I am not acquainted either with Governor Jay or General Hamilton, both of whom to be introduced to by a medium so respectable as your letter, would do me honour; and, certainly highly gratify me, as it would give me an opportunity of enjoying their company, and their conversation.
At Boston I wish to know Generals Knox & Lincoln, and solicit also Letters to them: you will be so good as to send them by post at your leisure, direct to me Rosegill near Urbanna; Mr Tayloe will not return by Mount Vernon or he would afford a good opportunity of conveying them to me.
Report (too well founded I fear) announces the death of Mr Patrick Henry; he died ’tis said the day after he was elected a delegate to the Assembly: alarmed and indignant at the measures of the majority of the late assembly he offered himself and was elected, and intended to exert all the force of his eloquence to endeavour to change the Temper of the Delegates should that of the present members be similar to that of their predecessors. he is surely a great loss; at this crisis and with this disposition, what mighty good, would not such a man, with his great powers of Oratory and his known character of integrity, have wrought! but alas! he is gone, leaving behind him few who excel him as an Orator, or, as a Patriot.
you will excuse this digression; nothing but it’s being of so interesting a cast would have lead me into it—do me the favour to make my most respectful Compliments to your worthy Lady, and assure yourself that I am with the highest consideration of Esteem & respect, Dear sir Your most obt & most Humble servant

Ralph Wormeley


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 13 May 1799
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Mount Vernon May 13th 1799

Your favour of the 2d Instt, covering your dispatches of the 10th Ultimo, was brought to me by the Messenger who carried my letters to you (of the 5 & 6th) to the Post Office in Alexandria.
That no time might be lost in carrying the Presidents Plan, and the request contained in your letter of the 10th Ult., into effect, I have solicited the aid of Generals Morgan, Lee, & Marshall; & the Colonels Heath & Carrington; if other fit & confidential characters should occur, as worthy of employment in the proposed Selection, I will speak, or write to them also; for it is on others I must rely. An absence, with short intervals only, of near twenty five years with the consequent changes, has, in a great measure, obliterated my former acquaintance with the People of this State; and my knowledge of the rising generation in it (scarcely ever going from home) is very limited indeed. The task I am imposing upon others is delicate, and not of the pleasantest kind: because, except in a few Instances, it will be very difficult in such an extensive State as Virginia, to ascertain who would, or would not, accept appointments in the Provisional Army without previous enquiry; and to make this enquiry on the hazardous ground of rejection, involves a round of delicasy. namely—to the selected, who may have given his consent; to the selector, who may have asked it; and to the Department that is to approve, or disapprove the measure.

Viewing the matter in this light, Let me ask if there would be any impropriety in a notification from the War Office to the effect that as events may render it exped[ien]t to raise the 24 Regiments; and it having been found from experience that much time (when probably it could be least spared) would be required to Select and organise the Officers therefor; it is requested that all those who are desirous of serving their Country on the terms Specified in that act, would, without delay signify the same (producing such recommendations as would bring them forward under favourable auspices) with the grades, to wch reasonable pretensions would entitle them to G. W——n or whomsoever, in this (the same in other States if the measure is approved) as you might be pleased to appoint, for the purpose of receiving the Applications: which ought all of them to be in writing, accompanied with the testimonials of merit, as above.
In a State, spreading over so much ground as Virginia does, it would require much time, & be scarely possible even then, to make the object of Government known, & to carry your plan of apportionment to the parts into effect, by any means much short of the one I have suggested: and if the notice is not general, the selection must, of consequence, be partial.
After allowing sufficient time for the applications to come in, one might then be able with the aid of such characters as could be confided in, to select, & form from the materials thus amassed, Officers agreeably to your list, & apportionment to the State; & without, I do not see how it can be accomplished in any reasonable time—much less efficiently.
There may be objections to this mode which do not occur to me; but sure I am, it would be found the most likely mean of producing characters from all parts of the State, or failing therein, of obviating any charge of partiality; for if men will not come forward when invited, it is their own fault, and not that of the Government.
Under any circumstances, I consider this preparatory measure of the President’s, to be eligable; but I am led to believe from his having adopted it, at this time, without any previous intimation thereof (that has come to my knowledge) before he left the Seat of Government, that stronger indications of hostility have been received, than appeared when he went away to have occasioned it; if so, I think it ought to be communicated to me in confidence;

for it must not be expected that like a Mercenary, I can quit my family & private concerns at a moments warning. There are many matters necessary for me to settle before I could leave home with any tolerable convenience, and many things, the providing of which would run me to an unnecessary expence, if I am not called to the Field.
And this conjecture, leads me to the consideration of another matter, of very serious importance. It is well known that the great advantage which the Armies of France have over those they contend with, lyes in the Superiority with which their Artillery is served, and in the skill of their Engineers. Let me entreat, therefore, that the most prompt & pointed attention be given to the procuring—and instructing—men in these Sciences. Lamentable indeed must be our case, if we shall have to acquire the knowledge of these arts in the face of an enemy, when that enemy ought to experience our Skill in the exercise of them. I do not mean to recommend characters as instructors in these branches; but I will mention the names of some who have passed through my mind, & have been recalled to it. Du Portail, Lamoy, Senf, Rivardi, and Latrobe. The last of whom I know nothing of, but have been told that he has knowledge in, & professes to be well acquainted with, the principles of Engineering. I notice these as persons within your reach, in case nothing better can be done—It is necessary to be provident. Let us not have things to prepare, when they should be in use.
To enable me to carry your request into execution, I ought to be informed, who of the Virginia arrangement have accepted their appointments; who have refused; and from whom you have received no answer. Many whose expectations were not answered in the last organization, & on that account declined, might be gratified on the present occasion with propriety—possibly fr[o]m necessity. With respect, I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William B. Harrison, 16 May 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, William B.

Sir
Mount Vernon 16th May 1799

I have given the proposition you have made me, respecting your part of Chapel land, all the consideration that is necessary; the result of which is.
That I will give, as a Rent, thirty dollars for every hundred acres within the bounds you shall establish; and in that proportion for the overplus, or add[itional] acres, according to measurement: Provided I receive a Lease for the whole quantity, for the term & time of fifteen years; and provided also, that at any time within Seven years after the first rent becomes due, I shall have the priviledge of purchasing the Land in fee simple, on paying Eight dollars for each & every acre that said tract shall contain.
Conscious as I am, that this is a generous offer for your land, and that I do not want to possess it either in fee simple or on Lease for one iota below its real value; conscious also, that in the ordinary course of things (there being nothing within itself) to support & keep it up, that it must grow worse and wor⟨se⟩ every year; and persuaded moreover, that you, and every other discerning mind, must view it in this light, it is unnecessary—especially after the conversation which has passed between us—to assign my reasons for this opinion in full detail.
The Rent I offer is equal to any that is paid for such Lands in the neighbourhood, as you would have learnt from Mr Mason;

and might learn from my Tenant Mrs Gray (on the same Land); and was it not that I make no Tobacco, probably never shall, and of course, for the uncertainty of knowing what sum to provide (from the fluctuating price of that article) I wd as soon give the Rents you receive at present, as what I offer, on a thorough conviction that in point of Interest, I should gain by it. And sure I am no man who is a judge of Land and will view the condition of and what is on yours, will say, that to obtain it in fee, I have not offered the value of it. With respect to the vague, speculating, and unmeaning offers of men who have not wherewithal to fulfil an engagement, and do not mean (more than probable) to do it—at the time such engagement is entered into, I pay no sort of regard. You, probably, would get into embarrassments with such men by an ideal instead of a real price for your property, & I get it thereafter on betr term. If you think this proposition of mine worth your attention, I shall be ready at any time to enter on the detail⟨s⟩ and to carry it into effect—being Sir Your most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Marshall, 16 May 1799
From: Marshall, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond May 16th [17]99

Neither Colo. Carrington nor Colo. Heth are now in town. So soon as they arrive your letter of the 12th inst. with its inclosures, will be communicated to them. I wish it may be in our power to furnish any useful information on the subjects inquired into.
Returns of all the elections have been receivd. The failure of Colo. Hancock & of Major Haymond was unexpected & has reducd

us to eight in the legislature of the Union. In the state elections very considerable changes have been made. There are from fifty to sixty new members. Unfortunately the strength of parties is not materially varied. The opposition maintains its majority in the house of Delegates. The consequence must be an antifœderal Senator & Governor. In addition to this the baneful influence of a legislature hostile perhaps to the Union—or if not so—to all its measures, will yet be kept up.
If it be true that France has declard war against Austria, it will be now apparent that it woud have been wise to have attempted the releif of Ehrenbreightstein & the preservation of Naples & Sardinia. Even this instructive lesson will probably make no impression on the nations of Europe or the people of America. With the utmost respect & attachment I am Sir your Obedt servt

J. Marshall


Title: To George Washington from James Welch, 16 May 1799
From: Welch, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fredrecksburrg May 16th 1799

I find it out of my power To Rise the money in this place that I am at this time in debted to you; money is Verry Scarce among the marchanes of this place; the[y] cannot be temped to advance money for paper that has Longer then 60 dayes To Run; the paper that I have will be Due on the 25th day of Novembr Next it is Well Securd and will be Puntuelly paid that you Shall have I Start this day for Green brere and will procede on to Kentuckey or Send my Brother in order to Rise money for you; this you may depend apon that I will Exart my Self To Rise the money Due you and will make Every a Ringement in my power To be more puntul with you for the future; at Eney Time you wold think proper To Wright me dereck your Leter to Stantown from that it will be sent to me. I am with Due Respt your Hm. Sarvent

James Welch

P.S. if you dont find it consistant with your ⟨illegible⟩ to Giv me a Litel indulgance Let me knaw and I will cum down and Giv up the Bargeon and Sacrafise as much of my Property as will Rise a Sum of money as may be thougt Reseanable for disapointment; the Exposeing of my property to the publick will a meduately prevent the Setelment of the Land from gowing on of corce that wold prevent me from holdin the Bargeon; for my one credet and the Good of that country I prefer cuming to Eney tarmes you may lay down that is Resenable I have no dout that Eney you will shall be. J.W.


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 18 May 1799
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Philadelphia May 18. 1799

I cannot find the person who made the Machines for raking Meadows—he has removed from Kensington and I can learn no more of him or his machines.
The sellers of Shad & herrings tell me they are very dull sale & a worse prospect at this Market—they ask 4 Drs ⅌ bbl for Herrings but nobody to buy them & shad are merely retailed by the single barrel—Flour is 9 to 9½ Ds. for Super fine, common in proportion rather dull, wheat 13/—but the market depends on the Opening the market to Hispaniola—reports of this Day say the British have declared that Island independant but we hear nothing from Dr Stevens our Consul General & Commissioner who was Authorised to treat for Opening the Trade. I am very respectfully Yr mo. Obed. & very humle serv.

Clement Biddle


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 19 May 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
War Dept. [Philadelphia] 19th May 1799

I received your letter of the 13th inst.
Before I concluded to request you to take upon yourself a task which involves the delicacies you have suggested, I had foreseen them, and reflected in what manner they might be avoided, and at the same time, the object in view obtained, without subjecting the government to difficulties or inconveniences which might be more sensibly felt by the Country. To have solicited, in any form, by a public official advertisement, men to offer themselves for offices, would have conveyed to the nations of Europe, that a war with France, or the military service itself, was unpopular, seeing the Executive was obliged to resort to extraordinary means to procure even officers for the army. It was also imagined, that an invitation of this nature, would have brought forward men of different and adverse political principles as competitors, one description of which would have endeavoured to have procured recommendations calculated to deceive, a circumstance, which at least, would have rendered a selection more tedious riskful and difficult.
As the business is now to be conducted, it is only necessary to mark off the State into districts or Counties, to ascertain the number of Captains or Subalterns to be drawn from each district or County, and to request some well known and prominent character in the several districts or Counties, to give in as many names, as there are offices allotted to their districts, of those they think would serve, with a short sketch of their qualities. Your own and the general knowledge of the gentlemen, which I expected you would call to your aid, I conceived would be fully adequate to make the best selection of field officers.
With respect to a charge of partiality, on account of the business being conducted without a news-paper notification, I do not think it can be brought forward with even a shadow of propriety. The act authorising the President of the U. States to raise a Provisional army, was passed the 28th of May 1798, to which the act of the last

session can be considered as a supplement only, extending the period wherein appointments may be made, by the President, and providing for an increase of the number of Regiments. This act has been sufficiently promulgated. Those who have not or will not come forward, with a tender of their services, and recommendations, it is reasonable to conclude, are detered, by motives of delicacy, which no invitation would obviate, or from an expectation that their merits being known, they will be appointed without any solicitation upon their part.
These and such like reasons induced me to relinquish the idea of a news-paper official invitation for candidates.
I shall send you the list of acceptances and refusals, and also all the names of candidates and their recommendations for appointments in the Provisional army from the State of Virginia.
We have no recent news from Europe since the Presidents leaving the seat of Government of any importance, or indication of the intentions of the Directory of France other than the kind of declaration of war against the U.S. by Desforneaux, the particular agent of the Executive Directory at Guadauloupe.
I am very sensible of our situation as it respects skilful artillerists & Engineers. Of those you have named, not in service, Senf strikes me as the least exceptionable. We have no rank for Du Portail, were it perfectly prudent to engage him. Lamoy, I have understood has particular reasons which would prevent him from entering into our service at this moment, were there no objections to him as a French man. Latrobe is said to be more of a civil than military engineer, and besides is fully occupied. Senf, therefore, it will be proper to think seriously about, and learn whether he would relinquish his civil employments in S. Carolina for the pay, and emoluments of a Lt Colonel.
This is sunday. If I have omitted to speak to any point as fully as I ought you will lay it to the charge of the day and my being obliged to prepare myself to go to Church. I am my Dear Sir most affectionately and truely yours

James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 20 May 1799 [letter not found]
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 20 May 1799. On 5 June GW wrote Pinckney: “Your favor of the 20th Ulto from Mulberry Grove, came duly to hand.”


Title: From George Washington to William Augustine Washington, 20 May 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William Augustine

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 20th May 1799

Your letter of the 2d instant by Captn Bowcock came safe, as the Corn did, in good order; and I should have written to you by his return but the Vessel went from the Landing at which she delivered the Corn unknown to me. But not without the Whiskey and Fish; as I had, previously, directed these to be shipped.
The first I hope you will find good, if no pranks are played with it; Mr Anderson (my Manager) having assured me that he could vouch for it. The latter was among the quantity I had put up for my own use, and hope is not bad.
The money for the Corn shall be ready at your call, be that when it may; but if you have no immediate use for it, it wd be an accomodation to me to suffer it to remain in my hands until there is—for I have been disappointed in every sum I expected to receive, and am obliged to borrow, at the Bank of Alexandria (on disadvantageous terms) to fulfil my engagements; and will do the same to answer your call, whenever it is made; Only requesting a postponement so long as it comports perfectly with your own convenience.
We had heard of your intended Nuptials, and congratulate you on the consumma⟨tion⟩ of them; and with your lady and family, shall always be happy to see you at this place—The Election of Generals Lee & Marshall to Congress are pleasing Events. The Representation from this State will be much strengthened thereby. The regret is, that there was not more of their politic’s sent. The reflection however, that we are gaining ⟨strength⟩ must console us for the present, and stimulate Federal men to greater exertions in future. With much sincerity, I am your affectionate friend and Uncle

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Augustine Washington, 20 May 1799
From: Washington, William Augustine
To: Washington, George

My Dr sir
Haywood May 20th 1799

This will be delivered to you by Capt. Bowcock, who carries up the Ballence of what corn I could spare 166 Barrels—the first Load was 187½ Barrels, he was to have taken 200 but I left home before he had finished the Load, I mentioned that quantity in my Letter but the wind coming on to blow fresh he chose rather to go with that quantity, than to remain longer—I have sent my Steward to day to Mr Wm Floods, who has the disposing of the Corn of Mr Thacker Washingtons Estate and expect an answer this Evening, whether he will let the Estates Corn go to you, under my contract with you—the wind being favorable Capt. Bowcock has called on me to dispatch him, so that I shall not see my Steward, before his Vessel Sails but as he has ordered his skipper to call at Roziers Creek, & he intends to ride up there he will see him, & will be able to inform you whether I am to have the Corn or not, and the probable quantity—I have recd the Barrel of fish, and Capt. Bowcock says he is to get the Whiskey when he goes up⟨,⟩ one Barl of the first quality and another of the second.
I only returned last Night from Mansfield, blest with a charming agreeable Wife, who desires to be most respectfully remembered to you and Mrs Washington. I am My Dr sir with the sincerest respect, your Affectionate Nephew

Willm Augt. Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 21 May 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
War Department [Philadelphia] 21 May 1799

Inclosed is a list of the names of the persons appointed from Virginia, for the Cavalry and Infantry. It distinguishes, 1st Those who have accepted. 2. Those who have declined & 3d Those who have not been heard from.
I sent your letter to McAlpin. But as the Spring vessels have not yet arrived by which the gold thread is expected, of course your uniform is not yet finished. I intended sending the Stars for the Epaulets with the uniform coat. If you have given any orders respecting them which will render this improper I beg you to inform me. I am Dear Sir truely and Affectionately yours

James McHenry


Title: Enclosure: List of Officers for Virginia Regiments in the New Army, 21 May 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

[c.21 May 1799]

Seventh Regiment of Infantry.
+ Accepted.
º Declined.
Blanks, not heard from.

Field Officers.

+   William Bentley
Lieut: Colo.
Powhatan

+ 1 Robert Beale
Major
Maddison

+ 2 James Baytop
Major
Gloucester County

Companies

+ 1 Daniel Ball
Captain
near Richmond

+ 6 Van Bennet
Lieutenant
Shepherds Town

+ 8 Andrew M. Lusk
Ensign
Fredericksburg

 9 Edmund Clark
Captain

+ 8 John Brahan
Lieutenant
Winchester

+ 9 James Brown
Ensign
Staunton

+ 4 John Davidson
Captain
Richmond

º 1 Robert Carrington
Lieutenant

+ 7 John Heiskel
Ensign
Woodstock

+ 2 Archibald Randolph
Captain
Goochland Ct House

+ 10 Brewer Goodwin Junr
Lieutenant
Isle of Wight near Smithfield

+ 4 William Potts
Ensign
Petersburg

 3 Bartholomew Dandridge
Captain
ditto

+ 2 Felix Wilton
Lieutenant
Hardy County

+ 2 Marcus Combs
Ensign
Winchester

º 5 Thomas Turner
Captain

+ 5 Jesse Ewell Junr
Lieutenant
Dumfries

+ 3 George Armistead
Ensign
near Alexandria

+ 6 William Campbell
Captain
Lee County

+ 7 Joseph Grigsby
Lieutenant
Rockbridge Co: Lexington

º 10 William Deane
Ensign

+ 7 Thomas Greene
Captain
Fredericksburg

+ 4 Addison Armistead
Lieutenant
Alexandria

+ 5 Horatio Stark
Ensign
Stephensburg

+ 8 Robert King
Captain
Hanover

 9 Samuel J. Winston
Lieutenant

+ 6 Peter Lamkin
Ensign
Colchester

+ 10 James Caldwell
Captain
Wheeling

+ 3 Calvin Morgan
Lieutenant
Staunton

+ 1 Jesse Dold
Ensign
Staunton

Cavalry Officers belonging to Virginia

Lieutenant Colonel.

John Watts

not heard from

Major

John Tayloe

under consideration

Captains

John B. Armistead
near Alexandria
accepted

Charles F. Mercer

will not accept

First Lieutenants

George Washington Craik
Alexandria
accepted

Laurence Washington
King George
accepted

Second Lieutenants

Charles Tutt
Culpepper
accepted

George W. P. Custis
Mount Vernon
accepted

Carter B. Fontaine
Dumfries
accepted

Eighth Regiment

Field Officers

+   Thomas Parker
Lieut: Colo.
Frederick

   Simon Morgan
Major
Fauquier

+   William Campbell
Major
Orange

Companies

+ 1 Presley Thornton
Captain
Northumberland

+ 1 Francis Fouchee
Lieutenant
Ditto

 10 Charles MCallister
Ensign
Spotsylvania

+ 2 Robert Gregg
Captain
Culpepper

+ 7 James Duncanson
Lieutenant
Ditto

+ 1 James Tutt Junr
Ensign
Ditto

+ 3 Henry Pearcy
Captain
Fairfax

+ 2 Lemuel Bent
Lieutenant
Ditto

+ 8 Obadiah Clifford
Ensign
Ditto

+ 4 Nathaniel Henry
Captain
Berkley

+ 8 Robert Gustin
Lieutenant
Ditto

+ 2 Simon Owens
Ensign
Ditto

+ 8 George S. Washington
Captain
Ditto

+ 3 George Tate
Lieutenant
Ditto

+ 6 George W. Humphreys
Ensign
Ditto

+ 7 Richard Chinn
Captain
Loudoun

+ 4 Charles ⟨J.⟩ Love
Lieutenant
Ditto

+ 3 John Crane Junr
Ensign
Ditto

+ 8 Garnet Peyton
Captain
Stafford

+ 10 John G. Brown
Lieutenant
Green Brier

º 9 Strother Settle
Ensign
Frederick

+ 9 Daniel C. Lane
Captain
Loudoun

+ 9 John William⟨s⟩
Lieutenant
Ditto

 7 John C. Williams
Ensign
Prince William

+ 10 Philip Lightfoot
Captain
Culpepper

+ 5 Thomas Jameson
Lieutenant
Ditto

 4 Charles Shackleford
Ensign
Ditto

+ 5 Edmund Taylor
Captain
Frederick

+ 6 John Campbell
Lieutenant
Ditto

 5 Willis Wills
Ensign
Loudoun

Those with this mark + have accepted.
with this mark º have declined.
without any have not been heard of.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 22 May 1799
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

dear General
Alexa[andria] 22d may [1799]

I have waited here two weeks cheifly to try to finish my engagement with you—But all my endeavors are vain—I shall never recede from my exertions till I do accomplish the end, for no event of my life has given me more anguish.
I would if you consider yr sale injurious rather relinquish the contract & give up the payments made, than to be the instrument of damage to you—The loss of money I am used to, the loss of mental quietude I cannot bear, & pained as I am, I wish to regain tranquility.
Every conversation I hold with you on the subject furnishes additional matter of regret to me—Till then I can close the contract I must avoid their repetition—this I am sure notwithstanding the

present & general distress, I shall be able to do in the Course of the summer.
In June I return here for that purpose.
Respecting the military appointment which you did me the honor to consult me upon I have not been able to do any thing satisfactory.
I beleive Byrd, Baytop and Campbell (the two last are Majors in the ten Regts) will best fill the commissions of Colonels. Thos Turner & Archd Randolph are well calculated for the cavalry & ought to command troops. Aylette Lee would make an excellent Captain if reformed; rejected as he was by the senate he had become melancholy & melancholy brought him to the bottle—I beleive he may be considered as restored now.
I mentioned to Captain Thornton the report which reached yr ears with a hope of arresting his progress in a course which must lead to his ruin—His respect for you will I hope ⟨illegible⟩ the tendency which has been attached to his character by rumour. with the highest respect & regard I remain yr sincere friend & ob. st

H. Lee


Title: To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 25 May 1799
From: Ball, Burgess
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Alexand[ri]a 25th May 1799

The Gentlemen whom I wish to recommend as Officers (and yesterday mention’d to you) are Mr Arther Lee in the County of Northumberland, and Mr Reuben Beale of Richmond County. They are Gent. of Family, and I think will be actuated by proper principles. Those Gentlemen aspire to nothing higher than to commence with an Ensigncy or Cornetcy, provided, Officers of the Cavalry are furnish’d with Horses & accoutraments, if not, Ensigns wou’d be their Object. I wou’d recommend Presley Sanders of Lancaster County as a Capt. in the Provisional Army, in which Rank I think he wd be clever; and as I expect a no. of Old Officers will be applying I’ve no doubt but he will be satisfy’d, ’tho he wish’d a majority. I will endeavour to find out some men of respectability & Family, for the Provisional Army, takg care to observe your Information & directions respecting them, at the same time not mentiong I had them from you, wch in me might appear Vain. I am with the highest Esteem Yr mo: Obt Servt

B: Ball


Title: From George Washington to Wilson Allen, 26 May 1799 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Allen, Wilson

Letter not found: to Wilson Allen, 26 May. On 29 May Allen wrote GW that he had received “Your letter of date the 26th inst.”


Title: From George Washington to William Russell, 26 May 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Russell, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon 26th May 1799

Your favor of the 11th instant from New York, has been received; and the articles therein alluded to got safe to hand yesterday; for which I pray you to accept my grateful thanks. The Ram, though poor, seems to be in good health, and being turned into as good Pasture as the backwardness of the Season would admit, will, I have no doubt, soon recover his flesh. His wool, and other appearances bespeak him a valuable animal. The other articles shall be applied to the uses they are designed; and will, I have no

doubt, be found to answer. All have come to hand in good Season. For your further kind intention respecting the imported Swine, I feel much obliged; & if you should be so successful as to get into a full Stock, would thank you for a pair; as I have a Distillery at which I rear many Hogs. But how, my good Sir, am I to repay all this kindness? In any thing, you may freely Command—Yr Most Obedt & Obliged Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Welch, 26 May 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Welch, James

Sir,
Mount Vernon 26th May 1799

I was not disappointed in the contents of your letter of the 16th instant, because I had formed no hope from the proposed application at Fredericksburgh.
Inconvenient, and indeed distressing as it is to me to lay out of the money you were obligated to pay me the first of the present year, and to receive which was the only inducement that led to the Bargain which exists between us for my Lands on the Great Kanhawa, yet, rather than resort to the means by which I could do myself justice, at the present moment, I will wait with patience & confidence, for the payment you have promised to make in November ensuing. After which, do not expect further indulgence from—Sir Yr Very Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I request to be informed with precision, of the number, and names of the Tenants you have placed on the Land; the quantity each is to hold, and what Rent they are to pay; I request also to know what others you have engaged—and what prospect you have of more.


Title: From George Washington to William White, 30 May 1799
From: Washington, George
To: White, William

Revd & Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 30th May 1799

The Sermon on the duty of Civil obedience as required in Scripture, which you had the goodness to send me, came safe a Post or two ago; and for which I pray you to accept my grateful acknowledgments.
The hurry in which it found me engaged, in a matter that pressed, has not allowed me time to give it a perusal yet: but I anticipate the pleasure & edification I shall find when it is in my power to do it. With every respectful wish, in which Mrs Washington unites, for yourself & the young ladies of your family, I am with great esteem & regard, Dear Sir Your Most Obedt & Very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Thornton, 31 May 1799
From: Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
City of Washington 31st May 1799

Finding that the Board of Commissrs were exceedingly urged, by Mr George Walker, to lay off and divide certain small portions of Ground, within the lines of his property, between the intersection of various Avenues & Streets, which do not appear in the general plan of the City to have ever been designed for private Occupancy; and perceiving the Board were disposed to adopt the proposal, I declared the measure expressly contrary to the intention of the late President of the United States, and accordingly wrote a formal protest, setting forth the injury that the City would sustain, by admitting a principle which would induce every proprietor to make similar Claims, and requested that the Board would not sanction the Divisions by Signature, until the Opinion of the late president should be fully known, if any hesitation remained on the Minds of my Colleagues after the perusal of your Letters of the 26th of Decr 96, and the 27th of Feby 97. Those Letters explain clearly in my Opinion the Sentiments I have repeatedly heard you express; but, lest your meaning may be misconstrued, in a point so essential to the future Benefit of the City, I request you will pardon me for making so free as to solicit a further Declaration of your former Opinions, if they can be more explicit. There is perhaps one point that may be considered as omitted; I mean the Declaration of these portions as Appropriations; for although many of them are very small, not containing a Standard Lot, and if occupied by Individuals might justly be considered as nuisances, yet if appropriated to public Use, they would be, not only highly useful but also ornamental, as they would serve for Churches, Temples, Infirmaries, Public Academies, Dispensaries, Markets, Public walks, fountains, Statues, Obelisks &c; and if the whole were to be paid for, as Appropriations, they amount to only 381,683 Square feet, or eight acres, at £25=£200. The only Doubt remaining on the minds of the Commissioners relative to these portions of Ground, was the power of non-insertion; but, it appears to me that their not having been inserted leaves them exactly in the same predicament as the other Portions of the city intended for Appropriation, but neither yet expressly designated as Appropriations nor even as reservations. They may be considered as reservations because the points of Squares have been cut off and these latter therefore are rendered, by your Declaration of

26th Decr 96, subject to payment, and consequently to public Appropriation. If no objection can be made to this, which indeed is warranted by the Deeds of Trust, surely less validity must be given to objections against the adoption of Areas heretofore considered only as streets, which by adoption will be paid for, and rendered highly useful and ornamental. If any objection can arise it has justly been observed in your Letter last quoted, that they might with equal propriety ask payment for the Streets; for these spaces differ in nothing from the Avenues but in extent, and every Avenue might by a parity of claim be reduced to a Street, or be charged to the Public. No Individual has ever contended for the insertion of these irregular portions, except Mr George Walker, but the principle being admitted the right will be universally claimed. Many have sold Lots, fronting on these open Spaces—The Map of the City has been published without them, and complaints of injustice will certainly be made by persons who have already purchased if these Spaces be filled up by private Lots; beside, these Insertions not accompanying the Maps now dispersed, Strangers might be liable to continual Impositions, by purchasing Lots apparently on open Areas in the Map, but in reality only fronting Stables or greater Nuisances; for these Lots are too small to admit of Houses all round and Conveniences within: so that it appears not only against the plan of the City to insert them, (unless for public appropriation which I should advocate) but it would be highly unjust to Individuals, as well those who may purchase as those who have become proprietors, and it would materially injure the convenience of the City, by occupying for private purposes, those places so easy of access, and so necessary for the Public. I have the honor to be Sir with the highest esteem your very respectful Friend &c.

William Thornton


Title: From George Washington to William Thornton, 1 June 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Thornton, William

Sir,
Federal City June 1st 1799

In replying to your favor of yesterday’s date, I must beg leave to premise that, when I left the Chair of Government it was with a determination not to intermeddle in any public matter which did not immediately concern me; and that I have felt no Disposition since to alter this Determination.
But as you have requested that I would give you my Ideas on a certain point, which seems to have occupied the attention of the Board of Commissioners, and on which I presume my Letters to that Body (whilst I had the honor to administer the Government) have not been so clear and explicit as it was my Intention to be, I have no hesitation in declaring (unless I have entirely forgotten all recollection of the fact) that it has always been my invariable opinion—and remains still to be so—that no departure from the

Engraved plan of the City ought to be allowed, unless imperious necessity should require it, or some great public good is to be promoted thereby.
Minor Considerations contribute to this opinion; but the primary, and to my mind an unanswerable one, is, that after the original plan (with some Alterations) had been adopted; ordered to be engraved and published; and was transmitted to several, if not to all our public Agents abroad, for the purpose of inviting purchasers; that it would, for reasons too obvious and cogent to require illustration, be deceptious to lay off Lots for private purposes, where none appeared in a plan, which was intended to inform—aid—and direct the Judgment of Foreigners, & others who could not, on the premises, make a choice.
It is not difficult to form an opinion of the ways of thinking, and views of others, by ones own, under similar Circumstances; I shall declare then without reserve, that if I had made choice of a Site for a House on an open Area in the published map, occasioned by the intersection of Avenues, and an Angle thereof should afterwards be filled up, in a manner I might not approve, I should not scruple to complain of both the deception and injury.
But I am straying from my purpose, which was no more than simply to say (if I am not, as beforementioned, greatly forgetful) that I have never had but one opinion of this Subject, and that is, that nothing ought to justify a Departure from the engraved plan, but the probability of some great public Benefit, or unavoidable necessity. With great esteem & regard I am Sir your most obdt Servt

Go. Washington