Title: To George Washington from Robert Pleasants, 11 December 1785
From: Pleasants, Robert
To: Washington, George

Honour’d General.
Curies 12th mo. 11th 1785

Seeing the Lord has done great things for thee, not only in “covering thy head in the day of Battle,” but making thee instrumental in bringing about an extraordiny Revolution (a revolution which has given thee great reputation among men, and Calls for reverent thankfulness to him, who “Rules in the Kingdoms of men,” and declared by his Prophet that, “he will not give his Glory to another, or his praise to graven Images,”) a strong desire attends my mind, that thou may not in any respect Sully in thy private retirement, the honours thou hast acquired in the Field. Remember the cause for which thou wert call’d to the Command of the American Army, was the cause of Liberty and the Rights of Mankind: How strange then must it appear to impartial thinking men, to be informed, that many who were warm advocates for that noble cause during the War, are now siting down in a state of ease, dissipation and extravigance on the labour of Slaves? And more especially that thou, who could forego all the Sweets of domestic felicity for a number of years, & expose thy Person to the greatest fatigue & dangers in that cause, should now withhold that enestimable blessing from any who are absolutely in thy power, & after the Right of freedom, is acknowledg’d to be the natural & unalienable Right of all mankind.
I cannot suppose from the uncommon generosity of thy conduct in other respects, that this can proceed altogether from interested motives; but rather, that it is the effect of long custom, the prejudices of education towards a black skin, or that some

other important concerns may have hitherto diverted thy attention from a Subject so Noble and interesting, as well to thy own Peace & reputation, as the general good of that People, and the community at large. But whatever may have been the Cause, I sincerely wish thou may not longer delay a matter of such importance. It is a Sacrifise which I fully belive the Lord is requiring of this Generation; and should we not submit to it, Is there not reason to fear, he will deal with us as he did with Pharaoh on a similar occasion? For as he is declared to be, “no respecter of persons,” how can we expect to do such Violence to human Nature in this enlighten’d age with impunity? We Read, “where much is given, the more will be requird⟨”⟩ and as thou hast acquired much fame, in being the Successful Champion of American Liberty; It seems highly probable to me, that thy example & influence at this time, towards a general emancipation, would be as productive of real happiness to mankind, as thy Sword may have been: I can but wish therefore, that thou may not loose the opertunity of Crowning the great Actions of thy Life, with the sattisfaction of, “doing to Others as thou would (in the like Situation) be done by,” and finally transmit to future ages a Character, equally famous for thy Christian Virtues, as thy worldly achievements: For notwithstanding thou art now receiving the tribute of praise from a grateful people, the time is coming when all actions will be weighed in an equal ballance, and undergo an impartial examination; how inconsistant then will it appear to posterity, should it be recorded, that the Great General Washington, without fee or reward, had commanded the united forces of America, and at the expence of much Blood & treasure been instrumental in relieving those States from Tyranny & oppression: Yet after all had so far countinanced those Evils, as to keep a number of People in absolute Slavery, who were by nature equally entitled to freedom as himself. O Remember I beseech thee that “God will not be mocked,” and is still requiring from each of us, to, “do justly, love mercy and walk humbly before him.”
Perhaps General Washington may think it presumptious in me, who cannot boast a perticular acquaintance, to address him in this manner, but I hope when he considers the Nature of the Subject, and that I can have no selfish views in offering these hints to his serious consideration, than what may arise from the

pleasure of hearing he had done those things—which belong to his present, & future happiness, and the good of those over whom Providence hath placed him, he will at least excuse the freedom; & believe that I am with great sincerity & Respect, his Real Friend,

Robert Pleasants

P.S. I herewith send thee a small Pamphlet on the subject of Slavery, said to be wrote by John Dickinson, which if thou hast not before seen, I doubt not will afford pleasure in the perusal and am as above &c. R.P.


Title: To George Washington from Chastellux, 12 December 1785
From: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de
To: Washington, George

Dear general
Paris Decber 12 1785

as long as the Marquis continued in America, I persuaded myself that I had an agent near your excellency who could recall his friend to your memory. now the poor helpless and lonely idea of your Servant is wandering about Mount Vernon, desiring, may be in vain, to find admittance through the crowd of your devoted soldiers and good countrymen. how happy are those who after having followed you in the field of battle, are allowed to participate of your leasure! What satisfaction should it be for me, if I was walking upon your bowlingreen, to look upon the Potomack, and endeavour with the help of a Telescope to distinguish, whether the aproaching vessel wears the american, the french or the brittish colours; to say: ’tis a brittish ⟨illegible⟩ who comes and fetch tabacco; then continue quietly our walk and go towards the grove to observe the growth of your trees, even of your vineyard, that a french man can, I dare say, examine

without jealousy; for, my dear general, you can sow and reap laurels, but grapes and wine are not within the compass of your powers: do not be angry, dear general: foreigners have been always welcome at your house, and black billy is an exceeding good gentleman usher for madeyra, champain, and Burgundy’s ⟨travellers⟩—but I reflect, my dear general, that while I indulge my nonsense with your excellency, you may expect some important news from Europe. You receive dayly letters and news papers which are all speaking of war. believe me my dear general, we shall have no war: negotiations we ⟨expect⟩ and the emperor is grown now more and more cautious, no doubt but the brittish wish to see a continental quarrel, and hope to mix in the fray, when we began to be exausted: but it will not be the case. they ought to pay the past taxes, and it is beyond their powers; for they continue to run in debts, and there shall be a deficit of one million st. in the recipts of the present year 1784. Peace and the preservation of all the nations in their present state, is the only aim of our government who has nothing to ⟨care⟩ but the universal equilibrium. I wish america might concur in these wise measures, but she must make at home the first trial of what she is to do abroad. your excellency should never forget that you are the soul of a immense body. Your arms may indulge themselve a dear boughten rest, but your genius must always ⟨wake⟩, such is the ardent wish of a friend to America and of your most humble and obedient servant

The Mqis de chastelleux

I have the pleasure to enjoy the presence of Col. Humphrys, and have the happiness to assist him in a very pleasing Task.
permit me dear general to offer my purest respects to Mrs Washington—


Title: To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 13 December 1785
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Baltimore 13th Decemr 1785.

I do myself the honor to introduce to you Count Castiglioni knight of the Order of St Stephen, an Italian Nobleman, who, in pursuit of Botanical Knowledge, has thought it worth his

while to visit this, hitherto, almost unexplored Continent. The recommendations he brings from Europe, not only ascertain his Rank, but, what you will esteem of more consequence, they speak in the most favorable manner of the amiableness of his private Character.
The Count having other introductory letters from your Friends to the Northward, rendered this, in fact, unnecessary. I could not however refuse his request of adding mine to the number. I have the honor to be with perfect Respect & Esteem Dear Sir Yr most obt and humble Servt

Tench Tilghman


Title: To George Washington from Mary Bristow, 15 December 1785 [letter not found]
From: Bristow, Mary Harding
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Mary Bristow, 15 Dec. 1785. When writing to Mary Bristow on 2 June 1786 GW refers to “your favr of the 15th of December last.”


Title: From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 16 December 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Muse, Battaile

Sir,
Mount Vernon 16th Decr 1785

Since I wrote you last I have received your letter of the 28th of Novr—Although you could not make out an exact settlement of the Accts, as they stand between the Tenants and me, I wish you had returned me a list of them, and the Lotts on which they live, with the Rent each man pays.
I see no advantage that is to be derived now, from my being on the Tenemants. As you have power, and your judgment must direct, your enquiries may be extended as far as mine could, was I on the Spot. Supposing this to be the case—What could I do, more than to see, in the first place, to whom Lot No. 1 (and so

on with all the rest) was originally granted; in whose possession it now is; and what transferances have taken place. What Rents the lot has credit for in the Acct I sent you (which is the best that could be made out!) and what receipts can be produced—in case of a difference between my Accts and the Tenants, in proof of his having paid more than he stands credited for. What, more than this, I say, could I do were I on the Land? And is not all this in your Power? The Leases which I gave you (for this purpose) testifies to the first. The tentent on the land solves the Second. and the information of themselves, compared, & corroborated by the testimony of the neighbourhood, if necessary, is the only means I know, of coming at the truth of the third matter—that is—the transferences. With respect to the Rents which are due on any lot, my Accts compared with the Tenants receipts, is the only mode by which this can be ascertained. I readily grant that, my business with respect to these people have been most shamefully neglected—but there is no help for that now—to recover it out of the State of disorder & confusion into which it has run—and to place it on as just a footing both for Landlord & tenant as the nature of the case will admit of, is all that remains to be done; and some of the letters which I have already written to you on this subject, and to which I now refer, gives you my ideas fully on the Subject. and wch in one word are these—to deal justly, honourably, and even generously by them; But where it shall appear that the Tenants have disregarded every Covenant in the leases, which were intended to secure a mutual benefit to myself; & their sole aim has been to make a Market of the Land for their own private emolument. Or where the tenant in possession has taken advantage of the times, & paid their rents in Paper money when it was of no value—In either of these cases, I would have no scruple to set the Leases aside, if they are clearly, & legally forfeited, provided, the Lots can be let to a better advantage than on the present terms, of the Leases. And all these things must be submitted to your own judgment, after the fullest information of the circumstances, is obtained.
If the Tenants have paid money to any other than Lund Washington or myself, I should have an Acct of it; & when it was done; that I may look for it in some quarter—but where there is no reciept, nor no credit in my acct, I shall pay no regard to

bear assertions. I may quit scores at once if these are to be considered as discharges. With respect to their being two tenants on a Lot, unless they have something to shew, which authorizes it, the Lease itself must be your guide & director, without application to me. It is evidence of the agreement between the Landlord & tenant, and must be resorted to every year, to see that the terms are fulfilled on the part of the latter; for it may be laid down as a certainty that there is no obligation on the former that will not be exacted.
Lund Washington’s going upon the Land could answer no purpose—he knows no more how matters stand than I do—and much less I believe than yourself, or the business would not be in the confusion it is at present.
It is essentially necessary that yr collection should be as large as possible, because, independant of other considerations, I have not made half bread corn enough this year to serve my People & stock; and shall have to purchase it at a high price, in addition to my other heavy & numerous expenditures. Notwithstanding this, it is not my wish to push matters to the last extreme in order to obtain all the rents which may be due, unless there is, in your opinion, good cause for it. in short, circumstances & your own discretion must direct you.
With respect to the vacant Lots I have in the Tracts committed to your Inspection & management I can give but one general direction for them all—And that is this—let the notice that they are to be let, be as long before hand and as extensive as you can conveniently give of the day you will let them—(to the highest bidder if you shall think it best)—and then let them for as much as you can obtain for a term not exceeding 14 years; ten years I should prefer—If the season is now too far advanced, (and it is highly probable that few Tenants have places to look for at this late Season of the year)—perhaps it might be better to rent them upon any terms for the coming year, and endeavor in time next year to render them as advantageous to me as the Land will procure.
I think it would be best to divide the lot of Chattins Run, occupied by John Thompson, and to put it on the footing wch you have suggested—It also appears that the other Lots on the same tract, had also better be divided—they will rent much higher for it, as there are so many more people of small force

wanting land than great—& when they are divided, rent them for as much as you can get. An Advertisement of these vacant Lots in the Alexa. Paper—At Dumfries—Falmouth—and Port Tobacco would, I am persuaded, (if the Season is not too far advanced) bring you tenants in abundance—for many have applied to me, and I told them, as I really thought, that I had not an Acre of Land in those part untenanted.
It may be well to attend a little closely to the line between some person, or persons of the name of Rector, and me on Chattins run—It is now, some years ago, since I was told, his Mill was on my Land; and that he was making some other encroachments, and was endeavoring to support a claim to it, merely because it was convenient for, and his interest to possess it.
Inclosed you have a memo. of the agreement between us respecting the Wheat. I made a bad bargain of it—not more than 5/6 has been given at Alexandria for this article—the market there now dull—and the price expected to fall. What Wheat of yours that has come to my Mill, the Miller says is good & I hope your orders will be fulfilled with respect to the good cleaning of that which is to come. It is all I can expect for the high price given. I am—sir yr Very Hble Servt.

Go: Washington

P.S. Williams not coming down, the Counterpart of his Lease is not signed by him. I have directed that it shall be delivered to you.
This letter is written in so great a hurry, that I wish it may be understood. If you can get at my meaning it is all I wish. the opportunity for sending it being sudden and unexpected.


Title: To George Washington from Noah Webster, 16 December 1785
From: Webster, Noah
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Alexandria Decr 16 1785

I have just returned from Richmond where I was happy enough to succeed in my application to the Legislature. For this success I acknowledge myself indebted, in some measure, to your politeness.
Should the same success attend me in the States of Delaware & New York, my whole plan will be accomplished; & if on my return to the Northern States, I find myself in tolerably easy circumstances, I propose to sit down & devote my attention to literary pursuits. This has long been my plan & to this I direct all my views. Within a few days past, a new idea has struck me & made so great an impression on my mind that I have determind to write to you on the subject.
I have thought, Sir, that it might be possible for me to answer your views in the superintendence of your children’s education & at the same time, to pursue my own designs. Could these two points be reconcild, Mount Vernon would furnish an agreeable philosophical retreat. The particular motive which has influencd me to mention this, is, that a part of my plan would probably be a work in the execution of which I should have occasion for Letters & other papers in your possession. At any rate I should want many articles of intelligence which I could not obtain in any way so well as by the assistance of your letters.
If your wishes could be gratified in a person of my character & abilities, I should expect no compensation for any services, but your table & other domestic conveniences.

It is uncertain whether I could adopt such a plan myself; even if it should prove agreeable to you & your family; besides, Sir, I can start objections even on your part. No consideration however could prevail on me to suppress this communication.
If any material objection should at once oppose itself to this idea, a line from you, Sir, will satisfy me. If, on the other hand, the plan should strike your mind favourably, I should wish for a more particular explanation before I proced on my journey; as I must, within five or six days. At any rate, no person can be more ready to render you any services in his power, than Sir your most obliged most obedient & very humbl. Servant

Noah Webster jr

P.S. I have been repeatedly solicited to permit the Sketches of American Policy to be retailed in the public papers. I have hitherto declined, partly on account of some exceptionable passages. If, Sir, some extract from the Pamphlet can have any influence in harmonizing the views of the Citizens of different States, I am willing to see them made & published. But I have no copy, & there is none in this State, but that in your possession. If you will mark such passages as you deem most useful & send the pamphlet to Mr Richards or to me, that I may do it, it shall be returned as soon as convenient. N.W.


Title: From George Washington to Trustees of the Alexandria Academy, 17 December 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Trustees of the Alexandria Academy

Gentn
17th Decr 1785.

That I may be perspicuous & avoid misconception, the proposition which I wish to lay before you is committed to writing; & is as follows;
It has long been my intention to invest, at my death, one thousand pounds current money of this State, in the hands of Trustees—the interest only of which, to be applied in instituting a school in the Town of Alexandria for the purpose of educating orphan children who have no other resource—or the children of such indigent parents as are unable to give it. The objects to be considered of & determined on by the Trustees for the time being, when applied to by the parents or friends of the children who have pretensions to this provision.
It is not in my power at this time to advance the above sum; but that a measure which may be productive of good may not be delayed—I will until my death, or until it shall be more convenient for my Estate to advance the principal, pay the interest thereof (to wit, Fifty pounds) annually.
Under this state of the matter, I submit to your consideration the practicability & propriety of blending the two institutions together, so as to make one Seminary under the direction of a President, Visitors, or such other establishment as to you shall seem best calculated to promote the objects in view, & for preserving order, regularity & good conduct in the Academy.
My intention, as I have before intimated, is that the principal sum shall never be broken in upon—the interest only to be applied for the purposes above mentioned. It was also my intention to apply the latter to the sole purpose of education, & of that kind of education which would be most extensively useful to people of the lower class of citizens, viz.—reading, writing & arithmetic, so as to fit them for mechanical purposes. The fund, if confined to this, would comprehend more subjects; but if you shall be of opinion that the proposition I now offer can be made to comport with the institution of the School which is already established; & approve of an incorporation of them in the manner before mentioned, and there after, upon a full consideration of the matter, should conceive that this fund would be more advantageously applied towards cloathing & schooling, than solely

to the latter, I will acquiesce in it most chearfully—& shall be ready (as soon as the Trustees are established upon a permanent footing) by Deed or other instrument of writing, to vest the aforesaid sum of One thousand pounds, in them & their successors forever, with powers to direct and manage the same agreeably to these my declared intentions.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Newton, 18 December 1785 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Newton, Thomas Jr.

Letter not found: to Thomas Newton, Jr., 18 Dec. 1785. It was advertised by Parke-Bernet Galleries in its second sale of the contents of John Grebbel’s library, 22–24 Jan. 1941, as “about 65 words.” The letter, quoted in the Carnegie Book Shop catalog no. 193, reads: “I should be glad if it was paid to Doctr David Stuart, a Delegate in Assembly at Richmond from this County and who I am sure would readily oblige me by bringing it up. . . .”


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 18 December 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Benjamin

My Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 18th Decr 1785.

I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 7th inst: enclosing an Act of the General Assembly, which passed at my request.
This new proof of the confidence repos’d in me by my Country, lays me under additional obligations to it; and I am equally

sensible of its favors, and the polite & friendly wishes with which you accompanied the act.
If the etiquette of business makes it necessary for me officially to acknowledge the receipt of this Act, let me entreat you my Dr Sir, to offer to the House in my behalf but in your own words, the grateful sense I have of its goodness upon this occasion, with assurances that the confidence reposed in me, shall not intentionally be abused. With great esteem &c. &c: I am

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Stone, 18 December 1785 [letter not found]
From: Stone, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Stone, 18 Dec. 1785. The Libby catalog, 3 Dec. 1892, quoted this sentence from a letter Stone wrote GW from Annapolis: “The Compact made at Mount Vernon was ratified by our assembly I believe without a dissent in either house. I hope it will meet with as friendly a reception in your Assembly.”


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 18 December 1785
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
18th Decemr—[17]85—Rich[mon]d

I yesterday made the contract you desired me, for oats, with Mr Savage, at two and six-pence the bushel, as you will see by the inclosed, which I send you. This Gentleman was employed by Mr Dandridge, to rescue Mr Custis’s estate on the Eastern shore, from Posey’s hands; and having befriended it in a particular manner without recompence; I early in the Summer sollicited a continuance of his kindness—As the estate there is all rented out, and the money arising from the rents will be due the first of January, I have desired him to detain the amount of the contract—This was indeed a great inducement to him, to make the contract, and I considered it as agreeable to all parties—Mr Henley falls greatly short of his expectations, both in corn and tobacco—he has not yet informed me how much he will have for sale—I shall know by Christmas, and shall instruct him to reserve for you the quantity you request.
An act has just passed for paying in hard money, the interest due on money put into the Continental loan office—I send you the act, lest you might not attend to it in the papers—If you have any business of this sort to be transacted, I shall be happy

to serve you in it—But you will observe the time will be soon elapsed—It did not occur to me before, that you might have money in the Office, or I should have given you earlier notice of it.
You will have seen from the journals, that nothing is yet done on the subject of trade. I doubt much if any thing effectual will be done—If there is, it may be ascribed to a letter from the legislature of Maryland, requesting an appointment of Commissioners by each State to fix on a similarity of restrictions.
The consideration of British debts is now before us, and from the opposition made by Mr Smith to leave, to bring in a bill on that subject, I have my fears about the success of it. I expect to get the bill you transmitted, passed the ensuing week; as it is reported reasonable by the Committee, to whom it was referred—The situation of the roads in our part of the Country, has induced my Colleague and myself, to sollicit leave, to bring in a bill for putting and keeping them in better order, in future—As one expedient, we have fixed on a moderate toll on all carriages, at the two great entrances to the town—It is in other respects, similar to the bill passed in the ⟨yr⟩ seventy two —I am Dear sir very respectfully and sincerely Your Obnt Servant

David Stuart


Title: To George Washington from William Washington, 18 December 1785
From: Washington, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Sandy-Hill [S.C.] Decembr 18th 1785

In complyance with the request contain’d in your Letter of June 30th it gives me much pleasure to forward to Mr Wm Hammond in Baltimore two Boxes, one containing Acorns & the other, Plants of the Live-Oak-Tree, which I have requested him to send you by the first opportunity. You will observe a difference in the Form of the Acorns, those of an oval Figure are from the Live-Oak Tree, an ever-green much esteemed for Ship-building & the delightful Shade it affords: those which are nearly round are from a Tree called the Water-Oak, which altho’

not an ever-green, is tall & majestick in appearance. I don’t recollect having observ’d any of the same species to the Northward of this State. I have not sent you so many of the Live-Oak Acorns as I cou’d have wish’d, there were near a Peck collected, but I had the mortification to find that most of them were destroy’d by the Rats. In order however to repair the loss in some measure I have sent you a box containing twenty odd of the Plants which have been growing in it ever since they were placed there by the hands of Major Washington. In the ⟨closed⟩-Box you will find a paper containing some seeds of the Laurel-Tree which are all that I could procure; the Birds are so fond of them that it is a difficult matter to get them fully ripe. The Laurel-Tree is an evergreen, grows very tall & bears a large Beautiful Flower very fragrant in its smell. In the Box containing the Live-Oak Plants I have inserted upwards of twenty of the sweet-scented Shrub, which bears an odoriferous Flower. It will allways give me pleasure to execute any commands you may have in this country. Mrs Washington joins me in best respects to yourself & Lady I am Dr Sir With much esteem & respect yr Very obedt Servt

W. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Noah Webster, 18 December 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Webster, Noah

Sir,
Mount Vernon 18th Decr 1785

Your letter of the 16th, with others, were put into my hands yesterday in Alexandria; but being engaged at the time I did not open them until I returned home in the evening; or, I would have sought an opportunity of conversing with you on the subject of it, whilst I was in Town.
On the footing you have placed your offer, though I feel myself obliged by it, I am unable, from the indecision of it, to return a satisfactory answer. It would by no means suit me to await the determinations of the Assemblies of those States (which are mentioned in your letter) on the applications you are about to make to them; and afterwards, a consultation of your circumstances & convenience, before you could resolve on what plan to fix. Nor indeed, does your offer go to more than one point, whilst I have three objects in view—namely—the education of the Children—aiding me in my corrispondencies—and keeping my Accounts—The last of which, I beleive might be dispensed with—or, at any rate when they are once digested, and brought into order (which is the present employment of Mr Shaw) they will require very little attention—but the other two are essential to my purposes.
I send you the sketches of American policy, and conceive that the publication of extracts therefrom will be pleasing, and may be beneficial. All possible lights ought, in my opinion, to be thrown on subjects of this importance; for it should seem that, ignorance, or design, have too great a share in the government of public measures. I am with esteem Sir yr most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Noah Webster, 18 December 1785
From: Webster, Noah
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Alexandria Decr 18th 1785

Yours of this date, with the Pamphlet, is just handed me, by which I acknowledge myself obliged.
The determinations of the States, to which my application will be made, will be known next month. These are however not essential to my present plans. My own resolutions on the subject can be formed as soon as I can visit New England; probably before you can recieve an answer from Europe, or furnish yourself with a man from any of the States.
In my last I mentioned one article only, education, but I should not have made a proposal which I did not intend should answer your wishes. I meant to be understood as offering what you wanted, if my abilities, in your opinion, should extend so far.
I was not decided, nor did I suppose that you would hazard a decision, without a more perfect knowledge of my domestic character. Certain I am I do not wish it. I supposed, Sir, that my decision on this subject, would be as early as yours, provided no insuperable objection should be immediately started.
The matter is reduceable to a few simple points. If your business requires a man’s whole attention & will require it for years, I am not the person. The education of three children would not interfere with my pursuits—On this I can judge. Your correspondences might require all ones time—on this I am incompetent to decide. The other article, you seem to think, may in future demand less attention.
If I understood you, Sir, it is your wish to find a suitable person & employ him for a number of years. I am so far advanced in life & have so far accomplished my wishes, that I have no idea of continuing single for any long period; my circumstances do not require it & my feelings forbid it. You will perhaps smile, Sir, at the expression; but if I am frank, I am certainly not singular. This circumstance may probably be an insuperable objection; it almost prevented my writing to you on the subject. But I considered that it is an objection, if it occurs on your part, that will be against most young gentlemen.
If, Sir, I could do your business & have a small part of my time for other pursuits—if my views of domestic felicity could be in any measure answered, without any accessions of attendants to

your family—I should be satisfied with a residence with you, till your purposes are accomplished. My particular view in making the proposal was to obtain from your personal knowledge or from official letters, such articles of intelligence as could not be obtained in any other way: in order to execute a work under your inspection which otherwise I shall not attempt. I would not however undertake the plan, unless I could gratify your utmost wishes in business. Faithfulness & industry are all I can promise—The first, I believe proceeds from principle, the last, both from principle & habit.
I flatter myself that my circumstances will be tolerably easy without making business a drudgery; but it will always be a pleasure. I wish to be settled in life—I wish not for solitude, but to have it in my power to be retired. I wish to enjoy life, but books & business will ever be my principal pleasure. I must write—it is a happiness I cannot sacrifice; & were I upon the throne of the Grand Seign⟨eu⟩r, I feel as tho’ I could take pleasure in the education of youth.
Thus, Sir, I have been explicit—tho’ I have little expectations that the plan can be reconciled to your views. I have the honour to be with the highest respect Sir your most obedient humble servant

N. Webster


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 19 December 1785
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Jamaica Plain [Mass.] Decr 19. 1785

I find in my minutes the following story to have been reported, the truth or error of which I wish to have ascertained, & therefore make my application to You as the proper person to establish or contradict it, viz., “When Genl Washington was at Morris Town in 1777 with the fewest men, a British officer was taken in a skirmish, who was permitted to go about upon his parole; within a few days he forfeited his honour & went off. Genl Washington being told it, cried out, then I am ruined; but sent for a counter-spy, who went off for Cornwallis; on coming to his quarters, Cornwallis with other officers were in consultation. The spy insisted upon seeing Cornwallis, & sent in his name, on which he was ordered into the room, when he delivered a return to Cornwallis, according to which Genl Washington had one regiment at Bound Brook, another at this place, a

third at that & soon, making his whole force between three & 4,000 men—upon reading of which Cornwallis cursed & said Did I not tell you so? What a pretty scrape we should have been brought into, had we attended to our information! It does not signify, I never will trust to the information of a man that will break his parole—And so nothing was attempted.” I am now full as busy as a hen with one chick. Your Excellency will therefore excuse my enlarging, which may possibly be equally adapted to your numerous engagements. Mrs Gordon unites in most sincere regards to Self Lady & friends, the young one particularly, with your Excellys affectionate friend & humble servant

William Gordon


Title: From George Washington to Francisco Rendon, 19 December 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Rendon, Francisco

Sir,
Mount Vernon 19th Decr 1785.

This letter will be handed to you by Mr Peter Tellez, who attended the Jack Ass, which arrived safe, to this place: for want of an Interpreter I have not been able to understand him perfectly; but as far as his wishes have been explained to me, they are, that he may be permitted to return to Spain as soon as possible; that it is proper he should go by the way of New York to see his Excellency Don Gardoqui; that as he was employed by his Catholic Majesty, & in the Kings pay until he return’d (his wife receiving part of it from Mr Gardoqui at Bilboa) he would take none from me.
Under these circumstances I have forwarded him to Nw York, after prevailing on him to take a trifle as an acknowledgment of the obligation I am under to him, for his care of the animal on which I set the highest value. He has some expectation ⟨in⟩deed, that at his return his Majesty may bestow some humble appointment on him, in the Collection of his Customs; & therein he has my wishes, but I could not ask it for him, or even hint it to the Minister.

Not having the honor of an acquaintance with his Excely Mr Gardoqui, I have taken the liberty of making these communications to you; & to pray, if there is anything improper in my sending Mr Tellez to Nw York, or in my conduct towards him, that it may be ascribed to misconception, & misunderstanding his wants by bad interpretation. Altho’ unknown, I pray you to make a tender of my respectful compliments to Mr Gardoqui, & to accompany them with the strongest assurances of the pleasure I should feel in seeing him at this Seat of my retirement, if inclination should ever induce him to visit the States to the southward of Nw York. It is unnecessary to offer you the same assurances, because I have repeatedly done it before, & you must have been convinced of my sincerity. With very great esteem & regard, I have the honor to be &c.

G: Washington

P.S. Mr Tellez is charged with a Letter from me to Mr Carmichael, enclosing one to His Exy the Count de Florida Blanca, praying that my homage & gratitude may be presented to his Catholic Majesty for the favor he has conferred on me & for the honor of his royal notice. G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 20 December 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 20th Decr 1785.

It so happened that your letter of the 4th ulto with its enclosures, did not meet a quick passage to me; & that some delays afterwards, more the effect of accident than neglect, prevented the petition & Bill, (which you were so obliging as to draw) from getting to the Assemblies of the two States, so soon as were to be wished; however they are now before them; & from that of Maryland, I am inform’d by a gentleman to whom I had written on the occasion, that the business could meet with no opposition there; & from that of this State that it was reported reasonable. Acts, it is to be hoped, will therefore pass, conformably to our desires.
I feel myself much obliged by the calculations you have been at the trouble to make & to transmit to me; & at all times shall be happy in a full & unreserved communication of your sentiments on this, or any other business. This, in particular, is a new work—stands in need of all the information we can obtain, & is much indebted to you for many estimates, & ideas which have been very useful.
It is to be apprehended, notwithstanding the great encouragements which have been offered by the Directors of the Company for the hire of negroes, that we shall not succeed in obtaining them. An idea is entertained by the proprietors of them, that the nature of the work will expose them to dangers which are not compensated by the terms. Servants I hope are purchased ’ere this; Colo. Fitzgerald was to have gone yesterday to George town for this purpose. If the appearance of the people

is at all favorable, the price at which Colo. Deakens offers them will be no obstacle.
This letter, handed to the care of Colo. Deakens, will be accompanied by a small bag of Spanish Chesnutts—half of which you will please to accept, & the other contrive to Mr Lee—they were sent to the Alexandria races in October to be given to him, but the delivery was neglected. It might be well perhaps to put them in sand to prevent an over drying, to the injury of vegetation—With very great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Francis Mercer, 20 December 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, John Francis

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 20th Decr 1785.

From the assurances you gave me I had flattered myself that I should ’ere this have received a payment from you; & I had no doubt of it after Colo. Fitzgerald informed me, five months ago that £200 had passed thro’ his hands from Mr White to you; which was the fund, if I understood you rightly, which you had appropriated for this purpose.
I beg you to be assured that the disclosure I made to you of my circumstances was candid; & that it cannot be more disagreeable

to you to hear, than it is to me to repeat that my wants are pressing—some debts which I am really ashamed to owe, are unpaid; & I have been, for want of money, unable to do more with my manufacturing Mill, (which is expensive to me without) than to grind up my own Crops; for wheat is not to be bought on credit, & I have not cash to pay for it. But this is not the worst—I have not made half grain enough to support my people & stock this year—the deficiency must be bought at a high price, and (for there is no question of the Articles bearing it) for ready money. I must therefore get it at an advanced price, if to be had at all, on credit; or I must sell something at a low price to enable me to pay ready money. This is truly my situation. I am &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 20 December 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Dr Lund,
Mount Vernon 20th Decr 1785.

Having come to a fixed determination (whatever else may be left undone) to attend to the business of my plantations; and having enquired of Geo: Washington how far it would be agreeable to him & his wife to make this place a permanent residence, (for before it was only considered as their temporary abode, until some plan could be settled for them) & finding it to comport with their inclinations, I now inform you that it will be in my power to comply with your wishes with less inconvenience than appeared when you first proposed to leave my employment.
The business of the Mill is what both of us, will be most at a loss about at first; & as the people wanting flour are in the habit of applying to you for it, it would be rendering me a service to give your attention to this matter, until he can become a little acquainted with the mode of managing it; & your advice to him afterwards in this & other affairs may be useful.

The mode of paying the taxes, the times of collection, & in what kind of property it is most advantageous to discharge them, & the amount of them, is another business in which he will be to seek; & I have not sufficient knowledge of the practice to instruct him.
Nothing else occurs to me at this time in which it is essential to give you any trouble after the present year; for if I should not be able to visit the plantations as often as I could wish, (owing to company or other engagements) I am resolved that an account of the stock, & every occurrence that happens in the course of the week shall be minutely detailed to me every Saturday. Matters cannot go much out of sorts in that time without a seasonable remedy. For both our interests, the wheat remaing in the straw should be an object of your care. I am your sincere friend &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 24 December 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 24th Decr 1785.

I have received your favor of the 18th, & am exceedingly obliged to you for the Contract you have entered into on my behalf, with Mr Savage, for 800 bushels of Oats. If you can extend the quantity to be had from him, to 1200 bushels in the whole, upon the same terms, it would add greatly to the favor—as my crop of Corn is much worse than I had conceived it to be when I wrote to you last (not having received the tallies) which together do not amount to one third of what I made last year; which is insufficient to feed my Negroes, much more to afford support for my Horses. This evinces the necessity also of my knowing speedily & precisely, if I may depend upon any from the Estate below—& the quantity.
The Eastern shore oats generally speaking, are light & indifferent; & what is worse, are often mixed with the wild onions: as I mean to sow oats next Spring to help me along, it would be

obliging in Mr Savage, if he could send me such as are free from this troublesome, & injurious plant to our fields.
I thank you too for the information respecting the interest of the loans to the Continent in this State: I send what Certificates I possess, to you; but fear that those who live at a distance from the Theatre, have little chance of being benefited by the Act of the Legislature; although they may get their Certificates to the Treasury on or before the time limitted. but if I should be mistaken in this, you would serve me essentially by bringing Cash in exchange for those which are enclosed, agreeably to the list which accompanies them. With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Joseph-Armand Duché, 25 December 1785
From: Duché, Gaspard-Joseph-Armand
To: Washington, George

Sir
New-york december 25th 1785

the politeness and hospitality wich I expereienced when I had the honor of paying you my respects at your Seat and the goodeness you manifested towards me in the letter wich you gave me to the Marquis de la fayette emboldens me to communicate to you an event very interesting to me, and for what I place your excellency among the number of those to whom I am indebted.
I have just received a Letter from the Marquis de Castries notifying to me my appointement as vice-consul to reside at Portsmouth in new-hampshire, and wich he is so obliging as to declare it only introductory to Something of greater importance.
I shall Shortly Set out for that station, but previous to doing it I could not refuse myself the pleasure of making you my acknowledgements for the interest you were So obliging as to take in my affairs.
if my new situation Should furnish me with any opportunities

of giving your excellency proofs of my attachement, gratitude and veneration I could not be made happier than by Being honored with your commands. I have the honor to be with the highest respect and esteem your excellency’s Sir the most obedeint and obliged humble Servant

Duche


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 25 December 1785
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

My dear General
[25 December 1785]

The shallop I ordered your nuts and trees by, has arrived here and brought up one package—there will be another by another vessel. The apple is the Medley russitan, the pear is known among us by the Name of the Chantilly pear, and the cherry is coronation—all excellent in quality and merit good ground and proper exposure to the south.
I hope Mrs Lee will be able to set out on thursday. We trust you will certainly favor us with your Commands, should any occur while we are in Newyork. With united wishes for the health and happiness of Mount Vernon I remain your devoted friend and ob. sert

Henry Lee Jun.

P.S. I should have received your box from the shallop but he promised me certainly to deliver it at your landing on his return.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Powel, 27 December 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Powel, Samuel

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Decr 27th 1785.

In looking over the list of premiums proposed by the Agricultural Society of Philadelphia I perceive that those which are offered for the 2d 3d & 4th articles were to have been produced (according to the requisitions) by the 20th instt. Each of these

being interesting to a farmer you would oblige me much by giving me the result of the communications, on these heads to the Society if any discoveries worth notice have been handed to it.
Mrs Washington joins me in presenting the Compliments of the Season to Mrs Powell & yourself, and in best wishes that you may see many returns of it—With great esteem—I am Dr Sir yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 30 December 1785
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Baltimore 30th Decembr 1785

Since I last had the honor of writing to you, I have had several interviews with Mr Gough, who seems of opinion that Mr Rawlins charge of £160 for finishing your Room is full as reasonable if not more so than what he charged him for Work of the same kind—Upon this I have come to the following heads of agreement with him, which will be committed to firm after I have heard from you.
The Work to be began at Mount Vernon by the 1st or middle of April next—at farthest.
Mr Rawlins to have £13.10/ Maryland Curry for all his travelling Expences.
Mr Rawlins as well as his Workmen to be maintained while at Mt Vernon.
The Charge of transporting the Workmen & their Tools to and from Mt Vernon to be at the Expence of Genl Washington—who is to do it in any manner most convenient & agreeable to himself—The transportation of the moulded Work done at Baltimore (which must be by Water to prevent Breakage) to be also at the Expence of Genl Washington.
The materials to be furnished by you—but it is understood that if you will send round an equal weight of Plaister of Paris with what Rawlins works up here, he is to take it, and set one against the other—N.B. I enquired particularly of Mr Gough in respect to the finding the Materials.
Mr Rawlins to have £168 Maryland Currency, exclusive of the

pregoing, for finishing the room agreeable to the plan he communicated.
There is one more Article to which I could not agree without consulting you—Mr Rawlins will want an advance of about £50 in the course of the Winter. If it be agreeable to you I will make it, as he wants it.
You will be pleased to signify your approbation or disapprobation of the foregoing as soon as you conveniently can. If you approve, the Work, so far as it can be done here, will be immediately put in hand. I am with true Respect & Esteem Dear Sir yr most obt & hble Servt

Tench Tilghman


Title: To George Washington from Charles Washington, 30 December 1785
From: Washington, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dear Brother
Happy Retreat Decr 30th 1785

I receiv’d yours by Mr B. Muse and am happy to hear that our Nephews are fix’d in Alexandria being more convenient to you, as they are under your direction, when I mentioned their coming to Berkeley in order to be under the direction of Mr Stubbs, it was with a view of lessening the Expence, however as the continuence of Mr Stubbs is uncertain, hope the matter is better Plan’d—think the Charges you Mention for the board & c. of our Nephews are extravagant—you Mention the Sum recd in consiquence of discharging the above Charges is £85.12—which is £55.12—by Mr Robt Carter & £30, by my Brother John tho’ I sent by Mr Robt McCray £24.6—at the time of writing you by Mr McCray—Mr Carter who Manages the Estate of George & Lawrence had sold, a part of the produce to a Certain Merchant for Cash in order to add to the assistance of defraying the above Mention’d Expences, but this Merchant failing in paying Cash we were oblige to take a part in goods which is intended for the purpose of Cloathing for our Nephews George & Lawrence which will be Sent to Alexandria by the first

opportunity & Conclude with Mrs Washington joing in Compliments to you & my Sister and am Dr Brother Yours affectionately

Chas Washington


Title: To George Washington from Francisco Rendon, 31 December 1785
From: Rendon, Francisco
To: Washington, George

Sir
[New York, c.31 Dec. 1785]

With particular pleasure I have received by Mr Telles the Letter your did me the honour to write by him date the 19th Inst.
Happy I am to hear the safe arrival at mount vernon the Jackass on which you set such highest value, convinced of the great general good it will arise to this Country, and I wish most sincerely that your expectation shall be Compleately answer’d.
I regret very much that Mr Telles for want of Language was not able of making himself understood to you, and I fear that he neither has giving to your people the proper direction which I think necessary to the menagement of the animal, in order that he may become useful to the design purpose. As Mr Telles Commision being at End when deliver’d the animal to you I realy think just his demand to return to his Country, as perfectly proper in you to gave him leave, and is forwarded him to this City, according to his wish. the Minister will with pleasure send him at home by the first good opportunity, and I doubt not, but he will be rewarded there with some thing or other to make his poverty situasion more agreable than it was before.
I did myself the honour of presenting to Mr de Gardoqui your Kind Compliments, adding your sincere wish to see him at your seat of retirement. this Gentleman in return desires me to assure you that your flater assurances of friendly disposeition toward him has impressed in his heart the most deepest sentiments of gratitud, and wish for an opportunity of shewing you his reciprocal Correspondence.
As to your kind expression of assuring me the Continuation

of that friendship with which you was pleased to grant me as a General, I only have to request Mr Washington to accept my most humble acknowledgement for such remarcable favour, & to permit me to love him as a Citizen as I have revered as the father of his Country and the Insurer of domestic happiness to a millions. I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect & Esteem, Sir your most obedt & most humble servt

Francisco Rendon

P.S. Inclose is a Letter from the Minister to you.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Ridout, 1785
From: Ridout, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[1785]

I have already had the honor to inform you by my first letter from Havre, that I had sent to Bourdeaux the letter with which you charged me for the Chevalier Secondat Montesquieu, and that I had particularly recommended it to the constituted authority.
I found my father very well. He lives in the country, & there leads the very busy life of a husbandman. He received with gratitude the honorable testimonies of your remembrance of him and of the services which he rendered to the U. States, the expression of which you confided to me, and he charges me to tell you how much he will always be interested for the success of his companion in arms. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from St. John’s Masonic Lodge, Newport, R.I., 1785
From: St. John’s Masonic Lodge, Newport, Rhode Island
To: Washington, George

[c.1785]

The Petition and Request of the master wardens and members of Lodge St Johns in the City of Newport Sheweth that said Lodge was Constituted in the year 1753 by Francis Axnard Esqr.

then Presideing Grand master of north america and that sd Lodge flourished from that time to the breaking out of the late warr, haveing Increas’d to a very Respectable number of the first Characters and Stood equal in reputation to any Lodge upon the Continent when the beauty & harmony of their happy Connnection was Disturbed & finally entirely broken up by the Enemy takeing possession of this Port, which Occasiond such a Distribution of the Officers and members as to render it impractacable for them to Call a Sufficient number together to form a lodge and that the Said lodge from its Respectability had Sufficient Influence to Obtain a Charter from the General Assembly of this State by which they were Incorporated a Body Politick. So Special and uncommon an Indulgence being worthy our Serious attention we Cannot but feel the most anxious desire that the sd lodge of St Johns may be reinstated to its former Powers & Consequence as some woud Suppose the Charter to be Obsolete from its laying So long dormant. his Excellency is hereby informd that the Lodge has lately been revived by the late master Samel Brenton and his former Wardens &c.—but that a doubt shoud not remain on their minds in respect to the Validity of their proceedings in their endeavours to Increase the lodge & for the promotion of love and harmony among its members it is therefore most Sincerely wishd that your Excellency woud Interfere in our behalfs and from your well known Goodness render that assistance to your petitioners as their Case requires. it is wish’d that your Excellency woud Confirm the present master—with Power of Constitutg Lodges within the State⟨s⟩ as was the Power of the former master Robert Jenkins and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray &c.

                  Jeremiah Clark S.
                  }
                  Wardens
                  Samel Brenton master

                  H.J. Dayton
                  John Handy Secretary


Title: From George Washington to David Humphreys, 7 February 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Humphreys, David

Editorial Note
A letter written by George Washington on 7 Feb. 1785, and printed in John C. Fitzpatrick’s standard edition of Washington’s writings, was overlooked by the editor of the second volume in the Confederation Series of this edition of Washington’s Papers. It is printed here, at the end of 1785.

My dear Humphreys:
Mount Vernon, February 7, 1785.

In my last, by the Marquis de la Fayette, I gave you reason to believe that when I was more at leizure, you should receive a long letter from me; however agreeable this might be to my wishes, the period it is to be feared, will never arrive. I can with truth assure you, that at no period of the war have I been obliged to write half as much as I now do, from necessity. I have been enquiring for sometime past, for a person in the character of Secretary or clerk to live with me; but hitherto unsuccessfully. What with letters (often of an unmeaning nature) from foreigners. Enquiries after Dick, Tom, and Harry who may have been in some part, or at sometime, in the Continental service. Letters, or certificates of service for those who want to go out of their own State. Introductions; applications for copies of Papers; references of a thousand old matters with which I ought not to be

troubled, more than the Great Mogul, but which must receive an answer of some kind, deprive me of my usual exercise; and without relief, may be injurious to me as I already begin to feel the weight, and oppression of it in my head, and am assured by the faculty, if I do not change my course, I shall certainly sink under it.
After this preamble, which is not founded in fiction, you cannot expect much from me; nor indeed have I ought to relate that should claim much attention. All our assemblies have had long sessions, but I have not heard of any very important acts; none indeed more pregnant of political consequences, or commercial advantages, than two which have passed the Legislatures of Virginia and Maryland, for improving and extending the navigations of Potomack and James River as far as is practicable; and communicating them by short and easy roads with the Navigable waters to the Westward. I have sent Mr. Jefferson a copy of the act respecting the river Potomack, but can neither inform him, nor you, of the issue, as it depends wholly upon the subscription of what we have very little of, money.
If we are to credit newspaper accounts, the flames of war in Europe are again kindling: how far they may spread, neither the Statesman or soldier can determine; as the great governor of the Universe causes contingencies which baffle the wisdom of the first, and the foresight and valor of the Second.
All I pray for, is, that you may keep them among yourselves. If a single spark should light among the inflameable matter in these States, it may set them in a combustion, altho’ they may not be able to assign a good reason for it.
I have received but two short letters from you since your arrival in France. The first at your place of debarkation. The second from Paris. Your third, altho’ (in the beginning of this letter I assured you, and endeavoured to give reasons for it, which in the conclusion you see are invalidated) I am not able to write long ones to you, will not be altogether so laconic. a short transcript of your diary (for I have no doubt of your keeping one) would be amusing to me, although I can give you nothing in return for it. but your own feelings, I am sure, have told you long ere this that there is more pleasure in confering, than receiving obligations.
Mrs. Washington enjoys but indifferent health. My nephew

Geo. A. Washington has been buffetting the seas from clime to clime, in pursuit of health, but, poor fellow! I believe in vain. At present, if alive, I expect he is at Charleston. All the rest of my family are perfectly well, and join me in best wishes for you, with My dear Humphreys yr. etc.
P.S. Whilst I was in the act of enclosing this, yr. letters of the 30th. of Sept. and 11th. of Nov. were put into my hands; judge ye then, if I have leizure to write commentaries.


Title: To George Washington from Gardoqui, 1 January 1786
From: Gardoqui, Diego Maria de
To: Washington, George

Sir
New york 1st Jany 1786.

There is I beleive few foreigners who can boast of being your sincere admirers at so early a period as myself, haveing by a variety of circumstances of my private life been well inform’d of the transactions on this Continent. Beleive me Sir that the more I hear’d, the best I wish’d you, but as the world has done due justice to your great meritt & I Know that I am not capable of saying enough on such a deserving Subjectt, I must leave this happy work to better pens, assuring you that your confering me your esteem & freindship will give me the highest satisfaction.
Your obliging Invitation by Mr Rendon’s letter in case I shou’d visitt the Southern States, is a Kindness that I shall never forgett & I own candly that shou’d my circunstances permitt me to make such a escurssion it will be principaly for the honour of waiting upon you & that of haveing your personal acquaintance, but in the mean time I must beg the favour of your correspondence & of your advise in whatever may tend to the wellfare & happyness of this Country & that of the King my Master, being the sole view of my hearty wishes.
Tellez arriv’d safe here & I have already provided a passage for him. I am glad that he had the luck to carry the animal safe & that his beheaviour in his line was proper.

Your letter to my freind Mr Carmiachael shall be carefully forwarded, & permitt me to add before I conclude that your real great character & the advise of many of your freinds has induced me to avoid all treatment & to address myself in this freindly stile which hope will be agreable, persuaded of the unfeigned respectt & affection with which I have the honour to subscrive Sir your most obedt humble Servt

James Gardoqui


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 4 January 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Paris Jan. 4. 178[6]

I have been honoured with your letter of Sep. 26 which was delivered me by Mr Houdon, who is safely returned. he has brought with him the mould of the face only, having left the other parts of his work, with his workmen to come by some other conveiance. Doctor Franklin, who was joined with me in the superintendance of this just monument, having left us before what is called the costume of the statue was decided on, I canot so well satisfy myself, and I am persuaded I should not so well satisfy the world, as by consulting your own wish or inclination as to this article. permit me therefore to ask you whether there is any particular dress, or any particular attitude which you would rather wish to be adopted. I shall take singular pleasure in having your own idea executed if you will be so good as to make it known to me. I thank you for the trouble you have taken in answering my enquiries on the subject of Bushnel’s machine. Colo. Humphreys could only give me a general idea of it from the effects proposed, rather than the means contrived to produce them.
I sincerely rejoice that three such works as the opening the Patowmac, James river, & a canal from the Dismal are like to be carried through. there is still a fourth however, which I had the

honour I beleive of mentioning to you in a letter of Mar. 15 1784 from Annapolis. It is the cutting a canal which shall unite the heads of Cayahoga & Beaver creek. The utility of this, & even the necessity of it, if we mean to aim at the trade of the lakes will be palpable to you. the only question is it’s practicability, the best information I could get as to this was from General Hand, who described the country as champain, and these waters as Leading in lagoons which would be easily united. Maryland and Pennsylvania are both interested to concur with us in this work.
The institutions you propose to establish by the shares in the Patowmac & James river companies given you by the assembly, and the particular objects of those institutions are most worthy. It occurs to me however that if the bill ‘for the more general diffusion of knowlege’ which is in the revisal, should be passed, it would supersede the use, & obscure the existence of the charity schools you have thought of. I suppose in fact that that bill, or some other like it, will be passed. I never saw one received with more enthusiasm than that was by the house of delegates in the year 1778 and ordered to be printed, and it seemed afterwards that nothing but the extreme distress of our resources prevented it’s being carried into execution even during the war. it is an axiom in my mind that our liberty can never be safe but in the hands of the people themselves, & that too of the people with a certain degree of instruction. this it is the business of the state to effect, and on a general plan. should you see a probability of this however, you can never be at a loss for worthy objects of this donation. even the remitting that proportion of the toll on all articles transported would present itself under many favorable considerations, and it would in effect be to make the state do in a certain proportion what they ought to have done wholly; for I think they should clear all the rivers and lay them open & free to all. however you are infinitely the best judge how the most good may be effected with these shares.
All is quiet here. there are indeed two specks in the horizon, the exchange of Bavaria, & the demarcation between the Emperor & Turks. we may add as a third the interference by the king of Prussia in the domestic disputes of the Dutch. Great Britain, it is said, begins to look towards us with a little more good humour. but how true this may be I cannot say with certainty. we are trying to render her commerce as little necessary to us

as possible by finding other markets for our produce. a most favourable reduction of duties on whale oil has taken place here, which will give us a vent for that article paying a duty of a guinea & a half a ton only. I have the honor to be with the highest esteem & respect Dear Sir your most obedient and most humble servant,

Thomas Jefferson


Title: From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 5 January 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Muse, Battaile

Sir
Mount Vernon Jany 5th 1786

A few days ago a Mr Isaac Jenny of Loudon County was with me respecting a Piece of land which he supposing was Vacant, has been endeavouring to obtain but which upon investigation,

he finds belongs to me, & in part of my Chattins Run tract adjoining Robt Ashbys, though claimed by Mr Robt Scott who has Placed a Tenant thereon One Jesse Hit whose first Years Rent is now due. As far as I can understand the Matter the following is a true State of the case.
Both Scott & I bind upon Burgess’s Patent & call for ⟨his⟩ Lines One of which it Should seem runs a Certain Course & Distance & Calls for a Red Oak, but in Place of a Red Oak, there is a White Oak, which Mr Jenny says all the Neighbours know to be Burgess’s Corner, & he is informed that the Surveyor of the County has established it as such. From hence I Run Two or Three Short Courses with Burgess’s lines to a Red Oak—And from there a line with Scotts—But Scott wants, & it Should Seem from Mr Jenny’s Account actually got Ashby when he was laying my Land off into Lotts, to leave out those Short courses above-mentioned by which a line of Blazed Trees, which were then, or at Some other time made to Subserve the Purpose. I am cut out of 170 or 180 Acres of Land, which are within the lines of my Patent & now Tenanted by Scott to Hit. Inclosed I Send you a copy of the Courses & Boundaries of my Land, taken from the Original Patent & pray the first time you go into the Neighbourhood, that you would have the matter enquired into. I have no objection to Hits having the Land & would give him the Preference but Shall not by any means If the Land is mine think myself bound to fulfill Scott’s agreement with him. He must except in the Preference above stand upon the Same footing with me as another Man.
Some time ago Mr Landon Carter informed me that a Patent of which he is Possessed takes away part of my Tract in Ashbys Bent. I reply’d that I wanted no Land but my own, nor to go into a litigation of the right If it is realy his—But that his Right must be clearly ascertained before I Shall Surrender the land: which I mention that if upon enquiry you find he has taken possession of any part of what I hold by Purchase there & which I laid out into lots, I may be informed thereof & prevent his doing it, If it remains to be done.
Be so good as to inform me by the first conveyance, whether clover Seed is to be bought in your Neighbourhood, & if so the quantity & Price of it. On your answer will depend my Purchase with you or at Philadelphia. I have great reason to fear that that

which you bought for me last year was good for nothing. If so, & the Man of whome you got it was apprized thereof, I Shall view him in a light infinitely worse than a pick pocket, because the latter only takes your Money whilst the former does this also runs you to a useless cost of Putting land in fine Tilth, for the Seed & occasions the loss of a Year in one’s Projects.
I have heard nothing more of the Butter which you were to have lodg’d at Mr Wayles by the 23d of last Month. I hope no dissappointment will take Place, more especially as I Could after I had engaged this of you, have Purchassed any quantity of very fine Butter in Alexandria at 9d. ⅌ lb. having obtained 200 lbs. at that Price. I am Sir Your Very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Evans, 6 January 1786
From: Evans, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Monongalia—Morgins Town January 6th 1786

I am informed that you have the principal direction of the cutting of a Road from the nearest Navigation on the Waters of

Potomack to those of the Western Waters, now Sir if you think that I can be of service in the accomplishing this very advantageous business I shall be glad to be imployed in it. I have the Honour to be Sir Yr Mo: obdt Servt

Thomas Evans


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 7 January 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Paris Jan. 7. 178[6]

A conversation with the Count de Rochambeau yesterday obliges me to write a supplementary letter to that of the 4th instant. he informs me that he has had applications for paiment from the person who furnished the badges for the Cincinnati, as well the Americans as French. that this person informed him they were not paid for, that he had furnished them indeed on the application of major L’Enfant, but that he did not do it in reliance on his credit, for that he should not have trusted so much to Major l’Enfant of whose means of paiment he knew nothing, but that he considered himself as working for a society who had delivered their orders thro’ Major l’Enfant, and always expected the Society would see him paid. Count Rochambeau has written to Major l’Enfant, and the answer is that he has never received the whole, nor expects to be able to collect it, & that being without resources he is obliged, as fast as he collects it, to apply it to his own sustenance. Count Rochambeau told the workman he would pay for the badges delivered him for the French officers (I think he said about 40 in number) but that for the others he must apply to the Marquis de la fayette and Count d’Estaing. as L’Enfant’s letter gives room to suppose a misapplication of these monies, and in the mean time the honour of the American officers stands committed, and in danger of being spoken of publicly, I thought it my duty to apprise you of this, that you might take such measures herein as you think best. I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most perfect esteem Dear Sir your most obedient and most humble servt

Th: Jefferson


Title: From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 7 January 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Tilghman, Tench

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Jany 7th 1786

Your favor of the 30th Ulto did not reach me until last night. Except it is by chance, letters by the Stage never get to my hands so quickly as they do by the Post; nor so safely, because I send regularly every post day to the Office in Alexandria, whilst those by the Stage getting into private hands await accidental conveyances from that place. I mention this circumstance as a reply might have been expected from me sooner.
As it is convenient and indeed essential to me to have the use of my unfinished room as soon as may be, I agree to Mr Rawlins’s terms (as stated in your letter) in all their parts; not but that I am convinced from what I know of the business (being once part owner of as accomplished a workman as ever came to

this Country, in that way, and the manner of its execution) that Mr Rawlins has imposed upon Mr Gough and now avails himself of the scarcity of Artisans in his profession, to extort high terms from me. Most of this work is cast, and is as quickly done as lead is run into a mould. But rather than encounter further delay—perhaps a disappointment—or ask the favor of a stranger to engage an undertaker to cross the Atlantic, who might be troublesome to me thereafter, I submit to this imposition as the lesser evil.
As Mr Rawlins is a stranger to me, and one, of whose character I have not the smallest knowledge; and as I have had some reason to remember an old adage—that one of the bad paymasters is him that pays beforehand—I persuade myself that you will be satisfied I shall run no risk in advancing him money to the amount of £50 in the course of the Winter, ’ere it is done. And as you are so obliging as to offer to do this, your drafts on me for such advances as you make him, shall be punctually paid.
When the agreement is specifically entered into, and bound, be so good as to request Mr Rawlins to point out the preparative steps for me, that no delays may follow his arrival. I shall rely more upon your friendship & goodness, than upon any apology I could make, for an excuse for the trouble this business has already given you, and is likely to give, before its final accomplishment; and can only assure you that with unfeigned esteem & affection I am Dear Sir Yr most obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I send this letter to Alexaa to take the chance of a private conveyance, but it is probable the Post will offer the first. G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Arthur Young, 7 January 1786
From: Young, Arthur
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bradfield Hall near Bury SuffolkJan: 7. 1786

I scarcely know what apology to make for a letter so out of common forms as the present; but the spectacle of a great commander retiring in the manner you have done from the head of a victorious army to the amusements of agriculture, calls all the

feelings of my bosom into play & gives me the strongest inclination, I fear an impotent one, to endeavour in the smallest degree to contribute to the success of so laudable a pleasure. I should not however have been so abrupt, had I not received an application to assist in procuring you a bailiff well skilled in English husbandry, for wch purpose I had made enquiries, & doubt not should have succeeded, but I hear fro. Mr Rack of Bath that he has met with one likely to suit you: In this little negotiation Mr Fairfax gave something of a sanction to the liberty I at present take in addressing you.
I have sent you by Mr Athawes of London the first four volumes of the Annals of Agriculture a work I am at present publishing Will you do me the honour of accepting them, as a very small mark of my veneration for the character of a man whose private virtues rendered a cause successful and illustrious, which I have been solicitous as an englishman to condemn. Permit me also to send by the same conveyance the rest of the Volumes as they are published.
But Sir—as my love of agriculture is even stronger than that I feel for any species of military glory, you must permit me to speak to you as a brother farmer; & to beg, that if you want men, cattle, tools, seeds, or any thing else that may add to yr rural amusement, favour me with your commands, & beleive me I shall take a very sincere pleasure in executing them.
I find by the extract from your letter sent me that you have discontinued Tobacco & maiz & wish a well regulated farm in the english culture: your expression concerning manure being the ⟨f⟩irst transmutation towards gold, is good, and shews that you may be as great a farmer as a general. The culture of those plants that support cattle you will probably find the true means of improvement, & amongst those, turneps, cabbages and potatoes all very important. Permit me to remain With the greatest Respect, Sir, Your most obedt & Devoted Servt

Arthur Young


Title: To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 9 January 1786
From: Fairfax, Bryan
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Towlston January the 9th 1786.

I have sent the Bearer for a few Slips of the weeping willow You were so kind as to offer me, as well as to ask your Advice, in case I should not have an opportunity hereafter, where an Execution should be sent vs Dr Savage’s Estate. I have brot up with me a copy of the decree whereby we are at Liberty to proceed at Law upon the Judgement obtained. I must apply to the Clerk’s office for a scire facias in order to have an execution, as well as to bring on a Judgement upon the subsequent annuities; and in case I should not be able to do myself the pleasure of Going to Mt Vernon before that time, I beg to know Yr opinion into which county it would be adviseable to send an Execution—for No Execution can be had in Carolina without commencing a fresh suit there. The Doctor had Lands in Culpeper & prince William as well as in this county: perhaps an Execution mt be sent into each, of which I shall know more when I hear from Mr Cl: Moore to whom I applyed to prosecute the Business in the county court.
I should not have troubled You with this but I thot this matter of the Execution a material point.
I shall hope to have the Favor of Yr Company when You come into these parts—By what I learn I imagine the managers will have hard work to controul those that they have lately brot up. Our Compliments to Mrs Washington & Family—& I remain Dr Sir Yr obliged & affect. humble Servt

Bryan Fairfax


Title: From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 10 January 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Bryan

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 10th Jany 1786

I have ordered my Gardr to furnish your Servant with Six of the weeping Willows that have roots; and as many cuttings as he pleases to take. If he does not bring enough for your purposes—or if these should not succeed, you may have a fresh supply at any time.
I wish it was in my power to offer you any advice that would be availing in the case of Savage: but the truth is, I do not know where his property lyes—and ’till the receipt of your letter knew not, or did not recollect that, he died possessed of a foot of Land in this, or Loudoun County. If the Law will justify us in it, my opinion would be, that the Execution should be laid, or obtained ready to lay, in as much property as will unquestionably answer the demand—when that is satisfied, we want no more, the residue (if any) being untouched, cannot be injured; especially if it consists of Land. I should prefer beginning the Sale in this County—because least troublesome.
By your not mentioning the hound puppies, it is probable you may have altered your mind respecting them; but if the case is otherwise, I am unable to supply you at present, having lost all but one, and the chance of his living not much in his favor.
I shall always have great pleasure in seeing you at this place, and shall be equally happy in paying my respects to you at Towlston. I am sorry to hear that my fears of, are likely to be reallized by, the Servants which were bought for the use of Potomack Compa. To avoid this evil—as much as possible—was the inducement with the Directors to offer such (as we thought) encouraging terms for the hire of Negros, ineffectually it should

seem, as I believe we have got none yet. Mrs Washington joins me in Compliments, and best wishes for yourself, Mrs Fairfax & family, and with very great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Catharine Sawbridge Macaulay Graham, 10 January 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Graham, Catharine Sawbridge Macaulay

Madam,
Mount Vernon Jany 10th 1786

I wish my expression would do justice to my feelings, that I might convey to you adequate ideas of my gratitude for those favourable sentiments with which the letter you did me the honour to write to me from New York, is replete. The plaudits of a Lady, so celebrated as Mrs Macauly Graham, could not fail of making a deep impression on my sensibility; and my pride was more than a little flattered, by your approbation of my conduct through an arduous and painful contest.
During the time in which we supposed you to have been on your journey to New York, we participated the distresses which we were sure you must have experienced, on acct of the intemperature of the Air, which exceeded the heats common in this Country at the most inclement season; and though your letter was expressive of the great fatigue you had undergone, still we rejoiced that the journey was attended with no worse consequences.
I hope, and most sincerely wish, that this letter may find you happily restored to your friends in England, whose anxiety for your return must, I am persuaded have been great—and that you will have experienced no inconvenience from your voyage to America.
Mrs Washington who has a grateful sense of your favourable mention of her—and Fanny Bassett, & Major Washington who, since we had the honor of your Company, have joined their

hands & fortunes, unite with me in respectful compliments to you—and in every good wish that can render you & Mr Graham happy. The little folks enjoy perfect health. The boy, whom you would readily have perceived was the pet of the family, affords promising hopes from maturer age. With sentiments of great respect & esteem I have the honor to be Madam Yr Most Obedt & Very Hbe Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Mercer, 10 January 1786 [letter not found]
From: Mercer, James
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from James Mercer, 10 Jan. 1786. On 20 Jan. GW wrote to Mercer: “I have been favored with your letter of the 10th inst.”


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hanson, 12 January 1786
From: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria Jany 12th 1786

When I had last the pleasure of seeing you at Mount-Vernon, you expressed an inclination to peruse the Pamphlets of the Revd Messrs Wharton & Carroll, upon the subject of their religious Controversy. Immediately on my return I wrote to Baltimore for them, but without being able to obtain Mr Carroll’s reply. I have hope of procuring it at Annapolis. In the meantime, lest you should suppose me inattentive to your Commands, I forward the Pieces of Mr Wharton, not doubting that Mr Carroll’s reply may be had at Annapolis, where it was printed. I beg my Compliments to your lady and remain, with great respect, Sir Your most obedient Servant

S. Hanson of Saml


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 12 January 1786
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Honourable Sir,
Berkeley County January 12th 1786

I received your Favours dated December the 4th and 16th and I shall Endeavour to Comply with the Contents. Your Tenants in Fauquir has behaved Very Ill Since I wrote you, Several has run away altho I was with them and Told them To be Industrious and that you would give them a reasonable Time to Pay their arrears of rents. about Christmas two run away—one a Poor Man, the other was able—which was Abner grigg that owed £30—I followed Him four days and Took him with and officer—with a writ as He secrited His Effect after I Took Him by writ He agreed To Give a replevey Bond in which I have got good Security—in consequence of his Leaving the Lott I advertised it To rerent but allowed him Ten days to go and see whether you would allow Him To return To his Place, since which he has return’d and sayes he defies you or my self to dispossess Him This fellow is a great Villain from His Conduct I Judge Him; I wish you Could make and Example of Him—which business may rest untill I See you in april. Abner Griggs Lott No. 8. Should this man Come to you you’ll Know him, I shall Shew him no Favour as He has behaved So Ill.
The Vacant Lotts I advertised To rent for the present year, or on Lease for Ten Years. I do not Expect To rent them this year—if I can I will, or rent them on Lease if I can get a Tenant that will give the Value than can be depended on. In consequence of the Tenants running away I have Issued a warrant to Distress those that are able To bear it, what is done I cannot say as I came away before the officer Could go to do the business and I was in pursuit of Grigg whome I was happy To Ketch for Example To others. I do not Expect to collect but a small Propotion of the rents by april—but I certainly Shall do every thing in my Power To reason the Tenants to their duty—I have already given notice to Every Man To Provide Payment by the First day of February

and it’s my opinion that unless they Pay in a reasonable Time that they ought To be distressed I have from Experience Found it To be necessary—Nevertheless I shall not do it in Berkeley and Frederick untill I See or hear From you unless in Cases of Necessity—your business is New To me—Time will make and amendment—in April I shall make a return of Every Tenemant—and its Sittuation as Far as I can do it—and will use my Endeavours To bring Every Tenant To a Sence of his duty—Please To inform me Whether Mr Ariss is to Pay the Taxes of the Land or reather in what manner I am to Fill up a Lease, He says He is To have the place during His & His Wifes Life on the same Terms Mr F. Whiteing has his Lease, on Paying £60 in-Stead of £50 this business He wants done next spring To have his Lease. you will observe by the Inclosed that I had started a waggone the 10th of D⟨ecr⟩ In order to have your Butter down by Ch⟨rist⟩mas, but the bad roads stopt the waggone about Leesburg, and it has not been in my Power To set His off again untill Now. if you do not approve of the butter I shall be much oblige To you To contrive it To Mr Wales, that I may call for it their. I am Sorry any Man should Loose by a Contract made with me, I hope that the goodness of my wheat will Save you in the price, I have the Quantity out but the roads are not Passable I beg Sir you will Excuse any Imperfectness In my writeing as I am Hurried by the waggoner & write by Candle Light—as Soon as I hear From the Fauquier Sheriff I shall Inform you—I am Honourable Sir Your Obedient Humble Servant.

Battaile Muse


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Powel, 16 January 1786
From: Powel, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia January 16. 1786

It would have afforded me great Pleasure could I, at this Time, have answered your Queries as fully & satisfactorily as I wish to do; but tho’ it is not in my Power to do this now, yet, as the definitive Judgement of the Society respecting the Claims 2 & 3, is to be given on the first Tuesday in February, I shall, when that is pronounced, procure a Copy of the respective Essays & forward them to you. They are, from the Nature of the Subject, rather long, especially No. 2, which, from it’s being so essentially fundamental to all good Husbandry, requires to be treated in Detail.
For No. 3 no Claim has been offered—I hope, however, that the Præmium for an Essay on that Subject will be continued for the ensuing Year. At the next Meeting a new List of Præmiums will be offered, in which many of the Subjects of the present List will, doubtless, be continued. Should any Subject, interesting to Agriculture, occur to you⟨,⟩ the Society will be much obliged to you to communicate it.
The Result of actual Experiments, being so much preferable to the most specious & well supported theories, has induced the Society to turn its Thoughts towards the Establishment of an experimental Farm, & the sending to England for a Farmer thoroughly versed in the most approved Mode of english Farming, to execute the Plan. A Committee is appointed to examine into the State of the Society’s funds, & to report how far their Ability to execute this Scheme, extends. Should it be found practicable, the present Intention is to rent a worn out Farm, & by a Sett of actual Experiments, to endeavor to ascertain the best Methods of recovering, what is called a worn out Soil. Should an easy Method of doing this, & within the reach of every Farmer be found out, the Discovery will be usefull indeed.
Mrs Powel begs Leave to join me in Thanks to Mrs Washington & yourself for your obliging Compliments of the Season, which we most sincerely return. I am, with great Esteem, Dear Sir Your most obedt humble Servt

Samuel Powel


Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 18 January 1786
From: Henry, Patrick
To: Washington, George

Dear sir.
Richmond Jan. 18th 1786

Mr Oliver Pollock will have the Honor of delivering you this; & as he begs to be gratify’d in once seeing you, I take the Liberty of introducing him to you.
Mr Wm Ronald who is a Delegate of considerable Weight in the House, & who was one of the Veiwers of the Ground most proper for the Canal from Eliza. River to Albemarle Sound, was fully impressed with the Utility & Importance of the Scheme—And in order to save him & the other Friends of it some Trouble, a Bill for establishing it was drawn & put into his Hands. He introduced it, & it had two Readings & was committed early in the Session. The Wife of that Gentleman dying at the Time, he was absent for near two Months; during which the Business has been totally neglected, notwithstanding repeated Intimations of its high Importance. Mr Ronald is now just returned, but I fear too late to do any thing effectual; & probably the Appointment of a Commissioner to communicate with one from Carolina on the Subject, will be the utmost that can now be done.
More than one hundred Laws have been enacted at this Session, few of which can lay Claim to the public Regard so properly, as an Act on the Subject I allude to. What Pity that the three great Objects you mention, of internal Improvement, could not go on Hand in Hand to Completion! I beg Leave to assure you of the High Regard & Veneration with which I ever am dear sir your obedient humble Servant

P. Henry


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 18 January 1786
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Honourable Sir,
Berkeley County Jay 18th 1786

Some Time ago you wrote me you had a desire To Know who was in Possession of your Lands I here inclose a state of your Tenaments in the Counties of Fauquier & Loudoun FuUey—the State of the Berkeley Tenants I Left with you in October Last—I expect that I shall do Every thing To the utmost of my Abilities for you untill april Next at which Time I expect I shall be able To Convince you that I have discharged the Trust you have Put into my hands-—many things I am not able To do under Certain Circumstances altho you have Pointed out a method. its Very True your method is write, but still I am To Consider that I may have and acct To settle with your Executors or you with mine, when accts so Complicated as mine may appear under settlement so Circumstanced as your accts are. My small Estate as well Family may be Involved with Troubles and Loss and after all the accts not appear Properly authenticated—nevertheless I shall Take care To do all I can—and will not Neglect or omitt any thing that I can do in safety To my Self—I have done much business but none To Equal yours—Mr Lemarts accts appear strange To me and Cannot be Settled with any Certainty—⟨I⟩ Find by His accts that He has paid a Considerable Sum for Taxes and has no receipts—I have Congectured that it may be, that you have Taken up the Sheriffs receipts Prior to His Settlement, if so, it Will be Necessary for me To have a Coppy of those receipts To Prevent the Sheriff from Imposing on you, as I Know they make many Erours in their Favour. I have Taken a Coppy of Mr Lemarts accts of the money He received From the Tenants in order To detect Forged Receipts should any be offered. it’s a Misfortune that His acct has no dates—and the number of Transfers that has Taken Place may Ocation wrong Credits where receipts are given without Paying any regard to the Lotts on which Such receipts should Specifie—you will Find in some part of my Informations herein you are abused by your Tenants and with such it’s my Humble opinion that they should be Called To acct but in april you may be more Perticularly Informed.
The bearer Mr Daniel McPherson Informs me that you received from Him the Sum of £27.12.0 which He meant Should

go To the Credit of Lott No. 18—which Lott He Purchased and Expects To have a Lease for the Same on the Terms of three Lives—He applys To me in consequence of a Lease and Produces your receipt—which receipt Specifies that, that Sum is to go to the Credit of Lemart—and not To the Credit of Lott No. 18 It’s difficult for me To determine what To do the Lott has never been Legally Leased and now Claimed by Mr Danl McPherson I do not Know what is the annual rent therefore I cannot Tell what is due on the Lott—He sayes He will Pay all the ba⟨ck⟩ rents if He can get a Lease on a reasonable cost for three Lives which is His business down. Please To advise me on the Subject as I wish the Lott not To Lay Idle—I shall Visit those Lands the first of next month to see what can be done for the present year—I have advertised the Vacant Lotts—as I write in a hurry and in Confused Company I have Confidence your goodness will Look over any Imperfectness and Take me To be your Faithfull Obedient Humble Servant

Battaile Muse


Title: From George Washington to Gardoqui, 20 January 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Gardoqui, Diego Maria de

Sir,
Mount Vernon 20th Jany 1786.

The letter which your Excellency did me the favor to write to me on the first of this month does me great honor: the sentiments which you have been pleased to entertain of my conduct are very flattering; and the friendly manner in which they are expressed is highly pleasing. To meet the approbation of a gentleman whose good wishes were early engaged in the American cause, & who has attended to its progress thro’ the various stages of the revolution, must be considered as a happy circumstance for me; & I shall seek occasionally to testify my sense of it.

With much truth, I repeat the assurances offered to your Excellency thro’ Mr renden, of the pleasure I should have in seeing you at my Seat in this State, that I might express personally to you, how sensibly I feel for the proposed honor of your correspondence, & pray you to offer in such terms as you know would be most acceptable & proper, my gratitude to His Catholic Majesty, for his royal present to me—than which nothing could have been more flattering or valuable. With much esteem, respect & consideration I have the honor to be &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Mercer, 20 January 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, James

Dr Sir,
Mt Vernon 20th Jany 1786.

I have been favored with your letter of the 10th inst: with its inclosures the last are returned signed. I also send you a copy of the courses of the Lotts purchased by yourself & me at the sale of your brother’s Land, & shall thank you for the conveyances which are necessary to secure the legal right to those which I hold.
I am sorry to hear that you still continue indisposed—you have my best wishes for a speedy & perfect recovery of your health, & with sentimts of sincere esteem & regard, I am Dr Sir &c.

G: Washington

P.S. A few days ago I receeived under cover, several copies of the inclosed proposals from the Author; one of which has obtained a good many subscribers in Alexa. I use the freedom of sending a copy to you, that in case yourself & friends in & about Fredericksburgh should incline to become subscribers to the work, an opportunity may be furnished. As the Doctr, it is to be presumed, will look to me for a return of the number committed to my charge, I shall be glad to receive the enclosed when you shall find it convenient & proper, so as to be ready for his call. I have only to pray that the conditions may be complied with respecting the advance, as I would not incline to have any thing more to do in the business, after the subscription papers are returned.

G: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Newton, 20 January 1786 [letter not found]
From: Newton, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Newton, 20 Jan. 1786. On 9 April GW wrote Newton: “I have been favored with your letter of the 20th of Jany.”


Title: To George Washington from David Pearce, 22 January 1786
From: Pearce, David
To: Washington, George

Sir
Gloucester [Mass.] January 22d 1786

I am very sorry that I should so mis the freight of the Jackass—I made enquiry & was told that the freight of an horse from London was equal to a Cabin passinger but may it please your Excellency to settle that part as you please; with respect to the house the Captain says that he did pay twenty five & an half Dollars for the building of it which he has charged me & the Groom is charged as a sterige passinger. I am sorry that I happened to err in the above or any way else, as I take a peculiar pleasure to due my best services and ever shall when ever your Excellency shall please to put it in my power. you will please to settle it with our friend Mr Hartshorne to your own liking and I assure you that it will be to mine. I remain your most obedient & humble Servant

David Pearce