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

          Sir,
          Department of State Augt 12. 1796.

        This week I received letters from Colo. Humphreys dated the 4th and 8th of June. The latter covered an edict of the government of Portugal for opening a free port at Junguara, just at the Entrance of the harbour of Lisbon. Colo. Humphreys embraced this occasion to compliment the Minister on the liberal policy of the government, and to express his hopes that the subject of the free admission of flour from America, would not escape its attention. But it is so apparently for the interest of the Portuguese to refuse it, I entertain but the slightest expectation of the indulgence. From the information given me by the Chevalier Freire, there is a vast number of mills in the environs of Lisbon, abundantly sufficient to supply every part of the kingdom depending on that port with fresh flour, of which the proprietors would be injured in proportion to the quantity of American flour admitted. They receive great quantities of wheat from Morocco, and generally cheaper than from America. It is in this trade that some American Vessels have probably been taken by the Moors: for at the present time they have gone to the ports in possession of Muley Isham, the rival prince to the reigning emperor, who considering the former as a rebel, has doubtless ordered his cruisers to take any vessels trading to the rebel ports. Colo. Humphreys long ago warned the Americans of the danger: but tempted by the high freights they were willing to run the risque.

And by the news paper accounts it seems that some have been captured.
        Colo. Humphreys’ letter of the 4th of June covered the copy of a letter from the Dey of Algiers to the President of the United States, of which I have now the honor to inclose a copy. By this it seems clear that the Dey has at length divested himself of his extreme impatience; and that we may entertain, on good grounds, hopes of a happy termination of the Algerine affairs. The letter was brought to Alicant by Mr Cathcart, who was there performing quarantine. Cathcart was one of the American Captives, and the Dey’s head Christian Clerk. He had the Dey’s orders to come to America in a vessel obtained at Algiers, & was furnished with a passport for one year, commencing the first of May, within which time, the Dey told him the terms of the treaty could certainly be fulfilled. The Dey expects the frigate destined for him should be coppered. This I had always contemplated. Indeed it has seemed to me that good policy required that she should be a very complete vessel, to ensure a permanent as well as present satisfaction: for if the one furnished should become shortly defective, we should undoubtedly be obliged to give him a second.
        Yesterday I received some packets from Mr Monroe but they were only duplicates of those of the 25th of March and 2d of May. I have the honor to be with the highest respect, Sir, your most obt servt

          Timothy Pickering.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 12 August 1796
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sr
          Charleston [S.C.] August 12th 1796

        I am prepared to sail for New York or Philadelphia as soon as a good opportunity offers. None of the Philadelphia pacquets are now in our harbour. There is one for New York called the

John; and I went this morning to take my passage in her, when I was credibly informed that she was a very bad sailer, did not obey her helm, always made tedious voyages, & therefore her last Commander (a very good one) left her, & that she has now a new one. This account has deterred me from going in her. Capn Garman is hourly expected from Philadelphia, and I will sail with him on his return, should not a speedier opportunity offer. I am sorry for the delay, but your Letters by the post were very long in coming; and when we depend on ships & winds, a rigid punctuality is out of the question. This City is at present sickly, but no contagious or malignant disorder rages here; for your satisfaction I enclose you a certificate of the medical society to this purpose. With the highest veneration, esteem & attachment, and the sincerest wishes for your happiness, I always am your affectionate & obliged Sert

          Charles Cotesworth Pinckney


Title: To George Washington from Lamelin, 13 August 1796
From: Lamelin, _____
To: Washington, George

          General,
          New York August 13th 179[6]

        Common report has made me acquainted with the pleasure you take to oblige—with whom better than a soul of sensibi[li]ty should I participate the sad situation of an ancient defender of the Continent, if it is not to the military Cheif who has made the happiness, & insured the tranquility of it.
        unfortunate by the misfortunes which have overwhelmed us until this, & deprived of the means of existence, to support me & many honest persons, worthy of general commiseration.
        I dare to intercede with your good Heart to send me some assistance under the title of a loan, to share with these unhappy victims, they have been already sustained by many compassionate souls who are in the Continent who moved by my solicitations, have softened the fate of those for whom I intercede.
        I do not doubt of suceeding with you, be persuaded beforehand of our gratitude, & of the exactness with which we shall return that which we shall receive so Obligingly.
        I do not name to you the persons for whom I intercede, I am tender of their delicacy, but I engage my word of honour for them for the quick restitution of the said loan.
        they inhabit the City of New York, & have no one but me for a protector & for consolation.
        The persuasion they have of your benevolence, has engaged them to charge me to assure you of their respects. I have the honour to be in the same sentiments, General Your very humble & obedient servant

          Lamelin


Title: Deed to Robert Lewis, 13 August 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Robert

          [Mount Vernon, 13 Aug. 1796]

        I do by these presents give, and (if Deeds of Conveyance should not have been made before) hereby oblige my heirs, Executors and Administrators to fulfil, all the Lands which I hold on Deep run, or its branches in the County of Fauquier unto my Nephew Robert Lewis and to his heirs or Assigns forever. Given under my hand and Seal this 13th day of August 1796

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 16 August 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Department of State Augt 16. 1796.

        Expecting from Mr Blodget an improved design for a mediterranean passport, I delayed putting the one he sent me, & which I had the honor to lay before you, into the hands of the engraver. But receiving nothing more from him, I shewed his original design to Mr Wolcott & Mr McHenry who both approved of it, with some little alterations. The engraving has proved a more tedious work than I had imagined, so that I have obtained the first impressions not till to-day. There will be no difficulty in transmitting the passports to reach the remotest ports by the first of September (from which day the law requires their being issued) except those of Charleston and Savannah. And to gain time with respect to these, I shall dispatch a person in the stage to-morrow, to meet you with a few passports, to be completed by your signature; after which the Bearer will forward them in the mail for Charleston and Savannah—that mail which is but the continuation of the one which will leave Philadelphia to-morrow-morning. I shall prepare others to be sent by water to those ports. The whole number of passports committed to the Bearer is twenty four. They are necessary only for those vessels which go to Europe or elsewhere in the other hemisphere. I am most respectfully, sir, your obt servt

          Timothy Pickering.


Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 18 August 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Anderson, James

          Mr Anderson
          City of Washington
            18th Augt 1796

        In Passing through Alexandria yesterday, on my way to Philadelphia, I saw Colo. Fitzgerald, who informed me of a letter he had received from you in consequence of one which Doctr Stuart had written to his relation, Mr Fitzhugh of Stafford. It might have promoted both our views, if you had come immediately to my house upon the receipt of that letter, as more satisfaction would have resulted from the conversation of an hour or two, than from all the letters that can be written on the subject.
        As this however was not the case, and as I shall not be at Mount Vernon again until the latter end of next month, and consequently cannot see you sooner; I will be candid, & explicit in what I am going to say to you; from whence, and your answer, some opinion may be formed of the probability of our mutual expectations being answered.
        Mr Pearce who at present looks after my business is a person with whose management I am very well pleased. He is a man of property; of great integrity; very great industry; and much experience in the superintendence of a large concern; having been the manager of one for a Gentn on the E.⟨S.⟩ fifteen or 18 years, before he came to me. In consideration of these qualifications, & on acct of my being absent from home, when a confidential character was peculiarly necessary for my concerns I agreed to give him as an inducement to remove from the Eastern Shore & on acct of his established character as an expd Manag⟨er⟩ One hundred Guineas a year—although a hundred pounds (Virga money curr[enc]y) was the most I had ever given before. He superintends all my concerns, which appertain to the Estate of Mount Vernon; consisting besides Tradesmen of four large Farms, and the Mansion house farm, the last of which (though not much is raised at it) is not the least troublesome part of his

duty in ⟨illegible⟩—At and over each of these seperate farms & workmen there is as good an Overseer as has been in the power of the superintended to procure, to reside constantly on their respective farms &ca & to obey his orders.
        This, in general, is the outline of the business—to detail the particular parts, would be tedious, & to a man of experience would be unnecessary. I am altogether in the farming & mead-owing line; the last of which I have much grds propr for & want to encreas them considerably.
        I will now tell you frankly what kind of a person I must engage to conduct my business well. Besides being sober, & a man of integrity, he must possess a great deal of activity and firmness, to make the under Overseers do their duty strictly. He must be a man of foresight & arrangement; to combine & carry matters on to advantage; & he must not have these things to learn after he comes to me. He must be a farmer bred—and understand it in all its parts. I would wish him too to understand grazing—& particularly the care & management of Stock. How to Ditch—Hedge &ca—and how to conduct a Dairy.
        Now let me request you to declare truly, whether from practice the matters here detailed are, or could soon be made familiar to you—designating those which you have a competent practical knowledge of, from those which you may be less perfect in. A letter put into the Post office at Fredericksburgh—directed to me in Philadelphia, will be certain of arriving safe, and may enable me to say something more decisive to you in my next, by way of reply to your answer to this letter.
        I ought to have added, that the only cause of Mr Pearce’s leaving my business is, an increasing Rheumatic affection which he says will not allow him to discharge his duty as he conceives he ought; for which reason, and thinking it the part of an honest man to retire. He has, at one of my farms a good dwelling house pleasantly situated; & every thing comfortably about him. I am—Your Hble Servt

          G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Buell, 18 August 1796
From: Buell, Joseph
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Marietta [Northwest Territory] 18th Augt 1796

        Agreable to your Advertisement I have Explored your tract of land lying on the bank of the Ohio five or six Miles below the little Kenhaway the situation of which pleases me. I will Give you five dollars pr Acre for the tract and make the payment agreable to the mode prescribed in your advertisemt. I am Sir your Excelences Most Obedient humble Servt

          Joseph Buell


Title: To George Washington from James Ross, 18 August 1796
From: Ross, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Pittsburgh 18. august 1796.

        Since my return home I have delivered your conveyance to Colo. Ritchie & received the enclosed bond together with a Mortgage upon the land sold which I have lodged with the recorder of washington County, in whose hands it will remain to be proceeded upon if necessary. The quantity fell short of what we expected as you will see by the enclosed draft of a survey made by Charles Morgan. All expences of Surveying this land will be charged to you, the deeds & different writings are paid by the purchasors. Colo. Ritchie sent forward the interest due upon the whole purchase money up to the first of June last which upon your order has been paid to Mr Wolcott. The Bond & Mortgage are dated on the first of June that being the date of your deed.
        I have not seen Colo. Shreve since my return, but I well recollect that when his brother paid me the 1160 Dollars last winter I gave a receipt on account of the second installment Not to be credited untill the ballance and all the interest was produced to you, so that Colo. Shreve is altogether without excuse for his delinquency. at all events he should have sent forward my receipt which would have constituted with you a part of the payment.
        I wrote to Charles Morgan as you requested respecting the rents due from Shreve & the accounts of Colo. Canon together

with Some business of my own, you will learn his answer from his letter of the 26th July which I enclose. Since that time I have not heard from him, nor has he sent me the bonds upon Colo. Shreve as he propos⟨ed⟩.
        In my mind Colo. Shreve has acted very improperly he has made a good bargain & has it in his power to fulfill it without difficulty the rents ought long since to have been paid, And he can at any time procure bills of ex[c]hange in this town upon Philadelphia for cash, so that the remittance would occasion no expence to him.
        The ratification of the Spanish treaty, & the possession of the Western Posts have completed the measure of our political happiness, The angry discontented politicians of this country are Silenced, Honest men who doubted are satisfied, & all good men feel the liveliest emotions of Joy in contemplating our situation. With most sincere respect I have the Honour to be Sir your most Obedient Humble Servant

          James Ross


Title: From George Washington to John Fitzgerald, 19 August 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzgerald, John

          Dear Sir,
          Baltimore 19th Augt 1796.

        I intended to have written to you on the subject of the enclosed letter, from the Federal City, but by dining in a large company at Mr Laws (the day I parted with you) and examining the public buildings afterwards, I was prevented: and letters from the Secretary of State which I met on the Road, and which required my attention yesterday afternoon I was again prevented from doing it in time for the Mail of this morning.
        After giving this information (wch is designed principally for Mr Gill) let me request the favor of you to inform, that I am willing to accomodate his wishes for a Deed in Fee, for the land he leased of me, upon the Security of Bank-stock (agreeably to the proposal in his letter) Provided the said Stock is transferred, or so secured to me at his expence, in such a manner as the Attorney-General shall deem proper and adequate; and provided also, I receive my proportion of the Dividends when paid, or they become due, in proportion to the quantum of Rent which may be due at the time—for instance, my Rent being £130 pr annum—if the dividends are paid half yearly, I shall expect to receive £65 at each of those times—and if quarter yearly £32.10. This it may be said will amount (calculating interest thereon) to more than the simple Rent; I acknowledge it; but as no security in my estimation is to be compared with that of Land, the difference and advantage of these payments are not an equivolent.
        I have mentioned the Attorney General (Mr Lee) because he drew the former writings, and is better acquainted with the principles by which I was governed than any other: but it is not my

intention to incur any expence in effecting this change—nor shall I make any apology for the trouble I am giving you in doing it—being with great esteem & regard Dear Sir Your Affecte Servant

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 19 August 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

          Mr Pearce,
          Baltimore 19th Augt 1796.

        At this place I have seen Mr Thos Ringgold, who is very desirous of availing himself of your testimony in his pending suit. I have told him, that my consent to this measure has been freely given—and that it depended entirely upon yourself, and the state of your health, whether you attended or not.
        Mentioning to him the probability of your quitting the Superintendance of my business, he said it was reported, that a person of the name of Cannon, who Manages for Saml Chew Esqr. was about to leave that employ; and that in his opinion, he was most excellently qualified for such a trust as mine.
        You know that it is not my inclination to part with you; but if you are decided on doing it, it will be better for both you & me (if I can get a suitable person for a successor) that it should take place at the usual time (the first of Jany) than in March or April; when, it is not probable, I should be able to find a competent character unengaged to Superintend my concerns for the remainder of that yea⟨r.⟩
        From these considerations, and understanding further, from Mr Ringgold, that you are well acquainted with the person & character of Mr Cannon, I am lead to request, if you should go to the Eastern shore; that you would ascertain with precision whether he means to quit Mr Chew’⟨s⟩ Service or not. and if he does, and you (who know the nature of my concerns so well) should be clearly of opinion that he is competent to the judicious management of them, that you would know whether he would undertake the trust, and on what terms; for I never gave more than a hundred pounds Virga currency to any, except yourself; nor do I think I shall ever do it again to any one, whose character in this line, is not perfectly established.
        It is not my wish to entice Mr Cannon (however deserving he may be) from Mr Chew; but if he has thoughts of leaving that Gentleman, I may as well apply to him—if you do not continue another year—as any one Else. and it is necessary for me to hear from you as soon as possible on this subject; as some persons have, and others may, offer as Managers.
        If you have not re-engaged Violet and Cash, fail not to use your utmost exertions to supply their places, especially from the best

farming parts of the Eastern Shore, if it can be accomplished. A letter from you to me, written on the Eastern shore will certainly get to my hands if it is put into the line of Any Post Rider. I wish you well and am Your friend

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from “A Friend to the People,” 21 August 1796
From:
To:

          Sir
          Baltimore August 21st 1796

        I took the liberty of writing you from Richmond about the time the Virginia assembly met; and the tempers of men were so variously agitated at that period, induced a belief that I might have made some observations more important than the event produced. I promised to Communicate some information of characters, which I imagined would have useful effects; but the ayes and noes being published, on every question of moment, and the Counties which the different members represented being also published rendered this intention unnecessary.
        There were few of the Counties of any notice, which I did not visit, and tho many skilful attempts were practised, to produce every species of hostility, against the meas⟨ures⟩ of Government, yet the Counteracting influence predominate⟨d⟩ with visible triumph. It appeared certain to demonstration, from all I could see or find out, that the strength of understanding, in Virginia, even among the people, favoured with the busiest exertions what government had done, and which every good man, regarding the present and future welfare of his Country, must Conscientiously approve. In the course of my Journey, I generally was informed

of every corrupt influence sowing sedition, and as generally laid down a rule to be the last visitant, and the most recent impression seemed not to be without a portion of utility. Many of the County Courts where the people were collected, was found experimentally, to be a good scene for exertion.
        Whenever I met a town, where there was a newspaper, I published what appeared, to my understanding, right and applied it in other places. This appeared both just and necessary, on a Consideration of the studied artifices employed to corrupt the public mind. Upon the whole there is one truth certain, to my humble judgment, that the voice of the virginia people is not to be ascertained by the voice of their Constituents. This I could prove by a variety, nay innumerable instances, which Came within my observation, but it might be too tedious, as well as an unnecesary recital, for your perusal.
        When the Commissioners come to act, on the spoliations Committed on our trade, a question may probably be made on the part of England unproductive of amicable adjustment. You know, Sir, it has been a rule of the English Law, that a Subject cannot forfeit his allegiance, nor Consequently claim expatriation. A large majority who have suffered by the depredations, of the English, on our trade may be included in this description. However the law made by a particular nation, cannot by any Construction, operate so as to affect another nation, in Cases where the Laws of nations have an uncontrouled right to determine. This then, being one of the Cases, embraced by the Laws of nations, and every authority having acquesced, that subjects or citizens may surrender their allegiance, and become citizens of another nation, on the usual Conditions establis⟨hed⟩ by such nation, it becomes conclusive that England must give up this principle, which possibly will be contend⟨ed⟩ for. But you are the best authority to determine, if any remedy should be wanting. I mention this with submission and diffidence.
        There were several papers through the virginia Counties, in the form of petitions before last Congress met, remotely disapproving of what government had done. The principles in drawing these documents, were not positively know⟨n⟩ but strong presumptive circumstances unfolded well grounded suspicions of the source from whence they flowed. One of these papers, was handed through Frederick County, by Mr Hite who married a

Sister of Mr Madison, which (as was generally the Case) proved unsucessful.
        I hope you will excuse this intrusion, on your more important avocations. The object is well intended, and tho no important benefit may result from the Communicati⟨on⟩ yet it is the duty of every good citizen to disclose to the executive any matter which occurs, particularly as you are in a great degree sequestered from the Common wal⟨ks⟩ of busy life, and immediate intercourse with the people.
        I fervently wish you, a long and happy life, as it ha⟨s⟩ been glorious and virtuous, which I am assured, is most sincerely wished by the People of our happy Country, and by not one man than

          A Friend to the People


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 22 August 1796
From: Latrobe, Benjamin Henry
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Richmond Augt 22d 1796.

        The plough which you did me the favor to say you would try, is now ready, and I shall send it, directed to the care of Mr Porter, merchant, Alexandria, by the first vessel that is bound from hence to that port. Its merits in working you will easily ascertain upon trial, and should you be satisfied on that head, you will, I believe, find, that with very little care and precission your own people may repair or copy it. I am sorry I could not procure for you in time a castiron Mould-board. I shall be able to send you one soon. The turn of the board appears to me to be the most perfect possible, and applicable to any plough whatever.
        Mr Gilbert Richardson under whose direction this plough has been made, has been in the habit of using the heavy Rotheram plough in England, and perfectly understands its construction. I should conceive myself particularly favored by your sending me the stock of your plough, which the loss of your ironwork has rendered useless to you; as I think I can get it perfectly reinstated

here. Should your engagements permit your attention to these lesser objects, I should be extremely flattered by your suffering me to show my sense of the very polite reception with which you honored me at Mt Vernon in endeavoring to be of the slightest assistance to your agricultural views.
        We have had such constant rains here, and lower down upon James river, that almost all the lowland corn is much injured, and a great quantity totally destroyed. The highland crop looks and promises well should the weather become more favorable. There has been no fresh, nor even a considerable rise in James river notwithstanding the daily rains of the two months past. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient hble Servt

          Benjn Henry Latrobe.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 22 August 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Department of State Augt 22. 1796.

        The inclosed letter came under cover to me from Wm Lithgow Attorney for the district of Maine, which he says contains his resignation. Daniel Davis Esquire of Portland is a lawyer well recommended by the Members of Congress to suceed Mr Lithgow, & I think has been doing the business of the office since Mr

Lithgow’s indisposition prevented his attending the courts. The enquiries concerning a successor were made by me before the rising of Congress, in expectation of Mr Lithgow’s resignation. I am with the highest respect sir your most obt servt

          T. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Smith, 22 August 1796
From: Smith, Thomas
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          South 12th Street [Philadelphia] 22d August 1796.

        William Alexander of Carlisle Esquire, by a Note which he left for me when he left the City last Week, informs me that application has been made on his behalf, for the Office of Surveyor, in the room of Mr Dewit, & requests that I would inform you what Character he has supported in civil life since the conclusion of the War. I comply with his request with pleasure, because, from a particular acquaintance with him during this period, I can say that his moral & political deportment, has been, not only unexceptionable, but such as to secure the esteem of every upright man—of every friend to good order & government, to whom he is known.

        As a Justice of the Peace, & as Lt Colonel Commandant of the Carlisle Regiment of Militia, he has given general satisfaction.
        That he was an active & useful Officer on the late expedition against the Western insurgents, you have probably been informed by the Commander in Chief on that expedition.
        He was in the occasional practice of Surveying while I resided in Carlisle. I have the honour to be, with profound respect, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant

          Thomas Smith


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 23 August 1796 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from William Pearce, 23 Aug. 1796. GW wrote Pearce on 28 Aug.: “Your letter of the 23d instt … came to my hands yesterday.”


Title: To George Washington from the French Directory, c.24 August 1796
From: French Directory
To: Washington, George

          Monsieur le Président,
          [c.24 Aug. 1796]

        Le Directoire Exécutif informé que le Congrès des Etats-unis, vient de passer le bill nécéssaire à l’exécution du traité de Londres du mois de 9bre 1794, a cru qu’il étoit de son devoir, dans ces circonstances, de rappeller la Légation française de Philadelphie.
        La retraite de cette Légation ne doit point être considerée par vous, et par le peuple américain, comme une rupture, mais seulement comme une marque d’un mécontentement légitime. Le Citoyen Adet, Ministre plenipotentiaire est chargé, avant de prendre congé de vous, de vous faire, au nom du Gouvernement français, une déclaration que le Directoire Exécutif vous prie de regarder comme l’expression formelle de ses justes plaintes et de ses vœux. Puissent le Congrès et le Président des Etats-Unis, par un prompt retour à des principes plus conformes aux vrais intérests de ⟨la⟩ nation Américaine, hâter l’heureuse époque où il Sera permis au Directoire Exécutif de rétablir entre le Gouvernement fédéral, et lui, tous les anciens rapports d’amitié d’harmonie et de bonne intelligence!
        Ce Sont là, Monsieur Le Président, les vœux du Directoire Exécutif. Ils sont tous pour la gloire et la prospérité des Etats-Unis.

        Donné au Palais national du Directoire Exécutif, muni du sceau de la République à Paris le [7] fructidor l’an 4e de la Republique française une et i⟨ndivisible⟩

          Les membres composant le Directoire Exécutif


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 24 August 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

        private.

          Sir.
          War office 24 Augt 1796

        I inclose you a rough draught of a talk to the Cherokees and instructions to agent Dinsmore, containing a plan for promoting their civilization and rendering the management of them easier and more economical. If you think favourably of it I will revise and correct it and have Mr Dinsmore dispatched to his station. You will find it to contain little more than a mode for executing the laws respecting the Indians which contemplate approximating them nearer to the civilized State, and the law passed at the late session of Congress. Dinsmore seems a prudent man. I have consulted him upon the practicableness of teaching the women to spin and weave, and he thinks it may be accomplished. With the most sincere respect I have the honor to be Sir your ob. st

          James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from William Brunner, 25 August 1796
From: Brunner, William
To: Washington, George

          State of South CarolinaOrangebourgh District
            August the 25th 1796
          Honourable Sir

        Since your Excellence President of the united States, ev’ry Subject ought to gratify with Submissive Thankfullness this great blessing to your Honour. I take the Liberty in these Lines, to reveal, that (while Science, Art, and Agriculture &c: most florishing) some usefull Instruments to the ease of the Labourers of Oeconomie very beneficial, having Studied many years to find out Machines for that purpose, finding a possibility of a Machine for a Saw-Mill without Wind, Water and Horse, that one Man can Saw more planks with great ease, than Two Men of hand with hard Labour; this Saw-Mill may be erected at any place, at the River bank, Swamps, Shipyards to Saw great and Small Timber; to any desire and pleasure. Secondly a Machine, that one Man can easely drive four great Water-pumps, to be used in cities, Salt Works, and might be fitted to Ships or Vessels to have them in Time of need these Same Machine may be used if 2. or 4. Mortars is made instead of pumps, to Stamp Rice, peal Barley, and for the Western parts, where Mills is Scarce, to crake Corn with great ease, further for the cultivators of Hemp to apply 4. Breaks with once to clean it, if their was only tenders to each, and to Soften it in the afore Said Mortars; it may be applied to

make Gun powder with Sifters to it, the Man driving the Work may Stand a distance of it. hoping to grant! I am Born in Germany learning no trade, but from my Infancy tried to Work in Wood advanced with Such genuity, that I have Build Gear Mills and Saw-Mills; joiner and Cooper Work done. Missfortune fell upon me for about 30 Years getting Sore leggs, now a cripple these many Years, maintaining myself and family under great difficulty and misery honestly; tho not to be a burden to any person. I had Studied as a fore Said many Years upon those Machines, but never brought it to a perfect idea, till now. Time and Season produces its own! now am poor, 66. Years old, Scarce able to Work upon account the afore Said Misery, had in mind that the Mistery of those Machines should die with me; revealing to a friend the project of these Machines with my intention, this friend Sayd: he had no doubt, if I make it known to your Excellency, Such a valuable Mistery would be greatly rewarded, to comfort me, in my circumstance miserys because it was an Oeconomical, very valuable one, for public Trade and Agriculture. am informed, that ancient customary the inventors being greatly rewarded, for Such advantageous, usefull Project for all the united States. Supposing, it may be Said: that these Machines was Costly and Expensive? Answer: No. the first Machine, the Saw-Mill, can be made of Wood, it takes but little Iron (except the pushing Wheel and Saw) a Workman may finish the hohl in about Two Week’s, if their is found an attendance. The second, is but Simple, and easy to be made, if required without any Iron. Therefore beeing afraid I am a poor Man, my invention might be rejected and despised as that poor Man’s Written Ecclesiastes 9 vers 15. 16. Nevertheless, having Confidence unto your Excellency to make me a most generous promise of Reward, and after receiving your Excellency’s promise and Answer, I Shall make the afore Said Machines in Small, put them in a Chest carefully and Send over at your pleasure and View⟨,⟩ than afterwards, if desired, to make it at large, to the perfect Use, to give a full complete Mansion and description of every piece belonging to it, and how to place it, to every Persons Satisfaction who is intented to enjoy the benefit of it. I have the Honour to Remain with a Submissive devotion; to be Your Excellence most humble Servant

          William Brunner

          N.B. the Saw-Mill can be taken depart an[d] moved at any place.
          Address: To William Brunner the Dutch Cooper living 7 miles from Orangeburgh To the care of Mr Abraham Marckley King Street Charleston South Carolina.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 25 August 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

        Private

          My dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 25th Augt 1796

        I have given the Paper herewith enclosed, several serious & attentive readings; and prefer it greatly to the other draughts, being more copious on material points; more dignified on the whole; and with less egotism. Of course less exposed to criticism, & better calculated to meet the eye of discerning readers (foreigners particularly, whose curiosity I have little doubt will lead them to inspect it attentively & to pronounce their opinions on the performance).
        When the first draught was made, besides having an eye to the consideration above mentioned, I thought the occasion was fair (as I had latterly been the subject of considerable invective) to say what is there contained of myself—and as the Address was designed in a more especiall manner for the Yeomanry of this Country I conceived it was proper they should be informed of the object of that abuse; the silence with which it had been treated—and the consequences which would naturally flow from such unceasing & virule⟨nt⟩ attempts to destroy all confidence in the Executive part of the Government; and that it was best to do it in language tha⟨t⟩ was plain & intelligable to their understand⟨ing.⟩
        The draught now sent, compr⟨e⟩hends the most, if not all

these matters; is better expressed; and I am persuade⟨d⟩ goes as far as it ought with respect to any personal mention of myself.
        I should have seen no occasi⟨on⟩ myself, for its undergoing a revision—But as your letter of the 30th Ulto whi⟨ch⟩ accompanied it, intimates a wish to do this—and knowing that it can be more correctly done after a writing has been out of sight for sometime than while it is in hand, I send it in conformity there⟨to⟩—with a request, however, that you w⟨d⟩ return it as soon as you have carefully reexamined it; for it is my intention to hand it to the Public before I leave this City, to which I came for the purpose of meeting General Pinckney—receiving the Minesters from Spain & Holland—and for the dispatch of other business which could not be so well executed by written communications between the heads of Departments & myself as by oral conferences. So soon as these are accomplished I shall return; at any rate I expect to do so by, or before the tenth of next month for the purpose of bringing up my family for the Winter.
        I shall expunge all that is marked in the paper as unimportant &ca &ca and as you perceive some marginal notes, written with a pencil, I pray you to give the sentiments so noticed mature consideration. After which, and in every other part, if change or alteration takes place in the draught, let them be so clearly interlined—erazed—or referred to in the Margin as that no mistake may happen in copying it for the Press.
        To what Editor in this City do you think it had best be sent for Publication? Will it be proper to accompany it with a note to him, expressing (as the principal design of it is to remove doubts at the next Election) that it is hoped, or expected, that the State Printers will give it a place in their Gazettes—or preferable to let it be carried by my private Secretary to that Press which is destined to usher it to the World & suffer it to work its way afterwards? If you think the first most eligable, let me ask you to sketch such a note as you may judge applicable to the occasion. With affectionate regard I am always Yours

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Rufus King, 25 August 1796
From: Washington, George
To: King, Rufus

        Private

          Dear Sir
          Philadelphia 25th Augt 1796

        Will you do me the favor to cause the enclosed notification to be inserted in some public Paper, agreeably to the Decree of the High Court of Chancery in Virginia—annexed thereto.
        It has been a long, troublesome and vexatious business to me; and I wish to close it finally and effectually in the manner designated. One part of which (depositing of the money) I have already complied with—and wish to do the same by the other part—namely, the Publication in England.
        The persons interested (if any of them are in existence) lives, most probably, at or near Newcastle in Northumberland County England. Whether it would be best therefore to send it there in the first instance for publication, or to publish it in the Metropolis (London) with a request that it may be re-published there, I leave to your better judgment in these matters.
        Whatever expence is incurred, be pleased either to charge in your public account, or send me a note of it, and the amount shall in either case be paid to the Secretary of State here.
        I am sorry and almost ashamed to give you trouble in so trifling (though to me, interesting a business) but as I conceived it would be the most effectual mode of executing it, I rely on your goodness to excuse it—and to send me one of the Papers containing the publication of the notice.
        I hope you and family had a short and pleasant passage—Present me if you please to Mrs King, and be assured of the esteem & regard with which I am—Dear Sir Your most Obedt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Monroe, 25 August 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Monroe, James

        Duplicate

          Dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 25th Augt 1796

        Your favor of the 24th of March written in Cypher, never got to my hands until the 10th instant at Mount Vernon; nor were the contents of it known to me until my arrival in this City on the 21st. For the information contained in it, and your attention thereto; I offer you my best thanks.
        Having no clue by which to discover the fact, I am very much at a loss to conjecture by what means a private letter of mine, written to a friend—and sent by an American Vessel should have got into the hands of the French Directory. I shall readily acknowledge however, that the one you allude to, directed to Mr Gouvr Morris was a long & confidential one; but I deny that there is any thing contained in it that the French

Government could take exception to, unless the expression of an ardent wish that the United States might remain in Peace with all the World—taking no part in the disputes of any part of it, should have produced this effect. Giving it as my further opinion that the sentiments of the mass of the Citizens in this country were in unison with mine.
        Confidential as this letter was expected to be, I have no objection to its being seen by any body; and there is certainly some mistake in saying I had no copy thereof when there is a press one now before me, in which I discover no expression that in the eye of liberality & candour would be deemed objectionable.
        To understand the scope & design of my letter properly, and to give it a fair interpretation, it is necessary to observe (as will appear by the contents of it) that it was written in answer to very long ones from the Gentleman to whom it was Addressed; which contained much political information of the state of things in different parts of Europe; and related among others, the substance of a conversation in which he, and Lord Grenville, as private Gentlemen had just been engaged, and in which it was observed by the latter, that if they were to judge from the publications in this country, the disposition of it was unfriendly to Great Britain; but in free countries he could readily account for such publications: However, that there was one which wore a more serious aspect, as indicative of the sense of the government; and alluded to Colo. Innes’s report of his proceedings in Kentucky.
        In my noticing this part of Mr Morris’s communication I tell him, that with respect to the Publication of that report it was an unauthorised act, and declared by that Gentleman as soon as he saw it in the Gazettes to have been done incorrectly; and that, with respect to the temper of the People of the United States, as it respected Great Britain, his Lordship ought not to be surprized, if it appeared disturbed & irritated, after the sense of the government had been so often expressed in strong remonstrances against the conduct of their Indian Agents—Privateersmen—Impressment of our Seamen—Insults of their Ships of War &ca &ca.—Adding, that it afforded us very litle satisfaction, their disclaiming these as unauthorised Acts (which the British Administration had done in some instances) while the actors were suffered to go unpunished. I dwell chiefly, and fully on this part of his letter; and reminded him of the

indifference with which the advances of the United States, to form a Commercial Treaty with Great Britain, as well since as before the establishment of their present government had been received—and concluded by saying that a liberal policy towards us (though I did not Suppose sentiments of that sort from me to a member of the British Administration would have much weight) was the only road to a perfect reconciliation—and that, if he should again converse with Lord Grenville on this Subject he was at liberty unofficially to express these as my sentiments.
        Thus, Sir, you have the substance, candidly related, of a letter which you say, you have been told by a person “who has read it, has produced an ill effect” when, in my opinion, the contrary (viewing it in the light of an unreserved and confidential communication) ought to have been produced. For I repeat it again, that unless my pacific disposition was displeasing, nothing else could have given umbrage by the most rigid construction of the letter; or that will shew in the remotest degree any disposition on my part to favor the British interest in their dispute with France.
        My conduct in public and private life, as it relates to the important struggle in which the latter Nation is engaged has been uniform from the commencement of it, and may be summed up in a few words. That I have always wished well to the French Revolution. That I have always given it as my decided opinion that no Nation had a right to intermeddle in the internal concerns of another—That every one had a right to form, and adopt whatever Government they liked best to live under themselves—and that if this country could consistently with its engagements, maintain a strict Neutrality and thereby preserve Peace, it was bound so to do, by motives of Policy—Interest—and every other consideration that ought to actuate a People situated and circumstanced as we are; already deeply in Debt, and in a convalescent state from the struggle we have been engaged in ourselves.
        On these principles I have uniformly and steadily proceeded—bidding defiance to calumnies calculated to sow the Seeds of distrust in the French Nation, and to excite their belief of an influence possessed by Great Britain in the Councils of this country—than which nothing is more unfounded or injurious; the object of its pacific conduct being truly deliniated above. I am—Dear Sir Your Obedient and Very Humble Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 25 August 1796
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          Philada August 25th 1796

        In the year 1791—I purchased of the State of Massachusetts a Tract of Country lying within the boundaries of the State of Newyork which had been Ceded by the latter to the former State under the Sanction & with the Concurrence of the Congress of the United States, This Tract of Land is bounded to the East by the Genesee River, to the North by Lake Ontario, to the West partly by Lake Erie & partly by the Boundary Line of the Pensylvania Triangle & to the South by the North Boundary Line of the State of Pensylvania, A Printed Brief of my Title I take the liberty to transmit Herewith, To perfect this Title it is necessary to purchase of the Seneca Nation of Indians their Native right, which I should have done soon after the purchase was made of the State of Massachusetts, but that I felt myself restrained, from doing so by Motives of Public consideration. The War between the Western Indian Nations & the United States did not extend to the Six Nations of which the Seneca’s Nation is one, and as I apprehended that if this Nation should sell its right during the existance of that War, they might the more readily be induced to join the Enemies of my Country I determ⟨ined⟩ not to make the purchase whilst that War lasted. When peace was made with the Indian Nations I turned my thoughts towards the purchase which is to me an object very interesting, but upon its being represented that a little longer patience untill the Western Posts should be delivered up by the British Government might still be of public utility I concluded to wait for that event also which is now happily accomplished, and there seems no obstacle remaining to restrain me from making the purchase, especially as I have reason to believe the Indians are desirous to make the Sale[.] the delays which have already taken place & which arose solely

from the considerations above mentioned have been extremely detrimental to my private affairs, but still being desirous to comply with Formalities prescribed by Certain Laws of the United States, altho’ those Laws probably do not reach my Case, I now make application to the President of the United States and request that He will Nominate and appoint a Commissioner to be present and Preside at a Treaty which He will be pleased to Authorize to be held with the Seneca Nation for the purpose of enabling me to make a purchase in Conformity with the Formalities required by sd Laws of the Tract of Country for which I have already paid a very large Sum of Money. My right to the preemption is unequivocal, and the Land is become so necessary to the growing Population and surrounding Settlements that it is with difficulty that the white People can be restrained from Squatting or setting down upon these Lands, which if they should do, it may probably bring on Contentions with the Six Nations. This will be prevented by a timely fair & honorable purchase[.] This proposed Treaty ought to be held immediately before the Hunting Season, or another year will be lost, as the Indians Cannot be Collected during that Season, The loss of another year under the payments I have made for these Lands, would be ruinous to my affairs, and as I have paid so great deferrence to Public considerations whilst they did exist, I expect & hope that my request will be readily granted now when there can be no cause for delay, especially If the Indians are willing to sell, which will be tested by the offer to buy. With the most perfect Esteem & respect I am Sir Your most Obedt & most hble Servt

          R.M.


Title: To George Washington from William Persse, 27 August 1796
From: Persse, William
To: Washington, George

          Roxburrow Near LoughreaIreland August 27th 1796
          Sr

        Mr Abraham Bradly of the Town of Loughrea, Informs me that a Mr Abraham Bradly of Carolina, has Lodged in your Hands a sum of Money, amounting to four Hundred and fifty pounds, to

be paid to any of his Brors if Liveing, if not to his next Heirs—I request the Favor of you to Inform me, if such Sum has been left with you for the above purposes—& what Steps will be Necessary for obtaining it please to Excuse the Trouble I give you & believe me Sr your Faithfull Huml. Servt

          Wm Persse

          P:S: Mr Wallace Desires his best respects to you & Mrs Washington.


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 28 August 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

          Mr Pearce,
          Philadelphia 28th Augt 1796

        Your letter of the 23d instt with the Reports, came to my hands yesterday; and this will be put into the Post office tomorrow for Chester Town.
        From what you have said of the person I wa⟨s⟩ enquiring after, I am well Satisfied h⟨e⟩ would not answer my purposes, as a Manager. Propensity to gaming, & running about, are such disqualifications in ⟨m⟩y estimation, as scarcely to find a coun⟨te⟩rpoise in all the good properties (h⟨owev⟩er numerous they may be) he can po⟨ssess.⟩ No further thought therefore ne⟨ed⟩ ⟨mutilated, ⟩ed on him.
        ⟨mutilated⟩ person, I hav⟨mutilated⟩ as yo⟨mutilated⟩ a very good ⟨mutilated⟩—but ⟨mutilated⟩er acted u⟨mutilated⟩ Scale ⟨mutilated⟩ ever had hi⟨s⟩ ⟨mutilated⟩riety of objects ⟨mutilated⟩e (to use a c⟨mutilated⟩ of Water. I⟨mutilated⟩d of any, as yo⟨mutilated⟩ stand upon better g⟨ro⟩und than he does; being bred a Farm⟨er⟩ and understanding, as I am told he ⟨d⟩oes, Stock and Meadowing well. I shall continue my enquiries, more ⟨mi⟩nutely, into his qualifications; Bu⟨t⟩ as it is a matter interesting to me, t⟨o o⟩btain a person of experience, & es⟨ta⟩blished character, I wish you would m⟨a⟩ke my wants known, and if yo⟨u s⟩hould find a person whom you judge ⟨fr⟩om your own knowledge, or such inform⟨a⟩tion as you can entirely rely on; You ⟨w⟩ould mention him to me, and ascertai⟨n⟩ whether he is to b⟨e⟩ had, and on wha⟨t⟩ terms.
        At any ra⟨te en⟩deavor to get ⟨mutilated⟩ good Oversee⟨rs⟩ ⟨mutilated⟩ ⟨t⟩he places of Vi⟨o⟩let & Cash. ⟨mutilated⟩uld be had from ⟨mutilated⟩est farm ⟨mutilated⟩ ⟨t⟩he East⟨ern⟩ ⟨mutilated⟩e, I should ⟨mutilated⟩ ⟨be⟩cause they ⟨mutilated⟩ more in ⟨mutilated⟩ ⟨fa⟩rming than ⟨mutilated⟩e in Virg⟨inia⟩ ⟨mutilated⟩ but Much ⟨mutilated⟩s at it, mergin⟨g⟩ ⟨mutilated⟩ cultivation ⟨mutilated⟩ ⟨com⟩patible with ⟨mutilated⟩ & Graising.
        ⟨You⟩ have not said whether Neal conti⟨nues⟩ or not, on his present lay; nor n⟨ot⟩hing concerning Allison. The latter ⟨mutilated⟩eed, as he has a wife, I am myself in d⟨ou⟩bt about; even if he was disposed to stay, ⟨& I⟩ would not agree to it at any rate, u⟨n⟩less his wife will undertake the ca⟨re⟩ & management of the Spinners & knit⟨te⟩rs, under his Inspection, & authority to make

them do their duty properly; without suffering such imposions in the yarn, and idle doings as the Garde⟨n⟩ers wife submitted to.
        If you get this l⟨etter⟩ on the Eastern s⟨hore⟩, answer it by ⟨the fi⟩rst Post, th⟨at I m⟩ay know it ha⟨s bee⟩n received, ⟨mutilated⟩ t my repea⟨mutilated⟩ sam⟨mutilated⟩ts in a Seco⟨mutilated⟩ to ⟨mutilated⟩ ⟨t⟩he receipt ⟨mutilated⟩ it ma⟨mutilated⟩cur powe⟨r⟩ ⟨mutilated⟩swer ⟨mutilated⟩ parts of ⟨mutilated⟩, & presu⟨me⟩ ⟨mutilated⟩ will send the Se⟨mutilated⟩ particular attent⟨mutilated⟩ ⟨yo⟩ur friend & h⟨mutilated⟩

          Go: W⟨ashington⟩

          P.S.
          I sent last We⟨ek⟩, in a letter to Mrs Washington, but if y⟨o⟩u left Mount Vernon on friday, it coul⟨d⟩ not have got to hand before—Doctr P⟨er⟩kins’s Patent Instrument, with directions for curing Pains & Inflamations of all sorts—particularly such as af⟨f⟩ect you. He himself speaks confidently of his Success; and there are many respectable certificates in confirmation of what he asserts—Be these as they may, there is one thing in it we are sure of—and ⟨tha⟩t is, if it does no ⟨g⟩ood, it will do ⟨no⟩ harm—conseque⟨nt⟩ly the applica⟨tion⟩ may be made ⟨with⟩out apprehen⟨sion⟩ of bad ⟨or⟩ da⟨ngerou⟩s consequences ⟨mutilated⟩ ⟨illegible⟩ tried ⟨mutilated⟩.


Title: From George Washington to the Cherokee Nation, 29 August 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Cherokee Nation

            Beloved Cherokees,
            [Philadelphia, 29 Aug. 1796]

          Many years have passed since the White people first came to America. In that long space of time many good men have considered how the condition of the Indian natives of the country might be improved; and many attempts have been made to effect it. But, as we see at this day, all these attempts have been nearly fruitless. I also have thought much on this subject, and anxiously wished that the various Indian tribes, as well as their neighbours, the White people, might enjoy in abundance all the good things which make life comfortable and happy. I have considered how this could be done; and have discovered but one path that could lead them to that desirable situation. In this path I wish all the Indian nations to walk. From the information received concerning you, my beloved Cherokees, I am inclined to hope that you are prepared to take this path and disposed to pursue it. It may seem a little difficult to enter; but if you make the attempt, you will find every obstacle easy to be removed. Mr. Dinsmoor, my beloved agent to your nation, being here, I send to you this talk by him. He will have it interpreted to you, and particularly explain my meaning.
          Beloved Cherokees,
          You now find that the game with which your woods once abounded, are growing scarce; and you know when you cannot meet a deer or other game to kill, that you must remain hungry; you know also when you can get no skins by hunting, that the traders will give you neither powder nor cloathing; and you

know that without other implements for tilling the ground than the hoe, you will continue to raise only scanty crops of corn. Hence you are sometimes exposed to suffer much from hunger and cold; and as the game are lessening in numbers more and more, these sufferings will increase. And how are you to provide against them? Listen to my words and you will know.
          My beloved Cherokees,
          Some among you already experience the advantage of keeping cattle and hogs: let all keep them and increase their numbers, and you will ever have a plenty of meat. To these add sheep, and they will give you cloathing as well as food. Your lands are good and of great extent. By proper management you can raise live stock not only for your own wants, but to sell to the White people. By using the plow you can vastly increase your crops of corn. You can also grow Wheat, (which makes the best bread) as well as other useful grain. To these you will easily add flax and cotton, which you may dispose of to the White people, or have it made up by your own women into cloathing for yourselves. Your wives and daughters can soon learn to spin and weave; and to make this certain, I have directed Mr. Dinsmoor to procure all the necessary apparatus for spinning and weaving, and to hire a woman to teach the use of them. He will also procure some plows and other implements of husbandry, with which to begin the improved cultivation of the ground which I recommend, and employ a fit person to shew you how they are to be used. I have further directed him to procure some cattle and sheep for the most prudent and industrious men, who shall be willing to exert themselves in tilling the ground and raising those useful animals. He is often to talk with you on these subjects, and give you all necessary information to promote your success. I must therefore desire you to listen to him; and to follow his advice. I appointed him to dwell among you as the Agent of the United States, because I judged him to be a faithful man, ready to obey my instructions and to do you good.
          But the cares of the United States are not confined to your single nation. They extend to all the Indians dwelling on their borders. For which reason other agents are appointed; and for the four southern nations there will be a general or principal agent who will visit all of them, for the purpose of maintaining peace and friendship among them and with the United States;

to superintend all their affairs; and to assist the particular agents with each nation in doing the business assigned them. To such general or principal agent I must desire your careful attention. He will be one of our greatly beloved men. His whole time will be employed in contriving how to do you good, and you will therefore act wisely to follow his advice. The first general or principle agent will be Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, a man already known and respected by you. I have chosen him for this office because he is esteemed for a good man; has a knowledge of Indian customs, and a particular love and friendship for all the Southern tribes.
          Beloved Cherokees,
          What I have recommended to you I am myself going to do. After a few moons are passed I shall leave the great town and retire to my farm. There I shall attend to the means of increasing my cattle, sheep and other useful animals; to the growing of corn, wheat, and other grain, and to the employing of women in spinning and weaving; all which I have recommended to you, that you may be as comfortable and happy as plenty of food, clothing and other good things can make you.
          Beloved Cherokees,
          When I have retired to my farm I shall hear of you; and it will give me great pleasure to know that you have taken my advice, and are walking in the path which I have described. But before I retire, I shall speak to my beloved man, the Secretary of War, to get prepared some medals, to be given to such Cherokees as by following my advice shall best deserve them. For this purpose Mr. Dinsmoor is from time to time to visit every town in your nation. He will give instructions to those who desire to learn what I have recommended. He will see what improvements are made; who are most industrious in raising cattle; in growing corn, wheat, cotton and flax; and in spinning and weaving; and on those who excel these rewards are to be bestowed.
          Beloved Cherokees,
          The advice I here give you is important as it regards your nation; but still more important as the event of the experiment made with you may determine the lot of many nations. If it succeeds, the beloved men of the United States will be encouraged to give the same assistance to all the Indian tribes within their boundaries. But if it should fail, they may think it vain to

make any further attempts to better the condition of any Indian tribe; for the richness of the soil and mildness of the air render your country highly favorable for the practice of what I have recommended.
          Beloved Cherokees,
          The wise men of the United States meet together once a year, to consider what will be for the good of all their people. The wise men of each separate state also meet together once or twice every year, to consult and do what is good for the people of their respective states. I have thought that a meeting of your wise men once or twice a year would be alike useful to you. Every town might send one or two of its wisest counsellors to talk together on the affairs of your nation, and to recommend to your people whatever they should think would be serviceable. The beloved agent of the United States would meet with them. He would give them information of those things which are found good by the white people, and which your situation will enable you to adopt. He would explain to them the laws made by the great council of the United States, for the preservation of peace; for the protection of your lands; for the security of your persons; for your improvement in the arts of living, and for promoting your general welfare. If it should be agreeable to you that your wise men should hold such meetings, you will speak your mind to my beloved man, Mr. Dinsmoor, to be communicated to the President of the United States, who will then give such directions as shall be proper.
          Beloved Cherokees,
          That this talk may be known to all your nation, and not forgotten, I have caused it to be printed, and directed one, signed by my own hand, to be lodged in each of your towns. The Interpreters will, on proper occasions, read and interpret the same to all your people.
          Beloved Cherokees,
          Having been informed that some of your chiefs wished to see me in Philadelphia, I have sent them word that I would receive a few of the most esteemed. I now repeat that I shall be glad to see a small number of your wisest chiefs; but I shall not expect them ’till November. I shall take occasion to agree with them on the running of the boundary line between your lands and ours, agreeably to the treaty of Holston. I shall expect them to inform

me what chiefs are to attend the running of this line, and I shall tell them whom I appoint to run it; and the time and place of beginning may then be fixed.
          I now send my best wishes to the Cherokees, and pray the Great Spirit to preserve them.
          GIVEN at the City of Philadelphia, the twenty-ninth day of August, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six, and in the twenty-first year of the Independence of the United States of America

            Go: Washington

          By Command of the President of the United States,

            [James McHenrySecy of War]


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 29 August 1796
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

          My dear Sir
          St Neots Hunts [England] Augt 29. 1796.

        The most cordial congratulations attend your Excellency on your firm & successful conduct during the last Session. The United States are as much indebted to you for the same, as for procuring them a treaty with Great Britain; truly & greatly advantageous, though it may not equal the sanguine wishes of many; still infinitely preferable to a rupture, which would have ruined multitudes, benefited but very few comparatively, & might have endangered your national existence. Under God, you have been the happy instrument of saving your country twice; first in a time of war, & now in a time of peace.
        I contemplate your retirement from the Presidency at the close of your second tour of service, with no small pleasure; under the persuasion, that it will not only redound to your credit, equally with your quitting the military command after you had seen the war brought to an honorable conclusion; but put you in possession of that retired private life, of which you are so desirous. Yours will be in truth Otium cum Dignitate. May you long find the sweets of it; & while you are enjoying earthly comforts, experience the pleasures of religion; & by meditation & the various acts of devotion prescribed in the sacred Oracles, be preparing for the eternal glories & joys of heaven, which every real christian is promised by his divine Leader, the Captain of his salvation, the King of kings & the Lord of lords!
        This will be accompanied with a small miniature coloured print of me. I sat for the original painting, before Mr Jay had his first audience, & in the adjoining street, which gave me the opportunity of seeing him oftener than I should otherwise have done. You will be pleased to accept of it & Wyvill’s Correspondence with Pitt, as a small token of that sincere affection which I bear towards you. Mrs Gordon & Self enjoy, through the goodness of our heavenly Father, no small share of health, considering that we are in the sixty eighth year of our pilgrimage. It is our wish & prayer, that you & your Lady may be equally favored, & if it pleases God even more so.
        We are much obliged to your Excellency for the kind notice you took of our nephew Oliver Field. His father died the last friday in his 78th year.

        In Great Britain our gathering storm seems to be thickening apace over the heads of the inhabitants. And, old as I am, were my circumstances sufficient for my living in a state of independence, I should be strongly inclined to prepare for a removal next spring, if spared, & should we not have a peace, of which I have no idea; for I suppose the French terms will be—The restoration of all taken from France & her ally the Dutch—& that these we shall not consent to, while we can continue the war which our rulers may attempt doing, till a national convulsion exists & hazards every thing.
        Your Excellency & Lady will be pleased to accept of our most affectionate regards. I remain Dear Sir, Your sincere friend & humble servant

          William Gordon


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 29 August 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          War office 29 Augt 1796

        It appears from the conferences between the representatives of the Creek nation at Coleraine, and Commissioners of the U.S. that the former have required and the latter promised, that the

President would send into their country, within four months from the date of the treaty, a person instructed upon the following points.
        1. To fix upon proper scites for trading houses & posts, and explain to the nation by towns or tribes, the reasons for having them established within their boundary line.
        2. To explain the plan of trade to the different Towns or tribes.
        3 To confer with and advise the nation, how it ought to conduct itself in case the murderers of the Indians by Harrison & others should escape without being punished.
        4. To explain the object for running the boundary line between Spain and the United States.
        5. To notify the nation of the time when the President will be pleased to run the boundary line between the Creeks and the U.S. and the place where the running is to commence, in order that persons may be appointed to attend on the part of the nation.
        As these explanations have been promised and have been deemed necessary by the Indians who convened at Coleraine and the commissioners, it might not be proper to with hold them upon a mere point of reconomony, especially as there are other objects of importance that may be accomplished by the person whom the President be pleased to employ on this occasion.
        One of the points I allude to is; to ascertain, in execution of the intimation given by the President to the State of Georgia, whether the Creek nation are disposed to sell their land laying between the Oconee and Oakmulgee; and if they are the terms upon which they will part with it.
        Another point, is to ascertain, whether the state of things in the Creek nation, be favourable to the introduction of a system of civilization, such as has been adopted for trial for the Cherokees.
        It strikes me, that several circumstances conspire, which would render such an experiment more likely to succeed now than at any former period.
        The Creeks are strongly impressed with the opinion, that the U.S. mean to conduct towards them with candor and justice; to protect all their rights; to perform the promises which have been made them; and besides, are become sensible that the arm of the U.S. is too powerful to be resisted.

        Whatever therefore may be proposed by the President, (so long as they find themselves & their land protected by the U.S.) will it is probable be well received by them, and submitted to or adopted if not too repugnant to their habits or established prejudices.
        This idea cherishes the hope that something effectual may be done towards their civilization. That what has been long contemplated is not far distant. That the seed which has been sown is not all destroyed. And that the time is arrived, to benefit the poor Indian by the same means which will preserve them in a state of peace and attract to the U.S. the most honourable fame.
        The States which are anxious to get the Indian land will see large portions of it, by the operation of these causes become useless to them, and consequently placed in a situation to be easily obtained. Besides. If they can be brought to support themselves on a smaller circumference of land, they will have fewer points from which to attack the frontier inhabitants, and will be more in the power of the U.S. than when spread over an immense tract of country.
        To render the system from which those effects are expected, operative, requires no more than a certain degree of patience on the part of the States which covet their land; and a due application of the means which the laws have placed within the reach of the executive.
        If you should approve of sending a person into their country to execute any or all of these purposes I shall turn my attention to frame the proper instructions and lay them before you as soon as possible for consideration.
        Mr Hawkins appears to me to possess the necessary feelings and character for such a mission, if he will undertake it; and should you approve may be spoken to on the subject. With the greatest respect I have the Honour to be Sir your most ob. & hble st

          James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 29 August 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          [Philadelphia] Monday Evening, 9 o’clock [29 Aug. 1796]

        I have this moment left Colo. Hawkins—I called twice in the course of the day without finding him at his lodgings. His ideas & wishes correspond with what I mentioned to-day—to be the superintendant of the four southern nations—Chickasaws, Cherokees, Choctaws & Creeks—the latter requiring at present peculiar attention. He would prefer the Indian Department to that of the Surveyor. Two thousand dollars a year he thinks enough.
        Mr Van Polanen called upon me to-day. I informed him that probably it would be convenient for you to receive him to-morrow noon as the Minister Resident of the U. Netherlands. If I am

honoured with your orders on this subject in the morning, I will advise him thereof. I am most respectfully, sir, your obt servant

          T. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 31 August 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          War office 31 Augt 1796.

        I inclose you a draught of a letter to Colonel Stevenson which if approved of may be sent to him to-day.
        If you are not using the plans of the Forts Detroit and drawings of the lakes &c. in that quarter which Gen. Wayne left with you I will be much obliged to you for them to correct and complete a map which is in hand for the war office. With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir your most ob. St

          James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 31 August 1796 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from William Pearce, 31 Aug. 1796. GW wrote Pearce on 5 Sept.: “Your letter of the 31st of Augt … came duly to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from Thomas G. Johnston, 1 September 1796
From: Johnston, Thomas G.
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            [Philadelphia] Septr 1st 1796

          I have been Informed this day Since I came to this Citty, that you have been receiving proposals for Some time past, for the Sale of Some Lands, which Lay on the Western Waters, which if

you have not Disposed of, I wish to know the Lowest price that will be taken for the first, Called round bottom, about fifteen miles below Wheeling also of the three Other tracts Which Lay Lower Down in the Ohio, an Ansr to this letter Sent to my Lodgings at Mr Thompson Sine of the Indian Queen fourth Street this Evening or tomorrow will be Immedy Attended to by Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

            Thos G. Johnston

          The Conditions of Sale I have been Informed of.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Vanmeter, 1 September 1796
From: Vanmeter, Joseph
To: Washington, George

        1 Sept. 1796. Writing from Fort Pleasant (Van Meter’s Fort) on the North Branch of the Potomac River, Vanmeter explains how he procured a sword presented to GW.


Title: From George Washington to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 1 September 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.

          Dear Sir,

            Thursday Morning 1st Sep. [1796]

        Enclosed is the name, and description of the Girl I mentioned to you last night. She has been the particular attendent on Mrs Washington since she was ten years old; and was handy & useful to her, being a perfect Mistress of her needle.
        We have heard that she was seen in New York by some one who knew her, directly after she went off. And since by Miss Langden, in Portsmouth; who meeting her one day in the Street, &

knowing her, was about to stop and speak to her, but she brushed quickly by, to avoid it.
        By her being seen in New York (if the fact be so) it is not probable she went immediately to Portsmouth by Water from this City; but whether she travelled by land, or Water to the latter, it is certain the escape has been planned by some one who knew what he was about, & had the means to defray the expence of it & to entice her off; for not the least suspicion was entertained of her going, or having formed a connexion with any one who could induce her to such an Act.
        Whether she is Stationary at Portsmouth, or was there en passant only, is uncertain; but as it is the last we have heard of her, I would thank you for writing to the Collector of that Port, & him for his endeavours to recover, & send her back: What will be the best method to effect it, is difficult for m⟨e⟩ to say. If enquiries are made openly, her Seducer (for she is simple and inoffensive herself) would take the alarm, & adopt instant measures (if he is not tired of her) to secrete or remove her. To sieze, and put her on board a Vessel bound immediately to this place, or to Alexandria which I should like better, seems at first view, to be the safest & least expensive. But if she is discovered, the Collector, I am persuaded, will pursue such measures as to him shall appear best, to effect those ends; and the cost shall be re-embursed & with thanks.
        If positive proof is required, of the identity of the person, Miss Langden who must have seen her often in the Chamber of Miss Custis—and I dare say Mrs Langden, on the occasional calls on the girl by Mrs Washington, when she has been here, would be able to do this.
        I am sorry to give you, or any one else trouble on such a trifling occasion—but the ingratitude of the girl, who was brought up & treated more like a child than a Servant (& Mrs Washington’s desire to recover her) ought not to escape with impunity if it can be avoided. With great esteem & regard I am always Yours

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Glen, 2 September 1796
From: Glen, Henry
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Schenectady [N.Y.] 2d Septr 1796.

        Your letter of the 8th Ulto from Mount Vernon was handed to me last evening, on my return from Niagara—It did not reach my Family ’till the 24th, and as I was then momently expected home, my son thought it most Safe to retain it till my arrival.
        I now take the earliest opportunity of answering the several questions therein contained: permit me however previously to congratulate you on the peaceable delivery, by the British, of the Garrisons of Oswego and Niagara to the Commissioners of the United States, and on the display of our Colours at those places—The behaviour of the British commandants at both Garrisons on our arrival was extremely polite and friendly, and during my stay at Niagara, which was a week, for the purpose of discharging the vessels, which I had chartered from the British; to carry our Troops, cannon &c. from Oswego to Niagara, I had the pleasure of witnessing the good understanding which prevails on both sides. The British Troops having crossed the river at Niagara, are waiting the arrival of vessels, to carry them to Kingston, from which place they are to embark in boats for Montreal. Govr Simcoe had sailed previous to the arrival of our Troops. The command of the Civil Government is left by the King’s orders in the absence of Govr Simcoe to Peter Russel the oldest King’s counsel, to collect in that quarter, by the title of Lieut. Govr of Upper Canada. The British Troops from Detroit had previous to my departure, gone on to Kingston, from which place they are to proceed to Quebec. I left Niagara on the 20th

Ulto. our Troops were in good spirits and much pleased with their situation. The Garrison is large and in good order.
        In answer to the 1st question proposed in your letter, to wit how long it will take a person to go from New York to Albany by land, and how long by water; I beg leave to observe, that as we have a good deal of Southerly wind generally at this season, until about the 20th of this month passages by water are from two, to four days, & sometimes indeed vessels come up from New York in twenty four hours, this however, is not common; after the 20th generally from four, to eight days—By land Stages, similar to those which run from New York to Philadelphia, ply between the former place and Albany—there are two lines; the one runs thro’ in forty eight hours, the other in seventy two.
        2d—A passage cannot at all times be had in packets, but always by land.
        3d—The distance from Albany to Fort Schuyler or Stanwix is 110 miles. agreeable to an admeasurement, which I had made during the late war, the distance from my house in Schenectady to Fort Schuyler, is 93 miles. A line of Stages runs thro’ from Albany to Fort Schuyler, in three days. The upper part of the road, altho’ better than when the President Saw it, in Augt ’83, is still not very good. By water, with three good Batteaumen, in what is called a three handed boat, of about 800 lb. burthen, the passage, from this place to Fort Schuyler, is five days. The distance by water is at least 20 miles farther, than by land, as the President experienced, when I had the honor to come down with him from that place to Schenectady in ’83.
        4th—Hands and Boats can always be had at Schenectady—The most convenient ones are the three handed boats, which with the implements for working them costs 40 dolls. The wages of hands to Oswego 30 dolls. each, to Niagara 50 dolls. each—the men finding themselves in provisions and liquor, and the employer paying the toll through the lock at the Little falls, and the carriage at Fort Schuyler—Toll at the Lock, one dollar, for the Boat & load—Carriage at Fort Schuyler one dollar for each load.
        5th—Stages and horses can always be had from Schenectady to Fort Schuyler.
        6th—Three men in a three handed boat, with about 800 lb. of baggage, can get to Oswego, from Fort Schuyler, in three days,

with ease, unless the wood creek, which is 24 miles in length, should be very low, and the wind against you on the Oneida lake, which is 26 miles in length.
        7th—The usual passage from Oswego to Niagara is from 4 days, if the lake is calm to 8 days—high winds are very frequent. No dependence can be made on a vessel at Oswego, as those of the British are all employed by their own merchants and Government. There is no way by land, from Oswego to Niagara, the only road there is, strikes off eastward at a place called whitestown about ten miles below Fort Schuyler—On this road there are settlements till within about 80 miles on this side of Niagara. The roads to the westward are in general rough, and in Spring and fall extremely bad. The distance from Schenectady, to Niagara, is better than 400 miles.
        8th Batteaux, of the Size which I have before mentioned, are fit to perform the whole voyage, to Niagara, and can at all times be procured, with proper hands.
        The rout from Schenectady to Niagara is generally, as follows, vizt.
        1st Days journey, as far as a place called Fort hunter—about 20 miles.
        2d To Fort Plain or Canajoharie—about 25 miles.
        3d Through the lock at the little falls, & as far as Fort Herkemer, or perhaps a little above it—25 miles.
        4th To old Fort Schuyler, or possibly a little above it—25 miles.
        5th Over the Carrying place, at Fort Schuyler (or Stanwix) into wood creek.
        6th Down wood creek, and a few miles on the Oneida Lake.
        7th To the 3 river point.
        8th To Oswego—In the whole about two hundred and twenty miles. From Oswego to Niagara, the distance is One hundred and Sixty miles.
        As boats in crossing the lake, always keep along shore the passage from Oswego to Niagara is generally from three and an half to four days—There are however instances of boats lying by, for ten days, in consequence of the high winds, which generally begin in October; so that the passage, after that time is somewhat uncertain. The harbours, between those two places, one of which should always be made towards evening, [(]as it is dangerous to proceed on the lake in the night) are as follows,

        1st Little Sodus, 14 miles from Oswego.
        2d Big Sodus, 14 miles farther.
        3d Yerondequet—36 miles farther, and 4 miles from the Genesee river; all which are Safe harbours.
        4th At a place called Braddocks bay.
        5th At the oak orchard.
        6th At the 18 mile Creek.
        7th At the 12 mile Creek.
        8th At Johnsons Landing. In all one hundred and Sixty miles from Oswego.
        I would observe further that provisions, tents &c. &c., would be indispensably necessary, in performing the Tour. I am Sir with Sentiments of regard and esteem Your most obedt hume servt

          Henry Glen


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 September 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

        (Private)

          Sir,
          Philadelphia Septr 2. 1796.

        The day before yesterday, Mr McHenry put into my hands a printed Talk of the President of the United States to the Cherokee Nation. I had not an opportunity of examining it till to-day. You will permit me, sir, to say, that it appears to me in many parts exceptionable. As it was handed to me not for advice, but merely for information of a thing done, I think it most proper to communicate my ideas directly to you. The alterations & omissions which appear to me expedient, are marked on the printed Talk itself, which I inclose. Mr McHenry has aimed at a familiarity of style as the most likely to make an impression on Indian minds: but there are bounds in all things which mark the extent of propriety and decorum. The dignity of the President of the United States is not to be sacrificed for any consideration: nor is it necessary to expose it to the least diminution to attain the object in view. The Talk may be in such plain language as to be perfectly intelligible to the interpreters who are to translate it, and yet not expose it to the Animadversion of well informed men. This Talk being printed, will soon get into the news-papers, and be read by other nations as well as our own. Pardon me if I think it open to much censure. It is expressed to be among the last acts of your administration, and ought to command respect from the civilized world. I cannot but express my fears that in its present form the reverse would be its fate. It abounds in tautologies and other faults, arising, I suppose, from a mistaken idea of the manner in which the untutored Indians should be addressed. But their own Chiefs speak in a manner incomparably more dignified. It would mortify me to see it, in its present form,

exhibited to the world. I am strangely mistaken in my conceptions of it, if all your friends would not be extremely mortified. The alterations I have taken the liberty to note, are not all which a more attentive examination might suggest.
        I have marked this letter private, because intended only for your eye. Both the letter and the notes on the talk are most respectfully submitted to your consideration.

          T. Pickering.


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 2 September 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

            Private
            Dear Sir,

              Friday Evening 2d Sep. [1796]

          I thank you for your private letter of this date, & will arrest the talk intended for the Cherokee Indns until it can be further considered. For this purpose I send the one I have just received from you, back again; with a request that you would pursue the remarks you have begun; and let me have them as soon as you can, conveniently, in the morning; that I may be possessed of them before I see the Secretary of War. Yours sincerely, & always

            Go: Washington

          I did not admire the draught when it was presented to me & told the Secretary so; but I am so pressed, & allowed so little time to consider matters that my signature, or approbation is, I am persuaded given, sometimes, rather too hastily.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 September 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Department of State Septr 2d 1796.

        The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the United States, the draught of a letter to lieutenant governor Wood of Virginia, concerning the ship Eliza, Captain Hussey, captured by the Thetis British frigate, and carried into Hampton-road. It was intended to send the letter by this day’s post: but the absence of the Clerk who had locked up the inclosed papers, prevented a timely submission of the whole to the President.
        It appears to be an established rule in the British Courts, that a capture, without a sentence of condemnation, in due form of law, does not change the property so as to entitle a purchaser to hold the captured vessel against the original owner, or a recapture.

          T. Pickering.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 4 September 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          New York Sep. 4. 1796

        I have received your two late letters, the last but one transmitting me a certain draft. It will be corrected & altered with attention to your suggestions & returned by Monday’s or Tuesday’s post—The idea of the university is one of those which I think will be most properly reserved for your speech at the opening of the session. A general suggestion respecting education will very fitly come into the address—With respectful & affect. attach: I have the honor to remain Sir Yr very obedt Serv.

          A. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 4 September 1796 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from William Pearce, 4 Sept. 1796. GW wrote Pearce on 11 Sept.: “Your letter of the 4th instt came to my hands yesterday.”


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 5 September 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

          Mr Pearce
          Philadelphia 5th Septr 1796

        Your letter of the 31st of Augt from Chester Town, came duly to hand; but as you did not acknowledge the receipt of the one I wrote you from hence, this day week, I presume it had not got to hand; Owing, I conceive to a misapprehension of mine as to the time of closing the Mail for the Eastern shore which I find is an hour and an half earlier than those which go Southerly or Easterly. I put my letter under cover to the Postmaster in Chester Town with a request to forward it to Mount Vernon if you should have left that place.
        As you appear (by your letter abovementioned) to have attended to most of the matters which were recommended in mine, your not receiving it at Chester Town was not very material.
        By my letters from Mount Vernon I find the weather up to the date of them has continued extremely wet—of course Seeding must have gone on slowly, if not badly.
        Washington Custis writes me that Mr Stuart, at the River farm was very ill of a fever, on thursday last. I hope it will not prove a fatal one, & thereby add to your present difficulties in providing good Overseers. If Scoon is a first rate Overseer, I had rather give him £75 Maryland curr[enc]y than run the risk of getting an indifferent one; especially if he can bring another whom you know to be a good one, along with him; although the wages of that other should exceed 133⅓ dollars. I do not know what Violet’s & Cash’s present wages are, I did not care to increase it with them (although they may be industrious men) as they cd have no plea to ask higher wages for the year to come, than for the year past. Men who are old, experienced, and of established reputation & skill, have better ground to stand upon, than they.

        Washington in his letter mentioned further that the weavil was very much in Stuarts Wheat. If this is really the case, it is much to be regretted, but there is no other remedy but to get it out as quick as possible; and as he has no place to keep it securely in the Chaff, to grind it up with all the dispatch the Mill is capable. He said something also about one of the Bolting cloths being out of order, or unfit for use—this will require attention.
        Write me by the first Post (fridays) after you get this letter, how every thing is, and going on; for if I can accomplish the business which ⟨brot⟩ me here, I hope by Wednesday, or thursda⟨y⟩ in next week, to leave this, on my return to Mount Vernon. I wish you well & am Your friend

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 5 September 1796
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

          Treasury Department [Philadelphia]September 5th 1796

        The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor most respectfully to report to the President of the United States.
        That by an Act of Congress passed on the sixth day of May 1796, the President of the United States is authorised to cause other Revenue Cutters to be built or purchased in lieu of such as are or shall from time to time become unfit for further service and to cause such Revenue Cutters as shall so become unfit for service to be sold at public Auction.
        The Secretary as soon after the passing of said Act as his other engagements would permit, caused reports to be made to him of the state of the Revenue Cutters, and he now submits the

result of the information which has been obtained, so far as any immediate Act of the President appears to be necessary thereon.
        1st The Cutter on the Pennsylvania station was sold in December last by direction of the Secretary, she being found utterly unfit for service and in a state which rendered an expensive repair necessary to prevent an absolute loss to the Public—of this transaction a report was made to Congress, who have tacitly approved thereof; it is therefor now necessary to take measures for building a new Cutter and by the communications herewith transmitted from Sharp Delany it appears that one in every way adequate may be obtained for four thousand and seventy four Dollars.
        2d The letter from Robert Purviance dated August 13th herewith transmitted, States, that a repair will be necessary upon the Maryland Cutter, which will cost about five hundred and fifty Dollars—but as the Vessel is not well adapted for the Revenue Service, it appears expedient to direct a Sale and to purchase a smaller Vessel which will draw less Water and be navigated at a less expence.
        3d The Cutter on the Virginia station is a heavy Sailor, her hull is decayed and her rigging worn out—as appears from the communications from William Lindsay, Capt. Francis Bright and others. the purchase of a new Vessel is decidedly recommended.
        4th The Cutter on the South Carolina station is represented as originally too small and as being now utterly unfit for service. The Collector Isaac Holmes Esqr. and the Capt. Robert Cochran both concur in recommending the purchase of a new Vessel.
        The Secretary has not received definitive information respecting the State of the Cutters on the New York North Carolina and Georgia stations; in respect to the others not before mentioned, no immediate measures by the President appear to be necessary.
        The Secretary deems it proper to state that the present derangement of the Cutter system appears to have arisen in the first instance from the inadequacy of the fund originally allotted for the purchase of Vessels, which rendered it impossible to commence the establishment on a proper scale, and latterly to the incompetency of the compensation which prevented the inlistment of skilful and industrious mariners; this last evil is now obviated by an authority to allow adequate wages.
        The Secretary in consequence of the premises, respectfully

requests the Presidents permission to procure by Contract or otherwise suitable Vessels to be employed as Cutters on the Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and South Carolina Stations, and to sell those on the said Stations, now belonging to the United States at public Auction upon condition that the proceeds of such Sales shall be paid into the Treasury of the United States. All which is most respectfully submitted by

          Oliv. WolcottSecy of the Treasury


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 6 September 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

          Dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 6th Septr 1796.

        I received yesterday, your letter of the 4th instant. If the promised paper has not been sent before this reaches you, Mr Kitt the

bearer of it, who goes to New York partly on mine, and partly on his own business, will bring it safely. I only await here, now, and shall in a few days do it impatiently, for the arrival of General Pinckney.
        If you think the idea of a University had better be reserved for the Speech at the opening of the Session, I am content to defer the communication of it until that period. But even in that case, I would pray you (as soon as convenient) to make a draught for the occasion; predicated on the ideas with which you have been furnished—looking at the sametime into what was said on this head in my second Speech to the first Congress—merely with a view to see what was said on the subject at that time—and this you will perceive was not so much to the point as I want to express now—though it may, if proper, be glanced at, to shew that the subject had caught my attention early.
        But to be candid, I much question whether a recommendation of this measure to the Legislature will have a better effect now than formerly. It may shew indeed my sense of its importance, and that is a sufficient inducement with me to bring the matter before the public in some shape or another, at the closing Scenes of my political exit. My object for proposing to insirt it where I did (if not improper) was to set the People to ruminating on the importance of the measure as the most likely means of bringing it to pass. With much truth I am Your Affectionate

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 6 September 1796
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

          Treasury Department September the 6th 1796.

        The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully transmits to the President of the United States, a letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue dated the 11th of August last, covering one to him from the Collector of Washington, on the subject of sundry Contracts made by the said Collector for placing and keeping up the Stakes under his superintendence and shifting and clearing the Buoys at the South West Straddle for the year 1797.
        It is the opinion of the Secretary that it is adviseable to authorise Contracts on the terms proposed. All which is respectfully Submitted

          Oliv: WolcottSecy of the Treasury


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 September 1796
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

        Private

          Dear Sir

            Wednesday morning [7 Sept. 1796]

        The principles of the Enclosed Instructions I approve; and since they are drawn, I shall not object to the Phraseology; tho’ considering that it is Addressed to our agent, for his government part of them, I think is too much in the stile of a talk to the Indians. And I think too, as he is intended for the general Superintendent his attentions seems to be too much confined to the Creek Nation. Yours always—& sincerely

          Go: Washington