Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Boucher, 25 May 1784
From: Boucher, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Sir
Paddington, near London 25th may, 1784.

I will not affront You with any Apologies for this Intrusion: for, greatly altered as I am to suppose You are, since I had the Honour of living in Habits of Intimacy with You, it is not possible, You can be so changed, as that You would not feel Yourself hurt, & with Reason, were any Man, who had ever known You, to think it necessary to apologise to You for doing what He is prompted to do, only by a Sense of Duty; & what, moreover, He believes it to be no less your Duty to attend to, than it is his to suggest.
It is no Part of my present Purpose to trouble You with any Reflections of mine on the many great Events that have taken Place within the last Eight or nine years. You & I, alas! have not been the only Persons who have differed in our opinions; or who have found it impossible to agree. This is no Time nor Place for settling such Points: ere long We shall all have to answer For them at a Tribunal, where alone it is of infinite Moment that We should be justify’d.
How far You will agree with Me in thinking it in your Power to do something for the Religious Interests of your Countrymen, I undertake not to say; but, I assure myself, We shall not differ by your thinking it of little, or no, Moment. It cannot, I think, afford You Pleasure to reflect, how much has been done, through your means, for the Civil Concerns of your Country; & how little, as yet at least, for those of an higher Nature. That your Countrymen will be either better or happier by what has happened, permit me to say, remains yet to be proved: I am sure, You wish They should; but it can be no Matter of Doubt or Dispute with any Man, that They can neither be so good nor so happy as They have been, if They are not so religious. Many of the Speculations which the late unsettled Times

have given Birth to, resemble your Persimmons before the Frost: They are fair to the Eye & specious; but really disgusting & dangerous. This, in my Mind, is the Case, in a particular manner, with many or most of the Utopian Projects, respecting Universal Equality on the Subject of Religious Establishments. I am unwilling to go deeply into the Investigation of this Question, though I want not Materials in Abundance to shew You, that it is romantic & mischievous in the Extreme; because such a Discussion must needs be tiresome & tedious to You: suffice it, for the present, to remind You, that the Practice of the whole World is against You. Similar attempts, in similar Times, were made in these Kingdoms & if I were very anxious to set You against such Projects, I certainly could take no more effectual Means, than by desiring You to remember what the Consequences of them were. In short, Sir, I hardly know a Point more capable of Demonstration—from History & Experience—than this is, that, to secure permanent national Felicity, some permanent national Religion is absolutely necessary.
I would hope, in Virginia & Maryland at least, this would not be an unpopular Opinion, as it certainly ought not: & I think certainly would not, if espoused & patronized by a Person that is popular. It is in this Light I view You; & this is the Reason of my having taken the Liberty to submit these Suggestions to your Consideration.
There are, at this Time, in this Country Candidates for orders in the Church of England both from Virginia & Maryland: it will not surprize You, that, from the Changes that have taken Place, They should meet with Difficulties; nor does it surprize, though it greatly grieves Me, that the Ill-willers & Enemies of our Church, Brittish as well as American, avail themselves of these unfortunate Circumstances, to discountenance & discourage our Church, if possible, still more than it is. Some of these Difficulties I hope, will be soon got over; & They all would, if the People of your States could think it right to shew a Desire only, that They might. It might perhaps, as yet, be too much to ask for a Restoratn of the old Establishment of the Church of England, though it be a Measure which sound Policy will sooner or later adopt, & the longer it is delayed, the worse it will be: but, I hope it is not too much, nor too soon, to hope that, even now, the Members of that Church may be put on a Footing with Christians of other Denominations; which They

never can be, till all the Ordinances of their Church are in their own Power, independent of any foreign States: & among these Ordinances, that of ordination &c. is most essential. In short, both Justice & Policy require that You should have a resident Bishop of your own, that your young men may be ordained, as well as educated among Yourselves.
I have no other Interest in this Measure, than what my Zeal for the Church & the best Interests of Mankind give me: but, believing as I do, that it is of great Moment, the Thing should be attended to, & soon, & that You are particularly concerned to attend to it, because no other Man can do it with such Advantage. I could not be easy, till I had thus satisfy’d my Conscience. Three Years ago, I wrote You a Letter to the same Purpose; but my Friends within the King’s Lines, thinking that neither the Times nor Yourself were then in a Temper to bear such applications, suppressed it. I have now done my Duty, & leave the Rest to Providence: & will add this only, that if, by any means, either as I have studied the Subject more than most Men, or as I happen to have Connexions in this Country, as well as Yours, who are sincere & may be useful Friends to such Measures, I beg Leave to make You a Tender of my best Services on the Occasion.
It was, no Doubt, a great Mortification & Calamity to me to have all my American Property torn from Me; the Loss of my Character in that Country, which I little deserved, affected Me much more, as You will allow, it ought: but, I have lately felt the utmost Edge of keen Sorrow, when it pleased Providence to deprive me of a true Friend, a most loving & beloved Wife, for whom I was indebted to her Country. I pray God long to preserve You & Yours from this the heaviest of all Misfortunes. With respectful Compts to Mrs Washingn I remain, Sir, Yr most obedt & very Hble Servt

Jonan Boucher


Title: To George Washington from Reuben Harvey, 25 May 1784
From: Harvey, Reuben
To: Washington, George

Respected Friend
Cork [Ireland] 25th May 1784

I cannot sufficiently express the deep Sense I entertain of thy condescending marks of friendship for me, evinced by such peculiar marks as are contain’d in thy much esteemed letters, & in the Resolution of Congress which thou wert so kind as to obtain & forward to me; entirely unexpected & above any little Services that I had, in conjunction with a few other Friends to America, render’d to those poor People who experienc’d the effects of illiberal & unjust Persecution. Our Nation is far from being a happy one, being under the power of a Parliament entirely sway’d by English Councils, which prevents salutary Laws from being pass’d that would materially advantage the Commerce of Ireland & America, particularly respecting Tobacco, Wheat, & Flour, Corn was never more wanted here than at this time, & Wheat can now be imported from any place, the price being much above 30/ ⅌ barrel of 280 pounds, which is the standard price for it’s admission from America & other Countrys, tho’ it may be imported from Britain when the price is only 27/ the barrel; Thus doth our unwise Park make such a difference in this Article ’twixt American & English Wheat to the manifest injury of our numerous poor Inhabitants, who are emigrating from every Corner of the Island to your Land of Liberty having no employment & but little Food, even of the meanest Sort; Flour from America is rated at so high a Duty that it amounts to a prohibition, tho’ from England it pays but 12d. ⅌Ct. Tobacco pays 11d. ⅌Ct duty, which is too high for importing any poor ordinary Tobaccos, however the Virginia very well affords this Tax, being worth 20d. to 22d. ⅌ pound; It may seem improper for me to enlarge so much on Trade to thee but I flatter myself that a little information in that line won’t displease, & it will probably serve for the knowledge of some Friends in thy part of the Country who are Planters & Farmers; Should any of such Gentlemen think of trying Cork with some James River or other Tobacco of good quality, & address it to me I shall use every endeavour to give them satisfaction And will chearfully honour their Bills for nearly the Amount of Tobacco, Wheat & other Articles when they ship them, And also will remit the proceeds of their Goods according to Orders &

with dispatch. Please to excuse this liberty, & believe me to be with the most grateful feelings Thy sincere Friend

Reuben Harvey


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 28 May 1784
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond [Va.] May 28. 1784.

Inclosed is the rough draught of a deed, prepared to be executed by Colo. Bassett. I send it to you for your satisfaction, with an assurance that I shall not fail to accomplish the business

at the next general court. I am Dear Sir with the greatest truth yr obliged and affte friend

Edm: Randolph.


Title: From George Washington to the Marquise de La Rouérie, 28 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: La Rouërie, Thérèse de La Belinaye, marquise de

Madam,
Mount Vernon 28th May 1784

The Letter which you did me the honor to write from Rouerie on the 12th of Jany came to my hands in the course of this month. Language, or my ability, is too poor to express the sense of obligation I am laid under for the flattering sentiments contained therein—let your goodness then Madam, rather than a vain attempt of mine, speak my gratitude.
It is on the merits of your Son, not to any recommendation of mine, the Marqs de la Rouerie, must put in his claim to the smiles of his Prince, & the attention of his Ministers. For me it only belongs to do justice to his services by the most ample certificates of them, which he has obtained from me—and they are accompanied with my warmest wishes for his success. He, more effectually than I, can assure you of the great esteem, regard & veneration, with which I have the honor to be Madam &c. &c.

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Lloyd and Hugh Rutledge, 28 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Lloyd, John,Rutledge, Hugh

Gentn
Mount Vernon (Virga) 28th May 84

It was not until the 24th Instt (after my return from Philadelphia)

that I had the honor to receive your Joint favor of the 10th of Feby.
If the happiness I feel from the restoration of Peace, after a long and arduous struggle for the rights & liberties of our Country, sweetened by the enjoymt of domestic life, could be much encreased by any additional circumstance, it certainly would be so by the polite & flattering terms in which you, Gentn, have been pleased to mention my past endeavours, to effect the former.
I pray you, Gentlemen, to present the enclosed to the Honble the Senate & representatives of the Ho. of Assembly of the State of So. Carolina, and to be assured, that with the greatest respect & consideration I have the honor to be Gentn


Title: From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 28 May 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Tilghman, Tench

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 28th May—84

As I am not yet supplied with such Tradesmen as I formerly wrote to you to purchase for me, & the Baltimore paper swarms with advertisements of them, I should be obliged to you, if upon enquiry there is to be found a good joiner and

Bricklayer, or either of them, who are tolerable in appearance & character, that you would be so good as to purchase & send him or them to me at this place, with the cost, which shall be paid to your order.
It sometimes happens that very excellent Workmen—from folly & indiscretion, very often from an adiction to drink—indent themselves; if any such, skilled in Stucco work or Plaister of Paris should be found among those at Baltimore, or among the redemtioners, I should be glad to be the purchaser—but he must be a master workman to answer my purpose. If a good Bricklayer can not to be had, & a Stone Mason is to be bought who understands cutting & facing Stone for smooth Walls, or pavements perfectly I would take the latter. I am with great esteem & regard—Dr Sir—Yr most obt & affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 31 May 1784
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Annapolis May 31st 1784

Doctor Gordon having applied to Congress for access to their records and for their Countenance to his Admission to your Papers they have passed the enclosed Resolutions which I transmit to you at the request of the Doctor.
On Friday I expect to have the Pleasure of seing Mount Vernon in Company with Mrs Mifflin and Mr Lloyds family—But there is a possibility that we shall not proceed farther than Alexandria on that day as the setting of Congress on thursday may be so late as to prevent my leaving Annapolis before friday Morning. at every event I have determined not to see Philadelphia before I have the Satisfaction of paying a Visit at Mount Vernon. I am with the greatest sincerity and Attachment Dear Sir Your Obedient humble Servant

Thomas Mifflin


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Vaughan, 1 June 1784 [letter not found]
From: Vaughan, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Samuel Vaughan, 1 June 1784. On 20 June GW wrote to Vaughan: “I have had the honor of your favor of the 1st instant.”


Title: From George Washington to Chastellux, 2 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de

My Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 2d June 1784.

I had the honor to receive a short letter from you by Majr L’Enfant —My official letters to the Counts D’Estaing & Rochambeau (which I expect will be submitted to the members of the Society of the Cincinnati in France) will inform you of the proceedings of the Genl Meeting held at Philada on the 3d inst:; & of the reasons which induced a departure from some of the original principles and rules of the Society. As these have been detailed, I will not repeat them, & as we have no occurrences out of the common course, except the establishment of ten New States in the Western Territory —& the appointment of Mr Jefferson (whose talents & worth are well known to you) as one of the Commissioners for forming commercial Treaties in Europe; I will only repeat to you the assurances of my friendship, & of the pleasure I shou’d feel in seeing you in the shade of those trees which my hands have planted—& which by their rapid growth, at once indicate a knowledge of my declination, & their disposition to spread their mantles over me, before I go hence to return no more—for this, their gratitude, I will nurture them while I stay.
Before I conclude, permit me to recommend Colo. Humphreys, who is appointed Secretary to the Commission—to your countenance & civilities while he remains in France. he possesses an excellent heart, & a good understanding. With every sentiment of esteem & regard, I am My Dr Chevr Your Most affecte

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 2 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 2d June 1784.

Congress having been pleased to appoint Colo. Humphrys Secretary to the Commissioners, for forming Commercial

Treaties in Europe, I take the liberty of introducing him to you.
This Gentleman was several years in my family as an Aid de Camp. His zeal in the cause of his Country, his good sense, prudence, and attachment to me, rendered him dear to me; and I persuade myself you will find no confidence wch you may think proper to repose in him, misplaced. He possesses an excellent heart, good natural & acquired abilities, and sterling integrity—to which may be added sobriety, & an obliging disposition.
A full conviction of his possessing all these good qualities, makes me less scrupulous of recommending him to your patronage and friendship. He will repeat to you the assurances of perfect esteem, regard, & consideration, with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir, Yr Most Obedt & very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Henry, 2 June 1784
From: Henry, James
To: Washington, George

Sir,
King and Queen [County, Va.], June 2d 1784.

I am under the necessity of giving you some trouble about an affair, which you could have no reason to suppose ever to hear of again. ’tis this.
When you executed a Deed to the late Mr J.P. Custis for the King and Queen Lands, where I now live, notwithstanding the Number of Gentlemen who were called upon to attest that Transaction, yet not more than one of them could be procured to prove the deed, ’till the limited time was past. in the meantime Mr Custis sold this Land to me and gave me a Deed with warranty, acknowledged and recorded in the Genl Court.
Thus it has happened, and the legal title to this Estate yet continues in you; and I was determined never to trouble you about it, while engaged in the important Business from which you are now so gloriously set free.

Mr B. Dandrige has been so kind as to take charge of the papers herewith sent, which will show you how the whole has been conducted, and will take care of the Deed of Confirmation which you may think proper to give me—I have indeed sent a blank deed for your conveniency, which I suppose may be unexceptionable: if however any other form would please you better, I’m contented, as nothing more is desired than a title to the Land, which has been paid for according to bargain, and which both Mr Custis and my self expected was sure to me when he acknowledged his Deed to me in the year 1779. Had it been your hard fate to have been called away during the Contest, my determination was to risque my Chance with your Heir, rather than call off your attention but for a moment to such kind of unimportant Business; and tho your well earned Laurels will bloom long, very long, yet as life, however glorious, is short, in this I but imitate your example, in not putting off till to morrow what ought to be done to day.
I cannot, my Dear Sir, perswade my self to close this letter without adding my plaudit to the universal Voice. Were you at the head of a victorious Army, men of my turn would be silent; but to retire without Reward, perquisite or plunder has stamp’d a Seal of immortality on Genl Washington’s Character; and to withold the small tribute of applause from living merit when there is not a possibility of changing our Sentiments, would be niggardly indeed. for posterity will surely do ample Justice.
May you live long, very long to enjoy that honest fame, which Virtue and honour may with the greatest propriety exult in without feeling a pang of remorse in secret. But whither am I running? You have had enough of this Stuff, but I will confidently affirm, the most fervent Wishes for your Glory and felicity, have not been made by any one living with greater sincerity than by Dr Sir, Your most obedt servt

Jas Henry


Title: From George Washington to David Humphreys, 2 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Humphreys, David

My Dr Humphreys.
Mou[n]t Vernon 2d June 1784

I very sincerely congratulate you on your late appointment—It is honorable, & I dare say must be agreeable. I did not hear

of it until I arrived at Annapolis, where I remained but one day, & that occasioned by the detention of my Carrige & horses on the Eastern shore. Genl Knox not reaching that place before I left it—your letter of the 18th, only got to my hands on Sunday last, by the Post.
I now send you, under flying Seals, letters to Mr Jefferson, Doctr Franklin & Count de Estaing—the letter to the Chevr Chastellux also mentions you & your appointment. My former corrispondence with England ceased at the commencment of hostilities, & I have opened no new ones since—but I enclose you a letter to Sir Edwd Newenham of Ireland, from whom I have lately received several very polite letters, & a pressing invitation to correspond with him. he has been a warm friend to America during her whole struggle—he is a man of fortune—of excellent (as I am told) character; and may, if you should go to Ireland, be a valuable acquaintance.
It only remains for me now to wish you a pleasant passage, & that you may realize all the pleasures which you must have in expectation. It cannot be necessary to add how happy I shall be at all times to hear from you—You will have it in your power to contribute much to my amusement and information—& as far as you can do the latter consistently with your duty & public trust, I shall be obliged—further I do not require—and even here, mark private what you think not altogether fit for the public ear, and it shall remain with me. Mrs Washington adds her best wishes for you, & you may rest assured that few friendships are warmer, or professions more sincere than mine for you. Adieu &c. &c.

G: Washington

P.S. Just recollecting my old neighbour Colonel (who may now be Lord) Fairfax—I give you a letter to him also, in case you shou’d go to England.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 2 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 2d June 1784.

It was not until I had arrived at Annapolis, on my way home, that I heard of Colo. Humphrys’s appointment as Secretary to the Commissioners for forming Commercial Treaties in Europe.
Permit me now Sir, to recommend him to your countenance and friendship, which I would not do, did I not think him deserving of both. In him you will find a good Scholar, natural &

acquired abilities, great integrity, and more than a common share of prudence. I am certain he will abuse no confidence which may be reposed in him—that he will attempt to discharge the duties of his Office faithfully—and will make grateful returns for your Civilities.
I sincerely wish you a pleasant voyage, the perfect accomplishment of your mission—and in due time, that you may be restored to your friends in this Country; being with great attachment Dr Sir, Yr Most Obedt and Affecte Hble Servt

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 2 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 2d June 1784.

A brother of mine (Father to Mr Bushrod Washington, who studied Law under Mr Wilson) is desireous of entering his other Son in the commercial line; the inclination of the young Gentleman also points to this walk of life—he is turned of twenty—has just finished a regular education—possesses, I am told (for he is a stranger to me) good natural abilities—an amiable disposition, & an uncommon share of prudence & circumspection.
Would it suit you My dear sir, to take him into your countinghouse, & to afford him your patronage? If this is not convenient, who would you recommend for this purpose? What advance, & what other requisites are necessary to initiate him? Excuse this trouble—to comply with the wishes of a parent, anxious for the welfare of his children, I give it, & my friendship

prompted it; but I wish you to be perfectly unembarrassed by the application, on either accot.
If Genl Armand should have left Philada you will oblige me by placing the enclos’d in the readiest channel of conveyance. My affectionate regards, in which Mrs Washington joins me, attend Mrs Morris, yourself & Family. With every sentiment of friendship & pure esteem, I remain Dr Sir &c.

G: Washington

P.S. The house I filled with ice does not answer—it is gone already—if you will do me the favor to cause a description of yours to be taken—the size—manner of building, & mode of management, & forwarded to me—I shall be much obliged—My house was filled chiefly with Snow. have you ever tried Snow? do you think it is owing to this that I am lurched.


Title: From George Washington to Rufus Putnam, 2 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Rufus

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 2d June 1784

I could not answer your favor of the 5th of April from Philadelpa because Genl Knox having mislaid, only presented the letter to me in the moment of my departure from that place. The sentiments of esteem & friendship which breathe in it are exceedingly pleasing & flattering to me—and you may rest assured they are reciprocal.
I wish it was in my power to give you a more favorable acct of the Officers petition for Lands on the Ohio, & its Waters than I am about to do—after this matter, & information respecting the establishment for Peace, were my enquiries as I went through Annapolis solely directed but I could not learn that any thing decisive had been done in either—On the latter I hear Congress are differing about their powers  but as they

have accepted of the Cession from Virginia & have resolved to lay off 10 new States bounded by latitudes & longitudes it should be supposed that they would determine something respecting the former before they adjourn; and yet, I very much question it as the latter is to happen on the third—that is to morrow.
As the Congress who are to meet in November next by the adjournment will be composed from an entire new choice of Delegates in each State it is not in my power at this time to direct you to a proper corrispondent in that body—I wish I could—for perswaded I am that to some such cause as you have assigned may be ascribed the delay the petition has encountered for surely if Justice & gratitude to the Army—& genl policy of the Union were to govern in this case there would not be the smallest interruption in granting its request—I really feel for those Gentlemen who by these unaccountable delays (by any other means than those you have suggested) are held in such an aukward & disagreeable State of suspence; and wish my endeavors could remove the obstacles—at Princeton (before Congress left that place) I exerted every power I was master of, & dwelt upon the arguments you have used to shew the propriety of a speedy decision—every member with whom I conversed acquiesced in the reasonableness of the petition—all yielded, or seemed to yield to the policy of it, but plead the want of cession of the Land to act upon—this is made and accepted & yet matters (as far as they have come to my knowledge) remain in Statu quo.
I am endeavouring to do something with the lands I now hold, & have held in that Country these 12 or 14 years—The enclosed contain the terms upon which I propose to Lease them —I am not sanguine in my expectation that I shall obtain Tenants upon them in this Country; & yet, on Leases renewable for ever, or for the term of 999 years I will not (considering the advantages of these Lands, in quality & situation) take less—for a short term I care little about the Rents because knowing the value and convenience of the Land, I am certain that the improvements which are conditioned to be made thereon, will enable me thereafter to command my own terms—if you think the promulgation of the Paper enclosed can be of Service to others or myself it is optional with you to do it. I am—Dr Sir With very sincere esteem & regd Yr most obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Hannah Crawford, 4 June 1784
From: Crawford, Hannah
To: Washington, George

Sr
Stuart Crossings [Pa.] June 4th 1784

After my Compliments to you I am now to Inform you that uppon Examining the accts of my Husbands do find that there is the Sum of one thousand one hundred Pounds Virginia Currency Coming from the State of Virginia to the Estate and as I am very much Harrased by the Credditors for debts due by the Estate—do now Sr beg and Entreat of you to Befreind me in Getting of that money although I must Confess it is too much of An obligation to Law uppon you But from my Husbands Connections with you in former times and your Considering the great disadvantages I am lying under will I hope make some attonement for offering to trouble you on any Such occasion and Indeed I did not know ’unto whome I Should apply to for a redress of Grievances I Saw a Letter which you Sent to Brother John Stiphinson Conserning their accts between you and them as also conserning some transactions of Land which you are Conserned in we have not as yet got the Books all gathered together nor yet the papers but as Soon as we Can Get them you Shall have a Coppy of them —I am dr Sr with Respect your Most obedt Humble Servant

Hannah Crawford


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 4 June 1784
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear sir
Annapolis [Md.] 4 June 1784

I just write a line to inform you that I am just setting out for Boston—The president who has just gone for Mount Vernon, will inform you of the State of public matters—Things are not well and will probably be worse before they are better.
I beg you to have the goodness to present my respectful compliments to Mrs Washington and beleive me my dear sir to be your truly affectionate

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from James Milligan, 4 June 1784
From: Milligan, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philada June 4th 1784

I have the honor of enclosing a letter from Major Gambs of the Regiment of Bourbonnois, Addressed to your Excellency; together with duplicate of the same, and also copy of a letter from him to Daniel Roberdeau Esquire —They came to my hand a few days ago, under covers to Mr Roberdeau, in whose absence, as his Attorney, I opened them, and as such, I take the liberty of troubling your Excellency on this occasion.
As the Ship in which Mr Roberdeau embarked at London, sailed from the Downs the 1st of March, and has not since been heard of; there is too much room to doubt of his safe arrival; and as the Major seems to have some relyance on Mr Roberdeau’s good Offices in his behalf, I have conceived it proper to transmit the copy of his letter to my absent freind on the subject for your Excellencys fuller information. I have the honor of being with the greatest Respect and Sincerity—Sir Your Excellencys most Obedient and very humble Servant

Jas Milligan


Title: To George Washington from I. Sailly, 4 June 1784
From: Sailly, I.
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia—4th June—84

Fully acquainted with the value of your Excellency’s protection, in a Country, indebted to him for it’s freedom; I was anxious before my departure from France, to procure an introduction to you—The Marquiss la Fayette entered into my views, and gave me the letter wc. accompanies this —It is my design to procure uncultivated lands well loaded with wood, & intersected with rivulets and streams, and fix an establishment there, with many reputable families from France and Germany; and turn it to account, either by building forges & glass-houses, or attending to agriculture; and in short every thing that the situation of the place will permit—I have been informed that you have a great quantity of such lands in the back parts of the Country. If your Excellency has not yet disposed of them, and any part should suit me, I would be glad to treat with you for them; persuaded that no one is so able, and so disposed to encourage the settlement of honest, and industrious families, who will contribute to render the commearce of America flourishing by their various fabricks—If you shall condescend to honor me with an answer, be pleased to direct it to the care of Mr Bache Director of the Bank at Philadelphia —at all events, I claim your protection—I have the honor to be with the most profound respect, Your Excellency’s very Hble & Obent servt

I. Sailly


Title: To George Washington from William Duer, 5 June 1784
From: Duer, William
To: Washington, George

Sir.
New York June 5th 1784.

My Freind Mr Sayre, late Sheriff of the City of London, has Thoughts of Establishing himself in your State; and from his present Ideas, it is most probable his Choice will be not far distant from your Excellencys Seat —My long Acquaintance with him in England (where he was beloved and Respected by an Extensive

and polite Circle of Freinds) had riveted him deeply in my Affections; and I cannot but participate, in whatever may promote his Happiness—This Sentiment has acquired additional Strength from the Conviction I have that his Attachment to the Cause of Freedom has been the grand Source of his Persecution, and Consequent Misfortunes in England—a Circumstance which I trust will render him more acceptable, to Every liberal Character in this Country—Your Excellency’s Patronage (should he determine on Establishi[n]g himself in your Country) will undoubtedly be of Essential Service; and if it will add to your happiness to Contribute to the Success of an amiable, and deserving Character, you will Experience it in givi[n]g a Countenance to my Freind who I will venture to say will prove himself deserving your Esteem.
I hope your Excellency will Excuse the Liberty I take on this Occasion; I am tempted to use it from the happiness I have Experienced in Enjoying some share of your Excellency’s Esteem, and Protection for, some years past: the Value of which has made too lasti[n]g an Impression to be Ever buried in Oblivion.
Lady Kitty, and Miss Browne Unite in the most Affectionate, and warm wishes for the happiness of yourself and Mrs Washington —That it may at least Equal to the Anxiety you have felt for the welfare, and Honor of your Country is the sincere wish of Your affectionate and obliged Hble Servt

Wm Duer


Title: To George Washington from John Rutledge, 5 June 1784
From: Rutledge, John
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
June 5. 1784

Give me Leave to introduce, to your Acquaintance, Mr Brailsford, the Gentleman by whom this will be delivered.
I shall be happy to hear, by him, of the Health of yourself & Family.
Mrs Rutledge joins with me, in respectful Complimts to Mrs Washington. I am with the greatest respect & sincerst Regard dr Sir yr most obedt Servt

J. Rutledge


Title: To George Washington from James Wood, 5 June 1784
From: Wood, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond [Va.] 5th June 1784.

At the Arrangement of the Virginia Line made at Cumberland Old Court House  in the year 1782, a Number of Officers

of Different ranks were Declared Superseded, which Bars such Officers from Obtaining Certain Portions of Lands under the Act of Assembly of this State, Provided the Proceedings of the Board of Arrangement were Approved by the Commander in Chief. Applications are Daily Making by those Officers for Bounties in Lands, their right to which, Cannot be Determined by the Assembly till they are informed whether the Proceedings Were Approved by you. May I beg the favor of you, Sir, to give me the Necessary information by Post. I Intended myself the Honor of meeting you in Philadelphia, but was prevented by the Advice of a Number of Officers, who were Anxious that I shou’d Attend the Assembly, and who Assured me there wou’d be a full representation from this State. I am happy to inform your Excellency that the Alterations Made in the Articles of the Institution of the Society, meet with a very General Approbation here. My Best respects wait On your Amiable Lady. I have the Honor to be with every Sentiment of the most Perfect respect and Esteem. Sir Yr Excellency’s Very Obt Servt

James Wood


Title: To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 7 June 1784
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Baltimore [Md.] 7th June 1784

Upon the receipt of your Excellency’s favr of the 28th ulto giving me a greater latitude than you had before done, in regard to the qualifications of the Bricklayer and Joiner wanted by you, I went to the persons who have the disposal of the Irish Servants lately arrived, but found none of those Trades left upon hand. One or two more Ships are daily expected, and out of them you may be assured I will procure the best that are to be had. I shall attend to your direction of substituting a Stone Mason in the room of a Bricklayer, should circumstances require it—I will also make enquiry for a Stucco Worker—but of him I almost despair—As your Excellency observes, he must be perfect, otherwise, like a bad Painter, he will deface what he ought to decorate.
I beg leave to take this opportunity of acknowledging the rect of your Excellency’s letter of the 19th of May from Philada accompanied by a Badge of the Order of the Cincinnati, of which Society I have the honor of being a Member. I pray your Excellency to accept my warmest and most grateful thanks for this distinguishing mark of your attention and regard. I had before received many proofs of your Esteem, but I must confess you have, by this last instance of your goodness, made the most flattering addition—I shall now wear my Badge with a full conviction of having deserved it, or it would never have been presented by the illustrious hands of him, whose modest Virtue—unsullied honor—and true Glory it was the object of the Institution to commemorate.
I have the vanity to think that whatever contributes to the increase of my happiness will not be uninteresting to your Excellency—I therefore take pleasure in informing you that Mrs Tilghman presented me with a Daughter a fortnight ago, and

that she and her little Charge are both perfectly well—I entreat your Excellency to make her and my most respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington—I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obt and hble Servt

Tench Tilghman


Title: To George Washington from John Witherspoon, 7 June 1784
From: Witherspoon, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
London June 7. 1784

I was favoured with your Letter of the 10th of March just three Weeks ago. I have considered attentively the Subject of it & shall make a short Remark or two upon the Proposal. For Reasons which I think are very good & which I have no doubt of convincing you at meeting ⟨even⟩ so I have made & shall make no Mention whatever of this Matter in England except to a few Confidential Friends. The Disposition of the People in this Country is very far from what my Friends, who pressed the Voyage upon me, expected; though not different from what I looked for my self. Having during the whole War abstained from writing Politics as a matter of Prudence I have not yet begun it & therefore shall only say that Congress & yourself will learn from Mr Laurens how things stand & in most of his Sentiments or perhaps all Mr Reed & I perfectly agree.
In Scotland to which Country we propose to set off in a few Days The better sort of People are even more set against America than here but the common sort much more favourable to it & the Spirit of Emigration is very strong Some have corresponded with me & pressed me much to take some Measures to assist them but I have hitherto declined. I shall however when in that Country my self not only make known Your Proposals as they stand & obtain the Sentiments of People upon them but also hear their Observations & make my own upon any Alterations which might be made in their Terms. I suspect that lease holds will not in general be agreeable—the rather that all who go to the Northern Parts purchase the Lands in fee Simple. Yet the Reasons you give for not parting with it altogether are

good. However both Ends perhaps might be answered. How would it be for example to covenant with any body of Emigrants that a certain Tract should be surveyed & laid out in 100 Acre Lots which is the way in the Northern parts & then to sell the tract to them for what could be agreed for—conditioned that You should reserve a third part of the Lots either taken alternately or drawn by Lot & the improvement which they would receive would be a full Equivalent for parting with the rest. Or perhaps a Manner of holding well known in Scotland might strike many even to purchase the Land on a simple quitrent with fines of a years Rent of the real Value at the End of every Term suppose 19 years or at the Entrance of every Heir ⟨with⟩ something additional in Case of a Singular Successor as it is called in Scotland that is in Case of a Sale—This Method of a years Rent of the real Value at the Time the fines become due is more certain & Safe to both sides than a Rent rising in regular Proportions which you justly observe is a Speculative thing.
It is my Intention to commit this Short Letter to some Person who is going to America & I expect that Mr Reed & I will ourselves be there very soon if it please God to give us a safe Passage. As soon as I arrive in America you may expect a Letter from me on the Subject of Emigrants & in the mean time with respectful Complements to Mrs Washington & best wishes for your self I am Sir your most obedient humbl. Servant

Jno. Witherspoon


Title: To George Washington from Simeon DeWitt, 9 June 1784
From: DeWitt, Simeon
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York June 9th 1784

I am honored with Your Excellency’s Letter of the 3d March—I write this to acquaint Your Excy that I am appointed Surveyor General of the State of New York in the room of Genl Schuyler who has resigned that Office; in consequence of which I shall make a resignation of my commission as Geographer, as soon as Congress have met again at Trenton; requesting at the same time permission to retain the papers I have, with the view of compiling them into a map or maps for publication as soon as I shall find it practacable. I have done part of a fair copy of one which shall include the Country between the meridians of Philadelphia and Norwalk in Connecticut and the Latitudes of Philadelphia and Fredericksburgh of a size of near 40 by 50 Inches. If the Congress allow my last request I have thoughts of sending it to France to be engraved, if not, I must

think of other expedients. St John the French Consul at this place has offered me his recommendations of persons to whose care designs of this nature might be entrusted, by which means I might have them executed with greater perfection and at less expence than can be expected in this Country. I am with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient humble Servant

S: DeWitt


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 10 June 1784 [letter not found]
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Clement Biddle, 10 June 1784. On 30 June GW wrote to Biddle: “Your favor of the 10th Instt . . . is come safe to hand.”


Title: From George Washington to Caleb Brewster, 10 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Brewster, Caleb

Sir,
Mount Vernon 10th June 1784

I believe you have been misinformed as to a resolve of Congress, allowing officers on separate commands, extra-pay—I have heard of no such resolution—on the contrary, that these allowances were withdrawn. It was with great difficulty General Knox could obtain compensation for his extra-expences during his commd at the post of West-point—where, from the nature of it, he was absolutely obliged to encounter them, or turn strangers out of his house. I know also that application was made in favor of Lt Colo. Hull, who, whilst he was on the lines—exposed to the visits; and in a manner compelled to entertain a number of British officers, & had it not at his option to avoid expence—but with what success it was made I have

never heard. this however I do know, that there were powerful objections made to both, lest it should open a door to a multitude of applications which Congress were determined not to comply with.
Lest I shou’d be mistaken, in supposing there is no such resolve as you allude to, I enclose a Certificate which may be made use of, if there is.
I hope you soon will be, if you are not already, perfectly recovered of your wound—my best wishes are offered for it; being with esteem & regard Dr Sir Yrs &c.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 10 June 1784
From: Fairfax, George William
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Bath [England] 10th June 1784

I have been called upon very unexpectedly by a Gentn passing through this place to London, in order to Imbark for Virginia. So that I have scarcely time to say, that the Revd Mr B[r]acken of Williamsburg, has been so obliging as to take charge of a Case directed to your Excellency, containing two Prints, the best framed one for yourself, and the other for my Sister Washingtons kind acceptance of. before the Painting, from whence this was taken, was finished, I wrote two or three times to Colo. F. Lewis to endeavour to procure a minuture, or profile of you, in order to represent the first Figure, in the leading group, and was much disappointed as well as the worthy Artist, Mr Pine. Our united Compliments and best wishes attend

you, good Mrs Washington, and enquiring friends, and remain Dear Sir Your Excellencys ever Obliged, faithful Friend, and Obedt humble Servt

Go: Wm: Fairfax


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Mandrillon, 11 June 1784
From: Mandrillon, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir
Amsterdam 11th June 1784

The happy and illustrious qualities with which Heaven has favoured you, merit without doubt, the confidence and the Love of all your Fellow Citizens—you have fully gratified their Hope, you have Sir, even surpassed it, by drawing on your Country All the prosperity which she enjoys—Before you, Sir, we had never yet seen a Great Man Universally admired, commended, respected and enjoy his immortality whilst living: you were born Sir to offer this lovely and rare Instance to your Age.
Permit me, Sir, to Present you an Exemplar of my Remarks, and of my Enquiries concerning America—Recieve them with that Bounty, that Indulgence which Constitutes the primitive basis of your Conduct—Pardon me for having traced the Portrait of your Excellency in the 5th Chapter of the 2d part of the Spectator, it is Sir too fare short of the Model to gain me any Merit.
 My Friend Mr E. Brush Merchant of New-York judging of my Soul by his Own has conceived that he could not better demonstrate his attachment, than by making me a present of your Portrait richly ornamented He is not decieved, and I possess nothing Sir which to me is more precious. This Portrait shall be to my Family and myself an inalterable monument of My Friends attachment, and of Respect to your Person. I have the honor to be with the intimate Sentiment of Veneration which I have published Sir your Excellency’s very humble and very Obt Servant

Jh Mandrillon


Title: To George Washington from La Luzerne, 12 June 1784
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia June 12. 1784

I cannot quit the Continent, without renewing my assurances of the esteem towards you, with wc. I am inspired—From the

five years residence I have made in America, and the share I have had in business; I have had a better opportunity than most, of admiring your Military talents, and those great qualities wc. have secured for ever, the Independance, and liberty of your Country—I share in respect to this, the esteem and admiration wc. you have inspired into my whole Country—But I have this advantage over the greater part of my Fellow-Citizens, that I have lived in company with you, and enjoyed the Civil and Social virtues, that so particularly distinguish your Character—I beseech you to believe, they have impressed me with the greatest respect, and most sincere attachment.
I cannot renounce the hope of seeing you, one time or other, in France—I am sensible, how much your own affairs require you in America—I know too, how painful it would be to you, to be at a distance from a people, who feel as much attachment to your person, as admiration for your Virtues—But, I ought too, to aspire to give satisfaction to all France, & her sovereign, who are all singularly desirous of testifying to you, the esteem they have for you—If it was necessary to add other considerations to this; I might present to you the sentiments of all the French officers who served under you, and are attached to you by the most tender and respectful ties—I venture to join myself to them, and entreat you to be convinced, of the respectful attachment with wc. I am devoted to you for life—I have the honor to be your Excellency’s very Hble & Obnt servt

C. de la Lucerne

May I beseech you to present my respects to Mrs Washington?


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Stone, 12 June 1784
From: Stone, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Haberdeventure [Md.] June 12 1784

I have considered the Institution of the Cincinati as amended and am happy to find every Objection to the order removed by the late Alterations—It has given Me much pleasure to find all sensible Men with whom I have conversed on the subject concur in this opinion, with sentiments of perfect Esteem & respect I am Sir Yr most obt & most humble Sert

T: Stone


Title: From George Washington to James Wood, 12 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Wood, James

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 12th June 1784

In answer to your favor of the 5th, I have to inform you that I can find nothing in my letter or orderly books confirmatory or disapproving the arrangments which have been made of the Virginia line of the army in the year 1782—the presumption therefore is, if they ever came to hand, that they either obtained a silent acquiescence, or that I did not care to intermeddle in them at all, as part of the line was in So. Carolina, & the whole (by a resolve of Congress) were considered as belonging to the Southern army. If I should hereafter come across anything which can illucidate the point more fully, it shall be transmitted to you.
It gives me pleasure to hear that the alterations in the institution of the Society of the Cincinnati meets general approbation—if a sincere disposition in those who composed the general meeting to remove all the objectionable parts of it, & give satisfaction to their country, could have a claim to its approbation—their conduct cou’d not fail of this reward. With very great esteem I am &c.

G: W——n


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 14 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Benjamin

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon [1]4th June 1784

Long as the enclosed letter & petition appear to have been written, they never came to my hands until thursday last; the latter, altho’ called a copy, having the marks of an original paper; another copy accompanying it, inducing a belief that it is so, I delay not a moment to hand it forward.
My being perfectly ignorant of the laws of the Commonwealth, & unacquainted, if such confiscations have taken place, with the principles upon which they are founded, must be my apology for taking the liberty of even bringing these papers before the Legislature, for it is not my wish to interfere in the politics of the State, nor desire, to see discriminations or departures from general principles, which are not warranted by Law or evident propriety; altho’ in the present case, it should seem

to me hard, to divest an Infant, under the circumstances young Bristow is described to be, of his partrimony.
As the petition is directed to the Governr the Senate & House of Delegates of the State of Virginia—I conceived it best to transmit it, & the Letters relative thereto, to your Excellency. With great consideration & respect, I have the honor to be Your most Obedt humble Servant

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Mary Bristow, 15 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Bristow, Mary Harding

Madam,
Mount Vernon (in Virginia) 15th June 1784.

Your letter & the duplicate of it—dated the 27th of last November with the petition to the Assembly of this State, only came to my hands the 10th Instant. By the following Post I transmitted them to the Governor, as the Legislature was then sitting at Richmond.
What effect the application may have on that body, is not for

me, at this time, to announce; it is to be feared however, as the Lands were involved in the act of general confiscation—previous to the preliminary articles of Peace—that unless there is something in the case more discriminating than Minority (which I understand is not an exclusion in the Law) you will receive very little redress; but from any thing I know at present of the Issue (if a determination has been had upon the subject) I can furnish you with no information on which to ground either hope, or fear. If it were the latter, it would afford cause to regret, that Minors, & innocent persons who have not aided or abetted the Contest Should have become sufferers by it. This however is but too often the case in Civil, as well as other Commotions.
I have not delayed a moment, Madam, to acknowledge, after they came to my hands, the receipt of your letter & petition, & shall have great pleasure in announcing the favorable issue of the latter, if the fact will warrant it. With great respect I have the honor to be—Madam Yr Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 15 June 1784
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philada June 15th 1784

Having no Intention of entering again into the details of Mercantile Business, on the receipt of your Letter of the 2d Inst. I applied to those with whom I am Connected here, but found no Vacancy in their Counting Houses. And as I had announced to Congress my determination to quit the office of Finance during their recess, I had in Consequence of an Arrangement which I hinted to you when here, determined to establish a House of Business at New York. This is now fixed under the management of Mr Wm Constable & Mr John Rucker, two Gentlemen that have been regularly bred to business, are capable, active and Industrious; they have both had much Experience in Commerce, and their Honor and Integrity is unquestionable. Mr Rucker is going to Europe immediately, Mr Constable whom I think is personally known to you, sets down at New York and is now about to enter on the execution of his Business to him therefore I communicated your Letter and herewith you have a Copy of his Letter to me Containing the Terms on which he is willing to admit your Nephew into the Counting House. He wishes for a speedy Answer as many others will be applying the moment the House is publickly announced. As to the Terms I have nothing to say. With respect to the place I can only say that if one of my Sons was old enough I

should embrace the opp[ortunit]y of placing him. Your letter was immediately sent to Genl Armand who only left this place for Baltimore (where he is to embark) yesterday—My Ice House is about 18 feet deep and 16 Square, the bottom is a Coarse Gravell & the Water which drains from the Ice soaks into it as fast as the Ice melts, this prevents the necessity of a Drain which if the bottom was a Clay or Stiff Loom would be necessary and for this reason the side of a Hill is preferred generally for digging an Ice House, as if needful a drain can easily be cut from the bottom of it, through the side of the Hill to let the Water run out. The Walls of my Ice House are built of Stone without Mortar (which is called a Dry Wall) untill within a foot and a half of the Surface of the Earth when Mortar was used from thence to the Surface to make the top more binding and Solid—When this wall was brought up even with the Surface of the Earth I stopped there and then dug the foundation for another Wall two foot back from the first, and about two feet deep, this done the foundation was laid so as to enclose the whole of the Walls built on the inside of the Hole where the Ice is put and on this foundation is built the Walls which appear above ground and in mine they are about ten foot high, On these the Roof is fixed, these Walls are very thick, built of Stone and Mortar, afterwards rough Cast on the outside. I nailed a Cieling of Boards under the Roof flat from Wall to Wall, and filled all the Space between that Cieling and the Shingling of the Roof with Straw, so that the Heat of the Sun Cannot possibly have any Effect.
In the Bottom of the Ice House I placed some Blocks of Wood about two foot long and on these I laid a plat form of Common fence Rails Close enough to hold the Ice & open enough to let the Water pass through; thus the Ice lays two foot from the gravel and of Course gives room for the Water to soak away gradually without being in contact with the Ice, which if it was for any time would waste it amazingly. The upper Floor is laid on Joists placed across the top of the Inner wall and for greater security I nailed a Cieling under those Joists and filled the Space between the Cieling & Floor with Straw.
The Door for entering this Ice House from the north, a Trap Door is made in the middle of the Floor through which the Ice is put in and taken out—I find it best to fill with Ice which as it

is put in should be broke into small peices and pounded down with heavy Clubs or Battons such as Pavers use, if well beat it will after a while consolidate into one solid mass, and require to be cut out with a Chizell or Axe—I tryed Snow one year and lost it in June—The Ice keeps untill October or November and I beleive if the Hole was larger so as ⟨to ho⟩ld more it would keep untill Christmass, the closer it is packed the bett⟨er i⟩t keeps & I beleive if the Walls were lined with Straw between the Ice a⟨n⟩d stone it would preserve it much, the melting begins next the Walls and Continues round the Edge of the Body of Ice throughout the Season. Mrs Morris joins me in our best Compliments to Mrs Washington & yourself and I beg to return Mrs Washington my thanks for her kind present which will be very useful to me next winter. I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt hble servt

Robt Morris

P.S. Thatch is the best covering for an Ice House.


Title: Enclosure: Constable, Rucker, & Co. to Robert Morris, 12 June 1784
From: Constable, Rucker, & Company
To: Morris, Robert

Dear Sir
New York 12th June 1784

I return you the Generals letter on the Subject of his nephew. Tho’ a troublesome Charge to have the Care of a young man of Twenty distant from his parents, from the Character drawn of Mr Washington and from his Desire to learn Business I will take him as Apprentice.
I presume he will not serve longer than Three years, less will not suffice the fee One Hundred Guineas. Rather than the young Gentleman should lodge at a Boarding House where he may be liable to improper Company, he may live with me at One Hundred Pounds ⅌ Annum, but should his friends have any eligible place in View, I would prefer his being fixed elsewhere. I am with much personal Regard Your obedt hule Servt For Constable Rucker & Co.

(Signed) Wm Constable


Title: To George Washington from Anastasie Lafayette, 18 June 1784
From: Lafayette, Anastasie-Louise-Pauline du Motier de
To: Washington, George

Dear Washington,
Paris the 18th june 1784

I hope that papa whill come back Son here, I am verry sorry for the loss of him, but I am verry glade for you self. I wich you a werry good health and I am whith great respect, dear sir, your most obedient servent,

anastasie la fayette


Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 19 June 1784
From: Henry, Patrick
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Richmond [Va.] June 19th 1784

Your Favor by the post I have received. I entirely accord in the Sentiments you express concerning Mr Paine, & I trust we may see some fit Testimonial of the public Gratitude towards him.
Had I consulted only my own Inclination, I should long ’eer this have done myself the pleasure to write you. The Scene of public affairs you have so gloriously closed, did not admit Leisure for the Correspondence of a person retired to the Degree I have been. I now embrace this first oppertunity that is presented to me, to bid you a cordial & sincere Welcome to your native Country. May your Retirement be happy, as your public Services have been great & glorious! and may you long live to enjoy in common with your fellow Citizens, those Blessings of peace Liberty & Happiness, for which they are so much indebted to you—Will you be pleased to forgive these Effusions from the Heart of one, fully impressed with a Sense of your exalted merit, but who most probably, may never have the pleasure to testify in person the high Regard & Esteem with which I am Dear sir your most obedient & very humble Servant

P. Henry


Title: From George Washington to William Herbert, 19 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Herbert, William

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon June 19th 1784

With pleasure I received the invitation of the Master & Members

of Lodge No. 39, to dine with them on the Anniversary of St John the Baptist; if nothing unforeseen at present interfere’s, I will have the honor of doing it. for the polite, & flattering terms in which you have expressed their wishes, you will please to accept my thanks.
Your Servant (who has been detained on Acct of some business in wch I was engaged) brings the bundle you enquired after for my Brother.
I heard yesterday of a Ship destined for Liverpool, from your port. I pray you therefore to give the Letter for Sir Edwd Newenham, herewith sent, into the particular care of the Captn—to be put into the Post Office on his arrival in England. With esteem & regd I am—Dr Sir Yr most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Francis Lightfoot Lee and Ralph Wormeley, Jr., 20 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Francis Lightfoot,Wormeley, Ralph Jr.

Gentlemen,
Mount Vernon 20th June 1784

Your favor of the 12th of March with its enclosures were long getting to hand; and arrived on the eve of a journey I was about to make to Philadelphia. My stay at that place, a round of Company since, and unavoidable business, must apologize for my silence ’till this time.
For the satisfaction of Mr Montagu, I sincerely wish I could give a more pleasing detail of the proceedings under the Power of Attorney (transmitted Colonels Tayloe & Mason, & myself) and the decree of the Chancery Court thereon, than what follows.
Colonel Mason declined acting, Colonel Tayloe accepted the trust, but the whole weight of the business fell upon me until I left this Country, and took command of the American Army. Every transaction antecedent to that epocha Mr Montagu and Colo. Mercer were duly informed of, by me—and had an acct of the Sales, and the circumstances attending them, transmitted. To collect the amount was all, (or nearly all) that remained to be done; and this ought to have taken place in November following my departure in May, 1775.
In December of that year, I wrote a letter to Colo. Tayloe of which the following, so far as it related to that business, is a copy.

Dear Sir,
Cambridge 11th Decr 1775.

In a letter which I have received from Mr Lund Washington dated the 24th Ulto, are these words[;]

I got a letter the other day from Mr Mercer wherein he says that Colo. Tayloe and himself think, that the money due upon Bond for the Sale of Colo. Mercers Estate, or at least all those Bonds which are due from persons in Maryland, or near this, should be paid to me; those in Frederick & Berkeley, &ca to him, as he was going up there; and that they would advertize the people of it.
It is sometime ago since I desired Mr Washington to deliver all the Bonds, and other papers in my possesion relative to the Sales of Colo. Mercers Estate, and the Power under which we acted, to you, in person, or to your written order, as I found it would not be in my power to return to Virginia this Fall; & consequently, that it would be impracticable for me to be of any further assistance to Colo. Mercer & his Mortgagees; of this he informs me he has advised you.
From henceforward then, the matter rests wholly with you; but as a friend to you; to Colo. Mercer; and even to Mr James Mercer, I must express my entire disapprobation of the latters having any share in the collection of the debts arising from the Sales of the Mortgaged Estates. . . .
But Sir, after having declared that I can no longer consider myself as Colo. Mercers Attorney, it is presumption to give my opinion of this matter so freely, and yet, as I wish a happy conclusion to it, I shall take the liberty of suggesting, whether it would not be better to appoint Colo. Francis Peyton Collector of the whole Debt? He was at the Sale—privy to every transaction attending it—acquainted with the People—Centrical—and would, I dare say (upon Mr Mercers application) undertake it for a small compensation.
As to Mr Lund Washington’s collecting a part, it would be injurious to him, & to me, unless the money was brought to him, he therefore must be an improper person for this business, and I hope will not be thought of for it.

Finding that Colo. Tayloe had adopted no measures for collecting the money, and that the interest of all concerned would suffer very considerably by a further neglect of it, I wrote him the following letter.

Dear Sir,
New York Augt 19th 1776

A Letter which I received from Mr Lund Washington by the last Post informs me, that no person (by your order) has yet applied for Colo. Mercers Bonds in his hands. That frequent tenders of money in discharge of them are made to him—and that he thinks, if it was agreeable to you & me, he could collect the debts which are due, without much difficulty, or neglect of my business.
I have never had a wish that this business should be placed in his

hands, not so much because I was fearful of its interfering with my business, as because I was unwilling to have it thought I had a mind to favor a relation or friend with the Commission—& therefore recommended Colo. Peyton—but as the latter has not entered upon the collection (from what cause I know not) I shall have no objection to Mr Lund Washington’s doing it if you desire it, and he will do it upon as easy terms as Colo. Peyton, or any other proper person would undertake it for.

From the purport of these letters, it must evidently appear that I was anxious to have the business executed, though from my then engagements—my absence from Virginia and the little prospect I saw of rendering any further Service to Colo. Mercer or his Mortgagees, I had determined to withdraw myself from the trust. I called upon Colo. Tayloe in decided terms to fulfil what remained to be accomplished under it; which indeed was no more than to collect the Bonds, & make report to the Court for a final decree respecting the priority of Mortgages; if the sum arising from the Sales should have been found insufficient to discharge All of them.
Continuing invariably in this determination, I listened to no application which could renew my Agency in the business, until Colo. Tayloes  death rendered it indispensibly necessary for me to report to the Court my proceedings on, & previous to, the Sales; with the circumstances of the different parts of the Estate, which I had sold.
This I acordingly did sometime in the Fall of the year 1779—And afterwards, upon finding that the business had come to a total stand—and all parties were suffering by means of the depreciation of the paper Bills of credit, and that a final decision, or some direction of the Court on the premises, was indispensably necessary, I wrote the letter which follows to the Attorney General, Edmund Randolph Esqr.

Dear Sir,
Morris Town 12th Apl 1780.

I mean to address you on a subject in the line of your profession, & to request that you will undertake the business, & prosecute it to a final, and as speedy an issue as circumstances will admit.
The business in which I would wish to employ you, is in a Suit in Chancery brought in the Honble the Genl Court by Richard Gravat & Mary Wroughton of London, & George Mercer—in whose behalf I act as an Attorney—against James & John Francis Mercer & Messrs Dick & Hunter. The enclosure No. 1 (the Copy of an Interlocutory

decree passed in the Suit in November 1773) will shew you on what footing the matter was then placed. and No. 2 (the copy of a report by me, dated the 15th of Decr 1774) the proceedings in consequence with respect to it, on my part.
The papers concerning the Cause, antecedent to the Interlocutory decree, are lodged I presume in the Secretary’s office, or will be found among your Fathers, as he was employed in it (there being none in my hands that I recollect) and to these I must refer you for obtaining such further & previous information of the nature of the dispute, & of the plaintiffs claims, as you may think it necessary to have; for at this distance of time my memory will not enable me to state them, with any degree of precision. I would mention however, that I believe the validity of the Mortgage, or deed from Colo. Mercer, either to Mr Gravat or Miss Wroughton—and of one executed by Mr James Mercer, under the idea of being his Attorney to Messrs Dick & Hunter, by way of counter-security for some engagements they had entered into on acct of John Mercer Esqr. his Father, who had charged a settlement made on his sons with the payment of a certain part of his debts & the preference of the respective claims of the parties, make a part of the material points in dispute. and the consideration of the above deed of settlement made by Mr John Mercer in 1779  to his sons George & James—their subsequent advances or engagements in consequence, and the accounts between them and his Estate, and themselves, another material part. You will observe that such accts are mentioned in the Interlocutory decree, and an adjustment of them directed by Auditors or Referees appointed for the purpose, by the Court.
This remains still to be done, and as it seems to be essential in order to a final decree (a matter for which I very sincerely wish) I must sollicit your good offices in expediting it as far as it may be in your power. In a point so interesting & intricate as this, and in which so much may depend—it may be necessary probably for Council to attend on the part of the pltffs: if it should, you will be pleased to act upon the occasion as circumstances shall require & permit, either by attending the referees yourself, or employing some Gentleman to do it in whose abilities and knowledge you can confide. To promote the Auditing of these Accts is the primary object of writing to you by the present conveyance, as I should be happy, if possible, to have the business brought to a conclusion at the ensuing Court, and as this appears to be the first step to put it in a proper train.
I shall take occasion in the course of a few Weeks to write you again, and will then (if I can obtain them) transmit you a particular acct of the Sales under the Interlocutory Decree constituting the total of the Sum mentioned in the copy of the report; Also a state of the transactions

since, with respect to the business—of the Debts collected—of the application of the money—& what proportion still remains unpaid.

All this was done accordingly—but it was sometime before I was able to procure the necessary documents for the purpose.

I shall be very happy to hear from you, and to receive any instructions for the better conducting the business you may think proper to give me.

To this Letter I received the following answer.

Dear Sir,
Richmond Decr 1st 1780.

I omitted to answer your Excellys favor of the 12th of April last, from an expectation of hearing from you soon after on the subject of it—This hope I was led to entertain from an expression contained in it, and had therefore resolved to trouble you but once, by way of reply.
It is not perhaps the smallest evil, which Virginia has derived from the War, that the public papers & records, in being removed from the offices, exposed to danger, have undergone great diminution, and that even those parts, which survive the carelessness of Clerks, are not yet recovered from their confusion. This circumstance has hitherto rendered it difficult to lay our hands upon all the documents in Colo. Mercers case. The Clerk of the Chancery within whose province this business falls, is so much engaged in another line, that he is unable to make the necessary arrangements in his department of the Court. I do not question however, that I shall procure every thing, which may serve as a foundation for a final decree, as far as papers are concerned. But I fear, that the Sequestering Act forbids the Court of chancery to proceed in this cause. It provides generally, ’that all Suits, which were depending in any Court of Law or equity within this commonwealth, on the 12th day of April in the year of our Lord 1774 wherein British subjects alone are Plaintiffs, and any Citizen of this Commonwealth is a defendant, shall stand continued (unless abated by the death of either party) in the same state, in which they were at that time.’ Now Mr Gravat, Miss Wroughton & Colo. Mercer come within the description of British subjects, and thereby have occasioned a suspension of the Suit. I will take the opinion of the Court at their next Session in April, whether an Interlocutory decree does not except your Situation from the restrictions of this Law. I should have mentioned, that my Father must have filed every paper in his posession, respecting this business, as not a trace is to be found of one in his Press. I am the rather too inclined to believe this, as all exhibits must have been before the Court at the time of the Interlocutory decree.

After this intercourse by letter, I heard nothing more of the matter until Jany 1783, when I recd (under cover) the following Interlocutory decree—wch has been complied with on my part.

In the high Court of Chancery
Saturday the 9th of Novembr 1782.
John Francis Mercer——Plaintff
against
Richd Gravat, Mary Wroughton & Geo. Mercer
Defendants
On the motion of the Plaintiff by his Council, it appearing to the Court that his Excellency Genl Washington is the only Survivor of the Persons appointed to sell the Estate of the Defendt Geo. Mercer who acted therein under an Interlocutory decree of the former General Court betwn the said Richd Gravat &ca Plaintiffs agt the said John Francis Mercer and others defendts and the present public employment of the said Genl Washington rendering it impracticable that he should continue the collection of the money produced by the said Sale, It is ordered that the Plaintiff be appointed receiver of the effects in the room of the said Genl Washington and that he do receive as well the Money which may remain in the said General Washingtons hands as the Bonds and other Securities which he may have for the outstanding Debts and collect the Money due thereupon; Provided that the said Plaintiff do execute a Bond with sufficient security to be approved of by the Court if sitting or any two Judges thereof in vacation with condition for paying such money as may come to his hands in virtue hereof according to the future decree of the Court as well in this Suit as the Suit of the said Gravat and others Plaintiffs against the said John Francis Mercer and others defendts. A Copy teste—

John Beckley CHC.Ch.

Thus far is all that is necessary to relate of my own official transaction of this business—what follows is from information and report.
Sometime after my letter of the 19th of August to Colo. Tayloe, Mr Lund Washington received authority from that Gentleman (but of what kind, or date, I know not, never having seen it) to collect the debts—In consequence, he received in paper Bills of credit at different times (including interest £8622–16–9¼—£3480 of which was placed (I presume by Colo. Tayloes order) in the Funds of the United States Novr 1777—and in Octr 1779 £5008–18–0 more was deposited in the State fund of Virginia—while £66–9–6 appear to have been employed in the payment of the Tax on money.

Thus were matters circumstanced when the Interlocutory decree took the Bonds & other Securities out of my hands—What has happened since I know not, nor can any person inform you, except the Gentleman who is now vested with collection of them—a copy of whose receipt to Mr Lund Washington is hereunto annex’d—to which might be added the amount of my purchase at the Sale—viz.—Four hundred and fifty one pounds ten shillings.
What may be further necessary, on the part of Miss Wroughton & Mr Gravat, none can better determine than Mr Montagu—If it was in my power to render further assistance, I would, but it absolutely is not—Company—a thousand references of old matters (in the Military line)—Letters to answer—and other things, have put it entirely out of my power hitherto to give the smallest attention to the business which more immediately relate, and is interesting to myself—it would be folly in the extreme therefore (even if I did not wish for, & stand in need of relaxation) to attempt to manage that of others.
I have been more prolix in this recital, especially in some part of it perhaps, than you may conceive necessary; but it is my wish that the Agency I have had from first to last in the business may be fully understood by Mr Montagu from your report to him. I am Gentn Yr most obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Vaughan, 20 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Vaughan, Samuel

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon 20th June 1784

I have had the honor of your favor of the 1st instant. It gives me pain that you should think it necessary to apologize for the delay of the marble chimney piece. it gives me much more I confess, that you ever should have thought of depriving another house of it. If it is not too late, I wou’d yet pray you to countermand the order; if it is, I must view the act as a most striking instance of your politeness; & shall consider the fixture of it in my house, more as a monument of your friendship, than as a decoration of my room, (which, for want of workmen, remains in statu quo)—& value it accordingly.
I hope this will find you, Mrs Vaughan, & the young Ladies, in perfect health & spirits, and much pleased with the tour you were about to take when you wrote last: the next I hope, will be southwardly, where Mo[un]t Vernon will lay claim to the happiness of seeing you. With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir, &c.

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Edward Snickers, 25 June 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Snickers, Edward

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon June 25th 1784

Upon my return from Philada, I found your favor of the 17th of May at this place. For your kind intention to make me a visit, I thank you, & shall always be glad to see you when it is convenient. With respect to the other matters mentioned in your letter, all that business is now in the hands of the Honorable Mr John Mercer, by a decree of the high Court of Chancery of this State. I have nothing therefore to do with the settlement of accounts, transferences of Lands &ca. It is possible, tho’ even of this I am not certain, that under the former power

of Attorney & decree of the Court, it may be necessary for me to sign the Deeds for such Lotts as were not conveyed at the time of sale; but before I do this, it must be certified to me by Mr Mercer, that the terms of sale are complied with, & that it is proper for me to do so. This, as I have long declined acting upon the affairs of Colo. Geo: Mercer & his Mortgages, is necessary for my own justification.
Whatever Mr James Mercer may have promised respecting the payment of his Brother’s Debt to you, I know not; but think there must have been a misconception with respect to my doing it; further than saying it was reasonable it shou’d be so & ought to be allowed. All I had to do in the matter, under the decree of the Court was to sell the Estate—the amount of which was to be subject to a future decree. If £12,500 was sufficient to discharge the several Mortgages upon it, the overplus undoubtedly would be subjected to the payment of all just claims against Colo. Mercer—but how this matter really is, I know not. The moment I found I could no longer discharge the duties of the power under which I acted, I wrote to Colo. Tayloe (the other Attorney) to take the business wholly upon himself as I should no longer act, or consider myself responsible for the management of the Trust.
I shall, as soon as I can make it convenient, divide the Lotts I bought at Mr Mercers sale, into proper sized Tenements, & let them for a term of years to those who will give the highest annual rent, when a day shall be fixed for that purpose. if any persons should be making enquiries of you respecting them, you will be pleased to give them this information. I am Dr Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 27 June 1784
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Richmond [Va.] June 27. 1784.

The deed, of which I inclosed you the rough draught, has been duly executed and recorded. The register of the land-ofice has undertaken to have other patents made out in your name by the next week. I shall not however send them by the stage, which will be the first opportunity; but I shall defer it until the post. I am dear sir with the sincerest respect & esteem yr obliged & affte humble serv.

Edm: Randolph


Title: To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 27 June 1784
From: Washington, George Augustine
To: Washington, George

Honord Uncle
BridgeTown Barbadoes June 27th 84.

Information of The conveyance by which this goes for Philadelphia being communicated to me so short a time previous to

the departure of it that I have time only to acquaint You of my arrival, which was not untill the 23d Inst.—we had a tedious passage of 26 days from the Capes and I may truely say so fatigueing that I was scarcely able to support it—I arrived much exhausted and reduced and am sorry to say that the voyage had not the expected good effect in relieving my stomach; as on that I fear greatly depends the removeal of my other complaints—As yet I have not finally determind on any thing for my future government as I have not suffitiently inform’d my self what plan I had best adopt.
I visited the Physician Yesterday to whom Doctr Stuart was so good as to give me a Letter. He appears to be the worthy person He represented Him and by every one who I have heard speak of him, the most eminent of His profession—I had only an opportunity of a short conversation with Him, but tomorrow He accompanys me to wait on the Governor (who resides a little distance out of Town) when I shall be able to make every necessary inquiry —I inform’d Him the plan I purposed when I left America of making transitory visits to the different Islands—which He disapproves of as the approaching season will render it very disagreeable and hazardous, and decidedly gives the preference to this in point of climate to any of the West Indie Islands, as many have tried them, and sufferd by the experiment—I saw a Letter from a Mr Henderson of Bladensburg, Maryland who came here for His health, He left this some time ago to pursue the plan I intended by visiting the Islands but mentions to have receiv’d great injury, I am thinking from the favorable accounts I have of the climate of Bermuda, from the People of this place who have frequented it, that should a good conveyance offer in the course of four or five weeks I shall be induced to visit it —opportunities from this to America (owing to the restrictions, which are still continued,) are not so frequent as I could wish, but shall not omit writing by any that may offer—I sensibly feel the inexp[r]essible obligations I am under to You for Your unbounded goodness, and how I shall ever be able to acknowledge it I know not, but should I be so happy as to [be] bless’d with a restoration of my health, nothing in the compass of my power shall ever be omitted—the parental affection I have ever experienced from Mrs Washington lays me under equal obligations and it will ever be my study to

make Her amends. the hurry I am in will I hope excuse my not writing Her by this conveyance I wish to be rememberd to all inquiring friends in the most affectionate terms—may you experience the most perfect happiness this world is capable of affording, is the sincere wish of Your truely affectionate Nephew

Geo: A. Washington

The inclosed to my Father & Colo. Ball I will beg You to have forwarded.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Richardson, 28–29 June 1784 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Richardson, Thomas

Letter not found: to Thomas Richardson, 28–29 June 1784. On 5 July GW wrote to him: “This day se’night a letter for you covering Bank Notes for 150 Dollars was lodged in the hands of Mr Watson.” On 10 July Richardson wrote: “Your favos. of 29th June & 5th Instant came to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Read, 29 June 1784
From: Read, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sir
Annapolis [Md.] 29th June 1784

Mr Vidler the Architect of whom I had the honour to inform you when at Mount Vernon is the bearer of the present Letter. his Visit to Virginia is to inform himself from his own Observation of the best place in which he Can settle and exercise his trade. I find he has sent to Europe for a Considerable Number of hands and will be soon able to undertake any piece of Work that may offer.
Mr Vidler expressed a great desire to See a General who has made so great a Figure and in so few Years led his Country men to Freedom, and Will be particularly happy if he Can assist in perfecting any of your plans for improving or beautifying Mount Vernon, at his request I do myself the pleasure to address this Letter to you and to assure you that Capt. Stuart with whom he Came to this Country mentions him as a man of the most modest and respectful deportment and as Skilful in his

business, he appears to be a man of Sense and is well recommended.
I request the favour of you Sir to present my most respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington and Miss Basset & to inform the latter that I delivered her Commands Safe in Annapolis.
The Committee of the States were to have Assembled on the 26th but as yet we have but Six States represented, today we hope to be able to proceed to business as several members are expected—Mr Wilson of Philadelphia & the Atty Genl of Pensylvania Came to town Yesterday on the business of Wyoming but there being no Court and the other party not appearing they took wing again last night —They inform that the Trial of Monsr De longchamp was over & that he had been found Guilty by the Jury on Three distinct Charges in an Indictment but his Sentence is not known. Yesterday was the day on which the Court had ordered him to be brought up for Judgement. The Minister of France is gone, and Monsr de Marbois Certainly Married —I ask pardon for this intrusion on your time and am with the most perfect esteem and regard Sir Your Most Obedient and most obliged Servt

Jacob Read


Title: To George Washington from Lee Massey, 30 June 1784
From: Massey, Lee
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Occoquan [Va.] June 30th 1784.

I write to apologize for my not having waited on you since your Return from the War, and to assure you that it is not owing, either to want of Respect & Affection for the private Citizen, or Gratitude to the General, but to a Comparison of the Importance of my Visit with that of the Settlement of your Affairs both publick & private, of which you doubtless have a great deal on your hands, and, if I am rightly informed respecting the State of visiting of late at Mt Vernon, very little Time to despatch it in. My Unwillingness to encrease this Nuisance is my sole Reason for sparing you so long, and depriving myself of the Pleasure of seeing you after an Absence of eight Years, employed in every kind of Danger & Toil for the Benefit of me & my Descendants; the Obligation of which I most heartily acknowledge, and do by these Presents thank you for it in behalf of myself and my Heirs for ever. I shall wait on you and do this personally, when I can think you at leisure for the Entertainment of idle Visitants. In the mean time, as I know you do not estimate your Friends by the Quantity of your Provision they devour, I shall hope that you will admit of this Excuse, and take the Will for the Deed. I beg you to believe that I sincerely rejoice at your safe Return, and that there is not a Man living

more concerned for yr Happiness than myself. I am very respectfully, Dear Sir, Yr most obedt humble Servant

Lee Massey


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 2 July 1784
From: Harrison, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Rich[mon]d [Va.] July 2d 1784.

The great impositions that have been practiced on the country in the settlement of the depreciation accts of the soldiers, and the number of forged certificates of service that have been produced to the auditors and warrants obtain’d on them induced me to request the attention of the assembly to the subject; in consequence of which they have directed a revision of them, and in order to a full detection of what has pass’d and to prevent the like evil in future they have requested me to call on the board of war at Philadelphia for the pay or muster rolls of the Virginia line if they can be spared, and if not send me a copy of them. I take the liberty to enclose you a copy of my letter and shall take it as a great favor if you will look over it, and if you think it will be necessary to add any thing to it that you will be so obliging as to write to him or any other person that can throw light on the subject. Two officers are appointed to do this business, and tho’ they are clever yet they may stand in need of advice how to proceed. you will oblige me much if you will favor me with your opinion on the subject.
I recd your favor enclosing the petition & letters of the guardians of young Bristow which I immediately laid before the assembly; they have done nothing on them nor will they till they take up the subject generally, which I think is right, but I am afraid when they do enter on it the distresses of the country

will put it out of their power to do that Justice to the claimants they may expect. It was a horrid law, and the manner of executing it was worse than the law itself, for before the money produced by it was paid into the Treasury it was in no instance worth half what it was at the time of the sales, and in many instances it was not worth the tenth part.I am Dr Sir with perfect esteem your mo. affect. and obedient Humble servant

Benja. Harrison


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 2 July 1784
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond [Va.] July 2d 1784.

The sanction given by your favor of the 12th inst. to my desire of remunerating the genius which produced Common Sense, led to a trial for the purpose. The gift first proposed was a moiety of the tract on the Eastern Shore, known by the name of “the Secretary’s land.” The easy reception it found induced the friends of the measure to add the other moity to the proposition, which would have raised the market value of the donation to about £4000 or upwards, though it would not probably have commanded a rent of more than £100 per annum. In this form the bill passed through two readings. The third reading proved that the tide had suddenly changed, for the bill was thrown out by a large majority. An attempt was next made to sell the land in question and apply £2000 of the money to the purchase of a Farm for Mr Paine. This was lost by a single voice. Whether a greater disposition to reward patriotic and distinguished exertions of genius will be found on any succeeding occasion is not for me to predetermine. Should it finally appear that the merits of the Man, whose writings have so much contributed to infuse & foster the Spirit of Independence in the people of America, are unable to inspire them with a just beneficence: the world, it is to be feared, will give us as little credit for our policy as for our gratitude in this particular. The wish of Mr Paine to be provided for by separate acts of the States, rather than by Congress, is I think a natural and just one. In the latter case it might be construed into the wages of a mercenary writer, in the former it would look like the returns of gratitude for voluntary services. Upon the same principle the mode wished by Mr Paine, ought to be preferred by the States themselves.I beg the favor of you to present my respectful compliments to Mrs Washington and to be assured that I am with the profoundest respect & sincerest regard your Obedt & humble servant

J. Madison Jr.


Title: From George Washington to John Rumney, Jr., 3 July 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Rumney, John Jr.

Mount Vernon July 3d 1784.

General Washington presents his compliments to Mr Rumney—would esteem it as a particular favor if Mr Rumney would make the following enquiries as soon as convenient after his arrival in England, & communicate the result of them by the Packet or any other safe & speedy coveyance to this Country. 1st The terms upon which the best kind of whitehaven Flag Stone, black & white in equal quantities, could be delivered at the Generals landing or at the Port of Alexanda by the superficial foot—with the freight & every other incidental charge included—The Stone to be 2½ inches thick, or there abouts, & exactly a foot square each kind (i.e. black & white)—to have a well polished face & good joints, so as that a neat floor may be made for the Colonade in the front of his house—Stone thus prepared must be carefully packed, otherwise the face & edges would be damaged—the expence of which should also be taken into the accot—2d Upon what terms the common Irish marble, (black & white if to be had, & of the same dimensions) could be had, delivered as above. 3d As the General has been informed of a very cheap kind of marble, good in quality wch is to be had at, or in the Neighbourhood of Ostend in France, he would thank Mr Rumney, if it should fall in his way, to institute the same enquiry respecting this also, & give information thereon.
On the report of Mr Rumney, the General will take his ultimate determination, for which reason he prays him to be precise. The Piazza or colonade, for which this Stone is wanted as for the purpose of a floor, is ninety two feet eight inches, by twelve feet 8 inches, within the border or margin, which surrounds it. Over & above this quantity if the Flag is cheap, or a cheaper kind of hard stone could be had, he would get as much as would lay the floors of the circular Colonades at the end Wings of the House, each of which in length at the outer curve is 38 feet, by 7 feet 2 inches in breadth within the margin.

The General being in want of a House Joiner & Bricklayer, who understand their respective trades perfectly, would thank Mr Rumney for enquiring into the terms upon which such workmen could be engaged for two or three years (the time of service to commence from their arrival at Alexandria)—a less term than two years would not answer, because foreigners generally have a seasoning, which with interruptions too frequent, wastes the greater part of the first year, more to the disadvantage of the hirer, than the hired. Bed, board & tools to be found by the Employer—cloaths by the Employed. If two men of the above Trades, and of orderly & quiet deportment could be obtained for twenty five, or even thirty pounds sterling pr annum each (estimating Dollars at 4/6 ) the General, rather than encounter delay, would be obliged to Mr Rumney for entering into proper articles of agreement on his behalf with them, & for sending them out by the Vessel to this port.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 4 July 1784
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Leesylvania [Va.] July 4th 1784

It is with Particular Pleasure I communicate to you that the General Assembly have Appointed a Committee of both Houses, to present to you an Address Expressive of the high Sense they entertain of your Singular Services and Merits, in the late Glorious revolution. a Copy of Which the Committee have directed me to inclose and to Announce to your Excellency, their intention of Waiting upon you for this Purpose on the 15th Instant. I am happy in this Opportunity of Expressing the great respect

and esteem with which, I have the honour to be your Excellencys Most Obt humble Servt

Henry Lee


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Richardson, 5 July 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Richardson, Thomas

Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th July 1784

This day se’night a letter for you covering Bank Notes for 150 Dollars was lodged in the hands of Mr Watson. Since (that is on Saturday last) I received your favor of the 27th ulto enclosing the cost of four Matrasses £49.10.2—a price which exceeds anything I had the most distant idea of; in a word it is an errant imposition of the workman—and therefore I hope Colo. Biddle will enquire into the matter before the accot is paid. If, notwithstanding, other people pay at these rates, I must submit—tho’ I could have bought in Alexandria as large & as good hair Mattrasses covered with ticking for £3.10., as the one which I have already received from Philada; but this I was unacquainted with until I returned from that place, & then it was too late I thought to countermand my order. Under this cover you will receive one hundred & twenty dollars more, in Bank notes for the use of Colo. Biddle, to whom, as I have not received a letter myself from him, I pray you to mention my sentiments respecting the mattrasses.
You would oblige me by causing one of the inclosed Advertisements to be affixed in George town, Bladensburgh, Fredericktown, Hagers-town, & any other place which you may think proper on the Maryland side of the Potomac—I shall put one of them in the Baltimore paper next week. I am Sir, Yr Most obt Servt

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Rumney, 5 July 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Rumney, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th July 1784

I have been favor’d with your letter of July 1783. the business which gave rise to it, was settled before the letter came to my hands. Having imbibed a warm friendship for your oldest Son while living, any act by which I could consistently have given aid to your other son, or that would render a service to you, would have afforded me pleasure: of this I pray you to be assured, as also of the sincerity of my condolence on the loss you have sustained in Colo. Rumney who was an amiable Man, & a worthy Citizen of this Country. I am Sir &c. &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Rumney, Jr., 5 July 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Rumney, John Jr.

Sir;
Mount Vernen 5th July [1784]

 As you pass by, Mr Lund Washington will put a sheep or two on Board your vessel in aid of your Sea Stores—My best wishes for a pleasant voyage & happy meeting with Mr Rumney & your friends attend you. I am with esteem Sir yr most Obdt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Skilling, 5 July 1784
From: Skilling, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Caroline County [Va.] July 5th 1784

I have been inform’d that you was disirous of seeing me but it does not lay in my power at present, as I have engag’d to do a peice of worke for Mr Coleman which will Keep me Employ’d till the fall Season I should be very willing to have Waited on you Immediately if I had not been Engag’d but If I can be of service to you after I have done Mr Colemans work I will then wait on you as I would rather work for you than any other person Colo. Richd Randolph has wrote to me that he will give me thirty pounds Sterling & two pair of Shoes a year but I have not engag’d with him as Yet & shall wait till I can hear from you before I do as I shall prefer Waiting on your Excellency before any other person —please to let me know as Soon as you can if youl want me & direct to me to be left at Mr James Head Lynch’s & I shall be sure to Receive it —I am Yr Excellencys most Obt Humbe Servt

William Skilling