Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 16 December 1798
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Sir,
Susquehanna [Pa.] 16th December 1798

Being detained on the East bank of this River by Northwesterly winds & consequent low tides, I shall devote some of the moments of my detention in writing to you on an important subject.
In a conversation [I] had with you in Philadelphia, you discovered the very just opinion, that for the proper & successful direction

of our military affairs, it was essential that it should be as far as possible concentrated in one, or a few principal Officers, with whom alone the head of the War Department should communicate. Any other plan would doubdess contravene the ideas of military propriety, and would involve you in an impracticable detail—producing necessarily confusion and imbecility in the System. You seemed also desirous that I should express to you some ideas of the proper arrangement. Close application to other matters with which you charged me whilst I was in Philadelphia, and my extreme impatience (on account of the season & weather) to leave it, must be my apology for not doing this sooner.
You know the ground, Sir, on which I accepted the command of the Army; and that it is a part of my plan to decline the occupations of the Office unless, and until my presence in the field should be required for actual operations, or other imperious circumstances might require my assistance. Persevering in this plan, I cannot undertake to assume a direct agency, incompatible therewith: and a halfway acting, might be more inconvenient than totally declining it. The other General Officers will, I am persuaded, execute with alacrity any service to which they may be destined. In this assurance, I take the liberty to advise you to adopt the following plan.
Let the charge and direction of our Military affairs in the three most southern States be entrusted to General Pinckney. If indeed it will not derange him too much, to take immediately, a more northerly position—and more convenient for the purpose, let Virginia be added, and his position be in it; leaving So. Carolina and Georgia to the care of Brigadier General Washington, subject to the orders of the former; through whom, all the Military concerns of those States should pass to the War Office. General Hamilton may be charged with Superintending, under your direction, all the Troops and Posts which shall not be confided to General Pinckney; including the Army under General Wilkenson. His proxemity to the Seat of Governmt will render this not inconvenient. The Official letters of the Commander of the Western army may pass open through your hands, to enable you to give immediate orders in cases which may be too urgent to wait for the Agency of General Hamilton.
The Companies to be recruited, according to the plan laid down before me in the States of Kentucky and Tennessee, should be subjected

to the direction of Major General Pinckney, because they compose a part of the Regimts which are to be raised in the three Southern States; but the present force in Tennessee must be excluded therefrom, otherwise an interference with the Command of Brigad[ie]r Wilkenson, and the mode of his communication with the Department of War, would follow, and confusion result from it.
It will be useful that the whole of the Recruiting Service should be under one direction, and this properly appertains to the Office of Inspector General. He will of course be authorised to call to his aid the other General Officers.
On this plan there will be two principal Organs, through whom all our Military affairs will be transacted with your Department. This will serve to unite and simplify the objects of your attention and will enable you to devote it principally to the considering & maturing of general Plans and to an effectual Superintendence of their execution on a large Scale. With respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Read, 19 December 1798
From: Read, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Wednesday 19th Decembr 1798

I obey the request of the Author of the within Scheme of a Review in presenting the inclosed copy for your Excellency’s perusal[.] Mr Simons supposed you were still in this City which I believe induced him to make the request, and I shou’d not have deemed the subject of sufficient importance to have troubled you with a Letter had not my own feelings been a good deal gratified in an opportunity of presenting to you[r] View the high state of discipline in which the Militia of Charleston are. for to be able with promptitude & exactness to perform the Evolutions ordered in

the scheme both officers & men must be much advanced in the Military science.
I with great pleasure avail myself of the present opportunity of enquiring after your own & Lady’s health & of expressing the hope that you arrived at Mount Vernon in perfect health & without accident.
Mrs Read requests you will do her the honour to present her respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington to which I pray you also to add mine. I am with the greatest respect and regard Your most obedt Servt

Jacob Read


Title: To George Washington from Rawleigh Colston, 20 December 1798
From: Colston, Rawleigh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
December 20th 1798

It is truly painful to me to trouble you again on a subject which I am persuaded has already proved very vexatious and unprofitable—The letter which I had pleasure of receiving from you in July last, I transmitted to General Marshall agreeable to your request, and referred him to the proceedings of the Court of Chancery for the necessary information—I have not yet been favoured with an answer from him, which perhaps he may decline from motives of delicacy in respect to our connection, unless he receives a direct Application from you—My friend Mr Keith who will deliver you this, will shew you the Original Platt and Courses of the late Colo. Mercer’s land exhibeted to the purchasers and referred to in their deeds, as certified by you—It appears to me very important to the persons in possession of this property, that the survey should be recorded in the County of Frederick—for this purpose I am told it would be proper for you to reacknowledge it before witnesses, on whose testimony it will be admitted to record—There are several persons in possession of these lotts who are in a similar situation with my self, and anxiously wish to know your final determination—If you conceive it necessary for your safety

that an amicable suit in Chancery should be instituted, it will be done in the manner most agreeable to your wishes—I am with the highest respect and veneration Sir, your Mo. Ob⟨t⟩

Rawleigh Colston


Title: To George Washington from Bernard Hubley, Jr., 20 December 1798
From: Hubley, Bernard Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Northumberland [Pa.] Decemr 20th 1798

At this period when the exertions of every Federalist is requisite for the preservation of the United States, I should deem it criminal in me not to offer my services; I do not think it necessary to procure a recommendation in my favour to enter or join the Army, though should you conceive it to be, the Militia Officers of the County, with such other Characters of first respectability, would with pleasure give it, the opinion entertained by them of me, is greater than the station I could at present expect, or would wish to hold, their wish and desire, I am convinced would be that I should be a General Officer, and my own is, to have the command of a Regiment; should there be other Characters applying for this station, Men of superior abilities and attachment to our Country, I should wish them to have the preference; You will I beg excuse me for Writing to you on this subject, for I could not refrain as I was an Officer last War, I Wrote to our beloved President, on the twelfth day of July last, offering my services in such station, I should be allowed to become most serviceable, whenever you were ready to take the Field, or should appear at the Head of our Army. shortly after I became a Resident here, I was Commissioned Lieutenant of the County, after being in this Office nearly Four Years, the Legislature of this State, about Six Years since enacted a new Militia Law, I was then Commissioned the Brigade Inspector,

and which I am at present. I am Dear General with every sentiment of affection and esteem Your Most Obdt & Most Hume Servt

Berd Hubley Jun.


Title: To George Washington from William Russell, 20 December 1798
From: Russell, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Middletown [Conn.] 20 December 1798

I returnd Home a few days ago after more than a month’s absence & assure you I was deeply mortified upon finding that your Ram and Straw Machine were still here—I very much regret that different attempts to Send them forwards have been ineffectual & that three several conveyances for their passage engag’d at Hartford have each of them been violated—As I found our River froze up. I fear they must now remain here for the Winter—In the early part of Summer if not sooner I trust they will certainly go forwards, in the interim I beg to acknowledge the honor of your last favor & of your obliging punctuality in procuring the early wheat of which I hope to have a good account from my Freind in England.
With the Sheep & Chaff Engine I propose sending an Implement which I conceive will prove of real utility upon your Plantation & to the whole Country when Communicated—It is called by the Inventor a “Ground Borer” from its penetrating the ground exact in the same manner as a Gimblet or Nail passer bores Timber, and by having thiese “Ground Borers” of the exact Size of the bottom end of the Posts which are to be set up, it afords the means not only of making the holes with dispatch but likewise of fixing them quite firm & steady in the ground, the earth around them remaining quite solid instead of being loose & disturb’d, as in the common method by the Pick Axe & Spade as hitherto practis’d—I am told a Man & a Boy will easily bore 12 holes in an hour where the Ground is free from Rocks & Stones—I feel the more inclind to mention this instrement to you at this juncture from an idea that it may possibly be of use to you in Military operations where chevaux de frize are wanted, and possibly in throwing up intrenchments

—It was my intention to have communicated this invention as generally & as early as I could, but the bare suspicion that it may in any possible contingency be of use to you in your military operations will induce me to let it remain as it is until the apprehensions of Warr shall cease & be happily dispers’d by the basis of a just & honorable Peace—that this happy æra may speedily approach—that your well earned Laurells may continue blooming with increasing vigor thro. life, and be accompanied with the best of blessing’s even until Death is the constant & fervent wish of Sir Yor Sincere & Obedt ⟨mutilated⟩

Willm Russell


Title: From George Washington to William Thornton, 20 December 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Thornton, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Decr 20th 1798

Enclosed is a check on the Bank of Alexandria for five hundred Dollars, to enable Mr Blagden, by your draughts, to proceed in laying in Materials for carrying on my buildings in the Federal City.
I saw a building in Philadelphia of about the same front & elevation that are to be given to my two houses, which pleased me. It consisted also of two houses united, Doors in the centre—a pediment in the roof and dormar window on each side of it in front—skylights in the rear.
If this is not incongruous with rules of architecture, I should be

glad to have my two houses executed in this style. Let me request the favor of you to know from Mr Blagden what additional cost will be. I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Israel Shreve, 21 December 1798
From: Shreve, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear Gen:
Fayette County 21st Decemr 1798

Although you forbid me Writeing any more to you in your Last Letter to me dated the 1st of Octr Last But my Situation is So intolerable I cannot forbear[.] my aproaching Punishment is Greater than any crime I have Committed, the Cruel Change of times in respect to the Circulating of Cash is the whole cause of my failure of Punctuality [.] at this time I have as I have Said before as much money Due to me upon bond & Interest as I Owe to Mankind in the world and upwards of 600 Acres of Land Left with a pretty good stock &c.—But after all the Exertions I could make a Cassa was Served upon me the 11th Inst. Returnable next week when I must Lie in a poor dirty Misurable Loathsom prison as a Punishment for not paying money at a time when there is next to none in Circulation, I have known your Excellency Several times Repreave Crimanals who had forfited their lives & restore them again to be Citizens I have a good Wife and Several dear Little Children Round me who has Committed no fault to merrit So greavious a turn in Life If your Excellency Could Condisend to pass by this grevious punishment it would be hundreds to my advantage and prehaps not one cent to your Disadvantage you may Say why dont you fall upon those that owe you the money I answer I have not Judgment Bonds against them and Could not Recover of them Soon enough to stop this Suit, I wrote you that my Brother

Samuel who Lives 3½ miles from the federal City would pay you this payment that I am Sued for I Sent my Son John to him Since you have been at Philadelphia[.] my Brother had then not Sold But promised to See you when you returned home and if possable Settle of this Installment with you Some how or other, I have Called the people together who principly owe me the Money who have made Such arangements As I think will ensure the next payments Punctually[.] to add to my misfortune I have been Confined to my room for three weeks by Severe Sickness and am Still Scarcely able to walk across the room, I can Say no more only that I know I must Submit to your pleasure [.] if you release me I will never rest untill the money is paid, and Shall have cause ever to Love and regard your Name, and my Children after me I am not filled with resentment knowing the money is Justly due. I am dear General with Great Respect your Most Obedt Servt

Israel Shreve


Title: To George Washington from David Shepherd Garland, 24 December 1798
From: Garland, David Shepherd
To: Washington, George

Sir
Cabellsburg Virga Amhe[r]st Co[unt]y Decr 24 [17]98

I am informed that there is a quantity of Land lying between the Great Kanhawa and Sandy River in this State which was set a part for the payment of some Officers and Soilders who was on an Expedition Against the Indians about or before Braddocks Campain; which Land still remains undevided. I am some what interested in that claim, but from it’s antiquity can meet with no person who can give me any sattisfactory information on that subject. Supposing you are well Acquainted with the circumstances Under which this Land was Granted and by what authority and to whom, I trust you will pardon me for making this inquiry; and be so good as to give me such information (if in your power) as will enable me to prosue the inquirey with success, if this Land was granted by Order of the Govner and Council of this State, them Records are all destroyed, but perhaps there still may remain (within your knowledge) some evidence thereof, if so be pleased to inform me. I am with due respect yr m. O. H. St

David S. Garland

A Letter by post to Cabbelsburg Post Office will meet with a ready Conveyance. D.S.G.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 24 December 1798
From: Spotswood, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
December 24. 1798.

I received a letter last Week from Mr Short, dated Novr 1st—he Says Mr Hites absence from home, has prevented his doing any thing towards the purchase of Andrew Woodrows Survey—but so Soon as hite returns, he will have the bussiness closed to your Satisfaction.
I have also recd a letter from Mr Feild, he acknowledges the Rect of mine, covering Sundry papers to enable him to find out the propriety of the land opposite yours on Rough Creek—But observes, that being but newly come into the green river Country, & Takeing up his Settlement in the woods, will of course be much confind at home; but Says he will do every thing in his power to Comply with your Wishes.
your favr to my Son dated 22d Novr Acknowledgeing the rect of his of the 13th Covering the publication of gracchus was handed me by my Servant—& by me opened through Mistake.
I confess I was much Shagreened, that my Son whose political principals in favr of goverment & its administrations; had always been in unison with mine—should at this late hour—Suffer himself to be transformed into a Jacobin, by the publication of gracchus as insignificant & contemptible as the Author himself—However, my mind was Soon eased; on my Son declaring the letter of the 13. with his Signature to it was a forgery—he tels me he has wrote you, denying the Same to be his, and that he has wrote & given to his Brother a duplicate—for fear the first may have Miscarried.
We have had nothing lately from our assembly—and from the, late movement of a certain Jacobin—I am inclined to believe, his agents has wrote him that the assembly will not be so pliant as they wished & expected.
My family enjoy good health & desires there best regards to you Mrs Washington & Miss Custis as well as dr Sr Yr Affe & ⟨Ob st⟩

A. Spotswood


Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 25 December 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 25th Decr 1798

I am indebted to you for the following letters, dated the 6th of October and 20th of December of the last year, and 26th of April, 20th of May, 20th of August & 5th of September in the present. If more have been written, they have fallen into other hands, or miscarried on their passage.
Convinced as you must be of the fact, it would be a mere waste of time to assure you of the sincere, & heartfelt pleasure I derived from finding by the above letters, that you had not only regained your liberty, but was in the enjoyment of better health than could have been expected from your long, & rigorous confinement; and that Madame la Fayette and the young ladies were able to survive it at all. On these desirable events I can add with truth, that amongst your numerous friends none can offer their congratulations

with more warmth, or who prays more sincerely for the perfect restoration of your lady’s health than I do.
It is equally unnecessary for me, to apologize to you for my long silence; when, by a recurrence to your own letters, you will find my excuse; for by these it will appear, that if you had embarked for this country at the epochs mentioned therein, no letters of mine could have arrived in Europe before your departure from thence; until by your favor of the 20th of August I was informed that your Voyage to America was postponed, for the reasons which were then given; and which conveyed the first idea to my mind that a letter from me, might find you in Europe.
The letter last mentioned, together with that of the 5th of September, found me in Philadelphia; whither I had gone for the purpose of making some Military arrangements with the Secretary of War; and where every moment of my time was so much occupied in that business, as to allow no leisure to attend to any thing else.
I have been thus circumstantial in order to impress you with the true cause of my silence, and to remove from your mind, if a doubt had arisen there, that my friendship for you had undergone no diminution or change; and that no one in the United States would receive you with opener arms, or with more ardent affection than I should, after the differences between this Country & France are adjusted, and harmony between the Nations is again restored. But it would be uncandid, and incompatible with that friendship I have always professed for you to say, (and on your own account) that I wish it before. For you may be assured, my dear Sir, that the scenes you would meet with, and the part you would be stimulated to act in case of an open rupture, or even if matters should remain in statu quo, would be such as to place you in a situation which no address, or human prudence, could free you from embarrassment. In a word, you wd lose the confidence of one party or the other, perhaps both—were you here under these circumstances.
To give you a complete view of the politics, and situation of things in this Country would far exceed the limits of a letter; and to trace effects to their causes, would be a work of time. But the sum of them may be given in a few words, and it amounts to this. That a party exists in the United States, formed by a combination of causes, who oppose the government in all its measures, and are determined (as all their conduct evinces) by clogging its wheels, indirectly to change the nature of it, and to subvert the Constitution.

To effect this, no means which have a tendency to accomplish their purposes, are left unessayed. The friends of Government, who are anxious to maintain its Neutrality, and to preserve the Country in Peace; and to adopt measures to produce these desirable ends are charged by them, as being Monarchists—Aristocrats—& Infractors of the Constitution; which, according to their interpretation of it, would be a mere cypher; while they, arrogated to themselves (until the eyes of the People began to discover how outrageously they had been treated in their Commercial concerns by the directory of France, and that that was a ground on which they could no longer tread) the sole merit of being the Friends of France; when, in fact, they had no more regard for that Nation than for the Grand Turk, farther than their own views were promoted by it, denouncing those who differed from them in opinion; whose principles are purely American; and whose sole view was to observe a strict Neutrality; with acting under British Influence; with being directed by her Councils; nay, with being her Pensioners.
This is but a short sketch of what would require much time to illustrate; and is given with no other view than to shew you what would be your situation here, at this crisis, under such circumstances as it unfolds.
You have expressed a wish, worthy the benevolence of your heart, that I would exert all my endeavors to avert the calamatous effects of a rupture between our Countries. Believe me, my dear friend, that no man can deprecate a measure of this sort with more horror than I should—that no one, during the whole of my Administration, laboured more incessantly, & with more sincerity & zeal than I did, to avoid this, and to render every justice—nay favor to France—consistent with the Neutrality which had been proclaimed to the World; Sanctioned by Congress; and approved by the State Legislatures and the People at large in their Town & County meetings. But Neutrality was not the point at which France was aiming; for whilst it was crying Peace—Peace—and pretending that they did not wish us to be embroiled in their quarrel with Great Britain, they were pursuing measures in this Country so repugnant to its Sovereignty, and so incompatible with every principle of Neutrality, as must, inevitably, have produced a War with the latter. And when they found that the Government here, was resolved to adhere steadily to its plan of Neutrality, their next step

was to destroy the confidence of the People in, & to seperate them from it; for which purpose their Diplomatic Agents were specially Instructed; and in the attempt were aided by inimical characters among ourselves; not as I observed before because they loved France better than any other Nation, but because it was an instrument to facilitate the destruction of their own Government.
Hence proceeded those charges wch I have already enumerated against the friends to Peace & order. No doubt remains on this side of the Water, that to the representations of, & encouragements given by these people, is to be ascribed, in a great measure, the infractions of our treaty with France; their violation of the Laws of Nations; disregard of justice; and even of sound policy. But herein they have not only deceived France, but were deceived themselves, as the event has proved, for no sooner did the Yeomanry of this Country come to a right understanding of the nature of the dispute, than they rose as one man with a tender of their services—their lives—and their fortunes—to support the government of their choice, and to defend their Country. This has produced a declaration from them (how sincere let others judge) that if the French should attempt to invade this country, that they, themselves, would be amongst the foremost to repel the attack.
You add in another place, that the Executive Directory are disposed to an accomodation of all differences. If they are sincere in this declaration, let them evidence it by actions, for words, unaccompanied therewith, will not be much regarded now. I would pledge myself, that the Government & People of the United States, will meet them heart & hand, at fair negociation; having no wish more ardent, than to live in Peace with all the World, provided they are suffered to remain undisturbed in their just rights. of this their patience, forbearance, and repeated solicitations under accumulated injuries & insults, are incontestible proofs—but it is not to be inferred from hence that they will suffer any Nation under the Sun (while they retain a proper sense of Virtue & Independence) to trample upon their rights with impunity; or to direct, or influence the internal concerns of their Country.
It has been the policy of France, and that of the opposition party amongst ourselves, to inculcate a belief that all those who have exerted themselves to keep this Country in Peace, did it from an overweening attachment to Great Britain. But it is a solemn truth, and you may count upon it, that it is void of foundation; and

propagated for no other purpose than to excite popular clamour against those whose aim was peace, and whom they wished out of their way.
That there are many amongst us who wish to see this country embroiled on the side of Great Britain—and others who are anxious that we should take part with France against her, admits of no doubt. But it is a fact on which you may entirely, and absolutely rely, that the Governing Powers of the Country, & a very large part of the People, are true Americans in principle; attached to the interests of it; and unwilling, under any circumstances whatsoever, to participate in the Politics, or contests of Europe: Much less since they have found that France, having forsaken the ground she first took, is interfering in the internal concerns of all Nations, Neutral as well as Belligerent, and setting the world in an uproar.
After my Valadictory Address to the People of the United States, you would, no doubt, be somewhat surprised to hear that I had again consented to gird on the Sword. But having struggled eight or nine years against the Invasion of our Rights by one Power, & to establish an Independence of it, I could not remain an unconcerned Spectator of the attempts of another Power to accomplish the same object, though in a different way, with less pretensions—indeed without any at all.
On the Politics of Europe, I shall express no opinion; nor make any enquiry who is right, or who is wrong. I wish well to all Nations, and to all men. My politics are plain & simple. I think every Nation has a right to establish that form of government under which It conceives It shall live most happy, provided it infracts no Right, or is not dangerous to others. And that, no governments ought to interfere with the internal concerns of another, except for the security of what is due to themselves.
I sincerely hope that Madame la Fayette will accomplish all her wishes in France, and return safe to you with renovated health. I congratulate you on the Marriage of your eldest daughter, and beg to be presented to them both, & to Virginia, in the most respectful & affectionate terms—to George I have written. In all these things Mrs Washington (as the rest of the family would do, if they were at home) most cordially joins me; as she does in wishing you and them every felicity this life can afford; as some consolation for your long, cruel and painful confinement and sufferings.

I shall now only add what you knew well before, that with the most sincere friendship, & affectionate regard—I am always Yours

[Go: Washington]

P.S. Your old Aid de Camp, and my worthy Nephew, George A: Washington, died about five years ago of a Pulmanory complaint: he left three fine children—a daughter and two sons—the eldest of the boys was called after you.
The letters herewith enclosed, and directed—one to yourself, another to George, and the third to Mr Frestal, have been some time in my possession; and detained to be delivered to you here, upon the same principle that prevented me from writing to you at an earlier period. G:W.


Title: To George Washington from William Thornton, 25 December 1798 [letter not found]
From: Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Thornton, 25 Dec. 1798. On 30 Dec. GW wrote Thornton: “Your favor of the 25th instant . . . has been duly received.”


Title: From George Washington to William Vans Murray, 26 December 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Vans Murray, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 26th Decr 1798.

Having some cause to believe that the Vessel was captured, in which went the original of the enclosed copy, I forward a duplicate.
I returned a few days ago from Philadelphia, whither I had been for the purpose of making some Military arrangements with the Secretary of War respecting the Force wch is about to be raised.
It was there I received a Letter from Mr Dandrid[g]e, announcing his intention of returning to America (partly on account of his health)—expressing in lively & grateful terms his sense of your attentions to, & kind treatment of him; adding that as experience had more & more convinced him, that a sedentary life was incompatible with both his health & turn of mind (a sentiment he had often expressed whilst he lived with me) he wished for an appointment in the Army we were about to raise. The application arriving in the nick of time, he stands arranged as Captn of a Company of Infantry in one of the Regiments wh. will be raised in Virginia, and

it is necessary he should enter upon the duties thereof as soon as it can be made convenient.
Mr Envoy Logan, who arrived at Philadelphia about the time I did, brings very flattering accounts of the Disposition of the French Directory towards this Country. He has dined with one—supped with another—and in short has been as familiar with them all (that were in place) as the hand is with its glove: and is not a little employed in propagating this Doctrine in all parts of the U: States by means of the Presses which are at the command of that Party. He says the inclination of France to be upon good terms with the United States is now so strong, that it must be our own mismanagement, & disinclination to Peace, if matters with that Country are not accomodated upon terms honorable & advantageous to this.
Both houses of Congress were formed before I left Philadelphia, but had not been long enough in Session for an opinion of the result to be prognosticated. Their answers to the Speech would, it seems, have passed unanimously, could Mr Varnum of Massachusetts have retained his Spleen. How far this measure is indicative of a tranquil & energetic Session, remains to be decided by more unequivocal evidence.
The Alien & Sedition Laws, are now the desiderata ⟨in⟩ the Oppos[it]ion. But any thing else would have done; and something there will always be, for them to torture, and to disturb the public mind with their unfounded and ill-favored forebodings.
The family join me in presenting Mrs Murray and yourself with the Complimts of the Season, and in wishing you many happy returns of them. With very sincere esteem & regard—I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt & Affecte Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 27 December 1798
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Hope Park Decr 27th 1798

I expect you have not had an opportunity of seeing the inclosed address—written by Mr Evans on the subject of the alien and sedition bills—It is so excellent in my judgement, that tho’ it is borrowed, I cannot refuse taking the liberty of furnishing you with it—It is much to be lamented, it did not appear sooner, as it could not have failed I think of dissipating the fears of many well intentioned but meek persons—I hope even now, it will make many of them abandon their great Champion, whose inconsistency at present is more fully established than has ever yet happened—With the compts of the season, I am Dr Sir Your affecte Servt

Dd Stuart


Title: To George Washington from John Greenwood, 28 December 1798
From: Greenwood, John
To: Washington, George

sir
New York Decembr 28. 1798

I send you inclosed two setts of teeth, one fixed on the Old Barrs in part and the sett you sent me from Philadelphia which when I Received was very black Ocationed either by your soaking them in port wine, or by your drinking it. Port wine being sower takes of[f] all the polish and All Acids has a tendency to soften every kind of teeth and bone. Acid is Used in Couloring every kind of Ivory. therefore it is very perncious to the teeth. I Advice you to Either take them out After dinner and put them in cleain water and put in another scett or Cleain them with a brush and som Chalk scraped fine. it will Absorbe the Acid which Collects from the mouth and preserve them longer—I have found another and better way of useing the sealing wax when holes is eaten in the teeth by acid &c.
first Observe and dry the teeth. then take a peice of Wax and Cut it into As small peices as you think will fill up the hole. then take a large nail or any other peice of Iron and heat it hot into the fier. then put your peice of wax into the hole and melt it by meanes of introduceing the Point of the Nail to it. I have tried it and found it to Consoladate and do better then the other way and

if done proper it will resist the saliva. it will be handyer for you to take hold of the Nail with small plyers than with a tongs thus the wax must be very small not bigger than this. if your teeth Grows black take some chalk and a Pine or Ceder stick. it will rub it of. If you whant your teeth more yellower soake them in Broath or pot li:quer but not in tea or Acid. Porter is a Good thing to Coulor them and will not hurt but preserve them but it must not be in the least pricked.
You will find I have Altered the upper teeth you sent me from Philadelphia[.] leaveing the enamel on the teeth dont preserve them any longer then if it was of[f]. it onely holds the Color better. but to preserve them they must be very Often Changed and Cleained for whatever atackes them must be repelled as Often or it will gain Ground and destroy the works—the two setts I repaired is done on a different plan then when they are done when made intirely new for the teeth are screwed on the barrs insted of haveing the barrs Cast red hot on them which is the reason I beleive the[y] destroy or desolve so soone near to the barrs.
Sr After hopeing you will not be Oblidged to be troubled very sune in the same Way I subscribe myselvth Your very humble servant

John Greenwood

Sr the Additional Charge is fiveteen dollars.

P.S. I Exspect next spring to move my family into Connecticut state. if I do, I will rite and let you know and wether I give up my present business or not I will As long As I live do any thing in this way for you or in any other way in my power—If your require it.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Raynal Keene, 28 December 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Keene, Richard Raynal

Sir,
Mount Vernon 28th Decr 1798.

At all times, when it is in my power to do it with tolerable convenience to myself, I feel pleasure in aiding the deserving and meritorious.
But let me observe at the sametime, that a very mistaken opinion prevails with respect to my means of accomplishing this, in a pecuniary way; for was I to judge of these opinions by the numerous applications which are made to me for money, it must be conjectured by them, that I have resources far—very far indeed—beyond what the fact will warrant.
I can assure you, that I find it no easy matter to keep my expenditures within the limits of my receipts; and that, without travelling out of my own circle, I find more than enough to require all the surplusage of the latter, when I have any to spare.
I return the papers contained in your letter of the 24th instant, agreeably to your request; and as I want no evidence of your request, I send the letter also. I am Sir Your Very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 28 December 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Philad. 28 Decr 1798.

I received two letters from you on your route home respecting my young freind Mr Custis, and one under date of the 16th inst. written at Susquehannah.
Your ideas relative to the distribution of the general officers and

their respective duties and commands correspond perfectly with my own. I hope no untoward circumstance will intervene to prevent their being carried into execution, and that I shall in a little while have more leisure to write to you than has been of late in my power.
On the 24 inst. I made my report to the President on the military points, proper for the consideration of Congress. This report will be laid before Congress by Message. I have freely used in it the matter with which you furnished me, and fortified it with your name. I have also added other objects important according to my views, and intitled to attention.
The nominations I expected this morning would have been ready to send to the Senate at furthest on monday. I am, now not clear they will go in so soon. The President directed me to submit copies of the list, to the heads of Departments. Two of these gentlemen have made no report. I find that several, who have been named from the Eastward for certain grades who expected higher will not accept, and that there are a few others on the list who do not deserve to be appointed. I shall propose not to name any persons in the room of those left out, at this moment, to give time to further investigate characters and obtain information.
I shewed your letter relative to Col. Smith to the President—and sent a copy of it to Smith. I shall as soon as it can be spared from this quarter forward you his answer. The pith of it is, that in the agitation of his mind he brought a certain deed with others from Mr Wm Constables house to Col. Troop’s office, where the business between him & Majr Burrow was transacted, that the mistake was soon discovered and as soon rectified. That it was impossible he could have intended a deception, the mortgage in question being on record &c.
Upon a deliberate weighing of all circumstances as they may affect the public concerns, it may be expedient his name should be presented to the Senate, Something must be yeilded to obtain harmony, and yet I do not know that this will secure it. If presented I think he will be appointed.
I reced yesterday a letter from Col. Lear of the 24 with sundry papers. Will you request him to examine the old papers and see if any of the confidential letters inclosed to you are yet to be returned. Yours affectionately

James McHenry


Title: From George Washington to William Washington, 28 December 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 28th Decr 1798

Your letters of the 19th and 30th of October came duly to hand, and would have received an earlier acknowledgment had I not been absent in a journey to Philadelphia (at the request of the Secretary of War) and but newly returned from that City.
The object of this journey was, among other things, to make a selection of characters from the numerous applicants for Military appointments in the Augmented force, for the new Corps.
In this business, Majors General Hamilton & Pinckney, and myself, were closely occupied near five weeks; but not having all the information we wished relative to the two Carolinas & Georgia; and thinking the arrangement for those States (as was my opinion with respect to the whole) would be better made within them than at the Seat of the Government—this part of the business is left to Genl Pinckney, yourself and Genl Davie of North Carolina, to complete.

The former carries with him all the information we possessed respecting the applications, to aid the execution of it. And as Genl Pinckney is enabled, and doubtless will, inform you of the opinions which operated against the removal of Officers from the present existing Corps, to those which are to be raised, I shall briefly add that, besides its being unusual (except in marked cases) the selection would have opened the door to endless discontents.
I thought, as you did, that nothing could ever have withdrawn me from my long sought retirement; during the remnant of a life which is journeying fast to the mansions of my ancesters. But we are little acquainted with ourselves and still less with the ways of Providence. It gives me pleasure, however, to learn from yourself, that you accept your appointment: the evidence of which you have, no doubt, long since received.
Present every good wish of mine, and the compliments of the Season, to Mrs Washington & your family, and be assured of the sincere esteem & regard of Dear Sir Your most Obedt and Affecte Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: Enclosure: List of North Carolinians Wanting Army Commissions, 30 December 1798
From: Davie, William Richardson
To: Washington, George

[c.30 December 1798]

List of persons in North Carolina applying for Commissions in the Army now to be raised.

Names
Residence
Rank expected

1. Robert Troy
Salisbury
Captain

Remarks &c. Recommended by Maj. Genl Smith, Col. W[illiam] Polk, and Archibald Henderson Esq. He is a young man of liberal education, well calculated for the service, and about 23 years of age.

2. William Dickson
Lincoln County
Captain

He is the son of Genl [Joseph] Dickson, has had a liberal education, is about 22 years old, and strongly recommended by the most respectable characters in that District.

3. Eli Gaither
Iredell County
Captain

He is well recommended by several Gentlemen on whose judgment I can rely; and is about 30 years of age, a popular character, and well calculated for the service.

4. Edmund Smithwick
Martin County
Captain

He is about 30 years of age, a respectable character, well recommended, and a young man I have known several years.

5. William Hall
Brunswick County
Captain

He is about 40 years of age, well recommended as a man of firmness, honor, good character & connections, and anxious to go into the service.

6. John Williams
Surry County
Captain

He is the Son of Col. Joseph Williams, he is about 22 years of age, and well recommended as a young man of spirit, liberal education, and popular connections.

7. John Nicholas
No. Ampton County
Captain

Recommended by Genl [Allen] Jones as a respectable and popular man, who has seen some service in the revolutionary war, and a man of known bravery.

8. James Ryan
Edenton
Captain

He is the same Gentleman whose name is on the list in the War Office, & well recommended to me for this rank.

1. Geo. Washington Davidson
Montgomery County
Lieutenant

Son of Col. George Davidson, about 21, strongly recommended by Genl R. Smith and A. Henderson.

2. James Macay
Rowan County
Lieutenant

Well recommended as a suitable character in every respect, and is about 24 years of age.

3. David Evans Junr
Fayetteville
Lieutenant

(Remark) Well recommended by the Honble W[illiam] B[arry] Grove, and the most respectable characters in that District.

4. Benjamin Smith
Richmond County
Lieutenant

Recommended by the same.

5. James Love
Duplin County
Lieutenant

Recommended by the same.

6. Joseph Alexander
Burke County
Lieutenant

He is about 22 years of age, strongly recommended by Genl Dickson, Col. Polk, Col. [Alfred] Moore, and Wallace Alexander Esq.

7. Samuel Baron
Newbern
Lieutenant

Strongly recommended, & well calculated for the service.

1. Daniel Newman
Salisbury
Ensign

Recommended to the Secretary by General [John] Steele, & to me by William Alexander Esq. & Col. Polk.

2. David T. W. Cook
Charlotte
Ensign

Recommended by Major Genl Smith & Col. Polk.

3. Marcus Sharpe
Iredell County
Ensign

Recommended by the most respectable characters in that District.

4. James Morris
Rutherford County
Ensign

Well recommended by the most respectable characters in that District.

5. John Wilkinson
Robeson County
Ensign

Recommended by the Honble W. B. Grove.

6. John Carraway
Wilkes County
Ensign

Well recommended for this appointment.


Title: From George Washington to John Marshall, 30 December 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Marshall, John

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 30th Decr 1798.

If General Pinckney should have left Richmond, let me request the favor of you to forward the packet herewith sent, in the manner he may have directed; or, as your own judgment shall dictate, to ensure its delivery to him in Hallifax, or on the Road thro’ North Carolina.
The Alien & Sedition Laws having employed many Pens—and we hear a number of tongues, in the Assembly of this State; the latter, I understand, to a very pernicious purpose; I send you the production of Judge Addison on these subjects. Whether any new lights are cast upon them by his charge, you will be better able to decide when you have read it. My opinion is, that if this, or other writings flashed conviction as clear as the Sun in its Meredian brightness, it would produce no effect in the conduct of the leaders of opposition, who, have points to carry, from which nothing will divert them in the prosecution.
When you have read the charge give it to Bushrod Washington, or place it to any other uses you may think proper. I wish success to your Election, most sincerely; and if it should fail (of which I hope there is not the least danger) I shall not easily forgive myself for being urgent with you to take a Poll—I offer you the compliments of the Season, and with much truth remain Dear Sir Your Most Obedt and Affecte Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 30 December 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 30th Decr 1798

Company, ever since my return home, has prevented my mentioning a matter before, which will be the subject of this letter now.
When the applications for Military appointments come to be examined at Philadelphia, it was pleasing to find among them, so many Gentlemen of family, fortune & high expectations, soliciting Commissions; & not in the high grades.
This, and a thorough conviction that it was a vain attempt to keep Washington Custis to any literary pursuits, either in a public Seminary, or at home under the direction of any one, gave me the first idea of bringing him forward as a Cornet of Horse. To this measure too I was induced by a conviction paramount in my breast, that if real danger threatned the Country, no young man ought to be an idle Spectator of its defense; and that, if a state of preparation would avert the evil of an Invasion, he would be entitled to the merit of proffered service, without encountering the dangers of War: and besides, that it might divert his attention from a Matrimonial pursuit (for a while at least) to which his constitution seems to be too prone.

But, though actuated by these ideas, I intended to proceed no farther in the business than to provide a vacancy in one of the Troops of light Dragoons, & to consult Mrs Stuart & his Grandmother, as to their inclinations respecting his filling it; before any intimation of it should be given to him: But, Mr Lear hearing the matter talked of, and not knowing that this was the ground on which I meant to place the appointment (if the arrangement met the Presidents approbation) wrote to Washington on the subject, in order to know if it would be agreeable to him, or not to receive it.
Under these circumstances (and his appearing highly delighted) concealment—I mean an attempt at it—would have proved nugatory—He stands arranged therefore a Cornet in the Troop to be Commanded by Lawrence Lewis (who I intended as his Mentor)—Lawrence Washington junr (of Chotanck) is the Lieutenant of the Troop. But all this it will be remembered is to be approved—first by the President, & consented to by the Senate to make it a valid act; & therefore, the less it is publicly talked of the better.
Mrs Washington does not seem to have the least objection to his acceptance of the Commission; but it rests with Mrs Stuart to express her sentiments thereon, and soon; as I requested the Secretary of War to forward the Commissions for this Troop of Light Dragoons, under cover to me.
The only hesitation I had, to induce the caution before mentioned, arose from his being an only Son; indeed the only male of his Great great Grandfathers family; but the same Providence that wd watch over & protect him in domestic walks, can extend the same protection to him in a Camp, or the field of battle, if he should ever be in one. With Compliments to the family, and with the greatest esteem and regard I am—Dear Sir Your Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Thornton, 30 December 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Thornton, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 30th Decr 1798

Your favor of the 25th instant, enclosing Messrs Blagden & Lenthals estimate of the cost of adding a Pediment, and Parapet to the

roof of my buildings in the Federal City, has been duly received, but the plan, to which it refers, did not accompany it
This plan, on other accounts, I ought to be possessed of, and Mr Blagden is under promise to take a copy thereof for his own use, to work by, and to send me the original draught. I pray you to remind him of this promise.
Presuming that it is not necessary for Mr Blagden’s convenience that I should, at this moment, decide upon the above estimate; nor whether I shall adopt the measure at all; I shall, if no disavantage will attend the delay, suspend my determination until I can visit the City, & receive some further explanations respecting the consequent alterations which will be occasioned by this Pediment—not at present well understood by me; owing to my entire ignorance of the technical terms in which they are expressed. At which time also, I will make arrangements for giving him further pecuniary aids.
Rules of Architecture are calculated, I presume, to give symmetry, and just proportion to all the Orders, & parts of buildings, in order to please the eye. Small departures from strict rules are discoverable only by skilful Architects, or by the eye of criticism; while ninety nine in a hundred—deficient of their knowledge—might be pleased with things not quite orthodox. This, more than probable, would be the case relative to a Pediment in the roof over the doors of my houses in the City.
That a Parapet in addition (for the reasons you have assigned) would have a pleasing & useful effect, cannot be doubted. When the roof of a building is to be seen, and when it is designed for Chambers it must be seen, something to relieve the view of a plain and dead Surface, is indispensable: for this reason it was, I thought, and still do think, that Dormars are to be prefered to Sky lights in the front; on the other hand, if the roof is so flat as not to be seen at all, or so low as, in a manner to be hid by a Parapet, I should give a decided preference to Sky lights.
These ideas, as you will readily perceive, proceed from a person who avows his ignorance of Architectural principles, and who has no other guide but his eye, to direct his choice. I never, for a moment, contemplated two Pediments, one over the door of each house: my great object, was to give the two the appearance of one. But as I have observed in the former part of this letter, I will suspend

coming to any decision until the consequences of the proposed alterations are better understood by me.
The freedom with which you have expressed your sentiments on this occasion, is highly pleasing to me. Sorry indeed should I have been on this, as I shall be on any future occurrence, when your opinion may be asked, if they are not rendered with the utmost frankness and candour.
The compliments of the season are presented to Mrs Thornton, yourself &ca by all parts of this family, and with great esteem & regard I remain—Dear Sir Your most Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Augustine Spotswood, 31 December 1798
From: Spotswood, John Augustine
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Newpost the 31d Decmbr 1798

Company, & an Agitation of Mind, When last at Mount Vernon Prevented my takeing, that Respectful leave of you and Mrs Washington That I Wished—Permit me now sir, to Return to you, and Mrs Washington my Sincere thanks, with an Assurance, of holding in grateful Remembrance; your polite, kind, and friendly Attention towards me, From the time I first had the Honor of being Introduced to you—to The Day I last left Mount Vernon. Wishing you Sir, & Mrs Washington A Long Continuance of your present health—I Remain Most Respectfully Yo. Obd. Servt

John A. Spotswood


Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 31 December 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 31st Decr 1798

It gave me pleasure to hear by Judge Cushing, that you had returned from your Southern Circuit in good health. I presume you will soon have to undertake another journey, w⟨hen I shall hope⟩ to see you.
I was not unmindful of your application in behalf of Captn Blackburne. But when the list of applicants came to be unfolded, it was found that there were so many requests of a similar nature, from Officers of the existing Corps, that it was impossible to comply with them, & difficult to discriminate; for which reasons, it was deemed best to reject them in toto; especially, as in the raising of New Corps, it rarely happens that Officers are drawn from the old, and nothing but length of Service, or very distinguished merit, or powerful interest and influence, gives birth to the measure.
By this conveyance, I have sent to Genl Marshall, Judge Addisons charge to Grand Juries of the County Courts of the fifth Circuit, of the State of Pennsylvania; and requested, after he had read it, to give it to you, or dispose of it in any other manner he might think proper. This charge is on the Liberty of Speech and of the Press, and is a justification of the Sedition & Alien Laws.

But I do not believe that any thing contained in it; in Evans’s Pamphlet; or in any othe⟨r writing will⟩ produce the least change in the conduct of the leaders of opposition, to the measures of the General Government. They have points to carry, from which no reasoning—no inconsistency of conduct—no absurdity—can divert them. If, however, such writings should produce conviction on the minds of those who have hitherto placd faith in their assertions, it will be a fortunate event for this Country.
Has any thing been done, and what, with my correspondent Mr Langhorn? I have heard, since my return from Philadelphia, that there has been some stir in the matter, but of the result I am ignorant. The family here present the Compliments of the Season to you & Mrs Washington. I remain Your sincere friend & affectionate Uncle

Go: Washington

P.S. Let me pray you to get General Lee’s Deed to me—drawn agreeably to your directions—acknowledged before Witnesses; who will prove it in the General Court; and I would thank you for causing this to be done.
My Deed to Lee is also sent, to be dealt with as you and he may deem proper: for ⟨further eluci⟩dation of this subject, I send (in confidence) my letters to Genl Lee open for your perusal; after which please to seal & deliver them. You will perceive by the duplicate in what manner I am likely to be plagued, in obtaining payment for my Dismal Swamp Land—Sold him—but not convey’d. G:W.


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 3 January 1799 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

 Letter not found: to David Stuart, 3 Jan. 1799. On 4 Jan. GW wrote Stuart and referred to “a letter I wrote to you yesterday.”


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 4 January 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 4th Jan. 1799

If you should have conceived, that the letters I have written to you since my retirement from the Chair of Government, worth the room they would take up in your Beaureau; and can readily lay your hands upon one written on the 6th of February in the past year, I would thank you for a copy of the last page thereof.
A Press copy was taken of that letter; and all of it, except the last page, sufficiently legible; but that page is so entirely the reverse, as not to be understood, or made out by the context.
Mrs Washington and Miss Custis unite with me in offering you the compliments of the Season—and in wishing that Mrs Pickering, yourself and family may see the return of many, very many happy New Years. I am always Yr Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 4 January 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 4th Jan. 1799

Your letter of this date is just received; and the cause why I did not hear from you by the return of my Carriage, was conjectured, as you will perceive by a letter I wrote to you yesterday (covering one from Mrs Washington to Nelly) and sent to the Post Office in Alexandria for conveyance by the Mail.
I do not, myself believe, that there will be a call of the augmented Troops to the Field of Battle, but, (though that may be an inducement to it) it ought not to be the ground on which Washington Custis is to obtain his Mother’s, and Grandmothers

consent to enter the Army. For if circumstances should require it, there can be no retreat without forfeiture of honour.
It is not easy to predict the consequences which will result from the spirit which seems to pervade the Legislature of this State—and much indeed is it to be regretted, that at a crisis like the present, such men as Mr Henry—either from a love of ease—domestic enjoyments—or disinclination to oppose himself to a ruinous party—will not step forward. If in principle he is opposed to the measures of this Party, and his own apprehensions & Patriotism are not powerful enough to awaken him, I can hardly suppose that the sentiments of an individual would have much weight.
Mr Anderson neglected to avail himself of the last Frost to fill my Ice Ho.—and now I think the chances for, & against filling it, are about equal. With great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Obedt & Affecte H: Serv⟨t⟩

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 5 January 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia 5 Jany 1799

Inclosed is a copy of my report which I received this morning from the press. You will perceive, that I have used the matter you furnished me with pretty freely, and added several subjects which I hope will meet your approbation as well as the arrangment and general stile of the report.
I am still extremely busy and can see no end to my labours. Yours affectionately and sincerely

James McHenry

Col. Smiths nomination has been concurred in, but the nominations have not yet come from the Senate.


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 6 January 1799
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

 PrivateDear Sir,
Mount Vernon 6th jany 1799

Your favor of the 28th Ulto I have duly received.
I have no wish that any sentiments of mine, handed to you officially, should be withheld from Congress, or the Public. All I should have desired, wou’d have been, that such parts of my Report of the proceedings which occupied the attention of the two Major Generals and myself in Philadelphia, and fit for Legislative consideration, might have been communicated entire; with the reasons in support of the measures. Extracts, without these, does not always convey the sense, or the intention of the Reporter.
It is unnecessary I presume to add, that such other parts of the Report as depend upon Executive decision, ought not to be delayed. Many valuable Officers & Men have already been lost by it; and if the arrangement is not announced soon, more will be so. The Regulations with respect to the Uniforms, and Army distinctions, should be announced at the same time (if approved) in clear and peremptory terms; to guard, in the first place, Officers against unnecessary expence—and in the second place to prevent fantastic decorations at the whim of Corps. I do not recollect whether it is so expressed, but it was the meaning, that all Officers who are not directed to be distinguished by feathers, are not to wear any; but if it is not forbidden at the time of the annunciation, to those who shall, the practice will still prevail in the lower grades; such is the propensity in favor of it.
That those who applied for higher grades than they have been appointed to shd decline accepting them, was, in many instances, apprehended—but to find among others, who were appointed, unworthy characters, is more surprising; although it is an evidence of the truth of the doctrine I advanced, that there was no dependence (except in a few instances) on the mode of obtaining information—for reason wch I detailed at the time.
The Papers you have asked for went off before your letter was received—and safe with you, I hope, ’ere this.

I ought to have taken your advice with respect to drawing three, in place of two months pay. Not keeping the a/c of my expenditures to, from, and at Philadelphia myself—Mr Lear paying them out of the money he received there, on his own account. and not coming to the knowledge of their amount until I got home, I presumed two months Pay &ca would have covered all my expences—but with the purchase of a few articles incidental to my journey, I find that the aggregate, amounts to $1115 55/100 and the pay drawn, to 1039 50/100; without including in the first sum the preparatory expence of equipment, for the journey. one item alone of which, a horse, cost me $300.
This communication is incidental; not byway of application for a further allowance; for I had rather sustain the loss, and the fatiegues of the journey, than it should be thought I was aiming to draw an Iota more from the Public, than my declaration at the acceptance of my Commission would authorize. With very great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt and Affectionate Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Call, 10 January 1799
From: Call, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Richmond January 10th 1799

When Mr Bushrod Washington was appointed a Judge, he put his business in the court of Chancery and court of Appeals into my hands. In consequence of which I take the liberty of inclosing you the within Copy of the decree of the Court of Chancery in the suit against West and others. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir your very huml. servt

Daniel Call


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 January 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
War Department 10 Jany 1799

I received this morning your letter of the 6th Inst.
I was very certain you had made a short estimate of your expenses when you thought two months pay would cover them. I

have therefore directed the month of October to be added and the amount Dolls. 523 20/100 to be remitted you in the usual manner which I hope you will receive. This I presume will about face your expences.
The letters adviseing the gentlemen whose appointments have been concurred in by the Senate will go to them to-morrow. I only received the list the evening of the day before yesterday. The greatest number of the nominations for the Infantry officers from Virginia have been post-poned by the Senate, ’till the arrival of the Senators from that State. Gibbs was so strongly objected to by the Massachusetts representatives and senators, that his name was not sent in.
One printed copy of the regulations for the uniforms of the army will accompany the notice to each officer of his appointment for his government. Inclosed are copies of the regulations and letter.
The Cavalry officers including those from Virginia have been all concurred in, except Hite, whose name was left out of the nominations. He and his connections who live in a very federal part of the country are stated to be antigovernmental and Jacobins, and that his appointment would excite great disgust. I am Dear Sir Yours most truely & sincerely

James McHenry


Title: From George Washington to Israel Shreve, 10 January 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Shreve, Israel

Sir,
Mount Vernon 10th Jany 1799

Your letter of the 21st of last Mo. came to my hands by the last Western Mail: But as to your Brother, I have never seen, nor heard a tittle from him: and to be plain, I never expect to obtain what is due from you, to me, but by a resort to a Court of Justice.
You know full well, because you have often been told it in serious & solemn terms, that the only inducement I had to sell the land on which you live, was necessity; to raise money, to enable me to pay the expences of my public Office; to which the compensation was inadequate; and for which I was obliged to have recourse to other means, to effectuate. I am now obliged to borrow money at the Banks, on notes for Sixty days, renewable at the end thereof for 60 days more & so on; by which I am paying an interest nearly the double of what I shall receive. I appeal to your own judgement therefore to decide, if you think this right; especially, as you sold the greater part of the Land for the double of what you gave me, and had always time to prepare for my demands if proper

measures had been pursued to meet them. But there are some people in this world (of which I fear you are one) who, from inattention to engagements, or disinclination to pay debts, but by compulsion, that never are, nor never will be prepared, and when this is the case, endulgences are unavailing.
But I have made similar remarks to these, to you, so often, that it is unnecessary to repeat them in this place; I shall therefore, and for the last time inform you, that if you can give the Sheriff satisfactory assurance of his receiving what was due on your judgment Bond last June (according to the Tenor thereof) on or before the first day of April next—this letter deposited in his hands—shall be his authority for staying the proceedings against you in whatever stage it may be, till then—beyond which I cannot extend the time.
It is not my wish to ruin, or even to distress your family; but knowing the terms on which you bought the Land, and my motives for selling it, you have no right to distress me by withholding the money, & ought to be as unwilling.
I shall not conclude without informing you in explicit language, that I shall expect the next payment due on the Instalment Bond, when it becomes due (the first of June next) without fail; and expect measures will be taken to accomplish it, instead of resorting to fresh excuses for staving it off. I am—Sir Yr Very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heth, 12 January 1799
From: Heth, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Petersburg 12th Jany 1799

Persuaded that it will afford you much gratification, to see how our much esteemd friend General Pinckney was received at this place, hitherto considerd, as highly democratic; I hasten to hand you a paper, wch contains an history of our doings.
Our toasts are lengthy to be sure—but, they are what I wishd—pointed, & animated. I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, with the greatest respect & affection Yr Obt Sert

Will. Heth


Title: To George Washington from George Turner, 14 January 1799
From: Turner, George
To: Washington, George

City of Washington, Jan: 14th 1799

Conscious of my very limited pretensions to military acquirements, I cannot, without great diffidence, presume to offer my Services to the Commander in Chief, as one of his Aides: Yet, Sir, if attachment to your person and the Service, and a wish to improve under your auspices in the Field, may be considered as an Earnest towards the attainment of other needful Qualifications, I would beg leave to solicit the honour of that appointment. With sentiments

of the highest respect I have the honour to be, Sir, Your very Obedient and Humble Servant

G. Turner


Title: To George Washington from Francis Deakins, 16 January 1799 [letter not found]
From: Deakins, Francis
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Francis Deakins, 16 Jan. 1799. On 25 Jan. GW wrote Deakins: “Your letter of the 16th instant . . . is received.”


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 20 January 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 20th Jany 1799

Your letter of the 13th Inst. has been duly received.
It would oblige me very much if you could procure, and send ⟨me⟩ by the first opportunity which may offer, one bushel of English, or blue grass seeds, Fresh & good—without which, or if it be defective, or foul, my purpose—which is to sow a Lawn before my door, would not be answered.
If Blue grass-seeds cannot be obtained, send white clover seed, if to be had, of equal quantity as above.
From Mr Parish I expected two Hats, which may come with the Boots and Book case, the last of which it would be pleasing to receive. Mrs Washington unites with me in offering the complimts of the Season to Mrs Biddle Yrself & family. I am—Dr Sir—Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Washington, 20 January 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, James

Sir,
Mount Vernon (in Virginia) 20th January 1799

Through the goodness of Mr Adams, the American Minister at Berlin, I am indebted for the safe conveyance of your letter dated the 19th of Octr in that City: and through the same medium I have the honour to present this acknowledgement of it.
There can be but little doubt, Sir, of our descending from the same stock, as the branches of it proceeded from the same Country. At what time your ancestors left England is not mentioned. Mine came to America nearly one hundred & fifty years ago.
The regular course of application for Military appointments, is to the President of the United States, through the Secretary of War. But it would be deceptious, not to apprise you before hand, that it does not accord with the policy of this Government to bestow offices—Civil or Military—upon Foreigners to the exclusion of our own Citizens; first, because there is an animated zeal in the latter to serve their country; and secondly, because the former, seldom content with the rank they sustained in the Service of their own Country, look for higher Appointments in this; which, when bestowed, unless there is obvious cause to justify the measure, is pregnant with discontent—and therefore is not often practiced; Except in those branches of the Military Science which relate to Engineering and Gunnery: for in these our Military establishment is defective, and men of known and acknowledged abilities with ample testimonials thereof, would be certainly encouraged.
Deeming it better to give this candid detail, than to raise hopes that might prove falacious, is the best apology I can offer for my plain dealing. At the sametime, be pleased to accept assurances of my being Sir, Your Most Obedt and Very Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 21 January 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
War Department [Philadelphia] 21 Jany 1799

I send you inclosed some minute information respecting the nominations which you may wish to see. I have at the request of a committee of the Senate furnished them with a bill embracing the new organization for the army, and am preparing another for the provisional army, and a third for the Hospital department. I have required from Genl Hamilton assistance and have received it. Yours ever and affectionately

James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Elijah Brainerd, 23 January 1799
From: Brainerd, Elijah
To: Washington, George

Honored Sir—
Randolph [Vt.] 23 January 1799

With great pleasure & deference do I contemplate your high character—Every true American must esteem & respect you as being

raised upon the Kingdom of Providence, the political Father of our country—to fill the very first offices of public trust, with great respectability & the most distinguished usefulness to the ten thousands of our nation—and to fill a page in history, unequalled in lustre among the annals of mankind—which can never fail to communicate the most pleasing instruction to posterity—So much I beg leave to say with modesty, humility & gratitude—And pray dear Sir, permit me to lay before you a very short sketch of my life, which now is & has been for three years past, little else than a tale of woe & sorrow—Wish so to express myself as to be truly inoffensive.
The place of my nativity is a town called Haddons lying on and near the mouth of Connecticut river—From my 17th to my 22d year was chiefly in the service of my country—was taken prisoner twice A.D. 1779 at sea by the British, the first time was sat on shore in Virginia at the mouth of Chesepeak-bay—the second time was carried into New-york, & in November exchanged & sat on shore at Boston—having lost my little all of property.
In April 1780 began my studies for a public education at Dartmouth College—graduated Septemr 1785—was indented into the gospel ministry in Septemr 1786 by a public ordination over about 70 or 80 families newly settling this central town in Vermont, called Randolph—in population it has flourished gready, now there are 278 families & 1600 souls, but its finances are much embarrassed owing to the perplexed state of the proprietorship & its rapid settlement.
Served my people in good harmony and with general success for ten years—On the 3d day of January 1798 resigned my ministerial office among my people in an amiable manner, it being only on account of bodily infirmity—My people has been as kind as is usual in similar cases—They still wish to have me preach to them whenever able—and consequently have given them two or three sermons the late summer, but in great feebleness.
My family consists of a kind Partner whom I married January A.D. 1788 the daughter of Joseph Marsh Esqr. of Hartford in this State, and three daughters & two sons between the age of ten & three years—also an indented lad ⟨of⟩ 14 years of age—all sprightly & active, & in common health, except myself.
The history of my infirmity is truly affecting—In 1794 was taken with very distressing rheumatic pain in the goint of my left hip—It was severe by spells and disenabled me from walking, except by

crutches, but not from performing my parochial duties till August A.D. 1796—when an able Surgeon laid my hip open, examined the bone, found it carious & judged my case remediless for some weeks—from that day to this the incisions have constantly discharged matter, distressing pain has attended me in that place every day, except intervals of relief obtained by the use of opium—and my situation has been very feeble & inervated, have been able only to ride abroad a little now & then till a few months of late, I have gained more strength & acquired a little more ease—My prospects are more animating, so that probably, within a year, or two I may attain to a comfortable state of health, should nothing more extraordinary befall me—But now I have continual pain except while under the operation of my anodyne & in constant need of dressings for my sores—Doctors I have dismissed & wait on nature & time with patience—The good hand of Providence which laid calamity on me, has given me great resolution and fortitude, so that I continue to this day, an object of sympathy & compassion—cannot adequately describe the scene of sorrow & distress which I have gone thro’ for three years past.
Confined from business, continually at expense—resources of support for my family impaired & cut off—benefactors have been kind, but still unavoidable bills of expense have accrued & still remain due—Creditors impatient for their pay—My little farm consisting of about 90 acres, about 35 of which under very indifferent & impaired cultivation—no property to hire labor with, the calls of my family still continue—we study the most prudent œconomy & industry, and admit of nothing superfluous, or ostentatious—nevertheless we are reduced to a state of indigency which is truly distressing and pitiable—it shakes my resolution at times—it draws forth the most fervent supplications for relief—Five hundred dollars would enable us soon to attain to that decent & plain style of living beyond which my heart does not aspire, after my late scene, which has taught me contentment with small things—A less sum from the benevolent hand of charity would awaken every sentiment of gratitude in my breast—& give us relief accordingly.
Pray dear Sir, if agreeable & consistent let your kind hand of benevolence lend us some small relief—perhaps a good word with some other great characters, may dispose them to become kind benefactors & send me a little relief also—No one can hardly

conceive what a thankful, obedient & grateful object you would relieve in such a case—how it would rejoice my heart & awaken every sentiment of respect & gratitude—I would be a faithful & responsible steward & endeavor to make such calculations & arrangements as to obtain the approbation & confidence of my benefactors.
Thus I have frankly & with sincerity opened my life & feelings—documents & testimonials of full authenticity are at hand of what ⟨I⟩ have written—at least, hope to obtain your sympathy & if guilty of any indelicacy or error, your forgiveness & patience.
Shall consign this to Mr Payne our Senator now ⟨in⟩ whose seat is only 12 miles from me, & whom I have reason ⟨to⟩ confide in as a good friend.
That the great Parent of all good may ever grant you his heavenly benedictions, prosperity & great felicity is the most fervent prayer of your dutiful, most obedient and humble servant

Elijah Brainerd


Title: From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 23 January 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Robert

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 23d Jan. 1799

It is quite time that you shd determine whether you will take Young Royal Gift to cover at your House the ensuing Season—or not; that he may be advertised accordingly.
And for your information it is necessary to add that, he is rather slow in covering; indeed will not cover at all, unless there is a Jenny by, to excite & stimulate him to the Act. He is now in his prime being 7 years old spring coming and about 13½ hands high; Son of Royal Gift, out of one of the Imported Jennies, from Malta. If you take the Jack, and have no female Asses in your neighbourhood, it will be necessary to take one or two from hence; and this perhaps would be the safest and best mode.
Some very careful person should have the care of them on the Road—the contrary of which, occasioned the loss of the old Spanish Jack. Let me here from you on this subject as soon as you can, after this letter gets to hand, that I may know, in time, whether young Royal Gift is to be advertised for covering here, or with you.

It would be a very convenient and acceptable thing, for me to receive my Rents, or even a part of them, at as early a period as you can furnish me with them. On what I supposed at the time, a moral certainty of receiving considerable payments (before Christmas) for Lands I had disposed of, I have entered into a Contract for building two houses in the Federal City (for the accomodation of Congress—the members I mean—) and am obliged by that Contract to make considerable advances of money this Winter, and early in the Spring; which I shall not be enabled to do, under the above disappointments, without having recourse to borrowing from the Bank (at its ruinous interest) unless I can be aided by my Rents, & other resources on which I did not calculate. Let me know what dependence I can place on the first.
How far does Major Harrison, who owns the land near my mill, live from you? The latter end of October, or beginning of November last, I wrote him a letter of which the enclosed is a Press Copy, taken at the time. But never having heard from him since, the presumption is, it never reached his hands, or an acknowledgement of it, at least, would have been made. If you should see Majr Harrison, shew him the Copy, and ask what answer he is disposed to give it.
The family here are all well, and unite in best regards to Mrs Lewis and yourself, with—Dear Sir Your sincere friend and Affectionate Uncle

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Tayloe, 23 January 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Tayloe, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 23d Jany 1799

The Gazettes, which I presume you have seen, having announced your appointment as Major in the Regiment of Light-Dragoons, I shall add no more than a wish that it may be acceptable

to you; as it is a very honorable one for any Gentleman who has not been in, or seen much Service.
The other Major, now is, and has been in the Dragoon Service several years a Captain; is a man of family; genteel in his person; has given proofs of his gallant behaviour, and was wounded in General Wayne’s victory over the combined Indian force in the year 1794. Colo. Watts, you will no doubt have heard, was esteemed one of the best Cavalry Officers we had in the Revolutionary War; and whose merit is particularly well known in this State. In a word, I believe it may be said, that a more respectable Corps of Officers cannot well be, than this, if all the appointments are accepted.
Recollecting the desire expressed by you when I had the pleasure of your Company at this place a year or more ago, of purchasing one of my young Jack Asses when I shd be disposed to part with any—and now having three for that purpose; out of respect to your request, I give you notice thereof.
All three of them, were got by that valuable Jack Ass, Compound (who with another equally valuable, was poisoned, or died in most violent agonies, last winter) who was the descendent of Royal Gift, out of an Imported Jenny from Malta. The oldest of the three, is rising five, about twelve hands high. The other two are rising four—one about twelve hands, the other less. The first, & last mentioned, are descended from an Imported Jenny from Surinam; the other, she is Granddam t⟨o.⟩
I have been thus particular, that you may be the better enabled to decide whether the price I shall ask is such as you would ⟨be⟩ disposed to give. It is Eight hundred pounds of any one, who will take the three. Three hundred for the oldest, because he is full old enough to cover in the Spring; three hundred for the largest of the four years old, because he promises, I think, to be the largest & finest of the three, & may cover a few mares the ensuing Spring; and two hundred and fifty for the other, because he is the smallest, and probably will continue to be So.
Ready money would be very convenient to me, as my buildings in the City call for it; but I would sell on such credit as could be agreed on, receiving interest for the amt, until paid. With very great esteem & regd I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William B. Harrison, 24 January 1799
From: Harrison, William B.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Loudoun County Jany 24th 1799

I have Recevd yours of the 4th of Novr a fue days Since & Embrace the first favourable oppertunity to answer the Same, I am Sorry to hear my tenants Near your Mill has disturbd you a gain (when Mr Robert Lewis Calld on me I promisd him to move them and Set a bout it but found they had a Lease given them by Colo. Russell which did not Expire for three years after at the end of which term hearing no further Complaints I Let them Continue from year to year at five hundred wt of Cropt tobacco & five Barrels of fish Less than I was offerd by John Roberson on the Accot of Some old people that was on the Lands who begd to be let Continue what few days they had to Live thereon and that they had always paid their Rents punctually & had Long been tenants to my father in Law &c. one since is dead the other is in the famely and Cear of her Son I there fore feel Relievd on that Score and you may Rely on it I will take the Necessary Steps to purge the Lands of those improper Caractors aluded to in your Letter provided they Can be pointed out to me I am by som of the neighbours told that John Javens who Lives on the⟨re⟩ is a very honest man if So I woud not wish to diturb him provided I do not Sell the Lands and Continue to Rent them, I assure you it is very distant from me to Extort from you an unreasonable price or Rent but to the Contrary Consider my Self Obligated to Render you evry Service in my power & am with all the Respect a mortal Can frame yours &c.

Wm B. Harrison


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 24 January 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia Jany 24. 1799.

I have been so much occupied since the receipt of your letter desiring a copy of one you wrote last year, that I have not had time to search for the original: as soon as I can I will do it, & if found, forward a copy.
Your letter of the 15th covering one for Mr Murray & one for Lafayette I will take care of, and forward those two to their destination in a few days, when I shall write to Mr Murray.
I take the liberty of inclosing my late report on French affairs: as soon as a correct copy shall be published in a pamphlet, I will do myself the honor to inclose one, together with Mr Gerry’s budget. I learn from Massachusetts that he is doing mischief—as I expected. I am with great respect Sir your most obt servt

Timothy Pickering


Title: From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, 25 January 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 25th Jany 1799

Your letters of the 11th of May, 16th of July, 20th of August and 10th of October are all before me. The receipt of the two first I have acknowledged; but as my letters wch travel across the Atlantic have not been fortunate in getting to their Address, these may have shared the usual fate. Being of little importance, however, no duplicate was sent, nor copy taken: Nor is it at all material now, whether they got to hand or not.
Your letter of the 20th of August found me in Philadelphia, whither I had gone at the request of the Secretary of War, to aid in the formation of the new Corps, about to be raised; and in some other Military arrangements which were necessary, at that time, to be adjusted: and coming in the nick of time, your then wish to engage in a Military carreer was attended to; and you were, accordingly, appointed to the Command of an Infantry Company, in the first Regiment of Virginia, to be Commanded by Colo. Thomas Parker of Frederick; which has been rendered valid by the President and Senate, since.
The business which carried me to Philadelphia, detained me in that City from the 10th of Novr until the 14th of Decr, and occasioned an absence from home of near Seven weeks, during which time I was so much occupied as not to be able to give you advice of this occurrence; and soon after my return, your letter of the 10th of October came to hand informing me of your having been received into the family of Mr King, as his Secretary.
You have now, I presume, the option of remaining there, or of accepting the Commission beforementioned. In the choice of which you have your own inclination, & some other considerations to consult. Both are attended with uncertainties, but which most so, is not easy to decide. The augmented Corps, in which you are appointed, are by Law, to exist no longer than the dispute with France shall continue; but how long this will be, will require more wisdom than I possess to foretell; and you know, without information

from me, what a bug-bear a standing army (as a few Regiments with us, are called, though liable to be disbanded at any moment, by withholding the appropriation for their support) is, in the eyes of all those who are continually raising Spectres & Hobgoblins to affrighten themselves and alarm the People: and how certain it is that ours (with their consent) will not exist a momt longer than it can be avoided by their endeavors; whether the cause which gave rise to it ceases, or not. Of the prospect before you in the Diplomatic line, you are as competent to judge of it as I am; But, as it is probable the Com⟨missi⟩on will be held for you until your determination is known, no time should be lost in announcing of it to me, or at the War Office.
Lawrence Lewis is appointed a Captn in the Corps of light Dragoons; but before he enters the Camp of Mars, he is to engage in that of Venus with Nelly Custis, on the 22d of next month; they having, while I was at Philadelphia, without my having the smallest suspicion that such an affair was in agitation, formed their Contract for this purpose—Washington Craik is appointed a Lieutenant in the said Corps, & Washington Custis is made Cornet in Lewis’s Troop; for it was found impracticable to keep him longer at College with any prospect of advantages; so great was his aversion to study; tho’ addicted to no extravagant or vicious habits; but from mere indolence, & a deriliction to exercise the powers of his mind, and those talents with which nature had blessed him. The Army, generally, will be very respectably Officered.
The General Assembly of this State is in Session; and, by the accounts of its proceedings is running into every kind of opposition to the measures of the General government, and into all the extravagant Resolutions which folly can devise; in what they will issue, it is difficult to say.
I am sorry to inform you that your brother John Dandridge is no more. He paid the debt of nature a few days since; after having (as we have been informed) been in bad health for sometime.
Your Aunt, who is as well as usual, and Nelly Custis (Washington is from home) unite with me in every good wish for you; and with thanks for your offer of rendering me any Services in your power, I remain Dr Sir—Your affecte friend & Servt

Go: Washington

Present me respectfully to Mr and Mrs King.


Title: From George Washington to Francis Deakins, 25 January 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Deakins, Francis

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 25th Jany 1799

Your letter of the 16th instant enclosing one from Mr Hesekiah Veatch of the 1st of December last, with a statement of the A/c against Mr Charles McDavitt is received.
Your directions to, & Mr Veatch’s proceedings in consequence thereof, respecting the mode of obtaining the Rent due from McDavitt, were very proper, and are very satisfactory to me. The Bond of the latter may either remain in Mr Veatch’s hands, or yours, as you shall judge best—to be acted upon when it becomes due.
I have received also, enclosed in ⟨your⟩ letter, a Hogshead of Tobacco, on account of Rent due to me from Mrs Priscilla Beall, as pr receipt enclosed; and feel very much obliged by your kind attention to my interest in these matters. With very great esteem & regard—I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James McAlpin, 27 January 1799
From: Washington, George
To: McAlpin, James

Sir,
Mount Vernon 27th Jany 1799.

The Secretary of War, by Command of the President of the U: States, having announced to the Army the Uniforms which are to

be worn by Officers of the different grades, I have to request that you would make mine comformably thereto; & send it on, so as to be here at farthest by the 22d of February.
There being some doubt in my mind respecting the Sort of Cuff & Pocket flap—that is—Whether the first shall simply turn up, or have a slash through it, with a flap the colour of the cloth (blue, with three buttons and holes) also embroidered; and whether the second shall have a cross pocket in the usual form, or slashed (that is inclining downwards)—There being a doubt I say respecting these matters, as also whether the Buff waistcoat is to have a corresponding embroidery down the front, and round the flaps to suit that on the Cuff, Cape and Flaps on the Coat, you will please to receive precise directions from the Secretary of War, & conform thereto, on all these points.
Let your blue cloth be of the best & softest French or Spanish; and the finest you can procure, of a deep colour. And the Buff of the very best sort, fine, & not inclining to yellow or Orange, like what I have been accustomed to wear. The buttons are to be plain, flat, and of the best double gilt.
I presume there are many workers in embroidery in the City of Philadelphia—in that case make choice of the one who is most celebrated & esteemed the best. Those who follow this business will, unquestionably, be possessed of a variety of patterns. Let these be taken to the Secretary of War to chuse from.
The waistcoat should be straight breasted, that is without lapels. and the Cuffs of the Coat neither large, nor tight; observing a just medium between the two.
I again repeat my wish that they may be with me by the 22d of Feby—send your account along with the Clothes, and the Money shall be remitted to you; or payment ordered thereby—Sir Your Very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 27 January 1799
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

PrivateMy dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 27th Jan: 1799

The enclosed letter for Mr McAlpin (my Tayler in Philadelphia) left open for your perusal, may be delivered, or not, as you shall judge best. and if the former takes place, to be accompanied with your sentiments on the doubtful parts of it.
It is predicated first, on the supposition that the Uniform for the different grades of Officers, is conclusively fixed, & to be established as a standing regulation. and secondly, on the presumption that no attempts will be made this Session of Congress, to repeal the Law for augmenting the Army of the United States, or to reduce it below its present establishment. If the first is liable to no change, and there is no indication of an attempt to effect the latter, I would go to the expence of providing a uniform previously to the spur of the occasion; conformably to the regulations ordered by the War Department, agreeably to the Presidents Command. On the other hand, if either of the above things is likely to happen, I shall suspend doing it.
On re-considering the Uniform for the Commander in Chief, it has become a matter of doubt with me—(although, as it respected myself, personally, I was against all Embroidery)—whether embroidery on the Cape, Cuffs and Pockets of the Coat—and none on the Buff waistcoat, would not have a disjointed, and aukward appearance. It is neither required, nor forbidden. Which then, in your judgment, or that of Connoisseurs, if you should converse with any on the subject, would be most eligable in itself, & accordent to what is expected. To you I submit the matter. As I also do whether the Coat shall have slash Cuffs (with blue flaps passing through them) and slash pockets, or both to be in the usual manner.

These, apparently, are trifling matters to trouble you with; but, as it is the commencement of a New Scene, it is desirable that the thing should take a right direction. I have therefore, upon the whole and since I began this letter, determined to direct Mr McAlpin to apply to, and follow your directions in making the uniform. I should not prefer a heavy embroidery—or one containing much work. A light & neat one, would, in my opinion be more elegant, and more desirable; as well for the Coat, as for the Waistcoat, if the latter is to receive any. If there are workers in this way in Philadelphia (and the French are most likely to understand it) they will, no doubt, have a variety of Patterns to chuse from & I pray you to examine them.
The Eagle too, having become part of the American Cockade; have any of them been brought into use yet? My idea of the size is, that they ought not to be larger than would cover a quarter of a dollar at most and should be represented (for the Officers) as clothed with their feathers. This any ingenious Silver Smith can execute—and if five were sent to me, I would thank you; and would remit the cost, as soon as known to me.
I must further beg, that proper Stars for the Epaulets (the latter I possess) may be sent to me with the other articles, that I may be equipped in dress at least—and if there are any tasty cockades (but not whimsically foolish) in wearg—or any one, who can make them, I should be glad if they were sent with the Eagles fixed thereon—ready to be placed in the hats. Does the Presidt & yourself wear ⟨them⟩?
Excuse this scrawl and trouble, as I wish to set out right; and be assured of the sincere esteem & regard of Dear Sir Your Affecte Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Lloyd, 28 January 1799
From: Lloyd, James
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 28 Jany 1799

I take the liberty to forward to you, under cover with this, Mr Gerry’s correspondence with M. Talleyrand and the report of the Secretary of State, on the transactions relative to the U. States and France.
I did myself the honor to write you a long letter, in the beginning of last July, in which I gave you, agreeably to your request, the best information I was able to procure, of the disposition of the people of Kentucky and Tenassee. Not having received an answer to that letter I have been apprehensive that it miscarried. I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most Obedt Sert

James Lloyd