Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 4 December 1791
From: Spotswood, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Nottingham Virginia December 4. 1791

My Second Son, John Augustine Spotswood, who I declined entering into the French Navy, for good & Substantial reasons given by you, was immediatly entered on board of a large Merchant ship; and next april, Compleets his regular Service, From a Cabbin Boy up to mate, In which Character he is now officiating in.
I have expended much money on his Nautical Education, and great pains has been Taken, by those gentlemen, both in this Country, and Europe, whom he; by my directions, put himself under, So soon as his ship had dis-charged her Cargo, and it is with pleasure that I assure you, that all the Nautical men who are acquainted with him, assure me he is a Compleets Seaman & Navigator. he is now in London, under that great Teacher of Mathematicks, and Navigation, (Mr John Hambleton Moore) On his return which will be in March 1792, he means to push his fortune to the Indies, in Some of the american Indiamen, and to remain in that service until he has an opportunity, of offering his Service to his Country; as a naval officer. he wishes for a chief Mates Birthe, if that Cannot be obtained he must put up with 2d or 3d. I, being a Total Stranger, to the owners, & Captains of ships in this line, I have no resource to fly to, in favr of my son, but yourself, and I will Venture to assure you; that from my knowledge of Jack—and from the amiable Character which he bears, you never will have cause to repent any favours you may please to Confer on him, and he bid me assure you, that he wishes for no post whatever, without he Shall be found to merrit it, after goeing through a rigid Examination, Touching his abilities as a Natucal man.
I do assure you on my honour, that he is not ⟨illegible⟩ brought a gentleman sailor, but has Served regular, gone through great hardships, and has worked as hard as any corn field Negroe. I have heard much in favour of a Capt. Truxton, who is to Sail next year in a new Indiaman called the Deleware, with this gentleman I wish to get him.

I would not on any other Occasion have presumed, to Take any of yr time, from the waty bussiness which your mind is Burthened withe, but when I considder, it is in the behalf of a young man, who wishes to push himself forward in life, and one who has the honr of being Connected with you, I flatter myself you will not only readily excuse this intrusion, but will do all in yr power to Serve my Son which will add to the many Obligations already Confered on Yr obtt & very Hl. St

A. Spotswood


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 December 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
War-Department [Philadelphia] December 5th 1791.

I have the honor to submit a letter received from the late governor of Virginia dated the 24th ultimo together with certain

resolutions of the council of said State, passed on the 17th ultimo.
I also submit the draft of an answer to the said letter. And the draft of a letter to Mr Seagrove. I have the honor to be Sir, with the greatest respect, Your most obedt Servt

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to Arthur Young, 5 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Young, Arthur

Sir,
Philadelphia Decr 5th 1791.

In a letter which I addressed to you on the 15th of August, acknowledging the receipt of your favor dated the 25th of January preceeding, I promised to answer the queries contained in it, in detail.
Accordingly, I took measures for that purpose, by writing to some of the most intelligent Farmers in the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland & Virginia; as you will perceive by the circular letter herewith enclosed: and have obtained the answers from the three last mentioned States that are thereunto annexed. I did not extend my enquiries to the Northward of New York, nor to the Southward of Virginia; because in neither extremity of the Union, in my opinion, is the climate, Soil, or other circumstances well adapted to the pursuits of a mere Farmer, or congenial to the growth of the smaller Grains.
I have delayed the information I am about to give you, in expectation

of receiving answers which have been promised me from the States of New York & New Jersey; but as they are not yet arrived, and a Vessel is on the point of Sailing for London, I shall put this Packet under cover to Joshua Johnson Esqr. our Consul at that Port; with a request to him, that it may be forwarded to you, by a safe conveyance. The others shall follow as opportunities may present; it being my wish to give you a comprehensive view of the different parts of this Country: although I have no hesitation in giving it at the sametime as my opinion, if I had a new establishment to make in it, that it would be, under the knowledge I entertain of it at present (and I have visited all parts from New Hampshire to Georgia inclusively) in one of the three States of which you are furnished with particular Accounts. New York & New Jersey do not differ much in Soil, or Climate, from the Northern parts of Pennsylvania. Both are pleasant, and both are well improved, particularly the first. But the Country beyond these, to the Eastward, (and the farther you advance that way it is still more so) is unfriendly to Wheat, which is subject to a blight or milldew, and of late years, to a fly, which has almost discouraged the growth of it. The lands, however, in the New England States are strong, and productive of other Crops; are well improved; populously seated; and as pleasant as it can be in a Country fast locked in Snow sevl months in the year.
To the Southward of Virginia the climate is not well adapted to Wheat; and less & less so as you penetrate the warmer latitudes; nor is the Country so thickly settled, or well cultivated. In a word, as I have already intimated, was I to commence my career of life a new, I shd not seek a residence north of Pennsylvania, or South of Virginia: nor, [(]but this I desire may be received with great caution, for I may, without knowing I am so, be biassed in favor of the River on which I live) should I go more than 25 miles from the margin of the Potowmac—in less than half that distance, in some places, I might seat myself either in Pennsylvania, Maryland or Virginia, as local circumstances might prompt me.
Having said thus much, some of the reasons which lead to this opinion, may be expected in support of it.
Potowmac River then, is the centre of the Union. It is between the extremes of heat & cold. It is not so far to the south as to be unfriendly to grass, nor so far north as to have the produce of

the Summer consumed in the length, & severity of the Winter. It waters that soil, and runs in that climate, which is most congenial to English grains, and most agreeable to the Cultivators of them. It is the River, more than any other, in my opinion, which must, in the natural progress of things, connect by its inland navigation (now nearly compleated 190 measured miles up to Fort Cumberland, at the expence of £50,000 Sterlg raised by private subscription) the Atlantic States with the vast region which is populating (beyond all conception) to the Westward of it. It is designated by law for the seat of the Empire; and must, from its extensive course through a rich & populous country become, in time, the grand Emporium of North America.
To these reasons may be added, that, the lands within, and surrounding the district of Columbia are as high, as dry, & as healthy as any in the United States; and that those above them, in the Counties of Berkeley in Virginia, Washington in Maryland, & Franklin in Pennsylvania (adjoining each other) at the distance of from Sixty to 100 miles from Columbia, are inferior in their natural state to none in America.
The general Map of North America, which is herewith enclosed, will shew the situation of this district of the United States. And on Evans[’]s Map of the Middle Colonies, which is on a larger scale, I have marked the district of Columbia with double red lines; and the Counties adjacent to, and above it, of which particular mention has been made, with single red lines. The last mentioned Map shews the proximity of the Potowmac (which is laid down from actual Survey) to the Western Waters, and it is worthy of observation, that the Shenandore, in an extent of 150 miles from its confluence, through the richest tract of land in the State of Virginia, may (as is supposed) be made navigable for less than £2,000. The South branch of Potowmac (100 miles higher up, and) for a hundred miles of its extent, may be made navigable for a much less sum. And the intermediate waters on the Virginia side, in that proportion, according to their magnitude. On the Maryland side (the river Potowmac to the head of the North branch being the boundary between the two States) the Monocasy and Conogocheag are capable of improvement to a degree which will be convenient & benificial to the Inhabitants of that State, and to parts of Pennsylvania.
The local, or State taxes, are enumerated in the answers to the

circular letter; and these from the nature of the Government, will probably decrease. The taxes of the General Government will be found in the Revenue laws, which are contained in the volume that accompanies this letter. “The Pennsylvania Mercury, and Philadelphia Price current” is sent that you may see what is, & has been, the prices of the several enumerated Articles which have been bought, & sold in this market at different periods, within the last twelve months.
An English farmer must entertain a contemptible opinion of our husbandry, or a horrid idea of our lands, when he shall be informed that not more than 8 or 10 bushels of Wheat is the yield of an Acre; but this low produce may be ascribed, and principally too, to a cause which I do not find touched by either of the Gentlemen whose letters are sent to you—namely—that the aim of the farmers in this Country (if they can be called farmers) is not to make the most they can from the land, which is, or has been cheap, but the most of the labour, which is dear, the consequence of which has been, much ground has been scratched over & none cultivated or improved as it ought to have been; Whereas a farmer in England, where land is dear and labour cheap, finds it his interest to improve & cultivate highly, that he may reap large crops from a small quantity of ground. That the last is the true, and the first an erroneous policy, I will readily grant, but it requires time to conquer bad habits, and hardly any thing short of necessity is able to accomplish it. That necessity is approaching by pretty rapid strides.
If from these communications you shall derive information or amusement, it will be but a small return for the favors I have received from you; and I shall feel happy in having had it in my power to render them. As they result from your letter of the 25th of January, and are intended for your private satisfaction it is not my wish that they should be promulgated as coming from me. With very great esteem I am Sir Your most Obedient and Very Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Isaac Heard, 7 December 1791
From: Heard, Isaac
To: Washington, George

College of Arms London 7 Decr 1791.

From a sincere Respect for the distinguished Character of Your Excellency, I made genealogical Collections, many years ago, relative to the Family of Washington, originally, from Lancashire; Branches of which were established in the Counties of Northampton, Kent and Wilts, enjoying ample Possessions; Several of the Family had been Knighted in the early-part of the last Century. Exclusive of the Heralds Visitations & various Registers & M.S.S. preserved among the Archives of this College, I procured Extracts from several Parochial Registers & Copies of Monumental Inscriptions in different Parts of this Kingdom: I likewise obtained Lists of, & inspected the Wills & Administrations of many of the Name from the Reign of Queen Elizabeth to the present Time; in the hope of proving the exact Connection of Your Branch, tho’ this is not fully accomplished yet if Your Excellency will have the Goodness to complete the imperfect Sketch of your own Pedigree here inclosed, & make such Additions as may be in Your Power I have no doubt but the Connecting Link will be clearly supplied.
Your Excellency will observe, that I have obtained a part of your own Pedigree from the Will of Laurence Washington of Washington in Virginia dated 11 March 1696/7 & was proved in London 10 Decr 1700, an Abstract of which is inclosed, as well as Abstracts of two Administrations.
The Family Arms, of which a small Painting accompanies this, were confirmed in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth by Clarenceu King of Arms to Laurence Washington Esq. Lord of the Manor of Soulgrave in Northamptonshire.
I should have transmitted by this Occasion the antient Part of the Pedigree of Washington including the different Branches, but I should feel a particular Gratification if Your Excellency will

condescend to enable me previously to complete my Collection by shewing the Descent of your Line & thereby enable me to present the whole to your Excellency in one View. I have requested Mr Thornton to lay this before Your Excellency & to receive the Honour of any Commands your Excellency may be pleased to confer on Your Excellency’s most respectful & most obedient, humble Servant

Isaac Heard, Garter
College of Arms London 7 Decr 1791

P.S: I must intreat your Excellency’s indulgence for the necessity of an Amanuensis of my Letter, and, also, for adding, that having made two visits from Europe to North-America in the early part of life—that I was at Boston in 1755 when the Intelligence of the unfortunate affair near Fort du Quesne arrived, and your distinguished Services on that Occasion—that having experienced while in America from various respectable families the most kind & hospitable reception, and that having also married a Niece of Sir William Pepperrell the first Baronet, are Circumstances which have constantly excited my anxious Attention to the Scenes of that country & fervent wishes for the welfare of many families with which I had the happiness to be acquainted Your Excellency’s most respectful

I. Heard G


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 7 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry

Sir,
Philadelphia Dec. 7. 1791.

I have received your letter of Nov. 18. covering a resolution of the legislature of Virginia of Nov. 14. and a Memorial of sundry citizens of that commonwealth on the subject of their property carried away by the British, contrary, as they suppose, to the stipulations of the treaty of peace. a regular channel of

communication with that government being now open, I shall not fail to pay due attention to this subject. I have the honor to be with due consideration Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt St


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 7 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia Decr 7th 1791.

At the sametime that I address the letter which accompanies this to you, officially, permit me to offer my sincere congratulations on your Appointment to the Government of Virginia, and to add my best wishes for the prosperous Administration of the important Office which you now fill, as well as for your personal happiness.
An anxiety to do well, which is inseperable from high Offices, generally increases with the importance of the trust committed to our charge—and to that drawback you must lay your Account. But that you may experience as few troubles and difficulties as the nature of your situation will permit, is the sincere wish of Dear Sir Your Affecte & Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Pierre L’Enfant, 7 December 1791
From: L’Enfant, Pierre Charles
To: Washington, George

sir,
George town [Md.] december 7th 1791.

ten day absense from this place prevented me from receiving the Honor of your letter, of the 28th of November, until last Evening I returned from a journey to richemond & to acquia were I had been called to close a bargen for a quarrie ground I have made the purchase of for the publick. I beg this may appologise for my not having answered you as immediatly as I should have done had it come sooner to my hand & for juging from the content of your letter that a second from me had not come to your hand when you answered that of Mr Carroll of duddington I regret the circumstance and wish I might have Explained to you the reasons which determined me to proceed as rapidly as I have done to the demolishing of that House—since I feard that it being destroyed will in some respect oppose your paternal goodness—wortless as is the Individual, who claimed a relief against his own Foly, to benefit from it—& hard as it would be to my feeling to see—his & the aim of his prompter succeed were it in my power I would redress the matter conformably to your wish. under Inpossibility of doing this my regret is tempered from a trust that you are sufficiently satisfied I proceeded from principle consistent with the first Steps I had taken & that I deed not determined to those steps without having Considered.
what I have done on this occasion above all other which merited me your sanction has been both Expedient & proper—Expedient because a necessity being that this House being removed making a Short business of the matter was the only mode of Insuring its removal which Every Candid uninterested juge & Every person who may have observed the moderation of my Conduct throught from the begining of this affair will allow to have been Effected with more attention to the Interest of the man Concerned than his own proceeding in rising that House in oposition to the progress of the plan About Executing and in Contempt to the advice and of the Hutority under which they were given, Could Intitle him to. The measure I say was also

proper because the circumstance of that House being absolutly different from that of any other the local of which would be necessary to have first Investigated by the Commissionaire for them to repaid the valu thereof in Case it should be necessary to have the said pulled down there was no more necessity for applaying to them than there is to call for their Sanction before pulling down a tree this House as I observed before having grown like a bush in the way of the people clearing the ground—& that the preserving of it or proceeding with that caution & Sloness which would have followed from an Interference on the part of the Commissionaire it would have afforded a dangerous precedent to other to Contest Every steps of the people Employed in laying of the City & whose progress has already been to materially Slakened in Consequence of that Strict attention which has been paid in preserving as much as it were admissible all convenience to the Individuals proprietor all of whom—Except the Few Connected with Mr Carroll of duddington have Evidenced their Satisfaction of the justice of my Conduct more generous than is that of all the few Complaignant on the occasion.
more over sir—Had the case been of that nature as would have required the sanction of the Commissionaire should have been first obtained—there was no board of them to whom I Could Consistently bring the matter to a Fair Investigation—dr Stewart & Mr Daniel Carroll could it will be said be easily called together. but I most in justification for my not having Communicated the matter to these gentlemen as not have taken up the Consideration of the matter Consistently for the board Consisting then only of tow—Mr Stuart & Mr Carroll—Mr Carroll could not act as a commissionaire at that business because on a former occasion when a foresight of the Circumstance in which the House in question has finally been found to stand Induced me to Intimate my Idea on the propriety of the measure, I have pursued—of clearing away that House without giving to the proceeding that shap of Importance which the people Interested wished it Should assume—Mr Carroll had Made a positive declaration that if that affaire was refered to the board he would not then act as a commissionaire, but would appear as a parti in favour of Mr Carroll of duddington.
Not wishing to gave room to belive I mean to anquire in the

propriety of Mr Carroll declaration and without questioning wether it is consistent with the Duty of a publick officer to pass from that duty alternatly to that of a parti against the publick—I Shall only observe that it has been with much surprise that on my returning to this place yesterday I was Informed that the proceeding of the tow Commissionaire Encouraging Mr Carroll of duddington to pursu with vindication the first foolish measure he had taken.
having hastened my return to meet all the adversary waiting for me—a respect to the law as well as a confidence in the goodness of my cause has led me to this determination of submitting to the sherief who has been three day waiting for me—to this moment nowhere I have niether see him nor Mr Carroll—altho’ determined to end the business as shortly as possible I have availed of the Maner in which what had been left standing at his House, after the hand were ordered from it, which concuring to gether with my just motive of resseulement in determining me to compleat the destruction contrary to what I perceive you demand of me for redress & whom is to juge of differents—Investigate the validity of claims—adjust account—forme contracts & provide all necessaries. thus far thier power & duty ought to Extand & being thus determined all what is more relate to the Execution & is necessary to be united in the Hotority of one head directing the work & who to be answerable for the propriety of that work must have the sole gouvernement of all the Employed—must be at liberty to appoint & remove them & more over at liberty also to proceed according to his jugement of matter without Inderence from the Commissionaire whose Interference in no Instances, Even so apparently trivial, will at best slaken the progress of operation & ought not to be admitted unless in case of an appeal to them from Individuals contending a process of operation Encroaching on thier right—or in any other cases when the director may become liable to be called to account for his trepass or that of his Employed.
The Interference of commissionairs in such case is proper and in such only admissible & tho’ I hop[e] if the continuance of my services is desired the propriety of my conduct will gave them but litle occasion for Exersising that power I wish it is left to them—were in the few Instances when I contended with the Commissionaire if so may be say of debating of opinion with

them as Individuals if matter had been well Investigated & Every previous circumstance considered & Every particular issulg reply recorded in none of these Instance you would have suspected me of to much presipitation & you would not apprehend any serrious consequence from what has latly happened nor fear the business of mr Carroll of duddington may give any attorney because you will observe In this late Instance my conduct has been consistant with the conception I formed of the Extant of the power of commissionair as before Considere &c.


Title: Tobias Lear to Elbridge Gerry, 8 December 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Gerry, Elbridge

  Philadelphia, 8 Dec. 1791. Having received “the Pears and the curious fluted Cymbling which Mr. Gerry has been so good as to send them,” the president and Mrs. Washington “beg his acceptance of their best thanks for this mark of polite attention.”


Title: To George Washington from Robert Bourne, 9 December 1791
From: Bourne, Robert
To: Washington, George

Much Respected Sir
1791 London 09th December

A Church is Requir’d to be Built in London—to be Call’d the American Church—The appointments with you with Great Respect I remain

Robert Bourne


Title: To George Washington from Hannah Stephens, 9 December 1791
From: Stephens, Hannah
To: Washington, George

Concord [Mass.] December 9th 1791

To the President, Senate, and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled—
The memorial of Hannah Stephens of Concord in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, wife of Isaac Stephens now a prisoner in Algiers: Humbly sheweth that her husband sailed from the Port of Boston in said Commonwealth on the twenty fourth day of June Anno Domini 1785, in the Schooner Nancy of which he was Commander bound to Cadiz, and was taken on the twenty fourth day of July in the same Year by the Algerines, and has ever since remained a prisoner among them, deprived of his liberty & of every mean of providing for himself, his wife or Children, said Stephens left three children the eldest of which is a daughter fourteen years old, sickly and not able to support herself, and the other two still remain a great expense to their mother. Said Stephens several years previous to his last sailing from Boston, bought a house and small piece of Land in said Concord for his wife and family, that they might have a certain home, whilst he pursued the Business of a Mariner, and paid part of the purchase money; but by means of his great misfortune in being made a prisoner, he has been unable to complete the purchase, and the money that has been paid is lost by reason of the failure of the payment of the Remainder: therefore your Memorialist has been turned out of Doors, and driven to the cruel necessity of doing the lowest duties of a Servant to prevent herself, and her helpless children from suffering

hunger, and nakedness. The Sufferings of your Memorialist and of her Children become insupportable when added to the Distress she feels for her husband, who is continually representing by his Letters his melancholy situation, and praying for the interposition of the United States in his behalf. Your Memorialist in this her destitute and forsaken Condition, humbly begs the interposition of the United States for her husband, that they would devise some way by which he may be freed from his present state of Captivity, that she and her helpless children may once more enjoy the great pleasure of seeing their long lost friend, at liberty and in his native land—Your Memorialist is likewise under the necessity of entreating, and she now does in the most humble manner, entreat that the Legislature of the United States would also take her necessitous Circumstances into their wise Consideration, and make some provision for the subsistence of herself and her Children, in order that she may have some Alleviation of her accumulated Load of human Woe—as in Duty bound shall ever pray

Hannah Stephens


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Dec. 11. 1791.

I have given you the trouble of more reading on the subject of Major Lenfant’s letter, than you perhaps intended. I have done it from an apprehension that your mind might not be thoroughly satisfied whether he was not equally justifiable in the demolition of mister Carrol’s house, as in the demolition of trees & other obstacles, which he urges in his own justification. the truth is that without orders he was justifiable in neither: and he certainly never had orders to pull down houses. I am with the most perfect respect & attachment Sir Your most obedt & most humble servt

Th: Jefferson


Title: Memorandum of Thomas Jefferson, 12 December 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Dec. 12. 1791.

The discussions which are opening between mister Hammond & our government, have as yet looked towards no objects but those which depend on the treaty of peace. there are however other matters to be arranged between the two governments, some of which do not rest on that treaty. the following is a statement of the whole of them.
1. The Western posts.
2. the Negroes carried away.
3. the debt of their bank to Maryland, & perhaps to Rho. island.
4. goods taken from the inhabitants of Boston, while the town was in their possession & compensation promised.
5. prizes taken after the dates at which hostilities were to cease.
6. subsistence of prisoners.
7. the Eastern boundary.

Which of these shall be taken into the present discussion?
Which of them shall be left to arrangement through the ordinary channels of our ministers, in order to avoid embarrassing the more important points with matter of less consequence? On the subject of Commerce, shall mister Hammond be desired to produce his powers to treat, as is usual, before conferences are held on that subject?

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from William Lewis, 12 December 1791
From: Lewis, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Decemr 12th 1791

I must beg that you will excuse the liberty which I take, in troubling you with the following representation in behalf of William Jones now Confined in the Jail of the County of Philadelphia. He was a Mariner belonging to the Brigantine Andrew, and was at the last District Court for the Pennsylvania District, Convicted of an assault and Battery on his Commander Captain William Young. His former good Conduct for a considerable length of time, his low Circumstances in life, and the helpless situation of his Wife, with one or two children, induced the Court to impose on him as mild a Punishment as a Sence of propriety would admit of, and yet the aggravating Circumstances attending his Conduct on that Occasion, to which he appeared to have been led by intoxication, were such, as to call for exemplary Punishment.
I at first thought of Sentencing him to suffer one months

imprisonment, but instead thereof, imposed on him a fine of thirty dollars. This, it seems he is unable to pay, as he has suffered more than a months imprisonment without doing it.
I am therefore induced, from these Considerations, and some others, to recommend him Sir, to your clemency, as, after what he has already suffered, a proper object of mercy. I have the Honor to be, with the most perfect regard, Your Mo: obedt & very hble Serv’t

Wm Lewis


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 12 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

[Philadelphia, 12 December 1791]
Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.

It is with great concern that I communicate to you the information received from Major General St Clair of the misfortune which has befallen the troops under his command.
Although the national loss is considerable according to the scale of the event, yet it may be repaired without great difficulty, excepting as to the brave men who have fallen on the occasion, and who are a subject of public as well as private regret.
A further communication will shortly be made of all such matters as shall be necessary to enable the Legislature to judge of the future measures which it may be proper to pursue.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Gath, 13 December 1791
From: Gath, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Great Sir
New york 13th Decr 1791

Give me leave to offer you ray sentiments, or oppinion, what wou’d be the most reasonable, and prudent method to settle a lasting Covenant, or treaty of peace, with the Indians in the westren County—From what little I have read in my youth, I remember

great crueltys practised by the Spanard Commanders in Maxico and Perew, and something has been practised Similer, in this here country called north America, by the European Nation⟨s⟩.
From this plain truths, (Great Sir) I wou’d advise you & both houses of Congress, to give the poor Soldiars better wages, send them under Brave & good officers to the west Country, let them begin to build a Strong Wall, about 10 or 15 hundred english miles, betwen them & us white People, at the same time call a convention of the Chiefs of both parties, exchang pledges of honour, exchange the manufactors of this Country, and europe with them for Peltry &c.—&c. I cou’d write much on this Subject, but my time will not admit. I hope you wil⟨l⟩ Pardon the liberty I take, & believe me to be great Sir—your most respectfull mo. obedt Humble Servant

Samuel Gath


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 13 December 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

  Philadelphia, 13 Dec. 1791. “Mr Kirkland seems desirous that the President . . . should peruse his plan relatively to the Oneida indians, and I therefore send it accordingly.”


Title: From George Washington to Pierre L’ Enfant, 13 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: L’Enfant, Pierre Charles

Sir
Philadelphia Decr 13th 1791

I have received your letter of the 7th instant, and can only once more, and now for all, inform you that every matter and thing which has relation to the Federal district, and the City

within it, is committed to the Commissioners appointed agreeably to the “Act for establishing the temporary and permanent Seat of the Government of the United States” that it is from them you are to derive your powers—and the line of demarcation for your government is to be drawn by them.
You may remember, Sir, that the first official notice you had of the business in which you are now engaged, was from one of these Commissioners—namely—Mr Carroll; and that a supposed impropriety in his acting whilst a member of Congress, occasioned a suspencion and until a renewal of his Commission after his term of Service in that body had expired. Had it not been for this circumstance all the directions you would have receiv’d on your way to George town would have been from him. All you have received since ought to have been from them.
This is the reason why I have said to you in a former letter, that the “Commissioners stand between you and the President of the United States” they being the persons from whom alone you are to receive your directions.
Were it necessary, I would again give it to you as my opinion that the Commissioners have every disposition that can be desired to listen to your Suggestions—to adopt your plans—and to support your authority for carrying the latter into effect as far as it shall appear reasonable, just & prudent to them, & consistent with the Powers under which they act themselves. But having said this in more instances than one it is rather painful to reiterate it. With esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Your Very Hble Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. Since writing the foregoing letter Yours of the 10th is come to hand. As you are well acquainted with my, as well as the earnest wishes of the Commissioners to have the work forwarded with all the dispatch the nature of it will admit, I persuade myself that nothing will be wanting on your part, or the part of Mr Ellicot to hasten the execution.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 13 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.
United States [Philadelphia] December the 13th 1791.

I place before you the plan of a City that has been laid out within the District of ten miles square, which was fixed upon for the permanent seat of the Government of the United States.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 14 December 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Dec. 14. 1791.

Th: Jefferson has the honour to submit to the President a letter from Mr de Viar, with the answer he has prepared to it, and a letter in consequence for Colo. Humphreys.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 14 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Phila. Decr 14th 1791

I am very glad to find that matters, after all that has happened, stand so well between the Comrs and Majr L’Enfant. I am sorry, however, to hear that the work is not in a more progressive State.
Yesterday afternoon I wrote a letter, of which the enclosed is the copy to Majr L’Enfant. and receivg his of the 10th added the Postscript thereto. I hope the two will have a good effect. I am always with great regd Yr Affectionate

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 14 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia, Dec. 14th 1791.

Unfortunate and melancholy as the event is, which has given rise to your communication of the  instant, I sincerely thank you for it.
Since the receipt of your letter official account of the defeat is come to hand, and is herewith enclosed. As the whole of it went to Congress, it was thought best to expunge no part of that which should be given to the public; otherwise the throwing away of Arms, and some other things would have been with-held. With sincere regard and affection, I am always Yours,

Go: Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 December 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Philadelphia] Decr 15. [1791]

I will instantly see the person you mention. I enclose a paper by which, and other information, it will appear that some creeks, whom I apprehend to be Bowles party will be here immediately. I am most respectfully Your humble Servant

H.Knox


Title: To George Washington from Robert McCulloch, 15 December 1791
From: McCulloch, Robert
To: Washington, George

May it Please Your Excellency
Decr 15 1791

I beg leave to State the distressed Circumstances of an Old Soldier.
  At the Battle (or Surprize) at the Peola I recd Two Wounds with the Bayonet, At the Battle of Germentown I recd a Wound in my left leg, by a Musket Ball, which was afterwards Cut out by the Doctrs—At Chemung, in Genl Sullivans Expidi[ti]on agains the Indians, I recd a bad wound in my left Arm by a Rifle or Musket Ball—at the Close of the War, I marched from S. Carolinia in a Weak & Sickly State with a detachment under the Command of Capt. Lusk, and was left in Little york in a weak & Sickly State of Body—And after recovering my health I knew not where to Apply for either my final settlements, or Bounty Lands and being informed they were of But Little Value I set to Labour for a livelihood—Married a Wife by whome I have Five Small Children, the Youngest of which I had Christened; Washington, I should in all probability, (disabled with wounds as I am) endeavoured for a Support for myself, without even calling on the Public for what is Justly my due for my Services as a Soldier—Had it not have been for the distress I have lately met with, by my House & all my little property being consumed by fire, not having saved even our wearing Cloaths—I Served first in Col. Hartleys Regt then in Col. Hubley’s and to the Southard in the first Pennsa Regt—If your Excellency would be pleased to extend your Charity to enable me to get a few Cloaths to keep my family from Suffering, thro the Inclament Winter, Your Excellency will Lay under new Obligations, an Old and faithful Soldier

Robert McCulloch


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 16 December 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Dec. 16. 1791.

Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President, and sends a sketch of such a message as he thinks might accompany the statement from the Secretary at war. he does not know whether the President intended that an estimate of the next years operations should accompany it. but he thinks it a proper occasion to bring forward the preparations for the next year, and that it forms the safest ground for making the present communication.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 16 December 1791
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
Council Chamber [Richmond, Va.] December 16. 1791.

I do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, which will be communicated to the general Assembly.
In the confidence that the most recent accounts of the action of the 4th of November would be acceptable, I transmitted a letter addressed to me by Captain Rogers detailing the events of that day, as represented in Kentucky when he left the District.
By a gentleman just arrived from thence, whose intelligence is as late as the 25th November, I have the pleasure of confirming the inferences I drew in my first communication which respected the enemy and the safety of the remains of our army; for it seems the indians withdrew soon after the action nor have they Since made their appearance, & our troops returned to Fort Washington unmolested—nor has our loss been so great as was declared, the last estimation made it between five and six hundred including Officers and followers of the army—Several of the Officers supposed to have been killed have rejoined, and the detachment under the Orders of the mountain leader for whose safety there was much cause of apprehension, have returned with some Scalps.

The Colonels Darke & Gibson will recover it is said, but the gallant Butler & the entrepid Kirkwood are among the dead, a sad testimony of the doleful casualtys of War.
The militia of Kentucky did not march; I presume from being informed that their movement was unnecessary. I have the honour to be sir with the most entire respect & attachment Your most obedt Servt

Henry Lee


Title: To George Washington from the Quakers, 16 December 1791
From: Quakers
To: Washington, George

[16 December 1791]
To the President, Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled:

The Memorial and Address of the people called Quakers, Respectfully sheweth, That deeply affected with the great effusion of human blood, and the slaughter of our fellow men in the late contests with the Indian natives, we sincerely lament the miseries and distresses which these mournful circumstances have produced, and may be yet further encreased; if the same hostile measures are continued.
We conceive it to be our duty, and among our rights as citizens, to suggest to you our painful feelings on the subject: A serious and deep consideration of its importance, being among the most interesting objects that can claim the attention of the guardians of the public welfare; we, therefore ardently desire, that under the influence of true wisdom, you may be directed to pursue such pacific measures as have been heretofore experienced to be salutary and effectual in securing peace and friendship with the original owners of this land, whose religious instruction and civilization, if rightly promoted, may tend to this desireable end;

—believing the blessing of a righteous God, who made of one blood all nations of men, will be graciously vouchsafed to those, who, on the principles of justice and mercy, use their endeavours to prevent the shedding of human blood, and to promote love and peace among men.
Signed in and on behalf of a meeting appointed to represent our religious society in Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, Delaware, and parts of Maryland and Virginia, held in Philadelphia the 16th day of the 12th month, 1791.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 December 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir.
War-department [Philadelphia] Decr 17th 1791.

I beg leave to submit for your consideration, the draft of the proposed statement, and upon which I will request your opinion on Monday morning—It is to be understood, that all the most material papers are to accompany the statement. I have the honor to be, Sir, with the highest respect, Your most obedt Servt

H.Knox


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 18 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

Gentlemen,
Philadelphia Decr 18th 1791

It gave me much pleasure to find by a late letter of yours to Mr Jefferson, that the dispute between Major L’Enfant &

Mr Carroll of Duddington is likely to terminate more favorably than might have been expected from the nature of it; and that you are disposed to take no further notice of his late unjustifiable proceedings.
You will perceive by the enclosed copy of a letter which I have just written to him, that I have placed it beyond a doubt (if he had any before, from an opinion that the Commissioners were appointed for one purpose, & himself for another, and that they were to act independent of each other) that his powers, and his Instructions, are to flow from you.
His aim is obvious. It is to have as much scope as possible for the display of his talents, perhaps for his ambition. A copy of his letter of the 7th instant herewith sent, not only evinces this, but shews the extent to which he wishes to carry it. If, however, he will bear the cirb which is put upon him by the letter, of which you have the copy (and which will admit of no misinterpretation) I submit to your consideration whether it might not be politic to give him pretty general, and ample powers for defined objects until you shall discover in him a disposition to abuse them. His pride would be gratified, and his ambition excited by such a mark of your confidence. If for want of these, or from any other cause he should take miff and leave the business, I have no scruple in declaring to you (though I do not want him to know it) that I know not where another is to be found, who could supply his place.
His conduct, in the dispute with Mr Carroll of Duddington, I will readily acknowledge is no inducement to entrust him with extensive powers; because, after your interference, his proceeding was unwarrantable and previous to it (in the last act) it was imprudent. Having said this, I must go further and declare, that under the statement I received of this matter when I was at George-town (not only from Majr L’Enfant but from another on whom I could depend) I think Mr Carroll of Duddington is equally to blame. and without entering far into the detail of the dispute between these two Gentlemn, the following will comprise, & in my opinion, be a solution of the motives, which influenced the former.
The work of Major L’Enfant (wch is greatly admired) will shew that he had many objects to attend to and to combine; not on paper merely, but to make them corrispond with the actual circumstances of the ground. This required more time than the

patience—perhaps the convenience of Mr Carroll would admit; and therefore, notwithstanding the assurances of the other that he was using all the dispatch in his power to ascertain the principal Streets & objects, and that he Mr Carroll should not suffer by the delay, the latter proceeded, after waiting a while, to the completion of his buildings. This excited resentment in L’Enfant; and, more than probably, gave birth to expressions which begat mutual warmth; and conceiving (without adverting to, or perhaps even knowing the formalities which are required by our laws) that by the Deeds of cession, houses, and every other impediment which might happen to stand in the way, was to be removed (paying the value thereof)—he took the determination to demolish, without further ceremony, the house of Mr Car[rol]l; & having proceeded to the execution, his pride (however false) would not permit him to recede. This, in my opinion, is a true state of the case; to which, a reserve, and an unwillingness to answer enquiries respecting his plan, has given disgust. But how far a compliance on his part in an unfinished stage of the wk would have been consistent with his duty, is a matter worthy of consideration. If this reserve &c. proceeded from self importance & the insolence of Office, the motives were unworthy. If from a conviction of the impropriety of developing his designs to the public before they were matured, and approved, they were good; at any rate not condemnable.
These sentiments being the result of my reflections upon this subject, I communicate them for your private information; and for that reason request that this letter may not be mixed with other papers that respect your public transactions. An imprudent use made of them, might sow the seeds of discord, whilst reconciliation ought to be promoted, and discontents of every sort ought to be buried, by all those who have any concern, or interest in the business. With much esteem & regard I am Gentn Yr most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia] Sunday 18th Decr 1791

The P——requests that Mr J——would give the letter & statement here with sent from the S——y of War a perusal, & return it to him in the course of the day, with his opinion as to the propriety of the manner of making the communication to Congress; and whether it ought not, at any rate, to be introduced in some such way as this (if it is to pass through him to Congress) “Pursuant to directions I submit” &ca. Or—(if it is to go immediately from the War department to that body) “I lay before Congress by direction from the P——of the U.S. the following statement” &ca.


Title: To George Washington from Josiah Parker, 19 December 1791
From: Parker, Josiah
To: Washington, George

Sire
Philadelphia December 19th 1791

I have received two applications from Suffolk to recommend to you persons to supply a vacancy in the customs in consequence of the resignation of Benjamin Bartlet.
The first from Mr Lemuel Riddick son to the late Colo. Lemuel Riddick—this young Gentleman has received a liberal

education & is a person of respectability—Some time since I recommended him to the secretary of War, as a person fit for an officer in the Army, but fortunate for him perhaps he has been neglected. he has Suffered much by the American War by loosing the most of his slaves & having his Houses in Suffolk burnt by a detachment of the British Army—notwithstanding he was ready at that time tho young to take up his musquet in defence of his Country.
The other application is from Mr John Lawson an englishman who is married & settled in the Town of Suffolk, he is capable of the business being brought up to Merchandize, if his integrity & Sobriety can be depended on—but I am told he has lately been fond of the bottle, & I know during the war he was not an active friend—With all due humility & respect I have the honor to be sire, your most Ob. servt

J: Parker


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 20 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.
United States [Philadelphia] December the 20th 1791.

I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received from the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and of sundry

documents which accompanied it, relative to a contract for the purchase of a certain tract of land bounding on Lake Erie; together with a copy of a report of the Secretary of State on the same subject.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll of Duddington, 21 December 1791 [letter not found]
From: Carroll, Daniel (of Duddington)
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Daniel Carroll of Duddington, 21 Dec. 1791. In GW’s letter to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia of 27 Dec., he referred to Carroll’s letter to him “of the 21st Instant.”


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 21 December 1791
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

Sir
Decr 21st 1791

We have before had occasion to inform you, that we had contracted with Mr Fendall, for the delivery of rough foundation Stones, from the falls to the amount of £1200, to be delivered by  next and the money to be paid at different periods during the delivery, our attention has since been directed to the securing some of the Quarries on Acquia.
Before doing any thing final however, it was necessary that the nature and qualities of the Quarries should be first ascertained—For this purpose we sent Majr L’Enfant down with

powers, if he approved of them, to enter into a treaty with the proprietors which we would confirm, if the terms were such as met with our approbation—On his first visit he bargained with Mr Gibson, for the free use of all the Quarries on about 300 Acres of Land, on Acquia for Ten Years at the rate of £20 ⅌ year—This we have confirmed not only from the consideration of its being valuable in itself, but also, that as it would render us more independant, we might bargain on better terms with Mr Brent who possessed an Island of 12 Acres of much superior Stone to any in the Neighbourhood—Its great convenience to navigation was an important consideration—Mr Brents demand in our first treaty with him was £2200—Since his knowledge of the bargain with Gibson we have got it at £1800, to be paid in three months: So that we were not disappointed in the Effect we expected from our first bargain—The Majr Still thinks we have not Quarries enough: but we think, having secured so much for a commencement, it will be most prudent to devote the money we may have, to other purposes, till we can be more certain of the fact—As soon as the title papers are fully examined, and we are satisfied on that head, we shall send people down to raise stone ready against the Spring—We advertised in October immediately after the sales for the delivery of 2000 wharf Logs at Goosecreek—We have received offers, and have completed that contract likewise the whole are to be delivered early in June—We are sorry to inform you that our attempts to arrest the destruction of Mr Carroll’s house were ineffectual—This being the Case there is but one of the alternatives you made him to be decided on—From our conversation with Mr Carroll, he appears (tho’ much incensed at Majr L’Enfant’s proceedings without, and at length contrary to our directions) disposed to accept of that alternative and drop all legall proceedings against L’Enfent—The enclosed memorial which we have just received, will inform you of the dispositions of some of the proprietors with respect to that alternative, shall wait for your instructions on the subject—It may be necessary for us to observe that we were much surprised to find Colonel Forest’s Signature to the memorial as he in the first instance signifyed the utmost displeasure, and even alarm at Majr L’Enfant’s, appearing to be without the controll of the Commissioners—We have since reason to think that he has been cheif promoter of it—We have only

to observe on this disagreeable subject, that from the conversation of one of us with Majr L’Enfant respecting Mr Carrolls disposition to drop all proceedings against him, and accept of the only alternative left him, he appeared much displeased and expressed a wish that would seek his remedy against him at Law.

P.S. In a late letter we had occasion to write Mr Jafferson we thought ourselves justified in mentioning our hopes, that all matters respecting Mr Carroll’s were getting into a good train—Our surprise was consequently great on our meeting here, to day, to find these hopes frustrated, by receipt of the enclosed memorial—we are &c.

Da. StuartDanl Carroll


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 22 December 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Dec. 22. 1791.

The Secretary of State Reports to the President of the United States that one of the Commissioners of Spain, in the name of both, has lately communicated to him verbally, by order of his court, that his Catholic majesty, apprised of our sollicitude to have some arrangements made respecting our free navigation of the river Missisipi, & the use of a port thereon, is ready to enter into treaty thereon at Madrid.
The Secretary of state is of opinion that this overture should be attended to without delay, & that the proposal of treating at Madrid, tho’ not what might have been desired, should yet be accepted; and a commission plenipotentiary made out for the purpose.
That mister Carmichael, the present Chargé des affaires of the United States at Madrid, from the local acquaintance which he must have acquired with persons & circumstances, would be an useful & proper member of the commission: but that it would be useful also to join with him some person more particularly acquainted with the circumstances of the navigation to be treated of.
That the fund appropriated by the act providing the means of intercourse between the United States & foreign nations will insufficiently furnish the ordinary & regular demands on it, and is consequently inadequate to the mission of an additional Commissioner express from hence.
That therefore it will be adviseable on this account, as well as for the sake of dispatch, to constitute some one of the Ministers

of the United States in Europe, jointly with mister Carmichael, Commissioners plenipotentiary for the special purpose of negotiating & concluding, with any person or persons duly authorised by his Catholic Majesty, a convention or treaty for the free navigation of the river Missisipi by the citizens of the United States, under such accomodations with respect to a port & other circumstances, as may render the said navigation practicable, useful, & free from dispute; saving to the President & Senate their respective rights as to the ratification of the same; & that the said negociation be at Madrid or such other place in Spain as shall be desired by his Catholic majesty.

Th: Jefferson


Title: Memorandum of Thomas Jefferson, 22 December 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Dec. 22. 1791.

Note on the subject of vacant Consulships.
Lisbon. Candidates. Edward Church. his case is known to the President. John Telles of Philadelphia. his papers inclosed. Samuel Harrison. see Colo. Humphrey’s letter to the President. John Cowper. (Virginia) recommended by Josiah Parker.
Cadiz.  the former candidates not approved, & no new offer. it is very desireable we should have a consul there. should mister Church not be appointed to Lisbon, he would be proper

for Cadiz. there are good perquisites to the former; but I do not know that there are any to the latter.
Bristol.  Elias Vanderhorst of So. Carolina, recommended by Majr Butler. it is a port where we have a good deal of commerce, and as this is the first application for a Consulship for a Carolinian, & Vanderhorst is highly spoken of, I am of opinion it is expedient to nominate him.
When the President shall be pleased to fix on the persons for the above ports, a nomination shall be prepared with a description of their districts.

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 22 December 1791
From: Newenham, Edward
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
22 ⟨mutilated⟩ 1791

This Season reminds me, that I ought to trouble you with a few Lines—in order to convey my most Sincere and Respectfull Wishes for yours & Mrs Washingtons enjoying health, Happiness

& many returns of this Holy Season; which I am sure coincides with the Wishes of 3 Million of your Virtuous & Gratefull Fellow-Citizens.
Every thing from your Pen is Valuable, but your late Address to Both houses, exceeds, if possible, the Patriotism & Language of George Washington—it is framed & in Company with yours & Fayettes Picture; it has been published in all our Papers; If our President had the Spirit to declare Such Sentiments, it would cover the multitude of Political Sins, that he has Committed.
This Kingdom is more Violently agitated, than it has been since King James’s Reign; the Papists have formed Committees—adopted most Violent Resolutions—and declared that they must be put on the same Footing with the Protestants in Every respect, particularity in Voting for Members to serve in Parliament.
However inclined I am to Toleration, I cannot agree to give them half of what they ask—they are 4 to 1 in this Island, consequently they would become the Electers, & no real Protestant would be returned for any Free City, County or Town; more than half the members of the House of Commons would be Papists or Sons of Papists, & we, descendants of English, would not be Tolerated to be Chosen; they would also buy half the Boroughs; the Next Step would be to rescind all the Acts of Forfeitures & the Act of Settlement—this Island would be the Asylum for all the Bigoted Papists drove from other Countries, for I do assert, that the Irish Papists are the most Bigoted People under Heaven; a Law might as well passed in America, that none but Refugies & Loyalists should have votes in Congress—if they had, could it be doubted, but they would repeal yr forfeiture Laws.
The Irish Papists can never divest themselves of the Remembrance, that we enjoy what formerly belonging to their Ancestors⟨.⟩ it is absurd to bring up the Acts of Toleration in France, as an Example for us; the Protestants there are about 200000 to 25,000000; and beside⟨s⟩ the Protestants have no Ancient Claims to any forfeited Landed Property—they are too few ever to disturb the National Constitution, Laws, or Religion besides they have no inducement to hazard their present Situation.
Already the Alarm is Spread among us, & I verily believe it will occasion Serious Emigrations from the southern parts of this Kingdom; Distrust, Confusion & Dread of hostilities will prevail unless Government adopts Spirited & Decisive Measures; for my

part, I shall Support Government in Parliament; unless they attempt some flagrant oppression or Injury to my Country; for I will Lay aside all opposition Motions; we have got Every thing we could desire from Government, Except a Reform in the Protestant Representation of the People—that would compleat our Constitution, & that we should get by perseverance; & would have got it in the Course of a Year, but for this Tumult in respect to Popery.
Lady Newenham & my Sons said, if we could dispose of our Landed property here, they would become Citizens of New Yorke—they are alarmed, as the Papists & I were never good friends; In Short, we look with Anxiety to the Meeting of Parliament; the Papists from the Vast Subscriptions they have got into a Fund, openly Say, that they are Sure of a Majority in favor of the Elective Franchise, & I am almost Certain they will not obtain it without a Massacre; for though Government might fall in with their plans, yet the Men of Landed Property will not hazard the loss of an acre to their Posterity.
The Affairs of France for this last Month, do not please me—Internel Tumults & Divisions; encreasing Emigrations—no Military Subordination—Scarsity of Money—& the peaceable Manner in which the ce Devant Princes are allowed to Array their Troops in several of the German States, & the Vast Supplies of Money they got from Different Powers—it astonishes me, that the French Government does not immediatly Send an Army across the Rhone & disperse the Enemy at Coblintz & worms—they could send five Times their Number & Surprize them—General Washington with goo Crossd a more dangerous River & attacked a Tenfold more Numerous Army at Trenton, & in Consequence thereof, forced them to a Retreat—I only Argue from Geography & having often travelled that Country, in Germany & France.
I venture this Letter by the English Mails, which is the third I ever addressed to you by that Channel; & I Shall be anxious to Know how this most Severe winter accords with you in Virginia.
Lady Newenham joins in Fervent wishes for Mrs Washingtons & your good health & Happiness—I have the Honor, to be, My Dear Sir, & Permit me to add—Much respected Friend—your most obt & Very Humble Sert

Edward Newenham


Title: From George Washington to Ternant, 22 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Ternant, Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de

(Private)
Dear Sir,Philadelphia, Decr 22nd 1791.
I accept, with great pleasure, the new and elegant print of the King of the French, which you have been so obliging as to send to me this morning as a mark of your attachment to my person. You will believe me, Sir, when I assure you, that I have a grateful and lively sense of the personal respect and friendship expressed in your favor which accompanied the Print, and that I am, with sentiments of sincere esteem and regard, Dear Sir, your most obedt Servt

Go: Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Mauduit Du Botderu, 23 December 1791
From: Maudit du Botderu, Jeanne-Thomasse-Emilie
To: Washington, George

General
at Hennebont in Lower Brittany 23d Decr 1791

It is the unhappy sister of Colonel Mauduit who has recourse to you. M. le Blond, an Officer of Artillery, being about to fix himself in New England, is anxious to obtain your good wishes, General; His brother in law who is my relation, has earnestly requested that I would ask them of you. I do it with confidence after all those which you have shewn to my unfortunate brother, of whom Monsters have deprived me. I know, General, that you have regretted his death, and that serves to alleviate my pains. He was worthy of the friendship which you had for him. I have the honor to be, with respect, General, Your very humble & Obedt Servt

Mauduit de Botderu


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 23 December 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia, December 23rd 1791.

As the conditions of our commerce with the French and British Dominions, are important, and a moment seems to be approaching

when it may be useful that both should be accurately understood, I have thrown a representation of them into the form of a table, shewing, at one view, how the principal articles interesting to our agriculture and navigation stand in the European and American Dominions of these two powers. As to so much of it as respects France, I have cited under every article the law on which it depends; which laws, from 1784 downwards, are in my possession.
Port-charges are so different according to the size of the Vessel, and the dexterity of the Captain, that an examination of a greater number of Port-bills, might, perhaps, produce a different result. I can only say that, that expressed in the table is fairly drawn from such bills as I could readily get access to, and that I have no reason to suppose it varies much from the truth, nor on which side the variation would lie. Still I cannot make myself responsible for this Article. The Authorities cited will vouch the rest. I have the Honor to be, with the most perfect respect and attachment Sir, Your most obedient and Most humble Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Mifflin, 23 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Mifflin, Thomas

Sir,
[Philadelphia] 23d December 1791.

I have received your excellency’s letter of yesterday enclosing a copy of a representation to you from the inhabitants of Pittsburg relatively to their apprehensions in consequence of the late defeat of the troops under major general St Clair.
I can, with great propriety, assure your excellency, that it is my earnest desire that all the exposed parts of the frontiers should be as effectually protected at the general expence, as the case may require.
I shall direct the secretary of War, to confer with your excellency upon this subject, and to inform you of such measures as have been directed and are in train of execution. I have the honor &c.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia] 25th Decr 1791

The P—— returns Mr Muters letter, and gives Mr J—— an opportunity of reading one from Judge Innes, on the same subject.

The latter, commences his operations from the point, to which we have not yet been able to get; namely—established Posts in the Indian Country—the primary object of the Campaign, after the accomplishment of which, every thing else would be easy.


Title: To George Washington from Andrew G. Fraunces, 26 December 1791
From: Fraunces, Andrew G.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Decr 26. 1791

The Committee appointed by Harmony Lodge No. 52 have directed me to present you with the inclosed, & with their most respectfull Compliments. I have the honor to be Sir with very great respect Your Obedt Servt

Andw G. Fraunces


Title: From George Washington to William Jackson, 26 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Jackson, William

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia Decr 26th 1791

At the sametime that I acknowledge the receipt of your letter, notifying me of your intention to enter upon a professional pursuit—and, during the ensuing term propose yourself for admittance as a practitioner of law in the Supreme Court of the State of Pennsylvania—I beg you to be persuaded that my best wishes will accompany you in that, or in any other walk into which your interest or inclination may lead you.

That your determination is the result of the best view you have of your circumstances and expectations, I take for granted, and therefore shall say nothing which might embarrass the decision; but with pleasure equal to the justice of it, shall declare to you that your deportment so far as it has come under my observation, has been regulated by principles of integrity and honor, and that the duties of your station have been executed with abilities—and I embrace the occasion your address has afforded me, to thank you for all your attentions, and for the Services which you have rendered me since you have been a member of my family.
Let your departure from it be made perfectly convenient to yourself and believe me to be with sincere esteem and regard Dear Sir Your Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 26 December 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir,
War department, December 26th 1791.

I have the honor to submit to your consideration, two reports, relatively to the western frontiers of the United States.
The Report A, is accompanied by official documents, and is

intended to exhibit, the measures taken by the executive to induce the hostile Indians to peace, without the necessity of using force against them—and also the measures of the executive relative to the objects and preparations of the Campaign of 1791; and in some degree an explanation of the causes of its failure.
The report, B. contains a general, but summary review, of the conduct of the United States, towards the Indians northwest of the Ohio, since our separation from Great Britain.
And it also contains an opinion, delivered with great diffidence, of such further measures as the nature of the case, and the public interests, seem to require. I have the honor to be with highest respect, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant

H. Knox,secy of War


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 26 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

(Private)
Dear Sir,Philadelphia Decr 26th 1791
The enclosed is a private letter from Colo. Nicholas (an influential character in Kentucky) to the Attorney General. He put it into my hands to read; I, without having asked his permission, send it to you for the same purpose, of course the communication is confidential. My reason for sending it to you is, to shew you the uniform sentiment of that district; and how little confidence the people of it will place in the plan which is proposed by your statement—of consequence how little support in pursuance of it, is to be expected from thence.

Might it not be advisable if for the purpose of comparison only, to draw up, and estimate the expence of a plan upon their principles; making the regular force, however (no Cavalry) to consist of about 1200 Men exclusive of Artillery; for the purposes of a garrison at the Maume village, and the communication therewith.
It may be asked how are these 1200 men to be covered whilst they are establishing this Post? By what means are the great deposits to be made in them, from which the Militia are to be supplied? By what authority can Militia be organized in the manner proposed? What certainty is there of obtaining them, agreeably to the suggestions of the letters? Would they remain in service a sufficient time to answer any valuable purpose? What effect would it have upon the Agriculture of that Country if they did? &ca &ca.
These difficulties unquestionably would be great; and the plan ultimately hazardous. But opposed to them, the Western people would be endulged—Many Members of Congress gratified—The operations might commence as soon as the Season and the herbage would admit (which are considerations of great importance)—Many difficulties with respect to appointments avoided—And, if the War can be terminated by such operations the expence would be much less. I am Yours, Affectly & sincerely

Go: Washington

P.S. return the enclosed to me early in the Morng.


Title: To George Washington from Rufus Putnam, 26 December 1791
From: Putnam, Rufus
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Marietta [Northwest Territory]December 26th, 1791.

When I consider the multiplicity of business which necessarily engages your attention, it is with great reluctance I address you

on the affairs of the people settled in this quarter, but when I reflect that your ear is always open to information and your mind disposed to relieve all in distress so far as propriety shall dictate and you have the means to effect; and recollecting the obligation you laid me under the last time I had the honor of an interview; it would be criminal in me not to give you such information as is in my power relative to the events which have taken place in the course of the present year more especially those that relate to, and affect the people settled in this neighborhood.
Immediately upon our settlement being destroyed at the Big Bottom in January last, our people collected themselves into four stations, viz: Two in the town of Marietta (exclusive of a few families that resided at Fort Harmer), one at Belleprie 15 miles down the Ohio, and one at Waterford 20 miles by water up the Muskingum, in which stations they still remain, except those at Belleprie in the month of November subdivided into four stations. In the month of March the Indians made their appearance in all parts; took one prisoner near Fort Harmer who made his escape, killed one man near Marietta, wounded one man at Waterford and killed and drove off 22 head of cattle; killed a sheep and two hogs, and fired on two men at Belle-prie; killed one man and wounded another below Bellevill, (a station three miles below the Great Hockhocking on the Virginia side). In April one man was killed, and one boy with a number of horses carried off from Bellevill; two men fired on, one ox killed and one wounded, and thirty head of cattle carried off from Belleprie. A number of men fired on and one boy taken at Waterford in the month of May. In the month of June a number of the enemy were seen and some shots exchanged but no mischief done except carrying off about a dozen of horses from Marietta. In July one Indian was killed four miles from Marietta on the Virginia side and another killed three miles N. E. of the town, and we had a number of cattle and one man killed near Marietta. Several other parties of Indians were seen and a number of shots exchanged. The months of August and September passed without any mischief being done, although several parties were discovered and three persons fired on near Marietta. In October one man was killed at Belle-prie, a negro boy taken at Little Kenhawa, four men killed one wounded and one taken prisoner seven miles from Marietta, on the road to Clarksburg.

By this statement you will perceive the harassed state we have been in, as well as the losses we have sustained; and if these things have been done in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry? If we have suffered these things while the troops of the United States have been penetrating into the heart of the enemy’s country, what are we to expect under present circumstances? Is it not to be feared that the enemy’s late success will encourage all the fugitives who were flying to return, and will it not induce other tribes to join in the war? And early in the spring, if not before, will not a very serious attack be made on these settlements, and if a large body of the enemy should attack us, why not destroy and break us up? We are far from neighbors and therefore can receive no help in case of emergency. Our numbers are few and daily decreasing. Some families, and many young men have left us already, and more are going, because they can get no employ, nor are we able to prevent them, all resources by which we retained them the past year are at an end, and we are scarcely able to subsist ourselves and families, much less to pay men for labor or military service. So that, unless we can be assured of govermental protection, self preservation dictates the propriety of getting away as soon as possible but could we have a reasonable assurance of the assistance and protection of Goverment, I have no doubt but the greatest part of our present inhabitants are ready to make every sacrifice to promote the interests of the United States, which they consider inseperably connected with their own.
But however surprising for you to hear and painful for me to relate, this people think they have very little to hope from Governor St Clair. They believe that both the Governor and Mr Sargent have, for some reason or other, conceived a prejudice against them. It would exceed the bounds of a letter to mention all the circumstances that have taken place, on which they form their opinion, but the following are among others, viz: That, notwithstanding our remote situation and the well grounded expectation of a very serious attack to be made on us last spring, yet no foreign aid was called to our assistance. That, when recruits came forward, some were sent to Fort Franklin, some remained at Pittsburgh, others were sent to stations at Buffalo, Wheeling, and other places between this and Pittsburgh where they remained many weeks: indeed all the stations on the Ohio of

any consequence from Pittsburgh to the Miami had foreign aid of one kind or other, except the settlements of the Ohio Company, who received no protection of the kind, till Capt. Shayler arrived the latter end of July and left us again in about one month; nor did he detach any of his company to Waterford which is by far the most exposed situation, and Belleprie had only a sergeant and twelve men for one week. And besides all the militia of the settlement which Colonel Sproat had before obtained permission to detach for guards, were on the 20th of July by a positive order of the Governor, dismissed, under an idea, as he suggested, that the movement of the army would divert the attention of the Indians another way. This partiality in the distribution of troops to the several settlements both above and below, to the exclusion of those who were manifestly the most exposed has led the people generally to doubt the Governor’s good disposition towards their settlements and unless men or measures are changed they consider themselves a ruined people.
I do not wish to entertain groundless jealousies nor frighten myself with imaginary evils; but it must be allowed that a black cloud hangs over us, and God only knows when, or on what devoted spot it may break. It cannot therefore be thought strange that every mind is anxious about the event. To know therefore for certainty whether we may depend on Govermental protection or not, is a question very interesting; that on the one hand the people may be persuaded with patience to wait its arrival, and on the other hand to make their escape in time from the vengeance of an enraged enemy whom, if left to ourselves, we are by no means able to withstand. I have &c.

R.P.


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 27 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

Gentlemen,
Philadelphia Decr 27th 1791.

When I proposed the alternatives contained in my letter of the 28th Ulto to Mr Carroll of Duddington it was done on the ground of accomodation; & under full persuation that, as the house of that Gentleman had been begun before the land was ceded, and had progressed between that and the ultimate decision on the lines of the Street which embraces part of it, no doubt would arise with respect to the legality of reinstating the house in the order it was found when the demolition commenced. Much less did I imagine that there could be any doubt of the expediency of the measure, as the obvious design of it was to heal differences which were pregnant with mischief & could produce no good effect as the case was a singular one & could not be drawn into precedent.
But, as many of the former Proprietors of the land dispute the right of applying any of the monies which have arisen, or may arise from the Sale of the lots to this purpose—I shall take the opinion of the Attorney General of the U. States upon this case; and for his information do require a copy of the transfer from Mr Carroll of Duddington to the Trustees. It may be necessary also to ascertain, with precision, at what exact period the lines of the Street which interfere with Mr Carrolls house were finally run and resolved on, and notice thereof given to Mr Carroll of D. with other facts pro—& con, that the Attorney General may be enabled to give his opinion upon clear ground.
I find by a letter which I have just received from Majr L’Enfant that the house of Notley Young Esqr. has (contrary to expectation) fallen into a principal Street. But I hope the Major does [not] mean to proceed to the demolition of this also unless he is properly authorised and instructed.
It gives me pleasure to find by your letter of the 21st that you are so well advanced in your Contracts. With great esteem & regard I am—Gentlemen Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I pray you to inform Mr Carroll of Dudn that until the above opinion is obtained I can say nothing to him with decision, in answer to his letter of the 21st Instant.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Harwood, 27 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Harwood, Thomas

Sir,
Philadelphia, Dec. 27th 1791.

Be pleased to pay to Thomas Johnson, David Stuart, and Daniel Carroll esquires, Commissioners of the Federal district, or to their order, or the order of any two of them—twenty-four thousand Dollars, in part of the Seventy-two thousand dollars given by the Assembly of Maryland, towards the defraying the expences of the public Bu[i]ldings within the said District.

G: Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 27 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

My dear Sir,
Tuesday Afternoon [27 December 1791]

I have just received, and scarcely had time to read the enclosed. ⟨I wan⟩t to see you, and the heads of the ⟨oth⟩er Departments to morrow morning at nine Oclock on business of the War Department. Yrs Affectly

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 27–31 December 1791
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Paris 27[–31] Decr 1791

Your favor of the 12 Sepr last reached me a few Days ago. In the Proposition of S[chweizer] J[eannerett] & Co: I saw the Means of saving Somewhat to the United States without incurring the Odium of a Payment in depreciated Paper but from the Moment a Determination to pay in Value is adopted I heartily and entirely approve of the Rejection of their Offer.
Before the Receipt of your Letter, Mr Short communicated to me (in general Terms) the Intention to make good the Depreciation on the Money paid heretofore, and told me at the same Time that it seemed to be in Contemplation to pay in Specie, about which he felt himself much embarrassed; for in that Case there would be a loss of about 5 p% which with the Commission on Loans &ca &ca would increase the Debt about one tenth instead of paying it with Advantage. And this arises from a Circumstance which is I beleive the common attendant of paper Money, viz. that Specie is higher in proportion than foreign Exchanges. This will be best understood by assigning what I conceive to be the Cause of that Difference. I begin by rejecting the Theories of speculative Men, who suppose that Bills of Exchange are drawn and purchased for Payment of reciprocal Debts and the like. I reject equally the Stock jobbing Operations of Bankers and confining my View to the ordinary Course of Things I observe that when a Man purchases in France Goods which are to be sold in England, he pays for those Goods by the Proceeds of Bills drawn on England; and as he makes the Acquisition of the Goods with a View to the future Sales, he governs himself by the usual Price of such Goods in the Country to which they are to be sent. The Rate of Exchange therefore enters into his Consideration, only so far as by Means thereof the Price he is to pay for his Goods may be affected. On the other Hand, he who has bought Goods on Credit in England which he vends in France regards the Exchange only in so far as it governs the Price at which he

must sell his Goods. Thus, the Pound Sterling being worth about 25 livres, if the Exchange is at 30 livres for the Pound Sterling he must advance one fifth or twenty per Cent of the Price of English Goods, and for the same Reason the English Agent can afford to give an advance of twenty per Cent in french Wines. Now in Proportion as the Price of English Goods advances, the Consumption of them lessens, as Consequently the Purchase of Bills on London to pay for them diminishes; and in Proportion as the Exchange advances, which is of Course a Decrease in the real Price of French Goods, the Purchase of them encreases and of Course the Sale of Bills on London to pay for them: And thus the Depreciation of the paper Currency checks by eventual operation, its immediate Effect on foreign Exchange. But the Price of Specie depends on a different Cause. Specie in Time of Peace and good Government is but the Sign of Wealth, and not the Substance; so that no more of it is found in a Country than is necessary for the Interchange of those Commodities which form the real Wealth of such Country. And by the bye it follows, that in Proportion to the Degree of Credit resulting from a vigorous Execution of good Laws the Necessity of Money decreases, and of Course it becomes plentiful from being scarce by the Establishment of order, or scarce from being plentiful by the Prevalence of Confusion, without any actual Encrease or Decrease of the Mass. But when a paper Circulation is forced forward, prudent Men first, and all Men afterwards, desire to realize their Property. Land is not always a convenient Object for this Purpose, because the subsequent Sale is difficult; and Merchandizes are objectionable from their Bulk and Decay. The precious Metals therefore naturally obtain a Preference, and as their Quantity is by no Means proportionate to the real Wealth of the Country, their Price is encreased more rapidly than that of other Things. But the foreign Merchant observing this Advance declines drawing Bills unless he can get Something near the Price which his Corn, if brought into the Country, would produce; and thus the exchange follows the Price of Corn, in the Course of Depreciation instead of preceeding it. If I were to hazard a Conjecture, as the Corollary of this Reasoning, it would be that the Quantity of the precious Metals rather encreases than diminishes in a Country where Paper Money circulates.
I make no Apology for this Digression because if it conveys no

Information it tends at least to explain one fact, and to place some others in a different Light from that in which they are usually viewed. To return then to the Subject of your Letter I must tell you that about the same time that Mr Shorts Dispatches arrived, a Plan was imagined by the Colonists of St Domingo, and proposed to the Administration, for repairing the Ravages committed by their Slaves in the late Insurrection by Appropriating to that Purpose the Debt of the United States to France. One of them came to Converse with me on the Subject, but supposing it to be some new Scheme of Speculation I refused to listen to him. A few Days after, however, the Minister of the Marine told me that he had sent him, and desired me to consider the Matter, and see if Something could not be done. In consequence of this I mentioned to Mr Short (who is now in Holland) a Plan which appeared to be useful to the two countries, and before his Departure we agreed on certain principles to govern in that Business, conformably to which the Minister is now acting. I shall send you his Address to the Assembly on the Subject, and if the Thing he has in View is effected, I will detail it to you; if not I will spare you the Perusal of so much useless writing.
As to the State of Things here, I would convey it to you as fully as Propriety will admit, but I know not yet by what Opportunity this Letter will go, and the Post Office was never more abused under the most despotic Ministers than it is at present; notwithstanding the Decrees to the contrary. Every Letter I receive bears evident Marks of patriotic Curiosity. This anxious Spirit of pettifogging Villainy proves the Fear of those who make Use of it; and truly they have Reason to fear, for every Day proves more clearly that their new Constitution is good for Nothing. Those whom I had warned in Season of the Mischiefs they were preparing, endeavor now that it is too late to lay the Blame on others by way of excusing themselves; but the Truth is that instead of seeking the public Good by doing what was right, each sought his own Advantage by flattering the public opinion. They dare not now propose the amendments which they perceive and acknowledge to be indispensible. They have besides no Confidence in each other, for every one feels a Reason against it, and meets moreover with daily Proofs that his Copatriots are no better than himself. The Assembly (as you who know such Bodies will naturally suppose) commits every Day new Follies, and if this unhappy

Country be not plunged anew into the Horrors of Despotism it is not their Fault. They have lately made a Master Stroke to that Effect. They have resolved to attack their Neighbours unless they dissipate they Assemblies of french Emigrants who have taken Refuge in their Dominions. These Neighbors are Members of the German Empire and France threatens to carry into their Country, not Fire and Sword, but la liberté. Now as this last Word does not in the Acceptation of German Courts means so much Liberty as Insurrection you will see that the Pretext is given for Hostilities, without violating the Law of Nations. Add to this that three french Armies of 50000 Men each are ordered to assemble on the Frontiers, one under your old Acquaintance Rochambeau in Flanders, one under our friend Lafayette in Lorraine, so as to penetrate by the Moselle River into the Electorate of Treres, and one under Monsieur Luckner in Alsace. This last I am told has but slender Abilities, and the other two you are acquainted with. Putting all other Things out of the Question it is self evident that the Empire must bring Force to oppose the Force thus ordered, and in Consequence it is not to be doubted that 50000 prussian and 50000 Austrian Troops will make their Appearance as speedily as Circumstances can permit. Now I am thoroughly convinced that if this Country were united under a good Government and in Peace with England, they could set the Rest of Europe at Defiance; but you have no Idea my dear Sir of a Society so loosely organized. America in the Worst of Times was much better, because at least the criminal Law was executed, not to mention the Mildness of our Manners. My Letters predicting their present Situation may perhaps have appeared like the Wanderings of exagerated Fancy, but beleive me they are within the coldest Limits of Truth. Their Army is undisciplined to a Degree you can har[d]ly conceive. Already great Numbers desert to what they expect will become the Enemy, and their gardes nationales who have turned out as Volunteers are in many Instances that corrupted Scum of overgrown Population of which large Cities purge themselves, and which without Constitution to support the Fatigues, or Courage to Encounter the Perils of War, have every Vice and every Disease which can render them the Scourge of their Friends and the Scoff of their Foes. The Finances are so deplorably bad that the Bankruptcy which actually exists by the Depreciation of the Paper Money must soon be declared by stopping

Payment in some Quarter or other unless those effectual Remedies be applied which seem to be beyond the Power of the Government and beyond the Talents of those who administer it. The Discontent is general but it does not break out; partly because the Antipathy to the Aristocrats, and the Fear of their Tyranny still operates, and partly because no safe Opportunity offers. Every one is bewildered in his Meditations as to the Event, and like a Fleet at Anchor in a Fog; no one will set Sail for fear of running foul. If they come to Blows on the Borders a curious Scene will I think present itself. The first Success on either Side will decide the Opinions of a vast Number who have in Fact no Opinion but only the virtuous Determination to adhere to the strongest Party; and you may rely on it that if the Enemy be tolerably successful, a Person who shall visit this Country two Years hence will enquire with Astonishment by what Means a Nation which in the year 1788 was devoted to its Kings, became in 1790 unanimous in throwing off their Authority, and in 1792 as unanimous in submitting to it. The Reasons are given to you in my Letter of 29th of April 1789 and my Fears exprest in that Letter seem now to be on the Eve of Reality. The King means well and may perhaps by his Moderation finally succeed in saving his Country. I hope much from this Circumstance; but alas the Moderation of one who has been so wounded so insulted seems to be but a slender Dependence, and yet I verily believe it to be the best and I had almost said the only Dependence. I am my dear Sir with true Regard yours

Gouvr Morris
31 Decr

A Courier arrived last Night with Dispatches which are to be communicated to the Assembly this morning. The Emperor informs the King that he has given Orders to Genl Bender (who commands in the low Countries) to protect the Electorate of Treres with all his Forces. I did not mention, as I ought to have done, that the Courts of Berlin and Vienna have concluded a Treaty for the Protection of the German Empire and Maintenance of its Rights. You will have seen that the Emperor having adopted the Determinations of the Diet respecting the Claims of those Princes who have certain feodal Rights preserved to them by the Treaty of Westphalia in Alsace and Lorraine reminded the King

that the Dominion of France over those Provinces is conceded by that Treaty. The Dutch Government has proposed a Treaty with the Emperor as Sovereign of the low Countries for mutual Aid and Protection in Case of Insurrection which Offer is accepted. All this is explained by the Intrigues of France to excite Revolt in Holland and Flanders and the Completion of such a Treaty will place the Emperor at Ease should he operate against this Country next Spring.


Title: From George Washington to John Vaughan, 27 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Vaughan, John

Dear Sir
[Philadelphia] 27th Decr 1791

I thank you for having given me the perusal of the letter herewith returned. Lamentable! to see such a spirit of revolt among the Blacks. Where it will stop, is difficult to say. Yours sincerely

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Sylvanus Bourne, 28 December 1791
From: Bourne, Sylvanus
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Decr 28th 1791

As the Legislature of the United States, appears not to contemplate, either an adequate regulation of the powers of their Consuls, or reward for their services, and the present state of St Dominique, being less favourable to mercantile pursuits, than heretofore, I have reason to think that my return to that Country, would only tend to increase the weight of those Disbursments, which my former Essay has already led me in to.
Thus situated I am under the necessity of asking your acceptance of the resignation of my Commission as h⟨ere⟩ inclosed; which I make with a due sen⟨se⟩ of the Confidence you was pleased to pl⟨ace⟩ in me by the appointment, and have ⟨illegible⟩ regret that it has not in my hands, ⟨illegible⟩ rendered more subserviant to publick benefit. I have the honour to be With perfect Respe⟨ct⟩ Sir Your Most Obedi⟨ent⟩ & Humble Servan⟨t⟩

Sylv: Bourne


Title: Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 28 December 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Knox, Henry

  Philadelphia, 28 Dec. 1791. By the president’s command, returns the reports that the secretary of war sent to GW last evening, with a letter from Colonel Pickering received at the same time, in order that any alterations necessitated by the latter might be made before the former are submitted.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 28 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate.
United States [Philadelphia]December 28th 1791

The Office of Surveyor of the Port of Suffolk, in the State of Virginia, having become vacant by the resignation of Benjamin Bartlett, I nominate Lemuel Reddick to be Surveyor of said Port.

Go: Washington.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 28 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.
United States [Philadelphia] December 28th 1791.

I lay before you, for your consideration, the copy of a letter which I have received from the Attorney General of the United States.