Title: To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 1 August 1791
From: Washington, George Augustine
To: Washington, George

Honored Uncle
Mount Vernon Augt 1st 1791.

Such is my situation at this time that I can do little more than enclose the Report and acknowledge the rect of your favor of the 17th Ulto the directions therein given I shall have attended to and will reply to it and give you every necessary information before I leave this if I am able. but at this time I do not flatter myself to be able to undergo the exercise of a journey in less than a fortnight—as soon as the Brickmakers and Bricklayers with there attendants finished harvest and grass cuting I had them put to work—Davis is now diging out the foundation for the wall in front of the house and will proceed to geting up the wall—I purchased of a Vessel yesterday some shells which is landing to day tho’ not more than abt 200 Bushls the first that I have been able to get tho’ I have used every means possible. I have at different times engaged these Vessels expressly for the purpose the two first have disappointed me the last which engaged under the penalty of 20£ was to be here next week[.] We had on Tuesday last a light sprinkle of rain in the four noon and afternoon but insufficient to conduce to the relief of any thing there is no more the appearance of verdure in the enclosures about this house than if the whole had been consumed by fire.

Whiting tells me that the prospects for Corn is deplorable indeed unless we are favord with immediate and abundant rains there can be but very little made and present appearances are unfriendly to it very shortly we are in order for sowing wheat but Whiting says unless there comes rain it would be attended with the loss of the seed to sow for it would vegetate and perish for their is not moisture in the earth to bring it up and nourish it this I know was the case with the first sown wheat in the neck and D: Run last year. Your letter which I expect to recieve by the return of the Servant from Alexa to night will speak something on this subject as I mentioned in a letter written sometime since the sowing of the fallowed field at D: Run—as I expected you might for some particular purpose wish immediate informa[tion] of the hights of the Jacks as I was not able to do it myself desired Whiting and to be very accurate, had them brought into the Piaza as the best place—the hights as here discribed I believe are just tho’ they fall short of what they had been supposed to be and what the Spanish Jack had once been determined to be by measurement—Royal Gift 14 hands 1½ Inch. his Ears 14 Inches[.] Knight Malta. 13 hands. 1½ Inch. his Ears. 12½ Inches[.] Young Jack 3 Years old this spring—12 hands. 1¼ I: Ears 12 I.—I think You mention’d that Colo. Washington would in September send for Royal Gift I shall leave directi⟨ons⟩ should I be absent to have him deliver’d if the Person who applies is authorised—I have recieved from Doctr Stuart £525—part of which to the amt of £265.18.10¼ I applied to the discharge of the Ball: due on Your several Bonds to Mr Triplett meaning the original Bond and two which You had given him for interest—I have settled the specie tax with the Sherriffs and shall the Levies I shall when I am setg out pay Ball for all the work he may have done at that time and leave money to pay the Bal: which in the whole will I expect amt to abt £100. settle such accts as are in Alexandria—and have all the accts posted up so as to leave all my monied transactions clearly to be understood as my first object is to discharge with satisfaction and strict justice the trust You have imposed in me—it is but prudent to be at all times prepared for an event that is uncertain and the present state of my health being unfavorable to long life unless a change should take place points out to me the propriety of

such arrangements as may illucidate all my transa⟨cti⟩ons—as they neither tend to protract or curtail life they need produce no unfavorable opperation on the spirits or mind it has a contrary tendency because I possess a mind capable of reflection and the fewer embarssments I have to contend with the greater fortitude I shall possess to support misfortune—I hope with care and the change of air to be restored but I fear not in a short time so as to enable to undergo so active a life as I wish the day before yesterday the spiting of blood left me yesterday it returned to day it has lessen’d—on Thursday the pain in my breast was troublesome attended with severe pains throughout my body which induced me to apply a large Blister to my breast which had been recommended by Doctrs Stuart & Craik—it drew well and I have kept it runing since and if I find advantage from it which I hope I shall will repeat the Blister to increase and continue the discharge—it is painful and disagreeable particularly in the attitude of writing—therefore beg leave to conclude with assurances of the tenderist attachment to You my Aunt and Children and good wishes for Mr Lear & Lady and Majr Jackson—I am Your truely affectionate Nephew

Go. A. Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the Federal District, 2 August 1791
From: Commissioners for the Federal District
To: Washington, George

Sir
George Town [Md.] 2d August 1791

We have your communication of Mr Peter’s proposals for wharfing and To day had propositions from Mr George French to cut the Canal from James’s to Goose Creek and wharf the sides of the Creek, fill in and compleat the work for twenty two thousand pounds—We are not furnished with Mr Peter’s Estimate, but suppose it would amount to a large sum—On a rough estimate we expect in October we must pay between five and six thousand dollars for expences not including the compensation to be made to Majr L’Enfant for his personal Services.
Advice from the Governor of the low state of the Treasury of Virginia and the objection by the Treasurer of Maryland against issuing before the first of January, which we have attempted to obviate, make it probable that we must have recource to private credit to defray the Current expences. With this unpleasant Prospect and the uncertainty of the produce of the sales in October, we have resolved to decline entering into engagements respecting the Canal or wharfing.
The survey and Plan of the City is not in the forwardness we wish: We have hopes still given us that they will be in such a State tho not compleat, as to begin the Sales the 17th of October, especially as Mr Ellicot can be spared a month longer as he purposes

with your leave. Majr L’Enfant purposes to wait on you soon with his drafts for your confirmation, and we cannot help repeating our wish that in the new laying out Carrollsburgh and Hamburgh as little alteration and appropriation as may be, may take place, for we shall unavoidably have difficulties enough, to reconcile private interest with public views[.] The regulations for improvements must be fixed before the sales; We conceive it to be a work of some Delicacy, and we should be happy that we could furnish any useful remarks on that subject. Pressed as you are with so many different things; we cannot without reluctance request your attention to this object, but we wish to be in possession of the system in time so that we may fully understand and be able to justify it, or propose our doubts. We are Sir, with truth and respect your mo. obt Servts

Thos Johnson
Dd Stuart
Dl Carroll


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll, 5 August 1791 [letter not found]
From: Carroll, Daniel
To: Washington, George

	Letter not found: from Daniel Carroll, 5 Aug. 1791. Thomas Jefferson wrote to the commissioners for the federal district on 28 Aug.: “Your joint letter of the 2d. inst. to the President, as also Mr. Carrol’s separate letters of the 5th. and 15th. have been duly received” (Jefferson Papers,Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950–. 22:88–89).


Title: To George Washington from Robert Douglas, 5 August 1791 [letter not found]
From: Douglas, Robert
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Robert Douglas, 5 Aug. 1791. Douglas wrote to GW on 25 May 1795: "I had the Honour to write your Excellency on the 5th & 12th Augt 91."


Title: To George Washington from Simon Wilmer, 5 August 1791
From: Wilmer, Simon
To: Washington, George

Sir
Chester Town Maryd 5th Aug. [17]91

Mr Lewis who lately fill’d a department in your Excellencys house hold suggested to me, that one or more assistant Secretaries must necessarily be appointed this Fall, in consequence of his retirement and the probability of Major Jacksons translation to some other Office; If such Vacancies have taken place, and are still to be filled, I must beg permission to approach your Excellency as an applicant, altho I fear my pretensions are not commensurate with the honor I now Solicit, yet I am impell⟨’d⟩ to enforce my wishes from a conviction that my claims will be properly measur⟨’d⟩ by your condescension. My age does not exceed 23 years and near five of that term have been devoted to business in Europe from whence I have lately return⟨’d.⟩ My fortune is small but Independent and I flatter myself that neither my manners or Person will found exceptionable and as your

Nephew infor⟨m’d⟩ me that it requir’d an association of the man of business with some Personal address, I can only assure you Sir, that I am perfectly prepar⟨ed⟩ for the first qualification and shall be ambitious to improve the latter in your School of refinement. Mr James Tilghman of this County with whom I have the honor to be distantly related, will furnish me with the necessary recommendations, but If I deserve your Scrutiny, Sir, I hope an intermediate application to Major Richmond of this State will prove Satisfactory I am fearful my prayer will be found extremely informal, but I concluded that a simple illustration of facts woud be preferable to all the Sophistry of adulation which fancy cou’d devise. I have the honor to be Sir With the most profound respect & Esteem your most devoted and very Humble Servant

Simon Wilmer


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 6 August 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Department [Philadelphia], 6th August 1791.

I have the honor to submit to you, Governor Blount’s report, relative to the treaty with the Cherokees, which he formed on the 2d instant—and also his request for leave of absence.
I shall have the honor to wait upon you personally relative to this business, after you shall have read the papers.
I have also the honor to submit Copies of the Instructions and Letters to Major General St Clair, Major General Butler and Mr Hodgdon the Quarter Master; and also to Brigadier General Scott, and the Board in Kentuckey. With the highest Respect I have the honor to be Sir, Your most Obed. huml. servt

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Hugh West, 6 August 1791
From: West, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
[Philadelphia, 6 August 1791]

I took occasion to wait upon your Excellency this fore-noon, but was unable to gain personal access, by reason of your then present Engagements. It was alledged, that my Business might be imparted, by means of a Secretary, to your Excellency: but which for a very obvious reason, I declined. It is of such a nature, I presume, as to suit your Excellency’s ear alone. It is not improbable, that while you are prompt, from the exalted consideration of the common Interest, to the most arduous vigilance and noblest care; you may deem it an intrusion upon your Excellency to be addressed by a Stranger to your Person, for the purpose of a private Interview with your Excellency. For had I not all along anticipated this mode of communication to your Excellency, it would have behoved me to have premised certain particulars by which to make myself known in a satisfactory manner. But lest your Excell. should think it proper to refuse me the honour of your presence upon this occasion, I proceed to subjoin a few circumstances relative to my last design. I am the youngest Son of John West jun. (Deceas’d) of Virginia, with whom, in his life-time, your Excel. had some acquaintance. For several years I enjoyed a small paternal Estate in the vicinity, of Alexa. near which I was born: but having, in part expended it in order to consummating the study of a medical profession to which I was designed; it hath become expedient that I should now engage in some certain Employment, whereby to acquire a subsistance for my family. Herein I have been exceedingly perplexed. A few days ago I applied to a Mr Nourse, Register: with whom I deposited a specimen of my Hand-writing (having had a previous Recommendation from Dr B. Rush) of which he approved. But there being no vacancy at that time, I have the promise of only succeeding to the first that shall take place in that Office—However he was candid enough at the same time to suggest, that there was but little probability of it at all. While I am unwilling to prescribe a sentiment of Hospitality to the President of the U. States; with all humility, I present a picture of my complicated distress—It is enough, that my wife (to whom I have been united for a bout 18 months) and myself have been uniformly subject to a wretched dependance on our Relations.

I would farther beg leave to observe, that having learnt there will be an Auditor appointed in a short time, His Excellency may ⟨do every⟩ necessary service to me by a Letter recommendatory to him, for such employment as he may esteem me to be capable of. His Excel. will be pleased to decide this matter agreeably to his leisure; he either to appoint any hour determinately at which I may see him upon the subject abovementioned, or give me such general recommendation as may ensure success to my undertaking, who have the honour to be, His Excellency’s most obedt & Devoted Servant

Hugh West


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 7 August 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Aug. 7. 1791.

Th: Jefferson has the honour to send for the President’s perusal, his letters to Govr Sinclair & Judge Symmes: as also letters received from the postmaster at Richmond on the subject of the two cross posts. he has gone further as to that towards the South Western territory, than Th: J.’s letter authorized, as he only submitted it to his enquiry & consideration whether a post along that rout could maintain itself. he has advertized it as if decided on. however there is doubtless time enough to correct the rout, if it be not what the President would wish.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 8 August 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia August 8th 1791

It appearing to me proper that the Commissioners should be apprised of the pretensions—signified in the enclosed letter—I send it to them accordingly, that such prudent use may be made of the information as to them shall seem fit.
I have not given, nor shall I give any answer—at least for the present—to the writer of it; and no person is knowing to my having received such a letter. I am—Dear Sir, Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Darke, 9 August 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Darke, William

(Private)
Dear Sir,Philadelphia August 9. 1791.
I have received your letter of the 24 ult.—Regarding its contents, altho’ relating to objects of public import, as private communication, I shall reply to, and remark upon them, with that candor which my personal esteem, and my public wishes strongly enjoin.
I need not tell you that my regret is seriously excited by learning that any cause of discontent should exist, either on your own part, or that of your Officers, with General Butler, and it is hardly necessary to express my earnest wish that it may speedily subside, and be entirely done away—But, as I rely greatly on your disposition to advance the public interest, tho’ even by the relinquishment of private opinions, I shall offer to your consideration some remarks which I am persuaded will have weight with you, and induce your influence with your Officers to dismiss their discontents, and to think only of their public duty.
Let it in the first place be remembered that one common cause engages your service, and requires all your exertions—it is the interest of your country—To that interest all inferior considerations must yield. As an apology for the seeming inattention of a commanding Officer it should be considered that the variety of objects, which engage him, may produce an appearance of neglect, by no means intended—In General Butler’s particular instance some allowance should be made for the effects of bodily indisposition, combined with the cares of his station—and I am satisfied no one, either from temper or reflection, will more cheerfully make this allowance than yourself.
On this belief I rest an expectation that every uneasiness will be composed, and that the public service will be proceeded in with harmony and zeal.
The Secretary of War has directed a board of Officers to decide the question of rank between you and Colonel Gibson and others. I shall at all times be happy to evince the sincere esteem, with which I am Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Moultrie, 9 August 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Moultrie, William

Philadelphia August 9th 1791

I have had the pleasure, my dear Sir, to receive your friendly letter of the 10th of last month—and I reply with affectionate regard to your congratulations & kind wishes.
A slight indisposition (occasioned by a tumour—not much unlike the one I had in New York in the year 1789—) since my return, of which I am now recovered, does not forbid the expectation that my health may be ultimately improved by my tour through the Southern States—my happiness has certainly been promoted by the excursion, and no where in a greater degree than while resident among my fellow-citizens of South Carolina. To their attentions (yours in particular) I shall always confess myself much obliged, and particularly flattered by the regards of your fair compatriots, to whom I wish upon every occasion, to be remembered with grateful respect.
I shall realise your promise of a visit with sincere satisfaction—till then, and always, I beg you to believe me with the greatest regard & esteem, My dear Sir, Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Canon, 10 August 1791 [letter not found]
From: Canon (Cannon), John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Canon, 10 Aug. 1791. In a letter of 7 Sept. to Canon, GW referred to Canon’s letter “of the 10 of August.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 11 August 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

War Department [Philadelphia] 11th August 1791.

The Secretary of War humbly reports to the President of the United States.

That previously to the 4th day of March 1789, the military invalids throughout the United States, had certain rates of allowance made them on account of their disability, under certain regulations established by Congress—The States respectively in which such invalids resided, were the judges of the disability, and the sums allowed, the amount of which was deducted from the existing requisitions made by Congress on the said States.
That since the operation of the present general government, the payment of the Invalids has been assumed by Congress, who have by Law directed, “That the Military pensions which have been granted and paid by the States respectively, in pursuance of the acts of the United States in Congress assembled, to the Invalids who were wounded and disabled during the late war, shall be continued and paid by the United States, from the fourth day of March last, for the space of one year, under such regulations as the President of the United States may direct.”
That three laws to this effect have been passed, to wit: on September the 29th 1789—on the 16th of July 1790—and on the 3d of March 1791.
That the lists which have been received at this Office from the States respectively, have been in several instances incorrect and defective, and that subsequent additions have been made to said lists by several of the States.
That these additions are generally of such Invalids as were originally entitled and provided for by the States—But have been either by accident struck off the list, or for the cause herein after enumerated, by State authority, and now replaced by the same authority.
That on the 11th day of June 1788—the then Congress resolved, “That no person shall be entitled to a pension as an invalid, who has not, or shall not before the expiration of six months from this time make application therefor, and produce the requisite evidence to entitle him thereto.”
It is evident from the above resolve, that no additional invalid can be admitted in opposition thereto. But it is presumed by the Subscriber, that each State has a right to correct the list, before transmitted to this Office, shewing the evidence whereon such corrections are grounded.
The States of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, appear to have struck off several invalids from the list, because they refused to

do garrison duty—The States had a right to order such duty to be performed, but the right of punishing by striking off the list upon refusal, may be questioned—But the same States have lately upon re-consideration, thought proper to replace several on the list again, from the time they were struck off—It appears that the said two States have been singular in the requisition for garrison duty, and have replaced the invalids on the list on considering the inequality, and hardship of requiring them to perform garrison duty, which they were not required by any other State to perform.
The question now is, shall the general government give validity to this correction of the States to their own acts, by admitting on the list, such invalids as were so struck off?
On this point the Subscriber humbly conceives, there can be no doubt that such invalids ought to be admitted—for by referring to the original establishment for the invalids, it will appear it was intended for their comfort, and as a mark of public gratitude and justice, and not for their oppression.
If therefore any State has acted with severity towards its invalids, and thinks proper of itself to correct its own conduct, every facility should be afforded by the general government in favor of those unfortunate men, whose services to their country have been the cause of the loss of limbs and health, and all the happiness consequent thereon.
The Subscriber therefore submits as a general principle, the propriety of which he has not a doubt—“That the corrections of each State of the list of invalids, residing therein and provided for thereby, conformably to the acts of the United States in Congress assembled prior to the 4th day of March 1789, be received by the Secretary at War, as if such list had been presented perfect in the first instance.”

H. Knoxsecy of War


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 12 August 1791 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

 Letter not found: to Timothy Pickering, 12 Aug. 1791. Timothy Pickering wrote to his brother on 12 Aug.: “this day the President sent me a note, desiring to see me” (Upham, Pickering,Octavius Pickering and Charles W. Upham. The Life of Timothy Pickering. 4 vols. Boston, 1867–73. 2:496).


Title: To George Washington from Robert Douglas, 12 August 1791 [letter not found]
From: Douglas, Robert
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Robert Douglas, 12 Aug. 1791. Douglas wrote to GW on 25 May 1795: "I had the Honour to write your Excellency on the 5th & 12th Augt 91."


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 13 August 1791
From: Johnson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

sir.
Frederick [Md.] 13 August 1791.

This morning I recieved your Letters of the 7th & 8th Instant and one from Mr Jefferson covering my Commission—I forward yours of the 7th and its Inclosures to Doctr Stuart and Mr Carroll—I am a Stranger to all that they relate to farther than that Mr Peters signed the paper for Cession of Land as Agent or

Attorney for one Mr Douglass who I suppose is the Father or Son but I never heard the least Surmise that it was not effectual to bind the Land.
I feel myself obliged by the Circumstance attending your Appointment of me to Office—it is difficult to restrain warm Expressions—suffice it that your Choice or Earnestness in my Favor shall not be disgraced by the Heart I cannot so well answer for my Head. I am my dear Sir With Truth and Affection Your obliged obedt Servant

Th. Johnson


Title: From George Washington to James Craik, 14 August 1791 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Craik, James

Letter not found: to James Craik, 14 Aug. 1791. In a letter to GW of 31 Aug., James Craik referred to GW’s letter to him “of the 14th Inst”


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 14 August 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Whitting, Anthony

Mr Whiting,
Philadelphia August 14th 1791.

From the last letter I have received from my nephew the Major, I presume he is, ’ere this, on his tour to Berkeley; I shall therefore, during his absence, address my letters on matters which relate to my concerns at Mount Vernon, to you. And do request that the weekly reports may be transmitted to me as usual—with such other accounts of your progress in sowing &ca; prospects (with respect to the growing & harvested Crops); and seasonableness of the weather as you may conceive it will be satisfactory for me to be informed of.
From the heat and drought of the Summer, I should conceive that the rare ripe Corn in the Meadow at the Mill, now is, or very soon will be, hard enough to gather. Under this persuation, & that the ground would be better sown with grass-seeds, and would lay more smooth & fit for the scythe thereafter, I suggest it to you (if you find it can be done in time, and with tolerable convenience) to gather the Fodder that is on that Corn as soon as possible, & Immediately after doing so, to remove both Corn & stalk, as they are left standing, to the edges of the field, to be there stacked or set on end, if the first (that is the Corn) cannot at that time be taken from the latter (that is the stalk) with safety; and then, with the heavy Oxe Harrow to level the ground before it is sown with grass-seeds. My reasons for desiring that both Corn & stalks may be taken off together are, first, because if the Corn is not sufficiently hard & dry when this happens, their will be nutriment sufficient in the stalks to effect it, without suffering it to dry too fast—and 2dly because by such removal the ground may be laid perfectly level, & freed from every thing that will incommode the sowing of the Seed, and the cutting of the grass, thereafter. Do not suffer it to escape you, that the grass-seeds in that meadow ought by all means to be sown by, or before the end of this month, that the plants may be up and obtain strength before Winter; Other wise, the ground being low and apt to heave, they might perish in the course of the Winter by the wet & frosts.
It is my earnest wish (as I presume you have already been informed by the Major) that all my Grain & grass-seeds intended for Autumn sowing should now be got into the ground as soon

as possible. I am fully satisfied that every moment this business is delayed after the present period, will prove injurious to the ensuing Crop; especially in ground that is not highly manured—or which is not fresh—or naturally very strong. I shall readily grant that where there is but little to sow, the temperature of the weather and state of the ground may be consulted; but where much is to be put in, the season, be the weather as it may, ought not to be slipped. Besides, as the weather has been dry hitherto, the probability of a wet autumn is the greater.
If the Major did not engage an Overseer for Dogue run before he left home, it wd be proper for you to do it, in case one should offer in his absence who can be well recommended. A Man having a wife with a small family would be prefered either to a single man, or one with a large family. The Major has informed me of the terms on which he proposes to agree, & I agree to them. I am of opinion if the old house on No. 2 at that Plantation cannot be made to answer for the accomodation of the Overseer, that the one at the Mansion house (commonly called Richards, which originally came from that place) should be carried back, & fixed on the spot marked for it by the Major. The materials of this House are good, & the house itself is of sufficient size, & can be removed with much more ease than the frame of a new one can be got. It is of no use where it is, & must soon go to decay without an Inhabitant; a removal of it therefore is proper, & desirable in any point of view. A Brick chimney must be put to it after it gets to Dogue run instead of the wood one it now has; and when undertaken, a Bricklayer more skilful than Tom Davis must assist him and Muclus in the erection of it.
When Davis goes about the other Wing of the Green house, direct him to be careful that the ground is truly leveled, and to see also that the joints of the new and old brick work range exactly; and moreover, that the walls are carried to the same height at both ends, and are extend to the Garden Gate; into the Jamb of which the end wall is to be worked.
If Will is not likely to provide Shoes enough for the Negros in due Season, aid must be had elsewhere; and I desire, if the clover which was sown with the Wheat at the Mansion house is not sufficiently thick on the ground, that you will not spare seed in making good the dificency.
I perceive by the last report which has been received, that

Wheat has been tread out in a yard at the Ferry; where a good Barn floor is, I did not expect this would be the case—& I perceive also that Harrows have been carried to Mr Lund Washington’s Smith—this ought not to be—nothing should go there that my own Smiths can do—and for Harrows, I should suppose they are competent.
How is your Wheaten crop likely to turn out? Is the 335 bushls as reported to have been deposited in the Grainery at the Ferry & French’s, all that was made at those Plantations? If so, the Crop must be short indeed. I am Your friend &ca

Go: Washington

P.S. In the body of this letter I mentioned getting Fodder in the Mill meadow only for the reason assigned—but it is of most essential importance, considering the scarcity of Hay, that the whole of it should be got in the greenest & most perfect state possible, without injuring the Corn.


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll, 15 August 1791 [letter not found]
From: Carroll, Daniel
To: Washington, George

	Letter not found: from Daniel Carroll, 15 Aug. 1791. Thomas Jefferson wrote to the commissioners for the federal district on 28 Aug.: “Your joint letter of the 2d. inst. to the President, as also Mr. Carrol’s separate letters of the 5th. and 15th. have been duly received” (Jefferson Papers,Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950–. 22:88–89).


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 15 August 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

  Treasury Department [Philadelphia] 15 August 1791. Communicates a letter from the superintendent of lighthouses in South Carolina, “by which it appears that the Lantern Story and all the wooden work of the Light house in that state have lately been consumed by fire,” with two proposals for rebuilding the lighthouse, the more favorable one from Conrad Hook & John Naverson, the terms of which, “Upon enquiry into the expence attending a similar repair in the Case of the Light house at Cape Henlopen, & making due allowance for local differences

(so far as there are materials for comparison) . . . do not appear extravagant,” and concludes: “as great inconveniencies may result from delay, it is respectfully submitted as not inconsistent with the interests of the United States to authorise the acceptance of the contract proposed by them.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 August 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Philadelphia] August 15th 1791

I have traced the report relative to the powder to its fountain head. At present it has rather the complexion of rivalship in Trade. The persons who have originated the Report, own powder Mills, and are of opinion that Jacob Lush who works for them, makes better powder than Jacob Keyser, who works for Joseph Miller from whom the powder in question was Obtained.
I shall however tomorrow, have Millers powder proved by the method least liable to error, and report to you the result. In the meantime I have not much doubt of its goodness. I have the honor sir to be with perfect respect Your humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to Arthur Young, 15 August 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Young, Arthur

Sir,
Philadelphia August 15th 1791.

That I may not be thought inattentive to your favor of the 25th of Jany—which came to my hands about ten days ago only—I avail myself of the first Packet since the receipt of it to inform you that the Annals, and Chicorium Intybus have got safe to my hands. A set of the former I have presented in your name, agreeably to your request, to the Agricultural Society in this City. For the other sett; for the Seeds; and for the manufactured Wool from the fleece I sent you, I pray you to accept my best thanks.
With astonishment hardly to be conceived, I read in No. 86 of your Annals, the account of the taxes with which you are burthened. Had the account come from dubitable authority, the reality of such a tax would not only have been questioned but absolutely disbeleived; for I can assure you, Sir, that there is nothing in this Country that has the semblance of it.
I do not, however, mean to dwell on this, or any other part of your letter at this time—the purpose of my writing to you now, is to acknowledge the receipt of the things you had the goodness to send me—and to assure you, that with great pleasure I will forward, in a short time, such information with respect to the prices of Lands, Stock, Grain—amount of taxes &ca, &ca as will enable you to form a pretty accurate idea of the present state and future prospects of this Country.
In the meanwhile, I believe I may confidently add—that although our Agriculture, Manufactures & Commerce are progressing; although our taxes are light; although our laws are in a

fair way of being administered well, and our liberties & properties secured on a solid basis by the general Government having acquired more & more consistency, strength and respectability as it moves on; yet, that no Material change in the prices of the above articles has taken place, except in a few instances of Land, under peculiar advantages; nor is it probable there will be in the latter whilst there is such an immense territory back of us for the people to resort to. In a word, Sir, when you come to receive full answers to your several enquiries, I am inclined to believe that you will not be unfavorably impressed, or think an establishment in the United States ineligible to those whose views are extended beyond the limits of their own Country
Having closed my corrispondence with Wakelin Welch Esqr. & Son—I have to request that your communications to me in future may pass through the hands of Mr Johnson—Consul for the United States in London. With best wishes, and sentiments of much esteem I am—Sir Your most Obedient and very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Seagrove, 16 August 1791 [letter not found]
From: Seagrove, James
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from James Seagrove, 16 Aug. 1791. GW wrote to Seagrove on 14 Sept. of “Three letters of yours—two bearing the 16th and other the 25. of August.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 August 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

War Department [Philadelphia,] 17th August 1791.

The Secretary of War having examined the Report of Colonel Timothy Pickering, Commissioner at a late Council or treaty of the five Nations of Indians, so called, at Tioga Point—humbly Reports to the President of the United States:
That the main object of the said Council was to conciliate the said Indians, to prevent their listening to the invitations of the western hostile Indians, by withdrawing them to a greater distance from the theatre of the war, and to fix their minds, particularly of their idle young men, upon some important object, which by employing them for a critical period, would render them less liable to the temptations of committing depredations.
That from the proceedings it appears, that the Commissioner has with great ability and judgment, carried into effect the objects of his appointment, by cementing the friendships between the United States and the said Indians; and it is to be expected the good effects flowing from this Council, will be hereafter manifestly conspicuous.
But it is to be exceedingly regretted that his desire to accord to the wishes of the Indians, led him to confirm a lease of certain lands belonging to the Cayuga Nation of Indians, to John Richardson. This measure was entirely unauthorized by his instructions, is contrary to the constitution and laws of New York, and to the constitution and laws of the United States.
That the State of New York possesses the undoubted right of pre-emption to the lands of the Cayugas, and that this right embraces every possible modification of said lands, with the concurrence of the United States, whether by sale, lease or otherwise.
That it is also to be regretted, that the Commissioner did not obtain and keep a copy of the instrument of the lease of the Cayuga lands, and his ratification thereof; neither of which are among his papers, or in his possession as he has informed the

subscriber.
That the effect of the confirmation to Allan’s children is the same as that of the Cayuga lands, although it is presumed the right of pre-emption has been conveyed by the State of Massachusetts to an individual.
The subscriber humbly conceives that it would be proper, in order to avert any evil consequences which might arise upon this subject, to transmit an extract of his proceedings relative thereto, to the Governor of the State of New York, and to disavow explicitly the said transaction as being founded in error; unless it should be judgment of the said State, to avail itself of any benefit that may arise therefrom.
That if this should be the case, which however must be entirely optional with the said State, it would have the effect to keep the said Indians tranquil, by preventing that confusion which must arise in their minds from the disavowal of a transaction formally concluded at a public treaty.
That the letter which accompanies this report is submitted, as proper to be transmitted to the Governor of New York, on the occasion.

H. Knox
secy of war


Title: To George Washington from Rodolph Valltravers, 17 August 1791 [letter not found]
From: Valltravers, Johann Rodolph von (Vall-Travers)
To: Washington, George

  Letter not found: from Rodolph Valltravers, 17 Aug. 1791. Valltravers described to GW on 30 Nov. his letter to GW of “Augt 17” from Rotterdam “by Captn Wm Callahan.”


Title: To George Washington from Charles Pinckney, 18 August 1791
From: Pinckney, Charles
To: Washington, George

(Duplicate)
Dear SirCharleston [S.C.] 18th August 1791.   I am much pleased to find by our last vessels from Philadelphia that you are safely arrived & escaped the dangers which might have been expected from a tour of such length & at so hot a season—hearing after you left us that it was your intention to have taken Ninety Six in your Route from Augusta & that you could not be at Columbia before the 25th I postponed setting out for that place until the twenty first & arrived there the morning after you left it—I regretted very much missing you by a single day as it was my wish to have seen you there & to have accompanied you to Camden—I hope you found Mrs Washington & your friends well & that your tour has given you a favorable opinion of the States you have passed through.
Mr Rutledge our Chief Justice was extremely sorry that from the necessary avocations of his Office he was absent—I once took the liberty of mentioning to you our wish that his vacancy might be filled up by some Gentleman from this State but as there does not appear a disposition in those Gentlemen whom you have been the best acquainted with to accept—& as my having mentioned it may perhaps be in some measure the means of your wish to confine it to this State—it is proper in me to say that I am sure any Gentleman that may be appointed from either of the Southern States will be perfectly agreeable to us.
The Excise Law has at length began to operate—The interior parts of the Country are in a great degree at present opposed to it but when they reflect how necessary it was for Congress after having assumed the State debts to provide every mode in their power which would enable them to avoid direct taxation & how advantageously this tax must operate in favour of this State as the northern States will pay infinitely more towards it than we shall I trust their fears will be quieted & they will consider it as an unavoidable measure.
The great misfortune of this country & indeed of every part of the United States at this time is the Depreciation of property arising from the too great scarcity of a circulating medium—the Establishment of a national Bank & the consequent increase of

money arising from the circulation of their Bills will I hope remove this inconvenience—the Objections on account of its unconstitutionality being done away I apprehend the evils which were feared from it to the agricultural interest will be discovered to have been visionary & that it will be found our Commerce & Agriculture are happily so firmly united that an Institution which is of service to the one can never fail to encourage & indeed to promote the other—I wish sincerely that this City may have a Bran⟨ch⟩ of it—in point of Commercial consequence it certainly is entitled to one for I believe with respect to the Sterling value of our own productions this State will in all probability have a right to be considered among the first in the Union—perhaps the very first.
I have already I believe personally mentioned the great inconvenience the people of this & the neighbouring State labour under in having so near a receptacle for their fugitive Offenders, Debtors, & even Slaves at St Augustine—the great number of people some of them of large fortunes who have secretly removed themselves to that place with their properties—the number of Negroes who have been countenanced there & the ready Asylum which it affords to those who fly from the public Justice of their Country render it particularly injurious to the States which are near it.
Conceiving it to be of great importance that an attempt should be made to put a Stop to so growing an evil—the Attorney General of this State has had a Bill of Indictment found against two very notorious Offenders who have taken refuge there & officially applied to me to make a demand for their delivery in order that they may be brought to trial here—In consequence thereof I have transmitted to the Attorney General a copy of the inclosed Letter for the purpose of being sent to St Augustine—I do not suppose the Governour will consider himself authorised to deliver the fugitives; but it may in its event be useful by leading to the establishment of instructions which may authorise him in future to do so & may hold out an idea to offenders that the justice of their Country will pursue them as far as it possibly can.
I inclose you a Copy of a Proclamation of the Governour of East Florida & as the arrival of a Spanish Minister, at Philadelphia makes it probable that some arrangements may be established

between the United States & the Court of Spain I thought this the proper time to make the communications I have the honour to submit.
I shall certainly attend to your request respecting the plants & seeds you wish sent from hence at the proper season & have the Honour to remain with esteem & regard Dear Sir much obliged yours truly

Charles Pinckney


Title: From George Washington to William Tilghman, 18 August 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Tilghman, William

Sir,
Philadelphia August 18th 1791.

Your favor of the 14th Ulto came duly to hand—but a confinement of some weeks, and much business since, has prevented my acknowledging the receipt of it until now.
It has not appeared from any Papers I have yet seen that the settlement which seems to have taken place between Messrs Chalmers & George was ever communicated to Mr West. To me it never was. I will, however, again write to the Gentleman who has them in keeping to make a further search, and as soon as

his answer is received I will trouble you with another letter on this subject.
In the meanwhile, I offer you my thanks for the trouble this business must have given you & for the assurance of your readiness to prosecute it further. I am—Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Pierre-Charles L’Enfant, 19 August 1791
From: L’Enfant, Pierre Charles
To: Washington, George

Ser
[Georgetown, Md., 19 August 1791]

The heigest of my embition Gratified in having met with your approbation in the project of the Plan which I have now the Honor of presenting to you altered agreeable to your direction, Steel leaving me some thing to wish for until I see the execution of that plan effected to the full attainement of your object.
I shall here beg the permission of fixing for a moment your attention on matter which I conceive of most Importance to the advancement of the business.
The Inspection of the anexced map of doted lines being sufficiently

explanatory of the progress made in the work will I hope leave you satisfied how much more has been done than may have been expected from hands less desirous of meriting your applause and I shall confire on this subject with express the obligation I feel to be under for the frindly assistance given me by Mr Ellicott—& to request if circumstances may admit of a delay in the procecution of business he his charged with on the frontier of Georgia that his going there be differed until the latter end of november next, his assistance till then being most Indispensable to compleat the work begone as is necessary to have a number of lots for Houses measured and marked before the time when the first sale is Intended.
this business has proved more tedious than at first considered owing to the multiplicity of operations Indispensable to determine the accute angles & intersect lines with exactness on points given at great distances in which process much difficulties was encountered on account of the great encumbering of timber cut down in every direction, the which the proprietor are avare to preserve and unwilling to remove and most consequently Increase obstacles in the way to a degree as I am well convinced will in the end cause me the regret of falling much short from what I proposed and what is indeed most essentiel to performe previous a sale take place.
brought to the point as matter do now stand enough is done to satisfy every one of an Eanerstedness in the process of execution—and the spots assigned for the Federal House & for the President palace in exibiting the most sumpteous aspect and claiming already the suffrage of a croid of daily visitor both natives & foreigners will serve to give a grand Idea of the whole, but nevertheless it is to be wished more may be done to favour a sale—this being to serve very little towards evidencing the beauties of localfe] reserved for privat setlements all being absolutly lost in the chaos of pulled timber without possibility to juge of the advantages of relative convenincy much less of agreement, to be derived from Improvements Intended in a surrounding local[e] of which but few can form an Idea iven after Inspecting a map.
the grand avenu connecting both the palace & the federal House will be most magnificent and most convenient—the streets runing west of the upper squar of the federal House and

which terminate in an easy slope on the canal through the tiber which it will over look for the space of above tow mile will be beautifull above what may be Imagined—those other streets parallel to that canal, those crossing over it and which are at many avenus to the grand walk from the water cascade under the federal House to the president park and dependincy extending to the ban⟨k⟩ of the potomac, and also the severals squar or area such as are Intended for the Judiciary court—the national bank—the grand church—the play House, market & exchange—all through will offer a variety of situations unparalleled in point of beauties—suitable to every purpose and in every point convenient both are devised for the first ofset of the city and combined to command the height price in a sale.
but as I observed before these advantages lost in the present encumbering of the local and not being possible to be made perceptible within the short period left—A sale at a moment so premature will not bring the ten part of what it will at some more suitable season after a rough-hewn of the proposed Improvements may help to the better appreciating the merits of situation.
besides a sale made previous the general plan of distribution of the city is made publique and befor the circumstance of that sale taking place has had time to be know through the whole continent, will not call a sufficient concurence and most be confined to few individuals speculating wanting means or Inclination to Improve and the consequence of a low sale in this first Instance may prove Injurious to the subsequent ones by serving as precedents to under valu the remaining lots at so much less in proportion to the lessening of advantage of situation—on an other part I apprehend the under saling of lots far from prompting a speedy settlement and as many people argue of gaining frind to the Establishment in Inducing Influencial men in those states as may continue opposed to it to become Interested in the succes—will rather disgrace the whole business.
it will I am convinced favour schems already encouraged in consequence of the mediocrity of the deposit required—it will favour the ploting of a number of designing men whom In Georgetown in particular are more active than ever and use of every means to set themselves in a situation to cross the opperation of the plan adopted—and whom in concert with society

forming in baltimor and in other places unfrindly promise to engross the most of the sale and master the whole business.
with these apprehension and seeing on an other part nothing to be gained from a sale which at best if taking place this season will only be making the transfer of a most valuable property in to the hand of speculator without a prospect even of deriving from it a mean for to engage with any security in the Intended work to whose first demand a Fund resting on the produce of a deposit most prove inadequate.
I conceive the postponing of that Sale a measure which will be both expedient and advantageous to the business—as it is constant but people realy Inclined to purchase and earnestly disposed to erect Houses will not be on this account dissuaded from their coming on the spot tho’ for the Instant disappoint⟨ed⟩ in the object giving them a better Idea of the local[e] woud I presum rather serve to prompt them to greater Exertion and the Idea which they will carry back most greatly serve to Influence other to come and to Increase a competition for lots at the time when the sale may be put off.
this measure in some respect forced by circumstances may I presum take place consistantly by alleging the fact of an Impossibility of having matter ready for it—owing to the necessity of taking the previous and necessary steps of making an Equal division of property betwixt the Individual owner and the publique.
The Impossibility of doing this will not only result from the difficulties encontered in the mesuration of lots but will most evidently from a circumstance not yet mentioned of the proprieter of territory having not returned the survey of ther possession as was repeatedly required of them and which they declined to do until disputs arrosed amongst them respecting to boundary are setled. this not likely to be so soon done most preclud for some time From making the necessary division of property and will prevent the devising of a mode to effect that of those lots which will be found laid across the lines of tow or three different territory which most be frequent on account of the bifarous way the whole property is Intermingled.
Convinced no time will be found lost for to procure the necessary accomodation for congress my Intimacy with plans already forming relating to Establishment on the Eastern branch—on the proposed canal and in various other parts made me not

Esitate in ascerting that settlements will soon be spread through—provided a due attention is given to the carrying on & speedily in every part those Improvements as are combined for the convenance and agreableness of the most distant situation as they are meant to had to the sumptousness of the more centrals, when I observe—provided a due attention is given it is becaus notwithstanding I Indulge the Idea of seeing soon the progress of the Establishment become the wonder of all, I am sensible of the consequences of a ⟨scheck⟩ its progress may receive and am well persuaded that Individuals exertions will wait the signal and model thier process on the sperit with the which the publick business shall be conducted.
it being therefore essential to be begin well and with an assurance of continuing with a progressive degree of activity to the end—considering that a relaxation of motion would greatly more Injure the business than will a delay in mouving I to this effect—under the Head of publick Exertions conceive it Important not to confine the Idea to the erecting of a congress House & a presidial palace other exertions being necessary to prompt and encourage private undertaking.
them alone can form the establishment enswerable to its objects, and to rise the city a city in fact it is Indispensable to consider Every of the Improvements proposed in the plan as being part most essential to the framing of the principal and how ever differential & unconected as they may appear to effect them at a same time and with a proportional degree of dispatch.
it is most Essential to push with the utmost activity Every Improvement as may serve to marcantile Interest. the canal through the tiber a cross to the eastern branch were an aditional branch of it is marked in the plan, is of absolut necessity to determine and Insure a speedy settlement in that part were it is most desirable to help the conveying of material to the tow grand Edifice.
the making of the publick walk from under the federal House as far as it is carried on the potomac and connected with the palace is an objet which so ever trivial as it may appear to the ayes of many will be productive of as much advantage as the first mentioned objects in giving to the city as its first offset a superiority of agr⟨eem⟩ents over most of the city of the world as it will gaine one over them all in point of convenience of distribution

after bringing the various Squar or area to thier Intended Shape and giving aregular and well combined slop to and leveling every grand avenu and principals streets—begining with the most transversal and were settlements are most essential—not however ending them were house end but Indescriminatly Extending those Improvements all over accellerating them on those parts the less attractive to prompt seltements thereon. no need being of hastening to encourage them on more advantageous situation the which it may be well to preserve until the great rise of thier value make it worth the sacrifice.
these Idea already held to your consideration and the which met your approval at the first begining of the business—having directed my attention in devising a plan of distribution of local[e] as I conceived to be the best calculated to this effect, made me consider an appropriation of the several squar as ⟨are⟩ proposed in the plan to be alloted to each of the Individual states as also the making of a free donation to Every particular religious society of a ground for House of worship a mode from which Infinit advantages most result.
each of those Establishments tho’ probably small at first being Equally distenced and near situated will by a gradual accroissement soon connect and will from their begining forme a chaine of Improvements round the principal part of the city which will extand by a scatering of settlements all along of those transversal and divergent avenues were none of them will be lost nor will be to distant from the federal House or the president palace.
Betwixt these tow Edifices in the streets from the grand avenu to the palace toward the canal there will be a proper stand for shop—for mechanique and every people in various business, and the stimulate to builth houses in those part being so great it is not to be doubted but they will be erected contigeous to each other and in a short time will increase to a number sufficient to afford a convenience in the Intercourse of business and to procur proper accomodation to congress member and every officers & other people attach to the Executive.
a marche so wholy different from the ordinary way of forming a town it is presumable will meet with oposer and be much objected by people who will compute the accroissement of towns existing and draw Inference from them in concluding aginst the plan I propose.
it will also, as far as, it may affect speculation on publick property

incite many to disclaime against, but upon the whole every objection as may tend to a contraction of the operation of the sisteme most likly to arrise from people Interested in lowering the value of property or perhaps ⟨led⟩ from motives whose good Intent to the whole business may be questioned, I am in hope people actuated from more Independant principle will consider and that how ever prejudice may blind them on the advantages while they enumerate the Inconveniency in this Idea likly to result from the process—they will own that a succes in the attainement of the end the sisteme is combined to promote would be most prosperous—and confident in that succes I Feel the more encouraged to submit my Idea there on to your jugement.
as to the question of what are the means necessary and how to procure them I will observe that those means most be extensive proportioned to the magnitude of the undertaking, and that so ever large as I conceive they ought to be I consider the property at your disposal fully proportionated to the object if attention is given in managing it.
15.000 lots will fall in the share of the publick as half of the property left for Improvements after deduction made of streets and of ground appropriated to publick purposes—these lots will be of various sise from 66 feet to ⟨57⟩. in Fronts and from four to seven in an acre—the sum that will arise from the sale most be immense but as I observed it will only be so if cautiously menaged—for notwithstanding the amount of them lots most be Enormous I fear that under this Idea and when undervaluing the magnitude of the work proposed or not being well convinced of the Importance of having the Improvements carried on on the liberal scale I propose it may induce to a prodigality of those means in saling on low termes the most valuable part of lots a circumstance which in my opinion prove as destructive to the attainement of the grand object as would a contraction of measure determined after a timorous survey of the mass of the undertaking the which in offering a labryinth of difficulties would soon magnify them to a deffidence of power to surmount.
therefor it is of Importance the whole matter should be contemplated cooly and that so ever short of the time left to effect it may appear not be hurry’d in to process nor to engage in it but after having secured effectual mean to supply the daily Expendit⟨ure.⟩
those means at your disposal I said were proportionated to the

object and I considere them so if other means are first exerted to rise the property to tis proper valu.
for to look upon that property at this moment as a mean of supply and to use of this mean to deffray the first expenditure of the begining of the work would indeed be to expunge all resource befor the moment is come for availling of them.
be cause admiting the disadvantageous terms of the sale is advertised as may be altered and iven supposing the sale to be productive from the begining the produce most be various and a fund mearly depending on it will never Insure a timely Supply to daily Expenditure a circumstance which would necessitate a frequent change in the mode of conducting matter, would delay the progress of works begon consequently occasion a loss and a misapplication of means and of time which in the course of every grand undertaking but most unavoidably in one of the magnitude of that under consideration would work a dissipation of every means to an absolut disappointment in the object to obtain.
from these consideration a better security of funds being necessary to combine a plan of operation the good of which can only be Insured aided by punctual payements and regular and plentifull supply of Materials it will expedient first to devise the necessary means considering that Economie in a poursuit of this nature lay in being aided with numerous hands with a power of pouring means there were they may accelerat the leveling of difficulties frequent to enconter.
viewing matter in this light and being convinced money is the principal wheel to give and continu the motion to the machine left to organise I shall make it the oject of this adress to call your attention on the advantages which may be expected from borowing a sum on the credit of the property it self.
under the facility of a loan no hurry being to dispose of the lots since a possibility may be for the publick to erect houses for privat accomodation which would be a measure but expedient and beneficial—it will become possible to appropriate a sum to each particular object to performe and to carry on regularly and at a same time Every of those object, forwording them yearly in proportion to the money alloted for them respectivly.
in that way every Improvement may be easily compleated and without being restrained by little saving consideration they may

be carried through the whole city Indescriminatly aiding and assisting every privat undertaking were a reciprocity of benefit may ensu—a mode of process which I may venture to assert would in the end bring three to one for the money they liberally expended and which emply repaying for a loan on what ever termes it might be obtained would be rising the reputation of the undertaking to a degree of splendour and greatness unprecedented contribut most effectually to the increase of populat⟨ion⟩ to the accroissement of commerce and would in a short time rise the City one of the first the world will contain.
it is in this manner and in this manner only I conceive the business may be conducted to a certainty of the attainement of that succes I wished to promot in the deliniation of a plan wholy new, and which combined on a grand scale will require Exertions above what is the idea of many but the which not being beyond your power to procur made me ⟨promise⟩ the securing of them as I remain assured you will conceive it essential to pursu with dignity the operation of an undertaking of a magnitude so worthy of the ⟨concern⟩ of grand Empire in the compleat achevement of the which the Honor of this is become so eminently concern and over whose progress the ayes of every other nation envying the opportunity deny’d them will stand juge. I have the Honor to be with respect & submission your most ob⟨illegible⟩ & most Humble obedient servant

P.C. L’Enfant


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, Sr., 20 August 1791
From: Laurens, Henry Sr.
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Mepkin Plantation [St. Johns Parish, Berkeley County]so. Carolina 20th August 1791.

I congratulate with yourself & Mrs Washington on your happy return to Mount Vernon & with my fellow Citizens in general on your arrival at the Seat of Government, events which have gladned many Hearts.
I have been inform’d Sir there will be appointments of Ministers to foreign Courts at the next Session of Congress, should so. Carolina be entitled to one, I would beg leave to name Charles Pinckney Esquire present Governor of the State, his abilities are well known, his honor and integrity stand clear & unimpeach’d.
I do not presume Sir to trouble you by Solicitation but barely to mention the name of Mr Pinckney who will soon be at leisure from his present Commission & who is earnestly disposed to serve his Country. With the most sincere Esteem & Respect I have the honor to be Sir Your much obliged & most obedient servant

Henry Laurens.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
[Philadelphia] Sunday 21st August [1791]

At eight ’oclock A.M. tomorrow, I set out for Mr Powells farm, to see the operation of Colo. Anderson’s threshing Machine. I Break fast, you know, at half past Seven; if it is convenient to take that in your way, I should be glad to see you at it.
When you have read the enclosed letters I will converse with you on the subject of them. I am always yours

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 22 August 1791
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Honorable sir.
Berkeley County [Va.] Augt 22d 1791

About ten Days ago I went to Winchester To see one Rowsey who was in Prison bounds at your Suit against Charles Rector for upwards of £105 besides cost. while I was in Winchester a Nephew of yours a Mr Lewis informed me that he was about to forward to you a Petition in favour of Rowsey. I told him of the generous terms offered to him from time to time of his obstinacy & how the Debt arose. Notwithstanding the Petition I expect will be presented. Under the circumstances of the Case I think it my duty to inform you in what manner Mr Rowsey has behaved. When I put him in Jail in June 1790 after a long expensive Lawsuit I offered to let him Replevy for twelve Months in the sum of one half the Debt, he to pay Cost. he repeatedly replyed that he would stay in Jail untill he Spent his Estate before he would condescend to pay one Shilling. in fall 1790 I repeated at Sundry times the same proposals and he was advised by several Gentlemen to comply but he absolutely refused: untill Late Last winter at march Court last I attended him five Days at your Expence & loss of my time for his giving a Twelve months Replevy Bond for half the Debt and Cost. the Bond was Drawn at his request, and by his repeated applications detained me with the promise Every Day of giving me security for the payment on Tomorrow. I waited from Tuesday untill satterday, found he could not be depended on, left him under the promise of his complyance with the Sheriff the next week. Instead of which he gave Security for the Bounds and Resolves to spend his Estate in the Bounds, the length of the time has I suppose accumulated the expences to near £30 perhaps. which sum you will have to pay if you release him. altho’ the example would have encouraged evil practices yet I had a Heart to discharge

him but could not do it at your expence. he is a poor Man. I know not his Character. I fixed my opinion on his being Security for a Man who was about to deprive you of a Large & Just Debt, he refused to comply with his Security-Ship after very generous terms had been offered him. upon this statement of the case I hope I shall be acquited of any Charge of neglect or disobedience. your Letter in favour of Mrs Lewis respecting Winzors Lease came to hand. nothing has taken place as Yet. the Death of Robin Scott has occasioned the Land Suit to abate. It will revive as soon as possable—I closed my Accots of last years Collection of Rents with Major Geo: A. Wash⟨ing⟩ton the 12th Day of this month. there is a ballance due in Fauquier County by the Tenants of £85.12.3 which Debts are under the Law. the Vileness of the Fauquier Sheriff detains the Collection altho’ he has been presented to the Court for his delinquency yet his unwarrantable conduct still prevails—I shall pursue him and endeavour to make him pay up what is in his hands as soon as possable. I wanted to Ballance the Rental before I settled but the Sheriff failing in his Duty prevented it. Major Washington is at his Fathers in this County on a Visit to restore his health Your Brothers & Fairfield Families are as usual.
Colo. Fairfaxes Ledger & Accts have been put Into my hands by the Executor to settle. there is an Acct Agt you and also Agt your Brother Colo. Sa[mue]l Washingtons Estate. I shall be much obliged to you Sir to inform me whether the Accts ever were settled and advise me thereupon. there has been the greatest drougth in this Country ever known. the crops of Wheat in quality good but Short. the Crops of Corn & Tobacco are considerably worse than ever known here before. I am Sir with every Sentiment of Esteem your Most devoted Humbe Servant

Battaile Muse


Title: To George Washington from Frances Ramadge, 22 August 1791
From: Ramadge, Frances
To: Washington, George

Charleston [S.C.] August 22th 1791.

I Must beg leave to Congratulate your excellency on your safe arriveal and good Health afte so long and hazardous a Journey through our barren Country[.] I have sent a small Cask of our Carolina potatoes which beg your exceptance: as I hear the are much better than you have to the Norward. I will send some every opportunity if agreeable—the Shrubs and roots will be fit next month, which I will be very careful in sending: the Soap tree, and Tallow tree seed I Shall get; the sweet sented shrubs and what I Can find will be a rarity: any thing of that kind your Excellency would wish to have, Command me I will be happy, and take pleasure in procure it[.] I have sent a sample of saloop of my own manufacture which you had not room for on your departure from Charleston, it has been approved by the gentlemen of the Faculty in the Physical line, I have made a Quantity of it, and will ship some to New york and Philidelphia if it meets with encouragement[.] I most Earnestly pettion your excellency to present it to the Society of Arts and Sciences—my Daughter Sarah present her most respectful Compliments and Joins me in good wishes for Health and happiness to your good family[.] I remain with the greatest respect your excellency most Humble Servant

Frances Ramadge


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 22 August 1791 [letter not found]
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 22 Aug. 1791. GW wrote to Anthony Whitting on Monday, 29 Aug., that he had “acknowledged the receipt of yours of the 22d” in a letter he “wrote to you on friday last.”


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 23 August 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

  [Philadelphia] 23 August 1791. Reports on the official communications from the secretary of the Northwest Territory from 1 Jan. to 30 June that “none of the said communications appear to require any thing to be done on the part of the Government of the United States; That they contain indeed the titles of several acts passed by the Territorial Legislature; but the Acts themselves not being yet communicated, no opinion can be given on them.”


Title: Circular on the State of American Agriculture, 25 August 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David,Schuyler, Philip,Johnson, Thomas,Hartley, Thomas,Lowrey, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia, August 25th 1791

Some enquiries having been made of me by important Characters on the state of agriculture in America, comprehending its Several relations, and intended to ascertain the value of our lands, with their yield in the several kinds of grain, grass &ca—the prices of farming stock, the prices of produce &ca together with a list of the Taxes in the different States, which may in any way affect the Farmer—As an object highly interesting to our country, I have determined to render the most just and satisfactory answers that the best information, which I can obtain from different parts of the United States will enable me to give.
With this view my confidence in your disposition and knowledge leads me to offer to your enquiry and to request from your intelligence as early information as may be convenient on the following heads.
1. The fee simple prices of farming lands in such parts of the State of Virginia, as are neither so near to large Towns as to enhance their value, nor so distant from market as greatly to reduce it, or to make the situation inconvenient—In your answer to this enquiry, be pleased to note, general⟨ly⟩ the situations, the soil, and if it be practicable⟨,⟩ the proportions of arable, pasture, and wood land.
2. The rents of the same lands, when leased, and, generally, the terms of lease.
3. The average product of the same lands in wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, beans, pease, potatoes, turnips, grasses, hemp, flax &ca—in the common mode of husbandry now practised.
4. The average prices of these articles when sold at the Farm, or carried to the nearest market.
5. The average prices of good working horses, working Oxen, milch-cows, sheep, hogs, poultry &ca.
6. The average price of beef, pork, mutton, veal, and butter and cheese in the neighbourhood, or at the nearest market-Towns.
7. The price of wrought iron, whence the prices of farming utensils may be inferred.
8. A list of the Taxes laid in the State of Virginia.

The tendency of this enquiry will be my apology for the trouble it may give you. With great regard, I am dear ⟨mutilated⟩ Your most obedient servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Vaughan, 25 August 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Vaughan, Samuel

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia, August 25. 1791.

At the same time that I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th of may, I must beg your acceptance of my best thanks for the publications which accompanied it.
I am glad to learn that the good opinion first entertained of Mr Rumsey and his inventions still continues, and I sincerely hope as well for his own emolument and the benefit of mankind, as for the credit of our country that he may surmount the obstacles

thrown in his way, and receive such consideration as his merits demand.
It is with peculiar satisfaction I can inform you that our public affairs are still in a prosperous train, unclouded by any gloomy prospects of interruption—The convulsed state of Europe at the present moment cannot fail of attaching every American more strongly to his own country—and government; while every heart must be impressed with lively gratitude towards the supreme Ruler of events upon a recollection of the circumstances which have brought us to our present political situation. Wishing that health and uninterrupted tranquillity may attend you to the close of your days. I am dear Sir, with great esteem, your most obedient Servant

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 26 August 1791 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Whitting, Anthony

Letter not found: to Anthony Whitting, 26 Aug. 1791. In writing to Anthony Whitting on Monday, 29 Aug., GW referred to his letter to Whitting of “friday last.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 August 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

  War Department [Philadelphia] 27 August 1791. Informs GW that Lieutenant Sherman of the Rhode Island Company of the Second U.S. Regiment “has left his company on the march” and desires to resign his commission: “from received knowledge of his character, . . . his resignation will not injure the service.”


Title: To George Washington from John Bertles Shee, 27 August 1791
From: Shee, John Bertles
To: Washington, George

Honor’d & Esteemed Sir.
Philada August 27th 1791.

I hope that your Philanthropic Soul will pardon the Temerity that actuates the Person who now addresses you to write you I have Sir taken this unbounded Liberty on the Consideration of your being acquainted with my Father & Connections It will be necessary to inform you that thr’o Misconduct (& to my Shame & I confess it) that I incurred my Father’s displeasure insomuch so that I was forced to abandon his presence & ever since that Time have been doomed to wander about the wide World, I hope you will not Honored Sir be offended when I inform you that I was bred to the Law but thro’ Rashness wch is incident to youth have been brought thus low my father justly incensed against me will not permit me to appear in his presence I am now at this present a wretched Outcast, Pity Sir my unhappy & Deplorable situation, I am myself the bearer of these Lines to your Excellency my Cloaths are so bad that I am perfectly ashamed to come even to your Door I can Sir get a School in the Country but for want of a small Sum am hindered to buy a few decent Cloaths—I hope ever Honored Sir you will pardon this Temerity in my writing you & Oh! rescue an unhappy Mortal from this his Abyss of Miserey. I am with the greatest Respect your Excellency’s most obdt & devoted servt

John Bertles Shee


Title: From George Washington to Charles Carroll (of Carrollton), 28 August 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Carroll, Charles (of Carrollton)

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia, August 28. 1791.

Your favor of the 11th instant came duly to hand—and I have also received the papers from Mount Vernon which, in my letter of the 31st of July, I informed you I had written for.
Enclosed you have an exact copy of the decree of the Court of Chancery in Virginia, under which I became the purchaser of Clifton’s land. I likewise send you the opinion of the Attorney-General of the United States upon it, and other papers which have been laid before him relative to this business.
By the decree it appears that the sums of £243.13/1 sterling and £67.4/7 Virginia currency were ordered to be paid to Messrs Carroll and Digges; but then the cost of suit viz. 4536 lbs. of tobacco at two pence p. lb. (so settled by the Commissioners) and 50/ were, by the Decree, to be deducted therefrom, and paid to the Plaintiff, Clifton, and this having been done the sum of £67.4/7 is reduced to £26.18/7 which together with the sterling sum of £243.13/1 I am willing and ready to pay the instant a proper conveyance is made to me and the bond is delivered up agreeably to the requisites of the Court—Nay, Sir, if payment at the time mentioned in your letter of the 16 of July is more convenient to you, it shall be made upon the passing of your bond to me, ensuring a compliance with the above requisites; or giving an indemnification if they are not; for I have no desire to withhold the money from you one moment.
By the laws of Virginia, to which this transaction is subject, all sterling debts are to be discharged at 33⅓ p. cent which makes the sum of £243.13/1 when turned into Virginia currency £324.17/5—and this added to £26.18/7. makes 1172⅔ dollars if my calculations are right. With great esteem and regard, I am dear Sir, Your most obedient and very humble Servant

G. Washington.

P.S. In procuring evidence to the Deed it would be well to recollect Characters who attend the Courts in Alexandria—for it is there the record of it must be.


Title: Tobias Lear to Oliver Evans, 29 August 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Evans, Oliver

Sir,
Philadelphia August 29th 1791

The President has been informed by his manager at Mount Vernon that the work of his mill is in such a stage as not to admit of any delay in erecting your improvements without stopping the whole progress of the work, which at this time would be a serious inconvenience. The mill-wright who has been employed in repairing the President’s mill has been to view your improvements at the Ochoquan mills, and with the insight he has obtained from that view, aided by a plate of the improvements, he has no doubt of his being able to execute the work completely, and he has the character of being an excellent workman—but, as the President is desirous of having it done in the most perfect manner without a hazard of its not answering the purpose fully, he wishes to know if you still hold your determination of going into that part of the Country as you mentioned your intention of doing so, and in case you should, and would go on immediately, he will give directions to the mill wright to wait your arrival before any thing is done to the improvements—But if you do not go immediately the President must give orders for the person now engaged to go on with the work himself, as the season will admit of no delay.
Let me know whether you go to Virginia directly or not—that if you should a letter might be sent to you on Wednesday for mount Vernon. I am Sir, &ca

Tobias Lear


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Langdon, 29 August 1791
From: Langdon, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sr
State of N. Hampre—Hamptonfalls Augt 29 1791

The deep impressions of my obligations to you, induce me now to present a Volume which I have just published. I hope it will recommend itself to your notice as an attempt to give an easy, rational, & useful explication of a sacred book, heretofore often abused by whimsical interpretations, & on that account too much neglected & despised by many modern christians. If I have proved from that divine prophecy that we live in the very times precisely marked out for the beginning of surprizing Revolutions in the world, it may serve greatly to confirm the truth of the holy Scriptures; & the honours which divine Providence has conferred on you will afford double satisfaction. With highest Esteem I am, Sr, your most obedient humle Servt

Saml Langdon


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 29 August 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Whitting, Anthony

Mr Whiting,
Philadelphia August 29th 1791.

In a letter which I wrote to you on friday last, I acknowledged the receipt of yours of the 22d, and informed you that I should again write as on this day, by the Post, who would also be the bearer of the materials for the Bolting Chest.
The latter is accordingly sent, directed to the care of the Post

Master in Alexandria, and hope it will be in time for the Work of Mr Ball.
In my last, I informed you that I approv’d of the Carpenters going on with the house at Dogue run, agreeably to the first plan, as Richards house would do very well for an Overseers house at Muddy hole, where one was much wanting—this I repeat; but in my opinion, before they had got any new scantling for the first mentioned house, they ought to have pulled down

the old one (called Wades) in No. 2 at that place; ascertained how much of those materials could, with propriety be worked into the new, and then, to have compleated what it would lack from the Woods. If this has not been done, that house as has been the fate of all the rest, under similar circumstances, will be lost; as my negros dismantle them as their occasions require, without leave, and without scruple.
If Colo. Mason, or Mr Chichester, gives the person who has applied to be Overlooker of that place, a good character, it will be sufficient; as they are proper judges of the requisites, & will not, I dare say, advance things to serve him that are not warranted by facts. His getting a wife will be no objection, as it will induce him from inclination, to do what he ought to be obliged by articles, to agree to—that is—to be always at home.
The reasons which you have assigned for treading out Wheat at the Ferry, are satisfactory, as they also are for Sowing the grass-seeds in the Mill meadow before the Corn is taken off; for I am clearly in sentiment with you, that it is high time that grass-seeds for Autumn sowing were in the ground. I am much pleased to hear that your Wheat seeding is so near completion; but the acct given of the grounds getting dry again, is much to be lamented, as it happens at a very critical time for most things—especially for Corn.
As Mrs Washington & myself expect to be at Mount Vernon by, or before the end of next month, I request that you would pay particular attention to the Meats, that I may have such as are fat, and proper for the Table while I am at home which will be till the middle of October; when I shall be under a necessity of returning to this City again. By fat meats—I mean Mutton, Lamb, Veal (if there are any calves young enough)—perhaps a small Beef also. I am—Sir Your friend & Servant

Go: Washington


Title: Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 30 August 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Jefferson, Thomas

  [Philadelphia] 30 August 1791. At the request of Attorney General Edmund Randolph, encloses for the office of the secretary of state fifteen patents signed by the president.


Title: To George Washington from Giuseppe Chiappe, 31 August 1791
From: Chiappe, Giuseppe
To: Washington, George

Excellence
Mogador le 31 Aout 1791

Extiment de mon devoir La continuation a Vôtre Excellence de Toutes Les Novelles de cet Royaume particullierement sur ce qu’il peut servir de gouvernement aux Venerables Etats, J’ai L’haute honneaur de Les umillier a V.E. & dans Le même temps de supliquer tres humblement vouloir m’honnorer de ⟨illegible⟩ ordres tres respectables ⟨illegible⟩ Toutes mes humbles precedentes pour me Tranquilliser de la doute que J’ai de si elles Soient parvennues a V.E.
S.M. Imperial est passê de Salè a Darelbeyda & chemin faisent â chatisées Les Revolteaux des Provinces de cette contê pansent de suivre jusque ici, St Croix & Maroc pour en exectuter du même avec Les deplus, Le suivent à propos un nombreuse camp, mais lui êtoient arrivè un Courrier de La part d’un de ces Comendents aux Frontieres de Ceuta d’Espagne qu’il lui portet La Novelle, d’être Sorti de cette Place un officier, un Intreprete & quelques Soldats, & que Le dit Officié avoit intimê, que

si S.M.I. êtoit en Paix avec L’Espagne devoit retirer Son Camp & que si elle êtoit en Guerre Les Espagnols procureroit de La faire retirer a forse; Confirmê cette Novelle pour des ministres de la Secte S.M.I. s’animâ & dans Le moment prit Le chemin par ce conté La, convoquent ces Troupes pour Le suivre, & passent de Tanger on â comptées plus de 10 m. persones qu’il Le Suivoit, en outre une plus grande Nombrè d’autres qu’il attendoient dans Les Montagnes proches de Ceuta & Tetuan, & entre eux il y avoit beaucoup de Princes vû que pour eux c’est une Guerre de Religion & qu’ils doivent y être.
Est presque incompréensible une Tele determination puisque Le Rois Ansali un des Capitains de Navir de S.M.I. est bien peu de Temps q’il passá a La Cour de Madrid avec Les Preliminaires de Paix deja Signées de S.M. Impl. & que en vertû des mêmes La Court Susditte avoit ordonês a Cadiz de fournir au Rois Peres tout ce qu’il Lui seroit de besoin per La garnison de quatre Fregates, ce qu’il â ⟨choisir⟩ a son plaisir & même un gros Navire Espagnol Les à apportêes a Tanger.
Est aussi sur, que La Court d’Espagne avoit deja destinè La Seconde Ambassade & que avec La même elle devoit envoier 700/m. Piastres dûes encore au Roy mort pour Le Droits de Bleds & autres charges a Darelbeyda, & on croit que cette expedition â ête suspendue pour une Lettre que le Prince Mulei Selema frer ⟨de⟩ S.M. â êcrit a la Court de Madrid, La prevenent de ne remetre pas la susditte Somme aux mains de son Fraire a raizon que elle appartenoit aux ⟨illegible Cre⟩ditaires seulement, & particullierement jusqu’a voir. Informê S.M.I. de cette prevention â repondû que Le tel argent apartenoit aux ⟨troupes & au⟩ Tresor Royal.
Depuis peu de temps ⟨retourne⟩ de la Court les Rois Ansali & êtoient mal content de son recette, & pour avoir eûes quelques disputes avec Le premier Ambassadeur Si ⟨Mulai⟩ Ben Ottomen (au present encore a la Cour de Madrid) il a rapresentè Toute Le mal possible contre La Cour & Le Susdit Ambassadeur, disent contre ce dernier qu’il êtoit plus Cretain des Cretains, Tout ce que à aigrû de plus en plus S.M. pour aller contre Ceuta, & nous Savons que cette Place est resollue a une defence jamais vûe puisque dans Le premier affront elle en n’a pas fait cas, & non ⟨obstent⟩ nous croyons que Les Choses Se arengeront.

J’ai l’haute honneaur ⟨de⟩ umillier a V.E. deux Notes des Presents faits par Les Ambassadeurs d’Englaterre & Dinamarque, mais la premiere il à âjoute Les monitions de Guerre qu’on attend ⟨de⟩ Londres en outre, les autres choses qu’ils ont êtêes consignêes Secretement depuis La même Ambassäd⟨e⟩. Les deux Embassadeurs on êtês recûs avec Les honneaurs accotumés, & ils fur presentêes pour Le Tres Humble Serviteur de V.E. mon Frer Francois, q⟨ui⟩ à êtè ⟨ex⟩pediè de S.M. a Tanger pour recevoir L’Ambassadeur Suedois & le Comte Potoschi Po⟨lo⟩nois, note de Presents des queles je n’ai encore reçue.
L’Ambassadeur Ollandois attend en Gibraltar Les Présants de ca République qu’ils y ont êtês expediês avec une Fregate Le 17 Juillet & les reç⟨oi⟩vent passerà a Tanger ò Tetuan pour Les presenter à S.M. Impl.
Le Consul de Françe en Salès Monsr du Roché L’attend aussi de Marseilles en û il fut apell⟨é p⟩our L’Enchargê de l’Ambassade avec Le Titre ⟨d’⟩Envoyê & il porte une bone Suite & des beaux presents.
On attend encore a chaque moment L’Ambas⟨sade⟩ de Venize.
Je Repete aux Venerables Etats & a V.E. Mes Tres humbles Serviçes & Toujour a ces ordres je l’ai L’haute honneaur d’être Tres profoundement de V. Exe Le Tres Humble & Tres Obbt Serviteur.

Giuseppe Chiappe


Title: To George Washington from James Craik, 31 August 1791
From: Craik, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Alexandria [Va.] Aug 31st 1791

I am very Sorry to inform you that I was honoured with yours of the 14th Inst. only last night, not being in the habit of sending to the Post Office, The Post Master did not choose to give himself the trouble to send it, or to inform me such a letter was there, tho I might have expected such a favour from him—In answer to your request with regard to my very Worthy freind the Major. I am sorry to inform you, that I cannot help thinking his Case dangerous, And have been under considerable apprehensions for him for some time past. But his uncommon Anxiety to promote your Interest, and to give satisfaction carried his exertions beyond what his Constitution could bear, and notwithstanding every remonstrance I could make he would still persist untill he got so dibilitated that he found he could not hold out any longer. I with much difficulty at last perswaded him to leave of all business and travel for his health. Before he left home he had several attacks of Spitting of Blood, and I think matter at times, the Complaint in his Breast very troublesome, and many Symptoms of an Approaching Consumption. Indeed I think his Lungs a little touched, but would gladly hope from the Regemen I have laid down, and the manner of Conducting himself, that he may yet get better. However I cannot think that he will ever be able to undertake any kind of Active business, I mean such as will require much exertion—Since he went from home I am informed he is Something better, but the disorder is so flattiring and so apt to recur that I cannot say what may be the result. I must own I fear much—Your present Manager Mr Whiting tho to appearance a Stout able, well made mans I am affraid is not free from the same danger. altho he complains of no pain at present, yet he has had repeated discharges of Blood from his Lungs lately, which recur on any fit of Anger, or extraordinary exertions of the Lungs, which I am affraid may for[m] an ulcer at last. I have prescribed Rules for him to follow which I hope may have a good tendency to prevent bad Consequences and enable him to do his Duty—A Gentn who left the Sweet Springs last Wednesday brings Account of the death of Mrs W. Auge Washington in Twenty four hours after her Delivery

the Child still alive. Mr Lund Washington in pretty good health but quite Blind. Doctr Brown, it is said is much better, but I am affraid it is only Temporary—Mrs Washington and the Children at Mount Vernon are well. My Daughter Nancy is there, by way of Amusement a while—She begins to be tiered of her Fathers house and I believe intends taking an old Batchelor Mr Hn for a play mate Shortly—What is wonderful to tell. I had advised Miss Muir to Long Island to drink & Bath in the Sea Water for her health. Mr Donaldson took the hint and pursued, and last Post writes back to Mr Hartshorn to rent out his house, as he beleives he shall bring back a wife with him. Mrs Craik & family join me in Sincere prayers for the preservation of your health & happyness including that of Mrs Washington. And I am with Sincere Affe. your Devoted Sert

Jas Craik


Title: Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 1 September 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Knox, Henry

United States [Philadelphia] September 1st 1791.

By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secy of war a letter from Mr Andw Ellicott, to the President, proposing that Mr Joseph Ellicott should proceed immediately to Georgia to explore the head of the Oconee River preparatory to Mr Andw Ellicott’s executing his business of running the line between the territory of the Creeks & the U.S.
Should the Secretary of war conceive from Mr A. Ellicott’s account of the man & the business, that it would be proper to accede

to his proposal, the Secretary of War is requested to have the necessary credentials prepared & forwarded to Mr Ellicott by the post of tomorrow.

Tobias Lear.S. P. U. S.


Title: Tobias Lear to Pierre-Charles L’Enfant, 1 September 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: L’Enfant, Pierre Charles

Dear Sir,
[Philadelphia] Septr 1st—7 O’clock A.M. [1791]

The President wishes to have the map of the federal City to shew to some Gentlemen about nine o’clock this morning—and requests you to send it either by the bearer at this time, or if it should be more convenient for you, he shall call for it a little before nine. I am Dear Sir with much esteem Your most Obedt Servt

Tobias Lear.


Title: Ratification of the Holland Loan, 1 September 1791
From: Washington, George
To:

[Philadelphia, 1 September 1791]

Now Know ye, that the President of the United States of America having seen and considered the said contract, hath ratified and confirmed, & by these presents doth ratify & confirm the same and every article thereof.
In testimony whereof he has caused the seal of the U.S. to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with his hand. Done at the City of Philadelphia the first day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety one, & of the independence of the U.S. of America the sixteenth.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Clark, 2 September 1791
From: Clark, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Borough of York [Pa.] September 2d 1791.

A few Days since, when I had the pleasure of seeing you at McAlisters Town, on your return from the Southward; I did not expect that I should have occasion to write you so soon; but my Friend Colonel Hartley, having informed me that he believed the Office of Auditor was vacant, by the refusal of Mr Smith, whom I had understood was appointed; I beg leave to propose myself a Candidate for that Office.
If my conduct as an Officer in the Military line, and while an Aid to the late Honbe Major General Greene, or as an Auditor of Accounts in the main Army, should have merited your esteem; I trust since my retirement, that my character in the line of my Profession, will add to it; and as to the former, I beg leave to refer you to a copy of a Letter you did me the honor (while lingering with a wound that I had received) to write the then

President of Congress; and for the later, either the Honble Judge Wilson, or Chief Justice McKean if necessary, will give you the fullest information. Should you vouchsafe to honor me with this appointment, every thing within the compass of my power shall be exerted to execute the Office, so as to merit your, and the public esteem. If I should be unfortunate in this application, perhaps there may e’er long, be a vacancy, that you may think me deserving off; and I beg leave to assure you, it will be agreeable to me, to do every thing in my power, that may tend to support a Government you have rendered so respectable by presiding over it. With Compliments and best wishes for your future health and happiness as well as that of your amiable Lady, I have the honor to be Sir, Yr Most Obdt Hble Servt

Jno. Clark


Title: To George Washington from George III, 2 September 1791
From: George III (of Great Britain)
To: Washington, George

[London, 2 September 1791]

George the Third by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburgh, Arch-Treasurer, and Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire &ca To the United States of America sendeth Greeting. Our Good Friends. Having nothing more at Heart than to cultivate and improve the Friendship and good Understanding which happily subsist between Us; and having the fullest Confidence in the Fidelity, Prudence and other good Qualities of our Trusty and Welbeloved George Hammond Esqr. We have thought proper to appoint him Our Minister Plenipotentiary to reside with You, not doubting from the Experience We have had of His good Conduct on other Occasions, but that he will continue to merit Our Approbation, and at the same Time conciliate Your Friendship and good Will, by a strict Observance of the Instructions he has received from Us, to evince to You Our constant Friendship, and sincere Desire to cement and improve the Union and good Correspondence between Us. We therefore desire that You will give a favourable Reception to our said Minister Plenipotentiary, and that You will give entire Credence to whatever he may represent to You, in Our Name, especially when, in Obedience to Our Orders, he assures You of Our Esteem and Regard, and of Our hearty Wishes for Your Prosperity: And so We recommend You to the Protection of the Almighty. Given at Our Court of St James’s the Second Day of September 1791 in the 31st Year of Our Reign. Your very good Friend

George R.
Grenville


Title: To George Washington from Pierce Butler, 3 September 1791
From: Butler, Pierce
To: Washington, George

  [Philadelphia, 3 September 1791]. “I received the inclosed letter while I was at dinner—It is my duty to send it to You.”