Title: To George Washington from John Langdon, 28 February 1788
From: Langdon, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Portsmouth [N.H.] Feby 28. 1788

The Convention of this State met the 13 Ins⟨t⟩. to take into Consideration the fœderal plan of Government; contrary to the expectation of almost ev’ry thinking man, a small majority of (say four persons) appeared against the system. this was the most astonishing to ev’ry man of any information, as Massachusets had accepted it, and that this State in particular had ev’ry thing to gain and nothing to loose, by the adoption of the Government and almost ev’ry man of property and abilities for it; however, this can be accounted for. just at the moment of choice for members for our convention (in one of our principal counties) took place, a report was circulated by a few designing men who wished for confusion that Massachusets Convention who had just met, were against the plan & would certainly refuse it. the liberties of the people were in danger, and that the great men (as they call them) were forming a plan for themselves together with a thousand other absurdities, which frightened the people almost out of what little senses they had. This induced them to choose not only such men as were against the plan but to instruct them positively against receiving it. the absurdity of such conduct is too plain to observe upon, however notwithstanding the exertion of the opponents, (both without doors and within) after spending ten days in debating on the plan, a number of those Gentlemen who came from home with different sentiments, were convinced of their Mistake and only wished an

opportunity to lay the matter before their Constituents. this they mentioned to those in favor of the plan who seeing the difficulty which those men laboured under & the unceartainty of the Vote if the general question was then call’d for, agreed that I should move for an adjournment to some future day to take the final question this was done and carried. the Convention adjourned to meet the third day of June next tho’ greatly opposed by those against the plan.
That this State must and will receive it, I have but very little doubt, notwithstanding their late Conduct, which to be sure is very mortifying, as we have ev’ry thing to expect from its adoption. I have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s Mo’ Ob’dt St

John Langdon


Title: From George Washington to Rufus King, 29 February 1788
From: Washington, George
To: King, Rufus

Sir,
Mount Vernon 29th Feby 1788

I have received the letter with which you were pleased to honor me from Boston, and pray you to accept my thanks for, & congratulations on, the important information it contains.
Happy, am I, to see the favorable decision of your Convention upon the proposed Government; not only on acct of its adding an important State to the number of those which have already accepted it, but because it must be productive of good effects in other States, whose determination may have been problematical. The candid, and open behaviour of the minority, is noble and commendable. It will have its weight.
From my own knowledge, I cannot undertake to say what will be the fate of the Constitution in this State. I am altogether indebted to Gentlemen who visit me for information respecting the disposition of the people towards it, not having gone Six miles beyond the limits of my own farms since my return from Philadelphia. From these accounts, no doubt, from the first, has been entertained in my mind, of the acceptance of it here; notwithstanding the indefatigable pains which some very influencial characters take to oppose it.
I beg you to present me in respectful terms to Mrs King—and to receive assurances of the esteem & regard with which I

have the honor to be, Sir, Yr Most Obedt Hble Ser⟨vt⟩

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 February 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Feby 29th 1788

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your three letters of the 3d 6th & 9th int. The information conveyed by the last was extremely pleasing to me, tho’ I cannot say it was altogether unexpected, as the tenor of your former letters had in some measure, prepared me for the event, but the conduct of the minority was more pleasing and satisfactory than could have been looked for from the debates. The full & fair discussion which you gave the subject in your Convention was attended with the happiest consequences; it afforded compleat information to all those whose minds were open to conviction and at the sametime gave an opportunity to confute, and point out the fallacy of those specious arguments which were offered in opposition to the proposed Government. Nor is this all, the concitiating behaviour of the minority will strike a damp on the hopes which opponents in other States might otherwise have formed from the smallness of the majority: and must be greatly influencial in obtaining a favourable determination in those States which have not yet decided upon it.
There is not perhaps a man in Virginia less qualified than I am, to say from his own knowledge & observation, what will be the fate of the Constitution here for I very seldom ride beyond the limits of my own farms, and am wholly indebted to those Gentlemen who visit me for any information of the disposition of the people towards it, but from all I can collect I have not the smallest doubt of its being accepted.
I thank you, my dear Sir, for the accts which you have, from time to time, transmitted me since the meeting of your Convention, nothing could have been more grateful or acceptable to me, I am also obliged by your promise to inform me of any important

matters that may transpire, and you know I shall, at all times to hear of your welfare. Mrs Washington joins me in every good wish for you and your family—and with sentiments of the greatest esteem & regard—I am, My dear Sir Yr Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Pendleton, 1 March 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Pendleton, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon March 1st 1788

When Doctor Stuart was in Richmond I sent a number of public securities to him that he might receive the interest due upon them; among them was a Certificate for a Negro executed in the year with Interest due from the date, which he informs me he left in your hands to have the Interest paid thereon and transmitted to me as it could not be done while he was there. As I find, by the Revenue act, that the Interest drawn upon Certificates of this kind will be received in taxes for the year 1787, I shall be much obliged to you Sir, if you will take the trouble to have every thing which is necessary to be transacted respecting the matter done, and transmitted to me as I expect a visit from the Sherrif very soon. I am Sir, Yr Most Obedt Hble Sert

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Singleton, 1 March 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Singleton, Anthony

Sir,
Mount Vernon March 1st 1788

Two of the enclosed Certificates dated Jany 4th 1788 were received at the Auditors office on my acct by Doctor Stuart when he was in Richmond, but as he was, by some means or other, prevented from having the necessary business respecting them transacted at the Treasurer’s Office before he left that place, and

has informed me that you will be so good as to do whatever is proper to be done respecting them, I have taken the liberty of sending them to you, requesting that you will be so kind as to return them to me compleated, as soon as possible, because I depend upon them for discharging a part of my taxes of the Year 1787.
I have likewise enclosed to you five others recd in the year 1786. as I see they are of the same tenor And I suppose require the same to be done with them as the above two. These last mentioned warrants have laid by me since their dates—I am so little acquainted with matters of this kind that I hardly know the use of them, much less the necessary forms they must pass before they are receivable in taxes. I am &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 2 March 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 2d 1788.

The decision of Massachusetts, notwithstanding its concomitants, is a severe stroke to the opponents of the proposed Constitution in this State; and with the favorable determinations of the States which have gone before, and such as are likely to follow

after, will have a powerful operation on the minds of Men who are not actuated more by disappointment, passion and resentment, than they are by moderation, prudence & candor. Of the first description however, it is to be lamented that there are too many—and—among them, some who would hazard every thing rather than their opposition should fail, or the sagacity of their prognostications should be impeached by an issue contrary to their predictions.
The determination you have come to, will give pleasure to your friends. From those in your own County you will learn with more certainty than from me the expediency of your attending the Election in it. With some, to have differed in Sentiment, is to have passed the rubicon of their friendship, altho’ you should go no further—with others (for the honor of humanity) I hope there is more liberallity; but the consciousness of having discharged that duty which we owe to our Country, is superior to all other considerations, and will place smaller matters in a secondary point of view.
His Most Ch—n M—y speaks, & acts in a style not very pleasing to republican ears, or to republican forms; nor do I think this language is altogether so to the temper of his own Subjects at this day. Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth. The checks he endeavors to give it, however warrantable by ancient usage, will, more than probably, kindle a flame which may not easily be extinguished; tho’ for a while it may be smothered by the Armies at his command, & the Nobility in his interest. When the people are oppressed with Taxes, & have cause to suspect that there has been a misapplication of their money, the language of despotizm is but illy brooked. This, & the mortification which the pride of the Nation has sustained in the affairs of Holland (if one may judge from appearances) may be productive of events which prudence will not mention.
To-morrow, the Elections for delegates to the Convention of this State commences—and as they will tread close on the heels of each other this month becomes interesting and important. With the most friendly sentiments, and affectionate regards, I am, My dear Sir Your Obedient

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 3 March 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 3d 1788

I pray you to accept my acknowledgements of your favors of the 10th and 14th Ulto and congratulation on the acceptance of

the new Constitution by the State of Massachusetts—Had this been done without its concomitants, and by a larger Majority the stroke would have been more severaly felt by the antifederalists in other States. As it is, it operates as a damper to their hopes, and is a matter of disappointment and chagreen to them all. Under the circumstances enumerated in your letters, the favourable decision which has taken place in that State, could hardly have been expected; nothing less than the good sense, sound reasoning, moderation and temper of the Supporters of the measure, could have carried the question. It will be very influencial on the equivocal States—Of the two which are next to Convene, (New Hampshire and Maryland) there can be no doubt of its adoption and So. carolina but little, which will make nine States without a dissentient—the force of this argument is hardly to be resisted by locallity sophistry—candor and prudence therefore, it is to be hoped will prevail, and yet I believe there are some characters among us who would hazard, every thing rather than cease their opposition or leave to the operation of the government the chance of proving the fallacy of their predictions of it, by which their sagacity and foresight might be impeached.
This day introduces the Elections for the Convention of this State, and they will progress regularly thro’ the month as the Court days shall arrive—After which a more accurate opinion may be formed of the probable decision of the State.
From the last European intelligence, the Political state of affairs in France seem to be in a delicate Situation—what will be the issue is not easy to determine—but the spirit which is diffusing itself may produce changes in that Government which a few years ago could hardly have been dreamt of. all these things, together with the importance assumed by G.B. on the occasion of her dispute with this power and the State of other powers on the Continent are strong additional motives for us to establish a well toned Government.
Mrs Washington Joins me in every good wish for you, Mrs Knox and the family—and with sentiments of the most friendly and affect. regard. I am dear Sir Yr Obedt & Obliged

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 3 March 1788
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
N. York. March 3d 1788

The Convention of N. Hampshire has afforded a very disagreeable subject of communication. It has not rejected the Constitution, but it has failed to adopt it. Contrary to all the calculations that had been made it appeared on the meeting of the members that a majority of 3 or four was adverse to the object before them, and that on a final question on the merits, the decision would be in the negative. In this critical state of things, the fœderalists thought it best to attempt an adjournment, and having proselyted some of the members who were positively instructed agst the Constitution, the attempt succeeded by a majority of 57 agst 47, if my information as to the numbers be correct. It seems to be fully expected that some of the instructed members will prevail on their towns to unfetter them and that in the event N. Hampshire will [be] among the adopting States. The mischief elsewhere will in the mean time be of a serious nature. The second meeting is to be in June. This circumstance will probably be construed in Virga as making cotemporary arrangements with her. It is explained to me however as having reference merely to the conveniency of the members whose attendance at their annual elections & Courts would not consist with an earlier period. The opposition I understand is composed precisely of the same description of characters with that of Massts and stands contrasted to all the wealth, abilities, and respectability of the State.
I am preparing to set out for Orange, and promise myself the pleasure of taking Mount Vernon in the way. Meantime I remain Yours most respectfully & Affetly

Js Madison Jr


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 5 March 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th March 1788.

In your letter of the 3d of February you mentioned Messrs Dunlap & Claypole having put into your hands one Vol. of their News Papers for the years 1785 & 86, which they desired might be forwarded to me and my acceptance thereof requested. I must now beg the favor of you to return them my best thanks for their politness, and, at the same time, to inform them that I beleive they misunderstood me in my application for their paper when I was in Philadelphia, for it was my intention to have taken it after my return home as well as in Philadelphia; they will, therefore, be so good as to forward them to me by every post, and at the end of each year I shall be glad to have a Vol. of them bound. I have, hitherto taken the Pensylvania Herald,

but, from some cause or other, it has been discontinued for a number of weeks past; I will thank you to discharge whatever may be due on my account for that paper, and inform the printers, in decent terms, that it need not be sent on to me in future, as I conceive one will be sufficient to give all the information that is necessary.
I have recd a Letter from Thomas Smith Esqr. of the 5th ultimo, wherein he informs me that he has £200 in his hands for me, which he should forward to you by the first safe conveyance. Whenever you receive it you will please to discharge the balance which may be due to you for articles purchased on my acct since our last settlement, and forward the remainder to me in the manner mentioned in a former letter, reserving in your hands about £20 to pay for any articles I may have occasion to procure in Philadelphia.
I must beg the favor of you [to] forward the enclosed letters to their respective addresses by the first conveyance that may offer after you receive them. I have, in the one to Mr Peters, desired him to have a harrow made for me similar to one which I saw when I was at his house with some spare teeth; I will thank you to pay his bill for the same, and have them sent to me by the first vessel bound to Alexandria, after the one which I suppose is now about sailing for that place, provided they cannot be compleated in time to be sent by her. I am, Dear Sir, Yr most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 5 March 1788
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

March 5 1788

I shipd the Grass seed and volume of Newspapers on bd the Sloop Charming Polly Capn Ellwood for Alexandria who was on the point of Sailing but a severe frost again closed our River and the Navigation is stopped, probably for some Days [to] Come but the Vessel will sail on the first opening—the Bill for the Seed is inclosed.
Yesterday I recd from Thomas Smith Eq. one hundred ninety two pounds thirteen shillings & 4d. specie for your Account. He sent £200 but some of the Gold being Bad I returned it to the Gentleman by whom he sent it & only receipted for the above Sum, & I have now inclosed you our Bank Notes for four Hundred Dollars, which for security against Loss I have had made payable to you on Order in Ten days therefore when you part with them you will please to endorse as they Cannot be paid without it. I am &c.

C. Biddle


Title: To George Washington from John Pendleton, 6 March 1788
From: Pendleton, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond Audrs Office March 6th 1788

I enclosed lately the Warrants on your claim for a negroe executed to Mr Henderson of Dumfries requesting he would forward them by the first safe conveyance; I am sorry Sir, the delay in transmitting them occasioned yo. the trouble of an Application but begg you’ll be assured it did not proceed from inattention to the business.
The Appropriation Law passed October Session ’84 (the first which has taken any notice of those claims since the Revolution) charged the interest on a particular branch of the Revenue without fixing a period for the Commencement and the Auditors being in doubt whether they could admit the allowance of interest prior to the Passage of the Law refered the matter to the then Attorney General (the present Governor) who advised that it could only be allowed from the time of passing the Law; and the Board have uniformly followed that opinion, so that on your claim, Sir, only three years interest were allowed. I am, with the highest respect & esteem, Sir Your mo. obt hble servt

J. Pendleton


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 7 March 1788
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Williamsburgh 7 March 1788

Enclosed with this you will receive two Books which I recd some considerable Time since at Richmond; but being then about to depart for this Place, brought them hither in the Hope of an Opportunity to send them direct to Mount Vernon. Failing in that Expectation, I now put them in the Office; as I recollect you will not have to pay the Postage which otherwise would be worth at least as much as the Books.
I should not forgive myself if I omitted this Occasion of congratulating with you on the Accession of Massachusetts to the new Constitution. This Event is in all Probability conclusive and gives to our Country the Chance for national Felicity. Should the new Government be set agoing speedily and well I verily beleive the political Situation of american Citizens, under the Presidency of the Man of their unanimous Choice will be the most happy in the World. Permit me to express the ardent Wish that Events so desirable may speedily take Place, and to assure you of my sincere and respectful Affection; in which, and in the proper Remembrances to Mrs Washington, Mr Morris begs Leave to join with Dr Sir your obedt & humble Servt

Gouv. Morris


Title: To George Washington from William McWhir, 8 March 1788
From: McWhir, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alex[andri]a March 8th [1788]

In consequence of an unexpected addition to my family and the smallness of my house it will be inconvenient for me to accommodate Master George and Laurence any longer than their quarter is out. I should have changed my house in order to accommodate them but find it neither suits them nor me—I’m under the necessity of being often out: Then they like other boys will do as they please. Again my Servants do not pay as much attention to their Clothes as I could wish, and they are very inattentive themselves: Only think Sir of their being totally without shirts for four or five weeks after they came to live with me I think they must have disposed of them in some improper manner or they could not have been totally without—I apprehend it will not be very difficult to get Lodgings for them now. I shall at all times be happy to do every thing in my power for them And am Sorry it is not convenient for me to keep them longer. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencies Much Obliged and Very Hble Servt

W. McWhir


Title: From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, Jr., 9 March 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Bassett, Burwell Jr.

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 9th 1788

If my last letter to you, containing the Bond of the deceased Mr Dandridge on which you were requested to bring suit, was not sufficiently explanatory of the intention, I now beg leave to inform you that my meaning is after Judgement shall have been obtained and execution levied on the Slaves belonging to the estate of the decd Gentn that you, or Mr John Dandridge, in behalf of his Mother, wd purchase for her use such as she may want, on my acct. In a word, as it is at the request of Mr John Dandridge that suits are instituted, my wish is to accomodate the family as far as I can consistently. the mode of doing it I leave to you. being with very great esteem and regard Dr Sir, Yr Obedt & Affect. Sert

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Chamberline, 10 March 1788 [letter not found]
From: Chamberline, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Samuel Chamberline, 10 Mar. 1788. On 3 April GW wrote Chamberline: “I have been favored with your letter of the 10 Ulto.”


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Cushing, 10 March 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Cushing, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 10th 1788

Your letter of the 12th Ulto inclosing the recommendatory Amendments to the proposed plan of Government by your Convention, did not come to hand till last Saturday, or it should have had an earlier acknowledgement.
The adoption of the Constitution by the State of Massachusetts will undoubtedly have a very happy influence upon the decision of those States which have yet to determine upon the important question. The respectability of your Majority, added

to the canded and manly behaviour of the minority, will obviate any improper impressions which might have been made by its smallness. The full and fair discussion which the subject met with in your Convention evidently shew the advantage of it by its effects, for, from every information which we could obtain here, it appears that there would have been a decided majority against the Constitution, had the matter been determined early in the session; nor will this be the only benefit derived from it, the publication of the debates will serve to remove objections in the minds of unprejudiced persons in other States who seek for information.
It is not in the power of the best informed among us to say, at present, how it will terminate in this State; at the end of this month some Judgement may be formed, as we shall then have a return of the delegates from the several Counties who are to compose the convention. There is perhaps no person less qualified than I am to give an opinion upon the matter from his own observation, as I am wholly indebted to those Gentlemen who visit me for any knowledge that I have of the dispositions of the people, not having been ten miles from home since my return from Philadelphia, but from every information, I have not a doubt of its being adopted here. Mrs Washington Joins me in Compliments to Mrs Cushing and yourself. I am Dear Sir, Yr Most Obedt Hble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 March 1788
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
New York 10 of March 1788

Your favor of the 11th ultimo was duly received. The publication signed Publius is attributed to the joint efforts of Mr Jay, Mr Maddison and Colo. Hamilton It is highly probable that the general conjecture on this case is well founded.
I have not written to you since the untoward event of New Hampshire⟨.⟩ The conduct of the convention was so contrary to expectations of every person who conceived themselves informed

of the dispositions of that State, that I knew not what to write.
I have received a letter from President Sullivan in which he says that the adjournment will be attended with the hapiest consequences, and that the convention in their next session will adopt the constitution by a majority of three to one.
The business in this state is critically circumstanced, and the parties nearly balanced—The issue will depend greatly on the industry of the different sides—I am apprehensive that the antifederalists will be the most indefatigable. The federalists say they shall have a small majority certainly—but it is to be apprehended that their confidence will prove highly injurious to the cause—Nothing has been received from Rhode Island that can give any immediate hopes that that state will endevor to establish a different character.
I beg the favor that you would present Mrs Knox and myself to Mrs Washington—and my Compliments to Colo. Humphreys—I am my dear Sir with great sincerity Your most affectionate humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 March 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 10th 1788

Your favor of the 20th Ult., and the papers accompanying it came duly to hand; I believe none of your letters to me have miscarried as I have received the Gazettes containing the debates of your Convention very regularly.
I am sorry to hear that the issue of the proposed Government in New-Hampshire is, in any measure, dubious: Our accounts from that quarter have been favorable in the highest degree, they would have justified the expectation of an unanimous vote in their Convention.
The growing attachment of the People in your State to the

proposed Constitution is certainly a strong proof of its general excellence; It shews that a due & impartial consideration of the subject will decide in its favor.
At the end of the present Month we shall be able to form a tolerable judgmt of what may be its fate here, as our returns for the delegates to the Convention will be known at that time, and the characters chosen will be pretty generally decided in their opinions upon the matter before their delegation, as that will determine the people in their choice. The general tenor of the information, which I derive from those Gentlemen who call upon me, seems to agree in the oppositions loosing ground here; and that nothing is wanting to render the people so favourably disposed towards it as to put the decision beyond a doubt but a proper representation of, and information upon the subject. The opponents are indefatigable in their exertions, while the friends to the New form seem to rest the issue upon the goodness of their Cause. There will undoubtedly be a greater weight of abilities against the adoption in this Convention than in any other; It was to be expected from the characters who first declared against it here, but notwithstanding this, my opinion is (as it ever has been) that it will be received—With the highest esteem & regard I am My dear Sir, Yr most Affecte Ser⟨vt⟩

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Auguste, Comte de Grasse, 11 March 1788
From: Grasse, Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de (marquis de Tilly)
To: Washington, George

My General
Paris [March] 11th 1788.

The real grief, which the death of my Father occasioned me, prevented me from having the honour of imparting to your Excellency the news, in the first moments of the melancholy event. The friendship which he professed for you was founded upon esteem, & I fondly flatter myself that the friendship you accorded him was established upon a basis equally solid. It was by your means my Father obtained the flattering compensations for the services which he was so happy as to render America in conjunction with your Excellency. It is to you, my General, that I owe the four peices of Cannon taken at York Town. This glorious

testimony of your Suffrage & of that of the U. States is a precious triumph for me. It adorns my arms at this day & will perpetuate eternally in my family the acknowledgment which my father hath always entertained for you. It would be very flattering for his memory & extremely agreeable to me, to be able to preserve in his name, one other proof of the satisfaction of Congress. The Eagle of Cincinnatus was originally instituted to perpetuate from age to age the remembrance of the American Independence. Deign, my General, to obtain for me permission from the States to wear that Insignia with which they had decorated my father. It is a favour which I entreat with earnestness of your Excellency, & I pray you to be fully persuaded beforehand of my gratitude. I am, My General, with great respect Your Excellency’s most humble & most obedt Servant

The Count Augustus de Grasse


Title: To George Washington from James Wilson, 11 March 1788 [letter not found]
From: Wilson, James
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from James Wilson, 11 Mar. 1788. On 4 April GW thanked Wilson for his “favr of the 11 Ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 12 March 1788
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
Belmont [Pa.] March 12. 1788

It is with the greatest Pleasure that I recieve your Commands respecting the Harrows. I have in Consequence spoke to the Smith & pointed out some Improvements, where I think mine has Defects. I never had seen one in the Construction of mine & therefore the Idea was theoretical but it has answered in Practice to my utmost Expectations. I have never however applied it on so large a Scale as to meet your Views having only intended it for drilled Crops of Carrots, Cabbage, Pease, Roots of Scarcity & other Vegetables of this Tribe. In these it has done every Thing I wished. I have one in Contemplation for Corn of a stronger Construction & with fewer Tines. I believe they will not exceed three & I am told you have such in your Country but I know not their Success. I shall have one Harrow made similar to mine with Tines for another that you may judge from your own Experience of your Inclination to multiply them. I shall take the Liberty of sending you one for Corn but cannot vouch for its Utility. I shall venture to throw on you the same Risque I shall hazard myself.
I have tried on a small Scale your Plan of raizing Indian Corn. It answered well one Year but did not in a second Experiment. I shall however repeat it as at any Rate it will be an excellent Fallow Crop & it has been from a Prosecution of this System that I have rendered a miserably worn Farm surprizingly productive considering its Quality.
I find my Roots of Scarcity so perfectly answerable to everything I had heard of them that I shall either send you some Roots from which to raize Seed or save you a Quantity from a Number I shall plant out this Spring & this will forward your Cultivation of them equally with your having Roots now, which are subject to Accidents in Transportation. I did not forget my Promise to send you the Cones of the White Pine. But on Examination of a vast Number of them I found them barren—A Circumstance I never met with before & cannot account for unless the long Drought of the last Year occasioned it.
Be assured Sir that it will always be highly gratifying to me to have any oppertunity of proving how much I wish to shew my

Esteem & Respect for you—Do not therefore hesitate to command my Services when ever you think proper.
I have sent you a few of the Seeds of the Roots of Scarcity & have extracted from a German Book an Account of them to which I have added some Observations of my own lest you should not have met with the Information necessary to cultivate this excellent root. If you think of going into its Culture trench plough in the Fall. I should concieve Trench ploughing advantageous to your Land if I have a proper Idea of its Quality. I have found most surprizing Benefit from it. Mine is a Loam inclining to Sand on a red brick Earth. Have you ever seen any Effects yet of your Plaister? I had some that did not appear for four Years & now it is in great Heart. I never knew it so generally fail as it has with you. Altho’ I am a little hobby horsical as to this Matter I would wish to know how it succeeds with others. I have made much Enquiry about it & tho’ it is constant with me I frequently find it whimsical & capricious with others.
Mrs peters begs her sincere & respectful Compliments may be presented to you & Mrs Washington. Be pleased to accept the unfeigned Assurances of the Truth & Regard with which I am your very obed. Servt

Richard Peters

P.S. I send to Mr Biddle’s Care two small Roots proportioned to the Size of my Box more than to my Inclinations; & they will produce as good Seed as the largest.


Title: Richard Butler to GW, 13 March 1788 [letter not found]
From: Butler, Richard
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: Richard Butler to GW, 13 Mar. 1788. On 3 April GW wrote Butler: “I have received your letter of the 13th ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 16 March 1788
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

March 16. 1788

My last of 5 covered four hundred Dollars in Bank Post Notes which I hope Came safe to your Hands since whch I am favd with yo[ur]s of 3 & 5d—I have accordingly put on bd the sloop Polly Ellwd in addition to the Volume of Newspapers & 2 Casks Grass seed, 2 Spinning wheels & 1 Box of 12 Wool Cards—this Vessel has staid much longer than expectd but as she has at last sail’d this Day I hope she will be with you in time for the Grass seed—As I had put 25 Bushels of Clover seed more than first ordered it answers to your Additional Order of one hundred pounds weight of that article I have made diligent search for Livery Lace but not being able to find any in the shops or Stores that would answer, a man has engaged to make 40 yards but not in time for the Conveyance—Capt. Stewart is hourly expected and will be another good Conveyance for Powtomack I forwarded the Letters for Thomas Smith Esq. by a Mr Semple who was going to Carlisle just as I recd it—That for General Wilkinson shall go by first safe Conveyance—I delivered the Letters to Mr Peters & desired him to send the harrow when finished to me & I wod pay for & forward it—The Pennsa Herald being discontinued I paid up your Subscription £1.14.2 & to Mr Carey for the museum 9/—Mr Dunlap to whom I delivered your thanks for the volume of Papers says that those from his Office not reaching you since your Return has been owing to some new regulation in the Post office but he has put up a Bundle of the past which I have sent by Capt. Ellwood & he has promised to Cover your Papers by each Post & Mr Bryson Dep. Post Master Genl has Promised to forward them in the Mail.1 have inclosed the Bill of Lading of the Goods by Cap. Ellwood which must be sent to Alexandria to enter & receive them—the whole being of the manufacture of this State the Cap. has the necessary Certificates to save duties.

The Certife to save the Duties I thought proper to keep from the Captain & inclose it to you herein.

C. Biddle


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hanson, 16 March 1788
From: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria 16th March 1788

I have just been informed by Mr McWhir that it will be utterly inconvenient to him to accommodate your Nephews any longer. After your late indulgence of me upon this Subject, it will appear extraordinary that I should so soon apply to you to let me have them again. The fact is the Gentlemen whom I had engaged, have quitted me; one, on acct of his marriage; the other, to make an unexpected voyage to the West Indies. I now therefore purpose, to take 6 or 8 young Gentlemen, Students at the Academy.
I will not conceal from you that there have been many disagreements between your Nephews & myself & family. The principal Subjects of those are the following: An obstinate habit

they have contracted of Keeping Company with Servants; So that I could never Keep them out of the Kitchen—Going out, without my permission, to dine with their School-mates, who had invited them, perhaps, without the Consent or Knowledge of their Parents—Wearing their best Cloathes upon common Occasions and staying out late of Evenings, and sometimes the whole Night. I pass over the disrespect and insults with which they have frequently treated Mrs H. and myself, because that kind of Offence may have possibly originated in unreasonable Expectations on our part. Upon those Occasions I have frequently, by Letter complained to Mr McWhir; but from an aversion to have them chastized, merely upon my own representation, I have always (except in one Instance) Subjoined a request that, instead of proceeding to actual punishment, he would only admonish & reprove them. This tenderness & forebearance, had, as you will readily conceive the effect of making them disregard my Authority & set me & my family at defiance. Lawrence had dressed himself one Morning to go to the Dancing School. In the meantime I had sent to Know if the Dancing-Master were in Town, & found he was not. I therefore told Lawrence to put on his common Cloathes and go immediately to the Academy. But he would do nothing. He was out the whole day, and returned at Night with his Cloathes very much torn. I therefore wrote Mr McWhir and declared that unless Laurence should be punished for this transgression, my authority over him would be merely nominal & by no means correspondent to that degree of Confidence with which you had been pleased to honour me. But, unfortunately for me, & I think, for the youth himself, His Teacher is an Enemy to corporal Punishments. Lawrence, therefore, was only kept in School during Dinner-time; a species of punishment to which he had been too much accustomed to derive any benefit from it. I am, I confess, no Advocate for corporal punishments; but it was plain that, in the present Case, those which Mr McWhir wished to substitute in their place were defective. For Laurence was after this more perverse than before. So far was he from discovering any Symptoms of penitence, that I was convinced, from his subsequent behaviour, it would be needless to trouble Mr McWhir again on the Subject.
George is of an obliging Disposition. His Offences have been

much less frequent than those of his Brother. They have proceeded perhaps from the circumstance of his being of an Age & Stature verging to Manhood. On this Acct he is impatient of Such a Controul as must still Keep him in the rank of Smaller Boys.
Sir, the Intention of these remarks is by no means, to injure your Kinsmen in your Opinion, but to suggest the propriety of investing me not only with a nominal, but an actual, authority, over them. It will be impossible for me to restrain, without the power to punish, them. I say them; without any Idea of proceeding against George, who is at a time of Life when rough treatment would be improper. In his Case, therefore⟨,⟩) I would, when necessary, only complain to his Teacher, or, if that should be insufficient, finally to yourself. But I have hopes that if they should be impressed with an Idea that my Authority is not confined to the making of Complaints, the encrease of it would be unnecessary.
I should, Sir, be extremely hurt could I suppose you would suspect me of a desire to encrease my former Authority, with the resentful & malignant view of revenging their former Conduct. On the Contrary, it would be extremely painful to me to adopt harsh Measures, & nothing could urge me to it but the regard I have for their Wellfare, as well as for the peace of my own family. I can conscientiously declare that, in subjecting them to some restraints, which they thought rigid, I have been determined by the reflection that they were the same I should impose on Sons of my own.
If you think proper to invest me with the proposed Authority, I shall continue to discharge my duty to them. As to the Price, I hope you will not think 30£, (to be advanced quarterly), too much. I received from the Gentlemen 20 Guineas for Dinner alone. Scarce as money now is, we cannot at this moment, buy in market Beef under 4 ½ pr lb. Should the price Keep up (which is hardly possible) it must be only from having a considerable number that I can expect to reap any profits. The advance of the money at the beginning of Each Quarter, tho unusual, I hope will not be objected to, as it enables me to provide at a Smaller Expence than I could otherwise do.
I should have done myself the honour of waiting on you to

propose this Subject, & thus have spared you the trouble of reading a long and tedious Letter, but that the Situation of Mrs H. prevents my leaving Home.
I beg Mrs H. and my Compliments may be presented to your Lady, and remain, with perfect respect & Esteem, Sir Your much-obliged and obedient humble Servt

S. Hanson of Saml


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Smith, 17 March 1788 [letter not found]
From: Smith, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Smith, 17 Mar. 1788. GW wrote Smith on 3 April: “your letter of the 17th ulto has come to hand.”


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Hanson, 18 March 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)

Sir,
Mount Vernon March 18. 1788

Your letter of the 16th Inst. was handed to me yesterday in Alexandria as I was going to dinner: previous to that I had seen my Nephew George Washington, and asked him if he had heard of any suitable place for himself and Lawrence to board at after their quarter with Mr McWhir expired; he told me that it was probable a place might be obtained at a Mrs Sandford’s; I desired him to inform himself of the terms &c. and let me know them; as I had not an opportunity of seeing him again before I left town to know the result of his enquiries, it is not, at this moment, in my power to give a decided answer to your offer of taking them again into your family.
Your candid and free communications respecting the conduct of my Nephews, while with you, meets with my warmest approbation and deserves my best thanks, and I should think myself inexcusable, if, upon this occasion, I did not act a part equally open and candid, by informing you of several allegations which they have, from time to time, offered on their part, viz., There having been frequently detained from school in the morning beyond their proper hour, in consequence of not having their breakfast seasonably provided, and sometimes obliged to go to

school without any. They have likewise complained of their not being permitted to dine with company at the House; & served indifferently in a nother place afterwards: and, after being a short time with Mr McWhir, they made application for shirts, and upon being asked what they had done with those which were made for them not long before, they replied that the manner of washing at Mr Hansons (in Lye with out soop) had entirely distroyed them. This communication, Sir, cannot, I think, be displeasing to a person of your candar. I do not state the above a[s] facts but merely as the reports of the boys, and if they should live with you again it will undoubtedly have a good effect by shewing them that their reports will always be made known to you, and the truth or falsehood of them discovered.
The motive which first induced me to put the Boys with you explained upon a former occasion to gether with the advantage of throwing them into company will still operate, and incline me to give a preferrence to your House upon terms nearly equal in other respects but I cannot decide upon the matter till I know the result of Georges enquiries, and so soon as I do, you may depend upon hereing further from Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Sert

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 18 March 1788
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Paris March the 18th 1788

I wish I Could Begin this letter With the Aknowledgement of a late favour from You, But None Having Come to Hand I Have No other Comfort But to Attribute it to ill fortune and Not to Any fault of Yours. I am so Happy to Hear from You, My Beloved General, and so Uneasy When I do not, that I Hope You Will Never Willingly deprive me of a Satisfaction so dear to me, Yet so short of the Happy Habits I Had taken in America.

The Politics of Europe Begin to Unfold themselves, in the Eastward at least. Russia is preparing for a Vigourous Campaign, and Will soon Besiege Oksarkow, While an other Army is Combining itself With an Austrian Body of troops. The Grand Army of the Emperor, Commanded By Himself Assembles about Belgrade, Which He Endeavoured to surprise But did not succeed. The Russians are sending a fleet With five thousand Men into the Mediterranean—and the Venitians are also Arming a fleet. The turks Have Raised Numerous Flocks of Armed men. Their Cavalry, Which in the first shock, is not despicable, Has, it is Said, Surrounded Three Thousand of the Austrians and Cut of their Heads, as is Usual Among Them. They also Had a Successfull Skirmish Against the Russians. But There is No doubt of the Advantage Which Such disciplined Armies as those of the Allied Empires will Have over a Banditti of Men Who are totally strangers to discipline, Military Knowledge, and Rational Calculations. They May Succeed with detached Corps, and Must disperse Before the Main Body of their Ennemies. The only difficulties Will be the Want of provisions, the Bareness of the Country, And the dangers of the plague—and Should the imperial Courts, Not wistanding those Embarrassements, Go So far as Constantinople, there they Will find a Bone of Contention to Know who Will possess that Metropolis.
The King of Prussia Has taken No Part as yet. Poland is Uneasy, and fears to loose Something in the General Arrangement. Holland is Making a treaty With Prussia and one with England. Nothing in Great Britain Has the Appearance of a War. france Wants Peace at Any Rate. Spain is Arming and objects to the Entrance of the Russians in the Mediterranean, But will probably Yeld to the demands of france. it is not improbable that the two Imperial Courts Will, after one Campaign, Content themselves for the Present With a Considerable Encrease of their Possessions. But it Could also Be foreseen that a War May Be kindled through all Europe, and End with the total destruction of the Ottoman Empire in Europe. So that it is Not Easy to determine Which of the two Events Will take place.
The internal Affairs of france are not yet Settled. Many Considerable Reforms Have taken place in the Expense. But a Great deficiency Still Subsists, and as the Parliaments Have declared

themselves Unfit to Assent to taxes, as the provincial Assemblies are not Yet the Representatives of the people, I think the king will be obliged to Assemble the Nation sooner than is Expected by His Ministers. The printed Account of the finances is to Come out in a few days. I know that Governement intend to postpone the States Generals to the latest period Consistent With their Engagement Which is Before 1792. But I Believe this desireable Event Will take place Next Summer twelve Month. it is the only Way to put things to Rights, and to fix Unalterable principles in the Administration of this Country.
I have Some Reasons to think that Governement is preparing an Attack on the Parliaments, who altho’ they are only a judicial Court Have Shown a Spirit of Resistence, and Refused to Register any New tax untill the States Generals Have Met.
The Troops Have Been divided into Armies, and grand divisions. the four Generals will Be Marshals of france—The Grand divisions under lieutenant Generals—I Have Asked to Be Emploied with the duke d’ayen My father in law in the Southern provinces and am the Eldest general officer Under Him. the divisions are About ten thousand Men. the Commands of us Major Generals are called Brigades. two Corps of light infantry Will Be added to My Regiments—We Will serve two Months.
Adieu, My Beloved General, My Best Respects Wait on Mrs Washington and family. With Most tender Respect and filial love I Have the Honour to be Your Affectionate and devoted friend

lafayette


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 19 March 1788
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Boston March 19th 1788

I was this morning honoured with the receipt of your Excellencys favor of the 29th Ulto.
Nothing very material has taken place since the convention was dissolved, saving the meeting of our General court. An attempt was made by some in the house of representatives, in a proposed answer to the Governours speach, to reprobate the doings of the convention held at Philadelphia and of the one in this State. In order to avoid a greater evil an answer will be omitted.
Your Excellency will recollect that our last house of assembly was chosen under the influence of the insurgents most of whom are against the proposed constitution at the least—Had it been submitted to our house of representatives it would have been negatived—We had different men in our convention they were chosen at a time when the spirit of insurgency had in a degree subsided.
We have much to apprehend yet from the remains of the same temper and are anxious what may be its effects on the choice of our next General Court.
I have the pleasure to forward for your Excellencys inspection the debates in our late convention they would have been forwarded sooner could they have been obtained from the printer.
I hope my young friend is well I feel my self much interested

in his happiness I wish my particular regards may be tendered to him.
I am much obliged by yours and Mrs Washingtons kind wishes I wish my most dutiful respects to her and that the children might know that I remember them with affection—With the highest esteem I have the honour of being my dear General your most obedient & most humble servant

B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 19 March 1788
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Honorable Sir,
March 19th 1788

I stand Indebted in acct Current with you at this Time about Seventy pounds on acct of my Collection of rents—I wish it was in my Power To Convey the money as it’s on hand—I shall be down the First of may and Expect with the above Sum I shall be able To Pay £130 altho what is not in hand is Very [un]Certain—if you have not Paid in your Propotion To the Potomack Company—Mr Hartshorne Drawing on me In Favour of Colo. W. Darke To whome the Company is Indebted, the money by direction Shall be Paid at my House the Seventh day of april—it will be uncertain To Find me at Home before that day.
Should you stand in need of money before the first week in may I will be down by the 21st day of april with what Ever sum I may have in my hands—it would be more Convenient for me To Pay the 1st Week in may as I shall then draw money below without the risk of Conveyance.
I have wrote To Messrs Danl & Isaac McPherson To Pay To your order £25 in 15 days after they receive my Letter which will be delivered about the 22d day of this month—also wrote to Mr William Hunter Junr To Pay To your order on demand Ten or Fifteen pounds—Mr Lear Can Call on those Gentlemen with your order when in Town.
I have Visited all your Tenants once many Twice Since Christmas—on wenesday next I Set out again If they do not make

Payment I beleave I shall Execute the Law the First week in april.
I shall be oblige to you To write To me by Post after Mr Lear has seen Messrs McPherson & Hunter with your advice.
I am Very Sorry To see, & hear, that their is So Many People of this state against the Proposed Govourment—still in hopes their will be a Magority In Favour of it. I have the Honor To be Sir your Obedient Humble Servant

Battaile Muse


Title: To George Washington from Edward Pemberton, 21 March 1788
From: Pemberton, Edward
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
London, at Mr Priddens, No. 100 Fleet Street21st March 1788

The Distinguishd Rank which You will hold in the Annals of Mankind, might rather descourage me from an address of this kind to Yr Excellency, was it not, that Your Merit as a Man, is not inferior to that of a Statesman or Soldier.
I know that Your Excellency is above Flattery which You stand not in need of, as I am above Flattering. What I have said in the few Verses, which I have herewith subjoin’d, was dictated by voluntary Inclination alone. should therefore Your Excellency read them with some small degree of Approbation, my purpose will be answer’d, and I must say that then I shall be flatter’d, who give my Praises not so much to the Splendor and Titles of Men as to their Actions and Virtues.
 Timoleon proclaiming Liberty to the States of Greece ⟨is⟩ a more Exalted Character in my Eye, than Cæsar or Alexander. Not that Alexander, as Some have Supposed went upon a mere Project of Conquest, or Glory, but to avenge the Grecian States of the Attempts, which the Persians had made to bring them under Subjection. In the same manner the Arming the Christian

  States to drive the Moors and the Særacens from the Holy Land, was to retaliate in part the Injuries they had attempted to bring upon Christendom by the repeated Invasions of Various parts, and the Conquest of Several.
What Your Excellencys Actions have been a later Period may testify better than the present, when their Effects will be more fully known. As to the Policy of Great Britain respecting Your Country, I ever Condemn’d it as harsh, and unjust, and ever shall do so.
Had Britain been truly wise, She wd have been Satisfied with even less than the Act of Navigation gave at all events nothing should have provoked Hostilities: rather than have come to such, I would have made amicable concessions, a conduct since observed respecting Ireland.
What was the intent of Greece, in founding Colonies? It seems not to have been with a View of drawing Taxes, or Commercial Benefits from them—but to Extend their Fame and their power amongst the Barbarians: and to assure them as Allies to themselves against the Common Enemy—This seems to have been the Policy of the Grecians and also of the Roman People—Two of the most enlightened Nations that ever Existed. Had this Idea been more nearly adopted by Britain than it was, She wd still have had an ample Share of the Riches of America, without restraint or Compulsion—was She to found Colonies, in every part of the Globe no doubt but from Affection they wd in the first Instance seek their Mother Country, tho able to Support themselves. A Wide extended Empire Seperated in its diverse parts—cannot long be held together—therefore is it wise to relinquish the superfluous or useless parts, or those that are too Luxuriant in their Growth, that the Trunk or the Centre, may ever be strong and Vigorous. I had written the above to Your Excellency long ago, but from a diffidence relative to such an address, I put off the sending it from time to time since which some great Occurrences have arose in Your States which are worthy of abler Pen than mine to celebrate. This may now probably reach Your Excellency at a Season when all the Beauties of Nature will universally concur to render delightful great designs founded upon the Love of Liberty, and the happiness of Mankind.
You have a Vast World to work in, favour’d with every diversity

of Climate and Soil Capable of every improvement which Ingenuity and art can Suggest.
I believe there may already be a Junction form’d between the Rivers Ohio and Missisippi—but whether it may have been Suggested that a Junction with the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean may be a work hereafter practicable by means of Rivers and Canals I do not know—but in some Latitude from South to North, it may be possible—was the interior Continent peopled throughout. that Your Excellency may long continue in health to consult for the welfare of the rising and flourishing States is the sincere wish of Your most humble and Obedient Servant

Edwd Pemberton

 P.S. As I am not much used to approach Great Men, I hope Your Excellency will excuse the ⟨mutilated⟩tions and Inaccuracies ⟨mutilated⟩ Sentiments, and Stile.


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Ingraham, 22 March 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Ingraham, Nathaniel

 Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 22d 1788

When I requested you to procure a Gardener for me in Holland, which you was so obliging as to promise to do, I fear I was not explicite enough with respect to the terms &c. upon which I would wish to have him.
If one properly qualified for the business, could be obtained to come over in the nature of a redemptioner or which will be more certain, who will indent himself for a certain term years it would be most agreeable to me, because he would be much cheaper; but if one of a proper description cannot be procured in this way, I should be willing to give a good Gardener £15 Sterling per annum. more than this I do not incline to offer, because I presume they might be obtained for that sum in this Country. I should prefer a single man, but have no objection to one who is married provided his wife understands spinning &c. and will indent as her husband does. and provided they have not a number of Children. middle aged man will suit me best, as the necessary services cannot be expected from, or performed by, one advanced in years.
I should likewise be glad to procure a good coarse Weaver, and will be much obliged to you if you will endeavour to get one for me to come over on the terms mentioned above—I should give the preference to one who understands weaving both woollen

and linen, but would be satisfied with one who could do either well.
If it is necessary (or would be more convenient for you) for me to make any advance for defraying the charges &c. which may arise from this business, I will thank you to let me know it and will provide accordingly. As I also shall be for your telling me with the utmost candor if the request here made will be attended with the smallest inconvenience to you—It not being by any means, my intention to lay you under the most trifling difficulty by the request. Wishing you a prosperous voyage and a speedy return—I am Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Sert

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 22 March 1788 [letter not found]
From: Newenham, Edward
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Edward Newenham, 22 Mar. 1788. On 29 Aug. GW wrote Newenham: “your obliging letters of the 22th and 25th of March afforded me particular satisfaction.”


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 24 March 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 24th 1788

Your letter of the 16th Inst. enclosing the Bill of Lading & Certificate of the Articles shipped on my Acct came duly to hand. The Packet has not yet arrived unless she passed by here yesterday.
I thank you for your attention to the letters which I committed to your care. As I do not know whither you may have received the Interest due upon my Certificate in your hands, and some charges will arise from the harrow furnished by Mr Peters, and the livery lace, I enclose you a Bank Bill for forty Dollars which you will please to pass to my credit. I am, Dear Sir, Yr most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Rumsey, 24 March 1788
From: Rumsey, James
To: Washington, George

Dr General
Shepherds town March 24th 1788

With this you will Receive five pamphlets Respecting My Boat and other plans, the Subject is not handled Quite to my wish as I was Obliged to get a person to Correct my Coppys In Doing which my Ideas in Several places ware new modled but not So much as to Injure the truths I wished to Introduce, But has made Sum things Rather Obscure.
I hope Sir that the nessisaty there was of Such an Explanation being made to the public, will plead my Excuse for Taking the Liberty of Introduceing your name into my Concerns, and Shall Do my best Endeavours to Conduct my Self In Such a manner as in Sum Degree to Deserve the Honor it Does me, you may Rest ashored that all that I have proposed is within my power to perform, I have proven them all Experimentally, and have modles by me Sufisiantly Large to Convince any Compitant Judge (that may Exammon them) of the truth thereof.
Tomorrow morning I throw myself upon the wide world In persuit of my plans, being no longer Able to proceed Upon my Own foundation, I Shall bend My Course for philidelphia where I hope to have it in my power to Convince a Franklin and a Rittenhouse of their Utility, by actual Experiments, as Mr Barnes is to Set out in about ten days after Me with all the Machinery in a waggon and halt at Baltimore untill I write him from philidelphia what Encouragement we may Expect there, if none we will push Immediately for South Carolina.
There is no period in life that Could give me more Satisfaction than to have it in my power to Stop the mouths of the Envious few (I might add Ignorant) that has taken the Liberty to Cast Reflections on the gentlemen that was kind anough To give me Certificates; one of this Discription would have got Roughly handled by the Gentlemen of this place if he had not made a Very timely Escape. I must Say that I am under great Obligations to the gentlemen of this County, on hearing my Intentions to travel, a number of them Vollentarily furnished me with Letters to gentlemen of their acquantances in Different States, and ten of the magistrates has given me a Recommendation that would do Honor to a much worthyer person,1 mention this Sir because I Conceive I am Indebted to you for a great part of

the Zeal they have Shewn Upon this Occation, and Should be ungratefull If I Did not feel the weight of the great obligations I am under To you—you Shall hear from me if I meet with any Occurance that I Conceive is worthy of your Attention—I am Sir with Every Sentiment of Esteem & Regard your much Obliged and Very Hbl. Servt

James Rumsey

P.S. Just as I was Sealing this Letter I Receivd a notice from the Director of the potomack Company that a motion would be made to Recover £20 Sterling of me alreadey Called for. I have Mr Hartshorns Receipt for five Dollars and the Boats the Valuation of which when Passed to be applyed to pay two ten pound Devidends for Winecoop One for me and the Ballance to my Credit with Hartshorn and Co. as I furnished the Boats their Valuation was then £57.12.0 Virginia money as I owed Mr hartshorn & Co. but about £5. there is nearly as much Comeing to me As will Discharge the third & fourth Devidends It is out of my power to pay the 5th Devidend In time must therefore abide by the Cansequences, I have Mr Stuarts Receipt for the Boats which Mr Hartshorn has Seen I Shall have a Statement of the hole forwarded to the Directors as Soon as posable I am &c.

J. Rumsey


Title: To George Washington from Richard Bland Lee, 25 March 1788
From: Lee, Richard Bland
To: Washington, George

Very honored Sir,
Alexandria March 25th 1788

After what passed between your Excellency and Col. Lee, and our subsequent conversation touching my undertaking to write a memoir of the events of the late revolution, for some time past you may have expected my determination: and undoubtedly I should have written to you long ago, if I could have removed those struggles in my mind, which were excited by the grandeur of the subject, and the consciousness of my want of information, and of talents, equal to the description of actions and virtues, which merit and would have ennobled the pen of a Sallust or a Tacitus. I considered that so great an undertaking, so full of glory, so flattering to my ambition, ought not lightly to be attempted by a young man, who in point of literary attainments, feels himself deficient in what is necessary to fulfil the duties of Society even in the mediocrity of station in which fortune has placed him. I considered too that such a subject merited a mind totally devoted to itself, free from the avocations of the world; and that in my case, the necessary attention to provide the easy competence so grateful to the feelings of a freeman, and for the discharge of the sacred obligations due to the memory of a much honored Father, precluded the quiet and leisure indispensable to the proper execution of the design. Notwithstanding these insuperable difficulties pressed upon my mind, the desire of fame still led me to deliberate; Fancy painted to my view the flattering distinction of being honored with the confidence of the most illustrious Character and the glory of transmitting to Posterity that series of events, full of danger, replete with Magnanimity by which their country was delivered from oppression and obtained the dear privilege (if we use it with wisdom) of founding a government on the immutable rights of nature. But it becomes me to correct the illusions of Fancy, and to yield however reluctantly this rich harvest of glory to some one, to whom fortune has been more indulgent, and on whom Nature has bestowed the qualities requisite for the undertaking. So fruitful and so grand a subject cannot fail to employ the attention of the ablest pens. If ever I should think myself capable of engaging in it; and find the necessary leisure, beleive me, Sir, there is

nothing in this world to which I should so fondly devote my attention.
Permit me now to make my most thankful acknowledgements to your Excellency for the friendliness with which you ofFerred me every accomodation and assistance in the execution of the design: a friendliness which I shall ever remember with gratitude and affection. I will trouble your Excellency to make my most respectful devoirs to Mrs Washington and beleive me, Sir, to be with every sentiment of gratitude and esteem both as a citizen, and a man your Excellency’s much honored and very hume Sert

Richard Bland Lee


Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 25 March 1788 [letter not found]
From: Newenham, Edward
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Edward Newenham, 25 Mar. 1788. On 29 Aug. GW wrote Newenham: “your obliging letters of the 22th and 25th of March afforded me particular satisfaction.”


Title: To George Washington from John Ettwein, 28 March 1788
From: Ettwein, John
To: Washington, George

Bethlehem [Pa.] March 28th 1788

May it please your Excellency to spend a few moments in kind remembrance of Bethlehem in Pensilvania and to accept as a Small Token of my continuing thankfulness for your Excellencys kindness during the War, a copy of some remarks or annotations concerning the customs, Language &c. of the Indians, which I took from the memoirs of our Missionaries, to gratify an enquiring

Gentleman; As also a printed Copy of the stated Rules of a Society for propagating the Gospel among the Heathen, lately incorporated by an Act of Assembly in this State. That health and all hapiness may long attend your Excellency’s person and Lady Washington is the sincere prayer of Your Excellencys Humble Servant

John Ettwein


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 30 March 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 30th March 1788

Your favor of the 10th came duly to hand, and by Mr Madison I had the pleasure to hear that you had recovered from a severe indisposition, on which event I sincerely congratulate you.

The conduct of the State of New Hampshire has baffled all calculation, and happened extremely mal-apropos for the election of delegates to the Convention of this State; For be the real cause of the adjournment to so late a day, what it may, the antifederal party with us do not scruple to declare, that, it was done to await the issue of this Convention before it would decide—and add, that if this State should reject it, all those which are to follow will do the same; & consequently, the Constitution cannot obtain, as there will be only eight States in favor of the measure.
Had it not been for this untoward event, the opposition in this State would have proved entirely unavailing, notwithstanding the unfair conduct (I might have bestowed a harsher epithet without doing injustice) which has been practiced to rouse the fears, and to inflame the passions of the people. What will be the result now, is difficult for me to say with any degree of certainty, as I have seen but a partial return of the delegates, and not well acquainted with the political sentiments even of those few. In the Northern part of the State the tide of Sentiment—I know—is generally in favor of the proposed system. In the Southern part—I am told—it is the reverse. While the middle, it is said, is pretty much divided. The Kentucke district will have great weight in deciding this question; and the idea of its becoming an impediment to its seperation, has got hold of them; while no pains is spared to inculcate a belief that the Government proposed will—without scruple or delay—barter away the right of Navigation to the River Mississipi.
The postponement in New-Hampshire will also, unquestionably, give strength and vigor to the opposition in New York; and possibly will render Rhode Island more backward than she otherwise would have been, if all the New England States had finally decided in favor of the measure. Mrs Washington joins in every good wish for Mrs Knox, yourself & family, with Dear Sir Yr Affecte friend & obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 31 March 1788
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Ph[iladelphi]a March 31 1788

Your esteemed favour of 24 Inst. with 40 Ds. in Bank Notes Came to hand by last post. No other vessel has yet offered for Alexandria. Mr Peters having sent me two Letters & a small Box to forward and the Letters containing some Garden seed I have covered them by post & shall not fail to send the Box which Contains some Roots by first Conveyance I am &c.

C. Biddle


Title: To George Washington from David Griffith, 31 March 1788
From: Griffith, David
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
March 31st 1788

The enclosed paper contains a Statement of your Subscription to the first of August last, when, by a resolution of the vestry, at their last meeting, the Pew rent was to commence in lieu of it. If it be convenient, should be greatly obliged to you for the balance. With respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington, I am, Dr Sir Your most humble & obedt Servt

D. Griffith


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

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon April 2d 1788.

I have to acknowledge the reception of your favor of the 24th of Feby; which I have delayed answering till this time in expectation of being able to give you some information of what will probably be the determination of this State, upon the Constitution; but the proceedings of New Hampshir, so directly opposite to what we had reason to hope for, from every account, has entirely baffled all calculation upon the subject; and will strengthen the opposition here; the members of which are not scrupulous in declaring, that, the adjournment was with design to know the result of this Convention.
The only ground upon which an opinion can be formed of what will be the decision here, is, the return of the members for

the Convention; of these I have as yet seen but a partial list, and of this list there are many who are unknown to me; so that I am not able to give you any more satisfactory information upon the Subject than when I wrote last to you. This, however, I may say, that the Northern, or upper Counties are generally friendly to the adoption of the Government, the lower are said to be generally unfriendly, the Sentiments of the Western parts of the State are not fully known, but no means have been left untried to prejudice them against the system. Every art that could inflame the passions or touch the interests of men has been essayed. The ignorant have been told, that should the proposed Government obtain, their lands would be taken from them and their property disposed of. and all ranks are informed that the prohibition of the Navigation of the Mississipi (their favourite object) will be a certain consequence of the adoption of the Constitution. But notwithstanding these unfair and unjust representations, I do not despair of its adoption in this State. With the sincerest regard & esteem, I am, my dear Sir, Your Affecte & Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 3 April 1788
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Phil[adelphia] April 3d 1788

I expected from what Mr Dunlap had informed me that your papers had been forwarded you regularly since I wrote on that subject but on enquiry at the post office & finding they had not been sent (owing to some misunderstanding between the office & Printers) I have directed the papers to be brought to my Office & now put up in a Bundle with those of last month & shall inclose them in future by the Different Mails as Mr Bryson & Capt. Patton who direct the Post Office here have shewn an anxiety to forward them to you with Care—No vessels yet offers by which to send the small Box from Mr Peters.

C. Biddle


Title: From George Washington to Richard Butler, 3 April 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Butler, Richard

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 3d April 1788.

I have received your letter of the 13th ulto—My not acknowledging the reception of the printed Vocabulary must have been an omission, for it came safely to hand with the manuscript one.
Your observation respecting the instability & inefficacy of our general Government is very just; they are not only apparent in the instances which you mention, but have, for a long time, strongly marked all our national transactions. This, in my opinion, is a powerful argument for adopting the proposed Constitution, even if it was less perfect than it is, and while a constitutional door is left open for amendments whenever they may be found necessary.
I thank you, my dear Sir, for your information respecting the opposition to the proposed Government in the Country west of the Susquehanna. Notwithstanding the rancour & activity of the opponents in Pensylvania, I trust that they are, generally speaking, persons of too little importance & of too contemptable characters to endanger the general welfare of the Union by extending their influence to other States, or even any further in their own than to a few Counties, or over persons whose characters, dispositions & situations are conformable to their’s.
How the important question will be decided in this State is yet uncertain. Opinions are various, & I can say nothing upon the subject from my own knowledge, as I but very rarely ride off my farms, and am wholly indebted to the publick papers & those Gentlemen who visit me for any information which I have; however, from everything that I can collect, I am still confident of its adoption here. I am, Dear Sir, Yr most Obedt Hbe Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Chamberline, 3 April 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Chamberline, Samuel

Sir,
Mount Vernon April 3d 1788

I have been favored with your letter of the 10 Ulto and feel myself much obliged by the communication of your mode of cropping, which you have been pleased to make to me.
Every improvement in husbandry should be gratefully received and peculiarly fostered in this Country, not only as promoting the interest and lessening the labour of the farmer, but as advancing our respectability in a national point of view; for, in the present State of America, our welfare and prosperity depend upon the cultivation of our lands and turning the produce of them to the best advantage.
The method of treading out wheat with horses is certainly a very execrable one, and nothing but the necessity of getting it out by some me[a]ns or other can justify the practice. Your mode of cropping (with the assistance of the Winlaw Thrasher) claims the preference to every other if only considered as getting the wheat out so expeditiously as to preserve it from the ravages of the fly.
I wrote sometime in January last, to Arthur Young Esquire (Editor of the Annals of Agriculture) requesting him to send over to me one of Winlaw’s thrashing machines, if it was found, from the experience which it must have had in England, to possess that merit is ascribed to it in his Annals; I hope to receive it in time to prove it after the next ha[r]vest, and should its operation be as favourable as is represented, I shall conceive the cultivation of wheat to be infinitely more worthy of the farmer’s attention in this country than it is at present.
If, in the course of your farming, you should meet with any thing further that is interesting and worthy of attention I shall be much obliged to you for a communication of it. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Sert

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 3 April 1788
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
London Apr. 3. 1788

I had proposed writing by the present opportunity, before I received your letter of Jany the 1st on tuesday last. Return you my most sincere thanks for your good wishes. The second volume will be printed off I expect by the end of the week after next. The first begins with the settlement of the several colonies, & comes down to & takes in the Lexington engagement. The second finishes with the Saratoga convention. The storm is blown over for the present, & the continuance of peace is expected. But whenever war breaks out among the European

powers, I hope & pray with you that the United States may have no interference therein, other than as carriers between the belligerent powers. And yet this may lead on to a war, should Britain assume the exercise of the powers which they had long practiced before the armed neutrality. It is a very desirable thing for the Americans to obtain an insertion in all their treaties of this principle that neutral bottoms make neutral goods. Would the different kingdoms of Europe make it a part of the law of nations, though Britain should dissent; that might most probably prevent the latter’s being so insolent because of her marine.
I conjecture from what has taken place, that the New Constitution will be established, & most sincerely hope it will promote the general interests of the United States. Strength of government is certainly wanting: but as to the plea that the court of London makes for not entering on a commercial alliance from a deficiency of power in Congress I consider it as deceitful. A disinclination to the business is the main reason; & was I in the councils of America I should advise to send no more an ambassador to London, till this court was disposed to do the like. A consul at Westminster may suffice for a consul at New York.
We are not yet settled, but am going tomorrow to a place in the neighbourhood of where I was first fixed for thirteen years; should all parties suit upon a trial, may probably set down there before summer is over for the remainder of my days.
Mrs Gordon the beginning of last November was seized in the night with a throbbing in her right thumb, which continued, spread, inflamed her hand & near to her shoulder. It was attended with a violent fever. When it pleased God to restore her health, her hand & fingers were crippled by the inflammation so as to be useless. They are come to in measure, so that within this month she has been able to dress & undress herself. We are in hopes that the summer weather will nearly perfect the cure: but are very thankful that she is so much better.
Reports represented the duke of York as a most deserving & temperate person. Since then we are told, that he has lost by gaming most or all of his Yorkshire estate, & that he is frequently intoxicated. His brother the sea captain it is said, made an entertainment at Plymouth & invited the ladies to whom he introduced his black mistress, but they considered it as so coarse a compliment that they withdrew. After that he made another &

invited all the neighbouring negro men & women, who were well pleased with the company of the prince’s favorite. We have a hopeful generation of princes. The Americans will not regret their separation from them.
Government are sending troops to the East Indies to take possession of the East India company’s territories. In a course of years these will be lost to Great Britain, for they are as far again from the seat of power as America. The means taken to prevent may, as in the other instance, hasten the catastrophe.
Expect the pleasure of having to congratulate your Excellency before the year is out upon being chosen President to the American parliament. I know of no one whom I could wish so heartily to fill that place as yourself. But I do not wish you to have Mr Hancock for your vice-president; there are many I think much better qualified, on one of whom I hope the choice will fall. I feel myself interested in the prosperity of the American States. May they be ever a virtuous free & happy people. I remain my Dear Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient & very humble servant

William Gordon

Mrs Gordon unites with me in best wishes for your lady & family. Suffer me to drop a hint in favor of the Post Master General, whose attention to business, when I was in America, made me desirous that whatever revolutions in state government might exist, he might continue in office. Should Cornwallis be the watch word agreed upon, of which I wish to be absolutely certain, be pleased to introduce it in your next.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mahony, 3 April 1788
From: Mahony, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Honourd Sir
Alexandria Aprill 3d 1788

I woud esteem it as a great Favour if you have considered that Affair of my working with your (Honour) I am willing to Engage for the Year at Twenty Six pounds with all other Articles wch was made mention’d of your Honour’s Answer I Humbleley waite for.

Thos Mahoney


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Smith, 3 April 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, Thomas

Sir,
Mount Vernon April 3d 1788

Previous to the reception of your letter of the 11th Inst. Colo. Biddle advised me of his having received from you £192.13.4 on my acct he mentioned £200 having been brought to him by the Gentleman into whose charge you had given it but £7.6.8.

being in bad gold, he did not incline to receive it, and had therefore returned it to the Gentleman by whom it was sent—I am &c.

Go. Washington

P.S. Since writing the above your letter of the 17th Ulto has come to hand. Mr Smith of Baltimore transmitted to me the sum of £75.15.10. which you lodged in his hands, for me in October last.


Title: From George Washington to François Barbé de Marbois, 4 April 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Barbé de Marbois, François

Sir,
Mount Vernon April 4th 1788.

I have regularly received the letter you did me the honor to write to me on the 30th of November last, accompanied by one from the Count de la Luzerne, respecting the claim of the M. de Saqui des Tourets to be admitted a member of the Society of the Cincinnati.
I should certainly find myself extremely happy in an opportunity of gratifying the wishes of so meritorious an officer as M. des Tourets; if I thought myself at liberty to take any part whatever in the premises. Recommended strongly as he is by the Count de la Luzerne & yourself I cannot have a doubt that he would be an acquisition & a credit to the institution: nor can I have a hesitation in believing that his pretensions are as good as those of some who have found admission into the society. Yet as I have (amidst the almost innumerable applications that have been made to me) scrupulously avoided giving any decision and only referred the documents I had received to the General Meeting; I flatter myself I shall be considered as having done every thing that was properly within my sphere, by making a similar reference in the present instance.

You are sensible, I perceive Sir, that, from the constitution of our Society, it would not have been right in me to have given a positive determination on the question. It would now be less proper than ever for me to take that upon myself. For, having by a circular letter to the several State Societies requested that I might not be re-elected President, on account of my numerous avocations: the last General Meeting was pleased so far to indulge me, as to make it a condition to induce my acceptance, that I should be absolutely excused from all trouble & application incident to the office; and that the whole business should devolve on the Vice-President, General Mifflin. As I shall not be present at the next General Meeting, I will transmit the application of Monsieur des Tourets to General Knox, the Secretary of the General Meeting.
The appointment of the Count de la Luzerne to the office of Minister of Marine & his consequent removal to Europe, will, I presume, supersede the necessity or expediency of my addressing him on this subject. Had that not been the case, I should have seized with eagerness the occasion of paying the tribute of my homage to his acknowledged talents & virtues.
I am truly rejoiced to hear of the felicity of Madame de Marbois & yourself: and hope you will still be made more happy in the growing cement of the two nations to which you allude. With great regard & esteem, I have the Honor to be, Sir, Yr most Obedt & very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Lee, 4 April 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon April 4th 1788

I am very sorry that I have not yet been able to discharge my acct with the James River Company for the amount of which you presented me with an order.
The almost total loss of my crop last year by the drought which has obliged me to purchace upwards of eight hundred Barrels of Corn, and my other numerous and necessary demands for cash, when I find it impossible to obtain what is due

to me, by any means, has caused more perplexity & given me more uneasiness than I ever experienced before from the want of money. In addition to the disappointments which I have met with from those who are indebted to me, I have in my hands a number of indents and other public securities which I have received from time to time as the interest of some Continental loan office certificates &c. which are in my possession; as I am so little conversent in publick securities of every kind as not to know the use or value of them, and hardly the difference of one species from another, I have kept them by me from year to year without having an idea that they would depreciate as they were drawn for interest, and never doubting but they would be received in payment of taxes at any time, till I have found by the Revenue Law of the last Session, that only a particular description of them will pay the taxes of the year 1787—the others pay all arrearages of taxes and I am informed are not worth more than 2/6 in the pound, the injustice of this measure is too obvious and too glaring to pass unobserved; it is taxing the honest man for his punctuality, and rewarding the tardy or dishonest with the sum of 17/6 in every pound which is due from him for taxes.
As you are now in Richmond I take the liberty of enclosing to you (in a letter from Mr Pendleton) a Certificate for a negro executed in the year 1781 Amounting to £69. which I will thank you to negociate for me there upon the best terms you can, and pay the proceeds thereof in behalf of what is due from me to the James River Company—The principal for the negro, and three years interest thereon (which is all that was allowed) amounted to £138. which was divided into two Cirtificates, one receivable in the taxes now due, which I retain, to discharge part of my taxes for the year 1787 and the other you have with this upon what principle of Justice interest is allowed on the above certificates from the 1st of Jany 1785 only my ideas are not sufficiently comprehensive to understand and if it should fall in your way to enquire should be glad to know; As also what will or is likely to be the final result of my holding the Certificates which have been given to me for interest of the money I lent to the Public in the day of its distress. I am well apprised that these are negotiable things and when a person is obliged to part with them, he must, as with other commodities at market, take what they will fetch, but the object of my enquiry, is to know, as above, what

the final end of them will be if retained in my chest. Strange indeed it seems—that the Public Offices should take in the original Certificates—Issue new, by a scale of their own—reducing the money as they say, to specia value—give warrents for interest accordingly—and then behold! these specia warrents are worth 2/6 in the pound. To commit them to the flames, or suffer this is a matter of indifference to me. there can be no Justice where there is such practices. You will pardon me for dwelling so long upon this subject—It is a matter which does not concern me alone but must affect many others—with great esteem and regard—I am &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Wilson, 4 April 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Wilson, James

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon April 4th 1788

You will please to accept of my best thanks for the copy of the debates of your late convention which you have been so polite as to send me—That, together with your favor of the 11 Ulto was handed to me by Mr Madison.
The violent proceedings of the ememies of the proposed constitution in your State are to be regreted as disturbing the peace of society; but in any other point of view they are not to be regarded; for their unimportance effectually precludes any fear of their having an extensive or lasting influence, and their activity holds up to view the general cast & character of them, which need only be seen to be disregarded.
It is impossible to say, with any degree of certainty, what will

be the determination of the Convention in this State upon the proposed plan of Government. I have no opportunity of gaining information respecting the matter but what come through the medium of the news papers or from those Gentln who visit me, as I have hardly been ten miles from any farms since my return from Philadelphia. Some Judgement may be formed when the members chosen by the several Counties to serve in Convention, are known, as their sentiments will be decided, and their choice determined, by their Attachments or opposition to the proposed System. A majority of those names I have yet seen are said to be friendly to the Constitution but these are from the Northern parts of the State from whence least opposition was to be expected. It is however certain that there will be a greater weight of abilities opposed to it here than in any other State. I am, Dear Sir—Yr Most Obedt Hbl. Sert

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 6 April 1788 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

Letter not found: to Richard Peters, 6 April 1788. On 27 April Peters wrote GW: “I was honoured yesterday with yours of the 6th instant.”


Title: To George Washington from John Porter, 9 April 1788
From: Porter, John
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency.
New YorkApril 9h 1788

With the advice of many of my military frinds of rank & respectability I am induced to address this on a subject of which I but too sinsibly feel the misfortune—’Tis that of my discharge from the Army, by a Court Martial for going beyond sea without proper leave for that purpose, &c. which will no doubt immediately occur to your mind; I have been mostly in Europe & the West Indies since the conclusion of the war, but on my return to America some time since, I presented a memorial to Congress praying a restoration to my rank, & the Emoluments to which I might have been intitled had my better fortune prevailed, To this I was recommended & assisted by my military friends, both in & out of Congress, The memorial has been attended to, refered, &

is now before a very rispectable Committee, As I have not heard any thing particularly discouraging I hope it will meet with a favorable Issue—But to put the matter beyond a doubt, I presume to request of your Excellency, (If consistent with your own feelings and Idea of the matter) some kind of recommendation to the indulgence of Congress on this head. If ’tis only to say there is no objection in your mind to any act Congress in their wisdom & goodness may be induced to pass in my favor therein.
Were it possible for this to be done it would give my memorial every success I could wish, & in some measure relieve me from a misfortune, causing the most embittering circumstance of my life. As the army has been long since disbanded I flatter myself there cannot remain an objection in the mind of any Officer to my succeeding in my wishes—Relying on your well known goodness & benevolence I beg leave to submit my case to your consideration—If any assistance can be given me in my present situation with propriety, it will be laying me under a never to be forgotten Obligation. Wishing every prosperety & happiness to your illustrious House permit me to Subscribe myself with sentiments of the most profound respect & veneration Your Excellency’s most Obedient & Very humble Servant

John Porter late Major 6 Massts BattlnAddress Coffee House New York.


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 10 April 1788
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Orange April 10. 1788

Having seen a part only of the names returned for the Convention, and being unacquainted with the political characters of many of them, I am a very incompetent prophet of the fate of the Constitution. My hopes however are much encouraged by my present conjectures. Those who have more data for their calculations than I have, augur a flattering issue to the deliberations of June. I find that Col: Nicholas, who is among the best judges, thinks on the whole, that a majority in the Convention will be on the list of fœderalists; but very properly takes into view the turn that may be given to the event by the weight of Kentucky if thrown into the wrong scale, and by the proceedings of Maryland and South Carolina, if they should terminate in either a rejection or postponement of the question. The impression on Kentucky, like that on the rest of the State was at first answerable to our wishes: but, as elsewhere, the torch of discord has been thrown in and has found the materials but too inflammable. I have written several letters since my arrival, to

correspondents in that district, with a view to counteract antifederal machinations. I have little expectation however that they will have much effect, unless the communications that may go from Mr Brown in Congress, should happen to breathe the same spirit: and I am not without apprehensions that his mind may have taken an unlucky tincture from the difficulties thrown in the way of the separation of the district, as well as from some antecedent proceedings of Congress. I have taken the liberty of writing also to a friend in South Carolina on the critical importance of a right decision there to a favorable one here. The inclosed letter which I leave unsealed will shew you that I am doing the same with respect to Maryland. Will you be so good as to put a wafer in it and to send it to the post office for George Town, or to change the address to Annapolis, if you should have reason to conclude that Mr Carrol will be there? I have written a similar letter to Docr McHenry. The difference between even a postponement and adoption in Maryland, may in the nice balance of parties here, possibly give a fatal advantage to that which opposes the Constitution.
I have done nothing yet in preparing answers to the queries. As facts are to be ascertained as well as opinions formed, delay will be of course, counted upon. With every sentiment of respect and attachment I remain Dear Sir, your Obedient & humble servt

Js Madison Jr


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 11 April 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 11th Apl 1788

I have recd your favor of the 31st Ulto enclosing a letter & some seeds from Mr Peters, and will thank you to send me, by the first Vessel bound this way, a good Wheat-fan (if there have been any late improvements on the common sort, which have been found useful, I shall prefer one with such improvements)—and a steel-plated Whip-saw of the best kind, seven & an half feet long; if you are not a competent judge yourself of

the quality of the saw, I will thank you to get somebody to chuse one who is, as I wish it to be free from flaws & good in every respect.
You will oblige me by conveying the enclosed letter to Mr Peters by the first good opportunity. I am, Dear Sir, Yr most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington