Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1784
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Newport [R.I.] April 22d 1784

Your two letters of the 20th and 27th of March both came safe to hand. My indisposition is such I fear it will not be in my power to comply with your wishes if there was no other obstacle. I have a constant pain in my breast and am now so weak as to be incapable of bearing the fatigues of a Journey. Besides which the Doctor thinks it would be dangerous to go by water for fear I might burst a blood vessel as I am very subject to sea sickness and the Vessels of the stomach are exceedingly uncoated. And he thinks it equally dangerous to ride for fear of the same evil. My complaint arose from a strain I got in Providence last Winter in making a violent exertion to save my self from a fall.
It was my intention to have been in South Carolina before this; but Mrs Greene not being put to bed as early as I expected I continued my stay until my own complaints forbids my going. But was I well enough to travel I would certainly go by the way of Philadelphia notwithstanding it would be attended with no small injury to my private affairs; and my necessities on this head are far different from yours. In addition to my own embarassments on this subject I am under such engagements to

provide a Cargo for a vessel of my brothers expected in to Charleston that I should be at a loss how to accomodate that matter even if I had no calls of my own. And what makes me more anxious on this subject he has been unfortunate in trade at the close of the war which renders my obligation to fulfill my engagements the greater. You never felt embarassments in matters of interest and god grant you never may. No body can feel but those that experience It sinks the spirits and depresses the mind.
The uproar that is raised against the Cincinnati makes me more anxious to be at the Meeting than I ever expected to feel. It was uninteresting to me before. Assuming honors hurt my delicacy; but persecution bannishes the influence. The subject is important and it may be equally dangerous to recede or push forward; but I am decided in my opinion not to abolish the order from the prevailing clamours against it. If this is done a way the whole tide of abuse will run against the commutation. The public seem to want somthing in New England to quarrel with the officers about, remove one thing and they will soon find another. It is in the temper of the people not in the matters complained of. I hope the meeting will not be hasty in their determination or in such a hurry to seperate. It is yet uncertain what the politicks of America will lead to if they are not influenced by some collateral cause. It is necessary to create a jealosy in the people to bind them together. If they are not afraid of the Cincinnati local policy will influence every measure. If Congress is silent on the subject as I hope they will it will be a convincing proof they both see and feel its advantages. I am confident the tranquilaty of the public can only be preserved but by the continuance of the order. If I can come I will but whether I do or not I am for continuing the institution without alteration. To make any alteration in the present hour will be premature, injure its influence, and defeat all the good that may be expected from continuing it an object of public attention. My breast pains me so much that I cannot add only my good wishes for your health and happiness. Mrs Greene joins me in kind compliments to Mrs Washington and all the branches of the family. I am dear Sir with esteem and affection Your Most Obedt humble Sert

Nath. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 24 April 1784
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 24. 1784

No opportunity having presented during the winter, of sending your barge to Potowmack; when last in New York I left fresh directions to find a conveyance by the first vessel bound to Alexandria. I have this moment received advice that such a conveyance is engaged. Captain Brothes has agreed to deliver the barge at Alexandria, to colonel Fitzgerald, for whom I left a letter, requesting him to pay the freight, and draw on me for the amount. Capt. Brothes’ owners live at Alexandria. He intended to sail from New-York about the 25th instant. I have the honour to be very respectfully Sir your most obedt servt

Timothy PickeringQ.M.G.


Title: Enclosure I: Armand to William Snickers, 19 December 1782
From: La Rouërie, Armand-Charles Tuffin, marquis de
To: Snickers, William

Sir
[19 December 1782]

I am going from this State & since your friends had too much respect for themselves to take your part or dares not take it openly, I find my self reduced to fight a man of your low character & the son of a man andighted for forgery —I am on my march to the north & shall arrive at frederictown the 21 st instant, & the 22d at eight o’clock in the morning I shall wait for you half a mile from the town on the road to sheperds town, bring eight witnesses with you, each of them with a ⟨caise⟩ of pistols, bring more if you will, as for my part I shall have eight, bring allso throgmorton who whatsoever unworthy as well as your self he is of the major’s or any man’s notice, will find him disposd to fight him —I have appointed the 22d because I shall

remains at frederictown that day but should it be impossible to you to be there at the time appointed, I shall remains till ten oclok the 23d at the place appointed—
his plantation xber 19, 1782

C. Armand ⟨Ms⟩ de la Rouerie


Title: From George Washington to David Parry, 25 April 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Parry, David

Sir,
Mount Vernon 25th April 1784

Altho’ I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with your Excellency, I take the liberty of introducing the bearer Major George Auge Washington, a Nephew of mine, to you. Bad health, & the advice of his Physicians induce him to try the Sea air, & a Vessel presenting from the port of Alexandria for Barbadoes he has taken a passage in her to that Island, from whence he may soon depart for some other, as it may not be proper for him to remain long in a place. I have the honor to be &ca

G: Washington

Note—the above was written to the Governors of the several West India Islands.


Title: To George Washington from Laval de Montmorency, 27 April 1784
From: Montmorency, Laval de
To: Washington, George

A Newyork le 27 Avril 1784.

je n’ai pas voulû quitter ce pays ci Sans témoigner a votre Excellence La reconnoissance que j’ai de Ses bontés, je regreterai toute ma vie de n’avoir pû en profiter plus Longtems. j’ai recû infiniment d’honnêtetés de la part des personnes pour Lesquelles Elle a bien voulû me donner des Lettres de recommandation, C’Est un remerciment de plus que j’ai a Lui faire. je parts demain sur Le pacquebot francois pour me rendre en france, je ne manquerai pas de remettre moï meme Les Lettres dont Elle m’a chargé. Si j’osois je prierois votre Excellence de présenter mon hommage respectueux a Madame De Wasington. j’ai l’honneur d’Etre avec un tres Sincere attachement, de votre excellence Le tres humble Et tres obeissant serviteur.

Le Vte de Laval


Title: To George Washington from John Lewis, 27 April 1784
From: Lewis, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Falls of Ohio 27 April 1784

According to your request I made every enquiry I cou’d when on the Monongahela and at Fort Pitt respecting the Situation of your Lands on the western Waters, as also of your Plantation under the care of Mr Simpson. I cou’d get no satisfactory account of either indeed the short time I was in that Country put it out of my power to get the information I cou’d have wished, it being only four days from the time I got to Redstone till I left Fort Pitt for the falls of Ohio. But from the enquiry I made I think it wd be necessary to send some person, & as soon as possible, to make inquiry into the Situation of yr Plantation & Negro’s. The information I got of some of yr Negro’s is such as I chuse not to commit to paper, for fear of a Miscarriage of the letter. Not having an opportunity of seeing those persons who have settled on yr Lands on Raccoon and elsewhere, I thought it best to set up advertisements letting the

people know your intentions respecting the Lands. I fell in with a Mr David Bradford a Gentleman of the Law, who was then on his way to Raccoon Creek, I got him to take advertisements with him, and a promise to make every enquiry into the situation of your lands there and give me information. A few days agoe I receivd a letter from him, a Coppy of which I inclose you by which you may Judge what step you’d best take for securing your Lands. Mr Bradford is a sensible Man of Good Character, livs on Shirtees Creek, & from the Conversation I had with him believe he’d undertake your Business in that part of the Country, and is I believe as proper a person as you could employ. I have not been able to learn whether any persons have settled on yr Kanhaway lands, but believe there has been persons if not at this time settled on yr land on the Ohio, for this reason as I went down the Ohio I met two boat load of People going down, who told me they were from Washingtons Bottom, did not chuse to stay there any longer as they supposd they should be obliged to pay rent for the land. I have been inform that yr Land on the Ohio & Kenhaway have lately been survey’d, included within Larger Surveys by Persons from Pensylvania, with intent tis said to sell them in Philadelphia. There has been large Quantities of Barren Mountains lately Surveyd, that are not worth the Surveying fees, on purpose to sell in Philadelphia, ’tis pity some method should not be fallen on to Caution people against buying these Lands as they are altogether a fraud. I do not know when I shall be able to return, as yet have only got 32,000 Acres of My Lands Surveyd, but as soon as I can possibly get my business done shall leave this Country. My Compts to Mrs Washington I am & Sir Your Most Obdt Servt

John Lewis


Title: Enclosure: David Bradford to John Lewis, 28 March 1784
From: Bradford, David
To: Lewis, John

Sir
Washington County March 28th 1784

Agreeable to the Generals Wish, signified in his letter to you that the people who may have settled on his Lands shou’d be notified of his Intention of asserting his Claims, when out on racoon, I made out several Copies of your Advertisement & directed them to be set up on the Generals lands there, I have also directed some Copies to be set up on his Chirtiers land.
I conversed with several of those who have settled on the Genls Claims on racoon. they seem greatly alarmed indeed on being acquainted of the Generals intentions of asserting his Claim.
They seem’d to me previous to Your Advertisement to have been lulled under the Idea that his Claim wou’d never have made its appearance in this Quarter.
The strength & Justice of his Excellencys Title to those lands he has mention’d to you, will I am convinced induce the people, who have either Ignorantly or Audaciously settled themselves on his rights to Comply with any reasonable Terms the Genl may please to propose.
As it has been a considerable time since those lands have been surveyed, & at an early period of the settlement of this Country, the bounds, at this time cannot be easily ascertained. It cannot be known therefore with precision, who have settled themselves within those bounds.
To obviate this, it might not be improper to mention this circumstance to the Genl when you write to him on this Subject: And to recommend to him to send a Copy of the descriptive part of his patents to his Agent whom he may appoint to transact his Business. This will have a tendency in my Idea, of removing Doubts touching his bounds & also exclude the necessity of Instituting Ejectments which some of the Tenants might otherwise have the rashness to provoke.
I have taken the liberty of making these Observations under a desire of rendering every service to a Man who merits so much of every of his Countrymen. I am with much Esteem Sir Your Humble servt

David Bradford


Title: To George Washington from Gilbert Simpson, 27 April 1784
From: Simpson, Gilbert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fayatte County Washingtons Bottom [Pa.] April 27th 1784

Yours of the 13th of February lays before me (and I shall Note its Contents) which did not come to hand till April the 8th my Self and Family laying down then in the Small Pox and not able to Read your Letter for Six days after which put it out of my Power to fulfill your Request to wait on You by the Time Present’d, at Present we have all got well over the Disorder and as Soon as I can get my Plantation in Order for Pitching my Crop I mean to wait on you and doubt not when I have layd before you a true Representation of Facts Supported by Men of Credit that you will still entertain the same Opinion of me that you are pleasd to express in yours that you have Formerly done and hold the Aspertions of your informers in their Proper Scale I shall now endeavour to inform you of the Cituation of the Premisses and Stock I consider I have been here Twelve Years I came into a Howling Wilderness continually apprisd for the first Year of the incursions of a Ravenous and Merciless Enemy which I was Obligd to fortify my Self on the Occasion and having the Mill on hand the same Year it could not be expected that much could be done on Either Plantation or Mill as we was often alarmd of the depredations committed by the Enemy People was Careless of turning out to work so that That Year was gone and but Little done but Since I have from a Wild Oponed a Beautiful Farm of One Hundred a fifty Acres of Cleard Land inder good Fences consisting of Meadow Pasture and Tillage—Land with a good Barn Stable a good Dwelling House Kitching and other Necessary Out Houses with a Good Orchard consisting of One hundred and Twenty Bearing Apple Trees as to the Peach Trees I Planted about 120 but last winter being so Severe I believe they are all Dead and now I think Proper to acquaint you concerning our Stock consisting as Follows 30 Head of Cattle 12 of Horses 50 of Sheep 30 Head of Hogs 6 Young Negroes and one more Expected in a Short Time all the Crops of Grain I shall Render a Proper Account for. I have found Two hands my self in the Crop since my being here which I intended should go for Part of the Provision for my Family, there is Sundry Accts Relating to the Estate that I could not Procure Receipts for such as Blacksmiths Shoemakers

Weavers Midwifes and sundry others who went upon Campaigns and Never Returnd they was always paid in Grain the Produce of the Premisses which seemed to me altogether immaterial that had my Breast harboured the least Injustice it lay in my Power to take greater Advantages as to Converting of Emoluments to my own use Arising from the Premises to my own Use it has ever been far from me I ever held your Person and Interest in too Sacred a manner to Commit any such a Breach it’s true I am a Poor man whom your Honor have known from a Child and Likewise the Family I derive from and I have with Permission till now been able to pass through the various Stages of my Life uncencered at least I never heard of it before but to Conclude on this Subject I trust when Maters are maturely canvasd on Adjusting of our Accts in spite of the Malicious Aspertions of ill designing men I shall be able to convince you of the wrong done me and Clear my Self with Honour Ive been well appris’d of one Grand enemy I have in your Parts from his own Sister, (I mean John Johnson who I doubt not have done his Utmost to injure my Character[)] but I defy his Testimony to Prejudice me before Judicious men that knows us both  You Perhaps might have expected more Land cleard in this Term of Time but I would have you Consider that I have but Two Hands except Children and one of them an Ordinary hand to begin to Clear Land in a Country where there is Such a Multitude of Heavy Timber and every Spring by the Timber Falling we have a Fresh Clearing we lay here under Several Emergencies that no Person can be a judge of without he was Spectator.
There is Five Plantations that I have Leasd out of the Tract with good improvements on them Four of which Containing 150 Acres each and one of 100 Acres as Conveniences did not Suit any further Addition to that[,] with a Meadow on each and an Orchard on two of them[.] Ive Receiv’d one Rent of £6 from the Leasd Land and £10 more I expect to Receive this Spring for Two Places one of 150 Acres and the other of 100 Acres and for three more Places Rent becomes due next Spring and now I have given you a Full Detail of Occurrencies concerning the Land and shall begin now to Inform you about the Mill which Representation I doubt not will be far different from what you have heard.
I Grant that the Mill is Good but the Stream she lays on but

very indifferent as it’s Dry all Summer, and the Cituation of the Mill lays so that she is Frozen up the Chiefest Part of the Winter and now there is no less than Eight Mills and the Furthest of them not above Eight Miles apart from yours which takes great Part of our Custom away indeed was it not for our Boulting Cloth  which some of the above recited Mills is not Provided with the Mill would stand idle half her Time when well Provided with water my Self and hands have Lost above three Months of our Time in Repairing of the Dam and Digging a New Race I have Proper Accts to Lay before you Relative to the Mill properly attested by the Millers and you will find the Profits arising from her to be far Less than you may expect from the Information you have Receivd if Providence will permit me to come down I shall bring the Opinions of the most Responcible Gentlemen in our Parts concerning the Profits arising from the Mill I wish Colli Crawford had been alive he could have given you a Different Account about the Mill  then what you have Receivd The Milwright I believe was an Excellent Workman and aimed at making her ⟨fly⟩ but did not consider other advantages I have Bonds and Book Debts by me now to the Amount of £150 due to the Estate and the Estate Owes £20.
The Report that you have heard of my having Cash in my hands Arising from the Profits of the Estate in General I acknowledge and heartily wish I never had for it’s Bills of Credit which I am afraid will do neither you nor I any good[.] upon the whole I am determined never to live on a Place where I am Suspected as in such Cases I have a Spirit of Resentment as well as other Men and heartily wish for a Settlement and a Separation I am now a Growing in Years and Rather infirm and should it happen that I cannot wait on you I should be glad you would send an Attorney for you to Settle our Affairs by the Middle of July  and for the Present I shall conclude with wishing you and your Lady all the happiness that this world can afford you and when you are Removd home that you may both be wreathed with a Crown of Bliss and Felicity which doubtless will far Surpass the wreath of Lawrel that you have justly Acquired in defence of Your Country whose virtuous Deeds is not unoticed by all the Powers of Europe Please to accept of our kind Service to your Self and Lady and Remain Much Honourd Sir your Humble Servant

Gilbert Simpson

P.S. I should be glad you would send if you dont see me by the Middle of May A Person to settle with me by the Middle of July at Furthest that I may have time to dispose of my Part of the Stock.


Title: To George Washington from Pierre-Charles L’Enfant, 29 April 1784
From: L’Enfant, Pierre Charles
To: Washington, George

Ser
new york april. the 29th 1784.

I take the liberty to inform your Excellency of my arrival at this place after a passage of 43 days from france which I left on the 16th of march last after having finished Every thing respecting the society, the diploma is Engraved and many prints of it already drawn together with a number of stamps of the bald eagle or sign of the association Exceeding by more than two hundred the number for which I recived the money issuing from the subscription which took place previous to my departure from america, those given to the french being included, the die for the meadal is the only thing wanting, but will be send after me.
a letter which I had the honour to address to your Excellency in junary last  will have acquainted you with the particulars of my first Steps to bring to a proper issue the matter trusted to me, with his must christian madjesty Kind reception, and graciouse assent to the wearing in his Kingdom the marks of an association already beheld as one of the most recommendable amongst those formed on similar occasions and of wich the basis Established upon a characteristick Republican principle will leave to posterity a respected monument of fraternity, and a glorious testimony of a national and reciprocal union, never a token of honor even the most illustrated in the different Kingdom of Europ could have fixed more the attention, and been received with more gratitude than that which is Bestowed by the american army on that of france. I will soon furnish your Excellency with proofs a bundantly sufficient to vindicate my assertion, and could have done it at this moment had not the

numbers of letters I am the bearer of been to voluminous to be sent by this opportunity  your Excellency will percive by thier defferent contents what sensation the Cincinnati has caused in france and petition coming from different side⟨s⟩ will prove how much it has Excited the pride of Every persons who had the leist Share in the last contest with great Bretagne; and I am apt to belive that tho’ the limited numbers of foreigners the american army has resolved to admit into thier Brotherly association seems to leave no Room for aditional members, yet the rank and distineguished merite, as well as the Eminante services Rendered to the united States, will be worthy of particular consideration and will move the society in favour of some gentlemen whose name can not but reflect honnour on the society, of this numbers are the captaine of the Roial navy who Rank as colonels in the armys, and some land officers whose particular Right are mentioned in the petitions formed in thier Bealf by the Counts dEsting and de Rochambeau, as for what concerns the officers who acted conjointly with us under the commande of general Count d’Esting and who were not personally named in the Resolve relative to foreigner, as it could not have been the intention of the society to cast any reflections upon gentlemen who nobly hazarded thier lives and shed thier blood on many occasions and of whom the galante Behaviour even in the much unfortunate attempt deserved the praise and gratitude of america. I thought it my duty to attend the purpose of the resolve as nearly as possible and construing its meaning to give the world a publick testimony of the american army’s fraternal frindship and gratitude towards the french, I looked upon these gentlemen as having been tacitly comprehended under the more usual denomination as Expressed in the Resolve of the Cincinnatus, who said all the general and colonels who served america in the armys under the commande of general Counte de Rochambeau, your Excellency sensible how prejudicial such a forget-fulnes would have Been to the chief aim of the resolve, will I hope approve my Conduct towards those gentlemens to whom I presented the marques of the associations as being directed by special command from the society it self.
previously to the day appointed to distribut the order of the Cincinnati general count de Rauchambeau communicated to

the land officers the King his permission to thier acceptance of it, and after the Reading of your Excellency official letter together with the included Copie of the institution of the society those gentlemen being assembled made a motion to cause a sum of mony to be layd up by voluntary subscription the amount of to be thrown in to the funds of the general society, being acquainted with thier intention, I opposed it objecting that the title and marks of the Cincinnati were to be considered as freely allowed to foreigner, and that the american army had not meant to comprehend the french in the assessement required only from her continantal Bretheren, but they inssisted upon supporting thier motion by interpreting to its advantage the article of the institution which leaves a door open to donnation Even from personnes not reconised as members of the society, and arguing from this that it would be a Breach to the law of the association to oppose thier donnation they informed me of thier having unanimousely agreed to compleat a sum to the amount of 60000 Livres and deliver it up to me, which notwithstanding thier instances I refused to accept previousely to my reciving more particular direction from the general society to Whom I informed the Count de Rochambeau I Should transmit thier intention at the first general meeting and it as been agreed that until thier desisive Resolution the sayd mony should be deposited in the hand of the treasurer of his army, after that matter had been setled in that way, al these gentlemen assembled againe on the 16 of junary last the day appointed for thier being admited amonght the Cincinnatus; on that morning I waited first on vice admiral Count desting and after having presented him with the marques of the association I procided from his hotel to that of the Count de Rochambeau were al those gentlemen were waitteing and they being there invested with the order, the ceremony inded with an Elegant Entertainement at which al the continantal officers Resident at paris were invasted, and at the issue of which, toast suitable to the occasion were drink until the compagnie divided. that very day I dispatched the same included in Letters, to the marin officers who were absent from paris and whose ansuerd I shal have the honnour to communicat to your Excellency.
as for what regards the french in the continantal service the marquis de la fayette Being at paris at the times of my arrival in

that town I delivered up to him your Excellency dispatchis, and he will have accointed you with his prociding towards them, I am only to mentione some particular, which are that although from the terms of the association we did not think our selves hotorised [authorised] to Forme a regular assembly—yet many petition having been made from gentlemen who had not serve the times required to be reconised as members of our association we formed a comity to Examine thier particular pretention and some of themes being juged deserving to be distineguished from among the others, we agreed that they Should be recommanded to the general society, and the marquis de la fayette as Chief of the commity is to communicat this resolution to your Excellency.
having al so considered the advantages which Would result from aregular corespondence with our Brothers in america we al Expressed our wishis to obtaine from the general society the permission to name a president and to forme a society similar to that of the respective lignes of the Continantal army, upon what it as been agreed to hotorise me to informe your Excellency with our prociding and to solicite the general society to comply with our demande Requiering al so that three of thier representative be admited to set in the general assembly—living to your Excellency to choose amonght those who are stil in america—whaitting for your Excellency ansuerd to this account of my proceding in france I have the Honnour to be with great respect your Excellency most humble obeidient servant

P. L’Enfant

The name of the officers of count Desting army which were
considered as comprehended into the resolve are
the marquis de Vaudreuil lieutenant general
de Bougainville Brigadier, & chef de cadre
Count Aartur dilon Brigadier Commandant
  in second in his army at savana
de ⟨betisy⟩ suedois Colo, chef de division
de ⟨seting⟩ suedois Colo, idem
marquis de Rouvroy Col. idem—


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, April 1784
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
[April 1784]

I have forborne to answer your late letter on the subject of the petitions, until I took the steps, which the case seemed to recommend. It is a point, on which the lawyers themselves are divided, whether a new petition can be now brought for a forfeiture before the 29th of Sepr 1775. Altho’ I should not conceive such a petition very formidable, yet as there is a doubt, capable of being defended at least with plausibility, as the land is valuable, and as you have perfect confidence in Colo. Bassett, I thought it adviseable to confess judgments to him. I shall therefore return the certificates to the land office; and write to the Colo. for an order to procure fresh patents in your name.
Some difficulty has occurred in the obtaining of an attestation of Gen: Lee’s will: but I now have it in my power to inclose it to you.
I beg leave to remind you that the sooner your answer to Savage’s bill comes in, the better. Believe me, my dear Sir to be with the sincerest affection yr much obliged and obt serv.

Edm: Randolph


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Low, 4 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Low, Samuel

[Philadelphia], Monday Evening 4th May 1784.

G: Washington presents his Compliments to Mr S.L. and begs leave to decline the honor of his dedication. He would have answered the letter from Baltimore under the signature of the author long ago, if he had been informed to whom, or to whose Care he might have addressed it, but, as no direction was given in either case, the thing was not practicable.
Extreme hurry, at this moment, prevents his adding more

than thanks for the honor intended him by Mr S.L. If he had leizure; he would assign the Reasons.


Title: Editorial Note
From:
To:

 Editorial Note The Society of the Cincinnati was instituted at Fishkill-on-Hudson on 13 May 1783 when a group of army officers adopted an Institution (or constitution) based on a draft drawn up by Henry Knox the month before. On 19 June 1783 the founders of the society elected GW its president. Although GW signed the Institution, he appears to have done nothing about the society until 23 Sept. 1783 when he wrote Knox to ask him to point out “in precise terms, what is expected from the President of the Cincinati previous to the general meeting in May next—As I never was present at any of your Meetings, & have never seen the proceedings of the last, I may, for want of information of the part I am to act, neglect some essential duty” (NNGL: Knox Papers). The Institution of 13 May provided that officers of the American army who had served honorably in the Revolution for at least three years (and at their death “their eldest male branches”) could become members of the Society of the Cincinnati in the state where they lived, “provided that they subscribe one month’s pay” to be used for the support of needy officers and their families. The societies in each state were to meet each year on 4 July, and a general meeting would be held periodically to elect officers and to consider matters of general concern. The stated purposes of the Society of the Cincinnati were (1)“to preserve inviolate those exalted rights and liberties of human nature, for which they have fought and bled”; (2) “to promote and cherish, between the respective states, that union of national honor so essentially necessary to their happiness, and to the future dignity of the American empire”; and (3) “to render permanent the cordial affection subsisting among the officers” (DSoC). In October 1783 GW sent copies of the Institution of the Society of the Cincinnati to some of the senior French officers who had served in America and received enthusiastic responses about forming a French society, which the king also promptly approved (see GW to Jefferson, 8 April 1784, n.3). By the time GW arrived in Philadelphia for the first general meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati in May 1784, he had become convinced of the need for drastic action. See particularly note 16 in Winthrop Sargent’s Journal. When the meeting convened, GW, as president of the society, sought first, in effect, to abolish the Society of the Cincinnati entirely. Failing that, he persuaded the members to alter the society’s Institution radically, most notably in doing away with the provision for hereditary membership. In his Observations on the Institution of the Society of the Cincinnati, printed here as doc. I, GW sets down the alterations in the Institution which he insists upon in the meeting. Doc. II, Winthrop Sargent’s Journal, provides the best

    surviving account of the proceedings of the meeting and of the role that GW played. Printed here as appendixes to Sargent’s journal are letters directed to GW as presiding officer dated and received during the meeting itself and letters that went out during the meeting under GW’s name as president of the society.


Title: I. Observations on the Institution of the Society, c.4 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To:

     [Philadelphia, c.4 May 1784]

    Strike out every word, sentence, and clause which has a political tendency.
    Discontinue the hereditary part in all its connexions, absolutely, without any substitution which can be construed into concealment, or a change of ground only; for this would, in my opinion, encrease, rather than allay suspicions.
    Admit no more honorary Members into the Society.
    Reject subscriptions, or donations from every person who is not a Citizen of the United States.
    Place the funds upon such a footing as to remove the jealousies which are entertained on that score.
    Respecting the Funds.
    It would be magnanimous, to place them in the first instance, in the hands of the Legislatures for the express purposes for which they were intended. This would shew a generous confidence in our Country, which might be productive of favorable sentiments & returns.
    If it should be thought that this wd be going too far—reserve them ’till our numbers are reduced to a certain ratio of what they now are—Or, for a certain number of years—then to be disposed of as above.
    The disposal of them by Will, or Deed, is too unimportant an object, in my opinion, for any member to be tenacious of. The Sums Subscribed were, in that moment, consigned to charitable purposes—No one ever expected to receive a farthing of it back, unless haplessly he should become an object of its charity—and in this case whether he receives the benefits mediately or immediately from the Society the effect to him, and obligation to them are precisely the same.
    Authorize the foreign Officers to hold Meetings in France (if

     it shall be permitted by their Government)—Empower them at these meetings to hear, & decide upon the pretensions of those, of their own body, who, under the letter, or spirit of the Institution, claim the priviledge of becoming members of the Cincinnati. As also the pretensions of foreigners not of any particu[la]r State line whose claims are founded on being Officers in the American Army. Americans, in foreign Countries, who belonged to the line of any State, are to make application to the Society of that State, who shall hear, & decide thereupon.
    Upon these principles Let the Institution be formed in as clear, distinct & explicit terms as language can convey. Let the Secret[ar]y transmit the same to the Senior Foreign Member in France, or the Senior Land & Naval Officer in that Kingdom (if it shall be adjudged better) for their government. Send copies also to the President of each State Society—Accompany all of these with a well composed letter, expressive of the reasons which induced us to alter the constitution.
    Then Abolish the General Meetings altogether, as unnecessary; the Constitution being given, a continuation of them would be expensive, & very probably from a diversity of sentiment, & tenacity of opinion might be productive of more dissention than harmony; for it has been well observed “that nothing loosens the bands of private friendship more, than for friends to pit themselves agst each other in public debate, where every one is free to speak & to act.” District meetings might also be discontinued as of very little use, but attractive of much speculation.
    No alterations short of what is here ennumerated will, in my opinion, reconcile the Society to the Community—whether these will do it, is questionable. Without being possessed of the reasons which induce many Gentlemen to retain the order or badges of the Society, it will be conceived by the public that this order (which except in its perpetuity still appears in the same terrific array as at first) is a feather we cannot consent to pluck from ourselves, tho’ we have taken it from our descendants—if we assign the reasons, we might I presume as well discontinue the order.


Title: Appendix II: From Armand, 10 May
From: La Rouërie, Armand-Charles Tuffin, marquis de
To: Washington, George

     Sir
     Philadelphia may 10th 1784

    When mr l’enfant returned lately from france, he communicated to me a lettre which he was to lay before the Grnl assembly of the Cincinnati & of which I have the honor to inclose an Extract—as he does Express the desire of the Cincinnati in france to form a society there similar to those of the respectives states of america, & that their representatives a[t] this time, be taken from amongst the french at present

     here which belongs to the Cincinnati—myself & the other gentlemen in the same Circumstances who consist of 12th or 15th, thought it was proper we should wait in america for the answer which the gnl assembly would give to mr l’enfant’s lettre, that in Case the Cincinnati in france were formed into one state society and of Course had representatives either by an appointment from your Exellency or an appointment by their own votes, we might be here to represent them.
    we do not presume to express here our desire to be admitted or not admitted as representatives of the Cincinnati in france. the gnl assembly has alone to determine on the alternative & we are sensible they will determine for the best, but it concern us much to know what is their determination, that in case the Cincinnati in france were not formed into a states society, or it should not be thought proper to admit at this time its representatives, we might be at liberty to go from here.
    Having received no official lettre from france relative to the interest of the Cincinnati there, I do not mean to intimate here any desire or ideas of their own, further than what may be understood from the above mentioned lettre of mr l’enfant, the step I take here Concern more immediately the french officers who are present in Philadelphia—they have desired me to state their ideas to your Exellency & request an answer. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir your Exellency’s the most obdt hble srt

     C. armand: Mqis de la Rouerie


Title: Appendix III: From Pierre-Charles L’Enfant, 10 May
From: L’Enfant, Pierre Charles
To: Washington, George

     Sir
     Philadelphia 10th May 1784

    As the reading of the Several Letters of Thanks & petitions which are now before you, may easily convey to you an Idea of the high consideration which the Cincinnati enjoy in Europe, give me leave in the name of all my countrymen to assure you of their sincere and heart felt gratitude, no pledge of friendship can be dearer to them than that which they have received at the hands bf the Society of Cincinnati—I am particularly charged by them with supporting the Several demands which have been addressed to you: I shall not expatiate on the title which Several of them have to your consideration, being well persuaded of the equitable intentions of the Society, & not doubting that if you will weigh the merit which the French Navy has acquired in the service of the American cause, it will appear to you that they have an equal title with the Land Troops to your attention and favour.
    Among the various demands which are addressed to you, there are undoubtedly Some which have no other foundation but the patronage of those who recommend them. The Society may easily judge, that altho’ it might be easy to refuse to admit in France those who had no right to it by the Statutes of the Institution, it has been difficult to refuse complying with the solicitations of Several persons who wished to be recommended to your indulgence. You will no doubt give the proper weight to the claims of each petitioner.
    The Captains of his Majesty’s Ships who all have the rank of Colonels, have no doubt acquired a title to your favour, by their repeated services, on the different squadrons of Messieurs d’Estaing, de Grasse, de Barras, de Vaudreuil, & Destouches, & they hope that you will pay Some attention to their demands—Several Captains of Frigates who are designated by the Minister of France as having had particular commissions on the American coast, have acquired a title to be distinguished from those of the Same rank who have not rendered the Same Services—It is in order to enable you to attain the object which you have proposed to yourselves that the French General Officers have recommended the above mentioned gentlemen to your illustrious Assembly. It is with the Same views that the Counts d’Estaing and de Rochambeau have recommended to your favor the particular services of Some land Officers, who on account of those services & of their wounds have been promoted since the War to the rank required by our Institutions.
    Permit me, Gentlemen, to observe likewise that altho’ the opinion which appears to me to prevail in your Assembly be favorable to the

     French, by considering them as on the same footing with the American members, yet I think it would not be proper to empower the former to admit or refuse the officers who have submitted their pretensions to the Assembly; because, it would be lessening the price of your favour, & because the French Naval Officers would be sensibly affected by not being expressly nominated by you which would seem as if you valued their merit at a less rate than that of the land Officers, On the other Side, if the French were to have it in their power to distribute an Order which excites general ambition, applications would be multiplied without end and denials (altho’ authorized by our Laws) would bring ill will upon those who would be established Judges of the claims of the petitioners—These considerations, & the opinion I have founded thereupon, which I dare say is that of my Countrymen in general, induces me to request you to nominate or otherwise expressly designate the persons whose claims appear to you to be founded on Equity—Our sacred Laws, the respect due to the resolutions of an illustrious Assembly, the importance of giving up nothing which might hurt the integrity of our principles, all justifies the earnestness with which I solicit a nomination which at the same time that it satisfies the Candidates, may give no lawful cause of discontent to those whom the Laws may exclude.
    If your opinion is favorable to the persons above designated, I would take the liberty to submit the following draught of a resolution:
    “The Captains who commanded Ships being part of the Squadrons of Messieurs Le Comte d’Estaing, le Comte de Grasse, le Chevalier de Barras, le Marquis de Vaudreuil & le Chevalier des Touches, the Captains of frigates who have been employed on particular stations, & have combined their operations in concert with the Minister Plenipotentiary of his Most Christian Majesty with the United states, Those Land Officers who have been wounded, or who on account of their eminent services have been promoted to the rank of Colonels or Brigadiers before their return or immediately after, shall be considered as included in the Article of our Institutions which relates to the Officers of the French auxiliary Army. And our desire being to give to Officers of a rank inferior to that of Colonel a token of our Esteem, the order of our institution shall be granted to every one of the ⟨french⟩ Regiments who have served in America; including particularly the Regiment of Dillon as having been the most complete of all the detachments who have served with Count d’Estaing at Savannah—to be worn by the first Captain of the said Regiments & by him delivered to his successor in the same rank: Our intention being, that the 1st Captains only when in activity in the Said Regiments, (and who have Served in America) be authorized to consider themselves as

     Members of our Institution, in the Same manner as the Generals & Colonels &c. (This Article is put here only in case Genl Rochambeau’s letter & his ideas Shall have been admitted).”
    As to the Frenchmen who have served in the continental Army as they consider none but the persons recommended by the resolution of their Committee to be admissible, I beg the Assembly will be pleased to grant a particular resolve, nominating the persons recommended without the least equivocation or shadow of claim to those who are excluded. As to what concerns the establishment of the Continental society in France, it is expected that this resolution taking place before, will be no prejudice to the rights which you will be pleased to grant them.I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir and Gentlemen Your most obedient & most humble servant

     P. L’Enfantmajor of the ingineer


Title: Appendix VI: From Du Bouchet, 17 May
From: Du Bouchet, Denis-Jean-Florimond Langlois de Mautheville, chevalier
To: Washington, George

     sir,
     Philadelphia. Mai. 17th 1784.

    Being of all the petitioners for Becoming Members of the association of the Cincinnati, the only officer Whose case stands so pecular as to advocate for an exception to the General Rules of the society, I ardently Beg your Excellency to Be pleased to Reccollect, that I have on no other purpose, that to Get admittance to the order, Cross’d the atlantick, and that Returning home disapointed in my expectation, Would ruin Both my Carracter and all prospect, I may have of prefferement in the army.
    am I, sir, so infortunate, as to have Been too sanguine and Confident in your Excellency’s esteem and Goodness? am I so infortunate as to have Been in the Wrong, When I Indulged myself in the thought, that having since 1776 almost at any time, Being employ’d for the cause and more, Being the only french man Who Was at Both the surrenders of the two British armyes taken on this continent, you Would Graciously Look on and grant my petition? Disapointement Would Be a stain upon my honour, Wich could never Be Blotted out. I am, sir With the highest Respect your Excellency’s most humble and most obedient servant

     Le chev. du Bouchet


Title: Appendix VII: To d’Estaing, 17 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Estaing, Charles-Hector Théodat, comte d’

     Sir.
     Philadelphia 17th May 1784

    All the letters and memorials which have been sent by you addressed to the President of the Society of the Cincinnati have been laid before a general meeting now held in this City, and were conducive to the extensive latitude in that article of the Institution, (as amended) which denominates the characters to be admitted into the Society—“All the Admirals and Captains of the Navy, ranking as Colonels, who have co’operated with the Armies of the United States”—are laterally included, and it is the expectation also of the Society that it will effectually comprehend all the Officers of the French Navy who have been particularly recommended by your Excellency. The Generals and Colonels of the Land forces are provided for in the previous part of the same article: and the society, careful that those gentlemen who had already reed the order should not be omitted thro’ mistake, have added “and such other persons as have been admitted &c.[”]—The meetings of the Society in france is conceived to be in a situation Similar & parallel in all respects to those in the States of America, and as they are respectively empowered to judge of the qualifications of their members, this genl meeting are of opinion that they cannot do better than to refer all cases which require examination to the respective meetings to be held as well in france as in America.

     Signed in general meeting.


Title: Appendix X: From Pierre-Charles L’Enfant, 17 May 1784
From: L’Enfant, Pierre Charles
To: Washington, George

     Ser
     philadelphi—monday may th17 1784

    I take the liberty to adresse your Excellency with the inclosed letter from mr duBouchet, who his one of the officer whose particular cases have moved the french Comitee in favour of thier claimes, his suspecting that there as Been in the assembly some opposition to his claimes, is the accasion for is troubling your Excellency with a second adresse—and I could not But Be Confident that your Excellency and the whole Communiti are dispose to render justice to his merite, and will considere How heurt full a dissapointement to his Expectation should Be to his military character, it is upon the same Considerations that I intreat your Excellency to Be favorable to the Wishes that the french continantal officer have Shew to protect the gentlemans whiche they have ⟨taken⟩ upon thems selves to recomande to the general society—and I will go as far as to assure your Excellency that those personnes are the only ones in whose Be[h]alf they intend to petition, and that from the communication of thier opinion they may Be considered as Being already name in france and from which idea the assembly not positively explaning thier intention would Be looked as if thier opinion was contrary to thier wishis.
    as I Expect your Excellency opinion will move the assembly in favour of those gentlemen, I Beg that in a view to prevent anny further application the assembly will Be pleased to personnally designate name By name those who shal have a sufficient suports for to merite so particular a proof of your attention and unapreciable favour—whose personnes names I Beg to Be mentione only in the ⟨ansuerds⟩to the french continantal officer commitee held at the marquis De lafayette Hotel at paris. with great respect I have the honnour to Be sir your Excellency most obidient humble servant

     P. L’Enfant


Title: To George Washington from Rochambeau, 4 May 1784
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

My Dear Général
Paris may the 4th 1784.

The letter Which you have honoured me With, the 1st of february ultime, has made the greatest pleasure to me, and your title of particulary Citizen Cannot but increases the Sentiments of Veneration, and of the most tender affection that I have devoted to you for all my life, it is the finest End of the highest Employement that ever man has filled.
I owe to let you Know, my Dear Général, that the King has given to me the Command in chief of the province of the Picardy, and the town of Calais Will be my residence during the Summer. I Shall be very Neighbour With the people against Which we have had So much fighting: but What politeness Soever the commerce of the peace Will give me With them, my heart Shall be allways for the Général under the orders of Which I did fight them, and it Will be the height of the happiness for me, though I Cannot flatter myself of it, that to receive him in that residence.
You owe to have received, my dear Général, the little letter of Confidence by Which I did prevent you of all the repugnancy that the King has to admit Strange orders in his Kingdom, and that it Was only by an consideration for you and for the united States; he has permitted to us of being admitted in the Society of Cincinnatus. if you admit all the demands that the officers of the navy make to you, as Well as that I Sent to you for my army, I fear that this great extension may displease to his majesty and I doubt he Will accept it. I think then it Would be convenient to Keep in two that I have designed to you, to Wit, The chevalier de Lameth and the Baron de L’Estrade, The first having been Wounded in the attack of the redoubts of york, and the Second having been ordered to march at the head of the first Company of Grenadiers as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Same attack, they

have only been made, one Brigadier, and the other Colonel after the siege. They are both in So particulary Cases that if you grant that favour to them, I Shall not Want a new permission of the King and I Shall consider it as an explication of the first deliberation that his majesty has already approved of.
my most tender respects, I beseech you, my Dear Général to Madam Washington, Let me Know from you and from her as often as it will be possible to you, and be persuaded of the inviolable attachment and of the respect With Which I am My Dear Général Your Most obedient and Very humble servant

Le cte de Rochambeau


Title: From George Washington to La Luzerne, 5 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

Sir,
Philada 5th May 1784

It was not until Capt: Hardwine deliver’d the Claret your Excellency was so obliging as to spare me, that I had the least knowledge of its being sent. In consequence of your kind offer to furnish me with three hogsheads, I wrote to Colo. Tilghman (at Baltimore) requesting him to receive & forward it to me; & obtained for answer, that before Your Excellys order had reached your Agent at that place, the Wine had been shipped for Philaa. In this belief & ignorance, I remained ’till the Wine was actually delivered to me when you were at my Seat in Virginia.
I have given you the trouble of reading this detail to apologize for my not having paid for the Wine sooner. Colo. Biddle will now have the honor of doing it —& I pray your Excelly to receive my thanks for the favor you did me by sparing this quantity from your own Stock. With the greatest personal attachment & consideration, I have the honor to be &ca

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Rodgers, 5 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Rodgers, John

Dear Sir
Philadelpa 5th May 1784.

The thanksgiving Sermon which you did me the favor to send me, I read with much pleasure; & pray you to accept my thanks for it, & the favorable mention you have been pleased to make of me therein.
My Compliments await Mrs Rogers —with great esteem and respect I remain Dr Sir—Yr most Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 6 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir
Phila. May 6th 1784

You will do me a favr by executing the enclosed Memms. The reason why I had rather the wine (had of the Chevr de la

Luzerne) should be paid for by a third person, shall be given to you when I see you.
To send the articles wanted by the first Vessel bound to Alexandria, would be very convenient, & you wd do me a kindness to agree for, & express what the frieght shall be. I have suffered great impositions by the charges of some skippers, rather than enter into a contraversy, or dispute their Accts—I send you enclosed 250 dollars to pay the Chevr—& for the things now desired —If Burgundy & Champaign is to be had now, as Cheap as I am told it sold at a while ago—or any other good wine of that sort very cheap, I should be glad to get, & send some round, but your previous information may be best.
If I could see a small slipe of the plain blew & green paper—with a sample of the paupier-Maché & gilded borders, I should be glad of it. In a hurry I am Yr obt & affe Servt

Go: Washington

My Letter to the Chevr is left open for your perusal—please to seal it before delivery—which I wish may be soon.


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 7 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
[Philadelphia] May 7th 1784.

As the oppertunity to Potomack will be good, I return the Box you sent me the other day, in order that it may go by the Ship Fortune with the other things—As my purchase of any of the sorts of Wine (enumerated in my letter of yesterday) will depend upon the price, which sometime ago I heard was incredibly low, you would oblige me, if you know the rates they are at present, by the information—I have heard the same acct given of other articles, broad Cloths particularly, of which I would take a piece of my livery colore⟨d i⟩f it cd be had at the prices it has sold.
Upon second thoughts a dozn a⟨nd a⟩ half of Windsor Chairs will be suffict ⟨(I⟩ think my Memm requested two dozn) but ⟨I⟩

should be glad to have Almonds & other Nutts & a Box or two of Spirmi Citi Candles sent. I am Dr Sir Yr affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Certificate for Louis-Joseph de Beaulieu, 8 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To:

[Philadelphia, 8 May 1784]

I do hereby certify, that from Papers which have been produced to me, it appears that Mr Louis Joseph de Beaulieu has borne the rank of Lieutenant in the Service of the United States of America—that he has been appointed a Captn therein by brevet—that he has been dangerously wounded in several actions, in all of which he has behaved with great zeal and bravery—and in other respects has discharged the duties of an Officer & Gentleman to the approbation of all who are acquainted with him. Given under my hand this 8th day of May 1784.

Go: Washington—late comr in Chief Amn Army


Title: From George Washington to William Gordon, 8 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Gordon, William

Revd Sir,
Philada May 8th 1784.

Every aid which can be derived from my official papers, I am willing to afford, & shall with much pleasure lay before you, whenever the latter can be unfolded with propriety.
It ever has been my opinion however, that no Historian can be possessed of sufficient materials to compile a perfect history of the revolution, who has not free access to the archives of Congress—to those of the respective States—to the papers of the commander in chief, & to those of the officers who have been employed in separate Departments. Combining & properly arranging the information which is to be obtained from these sources must bring to view all the material occurrences of the War. Some things probably will never be known.

Added to this, I have always thought, that it would be respectful to the Sovereign power of these United States, to follow, rather than to take the lead of them in disclosures of this Kind: but if there should be political restraints, under which Congress are not inclined at this time to lay open their papers; & these restraints do not in their opinion extend to mine—the same being signified by that honorable Body to me, my objections to your request will cease. I shall be happy then, as at all times, to see you at Mount Vernon, & will lay before you with chearfulness, my public papers for your information. With great esteem & regard, I am Dr Sir Your Most Obt &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Ebenezer Hazard, 11 May 1784
From: Hazard, Ebenezer
To: Washington, George

Sir,
General Post Office, Phila. May 11th 1784.

The Secretary of Congress transmitted me a Copy of the enclosed Resolution, which I received with singular Pleasure as an Act of Justice due to your Excellency, and at the same Time relieving me, as I had desired, from the very disagreeable Situation with Respect to your Excellency’s Letters to which I was reduced by the Ordinance for regulating the Post Office of the United States.
The necessary Directions were forwarded, by the first Post, to Mr McCrea at Alexandria, and nothing on my Part shall be wanting to give this Act of Congress the most complete Effect. I have the Honor to be, very respectfully, and with the most cordial Esteem, Your Excellency’s most obedient and very humble Servant

Eben. Hazard


Title: Enclosure: Resolution of Congress, 28 April 1784
From: Congress
To:

April 28th 1784.

Whereas by the Ordinance for regulating the Post Office of the United States of America passed the 18th day of October 1782 it is ordained—That Letters, Packets & Dispatches to and from the Commander in Chief of the Armies of these United States on public service shall pass and be carried free of postage and whereas there is reason to apprehend that the numerous Letters and Packets addressed to the late Commander in Chief of the Armies of these United States in consequence of his late Command and on matters foreign to his private concerns will subject him to an expence in postage which it would be improper and unreasonable he should bear.
Resolved That all Letters and Packets to and from the late Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States shall

pass and be carried free of postage until the further orders of Congress and that the post master General be and he is hereby directed to refund to the said late Commander in Chief all the monies paid by him for the postage of Letters or packets since the time of his resignation.

Chas Thomson Secy


Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 14 May 1784
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Paris May the 14th 1784

To My Great Satisfaction, My departure is fixed Upon the tenth of Next Month, When I intend leaving paris, and Immediately Embarking for America—My Course will be straight to Pottowmack, and I do Most feelingly Anticipate the pleasure of our Meeting at Mount Vernon —there is Nothing New in france, But that the Affair of the free Ports is Quite Settled, and that Nothing yet Has Been done Respecting the Intended Regulations for Commerce Betwen America and the West Indias—Governement are very friendly to the Interest of the United States, But labour Under Many difficulties, the Strongest of all is the Complaints of flour Merchants, Manufacturers, and Raisers in the Country Round Bordeaux—there Has Been a Pretention Set up a Vienna By the Empress of Russia, for a Preeminence of Her Ambassador over ours, Which is foolish and Groundless, and from Which She Must Certainly desist—some Portuguese Disputes Respecting a Settlement in Africa Have Been decided to the Satisfaction of france—Mr pitt’s party will be the Stronger in the New Parliament—But Charles fox Comes in as a Member for Wesminster, and Will Head an Opposition—the Situation of Ireland is Critical, the lord lieutenant’s Conduct Has Been foolish, and Some Resolutions of the people are very Spirited—A German doctor Called Mesmer Having Made the Greatest discovery Upon Magnetism Animal, He Has instructed scholars, Among Whom Your Humble Servant is Called One of the Most Enthusiastic—I know as Much as Any Conjurer Ever did, Which Remind’s me of our old friend’s at Fiskills Enterview with the devil that Made us laugh So Much at His House, and Before I go, I will Get leave to let You into the Secret of Mesmer, which, you May depend Upon, is a Grand philosophical discovery.
Mr jay is Gone this Morning to Dover where He intends embarking for America—He Has taken Care of A family picture, including mde de Lafayette, our Children, and Myself which I Beg leave to Present to My dear General, as the likenesses of those Who are Most Affectionately devoted to Him.
the Whole family join with me in the Most Respectfull Compliments to You, and Mrs Washington—Be so kind, My dear

General, to Remember me to the other Inhabitants of Mount Vernon, and to all friends that You May Happen to See—Adieu, My dear General, Be pleased With Your Usual kindness, to Receive the tender wishes of one who More than Any Man Existing May Boast of Being, Your excellency’s Most Affectionate, Respectfull friend and Humble Servant

Lafayette


Title: From George Washington to d’Estaing, 15 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Estaing, Charles-Hector Théodat, comte d’

Sir,
Philada 15th May 1784

I cannot my dear General express to you all the gratitude which I feel for your very great politeness manifested for me in your letter of the 25th of Decr—which I now have the honor & pleasure to acknowledge. The very tender & friendly regards which you are pleased to mention as possessing your mind, for my person & character, have affected me with the deepest sensibility; & will be forever remembered as a most agreeable token from the Count D’Estaing, for whose character as a Gentleman & a soldier, & for whose attention to the American interests & cause, I have ever been impressed with the highest veneration.
I feel myself happy that your Excellency countenances with so much cordiallity, the association formed by the Officers of

the American army, a bond of cement Sir, which, if any thing could be wanting for that purpose, will I trust serve to render durable & permanent those mutual friendships & connections, which have happily taken root between the Officers of your army & ours. And I am peculiarly happy to be able to inform you that the wishes expressed in your letter are more than fulfilled; since by the institutions of our Society, as amended & altered at their General Meeting in this City held during the present month, & which will be officially forwarded to the Society in France, your Excelly will find that the honors of it are extended, not only to the few Gentlemen honor’d by your particular mention, but to all the Captns ranking as Colonels in your Navy—which, altho’ not clearly expressed in the original Constitution, is now in the fullest terms provided for, & not left to doubtful implication.
I am much pleased with the prospect of soon having the pleasure of seeing in this country our mutual worthy friend de la Fayette. Be assur’d Sir, I shall be among the warmest of his friends who will welcome him to the American shore; & rejoice in an opportunity to embrace him in my arms. I am pleased that our confidence in Majr L’Enfant has been so honorably placed, & that the business entrusted to that Gentlns conduct has been executed to so great satisfaction. With the highest regard &c. I have the honor to be &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles-Louis de Montesquieu, 15 May 1784
From: Montesquieu, Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brède et de
To: Washington, George

a Paris le 15 May 1784

Si mon Sang eut coulé, dans la guerre ou Votre Excellence assura dune maniere Si glorieuse la liberté de l’Amerique, je réclamerois avec plus de confiance les marques de l’association dont elle a décoré quelques Colonels francois.
j’appris en arrivant en france, que javois ete nommé Colonel en Second du Regiment de Bourbonnois, le 11 de novembre 1782. le vicomte de Rochambeau venoit detre nommé Colonel Commandant du Regiment de Saintonge, avant de passer à

celui de Royal auvergne. j’etois à cette epoque en Amerique: le Regiment de Bourbonnois y etoit encore. j’ai été porté Sur l’etat de larmée, et j’ai touché les apointements attaches à mon nouveau grade en Amerique, ainsi jai été réellement Colonel avant la fin de la guerre, et Si ma comission fut arrivée plus tot, j’aurois pu Servir encore dune maniere active jusques à la paix.
Si je Reclame aussi tard une grace à la quelle jattache beaucoup de prix, Votre Excellence n’en doit pas être Surprise. Ce nest qu’apres avoir vu les marques de l’ordre de Cincinnatus à des Colonels arrivés en Amerique à la fin de la derniere campagne, que j’ai pu esperer de l’obtenir moi même⟨.⟩ j’ai l’honneur d’etre assés connu de Votre Excellence pour qu’elle ne doutte pas du Respect, de ladmiration et Si jose le dire, du tendre attachement que je conservérai toujours pour elle.

Montesquieu

P.S. je Serai vraisemblablement a Bordeaux quand votre Excellence reçevra ma lettre et Si elle me fait lhonneur d’y repondre je la prie davoir la bonte de me faire adresser Sa response a Bordeaux.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 15 May 1784
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Richmond [Va.] May 15. 1784.

Inclosed you will receive a letter, which fell into my hands from a gentleman, lately arrived from England.
Colo. Bassett is here, and I shall prepare a deed to be executed for the whole of the lands, adjudged to him against you. I was not satisfied, that the proof, which you sent me of improvements, was agreeable to law, tho’ the fact would certainly have acquitted some of the land: and therefore I thought it best to give him an order for the whole. I will have the deed recorded on the first tuesday in next month in the general court.
Dr Savage is dead, and his suit has abated. If the injunction be not renewed by his executor, it will be in your power to proceed

on the old judgment. I believe, that it will be necessary to give the executor time, until the succeeding court, to determine, whether he will revive it or not, such being the rule of the chancery. I am Dr Sir with the greatest esteem and regard yr affte & obliged humble serv.

Edm. Randolph


Title: From George Washington to Philip Schuyler, 15 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

My dear Sir,
Phila. May 15th 1784.

It has long been my wish, and until lately my intention to have proceeded from this meeting of the Cincinnati to the Falls of Niagara—& probably into Canada.
Two causes however prevent it—My business is of such a nature that I cannot without great inconvenience, be long absent from home, at this juncture—it is indeed, exceedingly inconvenient to be away from it at all—the other is, that I am not disposed to be indebted for a Passport into that Country to the British whose convenient speed has not permitted them to surrender the Western Posts to us yet.
I cannot but thank you however, my good Sir, for the polite & friendly offers contained in your letters of the 6th & 12th Instt both of which are safe at hand—if ever I should have it in my power to make an excursion of that kind nothing could add more to the pleasure of it than having you of the party.
We have been most amazingly embarrassed in the business that brought us here—It is now drawing to a conclusion—and will soon be given to the Public, otherwise I would relate it in detail—Mrs Washington is not with me at this place, otherwise I am sure she wd join me in best respects to Mrs Schuyler & yourself. With the great esteem and regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affe. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Editorial Note
From:
To:

On 15 May 1784 the Virginia house of delegates agreed “to draw up an address to his excellency General Washington, expressive of the thanks and gratitude of the House of Delegates for his unremitted zeal and services in the cause of liberty; congratulating him on his return to his native country, and the exalted pleasures of domestic life.” A committee of nine delegates was named, and the house instructed “the same committee, to consider and report what further measures may be necessary for perpetuating the gratitude and veneration of his country, to General Washington” (House of Delegates Journal, 1781–1785Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia; Begun and Held in the Town of Richmond, In the County of Henrico, on Monday, the Seventh Day of May, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-One. Richmond, 1828.). The chairman of the committee, William Ronald of Powhatan County, on 5 June presented the text of an address to be given to GW and a report on “further means, to express the gratitude of this House” to him. Both were referred to the committee of the whole house. Two days later, on 8 June, the house voted to submit the address and the resolution of Ronald’s committee to a new committee of thirteen delegates, including among others Patrick Henry, James Madison, and Richard Henry Lee. The new committee, “in concert with a committee of the Senate,” was “to prepare an address and direct other testimonials of gratitude” to GW (ibid.). Ronald reported on 22 June that the house and senate committees had agreed on the text of a resolution calling for a statue of GW to be made (doc. I) and on the text of an address to be delivered to him (doc. II). The house promptly accepted both. Henry Lee, who at this time represented Fairfax and Prince William counties in the state senate, wrote GW on 4 July that the legislature’s address would be delivered to him at Mount Vernon on 15 July. GW responded to the address on that day (doc. III).


Title: I: Resolution of the Virginia Legislature, 22 June 1784
From: Virginia Legislature
To:

[Richmond, Va.] Tuesday June the 22d 1784
In the House of Delegates

Resolved that the Executive be requested to take measures for procuring a Statue of General Washington to be of the finest Marble and best Workmanship with the following Inscription on its Pedestal; vizt
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, have caused this Statue to be erected as a monument of affection and gratitude to George Washington—who uniting to the endowment of the Hero the virtues of the Patriot and exerting both in establishing the Liberties of his Country has rendered his name dear to his fellow Citizens and given the World an immortal example of true Glory. Done in the year of Christ——and in the year of the Commonwealth——.
1784. June 24th
Teste
Agreed to by the Senate
John Beckley Clerk ⟨h.d.⟩
Will: Drew C.S.


Title: II: Address of the Virginia Legislature, 24 June 1784
From: Virginia Legislature
To: Washington, George

[Richmond, Va.] Thursday the 24th of June 1784

The Representatives of this Commonwealth would be unfaithful to the sentiments of their Constituents as well as do violence to their own, did they omit this occasion of congratulating you on the final establishment of Peace which has taken place since their last Meeting, and in the opportunity which this event has given for you to return to the felicities of private life. We shall ever remember, Sir, with affection and Gratitude the patriotic exchange which you made of these felicities, for the severe task of conducting the Arms of your Country through a Conflict with one of the most powerful nations of the Earth. We shall ever remember with admiration the Wisdom which marked your Councils on this arduous occasion, the firmness and dignity which no trials of adverse fortune could shake the moderation and equanimity which no scenes of Triumph could disturb, Nor shall we ever forget the exemplary Respect which in every instance you have shewn, to the rights of Civil Authority or the exalted Virtue which on many occasions led you to commit to danger, your fame itself, rather than hazard for a moment the true interest of your Country. In reviewing these merits we feel every Impression which they are calculated to make on grateful and affectionate Minds, and we fervently pray that they may be rewarded with every blessing of which this life will admit, and with complete happiness in that which is to come.

Archibald Cary S.S.
John Tyler S.H.D.


Title: Response to the Virginia Legislature, 15 July 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Virginia Legislature

Gentlemen,
[Mount Vernon] Virginia 15th July 1784

With feelings which are more easy to be conceived than expressed, I meet, and reciprocate the congratulations of the

Representatives of this Commonwealth, on the final establishment of peace.
Nothing can add more to the pleasure which arises from a conscientious discharge of public trust, than the approbation of one’s Country. To have been, under a vicissitude of fortune, amidst the difficult and trying scenes of an arduous conflict, so happy as to meet this is in my mind to have attained the highest honor and the consideration of it, in my present peaceful retirement will heighten all my domestic enjoyments, and constitute my greatest felicity.
I should have been truly wanting in duty, and must have frustrated the great and important object for which we resorted to Arms, if seduced by a temporary regard of fame I had suffer’d the paltry love of it to have interfered with my Country’s welfare, the interest of which was the only inducement which carried me to the Field—or permitted the rights of civil authority, though but for a moment, to be violated and infringed by a power meant originally to rescue and confirm them.
For those rewards and blessings which you have invoked for me in this world, and for the fruition of that happiness which is to come, you have Gentlemen all my thanks and all my gratitude—I wish I could insure them to you, and the State you represent, an hundred fold.

G. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Armand, 16 May 1784
From: La Rouërie, Armand-Charles Tuffin, marquis de
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia May 16th 1784

nothing pain me more than to trouble so often your Exellency in requesting new favors while I feel shur if I live long

my days will hardly be sufficiant to thank you for thoses you have allready bestowed on me, more particularly thoses which were a proof of your friendship—every step I take now with your Exellency is ambarassing to me, and although I hope to succeed, my fear of displeasing is much greater than my hope, but after all I wrait & say, the general will do as he like & surely will be assured that my unlimited Confidence in him will never permit me to think that he has not acted properly, even in refusing my request—my friends wrait to me that from the Conduct of the ministre & his ansaeres on my subject, I may flatter my self to be made a brigadier in france at my arrival there & to have an agreeable Command—they tell me that a lettre from you to the ministre at war on the subject would fixe the matter, but that if you do not wishes to wrait to him—I am still assured to be placed on the above mentioned footing in our army if your Exellency would wrait to Count de rochambeau—mentioning that it would be pleasing to you to see me have the rank of brigadier in france & that having had the Command of a legion during all the time of my services here, Exept in 1777 that I commanded a Corps of light infantry, your wishes also to see me provided with a Command in france—Count rochambeau whose dispositions are friendly to me will by your lettre be authorised to speak officially to the ministre & mention the particulars it may contain of your satisfaction of my services—thus I am assured I will have the great pleasure of being once more indebted to your Exellency for my advancement.
although when I had the honor to mention this subject to your Exellency you gave me Expectations that you would wrait—if from further Consideration it was displeasing to you—then do not wrait, I may run with a great deal of philosophy all chances in the world but that of displeasing you—I am going to europe in a week or two, may I beg leave to wrait some times to your Exellency—I am sure men of a much higher importance than I am are highly flattered by the liberty of a Correspondance with your Exellency, but I dare say non could be influenced to this request by stronger motives of attachement & respect than I am—I have the honor to be with thoses sentiments Sir your Exellency the most obdt hble srt

C. Armand


Title: From George Washington to John Foulke, 17 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Foulke, John

[Philadelphia] Monday Morning [17 May 1784]

Genl Washington presents his Compliments to Doctr Foulke—thanks him for his polite Card, & Ticket—and would with great pleasure attend his Lecture on Pneumatics; but the business which brought him to this City does not leave him at liberty, as the Members of the Cincinnati are anxious to bring it to a close.


Title: From George Washington to Rochambeau, 17 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

My dear Count,
Philadelpa 17th May 1784

From the official letters and other proceedings of the general meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, held at this place, and of which you have copies; you will obtain a thorough knowledge of what the Society have been doing, and the ground upon which it was done; to enter therefore into a further detail of the matter, in this letter, would be mere repetition—alike troublesome & unnecessary.
The Society could not go into too minute a discrimination of characters, and thinking it best to comprehend its members by general description, those who will constitute the Society in

France must, hereafter, decide upon the pretensions of their Countrymen upon the principles of the institution as they are now altered and amended.
I will detain you no longer than while I can repeat the assurances of sincere respect & esteem with which I have the honor to be My dear Count Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edward Snickers, 17 May 1784
From: Snickers, Edward
To: Washington, George

Der Generale
May the 17. 1784

I fulley intendid to aweaighted on you to pay you the Respeckte Due you and to Do Sume bisnees but finding by the paper that you wase not at home and parte of my Bisnees wase to no hume is to make the Deeds for the Lande you Solde at Coll mercers Salle and I have gote the five Lotes that Mr James mercer Boughte and Lote number one that William Hickman Boughte and the Lote number 21 which Sedwicke Bought and I have gote the Bonde you give Mr mercer and Mr Sedwick asighened to me but not hickmanes as he boughte two Lotes & peaid Mr Lunde Washington the Cash for Sedwickes bonde by the hands of Mr John melton and he never Sighened the Bond to me and I Cane not now git the Cash of Sedwick with out Bringing a sut as I hade peaid him for the Lande before I peaid of his mande and am obliged to Bring Sute in youre name against him which I hope you have no obecksion to[.] the persones that Loves on youre 2 Lotes have peaid the Taxes on it quar. Since the yere 1778 agreabile to youre Dereckshones to me in 1779 and I thinke thay qoughte no[w] to begine to pay you Sumthing  thay Colde be Rented out now verey well I wase in hopes to aseene you upe in oure Country th⟨is⟩ time—and if you Do not when I heare you are Come home I will weaighte on you and aney thing that I cane sarve you in pies to Command and it will give me plesher to Do it  my Complementes to youre Ladey and am with Due esteme youre Sincere frind and moste obedente Humbile Sarvnt

Ed. Snickers

N.B. Sur if you will Calle to mind you and Mr James mercer told me at the Sale that if the Estate Solde for more than twelve thousand five hundrid pounds that I Shude be peaid whate Coll mercer wase in Due me I am yours E.S.


Title: To George Washington from Armand, 18 May 1784
From: La Rouërie, Armand-Charles Tuffin, marquis de
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 18th May 1784

I take the liberty to inclose here a lettre from my mother to your Excellency. I had it for some weeks past in my possession, but as she request in it your patronage of my services in america with the ministre in france, and knowing well as I do, that a tryal of any influence, stranger to your own knowledge of my Conduct would have been disagreeable to you; I did not wish to deliver it untill on my own request, you had honored me with a lettre for Count rochambeau.
The profound veneration & respect my mother bears to your Excellency the tenderness I owe to her title & conduct with me, do not permit me to detain longer the Expression of her sentiments towards you—perhaps you will one day at your time of leisure, honor her with few lines in answer, I know too well how in that Case she will be happy, to deprive her of the hope by not delivering the lettre—I have inclosed in it a translation & her direction—I hope, from the great filial tendreness your Excellency has Evidenced, that you will forgive the liberty I take here.
farewell my dear General—at your service & command, armand is forever—may God allmighty bless me with the opportunity to evidence the unlimited Extent of the respect I have in

my breast for you & with which I have the honor to be your Excellency’s the Most obedt hble st

Armand


Title: Enclosure: From the Marquise de La Rouërie, 12 January 1784
From: La Rouërie, Thérèse de La Belinaye, marquise de
To:

Rouerie [France] 12th Jany 1784

Will the heroe of our age, the man of all ages, the object of the admiration of all Nations, & Particularly of france, the theme of true enthusiasme, will the Great Washington allow a french woman, a Native of Britanny, too aspiring perhaps, but Still more an admirer of that Commanding Character, to Join with a feeble Voice in the tribute of praise which Everyone pays to that Great Man. some Compare him to Cezar, others to trajan, to alexander to fabius, to turenne & to Catinat among the ancients, & they take the talents & Virtues of Modern Characters, in order to form out of them a great Whole, but how Could they form one to resemble thee, Washington, here their art fails, forgive this familiar Language, it is that in which we Address the Gods.
Washington, I have a son, he Leaves thee, he has served under thy Command, fought under thy Eyes, thou Knowest him, thou dost More, thou honourest him with they Esteem, impart those flattering sentiments to our Ministers, the opinions of such a man as thou art hath an assendency which Gives it the force of a Law, what a title thy approbation ensures? he who hath acquired it hath obtained a right to that of Every other person.
May the Parce  spare the thread of thy Glorious Day’s Which are so precious to posterity such is the ardent wish formed for the sake of Both, by the humblest of thy servants.

The Mother of Armand


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 18 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
[Philadelphia] Tuesday Morning 18th May 1784.

Rather than wait, & thereby hazard delay, I would purchase Copper at the present price for all the purposes mentioned in your estimate, the Spouts, or Trunks excepted—the want of these, as they do not retard the Work may remain a while longer.
Pray let me have your Acct before Nine oclock, as I hope to set off soon after that hour & wish to pay the Balle before I go. I am Yr Obedt & affe Servt

Go: Washington

P.S.—As you forgot to put up the Bill for the Nuts I do not know [the] sorts you have sent.


Title: From George Washington to Ebenezer Hazard, 18 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Hazard, Ebenezer

Sir,
[Philadelphia] 18th May 1784.

I have, before I leave the City, to thank you for the obliging expressions of your letter of the 11th.
I perswade myself you will have the goodness to notify the Postmasters in the different States, that letters franked by me are to pass free. otherwise, being unacquainted with the resolve of Congress, my corrispondents may incur the expence of Postage contrary to my expectation, & the good intention

of Congress—and without any impropriety either on the part of the distant Postmasters. I am Sir Yr most obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 18 May 1784
From: Humphreys, David
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Philadelphia May 18th 1784

A few hours after your departure, I received a private communication from a friend in Congress informing me of my appointment as Secretary to the Commissioners for forming Commercial Treaties in Europe—Tho’ pleased with the information I considered myself as unfortunate in not having recd the Letter while your Excellency remained in Town—because I wished to avail myself of Letters of introduction or recommendation to some of your acquaintances & Correspondents, particularly to Doctr Franklin, the Count D’Estaing & such other Characters in England or France as you might think proper—Perhaps a general Certificate of my services & character, which I have never before solicited because I did not wish to give unnecessary trouble, would be of infinite consequence on some future occasion; and I trust you are persuaded my dear Sir, that I should not make an indiscreet or improper use of it—Nor must you think it less than the most serious truth, that in my opinion, nothing which I can possibly carry from this Continent will be of equal importance to my reputation, as to have it known that I have been an Aide de Camp to, & the friend of Genl Washington.
Perhaps it is not yet too late; for I cannot but hope, that any Papers you might be pleased to address to me, or to Mr Jefferson for me at Boston, would reach that place before our embarkation, which will not be until between the 10th & 20th of June next.
I should not have presumed to ask these favors but for the former proofs I have had of your goodness—of which I shall never be unmindful in whatever climate or circumstances I may happen to be placed.
Wishing Mrs Washington & your Connections every possible felicity, I beg leave to add, that tho’ others might be more lavish

in their professions, none can ever be more sincere in their feelings of veneration, friendship & respect for you than My dear General Your very affectionate & most humble Servant

D. Humphrys

P.S. If I could have but a single line to shew that you presented me with the golden eagle it would be infinitely pleasing & useful.
Whether I should hear from you or not, I shall not fail to address your Excellency from the other side of the water.


Title: From George Washington to Elizabeth Powel, 18 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Powel, Elizabeth

[Philadelphia] Tuesday Morning [18 May 1784].

G: Washington presents his most respectful compliments to Mrs Powell—he will be particularly careful of the letter and Box for Mrs Fitzhugh —& only laments that it is not in his power to call & ask Mrs Powell’s other commands—the Meeting of the Society will be at nine, immediately after wch the Genl will leave the City.
He prays Mr Powell to accept his best respects.


Title: To George Washington from Jean Baptiste Mailhe, 19 May 1784
From: Mailhe, Jean Baptiste
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Toulouse [France] 19th May 1784

What higher honor, than the Cincinnatus of America, can be bestowed on the man, who, after avenging the cause of liberty, and establishing the supremacy of his country, by a voluntary act, reduced himself to the condition of a private man?
The discourse I venture to present you with, is infinitely below the greatness of the subject: but, it is at least, a sincere testimony, of the general admiration; excited by a revolution in wc. your virtues and exploits have had such a share —I am with respect, Sir Your Hble & Obt servt

 Mai[l]he


Title: Account of Expenditures in Attending the General Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, 24 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To:

May 24th 1784.

The Society of the Cincinnati Dr to Genl Washington for his Expences attending the General Meeting in Philadelphia May—1784.

                  Pensa Cury

                  Apl 26th
                  To ferriage—crossing Potomk River
                  9. 6

                  Dining &ca at Upper Marlborh
                  19. 9

                  Lodging &ca at Rawlins’s
                  2. 0. 7

                  27
                  To Ferriage at South River
                  9. 4

                  28
                  To Expences in Annapolis
                  4.11. 3

                  Ferriages to Rock-hall pr [Gilbert] Middleton
                  5.10.

                  Oats &ca for the passage
                  8.

                  Servants at Annapolis
                  3. 9

                  29
                  To Expences at [Richard] Spencers Tavern
                  2. 3. 4

                  Ditto at New Town Chester
                  1. 7. 6

                  30
                  To Ditto at the cross roads
                  1.19. 6

                  Ditto at Middle Town
                  12. 9

                  Ditto at New castle
                  1.11. 9

                  May 1
                  To Ditto at Wilmington
                  2. 1. 7

                  Ditto at Chester
                  1. 4. 6

                  Servants at difft Stages
                  7. 6

                  Ferriage at Schoolkill
                  1. 8

                  17
                  To Barber sundry times
                  1. 5.10

                  Washing—during my stay in Phila.
                  2.15. 8

                  Livery Stable—Mr [Jacob] Hiltzhimer
                  16. 6. 7

                  Servants Board
                  9. 3. 2

                  Mr [Robert] Morris’s Servants & other Exps. there
                  5.15.

                  Exps. at the City Tavern
                  3.10.

                  18
                  To Ferriage over the Schoolkill
                  1. 8

                  Exps. at Chester
                  1. 1. 3

                  Ferriage over Christiana
                  2. 2

                  19
                  To Exps. at Newcastle
                  1.10.10

                  Ditto at Middle Town
                  12. 9

                  20
                  To Ditto at New Town Chester
                  2.18. 4

                  Ditto at Rockhall
                  3. 8. 4

                  Ferriages to Annapolis
                  5.13. 8

                  22
                  To Exps. in Annapolis—pr Mr Mann
                  3.17. 4

                  To Ferriage over South River
                  8. 4

                  Expences at Rawlins’s Tavern
                  17.

                  Ferriage over Patuxent
                  5.

                  23
                  To Ditto—over Potomack
                  9. 6

                  £86. 4. 8

                  Errors Excepted Pr Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 24–28 May 1784
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear sir
Annapolis 24[–28] May 1784

I had the mortification to find that you set out from this place about ten oClock of the same day I arrived here. Our horses were injured on the road, which obliged me to halt one day at Baltimore. I am uncertain how long I shall stay, but I hope to set out on my return on Wednesday—You Know the state of things here—It is to be apprehended that all the necessary business will not be Finished before Congress adjourn.
Colonel Smith a day or two before we left the City of Philadelphia requested that I would mention to you an idea which seemed to prevail respecting Your recommendation to Congress, of the Gentlemen of your family, that it only comprehended

Humphreys, and Walker and excluded the others, and himself among them—I promised that I would hint the matter to you but had not an opportunity.
I send a letter from Colonel Humphreys, who is much pleased and satisfied with his appointment.
I request that you would present my respectful compliments to Mrs Washington, and beleive me to be my Dear sir with the most perfect respect and affection Your Excellencys Most obedient Servant

H. Knox

28 May
I have now been here, nearly one week, and nothing of importance has been decided upon, owing to the contrariety of sentiments concerning the powers vested in Congress to raise troops in time of peace for any purpose—There appears but one sentiment respecting the nocessity of having troops for the frontiers, but the difficulty is how to obtain them—The southern States are generally of opinion that the Confederations vests Congress with sufficient powers for this purpose, but the eastern States are of a different opinion.
The eastern delegates are willing to recommend th[e] raising troops for the Western posts—but the gentlemen from the Southward say this would be giving up a right which is of importance to preserve, and they cannot consent to recommend, when they ought to require, so that from this cause it is to be feared that there will not be any troops raised—and there are many difficulties to sending those which are raised and at West point &c.—I shall Stay untill the point is finally decided, or untill Congress adjourn provided it be on the 3d of next month, as is agreed. I am my dear sir with the most ardent desires for your happiness Your sincerely respectful and affectionate

H. Knox