Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 April 1796
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

          My dear Sir
          Boston 14 April 1796.

        I have received your kind favor of the 4th instant.
        I shall always regret every circumstance which may obstruct a compliance with your wishes public or private. The appointment of Commissioner would mar most effectually my plans for the Summer, and which are now in an expensive train of execution.
        There is another circumstance which I confess confidentially, has a considerable influence on my mind, in declining the appointment. I am directly and collaterally very much interested in the lands of the district of Maine. I am impressed with the opinion that our claims are not well founded. But the people of this State have their expectations buoyed up on the subject. Any decision therefore contrary to their wishes may be liable to wrong constructions, not only against me as interested but against the executive for appointing such a person.
        It would seem upon closer reflection most proper, that a person not of this state should be appointed as Commissioner. My mind lately has fixed upon Colonel Wadsworth but I do not know whether he would accept. Judge Sullivan would make a very proper agent, and advocate for the U. States.
        I have however in a private letter to Colonel Pickering mentioned that under certain circumstances the appointment might stand as it is for the present. Not that I desire it, but merely as it might be expedient to have an ostensible appearance on the part of the executive of a readiness to execute the treaty.

        The great Mass of the people of New England, I verily beleive 9/ 10ths approve of yr reply to the house of representatives, as truly wise and unanswerable.
        The abuse of certain newspap⟨ers⟩ produces no other effect than indignation.
        No cheif Magistrate ever possessed in a greater degree the affection and respect of the people than you do. I am my dear Sir with perfect attachment and respect Your humble Servant

          H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Priestley, 14 April 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Priestley, Joseph

            April 14th 1796

        The President U.S. has, agreeably to his promise, caused the Laws of the U. States “to promote the progress of useful arts &c.” to be examined; and finds that the last act passed on this subject, vizt on the 21st of Feby 1793 (repealing the first act of the 10th of April 1790), confines the granting of patents to citizens of the United States. The first act of the 10th April 1790 does not appear to have limited this right to any particular description of persons; and why it is thus confined in the second, the President can, at this time, see no good reason; but he will take occasion to enquire into the cause of this limitation; & if it should not appear improper, to relinquish it, he can have no doubt of the disposition of the Legislature to make such alteration in the existing law as will give to the U.S. the advantage which may arise from the useful inventions or improvements of foreigners, as well as of our own Citizens.


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Small and John Thompson, 14 April 1796
From: Small, Abraham,Thompson, John
To: Washington, George

          s⟨ir⟩
          Philadelphia April 14, 1796

        We hope we do not take an unpardonable Liberty by endeavouring to get the proposals herewith enclosed, into your hands for perusal.
        If you, Sir, will have the Goodness to look them through, they will fully explain the motives which have guided us, and the views we have in the completion of our Undertaking.
        We are conscious of having made a successful effort to raise

the most useful of all the Arts, to the same summit of excellence in America—from which she has in Europe long drawn forth general admiration.
        Whilst we are endeavouring to bring to perfection that Art from which mankind derive all they know—which has ever been the Guardian of Liberty, nothing can be more natural than our Wish that the name of Washington, should be first among our Patrons.
        Our Prayer is, that your Excellency will look at so much of our performance as we have finished—we hope it will then speak for itself. We, are with the utmost Deference, Your Excellency’s Most humble servants

          Abrm SmallJohn Thompson


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 14 April 1796
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

          Treasury Department April 14th 1796.

        The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the consideration of the President of the United States, a Letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue, accompanied with an account of fifteen hundred & sixty two gallons of oil purchased at New York for the use of the Lighthouse establishment.
        As it appears that this Oil has been obtained on terms favorable to the United States, the Secretary is of opinion that it will be adviseable to confirm the purchase. All which is respectfully submitted.

          Oliver Wolcott JrSecy of the Treasy


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 14 April 1796
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

          Treasury Department April 14th 1796

        The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the consideration of The President of the United States a Letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue of the 12th Instant enclosing the copy of a Contract entered into by the Collector of Wilmington with Isaac Davis for the stakeage of Cape Fear river in North Carolina.
        The Secretary is of opinion that it will be for the interest of the United States to confirm the said Contract. All which is respectfully submitted.

          Oliver Wolcott JrSecy of the Treasy


Title: To George Washington from Christopher Myers, 15 April 1796
From: Myers, Christopher
To: Washington, George

          City of Washington [D.C.]April 15th 1796
          M[a]y it Please your Excellency

        I should have written long before this time were it not, that the substantial matter on which I could wish to give a clear opinion upon, has not in My mind come into that digested form so as to be perfect in representation.
        I feel how much I trifle with your time, but fearfull, that a continued scilence may give cause for thoughts prejudicial to that respectfull gratitude I hourly feel—I have taken the liberty of addressing myself to your Excellency—and to return you my thanks for the introduction you have given me to Mr Lear whos communications on the Potomac navigation [h]as been of real and essential service to me.
        Mr Lear will have communicated to your Excellency the substance of the various reports I have made on the subject of the River, and future plans of operation—having met with the approbation of the Board of directors—My constant end[ea]vour shall be the bring[ing] to perfection this great national concern.
        I am proud in the Idea of having to execute an object

originally formed by your Excellency and which has been so Long in contemplation.
        Permit me to add to my gratitude My prayers, that your Excellency may long continue to exersize that strenght of mind so benificial to your countrys prosperity and Wellfare. I have the honor be M[a]y it please your Excellency—Your most Obliged and humble Servant

          C. Myers


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 April 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Department of State April 15. 1796.

        The Secretary of State begs leave to inform the President of the United States, that the patent for Benjamin Tyler is destined to be carried to him by Mr Strong, who will leave town to-morrow morning by three o’clock. If the President should find time to attend to it before this evening, the Secretary will then have the honor to receive it at the President’s house.

          Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from James Ross, 15 April 1796
From: Ross, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philadelphia 15. april 1796

        By this days post I learn that Charles Morgan is dead. The report says that he died on his way home from Kentuckey. Colo. Ritchie who purchased your lands upon Millers Run in Washington County is desirous that the lines should be run & the quantity Ascertained as soon as possible. I suggest to you the propriety of writing to Colo. Presly Neville on this subject, he is now at Pittsburgh, & by enclosing to him the courses and distances, mentioned in your patent, he can go upon the ground & execute the Survey without delay. Colo. Ritchie States that he will at all events pay a Sum equal to what may be supposed due upon the first of June & make the necessary arrangements afterwards, Should it be inconvenient to you, or impracticable to accomplish the Settlement sooner.
        Enclosed is a check for the money paid by Colo. Shreve & I will wait upon you to morrow morning before the Post goes out to know what Answer I shall send to Colo. Ritchie. With perfect respect I have the Honour to be Sir your most obedient humble Servant

          James Ross


Title: To George Washington from Vincent Redman, 16 April 1796
From: Redman, Vincent
To: Washington, George

          Collectors office Port of Yeocomico [Va.]16th April 1796
          Sir

        I beg yr permission to resign my Office, & I therefore inclose my Commissions as Collector & Inspector at the Port of Yeocomico on the Potomac.
        When honor’d with these appointments I received them with gratitude, nor shou’d the small salary ass[i]gn’d by Congress as a compensation for my Trouble been of itself a reason Sufficient to induce my present application, but the Inconvenience of my family residence b⟨ein⟩g 16 Miles from the Port, & the consequent necessity of employing a Deputy will plead my excuse for my resignation.
        My Deputy was (for six months past) and now is Mr James A. Thompson a resident on the river Yeocomico, his attentive assiduity claims my warmest thanks, and as Mr Thompson is anxious for this appointment, I use the freedom Sir, to mention his Name as my Successor & to add that an application to the Heads of Departments will do Justice to the oppinion Therein express of Mr Thompson, I beg leave Sir, to assure you of my respect, esteem & gratitude & have the honor to be Sir, Yr Mo. Obt Servt

          Vincent Redman


Title: To George Washington from Burwell Bassett, Jr., 17 April 1796
From: Bassett, Burwell Jr.
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Eltham [Va.] April 17th 1796

        As it is always agreable to find others interested in the wellfare of those to whom we are attached I trust it will not be unpleasant to you that I take the liberty to adress you relative to those poor little orphans your and my nephews, and their sister. The goodness of Mr Lears heart will no doubt bind then like a father to them and was it not for the interference of his business in no ones hands could they do better. In his letters to me he seems to expect the boys will remain with him if this is your wish I shall acquiesce but could wish that Charles was to be with me as after the present summer I shall be living in Williamsburg which will afford every advantage of education if in the earlier stages thereof there be any thing material except the care of an interested friend to guard him against the snares of vice.
        I shall write to Mr Lear on this subject by the next mail. With respect and esteem your obt Sert

          Burwell Bassett


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 17 April 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

          Mr Pearce
          Philadelphia 17th April 1796.

        Your letter of the 10th instt with a Postcript three days later, came to hand in due course of Post.
        I am sorry to hear that Maria continues unwell—& that Charles Washington was siezed with a fever: Let them want for nothing, and whenever it is needful get Doctr Craik to attend them.
        It would be unlucky, as my crop of Wheat last year turned out but indifferently, and the prospect of a good one this year, bad; if I should have missed the best Market for flour. If there ever was good cause for flour’s selling for fifteen dollars per barrel, hitherto; there is none, that I know of, for the fall in the price of this article now, for all accounts from Europe agree, that the Crops of Wheat are very short, & the apprehensions of the Want of bread, great. Under these circumstances I am at a loss to what to ascribe the reduced price; & therefore will keep mine up for the price mentioned in my last; until I have better evidence than appears to me at present, for this fall. but authorise you, as I did in my last, to take Mr Smiths offer, if you cannot obtain better terms.
        If a good occasion offers, I will make some enquiry of Mr Christie into the character of Mr Joseph Gallop, and his brothers; not that I expect there is any chance of agreeing with them; first, because I do not want the Land and Negros to go together. and 2dly because 2000 bushels of Wheat pr ann. for River farm is very little more for the land, Negros & Stock, than what I ask for the land alone; as there is 1207 acres within the present fences, of ploughable ground. I knew, that by fixing the Rent in Wheat (while it bore so high a price) would make it appear high; but I believe no reasonable person expects, when Peace is established, that it will be more than a dollar. and if it was more, that the trouble or expence in raising it would be greater. Besides, as Wheat is a staple article, it will be the standard or regulating price of other articles: and is equal & just, for both Landlord and Tenant; for otherwise, if instead of a bushel & half of wheat pr acre, I was to set a dollar & half, and the former should rise, by degrees, to 25/; and other things (which I might have occasion to buy) in proportion; a money rent, under such

circumstances, would be ruinous to me; on the other hand, if it was at £5 pr Bushel, the Rent (for the reason already mentioned, namely, that it costs the Tenant no more to raise it) would not be oppressive to him; & even if it were to be bot if the price of a Cow, a sheep, or a hog bore a proportionate price, the difficulty in paying for it would not be greater than if it was at 6/ and the price of other articles was governed thereby.
        Are all the repairs to the Mansion and other houses completed? If the windows in the Corn & hay lofts, over the Stables, and on the back side, are not put in, I request they may be; as both lofts and Stables wants Air exceedingly.
        If Mr Robt Lewis has not been to Mt Vernon, keep the enclosed until his arrival—but if he has been there & gone, let it go to the Post Office, I am Your frd &ca

          G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 17 April 1796
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Mount vernon april 17th 1796

        I have Recevd your Letter of the 10th Instant with Respect to the price of Flour It sells In alexandria for a 11 or 12 dollars ⅌ Barrell at most for cash and I beleve some Gives 13 Dollars ⅌ Barrell on a Creddit of 60 days—Mr Smith has Returnd from New york and I have Sounded him on the subject of buying yours at 15 Dollars ⅌ Barrell at the c[r]edit he offered to take it at before he went from home But he sais he would not buy flour now at that price at a Creddit of 6 months—and the most he would give

now on that Creddit would be 14 dollars ⅌ barell for superfine and 13 [1]/2 Dollars ⅌ Barrell for fine.
        Mr Robert Lewis has been here and has paid Into my hands £169.17.6 and said he should Leave a draft In alexandria for £40 more. but That I have not yet Recevd—he sais it will not sut him to take the Jack Compound as it was too Late In the season before he got notice of it.
        The weather still keeps dry we have not had any rain yet to do any good. thare was a small shour Last friday eve[n]ing which only Lasted for a few minutes I fear that all the wheat barly & oats will be all Ruined with the Drouth. you mention that you ware affraid that the fences ware not put up well or Elese they would not have blown down so often but I can assure you that they ware well made and I do not think you will dislike them when you see them But the wind was so Voilent hard that they could not possable stand aganst it all the Nieghbourhood shared the same fate.
        The appearon[c]e for Catching herring Is better Than It was but we have not Caught Scarcely any shad—and I do not beleve many will be Caught here this season. and we have an Exelent Seine and a Greater Length of Rope those say who are used to the fishery than they Ever saw used here before.
        Miss Marriah washington & her brothers are all well now—when I wrote you befor Charles was ve[r]y Sick but he is now quite Recovred. I am with the Greatest Respect Sir you[r] Humb. Servt

          William Pearce


Title: To George Washington from Duncan McLaren, 18 April 1796
From: McLaren, Duncan
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Raehill [Scotland] Aprill 18th 1796

        Doubting not but it will appear Strange and great presumtion in me who are a mean Mechanic to trouble Such a great man with my writing from a Foreign Country and having no title to any favour from you: yet I hope in hearing my Claim you will in Some measure excuse me; I was bred a Mason and taught in the differant branches of that trade Such as Stone Cuting and building Stones and bricks; I was employed eight years building Bridges and Canales and Sixteen building Houses the most part of which time I was employed in building a House to the Earl of Hopetoun on his estate in Annandale; and now about finished: I have a great inclination to go to America and by reason of my large family I am unable to pay for our passage without Some help. By often hearing of your Character induced me to aply to you for help that if you needed one of my trade or Could help me to employment the[n] you would Cause to write or Speak to a Captain of a Vessel that trades from your Country to this Country to bring me over and I and my family will be at your Disposal till what money you lay out be paid with reasonable interest and my family will be willing to work at what you think best till the money be Paid; If you think proper to incourage me to Come I will bring letters from the Earl of hoptoun and other Gentlemen to testify my Character and my ability in the diferent branches of the Mason trade and you will find that what I write is real; and if you be pleased to grant this favour I will Surely ever look on you as my benefactor; This ruinous war is greatly hurt this Country and although a peace was made we are afraid it is the beginning of our troubles by reason of the enormous burdens that we are under this is part of the reason why So many emigrate to that hapy Country of which So much is Spoke of; and that free nation who is So much envied. May you Sir live long to See the good effects of that government that you was So much an instrument of bringing about.

        This letter Come to you with a Mason that has wrougt long with me and if he Can he is to deliver it with his own hand and however employs him will find him a very worthy man and deserves to be trusted with any kind of mason work. Sir I am your mot obdt mot Huble Servt

          Duncan McLaren

          N.B. If you think proper to Cause to write Direct to me Mason to the Earl of Hopetoun at Raehill near Moffat North Britain. D. McL.


Title: From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 18 April 1796
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

          Gentlemen of the Senate
          United States April 18th 1796.

        I nominate John McIntosh to be Collector and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Brunswick, in the State of Georgia, in the room of Christopher Hillary deceased: and
        Stephen Skinner to be Surveyor and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Hartford in the State of North Carolina, in the room of Josiah Murdaugh resigned.

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 19 April 1796
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

          My dear Sir,
          [Philadelphia] Tuesday Morng 19th Apl 96

        Could I beleive, for a moment, that you thought my Opinions were grounded on interested motives, or influenced by party views, I should blush to appear before you; but having long known the liberality of your mind, I have never hesitated to declare my sentiments to you, without reserve, on such points as occasionally occurred between us; and I am pleased to think that you do not esteem me less for this openness, even when our opinions have not coincided with each other.
        I have, however, since our conversation last Evening, been much distressed, lest the manner in which I then expressed myself should not have been done with that respect and deference which my heart always pays to you: And I shall not feel at peace with myself ’till I am assured of your forgiveness; for to lose that place which I flatter myself I have held in your esteem, would now be the most painful occurrence that could happen to your devoted & most affectionate friend

          Tobias Lear.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Leech, 19 April 1796
From: Leech, Joseph
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Newbern North Carolina 19th April 1796

        The Inhabitants of the Town of Newbern hope they may stand excused for any forwardness, or indiscretion which may appear in this address, if the[y] convey to you expressions of gratitude and approbation, as the only return your fellow Citizens have the power of making for the hard and in some instances, vexatious burden, which their affections and confidence have placed upon you.

        We consider, Sir, that your having refused to comply with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 24th March, upon the ground you have taken, among the most signal acts of service which your eminent Virtues & Talents have rendered your Country; as the influence of your examples, may prolong the date of the Constitution, many ages beyond what might have been the short period of its’ existence, had you admitted the principle, and yielded to the requisition of the House—It is the pride and the boast of every enlightened American, that the principles which have been associated in the composition of our most excellent Constitution, have eminently qualified it to extend the most perfect liberty, security and protection, to every rank and condition of life, and they, who know how to appreciate such a blessing, cannot see any act, that may have the most remote tendency to rob them of it, without alarm, nor behold any exertion to preserve it, but with emotions of gratitude.
        In addition, suffer us to express the warmest wishes which grateful hearts can feel for your welfare, that it may be the happiness of America, long to experience the Wisdom of your influence in the management of affairs; and that you may long enjoy that satisfaction which the confidence and gratitude of a happy People is capable of conferring. In behalf of the Citizens of the Town of Newbern I have the Honor to be with The most profound Respect Sir Your most obedient and very humble Servant

          Joseph Leech Ch[airma]n


Title: To George Washington from George Lewis, 19 April 1796
From: Lewis, George
To: Washington, George

          Dr Sir
          Fredericksburg [Va.] 19th April 1796

        Mrs Lewis’s indisposition has detained me in the country for eight dayes past, which prevented my getting your letter of the 7th Inst. untill to day, otherwise it would have been immediately acknowledged.
        With respect to Mr Parks, he is a young Man in the Mercantile line, appears industrious and attentive to his buisness. I have known him for twelve months past, and from his conduct since living in this place has been countenanced and respected by the first characters in town and neighbourhood—he has alwayes been spoke of as connected in trade with his Brother in law at Baltimore, but in what proportion, I am not able to ascertain, but conjecture (from his mode of doing buisness) that he has been altogether in the commission line, his selling for ready money, and having never been engaged in the purchase of produce and makeing his remitances altogether in money, convinces me that I am not wrong in my conjecture—as to his

family I am told, his Father is an industrious farmer in Maryland with a small property, from whom he can have no expectation, in short his marrying Harriot at this time would be madness in the extreme, at all events, I think it would be well to put it of[f] untill your return to Virginia, by which time you can have an opportunity of being better acquainted, with Mr Parks’s prospects in life, and give them time to reflect seriously on what they are about, at present I conceive it has been an inconsiderate step on both sides.
        Mr Parks is a young Man of good talents and discovers a disposition to do well, and I have not a doubt with industry but he may in a short time acquire the means to support a family, at present, I really think it would be unwise in them to attempt it—Your letter to my Mother was taken from the post office by her directions, before I came to town—and forwarded to her at Mr Carters in culpeper county, where she and Harriot now are, and have been for these ten dayes past—my love to my Aunt. I am with the utmost respect Yr Affectionate Nephew

          Go: Lewis


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Robertson, 19 April 1796
From: Robertson, Alexander
To: Washington, George

          Honoured & Dear Sir
          Newyork 19 April 1796

        Stand Unmoved in the Integerity of your Heart on the Solid Ground in Which Our Divine Master has placed You as Presedent of the United States See with Wondour how A Wise Providence is Carr[y]ing on the Plan in Disposeing of all the Distractions that take place in our National Afairs how the plans formed by Wicked & Desginneing Men are Overturned and made to Work for the General Good I can See it clearly by that Party in the National Assembly who have combined to Overset our happie Goverment and Oppose the Treaty entred into with Britian

the good effects of which has Already been experenced in the keeping this Country in Pace and out of a Destructive Warr The Good effects of there Wicked plan is this The Whole Contenent is alarmed with there Conduct and particulary the Mercantile Intrest in whose hands the principal Wealth of the Country are Lodged and are the Springs of its circulation have Judged it prudent to Stop Trade and not Exporte or Insure property only for Sea Risque to Europe This has had Such an effect on the Mind of the publick that provisions of every kind have fallen from 15 to 20 per Cent in Value Nothing but a publick alarm Such as the present could have brought about Such a change in the price of Provisions for the Good of the poor So that this is one Good end the present Wicked Men have brought about contrary to there Intention and No doubt our Gracouse God will also frustrate all there other wicked Schames and make them Work for the Good this Country and they Shall have Shame and Disgrace for that part they have Acted You have the Aprobation and the prayers of the Godly for your Suport Aproveing of the line your conduct and you have Nothing to fear from the plans of Wicked Men our God will carry you Honourably through and I hope Crown you with better Honours then this poor World can give Belive me to be with great regard Your Most Obedent & very Humb. St

          Alexander Robertson

          N.B. The Merchants & Traders this City have had a Meeting this day at Coffiee House To Send a Petition to Congress to Adopt the Treaty & make provision for it with G. Britian which petition will be as respectable One as has been ever before Congress as our demecrates now hang there Head very low.


Title: To George Washington from John Keon, 20 April 1796
From: Keon, John
To: Washington, George

          Carrick on Shannon [Ireland] 20th April 1796

        When Elevated Characters are Solicited to grant the request of their Humble Petitioners the abuse of time and words wasted in Compliments Eulogiums &ca to the great annoyance of the Petitioned in my mind deserves reprehension—From your Excellency’s general character in these Realms without any such frippery or parade I take leave to call on your Excellencys Humanity if possible to direct me. I think the year 1775 or shortly before the troubles in that Country commenced there lived in Buck’s County and Province of Pensylvania a Peter Keon (Brother to my father Bartholomew) a Magistrate and Counsellor at Law as stated by his Letter; a widower shortly after his Marriage with a Miss Cartland who died without Issue and in right of whom Peter her Husband Inherited a property to a considerable amount, Six or Eight hundred a year, she was an orphan but the Daughter of a Gentleman of distinction and as I understand she was under the Guardianship of her uncle by the Father, who refused his consent to the Marriage consequently after her decease he disputed Peter’s title to said property but Peter defeated him and established his claim of course. From

the date of the Letter which I allude to or the happy restoration of Peace to that Country not a word heard from him, a Circumstance the more alarming as being remarkable for his attachment to his family. He was then forty years of age and upwards of fine person and manly appearance. If he died without Issue the probability is (no Kinsman of his near him to dispute their title) that his Wife’s Connections reassumed the property, granting in one Instance that they have a right to it, yet if the fact is that they are in possession your Excellency may admit that his Heir at Law or next of Kin shoud share in the prosperity which attended his adventures; and if not the whole, to get a part. In vain have I referred to many Characters many ways and means for Information but the manly Idea of hazarding an application to your Excellency may be more prosperous and prove of service and Consolation to me and Peter’s Connections if thro the medium intended any discovery shall be made—If your Excellency ordered a few Lines directed “Carrick on Shannon County Leitrim Ireland” no doubt they woud be most gratefully acceptable to me a Man who adores Honor and Humanity in any person and may it please your Excellency with the utmost deference Have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Humble Petitioner & Servt

          John Keon M:D.


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 22 April 1796
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Richmond April 22. 1796

        The late Votes of the House of Representatives which have just reached us, and from which it appears that appropriations are not entended to be made for giving effect to the Treaty between the U. States and Great Britain, have in my opinion brought our political maladies to a crisis. The disorganizing machinations of a faction are no longer left to be nourished and inculcated on the minds of the credulous, by clamorous demagogues, while the great mass of Citizens, viewing these, as evils at a distance, remain inactive. The consequences of a failure of the Treaty are too plain, and too threatening to the unparalleled happiness and prosperity we enjoy, not to excite alarm in the minds of all

who are attached to peace & order—this class of Citizens will now come forward & speak for themselves, and will be found to compose the great body of the community—I may possibly be mistaken—I however feel a confidence in an opinion, that the sense of Virginia to the purpose, will shortly be extensively expressed, in public meetings and by Petitions—A meeting of the people of this City, will take place on Monday next, for the purpose of expressing their opinions on the pending measures, and setting on foot a Petition or remonstrace, to the House of Representatives, thereon. From what I can learn from various parts of the Country I verily believe that similar measures will be adopted, at least, in many Counties. Feeling as I do, a strong conviction that the intelligence contained in this letter is well founded, I have indulged myself in the satisfaction of communicating it to you, and hope that events will realise it. with unalterable attachment and confidence I have the Honor to be Dear Sir Your Most Ob. st

          Ed. Carrington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Lee, 22 April 1796
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Philadelphia 22 April 1796

        There is reason to believe unless the Congress during their present Session shall make some addition to the fees or emoluments now allowed to the Attornies of the United States in the several Districts, that some of the most useful of those Officers will resign and their vacancies I fear it will be found impossible to fill with fit persons. None but eminent Counsel ought to be called to those Offices, and I am persuaded that on their present establishment they ought rather to be rejected than accepted by such Characters; and more especially in the larger States in which Courts are necessarily held by the District Judge at various places distant from the residence of the Attorney as occasions require. I beg leave therefore to suggest the propriety of allowing to each District Attorney a small Salary to be apportioned to the trouble and service that may reasonably be expected in each State in addition to the fees and emoluments now established by Law. These though small, will defray many of the necessary contingencies in the transaction of their duties, and will render the Offices more acceptable when if not profitable they will not expose the Citizens who take them to expences that are not reimbursed. With the most profound respect I am Sir Your most obedient Servant

          Charles Lee


Title: To George Washington from Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 23 April 1796
From: Carroll, Charles (of Carrollton)
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Annapolis 23d April 1796

        The principal surveyor in the city of Washington has applied to me to recommend him to be appointed to lay out, under the direction of general Knox, the boundary lines between the United States and Canada, & has transmitted to me an authenticated copy of a letter from the Commissioners to you recommending him to that appointment. My recommendation can add but little, if any, weight to that of the Commissioners; however I can with truth say from my experience & knowledge of Mr Freeman that he deserves the character given of him by those gentlemen.
        Mr Richard Sprigg Junr is elected a Representative in the room of Mr Duvall. The citizens of this town have instructed him to vote for the appropriations to carry into effect & operation the british treaty—In this measure our citizens were nearly unanimous. It being county-court week several respectable persons from the county were present at the meeting; all of them approved of instructing and would willingly have signed the instructions, but not being citizens of Annapolis, it was thought improper: I believe they will be signed by almost every influential character in the county to whom these or similar instructions may be presented.
        The proceedings of the H. of Representatives have excited a very general alarm amongst us, thinking as we do, that they have a strong tendency to involve this country in a war, a measure deprecated by every well wisher to it.
        Removed from the scene of action, and having no correspondence with any members of either branch, I am totally at a loss to account for the motives of the Majority. Do they wish to engross all power to themselves, & to destroy the checks & balances established by the Constitution? does a blind & inveterate hatred to G.B., and an inordinate & impolitic predilection for France influence their conduct? Is it the real interest of this country, that either of those powers should obtain a decided superiority over the other? does not our tranquility depend on their remaining pretty equally balanced? Pardon, Sir, if they are improper, these questions, & sentiments; they are the overflowings of a mind deeply agitated by the present very important Crisis. What can the Representatives expect, if the treaty remains unexecuted

on our part? another treaty more favorable? surely they Can not entertain a reasonable hope of such an event: and yet I see no alternative between setting on foot another treaty to resettle matters already settled by a treaty already made, but not executed, or going to war with G.B., or of tamely & ignominiously submitting to the continued detention of the posts, & part of our territory, & farther depredations in, & obstructions to our commerce.
        On your steadiness & wisdom, Sir, on the firmness & Judgment of the Senate, combined with the exertions of all good citizens, & principally on that kind Providence, which has hitherto preserved us, wisely for our deliverance from the dangers which now hang over us.
        I beg a tender of my respectful compliments to Mrs Washington and remain with Sentiments of the highest respect & regard Dr Sir Yr most obdt hum. Servant

          Ch. Carroll of Carrollton


Title: From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, Jr., 24 April 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Bassett, Burwell Jr.

            Dear Sir
            Philadelphia 24th Apl 1796

          Your letter of the 17th inst: was received yesterday. With you, I sincerely regret the death of your amiable Sister; but as it is one of those events which is dispensed by an allwise and uncontroulable Providence; and as I believe no person could be better prepared to meet it, it is the duty of her relatives to submit, with as little repining as the Sensibility of our natures is capable of.

          Mr Lear is now in this City—& before the receipt of your letter we had had some conversation respecting the disposition of the children. At first, he seemed unwilling to part with any of them—but upon more mature reflection yielded to the propriety of your having Maria. And as he has engaged a tutor, and was on the point of taking his own Son home, it was concluded that the boys should remain with him until my re-establishment (next March) at Mount Vernon; when some new arrangement might be made.
          It was always my intention, as you probably may have understood, to take Fayette under my immediate care, but as they are now bereft of father and mother it would be best, I conceive, and more grateful to their feelings to keep them together, in whatsoever situation they may be placed—for this reason, as I have mentioned before, the ultimate decision relative to them may be postponed until I bid adieu to public life; when I will advise with you and Mr Lear on their future destination and shall readily acquiesce in any plan which shall appear most conducive to their permanent interest, & advantage. With compliments to Mrs Bassett and esteem & regard for yourself I am—Dear Sir Your Obedient Servt

            Go: Washington

          The Children at present are all at Mount Vernon.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Law, 24 April 1796
From: Law, Thomas
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir.
          Baltimore 24 April [1796]

        I took the liberty of introducing Mr Barry at Mount Vernon, he now waits upon you to inform you of Eliza’s health, & of our mutual happiness.
        We regret very much that the business of Congress has caused so long a detention of Mrs Washington & you from your retirement & comfort—& are very anxious to wellcome you home.

I remain With much respect & unfeigned esteem & affection Yrs mt Sy & Obly

          Thomas Law


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 24 April 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

          Mr Pearce,
          Philadelphia 24th April 1796.

        I am sorry to find by your letter of the 17th instant, accompanying the reports of the preceeding week, that the drought continued; and that the prospect for good crops of small grain was so unpromising. I should hope, however, that they cannot be so much injured yet, as not to be recovered by seasonable weather. If the grain stands sufficiently thick on the ground, I shall not regard the backwardness of it, occasioned by the want of rain; running much into straw is no service to the grain. I had flattered myself (until your letter was received) that the fine rain which fell in these parts on Saturday the 16th instant, had extended to you. The alteration occasioned by it, both in grain & grass in the neighbourhood of this city, is very great indeed.
        I wish, as your prospect for grain is discouraging, that it may, in a degree, be made up in a good fishing season for Herrings; that for Shad, must, I presume, be almost, if not quite over.
        As I can see no permanent cause for the fall, in the price of flour, and believe it will rise again; I am not, at this time at least, disposed to take less for mine than has been mentioned in my former letters to you: but continue to advise me, always, of the Alexandria price of this article; that I may know better how to govern myself.
        I expected Mr Robert Lewis’s collection would have amounted to more than £169.17.6 and the promised draught for forty pounds, which you had not, at the time of writing, received. This, and other money, except for current expences, had better

be deposited in the Bank of Alexandria, as a place of security; & from whence it can be drawn when wanted.
        Since the receipt of your letter of the 10th, I have seen Mr Hughs, to whom Joseph Gallop & his brothers are tenants, on Spesusa Island. He speaks of them in favorable terms; as honest, industrious men, and good farmers. But it is somewhat extraordinary that the one who was with you, should entertain an idea of giving no more than 2000 bushels of Wheat as a rent for River farm, with all the Negros and Stock thereon; when, for 450 acres only, (about the half of Spesusa Island, for Mr Hughs says they have no more ground tho’ they are allowed the use of the Marsh for their Cattle to run upon) they pay him annually 1200 bushels of Wheat and 1500 bushels of Indian Corn: and before these men had it, the same part rented for 30/ pr Acre. This, reckoning two bushels of Indian Corn for one of wheat, makes 1950 bushels of the latter, or more than four bushels of it to the acre; without labourers, or stock of any kind furnished by him. It is true that the Land on the Island is good, and there is an advantage in the Marsh, as a range; but these are far short of compensating for the difference between Six pecks of wheat, which is all I ask as rent pr acre for mine, and 17⅓ pecks which (allowing 2 bushls of Corn for one of wheat) he gets for his. I fixed mine at a moderate rent because I wanted to induce good farmers to settle thereon—and would wish to see them thrive, which would enable them to do justice to, and improve the premises; which will be a primary object with me.
        What prospect have you for fruit this year? Has it sustained any injury yet from the frosts? Have you altered the fields No. 2 & 3 at Dogue run, agreably to the line of stakes set up while I was last at home. Is your Lucern seed sown? and how does that, the Chiccory, and Clover seed come up.
        I am glad to hear that Maria and Charles have got well again. I wish you health and am Your friend

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 24 April 1796 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from William Pearce, 24 April 1796. GW wrote Pearce on 1 May: “Your letter of the 24th Ulto has been received.”


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 27 April 1796
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Richmond April 27. 1796

        The meeting of the people of this City & vicinity, of which I did myself the Honor to inform you a few days ago, as being in agitation, took place the day before yesterday, the 25th Inst. and the enclosed paper of Davis of this date, contains the proceedings of the day, also a very correct statement of the manner in

which they were conducted. While I enjoy the satisfaction of being enabled to give you this evidence of the popular sentiment, expressed in a very numerous meeting, in opposition to the declaration of a thin one in the same place on a former occasion, I feel it incumbent on me, on the score of exhibiting the true complexion of our political situation to apprise you that the Enemies of the Treaty, or rather of Government, are putting in practice every art and effort to obtain subscriptions to a counteracting paper—as a sample of the means they descend to for the purpose of imposing on the people at a distance, I also enclose a paper of Dixon of yesterday (the 26th), in which, under the Richmond head, you will find a Representation of the proceedings of the day which exhibits, by the suppression of truth, a most absolute falshood. The Resolutions annexed to his representation are those mentioned in Davis’s paper as proposed by the opposers of the Treaty, and were eventually rejected by the adoption of that which they were offered in opposition to, yet, from the representation, it would appear that the one really carried by a considerable majority was not even listened in the meeting—corresponding committees you see are announced by that party, & there will doubtless be great activity on that side, while, unfortunately, as usual, great lassitude will prevail on the other. I trust & hope they will not succeed, but under such circumstances evil is certainly to be apprehended. there never was a crisis at which the activity of the Friends of Government was more urgently called for—some of us here have endeavoured to make this impression in different parts of the Country—the events of a few days will shew how successfully. I shall endeavor to give you as frequent & correct information as events shall enable me, and have the Honor to be, with unfeigned attachment Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Humble servt

          Ed. Carrington

          P.S. the statement in Davis’s Paper is I believe a little incorrect as to School Boys & apprentices Signing the Petition of the supporters of the Treaty—how it is on the other side I know not.


Title: From George Washington to George Lewis, 28 April 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, George

          Dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 28th April 1796

        Not knowing where to direct to your Brother Howell, I put my letter to him, under cover to you—and leave it open for your perusal. to be sealed before delivery.
        I have not the least knowledge of Mrs Dubarry—or the circumstance she relates—but, if her claim is just, I hope your Brother has more honor than to keep her out of it.
        Your letter of the 19th has been duly received—I hope Mrs Lewis’s health is restored—My best wishes are offered for it in which your Aunt joins with Dear Sir Your Affecte Uncle

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 28 April 1796
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

          Gentlemen of the Senate
          United States April 28th 1796

        I nominate Thomas Nelson to be Attorney for the United States in the District of Virginia, vice Alexander Campbell, who has resigned that Office.

          G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 29 April 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

          My dear Sir
          Philadelphia 29th April 1796

        Yesterday’s Post brought me the letters which had arrived in the Commerce, Captn Tuttell; enclosing Invoice and Bill of lading for the long expected Seeds (which by the bye have cost me at least four times as much as I expected).
        The Invoice and Bill of lading are now sent to you, lest from the want of them, any difficulty or delay should arise on account of the duties and they are accompanied with an earnest request that the packages may be forwarded to Mr Pearce with as little delay as possible the season for sowing the Peas and Succory

being already far advanced. The Winter vetch cannot be sown before Autumn.
        If you incline to try some of these Seeds at your farm you are very welcome to part of each sort. When the purposes for which Mr Murrays letter, Invoice & Bill of lading are sent, are answered be so good as to return them to Dear Sir Your Affectionate Sert

          Go: Washington

          P.S. If the Seeds should, before the arrival of this letter, have been sent to Mount Vernon, I pray you to contrive the one by some safe conveyance to Mr Pearce. And Washington request you will send the letter he has written to his Sister Peter. It relates to their Carriage & some other matters entrusted to his enquiries.


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 29 April 1796 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

        Letter not found: to William Pearce, 29 April 1796. GW wrote Pearce on Sunday, 1 May: “I wrote you on friday last.”


Title: To George Washington from Andrew Parks, 30 April 1796
From: Parks, Andrew
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Baltimore 30th April 1796

        I have had the honour to receive your Letter of the 7th Instt, and pursuant thereto, I have communicated within a few days,

that I have been here; the Subject, to my friend Mr McElderry, on which I am so materially interested, for your approbation; he has written to the Secretary at War, and given him an oppinion of me, of which, I presume you have, or will, be advertis’d. Mr McElderry, has relinquished his part of the concern, in the business, I have been pursuing, which I shall conduct hereafter on my own Acct, and with industry, and his friendship, I expect will be attended with considerable advantages; this is the only amendment in my prospects, I have it in my power to acquaint you with.
        I hope I possess most of the requisites, necessary to make your Niece, happy; I have been for several Years, accustomed to Business, which has, I am persuaded, kept me clear of a temper, for vicious dispositions; my connexions, are respectable generally, inasmuch as they are people of Business, and mostly in good circumstances. I have described to your Niece, as nearly as I could, what my Situation would afford, in the style of living; which wd not be more than genteel, and comfortable, this she sais, will perfectly satisfy her, and render her happy, provided you can think it sufficient. I am Sir with infinite respect Yr very Hbl. Sert

          Andrew Parks


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Marshall, c.April 1796
From: Marshall, Thomas
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          [c.April 1796]

        I received yours of the 6th of Feby with a duplicate of your other of the 2d of Jany last. The latter I had previously received. If age & infirmaty will not be a sufficient excuse for my not sooner acknowledgeing that honor, I fear I must remain culpable for really I have no better to offer. For tho’ I am not more than one year older than you are I am much farther gone than my wishes lead me to hope you are.
        Major Lewis will be much more proper to confide the sale of your rough Creek lands to than myself, as he will be on the spot. I have not been able to procure more particular information respecting the quallity of that land than I formerly wrote you, tho’ I expect it every day, as a Gentleman who has it in his power has promis’d me to make the necessary enquiry & inform me.
        I now can only say that settlements in that quarter encrease rapidly and consiquently the price of Lands increase in the same proportion. Lands of the first quallity in this part of the country are now selling (unimproved) from 40/ to £3 pr Acre & I see no good reason why lands of the same quality may not rise to an equal price there as here when the settlement is equally full.
        I thank you for the kind notice you take in your PostScript of having seen my son John & am happy to hear of his being well.
        I now send your terms of sale to one of the Lexington Printers & have ordered a publication of them agreable to your directions. Give me leave to assure you Sir that it is with the greatest pleasure I shal⟨l⟩ recieve & execute any future request with

whic⟨h⟩ you may think proper to honor me. I have the honor to be with the most respectfu⟨l⟩ esteem Sir Your most obedient servant

          T. Marshall


Title: From George Washington to Edward Carrington, 1 May 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Carrington, Edward

        (Private)

          Dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 1st May 1796.

        With much pleasure I received your letter of the 22d ulto; and if the sense of the great body of Citizens in Virginia should be expressed in the manner you seem to expect, it would give me, and I believe I might add every friend to order and good government throughout the United States, very great satisfaction: More so than similar sentiments from any other State in the Union; for people living at a distance from it know not how to believe it possible, that its Representatives both in the General & State Legislatures can speak a language which is repugnant to th⟨e⟩ Sense of their Constituents; especially too, as they seem to give the tone to all the States south of them.
        Whatever my own opinion may be on this, or any other subject, interesting to the Community at large, it always has been, and will continue to be, my earnest desire to learn, and to comply, as far as is consistent, with the public sentiment; but it is on great occasions only, and after time has been given for cool and deliberate reflection, that the real voice of the people can be known.
        The present, however, is one of those great occasions; than which, none more important has occurred, or probably may occur again, to call forth their decision. And to them the appeal is now made. For no candid man, in the least degree acquainted with the progress of this business, will believe for a moment, that the ostensible dispute, was about papers—or that the British Treaty was a good one, or a bad one; but whether there should be a Treaty at all without the concurrence of the house of Representatives: which was striking at once, & boldly too, at

the fundamental principles of the Constitution; and if it were established, would render the Treaty making Power not only a nullity, but such an absolute absurdity, as to reflect disgrace on the framers of it: for can any one suppose, that they who framed, or those who adopted that Instrument, ever intended to give the power to the President & Senate to make Treaties (and declaring that when made & ratified, they should be the Supreme law of the land) and in the same breath place it in the powers of the house of Representatives to fix their Veto on them? unless apparent marks of fraud or corruption (which in equity would set aside any contract) accompanied the measure, or such striking evidence of National injury attended their adoption as to make War, or any other evil preferable. Every unbiassed Mind will answer in the Negative.
        Whence the source, and what the object of all this struggle is, I submit to my fellow citizens. Charity would lead one to hope that the motives to it have been pure. Suspicions, however, speak a different language—and my tongue, for the present, shall be silent. Such further information on this head (or any other similarly important) which may come to your knowledge—and your leisure and inclination may enable you to give—will be very acceptable to Dear Sir Your Obedt & Obliged Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 1 May 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Carroll, Charles (of Carrollton)

        (Private)

          Dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 1st May 1796.

        Your favor of the 23d Ultimo has been duly received. With respect to the application of Mr Freeman, I shall do, as I always

have done on similar occasions, and what I am sure you will approve of—namely to lay the recommendations of applicants by, until the hour comes when nominations are to be made; and then, after reference to them, and an attention to other circumstances (which is often essential) prefer those who seem to have the greatest fitness for the Office.
        Accompanying the information of the Election of Mr Sprigg, and the Instructions with which he was charged, you propound several interesting questions; such as I am persuaded your own good sense, after a resort to the debates on the important points which have been discussed, will leave you at no loss to solve: Few, however, I believe, acquainted with the proceedings in the Ho. of Representatives, conceive that the real question was, whether the Treaty with G: Britain was a good or a bad one; but whether there should be a Treaty at all without the concurrence of that house; and taking advantage of the partialities in favour of one Nation and of the prejudices against that of another with the aid of such unfavorable interpretations as they were disposed to give to some parts of the Treaty it was conceived that, no occasion more suitable, might ever occur to establish the principle & enlarge the powers they aimed at. On this ground therefore it was resolved to attempt, at every hazard, to render the Treaty making power a Nullity without their consent: nay worse to make it an absolute absurdity; Such as could not fail to reflect disgrace upon the understanding, & wisdom of those who framed, but on those also who adopted the Constitution, from the inconsistency of giving a Power to the President & Senate to make Treaties (and when made and ratified, declaring them to be the Supreme law of the land) and in the same instrument to vest a power in the house of Representatives: to fix their veto upon it unless bribery and fraud was apparent in the transaction (which in equity wd annul any contract) or ruin was so self evident as to make war, or any evil, preferable to the execution.
        With respect to the motives wch have led to these measures, and which have not only brought the Constitution to the brink of a precipice, but the Peace, happiness & prosperity of the country into eminent danger, I shall say nothing—Charity tells us, they ought to be good. but suspicions say they must be bad. At present, my tongue shall be silent.
        Every true friend to this Country must see, and feel, that the

policy of it is not to embroil ourselves with any Nation whatsoever; but to avoid their disputes & their politics; and if they will harrass one another, to avail ourselves of the Neutral conduct we have adopted. Twenty years peace, with such an increase of population and resources as we have a right to expect; added to our remote situation from the jarring powers, will in all probability enable us, in a just cause to bid defiance to any power on earth. Why then should we—prematurely embar⟨k⟩ (for the attainment of trifles comparatively speaking) in hostilities—the issue of which is never certain—always expensive—& beneficial to a few only (the least deserving perhaps) whilst it must be distressing & ruinous to the great mass of our Citizens. But enough of this—the people must decide for themselves and probably will do so, notwithstanding the vote has gone in favor of the appropriations by a majority of 51. to 48 as the principle and assumption of power which has been contended for remain although the consequences by the present decision probably will be avoided. With esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your most Obedt Se⟨r.⟩

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Joseph de Maisonneuve, 1 May 1796
From: Maisonneuve, Joseph de
To: Washington, George

          Romain motier Canton of Bernein Switzerland 1st May 1796
          mr President,

        M. The Grand Master of Malta, my sovereign, ⟨or⟩ders me to transmit the inclosed Letter to your Excellency.
        In fulfilling this duty, I venture mr President to renew the respectful solicitations which I have already had the honor of presenting to you in order to obtain from your goodness the favor

which the Grand master of malta has been pleased to request for me. I am, with the most profound respect Your Excellency’s most obt & very humble servt

          The Commander of Maisonneuve


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 1 May 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

          Mr Pearce,
          Philadelphia May 1st 1796.

        Your letter of the 24th Ulto has been received, and I am sorry to find by it that the drought still continued with you. On this day week there was a very good rain here, and on wednesday following a great deal fell; but the weather has been windy, cold and disagreeable ever since—notwithstanding which, the Grain and grass in these parts look extremely well.
        I am glad to find that you were, at the date of your letter, so near the completion of Corn-planting; and hope, if you have had the late rains, that it will have come up well, for I think this happens best when it is planted dry, & rains come after.
        I wrote you on friday last (and put the letter under cover to Mr Lear) informing you, that the Seeds were arrived at last; at George Town: and expressing an earnest wish that the Peas & Chiccory might be got into the ground as soon as possible and that the Peas, as they were of two distinct sorts—might be seperately, and distinctly sown. I wished also, that the Chiccory might be sown as convenient to the Stables at the different farms, as fit ground could be obtained; as it was designed to be cut and fed green to the work horses. The Winter vetch must be carefully preserved till autumn, as that is the season for sowing it.
        I am sorry to find that flour continues to depreciate in price; but the present cause for this is, the dispute in the House of Representatives respecting the provisions for carry the British Treaty into effect; which has, for sometime past, occasioned a suspension in purchasing, shipping, & the Insurance of all sorts of property: but as the discussion is now brought to a close, it is to be hoped, and expected, that matters will recover their former tone again. At any rate, I will risque there getting worse, rather than take the present Alexandria price for my flour: but I repeat what I have said in former letters, that I will take 15 dollars, at 6 months credit.
        By a letter which I received from Mr Robt Lewis (dated in Alexandria, the 21st of last month) he informs me that he had left for, and on my acct, in the hands of Messrs Bennett & Watts, of that place, the Sum of Forty pounds; which it would be proper you should receive, and place it with the sum he paid into your own hands.

        I am surprized to find by the Reports so few calves produced from my stock. Does it proceed from indifferent Bulls, or the Want of them. Be it either, or from any other cause, a remedy should be applied. and I wish the same with respect to the Rams, as the number of my Lambs are not equal to what they formerly were.
        I would have you again stir up the pride of Cyrus; that he may be the fitter for my purposes against I come home; sometime before which (that is as soon as I shall be able to fix on the time) I will direct him to be taken into the house, and clothes to be made for him. In the meanwhile, get him a strong horn comb and direct him to keep his head well combed, that the hair, or wool may grow long. I wish you well and am Your friend

          Go: Washington

          P.S. By a Vessel which says she will sail from hence to Alexa. on Wednesday next, I shall send two dozn Windsor Chairs which the Captn has promised to land as he passes Mount Vernon. Let them be put in the New Room.


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 1 May 1796 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from William Pearce, 1 May 1796. GW wrote Pearce on 8 May: “I am glad to find by your letter of the first instant, that the rain wch fell here on the 27th Ulto had extended to you.”


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 2 May 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          War office 2 May 1796.

        I have the honour to submit several letters & papers from the Governor of the State of New-York for your information and further directions.
        As the Government of the State of New-York is desirous that a treaty should be authorised to be held with certain chiefs of the Cohnawagas or seven nations of Canada, now at New York, for the purpose of enabling the State to purchase from them a right or claim which they set up to a parcel of land laying within its limits.
        And as the extinguishment of the said claim may tend to preserve a good understanding between these Indians and the United States; and be necessary to the safety and quiet of those persons who have settled or may settle upon the land in question, under the authority of New-York, the desire of the State would seem reasonable and proper.
        Should you consider the application in this point of view, I submit the following draught of a message to the Senate for the attainment of its object. With the utmost respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most ob. & hble St

          James McHenrySecy of war


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 May 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            [New York] May 5. 179[6]

          The letter of which the inclosed is a copy contains such extraordinary matter that I could not hesitate to send it to you. The writer is Mr G——M——. I trust the information it conveys cannot be true; yet in these wild times every thing is possible: Your official information may serve as a comment. very respectfully & affectly I have the honor to be Sir Yr Obed. Ser.

            A. Hamilton


Title: Enclosure: Gouverneur Morris to Alexander Hamilton, 4 March 1796
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            My Dear Hamilton
            London March 4. 1796

          I have just now written to the President to communicate some Intelligence lately received from Paris. This I have done in abstract but my correspondent has written to me as follows “The Government here are highly displeased with ours. You may easily guess the Reason. It is come to a very serious pitch. A fleet is to be sent to our shore with a new minister. A definitive answer must be given in 15 days. The Government are to declare to us within a few days that our Treaty with them is annulled. This will put Mr Monroe in a cruel Dilemma—He is already much displeased and a war will probably be the consequence. The British will be glad of this. Perhaps we may have here a Revolution from

the Industry of the Jacobins. The Finances are worse than ever. They cannot stand much longer.” This letter is dated in Paris the 15th of last month. You may be sure by my communicating it to you that I have confidence in the source.
          I have barely stated to the President the intention as to a new Minister. To you I will declare my conviction that this Government cannot stand whether the Monarchy be restored or not. The adherents to the Royal Cause grow dayly more numerous. If I knew decidedly the steps to be taken in aid of them I could tell you almost with certainty whether they would be successful. For the state of that Country now presents sufficient data on which to reason soundly. I need not say to you that if the French Rulers persist in the measures which are abovementioned America will probably be obliged to take part in the War. On a former occasion when they talked somewhat highly, I told them that they would certainly force us into the contest but as certainly it would be against them, let the predilections in their favour be ever so great, because it would be madness in us to risk our Commerce against the Navy of the world. That to join them would do them no good and would do us much evil. That time they believed me. What representations Mr Monroe may make, I cannot pretend to divine & much less the effect of them. Supposing however that you should be driven to make this election you will naturally weigh not only the naval force but also the financial resources of the opposed powers. The noisy folks with you will undoubtedly be loud on our obligations to France and on the long list of our grievances from England. As to the former I think we should always seek to perform acts of kindness towards those who at the bidding of their Prince stept forward to fight our battles. But would it be kind to support that power which now tyrannizes over France and reduces her inhabitants to unheard of misery? Would it be grateful to mix with—much less to league with those whose hands are yet red with the blood of him who was our real protector? Would it be decent? As to the conduct of Britain towards us, although I see as clearly as others the grounds which we have to complain and can readily account for the resentments which have been excited, yet I give due weight to the causes by which that conduct was instigated—And while in some cases I find it unjustifiable, I cannot consider it as in all cases inexcusable. Provided therefore that our honor

be saved, I am so far from thinking that the injuries we have endured should become the source of inextinguishable hatred and perpetual war that I would seek in future good offices the fair motive for consigning them to oblivion.
          I have not my Dear Hamilton any such view of our present political machinery as to judge what may be the effect of lofty menace. It is possible after all that the demand may turn on a single pivot that we shall no longer pretend to claim an exemption from seizure for those goods of an enemy which may be found in our ships. If so the case is plain and easy. We slide back to the law of Nations which it is our interest to preserve unimpeached. Probably we shall be called upon for our guarantee of St Domingo & here many curious questions will arise—in the course of which we shall see perhaps some very strange things. It appears certain to me that the French Directory would not risk high language to us, if they had not received previous assurances that the people would force our Government to sacrifice the national interest. Those assurances were I presume given and the present plan proposed while victory seemed yet bound to the French standards, and while you received official assurances of the prosperous state of their internal affairs. The scene is now not only changed but almost reversed, & I presume that the language if not the conduct of certain persons will experience a similar change. Adieu &c.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Lewis, 5 May 1796
From: Lewis, Robert
To: Washington, George

          Hond Uncle,
          Fredericksburg [Va.] May 5th 1796

        Your last letter dated the 17th ultimo, I have this instant received, and as I shall leave town this afternoon, will leave this in the post office for the next mail. My business here was to have ejectments issued against those persons who are in possession of the Land on Accoceek which you were so good as to say I might have, provided it cou’d be come at. All the previous and necessary business has been arranged in order that it might come on against the next District Court for trial—But greatly to my mortification and disappointment, after a good deal of trouble and some little expence; my Counsellers informed me that the Land which you had given me and which you conceived to be your right as Heir at Law to my Grandmothers Estate becomes by the Law of Descents the joint property of yourself and Brothers Heirs—As the property wou’d be divided and sub-divided into so many different parts provided it cou’d be obtained, I have thought proper to relinquish all claim—It being besides a bad cause—or at least a doubtfull one. The only point which gave me any hopes, wou’d have been the testimoney of several very old inhabitants who live in the neighbourhood—Also possession of a small part by a Mr Taylor, who was a tenant to my Grandmother, and who has been for several years past distressed by the party in possession for rent which he never wou’d pay without being forced.
        I am sorry to inform you of the death of Mrs Haney—She died on Friday last in extreme pain, and with the most rapid consumption, I believe, that ever was known; having only complained of symptoms of that disorder about two months

past—She was truly a religious good Woman and has left a poor unhappy Orphan to deplore her loss—As to Virtue and exemplary conduct the Daughter of Mrs Haney is surpassed by none—And I am really sorry that the avocations of my family will not admit of constant employment for her—Her Mother recommended her to my care and put her under my auspices on her dieing bed, provided you did not point out some other mode more to her advantage—My House is small and it will certainly be attended with some inconvenience, and if no place can be provided for her where she can derive some advantage as well in improvment as profit, she’s perfectly welcome to her board—Mrs Lewis has taken considerable trouble to teach her reading—writing, and useful needle work, in which she is very defective. She wants neither capacity or inclination to learn. I have taken the liberty & without your consent to purchase her some few articles which she was much in want of and cou’d not well be delayed to keep up a decent appearance—I have never furnished her with any thing since her coming to my Plantation except what you directed in the first instance; and have always impressed upon her mind in the strongest terms what you requested, in regard to supporting herself—She has made every exertion, I believe, in order to do it, but to no effect—The people of this neighbourhood are uncommonly industrious and do every thing within themselves; of course there is little opportunity of doing much in the way of support, altho’ every little, takes off some of the expence. She wou’d make an extraordinary housekeeper, if a place in some genteel family cou’d be procured—Of this, you will be the best judge.
        My Mother is at present in Culpepper with my sister Carter who is just delivered of a son—They are both very well I am informed—Present my affectionate regards to my Aunt and believe me your much obliged and affectionate Nephew

          Robt Lewis


Title: From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 5 May 1796
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

          Gentlemen of the Senate,
          United States May 5. 1796

        I lay before you, for your consideration and advice, an explanatory article proposed to be added to the treaty of Amity Commerce and Navigation between the United States and Great Britain; together with a copy of the full power to the Secretary of State to negotiate the same.

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 6 May 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

          Dear Sir
          Philadelphia 6th May 1796

        This letter will be put into your hands by Mr Volney—who proposes to visit the Federal City. If you are not acquainted with him personally, I am sure you must have a knowledge of his character—his travels & works; I therefore recommend him to your civilities while he remains in the Federal City. I am always and sincerely Yours

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Pinckney, 7 May 1796
From: Pinckney, Thomas
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          London [England] 7th May 1796

        Your several favors of the 20th & 20th of February & 5th of March were delivered to me a few days ago by the Captain of the Ship Favorite; the letters which accompanied them have been forwarded in the manner you pointed out; & the printed notification shall be used in conformity to your desire.
        Be pleased, Sir to receive my best acknowledgements for the very friendly mode in which you communicate the acceptation of the Spanish Treaty—I derive no small part of the satisfaction I feel on this event from the consideration that it may have had a tendency to diminish rather than to increase the unpleasant circumstances which have attended the exercise of some of your official duties. History has unfortunately so many examples of the rarest merit & most eminent services ill requited, that I was not greatly surprized by the unmerited obloquy with which several of our Gazettes for some time past have teemed: but I confess that though I was not astonished, I was much mortified because my partiality for my Countrymen had induced me to augur better both of their discernment & gratitude: I still however cherish the hope that these disgraceful productions have proceeded from a party scarcely more significant for their numbers, than eminent for their candor, liberality, or patriotism.
        I will not fail, whenever a fit opportunity shall offer, to proceed to the full extent of what you have authorized with respect to the Marquis la Fayette—at the present moment I am in expectation of an unofficial answer from Lord Grenville to an application I lately made with the hope of interesting this administration in behalf of our friend: prior communications to the department of State have informed you of my former advances of this nature—& I have proposed this also unofficially & as from myself; assuring the Minister however at the same time that from my knowledge of all circumstances I was certain it would be a measure of a conciliatory and beneficial tendency—Lord Grenville stated that he could not of course give an official answer, but that he would take it into consideration. this is a more favorable answer than I have hitherto received on this subject. I expected to have met his Lordship yesterday, when I hoped to obtain the result of his consideration, but the conference was postponed.

I consider the interference of this Government, with whom we may be supposed to have some influence, as the most probable means of effecting the purpose we desire; but in case of the failure of this attempt whatever I can suggest as the dictate of justice, propriety, liberality & true policy, supported by your personal influence, shall be detailed to the Imperial Envoy. By the latest accounts the confinement of the Marquis continues to be rigorous though the Emperors Minister assures me that he is extremely well treated—his wife & daughters have been permitted to reside with him & as I understand are equally prisoners with himself.
        Accept, dear Sir, my best thanks for your kind compliance with my request to retire—I shall in consequence prepare for my return home in the summer, & shall carry with me to my retreat the sentiments of affectionate regard & attachment you have impressed on the mind of Your much obliged & respectful servant

          Thomas Pinckney


Title: To George Washington from Charles Lee, 8 May 1796
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Philadelphia 8th may 1796

        I have been reflecting on the train of measures to be pursued respecting the western posts which yesterday seemed to meet your approbation. The subject was new to me then, and therefore I hope you will excuse me for presenting to your better judgment the result of mine on the letter proposed to be written to Lord Dorchester. That part of it which is to express an acquiescence on your part in the detention of the posts after the first day of june next and indeed a desire that they should remain in the possession of the british for safe custody until the troops of the United States shall arrive to receive them appears objectionable on two grounds.
        1st It is not absolutely necessary, and will imply a concession that the punctual delivery of the posts does not take place, in consequence of delays, neglects or impediments of some kind on the part of the United States or of some department in our government. In itself this proposition may be questioned; but admitting it to be true; I do not perceive the propriety in the present stage of the business of the president’s doing any act or using any words which may be interpreted into an acknowledgement, on our part, that the non-delivery of the posts according to stipulation is to be attributed to ourselves. If certain occurrences have produced an impossibi[li]ty on our part to take possession on or before the first of June next; and also a necessity on the part of the british to continue to hold the posts after that period, it will be safest for you to suffer, that impossibi[li]ty and that necessity, to stand upon their own circumstances as they have already happened.
        2dly It may be questioned whether the President can be justified in consenting that an armed force of a foreign nation shall occupy a post in the territories of the United States after the time appointed for the evacuation by a treaty solemnly concluded between the two nations. It is my opinion that such an act

cannot be justified under the constitution. If the evacuation is not punctually made in consequence of unavoi[d]able causes or of absolute necessity, it may be excusable on that account and must be submitted to: but this is very different from consenting or desiring that the evacuation should be postponed beyond the day stipulated.
        A treaty duly made is obligatory as a law; the execution of the latter cannot be denied or delayed by the president except in particular instances by pardon &c. of offences, so also he cannot dispense with the obligations of a treaty.
        But even supposing to request the british governor to hold the posts and take care of them till the arrival of our troops though subsequent to the first day of next june could be justified as a lawful act, yet it seems to be a condescencion on the part of the United states towards the british nation, that will be unpleasing to many, and complained of by some.
        Viewing this matter in a more important light than the other gentlemen seemed to have contemplated it, as it may affect yourself, I could not refrain from communicating my sentiments in writing for your more mature consideration. With the most perfect esteem and Respect I remain your most obed. hbl. sert

          Charles Lee


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 8 May 1796
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

          Dear Sir,

            Sunday Afternoon 8th May 1796

        The enclosed letter presents a serious—perhaps a just view of the subject which has been under consideration—and as I wish in every thing, particularly in matters of foreign relation, to conduct with caution; I request that your letter to the Govr General of Canada; the Instructions to Major Lewis; and all your arrangements respecting the reception of the Posts may accord with the ideas contained therein.

        Let the March of the Troops who are to take possession of the Posts be facilitated as much as possible; and let every measure necessary thereto for supplying them on their March, and when there, be concerted without delay. I am, as always Yours

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 8 May 1796 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from William Pearce, 8 May 1796. GW wrote Pearce on 15 May: “Your letter of the 8th, with the Reports, are at hand.”


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 9 May 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir

            9th May 1796.

        I have the honour to submit for your inspection a draught of a letter to Lord Dorchester, made out agreeably to the idea presented in the attorney generals letter, which corresponds with the second draught I had the pleasure of reading to you on saturday, and yesterday morning. I beleive it is the safest ground to move upon, and the most correctly constitutional. I have shewn it to Mr Lee & Mr Woolcot who approve of it.
        If you should be of opinion that any thing like the inclosed private instruction to Capn Lewis might be useful, I shall correct it and have it ready with the other letters.
        I expect the Senate to concur in the additional article to the British treaty to-day, and if you advise it, will dispach Capn Lewis to-morrow.
        Mr Murray was out of town yesterday, but is expected to return this morning. I shall see him of course. With the sincerest respect I have the honour to be Sir Your most ob. st

          James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 9 May 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Department of State May 9. 1796.

        The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President a letter of March 29th from Governor Blount with the address to him from the General Assembly of Tennessee, which were handed to the Secretary this day by Mr Cocke, a Senator Elect from that government. When the Secretary told Mr Cocke that the letter with its inclosure should be laid before the President, Mr Cocke expressed earnestly his desire that they should also be officially communicated to the Senate; of which the Secretary did not see the necessity, but begs leave to submit to ⟨the⟩ President’s decision.
        The Governor of that territory being no longer an officer of the United States, the office of superintendent of Indian Affairs will of course cease to be united with that of Governor, according to the act of Congress of the 26th of May 1790; and now be conferred on whomsoever the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall be pleased to appoint.

          Timothy Pickering.


Title: From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 9 May 1796
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

          Gentlemen of the Senate
          United States 9. May 1796

        I nominate James McDowell to be Inspector of the Revenue for the sixth survey in the District of virginia vice James Brackenridge resigned.


Title: To George Washington from Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 10 May 1796
From: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.
To: Washington, George

          my dr sir,
          Green briar Court house [Va.] May 10 1796

        My last to you was I believe dated at Shippensburg in Pennsylvania. on the morng succeeding its date, I bent my course towards Virga & crossing the Potomac at Wmsport I passed through Winchester, & along up the Shenandoah, & thro Orange County to Charlottsville & from thence to staunton, in the neighbourhood of which I rested a few days. From Staunton I departed with the intention of visiting the country on & at the mouth of

the Kanhawa; but on my arrival here I found this part of the country so pleasant & healthful that I have resolved to tarry in it for some weeks, & for that purpose have taken up my abode at a respectable farmer’s about 12 miles from this place towards the Ohio. I have already experienced the good effects of a change of scenee & objects wch had become necessary to me, & hope, if I can have it in my power to spend the summer on this side the ridge, to have my health & tranquility establishe⟨d.⟩ It is still my intention, (if agreeable to you & if you have not provided a person who can answer your purposes better) to return to your service in the fall previous to the meetg of the next Congress. If however, you should not think proper to permit this, I will thank you to let me know it as soon as possible, as in that case I shall be obliged to get into some other business if I can. You may obtain many who are in some respects more capable of doing your business; but I can truly say you will not fin⟨d⟩ one who will be more faithful to your interest, according to my ability. Perhaps you may wish to make use of me in the disposal of your Western Lands. This employment I should prefer far before that which you have been pleased heretofore to honor me with. Many have made inquiries of me respecting it—& all seem to agree in the opinion that it would be greatly favorable to your interest to divide it into small tracts from 2 to 500 acres. I have no doubt if that was done but that from 6 to 8 Dollars per acre might be had for it, accordg to quality & situation. New settlers are daily going to the point & above that place on the Ohio. You will I am persuaded do me the favor to let me hear from [you] as early as you can upon the above subjects, that in case you do not wish to give me any place in your service, I may endeavour to obtain one some where or other. In the last event I must beg of you to enclose me a certificate of the time I lived with you & of my conduct during that time. As I am sure you will do this with strict justice, it will be serviceable to me. a mail arrives at this place only once a fortnight, I cannot therefore expect to hear from you in less than 4 weeks. Be pleased to present my affectionate respects to my Aunt, remember me to Washington, & to accept yourself my prayers for your happiness & prosperity. With sincere esteem & the truest attachment I have the honor to be my dr sir, Yr very h’ble servt

          B. Dandridge

          P.S. please to direct to me, to the care of Mr Chas Arbuckle merchant at Lewisburgh, alias G.B. Ct house.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 12 May 1796
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Belmont [Pa.] 12. May 1796

          I have so long waited for the Answers to a Number of Queries, I proposed to several of our most intelligent Farmers, on the subject of Manures, & particularly the Gypsum; & have been so much disappointed in not receiving the requisite Information, that I cannot longer trespass on your Patience, by detaining Sr J. Sinclair’s Communications which I now return to you. Many of the Subjects are too amply discussed, to need any Additions. If any were necessary, American Farmers have made too little Progress in their Art, to teach those of Europe. Our Stercouries are in a rude state; and but few take any pains to improve them. Composts are rare. Native Manures, except Lime, Plaister & River Mud, little sought after. Perhaps I should add that Oyster Shells & Salt Sedge or Grass, are much used, as Manures, on our Sea Coasts. In the Neighborhood of Cities and Towns, the Manures produced in them are all used, some well applied, but generally without much Art or Management. Altho’ our Agriculture on our old Lands is much improved, it is yet in its Infancy. There is so much fresh Land to be had, that the worn Lands are frequently abandoned to what is called rest, or left in the hands of those who manage them (with however many Exceptions) but indifferently. The only Subject on which I could reasonably hope to afford any useful Information, was that of Plaister of Paris. For this Purpose I proposed the Queries I enclose to sundry of our Farmers, who appear to be averse from putting their Thoughts on Paper. I also send you the Answers of a Mr West (Brother to the celebrated Painter of that Name) who has effected

wonderful Changes in his Farm, by Means of this Manure chiefly. His Farm is now a Garden tho’ it was a miserable sterile Waste. He is not singular in the successful Use of Plaister. It is now becoming very general, and is always productive of beneficial Effects, in greater or less degrees. Many of our Farmers who are within Reach of the Sea Ports, where they can purchase Plaister, are rapidly getting rich, by means of this Manure.
          I must for the present, content myself with sending you the enclosed Answers to the Queries on this Subject. At a future Day, if I find any thing worthy of troubling you with, I will send any further Communications I receive, or Thoughts which are suggested from Conversations with our Farmers or my own Reflections. I am with sincere & respectful Esteem Your Obedt Servt

            Richard Peters

          I wish it were possible to get one or two Copies of the Surveys and Reports made to the Board of Agriculture of G. Britain. I want one for our Agricultural Society and one for myself. If they were to be purchased I would buy them. If you think it will not be laying yourself under Obligations or involving yourself in trouble I will be obliged to you to desire Sr J.S. to send one or two Copies. If any Expence attends it I will cheerfully pay it.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 May 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Department of State May 12. 1796.

          As far as I have been able, I have stated in the inclosed paper the objects which I conceived you wished to consider, as deducible from various letters from our ministers and consuls abroad. There are others of a subordinate nature, or which respect situations which do not demand instant decision; but which will be resumed & pursued as soon as I find relief from the present anguish of my heart.

            T. Pickering