Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 14–26 August 1789
From: Newenham, Edward
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
[Athy, Ireland] August 14th[–26] 1789

I had the honor of writing to your Excellency last week by Captain Geddes bound to Philadelphia, & Sent the only authentic Account of part of the Revolution in France; Since that day, all the foreign as well as the British Papers agree that it will be compleated & the old Constitution restored.
I fear, I am only repeating what your Excellency has already heard from better Authority & more fully, but the Importance of the Moment induces me to Send the papers, as they may arrive Sometimes before you receive your Dispatches from France.
The whole City, by letters of the best Authority, of Paris place its cheif dependance on the abilities and perseverance of your Noble friend the Marquiss de la Fayettee; they look up to him & Neckar, as their principal Directors, and the Duke of Orleans places the utmost Confidence in them—History does not record So Sudden and wonderful a Revolution—the Secession of the Guards was too Surprizing to gain beleif, untill it was announced by the Royal Authority—we are in hourly Expectation of the Pacquets, as it is reported the Prince of Artois &c. &c. are endeavouring to raise an Army in Flanders, & have hopes of Assistance from Spain; as to Poor Joseph he has enough to do, with the Tasks & his own disconted Brabantiers; the latter may follow the Example of France & expell a Tyrannical Government;

I Should not be Surprized if that would happen in the Course of a month, though the Emperor has a considerable Army there.
It is to your country that France owes its Salvation from a Famine for we could not, as yet, Venture to Send out any Corn, as we had had Seven Weeks incessant rain, untill the 9th Instant, when the Sun revisited us, & by the General report we shall have a tolerable harvest if we have 14 or 15 good days.
Last night we had great illuminations and other Demonstrations of Joy on account of its being the Birth day of the Prince of Wales—many were forced to illuminate for fear of the Mob breaking their Windows, or being Marked as Enemies to the General sence of the Nation; My Neighbours being mostly Taxation Members only had a Candle or two to save their Windows; I made the Populace Drink the four greatest Men of this Age—Cincinnatus, Franklin, Fayette & Lord Charlemount, for which I expect a Volume of abusive paragraphs—for no administration ever dealt so copiously in that Line of writing, or made more Violent Attacks on the Liberty of the Subject; they (the Judges) have demanded Excessive Bail in two Instances; but I hope the Spirit of the Nation will be ranged into a General Petition to Parliament, & pass an Act of Parliament to deprive the Judges of that remnant of Feudal Times; our Volunteers have lost their Quondam power; they are grown Supine and their Enemies daring; no Constitution wants a Renovation more than ours—Summary Justice ought to take place against some state Criminals—in the Law Line.
our Hay Harvest is almost finished & the produce is almost Double what it was last year; and now we have hopes of a good Corn harvest, as the warm weather is set in with every appearance of a Continuation; The wheat has not Suffered as much as was Expected—the Potatoes are improving, & Cargoes of them are already Sent to France; much more would have been sent, but the Populace plundered 3 Corn & one potatoe Vessel & abused the Captains, which intimidated others; the late declaration of the Assembly at the Hotel de Ville has, I hope, put a Stop to Such impolitic Conduct.
The Minerva Captain Thomas is just ready to sail and therefore obliges me to conclude; I send some Dublin pa⟨p⟩ers, hoping that they may be the first, of the last Transactions,

⟨mutilated⟩ that reaches your hands. with Every Sincere and warm respect of ⟨mutilated⟩ & Friendship I remain Dear Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient & faithfull Humble Sert

Edward Newenham

26 August 1789

Lady Newenham joins in best respects & good wishes for Mrs Washingtons health & happiness—I Send a few papers.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Edwards, 15 August 1789
From: Edwards, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Boston Augt 15th 1789

At the close of the late War I returned to this my native place and applied myself to my former profession of the Law, where I yet remain and have a small family—But having been absent for so long a space of time in the Army, I had the mortification to find that I made but small progress in business, owing, my Vanity will say, to a number of younger men having come forward in the Profession & myself being thought younger in it than I really was.
I take the Liberty, Sir, & I hope it will not be esteemed an impertinent interruption, of giving you this Information that in case there should be any appointment to be made to any Office which may be thought suitable & to which from your own knowledge of me or from any information from others you may think me adequate to I should think myself honored & obliged by having it. I have the Honor to subscribe myself with the most perfect respect & warmest wishes for your Health & Happiness Sir Your most Obedient & humble Servant

Thomas Edwards


Title: To George Washington from John Livingston, 15 August 1789
From: Livingston, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Manor Livingston Augt 15. 1789

From a desire, to be servicable to my Country, I take the liberty of offering myself to your Excellency, as a candidate, for the office, of a Commissioner, for Indian Affairs, oppertunities have presented, which have given me an extensive Acquaintance, with the principal Sachams, and Cheifs of many of the Northern & Southern Nations of Indians, and I flatter myself, it is No Vanity to Say, that I have a considerable degree of influence over them, For the truth of this fact I can appeal to Gentlemen high in the public Confidence and conversant on this Subject, and have reason to beleive they will give me a sutiable recommendation. I have the Honor to be with the utmost respect. Sir Your Excellency Most obedient Humble Servant

John Livingston


Title: To George Washington from William Mercier, 15 August 1789
From: Mercier, William
To: Washington, George

Sr
New York Augst 15: 1789

Having been Appointed by the State of New York to the Suply and Care of the Light house on Sandy Hook, and have Acted therein Ever Since the Peace—I have to Request the favor of Being Continued therein under the United States. Sr your Most Humbe Servt

Wm Mercier


Title: From George Washington to the Moravian Society for Propagating the Gospel, 15 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Moravian Society for Propagating the Gospel

Gentlemen,
[New York, c.15 August 1789]

I receive with satisfaction the congratulations of your Society and of the Brethren’s Congregations in the United States of America. For you may be persuaded that the approbation and good wishes of such a peaceable and virtuous Community cannot be indifferent to me.
You will also be pleased to accept my thanks for the Treatise which you presented; and to be assured of my patronage in your laudable undertakings.
In proportion as the general Government of the United States shall acquire strength by duration, it is probable they may have it in their power to extend a salutary influence to the Aborigines in the extremities of their Territory. In the meantime, it will be a desirable thing for the protection of the Union to co-operate, as far as the circumstances may conveniently admit, with the disinterested endeavours of your society to civilize and Christianize the Savages of the Wilderness. Under these impressions, I pray Almighty God to have you always in his holy keeping.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Walter Stewart, 15 August 1789
From: Stewart, Walter
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Augst 15th 1789

I Observe your excellency has Recommended to the House of representatives an Early Attention to the Orgonization of the Malitia of the United States.
This is Certainly a subject which will require great Investigation, and no doubt the Committee to whom it is refer’d will View it in the Consequential light it merits.
I hope your Excellency will Attribute to good motives, and Pardon the Liberty I take in making the few following Observations.
I am of Opinion that one of the first Objects in the Execution of this Business, should be to bring about a Uniformity of descipline and Manouvres throughout the Continent; to Inculcate as far as possible an Emulation amongst the different Corps to keep their Arms, Accoutrements, Ammunition &ca in good Ord⟨er;⟩ And to prevent those disorderly firings and scenes which almost Universally take place at present on Parade days, And the Officers Commanding the different Battalions, And Companys, either have not a disposition to, or cannot from their particular situations with the Troops prevent. I here confine myself to the Malitia of this place, as I have not lately had an Opportunity of Veiwing those of the other States.
The Easiest and most probable mode which strikes me for speedily bringing about this Uniformity, and Oeconomy, would be through the Exertions of State Inspectors, whose duty it Should be in the first instance to visit the different Regiments in the state or district, take an Actual Statement of the Men, Arms, Accoutrements, Ammunition &ca belonging to each; And lay down for them a determin’d System of Exercise and set of Manouvres, from which they should not deviate untill the Next Inspection.
These state returns to be handed to the Inspector General, from whom the Manouvres proper to be made use of throughout the states would be receiv’d; This Appears (although a troublesome one) to be the only sure mode of Ascertaining the true state of the Malitia Corps, as I fear any returns which may be handed in without an Actual Examination of the Men & Articles, Cannot with Certainty be depended on; And after the

first Inspection, the difficulty would become much lessen’d by providing the Commanding Officers of Regiments, Brigades, or divisions with proper blank returns.
Should the Continent Shortly be Enabled to supply the Malitia with publick Arms & Accoutrements, the dutys of the Inspectors will then become still more necessary, as the greatest attention & Exertion must be us’d to prevent Waste.
It is Unnecessary to mention to your Excellency the length of time I serv’d under your Command; or the Exertions I made use of under the Baron Stuben in the Inspectors department to render the different Corps as respectable as I Possibly Could, You was pleas’d more than once to Express yourself satisfied with my Conduct, which gratified my Most Earnest Wishes. Should an Inspector General be Appointed, And Under Him Inspectors for the different States, or districts, it is my wish, (in Case the Establishment is made by any means respectable) to be nominated by your Excellency for Pennsylvania, or the district in which it may be Included, under such Appointment I will be bold to promise Fidelity, Industry, & Attention to my duty.
I am led to make this Application First Because I feel sensible this is the Line in which I Can render most Eseential Service to the Community.
2nd That whilst in the Army I Contracted the Bilious Habit of Body with wch a sedentary life will be no means Agree, And 3dly Because I think those Officers of the Late Army who made Tacticks in some measure their study, should step forward, and give Your Excellency an Opportunity of filling from Amongst them, Offices which must become of Importance should they be brought into the General System. I Am with Much respect and Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedt & hbl. sert

Walter Stewart

I beg leave to mention to your Excellency, that should an Inspector of the Continental Army be found necessary, And the Baron Stuben does not deem it an Object Worthy his Attention; I would by much prefer entering into that Line the duty’s of which I Could Easily perform, And at the same time pay the Necessary Attentions to my family I Am With all due respect &ca

Walter Stewart


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 August 1789
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Hartford, August 15th, 1789

I beg leave, with diffidence, to offer myself as a candidate for an appointment under the government of the United States. If I may be allowed to judge of my own qualifications, they are most suitable to some business in the Finance or Treasury Department.
The gentlemen who represent the State of Connecticut, in the Senate and House of Representatives, are best acquainted with the degree of merit on which I venture to found this application. If they do not concur in a proper recommendation, I cannot hope and do not wish to succeed.
In case this request shall on inquiry be found to have originated in no improper estimate of my own merits, and shall be favorably received, sentiments of personal gratitude will be added to those, which duty and patriotism have already excited, which will strongly prompt me to contribute whatever may be in my power, to the success and prosperity of your administration.


Title: From George Washington to Arthur Young, 15 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Young, Arthur

Sir,
New York, August 15th 1789.

Recollecting that in one of your letters to me you had requested me to send to you a sample of the wool produced by my sheep, I directed that a fleece of a middling quality should be sent to me at this place after the season of shearing, which has been done, and I now transmit it to you by the british Packet, directed to the care of Messrs Wakelin Welch and Son in London. I am Sir, your most obedient Servant.

G. Washington


Title: Farm Reports, 16–22 August 1789
From: Washington, George Augustine
To: Washington, George

 A Meteorlogical account of the weath<er> kept at Mount Vernon 1789.
[Mount Vernon, 16–22 Aug. 1789]
16th Mercury In the morng 80 Calm Clear Noon 86 S. Wt Clear. Night 86 S. Wt Cloudy and sprinkle of rain
17th Morng 72 S. Wt Clear. Noon 75 N. Et Clear. Night 75 S. Et Clear, in the night a fine rain
18th Morng 70 S. Et Cloudy. Noon 73 N. Et Clear. Night 73 Calm Clear.
19th Morng 69 No. light rain. Noon 72 No. Thunder Showers Night 72 N. Wt Clear.
20th Morng 70 Calm Clear. Noon 75 N. Wt Clear. Night 75 Calm Clear.
21st Morng 71 Calm Clear. Noon 76 N. Et Hazy. Night 75 Et Clear.
22d Morng 70 N. Et Clear. Noon 73 N. Et Clear. Night 72 N. Et Clear.
Weekly Reports Augt 22.

Dr
River plantn for the work of 7 Men 17 Women 3 Boys & 1 Girl amtg per week to
days 162

Cr
By plowg in Wheat in No. 8
42

By harrowg ground after the plows
6

By haulg in Oats 7 days at Mill 1 ditto (drove by 2 persons)
16

By loadg Carts with grain
4

By Stackg Oats
6

By suckg Topg and wormg Tobacco
14

By weedg Carrots & Potatoes
10

By breakg and swingling Flax
14

By grubg in No. 8
16

By Cleang Wheat
4

By sowg Wheat in No. 8
3

By threshg Wheat
14

By hoeing up ground for turnips
2

By sickness Natt 4 days—Peg 5 Esther 2
 11

Total
162

Recd from the Mill 9¼ Bushls Meal sent to ditto 17 Bushls Corn 3 Bushls wheat sent to Mill for House use—deliverd the people for grinding in the hand Mill 4½ Bushls Corn sowd in No. 8–50 Bush. Wheat—Stock 95 head Cattle 139 head Old Sheep 53 Lambs. 17 workg Horses

Dr
Dogue Run plantn for the work of 7 Men & 11 Women amtg per week to
days 108

Cr
By plowg between the Corn in No. 7
10

By plowg in wheat in No. 6
10

By haulg poles & straw for brick House and rails to enclose brick House 7 days 1 ditto at Mill
8

By weedg Carrots in No. 4
18

By weedg Potatoes in ditto
6

By topg and suckg Tobacco
10

By Cleang Wheat
6

By tendg treadg out wheat
6

By pickg pease
4

By ripg the Mill meadow fence along the Clover
4

By Cutg poles and makg Scaffold for Tobacco
4

By loadg Carts with poles and straw
6

By sickness Siller 6 days. Lucy 4 ditto Brunswick 6
 16

Total
108

Recd from the Mill 8¾ Bushls Meal sent to ditto 8 Bushls Corn Sent to Muddy hole 300 sheafs of Oats for Horse fead—1 Cart & tumbril load to Mansn House—Increase 1 old white face red Cow called the Camp Cow sent to the meadow to be fatned on acct of old age 9 Calves sent from the house—decrease 1 Spring mare Colt from the young Sorrel broad Mare got out of the Mill meadow into the Clover field and fell into a well at Berrys house—Stock 56 Head Cattle 99 Old Sheep 37 Lambs 10 workg Horses 1 Spring Colt—Sow’d in No. 6. 9 Bushls wheat.

Dr
Muddy-hole Plantn for the work of 3 Men & 10 Women amtg per week to
days 78

Cr
By plowg in wheat in No. 4
15

By harrowg over ditto
5

By Cart haulg Mud which had been got from the Swamp in No. 3 to the poor parts of No. 2
1

By tendg treadg out wheat and Stackg Straw
10

By weedg Carrots
12

By weedg potatoes
18

By suckg wormg & topg Tobacco
9

By grubg up s[p]routs &c. in No. 4
8

Total
 78

Decrease 1 Ewe by sickness. Recd from the Mill 5½ Bushls Meal deliverd for sowg 6 Bushls wheat to D: Run—Sow’d in No. 4 12½ for Bushels wheat. Stock 22 head Cattle 18 Old Sheep 5 Lambs 9 workg Horses—2 Spring mules—23 Wethers and 4 Steers from D: Run—3 ditto Steers from Mansn House—2 ditto from the Ferry.

Dr
Ferry & Frenches plantns for the work of 7 Men 16 Women & 3 Boys amtg per week to
days 156

Cr
By plowg between the Corn in No. 1 at Frenches
12

By plowg in wheat in No. 2 at the Ferry
31

By harrowg over ground in No. 2 at ditto after the plows
6

By Cart ½ a day at Mill
1/2

By Cleang Oats and Wheat
5

By thresg and Cleang wheat
26

By weedg and hilling Corn in No. 3 at the Ferry
36

By weedg suckg & topg Tobacco
24 1/2

By assistg in landg Scantg
2

By Sickness Doll 6 days—Lucy 4 ditto Sabeen 3 ditto
13

Total
156

Recd from the Mill 11¼ Bushls Meal Sent to ditto 10 Bushls Corn Stock 82 Head Cattle 100 old Sheep 28 Lambs 18 old Sheep from R. plantn 16 workg Horses 2 ditto Mules 2 spring ditto—Ferriages 21/.
The wheat sown this week at the Ferry in No. 2 amounts to 36 Bushls ¼th & ⅛th being of different kinds are sown and distingud in the followg manner—3 Bushls of the Common wheat was sown along the Ditch ranging with the Ferry road the ground being subject to overflow in very wet weather and therefore unsafe to seed in designed for future sowg—a vacancy left between each kind, and distinguished by stakes—this the common wheat between No. 1 & 2. Next to it 14 Bushls of the bearded wheat raised at Manleys in drills between stakes No. 2 & 3—Next this between stakes No. 3 & 4 are 10 Bushls white plain wheat raised in drills at ditto next to it between stakes No. 4 & 5 are 4 Bushls 1 peck & ⅛th English wheat raised on Stony hill at the Ferry—next to it 4½ Bushls of Cape Wheat raised in Drills at Manleys—this distinction will be continued throughout the field untill the different kinds of wheat are finished—the experiments of the Cape wheat heretofore made have been unsuccessful but deemed it well to give a small quantity of it one more trial—the above wheat has been sown under the most favorable circumstances—the ground in a fine moist state and well pulvarised by a good plowg—and harrowing—The Buck wheat if possessed of the properties of manure must in this field discover its powers having been turnd in early and in a very succulent state much of it sprung up and was turned in at the time of sowg—the wheat—of the Bearded wheat raised in Drills below the stable there was 4 B. ¾ which was sown on Monday morng at the Ferry next the Cape wheat in a good part of the field. this wheat after cleaning I found was a little injured by the flye—and the only wheat ⟨in⟩ which I have discoverd ⟨it⟩; this may have arisen from the warmth of the place it was in (the Granary) I mean the early appearance of them—as I presume they were propigated before the grain was cut.

Dr
Mansn House for the work of 14 Men 8 Boys & 6 Girls amtg per week to
days 162

Cr
By Waggon haulg wood for the Lime kiln 1 day rails to enclose the Brick yard 2 ditto to Hepburns Mill 1 ditto Stuff for the Coopers 1

ditto Stocks for the Sawyers & wood for Coal Kiln 1 ditto
6

By Cart haulg lime & sand to Brick yard 6 days 1 ditto haulg Rails sand tables &c. to Brick yard at D: Run 4
10

By makg up straw—makg Splits Coverg brick House & splitg and tying on Laths
17

By Cutg wood for burng Bricks Shells & Coal
6

By makg mortar, cleang yards, putg up fence and makg bricks
15

By loadg Waggon with Stocks
1

By weedg Carrots and Potatoes, wormg and suckg Tobacco
28

By workg on the Road from the House to the White Gate
18

By beatg out seed & wheat
9

By tendg brick Layers & Joiners
24

By beatg bark
3

By tendg Dairy
2

By setg a Lime Kiln and beatg Bark
6

By weedg Lucern
6

By tendg Stock and sifting Lime
6

By tendg Mares & Colts
6

By Sickness Joe 2 days Anthony
6

Total
168

Recd from the Mill 9 Bushls Meal 38 Old Sheep 18 Lambs 3 Wethers 39 Horses 5 last Spring Mules 1 ditto 2 year old ditto 4 ditto spring ditto—3 ditto spring Colts—2 ditto Spring Jennies 3 ditto old ditto 3 ditto Jacks. 1 ditto Spring ditto.

Dr
Joiners & Carpenters for the work of 5 Men amtg per week to
days 30

Cr
By Thomas Green 3½ days shingling the Shed and putg in the blades of the Dormond Windows and the mouldings round it strikg the scaffolds and putg them up again 1½ day getg a walnut log and prepg it and makg 1 pr Brick Moulds—1½ day assistg in landg scantg and plank and numberg it
6

By Thomas Mahony ½ day makg 1 pr Brick Moulds 4½ Shingling, abt the Dormond window strikg and putg up scaffolds hewg and putg on wall plates
6

By Isaac putg a new set of spokes in the Mansn House waggon Wheel—stuff got and a new plow made for Frenches plantn 2 new axle tires got for the waggon and one made—1 pr Shafts got for the tumbril Cart 1 piece mortis’d & put in
6

Cr By James and Sambo Stockg and Sawg—80 Laths 16 feet long 4 breakg Cuts 16 ditto 10 Inches deep 480 feet
12

Total
30

Dr
Ditchers for the work of 6 Men amtg per week to
days 36

Cr
By Ditching in D: Run Swamp compleated 7 for Roads
6

By mortisg and hewg posts finished 132
11

By sawg off timber
2

By Cutg rail Stuff
2

By maulg Rails
2 1/2

By mortisg posts finished 6
7 1/2

By hewg & tenantg Rails finished 600
5

By sickness. Charles 2 days. Boatswain disabled by boils & beatg back 5 days
7

Total
36

Mill Grist
Dr
Wheat
Corn
Rye

Remg in the Mill

5
13½

To Toll this week

2½
5

To River Plantn

18

To D: Run plantn

13

To Ferry & Frenches

10

7½
59½

46

13½

Contra
Cr
B. Ml
R: MlMidlings
Bran foroverseer

By R: Plantn

9¼
½

By D: R: plantn

8¾

By Muddy hole

5½

By Ferry & Frenches

11¼

By Coopers & Miller

1

By John Knowles

¼

By Mansn House

10

46
½

Dr
Coopers for the work of 3 Men amtg per week to
days 18

Cr
By getg 300 Tobacco Hoggshead Staves 340 pieces headg 500 flour Barrel Staves
15

By stopg leakes in the Race
 3

Total
18


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 16 August 1789
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Hingham [Mass.] Augt 16 1789

I received this morning your Excellencys very welcome favour of the 11th there on I beg leave to observe that immediately on my receiving the commission with which I was honoured appointing me Collector for the port of Boston & Charlestown I entered upon the duties of the office—I have appointed Majr Rice, not him of the late army, my deputy, he is a Gentleman very pleasing to the people, of an amicable character and of great integrity—he has a good knowledge of the duties of a Collector having been a number of years in the same line—Besides I have been fortunate enough to procure a number of very respectable characters to fill the lower offices so that the department is now arranged agreeably to my wishes and the business goes on with regularity—If from these circumstances and another equally important Viz. that Mr Lovel from the duty of his office will have an eye over the whole your Excellency should be of opinion that I could leave my duty as collector, and reassume it after three or four months without injury to the public the proposition which you have been pleased to make is too interesting in every view of it, to myself for me to reject it.
I will hold my self in readiness to leave this place at any time on twenty hours notice so that if I should be called there shall not be any delay on my part. I have the honour of being my dear General with the most perfect esteem your Excellencys obliged servant

B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Ramsey, 16 August 1789
From: Ramsey, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Charles Town (Maryland) 16th of August 1789

I have been informed that it is your wish that every person who is disposed to serve in any of the departments of the new Government, should signify their inclination by a particular application. I have promised this as an appology for my offering my service in the Judiciary department of the district where I reside.
Several years regular study of the law, together with a few years practice at the Bar, antecedent to the revolution, has given me, at least, an oppertunity of acquiring a moderate acquaintance with the laws of my Country.
And not having resumed the practice since the disolution of the Army, and being ingaged in no other pursuit then paying some small attention to a farm, I have it in my power to devote a considerable part of my time to the duties of the Office, provided you should think proper to honor me with an appointment. I am with great respect your Excellence’s Most obedient humble servant

Nat: Ramsey


Title: From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 16 August 1789 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Augustine

Letter not found: to George Augustine Washington, 16 Aug. 1789. On 26 Aug. he wrote to GW: “I have now your favor of the 16th Inst.”


Title: From George Washington to Wakelin Welch & Son, 16 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Wakelin Welch & Son

Gentlemen,
New York, August 16th 1789.

I will thank you to forward the enclosed letter to Messrs Fenwick, Mason &Ca, merchants in Bourdeaux, by the earliest conveyance.

I have requested the above Gentlemen to send me twenty six dozen of claret and the same quantity of champagne (if the latter can be had of the best quality at Bourdeaux) and have directed them to draw upon you at 30 days sight for the cost and charges of the before mentioned quantity—you will therefore be so good as to answer their drafts for that amount, and charge the same to the account of Gentlemen, Your most obedient servant

G. Washington

P.S. I will thank you to send me by the first vessel, which sails for New York, a terrestrial globe of the largest dimensions and of the most accurate and approved kind now in use.


Title: To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 17 August 1789
From: Dayton, Elias
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Elizth Town [N.J.] 17th August 1789

I am informed that the bill providing for the organization of the Judiciary department is now on it’s passage thr’o the houses of legislature, & that, among other things it directs the appointment of a Judge for each of the eleven districts into which the United States are parcelled. As it is probable that it will in a short time receive the sanction of the different branches & of course become a law, the task of filling those appointments must thereupon necessarily devolve on the President. The respectability of the appointment, the magnitude of the trust, & the important prop & permanency which the due & pure administration of justice afford to any government, joined to the anxiety of many of my fellow citizens together with my own, are, the almost irresistible inducements, & must be my apology for troubling you, sir, on the subject & for mentioning the name of Chief Justice Brearley, who, I have authority to say, will undertake the discharge of the duties of the office for this district, if you should be pleased to confer it upon him.
You sir, I presume, were not unacquainted with him during his services in the late war—The reputation which he brought with him into the army—the very great propriety & manliness of his conduct when in it—and the credit with which he retired from the service in obedience to the pressing calls of his state, to preside over the administration of justice therein, are facts, of which you, sir, in all probability are not ignorant. His uniform, firm & avowed attachment to the cause of his country strongly manifested by the manly & decisive part which he acted from the earliest stages of the revolution to it’s final accomplishment, is not unknown & should not be unnoticed.
For the last nine years, during which time he has officiated in the quality of Chief Justice, he has discharged the duties thereof with approved ability & to very general satisfaction. I may say in short, that, I believe, there is no one to whom the people of this district or state will so naturally look, or whom they will so earnestly wish, to be honored by the President with the appointment in question. If there be any indecorum in thus unsolicitedly offering my opinion, I hope the apology I have made (founded upon the importance of the case, upon the general

anxiety, & my regard for the new constitution & the public good) will acquit me to you. With the highest esteem & respect I have the honor to be, sir, Your Most Obedt humbe servt

Elias Dayton


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 August 1789
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[New York] August 17th 1789

I have enclosed the copies of the letters you have been pleased to request. I am persuaded the senate will when they understand the matter fully concur with the house.
I will wait on you this afternoon or tomorrow morning with some heads of instructions for the Commissioners.
I sincerely thank you for Your kind condolance on the loss of our child—we must submit to events we cannot control. I am most respectfully Sir Your obedient humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 August 1789
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[New York] August 17 1789 (private)

I beg leave to submit to your view a loose sketch of the general ideas which have occurred to me on the subject of instructions to the Commission[er]s.
If any part of them should meet your approbation, they could, together with such additions as you may judge proper be drawn up in form. I will wait on you tomorrow to receive your further orders on this subject. I am Sir respectfully and sincerely Your most Obedient Servant

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from John Skey Eustace, 18 August 1789 [letter not found]
From: Eustace, John Skey
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Skey Eustace, 18 Aug. 1789. On 23 Nov. GW wrote to Eustace: “Your Letters of the 24th of July and 18th of August have been received.”


Title: From George Washington to Cyrus Griffin, 18 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Griffin, Cyrus

Sir
New York Augst 18th 1789

I think it expedient to acknowledge the receipt of your two Notes, dated the 10th of July & the 14th of Augst, for the purpose of assuring you that there was certainly nothing improper in the tenor of them. But it will be an instance of Justice to inform you, at the same time, that, without considering myself at liberty to give either encouragement or discouragement to the wishes of Gentlemen who have offered themselves as Candidates for Offices, I have invariably avoided giving any sentiment or opinion; for the purpose of reserving myself unembarrassed with promises until all the Candidates are known & the occasion, when decision shall become necessary on my part. In the mean time, I pray you to be persuaded, that in all personal and private considerations, I am, with great esteem Sir your Most Obedient & Most humble Servant


Title: From George Washington to the New York Port Wardens, 18 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: New York Port Wardens

Gentlemen.
New York Augst 18 1789

As the period has arrived, when the United States were to make provision for keeping up the proper supplies for the Light Houses in different Ports, and as the Treasury Department has not yet been organised so as to carry that arrangement into effect; I must desire that you will still continue the superintendence of the Light House in this Port, keeping an exact account of the expenses which may be incurred for that purpose—and which will be re-embursed by the Treasurer of

the United States, as soon as such an Officer shall be appointed. He will also be authorised to take the management of the business into his hands & to make the necessary Contracts accordingly. I am, Gentlemen, Your Most Obedt Servant


Title: From George Washington to Comfort Sage, 18 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Sage, Comfort

Sir
New York Augst 18th 1789

I received your letter dated the 31st of July, a few days after the nominations in the Revenue Department had been made; and your other letter of the 8th instant has just now been put into my hands. In consequence of those letters, it is but right I should inform you, that my not having received any immediate application from you, expressive of your readiness to fill the office, was the reason why you was not nominated Surveyor for the Port of Middletown; & that it was not owing to any unfavorable representations respecting your reputation. On the other hand, Mr Millar’s wishes were made known to me in season; and his character represented to be such as would undoubtedly secure, in a person who had thus declared himself to be ready to accept the office, a proper execution of the duties of it. You may be assured, therefore, my only object was to have the public business put into a train of being performed with certainty.
I hope, Sir, from this statement of facts, you will do me the justice to believe that I was far from designing to do any thing disagreeable or prejudicial to you; and that I am, with due regard, Sir, Your Most obedt Servant.


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Thompson, 18 August 1789
From: Thompson, Elizabeth
To: Washington, George

Sir
[New York] Tuesday August 18th 1789

I once more take the liberty of addressing myself to your Excellency, requesting that you will be so good as to give your approbation to the payment of Mr Thompson’s Acct for the Articles provided by him for George M. White-Eyes, which articles he would not have Supplied him with, had he not thought that he was acting upon a Surety of it’s being by your desire. I have Sir—the honour of being personally known to your Excellency, being the Daughter of Mr Fraunces, and one that was so happy as to have offers of friendship from you Soon after your arrival in this place. Consider dr Sir to what distress it must reduce Mr Thompson, were he to be refused the payment of his Acct. Good heavens! what must follow? nothing less than to be confin’d in a loathsom Prison, there to pass his tedious days while his distress’d family is wanting even the common necessary’s of life to Subsist on. he has no fortune to depend on, what he gets must be by the greatest industry, or else we could not live. all he had in the world went for the purchaseing of the articles contain’d in the Acct nay more than what he had, as the greatest part is Still due, and he finds it utterly impossible to Satisfy those people any longer that he got them of.
Your Benevolence, and Justice, to all, is well known. reflect then dear Sir on our present Situation, our distress, and anxiety, and then think if we are able to Sustain so great a loss. those who have experienc’d the Same dificulty can best feel for us. Yet Sir knowing your Clemency and Goodness to be such, I have not the least doubt but that your Excellency will excuse the liberty I have taken in troubling you with this, Since it is only wrote with a view to let you know our Situation, and that if Mr Thompson has acted imprudently he was unknowingly drawn into his present dificulty.
I shall wait with a trembling heart your Excellency’s answer, as on that depends the happiness, or Misery of your distress’d Yet verry Humble Servt

Eliza. Thompson


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 18 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
New York August 18th 1789

In conformity to the Law re-establishing the Government of the Western Territory, I nominate

Arthur St Clair

Governor.

Winthrop Sargent

Secretary.

Samuel Holden Parsons,
}

John Cleve Symmes and
Judges of the Court.

William Barton

I also nominate Ebenezer Tucker, Surveyor of Little Egg Harbour in the State of New Jersey.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Wakelin Welch & Son, 18 August 1789
From: Wakelin Welch & Son
To: Washington, George

London the 18 Augt 1789

Govr Morris did us the honr of delivering your Excellencys Letter himself, we were made very happy by having such an Oppo. in conversing with a Person of his Sensibility, if any thing

in our Power had offerd, of rendering him the least Service, we assurd him he might command us. His stay in London will be but short, as he purposes of returning to France very soon, from whence he has but just arrivd, the Commotions there he was witness to, but thinks the reports here were much aggravated tho bad is the best.
A Parcell of Books has been sent us, addressd to your Excellency, wh. we were going to forward, by a Maryland Ship but in consulting with Mr Morris, he recommended the Conveyance by New York, we have therefore agreeable to the inclosed rect, shipd them, onboard the Cruger, Capt. Talbutt; the Freight & Charges therein £—10/6 we have paid—these Books we imagine came from Mr Young, but no Letter accompanied them—Mr Morris has Letters for Mr Young, but he understands he is abroad, & therefore has not had it in his Power, to deliver them. We are your Excellencys Much Obligd & Most Obed. Servt

Wakn Welch & son


Title: From George Washington to the Protestant Episcopal Church, 19 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Protestant Episcopal Church

Gentlemen,
[19 August 1789]

I sincerely thank you for your affectionate congratulations on my election to the chief magistracy of the United States.
After having received from my fellow-citizens in general the most liberal treatment—after having found them disposed to contemplate in the most flattering point of view, the performance of my military services, and the manner of my retirement at the close of the war—I feel that I have a right to console myself in my present arduous undertakings, with a hope that they will still be inclined to put the most favorable construction

on the motives which may influence me in my future public transactions. The satisfaction arising from the indulgent opinion entertained by the American People of my conduct, will, I trust, be some security for preventing me from doing any thing, which might justly incur the forfeiture of that opinion. And the consideration that human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected, will always continue to prompt me to promote the progress of the former, by inculcating the practice of the latter.
On this occasion it would ill become me to conceal the joy I have felt in perceiving the fraternal affection which appears to encrease every day among the friends of genuine religion—It affords edifying prospects indeed to see Christians of different denominations dwell together in more charity, and conduct themselves in respect to each other with a more christian-like spirit than ever they have done in any former age, or in any other nation.
I receive with the greater satisfaction your congratulations on the establishment of the new constitution of government, because I believe its’ mild, yet efficient, operations will tend to remove every remaining apprehension of those with whose opinions it may not entirely coincide, as well as to confirm the hopes of its’ numerous friends; and because the moderation, patriotism, and wisdom of the present federal Legislature, seem to promise the restoration of Order, and our ancient virtues; the extension of genuine religion, and the consequent advancement of our respectability abroad, and of our substantial happiness at home.
I request most reverend and respected Gentlemen that you will accept my cordial thanks for your devout supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe in behalf of me—May you, and the People whom you represent be the happy subjects of the divine benedictions both here and hereafter.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Jones, 20 August 1789
From: Jones, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York augt 20th 1789

Since my Conference with you, a Member of Congress informed me that a Bill will soon come before you, in which your Excellency will have the appointment of Commisioners to treat with the Indians, should I meet your aprobation to be one, you would releive an old Soldier, who never forsook the Cause of his Country, & Confer the greatest obligation on your Humble Sert

David Jones

P.S. I am Just going off at present for Philadelphia.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 20 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
New York August 20th 1789

I informed you on the 11th Inst. that a bill was before the House to provide for the Expences that might attend the Treaties & Negociations to be made with the Indian Tribes, and for the appointment of Commissioners to be employed in the same. This Bill has to day passed into a Law, and in consequence thereof I have nominated, and by & with the advice & consent of the Senate, have appointed you one of the three Commissioners to be employed in negotiating a treaty with the Southern Indians. Should you accept of this appointment it will be absolutely necessary for you to set off for this place immediately on the receipt of this Letter; for, as I mentioned in my last, the Treaty is to be held in Georgia on the Rock Landing on the Ochachee River the 15th of September, and the Commissioners must leave this place on or before the first day of September in order to be upon the spot on the day appointed. The propriety of this punctuallity will be obvious upon a consideration of the great expence which will be incurred by detaining so large a body of Indians as will probably attend this treaty, longer than is necessary to transact the business of the Treaty. A Vessel will be provided here to carry the Commissioners & everything requisite in the business to Georgia. The other Commissioners are not yet appointed, but they will undoubtedly be such characters as will comport with the respectability & importance of the Commission. If you have a suit of Regimentals it may be well to take them with you.
8 Oclock P.M. I have this moment received your letter of the 16th Inst. and am happy to find that the business of your office is in so favourable a train as you mention & that you can leave it

for a few months without inconvenience & come on immediately. I am, my dear Sir Your Affectionate friend & Obedt Sevt

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 20 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
New York August 20th 1789

In consequence of an Act providing for the expences which may attend negociations or Treaties with the Indian Tribes, and the appointment of Commissioners for managing the same, I nominate Benjamin Lincoln as one of three Commissioners whom I shall propose to be employed to negociate a Treaty with the Southern Indians. My reason for nominating him at this early moment, is, that it will not be possible for the Public to avail itself of his services on this occasion, unless his appointment can be forwarded to him by the mail, which will leave this place tomorrow morning.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Board of Treasury, 21 August 1789
From: Board of Treasury
To: Washington, George

Sir
Board of Treasury [New York] Augt 21st 1789

Mr Secretary Lear having applied to this office for a statement of the Post Office accounts, as entered in the books of the

treasury, we do ourselves the honor of transmitting an abstract statement of them to the last of December 1788.
No final adjustment has been made of the present Postmaster General’s accounts for the two last years, for the reasons stated in our communication No. 6, on the receipts and expenditures of the United States. We have the honor to be with high respect Sir your most Obt humble Servts

Samuel Osgood
Arthur Lee

GentlemenRegisters Office Newyork 21st August 1789
I have agreeably to your directions made out Abstracts of the General Post Office Receipts and Expenditures as follows.
No. 1. Is an abstract statement of the Post Office General Accounts as exhibited in the Treasury Books (Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772–1793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers.. folio 644) in old Emissions, New Emissions and Specie from 1775 to 31st January 1782.
No. 2. Is an abstract of the several Accounts settled at the Treasury of the United States by Ebenezer Hazard Esqr. Post Master General from 31st January 1782 to 31st December 1786 shewing Nt Receipts and Expenditures of the Post Office ⅌r their accounts during that time and the payments by him made into the Treasury of the United States.
No. 3. Is an Abstract Statement of the accounts of Ebenezer Hazard Esqr. Post Master General for A.D. 1787 & 1788, which have been rendered by him to the Treasury for adjustment but which have not been settled, shewing the Nett amount of Receipts & Expenditures and the payments by him made into the Treasury of the U. States for those two years. With the greatest respect I have the honor to be Gentlemen your very hume Servant
Joseph Nourse Rgr
No. 1An Abstract Statement of the Post Office General Account as exhibited in the Treasury books (Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772–1793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers.. folio 644.) in old Emissions, New Emissions & Specie from 1775. to 31st January 1782.

Dollars 90thsOld Emissns
Dollars 90thsNew Emissns
Dollars 90thsSpecie

Dr.

To amount of payments made by the Postmaster General, the Comptroller, & Paymaster of the post office, Deputy Post Masters & Surveyors, in support of the general post office from Novr 23d 1776 to February 26th 1781 in old Emissions
343,641.34

To amount of payments by Ditto, in New Emissions advanced in 1781.

8,756

To amount of Specie payments made by the late Superintendant of Finance being the arrearages of Salary due the Post Master General his Deputies & assistants

17,245.28

Dollars
343,641.34
8,756
17,245.28

Cr.

By amount of receipts by the Paymaster General & his Deputies from its institution in 1776 to the year 1781 in old Emissions
142,697.82

By amount of Ditto in New Emissions

723.50

1782

By Ditto in Specie

2,142.26

Jany 1

By balance due by the General Post Office to the United States as ⅌ accounts settled at the Treasury—Viz:

In old Emissions

200,943.42

In New Emissions

8,032.40

In Specie

15,103. 2

Dollars
343,641.34
8,756
17,245.28

Registers Office New York 21st Augt 1789
This account stating the Nt Receipts and Expenditures of the Post Office under the old establishment of Congress arises on the adjustment of the accounts of Richard Bache Esqr. Post Master General, Peter Baynton Esqr. Comptroller of the Post Office and of Ebenezer Hazard & James Bryson Esqrs. Surveyors of the late Post Office, made at the Treasury in the year 1782—For particulars of each of those accounts reference being had to Accounts settled No. 2804. No. 2815. No. 2816. & No. 2817. will more fully appear—The debit side of this Account shews the total payments made, by the General Post Office in support of the same from 1776 to 1781 inclusive, and the credit side, the Nt amount of receipts.
There is a considerable balance due from the old Post Office, but to ascertain the true amount, the above balances in old and new Emissions shou’d be reduced to Specie.
Joseph Nourse Regr
No. 2.
Registers Office New York 21st August 1789
Abstract of the several Accounts settled at the Treasury of the United States by Ebenezer Hazard Esqr. Post Master General from 31st January 1782 to 31st December

1786 shewing the Nett Receipts & Expenditures of the Post Office ⅌ their Accounts during that time and the payments by him made into the Treasury of the United States

Dr.

Dollars 90th

31st Decr 1783 The Expenditures from the 31st January 1782 to this day were

6,840. 3

1784 The Expenditures this Year were

4,264.11

1785 The Expenditures this Year were

6,582.86

1786 The Expenditures this Year were

20,035.44

Balance Net Revenue of the Post Office on this account from 31st January 1782 to 31st December 1786 is

16,006.28

Dollars
53,728.82

The following sums have been received into the Treasury being a part of the above balance Vizt. During the administration of the late Superintendant of Finance.

Cr.

31st Decr 1783 The receipts from the 31st January 1782 to this day were

9,026. 3

1784 The Receipts this Year were

11,291. 2

1785 The Receipts this Year were

15,964.18

1786 The Receipts this Year were

17,447.59

Dollars
53,728.82

1783 May 2d

153.85

1783 Decr 31st

1,500.

1784 Augt 2d

2,378.15

Betwixt his resignation and the appointment of the Commissioners of the Board of Treasury

2,000.

From the appointment of the commissrs of the board of Treasury to the 31st Decr 1786

1786 January 17th
4,000.

21st
4,000.

September 16th
  778.14
8,778.14
14,810.24

Balance due by the Post Master Genl on the 31st December 1786 as ⅌ Accounts settled to that date
 1,196. 4

Dollars
16,006.28

Joseph Nourse Regr.
No. 3.
Registers Office New York 21st August 1789
Abstract Statement of the Accounts of Ebenezer Hazard Esqr. Post Master General for A.D. 1787 & 1788 which have been rendered by him to the Treasury for adjustment, but which have not been settled, shewing the Nett amount of Receipts and Expenditures, and the payments by him made into the Treasury of the United States for these two years

Dr.
Dollars 90th

1787

Decr 31st The Expenditures this Year were
12,565.51.4

1788

Decr 31st The Expenditures this Year were
12,313. 1.6

Balance Nett Revenue of the Post Office on this acct for A.D. 1787 & 1788 is
 5,134.24.2

Dollars
30,012.77.4

Note, There was a balance in Mr Hazards hands as ⅌ Accot stated from the Treasury Books on the 31st Decr 1786 of
1,196. 4.4

[Credits]

1787
Dollars 90th

Decr 31st The Receipts this Year were
18,275.76.4

1788

Decr 31st The Receipts this Year were
11,737. 1.

Dollars
30,012.77.4

Brot forward
1,196. 4.4

And he is accountable for the above balance of his receipts, beyond his payments of
 5,134.24.2

Amountg to Dollars
6,330.28.6

He paid into the Treasury Vizt.

April 11th 1787
207.

May 24th
200.

July 5th
800.

October 3d
 632.44
1,839.44.

January 30th 1788
199.24

March 25th
100.

27th
728.25

 214.45
1,242. 4

He acknowledges a balance in on the 1st Jany 1789 subject to that payment of certain Demands for the previous Quarter on the Post Office
3,348.69.6

Deduct the payment credited 25th March 1788 not noticed by him
  100.
3,248.69.6
6,330.27.6

Joseph Nourse Regr


Title: To George Washington from Francis Nichols, 21 August 1789
From: Nichols, Francis
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Pottsgrove [Pa.] 21st August 1789.

I take the Liberty of offering myself a Candidate for the Office of Marshall for the District of Pennsylvania, which I should have done in Person had I not understood that this Mode was the most acceptable and least inconvenient to You. A Certificate of my military Services which I had the Honour of receiving from You during the late War, will I flatter myself evince that I have some Claim. I have the Honour to be with profound Respect Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant

Francis Nichols


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 21 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
New York August 21st 1789.

The President of the United States will meet the Senate, in the Senate Chamber, at half past eleven oclock tomorrow; to advise with them on the terms of the Treaty to be negotiated with the Southern Indians.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Arthur Campbell, 22 August 1789
From: Campbell, Arthur
To: Washington, George

Sir
Holstein river Aug. 22d 1789

The communications I formerly had the honor to transmit to your Excellency respecting the South-western parts of the United States, now appear to have more weight, than was then foreseen.
Alexr McGillivray at times menacing the Southern States; at others soothing them with the appearance of a Treaty. At this time actively engaged in composing some differences, and forming a league among the four southern nations of Indians, in order to place himself at their head, that he may, with the aid of Britain, be able to bid defiance to Spain as well as the United States.
I will not again presume to point out the measures that appears necessary to counteract such an enemy; but obvious it seems to be, that the longer matters are delayed, our prospects of success will lessen. I am Sir, with great Respect your most Obedient servant

Arthur Campbell


Title: To George Washington from Robert Johnson, 22 August 1789
From: Johnson, Robert
To: Washington, George

[Woodford County, District of Kentucky, 22 August 1789]

About the 10th instant two men were fired on by a party of

Indians but no damage sustained only one of the horses the men rode was killed: the Indians took the saddle & bridle and the night following they stole eleven horses, our men pursued them next day came up with them and retook all the horses, together with said saddle & bridle, and killed two (one of which was a white man). On Sunday the 16th six negroes were taken by a party of Indians in ambuscade about three quarters of a mile from my house. they carried them about one quarter of a mile where they were suprised by the noise of some people riding near them, they tomahawked four, two of which died, two was left for dead which is ⟨now in a hopeful way of recovery; the⟩ other two made their escape while they were murdering the rest. The day following the party was seen twice and the evening or night of the sixteenth they stole some horses from captain Buford we pursued them as quick as possible with about forty men to the Ohio, about twenty five miles below the mouth of Big Miami, where twenty six volunteers crossed the Ohio after them, we came to a large camp of them early in the morning of the 20th about twelve miles from the Ohio, we divided our party and attacked them opposite, on each side, they fought us a short time in that position until they got their women & children out of the way, and then give back to a thick place of high weeds & bushes, where they hid very close we immediately drove up about forty of their horses and made our retreat across the Ohio, we lost three men & two wounded. The indians wounded one of our men as we returned. Thus they are going on from time to time in this country.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 22 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

[New York, 22 August 1789]

To conciliate the powerful tribes of Indians in the southern district, amounting probably to fourteen thousand fighting men, and to attach them firmly to the United States, may be regarded as highly worthy of the serious attention of government.
The measure includes, not only peace and security to the whole southern frontier, but is calculated to form a barrier against the Colonies of an European power, which, in the mutations of policy, may one day become the enemy of the United States. The fate of the southern States therefore, or the neighbouring Colonies, may principally depend on the present measures of the Union towards the southern Indians.
By the papers which have been laid before the Senate it will appear that in the latter end of the year 1785 and the beginning of 1786, treaties were formed by the United States with the Cherokees, the Chickasaws and Choctaws. The report of the Commissioners will show the reasons why a treaty was not formed at the same time with the Creeks.
It will also appear by the papers that the States of North Carolina and Georgia, protested against said treaties, as infringing their legislative rights, and being contrary to the Confederation. It will further appear by the said papers, that the treaty with the Cherokees has been entirely violated by the disorderly white people on the frontiers of North Carolina.
The opinion of the late Congress respecting the said violation, will sufficiently appear, by the proclamation which they caused to be issued on the first of September 1788.
By the public newspapers it appears that on the 16th of June last, a truce was concluded with the Cherokees by Mr John Steele on behalf of the State of North Carolina, in which it was stipulated that a treaty should be held as soon as possible, and that in the mean time all hostilities should cease on either side.
As the Cherokees reside principally within the territory claimed by North Carolina, and as that State is not a member of the present Union, it may be doubted whether any efficient measures in favor of the Cherokees could be immediately adopted by the general Government.

The Commissioners for negotiating with the Southern Indians may be instructed to transmit a message to the Cherokees, stating to them, as far as may be proper, the difficulties arising from the local claims of North Carolina, and to assure them that the United States are not unmindful of the treaty at Hopewell, and as soon as the difficulties which are at present opposed to the measure, shall be removed, the Government will do full Justice to the Cherokees.
The distance of the Choctaws and Chickasaws from the frontier settlements seems to have prevented those tribes from being involved in similar difficulties with the Cherokees.
The Commissioners may be instructed to transmit messages to the said tribes contain[ing] assurances of the continuance of the friendship of the United States, and that measures will soon be taken for extending a trade to them agreeably to the treaties of Hopewell. The Commissioners may also be directed to report a plan for the execution of the said treaties respecting trade.
But the case of the Creek nation is of the highest importance and requires an immediate decision. The cause of the hostilities between Georgia and the Creeks is stated to be a difference in Judgment concerning three treaties made between the said parties—To wit—at Augusta in 1783, at Galphinton in 1785, and at Shoulderbone in 1786. The State of Georgia assert, and the Creeks deny the validity of the said treaties.
Hence arises the indispensible necessity of having all the circumstances respecting the said treaties critically investigated by Commissioners of the United States, so that the further measures of Government may be formed on a full knowledge of the case.
In order that the investigation be conducted with the highest impartiality, it will be proper, in addition to the evidence of the documents in the public possession, that Georgia should be represented at this part of the proposed treaty with the Creek Nation.
It is however to be observed, in any issue of the enquiry, that it would be highly embarrassing to Georgia to relinquish that part of the lands, stated to have been ceded by the Creeks, lying between the Ogeeche and Oconee rivers; that State having surveyed and divided the same among certain descriptions of its

citizens who settled and planted thereon until dispossessed by the Indians.
In case, therefore, the issue of the investigation should be unfavourable to the claims of Georgia, the Commissioners should be instructed to use their best endeavours to negotiate with the Creeks, a solemn conveyance of the said lands to Georgia.
By the report of the Commissioners who were appointed under certain acts of the late Congress, by South Carolina and Georgia, it appears that they have agreed to meet the Creeks on the 15th of September ensuing. As it is with great difficulty the Indians are collected together at certain seasons of the year, it is important that the above occasion should be embraced, if possible, on the part of the present government, to form a treaty with the Creeks. As the pro[po]sed treaty is of great importance to the future tranquility of the State of Georgia, as well as of the United States, it has been thought proper that it should be conducted on the part of the general government, by Commissioners whose local situations may free them from the imputation of prejudice on this subject.
As it is necessary that certain principles should be fixed previously to forming instructions for the Commissioners; the following questions arising out of the foregoing communications, are stated by the President of the United States, and the advice of the Senate requested thereon.
1st
In the present state of affairs between North Carolina, and the United States, will it be proper to take any other measures for redressing the injuries of the Cherokees, than the one herein suggested?
2nd
Shall the Commissioners be instructed to pursue any other measures respecting the Chickasaws and Choctaws than those herein suggested?
3rd
If the Commissioners shall adjudge that the Creek nation was fully represented at the three treaties with Georgia, and that the cessions of land were obtained with the full understanding and free consent of the acknowledged proprietors, and that the said treaties ought to be considered as just and equitable: In this case shall the Commissioners be instructed to insist on a

formal renewal and confirmation thereof? And in case of a refusal, shall they be instructed to inform the Creeks that the arms of the union shall be employed to compel them to acknowledge the Justice of the said cessions?
4th
But if the Commissioners shall adjudge that the said treaties were formed with an inadequate or unauthorized representation of the Creek Nation, or that the treaties were held under circumstances of constraint or unfairness of any sort, so that the United States could not with Justice and dignity request or urge a confirmation thereof; In this case shall the Commissioners, considering the importance of the Oconee lands to Georgia, be instructed to use their highest exertions to obtain a cession of said lands? If so shall the Commissioners be instructed, if they cannot obtain the said cessions on better terms, to offer for the same, and for the further great object of attaching the Creeks to the Government of the United States, the following conditions.
1st A compensation in money or goods to the amount  Dollars, the said amount to be stipulated to be paid by Georgia, at the period which shall be fixed, or in failure thereof by the United States.
2nd A secure port on the Altamaha or St Marys rivers, or at any other place between the same as may be mutually agreed to by the Commissioners and the Creeks.
3rd Certain pecuniary considerations to some, and honorary military distinctions to other influential Chiefs, on their taking oaths of Allegiance to the United States.
4th A solemn guarrantee by the United States, to the Creeks, of their remaining territory, and to maintain the same if necessary by a line of military posts.
5th But if all offers should fail to induce the Creeks to make the desired cessions to Georgia, shall the Commissioners make it an ultimatum?
6th If the said cessions shall not be made an ultimatum, shall the Commissioners proceed and make a treaty, and include the disputed lands within the limits, which shall be assigned to the Creeks; If not, shall a temporary boundary be marked, making the Oconee the line, and the other parts of the treaty be concluded?

In this case shall a Secure port be stipulated, and the pecuniary, and honorary considerations granted?
In other general objects, shall the treaties formed at Hopewell, with the Cherokees, Chickasaws and Choctaws, be the basis of a treaty with the Creeks?
7th Shall the sum of twenty thousand Dollars appropriated to Indian expences and treaties, be wholly applied, if necessary, to a treaty with the Creeks? If not, what proportion?


Title: To George Washington from Nathan Brownson, 24 August 1789
From: Brownson, Nathan
To: Washington, George

Sir
Savannah Georgia Augt 24th 1789

I have been informed that it is expected of those who wish to receive appointments to Office under the general Government, that they signify their desire to your Excellency in writing together with their pretentions.
If a family reduced by the fortune of war from Affluence to Indigence will have any influence my Situation in that respect claims attention. As to ability and fidelity mine may be judged of by recurrence being had to my Education and the different Posts of trust and honor in which I have been placed and the Duties of which I have discharged acceptably to my Constituents.
Early in life I received a public and liberal Education as will appear by a Catologue of those admited to Degrees in Yale College Connecticut in the year 1761 After which I applied myself to the Study and practice of physic and Surgery till the revolution War commenced at which time I took part in the Councils of Georgia till the year 1776 when I was elected a delegate to Congress and served the remainder of that year and 1778 in that office so much to the Satisfaction of my Constituents as to obtain the thanks of the Legislature signified to me by their Speaker. In the year 1778 I served as Director general of the Hospitals on that unfortunate E[x]pedition to Florida. The latter end of the Year 1780 I was appointed Purveyor general of the Southern Department by General Greene and afterwards confirmed by Congress. In the year 1781 by General Greenes perticular desire I went to Georgia in order to make a Divertion in his favour by collecting my Country men to a point and by the unanimous suffrages of the Legislature was appointed

Governor of Georgia in which office I served the time limited by the Constitution; after which Congress reappointed me Purveyor to the Southern Department in which office I continued to the end of the war and have had a final Settlement and discharge. Since the peace I have acted as Senior Assistant Judge of the County where I resided and some time as Speaker of the Genl Assembly.
It is with pain I have wrote so much of myself and should not have done it but my Friends charge me with want of Duty to myself and Family in having neglected this address so long.
I find by a Bill for establishing the Courts of the United States now under the consideration of the General Legislature that Marshals & Clarks of District Courts will probably be appointed should that take place and my Qualification be thought equal to filling either of those offices especially the former Your Nomination of me will engage my Gratitude And every exercion will be used by me not [to] disgrace the Appointment. Should those places be filled up otherwise Any other appointment which will afford an adequate Compensation for industry and fidelity wch such abilities as I possess will be acceptible to me I have the honor to be with every sentiment of Gratitude and Esteem Sir Your most Humble Servant

Nathan Brownson


Title: To George Washington from James Craik, 24 August 1789
From: Craik, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Alexandria Augt 24th 1789

after a long and anxious solicitude on Account of your late indisposition, permit me to tender my Sincere congratulations for your happy recovery—Among your numberless Correspondents, and at a time when every pen has been bussy in inquiring for your health, the Anxiety of an old friend thus expressed might have been somewhat troublesome, as it might

seem to induce the necessity of a literary reply which in your late situation could not be agreeable. Under this Idea have I hitherto submitted to the painful recital of your late tedious confinement at second hand. And have rather trusted to the friendly information of my good friend the Major than risk the possibility of intrusion—I flatter myself you will believe me sincere when I asure you that few things in this life would have given me greater pleasure than to have been in a Situation to have in the least degree ministred to your ease and recovery, and tho’ every assistance has been given, which a careful attention and acknowledged abilities could insure, I have constantly felt unhappy at being at such a distance as not to have it in my power to contribute my Mite towards the restoration of your health—Although the Abcess on your Thigh has proved a painful and tedious termination of your Complaint, I flatter myself it will leave you in possession of a large Stock of future good health—Much I think will depend upon your determination at all events, to take exercise[.] The confinement of a City life, and the care and weight of business incident to your appointment, will create too great a transition from the late activity of your life, unless attention is paid to the Article of exercise—it is with much pleasure that I hear Mrs Washington and the Children enjoy good health—The familys at Mount Vernon & Abingdon are at present well. But poor Mr Lund Washington & Spouse are in a very distressed Situation, on Account of there Child, who was attacked with fits for upwards of a fortnight, & have left it in an insensible state, and I am much affraid will continue so; as it is now upwards of a Month, and not the least sign of reason returning—It gives me great pleasure to discover that the proceedings of our New Congress have thus far given general satisfaction to the people—tho I am affraid your old acquaintance Colo. Mason is not yet satisfied with it; last Court he sent in a formal Resignation as a Magistrate, and desired it to be entered on record. his adherents I Suppose will follow his example, for neither Cockburn or Chichester have yet qualified—The Young Gentlemen Mr George & Laurence I think give closer application then heretofore. And I think the Master is more attentive Since a quarrel he And Doctr Brown have had, but I still think there is a deficiency in the School as few of the Boys I think write well, and come on very Slowly in

Arithmetic—George wishes to devote more of his time to that branch of his Education, but wishes your opinion first—Since they come to live with me they have behaved well I frequently admonish them and they seem to take it well—But this is a very bad place for Youth without strict looking after—Mrs Craik & family join me in very Affectionate, & Respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington: and I am with the Sincerest Affection & Respect Dear Sir Your Most Devoted & obedt hume Sert

Jas Craik


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Lowrey, 24 August 1789
From: Lowrey, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Alexandria New Jersey
May it Please Your ExcellencyAugust 24th 1789
Being Informed that the Appointment of Marshall to the Federal Court of the state of New Jersey is shortly to take place, and that it rests in the Grant of your Excellency. I beg leave to Approach you on that subject, and sollicit your Excellencys good Disposition toward me in the same, as I flatter myself the Personal knowledge you may retain of me, with the recommendation of my Freinds, may be quite sufficient to Convince your Excellency of my Merit and Abilities to fill Such an Important Office—with most unalterable Attachment for your Excellencys Person & Interest I am with all due respect & Esteem most Truly Your Excellencys Obedt Servant

Thomas Lowrey


Title: To George Washington from Ségur, 24 August 1789
From: Ségur, Louis-Philippe, comte de
To: Washington, George

Sir,
St Petersburg [Russia] 24th August 1789.

I take the advantage of the departure of Mr Paul Jones to bring myself to the recollection of your Excellency, and to congratulate you upon the ratification of the new Constitution by the United States and electing you their President—They will not be deceived in their experience—Your wisdom will mantain the splendor of that liberty which your courage established. I earnestly wish that circumstances may one day put it in my power to go & see the prosperity of a Country for which I feel myself happy to have fought—and the glory of a celebrated General under whom I regret that I had not longer served. I have charged Mr Paul Jones to repeat to you often how much I am devoted to you—and I eagerly sieze the opportunity which offers to renew the assurance of the sentiments of veneration with which I have the honor to be Sir, Your Excellency’s most Hbe & Obedt St


Title: To George Washington from Roger Alden, 25 August 1789
From: Alden, Roger
To: Washington, George

Sir—
New York Augt 25th 1789

I have the honor to transmit, herewith enclosed, the original communications from the Secretary of the Government North West of the Ohio, and copies of his letters addressed to the late Secretary of Congress. With the greatest respect I have the honor to be Sir—Your most Obedient Humble Servant

Roger Alden


Title: To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 25 August 1789
From: Ball, Burgess
To: Washington, George

Dear sir,
[Fredericksburg, Va.] 25th of August 1789.

I am sorry that it devolvs on me to communicate to you the loss of your Mother who departed this Life abt 3 oClock today. The Cause of her desolution (I believe) was the Cancer on her Breast, but for abt 15 days she has been deprived of her speech, and for the five last days she has remain’d in a Sleep.
She has lived a good Age &, I hope, is gone to a happier place than we live at present in. Mrs Lewis being in much trouble, and all her Sons absent, she requested I wd write to you on the Subject, and, as it may be necessary for you also to be acquainted with the last Will of the Old Lady, I herewith inclose you a Copy thereof—Mrs Lewis wishes you to communicate your wishes & directions to her as early as convenient. With my

best respects to Mrs Washington, I am, wth great Esteem Dr sir, Yr mo: obt servt

B. Ball

Excuse Incorrectness as the Mail is abt to be closed.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Howell, Jr., 25 August 1789
From: Howell, Joseph Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 25th Augst 1789

I take the liberty of presenting myself to your Excellency to solicit a continuance in the office which I have been honored with by the late Congress, resting my application and your favor on the merits of my pretensions.
In the line of the late army I had the honor to be in the number of the first who under the command of your Excellency stepped forth in the defence of liberty and the rights of mankind.

From this scene I was called to one less honorable but not less usefull, where the soldier was changed to that of an appointment as an Auditor of accounts for the army: herein I continued untill the department was annihilated; when the office I now direct called my attention, where I remained an assistant to the Paymaster general & Commissioner of army accounts untill his decease, when I succeeded to his appointment. Comprehending a period of above thirteen years since I have been in the service of my country. The information I have in that time obtained in the line of my duty & not having turned my attention to what might have rendered this application less necessary, have induced me to address your Excellency on this subject, feeling assured that merit alone will be the only object which will direct you in every appointment.
I wish not Sir that my representations Should be taken without further information I therefore beg leave to mention the Secretary at War, with whom I have been connected in the line of my duty, who I presume will candidly give his opinion on the merits of this application. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellency’[s] most obedt servt

Joseph Howell Junr


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Rodney, 25 August 1789
From: Rodney, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Very dear Sir
Poplar Grove [Del.] August 25th 1789

It is with very great pleasure Indeed, that I address you as Chief Magistrate And Commander in Chief of the United States—As you have long Merited it; So may you long continue to possess the confidence of your fellow Citizens whose Unanimous voice raised you to the Exalted Station you now hold, and

may the wisdom of your Conduct and counsels long preserve the Union of the States.
Being content with Rural retirement, whatever I may have Merited in the Revolution I do not come forward to Solicit any thing for Myself but beg leave when you are filling up the Supreme Court, to recommend to your attention the Chief Justice of Pensylvania whom Merits in the revolution are too well known to you for Me to ad any thing on that head.
I Also beg leave to recommend to your Notice Col: John Parke of Dalaware—He was the first person from this State, that joined the army under your command at Cambridge and was then recommended to you by My brother Caesar Rodney & Mr McKean our then Deligates in Congress—He afterwards had a Regimental Command in the Congress Troops and I believe continued in the Army ’till those Troops were dissolved—He had a liberal Education and Studied the law under Mr McKean but being reduced by the war needs Some office that would affoard him a genteel Support. I am With the highest respect your Excellencies most Obedient and very Hum. Servt

Thomas Rodney


Title: To George Washington from William Tate, 25 August 1789 [letter not found]
From: Tate, William
To: Washington, George

	Letter not found: from William Tate, 25 Aug. 1789. In a letter to Tate, 28 Aug., Tobias Lear acknowledged a letter from Tate to GW of 25 Aug. 1789.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 26 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

Sir,
United States August 26th 1789

Provision having been made by the Act of Congress of the 20th of August 1789, that a sum not exceeding twenty thousand dollars, arising from the duties on imports & tonnage shall be appropriated for defraying the expence of Negotiating & treating with the Indian Tribes; I have therefore to request that you will use your best exertions to obtain the necessary means for carrying the intention of Congress into effect. As soon as the Treasury Department shall be organised, Warrants will issue for the Monies according to Law. I am, Sir, Your Most Obedient Servt


Title: To George Washington from Matthew McAllister, 26 August 1789
From: McAllister, Matthew
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Savannah August 26th 1789.

Were I to solicit your attention to this application when business of greater importance only did not engage it, perhaps it would pass unnoticed, but I flatter my self otherwise from the circumstances attending it, Permit me Sir to congratulate you upon the organization of the General Government, & the happy progress made under it since the meeting of Congress Under which it is my wish to act a small part. Being bred to the profession of the Law at Lancaster in Pennsylvania after taking the initial degrees at Princeton in Jersey in 1779 I exchanged the Climate of Pennsylva for one more suited to my habit setled in this Town & I have practiced upwards of five years, the latter three of which I have acted the Character of Attorney General for the State by appointment from the Legislature, have been a Member of that Body & of the Convention for altering our Constitution.
By a Copy of the Judiciary Bill as passed the Senate transmited me by Mr Few I find a person will be appointed in each District to act in behalf of the United States &ca. That appointment in this State Sir, would be highly gratifying to me, being in some measure habituated to business of a like nature from the office I hold.
I have been induced sir to be thus particular not having had the Honor of being known to you & have taken this liberty from information that direct application is usual & required. Should I in this instance be noticed it will be highly satisfactory. I am Sir with Sentiments of the highest respect & Esteem Your Most obdt & very Humble Servt

Matthew McAllister


Title: To George Washington from George McCarmick, 26 August 1789
From: McCarmick, George
To: Washington, George

Honoured Sir
Washingtown [Pa.] Augt 26th 1789

after my Best Complyments to you, I then Beg your Excelence pardon for this liberty, I should be happy if there Should be Any Appointment to be made in the westran Cuntry Either in Survaying or Any Other thing that wood be advantages to me as I am a old Sufferar; that you wood think me wourtha off: if you wood do me the honour to think of me in Sutch Casses, which trust I Should Strictly Execute to the Greattest truth.
Thought when I Saw you last I Expected that flower wood abeen So high here as two dollars pr hundred but it was not So high, it was not higher then 12/6d. pr hund and from that down to ten shillings Owing to the Cuntry being indebt to the marchants and the fixing the Standard here as the[y] do in other places for wanting of the farmmers haveing of fortude, the Same flower that the marchants Got here, the[y] Sent to the nue Orllenes and Got 13½ Dollr pr barrall and has Return’d, and tell me that the[y] Cleared 10 ten Dollars pr barrell, the Indians has been very piceable here this Summer Except Steeling Some horses at wheeling and taking a man and his wife at the Kings bottom in July last. I beg leve to Subscribe my Self your Excelence most obt & very Humb. Sart

Go: McCarmick


Title: To George Washington from the Oneida, 6 August 1789
From: Oneida
To: Washington, George

Faites à Oneidas le vignt six d’Aout 1789

Notre Frere, nous profitons de l’occasion de quelques uns de nos chefs, qui descendent à New York, pour nous rappeller a votre souvenir; Toute la nation à tressali de joie lorsque

elle à appris que l’Amerique venoit de mettre à la tête de son gouvernment celui qui avoit toujours été si glorieusement à la tête de ses armés pendant la guerre: Nous felicitons l’Amerique de son choix, et desirons de tout notre coeur que la paix et la santé vous accompagnent dans une poste aussi eminente; vous priant de vous rapeller quelques fois des pauvres Oneidas qui ont partagés avec vous les fatigues de la guerre.


Title: To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 26 August 1789
From: Washington, George Augustine
To: Washington, George

Honord Uncle
Mount Vernon Augt 26th 1789.

I have now your favor of the 16th Inst. before me and shall do myself the pleasure of replying to such parts as require it in as full a manner as the short time I am allowed will admit, having been obliged this week to Alexandria on business—takg an acct of the Horses designed for sale and preparing a list of them in readiness for tomorrow, has so incroached on my time that I have just closed my report.
Gordons History I will have put in the Hands of Mr Porter (who reed the Subscriptions) for destribution, those for Fredericksburg shall be forwarded to that place, and yours will go to you by first conveyance for the set you have been pleased to give me I beg leave to tender you my thanks—I will accompany the next report with a Copy from the Ledger of the receipts and disbursements of mon’y since your absence and all the money that can be spared shall be applied as directed. The £100.0.0. has been recd of Colo. Lyles. I have discharged a demand against you of £65. to Charles Lee (which I believe had escaped your notice) being an order from the Managers of the James River Company—I thought (for it was my intention)

that I had observed where the ground was naturally strong the Tobacco looked tolerable well—your directions were observed but owing to the very dry weather the effects of the manure was much deminished and I am induced to think that it never will equal what might be expected from it in a dry season—strong well rotted manure will under every disadvantage prove its powers, I believe much of what we used particularly at D: Run was a dry chaffy stuff that had but little nourishment in it and for want of rain had little opportunity of roting—tho our crop of Tobacco will fall very far short of what might have been expected I hope we shall have less cause to complain than the most of the Cultivaters of it in this part of the Country—a plenty of seed shall be saved of the different kinds that choice may be made of that which is found to be the best—there will be 23 Horses exposed for sail tomorrow and such as I am persuaded will meet your approbation—the young Horses have recruited and look better than I expected—the old cut but a shabby figure—a discriptive list with the acct of sales shall go with the first report—this reduction will enable us to dispose of some Hay. I should think 25 or 30 Tonn[.] I have enclosed you an estimate made by Fairfax for I did not consider my knowledge sufficient to determine with any accuracy—he thinks the quantity exceeds what has been cut in any year since he lived here and that which was secured before harvest was in fine order—there are so many Hay sellers that there is very little demand and the price I believe very low—as it can be spared it must be sold and I shall endeavour to obtain the best price for it—I believe as you observe by waiting for a high price it often happens that loss is sustain’d by it and I believe the best general rule is to sell for the most that can be had without delay. I shall not long delay the sail of the sheep tho the price is very low—Timothy seed shall be sprinkled on the swamp as you direct but I fear its success for ground after being a length of time under water becomes very hard when exposed to the sun which is the case with this. 10 Acres of ground will be reserved for the Barley you have directed, and the same quantity for wheat, and shall have it reserved at Frenches being the best and most suitable of any that remains unsow’d—The principal work which has to be done at the Barn is the 2 large doors the layg of the thresg floor the floors below and above the graniries the apartments

in both the NE and NW sheds of the Barn put up and coverd in—I mean at the side and end of the granery next Frenches. there are many little things which at this moment I do not sufficiently recollect to detail. from a general view of the work accomplished, it appears to have progressed very slowly. I have several times accused Green of slowth from supposition, and have done every thing in my power to endeavour to detect him in idleness and have directed Fairfax to keep a look out upon him, and I have been able to fix upon him but few charges of neglect—I informed him that the slow progress he had made had very highly incur’d your displeasure—I have engaged Knowles and his Wife at 30£ for a year 300 wt pork 100 wt Beef 1 Bl fish 3 Bls Corn 100 wt Midlings and a Cow—the only addition to what I gave him is 200 wt pork 100 wt Beef 100 wt flour—I endeavourd to engage him on the same terms and hesitated abt giving him what I have agreed for several days but found I could not—indeed what I allow’d him was so trifling that provisions I furnished him with and little necessaries reduced his wages or at least the money comg to him very considerable but not acting for myself I knew it was my duty to get him on the best terms I could if I can depend upon my memory I think I informed you as I know I ought to have done it and can assure you that it is truely my wish to keep you regularly informed of every thing, that I may be early corrected in any error that I may commit, as it is my wish to do right I shall always be happy in being enabled to do so by your direction and advise—the shed wall running up to and ranging with the Ferry road is finished and he is now about the other next Frenches. in replacing the bricks which had decayed on the inside of the wall over the graneries I found many more than at first appear’d, the difference between the work of Knowles and Cornelius is very apparent indeed—The rains that fell on Monday week at night was a very fine and refreshing one but too late to restore the injury that many things had sufferd from the droughts. the Corn has benefited much from it and if the fall is favorable I hope we shall make a tolerable crop—that in the Neck much of it is the most indifferent of any we have except the poor parts of the field at Muddy hole the potatoes are thin and look badly—the Carrots came up thin but look partly well at Morriss & Muddy hole they are the most promising—At the

River plantation there is great appearances of a good Crop of pumpkins but the prospects elsew[h]ere [are] very unfavorable—there was a very good crop of flax made at Frenches and a much better than could have been expected from the quantity and quality of the ground at D: Run, tho’ in the neck very indiferent—the prospect for saving Clover seed is very unpromising indeed Fairfax thinks there will be none to be got and the Farmer thinks it very uncertain the field at D: Run & that at Frenches is reserved for the purpose but it appears to have been so stented in its growth that I fear it will not in time recover it—The first crop would have yeild’d scarcely any seed at all or I should have secured it—I hope we have secured a sufficiency of Timothy seed Fairfax thinks 20 Bushls—The Buck wheat designed for seed came up very thin and untill the last rain was very declining and now it is so low and latter that our making any depends on a favorable fall[.] that which was designed for manure was good at the Ferry and D: Run but except in spots very indifferent at the other places—There is a tolerable prospect for turnips in the neck—I hope to be regular in forwarding the reports but should it be impracticable will write as you desire it—I have all the numbers of Mr Fenno’s Papers except the 25th & 26th and shall carefully preserve them—my health for a few days past has been some what better—tho’ the billious simptoms are still threatning—the Young Man you permited me to employ came here to live last night on the terms I mention’d 25£ which will affor’d me more time to attend to external matters—I am very pleased to find that you speake so favorably of your situation—Fanny joins me in sincerest affection to You my Aunt and the Children and good wishes to Mr Lear Colo. Humphreys and my Cousin. I am Your truely affectionate Nephew

Geo: A. Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Graves, 28 August 1789
From: Graves, William
To: Washington, George

sir
Norfolk Augt 28. 1789

I have the honor to address you on the Subject of an Appointment, under the Government of the united States. Previous to it I wish to make you Acquainted in what Capacity I have Acted under the State Government. I had an Appointment of Searcher at the port of Norfolk the year 1786 in which capacity I was continued till August 1789 and I flatter myself, I have executed the duties of it with propriety—which will appear by the enclosed reccommendation from the hono. the Executive, and under whose inspection I was more immediatly subjected, with those considerations I trust you will determine if I merit your patronage if any post should offer worthy my attention I shall partake of it I am with deference Your Most Obedient servant

Wm Graves


Title: From George Washington to John Hurt, 28 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Hurt, John

Sir
New York Augst 28th 1789

I have duly received your letter of the 24th instant, and have to inform you on the subjects mentioned in it, that, according to the best of my recollection the Arrangements respecting the Commutation of the half-pay of the Officers in the late army were made between Congress & a Committee from the Army, without any agency of mine. Nor do I remember to have taken any measures with regard to the particular Resolutions for granting Lands to different descriptions of Men in the Army. Thus unacquainted with the reasons on which Congress acted under the old Confederation, I cannot undertake to give any opinion, farther than that the present Congress is the only

Power competent to redress any greivances which may have been suffered by any Individuals or Classes of Men, who have been in the public Service. For myself, I trust I shall be disposed always to give my concurrence to any Public Proceedings, which may come within the sphere of my duty, and which (upon a fair investigation) may be deemed equitable. And I may add, that particularly in the present instance, I should be inclined to pay every proper attention to the subject, being sensible of the Merits of the Gentlemen concerned, and being With great esteem & regard Sir &c.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 28 August 1789
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
New Haven [Conn.] 28 Augt 1789 2 oClock P.M.

A few moments since I arrived here on my way to New York the packet sets off at 3 oClock perhaps I might arrive sooner should I take passage in her than by the stages but as that is attended with a degree of uncertainty I have determined to pursue my first intentions of coming on by land—I have thought it my duty to give your Excellency this information & that I shall, probably, be in the City tomorrow, Saturday, evening that you might be free’d from a doubt which might possibly rest on your Excellencys mind. I have the honor of being with the most perfect esteem your Excellencys most Obedient servant.

B. Lincoln