Title: To George Washington from Thomas Newton, Jr., 28 September 1792
From: Newton, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Norfolk [Va.] Sept. 28th 1792

By request of Tench Coxe Esqr. I beg leave to inform you of the persons who, have offerd as keepers of the Light house[.] Capt. William Lewis of Fredricksburg, Capt. Leml Cornick of Princess Ann, Mr James of the same place & a Mr Thos Herbert are all that I have known. Capt. Lewis & Capt. Cornick are men that I am well acquainted with and proper persons to take charge of so great a trust. Capt. Lewis I beleive you are acquainted, with, his character. Capt. Cornick is a man of repute & property & has conducted himself with great propriety as commissr of Wrecks, is well acquainted with the Coast & vessels & I have no doubt but either of these wou’d give general satisfaction. Mr James is reputed an honest man but I beleive not able to make such observations as may be necessary. Mr Herbert I cannot recommend as a fit person. Mr Coxe mentiond a Mr Jno. W. Johnson, I am totally unacquainted with the Gentleman, but think seafaring men are the most proper for the service. The situation of the Light house is dreary & disagreeable, the Sea & bay on one side & a desart on the other & when the wind blows fresh the sand drifts in such a manner that one is almost blinded by it, no inhabitant within four five miles of the Light house no garden Spot near it & no comforts, but in the fishing seasons, deer are plenty in the desart but hard to get at. Under these circumstances I am of opinion that four hundred Dollars is not too great a compensation for a good man to keep it. Mr Coxe mentiond if the keeper was a man of decernment he might be able to check illicit practices, the situation is such, that a man well acquainted with vessels & their customs, might probably give such information, as woud be highly useful to the Revenue officers & be a means of detecting frauds. I expect this night the Light house will be finished & ready to be lit up, but judge some public information shou’d be given before a permanent light is fixed. I have prepared the minds of the Seamen that is nearly done & that a light might be soon expected in it. I inclose a letter to Mr Coxe wherein I have

given every information that I am acquainted of & have only to observe that Mr McComb merits much in executing the work & running a wall to secure the Light & Dwelling houses, the price of which he leaves to be determind by you, the season was so far advanced that there was no time to be lost in executing it & if it had been left to another year it woud have cost double the sum to have done it. I am respectfully Yr Obt Servt

Thos Newton Jr

Since writing the above Capt. Robt Baron a good man has also proposed himself for a keeper & I have heard that Mr Johson is a serious steady man.


Title: Circular to the Governors of North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, 29 September 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Governors of North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina

Sir,
United States, September 29th 1792.

Inclosed you will find the Copy of a Proclamation, which I have thought proper to issue, in consequence of certain irregular and refractory proceedings which have taken place in particular parts of some of the States, contravening the Laws therein mentioned.
I feel an entire confidence, that the weight and influence of the Executive of North Carolina, will be chearfully exerted, in every proper way, to further the object of this measure, and to promote on every occasion, a due obedience to the constitutional laws of the Union. With respect, I am Sir, Your Excellency’s Obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 29 September 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
War department September 29th 1792

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 24th instant.
I have agreeably to your orders written to General Wayne in strong terms to take immediate measures to obtain a knowledge of the numbers and designs of the hostile Indians. I believe the Wabash is the principal channel through which this can be obtained—There is a person in this town lately from Niagara, from whom I am promised some information—this will be however british reports.
I did not submit to you my statement for the ulterior disposition of the troops, as I conceive that some existing circumstances of the frontiers might render it expedient to wait your return.
The idea of hutting the troops has been suggested to General Wayne.
His last letter, of the 21st instant, mentions nothing material;

he had given orders for an additional quantity of forage—and suggests an additional Officer to each company; the consideration of which will be deferred until your arrival.
Colonel Sproat does not possess the requisite of a liberal education. He was considered a good Inspector of a division under the Baron Steuben. I submit a letter of his for your inspection.
In order to show the improper conduct of Mr Morgan I enclose a copy of a letter of his written on the twentieth instant, to which I have given no answer.
As I am persuaded that he will consider the intimation of his memorial to you, a reason for his not obeying immediately any order I may give him, perhaps it will be best to suspend the ultimate order for him to repair to Pittsburgh until your arrival.
I have the honor to submit a letter from General Pickens and another from Governor Blount since their return—Mr Allison has not arrived.
It seems absolutely necessary that some person should be actually in the Creek Nation in order to prevent by persuasion and bribes the horse stealing and other depredations complained of—A War with the Creeks would generate all sorts of Monsters—It may be an easy matter to light it up but almost impossible to suppress it. I have the honor to be sir with the highest respect Your obedient Servant

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 29 September 1792
From: Newenham, Edward
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
[Ireland] 29 Sepr 1792.

A Ship having announced her Departure in two or three Days, I have sent to Dublin to muster up Some of the Last Papers, as Every hour is pregnant with Important News.
Knowing those Virtuous Principles that adorn your Character, & which Justly render you the First Character of the Age, I venture to give my opinion—I was a Zealous & ostensible Supporter of the Revolution in France as settled in 1789, but that of the 10th of August, appears to me, as the most dreadfull Scene of Murder, Anarchy & Confusion, that Ever occurred in the annals of Ancient or Modern History—our Noble & Virtuous Freind Marquiss de La Fayette, has acted a Noble Part—if possible, he has Added to his Fame; I think, the Prussian & Austrian Generals, had no right to withhold him, as he travelld as a Stranger, & not as Deserter or an Emigrant—The Cheifs of the Reigning Power in France have amassed Vast fortunes, as they have purloind the Revenues—the amount of the Church Plate—the rent of the Absentees, the Profits of the Royal Forests—& the best Part of the forfeitures—My fourth son, whom you will probably be acquainted with, has just arrived here; he was Captain in the National Guards untill the 10th of August; he left Marsailles on the 11th; bought a Coach, & Luckily arrived Safe here, as the Mob were so furious, that it was Expected Every Englishman would be Massacred, for Reports were Spread that the English Fleet were saild to attack Brist—these Kinds of reports are dayly Spread, as serving to Inflame & Keep alive the fury of the Mob & not leave them a moment for Recollections.
I fear this Ship will sail before we get the Papers of the 11th from Paris; we have now 5 Pacquets, to the 16th Instant due, & I think, when they arrive, that we must have some very Important News; If the whole of what is stated (350000) to Compose the ⟨d⟩ifferent Armies of France, is Collected & armed, an Enthusiastic

Spirit may give them a Victory over the Combind Royal Armies, which are not more than 122000 Effective Men—it is thought, that the Russians will soon arrive to join them, & that the Kings of Spain & Sardinia will not any longer preserve a Neutrality.
The Papists here, are Exerting Every Nerve to obtain the Elective Franchise—they are upwards of 3 & ½ to 1, & consequently if they obtain the Elective Franchise, they will return Every County Member, & also the Representatives for all Free Cities & open Boroughs, consequently the Elective Franchise would be useless to the Protestants—they have committed a most Barbarous Murder on a Protestant Farmer for declaring his sentiments; & I fear, that in the Course of next Session of Parliament, the Metropolis will Experience dreadfull Convulsions unless the Protestants take some strong & Decisive Measures to protect themselves—In America they are so few, that they cannot Change your Constitution or Interrupt your Happiness—I assure you, we go to Bed with fears of a Nightly rising, not a Protestant, but what is Doubly Armed—they have so Contrived Matters, that our Popish Servants report Every word that passes at our Table to their Committees.
This moment I recived the Enclosed Paper, & as an Extract of your Letter has been published by Mr Frost the Companion of Mr Paine, I Enclose it in this Letter; the Custom House officers have made a daring Breach of the Constitution, in opening Letters; this affair will undergoe a Very Serious Investigation.
Lady Newenham joins me in most Sincere & Respectfull regards to Mrs Washington & you—I have the Honor, to be, with the greatest respect—Dear Sir your Excellency’s most obt & affte Humble Sert

Edward Newenham

I did not Know of the sailing of this ship (the Cardiff) untill this Morning, or I should have Collected more papers.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Pinckney, 30 September 1792
From: Pinckney, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Charleston [S.C.], September 30th 1792.

I have the honor to enclose you copies of Letters from General Pickens and Colonel Anderson on the subject of Indian Affairs—To me I confess their intelligence is unexpected, for I thought the justice and friendship the United States had treated the Creeks and Cherokees with, had entirely secured their confidence and respect; and that notwithstanding the attempts of the northern and western Indians, the Spaniards, and perhaps the British, the Southern States would have been free from their hostility. To the enclosed Letters I refer you for a full statement

of their situation, and as the opinions of General Pickens and Colonel Anderson on Indian Affairs are much more to be depended upon than any others I must submit to your better judgment the measures necessary to be pursued in this emergency, assuring you that while I continue in office no exertions of mine shall be wanting to carry your directions fully into execution. In answer to that part of Colonel Anderson’s letter which seems to wish my authorizing an expedition immediately into the Indian country, I have said, that having been always determined to make the federal Constitution my guide, and the individual States being very properly restrained from commencing or undertaking a war without the authority of the Union, I should not feel myself by any means justified in sanctioning a measure of that kind, even from its necessity, because however properly it might be done in this case, yet still if a precedent was once established no doubt instances would frequently occur where the Union might be involved in the most serious expenditures of blood and treasure by the unjustifiable or perhaps unprovoked and precipitate measures of interested States or individuals—I informed him I would however immediately submit the intelligence and opinions of General Pickens and himself to you, and I had no doubt but proper measures would be adopted by the general government to support our Citizens and protect their rights—In the interim I have ordered the frontiers of this Country to be put in the best state of defence the situation of the militia will admit, and have sent and mean to send them up such supplies of ammunition as the commanding Officer requires, and have directed Block houses to be built for the protection of the most exposed inhabitants of the frontier—The Regiments of Militia I have ordered to hold themselves in readiness are some of them on, others near, and none of them more than eighty miles distant from the frontier—they consist of about 8000 men altogether, of which I hope a sufficient number may be summoned if they have notice to protect it, as I have desired them to raise a corps of militia horse to each Regiment as soon as possible—I have also requested General Pickens and Colonel Anderson to send me their opinions on the subject and if they concur with me, I shall endeavour to have a deposit of ammunition &c. established in a situation sufficiently near to supply them with ease and at the same time so distant as to be free from surprize—Our upper Counties being covered in some degree by the more distant and

extensive frontier of Georgia and North Carolina I am hopeful the measures I have pursued may be sufficient to protect them until some general system is adopted by the Union with respect to the War which I assure you I am apprehensive will be much more serious than the northern one as the southern States are not numerous, the frontiers extensive and exposed, the scene of action at a great distance from the seat of the federal government and the hostile tribes strong and well supplied with arms and ammunition—Georgia will be the most severe sufferer—for if a general Creek war takes place which from these accounts seems unquestionable, I have very little doubt the greatest part of that Country will soon be overrun by them—I shall write you again in a few days by Mr Barnwell, and remain with the highest respect & attachment—Dear sir, Yours truly

Charles Pinckney


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Donaldson, 1 October 1792
From: Donaldson, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir
Baltimore 1st Octobr 1792

After a labour of thirty years in this Country I am reduced to distress—My first place of residence was Fredericksburg—I removed from thence to York in Pennsylvania and acquired by industry

a fortune—I came to Baltimore and by giving too extensive credit I lost my all, during the War my services in York County were not unprofitable to the cause of Liberty, I exerted myself in sending out men and my House and Purse were ever open to the friends of America.
I am now poor—a Wife and six children look to me for support—I am unable to give it My request to you Sir is to mention my name for any place which is or may become vacant in this Town the profits of which may maintain my family and gratitude will ever exist in the breast of

Joseph Donaldson


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 1 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
Mount Vernon Octobr 1st 1792.

Your letter of the 22d ulto, with it’s enclosures, came duly to hand.
Lest any material disadvantage should result from delay; I have signed the Act which has been drawn by the Commissioner of the Revenue & approved by you, for arranging allowances to the Supervisors &c.—and now forward it; but I would rather, if this is not likely to be the case, have it retained in your hands until my arrival in Philadelphia, as I wish for some explanations, which I have not the means of obtaining from the want of the former Act of the 4th of August; a copy of which I requested might be returned to me, but from a misconception of my meaning, a copy of my letter was sent in lieu thereof. I now request a copy of the Act of the 4th of Augt & of the present one also.
Before any nomination, or appointment of a Keeper of the Lighthouse on Cape Henry takes place, it would be proper to examine the List of Applicants (& I think there are several) who have applied to me for this Office, & is to be found among my papers by Mr Lear. If the person recommended by Colo. Parker is intemperate in drinking, it is immaterial, whether you can recollect his name or not; for, with me, this would be an insuperable

objection, let his pretensions & promises of reformation be what they may. I have been once taken in by the fair promises of Major Call to refrain, & the strong assurances of his friends that he would do it; but will not, knowingly, trust again to the like from any one.
I have, by this Post, directed the Attorney General to attend the Circuit Court in York Town, & see that the Indictments are legally prosecuted & properly supported. I am &ca

G: Washington


Title: Thomas Jefferson’s Conversation with Washington, 1 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To:

Bladensbg [Md.] Oct. 1. [1792]

This morning at Mt Vernon I had the following conversation with the President. he opened it by expressing his regret at the resolution in which I appeared so fixed in the letter I had written him of retiring from public affairs. he said that he should be extremely sorry that I should do it as long as he was in office. and that he could not see where he should find another character to fill my office, that as yet he was quite undecided whether to retire in March or not. his inclinations led him strongly to do it. nobody disliked more the ceremonies of his office, and he had not the least taste or gratification in the execution of it’s function. that he was happy at home alone, and that his presence there was now peculiarly called for by the situation of Majr Washington whom he thought irrecoverable & should he get well he would remove into another part of the country which might better agree with him. that he did not believe his presence necessary:

that there were other characters who would do the business as well or better. still however if his aid was thought necessary to save the cause to which he had devoted his life principally he would make the sacrifice of a longer continuance. that he therefore reserved himself for future decision, as his declaration would be in time if made a month before the day of election. he had desired mister Lear to find out from conversations, without appearing to make the enquiry, whether any other person would be desired by any body. he had informed him he judged from conversations that it was the universal desire he should continue, & the expectation that those who expressed a doubt of his continuance did it in the language of apprehension, and not of desire. but this, says he, is only from the North, it may be very different in the South. I thought this meant as an opening to me to say ⟨w⟩hat was the sentiment in the South from which quarter I came. I told him that as far as I knew there was but one voice there which was for his continuance. that as to myself I had ever preferred the pursuits of private life to those of public, which had nothing in them agreeable to me. I explained to him the circumstances of the war which had first called me into public life, and those following the war which had called me from a retirement on which I had determd. that I had constantly kept my eye on my own home, and could no longer refrain from returning to it, to as to himself his presence was important, that he was the only man in the U.S. who possessed the confidence of the whole, that government was founded in opinion & confidence, and that the longer he remained, the stronger would become the habits of the people in submitting to the government & in thinking it a thing to be maintained. that there was no other person who would be thought any thing more than the head of a party. he then expressed his concern at the difference which he found to subsist between the Sec. of the Treasury & myself, of which he said he had not been aware. he knew indeed that there was a marked difference in our political sentiments, but he had never suspected it had gone so far in producing a personal difference, and he wished he could be the Mediator to put an end to it. that he thought it important to preserve the check of my opinions in the administration in order to keep them in their proper channel & prevent them from going too far. that as to the idea of transforming this government into a monarchy he did not believe

there were ten men in the U.S. whose opinions were worth attention who entertained such a thought[.] I told him there were many more than he imagined. I recalled to his memory a dispute at his own table a little before we left Philadelphia, between Genl Schuyler on one side & Pinkney & myself on the other, wherein the former maintained the position that hereditary descent was as likely to produce good magistrates as election. I told him that tho’ the people were sound, there was a numerous sect who had monarchy in contemplation. that the Secy of the Treasury was one of these. that I had heard him say that this constitution was a shilly shally thing of mere milk & water, which could not last, & was only good as a step to something better. that when we reflected that he had endeavored in the Convention to make an English constitution of it, and when failing in that we saw all his measures tending to bring it to the same thing[.] it was natural for us be jealous: and particular when we saw that these measures had established corruption in the legislature, where there was a squadron devoted to the nod of the treasury, & doing whatever he had dir[e]cted & ready to do what he should direct. that if the equilibrium of the three great bodies Legislature, Executive & Judiciary could be preserved, if the Legislature could be kept independant, I should never fear the result of such a government but that I could not but be uneasy when I saw that the Executive had swallowed up the legislative branch. he said that as to that interested spirit in the legislature, it was what could not be avoided in any government, unless we were to exclude particular descriptions of men, such as the holders of the funds from all office. I told him there was great difference between the little accidental schemes of self interest which would take place in every body of men & influence their votes, and a regular system for forming a corps of interested persons who should be steadily at the orders of the Treasury. he touched on the merits of the funding system, observed that was a difference of opinion about it some thinking it very bad, others very good. that experience was the only criterion of right which he knew & this alone would decide which opinion was right. that for himself he had seen our affairs desperate & our credit lost, and that this was in a sudden & extraordinary degree raised to the highest pitch. I told him all that was ever necessary to establish our credit, was an efficient government & an honest one declaring

it would sacredly pay our debts, laying taxes for this purpose & applying them to it. I avoided going further into the subject. he finished by another exhortation to me not to decide too positively on retirement, & here we were called to breakfast.


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 1 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon. Octr 1st 1792

Expecting this letter will find you in Philadelphia—I wish you wd begin in time to compare all my Speeches in Congress with the subsequent Acts of that body; that I may see what parts of them have passed altogether unnoticed, or which have been only partially noticed; thereby enabling me to judge whether any, and what parts of them should be brought forward again. It is my request also, that you would note everything that may occur to you as fit subjects of information, or for recommendation at the opening of the Session—and such other matters as result from the Laws with wch it is proper to make the Legislature or the Senate acquainted. I want to have all the materials collected for my Communications previous to my arrival, that when the whole are before me I may select & digest into order, such as will be proper for my Speech.

It is my present intention to commence my journey to Philadelphia on this day week; & to spend that, and part of the following day in George Town; but whether I shall be able to do it is not absolutely certain, as yet. William and Richard have both been confined to their rooms, and mostly to their beds for ten or twelve days with intermittant fevers; which, never before yesterday, was moderate enough to admit the Bark which makes it doubtful at this moment whether they will be in condition to undertake the journey if they keep well, & a return of the fever I am sure will prevent it. As to poor George I shall say nothing—His fate is unquestionably fixed, and Fanny’s, from prest appearances, is very unpromisg probably terminating in the same disorder. These occurrances throws my private Affairs into considerable embarrassment; But as they, especially the Major, is not likely to get better, and if they do will spend the winter at her fathers, I must leave them in it, as there is no remedy at present.
The light house on Cape Henry, in this State, will soon want a Keeper, & if my memory serves me many have offered. Pray examine the characters and have them ready to be decided on by the time I arrive.
Mrs Washington went up this Morning to bid Mrs Stuart (who has lately added a Son to the family) farewell—My best wishes attend Mrs Lear yourself and the Child and I am—Dear Sir Your sincere friend and Affecte Servant

Go: Washingt⟨on⟩


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 1 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

Sir,
Mount Vernn Octr 1st 1792.

It is highly important that the proceedings in the Indictments of those who have opposed themselves, unwarrantably, to the Laws laying a duty on distilled spirits, should be placed on legal ground & prosecuted properly; it is my desire therefore that you will attend the Circuit Court at York Town, to be holden the  of this Month and see that, that business is conducted in a manner to which no exception can with propriety be taken: and for the further purpose also of giving to this measure of Government a more solemn & serious countenance aspect. I am &ca

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from John Lewis, 3 October 1792
From: Lewis, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
3 Octr 1792

Inclosd I send you a Coppy of Mr Cowpers Accot according to the payments that were to have been made He has never paid (without it has been within a very few weeks past) more than between three & four hundred pounds. His bonds I have parted with except the one I send you wch was in part of the last payment.

I had every reason to believe I shoud have been able by Howell to have sent you the full amount of the money due you (wth Cowpers Bond) But have been disappointed particularly in a Sum promissd me by Coll Fontain. yet have every reason to believe I shall get it shortly. On Saturday next I shall Certainly recd £50. I expected to have sent that sum more than I send you. Your or Maj: Washingtons order for that sum shall be paid on demand [.] It shall be but a few weeks sir you shall recd the full amount of the debt. Howell Brings you £212:6:5½ I shoud esteme it a favor you’d inform Majr Washington I did not know (till Howel Informed me) he had not recd the bond of £50 promissd by Doctr French. If is not paid in Ten days I can furnish him one of £57. which I hope will answer his purpose. I am Dr Sir Your most Obdt Hum: Servt

John Lewis


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 4 October 1792
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Near Baltimore 4th Octbr 1792.

I do myself the honor to inclose you Mr Tilghmans determination which I received only to-day. I had informed him that you had intimated to me a desire to appoint him to the vacant office of District Attorney if it could be ascertained that he would remove to Baltimore which the nature of the business made necessary. After visiting this Town to examine and investigate prospects in the way of his profession he told me he was satisfied that it would be to his interest to remove; but requested to have an opportunity to consult with his father whom he did not wish to disoblige. I said any delay would be embarrassing to me as the information you had required had been procrastinated already too long; however as my indisposition had chiefly occasioned it, the time he asked for might be placed to that account. I inclose you also Mr Hammonds answer. In every point of view either of these gentlemen would have been an acquisition to Baltimore. The law characters here who may still be unfriendly to the constitution are not sufficiently balanced by those we have of a different description. Hollingsworth belongs yet neither to one nor other or rather to both as the case may be.
I shall send Mr Smith his commission to-morrow. His brother the Col. and Mr Charles Ridgley are competitors for Congress. I hear Colonel Smith will succeed by a considerable majority, but that both Town and County seem to shew by their tardiness to vote no very strong inclination for either. One half of the Town, and this is the last day, have not voted and not one fourth of the County. Mercers election on tuesday night was not in a very favorable train.
I have been only once in Town since my getting better. I am still very weak. With sincere prayers for your health so essential to us all I am Dr Sir most affectionately and truely Your Obt servt

James McHenry.

Gen. Williams has been very ill at Hagers Town, but is better.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 5 October 1792
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Philadelphia, 5th Octr 1792.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s letter, inclosing a copy of a Proclamation, that you have issued, in consequence of certain irregular and refractory proceedings, which have taken place, in particular parts of some of the States, contravening the laws for raising a revenue upon Spirits, distilled within The United States: And it affords me the sincerest satisfaction to find, that you repose a just confidence in the exertions of the Executive of Pennsylvania, to further, in every proper way, the particular object of the measure, which you have, at this time, adopted, as well as, on every other occasion, to promote a due obedience to the constitutional laws of The Union.
Previously to the publishing of your Proclamation, certain Rioters, of the county of Chester, who, in opposing the collection of the revenue upon Spirits, had committed an assault and battery on the officer, were indicted, convicted, and fined; and, I am informed, that the regular process had, likewise, issued against the perpetrators of a similar offence, in the county of Allegheny. Every other necessary step, which the law permits to be taken, I will cheerfully pursue, in order to prevent, or punish, the repetition of delinquencies, so hostile to the peace and happiness

of the Community; for, independent of an earnest desire to contribute to the tranquility and honour of your administration, I am sensible, that the prosperity of every individual State, depends upon the prosperity of The Union; which can only be effected by a strict and faithful attention to our Federal obligations.
Under these impressions, I have thought it proper to address a letter (a copy of which I take the liberty to inclose) to the Judges of the Supreme Court, and the Presidents of the courts of Common Pleas, requesting that they will inculcate the indispensable duty of obedience to the laws of The Union; and, particularly, as far as their jurisdiction extends, that they will charge the Grand Inquest convened in the several counties, to enquire into, and present, offences of the nature, to which your Proclamation refers. I have the Honour to be, Sir, With perfect respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble Servt

Thomas Mifflin


Title: To George Washington from the Citizens of Vincennes, 5 October 1792
From: Citizens of Vincennes
To: Washington, George

Au Poste Vinçenne le 5 8bre 1792.

A Son Excellençe George Washinton Ecuier premier President des Etats unis de l’Amerique du nord. &c. suplie humblement.
Les habitants de ce district qui ont l’honneur de vous Exposer que vu les mauva⟨ises⟩ Guerres qu’ils onts Eües a soutenir pendant plusieurs Années avec les Nations Indiennes de Ces Contrées, ce qui a Causée la perte generale de touts les Citoïens jusqu’a leurs tués femmes Enfants et Animaux domestiques et les reduire dans la derniere Indigençe.
actuellement que le traité de paix a Eté fait avec ces mêmes nations l’on veut nous Imposer des droits sur toutes les marchandises Ce qui nous les fait païer un prix Exorbitant et nous Empêche de pouvoir Entretenir nos familles; nous ne pretendons pas Cependant oppriner les Loix; mais l’Indigençe actuelle ou nous sommes nous obligent Connoissant votre Bonté d’y avoir Recours et nous vous supplions de rechef de Jetter un Regard favorable sur de pauvres Infortunés Citoïens qui ne desirent que le bien de l’etat et qui ne Cêsseront de prier dieu pour la Conservation & vos grandeurs.
Malgré notre pauvreté ont ne veut pas nous permettre de faire aucunes ventes ni traite qu’en païant des sommes Immenses et Il nous Est Impossible de pouvoir y Resister mais S’il nous Etoit possible d’avoir un Commerçe libre pendant quelques Année⟨s⟩ que les Etrangers ou autres purent nous apporter nos besoins nous pourions par la suite revenir a notre premier Etat et soutenir l’Endroit dans la paix et l’union Comme nous avons fait Ci devant, C’est ce que nous Attendons de vos Bontés ainsi que de Croire que nous sommes et seronts toujours vos tres humbles et obeissants serviteurs et Zelés Citoïens

P[ierre] Billet


Title: To George Washington from the Citizens of Vincennes, 6 October 1792
From: Citizens of Vincennes
To: Washington, George

[Vincennes, 6 October 1792]

To George Washington. President of The United States of America.
The Supplication of Laurence Bazadone, John Darguilleur, John Toulon, and Peter Troussereau; residing at Postvincents in the County of Knox. Most Humbly Sheweth.
That your Suppliants being reduced to the most Indigent circumstances, by the greatest stretch of usurped Power, conceive their only remedy to depend on your Patronage.
Their Case being unparalleled, they beg your attention to the following recital, in which they will state Facts.
Your Suppliants all born subjects to France, came from New-orleans with divers Merchandise in 1783. to this place, where the Ancient Inhabitants received them with their usual Humanity. And where they had every reason to be satisfied with their reception and prospects. In October 1786. a Body of armed men under

the command of General George Clarke from Kentuck penetrated into this country in search of Indians, who having come to a conference eluded the Fury of those ravagers. Under pretence of preventing the Incursions of the natives to the settlements on the south side of the Ohio, General Clarke embodied a number of his followers, and stationed them at this place under the command of a John Holder; and compelling the Inhabitants to supply them with Provisions and Fuel; assuring them that the levy was made by the Authority of the Executive of the State of Virginia, and that their disbursements would be paid. But they did not stop here. Your Suppliants were arrested, and imprisoned on the 17th of October and their Effects seized by the said General George Clarke, John Holder and other officers, who at a Court-martial tried and condemned your Suppliants; forfeited their Effects to the United States and appropriated the whole as they thought most proper. This they termed the right of retaliation on the subjects of Spain for real or supposed instances of the same nature, committed on one of the Citizens of the United States on the Mississippi. It would be too much to trouble you with an enumeration of all the Indignities with which those Tyrants treated your Suppliants. The loss of all their Property rated at the current prices amounts to near Seventy Thousand Livres money of France; and has reduced your Suppliants to the greatest Misery. Sensible of the rights of every citizen your Suppliants have been encouraged to borrow Money to support an Action in the District of Kentuck, against the said Offenders who have hitherto rendered abortive the efforts of your Suppliants in the Courts of Justice. And having no further support nor the means of obtaining that Justice which we expect is due to the unfortunate, tho’ indigent sufferer; Your Suppliants have taken the resolution to address themselves to you, to pray you would consider their Case, become their Patron and obtain for them from the United States such Relief as they in their Wisdom may find equitable.
Your Suppliants rely entirely on your Patronage and Bounty; and they expect the happy period of their Misfortunes will be the consequence of your Intercession to the United States in their behalf.
The extreme Poverty to which their misfortune has reduced your Suppliants compels them to the necessity of applying to the

Chief of the Kaskaskias Indian Tribe to present you this their Supplication. In hopes of your approveing of their resolution, and of your obtaining from the United States the relief they stand so much in want of, they beg leave to subscribe their names, and marks in presence of Witness’s. at Postvincents the 6th day of October 1792.

            Paul Gamelin
            Laurence X Bazadone

            Pierre Gamelin
            Jhon Darguilleur

            John X Toulon

            Peter X Troussereau


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 7 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

  Mount Vernon, 7 Oct. 1792. Forwards to Philadelphia Jefferson’s papers that were “found in the Road” by one of GW’s neighbors, except for a letter to Daniel Carroll of Rock Creek, Md., which has been sent to the Alexandria post office.


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 7 October 1792
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia October 7th 1792

I arrived in this place this morning when I was honored with your kind letters of the 21st of September and 1st of October, which were put into my hands by Mr Fraunces. I was detained in Portsmouth ten days longer than I expected to have been when I had the hononor of writing to you last from that place, in order to settle some affairs for my mother which I happily accomplished in a satisfactory manner. Our journey to this city has been very favorable both as to weather and other circumstances, Mrs Lear, our little son and myself have returned in perfect health—we met with no accident, not even the breaking of a strap, from the time of our departure ‘till our return to Philadelphia.
I am happy to inform you that I found a person who is recommended by General Lincoln & several other respectable Characte[r]s as being completely qualified in every respect to take charge of and superintend the education of a small number of boys, and who is ready to come on here & engage in that business as soon as he shall be informed that his services are desired. I wrote to Colo. Hamilton on the subject before I left New England desiring him to inform me of the number of boys that might be calculated upon to form a School and the sum that an instructor might expect annually for his services—his answer (which I received in Boston) mentioned the number of twelve boys, and that six hundred dollars per Annum would be given in full for all services &c. &c.—This was communicated to the

Gentleman who had been recommended to fill the place and was accepted by him; and he now holds himself in readiness to come on here as soon as he is desired, which will be by the next post.
I shall be particularly attentive to your directions respecting the speeches &c. and trust those matters which you desire will be in readiness by your arrival here.
I was very glad to be informed by Mr Page that he had sent his Coach off on the 3d instant so that it will in all probability be in season at Mount Vernon; and I sincerely hope that you will not be prevented from commencing your journey at the time you propose by the cause which you apprehend may delay you.
I am truly greived by the account which you give of the poor Major’s situation, and the unfavorable appearances which you mention in his amiable partner render the account still more distressing. On these occasions I feel with poignancy but I cannot express my feelings. I am sorry to hear of the general unhealthiness of the season in your quarter, and am glad that the same cause of complaint does not exist here nor in that part of the Country from whence I have lately come. The small pox had rendered Boston an hospital at the time of our passing through it; but the disorder was not uncommonly malignant—near nine thousand persons had been inoculated in that town, and not more than seventy had died with the small pox including those who had taken it the natural way.
I found every thing in good order at the house and was informed, much to my satisfaction, that peace & good order had prevailed in it since my departure. I shall this week take measures for securing our wood, hay & Oats for the winter.
I have been just informed that a Ship has now arrived in the River in 35 days from Ostend which brings most disasterous accounts of the French affair such as that the Marquis de la Fayette was taken by some Pesants, with eight other officers all in disguise, or rather without their Uniforms, supposed to be on their way to Ostend to embark for London, and were carried prisoners to Antwarp where they were delivered to the Austrians—that Count Dillon with 30 other Officers had deserted to the Enemy, and that the army lately commanded by the Marquis was in so mutinous & distracted a state that they must either fall a sacrifice to the combined Armies or do irreparable mischiefs to their own Country. The Ship which brings this account is called

the Patsy Rutledge and belongs to Mr Ross of this City who was out of town when she arrived and the letters which she brought were sent out to him so that no further particulars could be yet collected.
Mrs Lear unites with me in grateful & affectionate respects for Mrs Washington and yourself—in love and sincere regards for the Children and the family with earnest prayers that it may please God to restore the health of my good fri[e]nd the Major and make him a continued blessing to his family and friends. With sentiments of the truest and most respectful attachment, I have the honor to be Sir, Your grateful & Obedt Sert

Tobias Lear.


Title: From George Washington to Betty Washington Lewis, 7 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Betty Washington

My dear Sister,
Mount Vernon Octr 7th 1792.

As Mrs Washington and myself expect to set out to morrow for Philadelpa and the Majr & Fanny the day after if the Vessel which is to carry him to Colo. Bassets arrives in time, I have taken the advantage of the good opportunity afforded by Mr Robt Lewis of sending Harriot to Fredericksburg. It is done at this time (notwithstanding your proposed visit to Albemarle) 1st because it would be improper to leave her here after we are all gone; 2d because there would be no person to accompany her down afterwards; and 3d because it might be inconvenient for her to travel alone.
She comes—as Mrs Washington informs me—very well provided with every thing proper for a girl in her situation: this much I know, that she costs me enough to place her in it. I do not, however, want you (or any one else) to do more by her than merely to admit her into your family whilst this House is uninhabited by a female white Woman, and thereby rendered an unfit place for her to remain at—I shall continue to do for her what I have already done for Seven years past & that is to furnish her with such reasonable & proper necessaries as she may stand in need of, notwithstanding I have had both her brothers upon my hands and been obliged to pay several hundred pounds out of my own Pocket for the board, Schooling & Cloathing &ca of them for more than the period above mentioned; their fathers Estate being unable to discharge the Executions as fast as they issued against it.
Harriot has sense enough, but no disposition to industry nor to be careful of her Cloaths. Your example and admonition may,

with proper restraints, overcome the two last—and to that end I wish you would examine her Cloaths and direct her in the use and application of them—for without this they will be (I am told) dabbed about in every hole & corner—& her best things always in use. Fanny was too easy, too much of her own indolent turn, and had too little authority to cause, either by precept or example, any change in this for the better & Mrs Washington[’s] absence has been injurious to her in many respects—but she is young and with good advice, may yet make a fine woman.
If, notwithstanding the supposition that she is well provided with every thing (except a Cloak which was not to be had in Alexandria and may be got at Fredericksburg) a deficiency is found, & you will supply it, there need be no occasion for your laying in advance more than ten days, as I could at any time remit a bank note (in a letter) to you in four days after I was made acquainted with the amount. I do not mean by this to launch into expensiveness—She has no pretensions to it, nor would the state of my finances enable me to endulge her in them if she had.
Mrs Washington joins me in best wishes for the perfect restoration of your health & every other blessing and I am, &ca

Go: W——n


Title: Broadside: Sale of Lots in the Federal City, 8 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To:

[8 October 1792]

TERMS AND CONDITIONS declared by the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES, this seventeenth day of October, seventeen hundred and ninety-one, for regulating the Materials and Manner of the Buildings and Improvements on the LOTS in the CITY of WASHINGTON.
1st. THAT the outer and party-walls of all houses within the said City shall be built of brick or stone.

2nd. That all buildings on the streets shall be parallel thereto, and may be advanced to the line ⟨of th⟩e street, or withdrawn therefrom, at the plea⟨sure⟩ of the improver: But where any such build⟨ing is⟩ about to be erected, neither the foundation or party-wall shall be begun without first applying to the person or persons appointed by the Commissioners to superintend the buildings within the city, who will ascertain the lines of the walls to correspond with these regulations.
3d. The wall of no house to be higher than forty feet to the roof in any part of the city; nor shall any be lower than thirty-five feet on any of the avenues.
4th. That the Person or persons appointed by the Commissioners to superintend the buildings may enter on the land of any person to set out the foundation and regulate the walls to be built between party and party, as to the breadth and thickness thereof. Which foundation shall be laid equally upon the lands of the persons between whom such party-walls are to be built, and shall be of the breadth and thickness determined by such person proper; and the first builder shall be reimbursed one moiety of the charge of such party-wall, or so much thereof as the next builder shall have occasion to make use of, before such next builder shall any ways use or break into the wall—The charge or value thereof to be set by the person or persons so appointed by the Commissioners.
5th. As temporary conveniencies will be proper for lodging workmen and securing materials for building, it is to be understood that such may be erected with the approbation of the Commissioners: But they may be removed or discontinued by the special order of the Commissioners.
6th. The way into the squares being designed in a special manner for the common use and convenience of the occupiers of the respective squares—The property in the same is reserved to the public, so that there may be an immediate interference on any abuse of the use thereof by any individual, to the nuisance or obstruction of others. The proprietors of the Lots adjoining the entrance into the squares, on arching over the entrance, and fixing gates in the manner the Commissioners shall approve, shall be intitled to divide the space over the arching and build it up with the range of that line in the square.
7th. No vaults shall be permitted under the streets, nor any encroachments on the foot-way above the steps, stoops, porches,

cellar doors, windows, ditches or leaning walls; nor shall there be any projection over the street, other than the eves of the house, without the consent of the Commissioners.
8th. These regulations are the terms and conditions under and upon which conveyances are to be made, according to the deeds in trust of the lands within the city.

George Washington.

TERMS of SALE of LOTS in the CITY of WASHINGTON, the Eighth Day of October, 1792.
ALL Lands purchased at this Sale, are to be subject to the Terms and Conditions declared by the President, pursuant to the Deeds in Trust.
The purchaser is immediately to pay one fourth part of the purchase money; the residue is to be paid in three equal annual payments, with yearly interest of six per cent. on the whole principal unpaid: If any payment is not made at the day, the payments-made are to be forfeited, or the whole principal and interest unpaid may be recovered on one suit and execution, in the option of the Commissioners.
The purchaser is to be entitled to a conveyance, on the whole purchase money and interest being paid, and not before. No bid under Three dollars to be received.


Title: To George Washington from the Merchants of Charleston, South Carolina, 8 October 1792
From: Merchants of Charleston, South Carolina
To: Washington, George

Charleston So. Carolina 8th October 1792.

To The Honorable President & Members of the Senate of the united States in congress assemble’d
The Petition of the Subscribers, Merchants residing in Charleston, in the State of South Carolina, humbly sheweth,
That by an act pass’d at the third Session of Congress, to regulate processes, in the Courts of the United States, “It is enacted that the same mode of proceedings shall be had, & the same fees exacted in each State respectively as are now us’d, or allow’d in the supreme courts of the same[”]; whereby your petitioners are subjected to the same enormous fees & obnoxious mode of proceedings in the court of Admiralty of the United States, in this State, as were practis’d & receiv’d in a Court of similar jurisdiction before the revolution; The Legislature of this State having never made any regulations or alterations therein; Your petitioners have annex’d hereto, a bill of costs in the said court as tax’d by the Judge, a reference to which by your honorable house, they presume, will render it unnecessary for them to use any arguments to induce a reduction of such excessive costs.
Your petitioners feel themselves bound to make honorable mention of the most numerous & respectable practitioners at the bar, in this city, who have invariably, when in their power, refus’d to practice in a court, become obnoxious to all reasonable men, by the great & enormous costs to which Litigants there are made liable.
Your petitioners beg leave further to shew, that by an act pass’d

at the Second Session of Congress, to regulate Seamen in the Merchants service, Ships or Vessells & their appurtenences are made Liable to actions of trivial amount, whereby it often happens that your petitioners are compell’d to submit to the most unreasonable demands as a Lesser injury, rather than suffer the detention of their Vessells; an evil which your petitioners apprehend may be remov’d without injury or Loss to any one, by giving power to the Judge of the Court, to accept of other sufficient security where the sum in action does not exceed One hundred & Fifty dollars.
Your petitioners therefore pray that your honorable house, will be pleas’d to pass a Law, restraining the proceedings & reducing the fees in the Court of Admiralty of the United States in this State, & admitting of other security being taken to the satisfaction of the Judge of the Court, in small & trivial causes brought by seamen or others against Vessells in the Merchants service, & Your petitioners, as in duty bound will ever pray.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 October 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
War-department, 9th October 1792

I have the mortification to submit you, the copy of a Letter this day received by express from Governor Blount—The enclosures he mentions are too lengthy to be copied this day, but are such as to leave no doubt of the authenticity of the information.
I have consulted with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury on this disagreeable affair. Our unanimous opinion is, That as Governor Blount has been furnished heretofore with the most ample powers, to draw for the Militia of his government for its defensive protection—that all measures of an offensive nature be restrained until the meeting of Congress, to whom belong the powers of war.
It is to be exceedingly apprehended, that this unfortunate event may light up a pretty general Indian war to the southward. Under this impression, it will be of the highest importance that it should, if constrained by sad necessity, be a constitutional and legislative act.
I have the honor to transmit you the copies of the Letters I have written to Governors Blount & Lee on this occasion—With the highest respect I have the honor to be sir, Your most Obed. servt

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to Leven Powell, 10–11 October 1792 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Powell, Leven

Letter not found: to Leven Powell, c.10–11 Oct. 1792. GW wrote Robert Townsend Hooe on 29 May 1793 from Philadelphia that “on my way to this City last October I wrote a letter to Colo. Powell,” and Powell wrote GW on 15 June 1793: “On my return home from the [Virginia] Assembly

about the first of December last, I found your favor from Baltimore.” While traveling from Mount Vernon to Philadelphia in October 1792, GW spent the night of 10 Oct. at Daniel Grant’s Fountain Inn in Baltimore (see James McHenry to GW, 25 Sept. 1792, n.3).


Title: To George Washington from Isaac Huger, 12 October 1792
From: Huger, Isaac
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Charleston S. Carolina Octr 12th 1792.

From the confidential hints given to me of the many essential services rendered by Mr John Clark (formerly of Pennsylvania) to the late Colo. John Laurens, who commanded the Light Troops in the late American Southern Army, some months before the British evacuated this City, who’s services were afterwards explained to me by the Late Genl Greene, induces me from Justice and Gratitude to recommend the said Mr John Clark to your Excellency’s particular notice. I had the Satisfaction of knowing him several years in this City; during which he has been employed in public Offices of the highest importance to this State; and for three years past he has had the principal management of the Late Shff’s Office for Charlestown Distt; and has always in these employments conducted himself with Strict probity—these Services will, I presume incline your Excellency to view him favorably—And pardon the Liberty I have taken to Address you on the Occasion. I am Sir, with respect yr obdt and very hble sert

Isc Huger.


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 13 October 1792
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

Sir,
George-town 13th October—1792

Inclosed we send you a list of our Sales, which were closed yesterday. Tho’ the average price is not entirely equal to that of the first sales, yet, when it is considered, that the Company assembled, was by no means such, as might have been expected, from the unlucky intervention of several circumstances; and allso, that it was the Public opinion, that the first sales were too high; and that they would be considerably less this year, we think we have much reason to be satisfyed—It was evident, that many who had the strongest reliance on this opinion, were much surprised, if not disappointed; as they did not make a bid, tho’ it was known they had come with intentions of purchasing—We observe with pleasure now, a contrary opinion gaining ground fast, that they will not sell so cheap hereafter. Several of our Mechanics were among the purchasors; who will probably be among the first improvers—You will observe, that in two instances, we set up a square for sale—It was contrary to our opinion, to sell by the square, in the vicinity of such situations as either the Capitol, or President’s house—To gratify some, who declared a strong wish to buy by the square, near the Capitol, and to gratify the Proprietors allso at that quarter, we accordingly set up one—It was not our intention to have gone further in this mode; but Mr Davidson talked directly of our partiality to the other end of the City, and insisted on a square near the President’s house being allso set up; which to remove all foundation for such charges was done the next day—The result, will we hope teach them to confide a little more in the judgement of the Commissioners in future—From the deep stake which Mr Blodget has in the city, we have thought it our duty to communicate freely with him. We accordingly instructed him not to let the squares go at an under value—In consequence of this, the square near the Capitol tho’

bought by him, still rests with us—But as it will not be proper, that this circumstance should be known, or even suspected (tho’ generally practiced at all sales) we shall make some arrangements with Mr Blodget for disposing of them on his own. From their very advantageous situation, he gives us much room to think, they will command, (as they certainly ought) a much superior price.
He has some propositions to make to us, respecting the employment of an agent, to pass through the different States for the purpose of disposing of lotts in the course of next summer; which we have desired him to communicate to you when matured—Not only from the conversation we have had with him on this subject, but from similar ideas having been frequently suggested to us by gentlemen, who have come from a distance, we are induced at present, to concieve a very favourable opinion of such a plan. A Mr Ford from Philadelphia, who purchased pretty freely last year, made us an offer of 35£ a lot for 500 lots—But, as it was done without any specification of the lots he would fix on, we came to nothing conclusive—He was informed generally, that it was much below what had ever been contemplated for lots in any eligible situation—As it is probable, he may have been employed by some moneyed people from Philadelphia, who did not chuse themselves to appear in such a speculation, we hope our conversation with him, will lead to a more just opinion of the value of the lots—It was strongly wished by several strangers, who did not however purchase, that there might be a sale in the Spring or early in the Summer—As we are entirely of the same opinion, we have given them every reason to believe there will be one—We are Sir, with the greatest respect, Your most Obt Servts

Dd Stuart.
Danl Carroll

P:S: Our great hurry would not permit us to have a copy taken of this.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 14 October 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Oct. 14. 1792.

Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President & incloses him some letters for his perusal. those from G. Morris & mister Short require immediate notice, because there are vessels about to sail by which answers should be sent. the President will see by mister Remsen’s letter the peculiar misfortune of the dispatches to Carmichael & Short, of which, from their particular delicacy, it was thought best not to risk duplicates, because being put on board a vessel bound directly to Amsterdam, they seemed to run no other danger than of the sea. but it so turns out as to bring on them what is tantamount to a loss by the sea, and the possibility of their getting into other hands. this loss was not ascertained till yesterday. the clerks are now all employed in copying the dispatches over again to go by a vessel which sails for Amsterdam on Wednesday.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 October 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 14 October 1792

I have the honor with great diffidence to submit hints of points in the War department which appear necessary to be mentioned to the Legislature at their approaching session.
Arsenals are exceedingly wanted in the middle and southern states for the well ordering of the military stores—But as this is a ticklish subject it is omitted for the present.
I have also the honor to submit a letter from Governor Lee of the 4th instant, with the draft of an answer thereto, which if it should receive your approbation may be transmitted by tomorrows post.
I propose to set out early tomorrow Morning for the Eastward. I hope from circumstances to meet my family and return by Sunday

or monday of the next week. I have the honor sir to be with perfect Respect Your Obedient Servant

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Charles Pinckney, 14 October 1792
From: Pinckney, Charles
To: Washington, George

(Private)
Dear Sir.Charleston [S.C.] October 14: 1792
I have the honour to inclose you copies of my dispatches by Captain Burroughs lest any accident should have happened to him—not having recieved any Express since the first, I am not able to add to my former communications on that subject.
As the four years for which I have been appointed to the office I hold will expire in December, and as by our Constitution I am ineligible and disqualified from serving for four years to come I embrace this opportunity of returning you my thanks for the polite attention I have recieved from you in my official situation and to assure you I shall ever retain a grateful sense of them. at the same time permit me to add that as my Education and pursuits have been entirely adapted to a public life, that whenever you may think proper to honour me with any appointment under the federal Government which I can with propriety accept considering the different situations I Have been in I shall with pleasure

accept it—Emoluments of Office are not, nor have ever been my aim, but I confess it always gives me pleasure to serve the Public—when I can do it with honour and with respect to the Appointments I have already held. If the entire confidence and approbation of my public conduct of the state I live in, may be a recommendation I think I may venture to say and I believe you know I fully possess it—I have said this much to you, because I am told you expect on occasions of this kind to be previously informed of the wishes of those whose situations or inclinations may lead or entitle them to look up to public appointments—but whether any proper Opportunity may offer or you should be disposed or not to gratify my wishes I hope your friendship will induce you to consider this communication as entirely confidential—I should not have made it, but I have been told that although my friend Colonel Laurens has mentioned me to you, & I believe some others have likewise done so, yet upon these occasions it is considered as more respectful that the parties themselves should signify their inclinations. I am with Respect & Attachment Yours truly

Charles Pinckney


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 14 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Whitting, Anthony

Mr Whiting,
[Philadelphia] Oct. 14th 1792.

I arrived in this City yesterday afternoon, without encountering any accident except what you are acquainted with by the return of the Mare from George Town; and the indisposition of

Richard; who, with difficulty, was able to travel from Baltimore to this place, on acct of the fever wch returnd on him.
Recollecting that it was my desire that you should send the Reports to the Post Office every Wednesday afternoon, & receive at the sametime my communications from thence; I shall now, to avoid the delay of a week, mention such things as have occurred to me since I left home, and were not communicated to you; or, if mentioned at all, were but slightly touched upon; from the hurried situation into which I had been thrown.
Having left the disposition of the Mansion House people to you, I wish to know how they are arranged; and think the sooner they are distributed to their permanent abodes the better. Those which I alloted to the Gardener, are neither to be idle themselves, nor to support him in idleness; but are to enable him to carry certain plans of mine into effect with more promptness; and in a better manner (under his immediate superintendance) than it otherwise could be, without withdrawing your attention more than it ought to be from matters of greater magnitude. The things which I want him to do with these people (aided by the Mansn Ho. Cart) are to complete the upper garden Walk, with gravel, taken from the nearest Pit wch is hid from view; & this I think may be found in a gully in the Clover lot, in front of the M: House. The gravel to pass through a wooden sieve, to take out Stones of too large a size. To gravel the Walks in the Pine labyrinths, on both sides of the Lawn West of the House. To plant fresh clumps as soon as the trees can be removed; in the Buck Wheat Lot; the two clover lots; &ca; & of the best, & most ornamental trees—quick in their growth. These clumps are not to be placed with regularity as they respect one another—nor the trees in each, individually. Nor are the clumps to cover (individually) half the ground those did which were planted out last fall, Winter, & Spring. In a word, the trees are to be so close together in each Clump as for the tops, in a little while, to appear as if they proceeded from one trunk. they can always be thinned if found too thick. Those clumps wch are already planted (if alive) may be thickened in the manner I have described, and with the same kind of trees; provided they do not stand in too formal a point of view, one to the other. The ever-greens must be removed when they can be taken up with a compact & solid body of frozen earth to the Roots, otherwise the labour will be lost, and another year

will pass away without accomplishing my design; as abundant experience has incontestibly proved. The flowering ever-green Ivy, I want them to plant thick around the Ice house upper side—not of the tallest kind, but of an even height: this should be taken up as above; & to insure its thriving, as well as barely living, there ought, I conceive, to be a bed of its natural soil prepared two or three feet deep, & as wide as the transplantation (six or eight feet at least) is intended. The like at the No. East of the same lawn, by the other Wall. and if beyond that Hah! Hah!—between it and the Path leading from the Barn to the wild Cherry tree in the Hollow, was pretty thickly strewed with them (of the lower sort) & intermixed freely with the bush honey suckle of the Woods, it would, in my opinion, have a pleasing effect. Besides these things, & keeping the Gardens (my small, as well as the others)—lawns—Shrubberies, and Ovals clean & free from Weeds and grass, I would have what is called the Vineyard Inclosure cleansed of all the trash that is in it, and got in perfect order for fruit trees—Kitchen vegitables of various kinds—experimental grasses—& for other purposes. Perhaps after the trash & grubs are taken out, a good plowing with a strong team where there is nothing growing may be an essential preparatory operation for the work that is to follow. The old ditch & bank which splits this inclosure in two is to be levelled, & the trees, except here & there one, taken away; in these I do not comprehend fruit trees; After these things are accomplished—or in weather when they cannot be employed usefully in either of the works before enumerated, these (Negro) hands may be employed in cutting wood, or in other work with the Mansion House Gang.
I would have the Gardener also, with these people, if the Autumn is a proper Season for it, if not, without fail in the Spring, plant cuttings of the Weeping Willow, yellow willow, or Lombardy Poplar prefering the first & last mentioned, at the distance of a foot, or 18 Inches apart from the Smiths shop, quite as the Post & Rail fence runs, around both these inclosures; and the Vine yard inclosure; also that lately sown in Lucern from the Stercorary to the river fence: that by entwining them as they grow up I may have a substitute for the fences that are now there. To do this, is of the utmost importance to my interest; as it also is in a more essential degree, to supply by hedges of this, or some

other kind all my other fences; as well the exterior ones as those which seperate the different fields from one another. I have laboured to effect this latter point for years. I have pressed it, & pressed it again—but, strange to tell! the Season has either been suffered to pass away before it is set about; or it has either been set about improperly; or, no care has been taken afterwards to preserve & nourish the young plants so as to fit them for the purpose they were intended. Let me therefore in the strongest terms possible, call your attention to this business, as one, than which nothing is nearer, both to my interest and wishes; first, because it is indispensably necessary to save timber & labour; and secondly, because it is ornamental to the Farm, & reputable to the Farmer. If you want Honey locust seed, or any thing else from hence to enable you to effect these I will send them. About the Mansion House (and indeed in other cross fences; where Hogs cannot come) I think the Weeping Willow & lombardy poplar, which are quick of growth, is to be preferred. Save much of the Cedar Berries, and (after washing, & rubbing off the glutinous coating around the Seed) sow them in every place where you think they can be established to advantage. This might be done even, where you put the cuttings above mentioned (at the Plantations) as a more permanent fence than the other; which may yield, as the Cedars grow up, and are plashed.
Let the hands at the Mansion House Grub well, & perfectly prepare the old clover lot at the Mansion House for whatever you may incline to put into it, preparatory for grass, with which it is to be laid down. When I say grub well, I mean that every thing wch is not to remain as trees should be taken up by the roots; so as that the Plow may meet with no interruption, and the field lye perfectly smooth for the Scythe. Let this, I earnestly request, be received as a general, & positive direction; for I seriously assure you, that I had rather have one Acre cleared in this manner, than four in the common mode; especially in all grounds designed for grass; & for the reasons which I have often mentioned to you. It is a great, & very disagreeable eye-sore to me, as well as a real injury in the loss of labour & the Crop (ultimately) and the destruction of Scythes, to have foul meadows. After this is done by the Mansion House people, let them begin at the Wharf, or rather at what is called hell hole, and Grub as has been cleared
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all the under-growth, trimming the large from that place to the cross fence which runs down from the spring to the River fence, that I may, when the wet spots are made dry, & without plowing or breaking the ground more than a harrow would do, lay it down in grass—And when these two objects are accomplished, if nothing else more desirable should occur, to set them about, they might be employed in grubbing & preparing the ground I once (as you know) contemplated as a Corn field for the Muddy hole people at the Mansion House.
It is my wish that no hogs may be put up for Porke that is not of sufficient size and age. I had rather have a little Porke that is good, than much bad.
I am persuaded your exertion, to get out your Wheat, will be commensurate to the necessity; that gathering of Corn (as soon as it can be with safety) may follow before the frosts may render it pernicious to run Carts over the Wheat, that is amongst it. Delay no time in getting up—threshing out—and measuring your Buck Wheat that I may know what is made. Nor in digging up the Potatoes at Dogue-Run. And I am persuaded you will begin your Autumn plowing as soon as circumstances will permit—remember that the season is now approaching fast when frosts will put a stop to this business.
The second Visto which I mentioned to you is but a secondary object, and yet I am anxious to know over what ground it will pass; but this may be done by a line of stakes in an avenue not more than Six feet wide.
The Sooner the old Quarter is pulled down the better. Davis may then do up the Wall, and he ought, in time, to do the other Jobs I mentioned to you—to wit—the Chimney in the Neck—the Chimney at French’s—& that at Bishops house[.] the Vault (burying place) also wants repair. After these he will, as late as the Weather will permit, proceed in painting; first finishing the Quarter—then the four Garden houses—then the Smoke house & Store—then the old Spinning house, Wash house, & Coach house with red roofs as the others have—After doing this work—or when obliged to quit it he will join the Carpenters. This Nuclus may do immediately; or as soon as all the Cedars, locusts, and other valuable Wood where Sam has been clearing, can be stripped of its limbs & brought to, & secured in, or at the Barn.

As it is proposed that the hands at Muddy hole should obtain their Corn ground at Dogue run, parts of it that now are, or probably will be wet in the Spring, ought without loss of time to be ditched; that they may be thoroughly grubbed this fall, or in the Winter; and the middle meadow there are two places, I conceive, that will want main ditches, besides smaller cross ditches, viz.—the arm of the swamp running up towards the Spring—& the other arm leading to the outer fence. What Ditching may be wanting in the Mill swamp, above the present Corn field therein, I know not; one main ditch, however, will certainly be necessary, & more than probably one or two cross ones. But in this case, as in every other, it is my express desire that no more may be attempted than what can be compleatly, & effectually executed.
As I have already furnished you with a memorandum of the work marked out for the Carpenters, I need not, at this time, add any thing on that head; except a wish that the Well may be compleated agreeably to the model, that I may know whether it will answer or not. And, if it was not mentioned in my last, that the Qr may be taken down.
Endeavor to provide Oyster Shells in the course of this Winter, that, in case I should resolve on it, there may be no let, or delay in building a Barn, or treading floor at Dogue-run to be in readiness for the next Wheaten Crop. I met with a Nephew of mine—Colo. Willm Augustine Washington—at George Town, who promised to engage some persons, if he could, to carry shells to Mount Vernon for me; if this should happen but do not depend upon it you must take what are brought, although you may have entered into other engagements; as it will be on my acct he sends them; they must be paid for on delivery; I do not suppose they will exceed 16/8 or 18/. the hundred bushels, but if they are engaged for me they must be taken if they do exceed this price.
As I can get Iron as cheap, if not cheaper here than it is obtained from Alexandria, send me the sizes of the Bars, plates, &ca which you would have to compose a Tonn, and I will send it from hence before the frost sets in.
Mrs Washington requested the Gardeners Wife—& she readily undertook it—to superintend, under your general direction, the care of the Spinners. This will also lessen the minutiæ of your business, & enable you to attend closer to the great, & important parts of it. Put her in a good & regular mode, & keep her to the

exercise of it. An allowance will be made her for the trouble this business will occasion. Tell the Gardener, it is my desire that he should raise Chesnut trees from the Nuts of those which grow on the front Lawn.
Although it is last mentioned, it is foremost in my thoughts, to desire you will be particularly attentive to my Negros in their sickness; and to order every Overseer positively to be so likewise; for I am sorry to observe that the generality of them, view these poor creatures in scarcely any other light than they do a draught horse or Ox; neglecting them as much when they are unable to work; instead of comforting & nursing them when they lye on a sick bed. I lost more Negros last Winter, than I had done in 12 or 15 years before, put them altogether. If their disorders are not common, and the mode of treating them plain, simple & well understood, send for Doctr Craik in time. In the last stage of the complaint it is unavailing to do it. It is incurring an expence for nothing.
I shall now briefly say, that the trust I have reposed in you is great, & my confidence that you will faithfully discharge it, is commensurate thereto. I am persuaded of your abilities, industry & integrity; cautioning you only, against undertaking more than you can execute well, under almost any circumstances; and against (but this I have no cause to suspect) being absent from your business; as example, be it good or bad, will be followed by all those who look up to you. Keep every one in their places, & to their duty; relaxation from, or neglects in small matters, lead to like attempts in matters of greater magnitude; and are often trials in the under Overseers to see how far they durst go. Have all the Tools collected from the scattered situation in which they are, and all that are not in use, put securely away; the loss, or abuse of Tools, though nothing to the Overseers—when they can ask more and obtain them, is a very heavy expence to those who have them to furnish & are to be at the expence of providing them.
I beseech you to be very attentive to the fires, keeping none in the yard except the one in your own room and another in the Kitchen—the latter to be under the particular care of Frank & his wife. Let the Gates be locked—The gravel may be dropped at the back door of the Garden, as in any event, I believe, it must be wheeled in hand barrows. the same may, possibly be done by

the gravel for the Pine labyrinths—that is, come in on the back side of them. I remain Your friend &ca

Go: Washington

P.S. Let me know when the Major left Mt Vernon, and how he was at the time.


Title: Tobias Lear to Samuel Hodgdon, 16 October 1792
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hodgdon, Samuel

Sir,
[Philadelphia] October 16th 1792

I have had the honor of laying before the President the enclosed extract of a letter which you put into my hands for that purpose, and he has directed me to request that you would let

him know the number & state of the arms & accoutrements which are under your care in this place, that he may be able to form a judgement whether it would be proper to spare the num[b]er wanted out of the public stores.
The President does not wish a formal return, but merely the number & their situation. with much respect & esteem I am Sir, Your most Obedt Servt

Tobias Lear.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 17 October 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Oct. 17. 1792.

In a letter from Monticello I took the liberty of saying that as soon as I should return here, where my letter books were, I would take the liberty of troubling you with the perusal of such parts of my correspondence from France as would shew my genuine sentiments of the new constitution. when I arrived in Philadelphia, the 5th inst. I found that many of my letters had been already put into the papers, by the gentlemen possessed of the originals, as I presume, for not a word of it had ever been communicated to me, and the copies I had retained were under a lock of which I had the key. these publications are genuine, and render it unnecessary to give you any further trouble than to see extracts from two or three other letters which have not been published, and the genuine letter for the payment of the French debt. pardon my adding this to so many troubles as you have. I think it necessary you should know my real opinions that you may know how to make use of me, and it is essential to my tranquillity not to be mis-known to you. I hope it is the last time I shall feel a necessity of asking your attention to a disagreeable subject, being with sincere wishes for your tranquility & happiness, & with perfect respect, Sir your most obedt & most humble servt

Th: Jefferson


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

(Private)
My dear SirPhila. Octobr 18th 1792.
I did not require the evidence of the extracts which you enclosed me, to convince me of your attachment to the Constitution of the United States, or of your disposition to promote the general Welfare of this Country. But I regret—deeply regret—the difference in opinions which have arisen, and divided you and another principal Officer of the Government; and wish, devoutly, there could be an accomodation of them by mutual yieldings.
A Measure of this sort would produce harmony, and consequent good in our public Councils; the contrary will, inevitably, introduce confusion, & serious mischiefs—and for what?—because mankind cannot think alike, but would adopt different

means to attain the same end. For I will frankly, & solemnly declare that, I believe the views of both of you are pure, and well meant; and that experience alone will decide with respect to the salubrity of the measures wch are the subjects of dispute.
Why then, when some of the best Citizens in the United States—Men of discernment—Uniform and tried Patriots, who have no sinister views to promote, but are chaste in their ways of thinking and acting are to be found, some on one side, and some on the other of the questions which have caused these agitations, shd either of you be so tenacious of your opinions as to make no allowances for those of the other?
I could, and indeed was about to add more on this interesting subject; but will forbear, at least for the present; after expressing a wish that the cup wch has been presented, may not be snatched from our lips by a discordance of action when I am persuaded there is no discordance in your views. I have a great—a sincere esteem & regard for you both, and ardently wish that some line could be marked out by which both of you could walk. I am always—Yr Affecte

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Arthur Campbell, 20 October 1792
From: Campbell, Arthur
To: Washington, George

Sire
Washington [County] V[a]. Octo. 20th 1792

An unexpected and important event has taken place, the late agression of the Creek and Cherokee Indians.
Notwithstanding all that has happened, I cannot subscribe to the Plan, of immediately dispossessing them of their Country, and making sale of their lands. This may accord with the views of Georgia Purchasers; and their friends, but promises but little towards restoring peace, and a future good understanding: It would tend to affirm the declarations of Spanish Agents to the Indians.

The better way seems to be, for to religiously adhere to the stipulations of the Treatys of New-York and Holstein: and that the hostile acts of the Indians, be considered as an insurrection, and as much as possible, that the punishment fall on the leaders, and guilty individuals. To effect this, a force will be necessary, to move into the Indian Country, the ensuing Winter or early in the Spring. The Militia may do this service; but their leader ought to be a Man, whom the Indians already venerate that they may more readily submit, after receiving chastisement. This idea naturally leads me to think of General Pickens, as the most proper Man.
To reap the fruits of victory, it will be necessary to establish two or more Posts, on the banks of the Tennesee, below the Cumberland Mounta⟨ins.⟩ The mouth of Duck-river, and near Nicojac seems the most eligible spots, the first to be convenient to keep up an intercourse with the Chickasaws, and the other to awe the lower Cherokees, and upper Creek Towns.
Regular Troops will be necessary to Garrison these Forts.
You will excuse, Sir, my thus offering sentiments when assured, that it proceeds from an ardent desire, to promote the welfare of the United-States. I have the honor to be, with the greatest resp⟨ect,⟩ Sir, Your most Obedient servant

Arthur Campbell


Title: From George Washington to Andrew Ellicott, 20 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Ellicott, Andrew

Sir,
Philadelphia Oct. 20th 1792.

The Honble Mr Cushing one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the U. States has some thought of passing through the Federal City in the Circuit he is about to make. Should this happen, I shall be obliged to you for shewing him such parts of it as he may incline to view. I am Sir Your very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 20 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
[Philadelphia] October 20th 1792.

The letters of Gouvr Morris give a gloomy picture of the Affairs of France. I fear with too much truth.
If the order of Senate, dated the 7th of last May, is compleated, it must be with all Offices except the Judges.
The Post Office (as a branch of Revenue) was annexed to the Treasury in the time of Mr Osgood—and when Colo. Pickering was appointed thereto, he was informed, as I find by my letter to him dated the 29th of August 1791, that he was to consider it in that light.
If from relationship, or usage in similar cases (for I have made no enquiry into the matter, having been closely employed since you mentioned the thing to me, in reading papers from the War Office) the Mint does not appertain to the Department of the Treasury I am more inclined to add it to that of state than to multiply the duties of the other. I am always Yours

Go: Washington

P.S. The letters of Mr Seagrove to Genl Knox are a contin[uatio]n of the evidence of Spanish interference with the Southern Indians.


Title: From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 20 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Gouverneur

(Private)
My dear Sir,Philadelphia Octr 20th 1792.
Although your letter of the 10th of June, which I have received, did not paint the prospects of France in the most pleasing colours; yet the events which have since taken place give a more gloomy aspect to the public Affairs of that Kingdom than your letter gave reason to apprehend.
A thousand circumstances, besides our distance from the Theatre of Action, make it improbable that we should have, in this

Country, a fair statement of facts & causes through the medium of the public prints; and I have received no other accounts than what have come in that channel. But taking up the most favorable of these—gloomy indeed appears the situation of France at this Juncture. But it is hardly probable that even you, who are on the spot, can say with any precision how these things will terminate; much less can we, at this distance, pretend to augur the event. We can only repeat the sincere wish that much happiness may arise to the French Nation & to Mankind in general out of the severe evils which are inseperable from so important a Revolution.
In the present State of things we cannot expect that any Commercial Treaty can now be formed with France; but I have no doubt of your embracing the proper moment of arrangement & of doing whatever may be in your power for the substantial interest of our Country.
The Affairs of the U. States go on well. There are some few Clouds in our political Hemisphere but I trust that the bright sun of our prosperity will disperse them.
The Indians on our Western & Southern frontiers are still troublesome, but such measures are taken as will, I presume, prevent any serious mischiefs from them; I confess, however, that I do not believe these tribes will ever be brought to a quiescent state so long as they may be under an influence which is hostile to the rising greatness of these States.
From the complexion of some of our News-papers Foreigners would be led to believe that inveterate political dissentions existed among us, and that we are on the very verge of disunion; but the fact is otherwise—the great body of the people now feel the advantages of the General Government, and would not, I am persuaded, do any thing that should destroy it; but this kind of representations is an evil wch must be placed in opposition to the infinite benefits resulting from a free Press—and I am sure you need not be told that in this Country a personal difference in political sentiments is often made to take the garb of general dissensions.
From the Department of State you are, I am informed, furnished with such papers & documents, from time to time, as will keep you more particularly informed of the state of our affairs; I

shall therefore add nothing further to this letter than assurances of being always & sincerely Yours

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Edward Newenham, 20 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Newenham, Edward

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia 20th October 1792

Where your Letter of the 21st of december last has been travelling since it left you, I cannot tell; but it did not get to my hands ‘till within a few weeks past, when I likewise received yours of the 15th of July introducing Mr Anderson.
I was sorry to see the gloomy picture which you drew of the affairs of your country in your letter of december; but I hope events have not turned out so badly as you then apprehended. Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind those which are caused by a difference of sentiment in Religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing and ought most to be deprecated. I was in hopes that the enlightened & liberal policy which has marked the present age would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination so far that we should never again see their religious disputes carried to such a pitch as to endanger the peace of Society.
The affairs of this Country still wear a prosperous aspect. our agriculture, commerce & navigation are in a flourishing state. In some parts of the Country the crops of Indian corn (Maiz) have been injured by the drought in summer and early frosts in Autumn. We have, however, a happiness which is scarcely known in

any other Country; for such is the extent of the U.S. and so great a variety of climate and soil do they embrace, that we never need apprehend an universal failure of our crops and a consequent famine.
I have spent part of the summer at Mount Vernon, & have but just returned to the seat of government, where I am so much engaged in attending to business which has accumulated during my absence—and in preparing such business as will be necessary to lay before the Legislature at their meeting early in next month, that I have but little time to attend to any affairs of a private or personal nature; I am therefore persuaded you will to these causes impute the shortness of this letter. Mrs Washington unites with me in respects & best wishes for Lady Newenham & yourself. I am Dear Sir with great esteem Your most Obedt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to William Davies Shipley, 20 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Shipley, William Davies

  Philadelphia, 20 Oct. 1792. Acknowledged receipt of Shipley’s letter of 23 May 1792, “together with the works of your late Right Reverend father, Lord Bishop of St Asaph,” for whose “character & sentiments . . . I entertained the most perfect esteem; and have a sincere respect for his memory, now he is no more.”


Title: From George Washington to John Sinclair, 20 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Sinclair, John

Sir,
Philadelphia Octr 20th 1792

I have received your letter of the 18th of May, enclosing the Pamphlet & papers which you had the goodness to send me.
While I beg your acceptance of my acknowledgments for the polite mark of attention in transmitting these things to me, I flatter

myself you will be assured that I consider the subject therein recommended as highly important to Society, whose best interests I hope will be promoted by a proper investigation of them, and the happiness of mankind advanced thereby.
I have to regret that the duties of my public station do not allow me to pay that attention to Agriculture and the objects attached to it (which have ever been my favourite pursuit) that I could wish; but I will put your queries respecting Sheep into the hands of such Gentlemen as I think most likely to attend to them, and answer them satisfactorily; I must, however, observe that no important information on the subject can be expected from this Country where we have been so little in the habit of attending either to the breed or improvement of our Stock. With great respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Alexandria, Virginia, Inspectors of Tobacco, 21 October 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Alexandria, Virginia, Inspectors of Tobacco

Gentn
Philadelphia Octr 21st 1792.

In 1790 I had 13 Hhds of Tobo Inspected at the Warehouses in Alexandria—and in 1791, 12 more were also Inspected at the same place.
Not meeting a price which I was disposed to take, they remain there still. My Nephew Majr Washington either before, or since your care of those Warehouses was allowed to stow them in a secure place, therein; but as it is now more than a year since this happened, and a good deal of Tobacco may, possibly, have been recd and delivered in that period, they may have been displaced—I have on the presumption of this directed Mr Whiting, my Manager, at such time as you shall please to appoint, to take some hands with him and again collect & well secure them. I do not mean that they should be reinspected at this time; but to be placed only in a state of security. Before delivery, it will be necessary I presume to have the condition of the Tobo examined—or if the Law requires—or if any advantage would result from it, I have no objection to its being done now. I recollect to have been informed that the Tobo was put up dry, and that it was of a good sort & of superior quality; if so it will not have suffered from its age. I am—Gentn Your’s &ca

G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 21 October 1792 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Whitting, Anthony

	Letter not found: to Anthony Whitting, 21 Oct. 1792. Whitting wrote GW on 31 Oct., acknowledging receipt of GW’s letter “with the Bill of Scantling & List of plants from Norfolk.” An ALS of this letter was offered for sale in 1926 in James F. Drake, A Catalogue of Autograph Letters and Manuscripts, number 177, item 357. According to the catalog entry, which provides the date of 21 Oct., this letter “gives explicit directions about how some plants are to be taken care of, some rare ones received from Jamaica, etc.”


Title: To George Washington from the Earl of Buchan, 22 October 1792
From: Buchan, eleventh earl of (David Stuart Erskine; 1742-1829)
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Dryburgh Abbey [Scotland] October 22. 1792.

I had the honour and pleasure of receiving your Excellency’s Letter of the 20th of September having been forwarded to me on the 12th of that month by Mr Rutledge, but I have been so unfortunate as not to have received the letter of the first of May which yr Excellency mentions in your last but still entertain some hope of its coming safely tho so long a time has elapsed. If it were not too much trouble I would wish in case a copy was kept to have a duplicate in case of accident for I shall ever value what shall mark the intercourse of esteem that has taken place between us and shall be proud to preserve it not on account of yr celebrity so much as of your virtues.
You have made an industrious honest man happy in countenancing the Bee the tendency of which is commendable & useful in our Scotland.
Dr Anderson informs me that he is about to do himself the honour of addressing yr Excellency with the Ships and the sequel of yr volumes. He has expressd to me a wish to be chosen a correspondent member of yr Phil. Soc. at Philadelphia, and I think

him worthy of that honour and that he may be useful to the institution by promoting agricultural and mechanical correspondence between the two Nations.
I wish your America to be like a thriving happy Young family and to be little heard of in the great world of Politics and nothing seems so likely to produce this prosperity & happiness as agricultural & mechanical improvements accompanied by moderate desires and virtuous affectations enlightened and cherished by the dissemination of Science and literature in the mass of the people⟨.⟩ I have taken a pleasing interest in what concerns the States of America from their first institution and I loved the Country long before its political connection with Britain was dissolved because my great grand father Henry Lord Cardross was banished to America during the reign of Charles the II. of England and settled himself with a colony of his people from Perthshire & West Lothian in Carolina near Charles Town and was thrown out by the Spaniards when he was kindly assisted by many of the colonists.
My Cousin Lord Fairfax too on whose district yr excellency resides gave my family an old connection with Virginia thro’ the Colepeppers and I have enjoyed the friendship of Franklin and the correspondence of the Adams, Cushings and other men of probity and merit who have so much contributed to the happy state of yr Country and Nation which I sincerely pray long to continue & to be finally established on the Basis of republican Virtue and Publick credit. I have the honour to be with great Esteem yr Excellency’s most obedt humble Servant

Buchan.