Title: From George Washington to John Hoomes, 17 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Hoomes, John

Sir,
Philadelphia February 17th 1791.

The state of the roads has been such as to have occasioned some delay in the passage of your letter to me, and some matters of importance which have pressed upon me since the receipt of it has retarded my acknowledgement thereof until now.
It was not because I had any doubt of the collection for the services of Royal Gift for I allow no credit—nor that I inclined to receive a specific sum for them, but to place it in the power of the person, to whom, I might confide him to affix his own terms, and to avoid at the same time all grounds of dispute in a settlement thereafter.
If you incline to take him in this way, no time is to be lost in deciding at once the sum you will allow for the use of him from the first day of April until the first day of August, because it is the anxious wish of the people of this and the States northward of it to get him nearer to them, but not mine to have him far removed from Mount Vernon, or in the possession of any on whose care I cannot place entire confidence—and because if your letter does not reach this place by the 5 of next month it may come too late for your purpose if you wish to have him.
It is proper you should know that this Jack, (Royal Gift,) though sure, is slow in covering, and that it has been found necessary to have a Jennet or two always at hand during the season, by way stimulus, when he is in those slothful humours.
The “Bill to establish the Post Office and Post roads within the United States” has not yot passed—nor do I know what form it may finally take.

It is highly probable, however, that the Assistants (whether One or more) will be left to the appointment of the Post Master General. I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Feb. 17. 1791.

The Secretary of State, having received from Arthur St Clair, Esquire, Governor of the North Western Territory, a Report of his Proceedings for carrying into Effect the Resolve of Congress of August 29th 1788, respecting the Lands of the Inhabitants of Kaskaskia, La Prairie du Rochers, and Kahokia, which Report was enclosed to him in a Letter bearing Date the 10th Instant, and observing therein several Passages proper to be laid before the Legislature, has extracted the same, and thereupon makes, to the President of the United States, the following—
Report.
In that which he made on the 14th of Decr 1790, relative to the Execution of the same Resolution of Congress at Post Vincennes, he brought under certain general Heads of Description the Claims to lands at that Place, which had not been provided for by the said Resolution of Congress. To keep the Subject

simplified as well as short, he will observe that the cases at Kaskaskia, described in the E[x]tract marked A. belong to the fourth Class of the said Report for St Vincennes, that those at Kaskaskia of the Extract B. belong to the fifth Class of the Report for St Vincennes, and that those of Kahokia in the Extract C. belong to the sixth Class of the same Report, and may be comprehended in the Provision to be made for them.
The Extracts marked D. E. F. G. and H. describe other Cases out of the Provision of the Resolution, which have arisen at Kaskaskia and Kahokia, differing from each other as well as from all the former Classes.
The Extracts marked I. K. state that the Line which by the Resolve of Congress of June 20th 1788 had been so described as to place the Lands to be allotted to the Inhabitants of Kaskaskia and Kahokia in a fertile and convenient Situation, had been so shifted by the Resolution of August 29th 1788 as to throw those Allotments into Parts too distant and dangerous to be cultivated by them, and pray that the Line of June 20th may be re-established.
The Extract L. brings into view the Purchase of Flint and Parker in the Illinois Country, which may need Attention in the Formation of a Land Law.
The Extracts M. N. O. with the Papers they refer to contain the Reasoning urged by the Inhabitants of Kaskaskia, Prairie, and Kahokia against the Demand of the Expenses of certain Surveys made of their Lands neither at their Desire nor for any Use of theirs.
P. explains certain Demands for the revoked Emissions of continental Money remaining in the Office of a notary public of Kaskaskia, and Q. the Expediency of having a printing press established at Marietta.
Which several Matters the Secretary of State is of Opinion should be laid before the Legislature for their Consideration.

Th: Jefferson


Title: Enclosure: Extracts from the Report of the Governor of the Territory of the United States North-west of the Ohio., 17 February 1791
From: Governor of the Territory of the United States North-west of the Ohio
To:

[c.17 February 1791]

A. “Among the claims for land that have been rejected, there are several that are founded on purchases made from individual indians, and the conveyances set forth that they were inherited from their parents, and were not the property of the Nation. It could not however be discovered that any division of the lands of the Kaskaskia indians had ever taken place among themselves, and the Chief of that Nation has applied to be confirmed in a tract of land of about five or six thousand acres, where their village was situated not long ago; and which would take in the parcels that have been sold and applied for as above. On this claim no decision had been made. It appeared to be a subject that ought to be referred to Congress; but I may be allowed to observe, if one indian sale is approved it is probable that a great many will be brought forward.”
B. “A Gentleman, of the name of Todd, had been appointed by the Governor of Virginia lieutenant of the County of Illionois, & some few grants of land are said to have been made by him, altho’ by his instructions, which he put upon record at Kaskaskia, he has no authority to that purpose, but seems rather to have been restrained. A copy of those instructions were transmitted by the Secretary. On Mr Todds leaving that part of the country, a person of the name of De numbrun was substituted, who made grants of land without number. The power of granting lands was also assumed by the civil courts that had been established, and that assumed power they used very liberally, still pretending however that they had been authorized so to do by Mr Todd, who is stiled grand Judge for the United States. It is most probable that such power was never delegated to the Courts by Mr Todd, at least it does not appear. All those grants have been rejected; but I beg leave to suggest, that it might be proper to allow a right of pre-emption to those, who have actually settled and made improvements under them. Some of the parties seem respectively to have had two different objects in view. The applicants, the engrossing lands for a very small consideration; and the granters, the accumulation of perquisites:

The Courts and Sub-lieutenants having exacted four dollars for each grant. There are a number of American settlers in possession of such grants whose claims have been equally rejected. Their case seems to be a hard one. Not doubting the authority of the Courts which they saw every day exercised, they applied for lands & obtained them, and made settlements in consequence distinct from those of the french; but having removed into that country after the year 1783, they do not come within the resolution of Congress which describes who are to be considered as ancient settlers, and confirmed in their possessions. As Americans they have been the peculiar objects of Indian depredation, while their neighbours, the French, from having had much intercourse with the Indians, and frequently intermarrying with them, until very lately were generally safe. They have in consequence been driven off of the lands they had improved, and have lost both their time and their labour. No. 7 is a representation from them upon this subject.”
C. “No. 14 is a representation of the inhabitants of Cahokia respecting their Common. What they set forth is true, both with respect to their having been long in the occupation of it, and the quality of what they ask for upon the hills.”
D. “At Kaskaskia the Jesuits held valuable possessions. The buildings are gone entirely to ruin, but the lands are still of some value. On the suppression of the Order in France, the officers of the French king disposed of their property at that place by public sale; but before the sale took place the country had been ceded to Great Britain, a circumstance that was not known there. The British officer who took possession for that Crown considered the sale as illegal, and laid hold of the property; and the purchaser, a Mr Beauvais and his descendants, have been kept out ever since. A son of Mr Beauvais now lays claim to it in virtue of the purchase, and throws himself upon the United States to be confirmed in what yet remains of the property, for which his father paid a very large sum of money.”
E. “The same steps were taken to obtain a knowledge of the lands that were claimed by the people at Cahokia, as at Kaskaskia, and after due examination, orders of survey for such as fell within the resolution of Congress, were put into the hands of Mr Girardin, the only person that could be found in all that country who understood any thing of surveying. There are a

good many persons in that quarter also, whose claims have been rejected, who nevertheless may be properly considered as having an equitable right, at least, to the pre-emption.”
F. “No. 24 is the request of a Mr Gibault for a small piece of land that has been in the occupation of the Priests at Cahokia for a long time, having been assigned to them by the French; but he wishes to possess it in propriety: and it is true that he was very useful to General Clarke upon many occasions, and has suffered very considerable losses. I believe no injury would be done to any one by his request being granted, but it was not for me to give away the lands of the United States.”
G. “No. 9 is a plot of the reserved tract including Fort Chartres. It is however to be observed, that part of this tract appears to have been granted when the country was in possession of the French.”
H. “Great numbers of people have abandoned the Illinois country, and gone over to the Spanish territory. A claim however is still kept up by them to their ancient possessions; but it is to be remarked that very few grants were made by the French in fee simple. When any person quitted their possessions, the soil seems to have reverted of course to the domain of the King, and was regranted at the pleasure of the Officers commanding. It is presumed that, strictly, the possessions of all those who have so expatriated themselves, are fallen to the United States, had they even been granted originally in fee simple, and may be disposed of as they see fit; but the loss of the people is severely felt. May I be permitted to suggest, that a law declaring those possessions escheated unless the former owners return and occupy them within a certain time, would not be an improper measure.”
I. “Mr Samuel Baird was appointed to survey the lands held by the people of Kaskaskia, and to run the lines that had been directed by Congress to embrace the donations. On an examination of the claims however, it was found that many grants of land had been made which would fall to the Eastward of the line to be drawn from the Mouth of the river au Marie; and as all grants that proceeded, either from the Government of France, that of Great Britain, or of the State of Virginia, on or before the year 1783 were to be confirmed, the running of that line was delayed, until Congress should be informed that it would not take in all the claims, and therefore appeared to be incurring an unnecessary expence.”

K. “The donations to the ancient settlers have not been laid out, because at Kaskaskia & the Prairie du rocher no person could be found to do it. At Cahokia an authority was given to Mr Girardin for that purpose, but nothing I presume has been done in consequence of it; for the alteration that was made in the location of these donations by the Act of the 29th of August, from the West to the East side of the hills or ridge of rocks, throws them at such a distance from their present possessions, (the hills being of a considerable breadth & not very fit for cultivation): that in the existing circumstances of the country they could not possibly occupy them. They humbly pray, that the location pointed out by the act of the 20th of June 1788 may be restored.”
L. “A contract subsists between Flint & Parker & the late Board of Treasury for a great tract of land in the Illinois country. No part of the contract has I believe been complied with on their parts, and probably never will; but if it is not attended to before a law passes for erecting an Office for the sale of the lands, it may create embarrassments hereafter.”
M. “Orders of survey were issued for all the claims at Kaskaskia that appeared to be founded agreeably to the resolution of Congress, and surveys were made of the greater part of them. A part only of those surveys however have been returned, because the people objected to paying the surveyer, and it is too true that they are ill able to pay The Illinois country, as well as that upon the Ouabash, has been involved in great distress ever since it fell under the American dominion. With great chearfulness the people furnished the troops under Genl Clarke, and the Illinois regiment, with every thing they could spare, and often with much more than they could spare with any convenience to themselves. Most of the certificates for those supplies are still in their hands, unliquidated & unpaid; and in many instances where application for payment has been made to the State of Virginia, under whose authority the certificates were granted, it has been refused. The Illinois regiment being disbanded, a set of men, pretending the authority of Virginia, embodied themselves; and a scene of general depredation and plunder ensued. To this succeeded three successive and extraordinary inundations from the Missisippi, which either swept away their crops or prevented their being planted. The loss of the greatest part of their trade with the Indians, which was a great resource, came

upon them at this juncture, as well as the hostile incursions of some of the tribes which had ever before been in friendship with them; and to these was added the loss of their whole last crop of Corn by an untimely frost. Extreme misery could not fail to be the consequence of such accumulated misfortunes. The paper No. 5 contains the orders for a compensation to the surveyor, and No. 6 is the representation of the people praying to be excused from paying it.”
N. “Having finished the business at Kaskaskia as far as it was possible at that time, on the 5th day of April I embarked, and proceeded up the Missisippi to Cahokia, having stopped at Fort de Chartres, and visited the village of the Prairie du Rocher which is about a league distant from it, inland, on the way. Mr Baird had been directed to make the surveys there as well as at Kaskaskia, and the same objections to paying for them were raised there as at the latter place. No. ⟨6⟩ is a power to certain of the inhabitants to make representations to me on the subject, which was done.”
O. “No returns of survey from Cahokia are as yet come to hand, and it is probable that not many have been made, as the same objections to paying for them were raised here as elsewhere, and the inhabitants of that place are joined in the remonstrances which have been made by those of the other villages.”
P. “When the two emissions of paper money were called in by Congress, a considerable sum of those emissions were lodged in the Office of a Notary public at Kaskasia, by the direction of the lieutenant of the county of Illinois. There it yet remains, and the owners have received no satisfaction for it of any kind. They complain of this, and it would seem not without reason.”
Q. “Before I close this report, it may be necesary to mention the necessity there is for a printing press in the Western territory. The laws adopted or made by the legislature are declared to be binding upon the people until they are disapproved by Congress. There is no way of giving them any publicity, but by having them read at the courts, and but few people become thereby acquainted [with] them. Even the magistrates who are to carry them into execution are strangers to them; for the Secretary does not conceive it to be his duty to furnish them with copies. Indeed the business of his Office increases so fast that it would be impossible to do it; besides they are in English, and the greatest part of the inhabitants do not understand a word of

it. The translation of them therefore seems to be necessary, and that a sufficient number of them should be printed in both languages, and that can only be done in the territory where the original rolls are deposited. Every public act and communication of what kind soever, I was myself obliged to translate into french, and having no person to assist me, it made the business extremely troublesome and laborious.”


Title: John Stagg, Jr., to Tobias Lear, 17 February 1791
From: Stagg, John Jr.
To: Lear, Tobias

Sir.
War department, Feb: 17th 1791.

By direction of the Secretary of War, I have the honor to transmit you, the enclosed return of the General and Field Officers who served in the late army, for the inspection of the President

of the United States. I am Sir, with great respect, Your most obedt Servt

Jno. Stagg JunrChf Clk


Title: To George Washington from Andrew Skinner Ennalls, 18 February 1791
From: Ennalls, Andrew Skinner
To: Washington, George

Sir
Baltimore [Md.] Feby 18th 1791

  I have taken the liberty of addressing you; on the Subject of an Appointment, Under the Bill laying an Excise on ardent Spirits, either made, or imported into the United States, (provided the same passes into a Law)—and to Solicit for the Appointment of the Supervisor, for the District of the State of Maryland; I have not the Honor to be personally acquainted with you Sir, but am with many of the members of Congress, particularly with the Honorable Messrs Henry Bassett & Gale, to whom I beg leave

to refer you, for my Abilities & Integrity; And if I shou’d be so happy as to meet with your Approbation for this Appointment the favor will be gratfully Acknowledged—by Sir Your Most Obt Hm. Servt

Andrew Skinner Ennalls


Title: To George Washington from David Lenox, 18 February 1791
From: Lenox, David
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Philadelphia 18th, February 1791

When I had the honor to address you in New York on the 27th May 1789 I did it on the presumption that I might possibly have succeeded to an appointment in the Customs. I am again urged by a duty which I owe my family to step forward and to solicit the appointment of Supervisor for the State of Pennsylvania under the Excise Bill should the same be enacted into a Law. I am informed that there are a number of Applicants some of whom may appear recommended by very respectable Citizens but as you have some knowledge of me I have not thought it necessary to proceed in that manner, at the same time I beg leave to say that if I am so fortunate as to obtain a consideration with you I shall not be affraid to hazard any enquiry respecting my Character. I beg Sir you will Pardon me for troubling you on this occasion and allow me to add that should you honor me with an appointment I shall use my best endeavours to deserve it—I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir Your very Obedient Servant

D. Lenox


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 18 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate—
United States February 18th 1791.

The aspect of the Affairs in Europe during the last summer, and especially between Spain and England, gave reason to expect a favourable occasion for pressing to accomodation the unsettled matters between them and us. Mr Carmichael, our Chargé des Affaires at Madrid, having been long absent from his Country, great changes having taken place in our circumstances and sentiments during that interval, it was thought expedient to send some person in a private Character, full acquainted with the present state of things here to be the bearer of written and confidential instructions to him, and at the same time to possess him in full and frequent conversations, of all those details of facts, and topics of argument, which could not be conveyed in writing, but which would be necessary to enable him to meet the reasonings of that Court with advantage. Colo. David Humphreys was therefore sent for these purposes.
An additional motive for this confidential mission arose in the same quarter. The Court of Lisbon had, on several occasions, made the most amicable advances for cultivating friendship and intercourse with the United States. The exchange of a diplomatic character had been informally, but repeatedly suggested on their part. It was our interest to meet this nation in its friendly dispositions, and to concur in the exchange proposed. But my wish was, at the same time, that the Character to be exchanged should be of the lowest and most economical grade. To this it was known that certain rules, of long standing at that Court, would produce obsticles. Colo. Humphreys was charged with dispatches to the Prime Minister of Portugal, and with instructions to endeavour to arrange this to our views. It happened, however, that, previous to his arrival at Lisbon, the Queen had appointed a Minister Resident to the United States. This embarrassment seems to have rendered the difficulty completely insurmountable. The Minister of that Court, in his conferences with Colo. Humphreys, professing every wish to accommodate, yet expresses his regrets that circumstances do not permit them to concur in the grade of Chargés des Affaires; a grade of little privilege or respectability by the rules of their

  Court, and held in so low estimation with them, that no proper Character would accept it, to go abroad. In a letter to the Secretary of State he expresses the same sentiments, and announces the appointment, on their part, of a Minister Resident to the United States, and the pleasure with which the Queen will receive one from us at her Court. A copy of his letter and also of Colo. Humphreys’ giving the details of this transaction, will be delivered to you.
On consideration of all circumstances, I have determined to accede to the desire of the Court of Lisbon, in the article of Grade. I am aware that the consequences will not end here, and that this is not the only instance in which a like change may be pressed. But should it be necessary to yield elsewhere also, I shall think it a less evil, than to disgust a government so friendly, and so interesting to us, as that of Portugal.
I do not mean that the change of grade shall render the mission more expensive.
I have therefore nominated David Humphreys, Minister Resident from the United States to her most faithful Majesty the Queen of Portugal.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 18 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

United States. February 18th 1791.
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives

I have received from the Secretary of State a report on the proceedings of the Governor of the North Western Territory at Kaskaskia, Kahokia, and Prairie under the Resolution of Congress of August 29th 1788, which containing matter proper for your consideration, I lay before you.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 19 February 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Feb. 19. 1791.

The Secretary of State having recieved from the Commissioners for the State of Vermont a letter proposing these Questions 1. Whether, as that state will not be a distinct member of the union till the 4th day of March next, the President can, before that day, nominate officers for it? and 2. if he cannot, whether he can nominate them after the recess of the Senate? makes thereon to the President of the U.S. the following

Report.
He is of opinion the President cannot, before the 4th of March, make nominations which will be good in law: because, till that day, it will not be a separate & integral member of the U.S. and it is only to integral members of the union that his right of nomination is given by the Constitution.
But that nomination may be made on the 4th of March, and, if the Senate will meet on that day, may be reported to them for their approbation, it is true that the two or three new members will be absent, unless they chuse to come on for this purpose; but as the occasion of consulting an imperfect Senate will not be produced by any act of the President’s, and as it is in the power of the new Senators to render the body perfect, by coming on if they chuse it, this difficulty appears smaller than that of making original nominations without the concurrence of the Senate. this therefore is what the Secretary of State thinks best to be done.

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Augustine Seaton, 19 February 1791
From: Seaton, Augustine
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond [Va.] Feby 19th 1791

I see by an Act of Congress there is to be a light House erected at Cape Henry I would wish to be employed as the keeper & to Superintend the building of it, as I have lost very considerable by not being paid for servises rendered the Continenttall Army through the neglect of Colo. William Grayson. I had Claims against the Continent for about £1500 due from March 1777 to Feby 1778 for Waggons & Teams & sundrie other Horses provisions &

c. ferneshed the Army I had Vouchers to support every claim. I was Quarter Master to Graysons Redgt & was obligd to quit the Army at Vally Forge in 1778 Feby on Accot of my bad State of health & should have receved payment at that time had not a change taken place in the pay Masters General department, when I applyd to the pay Master then in Office he gave me for answer he could do anything in the business untill the former had made up his Accots with the Public, but if I would apply when that business was done I should receve payment. I fully intended to have joind the [army] again provided I recoverd my health but was disappt. in 1779 Colo. Grayson in the Board of Warr, I saw him in Virginia & complaind to him of the hardship of my not being paid he very readely offer me his serves in geting my Money, I delivered him my Accots & Vouchers for that perpose. I do not suppose Sir you are a Stranger to Colo. Graysons loose manner in doing business & I think his conduct in my case will prove it from the return he made me, which was he had mislaid my papers & thay ware lost which was a very Capitol loss to me as its impossible for me to establish my Claim without my papers. this is what has induced me to take the Liberty of addressing you on the business. this stroak of fortun⟨e⟩ together withe a large Family to support is very distressing I have no other alternative to get anything from the Continent only by your assistance therefore I flatter myself from your great uniformity in doing justice to all Men I hope I shall not be overlookd. if the Post of the light House is filld I should be thankfull for some other that will reinstate my loss or at least give me some chance for it. should a recommendation be necessary in the business I can get one that you will think respectibl. I hope the loss I have sustaind & the distress I feel by it will sufficiently apologiz⟨e⟩ for the Libert I have taken. I am Sir with the greatest respect yr most obt hume Servt

Auge Seaton


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Towles, 20 February 1791
From: Towles, Oliver
To: Washington, George

Sir
Virginia February 20. 1791.

The Gentleman that will deliver you this, is Colonel Thomas Towles of Virginia who has been kind enough to undertake the management of a representation of mine to be laid before Congress, being unable personally to attend to the same myself; amongst other things contained in that remonstrance, I have asserted that in the Year One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Seven, after stating the particulars of my embarrassments, and which being fully submitted to your examination, it was afterwards confided to you as the Commander in Chief, to decide circumstanced as I was, whether I could, consistently with honor, resign my Commission as an officer, to which you anounced both by letter and otherwise, that altho you thought the case a hard one yet upon mature consideration you Judged it not sufficient, at so perilous a crisis of the contest, to admit of a relinquishment of my Commission, in consequence of which, I considered myself bound by the determination, and did continue in the service of the Army
From the great and Multifarious business you have been constantly engaged in, it is quite improbable, that so trifling a matter, should have continued on your mind, or that you should be able to say any thing, about it except some material circumstance, should previously come forward, that might have a tendency, to bring the fact thoroughly to your recollection; therefore in case Congress, should Judge it necessary to evince that particular, I have requested Mr Towles to lay before you, your letter, adressed to me on the subject, the perusal of which, I am persuaded will sufficiently remind you of the truth of the

transaction, and enable your Justifying if necessary what I have alledged.
Most sincerely wishing your life may be prolonged, to a very distant period, with health and happiness during its continuation, and eternal felicity thereafter, I conclude sincerely felicitating you, on the heartfelt satisfaction you must experience, from the unrivalled applause, acquired by a life successfully, and unremittedly devoted to the Publick good; which is gratefully acknowledged, and will ever be remembered by all, and with peculiar pleasure by; Worthy Sir Your most Obedient and Most humble servant

O. Towles


Title: To George Washington from Joshua Barney, 21 February 1791
From: Barney, Joshua
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Feby 21st 1791

Congress having this day determined that they will not make me an allowance for claims I have against the U.S. for monies

expended in making my escape from prison in England, and expences in returning to America, nor will they grant Commutation to me as an Officer of the Navy, I beg leave to mention to your Excellency that the monies claimed as above amounting to the sum of 896 dollars which was Absolutely expended, were more in Value than I ever received from the United States for near Nine years service, exclusive of what it has cost me, in making this application. Under these hard circumstances, I am advised by my friends to Solicit your Patronage for an appointment under the General Government. I have therefore taken the liberty to inclose a Memorial to that effect hoping your Excellency will be pleased to grant the prayer. The length of time I have been from my friends in Baltimore, and not expecting that such an application would be necessary prevented my obtaining letters from my friends to your Excellency on this head, but flatter myself that the recommendation which my very particular friend Doctr McHenry gave me on a former occasion will now have its due weight—The Legislature of Maryland at thier last Session appointed me One of the Auctioneers for Baltimore, but an Association having taken place in that town among the Merchants & others, not to purchase at Vendue, have rendered that Office of no consequence. I was also appointed Clerk to the Federal Courts for Maryland, but that Office I must resign having expended near 50 dollrs in the last year more than the amount of ⟨my⟩ fees. The only motive for my application is the support of a Wife and five children, untill it shall please my Country to call me into Actual Service, when I shall most cheerfully Obey, And Am Your Excelly Most Obt Servt

Joshua Barney


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Benezet, 21 February 1791
From: Benezet, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia February 21st 1791.

  At the Request of my Son Daniel Benezet Junr, who has desired the inclosed Petition to be forwarded; I take the Liberty of recommending him as a suitable Person for Inspector of Excise, he has been vigilant & careful in his present Office: for his Capacity & prudent Conduct, I beg to refer you to Messrs Robert Morris, Thomas Fitzsimmons, Thomas Sinnickson & Jonathan Elmer, I have the honor to be Your most obedient humble Servant

Danl Benezet


Title: From George Washington to George Clendinen, 21 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Clendinen, George

Sir
Philadelphia February 21th 1791.

I have received your letter of the 1st of December, and thank you as well for the readiness with which you have complied with my request to undertake the letting of my lands in your neighbourhood, as for the disposition which you express to render your best services in this way.
In my letter to you of the 25 of June last (a duplicate of which was committed to the care of Mr Moore in August) I could not point out the precise terms upon which I wished to have my lands settled; because I knew that they must depend upon the custom of the Country, and what that was I knew not—I therefore spoke generally upon the subject, and referred you to the papers in Colonel Lewis’s hands—But it was not my intention that you should be strictly confined to the terms which were there expressed—They were my own ideas on the matter, unassisted by a knowledge of the custom of the Country, which I knew must always govern in the seating of new lands—I can therefore only repeat the sentiment expressed in my former letter, which was that I wished the lands to be in a train of improvement by being settled—and that I should be relieved from the taxes of them—It was my wish that the term of time for which they might be leased should be as short as could be obtained to answer the purpose of settlement. Perhaps the quality of my lands might be an inducement for shortening the term, as more profit might be derived from them in eight years by the Cultivator than from common land in ten years. This, however, I must not calculate upon; but leave it to your judgment to seat them upon the best terms you can—I would just make one observation, which is that if it is at present dangerous to make settlements in that part of the Country, as it is represented to be, might it not be advisable to delay the attempt to settle until it can be done with more security; when it is highly probable that it may be done more to my advantage—But in this, as in other respects on the subject, you must have better grounds to found an opinion upon than I am possessed of and I trust that your best judgment will be exercised for my interest. With great regard, I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Chipman, 22 February 1791
From: Chipman, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 22d Feb. 1791

  I have the honor to enclose a letter from Governor Chittenden on the Subject of appointing a Judge for the District of Vermont—I flatter myself the contents of that letter will suggest a sufficient apology for my not delivering it before. I am Sir with the greatest respect your most obedient humble Servt

Nathaniel Chipman


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

Feb. 22. 1791.

The Secretary of state having recieved information from Thomas Auldjo, who was appointed Vice consul of the United States at Cowes in Great Britain, that his commission has not been recognised by that government, because it is a port at which no foreign Consul has been yet recieved, and that it has been intimated to him, that his appointment to the port of Poole and parts nearer to that than to the residence of any other Consul of the U.S. would be recognised, and his residence at Cowes not noticed.
Reports to the President
as his opinion that it would be expedient to nominate Thomas Auldjo to be Vice-consul for the United states at the port of Poole in Great Britain and such parts within the allegiance of his Britannic Majesty as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Viceconsul of the United states within the same allegiance.

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 22 February 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

War-department, Feby 22nd 1791.

The Secretary for the department of war, submits the following report to the President of the United States, upon the operations to be adopted for the ensuing year upon the frontiers.
In order to form a right judgement of the measures proper for the general government to pursue during the ensuing year relative to the frontiers, it will be necessary to take a preliminary view of the several objects which require attention and arrangement.
The first and most pressing demand on the government is, the restoration of peace, and the effectual protection of the frontier inhabitants, lying along the Ohio river, against the depredations of the indians North west of the said river.
The second is, the preservation of the peace, and performance of the treaties made with the southern nations of indians, the said peace and treaties, being threatned with violation, by the measures pursuing by the three companies or associations of men, who have purchased the pre-emption of the greater part of the lands of the Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Cherokees, of the State of Georgia.
The third is, the consideration of the means most likely to attach the people of the frontiers to the government of the United States.
The fourth, a consideration of the probable effect, decisive measures against the indians may have either upon Spain or England.
These several preliminary objects are stated, as the basis of the ideas herein after mentioned, and in order to obtain a distinct view of the several means necessary to attain the ends desired by government.
In contemplating the measures to effect the first object, to wit, peace with the indian tribes North-West of the Ohio, it would be proper to consider that the late expedition was entirely unfortunate in its result—That the Wabash and Miami indians will consider themselves as victorious—That the neighbouring tribes will be induced to join them—And, that the war will be general, as it shall relate to the Wabash indians, and their neighbours.

At the same time that this view of the subject, ought to govern in the preparations for another campaign, every collateral measure, which could be adopted, consistently with the dignity of government, ought to be executed, to influence the said indians to peace, in addition to the intimations already made, through the Wyandots and Delawares, by the Governor of the Western territory, and through the Senekas, by the subscriber.
Although an effectual and permanent peace, without the expence and blood of another campaign, would be highly acceptable to the great mass of citizens of the United States, yet, such a desire ought not to slacken, but rather invigorate, every necessary preparation.
In the present state of things, the minds of the indians must be impressed with the power of the United States, as the ground work of that system of justice and mercy, which it will be the glory of the general government to administer, to all the indians, within its limits.
Upon these principles, and upon the supposition, that the troops of the regular establishment will be augmented to the number of two thousand, one hundred and twenty eight noncommissioned and privates, and that two thousand levies will be authorized, with such auxiliary mounted militia as shall be herein mentioned, the following general plan is submitted for the operations of the campaign.
The great object of the campaign will be, to convince the indians of the futility of resistance, and of the absolute necessity of submitting to the justice and mercy of the United States.
That for this purpose, besides destroying their towns, and provisions, defeating their force, and capturing as many of them as possible, particularly their women and children, it will be necessary to establish a post at the Miami village, or, some other place in its vicinity which might be proper.
This operation, will require a force, decidedly superior to all probable combinations of the force of the indians—and, therefore, it ought not to be undertaken with less than three thousand effective troops, composed of regulars and levies, inlisted for a fixed term, not to expire, before the 30th of November, unless the force of the indians should be greatly wasted by the desultory operations herein after mentioned.
The establishment of the said post—The construction of the

fortifications—The establishing of esential posts of communications—The conduct proper to be observed to the indians upon their discovering dispositions favorable for peace, or, vigorous operations against them in case of obstinate hostilities, together, with the accuracy of perception, to observe the indications of the English, consequent upon the establishment of said post, all require, that the commanding officer of the expedition should be a man of sound judgement, general political information, and, an able general.
From the general view of the present state of the military force of the United States, herewith submitted, marked A it would appear, that notwithstanding every possible exertion, the recruits could not be inlisted and placed at Fort Washington, or the mouth of the great Miami, or of the Ohio, at an earlier period than the first day of July, and it is questionable, whether the levies, herein after mentioned, could be obtained at a much earlier period.
In the mean-time, it may be expected, as soon as the spring shall open, and the waters reduced, so that the indians can travel, that the whole line of frontier, from Fort Pitt to the falls of the Ohio, and on both sides of that river will experience the desolations of the indians.
Such an event, it must be confessed, would be, both, calamitous to the inhabitants, and disgraceful to the government, and ought, if possible, to be prevented.
The defensive measures directed by Virginia, and even aided by the temporary arrangement afforded to the exposed counties by the general government, during the last year, would be an insufficient security against the expected depredations, as it would be impracticable to know, or, to guard against the numerous points of attack.
The only effectual expedient which offers itself upon this subject, is, to embrace the offers made by the representatives of the district of Kentucky, and the counties lying along the Ohio, and with mounted militia to form a series of rapid, and desultory operations against the indians towns lying on the Wabash.
By thus carrying the war into the indian-country, their attention will be called to take care of their own women, and children, and, the frontiers freed from invasion.
The objections which oppose themselves to such desultory operations are,

1st—The expence which would attend them.
2’ndly—Their inefficacy, as to the proper impressions to be made upon the indians—That they would rather stimulate to greater exertions, than produce submission.
3’dly—That they might interfere with, and retard the, great expedition of the campaign to wit—the establishing posts in the indian country, and by that means, of curbing and overawing them.
These objections are of such an nature, as to require to be particularly examined.
—The first is the expence—
—It has been pretty satisfactorily ascertained by the subscriber, that, a non commissioned officer, or private militia volunteer, mounted on horseback, armed with a rifle and tomahawk, and furnished with provisions and forage for himself and horse, for a thirty days expedition, might be obtained, for two thirds of a dollar per day, and the pay only of the commissioned officers to be added thereto, according to their respective grades, all risque of horses included—but, as ammunition is difficult to be obtained, the public must furnish that article.
On this principle, the estimate marked B and hereunto annexed, has been formed, in order to show the entire amount of one such desultory expedition of seven hundred and fifty-men.
It is the result of verbal information, that for such an operation of mounted volunteers, the number of five hundred, in the opinion of the most esteemed leaders of Kentucky, would be equal, by a sudden and rapid stroke, to the object of destroying any of the indian villages on the Wabash, and of capturing the women and children.
If this information should be just, a desultory operation of five hundred non commissioned and privates, with their commissioned officers, would only amount to thirteen thousand one hundred & eighty five dollars & seventy cents.
The second objection is the inefficacy of such operations, and that they would rather irritate than humble the indians.
The force of this objection would depend upon the success or non-success of such expeditions—If the first expedition of that nature should be considerably successful, and for instance destroying the Wea or Onittanon towns, and capture a considerable number of women and children, it would have the direct effect to humble them, and induce them to sue for peace.

That although, at this distance, the chance of surprizing the indian towns may appear against probability, yet, if in the opinion of the volunteers, or their leaders, it should be in favor of a surprize, or that the force would be superior to the probable number of indians which they should meet, it ought to preponderate in favor of the operation.
That as to the third object of interfering with, or retarding, the main expedition, it will be found, by the arrangements proposed, both with respect to the regular troops, and the levies, that Kentucky is not relied upon for more than one thousand of ther levies, and it is represented they have twelve thousand militia—Besides which, it will appear hereafter, that the desultory operations will be over and terminated, as they shall respect the district of Kentucky, before the main expedition shall set out from the Ohio, unless it shall be thought proper from the situation of circumstances at the time, to make a collateral desultory operation with the main expedition.
The Secretary of War conceives from the several views that he has taken of this subject, balancing the probable advantages against the disadvantages, that the result is highly in favor of the desultory operations, as herein after proposed, and that they will probably produce the main effect intended—That is, by carrying the war into the enemy’s country, prevent in a great degree their invading the frontiers.
This single consideration, all others being equal, would of itself, be sufficient to turn the scale in favor of the desultory operations: But, in addition thereto, it is a circumstance of no small importance, that the desultory operations will be highly acceptable to the Kentucky district, and other frontier counties, and that as they mainly arise from their own propositions, and as their leaders will have the conducting of them they will be answerable both for their being well ordered, and for their effect, as far as the same shall depend upon proper management.
In proportion as the desultory operations shall be successful, the force and spirits of the indians will be decreased, and they deterred from combating with the troops of the main expedition, which will therefore have a greater probability of success, especially when it shall be constantly intimated by all practicable channels, that the peace and happiness of the indians depend upon themselves, in making due and timely submission, for their unprovoked aggressions.

It is therefore proposed to invest Brigadier General Charles Scott, appointed a brigadier general by the government of Virginia, to form an expedition against the Wea or Onittanon towns, with a body of mounted volunteers, not exceeding seven hundred and fifty non commissioned officers and privates—That he appoint the commissioned officers of the said volunteers in the manner he shall judge most conducive to the success of the operation, not exceeding however the proportions for the regular troops, the schedule of which to be transmitted to him.
That he set out upon said expedition from such place upon the Ohio, as he shall judge most proper, and at an early period, not exceeding the 15th, or 20th, of April next if possible.
That he, and his troops, vigorously attack and destroy the said Onittanon or Wea towns, and indians, taking especially, care however, not to kill any women, children or people incapable of resistance, but to capture and bring off as many such as possible.
That if succesful or not, at the said towns, or villages, that he be instructed to destroy such other hostile towns, or indians, to which, as in his judgement, his force shall be equal.
That the troops under his command be mustered the day of their departure from the Ohio, and that every man of his party carry with him, bread and meat for thirty days, and due quantities of corn for the horses.
That if his party return by the way of post Vincennes, that they be mustered by the commanding officer of said post for the last time previously to their being disbanded.
That quadruplicate copies of each muster be made out; one to be retained by the mustering officer—another to be delivered to the commanding officer of the party—the third to the captains of the companies, and the fourth to be transmitted by the paymaster of the said troops, to the War-office.
That if the said party should not return by post Vincennes, they must return to some post established on the Ohio, under the command of a regular-officer, and there be mustered under the before mentioned regulations.
That the commanding officer of said party report to the commanding officer of the troops on the Ohio, and to the Secretary of War, a precise statement of his numbers—the distances of his marches, daily, and the time of his return, with observations and particular details of all the events of his expedition; and such

general observations, as shall occur to him of the nature of the country and the proper mode to attack the indians.
That Colonel  Shelby be entrusted with a similar expedition, to take place on or about the 20th of May from such parts of the Ohio, as he shall judge proper, and against such object upon the Wabash, as the commanding officer of the troops shall direct.
That Brigadier General John Sevier be entrusted with a third expedition of the like nature—the point of departure from the Ohio, to be regulated by the object upon the Wabash which the commanding officer shall point out; to commence from the Ohio, the 20th of June next.
That in order to enable each of the before mentioned officers, or others in their stead, to undertake the said expeditions with vigor, a sum, not exceeding five thousand dollars be advanced to each of them, in order to be distributed to the said volunteers, as shall be judged proper to prepare for the expedition, provided the said officers give bonds, with good security, for the faithful appropriations of said monies, to be deducted from the amount of the pay-rolls, of the said volunteers.
That if the commanding officer of the main expedition should judge the measure essential, he may authorize a fourth desultory operation, to have effect so as to correspond with the main expedition.
That it will also be necessary to entrust the said commanding officer with a further power—That in case the levies and regular troops should not be inlisted in due season, that he may call forth a sufficient number of militia from Kentucky—the counties of Virginia upon the Ohio, and from Pennsylvania, to make good the said deficiency for such term as he shall judge necessary not exceeding the 30th day of November ensuing, but, to be discharged sooner, if in his judgement the service will permit the same.
That it is suggested that one half of the proposed levies, or the number of one thousand, be raised in the Western counties of Pennsylvania, and the counties of Virginia lying along the Ohio, and the other half in the counties of Kentucky.
That the said levies be formed into two regiments—each of one thousand men—The levies to be commanded by a brigadier general—That each regiment of said levies have one hundred,

or two companies, of well mounted light horse, and three hundred expert rifle-men, to find their own rifles, and to be allowed pay for the use thereof, and if lost, to be paid at the expence of the United States, as the public have not any rifles in store.
That it will also be necessary to entrust the commanding officer with the power of suspending the raising the levies, or to discharge them entirely if he should judge the same proper—This power is indispensible, as the indians may submit to terms, or the desultory operations prove so successful that the regular troops, alone may be sufficient for the establishment of the posts intended.
It is highly probable, that the combined effect of the desultory and main expeditions, will humble the indians, and induce them to sue for peace—It is therefore proper to consider of the terms which shall be offered them—At present, the Delewares and Wyandots, have by the treaty of Fort McIntosh, made the 21st day of January 1785, the following boundary—to wit—“The boundary line between the Wyandot and Delaware nations, shall begin at the mouth of the river Cayahoga, and run thence up the said river to the portage between that and the Tuscarawas branch of the Muskinghum, then down the said branch to the forks at the crossing place above fort Lawrence—then westerly to the portage of the big-Miami, which runs into the Ohio, at the mouth of which branch the Fort stood which was taken by the french in the year 1752—then along the said portage to the Great Miami, or Ome river, and down the southeast side of the same to its mouth—thence along the south shore of Lake Erie, to the mouth of Cayahoga, where it began.”
The residence of the Delawares and Wyandots at present is near the Sandusky lake, and at Cayahoga—Their number of warriors, about five hundred—There is no doubt, but that the main body of them are, as they have lately been, peaceably disposed—Their situation however is very critical, and they may be brought to act against us—If this should be the case, and the campaign successful, they ought to be removed to the westward of the Ome river—For it is but justice, both to the indians and the whites, to remove the causes of war, and if the Wyandots take a part against us, it will be difficult to be good neighbours with them again.

But, if they remain neutral, or join us, they ought to be permitted to enjoy their present residence.
The Shawenese also by the treaty of the Miami the 31’st of January 1786 had the following lands allotted them—to wit—
“The United States do allot to the Shawanoe nation, lands within their territory to live and hunt upon, beginning at the south side of the lands allotted to the Wyandot, and Deleware nations, at the place where the main-branch of the Great Miami which falls into the Ohio intersects said line—then down the river Miami to the fork of that river, next below the old fort, which was taken by the french in 1752—thence due west to the river la Panse—then down that river to the river Wabash, beyond which lines, none of the citizens of the United States, shall settle, nor disturb the Shawanoes in their settlements and possessions; and the Shawanoes do relinquish to the United States, all title, or pretence of title, they ever had to the lands, east, west, and south of the east, west and south lines before described”
But, the mutual ill-offices which have since taken place, render it improbable that the Shawanoes, and the United States will ever be friends again—At any rate, they must be compelled to abandon all claims on the east side of the Wabash—The Wyandots, Delawares, and Shawanoes are all the indians who have any claim to lands between the Ohio, and lake Erie, excepting the remnants of the Moravians, to whom Congress gave a township upon the Muskinghum, in consequence of the injuries they sustained during the war, from the whites.
A question arises whether, in the issue of a successful campaign, the Wabash and the Ome emptying into Lake Erie, shall be the Western boundary, or whether a line shall be extended due west, from the forks of the Great Miami of the Ohio, to the Mississippi supposing the same should be found practicable.
There would not be many indians, south of the said line, excepting the Kickapoos, who will not exceed two hundred warriors, and who are a bad set, and must be removed, as they will undoubtedly join in the war against us.
The good consequence resulting from such a line would be a greater security to the settlers on the Mississippi, and to the tract at the mouth of the Ohio, reserved for the late army.
But it seems to be necessary at all events, to prevent future wars, to prohibit the indians from hunting on the east side of

the Wabash—The line running west from the forks of the Great Miami before mentioned may be left to the discretion of the Governor of the western territory, to establish it or not as circumstances may require.
The Secretary of war, further submits, that the post to be established at the Miami village, shall be garrisoned with twelve hundred men, including the subordinate posts, until the next year, and that the same shall have in store six months salted provisions & a due proportion of cannon and military stores.
Having discussed the first general object of the frontiers, the second occurs—to wit—the preservation of the peace, and performance of the treaties with the Choctaws, Chickasaws and Cherokees—the said treaties and peace being threatned with a violation by certain companies which have purchased the preemption to the lands of the said indians, from the State of Georgia.
This is an important consideration, whether it be viewed, as relating to the the indians—the people of the frontiers, or the Spaniards.
Should the projected settlements take effect on the indians land, with their concurrence, it will be obtained under some specious delusion; probably, under the garb of authority from the United States—The temporary countenance which the indians may afford the measure, will induce such great accession of numbers, as may, when the indians shall be undeceived, occasion the expence of a long, and bloody warfare.
In this, as in all other similar cases, it will be much more easy to prevent, than to remedy the evil.
That therefore it will be proper to establish a strong post of three or four hundred men at the Occachappo, or bears creek, which empties into the Tennesse near the Muscle shoals.
And, if the Yazous purchasers, should persist, in forcing a settlement upon the lands of the Choctaws and Chickasaws, upon the Mississippi, it will be proper to dispossess them by sending a body of troops against them, and to explain the measure, fully, to the indian nations.
That the time for the establishment of this post will depend upon the facility with which the troops shall be raised, and upon the general operations North-West of the Ohio; but, most probably it must be consequent thereto, and not carried on together—

All the regular troops may be wanted for the main expedition, and to carry on many operations at once, would occasion embarrasments, and perhaps endanger the success of the whole.
The third general object—to wit—a consideration of the means most likely to attach the people of the frontiers of the United States, lays apparently within a narrow compass—Justice must be administered fully and freely among them in all respects, whether for, or, against them. This will soon bring them into proper habits of submission to the laws—They ought to be effectually protected against indian depredations, and in case of any unjustifiable behaviour of any of the lawless citizens, towards the indians, such persons ought to be punished in an exemplary manner; and on this point it behoves government to be inflexible, as well in regard to its general reputation in the judgement of the world, as in regard to the saving of the blood and treasure expended in an unjust indian war.
The fourth object—to wit—a consideration of the probable effect decisive measures against the indians, or it might be added against the people intending to settle on the lands of the Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Cherokees may have on the military posts of Spain or England.
The fact is, that both of those powers have claims upon the territories of the United States—Spain claiming up the Mississippi to the Ohio, and England holding the posts which ought to have been relinquished by the treaty of peace. Both, therefore, being conscious of exceptionable and improper conduct towards the United States, will regard the encrease of the military force of the United States with great jealousy.
If a post should be established on the Mississippi, below the Ohio, it would occasion the dispositions of the Spaniards to be discovered, relative to their claims—But, it is conceived, that this measure ought not to be undertaken at present, and therefore it is not proposed.
The facility with which a superior force from the Miami village might approach Detroit, will indisputably occasion apprehensions, for the safety of that post, especially, if the interposing indians should be effectually routed during the campaign.
It may also be reasonably expected, that these apprehensions will occasion a reinforcement of troops, during the approaching

summer—both sides being pretty strong in that quarter will require great circumspection & prudence in the direction of the troops—The delicacy of this situation may render it wise for the United States to defer having any naval armament upon lake Erie, until the Court of Great Britain may be more reasonable than at present—The object of a naval force is not of such importance, at present, as to induce risques which may involve us in a disagreeable predicament.
The post at the Miami village, well supported by a chain of posts of communications in the direction to the Miami, of ⟨illegible⟩ the Ohio, will be a more effectual barrier against indian incursions, than even if the United States possessed Detroit itself.
The garrison of the Miami village being strong, and always able to detach five or six hundred men, to chastise any of the tribes who shall commit depredations, will soon curb all hostilities, or occasion such tribes to remove at a greater distance.
The Secretary of War submits the idea, that it may be left discretionary, with the commanding general, to employ from two to four hundred of the Six Nations, or Wyandots and Delawares if they should prove friendly, to accompany the main expedition.
The said Secretary has conceived it his duty to submit this report, embracing all the general objects of the frontiers, in order that the President of the United States may approve, or, disapprove of such parts, or the whole, as he may judge proper.
But, the said Secretary respectfully solicits the directions of the President of the United States, previously to his departure, upon the general principles of this report, the same being necessary, in order to frame the instructions of the commanding officer—The said instructions, without rigidly imposing conditions as ultimatums, must necessarily contain, not only the general principles for the government of the commanding officer, but much detail matter.
All which is humbly submitted to the President of the United States.

H. Knox
Secy of War


Title: To George Washington from Lewis R. Morris, 22 February 1791
From: Morris, Lewis R.
To: Washington, George

Sir
22d February 1791

As Vermont will shortly become a member of the general Government, I would solicit the honor of being employed in any Office within that State, which you may consider me qualified to discharge the duties of. I have the honor to be Sir, with the greatest Respect your most obedt hum. serv’t

L. R. Morris


Title: To George Washington from N. G., 22 February 1791
From: N. G.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia February 22d 1791

While you receive the Congratulations of your fellow Citizens on the Anniversary of your Birth permit one who has long Admired both your Public and private Virtues to address you as a Character under God who has been a principal Instrument of bringing about the late Glorious and Happy revolution which is justly acknowledged to exceed any thing of the kind ever recorded in the Annals of time.
   my Situation in Life forbids my appearing in Person but from my Humble Cot beg leave to present you with the inclosed performance upon the greatest and most Sublime Mystery of our Holy Religion being a short Scriptural Comment on the ever Blessed Trinity a work which engaged my attention at a time when to all Human appearance I was near the Gates of Death, if the Contents were calculated to damp your Joy or render your Happiness less complete it would be both base and ungrateful in me to exhibit it to your view on this Auspicious Day but this I am convinced is not the case for Religion never was designed to make our pleasures less.
This is proved in an Eminent manner by your Life and Conversation and by your Attachment and regard to that Church of

which you are a Member, while you shew the most shining proofs of Charity and Philanthropy towards them that Differ.
The Lord preserve your valuable Life make you happy in his Love and ever have you in his Divine keeping is the prayer of Sir your most Obedient most humble and Devoted Citizen and Servant

N.G.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 22 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
United States, February 22nd 1791

I will proceed to take measures for the ransom of our citizens in captivity at Algiers, in conformity with your resolution of advice of the first instant, so soon as the monies necessary shall be appropriated by the Legislature, and shall be in readiness.
The recognition of our treaty with the new Emperor of Marocco requires also previous appropriation and provision—the importance of this last to the liberty and property of our citizens induces me to urge it on your earliest attention.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Anderson, 23 February 1791
From: Anderson, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 23rd Febry 1791

When I last did myself the Honor of waiting upon your Excellency, on the Subject of my application now before You—Mr Lear inform’d me, that something had been Suggested to my disadvantage, respecting a transaction between Major Jaquet and myself relative to some Certificates.
In Order to set that business in a proper point of View, I have for your Excellencys satisfaction Obtaind from Major Jaquet, a Certificate, Containing a Statement of the facts attending it—By which Your Excellency will perceive whether I deserve censure on the Subject.
Your Excellency will please to Observe, that Major Jaquet acknowledges, to have receivd from me, Miami Land Warrants, to the amount Of the Certificates I had receiv’d from him; at a price fixed by himself—On his seting the price on the warrants I thought it considerably Less than their real Value—He therefore agreed to allow me the equity of redemption at any period within three years, Upon the Terms, Contain’d in the Certificate—I have thought it adviseable to explain this part of the Certificate, in order, that your Excellency might clearly understand, the real principles of our Settlement.
It gives me very Sensible pain to have caus’d your Excellency so much trouble—But sundry circumstances having interven’d (since I first made application to Your Excellency,) which I cou’d not possibly foresee—I must crave your Excellencys forgiveness for my Obtrusions—And Permit me to assure you Sir, that I hold

your approbation, of my Character, more Dear, than any Emoluments I might derive from the Office I Solicit.
Not having the Honor of being personably known to your Excellency—I feel myself imbarrass’d, in requesting the Special indulgence, of waiting on your Excellency in person.
To your Excellency I look up as to a Common Parent, and have no doubt Sir, but what you will do me all the Justice, to which my Small claims to Merit may intitle me—I am Sir, with every Sentiment of the highest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servt

Jos. Anderson


Title: To George Washington from Martha Dangerfield Bland, 23 February 1791
From: Bland, Martha Dangerfield
To: Washington, George

Cawson [Va.] Feby 23d 1791

I thought Sir, when I received your Letter that it had forever Closed our Correspondence but I have now a Claim upon you in your public Charactor as well as a friend. I have a valluable slave in Philadelphia of the name of Alexander Aubury, who passes for a free man and lives near the Bettering house, Colonel Griffin informs me that he may be recoverd it has been attempted but the quakers interfered & he returnd to his own house.
I am told Sir that my best mode of recovering him will be to

  apply to you it will oblige me very much if you will Use your Authority, I had rather he shoud be sold he offerd £100 for himself through the quakers, but his Master Chose not to take that sum, I will be satisfied with that, or less, These are trifles to plague you with and I hope you will excuse it. present me, if you please Sir to Mrs Washington with great Affection & believe me with sincere regard Your Obt & Hble Servt

M. Bland


Title: To George Washington from Ebenezer Davis, 23 February 1791
From: Davis, Ebenezer
To: Washington, George

Sir
Portland [District of Maine] Feby 23d 1791

Will you permit me for one moment to request your notice of my desire to serve in the District of Maine as Inspector of the Militia should such an Officer be appointed. It will perhaps be in vain to attempt to make myself known to the President of the United States but I had the honor of serving under your Command during the whole of the Late War and more then once had the happiness of meeting with your approbation. In special by the notice you was pleased to take of my Conduct at Delaney’s Bridge in January 1781. soon after I was Detached with a Corps of Light Infantry Commanded by the Marquis De la Fayette into Virginia But I cannot flatter myself that such minutia can still occupy a place in your memory. I have but to say I served with pleasure till the army was disbanded and still love the profession of Arms. Permit me with Sincere affection and the greatest respect to Subscribe your most obedient & very humble Servant

Ebenezer Davis


Title: Editorial Note
From:
To:

	      The bill to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States had not yet been presented to GW for his signature when he solicited and received the opinion of the attorney general on its constitutionality. After receiving Randolph’s opinion, GW solicited the views of the secretary of state. Both Randolph and Jefferson had prepared written opinions arguing that the bank bill was unconstitutional. On 16 Feb. 1791 GW wrote to Hamilton, referring these opinions to him and requesting a written opinion on the “validity and propriety” of the bill.
	      This request prompted the writing of one of the most important state papers produced during the Washington administration, Hamilton’s lengthy and closely reasoned “Opinion on the Constitutionality of an Act to Establish a Bank.” In preparing the opinion Hamilton sought not simply to refute the arguments of Randolph and Jefferson but to assert the broad authority of Congress to legislate on the basis of Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which empowered the legislature “To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution” all “Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States.” This argument, embodying what subsequently became known as the doctrine of implied powers, has had far-reaching consequences for American constitutionalism. The doctrine was employed by Chief Justice John Marshall, who was familiar with Hamilton’s argument, in his opinion in United States v. Fisher in 1805 and was given its most famous formulation in Marshall’s opinion in McCulloch v. Maryland in 1819.
	      The circumstances under which Hamilton’s opinion was composed have been the subject of considerable speculation. Hamilton apparently spent much of his time during the week of 16–23 Feb. preparing his opinion, although he probably devoted a part of his time to preparing his report on the Holland loan of three million florins, his report on the petition of Comfort Sands and others, and his report on the petition of William Simmons, all dated 24 Feb. and presented to Congress on 25 Feb. 1791. On 21 Feb. he wrote to GW: “The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President of the United States to request his indulgence for not having yet furnished his reasons on a certain point. He has been ever since sedulously engaged in it, but finds it will be impossible to complete before Tuesday or Wednesday morning early. He is anxious to give the point a thorough examination” (DLC:GW). In preparing the opinion, Hamilton may have consulted with William Lewis, the U.S. attorney for Pennsylvania who had previously served as legal counsel for the Bank of North America.

	      The finished opinion consists of more than thirteen thousand words. No contemporary evidence has been found to support the often-repeated assertion that it was written in one session over the night of 22–23 Feb. 1791. In his letter of transmittal Hamilton reported that the writing of the opinion had “occupied him the greatest part of last night” but does not claim to have written the entire document during the course of that single night.
	      Nowhere does Hamilton mention the assistance of a clerk, but his wife, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, reported to Arthur Latham Perry when she was in her nineties that she had assisted Hamilton in finishing the opinion. Perry, a political economist who later served on the faculty of Williams College, recorded the conversation in his journal entry for New Year’s Day, 1853, noting that, although she was then in her ninety-fifth year, Elizabeth Hamilton was still “active in body” and “clear in mind.” In discussing the writing of the opinion, she told Perry that “I sat up all night with him to help him do it. Jefferson thought we ought not to have a Bank, and President Washington thought so. But my husband said, We must have a Bank. I sat up all night, copied out his writing, and the next morning he carried it to President Washington and we had a Bank.”
	      There are eight known manuscript versions of the opinion. One is an incomplete draft in Hamilton’s handwriting, with numerous cancellations and interlineations, which is in the Hamilton Papers at the Library of Congress. A transcript of this draft, with the full text, including the cancellations and interlineations rendered in type, is in Syrett, Hamilton Papers,Harold C. Syrett et al., eds. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. 27 vols. New York, 1961–87. 8:64–97. The other seven manuscript versions are all contemporary copies of Hamilton’s finished text. Columbia University, the Massachusetts Historical Society, and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania each own one copy. There are two copies in the Hamilton Papers at the Library of Congress and a letter-book copy in the Washington Papers at the Library of Congress. The seventh copy is in private hands; it was owned for many years by Mr. John R. Dillard of Philadelphia, Pa., and is generally referred to as the Dillard copy. None of the known copies is in the handwriting of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton.
	      The seven known copies are all textually similar. The editors of The Papers of Alexander Hamilton divide them into three groups, based on minor textual variations. The GW letter-book copy, the copy in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the Dillard copy, they contend, are essentially identical. One of the copies in the Hamilton Papers at the Library of Congress and the Massachusetts Historical Society copy are nearly identical, as are the second copy in the Hamilton Papers at the Library of Congress and the Columbia University copy.

	      None of these seven contemporary copies can be conclusively identified as the actual document transmitted to GW by Hamilton on 23 Feb. 1791. The editors of The Papers of Alexander Hamilton elected to publish the Dillard copy, which is in the handwriting of Henry Kuhl, a clerk in the Treasury Department, indicating that “most evidence points to the copy owned by Mr. Dillard” as the one delivered to GW. As evidence they cite the fact that Kuhl was one of Hamilton’s clerks and the textual similarity of the Dillard copy to the letter-book copy in the Washington Papers. While this argument is plausible, the evidence that the Dillard copy was presented to GW is inconclusive. Kuhl may have assisted Hamilton in his late-night effort to complete the report, but no independent evidence of this has been found. The document is taken from the copy in GW’s letter book, which was undoubtedly copied from the text presented to GW on 23 Feb. 1791. The letter-book copy is in the hand of Bartholomew Dandridge.

   See Randolph to GW, 12 Feb. 1791, Jefferson to GW, 15 Feb. 1791, GW to Hamilton, 16 Feb. 1791, and Madison to GW, 21 Feb. 1791. On GW’s decision to sign the bill, see GW to Hamilton, 23 Feb. 1791. Hamilton’s opinion focused on the constitutionality of the bank bill. After the adjournment of Congress, Hamilton prepared a separate, much shorter report on the practical advantages of a national bank (see Hamilton to GW, 27 Mar. 1791, and note 1).

   Marshall discussed Hamilton’s opinion at length in his Life of George Washington (Philadelphia, 1805–7), 5:297, and Notes (separately paginated at the end of the volume), pp. 3–11.

   These reports are in Syrett, Hamilton Papers,Harold C. Syrett et al., eds. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. 27 vols. New York, 1961–87. 8:136–42.

   Horace Binney, The Leaders of the Old Bar of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, 1859). Binney, a prominent Philadelphia lawyer, had been on familiar terms with Lewis in the first decades of the nineteenth century and may have been told of Lewis’s role in the development of the opinion by Lewis himself.

   Carroll Perry, A Professor of Life: A Sketch of Arthur Latham Perry (Boston, 1923), 78–79, quoted in Broadus Mitchell, Alexander Hamilton: The National Adventure (New York, 1962), 99.

   Opinion on the Constitutionality of an Act to Establish a Bank, Introductory Note, Syrett, Hamilton Papers,Harold C. Syrett et al., eds. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. 27 vols. New York, 1961–87. 8:63–64.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 23 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Wednesday noon 23d Feby 1791.

I have this moment received your sentiments with respect to the constitutionality of the Bill—“to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States.”
This bill was presented to me by the joint Commee of Congress at 12 oClock on Monday the 14th instant. To what precise period, by legal interpretation of the constitution, can the President retain it in his possession, before it becomes a Law, by the lapse often days?

Go: Washington


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

Feb. 23. 1791.

Reasons for not Reporting to the President, at this time, consular nominations for the following ports.

            Gottenburg.
            }
            no candidate

            Amsterdam
            Greenleaf.

            Cadiz
            P. R. Randolph, (he has not applied lately)

            Richd Codman of Massachusets. and

            Thomas Thompson.

            Lorient

            Vale.

It is desireable there should be a greater choice of candidates; and appointments at those ports are not very pressing.
The Canary islands. the recommendations of John & Jasper Moylan in favour of John Culnan are as pointed as could be desired. but themselves are unknown to me, as well as the circumstances of connection &c. which may exist between them & the candidate. if they are so known to the President as to satisfy him, or if the Candidate be otherwise known to him & approved, the nomination might go in the following form ‘John Culnan, citizen of the U.S. late of it’s armies, & now a merchant at Teneriffe, to be Vice-consul of the U.S. for the Canary islands.’ if the President be not satisfied, there will be no harm in taking time, for enquiry, till another session.

            Alicant. candidate Robert Montgomery.
            }
            appointments are not yet made for the Mediterranean.

            Malaga, candidate Wm Kirkpatrick.

whenever they shall be, I know no person for Alicant who stands on better ground than Montgomery. Kirkpatrick would be inadmissible at Malaga, as being a foreigner, and of a nation not in favour in that country.

            Lisbon.
            Thomas Thompson
            }
            candidates.

            John Telles

            Bulkeley

Thompson is a good man: but a drunkard & bankrupt, & not a native.
Telles is a good man & a sober one, but bankrupt & not a native.
Bulkeley is a good man, very opulent, & of long establishment in Lisbon. but the weight of evidence (tho not certain) is that he

is an Englishman by birth: he is certainly a member of the English factory at Lisbon, and his sentiments during the war, were those of an Englishman. he travelled in America before the war, & has great commercial connections with it. but his birth and sentiments seem to set him aside.
it rests then with the President to say whether Telles shall be appointed, or let it lie till other candidates may offer. Telles’s circumstances are the great objection to him, for that of his not being a native, could I suppose be got over. the low reputation of our merchants, as to their credit, in foreign countries, will be confirmed rather than relieved by sending abroad as Consuls those who are under difficulties. if the President thinks proper to name Telles, it may be as follows[:]
“John Telles, citizen of Pennsylvania, Consul for the United States at the port of Lisbon in Portugal and for such parts within the allegiance of her most faithful Majesty, as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Viceconsul of the U.S. within the same allegiance.”
Santa Cruz. I had thought that as St Thomas’s was a free port, and Santa Cruz pretty much restricted, the former would be the proper position for a Consul, & the latter an Agent. but on further enquiry among mercantile men, I find that there do not go above 20. vessels of ours a year to St Thomas’s, while about 200 go to Santa Cruz⟨;⟩ as it is from thence we draw a great part of our sugars. I am therefore of opinion that it will be more importance to provide a patronage for our vessels at Santa Cruz, because there are more of them, and less protected; those which go to St Thomas’s being protected by the freedom of the port. if this be decided on, I think mr Yard an unexceptionable candidate: and therefore propose a nomination for
“James Yard, of Pennsylvania, to be Consul for the U.S. in the island of Santa Cruz and such other ports within the allegiance of his Danish majesty as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-consul of the U.S. within the same allegiance.”

Th: Jefferson


Title: Tobias Lear to Edmund Randolph, 23 February 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Randolph, Edmund

Dear Sir,
February 23rd 1791

The President has desired me to transmit to you the enclosed containing a copy of a bill exhibited in the High Court of Chancery

of Virginia relative to certain lots drawn as prizes in Colonel Bird’s lottery, and to request that you would take some opportunity to remind him of the business, and do the necessary in it before his departure from this place.
The President thinks he shall be too much engaged for two or three days to attend to the matter—but after that you will be good enough to consult your own time. I have the honor to be very respectfully, Dear Sir, Your most obedient servant

Tobias Lear.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 23 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
United States February 23d 1791.

Information having been received from Thomas Auldjo, who was appointed Vice Consul of the United States at Cowes in Great Britain, that his Commission has not been recognized by that Government, because it is a Port at which no foreign Consul has yet been received, and that it has been intimated to him, that his Appointment to the Port of Poole and parts nearer to that than to the residence of any other Consul of the United States, would be recognized, and his residence at Cowes not noticed. I have therefore, thought it expedient to nominate
Thomas Auldjo to be Vice-Consul for the United States at the Port of Poole, in Great Britain, and such parts within the Allegiance of his Britanic Majesty, as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul, or Vice Consul of the United States within the same Allegiance.
I also nominate James Yard, of Pennsylvania, to be Consul for the United States in the Island of Santa Cruz, and such other parts within the Allegiance of his Danish Majesty as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice Consul of the United States within the same Allegiance.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Josiah Bartlett, 24 February 1791
From: Bartlett, Josiah
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Exeter: February 24th 1791.

I have the Honor herewith to enclose and transmit your Excellency an Authenticated Copy of “An Act ceding to the United States of America one Acre and three quarters of an Acre of land with the Fort and Light House thereon situate in New Castle.” I am with the highest Sentiments of Esteem and Respect Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and most Humble Servant,

Josiah Bartlett


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 24 February 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Thursday [24 February 1791]

The Bill supplementary to the Bank bill passed the House of Representatives Yesterday—General Schuyler informs me that the friends of the Bank proposed that it should pass to a second reading immediately, and that Mr Carroll opposed it, and moved that it should be printed—that by a rule of the House it was of necessity to comply with Mr Carroll’s objection, a departure requiring unanimous consent. That accordingly the bill was deferred till to day, & in the mean time ordered to be printed.
It will doubtless pass, if there are not studied delays on the part of the opposers of the Bank. I have the honor to be With perfect respect Sir Your Obedt Servt

A. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from John Bayard, 25 February 1791
From: Bayard, John Bubenheim
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New Brunswick [N.J.] 25th Feby 1791

Soon ⟨after the⟩ meeting of Congress in New York, I had the honor of apply⟨ing mutilated⟩ to be nominated to the office of Collector of the Imports for the State of Pennsylvania.
As the gift of that appointment was not accordant with the arrangements you had made I wished to be consider’d as a Candidate for any place that you might think me qualified to fill—The appointments under the late revenue Act being now in contemplation permit me, Sir, to offer myself as a candidate for the office of Supervisor of the Excise in the City of Philadelphia—as my character is well known to you Sir, it wou’d be needless I presume to bring testimonials in support of it ⟨the State⟩ of Pennsylvania in the many ⟨offices⟩ of trust she has conferr’d on me & as it ⟨mutilatedded⟩ the necessity of this.
My past services & sufferings in the cause of my Country, my political & private character, with the confidence of the mercantile & landed interests of the State, which I still flatter myself I possess, are circumstances, which I trust, will be consider’d by you, Sir, as sufficient to warrant my present application.

Should I ⟨mutilated appoint⟩ment, it shall be my constant endeavor to ⟨mutilated⟩ your confidence, by the most punctual & faithful discharge of the duties incumbent on me—I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & Esteem Sir Your most Obedt & very hmble Servt

John Bayard


Title: From George Washington to William Gordon, 25 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Gordon, William

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia February 25. 1791.

However highly I might be gratified by attending to my private correspondencies, as I used to do, yet so numerous and important are the public duties which my situation calls upon me to discharge, that to do justice to one I must, in some measure, give up the other—In this case it requires not the consideration of a moment to decide.
I presume, therefore, it will hardly be necessary to offer an apology to you for the want of punctuality in acknowledging the receipt of your letters—I should, however, be deficient in civility and gratitude was I not to return my best thanks for the elegantly bound volumes of your history, which you have been so polite as to send to me—and for the ardent prayers for my health and happiness which are expressed in your letters—I beg you to be assured that my good wishes attend you, and that I shall always be glad to hear of your prosperity. The forty two sets of your history which you mention to have sent over for the Subscribers have been received, as the within accounts will shew; and you have, enclosed, a bill for  Sterling in full of the balance of the accounts, and closes the business. With due regard & esteem, I am &ca

G. Washington.


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 25 February 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir,
Feb. 25 1791

I omitted to day to ask the President’s approbation of Colo. Pickering, as quarter master of the proposed expedition. Will you mention it to him, and let me know the result! Because, if he should approve the idea, it will be necessary to dispatch an express to Colo. Pickering with the Offer. I am Dear Sir, Your humble Servt

H. Knox
Secy of War


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 25 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
United States February 25th 1791.

I nominate Joseph Anderson, of the State of Delaware, to be one of the Judges in the Territory of the United States south of the Ohio, in place of William Peery who has declined his Appointment. and
William Murry, of Kentucky, to be Attorney for the United States, in the District of Kentucky, in place of James Brown who has declined his appointment.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Magaw, 26 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Magaw, Samuel

[26 February 1791]

The President of the United States has received the invitation, addressed to him by a Committee of the American Philosophical Society, to an Eulogium, which the Society have directed to be pronounced to the Memory of their late worthy President Benjamin Franklin; and he will attend with pleasure, on an occasion which renders the Tribute of meritted Respect to the Memory of that distinguished Fellow Citizen.


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Pollock, 26 February 1791
From: Pollock, Oliver
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia February 26th 1791

In consequence of a claim, against me, transmitted to your Excellency, by Lewis Toutant Bourgard and S. L. Bourgeois dated New Orleans 14th of October 1789, I hope I shall stand

excused for troubling your Excellency with the enclosed documents, the Originals of which are filed in the different offices of the United States, with many others, respecting my feeble services, during the late revolution.
The long detail of facts mentioned in my Narrative which, at the time, those Events took place, was only intented for my own satisfaction may now, afford some information to your Excellency of what passed in the Western Country at that period. With perfect respect I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedient, and Most humble Servant

Olr Pollack


Title: To George Washington from Daniel St. Clair, 27 February 1791
From: St. Clair, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Honored Sir
Montgomery County [Md.] Feby 27. 1791

As it is probable there will be a number of Persons appointed to Collect the Excises in pursuance of the Excise Bill at present before Congress—If you think me Duly qualified to fill an Office for that purpose—I request the favour, to be preferred in the

District that may be formed in the Western part of this State—I am with respect Honored Sir Your Humble Servant

D. St Clair


Title: To George Washington from John Dandridge, 28 February 1791
From: Dandridge, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Richmond [Va.] Feby 28th 1791

Mr Lewis A. Pauly, who will present this to you, having some propositions of a public nature to make, which relate to the military establishments of the United States & which will most probably come to your consideration, I take the liberty of informing you, in his behalf, that I have known him for several years as a respectable & honest man in my neighbourhood. Mr Pauly came into this Country, from France as a Creditor of the State of Virginia, & has established his demands. He is now married & settled here, & from my particular opportunity of knowing him, I think he will not deserve to be considered as a common adventurer. You will excuse this communication from me, as an act of friendly respect which Mr Pauly’s acquaintance with me & conduct towards me intitles him to.
You will be so good as to remember ⟨me⟩ dutifully & affectionately to my Aunt, & believe me to be with the most respectful esteem yr Obt Sert

J. Dandridge


Title: From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 28 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Deakins, William Jr.,Stoddert, Benjamin

Gentlemen,
Philadelp[hi]a Feb. 28th 1791

If you have concluded nothing yet with Mr Burn’s; nor made him any offer for his land that is obligatory; I pray you to suspend

your negotiations with him, until you hear further from me. With much Esteem I am, Gentlemen, Your &c.

G:W.


Title: Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 28 February 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

sir
28th Feby 1791

The President has commanded me to transmit the enclosed to you from Mr Thatcher and request that you will give it the consideration it may merit—The President also requests that you will take occasion to converse with some others of the gentlemen from Massachusetts on this subject—and to mention it likewise to some from New Hampshire. I have the honor to be very respectfully & sincerely Your Most Obedt Servant

Tobias Lear


Title: Tobias Lear to Ebenezer Hazard, 28 February 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hazard, Ebenezer

[Philadelphia] February, 28th 1791.

By the command of the President of the United States T. Lear has the honor to return to Mr Hazard the enclosed proposals for printing by subscription a collection of State-Papers, which Mr Hazard submitted to the President and which have been subscribed by him.
The whole or any part of the money for the President’s subscription will be paid by T. Lear whenever Mr Hazard may chuse to receive it.


Title: To George Washington from John Hodgson, 28 February 1791
From: Hodgson, John
To: Washington, George

May it Please your Excellency.
No. 46 Ludgate Hill London.28th Febry 1791

From that Universal well known Philanthropy and Condescension, that is the great Characteristic of your Excellency’s disposition, I am encouraged to request a favour, which your complying with, will render a most essential Service, to him who thus presumes to address you.
The request I humbly make is, that your Excellency will be pleased to inform me, whether you had, or have not at this time in your Service, one David Johnson a Native of Chelsea near London, who went from England in the Year 1767 on Board the Deal Castle Man of War, Stationed for America, and which said David Johnson as I have been informed, had the Honour of being in your Excellencys service, either as Colonel of a Regiment, or in some other Military official Character.
In the year 1787 a Person from New York came to Chelsea, and Inquired after the Mother and Sister of this Mr Johnson, his Mother was then Deceased, but his Sister who is my Wife is now Living: the Person left word that it was the request of Mr Johnson, that he might hear of the situation of his Family, and to address a letter for Colonel Johnson at New York: I have sent several letters agreeable to the direction, but never receiv’d any answer.
Your Excellencys compliance with the above request, will give the most ample Satisfaction, and be ever considered as the highest mark of Honour and Respect conferred on him, Who is With the most Profound Reverence & Admiration: (May it please your Excellency,) Your Excellencys most Obedient, And Devoted Servant

John Hodgson.