Title: To George Washington from Charles Lee, 11 April 1788
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond 11th april 1788

I had the honor to receive by post your letter inclosing a certificate for sixty nine pounds a moity of what was due for a slave executed in 1781 and I have endeavoured to negotiate it but I find the terms so disadvantageous to you that I have retained it for your further directions. The value of all the state certificates depends upon the laws of taxation & revenue and as tobacco is receivable in all taxes at a price above the real market price so in the like proportion the securities which may pay taxes are reduced in their value. The offer made for your certificate is in the ratio as 20/ is to 28/ these being supposed as the average cash price and tax price of tobacco, respectively. I do not think that by keeping this certificate another year, more will be got for it because I believe the same system of revenue will be continued, but I have declined parting with it until you were informed of the loss that would follow from so doing. I have examined the law respecting claims for slaves executed: the commencement of interest is not expressly fixed and it seems to be a prevailing principle among the officers of goverment here, to construe all laws most strongly against the claims of individuals and to allow only such as are literally within the laws—Before the act of 1784 there was no interest allowed on claims for slaves executed &c. I suppose it is understood to operate in future only—Though

this be a mistake in the construction of the act, I apprehend it will not be altered, the practice of the auditor having been so long fixed; but the justice of demanding interest from the year 1781 when the slave was executed is so strong, that I will state the case to the Attorney General.
Our Legislature has pursued a system, it may be said ever since the beginning of the commonwealth, tending to efface every principle of virtue and honesty from the minds of the citizens and this is particularly obvious in the laws respecting delinquent officers and delinquent individuals as to taxes. There has scarcely been a session of the General Assembly but some law has been made to favor and relieve (as it is expressed) those who might have failed to pay what was rightly due to the commonwealth. By this sort of conduct an opinion now generally prevails among the delinquents that they will never be compelled to pay and though the act of the last assembly has most unjustly enabled such persons to pay up the arrearages in depretiated securities yet it is not expected that any considerable part of the arrearages will even yet be paid.
What the result will be, of retaining your public securities, is a thing of great uncertainty upon which opinions are very different: Unless there be a quiet and peaceable transition from the present american government, into another more powerful and independent of the people, the public debts and even private debts will in my opinion be extinguished by acts of the several Legislatures of the several states. The temper of the people in general, their habits, their interests all combine in producing such an event, and against these, natural justice will make but a feint opposition. If the proposed constitution be agreed to, and the administration be mild, just and wise, if it be so conducted as to engage the affections of the people, the public securities will appretiate and in a few years perhaps, be of considerable value.
Upon the accession of this commonwealth to the constitution, the happiness of America seems to me to depend & it is distressing to find upon the best information yet had respecting the sentiments of the conventioners that this remains very uncertain. Exclusive of Kentucky, I beleive there is a majority of ten or twelve in favor of taking it as it is; except a few characters,

the members of most knowledge and abilities and personal influence are also in favor of the constitution: It seems too to be gaining ground among the people in this part of the country from which last circumstances I have strong hopes that it will be agreed to by our convention. Kentucky is said to be divided but their representatives are as yet unknown here. Governor Randolph is Very busy with those who declare themselves undetermined, and as his mind does not seem to be yet fixed, I cannot tell how his influence will operate. I am told he has declared if nine states accept it, that he will vote for its adoption. With every sentiment of esteem and respect I have the honor to remain sir your most obedient humble servant.

Charles Lee


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Rush, 14 April 1788
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia April 14th 1788.

Dr Rush presents his most respectful compliments to General Washington, and has the pleasure of sending him herewith a print of the celebrated Mr Napier, which was committed to the Doctors care, for the General, from the Right Honble the Earl of Buchan of Scotland.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Griffin, 15 April 1788
From: Griffin, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
WmsBurg 15th of April 1788

I had the Honor of recieveing your polite favor of the 20th of February, in regular time by the Mail. and on the 26th of March had the pleasure of laying it before a Convocation of the Vissitors, they thought themselves much honord, by the freindly Manner in which you were pleased to Mention that Body, and desired me to make their sincere Acknowledgements to you in behalf of the Convocation, and as the difficulties which you are apprehensive of, can never exist, they earnestly hope that you will do them the favor to accept of the Chancellorship.
I have inclosed Sir a part of the Statute, that points out the duties of the Chancellor—the Bishop of London was the last Chancellor, neither an Oath, or Personal attendance is Necessary. the Chancellor is Considered as the Mecænas or Patron, of the University, to promote its Interests when he may have it in his power, either by his Influence in the Legislator, or with any

public Bodies who may have it in their power to lend their aid to the College, the Bishop of London, formerly engaged and sent over the Professors, and all applications, either to King, or parliment, were made through him, but that part of the duty is of course done away.
I hope Sir, that a severe illness which has confined me from the last day of the seting of the Convocation will plead my excuse for not writeing you sooner. permit me Sir to present you with most sincere thanks, for your freindly expressions towards me, and to assure you that I am with the greatest respect esteem & regard Dr Sir Your sincere friend & Humble Sert

Saml Griffin


Title: To George Washington from Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, 15 April 1788
From: Jenifer, Daniel of St. Thomas
To:

My dear Sir
Annapolis Apl 15. 1788

It affords me great pleasure to have it in my power to inform you that our Elections are now over, & in general in favor of the New Constitution. But three Counties in the State have chosen Members Antifederal to wit Ann Arundel Baltimore & Harford & the Elections of these three will be controverted as to these Members to wit Mr Saml Chase for Ann Arundel on Account of being a Non resident. the same objection to Mr Paca & Luther Martin in Harford. Baltimore a Double return 4 for & 4 against the Constitution—Tho’ I am opinion when the ultimate decision happens that Mr Paca will vote for the proposed plan as it stands—& recommend amendments—rather than risque a new Convention. With my respectful Compliments to your

Lady and Family I am as much as I can be Dear Sir Your most Affectionate & obedt Servt

Dan. of St Thos Jenifer


Title: To George Washington from L’Enfant, 15 April 1788
From: L’Enfant, Pierre Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
new york april the 15 1788

Having already taken the liberty of troubling your Excellency with the particular of my circumstances owing to the Cincinnati affaire—and finding that thier resolutions of the last general meeting in consequences of my application on this subject has been of no relief to me it is become incumbent on me that I should once more sollicite your Excellency patronage on the occasion therefore I take the liberty to inclose here in an adresse to the Honable the general assembly of the society which I am inform is to be held in philadelphie in may next & I beg you will Sir do me the favour of laying it before them. your Excellency will see by its content that I have only received 229 dollrs as part of the money which they have voted in my favor in may 1787. also that I have not been reimbursed of any part of the tow other sums the payment of which had been recommanded to the Road Island and So. carolina societies and consequently that I have been forced to go from my words which I had engaged under the assurances, that had been given me, of reciving some money in September last. which circumstances deprived me of the facility which I hoped I should otherwaise have obtained and more over so much roused those people whom had trusted my words

that they are now determine to procsecut me without mercy.
on an other part Marquis de lafayette to whom I sent at the time a copy of the last resolutions of the Cincinnati respecting to this affaire and on whose support I much depended to make those people easy—appear to have himself misunderstood the matter and belive that the money voted for has been paid to me at the time appointed which mistake as I am informe by some of my frind in paris has made him Exclaim much against me for not having sent that money to the people to whom it belong—and your Excellency will doubtless be sorry to ear that the marquis himself positively opposed my interest in france on that account, a circumstance which made me fel in an attempt I had lately made to obtain from the Court some favour that had been promised me long befor and on which I now depended considering the good disposition of severals of the present ministry toward me. not only this Sir but I am at this instant summoned to discharge the whole of the capital own on my former engagements and also the interest there on for three year a circumstance most chagrining considering that the sum of the interest was not considered at the last general meeting of the society and that it is to be feared will not be easely obtained at present When Every thing demonstrate the backwardness with which the several society complay with the last requisition for the money voted in may 1787. indeed should they refuse to Exerte themselves on this new occasion and on the other saide should the people persist in demanding both the principal with the interest of thier money I must be utterly ruined.
your Excellency well known how little Sparfull I have been of my personal means trought all the transaction of the Cincinnati affaire and what has been my wish to conceal the causes of my Embarassment—but for ietherto I could depend upon the generous assistance of a parant whose frindship for me supply’d all my want but unfortunatly and in this juncture of affairs I am deprived of the best of father and With him I may say of all most all my fortune because the largest portion of his incom he derived it from the King favor and consequently I can have no raite to it after his death.
from this your Excellency may easely conceive what my Embarasment must be, and you will no doubt also perceive the necessity there is that the Cincinnati endeavour at this next meeting

to paid me the 3014 dollor which they had voted in may last and also that they will take charge of the 886 dollor more own by the Road Island and So. carolina society which will bring the principal they shall have to pay to 3671 dollors deduction being made of the 229 doll. already paid as is said above.
as with what relate to the interest money should the society, be out of power to facilitat on the payement thereof I should wish they would then enter into some resolution such as may serve me to obtain from the people concerned the termes which I may propose them. I beg your Excellency will excuse the liberty I take and I am With great respect Sir your Excellency Most obeident and humble Servant

P. ch. L’Enfant


Title: To George Washington from Hector St. John Crèvecoeur, 17 April 1788
From: Crèvecoeur, Hector St. Jean de
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 17 April 1788

I have this moment receiv’d a Letter by the French Packet just come into this Port—inclosed in one of our Ministers dispatches addressed to you, which he has most particularly requested I shou’d forward to you, not knowing when the Post sets out, I thought it most prudent to inclose it in this, & put the whole into the hands of the Presidt of Congress, I hope it will reach your Excellency’s hands speedily & safely.
I embrace with great pleasure this opportunity of offering your Excellency the unfeign’d testimonies of the Veneration & Respect with which I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedient & most humble Servant

St John


Title: To George Washington from Charles Lee, 17 April 1788
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond 17th april 1788

Since writing my last I have exchanged your warrant for £69 payable in the aggregate fund for warrants payable in the present taxes as well as the arrears and this being done upon equal terms is an advantage to you. If you choose to apply these to the payment of your taxes for the year 1787, in case there remain any such taxes to be paid by you, I will retain them till an opportunity shall offer of returning them.
I take the liberty of mentioning to you, that a few days ago Mr Robert Renick sheriff of Green Brier was in the Clerks office and in his conversation to Mr Brown observed that your lands in that county were to be advertised for sale in june for the arrears of taxes for 1785, 1786 and 1787. Mr Brown referred him to Mr John Hopkins who has requested me to make the matter known to you and has furnished me with the inclosed state of the taxes demanded. The sheriff has said that he should decline advertising, till he had an opportunity of knowing from Mr

Hopkins what steps you intend to take respecting payment and that he should be here at the June court. The easiest mode of paying this years taxes is in tobacco at the state-price and Mr Hopkins desires me to mention him to you as at all times ready to execute your commands in this or any other matter. With every sentiment of respect and esteem I have the honor to remain your most obed. sert

Charles Lee


Title: To George Washington from Peterson & Taylor, 18 April 1788
From: Peterson & Taylor
To: Washington, George

Honoured Sir
Alexandria Apl 18th 1788

We have the pleasure to inform you that by Capt. Levingston you will receive the Bill of Scantlin compleat together with 2300 feet of 1¼ In. Plank as well 1300 feet of 1 In. D[itt]o all of which we flatter ourselves will meet your approbation as theire hath been nothing lacking on our part to have it procured in the best mannor theire will be still wanting some 2 In. Plank which shall be forwarded immediately the Vesel not being large enoug to bring the Quantity at once the 1¼ is well seasoned but Quartered, broader could not be had seasoned. Theirefore we hope this will answer your purpose as well you will please to direct the Scipper whare to discharge that he may not be detaind longer than necessary. permit us to Subscribe Your very Hume St

Peterson & Taylor


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 20 April 1788
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York 20 Ap. 1788

Your favor of the 3d Ult. gave me great Pleasure, and I thank you for the friendly offers contained in it. Some Gentlemen here and in Jersey have it in Contemplation to form a Society to promote the Breeding of good Horses and mules—in that Case we will endeavour to introduce some Jennies, of which we have none at present, and send them to your Jack.
The Constitution still continues to cause great party Zeal and Ferment, and the opposition is yet so formidable that the Issue appears problematical. I inclose the latest publication of any Consequence that we have on the Subject. Adieu my dear Sir—I am with the greatest Respect and Esteem your affectionate & hble Servt

John Jay


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 20 April 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon April 20th 1788.

As well from report, as from the ideas expressed in your letter to me in December last, I am led to conclude that you are disposed (circumstanced as our public affairs are at present) to ratify the Constitution which has been submitted by the general Convention to the People; and under this impression, I take the liberty of expressing a single sentiment on the occasion.
It is, that an adjournment, (if attempted), of your Convention, to a later period than the decision of the question in this State, will be tantamount to the rejection of the Constitution. I have good ground for this opinion—and am told it is the blow which the leading characters of the opposition in the two States have ⟨meditated⟩ if it shall be found that a direct attack is not likely

to succeed in yours. If this be true, it cannot be too much deprecated, & guarded against.
The postponement in New-Hampshire, altho’ made without any reference to the Convention of this State, & altogether from the local circumstances of its own; is ascribed by the opposition here to complaisance towards Virginia; and great use is made of it. An event similar to this in Maryland, would have the worst tendency imaginable, for indecision there, wd have considerable influence upon South Carolina, the only other State which is to precede Virginia, and submits the question almost wholly to the determination of the latter. The pride of the State is already touched upon this string, & it will be strained much higher if there is an opening for it.
The sentiments of Kentucky are not yet known here. Independent of these, the parties with us, from the known, or presumed opinions of the members, are pretty equally balanced. The one in favor of the Constitution preponderates at present—but a small matter cast into the opposite scale may make it the heaviest.
If in suggesting this matter, I have exceeded the proper limit, my motive must excuse me. I have but one public wish remaining—It is, that in peace and retirement, I may see this Country rescued from the danger which is pending, & rise into respectability maugre the Intrigues of its public & private enemies. With very great esteem & regard I am, Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 20 April 1788
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

My dear General.
Baltimore 20 April 1788

Your election for members of convention being over must have furnished data by which to form an opinion of the probable fate of the constitution in your State. I wish you to favor me with a line on this subject, and whether you think an adjournment of our convention would operate with yours against its adoption. Our opposition intend to push for an adjournment under the pretext of a conference with yours respecting amendments. As I look upon such a step to amount to a rejection in both States I shall do every thing in my power to prevent it. Your sentiments may be useful. You will be kind enough therefore if you have leisure, to write to me at Annapolis whither I shall go in the morning. Present appearances are flattering; but we should be provided with the means of guarding against any change. Yours truly and sincerely

James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 21 April 1788
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Philade[lphia] April 21st 1788

I have your favours of 4th & 11th Inst. before me unanswered—The Letter for Mr Smith I forwarded by a safe Conveyance to Carlisle—Genl Butler having just arrived in Town from New York I delivered that for him myself—the one for Mr Peters under Cover of the 11th I sent to him in the Country—No vessel having yet sailed for Port au Prince I have the Letter for Mr De Marbois but it will go some Day this Week by a Schooner Bound directly there.
About a Week ago Mr Peters sent me Word that he could not get a Workman to make the Harrow (which I was in hopes had been ready) and desired me to send him a Workman to make it—I wrote to him that if he would be so obliging to inform me when he next came to Town (which he frequently does) that I would Wait on him with a Workman to take his directions for

making it. A Sloop Capt. Reed had set up for Alexandria & was to have sailed last Week but freight Offering slowly & Capt. Ellwood arriving he has delivered what freight he had over to Capt. Ellwood who is near full & will sail about Wednesday by whom shall send the small Box of Roots the livery Lace wheat fan and Whip saw.
German & British Oznabrigs Rolls & Blankets are scarcer than when you were here owing to our spring Vessels not having arrived (except one on Saturday Eveng from London) but as severral Vessels are expected I will examine for those kinds of Goods & give you the prices of them in a short time. The Importation of Nails is nearly at an End, that Article being manufactured here of Better quality than the English in very large quantities & Can be shipped to Virginia without paying Duty there the prices are set down at book—Ditching spades are also made here which are reckoned better than the Imported but I have not time to get the prices for this post

C. Biddle


Title: To George Washington from John Vaughan, 21 April 1788 [letter not found]
From: Vaughan, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Vaughan, 21 April 1788. On 27 April Vaughan wrote GW: “I have received your two letters of the 17th and 21st Inst.”


Title: To George Washington from Victor Marie Du Pont, 22 April 1788
From: Du Pont, Victor Marie
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York April’s 22, 1788.

I have the honor of forwarding your Excellency a letter which I received at Paris from the Marquis de la Fayette few days before I left that city, and which I had intended to have delivered myself. But fearing least it might contain some matters of importance, I have applied to Général Knox who has promised to inclose it in his own.
I am very sorry that circumstances should have prevented me to be presently Bearer of it and from embracing at the same time that opportunity of offering your Excellency that testimony of vénération and respect which your elevated character and justly deserved fame has filled me with, and where with I have the honor of suscribing myself Your Excellency’s Most obedient and very humble servant

V. du Pont


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 22 April 1788 [letter not found]
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 22 April 1788. On 18 May GW wrote Wadsworth: “Your favor of the 22d Ulto . . . arrived safe.”


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 24 April 1788
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York 24 April 1788

 It occurs to me that you would probably be glad to know when and in what manner the Letters you sent to me to be forwarded were sent on.
The large Packet for the Marqs de la Fayette was committed to the Care of the french minister, who was so obliging as to take Charge of it.
Those for Count de Rochambeau, Countess d’Essarts, Gen: Duplessis, Mesdames Van Winter Van Merken &c: Monsr de Bourden, Mr James McIntosh, and Monsr Roussilles were sent

under Cover to Mr Jefferson, by the french Packet No. 1 commanded by Monsr de Sionville—she sailed 21 Feby.
 Those for Mrs Macauly Graham, Revd Dr Gordon, Wakelin Welsh Esqr. and Saml athawes Esqr. were sent by the Grantham Packet Capt. Richard George, who also sailed the 21 Feby.
 The Letter for Sr Edw. Newenham was sent by Mr Thomas Randall of this City to his Correspondent in Newry, by the Brig Brownlow Capt. McMacken—she sailed the same Time. I am Dr Sir with the greatest Respect and Esteem your affte & hble Servt

John Jay


Title: To George Washington from Richard Dobbs Spaight, 25 April 1788 [letter not found]
From: Spaight, Richard Dobbs
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Richard Dobbs Spaight, 25 April 1788. On 25 May GW wrote Spaight that he had received the “letter with which you honored me the 25th of last month.”


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Rush, 26 April 1788
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir/
Philadelphia 26th April 1788.

I received a small quantity of the mangel wurzel or Scarcity root Seeds a few days ago from Dr Lettsom of London. In distributing these Seeds among the friends of Agriculture in this country, I should have been deficient in duty, and patriotism, to have neglected to send a small portion of them to your Excellency.
The pamphflet which accompanies the Seeds will furnish your

Excellency with a particular account of the method of cultivating—as also—of the great encrease, & useful qualities of this extraordinary Vegetable.
From an acurate examination of the plant, the botanists have agreed in its being a mongrel Species of the Beet. Dr Lettsom has called it the “Beta hebrida.” with respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington in which Mrs Rush joins, & sincere wishes for your Excellency’s health & happiness, I have the honor to be your most Obedient Servant

Benjn Rush


Title: From George Washington to John Hopkins, 27 April 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Hopkins, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon April 27. 1788.

I received the enclosed Tax bill by the last post in a letter from Mr Charles Lee who informed me that you had furnished him with it, and was so obliging as to offer to settle it with the Sheriff. I must beg you to accept of my best thanks for your kind offer, and shall take the liberty to trouble you upon the occasion.
The specie Tax for the years 1785 & 6 amounts to £107.11.9 which I find, by the Revenue act passed the last Session, may be discharged in Certificates of a particular description, and for the payment of which I have enclosed you 8 Warrants amounting to £107.12.2.
To discharge the Certificate tax for the above mentioned years, amounting to £91.12.8 I have enclosed 305 53/90 Dollars in Indents, which, if I am rightly informed, will pay all arrears of the Certificate tax.

I shall endeavour to procure Tobacco notes to pay £71.14.6 due for the year 1787, and will forward them to you as soon as I can obtain them.
I observe that the Sheriff, of Green Briar has, in the enclosed bill, given in a tract containing 10,990 acres which lies on the west side of the Great Kanawa, and has omitted one of 7276 Acres patanted in my name and that of George Muse but now my sole property laying on the East side of said River. If the Great Kanawa seperates the County from Green Briar from any other (as I conceive it does) this statement is erroneous; however I am not sufficiently acquainted with the bounds and divisions of those Counties to decide upon it; the Sheriff ought to know whether it is right or not, and I will thank you to mention the matter to him. The tract of 2000 Acres is also on the West side of the Great Kanawa, tho’ by the tax bill it is placed in the County of Green Briar—Independently of the tracts here mentioned, I have 3 other lying on the Ohio, between the mouths of the Great and little Kanhawa, but in what Counties they be or under what predicament they are, I know not possibly sold; tho no application has ever been made to me, or any person in my behalf, to my knowledge, for the taxes—these contain 2314 and 2448 Acres and 4395 Acres making together 9157 Acres—I have also, higher up the Ohio a small tract of 587 Acres called the round bottom but how it is taxed, or what steps have been taken to collect it I know not.
Upon the reception of this you will be so obliging as to inform me if the warrants & Indents are such as will answer the purpose. I am yours &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Lee, 27 April 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon April 27th 1788

Your two favors of the 11th & 17th Inst. have been duly received—I am much obliged to you for the trouble which the negotiating the Certificate that I forwarded to you has given, and must further intrude upon you by requesting that you will dispose of the certificates which are in your hands to the best advantage and have the proceeds of them passed to my Credit with the James River Company—As I have already discharged my taxes here for the last year, I shall have no occasion for them on that score.
I thank you, my dear Sir, for your kind attention in forwarding the Acct of my taxes due upon my lands in Green Briar, and as you inform me that Mr Hopkins is so obliging as to offer to settle with the Sheriff for them, I shall write to him upon the subject, and enclose him Certificates to discharge all that is due previous to the year 1787, for the payment of which I shall endeavour to procure Tobacco notes, which shall be forwarded to him as soon as I can obtain them. With great regard and esteem I am, Dear Sir, Yr Most Obedt Hble Sert

Go. Washington

P.S. Enclosed is a letter to Mr Hopkins under a flying seal, which you will be so good as to close and deliver to him; you will see by the contents what steps I have taken to discharge the tax bill which you forwarded to me, and as it is probable that others of a similar nature will be rendered in (if the lands are not already sold) I think it would be best to lodge the Certificates which you have in the hands of Mr Hopkins to pay that part of the tax which is due for 1787, and I will devise some other method to answer the demands of the James River Company.


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 27 April 1788
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 27th April 1788

Not having sent to the Post office for several days your favor of the 20th inst. did not get to my hand till last night. I mention this circumstance as an apology for my not giving it an earlier acknowledgment.
As you are pleased to ask my opinion of the consequences of an adjournment of your Convention until the meeting of ours, I shall [(]tho’ I have meddled very little in this political dispute less perhaps than a man so thoroughly persuaded as I am of the evils and confusions which will result from the rejection of the proposed Constitution, ought to have done) give it as my sincere and decided opinion that the postponement of the question would be tantamount to the final rejection of it—that the adversaries of the new Constitution [in] Virginia and Maryland view it in this light—and the[y] will pass for the accomplishment of this measure as the denier resort. I have very good reason to

believe to adduce arguments in support of this opinion is as unnecessary as they would be prolex—They are obvious, and will occur to you on a moments reflection.
Tho’ the period to which the adjournment in new Hampshire was fixed, no respect to the meeting of the Convention in this State, but was the effect, solely of local circumstances within itself. yet, the opposition here ascribe it wholy to complaisance towards Virginia—Make great use of it and undertake to pronounce that all the States thereafter whose Convention were to precede hers will pursue the same line of Conduct, and of course that those which are to follow will receive the ton[e] from it—Should Maryland fulfil this p[r]ognostic South Carolina may indeed be staggered and the prediction of the foes to the Constitution will thereby be realized—for the assertion so far as it respects North Carolina may with some truth I believe be applied while the opposition in New York it is well know[n] will avail itself of every pretext for rejection.
The sentiments of the Western district of this State, are not yet brought to my view—Independently thereof the Majority, so far as the opinions of the Delegates are know[n] or presumed is in favor of the adoption and is encreasing but as the parties from report are pretty equally poized a small matter cast into either scale would give it the preponderancy—Decisions, or indecisions then with you, will in my opinion, determine the fate of the Constitution. and with it, whether peace and happiness—or discord and confusion is to be our lot. The fœderalests here see and depricate the idea of the latter, and there opponents doing all they can to encouraging it as thier last hope. Thus stands the matter in my eyes at present. with very great esteem and regard I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt and very Hble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 27 April 1788
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Belmont [Pa.] April 27th 1788

I was honoured yesterday with yours of the 6th instant. I am glad the Scarcity Seeds came to Hand. It will not be too late

to plant the Roots as they will be preserved sufficiently by the Sand I had them packed in. When you come to make the Comparison of this to any other Forage dont forget to take into your Account the Summer ⟨str⟩ippings which come in when Clover is burnt up. This with the Advantages over Vegetables subject to Worms & Flies has with me fixed this as a peerless Root to which I shall lay myself out to pay much Attention. Whether it will do as well in your Ground or whether it will thrive in your Manner of Culture among Corn which will undoubtedly shade it much, is yet to be tried. I believe it requires Exposure as the Leaves grow rapidly after stripped & that in the driest Season. Mine were the worst near any Shade. Potatoes I shall never abandon as they are very productive & valuable. Carrots when raized I have a high Opinion of, but the weeding & Hand hoeing I find expensive to me who have to hire all Sorts of Labourers. Your Situation is different as you may employ those who would otherwise be nearly idle. Cabbages have scarcely ever succeeded well with me. Vermin have forever destroyed them—I have too been cheated in my Seed nor do I believe my Ground suits them as they require a strong & good Soil—They do not like Shade. Turnips are watery & not very nutritious. A fatting Bullock will eat between 2 & 300 Weight of them in 24 Hours nor can they be used here as in Europe as Winter Fodder for Sheep as our Snows forbid it. With you they may do better as your Climate is milder.
Except Lime (which you may have I should concieve from Oyster Shells tho’ the Shells unburnt are I believe as good If not better) I have no other resource than my Barn Yard for Manure. I made a Sort of Bargain with myself in the Beginning of the War that if I could get off with the Loss of half my Property & gain the Point I would be contented. The D——l has so contrived it as to oblige me to keep my Contract except as to that Part of being perfectly contented—Among the Portion I have lost went most of my Money. What Degree of Freedom I have gained by having thus got rid of my Bonds is yet to be known. The Necessity consequent upon it however has compelled me to a thousand Shifts to save Expence on my Farm, which have gained me more Experience hitherto than Money. I have been careful in collecting Manure & have tried many Sorts of Green Manures & they have my decided Approbation. I prefer them

in some Respects to Dung because they destroy instead of producing Weeds. I have not however gone on your Plan of distributing to all Crops their Proportion of Dung. I have rather lessened Crops as to Number & Extent to do well what I did. I have thought this ⟨illegible⟩y & I do not know that I have been decieved. I have not yet been able ⟨to g⟩et a Years Stock of Barn Yard Manure a Head, but I am aiming at it as the most advantageous. I have Water in my Yard by Means of a Pump which I prefer to running or stagnant Water which are subject to be dirtied & frozen in Winter. This is a great Assistance to my Dung Heap as the Cattle never leave the Yard.
You ask me if Carrots & Potatoes are Exhausters? In my Opinion they are not. Tuberose & tap-roots I have never considered exhausting. But fibrous rooted Vegetables except of the Legumineres Tribe I have ever deemed Exhausters, because they live only in the Vegetable Mould their Roots running horizontally & shallow nor do their Tops shade, or collect Support in so great a Degree from the Atmosphere. Whatever be the Cause or Reason I know they (the roots of the tuberose & tap Kind) leave the Ground better than they find it; & if this be the Case, it matters not whether it is owing to any inherent Qualities or the Effects of the clean & good Culture they require. Is not Corn an Exhauster?
In your Rotation or Fallow System I percieve Corn the principal Object & what I have made sole fallow Crops only follow in its Train. Your large Stile of Farming I presume requires it. With so excellent a Preparation the first Year & the Buckwheat the 2d I should think a Wheat Crop would do well the 3d Year. I have constantly followed the Buckwheat with Winter Grain the same Season. A naked Fallow I much disapprove of. A Neighbour of mine never had a superior Crop ’till he ploughed in the Teazel (a most villainous Weed) when in a sappy State. This tho’ not shading shews the Benefit of green Manures & how to make the best of a bad Thing—Your 4th Year in Pease will be a great Preparation for the next Years Crop especially if the shed Pease sprout & are ploughed in towards Winter—The ⟨Callavanse⟩ or native Pea I find the best. The others as well as Beans being much subject to Blights Mildews & Vermin. 5. Barley & Clover are well—but Oats I hold exhausting & little valuable when obtained. They foul Ground & in short I have an Antipathy to

them on every Account—6 & 7—I presume you will plough in your Clover of the last rotatory Year, in the Fall & its roots will be as good as a dunging. I am happy to find you, who will do it so much Justice, are beginning the best System of Agriculture possible—What do you think of Wheat on the Clover Ley harrowed in? I had a great Crop in this Mode—This might succeed the Clover & then your Corn &c.
If I am successful in raizing Scarcity Seeds I will with Pleasure supply you with what I can spare.
The Harrow I have had made on my new Plan I have tried & yours would have been ready but I could not get a Workman I could depend upon. I have now one making them here as I chose he should be near me. It answers every Expectation I had formed of it & I have a Thought of improving it still farther. If I do I will inform you. I have too an Idea that by adding a small Box or Hopper I can by Means of the Wheel drill in many Sorts of Crops. The first Tooth or Hoe behind which the Seed should fall opens & the two latter completely cover the little Trench leaving the Ground in small ridges all completely stirred. If you wish to level it where not seeded the other Harrow will do it. My Intention was to do more than Chatevieux’s Cultivator which only (somewhat better but in the Manner of the Hoes you describe) mines under the Surface & leaves the Ground superficially nearly the same. But by Means of the Upper Wing to my Hoes I can stir & turn the whole. They will penetrate as deep as you would wish. Some Slight is required in giving them when foul a sudden Motion sideways to get off the Weeds &c. This your Workmen will soon learn.
In trench ploughing I have a light Plough & two Horses to pare off the Sod, & I care not how shallow, to precede the larger Plough which runs in the same Furrow directly after it. The 2d plough is little different from the common Plough. It has only its Coulter a little more perpendicular to go the deeper. It is large & strong & its Mould Board calculated to cast off more Earth. It must be narrower in the Share about an Inch & an half than the first Plough it will otherwise eat in to the unploughed Ground latterally. Two Oxen & two Horses go in this Plough. I find some Inconvenience in their going a Breast but their working in a Line has also its Disadvantages especially in turning. I plough 10 Inches deep in general & often 14—One Driver to

the first Plough—A Man to hold & a Boy to drive the 2d. I never kept any exact Account of Days Work. I value this Preparation so much that I am content with half an Acre a Day but believe they can & frequently do an Acre. But I generally perform this Operation towards Winter when Days are short & Weather uncertain—A Winter Fallow I think much of tho’ I think with you as to naked Summer Fallows.
Had I known the Nature of your Ground I should not have expected anything from the Plaister of Paris which with few Exceptions has not succeeded in Clays. On your Coast where Sands, if they are not blowing, prevail it would I think do well—Vegetation is also with us backward but my Plaister even strewed in the Beginning of March begins to shew. I do not recollect that it ever failed me & I have now tried it 16 Years in smaller or more extended Experiments as my Oppertunities of procuring it occurred.
If I have not fully answered the Points you were pleased to enquire about I will endeavour to do it should you require it as it is with the most sincere Pleasure I comply with any Request you may think proper to make & it is but in small Matters I can evince the Esteem & Respect with which I am your very obed. Servt

Richard Peters

Mrs Peters begs her Compliments to you & Mrs Washington to whom be pleased to add mine.
A large Hoe on the Construction of the Harrow Tooth is excellent for Horse hoeing. I could wish the Angle of the Upper Wing was more acute but the Smith did not quite please me in it. I have a Mind to add to the Shank a shifting Plate & something in the Manner of that to the Hand Hoe of Cooke’s Drill Plough.
Most of the Cape Wheat I have heard of in this Country Mr Morris’s excepted is killed by the Winter. I fear we are too far North for it—I heartily congratulate you on my Paper being out, lest your Patience tho’ known to be of the most excellent. Bottom might have been run; if not distanced.
Before closing my letter a Man I employed to make me a simple Machine for separating the larger from the smaller Potatoes has been with me. I made one from a sudden Thought (which I have improved on) that has saved me Twenty Times its Value

in Wages. I dont expect it will cost half a Joe & if you choose to have one made at the same Time with mine I will have it done & I think you will approve of it as it both separates the Potatoes & cleans the Dirt from them at one Operation. It is a riddle fixed in a Box moving in a lower Frame to receive the small ones as the Riddle retains the larger & the Dirt drops thro the lower Frame which holds the smaller after passing thro the large riddle.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 27 April 1788
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York 27th April 1788

I Yesterday in this City, happened to fall in the Way of a Leiut. How, an officer of the New Hampshire Line, who Your Excelly will doubtless recollect was, in the latter part of our being at NewBurgh, acting with Mr Colfax as a Leiut. of the Guards—enquiring his wellfare, he informed me, that since the War he had been residing in this City & doing Business here—& that he was now engaging in an Enterprize to some part of the Spanish settlements in America—& expressed an anxious wish to obtain from your Excelly a Certificate of his services as an officer in the American Army, & particularly of his being attached to your Guards. such Credentials, together with what he expected to procure from Gov. Clinton he conceived would be of eminent Service to him in his Adventure. On this Ground he has prevailed

on me to solicit the favor he wishes from your Exy—I have made some Enquiry—& so far as I have been able to possess myself of his Character in the Course of his Business since the War, I do not find any thing unfavorable to his reputation as a Gentleman—a man of probity & Honour and could therefore wish, if your Exclly sees no impropriety in the matter, that he may be gratified in his Desire.
should you be pleased to grant his request, he will be particularly obliged in receivg the Certificate by the 20th May, addressed to him in this City, where he expects to remain till that time. With perfect Respect & Regard I am Dr Sir Your Excellencys Most Obet & Obliged hume Servant

Jona. Trumbull


Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 28 April–1 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

Mount Vernon April 28th[–1 May] 1788

I have now before me, my dear Marqs your favor of the 3d of August in the last year; together with those of the 1st of January, the 2d of January and the 4th of February in the present—Though the first is of so antient a date, they all came to hand lately, and nearly at the same moment. The frequency of your kind remembrance of me, and the endearing expressions of attachment, are by so much the more satisfactory, as I recognise them to be a counterpart of my own feelings for you. In truth, you know I speak the language of sincerity and not of flattery, when I tell you, that your letters are ever most wellcome and dear to me.
This I lay out to be a letter of Politics. We are looking anxiously a cross the atlantic for news and you are looking anxiously back again for the same purpose. It is an interesting subject, to contemplate how far the war, kindled in the north of Europe, may extend it[s] conflagrations, and what m[a]y be the result before its extinction. The Turke appears to have lost his old and acquired a new connection. Whether England has not, in the hour of her pride, overacted her part and pushed matters too far [for] her own interest, time will discover: but, in my opinion (though from my distance and want of minute information I should form it with diffidence) the affairs of that nation cannot

long go on in the same prosperous train: in spite of expedients and in spite of resources, the Paper bubble will one day burst. And it will whelm many in the ruins. I hope the affairs of France are gradually sliding into a better state. Good effects may, and I trust will ensue, without any public convulsion. France, were he[r] resources properly managed and her administrations wisely conducted, is (as you justly observe) much more potent in the scale of empire, than her rivals at present seem inclined to believe.
I notice with pleasure the additional immunities and facilities in trade, which France has granted by the late Royal Arret to the United States. I flatter myself it will have the desired effect, in some measure, of augmenting the commercial intercourse. From the productions and wants of the two countries, their trade with each other is certainly capable of great amelioration, to be actuated by a spirit of unwise policy. For so surely as ever we shall have an efficient government established; so surely will that government impose retaliating restrictions, to a certain degree, upon the trade of Britain, at present, or under our existing form of Confederations, it would be idle to think of making comercial regulations on our part. One State passes a prohibitory law respecting some article—another State opens wide the avenue for its admission. One Assembly makes a system—another Assembly unmakes it. Virginia, in the very last session of her Legislature, was about to have passed some of the most extravigant and preposterous Edicts on the subject of trade, that ever Stained the leaves of a Legislative Code. It is in vain to hope for a remedy of these and innumerable other evils, untill a general Government shall be adopted.
The Convention of Six States only have as yet accepted the new Constitution. No one has rejected it. It is believed that the Convention of Maryland, which is now in session; and that of South Carolina, which is to assemble on the 12th of May, will certainly adopt it. It is, also, since the elections of Members for the Convention have taken place in this State, more general believed that it will be adopted here than it was before those elections were made. There will, however, be powerful and elequent speeches on both sides of the question in the Virginia Convention. but as Pendelton, Wythe, Blair, Madison, Jones, Nicholas, Innis and many other of our first characters will be advocates

for its adoption, you may suppose the weight of abilities will rest on that side. Henry and Masson are its great adversaries—The Governor, if he opposes it at all will do it feebly.
On the general Merits of this proposed Constitution, I wrote to you, some time ago my sentiments pretty freely. That letter had not been received by you, when you addressed to me the last of yours which has come to my hands. I had never supposed that perfection could be the result of accomodation and mutual concession. The opinion of Mr Jefferson & yourself is certainly a wise one, that the Constitution ought by all means to be accepted by nine States before any attempt should be made to procure amendments. For, if that acceptance shall not previously take place, men’s minds will be so much agitated and soured, that the danger will be greater than ever of our becoming a disunited People. Whereas, on the other hand, with prudence in temper and a spirit of moderation, every essential alteration, may in the process of time, be expected.
You will doubtless, have seen, that it was owing to this conciliatory and patriotic principle that the Convention of Massachusetts adopted the Constitution in toto; but recommended a number of specific alterations and quieting explanations, as an early, serious and unremitting subject of attention. Now, although it is not to [be] expected that every individual, in Society, will or can ever be brought to agree upon what is, exactly, the best form of govenment; yet, there are many things in the Constitution which only need to be explained, in order to prove equally satisfactory to all parties. For example: there was not a member of the convention, I believe, who had the least objection to what is contended for by the Advocates for a Bill of Rights and Tryal by Jury. The first, where the people evidently retained every thing which they did not in express terms give up, was considered nugatory as you will find to have been more fully explained by Mr Wilson and others: And as to the second, it was only the difficulty of establishing a mode which should not interfere with the fixed modes of any of the States, that induced the Convention to leave it, as a matter of future adjustment.
There are other points on which opinions would be more likely to vary. As for instance, on the ineligibility of the same person for President, after he should have served a certain

course of years. Guarded so effectually as the proposed Constitution is, in respect to the prevention of bribery and undue influence in the choice of President: I confess, I differ widely myself from Mr Jefferson and you, as to the necessity or expediency of rotation in that appointment. The matter was fairly discussed in the Convention, & to my full convictions; though I cannot have time or room to sum up the arguments in this letter. There cannot, in my Judgment, be the least danger that the President will by any practicable intrigue ever be able to continue himself one moment in office, much less perpetuate himself in it—but in the last stage of corrupted morals and political depravity: and even then there is as much danger that any other species of domination would prevail. Though, when a people shall have become incapable of governing themselves and fit for a master, it is of little consequence from what quarter he comes.
Under an extended view of this part of the subject, I can see no propriety in precluding ourselves from the services of any man, who on some great emergency, shall be deemed, universally, most capable of serving the Public. In answer to the observations you make on the probability of my election to the Presidency (knowing me as you do) I need only say, that it has no enticing charms, and no fascinating allurements for me. However, it might not be decent for me to say I would refuse to accept or even to speak much about an appointment, which may never take place: for in so doing, one might possibly incur the application of the moral resulting from that Fable, in which the Fox is represented as inveighing against the sourness of the grapes, because he could not reach them. All that it will be necessary to add, my dear Marquis, in order to shew my decided predelection, is, that, (at my time of life and under my circumstances) [t]he encreasing infirmities of nature and the growing love of retirement do not permit me to entertain a wish, beyond that of living and dying an honest man on my own farm. Let those follow the pursuits of ambition and fame, who have a keener relish for them, or who may have more years, in store, for the enjoyment!
Mrs Washington, while she requests that her best Compliments may be presented to you, Joins with me in soliciting that the same friendly and affectionate memorial of our constant remembrance

and good wishes may be made acceptable to Madam de la Fayette and the little ones—I am &c.

Go. Washington

P.S. May 1st.
Since writing the foregoing letter, I have received Authentic Accounts that the Convention of Maryland have ratified the new Constitution by a Majority of 63 to 11.


Title: From George Washington to Rochambeau, 28 April 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

My dear Count,
Mount Vernon April 28th 1788

I have Just received the letter which you did me the honor to write to me on the 18th of January; and am sorry to learn that the Count de Grasse, our gallant coadjutor in the capture of Cornwallis, is no more. yet his death is not, perhaps, so much to be deplored as his latter days were to be pitied. It seemed as if an unfortunate and unrelenting destiny pursued him, to distroy the enjoyment of all earthly comfort. For the disastrous battle of the 19th of April, the loss of the favor of his king and the subsequent connection in marriage with an unworthy woman, were sufficient to have made him weary of the burden of life, your goodness, indeavouring to sweeten its passage, was truly commendable; however it might have been Marred by his own impetuosity. But his frailties should now be buried in his grave with him, while his name will be long deservedly dear to this Country, on account of his, successful co-operation in the gloreious campaign of 1781. the Cincinati in some of the States have gone into mourning for him.
Altho’ your nation and England have avoided, from prudential motives, going into a war, yet, I fancy, their affections have

not been much encreased by the affair in Holland. The feeling occasioned to France by the interference of Prussia and Britain, may not pass away altogether without consequences. I wish, indeed, the affairs of France to be on a footing which would enable her to be the arbiter of peace to the neighbouring nations. The poor Dutch Patriots seem, by some means or another, to have been left sadly in the lurch and to be reduced to a most humiliating condition. And as if the two Powers, who reinstat’d the Stadt-Holder, had not done enough to set the middle nations together by the ears; they have embroiled, forsooth, all the north of Europe by bringing the Turks into hostility with the two Imperial Courts. Should France Join with the latter, or even should she continue neuter, I can scarcely conceive that the Ottomans will be permitted to hold any of their possessions in Europe. The torch of hostility, being once kindled, commonly spreads apace; but it is beyond my prescience to fortell how far this flame will extend itself, before it shall be entirely extinguished.
Here, in America, we have not much news worth the trouble of communicating to you, my dear Count, Though I know what is to ourselves often [a] matter of indifference, is to our friends at a distance a subject of curiosity. For that reason, I will subjoin, in one word, a State of affairs on this side of the water. All the public attention has been, for many months past, engrossed by [the] new Constitution. It has met with some opposition from men of abilities, but it has been much more ably advocated. Six States, that is to say, those of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Georgia have accepted it. The opinion is that Maryland and South Carolina will soon do the same. One more State, only, will be wanting to put Government into execution. And as the other Convention[s] are to meet early in the summer, we hope for the best.
As t[o] the intimation which your partiality for me has prompted you to make on my behalf: I need only say that every body knows that private life is my decided choice in preferrence to any thing the world can bestow. I am &c.

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 29 April 1788
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl
Richmond 29 April 1788

I cannot prevail on myself to omit the present Occasion of offering my Respects, altho I have Nothing to say which is worth your Perusal. It may not however be quite unsatisfactory to receive even Conjecture on a Subject whose Importance is great and whose Situation precludes Evidence. As far as one who avoids much Enquiry can judge I am led to decide that the Opposers to the new Constitution are fewer and more feeble than they were in this Quarter And would almost venture to predict that if Carolina and Maryland shall be tolerably unanimous in the Adoption particularly the latter the Convention of this State will not long hesitate. I am mistaken if some Leaders of Opposition are not more solicitous in the present Moment how to make a good Retreat than how to fight the Battle. It is you know a sad Thing for a great and deep Politician to make a great Blunder and fall in a deep Ditch and yet this may easily happen when Men walk on bad Ground. Adieu. As this was intended meerly to convey my Respects to You and your Lady and to my worthy friend Humphreys if still with you will detain you no longer than to repeat the Assurances of that sincere Esteem with which I am yours

Gouv. Morris


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 29 April 1788
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond April 29th 1788

My detention here having been so much longer than expected, the Season in which Mrs Morris promised a Visit to Mount Vernon being come, and my Sons being arrived at Philada these circumstances induced me to propose the journey to which she very readily consents. I am therefore sending up my Servants & Horses to bring down Mrs & Miss Morris attended by my Sons Robert & Thomas, all of them being ambitious to pay their respects to that character which they so much admire. You see my Dear Sir the Liberty I take & the trouble I am about to bring on your Household by such a Host of Strangers but I

shall shew my confidence that it will give you pleasure to receive them by declining to make any appology. Mrs Morris in her last letter mentioned that you had desired her to lay by for Mrs Washington, some Cambrick Book Muslins & she believes some large Book Muslin Handkerchiefs, out of Capt. Bells Cargo from the East Indies, will you be good enough to give John a note of the particulars Mrs Washington wishes to have & Mrs Morris will bring them with her—I pray my best respects to Mrs Washington & to assure her that the same Considerations determine me not to make an appology to her for the trouble She is likely to have with so large a part of my Family, especially as I hope they will render their Company very agreable & pleasing to that of Mount Vernon. With the most sincere esteem I am Dear Sir Your most obedient & humble Servant

Robt Morris


Title: From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 1 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, William Stephens

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon May 1st 1788

I consider myself the more indebted to your obliging care in transmitting the letter of the Marquis de la Fayette, as by that means you have given me the double advantage of hearing from two of my distant, military friends at once.
It is so long since I have had the satisfaction of holding any immediate intercourse with you, that I may be allowed to touch on a subject rather obsotute indeed, but not (I presume) the less pleasant on that account: I mean your entrance upon the road of connubial life. Permit me, then, to wish that it may be strewed with flowers, and that every possible happiness may attend you and the partner of your Journey, who, (if I am not egregiously misinformed by those who are well acquainted with her) is worthy of that distinguished lot of felicity. Mrs Washington wishes that her compliments may be presented with mine to yourself and Lady. You may ever count upon my sincere regard, and believe me to be, Dear Sir yours &c.

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 2 May 1788
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Paris May 2. 1788.

I am honoured with your Excellency’s letter by the last packet & thank you for the information it contained on the communication

between the Cayahoga & Big beaver. I have ever considered the opening a canal between those two watercourses as the most important work in that line which the state of Virginia could undertake. it will infallibly turn thro the Patowmack all the commerce of Lake Erie & the country West of that, except what may pass down the Missisipi. and it is important that it be soon done, lest that commerce should in the mean time get established in another channel. having in the spring of the last year taken a journey through the Southern parts of France, & particularly examined the canal of Languedoc through it’s whole course, I take the liberty of sending you the notes I made on the spot, as you may find in them something perhaps which may be turned to account some time or other in the prosecution of the Patowmac canal. being merely a copy from my travelling notes, they are indigested & imperfect, but may still perhaps give hints capable of improvement in your mind.
The affairs of Europe are in such a state still that it is impossible to say what form they will take ultimately. France & Prussia, viewing the Emperor as their most dangerous & common enemy had heretofore seen their common safety as depending on a strict connection with one another. this had naturally inclined the Emperor to the scale of England, and the Empress also, as having views in common with the Emperor against the Turks. but these two powers would at any time have gladly quitted England to coalesce with France, as being the power which they met every where opposed as a barrier to all their schemes of aggrandizement. when therefore the present king of Prussia took the eccentric measure of bidding defiance to France by placing his brother in law on the throne of Holland, the two empires immediately seised the occasion of solliciting an alliance with France. the motives for this appeared so plausible that it was believed the latter would have entered into this alliance, and that thus the whole political system of Europe would have taken a new form. what has prevented this court from coming into it, we know not. the unmeasurable ambition of the Emperor & his total want of moral principle & honour are suspected. a great share of Turkey, the recovery of Silesia, the consolidation of his dominions by the Bavarian exchange, the liberties of the Germanic body, all occupy his mind together, and his head is not well enough organised to pursue so much only of all this as is

practicable. still it was thought that France might safely have coalesced with these powers, because Russia & her, holding close together, as their interests would naturally dictate, the emperor could never stir but with their permission. France seems however to have taken the worst of all parties, that is, none at all. she folds her arms, lets the two empires go to work to cut up Turkey as they can, and holds Prussia aloof neither as a friend nor foe. this is withdrawing her opposition from the two empires without the benefit of any condition whatever. in the mean time England has clearly overreached herself. she excited the war between the Russians & Turks, in hopes that France, still supporting the Turks, would be embarrassed with the two empires. she did not foresee the event which has taken place of France abandoning the Turks, and that which may take place of her union with the two empires. she has allied herself with Holland, but cannot obtain the alliance of Prussia. this latter power would be very glad to close again the breach with France, and therefore, while their remains an opening for this, holds off from England, whose fleets could not enter into Silesia to protect that from the Emperor. thus you see that the old system is unhinged, and no new one hung in it’s place. probabilities are rather in favour of a connection between the two empires, France & Spain. several symptoms shew themselves of friendly dispositions between Russia & France, unfriendly ones between Russia & England, and such as are barely short of hostility between England & France. but to real hostilities this country would with difficulty be driven. her finances are too deranged, her internal union too much dissolved, to hazard a war. the nation is pressing on fast to a fixed constitution. such a revolution in the public opinion has taken place that the crown already feels it’s powers bounded, and is obliged by it’s measures to acknowlege limits. a states general will be called at some epoch not distant. they will probably establish a civil list, and leave the government to temporary provisions of money, so as to render frequent assemblies of the national representative necessary. how that representative will be organised is yet incertain. among a thousand projects, the best seems to me that of dividing them into two houses of commons & nobles, the commons to be chosen by the provincial assemblies who are chosen themselves by the people, & the nobles by the body of noblesse as in Scotland. but there is no reason

to conjecture that this is the particular scheme which will be preferred. the war between the Russians & Turks has made an opening for our Commodore Paul Jones. the Empress has invited him into her service. she ensures to him the rank of rear-admiral, will give him a separate command and it is understood that he is never to be commanded. I think she means to oppose him to the Captain Pacha on the black sea. he is by this time probably at St Petersburg. the circumstances did not permit his awaiting the permission of Congress, because the season was close at hand for opening the campaign. but he has made it a condition that he shall be free at all times to return to the orders of Congress whenever they shall please to call for him, and also that he shall not in any case be expected to bear arms against France. I believe Congress had it in contemplation to give him the grade of Admiral from the date of his taking the Serapis. such a measure now would greatly gratify him, second the efforts of fortune in his favor, and better the opportunities of improving him for our service whenever the moment shall come in which we may want him.
The danger of our incurring something like a bankruptcy in Holland, which might have been long, and even fatally felt in a moment of crisis, induced me to take advantage of mr Adams’s journey to take leave at the Hague, to meet him there, get him to go on to Amsterdam, and try to avert the impending danger. the moment of paying a great sum of annual interest was approaching. there was no money on hand; the board of treasury had notified that they could not remit any, and the progress of the loan which had been opened there, had absolutely stopped. our bankers there gave me notice of all this, and that a single day’s failure in the paiment of interest would have the most fatal effect on our credit. I am happy to inform you that we were able to set the loan a going again, and that the evil is at least postponed, indeed I am tolerably satisfied that if the measures we proposed are ratified by Congress, all European calls for money (except the French debt) are secure enough till the end of the year 1790 by which time we calculated that the new government might be able to get money into their treasury. much conversation with the bankers, brokers, & money holders gave me insight into the state of national credit there which I had never before been able satisfactorily to get. the English credit is the

first, because they never open a loan without laying & appropriating taxes for the paiment of the interest, and there has never been an instance of their failing one day in that paiment. the Emperor & Empress have good credit, because they use it little, and have hitherto been very punctual. this country is among the lowest in point of credit. ours stands in hope only. they consider us as the surest nation on earth for the repaiment of the capital. but as the punctual paiment of interest is of absolute necessity in their arrangements, we cannot borrow but with difficulty and disadvantage. the monied men however look towards our new government with a great degree of partiality & even anxiety. if they see that set out on the English plan, the first degree of credit will be transferred to us. a favourable occasion will arise to our new government of asserting this ground to themselves. the transfer of the French debt, public & private, to Amsterdam is certainly desireable. an act of the new government therefore for opening a loan in Holland for this purpose, laying taxes at the same time for paying annually the interest & a part of the principal will answer the two valuable purposes of ascertaining the degree of our credit, and of removing those causes of bickering & irritation which should not be permitted to subsist with a nation with which it is so much our interest to be on cordial terms as with France. a very small portion of this debt, I mean that part due to the French officers, has done us an injury of which those in office in America cannot have an idea. the interest is unpaid for the last three years; and these creditors, highly connected, & at the same time needy, have felt & communicated hard thoughts of us. borrowing as we have done 300 thousand florins a year to pay our interest in Holland, it would have been worth while to have added 20 thousand more to suppress those clamours. I am anxious about every thing which may affect our credit. my wish would be to possess it in the highest degree, but to use it little. were we without credit we might be crushed by a nation of much inferior resources but possessing higher credit. the present system of war renders it necessary to make exertions far beyond the annual resources of the state, and to consume in one year the efforts of many. and this system we cannot change. it remains then that we cultivate our credit with the utmost attention. I had intended to have written a word to your Excellency on the subject of the new constitution, but I have already

spun out my letter to an immoderate length. I will just observe therefore that according to my ideas there is a great deal of good in it. there are two things however which I dislike strongly. 1. the want of a declaration of rights. I am in hopes the opposition of Virginia will remedy this, & produce such a declaration. 2. the perpetual re-eligibility of the President. this I fear will make that an office for life first, & then hereditary. I was much an enemy to monarchy before I came to Europe. I am ten thousand times more so since I have seen what they are. there is scarcely an evil known in these countries which may not be traced to their king as it’s source, nor a good which is not derived from the small fibres of republicanism existing among them. I can further say with safety there is not a crowned head in Europe whose talents or merit would entitle him to be elected a vestryman by the people of any parish in America. however I shall hope that before there is danger of this change taking place in the office of President, the good sense & free spirit of our countrymen will make the changes necessary to prevent it. under this hope I look forward to the general adoption of the new constitution with anxiety, as necessary for us under our present circumstances.
I have so much trespassed on your patience already by the length of this letter that I will add nothing further than those assurances of sincere esteem & attachment with which I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble servant

Th: Jefferson


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 2d May 1788.

I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 19th of March, which should have been done at an earlier period had any thing transpired in these parts which was worth communicating. I can now, with pleasure, inform you that the State of Maryland adopted the proposed Constitution last monday by a very large majority; this you will undoubtedly have announced by the publick papers before this letter reaches you, but that State will not receive the sole benefit of its adoption, it will have a very considerable influence upon the decision in Virginia, for it has been strongly insisted upon by the opponents in the lower & back Counties in this State that Maryland would reject it by a large majority; the result being found so directly opposite to this assertion will operate very powerfully upon the sentiments of many who were before undecided and will tend to fix them in favor of the Constitution; it will, if I am not misinformed, have this effect upon many who are chosen to the Convention and who have depended, in a great measure, upon the determination of Maryland to confirm their opinion. But, exclusive of this influence, the most accurate returns of the members of the Convention, with their sentiments, so far as they were known, annexed, gave a decided majority in favor of the Constitution, and the prevailing opinion is, that it gains advocates daily. I have never, for my own part, once doubted of its adoption here, and if I had at any time been wavering in my opinion the present appearances & concurrent information would have compleatly fixed it.
I am sorry to find by your letter that there is so much of the spirit of insurrection yet remaining in your State, and that it discovered itself so strongly in your last Assembly, but I hope the influence of those Gentlemen who are friendly to the proposed Constitution, and the conciliatory disposition which was shewn

by many of the minority in your Convention will so far pervade the State as to prevent that factious spirit from gaining ground.
Mrs Washington & the Children thank you for your kind remembrance of them & unite with me in the best wishes for your happiness. With sentiments of the highest esteem & regard, I am, my dear Sir, Yr most Obedt & Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Enclosed is a letter from your young friend.


Title: From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 2 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Gouverneur

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon [2 May 1788]

Your letter of the 29th Ult. reminds me of an omission which I should be ashamed of, did I not conceive that my apology will be as satisfactory as it is just. The omission alluded to, is not acknowledging the receipt of your former favor which accompanied the Books, and thanking you for your care of them. The apology is, the hourly expectation of seeing you at this place on your return to Philada—Of the adequacy of the one to the other, you are to judge. Be this as it may, it is the best I can offer.
I have not at any moment dispaired of this State’s acceptance of the New Constitution, and entertain more confidence since the ratification of it in Maryland by so large & decided a Majority. The fury of the opposition I believe is spent. The grand push was made at the Elections. failing of success here, the hopes of the leaders begin to flag, & many of them (or I am mistaken) wish the business was to commence de nova—in which a different line of March would be taken up by some of them.
It was with very singular pleasure I received information of the intended visit of Mrs Morris &ca—I take it for granted, though Mr Morris has not said as much, that he will add to our happiness by becoming one of the party—to repeat the same to you is, I hope unnecessary, as you cannot doubt of the pleasure it would give me. Mrs Washington offers her Compliments to you, and with sentiments of sincere esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your friend & Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Colo. Humphreys who is here, thanks you for your kind remembrance of him, and prays you to accept of his best wishes—G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hanson, 4 May 1788
From: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria, 4th May 1788.

It is extremely painful to me to be so soon under the necessity of troubling you again with a Complaint against one of your Nephews. Master George has slept from Home the 3 last Nights. The first night he went away, and desired his Brother to inform me where he intended to lodge. This message did not, from accident, come to my ears till after he had slept out the next night. Last night he went away again, contrary to my express prohibition. I have told him I should acquaint you with his conduct; but he does not seem unwilling to submit the propriety of

it to your determination. You will be told that he lodged with a Mr Keith, a young Gentleman of sober manners, and good reputation. That cannot be denied. But, perhaps it may occur to you, Sir, that, under the pretence of sleeping with a Companion, great irregularities may be committed.
I should be unjust to the Boys if I did not take this method to inform you that, except George in the present instance, & one other, they have behaved extremely well. Lawrence’s Conduct is unexceptionable. From a perverse, insolent, unmannerly Boy, He is transformed into an obliging, civil, & respectful one; a change which may, I trust, without being uncharitable be imputed in some measure, to the increased sphere of my Authority over him: Since it is very certain that there have been no greater pains taken to please lately, than before. I remain with the utmost respect, Sir Your most obedt hble Sert

S. Hanson of Saml


Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 4 May 1788
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Paris May the 4th 1788

I Have Been Requested to Present to You M. de Saint fris a Captain in the french Regiment of dragoons who is Going as a traveller through the United States, and of Course wishes to Pay His Respects to General Washington. He Has Been Particularly Recommended to me, and as I don’t know When this introductory letter will Reach you and I am sure it will not Arrive Before My dispatches of a later date I shall only Present You with the Affectionate Respects of Your filial friend

lafayette


Title: From George Washington to Hector St. John Crèvecoeur, 5 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Crèvecoeur, Hector St. Jean de

Sir,
Mount Vernon May 5th 1788.

The letter with which you were pleased to honor me, dated the 17th ult., & the enclosure, came safe. For your attention & care of the latter I pray you to accept of my best thanks, at the sametime that I entreat you to pardon the liberty I now take in requesting the favor of you to forward the letters herewith sent by the Packet, or any other safe Conveyance. With sentiments of great esteem I am Sir Yr Most Obedient & Most Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Hanson, 5 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)

Sir,
Mount Vernon May 5th 1788

Your letter of yesterday was handed to me last evening. I am sorry that the conduct of one of my Nephews has been such as to render a complaint to me necessary, but I am extreemly obliged to you for the communication. George has now advanced to that time of life when it is absolutely necessary that his conduct should be regulated by some means or other. Coertion would be extreemly painful to me, but if advice, remonstrance and gentle methods will not answer the purpose others must be taken. Enclosed is a letter to him which I have left open for your perusal.
I am glad to find that Lawrence has behaved so well, I rather suspected that trespasses would have commenced on his part than on that of George. I am, Sir, Yr most Obedt Hble Sert

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Steptoe Washington, 5 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Steptoe

Dear George,
Mount Vernon May 5th 1788

I yesterday received a letter from Mr Hanson informing me that you slept from home three nights successively and one contrary

to his express prohibition. Complaints of this nature are extreamly painful to me, as it discovers a degree of impropriety in your conduct, which, at your time of life your good sense & discretion ought to pount out to you and lead you to avoid. Altho’ there is nothing criminal in your having slept with a companion of good manners and reputation as you say you have, yet your absenting yourself from your own lodgings under that pretence may be productive of irregularities and disagreeable consequences—and I now insist upon it, in the most pointed terms, that you do not repeat it without the consent and approbation of Mr Hanson.
One strong motive for my placing you in your present lodgings was that you might, in your conduct out of school, be guided by Mr Hanson’s advice and directions, as I confide very much in his discretion & think that he would requ[i]re nothing of you but what will conduce to your advantage; and at the age to which you have now arrived you must be capable of distinguishing between a proper and improper line of conduct and be sensible of the advantages or disadvantages which will result to you through life from the one or the other.
Your future character and reputation will depend very much, if not entirely, upon the habits and manners which you contract in the present period of your life; they will make an impression upon you which can never be effaced. You should therefore be extreemly cautious how you put yourself into the way of imbibing those customs which may tend to corrupt your manners or vitiate your heart. I do not write to you in this style from knowing or suspecting that you are addicted to any vice, but only to guard you against pursuing a line of conduct which may imperceptably lead on to Vicious cources.
Mr Hanson has done you and Lawrence Justice in saying that your behaviour since you have been last with him has been unexceptionable except in this instance and one more which he has not mentioned, and I hope this is the last complaint I shall ever hear while you remain in your present situation at least, as it will prevent me from using means to regulate your behaviour which will be disagreeable to us both. I am—Yr sincer[e] friend & affectionate Uncle

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Bouillé, 6 May 1788 [letter not found]
From: Bouillé, François-Claude-Amour, marquis de
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Bouillé, 6 May 1788. On 1 Oct. 1788 GW wrote Bouillé about the letter, “which you did me the honor to write to me on the 6th of May.”


Title: From George Washington to John Fitzgerald and George Gilpin, 6 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzgerald, John,Gilpin, George

Gentln
Mount Vernon May 6th 1788

If you have fixed upon Monday next for the meeting of the Directors of the Potk Company at the Falls of the Shanandoah—Have given Messrs Johnson and Lee notice of it—and informed Mr Stuart and his accusers thereof you will please to let me know it—(having heard nothing yet of the determination) In these cases, and that I may have nothing to retard my speedy return after the business of the meeting is finished I shall set off on thursday—take the great and Seneca Falls in my way up—make a visit or two in Berkiley—and be at the place of meeting by ten oclock on monday. I am &ca

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 7 May 1788
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Alexandria May 7th 1788

The bad state of Health and Business Since I have been down Prevented my Caling at Mount vernon untill this day—I was Sorry not To Find you at Home—My Engagements at this Place Prevented my staying for your return—If you desire To See me I will Endeavour To waite on you on Friday otherwise I wish

To Push towards Home—If Mr Lear Should be at this place Tomorrow I will Pay the Ballance To Close my acct £21.1.1 altho I have a Quantity of Flour at this place I received of Sundrie Pooer Tenants at 26/ ⅌ Barrel and now will not sell @ 22s/ Cash, as it’s my Conduct I must Submit To it. For your Satisfaction I here Inclose a List of Ballances that may be Collected—as the Chief of them will be recovered by Law you’ll Please To Consider the opperation in this state and not Expect more than half the sum this Summer, suppose £60. I shall be down in Less than three Month & will then give my Self Time To attend on you with all the money I can raise. Henry Shover and Mrs Lemart has made Tolerable Payment this year they Pray Indulgence To another year, in which you will Please To advise me. I will For Your Sattisfaction make out a General rental by next Fall with all the Debts & Credits as Fully as Circumstances will admit of—with all the notes I can make respecting Each Tenament.
Mr Smith Slaughter Sheriff in Berkeley County has Entered a warrant with the Surveyor of sd County To be Levied on 1100 & odd acres Land of Colo. G. W. Fairfaxes under Lease to Mr Giles Cooke with a Pretence that the said Land is not Entered in the Proprietors office. Mr Cooke the Tenant is Very unneasy about the matter Requested of me To ask the Favour of you To Inform Him by me whether their is a deed For the Land as you Surveyed the Land & the Papers are with you the Best information will be From you.
If I Should not hear From you Tomorrow I Shall Leave £21.1.1 with Mr A. Wales—If you can make it Convenient I wish Mr Lear to ride up. I am Sir your Obedient Humble Servant

Battaile Muse


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 8 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon May 8th 1788.

To a letter which I wrote to you somedays ago, I beg leave to refer you. I congratulate with you on the happy decision of your Convention; having no doubt of its weight on those States which are to follow.
In a letter (just received) from Colo. Spaight of North Carolina he informs me of his having sent a small bag of Pease to your care, for me. Have you received them? If so, be so good as to forward them by the Stage (the Cost of which I will pay; without dispatch they will come too late) to Alexandria.
A Monsr Campion who brought over my Asses, says he is in distress, and has written to me for money. Pray what is his character in Baltimore, and what has he been employed about this year and half, in that place? Though he had no demand upon me for the service he performed, yet, I gave him a sum of money as an acknowledgment of my sense of the proper discharge of the trust reposed in him. He told me at that time (fall was twelve months) that he should spend the Winter in Baltimore & Sail for France in the Spring. In the spring (as I was going to Phila.) he told me he should sail in the Fall. In the fall, as I returned from thence, he assured me he should sail in a fortnight—Since which I have heard nothing from, or of him till now, his application to me for money. Your answer (soon) to this part of my letter will be very acceptable to Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 8 May 1788
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia May 8th 1788.

I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency the copy of a circular letter to the State-Societies of the Cincinnati from the Gentlemen who have attended here in consequence of the recommendation of the General-Meeting in May last.
The Members present not making a Quorum no other business could be entered on. I am with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys Obedient & humble Serva⟨nt⟩

Thomas MifflinV.P.G.C.


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Pollock, 11 May 1788
From: Pollock, Oliver
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philad[elphi]a 11th May 1788.

The late Conflagration of the Town of New Orleans (which was the place of my residence during the Grand Contest with Great Britain) I hope will in some measure appoligize for troubling your Excellency’s repose on this Occasion.
I have bussiness of importance to settle in that Country and have now to request from you a letter of introduction to His Excellency Governor Stephen Miro Commander in Chief of Louissiana to wch place I purpose to set out by the first favourable Opportunity. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Most Humble Servant

Or Pollock


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 12 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 12th May 1788

I have received your two letters of the 29 of April & 4th of May. Since my application to you for the prices of Linen & Blankets I have had an opportunity of supplying myself with both, upon pretty reasonable terms, but am no less obliged to you for the trouble of your inquiries respecting them.
The Philadelphia Packet has not yet arrived, but if she sailed at the time you mention she may be expected very soon.
I will thank you to inform me whether you have received the Interest due upon my Certificate in your hands, as there is a balance due to you in consequence of those articles last purchased on my Acct which shall be remitted if it is not adjusted by the above Interest.
Will you be so obliging as to let me know in your next what the price of double & single refined Sugar is with you?
Nails from 8d. to 20d. can be purchased cheaper in Alexandria than in Philadelphia. 20d. can be had in the former place @ 10/2 per M—allowing 20 lb. to the M—whereas 20 lb. at 9d. would amount to 15/ Pensylvania Currency; but I beleive all under 8d. would come cheaper @ 9d. per pound. With great esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Pray forward the Letter to Genl Armstrong when a good conveyance offers. G.W.


Title: To George Washington from John Hopkins, 14 May 1788
From: Hopkins, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond May 14 1788

I was favor’d with your Letter of the 27th Ulto by Mr Charles Lee, covering sundry Warrants for articles furnished the Army during the late War, to the Amount of £107.12.2 & 305 Dollars 53ths in Indents of Interest—And Mr Lee has placed in my hands the sum of £69 in Warrants for Interest on Loan Office Certificates of this State, to be applied to the payment of your Taxes; but you will be pleased to observe, by the Statement of these Taxes, which I have the honor of transmitting for your information, that I am obliged to make a different arrangment, of them, than what you have supposed. Indents are not admissable in discharge of the Certificate Tax, nor are Certificates or Warrants for Articles furnished the Army received in payment of the revenue, or Specie Taxes, as you will observe by the Statement above mentioned. So many therefore of the Warrants as are necessary to pay the Certificate Tax, as well as the proper proportion of Indents, admissable in discharge of the Specie Tax, I have taken from the sums sent me, and the balance, I return by Mr Lee.
The Sherif of Green Briar will be down during the Sitting of the Genl Court in June next, when I will make the enquiry respecting your Lands and inform you.
I beg leave to assure you Sir, that I will with very great pleasure execute this Commission, and on all occasions shall be happy in the opportunity of shewing you with how much respect

and Esteem, I have the honor to be Sir Your Mo. obt hble servant

Jno. Hopkins


Title: To George Washington from Charles Lee, 14 May 1788
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Richmond 14th april [May] 1788

I have received your Letter covering one to Mr John Hopkins to whom I have delivered it. The warrants in my hands not being receivable in discharge of the claims of the James River Company have been deposited in Mr Hopkin’s hands as you directed. He informs me (and he is right in my opinion) that the securities you enclosed to him will not answer in the payment of your taxes for 1785 & 1786 exactly as stated in your letter and I have desired him to retain such as can be applied to those taxes and to return to me the residue with a Sketch of his account enclosed to you. As to your other lands not contained in the account of the Green Brier Sheriff, I suppose they cannot have

been sold because a previous advertisement in some newspaper has been necessary.
The Court of Appeals after much consideration have determined that the District Law of the last session is contrary to the constitution and therefore ought not to be executed. This they have represented to the Executive who are this day to decide whether the Genl Assembly ought not immediately to be called which I think probable. However the Governor does not seem to like the idea and this aversion is attributed to the circumstance, that the district bill was drawn by him. I apprehend the public opinion will be much divided respecting the conduct of the Judiciary and that it will be a source of uneasiness and distraction among the people at large.
With regard to the proposed constitution, it seems that the newspapers have mispublished the delegates from Kentucky and the governor informs me that they are to a man opposed to it—He seems to be fixing in favor of it, and this stroke of the Judiciary will have some effect upon his mind and perhaps on the minds of others shewing the incompetency of our present government to maintain us in society. I have the honor to remain Dear Sir with great regard and esteem your most obed. hble Sert

Charles Lee

P.S. The Assembly are to meet on the 23d June by order of Council. C. Lee


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Green, 15 May 1788
From: Green, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dear Sr
May th[e] 15. 1788

I Humbley beg your parden for my Neglet of Duty to you and I hope you will take it in Consideration and over look it this time and I will take Care for the time to Come that you never shall have any thing of the like happen any more when my farther and I left work a monday Night a took a little Grog and I found it hurt me the next day so that I was not fit to do any thing the next day and for Mohonys part he was wors then my self so we took a wark as far as Colo. ⟨stiff⟩ house and there was fool a nough to be perswaded by Mohony to go up to town which he promesed me that he hould not stop half a hour and when we got to town I never Could git site of him any more untill about Nine or ten OClock yesterday when I beged of him to Come

home with me which he promesed me that he hould if I hould stop for him aboute ½ a hour which I did to git him home with me which we both set oute to Come home togather and Mohony Come on all most to the turnpike and then turned back a gain and I have not seen him since so I Came home by my self Dear Sr I hope you will take it in Consideration and over look it this time and you never shall have any a thing to find fort with me again for I will not ever be perswaded by any person like him again. Sr I am Yours

Thos Green


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 15 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon May 15th 1788

I am indebted to you for your favors of the 20th & 24th Ult. and thank you for your care of my foreign letters. I do the same for the Pamphlet you were so obliging as to send me. The good sense, forceable observations, temper and moderation with which it is written cannot fail, I should think, of making a serious impression even upon the antifœderal mind where it is not under the influence of such local views as will yield to no arguments—no proofs.
Could you, conveniently, furnish me with another of these pamphlets I would thank you, having sent the last to a friend of mine.
Since the Elections in this State little doubt is entertained of the adoption of the proposed Constitution with us (if no mistake

has been made with respect to the Sentiments of the Kentucke members). The opponents to it I am informed are now also of this opinion. Their grand manoeuvres were exhibited at the Elections, and some of them, if report be true, were not much to their credit. Failing in their attempt to exclude the friends to the New Government, from the Convention, and baffled in their exertions to effect an adjournment in Maryland, they have become more passive of late. Should South Carolina (now in Session) decide favourably, and the government thereby (nine States having acceded) get in motion, I can scarcely conceive that any one of the remainder, or all of them together, were they to convene for the purpose of deliberation would (seperated from each other as they then would be in a geographical point of view) incline to withdraw from the Union with the other nine—Mrs Washington unites with me in Compliments and good wishes for you and Mrs Jay—and with sentiments of very great esteem & regard—I am Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 15 May 1788 [letter not found]
From: Lutterloh, Henry Emanuel
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 15 May 1788. On 3 June 1791 Lutterloh wrote to GW: “I took the Liberty to state My Reasons in My Answer of the 15th of May following [1788].”