Title: From George Washington to James Jay, 25 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, James

Sir,
Mount Vernon Jany 25th 1785

By means of the frost, & the consequent interruption of the Post, your favor of the 20th of December did not come to my hands until the 17th instant—It is to be regretted that Lady Huntingtons communications were not earlier made to the several Legislatures to whom they were addressed; for if the circumstances of any will allow them to be adopted, it will be found that a year will have been lost by the delay. In some States, they must have reached the Exe[cu]tive after the Assemblies were up; in others, would get there towards the close of them, when fresh matters are rarely attended to—& some Sessions (as in this State) holden but once a year.
I am clearly in sentiment with her Ladyship, that Christianity will never make any progress among the Indians, or work any considerable reformation in their principles, until they are brought to a state of greater civilization; & the mode by which she means to attempt this, as far as I have been able to give it consideration, is as likely to succeed as any other that could have been devised, & may in time effect the great & benevolent object of her Ladyships wishes; but that love of ease, impatience under any sort of controul, & disinclination to every kind of pursuit but those of hunting & war, would discourage any person possessed of less piety, zeal & philanthropy than are characteristick of Lady Huntington.
Of all the States to which her Ladyships addresses are gone,

New York I believe is the only one that now possesses unlocated lands in such quantities, & so contiguous to any Indian settlement, as to subserve her Ladyships plan of emigration; & whether that State can accommodate them to her & their satisfaction, you can determine with more precision than I. No part of the Western Territory of Pennsylvania is very contiguous to the habitations of the Indians, & if I mistake not, is besides otherwise appropriated. Virginia is not more convenient to them than Pennsylvania, & in her cession to the United States she was obliged to reserve Lands No. West of the Ohio to fulfil her own engagements to the military of the State: nothing then, in my opinion can be expected from her. And North Carolina having also made a similar cession is I believe, equally incapacitated to grant any great quantity of land in a body, or much in parcels. It is my opinion therefore, that Lady Huntington’s proposals would come more properly before the United States, than any one, or more of them individually; & it is my sentiment clearly, that besides the pious & humane purposes which are in view, & of which we should never lose sight, motives of a political nature, should have considerable influence; because such a migration as her ladyship proposes must be an acquisition to any Country. There are but two reasons which my imagination suggests that can be opposed to it: the first is, the pressing Debts of the United States which may call for all the revenue which can be drawn from the most advantageous sale of their lands, and the discontents which might flow from discrimination, if peculiar exemptions in the original purchase, or indulgencies thereafter, are expected in favor of the class of Settlers proposed by the plan. And secondly, (which may have more weight) the prejudices of Monarchical people when they are unmixed with republicans, against those who have separated from them, & against their forms of Government; & this too in the vicinity of a British one—viz: Canada—Whether these are to be placed in competition with the charitable design of the plan, considered in a religeous point of view; or the great good which may result from the civilization of numerous tribes of Savages when measured on the political scale, becomes the wisdom of that honorable body to weigh with attention.
If they should decide in favor of the measure, valuable Lands with respect to fertility of soil, salubrity of climate & other natural advantages might, in one body, & in any quantity, be reserved

for the purposes of such emigration, until the result of her Ladyships endeavors to obtain them could be known; & this too either in the vicinity of the Indians towns, or at such convenient distance from them as might be most agreeable to the emigrants, there being no settlements or appropriations (except the reservation in favor of the Virginia line of the Army) to my knowledge in all the Country No. West of the Ohio, that could interfere therewith.
As I am well acquainted with the President of Congress, I will in the course of a few days write him a private letter on this subject giving the substance of Lady Huntington’s plan, & asking his opinion of the encouragement it might expect to receive from Congress if it should be brought before that honorable body. Were you to do the same with your brother Mr John Jay now in Congress, and than whom none can judge better of the propriety of the measure, or give greater support to it if it should ultimately come before that supreme Council of the Nation, it might lay the foundation which might be serviceable hereafter.
Without reverberating the arguments in support of the humane & benevolent intention of Lady Huntington to christianize & reduce to a state of civilization the Savage tribes within the limits of the American States, or discanting upon the advantages which the Union may derive from the Emigration which is blended with, & becomes part of the plan, I highly approve of them, & having, tho’ concisely, touched upon the material parts of your letter, it only remains for me to express my good wishes for the success of such a measure, and to assure you that wherein I can be instrumental to its execution, my best endeavours may be commanded. I have the honor to be &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 25 January 1785 [letter not found]
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Battaile Muse, 25 Jan. 1785. On 5 Feb. GW wrote to Muse: “I have lately received two letters from you, one of the 14th & the other of the 25th of last month.”


Title: From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 26 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Boudinot, Elias

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 26th Jan. 1785

Early in Novr  I had the pleasure, by Post, to congratulate you & Mrs Boudinot on the Marriage of your daughter; & on her restoration to health; both of which we (Mrs Washington & I) heard with much satisfaction.
I took the liberty, at the sametime, to request the favor of you, if it could be done without much inconvenience to yourself, to procure for me as much of the Orchard grass Seed as would Sow about ten Acres of Land—to be forwarded by any Vessel which might be coming from New York to Alexandria; or if none should offer for that Port—then, to the care of Colo. Biddle of Philadelphia, who would contrive it to me from thence by Land, or Water, as an opportunity might offer—Having heard nothing from you since, and as the season is fast approaching when it shd be sowed if to be had, I have taken the liberty of repeating the substance of my former letter—to which I prayed the direction of some good farmer respecting the quantity which ought to be Sowed on an Acre. The cost of the Seed I will cause to be paid the moment I am acquainted with the price.
Mrs Washington joins me in every good wish for you and Mrs Boudinot—& in compliments to the Newly Married pair—with sentiments of great esteem & regard I am—Dr Sir Your Most Obt Hble Sen

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hanway, 26 January 1785
From: Hanway, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Old Town [Md.] January 26th 1785

In a Short time after you left my office I Examin’d the falls of Cheat river agreeable to your request and find that it will be Imposible to effect a navigation up it through the Laurell Hill, I have made the stri[c]test Enquiry whare the most advantagious and nearest Communication by Land can be had from the north branch to the Western Waters, and find it Will be to the

falls of the Tyeger Valley fork of Monongalia River, it will not Exceed forty miles from Logstones ford on the North Branch to the Said falls and I have reason to believe and am Confident from my own knowledge of the greatest part of the way and the Information I have had of the other part that a good road may be made[.] the falls of the Tyger Valley fork is about nine miles from its Junction With the West fork, and upwards of thirty miles above the mouth of Cheat river and near the Center of the most settled as well as most fertile part of the Counties of Monongalia and Harrison thence a navigation may easyly be had up the West fork and Consequently by a Short Land Carriage Down the little Kenhawa. I am Sir your most obedient and Verry humble Servant

Saml Hanway


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 26 January 1785
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
Boston [Mass.] 26 Jany 1785.

The bearer Mr Laurence is a gentleman from Denmark who has been here some time, and is largely concerned in commerce to this Continent He is extremely anxious to have the honor to see you before he leaves the Country and has requested me to introduce him to you. I am my Dear Sir With the most perfect respect and attachment your affectionate humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Melancton Smith, 26 January 1785
From: Smith, Melancton
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York Jany 26th 1785

I received your favor of the 20th Decr.
I am extremely mortified that you have been subjected to the

inconveniency and loss you mention by not receiving timely information of the arrival of the Plate. You may be assured, Sir, that my not giving you earlier advice was not owing to the want of a disposition to oblige you, but to casualties that could not be prevented. I was out of Town when the Box arrived. Docr Craige received it, and had no directions how to dispose of it, when I returned which was several Weeks after, he informed me that the plate was in his possession. In a few days after it was forwarded to Philadelphia by Water, and I sent a Letter by a private hand to Philadelphia to Messrs Cox & Fraser to forward to you as soon as possible.
I have made out the Account as you request, giving a credit for the Sum you mention to have paid Mr Parker (his Books are not with me) and have requested Messrs Porter & Ingraham Merchts in Alexandria to receive the Ballance for which purpose I have transmitted them a copy of the Account with an Order at foot. The Original Invoice is inclosed. I am with respect Sir Your Obed. serv.

Melancton Smith

The Invoice having a Letter on the same sheet, which it is probable may be wanted, I will thank you Sir to return after inspecting. I am as before Yours respectfully, M. Smith


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Stone, 28 January 1785
From: Stone, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Annapolis [Md.] 28 Jan. 1785

It gives me much pleasure to know that our Act for opening the Navigation of Potomack arrived in time to be adopted by the Assembly of Virginia. If the scheme is properly executed I have the most sanguine expectation that it will fully succeed to the wishes of those who are anxious to promote the wellfare of these States and to form a strong chain of connection between the Western & atlantic governments. Mr Jenifer[,] Johnson[,] Chase & myself are appointed Commissioners to Settle the Jurisdiction and Navigation of the Bay & the Rivers Potomack & Pocomoke with»the Commissioners of Virginia. We have also instructions to make application to Pennsylva. for leave to clear a Road from Potomack to the Western Waters—Our Assembly propose the Meeting of the Commissioners to be on the 21st of March at Alexandria, if agreable to the Commissioners of Virginia. I have no doubt but the Subjects of our Mission will be setled to mutual satisfaction & it will add much to the satisfaction I shall feel in discharging this trust that I shall have an Opportunity of paying my respects to You at Mount Vernon; which I have long wished to do, but in truth the necessary attention to professional and public business have kept Me so closely employed that I have never had a time when I could gratify my inclination without neglecting some duty which I was particularly bound to perform. I hope nevertheless that You will do Me the justice to beleive that I warmly participate in the high Regard and Esteem in which You are held by all the friends of this Country & that I am sir with Sentiments of very sincere Attachment Yr most Obt & most humb. Sert

T: Stone


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Wright, 30 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Wright, Joseph

Sir,
Mount Vernon 30th Jany 1785.

It has so happened that your card of Septr 1st, with the Bust which accompanied it, did not get to my hands until some time in the course of last month: & that a letter from your good mother dated Decr 8th 1783, only reached me the 12th of last December.
For the first you will please to receive the united acknowledgements & thanks of Mrs Washington & myself. The large one she prays may give you no uneasiness or hurry; your convenience in the execution will be most agreeable to her wishes.
In answer to the second, I give you the trouble of forwarding the enclosed letter when you may have occasion to write to England —our best wishes attend you; & I am Sir, Yr Mo: Obedt Servant

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Patience Wright, 30 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Wright, Patience

Madam,
Mount Vernon Jany 30th 1785.

By what means it came to pass, I shall not undertake to devise; but the fact is, that your letter of the 8th of December 1783, never got to my hands until the 12th of the Same Month in the year following. This will account for my not having acknowledged the receipt of it sooner—and for not thanking you as I now do, before, for the many flattering expressions contained in it.
If the Bust which your Son has modelled of me should reach your hands, and afford your celebrated Genii any employment that can amuse Mrs Wright, it must be an honor done me. and if your inclination to return to this Country should overcome other considerations, you will, no doubt, meet a welcome reception

from your numerous friends: among whom, I should be proud to see a person so universally celebrated; & on whom, nature has bestowed such rare & uncommon gifts. I am—Madam Yr Most Obedt & very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Udny Hay, 31 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Hay, Udny

Sir,
Mount Vernon 31st Jany 1785

The interruption of the Post, by the frost, will occasion a delay of this answer, which otherwise would have been avoided.
Not being able to decypher the name of the Merchant in London, to whose care you desired my letter to your brother might be addressed, I send the enclosed certificate for him, under cover to you.

I thank you for your kind and friendly wishes, & with Mrs Washington’s compliments to Mrs Hay & yourself, & a return of friendly sentiments. I am Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 31 January 1785
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Boston [Mass.] 31st January 1785

I have the satisfaction, my dear Sir, to acknowledge the receipt of your kind favors of the 5th of Decr and of the 5th instant for which I beg you to receive my warmest thanks. I regard these letters as fresh proofs of your unchanging friendship and kindness, which I shall ever esteem among the cheif blessings of my Life.
The Indians being in a bad temper when you went to the Westward I felt great solicitude for your safety, as I was apprehensive you would have proceeded to the utmost distance you at first intended. I was glad to learn that you altered your determination. You must have been chagrined to have found your lands possessed by a lawless people who hold in contempt Equity, one of the first principles of society. This and other circumstances, my dear Sir, you will experience as excercises to your Philosophy. But it will be to you a consolation, full of peace, to reflect, that you have in all your actions, obeyed the dictates of a mind replete with patriotism, and universal benevolence. This is a happiness that few possess, and perhaps not one on Earth, has reason to possess it, in a more eminent degree than you.
Your remarks on the present situation of our Country, are indeed too just. The different states have not only different views of the same subject, but some of them have views that sooner or later must involve the Country in all the horrors of civil War. If

there is any good policy which prevades generally our public measures it is too misterious to be comprehended by people out of the Cabinet—A Neglect, in every State, of those principles which lead to Union and National greatness—An adoption of local, in preference to general measures, appear to actuate the greater part of the State politicians—We are entirely destitute of those traits which should Stamp us one Nation, and the Constitution of Congress, does not promise any capital alteration for the better. Great Measures will not be carried in Congress so much by the propriety, utility and necessity of the thing, but as a matter of compromise for something else, which may be evil itself, or have a tendency to evil. This perhaps is not so much the fault of the members, as a defect of the Confederation—Every State considers its representative in Congress not so much the Legislator of the whole Union, as its own immediate Agent or Ambassador to negociate, & to endevour to create in Congress as great an influence as possible to favor particular views &c. With a Constitution, productive of such dispositions, is it possible that the American ⟨mutilated⟩ can ever rival the Roman Name? The operation of opening the navigation of the Rivers so as to communicate with the Western Waters, is truly noble, and if successful, of which I hope there is not a doubt, it must be followed by the most extensively beneficial consequences, which will encrease in exact proportion to the encrease of the population of the Country. I am pleased that you interest yourself so much in this great Work.
You are so good as to ask whether General Lincoln and myself had an agreable tour to the eastward? and whether the State societies arnt making moves towards obtaining charters? We Went to the eastern Line of this State, and found that the British had made excessive encroachments on our territories. There are three Rivers in the Bay of Passamaquoddy to which the british have within 20 years past with a view to confound the business given the name of St Croix. But the ancient St Croix is the eastern River. The British have settled, and built a considerable Town called St Andrews on the Middle River, which has always sustained among the people in that Country, the Indian name Scudar. The proper St Croix, and the Scudar are only nine miles distant at their mouths—They run into the County about Sixty miles, and they diverge from each other so

much, that athough at their mouths they are only nine miles apart yet at their Sources they are one hundred miles distant from each other. and it is from the source the North Line to the Mountains is to begin. The mountains are distant from the source about 80 or 100 miles—so the difference to this State is one hundred miles square above the heads of the Rivers and the Land between the Rivers, which must be 60 by 50 mile Square. Our Legislature have transmitted the report we made on this business to Congress and the Governor of Nova Scotia—The matter has been involved designedly by the british in such a manner but it can now be settled only by commissioners mutually appointed for that purpose. I have seen a letter from Mr John Adams, dated last October, which mentions that the River meant by the treaty of peace was decidedly the River next to St Johns River westward—And there are plenty of proof that the ancient St Croix was the next to St Johns—I have been particular, in this narration that you may know the precise State of this affair which it is probable will sooner or later occasion much conversation.
As to the Cincinnati, the objections against it are apparently removed—But I beleive none have yet applied for Charters. In this State it is pretty evident from communicating with the members of the Legislature that we should not succeed—Howevever we shall attempt it previous to our next meeting in July.
I pray you my dear Sir, that you carry into execution your determination, that no circumstances of Civility shall restrain you from taking a proper proportion of exercise. Unless you do this, you will soon languish, and every ill conseq[u]ence to your health may be expected to ensue. Your own happiness, and the happiness of your friends depend upon it.
Most of the Stone Lime used in this Town and the neig[h]boreing Seaport Towns, is made at St Georges about 150 miles eastward of this place—before the War it used to be sold here from 20/ to 25/ ⅌ hogshead of an 100 gallons each, the hogshead included—It is always brought to Market in hogsheads and unslacked—This lime is of excellent quality—The lowest price last year was five dollars ⅌ hogshead, and it is supposed that the same sum will be nearly the price the Year ensuing—The price of the frieght to your house, or Alexandria would be uncertain, as much would depend, upon the quantity of loading

the Vessell had, which should take it—I have made enquiry of the most intelligent who say that it might be 2 dollars, or if the Vessell had but little frieght, perhaps one and an half ⅌ hogshead, or perhaps even so low as one dollar—This price of one dollar is given for the frieght from St Georges to this Town.
As the Lime is never sold slaked, but when it gets slaked by accident, and then it is always sold at an inferior price as damaged—and the masons say that it would be unfit for service before it reached you—No Vessell will take the unslaked Lime in Bulk on account of the danger attending it—It must be transported in hogsheads.
I never have heard of the Stone being sold unburnt, but undoubtedly it would be the cheapest method by which you could obtain the Lime as you have hands, and Wood of your own—If it were possible to find a Vessell (which it is not) going from St Georges to Alexandria it would fix the Matter—If we had the stone in this place, we might probably find Vessels going to Alexandria which might take it as ballast free of frieght—But frieght must be paid for it from St Georges here, as all the Vessells come from thence fully loaded with Lumber, wood &c.—I cannot say what this frieght would be, as there are no vessells in during this severe season.
As the Lime Stone is upon an Estate which belonged to Mrs Knox’s family, I should be able to prevail upon the persons who occupy it, to send me the Stone, although contrary to thier general Custom, and to charge it low—In either case whether you would have the Lime burnt or the Stone unburnt I would chearfully undertake to send you the quantity you should require—and embrace the earliest conveyances to forward it—If you should find that you could obtain the Lime or Stone, on better terms here than elsewhere, the sooner you forward your orders to me the better, as it will require some time, to negoiate the matter at St Georges the distance being so great, and passages precarious during the Winter.
After what you have said about writing too much it may appear strange that I should request you to embarrass yourself still more, but I am so circumstanced as to be constrained to make the application, and rely upon your goodness to excuse it—An Intimate freind of mine Mr Swan, a member of our Legislature and a gentleman of large Fortune intends going to

France with his wife to pass a year or two there and in other parts of Europe. He has solicited me that I would request two or three letters from you to Count DEstaing, Count Rochambeau, or whoever you may think proper—I will be responsible, that he will not disgrace your credentials.
Lieut. Seaver and Lieut. Henly two officers who served with perfect reputation in the Massachusetts Line intend going into Foreign Service, the one in the Dutch and the other in the Russian Service. As the basis of their future happiness they request honorary certificates from you. I beg you to grant these for their sakes, & Mr Swans for mine.
Mrs Knox’s—was a daughter, and a fine one it is. Mrs K. joins me in the most affectionate respect to you and Mrs Washington. I am my dear Sir with the utmost sincerity Your obliged & affectionate humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to William Paca, 31 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Paca, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon Jany 31st 1785.

Altho’ I have no doubt but that your Excelly has been, or will be, informed of the Act of the Virginia Assembly respecting the Potomack Navigation from the Governor of the State, yet, as the Act could not be printed at Richmond in time for the use of the Managers, and was brought to Alexandria for that purpose—and as a pressure of other public matters may, possibly, have delayed the official communication, I do myself the honor of inclosing one of the copies wch was struck at the above place; and which only came to my hands in time to be forwarded by this Post.
If it should be the first that reaches you, you will have it in your power to make such use thereof as you shall think proper. If it should follow the official one, I have but to pray that it may be considered as an evidence of my good wishes to the undertaking, and not as an officious interference in the business of the Executive. I have the honor to be Sir Yr most Obedt & Very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 1 February 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 1st Feby 1785.

In a letter of the 14th of Decr from Mr Boudinot (which only came to my hands by the last Post) he informs me that he should send Six bushls of the Orchard grass Seeds to your care, for my use. If this has been done, I pray you not to forego the first opportunity of forwarding it to me, as it ought to be sowed as soon as the ground can be prepared, which I am now getting in order for its reception.

I do not know how to account for it, but so the fact is, that altho’ I am a subscriber to Messrs Dunlaps & Claypoole’s Packet & daily Advertiser, I do not get one paper in five of them—was I to say one in ten, I should be nearer the mark. Once I wrote to Mr Claypoole on this subject, but he never vouchsafed to give me an answer, and since I have been worse served. If I recollect right, this letter was accompanied with one to you requesting payment of my subscription; lest a tardiness in this respect, on my part, might occasion the omissions on his. I now ask the same favor of you, and pray also, that you would be so obligeing as to enquire into, and let me know the cause of my disappointments—which I have regretted the more, since their publication of Cooks voyages; having never been able to get a bound and lettered sett of them.
Be it remembered that, if the fulfilment of these requests of mine, places you in advance for me, it is because I cannot get a Statement of the acct between us, that I may know how the Balle stands. You talked of coming to Virginia, and I assure you I should be very glad to see you—but it seems as if it would end in talk.
I have received a Cask of clover Seeds & a box with a cast (from Mr Wright) unaccompanied by a letter or Invoice. I do not know therefore whether to expect the English grass seeds of which you gave me hopes, or not —We have heard of Mrs Shaws Marriage, on which occasion please to offer her mine, and Mrs Washingtons compliments of congratulation: at the sametime present our best wishes for Mrs Biddle & your family. I am—Dear Sir Yr most obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Be so good as to let the enclosed go safe to Messrs Lewis’s. it is to request them to provide me a good Miller of which I am much in want—and in the doing of which, if you could contribute, it would render me an essential Service. G.W.
Since writing the foregoing, I have recollected a matter of business which I intended when you came here to have asked the favor of you to negotiate for me. I now enclose it, & would thank you for getting it settled, if it can be done, at the proper office in Philadelphia. The endorsements upon the cover of the Papers (which was made at the time they were put into my hands) contain all the light I can throw upon the business. I

pray you to take care of it with the rest of the Papers and let me have it again with whatever settlement is made, or decision is come to; as I have no copy or other Memm by which I can settle an Acct with Gilbert Simpson, or John Johns relative to this matter. I am as above. G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Richards, 1 February 1785
From: Richards, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Honoured Sir
Plymo[uth]. Dock [England] Febry 1st/85

I most humbly presume to take on me the freedom of acquainting your Noble Excellency that Richard Richards of Guynepe parish in the County of Cornwall lately posses’d of Severall plantations in Virginia and died there about 37 years Agone and left a Will in the possesion of your Excellency’s hands Concerning the plantations with fourteen thousand pounds in Cash And by proof the will being produced the whole was left to Edmund Richards being my father and I being call’d Edmund after my Father’s own Name but Richard Richards the Younger Brother of my fathers, after My father’s death posses’d the plantations for Severall Years and died about 18 or 19 Years ago and he being Very Intimately acquainted with your Excellency left the Will in Your Hands with all the

Cash and Lands belonging to Richard Richards As your Excellency offer’d to be a Trustee for the same and whereas your Excellency was pleas’d to appoint Lawyer Haines of Virginia to draw out a Copy of the will and to Send itt to Lawyer Britton of Collumpton To have the Copy advertiz’d in the public papers So as to find out the Nearest Relation and I Edmund Richards hearing of the Same Can with every circumstance of truth prove that Richard Richards Was my Only Uncle Brother to My father Edmund Richards as no Other person can with fidelity and truth prove any other and now With advice from my Lawyer and Severall Responsible Gentlemen As Every thing being Settled Amicably between Great Brittain and the United States of America took this opportunity of Sending to your Excellency To Enquire into every particular Circumstance So as I might have itt from Under Your hand Whatt is my true and lawfull right as Me and no other Can Claim a Just and proper right to it.
And now Sir your Excellency will I hope be Carefully pleas’d to peruse this and youll find that the Whole properly belongs to me And I hope your Excellency on receiving this or Some Short Time After will be so Kind and Obligeing as to Send me the Whole particulars and in So doing youll Ever oblige Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt to Command.

Edmund Richard’s


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 2 February 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 2d Feb. 85.

The Writer of the inclosed letter, in person & character, is entirely unknown to me. I have been at a loss therefore to determine what notice to take of it—at length I concluded to write the answer which is also enclosed; and to request the favor of you to send it to him, or return it to me, as you should just  best from the result of your enquiries; or from your own knowledge of the author, or his Works. If he is a man of decent deportment, & his productions deserving encouragement, I am very willing to lend him any aid he can derive from the proposed dedication, if he conceives a benefit. His letter & proposals you

will please to return me—& Seal the letter to him, if it is forwarded to the address. I am—Dr Sir Yr most obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Otho Holland Williams, 2 February 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Williams, Otho Holland

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 2d Feby 1785.

Your letter of the 24th ulto with eighty three Diplomas came to my hands on Monday last. I have signed and returned them to Colo. Fitzgerald to be forwarded to you.
It would be hard indeed upon Majr Turner & Captn Claypoole not only to give them the trouble of producing the Diplomas, but to saddle them with the expence of it also. Was there no provision made therefor at the General Meeting? Do not the minutes of that meeting devise some mode of payment? I well remember that the matter was agitated, but I forgot what, or whether any conclusion was come to: & I recollect also that I desired Genl Knox when difficulties arose with respect to the business which had been entrusted to Majr L’Enfant to suggest, that the sum which I had proposed to subscribe for the purposes of the Society might be applied to any uses the Meeting

should direct; but what the result of it was, I know not. It was observed at that time, that there was money in the hands of the Treasurer General—but not having the proceedings to refer to, and a bad memory to depend upon—these things appear like dreams to me. With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yr ob: humble Servant

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Sullivan, 3 February 1785
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Exeter in New Hampshire Feby 3d 1785

The state meeting of the Cincinnati in New Hampshire have received and considered the proceedings of the General Meeting held at Philadelphia in May Last[.] when we view the respectable Characters which attended that Meeting and call to mind the repeated proofs they have given of their great abilities and penetration Nothing But the clearest conviction could bring us to believe an Error or an inconsistencey in their proceedings—The Society was Instituted by officers who having Endured Every species of Toil & danger Distress were about to return [to] their respective families many of which were by the Long absence brought to a Degree of poverty and Even those which were before in the most affluent Circumstances considerably reduced—such was the state of our public funds That instead of receiving & carrying home with them the reward of their services or the wages which they had stipulated for to relieve those who had patiently Suffered a Tedious absence they could only present them with Scars & ruined Constitutions—The freedom of their Country being effectually secured They then devised a Method for perp[et]uating that friendship for Each other which had subsisted among them through the Course of a Long & Tedious war supported under the severest

trials & Cemented by their Blood—They considered the Emblems of the society as the most Endeuring tokens of that friendship and wishd that it might be Cherishd among their Children.
The funds were intended to relieve the widows and orphans of their Brethren who had fallen in Defense of their Country & Members of the Society who might become objects of their Charity—If these were the principles upon which the Society was founded what good Reason can be assigned for not Suffering the same marks of mutual friendship to be held in grateful remembrance by their Children  which are allowed of Such high Estimation among the parents.
You will pardon us for observing that by placing the funds in the hands of the respective Legislatures it seems to indicate that Instead of officers reduced in Circumstances by the  want of pay & the common misfortunes of war they had arrived to such a Degree of wealth & affluence That they had Even so great a plenty of Cash that a new & unheard of method must be contrived to take it from them & place in hands which could at pleasure deprive them of it without their having the Least possible controul over it—or voice in Disposing of it—And we flatter ourselves that we cannot be accused of indecencey when we observe that as the Existence of the society is to End with the Lives of the present members the funds must consequently be a gift to the Several Legislatures or if continued by the admission of new members under Charters obtaind as proposed in the Last Meeting the funds will be Lost to the Donors & their posterity & together with those Endeuring Marks of friendship will be Enjoyed by neither the persons who had a right to claim them or by their Desendants—we know the uneasiness which the Institution of this Society created among the people & are at no Loss to conjecture the Occasion but if it was thought necessary to Quiet the minds of people & to Silence the Tongue of Envy, would it not have been done more Effectually by removing the Cause of Complaint—& abolishing the Society at once we are not Tenacious of contending for the power of writing to Each other as Societies though it might be difficult to assign a Reason why Ever[y] member of the united states Every Convention Committee of Safety & the persons Composing a Town Meeting should have a priviledg of Corrisponding with Each

other upon public affairs & the officers of the American Army alone be Deprived of it.
The Establishing a Common fund & reserving Liberty to Dispose of it for Charitable uses has been complained of as Dangerous to the Liberties of this Country. societies of various kinds have often done this without alarming the people & if Joint merchants free masons or the Members of any other society took the Liberty of Disposing of their own money for Charitable purposes the right has never before been called in Question or the Charitable Disposition been Deemed a Crime.
But if pretences Like these are to be regarded or fears so ill founded are to be Quieted we wish the Ax may be Laid to the Root of the Tree & the Society be intirely abolished & Every member take back & Enjoy what he has put in the funds or dispose of it—according to his pleasure.
We became Members of the Cincinnati upon the original plan & cannot conceive ourselves bound by Articles to which we never subscribed and in Case it should become necessary to Establish a new system we shall Individually claim a right to determine for ourselves whether we will become members or whether we will not.


Title: From George Washington to John Beckley, 5 February 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Beckley, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Feby 1785.

Here with you will receive the ingrossed Bill which was forwarded to me by Colo. Grayson for the purpose of getting printed copies taken.
I hope it will get safe to your hands—that I may be satisfied of this, be so good as to inform me thereof.I am Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 5 February 1785 [letter not found]
From: Henry, Patrick
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Patrick Henry, 5 Feb. 1785. On 27 Feb. GW wrote to Henry: “I have had the honor to receive your Excellency’s letter of the 5th.”


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 February 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

My Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Feby 1785.

Not until within these few days have I been favored with your letter of the 18th of Octr introductory of Mr Porter. I beg you to be assured that I shall have pleasure in shewing him every civility in my power while he makes this region the place of his residence—as I shall to any other, to whom you may give letters recommendatory.
A few days ago I received from on board some vessel in the harbor of Alexana—two cheese’s, & a barrel (wrote thereon Major rice) of Cranberries, unaccompanied by a letter, but said to be a present from you. If this be the fact I pray you to accept my thanks for this token of your recollection—or to offer them to Majr Rice, if the barrel came from him.
We have nothing stirring in this quarter worthy of observation, except the passing of two acts by the Assemblies of Virginia & Maryland (exactly similar) for improving & extending the navigation of the river Potomac from tide water, as high up as it shall be found practicable, & communicating it by good roads with the nearest navigable waters to the Westward: which acts in their consequences, may be of great political, as well as commercial advantages: the first to the Confederation, as it may tie the Settlers of the Western Territory to the Atlantic States by interest, which is the only knot that will hold. Whilst those of Virginia & Maryland will be more immediately benefited by the large field it opens for the latter. Books for receiving subscriptions are to be opened at Alexandria & other places the 8th instant, & continue so until the 10th of May; as the navigable part of the business is to be undertaken by a company to be incorporated for the purpose. With great truth & sincerity I am My Dr Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 5 February 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Muse, Battaile

Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Feby 1785.

I have lately received two letters from you, one of the 14th & the other of the 25th of last month.
The Bonds which you have taken from Mr Whiting had better remain in your hands until they are discharg’d. And by the time you propose to be at Belvoir, in April—I will endeavour to prepare a proper rental for you, if it shall be in my power, from the pressure of other matters.
It was always my intention, & ever my expectation, that the Tenants should pay the tax of their own Lotts; but if the Leases neither express nor imply it, I do not suppose there is anything else to compel them—consequently Mr Whiting must be allowed what he has actually paid—look however at his lease, and judge yourself of the fact; as I speak more from my expectation than reallity perhaps, & do not want to enter into an improper litigation of the matter. I am Sir &c.

G: Washington

P.S.—Mrs Washington begs you would get from some of my Tenants, or others 10 or a dozen lbs. of good hackled Flax for her.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Vaughan, 5 February 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Vaughan, Benjamin

Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Feby 1785

I pray you to accept my acknowledgement of your polite letter of 31st of October; & thanks for the flattering expressions of it. These are also due in a very particular manner to Doctr Price, For the honorable mention he has made of the American General, in his excellent observations on the importance of the American revolution—“Addressed to the free and united States of America” which I have seen & read with much pleasure.
Capt. Haskeill in the Ship May arrived at the port of Alexandria a few days since; but the frost which at present interrupts the navagation of the river, has prevented my sending for the Chimney piece; by the number of cases in which it is packed, I greatly fear it is too elegant & costly for my room & Republican stile of living—I regret, exceedingly, that the politeness of your good Father, should have overcome my resolution, & thereby occasion the trouble & difficulty which this business seems to have involved. Nothing could have been more remote from my intention than to give this; & I earnestly, but in vain, entreated Mr Vaughan to countermand the order for its shipment. I have the honor to be Sr, Your most obedt humble Serv.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Vaughan, 5 February 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Vaughan, Samuel

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Feby 1785.

I have the honor to inform you that the Chimney piece is arrived, & by the number of Cases (ten) too elegant & costly by far I fear for my own room, & republican stile of living—tho’ it encreases the sense of my obligation to you for it. The Ship arrived at her Port just as this second frost set in, so that it has not been in my power to send up for these cases by water, & I would not hazard the transportation of them by land, nine miles.
They were accompanied by a very polite letter from your Son Benjamin Vaughan Esqr. of London —to whom under cover with this, I have acknowledged the receipt, with thanks for the favorable expression of it. I hope Mrs Vaughan & your family enjoy good health, to whom with Mrs Washington’s compliments, I pray to be presented in respectful terms. With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yrs &c. &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Josiah Parker, 6 February 1785 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Parker, Josiah

Letter not found: to Josiah Parker, 6 Feb. 1785. On 24–28 Feb. Parker wrote to GW: “I feel myself much honored with your very friendly polite letter of the 6th Ultimo.”


Title: To George Washington from Christopher Chamney, 8 February 1785
From: Chamney, Christopher
To: Washington, George

Sir
Whitehaven [England] February 8th 1785

I have been 26 Years from Virginia Septr last, and for the last 7 Years I have enjoy’d an uninterupted State of good Health owing to Temperance, Exercise, & early going to Rest without Supper.
The Irish are aiming at Independance—they have had no less than 5 Lord Lieutenants in 3 Years vizt
Earl of Carlisle
Duke of Portland
Earl Temple
Lord Northington, & at present the Duke of Rutland a Son of the late Marquis of Granby

Our Sir James Lowther is lately advanc’d to the House of Lords with the pompous Titles of
1. Baron Lowther of Lowther in the County of Westmorland.
2. Baron of the Barony of Kendal in the said County.
3. Baron of d[itt]o Borough in the County of Cumberland.
4. Viscount Lonsdale.
5. Viscount Lowther, &
6. Earl of Lonsdale
Mr John Hudson told me he saw you, & your Son Lund at Alexandria, it gave me great Pleasure to hear ye were well My best Respects to all my surviving old Acquaintance. I should be glad to hear from you yearly by some of our Whitehaven Vessels that load at Alexandria, a Virginia Almanack, & a Gazette will be very acceptable. Wishing you & Your’s many happy Years I am Your most obedt Servant

Christr Chamney


Title: To George Washington from John Filson, 8 February 1785
From: Filson, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Wilmington [Del.] Feby 8th 1785

I herewith send you a book and a Map enfolded, requesting Your Excellency to receive them, and if upon perusal you think them worth Notice, I presume you will favour the following requests with a letter to the Author, Containing a permission to dedicate a Second edition of this Narrative to Your Excellency, to which will be added interresting accounts. About the first of March the printer will begin the work, I request you will honour the publication with Your sentiments respecting the Commercial Circumstances practicable to be effected between the waters of Potowmack and Cheat rivers: This Sir may be of public utility and Certainly more acceptable from you than any other. Your Concern for the public good so gloriously Manifested to the world, and so deeply impressed on the hearts of Your grateful Countrymen will by this favour render the publication more acceptable and beneficial to Mankind. In November

last I Consigned a Number of these books & Maps to Mr John Page at Rosewel desiring him to forward one to you, and a letter importing the substance of this, but probably they are Miscarried. If we are to expect your addition to this work, it is humbly wished for before March, at present Will subscribe Myself Your Excellencies Sincere friend and humble Servt

John Filson

P.S. perhaps a few of these would be acceptable in your part.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 8 February 1785
From: Harrison, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Berkley [Charles City County, Va.]Feby 8th 1785

Your esteem’d favor of the 22d of last month reached me but a few days ago. Letters by post are some time geting to me, owing to the distance I am from the post road.
I was fully aware of the difficulties the compliment made you by the assembly would lay you under, and assure you that the love and friendship I entertain for you, my earnest wishes that you might still support that noble disinterestedness of character that has hitherto mark’d all your steps and actions, and a perfect knowlege of the delicacy of your feelings, gave me a full share of perplexities on the occasion. If you were without enemies, or the eye of melevolence was not intently fixed on all your actions, I should not see the least impropriety in your accepting a present from your greatful country, particularly as every care has been taken in the preamble to the grant, to guard against the most distant appearance of its being a gratuity for the important services you have render’d America, and to fix it to the true objects of the Acts, the great and real advantages that will derive to the country from the extention of its navigation, the parent of which you have been, and to whom alone they owe their existence, or will probably owe their completion. But on the other hand when I view mankind, their

pronen[e]ss to put the worst construction on every action of those of exalted character, and the triumph it will give your enemies, to have an apparent th’o false opportunity to attempt the lessening your reputation, I am at a loss what advice to give, and shall therefore leave the determination to your own far better judgment.
As to your fears of appearing ostentatious by a refusal, I think they are altogether groundless, your countrymen have too high an opinion of your discernment not to acquiesce in your determination but more especially in points where reputation is the stake. Their motives for what they have done were of the purest kind, they saw with concern the sacrafises you had made for their benefit, by a total neglect of your domestic affairs, and they have been earnestly seeking an opportunity to show their gratitude and love for you; they thought one presented itself that was out of the reach of detraction, and therefore embraced it with one voice, and as far as I could see with one mind, and I am certain would sensibly feel any slur cast on your reputation, with these sentiments th’o they will feel unhappy that they cannot be gratified in their wishes, yet they will not take amiss a refusal dictated by motives that have hitherto done you so much honor.
I am happy to find that th’o you have not taken your final resolution with respect to the compliment, that you will still forward the schemes, as the works under your patronage and protection will advance more rapidly than they would otherwise do, and the subscription probably be fill’d, as I fear would not be the case, if advantage is not taken of the ardour of the present moment.
I am extremely oblig’d to my good friends at mount Vernon for their kind inquirey after the health of Mrs Harrison, who is geting better th’o slowly. I have hopes and indeed expect she will mend faster when the weather will permit her to use excercise, which seems to be her only remedy She and the girls join me in the most friendly and affect. compliments to you and the Ladies. I am my dear Sir with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and regard, your most obidient Humble Servant

Benj. Harrison


Title: From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 8 February 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Richard Henry

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Feby 8th 1785

Since my last I have had the honor to receive your favors of the 26th of December, & 16th of January.
I have now the pleasure to inform you, that, the Assemblies of Virginia & Maryland have enacted Laws for improving & extending the Navigation of Potomk of which the inclosed is a copy—They are exactly similar in both States. at the sametime, and at the joint & equal expence of the two Governments, the sum of 6666⅔ dollars are voted for opening, & keeping in repair, a road from the highest practicable navigation of this River, to that of the river Cheat, or Monongahela as Commissioners (who are appointed to Survey & lay out the same) shall judge most convenient, & benificial to the Western Settlers; and have concurred in an application to the State of Pensylvania for permission to open another road from Fort Cumberland to the Yohiogany; at the three forks or Turkey foot. A similar Bill to the one inclosed, is passed by our Assembly, respecting the Navigation of James River; & the Communication between it & the Waters of the Great Kanhawa. And the Executive is Authorized, by a resolve, to appoint Commissioners to examine, & report the most convenient course for a Canal between Elizabeth River & the Waters of Roanoke; with an estimate of the expence; and if the best communication should be f[oun]d to require the concurrence of the State of North Carolina thereto, to make application to the Legislature thereof, accordingly.
Towards the latter part of the year 1783, I was honored with a letter from the Countess of Huntingdon, briefly reciting her benevolent intention of spreading Christianity among the tribes of Indians, inhabiting our Western Territory; & expressing a desire that my advice & assistance might be afforded her, to carry this charitable design into execution. I wrote her Ladyship for answer that, it would by no means comport with the plan of retirement I had promised myself, to take an active or responsible part in this business; and that it was my belief, there would be no other way to effect her pious & benevolent

design, but by first reducing these people to a state of greater civilization; but that I would give every aid in my power consistent with that ease, & tranquillity  I meant to devote the remainder of my life [to,] to facilitate her views—Since this—I have been favored with other letters from her, & a few days ago, under cover from Sir James Jay I received the Papers herewith inclosed.
As the Plan contemplated by Lady Huntingdon, according to the outlines exhibited, is not only unexceptionable in its design and tendency, but has humanity & charity for its object—and may, as I conceive, be made subservient to valuable political purposes, I take the liberty of laying the matter before you, for your free & candid sentiments thereon. The communication I make of this matter to you, Sir, is in a private way; but you are at full liberty to communicate the Plan of Lady Huntingdon to the members individually, or officially to Congress, as the importance, & propriety of the measure may strike you.
My reasons for it are these, 1st I do not believe that any of the States to whom she has written (unless it may be New York) are in circumstances since their cession of territory, to comply with the requisition respecting emigration; for it has been privately hinted to me (& ought not to become a matter of public notariety) that notwithstanding the indefinite expressions of the address, respecting the numbers, or occupations of the emigrants (which was purposely omitted, to avoid giving alarms in England)—the former will be great, & the useful artizans among them, many. 2d because such emigration, if it should accomplish the object in view, besides the humane & charitable purposes which would thereby be answered, would be of immense political consequence: & even if this should not succeed to her Ladyships wishes, it must nevertheless be of considerable importance; from the increase of population by orderly & well disposed characters, who wd at once, form a barrier; & attempt the conversion of the Savages without any expence to the Union.
I see but one objection to a compact, unmixed, & powerful Settlement of this kind (if it should ever become so)—the weight of which you will judge of—it is (and her Ladyship seems to have been aware of it, and endeavors to guard against it) placing a people, in a body, upon our exterior, (contiguous

to Canada) who may bring with them strong prejudices against us, and our forms of Government; and equally strong attachments to the Country & constitution they leave; without the means, being detached & unmixed with Citizens of different sentiments, of having them eradicated.
Her Ladyship has spoken so sensibly, & feelingly on the religeous, & benevolent purposes of the plan, that no language of which I am possessed, can add ought, to enforce her observations: and no place, in my opinion, bids so fair to answer her views, as that spot in Hutchins’s Map Marked Miami Village, & Fort. From hence their is a communication to all parts by water; and at which, in my judgemt, there ought to be a Post.
Do not think it strange, my good Sir, that I send you the original papers from Lady Huntington. Many, mistakingly, think I am retired to ease, & that kind of tranquillity which would grow tiresome, for want of employment. but at no period of my life—not in the eight years I served the public, have I been obliged to write so much myself as I have done since my retirement. was this confined to friendly communications, & to my own business, it would be equally pleasing & trifling; but I have a thousand references of old matters with which I ought not to be troubled, but which nevertheless must receive some answer. These, with applications for certificates, copies of Papers, &ca &ca &ca deprive me of my usual, & necessary exercise—I have tried to get a Secretary, or Clerk to take the drudgery of this business off my hands, but hitherto in vain. That you might not wonder at my parting with original papers, upon an interesting subject, I thought it incumbent on me to assign the reason—but I pray you to be assured that I have no other motive for it.
Please to accept my thanks for the Pamphlet you sent me—and the resolutions respecting the temporary & permanent residence of Congress —If I might be permitted to hazard an opinion of the latter, I would say that, by the time your fœderal buildings on the banks of the Delaware; als in  the point of a triangle (when compared to the Shape, & extent of the Confed[erate]d States) are fit for the reception of Congress it will be found that they are very inconveniently placed, for the Seat of the Empire &c. will have to undergo a Second edition, in one more convenient. If the Union continues and this is not the case

I will agree to be placed amongst the false prophets, & suffer for evil predictions.
The letter which went undr cover of my former, & which arrived too late for the Marqs de la Fayette, I pray you to forward to him by the Packet. With great esteem & regard I have the honr to be Dr Sir Yr Most Hble & Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 9 February 1785
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
Elizabeth Town [N.J.] Febry 9th 1785

This Moment I am honored with your favour of the 26th Janry and am greatly mortified to find, that mine of the latter End of December had not then reached you, altho I delivered it to the post-Master myself.
It ever gave me a peculiar Pleasure to obey your Commands, and to Oblige you in any thing this Country can afford, or to comply with your wishes, in any other way, will add greatly to the felicity, I enjoy from those domestic Blessings you with Mrs Washington so kindly participate in.
As soon as I recieved your favour of Novr I tryed to obtain the quantity of seed you requested, but the Season being past, could get only Six or Seven Bushells, which was immediately

forwarded by the Stage to Coll Biddle, under the Care of our old Friend Coll Gibbs, who happened to be a Passenger, and by the next Post, I advised you of it.
Since which, I have accidentally met with three Bushells and an half more, which I shall also immediately forward by the same Conveyance to Coll Biddle —The reason of my preferring the Stage, arises from the incertainty of a Passage from New York, the danger of its being lost in the City, and the importance of your not being disappointed in having it early in the Season.
I have had another Conversation with a very experienced Farmer, on the manner of sowing it—He informs me that the Soil should be good, moderately dry and in good tilth—The Quantity of Seed, must be proportioned to the goodness of the Soil—the better the Ground, the greater the quantity of Seed—He has known in very high cultured Grounds, two Bushells used for one Acre, and he thinks it, the cheapest in the End—In good Land, he has generally used from one, to one & an half Bushell ⅌ Acre—The more seed the finer the Grass. The earlier it is sown the better; provided you can harrow it, with some light Body, as a Thorn Bush or some other thick Bush, as it then covers the Ground well, before the Heats of Summer—To make Hay of it, you must cut it young when in full bloom.
It will give me great Satisfaction to hear, that both Parcells have got safe to hand, and answer your Expectation.
Mrs Boudinot enjoys a very good state of Health, as does Mrs Bradford in the City —Mrs B. feels herself greatly indebted to Mrs Washington for her kind remembrance—She joins me in the most cordial wishes, for every Blessing of the Season to attend you both. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect My dear Sir Your most obedt & very Hble Servt

Elias Boudinot


Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 9 February 1785
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Versailles february the 9th 1785

After a pretty tedious passage of thirty days we Have Safely Arrived at Brest, from whence I Came to paris through Rennes, where the States of Britanny were Assembled, and where their kindness to me Made it Necessary for me to Stop one day—My family, wife, children, and friends I found in perfect Health—the politics of Europe are not in a tranquil Condition, and from their situation a dreadfull war may Break out—What I Could Collect I Have writen to Mr jay, and inclose a Copy of my letter —prince de Condi, and Marechal de Broglio are spoken of to Command the two Armies—Where I would Serve, I Had not yet time to Arrange—But it will not Be with my dear General, and Every thing is so short of that Happiness, that Nothing, when Compared to it, Can possibly please me—However, notwistanding all preparations, I still am of opinion matters will Be Compromised and, at least for this Year, I Hope no war will Be Necessary—the propriety of my not Arriving later than Now is very obvious—irish disputes are But little Spoken of, But may Revive with their Congress and their Reviews—England will

take no part in the war, at least in the Begining—I Have obeyed your orders, my dear General, and Besides those you told me, I Have presented your Compliments to every Acquaintance of yours—in a few days I Hope for a letter from you—now, my dear General, that I Had once more Got Used to the Happiness of Being with, or at Least Near You, A punctual Correspondance, at least, is more than ever Necessary to my Heart—should a packet Come without a letter from you, I would indeed feel very unHappy—this letter will Be But short, not so much on Account of my late Arrival than Because I did not think the third tuesday was on the 15th—for the Same Reason my little girl will Be deprived of the Honour of Answering Her Sweet Correspondant untill next packet—those two letters Have almost turned Her Head —Mde de Lafayette Requests Her most affectionate Compliments to you, and Mrs Washington. The Chevalier joins with me in Assurances of Respect to Her, to your Excellency, and we Beg to Be Remembered to the Young ones, and Mrs Stuard—My Compliments to the doctor and Mr lund W. Give me leave once more to Recommend two things to you—Riding now and then—and getting a Secretary—Adieu, Adieu, My dear General, Every Sentiment that love, Gratitude, Regard Can inspire, Every filial, friendly feelings, shall for ever Combine to put me at the Head of all those who ever loved a father and friend as Your affectionate and Humble Servant

Lafayette


Title: To George Washington from John Rumney, Jr., 9 February 1785
From: Rumney, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
W[hi]t[e]haven [England] 9th Feby 1785

In Compliance with your request to me when in America I have made every Enquiry relating to the Flags that I could, I have sent you three Patterns in a Box, viz. one of black Stone or Marble from the Isle of Man which comes at 13d. ⅌ Flag deliv’d in Douglass, the Freight from thence to this Place will be but

trifeling, & whatever you pitch upon to have sent out, we shall be as reasonable as possible in the freight out from here. The next is a white Flag from this Neighbourhood, with Veins in it, the Person which furnishes that will not do it under 9d. ⅌ Flag, the other is a white Flag pretty hard & I think of a better Quality than the other, got in this Neighbourhood, which may be got for 7½ or 8d. I have been disappointed in getting some from Ireland, which I expect every Tide, I shall send them by a Vessel we have going to Alexa. in abt 6 Weeks. I have inclos’d you a Plan I got from Ireland with Directions for laying the Flags for your Perusal, also one from the Person that furnishes the Vein’d Flag. I have made every Enquiry I could for a Joiner & Bricklayer, but have only succeeded in the former who I now send out in the Cæsar Ct. Atkinson, he is a very sober industrious Young Man & a complat Worker. I got him on the best Terms I could as you will see by the inclos’d Indenture. We have advanc’d him as under, which you will please stop out of his first Years Wages by Agreement, & at any Convenient Opportunity may pay said Sum into our Store in Alexandria to Mr Sanderson. On your writing to me upon fixing which Flag you will have, I shall give the Orders to have them provided. I am with Compts to Mrs Washington, with the greatest Esteem, Sr Yr mo. obt Servt

John Rumney

                  Advanced Mathew Baldridge
                  £ 6. 6.0

                  his passage to Alexandria
                  5. 5.

                  two Agreements on Stamps
                  1. 8.3

                  pd Mr Younger
                  £12.19.3