Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 3 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Augt 3d 1788.

Your favors of the 21st & 27th of last month came duly to hand. The last, contained the pleasing—and I may add (tho’ I could not reconcile it with any ideas I entertained of common policy) unexpected account of the unconditional ratification of the Consitution by the State of New York—That No. Carolina will hesitate long in its choice I can scarcely believe; but what Rhode Island will do is more difficult to say, though not worth a conjecture; as the conduct of the Majority there, has, hitherto, baffled all calculation.
The place proper for the New Congress to meet at, will, unquestionably, undergo (if it has not already done it) much investigation; but there are certain things which are so self evident in their nature as to speak for themselves—this, possibly, may be one—where the true point lays I will not undertake to decide, but there can be no hesitation I conceive in pronouncing one thing, that in all Societies, if the bond or cement is strong and interesting enough to hold the body together, the several parts should submit to the inconveniencies for the benefits which they derive from the conveniencies of the compact.
We have nothing in these parts worth communicating. Towards New York we look for whatever is interesting, until the States begin to act under the New form, which will be an important epocha in the annals of this Country. With sentiments of sincere friendship and affection I am—Yours

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Nelson, Jr., 3 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Nelson, Thomas Jr.

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon August 3d 1788

Your letter of the 19th Ulto came duly to hand and could I have been of any service in the affair to which it refers no apology would have been necessary for requesting it. I have no white Ditcher with me at present but a Dutch Redemptioner—Nor has there ever lived with me one—to the best of my recollection—of the name of Clarke. Last year I employed a man who called himself James Lawson—He worked for me about nine Months as a Ditcher and left my employment in very bad health in the month of September since which I have not hea[r]d from him. Two or three years before that one William Skilling died in my Service as a Ditcher—these are all the white persons I have employed in that way since my return to private life.
Far, very far indeed was it from my intention to embarrass you by the letter which enclosed the proceedings of the Genl Convention—and still farther was it from my wish that the communication should be received in any other light than as an instance of my attention and Friendship. I was well aware that the adoption or rejection of the Constitution would, as it ought to be, decided upon according to its merits & agreeably to the circumstances to which our public affairs had arriven. That all questions of this kind are, ever will—and perhaps ought to be (to accomplish the designs of infinite wisdom) viewed through different mediums by different men is as certain as that they have existance—all that can be expected in such cases therefore is charrity mutual-forbearance and acquiescence in the Genl voice; which, though it may be wrong is presumably right.
Mrs Washington unites with me in every good wish for Mrs Nelson, yourself and family—and with sentiments of the highest esteem and friendship I am—my Dear Sir—Yrs &c.

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Annis Boudinot Stockton, 3 August 1788 [letter not found]
From: Stockton, Annis Boudinot
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Annis Boudinot Stockton, 3 Aug. 1788. On 31 Aug. GW thanked Mrs. Stockton for her “kind letter of the 3d instant.”


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 4 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon August 4th 1788

Your letter of the 30th Ulto came to my hands by the last mail.
Let me request that those articles which you propose to send me by Captn Ellwood may be accompained by 200 lbs. of Sheet Iron from the Trenton Works (proper for plating the Mould boards of Plows)—and a Jarr of best Spirma ceti Oil for House Lamps—That is a clear fine Oil which does not foul them—The Velvet Ribbon came safe and was Just the kind I wanted, and for your care in forwarding it so expeditiously I beg you to accept my thanks.
As the price of Porter according to your Account has not been enhanced and is good in quality, I beg, if this letter gets to hand in time, that you would add another groce to the one ordered in my former letter.
I want a pump for a well on a farm yard which is 13½ feet deep—how much it will require to be above the ground I certainly, know not—but say six feet. no cap is necessary because it will be under cover. What would such an on[e], made fit for use cost in Philadelphia?—and what the freight of it round? Your answer will determin whether I shall import one from that place or get one made in Alexandria where the price asked is, I think, unreasonable. I am Dear Sir Yrs &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Craik, 4 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Craik, James

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon August 4th 1788

With this letter you will receive the Horse I promised you; And which I now beg your acceptance of. He is not in such good order as I could wish, but as good as my means would place him.
I also send you Thirty pounds Cash for one years allowance for the Schooling of your Son G.W. I wish it was in my power to send the like sum for the other year, which is now about, or near due; and that could discharge your account for attendance and ministrens to the Sick of my family—but it really is not; for with much truth I can say, I never felt the want of money so sensibly since I was a boy of 15 years old as I have done for the last 12 Months and probably shall do for 12 Months more to come. Sincerely and affectly I am Yrs &c.

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Pettit, 5 August 1788
From: Pettit, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 5th August 1788

On a Subject so pleasing as the Prospect of an established Government on Principles which bid fair to secure the Benefits of Society to the Citizens of the United States, Your Excellency will excuse me in approaching you with my hearty Congratulations.
The excellent Sentiments conveyed to the World in your circular Letter of the 18th of June 1783, confirmed and methodized in my Mind Ideas which before had been but indigested Conceptions, and reduced to some Degree of Systematic Order on a republican Plan, those Principles and Maxims which, tho’ well known to be essential to the public Prosperity under any Form of Government, I was much at a Loss how to apply with proper Effect in our novel Situation, till the plan of Government lately framed made its Appearance. The Confederation of 1777

could operate with proper Force no longer than the Glow of Zeal for the public Good was kept far above the natural Pitch, by the combined Influence of common Danger, and the Resentment which that Danger excited against the Authors of it. As this Zeal subsided, the Weakness of the fœderal Government was discovered; and long before the Peace the Want of energetic Power in Congress became alarming to the discerning Friends of this Revolution; but not sufficiently so to the People at large to induce them to add the necessary Powers. The Construction of Congress was, however, a great, if not the principal Cause of Reluctance to vest them with Powers adequate to a proper fœderal Government. To combine the Legislative, Executive & Judicial Powers of Government in one Body of Men, was thought incompatible with the fundamental Principles of Liberty and Safety; and that inequality of Representation, which gave to the smallest States an equal Voice in the disposal of Property with those which were to contribute in a tenfold Proportion, was thought to be unjust.
The new Plan, now so happily approaching to Maturity, removes these Objections in a great Degree. It comes nearer to my Ideas of Perfection than I could have expected in a first Essay of any representative Body, having so many Difficulties to encounter as must have presented themselves to the general Convention. And tho’ I am one of those that suppose some Amendments ought to be early made in it, yet I am clearly of Opinion that the Road to political Safety and Happiness is through the Adoption of it as it is, and that the Amendments be made in a Mode compatible with the concurrent exercise of it as a Constitution. That a considerable Proportion of the People of this State have been of a different Opinion, has arisen more from the indiscreet Measures and Modes of the Advocates for an early Adoption than from a refractory Disposition of the People. The Men who have been most stigmatized on this Occasion, as factious antifederalists, have generally distinguished themselves as the Friends of good Order and just Government; and have on all Occasions manifested a good Disposition towards supporting the fœderal Government, and cloathing it with the necessary Powers for its due Operation. But on this Occasion the Change proposed was great and Sudden: the Plan laid before them was entirely new, and involved in it so many important Considerations which in

their Apprehension required deliberate Examination & Discussion, that they wanted Time and Opportunity allowed them for this Purpose. The Prejudices of the Minority in the general Convention were, moreover, communicated to divers of the leading Members of the Assembly from the Country, at least as early as the Plan itself came to their Knowledge; they therefore viewed it, on its first Appearance, through the Medium of these Prejudices. Under such Circumstances, unfavourable Impressions were naturally to be expected, but I believe an Idea never entered their Minds of preventing its being laid before the People, and fairly taking their Sense upon it in the Manner recommended by the general Convention. A reasonable Time for its Circulation amongst the People previous to their Election of Delegates to decide upon it in State Convention, was all they demanded. This was denied them in a Manner that became too notorious to escape general Notice. These Measures, instead of conciliating, inflamed their Minds; gave deeper Root to their Prejudices, and excited fresh Jealousies and Suspicions which otherwise would not probably have had Existence. In this Situation of Affairs the Elections for a State Convention were hurried on. Scarcely a fifth Part of the Voters gave their Suffrages: the rest, especially those remote from the City, either from Indolence, or not having had Time and Opportunity to form Satisfactory Judgment of the Subject to be decided upon, remained inactive. Hence the Minority in the Convention conceived that a Majority of the People in the State were of their Opinion, and would oppose the operation of the Plan, notwithstanding the Majority of the Convention had agreed to adopt it; and for a Time there was much Reason to apprehend that the government would have been improved, and the Peace of the State, if not of the Union, endangered by the Frenzy of a Zeal thus inflamed and misapplied. The little Influence I have with these People, of whose Principles, Integrity, and good Intentions I have a very favourable Opinion, has been exercised to moderate their Jealousies and remove their Prejudices so as to give their reasoning Faculties fair Operation. What Effect my Endeavours have had, I will not pretend to say; but whatever may have been the Causes of their change of Temper, it is with great Pleasure that I now find Reason to believe that they will not only acquiesce peaceably, but cooperate in the Organization of the new

Plan of Government, and content themselves with asking in a constitutional Mode the Amendments they desire.
This being the present Temper & Disposition of the People of Pennsylvania, who have been thus peculiarly irritated, and, as it were, driven into a Degree of Intemperance incompatible with their usual Conduct and Character, we may reasonably hope for a general Acquiescence in the People of the other States, who have taken as much Time as they chose for Deliberation and Discussion before they came to a Decision or committed the Power of deciding to others. Hence I conclude that the Object is in a great Measure gained, and the Foundation of political Happiness securely laid: And I trust that the Wisdom and Fortitude, which under the Guidance of a superintending Providence has established our Independance, and thus far united us in a Plan for the peaceable Enjoyment of it, will procure in Fruition what we have hardly yet ta[s]ted but in Prospect.
Having thus far intruded on your Excellency concerning the Public, permit me to solicit your Patience while I say a few Words concerning myself. To have served the Public with Fidelity has ever been a Recommendation to your favourable Notice: to have performed such Service with splendid Abilities, could not fail to strengthen the Recommendation. To the latter, however, I make no Claim, tho’ I feel a Consciousness that I have some Title to the former. If I had attended to my own Interest with as much Care and Assiduity as I bestowed on that of the Public, the fair Emoluments of my Station would have been so improved as to place me in a Situation of Ease & Independance: if I had availed myself of the Opportunities my Situation afforded, to acquire all that I legally might have acquired, I might have abounded in Wealth. But the latter I could not perfectly reconcile to my Ideas of Fidelity; and the former I was restrained from, as well in some Measure to save Appearances lest the Public should suffer by an Opinion that its Servants were enriching themselves in a Time of Calamity, as because my Time was too much engaged in public Cares to admit of due Attention to private Concerns. At the same Time an undue Confidence (as the Event has proved it) in the Abilities & Justice of the Public, led me to deposit in their Hands not only the greater Part of my Earnings in the Service, but the Property I had before acquired. Hence I remain a public Creditor for nearly all that I am worth; not by speculative Purchases

at a low Value, but by original Loans, and by Certificates taken in Exchange for Property at their nominal Value. I am not unaware that by this Declaration I arraign my own Prudence, and perhaps depreciate my Judgment. The Spirit of Party has imputed to me much more Wealth than I possess, together with considerable Acquisitions by speculating in the public Funds. The part I took in my Endeavours to obtain Justice to be done to the Public Creditors, will explain the Motives for raising such Reports, especially when it is known that they originated with, or at least obtained a Currency from a person of great Wealth, and at that Time in high Station, who took especial Care that the Public should never become his Debtor, and who wished to avoid contributing anything towards the Payment of others. It is my Misfortune, however, that these Reports are void of Truth; and that on the Contrary I am, in the present Situation of public Credit, almost entirely dependant on the Produce of Industry for the Means of supporting a Family, at a Time of Life when I expected to enjoy Ease in domestic Affairs, if not Ability to advance my Progeny in the World. My fellow Citizens have frequently honored me with their Suffrages, and are still desirous of placing me in a representative Capacity. It is not a little mortifying, after twenty years Employment chiefly in the public Service, to be obliged to decline Honors of this kind, and at the same Time to seek for Employment of more Emolument, tho’ less honorable; and yet while my little Capital is thus withheld from me, Necessity imposes on me this Choice. The Organization of the new Government will necessarily call for confidential Servants of the Public. If I should be deemed worthy of your Excellency’s Patronage, I may be thought of in the arrangement; at the same Time I beg Leave to assure you that I wish not to stand in the Way of more deserving Objects, nor to occasion you a Moment’s Embarrassment on my Account.
I have now to request your Pardon for this Intrusion. I hope my Congratulations will be as acceptable as they are sincere; and that what I have said concerning the People of Pennsylvania may have a tendency to place them in a more just point of View than they may have been exhibited in by some other Reports. As to what I have said concerning myself, if it should be found to have any tincture of unpleasantness mingled with its Effects, I have only to request that it may be forgiven and forgotten. As a Citizen

I feel too much Gratitude for your eminent Services, and as a public Servant too much a Respect for your Person to suffer me willingly to occasion the least Interruption to your Happiness. With fervent wishes for your continued Prosperity, I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

Chas Pettit


Title: From George Washington to Hector St. John Crèvecoeur, 6 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Crèvecoeur, Hector St. Jean de

Sir,
Mount Vernon Augt 6th 1788.

The enclosed packet came under cover to me, yesterday; The Box which ought to have accompanied it is yet on Ship-board, in the lower part of this River. I have requested that it may be forwarded to me without delay. When it arrives I will send it to the Stage Office and desire that particular attention may be paid to it.
Conceiving it to be best not to detain the letters for the arrival of the Box is the cause of your receivg this trouble, at this time; accompanied with assurances of the esteem and respect with which I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt and Most Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Hanson, 6 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)

Sir,
Mount Vernon August 6th 1788

On my return home last night I found my Nephew Lawrence here—who said he was affraid to remain at your House and offered to shew me some bruises he had received. Being prepared for it, I was going this morning to correct him, but he begged so earnestly, and promised so faithfully that there should be no cause of complaint against him for the future that I have suspended the Punishment.
The letter which I have written to his Brother on the subject, is under this cover and open for your perusal—He is arrived at that age and size now as to be a fitter subject to be reasoned with than to receive corporal punishment. and my primary object in placing these boys with you, last, was that they (at least George) Should be treated more on the footing of Friendship, and as companians, tha[n] as mere School-boy’s—This, I hoped, would draw Georges attention to objects, and conversations, that would improve, and might contribute in a degree to wean him from boyish amusements—the influence of which would extend to Lawrence.
Necessary and decent Clothes they shall have no cause to complain for the want of; and if you, Sir, once a month, or oftener, would be so obliging as to inspect them, & let me know what they need I will take care that they shall be provided. A line from one of them, lodged at the Post, signifying their desire of sending things to my Taylor to repair will induce the occasunal call of a servant which may be sent to Town on other business—with esteem I am Sir Yrs &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Steptoe Washington, 6 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Steptoe

Dear George,
Mount Vernon August 6th 1788

It was with equal pain and surprize I was informed by Colo. Hanson on Monday last, of your unjustifiable behaviour in rescuing your brother from that chastisement which was due to his improper conduct; and which you know, because you have been told it in explicit language, he was authorized to administer whensoever he should deserve it.
Such refractory behaviour on your part, I consider as an insult equally offered to myself after the above communications and I shall continue to view it in that light, till you have made satisfactory acknowledgments to Colo. Hanson for the offence given him.
It is as much my wish and intention to see Justice done to you and your Brother as it is to punish either when it is merited—but there are proper modes by whch this is to be obtained, and it is to be sought by a fair and candid representation of facts whch can be supported—and not by vague complaints disobedience, perverseness, or disobliging conduct, which make enemies without producing the smallest good.
So often, and strenuously have I endeavoured to inculcate this advice, and to Shew you the advantages which are to be expected from close application to your studies, that it is unnecessary to repeat it. If the admonitions of friendship are lost other methods must be tried which cannot be more disagreeable to you than it would be to one who wishes to avoid it who is solicitous to see you and your Brother (the only remaining Sons of your father) turn out well, and who is very desirous of continuing your Affecte Uncle

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Richards Minot, 7 August 1788
From: Minot, George Richards
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 7th August 1788

Permit me to offer for your perusal, a copy of the History of the late Insurrections &. in Massachusetts. The share which you had, in the great and glorious events of America, must interest your feelings in all subsequent transactions; and, I hope, this little narrative will not be unacceptable to you, as a continuance of information, upon the important subject of domestick History.
The difficulty of stating facts on the spot where they happen, and under the view of the actors, will readily occur; and must be my apology with you in reading the book. If this circumstance however, has had influence in checking the remarks of the writer, I hope it has had none, in the relating of the events, which is the part wherein the publick are most concerned.
General Lincoln has kindly offered to introduce my production to your notice; and, my confidence in the goodness of your character, has led me to anticipate a favourable reception to an

effort, which was dictated by a love of truth, and a wish to preserve the reputation of the country. With the highest respect, I am, Sir, Your most obedient, & most humble Servant,

George Richards Minot


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Newton, 8 August 1788 [letter not found]
From: Newton, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Newton, Jr., 8 Aug. 1788. On 10 Oct. GW wrote Newton about “Your letter of the 8th of August.”


Title: To George Washington from George Steptoe Washington, 8 August 1788
From: Washington, George Steptoe
To: Washington, George

Dear Uncle
Alexandria Augt 8th 1788

I received your letter from Col. Hanson, and after considering the contents, think it necessary to transmit to you an account of the late occurrence, in which you have been informed I acted an improper part; my object in writing this letter is not to exculpate m[y]self, it is only to state matters as they really were; whither my conduct was justifiable in doing what I have, I am not a judge, but with pleasure leave it to be determin’d by you when made acquainted with the circumstances of the case. You have been informed that Laurence has attended divine servise but once or twice, if the information was received from Col. Hanson I wish not to contradict him, but of late he has attended pretty constant, and the reason of his absence from Church that day, was on account of his coat, but of this also I am not to judge, if Col. Hanson thinks proper to correct him I acknolidge it is

not my business to interfere, neither would I have had the least idea of doing it if it had been done in an orderly manner, especially since I know it to be your desire; but it was the manner in which it was done and the instrument with which it was to be performed that caused my interference; when it happened, I was in my way to school, but was recalled by the cries of Laurence (which drew the attention of the neighbours) calling me to his assistance; upon my spedy return I found him on the floor with Col. Hanson on the top of him and a cowhide laying on the table, alarmed at this unexpected sight, I enterposed, without thinking on what I was about to do, and even then I offered no insult to Col. Hanson, but hindered my brother from being beat with an instrument which I deemed improper to inflict a punishment for so slall a crime. This was what I did but no more, it was not to deny Col. Hansons authority, it was not to call in question the justise of his punishment. but I was driven to it by brotherly affection; If it has meet with your disapprobation, I am sorry for it, and if you continue to be of that opinion, I will make any concessions to Col. Hanson, and as what is done cannot be undone, I shall persue that only method of atonement for folly, to be sorry for it, and do so no more.
It ony remains that I should express my thanks for your kind advise and assuring you that I will never deviate from any instructions which I shall be favoured with from you; these are the unaltered intentions. Of Dear Uncle Your most Obedient Nephew

George S. Washington.

Both of us are in want of coats and a pair of breeche’s.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Powel, 9 August 1788
From: Powel, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia August 9. 1788

On board Capt. Ellwood, who sails for Alexandria Tomorrow, I have shipped an Arm-Chair for you, which he has promised

to deliver at Mount-Vernon, if practicable, or to a Gentleman at Alexandria to whom, he says, he commonly delivers any Articles he carries from hence for you. It is a neat chair, & will, I hope, please you.
Mrs Powel desires me to apologize for it’s having been so long delayed. The Fact is, that the Maker living near Trenton, she employed a Friend of her’s to communicate her Ideas of the Form of it to him. But, from some Cause or other, nothing appeared to have been done in the Business, ’till I, accidentally met the Man & spoke to him. This I mention to account for the Delay. At present I fear it will not fully accord with your Ideas, as he said that a Circle in the Back to have received a Cushion, would weaken the chair; & it did not appear practicable to prevail on him to deviate from his accustomed Mode of working with any Prospect of Success. The chair, such as it is, is the neatest I have seen of his making; &, should you be desirous of having a Sett of them, may be made for less than Two dollars each. The tedious Time that you have waited for this Trifle, will not, I hope, deter you from honoring us with any little Commission that you may wish to have executed here; as it will ever give us real pleasure to be, in any way, serviceable to you.
I hope that you have been more fortunate in your Saintfoin than myself. Some few of the Seeds that you were so obliging as to send me, vegetated—but the Plants are since dead. I imagine that the Heat of the Ship’s Hold had destroyed their vegetative Powers.
Have you heard of the Machine for rubbing out Grain invented by Mr Winlaw? I have not seen it, but have had a Description of it from Mr Bordley of Wye River in Maryland, who is in possession of a very compleat one sent him by Governor Sharpe. I am told that it will rub, or thresh, between Fifty and an Hundred Bushells in a Day.
The Accounts from New York are that Congress after appointing Baltimore as the Seat of the new Government, in a Committee of the whole House, rejected the Report of the Committee, & named New York as the Place, after agreeing upon this, it was found that Rhode Island could not, with propriety sign the Mandate for the Elections in the different States, so that the place of meeting is yet to be fixed upon. Is not this manner of Proceeding destitute of all Dignity. I confess that as an American

I feel mortified at this trifling with the Sensibilites of the Union, which I believe were never more alive than on the present Occasion—But I trust all will yet end well.
Mrs Powel request to join in the best Wishes for you & Mrs Washington. I am, with real Regard dear Sir your most obedt humble Servt

Samuel Powel

Capt. Ellwood sends me Word that he shall not sail before Wednesday. I have seen a Letter from a Member of Congress which says the Rhode Island Delegates are gone home—that new caballing is taking Place, & that Lancaster in Pennsylvania is now much talked of as the future Seat of Government—Some of the southern States who are averse to meeting at Philadelphia, are it is said willing to concur in this Measure—Rhode Island, is said to have formally rejected the new Constitution—I do not know from whence the writer derives his Information, as I have not heard of any Convention in that State. This Intelligence I have collected since closing the foregoing Page.


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 10 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon August 10th 1788

Should this letter get to your hands in time for the Sailing of Captn Ellwood—and you can readily procure 25 bushls of the best kind of Winter Barley I beg you to send it by him that I may try the success of it—The continual rains destroyed my Crop of spring Barley this year—but, if it had been otherwise, the Barley which you sent me the year before was so mixed with Oats (a circumstance I did not know till this Summer, as it was harvested while I was in Philadelphia) that it would no longer do to sow it. Could I be supplied with a quantity of that (spring Barley)

whi[c]h is really good from your City? Could I get it upon better terms from Rhode Island? and at what price (delivered here) might it be received from either place?
If you send the 25 bushels of Winter Barley, let it be put in good 4 bushel Sacks marked G.W. and they will be useful thereafter. With esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yrs &c.

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 11 August 1788
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York Augst 11. 1788

I have been duly favored with yours of the 3d instant. The length of the interval since my last has proceeded from a daily expectation of being able to communicate the final arrangements for introducing the new Government. The place of meeting

has undergone much discussion as you conjectured and still remains to be fixed. Philada was first named, & negatived by a voice from Delaware. N. York came forward next. Lancaster was opposed to it & failed. Baltimore was next tried and to the surprise of every one had seven votes. It was easy to see that that ground had it been free from objections was not maintainable. Accordingly the next day N. York was inserted in the place of it with the aid of the vote of Rhode Island. Rhode Island however has refused to give a final vote in the business and has actually retired from Congress. The question will now be resumed between N. York & Philada. It was much to be wished that a fit place for a respectable outset to the Govt could be found more central than either. The former is inadmissible if any regard is to be had to the Southern or Western Country. It is so with me for another reason, that it tends to stop the final & permanent seat short of the potowmac certainly, and probably in the State of N. Jersey. I know this to be one of the views of the Advocates for N. York. The only chance the potowmac has is to get things in such a train that a coalition may take place between the Southern & Eastern States on the subject, and still more that the final seat may be undecided for two or three years, within which period the Western & S. Western population will enter more into the estimate. Wherever Congress may be, the choice if speedily made will not be sufficiently influenced by that consideration. In this point of view I am of opinion Baltimore would have been unfriendly to the true object. It would have retained Congress but a moment, so many States being North of it, and dissatisfied with it, and would have produced a coalition among those States—a precipitate election of the permanent seat & an intermediate removal to a more northern position.
You will have seen the circular letter from the Convention of this State. It has a most pestilent tendency. If an Early General Convention cannot be parried, it is seriously to be feared that the System which has resisted so many direct attacks may be at last successfully undermined by its enemies. It is now perhaps to be wished that Rho. Island may not accede till this new crisis of danger be over. Some think it would have been better if even N. York had held out till the operation of the Government could have dissipated the fears which artifice had created and the attempts

resulting from those fears & artifices. We hear nothing yet from N. Carolina more than comes by the way of Petersburg. With the highest respect & attachment I remain Dr Sir, your affecte servt

Js Madison Jr


Title: To George Washington from Charles Love, Jr., 12 August 1788
From: Love, Charles Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boyds hole 12th August 1788

The Bearer has my instructions to deliver you 50–Barrels of Corn on a/c of Wm Hunter Junr Esqr. which I hope will get to hand in time to answer your purpose although much later than I wished or expected when I last had the pleasure of seeing you—However Sir should you be supplyed be pleased [to] order the Skipper to proceed on to Alexandria, as it will be no Inconvenience to Mr Hunter or myself, should you decline receiving the Corn. I am Sir very Respectfully Your Most Obdt Servt

Charles Love Junr


Title: To George Washington from Neil McCoull, 12 August 1788
From: McCoull, Neil
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fred[ericksbur]g 12th Augt 1788

I have your Bond ⅌ £450 dated 12th Decemr 1774 & payable 10th Novemr 1775 to Mr Alexr Blair & myself—Mr Blair being

since deceased I am to request you will write me how soon it will be convenient to you to take up this Bond and am very respectfully—Sir Your mo: Obt hu: Servt

Neil McCoull


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 13 August 1788
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Philadelphia August 13. 1788

By Capt. Ellwood who sails this day I have shipped the single & double refined Sugar, a Jug with two gallons of Spermaceti Lamp oil, two barrels containing six dozen of Porter, as Mr Hare advised leaving the remaining 18 dozen to be shipped next trip as it is now rather too brisk to ship and I shall send 1 Cwt of the plate Iron only for plow moulds as I have asked Mr Morris if he knew the kind & he did not and the smiths here not using it (I mean the City smiths) I have taken the best choice I could get but was too uncertain to send the whole.

I shall forward the Invoices and account Current by next post.
I am sorry the herrings are yet on hand tho’ I have offerd them to every probable purchaser, but I hope they will be wanted before long.
Having seen Mr Peters (and paid him for the harrow) I enquired for the wheel supposed to be missing—he tells me there was but one wheel which would serve for both or serve for a model to make others by.
A pump 13½ feet made of Pine & fitted with two boxes and a nozzle will cost 45/ for the wood work—the Ironwork about 6½d. a pound, the freight about 5/.
I expect to send the Letter for Genl Parsons by a Colonl St: Bayard who goes for Pittsburg in a few days.
Congress after a months debate & trying different Questions, on the future Seat of Government, have divided equally (Rhode Island not voting) and that Question, which we so ardently wished to be in favour of our City, seems now to be suspended for a time.
Mrs Biddle begs her Compliments may be made to Mrs Washington. With great respect I am Your Excellencys Most obedt & very humle servt

Clement Biddle


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 13 August 1788
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York Aug. 13. 1788

Capt. Cochran of the British navy has requested my aid in recovering a family watch worn by his brother, who fell at York Town, (and now in the possession of —— ——). In compliance with this request I have written the letter herewith to —— —— which I take the liberty to convey through you, in hope that if you see no impropriety in it, you would add your influence to the endeavour to gratify Capt. Cochran. It is one of those things in which the affections are apt to be interested, beyond the value of the object; and in which one naturally feels an inclination to oblige.

I have delivered to Mr Madison to be forwarded to you a sett of the papers under the signature of Publius, neatly enough bound, to be honored with a place in your library. I presume you have understood that the writers of these Papers are chiefly Mr Madison & myself with some aid from Mr Jay.
I take it for granted, Sir, you have concluded to comply with what will no doubt be the general call of your country in relation to the new government. You will permit me to say that it is indispensable you should lend yourself to its first operations—It is to little purpose to have introduced a system, if the weightiest influence is not given to its firm establishment, in the outset. I remain with the greatest esteem Dr Sir Yr Obed. & hum. servant

A. Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to John Marshall, 15 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Marshall, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon August 15th 1788

Your letter of the 10th Ulto to Doctr Stuart enclosing a Summons for L. Washington &c. did not come to my hand till lass Night.
I am at a loss what step to take in this matter, and should be glad of your advice. Luther Martin is the Attorney Genl of Maryland and lives in Baltimore. Elizabeth and Sarah Cresap I have always understood live with one Jacobs who Married there Mother, and is said to be a resident of Hampshire County; but two or three summons having been already Sent to the Sheriff thereof and no return of them made, the presumption I think is that there must have been either a Miscarriage—or that these Daughters of Michl Cresap are not residents of that County—Possibly they are Married, and living in Maryland where their Father did.

I should be glad to know whether, the issuing of the Patent, if the summons now sent is not executed and returned, or good reason assigned for the non execution is merely an Officis actor—will be in consequence of application from the heirs of Michael Cresap or any person in their behalf and who? My reason for it is, I have been informed and I believe from good authy that Jacobs was so well convinced of the legality and equity of my Title as to declare he should cease all further prosecution of the claim in behalf of the Childrin to whom I have heard he was guardian—This however may not be true—nor may it be the case with Mr Martin. The dismission of the Caveat will not invalidate my title to the land but may involve me in a more letigeous and expensive prosecution, or defence of it—and on this principle it was that Mr Randolph advised the Caveat. Under this relation of the Matter I shall be very glad to hear from you—with very great esteem and regard I am—Sir, Yrs &ca

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Ridout, 15 August 1788
From: Ridout, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir—
Montreal 15 August 1788

I presume that your Excellency has heard that I had the misfortune to be taken by a party of Indians on my way to the Falls of the Ohio—although I lost every thing I was possessed of, I may reckon myself fortunate in having my life preserved—after remaining rather more than three months amongst the shawanese, I was brought into Detroit and there given up to a Trader for a debt of 340 dollars which I have obliged myself

to pay at this place, and where I must remain at least for some months, perhaps the winter.
I have presumed to trouble your Excellency with this letter, to sollicit your recommendation to any vacant office under the Federal Government of the U. States which I may be thought adequate to, and if there be any that would suit me, that you would be so obliging as to advice me thereof by way of New York directed to the Care of Messrs Todd & McGill Merchts at this place. I have the Honor to be very respectfully Your Excellency’s most obedient servant

Thos Ridout

Present if you please my best respects to your Lady.


Title: From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 16 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Pettit, Charles

Sir,
Mount Vernon August 16th 1788

I have to acknowledge with much sensibility the receipt of your letter, dated the 5th instant, in which you offer your congratulations on the prospect of an established government, whose principles seem calculated to secure the benefits of society to the Citizens of the United States; and in which you also give a more accurate state of fœderal Politics in Pennsylvania than I had before received. It affords me unfeigned satisfaction to find that the acrimony of parties is much abated.
Doubtless there are defects in the proposed system which may be remedied in a constitutional mode. I am truly pleased to learn that those who have been considered as its most voilent opposers will not only acquiese peacably, but co-operate in its organization and content themselves with asking amendments in the manner prescribed by the Constitution. The great danger, in my view, was that every thing might have been thrown into the last stage of Confusion before any government whatsoever could have been established; and that we should have suffered a political shipwreck, without the aid of one friendly star to

guide us into Port. Every real patriot must have lamented that private feuds and local politics should have unhappily insinuated themselves into, and in some measure obstructed the discussion of a great national question. A just opinion, that the People when rightly informed will decide in a proper manner, ought certainly to have prevented all intemperate or precipitate proceedings on a subject of so much magnitude, Nor should a regard to common decency have suffered the Zealots in the minority to have stigmatized the authors of the Constitution as Conspirators and Traitors. However unfavorably individuals, blinded by passion and prejudice, might have thought of the characters which composed the Convention; the election of those characters by the Legislatures of the several States and the refferrence of their Proceedings to the free determination of their Constituents, did not carry the appearance of a private combination to destroy the liberties of their Country.
Nor did the outrageous disposition which some indulged in traducing and vilifying the members seem much calculated to produce concord or accomodation.
For myself, I expected not to be exempted from obloquy any more than others. It is the lot of humanity.
But if the shafts of malice had been aimed at me in ever so pointed a manner, on this occasion, involved as I was in a consciousness of having acted in conformity to what I believed my duty, they would have fallen blunted from their mark. It is known to some of my countrymen and can be demonstrated to the conviction of all, that I was in a manner constrained to attend the general Convention in compliance with the earnest and pressing desires of many of the most respectable characters in different parts of the Continent.
At my age, and in my circumstances, what sinister object, or personal emolument had I to seek after, in this life? The growing infirmities of age and the encreasing love of retirement, daily confirm my decided predilection for domestic life: and the great searcher of human hearts is my witness, that I have no wish which aspires beyond the humble and happy lot of living and dying a private citizen on my own farm.
Your candour and patriotism in endeavoring to moderate the jealousies and remove the prejudices which a particular class

of Citizens had conceived against the new government, are certainly very commendable; and must be viewed as such by all true friends to their Country. In this discription, I shall fondly hope I have a right to comprehend myself; and shall conclude by professing the grateful sense of your favorable opinion for me, with which I am, Sir, Your Most Obedient Servant

George Washington


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 17 August 1788
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Dr General
Philadelphia Aug. 17 1788

By last post, I forwarded a Letter from Mrs Morris which Came with a pair of Stays. The stays I put in charge of Capt. Ellwood who promised great Care of them, inclosed is the Bill of loading of sundry Articles by said Captain of which a Certificate was delivered him to save the Duties. the Invoice & of Course the Account Current lays open for want of Mr Hare’s bill for the Porter which have not yet got, the rest paid & the Accounts shall be made up by next Post. I also forwarded a Letter from Thomas Smith Esqr. of Carlisle which Came to my hands with Fifty Pounds Cash which is to your Credit.
Your favour of the 10th came to hand just as Capt. Ellwood was fully loaden & geting under sail therefore could not ship the Barly. The last sent I had from Mr Reuben Haines for the purpose of seed & relied on him that it was good. the next I will try from another Brewer.
If a direct Conveyance from Newport offered you could get the best spring Barley from thence. the best Winter Barley here. I am not able to inform the prices as I have been some days confined by indispotion but am better. Barley has yielded good Crops & must be cheap I am told, but the new Barley is not yet

threshed or price fixed—it will by Capt. Ellwoods next Trip. I am with great respect Your Excellency’s Mo. obedt & very hum. Servt

Clement Biddle


Title: From George Washington to John Beale Bordley, 17 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Bordley, John Beale

Sir,
Mount Vernon Augt 17th 1788.

The letter with which you honord me, dated the 31st Ult.; together with the Wheat, Barley and Madder came safe to hand. For your kindness in presenting them, I pray you to accept my best acknowlegments and thanks.
Agriculture being my favourite amusement I am always pleased with communications that relate to it. To these the great improvemts in Husbandry, of late years, in England, may be attributed; and to a liberal communication of experiments must this Country be indebted for those profitable courses of crops which are best adapted to our climate—our soil—and our circumstances. Experiments must be made—and the practice (of such of them as are useful) must be introduced by Gentlemen who have leisure and abilities to devise and wherewithal to hazard something. The common farmer will not depart from the old road ’till the new one is made so plain and easy that he is sure it cannot be mistaken, and that it will lead him directly to his object. It is right perhaps it shd be so—for new ways are thorny and require time for amelioration.
No Wheat that has ever yet fallen under my observation exceeds the White which some years ago I cultivated extensively; but which, from inattention during my absence from home of almost nine years has got so mixed or degenerated as scarcely to retain any of its original characteristic properties. But if the march of the Hessian Fly, southerly, cannot be arrested; and Colo. Morgans experiments are corroborated by others of equal skill and attention, this White Wheat must yield the palm to the

yellow bearded, which alone, it seems, is able to resist the depredations of that destructive insect. This makes your present of it to me more valuable. It shall be cultivated with care.
The Cape Wheat I have cultivated three years successively. The frost of the last, almost destroyed it. In neither, did it produce a full grain, though a large one. I have just harvested a little of two sorts of wheat sent me by Arthur Young Esquire of England; one of which he says is called the Harrison Wheat and is in high estimation in that Country—the other is a large white wheat to which I do not recollect his having given a name. The seed being injured in its passage came up badly, & with difficulty was preserved from Weeds &ca—No conclusive opinion therefore can be formed of either from the trial of this year; but should any thing indicate a superior quality in them next, I will reserve some of the Seed for you.
That the system (if it deserves the appellation of one) of Corn, Wheat, Lay; has been injurious, and if continued would prove ruinous to our lands, I believe no one who has attended to the ravages which has been produced by it in our fields, is at a loss to decide. But with deference let me ask if the substitute you propose is the best that can be devised? Wheat follows Corn: here are not only two corn crops, but those of the most exhausting nature following each other without the intervention of a restorative; when, by the approved courses now practiced in England, Grain and (what are called) fallow Crops, succeed each other alternately. Though I am not strongly attached to a particular course (being open to conviction) yet, that which has obtained most in my mind, & which I have been endeavouring (for it is not easy to go fully into any system that produces a material change, at once) to carry into execution, is the following; which for the better understanding of it, shall have dates to the growth of the respective Crops.
By the usual mode (it is scarcely necessary to observe) we have three fields—viz.—one in Corn—one in Wheat—and one in Lay. By my plan these three fields are divided into Six. In 1788 for instance, one of them (say no. 1) is planted with Corn 8 feet by 2, single stalks; with Irish Potatoes or Carrots, or partly both between. That Corn planted in this manner will yield as much to the Acre as in any other—That the quantity of Potatoes will

at least quadruple the quantity of Corn—and that the Potatoes do not exhaust the soil—are facts well established in my mind. In April 1789 it is sown with Buck Wheat for manure, which is plowed in before Harvest when the Seed begins to ripen and there is a sufficiency of it to seed the ground a second time. In July it is again plowed in; which gives two dressings to the land at the expence of a bushl of B[uck] Wheat and the plowings which would otherwise be essential for a summer fallow. In August, after the putrifaction & fermentation is over, Wheat is sown, & in 1790 harvested. In 1791 the best, and earliest kind of Indian Pease are sown broadcast, to be mowed when generally ripe Since the adoptn of this course & progress that has been made to carry it into effect, I have had too much cause to be convinced, that Pease harvested in this manr is a considerable exhauster of the Soil. I have some thoughts therefore of substituting a medley—of Pease—Buck Wheat for seed, Turnips, Pompions &ca in such parts of the field as best suit them—they will be useful—and serve as preparations. In 1792 Spring Barley or Oats, or equal quantities of each, will be sown with red clover; the latter to be fed with light Stock the first year after harvest. In 1793, the field remains in Clover for Hay, or grazing according to circumstances—And in 1794 comes into Corn again, and goes on as before. It may be remarked here—as an objection to this system—that Wheat, in the best farming Counties in England follows the Clover Lay—Is sown on a single ploughing—and has been found profitable from practice: My reasons for departing from that mode are—1. our ploughing is not equal to theirs, of course the clover is not so well buried, nor the ensuing crop (of Wheat) so free from grass as theirs. and 2. If we sow Wheat at an early and proper period, we loose a valuable part of the Clover crop. Whereas the ground for Corn need not be broken till the season for grazing is over, and the Beasts in their stalls. By the tillage too which the Corn Crop ought to receiv⟨e⟩; followed by Buck Wheat twice ploughed in, Weeds and grass, one would think, must be entirely subdued.
To contrast the probable yield of this system with the old course of Corn, Wheat & Lay, suppose a farm of 300 acres of arable Land.

Old System
100 Ac[re]s of Corn—12½ bushels is	1250	@ 3/	£187.10.
100 do Wheat—6	600	5/	150
100 do Pasture
337.10
In favr of the New	116. 5
453.15.0
New System
50 acs Corn @ 12½ is	625	@ 3/	£ 93.15
Potatoes betwn the Corn Rows, will quadruple the quanty of Corn; but allowing for Seed, accidts &ca only dble, that gives 1250 bushl @ 1/	}	62.10
50 acs. Wheat @ 9 bl is	450	5/	112.10
50 do Barley 10	500	3/6	87.10
50 do Pease 4	200	3/6	35.
50 do Clover Hay 25 Tons	50/	62.10.0
50 do Pasture
£453.15.0

In the above statement, as much I conceive is allowed to the old, and taken from the New System, as can be done with justice. The Pastures of the latter will be fine, and improving—Those of the former, bad—declining—and running into gullies.
The Land-machine spoken of by you for sowing clover seed, I have wished to see, but never yet have seen one; but I cannot conceive that by this, or any other contrivance, a bushel of Clover seed can be made to subserve 20 acrs of Land without a considerable mixture of other grass Seeds; which would, in a manner, be wasted in so short a Lay as is proposed by either of our systems.
I have been informed that you have in possession one of Winlaws machines for threshing Wheat: Pray how do you approve of it on trial? Many of these newly invented things meet the approbation of the moment, but will not stand the test of constant use, or the usage of common labourers. I have requested Mr Young, if this machine has supported its reputation either in his opinion (if he has attended to the use of it) or in the judgment of those on whom he can confide, to send me one. I wish, notwithstanding,

to receive your acct of it. With sentiments of esteem & regd I have the honor—to be—Sir Yr Most Obedt and Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 17–18 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Augt 17[–18]th 1788.

Although the letter of Mr Pleasants and its enclosure will appear under date of the 25th of July, it never got to my hand till friday last. Tomorrow is the first Post by which I could forward it. It is now sent with thanks for the perusal. I shall write to the Count de Moustier, but in pretty general terms—giving the substance rather than the detail of this business.
That the circular letter from the Convention of New York should be handed to the public as the unanimous sense of that body is, to me, surprizing. It will, I fear, be attended with pernicious consequences. The decision of North Carolina—unaccountable as it is—is not, in my opinion, more to be regretted. With sentiments of the highest esteem & regard—I am—My dear Sir Yr Most Obedient and Affectionate Hble Servt

Go: Washington.

Augt 18th
I had written this letter, but had not sent it to the Post-Office, when your favor of the 11th was brought to me.

I am clearly in sentiment with you that the longer the question respecting the permanent Seat of Congress remains unagitated, the greater certainty there will be of its fixture in a central spot. But not having the same means of information and judging that you have; it would have been a moot point with me, whether a temporary Residence of that body at New York would not have been a less likely mean of keeping it ultimately from the center (being farther removed from it) than if it was to be at Philada, because, in proportion as you draw it to the center, you lessen the inconveniences and of course the solicitude of the Southern & Western extremities; and when to these are super-added the acquaintances and connections which naturally will be formed—the expences which more than probably will be incurred for the accomodation of the public Offices—with a long train of etceteras, it might be found an arduous task to approach nearer to the Axis there after. These, however, are first thoughts; and may not go to the true principles of policy which governs in this case. I am as before Yrs very sincerely

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Ruston, 17 August 1788
From: Ruston, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philad[elphi]a Augt 17th 1788.

Will your Excellency permit me to congratulate you on the acceptance of the new constitution by eleven of the States? An event that I think must be highly pleasing to your Excellency, for as there is no one who has contributed so much towards the establishment of the liberty and independence of this Country, so I am convinced that there are none who have her happiness and prosperity more at heart. With regard to the two delinquent States (North Carolina and Rhode Island) when we consider the diversity of opinion that takes place amongst mankind upon almost every subject, it is perhaps more to be wondered at that eleven out of the thirteen should so immediately come into the measure, than that there should be two defaulters. the measure of Independence, so indispensible and necessary, if I remember right, was not immediately come into by all the States. Whatever ostensible reasons may be offered by those two States for the rejection of this constitution, from what I can learn the true one is the inhibition of paper money, a system which, as it has been practised, is founded in fraud, and the advocates of it seem loth to part with this darling privelege of cheating their neighbours according to law, but it is to be presumed that a little time and reflection will bring them to a right use of their reason.
Amidst the variety of important concerns that must necessarily engross your Excellencies attention at this crisis, it may perhaps be scarcely excusible in a private individual to attempt to call off your thoughts but for a moment to his particular concerns. as the subject however is of considerable importance to him, relying on your Vonted goodness, and the notice with which you have already indulged him, he is encouraged to mention the circumstance, leaving it entirely to your Excellency to take such notice of it as you shall think proper.
Your Excellency may possibly recollect that I mentioned to you, transiently, that I had some claims on the Principio Company.

These claims were set forth in a petition which I presented to the Legislature of Maryland, at their last session, of which the inclosed is a copy. This petition was read in both houses, but it being a short session, and the members in a great hurry to get home, it was, with a great deal of other business refered over to next session. Upon a perusal of it I presume there is nothing that appears unreasonable, and I flatter myself I shall be able to make good all the allegations contained in it. You may perceive that I ask nothing but what I shall prove that I have a clear right to, nor do I expect any part of that which has been given to other claims—but only my proportional part out of that which still remains in the hands of the State. To this Claim permit me to observe, that, as far as I have gone, I have hitherto met with no obstruction, but it was observed by some of my friends that as I was necessarily almost an entire stranger, it would be well if I could procure some leters of introduction to some of the Members of the Senate, or house of Delegates, or both, against the next session. Pray make my best respect to Mrs Washington the Major & his Lady not forgeting Master Custis from Dr Sr Yr obliged and obedt humble Servt

Thos Ruston

N.B. Mr Morris’s Ship, the Alliance, from India is arrived ⟨mutilated⟩ the capes.


Title: From George Washington to Hector St. John Crèvecoeur, 18 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Crèvecoeur, Hector St. Jean de

Sir,
Mount Vernon Augt 18th 1788.

Will you permit me to take the liberty of addressing the enclosed Letters to your care, to be forwarded when a conveyance shall offer for France?
I will make no apology for the freedom, because you have encouraged me to use it. With sentiments of esteem & consideration I have the honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt and Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Christopher Gadsden, 18 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Gadsden, Christopher

Sir,
Mount Vernon August 18th 1788

I take the earliest opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of the letter, which you did me the favor to write to me on the

5th of June last; and of informing you that I have received and forwarded the letters of Mr Warville, in conformity to your desires.
You have done perfectly right in appreciating the full value of the esteem and attachment by which I am connected with that amiable young nobleman, the Marqs de la Fayette; and in transmitting to my care the Packets, which he had addressed to you.
The extremely polite manner in which you are pleased to offer your services, in case I might have occasion for them; at the same time that it tends to confirm the charactiristic generosity of your nation, entitles you to the most grateful acknowledgments of him, who has the honor to be With the greatest consideration, Sir yrs &c.

Go. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Auguste, Comte de Grasse, 18 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Grasse, Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de (marquis de Tilly)

Sir,
Mount Vernon August 18th 1788

The letter which you did me the honor to write on the 11th of March last is before me, and affords an occasion of testifying the sincerity of my regrets for the distressing event announced in it. Be persuaded, Sir, I should do injustice to my feelings, if my disinterested friendship did not sympaithize with your filial duty, in expressions of the most genuine grief, for the death of your father. Indeed the merits of the Count de Grasse and the services which he had the happiness of rendering to this country, have given a singular poignancy to the melancholly, which United America feels for his loss. You need not doubt but those merits and those services will be as long had in remembrance here, as the honorable testimony of this Nations gratitude for them shall be preserved in your family.
After these pointed assurances and expressions of real esteem for your father; the son of my gallant friend and successful associate in arms will not find it difficult to comprehend the interest I take in whatever concer[n]s his reputation and Glory. But it rests not with me to grant permission for any one to bear the

Insignia of the Cincinnati. All I can do will be to refer your request and pretentions to the Genl meeting of that Society, who alone are competent to gratify your wishes. The General Meeting are Triennial. The next will not be untill a year from next May: Although I am the President, I do not expect to attend, because it is stipulated and understood that I shall be exempted from the trouble of the Office. For this reason, I will forward a transcript of your Letter to Genl Knox, who is the Secretary, with a request that it may be laid before the General meeting and that the result may be made known to you. With sentiments of the highest regard and consideration, I am Sir Your most obedt & Very huble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Mary, 18 August 1788
From: Mary, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
New york August 18. 1788.

your Excellency will hardly remember of me, but when i will mention to you that i was secretary to the Consulate general of France under Mr Gerard’s orders during the late war, & that i had the honour of dining there with you & your lady several times, then likely you will recollect me.
however give me leave to wish you a very good health, your lady & all that belongs to you.
I have lately delivered a speech which relates very much with the present circumstances. It has met with the approbation of the most respectable & learned gentlemen of this place. i take the liberty of inserting a copy of the same in this letter.
I have met honourable Sir, with great misfortunes since i had

the happiness of seeing you in Philadelphia & in New port, so that i am obliged to teach both languages to live with as much decency as possible as there is an university that goes by your name, i would be much obliged to your Excellency if you would speak in my favor or to some Gentlemen who would have some body to instruct in their family. I would teach french, English writing & arithmetick.
I have compiled an english & french grammar, which has been approved of.
My loss during the late war is at least 4000. dollars for which i have authentical certificates.
If it is not too much trouble i will beg of your Excellency to honor me with an answer. I am with great respect sir your most obedient & humble servant

John Marylate Secretary to the consulate general of France, & now teaching both languages in this City, at M. de Montaudevert merchant.


Title: From George Washington to James Swan, 18 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Swan, James

Sir,
Mount Vernon August 18th 1788

I have received your favor of the 5th of June from Havre de Grace. The measure you took, in recommending to Mr Cadson the transmission of the Marqs de la Fayette’s letters for Mr Crevecœur through my hands, was very acceptable to me and did not stand in need of an apology.
About the time I was occupied in forwarding the Packet to New York, I had the satisfaction to hear of Mr Warville’s safe arrival in Boston. From the favorable character given of that Gentleman, and the important object which has occasioned his advent. I hope his visit to America may become equally interesting and satisfactory in a personal and national point of view. With sentiments of esteem I am &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Fitzgerald and George Gilpin, 22 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzgerald, John,Gilpin, George

Gentlemen,
Mount Vernon August 22d 1788

It is of so much consequence to the Company, that necessary and legal measures should be pursued to obtain Judgments againts its delenquent members at the ensuing General Court—now little more than five weeks distant—that I beg a moment may not be lost in complying with the requisition of Mr Lee for this purpose.
In the mean time, if one of two things must take place which seem very likely—a stagnation in this business or an other call upon the subscribers for 2½ or 5 pr Ct I am decidedly in favor of the latter. To advance more money for this purpose when there are such sums unpaid, cannot be more irksome, or less convenient to any one than it is to myself—but when the interest of the company, or the reputation of the undertaking is at stake, I will chearfully submit to it: When the subscribers see and are satisfied, that we are pursuing rigorous measures to recover the unsatisfied calls, they ought to submit to it—but if there is the least remissness in the latter, or blunders on our side, they will, indeed, have great and Just cause to complain. For this reason let Mr Lee direct the essentials—Let us cause them to be executed without delay, precisely agreeable to his orders. I am &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Hanson Marshall, 24 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Marshall, Thomas Hanson

Sir,
Mount Vernon August 24th 1788

Upon receipt of your letter of the 21st instant I sent up to Alexandria to know what the cash price of wheat was at that place; and am informed that the hig[h]est that has been offered is four Shillings and sixpence for wheat at 60 lb. to the Bushel—all Cash or 4/9 part Goods. As I do not incline to exceed the market price I cannot give 5/ unless it should rise to that; and whether this is probable, or not, is more than I can tell. The Sale of flour being dull, and the price low, I have no thoughts at present of buying this article for Manufacturing—My chief, indeed only object in applying to you for wheat, was for the benefit of exchanging seed from light to Stiff-land; and vice versa; which every farmer would find his account in doing. I therefore thought your wheat (if it grew as I expected it did on light land) would suit me—as mine would do you, if the sorts were good and approved; but then as I am now seeding my ground it would not answer my purposes to wait Long—I am &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Thomson, 24 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Thomson, Thomas

Sir,
Mount Vernon August 24th 1788

In answer to your favor of the 12th instant, I can assure you, if it shall be found that Doctr Spence and family are in the unhappy situation you suppose, and I can be instrumental by writing to Mr Jefferson or to any of my friends in France in obtaining their release, I should do it with chearfulness and

pleasure—An application to the Court of that Nation from a private character would be improper—such, if made, ought to go from the Severeighty of these States.
But, Sir, let not Mr Thomsons hopes on this occasion be too sanguine—There are reasons to distrust the narrative of James Joshua Reynolds—to denominate him an Imposter (as you will perceive by the enclosed transcript from the Pensyla Packet and daly advertiser) and other informations which your Son will probably communicate to you—and that the accounts given by this Reynolds are for time-Serving purposes. To these in my opinion, may be added, as strength[en]ing the evidence of Doctor Spences own letter dated within a few days Sail off Sandy hook where it is believed no Cruiser from the Piratical States ever yet appeared none having ever yet been seen, or heard to be, in these Seas. If therefore it was his fate to fall into the hands of these pests to mankind it must have been by Re-capture which is not very probable from the accts that are delivered.
The most eligable previous steps in this business, in my Judgment, will be, to write first to Mr Barclay, who has not been long returned from the court of Morocco in a public character and particularly from Algiers, and who must have obtained the best information of all American Prisoners, at least of the capture of the Vessels in which they were; to know if any such information ever came before him—and at the same time to enquire more particular of some Gentlemen in Philadelphia with respect to this Reynolds the circumstances related by him of the Vessel called the rising Sun—of Israil Jacobs &c.: These I will do—the answers may throw light upon the subject and direct what further Measures may be necessary to persue when I receive them, the Result shall be communicated to you—by Sir—yr &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 25 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Augt 25th 1788

Your letters of the 13th & 17th instt are both at hand, but the Packet is not yet arrived.
The Iron written for in one of my last letters, was no other than the common Sheet iron (about as thin as Sheet copper) which is rolled at the Trenton Mills. The use for which I wanted it being, to cover the Mould boards of my Ploughs to prevent the Wood from wearing by the friction. If that which you have sent is not of this kind my purpose will not be answered by it. The length or width of the Sheets is immaterial because a cold Chissel will soon reduce them to Suit the parts for which they are intended to cover. Should you have mistaken me before, I now request 200 weight of this kind, for the uses here mentioned.
Previous to the receipt of your letter of the 17th I had been advised by Mr Thomas Smith of his having £50 of my money ready to send to you by the first safe conveyance. I am glad to hear that it has reached your hands. Be so good as to discharge the enclosed acct for Sundries brought, and ordered to this place by Mrs Morris.
I shall rely on you for the Winter Barley agreeably to my former order, and beg it may come by the first good conveyance lest the Season should be too far advanced for the sowing it in time. As it is a grain with which I have little acquaintance I beg to be informed of the quantity of Seed which is allowed, usually, to the Acre.

I hope you are perfectly recovered from yr late indisposition. Mrs Washington joins me in good wishes for you and Mrs Biddle and I am—Dear Sir Yr obedient Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. My shifting sives, or screens that go into the Dutch Fans, on which the grain falls from the Hoppers, are so much worn as to require new ones. Be so good therefore as to send me ten—viz.—five of the open kind—and five of the closer sort (both as usual)—The whole to be (including the frame of wood into which the wire is worked) 16 Inches by 14 Inches—the frame 5/ 8ths thick—These are required by the first conveyance as they are much wanted for the use of G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to George Morgan, 25 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, George

Sir,
Mount Vernon August 25th 1788

The letter which you did me the favor of writing to me the 31st of last month, with a Postscript to it on the 5th of this, came duly to hand; as did a small parcel of wheat, forwarded some time before, by the Post Master general from new York. For your polite attention to me in these instances I pray you to accept my best acknowledgments & Thanks.
With much concern I have heard of the ravages of the Hessian fly on the wheaten Crops in the States East of the Delaware and of the progress of this distructive insect Southerly; But I congratulate with you sincerely on your successful endeavors in the management of your measures &c. to counteract them. If the yellow bearded wheat from a continuation of experiments is found no matter from what cause, to be obnoxious to and able to withstand this all devouring insect [it] must indeed be valuable—but I have paid too little attention to the growth of this particular kind hitherto, to inform you in what degree of cultivation it is in this State, I may venture, at a hazard, however, to add that it is rare: because it is unusual to see fields of bearded wheat of any kind growing with us—particularly in the Northern

parts of the State, which falls more immidiately under my observation. I will distribute the Seed which you have sent me—make enquiry into this matter and communicate the result—begging in the meantime, if any further observations on this insect, and the means of guarding against him should be made by you that you will have the goodness to communicate them to.

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Lewis, 27 August 1788
From: Lewis, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
point Pleasant August the 27th 1788

In the Month of April last I Recd a packet from Your excellency in which was inclosed, duplicates of the Surveys of Your Lands lying on the Kannawa, & Between the mouths of the two Rivers of the Same Name, also a letter from You, Appointing me Your Agent, to let your lands for a term of Years, which Agency If accepted by me, would have No Other tendency, than that of Desceiving You. And permit me to inform your Excellency, that I have Repeatedly offered my lands lying on the Ohio & Kanawa, of Equal quallity for ten Years, Rent free, In Order to form A Settlement and have not been able thereby to procure One Settler, which I presume has proceeded from no other cause, than from the Repeated depredation of the Savage enemy, totally preventing any persons from emigrating to So dangerous a place except it may be In defence of their Own property, Sorry I am that It has not Comported with Your Interest to dispose of Your Lands In Small parcels, for While Such learge Bodies are held by A few Individuals there appears, very little probability Of A Settlement bein ever form’d Sufficient to Deter they Indians from Commiting their Cruel Barbarities—as to the Conduct Of the Sheriff of Greebrier toward You, Respecting the Sale of Your Lands, which You mention to me in Yours Of the 19th of may last, I Confess I feel myself distressed for, as he might at least have made Known his demands to You, and promised himself Success. However, his Conduct was Similer to me & I believe to every other that he had any thing to do with, and I Suppose he did not in Your case think proper to discriminate which Inadvertance I trust Your Excellencies Goodness

Will parden him for, I have herewith Inclosed the papers, and Duplicates of the plats you Sent me, agreeably to Your Request & am Very unhappy that It is not in my power to Serve You, as I declare nothing In Nature would have give Me greater Satisfation. and be assured that I Shall ever Consider it my duty as long as I may be A Residenter in this place, to make Known to you, from time to time, Any thing that may Offer In favour of the Settling of your lands, hoping that you will excuse me for not Sending an Answer to Your first, previous to this date which I Should most Certainly have done had Some paper Reach’d Me that Colo. Clendinen Sent, who Conveyed to me Your first packet, and thro whom I have Transmitted this. I have the Honor to Be with great respect and esteem, your Excellencies Obt Hble Sevt

Thomas Lewis


Title: To George Washington from William Barton, 28 August 1788
From: Barton, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia, Augt 28th 1788.

Your Excellency may probably recollect that I had the honor of waiting on You, at the Winter-quarters of the Army, early in the year 1779, with letters from Mr Laurens and the late Genl Reed. Altho’ barely known, however, to You, I take the liberty of inclosing, for your own perusal, a short treatise on a subject little understood, or attended to, in this Country—namely, Heraldry or Blazon. This Essay, (the manuscript copy of which, subscribed with my name; I beg your acceptance of,) I have presumed to inscribe to Your Excellency.
When very young, I made myself acquainted with this science; and, notwithstanding it may be considered by some as a matter of amusement, rather than utility; I will venture to assert, that it is a study both pleasing & instructive, as well as innocent in its tendency. I am likewise persuaded, Sir, that Blazonry not only merits the notice of an inquisitive Mind, viewed merely as a speculative science; but, that Coat-Armour, the Object of it, may be rendered conducive to both public and private cases, of considerable importance, in this infant nation, now rising into

greatness: and I trust that your Excellency, to whom every true American looks up, as the guardian of your Country and Patron of its increasing glory, will concur with me in the sentiment, that every institution which may assist in promoting the great ends of Government, is worthy of public Attention.
I should not have been so sanguine, perhaps, in my ideas of the usefulness that may be derived from certain regulations, respecting Coat-armour, which might be established in this country, were it not for the flattering circumstance of Mr Secretary Thomson agreeing with me in opinion, on that head—When Congress were about to form an armorial Device for a Great Seal for the United States, that gentleman, with Dr A: Lee and Mr Boudinot, then delegates in Congress, did me the honor of consulting me on the occasion: and Mr Thomson, in a letter to me, dated in June 1782, compliments me on the “skill in Heraldic science,” that he is pleased to say, I displayed in the device for the Great Seal; which (he adds) “meets with general approbation.” In the same Letter he says, he had dipped so far into the elements of Heraldry, as to be satisfied, “that it may be applied by a State to useful purposes.”
I have endeavoured, in my little tract, to obviate the prejudice which might arise in some minds, against Heraldry, as it may be supposed to favor the introduction of an improper distinction of ranks. The plan has, I am sure, no such tendency; but is founded on principles consonant to the purest spirit of Republicanism and our newly proposed Fœderal Constitution. I am conscious of no intention to facilitate the setting up of any thing like an order of Nobility, in this my native Land: far from my mind, is such a design.
If your Excellency should think proper to favor me with the sanction of your name, in approbation of the Essay, I shall not only rest assured, that the principles therein advanced are perfectly consistent with those which an American Citizen ought to maintain; but shall deem it a great honor done to me, personally. I am, with the highest sentiments of Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most Obedt And most humble Servt

W. Barton


Title: To George Washington from William Bean, 28 August 1788
From: Bean, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Nottingham [Md.] August 28th 1788

I have Understood By an Accquaintance of mine From Redstone, that You propose selling Your Mill You have in that Country, If So I would Be Glad to know Your terms & What Quantity of Land You will Sell with the Mill, I have Been in that Country But Never Seen Your Land nor mill But from the Inteligence I have had It may Be A place that would please me if your Terms Seem Favourable I Shall Go & See the place & If I Find it Suits—will pay you A Visit on the Subject Except You have Some Agent in that Country Who will Act for You—I have A Brother in Law Who has A Desire to Go to that Country who perhaps Will Deal with you For Fouer or Five hundred Acres that Would Be Convenient to the mill—If he Can Comply with

Your terms—I Shall Be happy in Receiving An Answer from You as Soon as you can Conveniently—I Remain Sir Your Very humble Sert

William Bean

N.B. A Letter Directed to me in East Nottingham Cesil County Maryland—To the Care of Mr David Poe Baltimore Town will Soon Come to hand.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Edwards, 28 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Edwards, Jonathan

Sir,
Mount Vernon Augt 28th 1788

I am to acknowledge the receipt of the letter & Pamphlet, which you have been pleased to forward to me by a late conveyance; and to desire you will accept of my best thanks for them.
You have been rightly informed relative to the application, which had been made to me from Europe, for Documents concerning the Indian Language. It seems that a Society of Literati are endeavouring to make discoveries respecting the origen & derivation of different Languages. In the prosecution of this curious study, all judicious philological communications must be

important. Yours, I conceive, will not be deficient in that quality. I have long regretted that so many Tribes of the American Aborigines should have become almost or entirely extinct, without leaving such vestiges, as that the genius & idiom of their Languages might be traced. Perhaps, from such sources, the descent or kindred of nations, whose origens are lost in remote antiquity or illiterate darkness, might be more rationally investigated, than in any other mode. The task, you have imposed upon yourself, of preserving some materials for this purpose, is certainly to be commended.
I entreat you, Sir, to believe that I am duly penetrated with your friendly and pious wishes for my happiness, and that I am with much respect Sir, Your most Obedient and Most Humble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 28 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Augt 28th 1788.

I have had the pleasure to receive your letter dated the 13th—accompanied by one addressed to General Morgan. I will forward the letter to Generl Morgan by the first conveyance, and add my particular wishes that he would comply with the request contained in it. Although I can scarcely imagine how the Watch of a British Officer, killed within their lines, should have fallen into his hands (who was many miles from the scene of action) yet, if it so happened, I flatter myself there will be no reluctance or delay in restoring it to the family.
As the perusal of the political papers under the signature of Publius has afforded me great satisfaction, I shall certainly consider

them as claiming a most distinguished place in my library. I have read every performance which has been printed on one side and the other of the great question lately agitated (so far as I have been able to obtain them) and, without an unmeaning compliment, I will say that I have seen no other so well calculated (in my judgment) to produce conviction on an unbiassed mind, as the Production of your Triumvirate. When the transient circumstances & fugitive performances which attended this crisis shall have disappeared, that work will merit the notice of Posterity; because in it are candidly discussed the principles of freedom & the topics of government, which will be always interesting to mankind so long as they shall be connected in Civil Society.
The circular Letter from your Convention, I presume, was the equivalent by wch you obtained an acquiescence in the proposed Constitution: Notwithstanding I am not very well satisfied with the tendency of it; yet the Fœderal affairs have proceeded, with few exceptions, in so good a train, that I hope the political Machine may be put in motion, without much effort or hazard of miscarrying.
On the delicate subject with which you conclude your letter, I can say nothing; because the event alluded to may never happen; and because, in case it should occur, it would be a point of prudence to defer forming one’s ultimate and irrevocable decision, so long as new data might be afforded for one to act with the greater wisdom & propriety. I would not wish to conceal my prevailing sentiment from you. For you know me well enough, my good Sir, to be persuaded that I am not guilty of affection, when I tell you, it is my great and sole desire to live and die, in peace and retirement, on my own farm. Were it even indispensable, a different line of conduct should be adopted; while you and some others who are acquainted with my heart would acquit, the world and Posterity might probably accuse me of inconsistency and ambition. Still I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain (what I consider the most enviable of all titles) the character of an honest man, as well as prove (what I desire to be considered in reality) that I am, with great sincerity & esteem, Dear Sir Your friend and Most obedient Hble Ser⟨vt⟩

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Richards Minot, 28 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Minot, George Richards

Sir,
Mount Vernon August 28th 1788

Your favor of the 7th of this Month has been duly received; and I lose no time before I acknowledge the obligations under which you have placed me, by offering the copy of your History as a present. Aside of the honorable testimoney of my friend Genl Lincoln, the intrinsic merit of the work (so far as I am able to form a Judgement from its perspicuity & impartiality) carries a sufficient recommendation.
The series of events which followed from the conclusion of the War, forms a link of no ordinary magnitude, in the chain of the American Annals. That portion of domestic History, which you have selected for your narrative, deserved particularly to be discussed and set in its proper poi[n]t of light, while materials for the purpose were attainable. Nor was it unbecoming or unimportant to enlighten the Europeans, who seem to have been extremely ingnorant with regard to these transactions. While I comprehend fully the difficulty of stating facts on the spot, amidst the living actors and recent animosities, I approve the more cordially that candor with which you appear to have done it.
I will only add that I always feel a singular satisfaction in discovering proofs of talents and patriotism, in those who are soon to take the parts of the generation, which is now hastening to leave the stage—and that, with wishes for your prosperity, I remain, Sir Your most obedt & very humble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Mandrillon, 29 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Mandrillon, Joseph

Sir,
Mount Vernon August 29th 1788

I have lately received, with a grateful sensibility, the Miscellaneous Collection in verse and prose, which you have had the goodness to send to me, accompanied by your letter under date of May the 24th—for both of which I pray you to accept my warmest thanks.

But, Sir, I consider you as a patriot of the world, earnestly solicitous for the freedom and prosperity of all nations. And I should do injustice to my feelings, not to go beyond common expressions of personal civility, in testifying my sense of the uniform and able exertions you have made in favor of the cause and reputation of the United States of America. Your honest endeavours to confute the erroneous reports that had been scattered in Europe, respecting the partial commotions in Massachusetts, were truly laudable and merit the applause of every patriot. As I know of no European Character better calculated or more disposed to make good use of authentic History of the Insurrections in Massachusetts. It possesses the merit of being written with simplicity and impartiality; and will tend to destroy the idle opinions that were propagated in the English News Papers on the subject. All the accounts of our being in great Jeopardy from a war with the Savages are equally groundless, and seem principally designed to deter People from migrating to America.
We flatter ourselves your patriotic wishes and sanguine hopes respecting the political felicity of this Country will not prove abortive. we hope, from the general acquiescence of the States so far, with small exceptions, in the proposed Constitution, that the foundation is laid for the enjoyment of much purer civial liberty and greater public happiness than have hitherto been the portion of Mankind. And we trust the western world will yet verify the predictions of its friends and prove an Asylum for the persecuted of all Nations. With sentiments of great esteem and respect, I have the honor to be yours &c.

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 29 August 1788 [letter not found]
From: Van der Kemp, Francis Adrian
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 29 Aug. 1788. On 27 Sept. GW wrote Van der Kemp that his letter “dated the 29th of Augt came duly to hand.”


Title: From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 30 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, William Stephens

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon August 30th 1788

I was favoured, a few days ago, with your letter, dated the first day of this Month, in which you obligingly acknowledge the receipt of mine of a former date.
In the dearth of News and Politics at this moment—and especially in my distance from the sources of intelligence, and retirement from the scenes of public life; I should have scarcely any topic of importance enough to trouble you with a letter, but for a single consideration. I hope your mind will, upon reading this, have been employed in doing me the Justice to anticipate, that

my principal object in writing was to assure Mrs Smith and yourself, Mrs Washington and I shall be very happy to receive you at Mount Vernon, whensoever you can make your Journey convenient. In the mean time, our United Compliments are cordially offered to both: and I will hasten to conclude myself, with much regard, Dr Sir &c. &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Barclay, 31 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Barclay, Thomas

Sir,
Mount Vernon August 31st 1788

I have received a letter from a Doctr Thomas, of Westmoreland in this State, requesting me to make enquiries respecting Dr Spence and his Lady, who were supposed to be lost at sea, several years ago, and who are now reported to be in slavery among the piratical States of Barbary.
As I knew of no person more likely to give information on the subject than yourself, I have taken the liberty of enclosing to you the Abstract of a narrative made by James Joshua Reynolds at Greenock, and sent to me by Doctr Thomson.
Now, Sir, it will be conferring a great obligation upon a distressed family (for Doctr Thomson married the mother of Dr Spence) if you can give any certain advice, whether such a ship as described ever sailed from Philadelphia and was captured by Pirates, or missing; whether there is any such man as Israel Jacobs in Philadelphia, who has negotiated the ransom of any person in captivity; whether Doctr Spence or any of the Crew or Passengers in question were ever heard of by you while on your public Mission; and, in fine, whether, in your knowledge or Judgement, any credit is to be given to the report—for myself, I am apprehensive, from the circumstances, the story is only calculated to sport with the feelings of the Unhappy—I heartily wish it may not be so.
An early and full answer from you, will not only be extremely grateful to the persons on whose account I write; but also very acceptable to Sir Yrs &c.

Go. Washington