Title: From George Washington to Melancton Smith, 20 December 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, Melancton

Sir,
Mt Vernon 20th Decr 1784

Your letter of the 27th of October came to my hands the 14th inst: the box of Plate is not yet arrived.
It would have been very obliging in you, & would have done me an essential kindness, had you as soon as this Box arrived at New York (which you say was the latter part of summer) given me notice thereof by Post; altho’ there might have been no opportunity at that time, or in any short time thereafter to forward the package to me: for having been assured by Mr Parker (before I left New York last year) that I might look for this Plate in the Spring; having, in answer to a letter I wrote to him early in the summer, been informed of some disappointment to his expectation of it; & having heard soon after, that that Gentlen was under peculiar embarrassment, and not a word from him since —I gave up every idea of having my commission complied with by him, & supplied myself, not fourteen days ago, in another way. I now have both setts, neither of which can be disposed of, one having been used, & the other having my Crest & arms on it.

When I was at New York, altho’ I could not get Mr Parker, from his then hurry, to render me a full and complete transcript of my Accots; yet he gave me a short statement of the debit & credit of my dealings with him, by which there is a balance of £65.5.4 York Curry due to me—this sum I left in his hands declaredly and by agreement to be applied towards payment for the Plate his brother was to get for me. If you will be pleased (if Mr Parkers books are in your possession) to examine into this matter—or if they are not, will make out an account with this credit, at the current exchange, I will cause it to be paid. To do it in Alexandria, if you have any agent or correspondent there, would be more convenient for me, as I have no dealings either in New York or London at this time. In this case I shou’d be glad to have the original Bill sent with the accot. If the business cannot be closed in this manner I will endeavour to accommodate myself to your wishes in any other way I am able. I am Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Ebenezer Hazard, 21 December 1784 [letter not found]
From: Hazard, Ebenezer
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Ebenezer Hazard, 21 Dec. 1784. On 5 Jan. 1785 GW wrote to Hazard: “A few days ago I was favored with your Letter of the 21st ulto.” GW’s letter is printed in GW to Jeremy Belknap, 5 Jan. 1785, n.1.


Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 21 December 1784
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

My dear General
On Board the Nimph Newyork Harbourdecember the 21st 1784

I Have Received Your Affectionate letter Of the 8th inst., and from the known Sentiments of My Heart to You, You will Easely guess what My feelings Have Been in perusing the tender Expressions of Your friendship—No, my Beloved General, our late parting was Not By Any Means a last interview—My whole Soul Revolts at the idea—and Could I Harbour it an instant, indeed, my dear General, it would make me Miserable—I well see You Never will go to franee—the Unexpressible pleasure of Embracing You in My own House, of wellcoming You in a family where Your name is adored, I do not much Expect to Experience—But to You, I shall Return, and within the walls of Mount vernon we shall Yet often Speack of old times—my firm plan is to visit now and then My friends on this Side of the Atlantick, and the Most Beloved of all friends I Ever Had, or ever will Have Any where, is too Strong an inducement for me to Return to Him, nor to think that, when Ever it is possible, I will Renew my So pleasing visits to Mount vernon.
Since I Have left you, My dear General, we Have past through Philadelphia to trenton, where I was Happy to find a Numerous and well Choosen Congress—their testimonies of kindness to me, and My Answer to them You will see in the Newspapers—as to My Services abroad—it Has Been (on Motion

Respecting what I told You) Universally decided that public Confidence in me was a Matter of Course—a doubt of which ought not to be Expressed—But as I know the Sense of Congress, and as M. jay Has accepted and Mr Jefferson will be Minister in france, My Situation in that Respect will Be very Agreable.
Orders Have Been Sent to Canada to Reinforce the posts, put the lake vessels in Commission, and Repel force By force—But I think that, if once Congress Have the trade to Regulate, Mercantile interdictions will Set those people to Rights—altho’ party Spirit Have a little Subsided in Newyork, yet that City is not By Any Means Settled—How far from Boston!
Altho’ your Nephew is not Arrived, I Still Hope for the pleasure to See Him in paris —Gnl greene was in Hartfort when the Letter Reached Him, from where He Came to Newyork, and I Had the pleasure to Spend Some days with Him—inclosed I Send You a Small Cypher—should any public political Business Require a fuller one, I will write to You by a Complete Cypher I Have Had long Ago with mr jay’s present departement.
M. Cary printer of the Volunteer journal Has Been obliged to fly for His life, and now lives at mr Sutter’s Hatter front Street in Philadelphia where He is Going to Set up a paper—a Letter from You, Becoming a Subscriber, and telling Him I Have Mentioned it to You, will the More oblige me as I Have promised Him to Recommend Him to My friends—He Now is an American and we Have nothing to do with His quarrel with the duke of Rutland—which disputes By the Bye seem to Subside and Vanish into Nothing—the french packet is not yet Arrived.
Chev. de Caraman and Captain Grandchain Beg leave to offer their Respects to You, Mrs Washington, and all the family—My most affectionate tender Respects wait Upon Mrs Washington—I Beg she will give a kiss for me to the little girls, my friend tub—and I Beg mrs Stuart, the docter, mr lund Washington, and all our friends to Receive My Best Compliments—I Hope mr Harrison will Be Soon appointed, and I wish His Cousin may know it.
Adieu, adieu, My dear General, it is with Unexpressible pain that I feel I am Going to be Severed from You By the atlantick—

Every thing that Admiration, Respect, Gratitude, friendship, and filial love Can inspire, is Combined in my Affectionate Heart to devote me most tenderly to You—in your friendship I find a Delight which words Cannot Express—adieu, my dear general, it is not without Emotion that I write this word—altho’ I know I shall Soon visit You Again—Be attentive to Your Health—let me Hear from You Every month—adieu, adieu.

l.f.


Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 23 December 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My Dr Marqs
Annapolis [Md.] 23d Decr 1784.

You would scarcely expect to receive a letter from me at this place: a few hours before I set out for it, I as little expected to

cross the Potomac again this winter, or even to be fifteen miles from home before the first of April, as I did to make you a visit in an air Balloon in France.
I am here however, with Genl Gates, at the request of the Assembly of Virginia, to fix matters with the Assembly of this State respecting the extension of the inland navigation of Potomac, & the communication between it and the Western waters; & hope a plan will be agreed upon to the mutual satisfaction of both States, & to the advantage of the Union at large.
It gave me pain to hear that the Frigate la Nymph, grounded in her passage to New York—we have various accots of this unlucky accident but I hope she has received no damage, & that your embarkation is not delay’d by it.
The enclosed came to my hands under cover of the letter which accompanies it, & which is explanatory of the delay it has met with. I can only repeat to you assurances of my best wishes for an agreeable passage & happy meeting with Madame la Fayette & your family, & of the sincere attachment & affection with which—I am My Dr Marqs &c. &c.

Go: Washington

P.S. You & your heirs, Male, are made Citizens of this State by an Act of Assembly—You will have an Official Accot of it—this is by the by.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 26 December 1784 [letter not found]
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from George Clinton, 26 Dec. 1784. On 5 April 1785 GW wrote to Clinton: “Your other letter of the 26th of December came duely to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 26 December 1784
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Trenton [N.J.] december 26th 1784

I had the honor to receive your obliging letter, of the 14th instant, seven days after its date and I thank you Sir for its friendly contents and sensible communications. Your ideas concerning the western country are wise and just. They will certainly have great weight when that business shall be discussed in Congress: and that will probably be the case soon after we know the success of our commissioners at Cayahoga.
Much time hath been taken up in debate upon the permanent and temporary residence of Congress, and finally it is determined that the former shall be on the banks of the Delaware, not exceeding eight miles above or below this place, and on either side of the river that may be fixt upon by commissioners to be appointed for the purpose of superintending the fœderal buildings. New York is to be the temporary residence, and Congress stands now adjourned to meet in that City on the 11th of January next—when I hope that we shall diligently put forward the public business. Spain seems determined to possess the exclusive navigation of the Mississippi, which, with the bickerings that appear already on that quarter, will oblige Congress to send an able Minister to Madrid. And one also to the Court of London, that we may, if possible, negotiate commencing differences, before they have proceeded too far. The western Posts are with-held, and an encroachment already made on our north-eastern boundary. An ambiguity in the Treaty arising from there being two rivers named St Croix that empty into

Passamaquady Bay has encouraged the British to settle the country between them—thus determining in their own favor the right to an extensive and valuable country—The fact is, that the eastermost of these rivers is the true St Croix⟨,⟩ the same name having been of late date only, applied to the westermost of these waters. The very unfriendly commercial principles entertained by the B. Ministry and the disputes concerning debts and removed Negroes, are points of consequence also; which together form a field for able and ample negotiation.
The Marquis Fayette had embarked for Europe before the letter for him that you enclosed came to my hands. I should be glad to know your pleasure concerning it—whether I am to send it on to France after him, or return it to you?
My respectful compliments attend your Lady, and wishing you and her the compliments of the season, I am, with very great esteem and regard, dear Sir your most obedient and very humble servant

Richard Henry Lee


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 28 December 1784
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
Annapolis [Md.] 28th Decr 1784.

I have been favored with your letter of the 11th.
The proceedings of the conference, and the Act & resolutions of this Legislature consequent thereupon (herewith transmitted to the Assembly) are so full, & explanatory of the motives which governed in this business, that it is scarcely necessary for me to say any thing in addition to them; except

that, this State seem highly impressed with the importance of the objects wch we have had under consideration, and are very desirous of seeing them accomplished.
We have reduced most of the Tolls from what they were in the first Bill, and have added something to a few others. upon the whole, we have made them as low as we conceived from the best information before us, and such estimates as we had means to calculate upon, as they can be fixed, without hazarding the plan altogether. We made the value of the commodity the governing principle in the establishment of the Tolls; but having had an eye to some bulky articles of produce, & to the encouragement of the growth & Manufacture of some others, as well as to prevent a tedeous enumeration of the different species of all, we departed from the genl rule in many instances.
The rates of tollage as now fixed, may still appear high to some of the southern Gentlemen, when they compare them with those on James River; but as there is no comparison in the expence & risk of the two undertakings, so neither ought there to be in the Tolls. I am fully perswaded that the Gentlemen who were appointed, and have had this matter under consideration, were actuated by no other motives than to hit (if they could do so) upon such a happy medium as would not be burthensome to indivls or give jealousy to the public on one hand, nor discouragement to adventurers on the other. To secure success, and to give vigor to the undertaking, it was judged advisable for each State to contribute (upon the terms of private subscribers) to the expence of it; especially as it might have a happy influence on the Minds of the western settlers. and it may be observed here, that only part of this money can be called for immediately, provided the work goes on—and afterwards, only in the proportion of its progression.
Though there is no obligation upon the State to adopt this (if it is inconvenient, or repugnant to their wishes) yet I should be highly pleased to hear that they had done so—(our advantages will, most assuredly, be equal to those of Maryland and our public spirit ought not, in my opinion, to be less)—as also the resolutions respecting the roads of Communication; both of which, tho they look in some degree to different objects, are both very important; that by the Yohiogany (thro’ Pensylvania) is particularly so for the Fur & Peltry of the Lakes, because it is

the most direct rout by which they can be transported; whilst it is exceedingly convenient to the people who inhabit the Ohio (or Alligany) above Fort Pitt—the lower part of the Monongahela—and all the Yohiogany.
Matters might perhaps have been better digested if more time had been taken, but the fear of not getting the report to Richmond before the Assembly would have risen, occasioned more hurry than accuracy—or even real dispatch. But to alter the Act now, further than to accomodate it to circumstances where it is essential; or to remedy an obvious error if any should be discovered will not do. The Bill passed this Assembly with only 9 dissenting voices—and got thro’ both Houses in a day, so earnest were the members of getting it to you in time.
It is now near 12 at night, and I am writing with an Aching head, having been constantly employed in this business since the 22d without assistance from my Colleagues—Genl Gates having been sick the whole time, & Colo. Blackburn not attending—But for this I would be more explicit. I am—with great esteem & regard—Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

I am ashamed to send such a letter, but cannot give you a fairer one. G.W.


Title: George Washington and Horatio Gates to the Virginia Legislature, 28 December 1784
From: Washington, George,Gates, Horatio
To: Virginia Legislature

Annapolis [Md.] December 28th 1784.

To the Honorable the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia
Pursuant to the resolves of the Honble the Senate & House of Delegates, and conformably to the direction of the Executive authority of the State, we repaired to the City of Annapolis, and held a Conference with Gentlemen appointed by the Legislature of Maryland—the result of which is contained in the Inclosure, No. 1.
In consequence of the opinion given by the Conferrees, the Legislature of Maryland have passed the Act inclosed, No. 2 and the Resolves No. 3.
It may be necessary for us to explain the reason for the provision in the Act “that if Subscriptions should be taken in, or a meeting of Subscribers directed by the Legislature of Virginia at times different from those in the Act, then there should be a meeting at the time appointed by Virginia; and Subscriptions made at times by them appointed, should be received”—It was thought by the Conferrees to be most proper to appoint certain times in the Act, but as it was doubtful whether the Act would get to Virginia in time to be adopted at the present Session of the Assembly, it was judged necessary to make a provision to accomodate the Scheme to an Act to be passed by Virginia, at the next Session of their Assembly, without the necessity of having recourse again to the Legislature of Maryland; but it is the opinion of the Conferrees, that an Act upon similar principles to that passed by Maryland ought, if possible, to be passed by the Assembly of Virginia at this Session. This would give a speedy beginning to the work, and an oppertunity of embracing

the present favorable state of things for accomplishing the views of the two States.
The Act appears to us from every consideration we can give it to be founded on just & proper principles, and to be calculated to answer in every respect the purpose for which it is designed—we conceive it our duty therefore to declare, that it meets our entire approbation.
The reasons why this Act has not the Signature of the chief Magistrate are, because he is not present—and because it wants not this formality to give it validity.
We should do injustice to our feelings, were we not to add that, we have been happy in meeting Gentlemen of liberallity & candour—impressed with the importance of accelerating the purposes of the Legislature of Virginia of opening a free and easy intercourse with the Western territory, and the extension of the inland Navigation of the Eastern Waters—and that, there has been a perfect accordance of Sentiment in the Legislature of the State.
Submitted, respectfully, by

Go: Washington
Horatio Gates.


Title: Enclosure I: Report of the Maryland and Virginia Commissioners, 28 December 1784
From: Maryland and Virginia Commissioners
To:

Annapolis [28 December 1784]

At a Meeting, at the City of Annapolis on the 22d day of December 1784, of the Commissioners appointed by the Commonwealth of Virginia to confer with persons authorised on the part of the State of Maryland upon the Subject of opening and improving the Navigation of the River Potomack and concerting a plan for the opening a proper Road between the Waters of the Potomack and the most convenient Western Waters.

And a Committee appointed by the Senate and House of Delegates of Maryland to meet the Commissioners of Virginia for the purposes aforesaid. Were present
General Washington and General Gates from Virginia.
The Honble Thomas Stone, Samuel Hughes, and Charles Carroll of Carrollton, of the Senate.
And John Cadwallader, Samuel Chase, John Debutts, George Digges, Philip Key, Gustavus Scott, and Joseph Dashiell Esquires, of the House of Delegates.
General Washington in the Chair.
Randolph B. Latimer appointed Clerk.
The Conference proceeded to take the Subject Matters to them referred into their considerations, and thereupon came to the following resolutions.
That it is the Opinion of this Conference, That the removing the obstructions in the River Potomack and the making the same capable of Navigation from Tide Water as far up the North Branch of the said River as may be convenient and practicable will increase the Commerce of the Commonwealth of Virginia and State of Maryland, and greatly promote the political Interests of the United States, by forming a free and easy Communication and Connexion with the people settled on the Western Waters, already very considerable in their Numbers and rapidly encreasing from the Mildness of the Climate and the fertility of the Soil.
That it is the Opinion of the Conference, That the proposal to establish a Company for opening the River Potomack merits the Approbation of, and deserves to be patronised by Virginia and Maryland, and that a similar Law ought to be passed by the Legislatures of the two Governments to promote and encourage so laudable an Undertaking.
That it is the Opinion of this Conference that it would be proper for Virginia and Maryland each to become Subscribers to the Amount of Fifty Shares, and that such subscription would evince to the Public the opinion of the Legislatures of the practicability and great Utility of the Plan, and that the example would encourage Individuals to embark in the Measure, give Vigor and Security to so important an Undertaking and be a substantial proof to our Brethren of the Western Territory of our disposition to connect ourselves with them by the strongest Bonds of Friendship and mutual Interest.

That it is the Opinion of this Conference, That an Act of Assembly of Virginia for opening and extending the Navigation of the River Potomack from Fort Cumberland to Tide Water ought to be repealed.
That it is the Opinion of this Conference, from the best information they have obtained, That a Road to begin about the Mouth of Stoney river may be carried in about 20 or 22 Miles to the Dunker Bottom on Cheat River, from whence this Conference are of opinion, That Batteau Navigation may be made, though perhaps at considerable expence: that if such Navigation cannot be effected, by continuing the road about 20 Miles further, it would intersect the Monongahela where the Navigation is good and has been long practiced.
That a Road from Fort Cumberland to Turkey Foot would be about thirty three Miles from whence an Improvement of the Youghigeny River would be necessary, though probably it might be done at less expence then the Navigation of the Cheat River could be rendered convenient from the Dunker Bottom.
That it is a general Opinion, that the Navigation on Potomack may be extended to the most convenient point below or even above the Mouth of Stoney River, from whence to set off a road to Cheat River; and this Conference is satisfied that that road from the Nature of the Country through which it may pass, wholly through Virginia and Maryland will be much better than a Road can be made at any reasonable expence from Fort Cumberland to the Youghigeny which must be carried partly through Pennsylvania.
That it is the Opinion of this Conference, That if the Navigation on Potomack should be carried to about the Mouth of the Stoney River, a communication with the Western Waters through a road from thence extended even to the Monongahela would be preferable in most points of view to that, by road from Fort Cumberland to Turkey Foot, the only other Way practicable, and in any great degree useful. That the Communication by a Road from Fort Cumberland to the present navigable part of the Youghigeny and thence through that river; though in the opinion of this Conference a second Object only would facilitate the Intercourse with a very respectable Number of the Western Settlers, contribute much to their convenience and accomodation, and that the Benefits resulting therefrom

to these States would compensate the expence of improving that road.
This Conference therefore recommend that the Legislatures of Virginia and Maryland appoint skilful persons to view and accurately examine and survey Potomack from Fort Cumberland to the Mouth of Stoney River, and the River Cheat, from about the Dunker Bottom to the present navigable part thereof, and if they judge the Navigation can be extended to a convenient distance above Fort Cumberland that they from thence survey, lay off, and mark a road to the Cheat river, or continue the same to the navigation as they may think will most effectually establish the communication between the said Eastern and Western Waters. And that the said road be cut and cleared not less than eighty feet and properly improved and maintained in repair, not less than Forty nor more than Fifty Feet wide at the joint expence of both States. And your Conferees beg leave to recommend that each State appropriate three thousand three hundred and thirty three Dollars and one third for the purpose; And this Conference are further of Opinion, that the States of Virginia and Maryland request permission of the State of Pennsylvania to lay out and improve a Road through such part of that State as may be necessary in the best and most proper direction from Fort Cumberland to the navigable part of the Youghigeny and on such permission being obtained that proper persons be appointed to survey, mark, clear and improve such Road at the equal expence of Virginia and Maryland. Which are submitted to the Consideration of the Legislatures of Virginia and Maryland.

By Order R.B. Latimer Ck


Title: Enclosure II: An Act for Opening and Extending the Navigation of Potowmack River, 18 October 1784
From: Maryland Legislature
To:

Richmond, 18 October 1784. I. Whereas the extension of the navigation of Potowmack river, from tide water to the highest place practicable on the North branch, will be of great public utility, and many persons

are willing to subscribe large sums of money to effect so laudable and beneficial a work; and it is just and proper that they, their heirs, and assigns, should be empowered to receive reasonable tolls forever, in satisfaction for the money advanced by them in carrying the work into execution, and the risk they run: And whereas it may be necessary to cut canals and erect locks and other works on both sides of the river, and the legislatures of Maryland and Virginia, impressed with the importance of the object, are desirous of encouraging so useful an undertaking: Therefore,
II. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia, That it shall and may be lawful to open books in the city of Richmond, towns of Alexandria and Winchester in this state, for receiving and entering subscriptions for the said undertaking, under the management of Jaquelin Ambler and John Beckley at the city of Richmond, of John Fitzgerald and William Hartshorne at the town of Alexandria, and of Joseph Holmes and Edward Smith at the town of Winchester, and under the management of such persons and at such places in Maryland as have been appointed by the state of Maryland, . . . that the said books shall be opened for receiving subscriptions on the eighth day of February next, and continue open for this purpose until the tenth day of May next, inclusive; and on the seventeenth day of the said month of May, there shall be a general meeting of the subscribers at the town of Alexandria. . . . [The managers were to “lay before” the meeting their books. If less than one-half the capital prescribed had been subscribed, the managers should reopen their books. If more than 222,222 2/9 dollars had been subscribed, the managers were to reduce the capital to that amount and divide it into 500 shares. If subscriptions for at least one-half this amount could not be secured, all subscriptions would be void.]
III. And be it enacted, That in case one half of the said capital, or a greater sum, shall be subscribed . . . the said subscribers . . . shall be . . . incorporated into a company, by the name of the “Potowmack Company,” . . . and such of the said subscribers as shall be present at the said meeting . . . are hereby empowered and required to elect a president and four directors, for conducting the said undertaking, and managing all the said company’s business and concerns, for and during such time, not exceeding three years, as the said subscribers, or a majority of them, shall think fit. . . .
IV. And be enacted, That the said president and directors . . . shall have full power and authority, to agree with any person or persons, on behalf of the said company, to cut such canals, and erect such locks, and perform such other works as they shall judge necessary for opening, improving, and extending the navigation of the said river

above tide water, to the highest part of the North Branch, to which navigation can be extended, . . . and out of the money arising from the subscriptions and the tolls, and other aids herein after given, to pay for the same, and to repair and keep in order the said canals, locks, and other works necessary thereto, and to defray all incidental charges; and also to appoint a treasurer, clerk, and such other officers, toll gatherers, managers, and servants, as they shall judge requisite, and to agree for and settle their respective wages or allowances, and settle, pass and sign their accounts; and also to make and establish rules of proceeding, and to transact all the other business and concerns of the said company, in and during the intervals between the general meetings of the same; and they shall be allowed as a satisfaction for their trouble therein, such sum of money as shall, by a general meeting of the subscribers, be determined. . . .
V. And be it enacted, That the said president and directors . . . shall have full power and authority, from time to time, as money shall be wanting, to make and sign orders for that purpose, and direct at what time, and in what proportion the proprietors shall advance and pay off the sums subscribed. . . . And if any of the said proprietors shall refuse or neglect to pay their said proportions, within one month after the same so ordered and advertised, as aforesaid, the said president and directors, or a majority of them, may sell at auction, and convey to the purchaser, the share or shares of such proprietor so refusing or neglecting payment. . . .
VI. Be it enacted, That from time to time . . . the proprietors of the said company, at the next general meeting, shall either continue the said president and directors, or any of them, or shall choose others in their stead. . . .
VII. And be it enacted, That every president and director, before he acts as such, shall take an oath or affirmation, for the due execution of his office.
VIII.And be it enacted, That the presence of proprietors, having one hundred shares at the least, shall be necessary to constitute a general meeting; and that there be a general meeting of proprieters on the first Monday of August, in every year, at such convenient town as shall from time to time, be appointed by the said general meeting; ... to which meeting the president and directors shall make report, and render distinct and just accounts of all their proceedings, . . . and at such yearly general meetings, after leaving in the hands of the treasurer, such sum as the proprietors . . . shall judge necessary for repairs and contingent charges, an equal dividend of all the neat profits, arising from the tolls hereby granted, shall be ordered and made to . . . all the proprietors of the said company, in proportion to their several shares. . . .

IX. And be it further enacted, That for and in consideration of the expences the said proprietors will be at, . . . the said canals and works, with all their profits, shall be . . . vested in the said proprietors ... in proportion to their respective shares, and the same shall be deemed real estate, and be forever exempt from payment of any tax . . . whatsoever; and it shall ... be lawful for the said president and directors ... to demand and receive at the nearest convenient place below the mouth of the South branch, and at or near Payne’s falls, and at or above the great falls of the river Potowmack, and every of these places separately, for all commodities transported through either of them respectively, tolls according to the following table and rates, to wit; [There follows here the table of tolls for enumerated articles to be paid at the three named points.]
X. And be it enacted, That the said river and the works to be erected thereon in virtue of this act, when completed, shall forever thereafter be esteemed and taken to be navigable as a public highway, free for the transportation of all goods, commodities, or produce whatsoever, on payment of the tolls imposed by this act. . . .
XI. Be it enacted, That it shall be . . . lawful for the said president and directors ... to agree with the owners of any land, through which the said canal is intended to pass, for the purchase thereof. . . . [The act describes procedures for acquisition of land when no agreement can be reached between the owner and the company.]
XII. And be it enacted, That the said president and directors . . . are hereby authorized to agree with the proprietors for the purchase of a quantity of land, not exceeding one acre, at or near each of the said places of receipt of tolls aforesaid, for the purpose of erecting necessary buildings. . . .
XIII. Be it enacted, That the water or any part thereof, conveyed through any canal or cut made by the said company, shall not be used for any purpose but navigation, unless the consent of the proprietors of the land through which the same be led, be first had. . . .
XIV. And be it enacted, That it shall and may be lawful for every of the said proprietors to transfer his share or shares, by deed executed before two witnesses, and registered after proof of the execution thereof, in the said company’s books, and not otherwise, except by devise. . . .
XV. Be it therefore enacted, That the said president and directors . . . are hereby empowered to receive and take in subscriptions, upon the said condition, and upon the said works being completed and carried into execution, according to the true intent and meaning of this act. . . .
XVI. And be it enacted, That if the said capital, and the other aids already granted by this act, shall prove insufficient, it shall and may be

lawful for the said company, from time to time, to increase the said capital by the addition of so many more whole shares, as shall be judged necessary by the said proprietors or a majority of them, holding at least three hundred shares, present at any general meeting of the said company. . . .
XVII. And it is hereby declared and enacted, That the tolls herein before allowed, to be demanded and received at the nearest convenient place below the mouth of the South Branch, are granted, and shall be paid on condition only, That the said Potowmack company shall make the river well capable of being navigated in dry seasons, by vessels drawing one foot water from the place on the North Branch, at which a road shall set off to the Cheat river, agreeably to the determination of the assemblies of Virginia and Maryland, to and through the place which may be fixed on, below the mouth of the South Branch, for receipt of the tolls aforesaid. . . . That the tolls ... to be demanded . . . near Payne’s falls, . . . shall be payable on condition only, that the said Potowmack Company shall make the river well capable of being navigated in dry seasons, by vessels drawing one foot water, from the said place of collection, near the mouth of the South Branch, to and through Payne’s falls as aforesaid. That the tolls . . . received at the Great Falls . . . shall be payable on condition only, that the said Potowmack Company shall make the river well capable of being navigated in dry seasons, from Payne’s falls to the Great falls, by vessels drawing one foot water, and from the Great falls to tide water, and shall at or near the Great falls make a cut or canal, twenty-five feet wide, and four feet deep, with sufficient locks, if necessary, each of eighty feet in length, sixteen feet in breadth, and capable of conveying vessels or rafts drawing four feet water at the least, and shall make at or near the Little falls such canal and locks, if necessary, as will be sufficient and proper to let vessels and rafts aforesaid, into tide water, or render the said river navigable in the natural course.
XVIII. And it is hereby provided and enacted, That in case the said company shall not begin the said work within one year after the company shall be formed, or if the navigation shall not be made and improved between the Great falls and Fort-Cumberland, in the manner herein before mentioned, within three years . . . the said company shall not be entitled to any benefit, privilege, or advantage, under this act: And in case the said company shall not complete the navigation through and from the Great falls to tide water . . . within ten years . . . then shall all interest of the said company and all preference in their favor, as to the navigation and tolls, at, through, and from the Great falls to tide water, be forfeited and cease.
XIX. And be it enacted, That all commodities of the produce of either of the said states, or of the western country; which may be carried

or transported through the said locks, canals, and river, may be landed, sold, or otherwise disposed of free from any other duties, impositions, regulations, or restrictions, of any kind, than the like commodities of the produce of the state in which the same may happen to be so landed, sold, shipped or disposed of.
XX. And be it further enacted, That the treasurer of this commonwealth shall be authorized and directed to subscribe to the amount of fifty shares in behalf of the same. . . .
XXI. And be it further enacted, That so much of every act and acts within the purview of this act. . . is hereby repealed.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 31 December 1784 [letter not found]
From: Chase, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Samuel Chase, 31 Dec. 1784. On 5 Jan. 1785 GW wrote to Chase: “Receive my thanks for your favor of the 31st ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from Aeneas Lamont, 31 December 1784
From: Lamont, Aeneas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 31st December 1784

Perhaps you will be surprized at receiving a letter from a person entirely unknown to you, and more so, I fear, at the liberty I have already taken with your name: Altho’ I cannot attempt to Justifie this impertinance, yet I consider it some liquidation of my offence that I am not the first man of genius (or immaginary genius) that have succoured their efforts by the influence of the great.
The little world, whose thoughts and pursuits are busied in necessary and domestic employments, seldome pay attention to those who flatter the Muses—they often laugh at their simplicity, tho’ seldom contribute for their amusement—But, believe me, great Sir, whatever bauble or toy contributes to a mans happiness—wo be to the heart that can revile against the acquisition, he is but a dunce in the school of nature!
If you can forgive a transgression which politeness would not excuse, my best ambition shall be to merit so much goodness. I am, Sir, With every sentiment of respect, your Devoted Humble Servant,

AEneas Lamont

My address is at Edward Jones’s, Esqr. Walnut St[r]eet, Philadelphia.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Willson Peale, December 1784
From: Peale, Charles Willson
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
[c.December 1784]

   since my writing by the last Post I have recd the Twenty five Guineas which you sent by Monsr Loyetta. your Manner of Spelling the Name led me into a difficulty of finding out the Gentleman and I am under some obligation to Mr Marboye the Minister’s Secy, for his assistance in the affair. I am Dear Sir your most obedient humble Servt

C.P.


Title: To George Washington from a French Wine Merchant, 1784
From: French Wine Merchant
To:

[1784]

I have addressed this hamper (which is in a double hamper to prevent its being touched) to Mess. Rob. & Chas Garvey of Rouen with request that they would forward it by first Vessell[.] Before tasting this Wine it must rest five or six Days in a good Cellar—I have 1800 of this sort which is of 1779 if your Excellencys friends should want any the price is 45 Lous—there is one bottle with a ticket of 1781–40 Lous[.] of this I have 2400[.] I have 2000 of another sort à 35 Lous.
As these Wines may be sent from here in September it is necessary to receive the Orders in July or August to send them that fall or next spring[.] they may be orderd in hampers of fifty—Sixty or 75 bottles—being more easy to Load on board than those of 100 bottles—I can furnish of all sorts even the Mountain Red—in bottles[.] the white of 1782—has not turned out so well which makes the Old preferred—If your Excelly will give me Orders or your friends I will serve them with the greatest attention and on the best terms—being from the first hand.—’Tis seldom they wax the bottles[.] the hamper is

marked M.WASG=/=OW= The bottles are Waxed with a reddish Wax.
I am told the Mousseux Wines do not suit in your Country on account of the heat which bursts them—I could furnish very good.
I do not know if you love those which are Liquoreux (Liquorish) the great Connoisseurs prefer those which are Seriés—Champagne produces but very rarely of the 1st sort and those who pretend to furnish of it every Year are to be suspected—If this Year should produce any excellent I shall be able to furnish even Eail De perdrix. When this does not succeed—I do not offer it but only the Old and best.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 1 January 1785
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia January 1st 178[5]

The Gentlemen who will have the honor to deliver you this Letter are from the West Indias they were Recommended to me by an old acquaintance and I find them very Genteel agreable Men. The Brilliancy of your Character attracts the attention of the World, they cannot pass to the Southward without gratifying their Wishes by an interview with the first Man of the Age and I am sure they will meet a kind reception.
May the present Year be as propitious to you as the last was, and may you long live to enjoy a succession of them is the sincere Wish of Dear Sir Your most obedient & very humble Servant

Robt Morris

by Messrs Scott, Colby & Gilpin.


Title: From George Washington to Jeremy Belknap, 5 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Belknap, Jeremy

Revd Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Jan. 1785.

A few days ago, under cover from Mr Hazard of Philadelp[hi]a, I was honored with your favor of the 19th of July; and the first volume of your History of New Hampshire. For both, I pray you to accept my thanks—but my acknowledgments are more particularly due, for your favorable expression in the former, of my past endeavors to support the Cause of liberty.
The proof you have given of your approbation of this, is interesting—I receive it with gratitude—and am with great respect Revd Sir, Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Chase, 5 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Chase, Samuel

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Jany 1785.

Receive my thanks for your favor of 31st ulto, & for the copies therewith enclosed: they will answer my purposes equally with the fairest that could be made.
When I found your Express at Mount Pleasant, & was unable to procure another in Marlbro’, I commenced one myself—got home before dinner, & dispatched one of my servants to Hooes ferry immediately. He placed the packet into the hands of the Express there waiting, before nine o’Clock next morning: on Friday with ease the business might have been laid before the Assembly of this State, yet sitting I believe. When I hear from thence, I will with pleasure communicate the result.
The attention which your Assembly is giving to the establishment of public schools, for the encouragement of literature, does them great honor: to accomplish this, ought to be one of our first endeavours; I know of no object more interesting. We want something to expand the mind, & make us think with more liberallity—& act with sounder policy, than most of the States do. We should consider that we are not now in leading strings. It behooves us therefore to look well to our ways. My best wishes attend the Ladies of your family. I am, Dr Sir Yr mo. obt Servt

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 5 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Jan. 1785

About the beginning of last month I wrote you a pretty long letter, & soon after, received your favor of the 23d of November. It is not the letters from my friends which give me trouble—or adds ought to my perplexity. I receive them with pleasure, and pay as much attention to them as my avocations will admit. It is references of old matters with which I have nothing to do. Applications, which oftentimes cannot be complied with. Enquiries, which would employ the pen of a historian to satisfy. Letters of compliment, as unmeaning perhaps as they are troublesome, but which must be attended to. And the commonplace business, which employs my pen & my time; often disagreeably.
Indeed, these with company, deprive me of exercise, and unless I can obtain relief, may be productive of disagreeable consequences—I already begin to feel the effect. Heavy, & painful oppressions of the head, and other disagreeable sensations, often trouble me. I am determined therefore to employ some person who shall ease me of the drudgery of this business. At any rate, if the whole of it is thereby suspended, I am resolved to use exercise. My private concerns also, require infinitely more attention than I have given, or can give, under present circumstances. They can no longer be neglected without involving my ruin.
This, my dear Sir, is a friendly communication—I give it in testimony of my unreservedness with you—& not for the purpose of discouraging your letters; for be assured that, to correspond with those I love is among my highest gratifications, and I perswade myself you will not doubt my sincerity when I assure you, I place you among the foremost of this class. Letters of friendship require no study, the communications are easy, and allowances are expected, & made. This is not the case with those which require re-searches—consideration—recollection—and the de—l knows what, to prevent error, and to answer the ends for which they are written.

In my last I informed you that I was endeavouring to stimulate my Countrymen to the extension of the inland Navigation of our rivers; and to the opening of the best and easiest communication for Land transportation between them and the Western waters. I am just returned from Annapolis to which place I was requested to go by our Assembly (with my bosom friend Genl G—tes, who being at Richmond contrived to edge himself into the Commission) for the purpose of arranging matters, and forming a Law which should be similar in both States, so far as it respected the river Potomack, which seperates them. I met the most perfect accordance in that legislature; & the matter is now reported to ours, for its concurrence.
The two Assemblies (not being in Circumstances to undertake this business wholly at the public expence) propose to incorporate such private Adventurers as shall associate for the purpose of extending the navigation of the River from tide water as far up as it will admit Craft of ten Tons burthen, & to allow them a per[pe]tual toll & other emoluments to induce them to subscribe freely to a Work of such magnitude; whilst they have agreed (or, I should rather say, probably will agree, as the matter is not yet concluded in the Virginia Assembly) to open, at the public expence, the communication with the Western territory. To do this will be a great political work—May be immensely extensive in a commercial point—and beyond all question, will be exceedingly beneficial for those who advance the money for the purpose of extending the Navigation of the river, as the tolls arising therefrom are to be held in perpetuity, & will encrease every year.
Rents have got to such an amazing height in Alexandria, that (having an unimproved lot or two there) I have thoughts, if my finances will support me in the measure, of building a House, or Houses thereon for the purpose of letting. In humble imitation of the wise man, I have set me down to count the cost; and among other heavy articles of expenditure, I find lime is not the smallest. Stone lime with us, owing to the length of (Land) transportation comes very high at that place. Shell lime, from its weakness, & the consequent quantity used, is far from being low—These considerations added to a report that this article may be had from your State by way of Ballast, upon terms much easier than either can be bought here, inclines me without

making an apology, to give you the trouble of enquiring from those who might be disposed to enter into a contract therefor, & can ascertain the fact with precision.
1st—At what price by the Bushel, a quantity of slaked stone lime could be delivered at one of the Wharves at Alexandria (freight & every incidental charge included), or to a Lighter opposite to my own House.
2d—At what price burnt lime stone, but unslaked (if it be safe to bring such) could be delivered as above.
3d—At what price unburnt lime stone, could be delivered at the latter place.
In the last case, it might I should suppose, come as Ballast very low. In the second, it might also come as Ballast, and (tho’ higher than the former, yet) comparatively, cheap, if the danger of Waters getting to it, and its slaking & heating in the Hold, would not be too great—In the first case, their would be no certainty of its goodness, because lime from the late judicious experiments of a Mr Higgens, should be used as soon as it slaked; and would be still better, if it was so, immediately after burning; as air as well as water, according to his observations, weakens & injures it. Your information upon these points from those who might incline to Contract, and on whom dependance could be placed, would much oblige me—and the sooner I get it the better, as my determination is suspended.
Our amiable young friend the Marquis de la Fayette could not be other wise than well pleased with his reception in America. Every testimony of respect, affection & gratitude has been shewn him, wherever he went; if his heart therefore has not been impressed with these expressions (which I am far from supposing) the political consequence which he will derive from them must bear them in his remembrance, & point to the advantages wch must flow.
You informed me that Mrs Knox had got another—but left me to guess, boy or girl. On the birth of either Mrs Washington & I sincerely congratulate you both; & offer our best wishes for you all—hoping the good health which Mrs Knox & the Children enjoyed at the time your letter was written, may be of long continuance.
The report of my coming to Boston was without foundation—I do not, at this time, know when, or whether ever, I may

have it in my power to do this, altho’ to see my compatriots in War, would be great gratification to my mind. with every sentiment of esteem and friendship, I am, My dear Sir, Yr Most Obedt, & Affece Ser.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 6 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Augustine

Dear George,
Mount Vernon 6th Jan. 1785.

As soon as I got your letter announcing your intention of spending the Winter at Charleston I wrote you by Post, under cover to Colo. Willm Washington—& sometime after by Mr Laurens—by whom also I forwarded the articles of clothing you desired might be sent to you—there can be little doubt (as the Post now goes regularly) of both getting to hand. I need not therefore repeat any part of the contents of those Letters. I had the pleasure to hear yesterday—from Colo. Parker of Norfolk—that you had left the Island of Burmuda with encreased health. I flatter myself the mildness of a Southern Winter will perfectly restore you—in addition to this, a trip in the Packet to Philadelphia when you determine to return to Virginia, may be of Service—this, at a proper Season wd be, I conceive, the easiest, cheapest, and best method of getting back, as the Stage from Philadelphia comes to Alexandria twice a week regularly—You would by this means avoid the dreary roads, & bad accomodation, which is to be encountered I am told, all through North Carolina.
Since my last Colo. Basset has been here & brought up Fanny, who is now with us. She has been unwell all the Fall, as most others in this Country have been—she is not yet recovered, but the change of air & exercise will soon give her health.
We have nothing new in this Quarter—our Assembly has been sitting since the middle, or last of October—but we have little information of what they have done—A plan is now on foot for improving & extending the Navigation of the River by private Subscription, & opening a good road between it and the nearest western waters—I hope it will succeed; as the Assemblies of this State & Maryld seem disposed to give it their Countenance.
If it is not too late in the Season to obtain them, I wish you would procure for me in So. Carolina a few of the acorns of the live Oak—and the Seeds of the Ever-green Magnolia—this latter is called in Millers Gardeners dictionary greater Magnolia—it rises according to his Acct to the height of Eighty feet or more—flowers early, & is a beautiful tree; there is another Species

of the Magnolia of which I wish to get the Seeds—it is called the Umbrella tree. but unless these Seeds grow in cones, & the Cones are now on the Trees, there is no chance of obtaining them at this Season; in which case prevail on Colo. Washington, or some acquaintance on whom you can depend, to supply me next Seed time. The Acorns, & Seeds of every kind, should be put in dry sand as soon as they are gathered: and the box which contains them might (if no oppertunity offers to Alexandria) be sent either to Mr Newton of Norfolk, or to Colo. Biddle of Philadelphia, with a request to forward it safely, & by the first oppertunity, to me. If there are any other trees (not natives with us) which would be ornamental in a grove or forest, and would stand our climate, I should be glad to procure the Seeds of them in the way abovementioned. All here unite in best wishes for you; and Mrs Washington joins me in compliments to Colo. Washington and Lady; & other friends of our Acquainte. With great esteem & regard I am—Dr George yr Affecte friend

Go: Washington

P.S. Your Father and family were well some little time ago—& I have heard nothing to the contrary since. G.W.


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 9 January 1785
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond [Va.] Jany 9th 1785

I have now the pleasure of confirming the expectations hinted in my last concerning the result of the measures which have been favoured with your patronage. The Bill for opening the Potowmac has passed precisely on the model transmitted from Maryland, the last conditional clause in the latter being rendered absolute by a clause in the former which engages this State for fifty shares in the Company. Before the receipt of your despatches, some progress had been made in a bill for James River founded on different principle. After the receipt of them, the bill was exchanged for one on the Potowmac principle which has passed into a law with the same rapidity & unanimity which attended the other. The circumstancial variations with respect to James River are. 1. that the Sum to be aimed at in the first instance is 100,000 Dollars, only. 2. the shares are fixed at 200 Dollars and the number of public shares at 500. 3. the tolls are reduced to one half of those granted on Potowmac. 4. in case the falls at this place, where alone tolls are to be paid shall be first opened, the Company are permitted to receive them immediately and to continue to do so until the lapse of ten years, within which period all the works are to be compleated under the same penalties as are specified in the case of the other River. 5. a pre-emption is reserved to the public on all sales and transfers of shares. We endeavoured to preserve an equal eye in this business to the interests of the two Rivers, and to regulate the dates in the two bills in such a manner as to allow the members of each Company to participate in the transactions of the other. The excessive hurry however and the length of the bills may have produced inaccuracies in these as well as in other respects.
The Assembly have likewise taken several kindred measures in the form of Resolutions, of which copies are herewith inclosed.

No. 3 was meant to carry into effect an idea suggested in your letter to the late Governour & explained in conversations with which several members were honoured during your visit to Richmond. It had passed before the recept of your report from Annapolis. I observed in my last that the subject of it ought to have made a part of your negociation with Maryland, and mentioned the circumstances which prevented it. I regret the omission the more, as the task devolved on Gentlemen to a notification of whose appointment and object, no answer I am informed has yet been vouchsafed to the Governour by Maryland, and whose commission it may be presumed is not altogether palatable to that State. Taking a more candid supposition, that the Silence of the latter is the effect of some miscarriage, the delay or the necessity of a separate representation to Pennsylvania, are inconveniences still to be regretted. As this goes by Col: Grayson who means to pay his respects to Mount Vernon on his way to Trenton, I forbear to anticipate farther, communications which he can more fully make, and beg leave to subscribe myself with all possible respect and regard Sir Your Obedient & most humble Servt

J. Madison Jr


Title: Enclosure I: Resolution of the Virginia Assembly, 28 December 1784
From: Virginia Assembly
To:

[Richmond] December the 28th 1784

Resolved that the Commissioners or any two of them appointed on the 28th day of June last to concert with Commissioners on the part of Maryland regulations touching the navigation and jurisdiction of the Potowmack, be further authorized to unite with the said Commissioners in representing to the State of Pensylvania that it is in contemplation of the said two states to promote the clearing and extending the navigation of Potowmack from tide Water upwards as far as the same may be found practicable: to open a convenient road from the head of such navigation to the Waters running into the Ohio, and to render these Waters navigable as far as may be necessary and proper: that the said Works will require great expence, which may not be repaid unless a free use be secured to the said States and their Citizens of the Waters of the Ohio and its branches as far as the same lie withing the limits of Pensylvania: that as essential advantages will accrue from such works to a considerable portion of the said State it is thought reasonable that the Legislature thereof should by some previous act engage that for the encouragement of the said Works, all articles of produce or Merchandize which may be conveyed to or from either of the said two States through either of the said Rivers within the limits of Pensylvania to or from any place without the said limits shall pass throughout free from all duties or tolls whatsoever, other than such tolls as may be established and be necessary for reimbursing expences incurred by the said State or its Citizens in clearing, or for defraying the expence of preserving the navigation of the said Rivers: and that no articles imported into the State of Pensylvania through the Channel or Channels or any part thereof to be opened as aforesaid, and vended or used within the said State shall be subject to any duties or imposts, other than such articles would be subject to, if imported into the said State through any other Channel whatsoever; and it is further Resolved that in case a joint representation in behalf of this State and of Maryland shall be rendered by circumstances unattainable, the said Commissioners or any two of them may of themselves make such representations on

the subject to the State of Pensylvania as may in such event become proper, and that in either event they report their proceedings to the next General Assembly.
Resolved that a Copy of the above resolutions be transmitted forthwith by the Executive to the State of Maryland.


Title: Enclosure II: Resolution of the Virginia Assembly, 1 January 1785
From: Virginia Assembly
To:

[Richmond] The 1st of January 1785

Resolved that Thomas Massey Esqr., or in case of his death or failing to act through other cause, such other person as shall be appointed by the Executive in his stead, be authorized in conjunction with the person appointed or to be appointed on the part of Maryland, to open and keep in repair a convenient Road from such part of the Waters of the Potowmack, to such part of the River Cheat or of the River Monongalia, as on examination they shall Judge most eligible; and that the sum of three thousand three hundred thirty three and one third Dollars, arising from the Taxes of the year 1784, out of the Money subject to the votes of the General Assembly, be paid by the

Treasurer, on the joint Order of the Persons to be appointed as aforesaid, to be by them applied together with a like sum voted by the State of Maryland to the purpose aforesaid.
Resolved that the Governor be desired to write to the State of Pensylvania, requesting permission to lay out and improve a Road through such part of the said States, as may be necessary in the best and most proper direction from Fort Cumberland to the navigable part of the River Yohogania.


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 10 January 1785
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
Jamaica Plain [Mass.] Jany 10. 1785

In arranging the intelligence obtained from the inspection of your papers, I found that an extract from the private letters Vol. 1st dated Oct. 22. 1779, which alluded to one of the most important events of the late war, was not so complete as I wish. It relates to the capture of Fort Washington, which I apprehend ought now to be placed in its true light, as the public cannot suffer from its being done. The extract I have made, begins—When I came to Fort Lee, & found no measures towards an evacuation in consequence of the order aforementioned. I have omitted taking the order aforementioned, which is material. If it will not trespass too much upon your Excellency’s time, Shall reckon it a

great favour to have that order transmitted with the place from whence, & the date when given. With renewed & affectionate respects to Self & Family I remain with great esteem Your Excellency’s sincere Friend & very humble Servant

William Gordon


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Henderson, 11 January 1785
From: Henderson, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Dumfries [Va.] 11th Janry 1785

Your favor of the 20th came duly to hand, neither Ryan nor Mr Rumsey were in Richmond while I was there, Ryan was sick at Petersburgh.
The acts for opening the Navigation of Patowmack and James river passed all the forms fortunately the day before the hard weather obliged the assembly to separate—Resolutions similar to those in Maryland have also passed both Houses—of these Copies will be brought up by Mr Grayson, I do myself the pleasure to inclose a Copy of one other Act passed during the present Session. I have the honor to be with the greatest Esteem Sir Your obedt Sert

Alexr Henderson

You have inclosed Ryans Note —and some of the proceedings of the Assembly.


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 14 January 1785 [letter not found]
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Battaile Muse, 14 Jan. 1785. On 5 Feb. GW wrote to Muse: “I have lately received two letters from you, one of the 14th & the other of the 25th of last month.”


Title: From George Washington to John Filson, 16 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Filson, John

Sir,
Mt Vernon 16th Jan: 1785.

I have been favored with two letters from you: that which was first written came last to hand, & neither of them long since. Your history & map of Kentucke I have not yet seen. For the honor you have done me in the dedication of them, you will please to accept my acknowledgments; & for the favourable sentiments you have been so polite as to express for me in both your letters, you have my thanks.
It has long been my wish to see an extensive & accurate map of the Western Territory set on foot, & amply encouraged: but I would have this work founded upon actual surveys and careful observations—any thing short of these is, in my opinion, not

only defective & of little use, but serve as often to mislead as to direct the examiner. My sentiments upon this subject are well known to many members of Congress, & to the Legislature of the State in which I have the honor to live: but what steps will be taken by both, or either, to accomplish this useful undertaking, is not for me to say.
Altho’ I possess a pretty general knowledge of the Ohio & its waters between Fort Pitt & the Gt Kanhawa, & have some parts of that Country laid down from actual surveys; yet they are not so connected, nor founded with such precision as to incline me to suffer my name to be given as the author of them, or any information in a Map or topographical description of the Country, that would not stand the test of future examination.
That the river Potomac communicates by short portages (which may be improved to great advantage) with the Yohoghaney & Cheat rivers, (branches of the Monongahela) for the countries East & West of the Apalachian mountains, as James river also does with the waters of the Great Kanhawa, none can deny: & that these will be the channels thro’ which the trade of the Western Country will principally come, I have no more doubt of myself, than the States of Virga & Maryland had, when within these few days, they passed Laws for the purpose of extending & improving the navigation of those rivers, & opening roads of communication between them & the western waters.
Whenever business or inclination may bring you to this part of the country, it would give me pleasure to see you. I am Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 16 January 1785
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
New York Jany 16. 1785

I had the honor of writing to you last by the post that left Trenton just before I quitted that place, and I should not so soon have troubled you again, if it were not to furnish you with the very excellent pamphlet that accompanies this letter—Doctor Price has lately sent over a few of those pamphlets to the President of Congress and left the disposal of them to him—I am very sure that I shall gratify the Doctors feelings as well as my own, when I request your acceptance of one of them —We have no news here, except the account brought by the packet from England just arrived, and which is current in Town—That the war between the Emperor & Holland has certainly commenced[.] A small engagement, near Lillo upon the Scheldt, has taken place, in which a Dutch Regiment is said to have lost 20 or 30 Men—Prussia is said to have taken part with Holland, & the Empress of Russia with the Emperor—It is probable that this quarrel, if it proceeds, will embroil the greatest part of Europe—I hope Great Britain will find herself compelled to engage. My best respects attend your Lady. I am dear Sir, with the truest esteem & regard sincerely yours

Richard Henry Lee


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 17 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 17th Jan: 1785

Yesterday, & not before, I received authentic information, that the Assembly of this State had passed a similar Act & resolutions, with those of your Legislature, and have fixed upon the 8th of Feby to open Books for the purpose of receiving subscriptions in the City of Richmond & Towns of Alexandria & Winchester: which Books are to be kept open until the 10th day of May following. They have granted equal sums towards the navigation & roads, with your Assembly.
I have pleasure in giving you this information—nothing remains now but to act with dispatch & vigor.
I presume official notice of the passing of this act, & attendant resolutions, will be made by the Executive of this State to your Governor; but lest thro’ the hurry of business it may be delayed, I will take care that he shall have advice of it, as soon as copies can be taken; that if promulgation is necessary, & he thinks proper to act upon private information, it may not be wanted.
Our Assembly have passed a similar Law for the purpose of opening & improving the navigation of James river and a communication between it, and the nearest Western waters. With great esteem & regard I have the honor to be &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Hanna Moore, 20 January 1785
From: Moore, Hanna
To: Washington, George

Sir
Baltimore [Md.] January 20th 1785

An ardent desire for the Administration of the strictest Right in every Minutia which may fall under any inspection, added to that Respect due the preserver of a Country, influences me notwithstanding my repugnance to intrude, in advising you: That since my Mr Francis Moore Merchant at Baltimore exhibiting of a Testament made by Mrs Savage to you unattested, it has been transmitted to the Executors in Ireland, authenticated there, and by them with a Letter of Attorney remitted to him (now deceased) tho’ not yet come to my hands; from good information whereof, and too Conscious of the Immorality, Capacity and designs of Men, an Apprehension arrises that it probably might have been handed you by the bearer of it from Ireland named William Moore, or others, who may have thought proper to personate my deceased Husband—therefore should much esteem on Account of my friends in Ireland, and least they should presume my Husband or myself neglectfull

of their Interest, and that I may enter into further Enquiry, you wou’d by a single Line, or two, intimate, whether you have received or heard of it; As I expect as soon as the Executors in Ireland are informed of my Husbands Decease, and my Continuation they will send me Letters to act fully—Please to direct under Cover to Zachariah Allen Esqre Baltimore —I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Humble and Obedient servant

Hanna Moore


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Brenton, 21 January 1785
From: Brenton, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Newport [R.I.] the 21. January 1785

I am Encouraged to address your Excellency from a Confidence of your willingness to Overlook defects and from your well known disposition to promote the happyness of others.
You have Inclosd a Petition from the master wardens and some of the members of the St Johns lodge of this City of which I had the Honor of being master at the breaking out of the late warr. the reasons assignd therein I hope will be found of Sufficient weight with your Excellency to grant us the prayer of the

petition which you will please to Observe is for the Revival of the Lodge St Johns or for putting it on Such a footing as that the Charter may Retain its Original powers—as by Virtue of that Charter the lodge St Johns purchasd a Real Estate for the accomodateing themselves with a building to be held by the master & wardens of Sd Lodge in Perpetuity. So that whether a new Constituted Lodge Can Claim the priviledge of the Charter Granted to the lodge St Johns in our Idea is doubtfull—Your Excellencys Knowledge in these matters will Set us right. I have the Honor, to be with great Respect your Excellencys most Obedt Hble Servt

Samel Brenton


Title: To George Washington from John Fitzgerald and William Hartshorne, 21 January 1785
From: Fitzgerald, John,Hartshorne, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria [Va.] Jany 21st 1785

We are duly honor’d with your letter of 18th Inst. with the Virginia Bill & other enclosures the Bill we have put into the Printer’s hands & order’d him to strike one Hundred Copies which we expect will be compleated by monday next at which time we intend to forward Copies to the Managers at Richmond & Winchester—Mr Richards has promis’d to be very carefull of the Original.
We now return you all the other papers & would wish to know how many of the printed Copies we shall send to you as we are fully of opinion that the notification to the executive of Maryland will come with greater propriety from you than us.
We have taken a full comparative view of the Bills pass’d in each State, & find no difference except what we have noted on the other side—some of which we are induced to believe have happen’d thro’ mistake & the only one that appears essential is that respecting the width of Ground in which we are of opinion that the Maryland resolution is the most eligible.
We have given the Bill only to the Printer, should you be of opinion that any of the resolutions sent by Mr Maddeson &

number’d 1. 2 & 3 should be printed you will please return such to us & they shall be added.
We have full confidence that through the course of this Business you will be pleased to assist us with your kind advice in any matters which may occur to you. We have the honor to be with the highest respect & Esteem Sir your mo. Obedt Servants

John FitzgeraldWm Hartshorne


Title: From George Washington to William Grayson, 22 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Grayson, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 22d Jany 1785

Your letter, with the Books, Potomac bill & other papers, did not reach this until past eleven o’Clock on monday forenoon; at which hour having set off for Alexandria—I did not receive the dispatches until my return in the evening. The next morning I forwarded the Bill to Messrs Fitzgerald & Hartshorn to act upon, & to get a number of copies struck for promulgation, & the benefit of those who might wish to become subscribers. For the trouble you have had with the Books & for your care of the letters & papers which accompanied them, you will please to accept my thanks.
It would have given me much satisfaction if, instead of pursuing the rout thro’ Frederick, you had resolved to have taken this road to the seat of Congress: besides the pleasure of seeing you, I wished to have had some conversation with you on the subject of the late generosity of the Assembly towards me; for I will freely confess to you My dear sir, that no circumstance has happened to me since I quited the walks of public life that has given me more embarrassment, than the act vesting me with 150 shares in the tolls of each of the rivers Potomac & James. On the one hand I consider this instance of the regard & attention of my native State as more than a mere compliment: this evidence of her good opinion & wishes to serve me is unequivocal & substantial—it has impressed me with sentiments of the deepest gratitude; & I should be hurt, if I could think that my non-acceptance of her favors would be considered as an ostentatious display of public virtue, and disinterestedness—or disrespectful to the Country to slight her favors. On the other hand it is my wish that my mind, and the actions resulting from it, may be as free as Air—Not content therefore with the consciousness of having, in all this navigation business, acted upon the clearest conviction of the political importance of it, I would have every individual who shall hear that I had interested myself in the plan, be convinced that I had no other motive for giving it support than the happiness which I thought it wou’d be productive of to the confederation in general & this State in particular—by extending the commerce of the latter & affording convenience to its Citizens—& preparing an indissoluble

bond for the former. How would this matter stand then in the eye of the world, & what would be the opinion of it, when it comes to be related, that G.W. exerted himself to effect this work—& G.W. had received—gratuitously, 20,000 Dollars in the one—& £5,000 Sterling in the other, of the public money, as an interest therein—Would not this, (in their estimation—if I am entitled to any merit for the part I have acted—& without it there is no foundation for the donation) deprive me of the principal thing which is laudable in it? Would it not in some respects, be considered in the same point of view as a pension? And would not the apprehension of this make me less a free agent in other matters, and be productive of greater unwillingness to suggest for consideration such things as my experience and opportunities may have brought me to the knowledge of? In a word, altho’ custom may have given sanction to the measure, of rewards where there are no stipulations, should I not thenceforward be considered as a dependant? one moments thought of which would give me more pain, than I should receive pleasure from the product of all the tolls; altho’ I view them as the most improving Estate in this Country.
I have written to you with frankness—I could have said more on the subject; but I have said enough to give you the state of my mind on this act of the Legislature. I wished to have seen, & conversed fully & freely with you on the subject of it. I wished to know whether the ideas I entertain of this matter occurred to, & were expressed by any member, in or out of the House—Upon the whole, I do assure you my mind is not a little agitated. I want the best information & advice to settle it. I have no inclination, as I have observed before, to avail myself of the generosity of the Country on the one hand—nor on the other, do I want to appear ostentatiously disinterested; which, more than probable would be the construction of my refusal; or to slight the favor, which is as valuable for the flattering expressions with which it is conveyed, as for the magnitude of the sum. My difficulties however shall not impede the progress of the undertaking—I will receive the frank & candid opinions of my friends with thankfulness, & shall have time enough to consider them between this & the next session of Assembly.
Did you not my good Sir tell me when I had the pleasure of spending an evening with you at Dumfries, that you either had

or could procure me some Scions of the Aspin tree? Are there any young shoots which could be had of the Yew tree, or Hemlock (for I do not now recollect which of these it is) that grows on the margin of Quantico Creek? Plantations of this kind are now become my amusement & I should be glad to know where I could obtain a supply of such sorts of trees as would diversify the scene. With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yr mo: Obt humble Servt

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 22 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Benjamin

My Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 22d Jan. 1785.

It is not easy for me to decide by which my mind was most affected upon the receipt of your letter of the 6th inst.—surprize or gratitude: both were greater than I have words to express. The attention & good wishes which the Assembly have evidenced by their act for vesting in me 150 shares in the navigation of each of the rivers Potomac & James, is more than mere compliment—there is an unequivocal & substantial meaning annexed—But believe me sir, notwithstanding these, no circumstance has happened to me since I left the walks of public life, which has so much embarrassed me. On the one hand, I consider this act, as I have already observed, as a noble and unequivocal proof of the good opinion, the affection, & disposition of my Country to serve me; & I should be hurt, if by declining the acceptance of it, my refusal should be construed into disrespect, or the smallest slight put upon the generous intention of the Country: or, that an ostentatious display of disinterestedness or public virtue, was the source of the refusal.
On the other hand, it is really my wish to have my mind, & the actions which are the result of contemplation, as free & independent as the air, that I may be more at liberty (in things

which my opportunities & experience have brought me to the knowledge of) to express my sentiments, & if necessary, to suggest what may occur to me, under the fullest conviction, that altho’ my judgment may be arraigned, there will be no suspicion that sinister motives had the smallest influence in the suggestion. Not content then with the bare consciousness of my having, in all this navigation business, acted upon the clearest conviction of the political importance of the measure; I would wish that every individual who may hear that it was a favorite plan of mine, may know also that I had no other motive for promoting it than the advantage I conceived it would be productive of to the Union, & to this State in particular, by cementing the Eastern and Western Territory together, at the same time that it will give vigor & encrease to our Commerce, & be a convenience to our Citizens.
How would this matter be viewed then by the eye of the world; and what would be the opinion of it, when it comes to be related that G: W——n exerted himself to effect this work—and G.W. has received 20,000 Dollars, and £5,000 Sterling of the public money as an interest therein? Would not this in the estimation of it (if I am entitled to any merit for the part I have acted; & without it there is no foundation for the act) deprive me of the principal thing which is laudable in my conduct? Would it not, in some respects, be considered in the same light as a pension? And would not the apprehension of this make me more reluctantly offer my sentiments in future? In a word, under what ever pretence, & however customary these gratuitous gifts are made in other Countries, should I not thence forward be considered as a dependant? one moments thought of which would give me more pain, than I should receive pleasure from the product of all the tolls, was every farthing of them vested in me: altho’ I consider it as one of the most certain & increasing Estates in the Country.
I have written to you with an openess becoming our friendship—I could have said more on the subject; but I have already said enough to let you into the State of my mind. I wish to know whether the ideas I entertain occurred to, & were expressed by any member in or out of the House. Upon the whole, you may be assured my Dr Sir, that my mind is not a litt[l]e agitated—I want the best information & advice to settle it. I have no inclination

(as I have already observed) to avail myself of the generosity of the Country: nor do I want to appear ostentatiously disinterested, (for more than probable my refusal would be ascribed to this motive) or that the Country should harbour an idea that I am disposed to set little value on her favours—the manner of granting which is as flattering as the grant is important. My present difficulties however shall be no impediment to the progress of the undertaking. I will receive the full & frank opinions of my friends with thankfulness. I shall have time enough between this & the sitting of the next Assembly to consider the tendency of the act—& in this, as in all other matters, will endeavor to decide for the best.
My respectful compliments & best wishes, in which Mrs Washington & Fanny Bassett (who is much recovered) join, are offered to Mrs Harrison & the rest of your family. It would give us great pleasure to hear that Mrs Harrison had her health restored to her. With every sentiment of esteem, regard & friendship, I am My Dr Sir &c. &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 22 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

Dear Bushrod,
Mount Vernon Jany 22d 1785

The enclosed letter was brought here some days ago. I desire you will present Mr Ryan’s note to him for payment; which, if not immediately made, or such assurances as you can rely on, that he will make in a very short time, return it to me or to Mr Rumsey, if he is in Richmond, as I do not incline to transfer the debt from him to Ryan. It was not my intention to receive an order upon any one, for the Sum contained in the note. It was sent about the time it became due to Mr Henderson (one of the Members for this Country) to receive for me, who not having an oppertunity of presenting it (on Acct of Mr Ryans indisposition at Petersburgh) returned it to me a few days since.
As you are now at the fountain head of information, I should be glad if you would examine into, and send me a Copy of some Ordainance which must have passed (according to Colo.

Crawfords letter to me) at the Session next preceeding the 20th of Septr 1776 (which is the date of that letter).
There are some other little matters which I wanted you to do for me in Richmond, but they have escaped my recollection at this moment—when they occur again, I will write—the Ordainance above, may be necessary in the prosecution of my Ejectments over the Mountains, as Colo. Crawford in his letter to me says, it passed with an eye to such cases as mine, upon his representation. All here join in best wishes for you—and I am Dr Bushrod Yrs affectionately

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Gerhard Diriks, 24 January 1785
From: Diriks, Jacob Gerhard
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New-York 24th Jany 1785

The honor of having served under your Excellency engages me, arrived in America lately, to take a view of the States made happy by a peace, after a war ended with glory under you—to testify my great respect for you, as the Officer, under whose auspices, I received my Military Education—How happy should I be, if I could in person renew the acknowledgements I so justly owe you—But the distance of your dwelling, the rude season of the year, wc. renders travelling difficult, the little time I have to

stay, before my departure for Holland, my country; and my business with Congress assembled here all deprive me of this pleasure. Your Excellency will permit me I hope to sollicit a continuation of your former kindness—I was once honored with it, and this engages me the more, still to sollicit it—Yes Sir, I feel my bosom animated on this present occasion, with the same fire as formerly; and I desire nothing, but to be able to be useful to my Country; at present menaced by a neighbouring power—Your Excellency, as my General, is acquainted with my conduct in the American war—If then you will be pleased to favor me with a letter to the count de Maasdam, General of the army of the united Provinces; a soldier devoted to liberty & his Country; and who, tho’ personally unknown to you, has the highest esteem for you, I am persuaded, it will place me in the service of my Country, agreeable to my rank, where following the lessons I learned from you, I hope to acquit myself with honor—I hope Your Excellency will not refuse me this gracious mark of your friendship wc. will be ever dear to me, & crown my highest wishes —I have the honor to be with profound respect, your Excellency’s Very Hble & Obent servant

J. G. Diriks


Title: To George Washington from John Armstrong, 25 January 1785
From: Armstrong, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General.
Carlisle [Pa.] 25th January 1785

My last to your Excellency was of the congratulatory Sort, written on the joyfull & acceptable subject of our Peace —and whatever time has elapsed since that period, you have had a Silent Share of the best wishes that either my leisure or reflexion, enabled me to bestow; and altho’ they are founded in publick considerations never to be forgotten, they have comparatively left the lofty Scenes of various description, wherin for a Season you have happily & necessarily been employed, chusing rather

to follow you to the peaceful, but still important retreat of domestick life—happy indeed in itself—happy in the concurrence of a thousand temporal blessings; and many, too many there are, whos wishes either for themselves or their friends, reach no farther—but sorry should I be that (for the man to whom my country is so much indebted) mine should terminate in any thing below that felicity, for which we look in the far more important world which is to come, for this felicity, you & I, by the sparing mercy of God are still candidates—but the heavenly road is to be fought inch by inch! Your Corporeal Armour is laid off, I hope never to be put on again, but our Spiritual Armour, my dear General, is if possible every day more & more necessary—the three grand enemies of our immortal life, yet keep the field, and display their force in various direction; they are potent, implacable, insatiable—not to be diverted by the things in which too many place safety or happiness—as in learning—streng[t]h of reason—external peace—affluence &c.—nay so far from it, that often, these are the avenues, or covert ways thro’ which we are either assailed by double force, or ensnared by double Subtilty—The mode in which these adversaries generally make their attacks, is either tht of Violence, or Subtilty—and a great Similarity I make no doubt there is, in the first operations of the Devil by seduction—the workings & tendency to moral evil ariseing from the natural, or inbred corruptions of the human heart and flesh—and the allurements of the present World. the former is thougt to carry his approaches to the human mind, by gaining it’s outworks Viz. the imagination, or fancy. and whatsoever, by our lapsed State is wrong in us, being his offspring, will probably imitate his Steps. With none of these adversaries, are we in our own Strength by any means able to cope—nor will their indefatigable & perfidious nature, safely admit of any negociation—parley or Truse, the moment we agree to a Ceasession of Arms, and have recourse to supposed reason, in looking out for appologies to the temptation, or evil in question, metigating it’s nature or extent, covering or at least palliating a total or partial compliance, by peculiar circumstances & resolve of future resistance &c. all this is forbidden & unequal ground, on which we shall infallibly be overcome. A rigid resistance therefore, ought both to begin & end, this kind of debate; and blessed be God that altho’ we must

be instruments in this necessary War, and employ the weapons prescribed by his word with fidelity & hope, the final event is not left to us, but secured by the Captain of our Salvation, to all who truly fight under his banner, in the use of such Spiritual means as he hath appointed & graciously proposed to bestow. Many dutys indeed are required of us far above our natural Strength to perform; and for this cause many appear to stumble and Charge God foolishly—not considering that the divine right, and power to demand is not mutual, was not losst & imbezled, as was our Strength and power to obey, in our voluntary violation of the first Covenent with Adam. Nor do such consider that in the Lord Christ, the Second Adam, the federal & Spiritual head of his Church, full provision is made, not only for the removal of guilt, but also the quallification of all believers for glory—or in other words, there is not a duty required of man, but for which we may find a correspondent promise, made in consequence of the Covenant of grace with Christ, enabling all believers in the performance thereof—’tis in him all the promises center, and in order to be entitled to them, we must by faith receive, or accept him both for righteousness & Strength.
From the above considerations, I am led to wish yr Excellency three things—first, that too much, of yr present precious time, may not be engrossed by company & the ceremony of polite life—That your Library, be rather well chosen than large; particularly on theological Subjects, doctrinal, practical & Polemical, and that some Orthodox & pious divine may minister to the Church in reach of your House. On the Subject of Christianity, I think the Divines of the last Centuary rather deserve a preference—Deism of late begins to speak proudly on this, Dr Leelands View of the Deistick writers may be Satisfactory. Socinianism that has slept for many years, has for it’s revival the patronage of that great philosoper, but wretched divine—Dr Priestley of London, who has lately wrote & published in favour of that antient heresy—but this I think any Sensible man who believes and understands his Bible may refute. but the Young generation is in danger from both these errors. For the hints thrown out above, I shall use no other appology, than that you know I am nearer the threescore & ten than you are—I think by the Space of fourteen years; and that we are bound to excite

each others remembrance. My health is Still tolerable, except in the extremities of the Season, both of which I find difficult. My Eldest Son Dr Armstrong has for upward of a year past laboured under a threatning disorder of the pulmonary kind—has for the benefit of the Sea Spent most of last summer in England, chiefly in London which he much dislikes, but is returned with no more apparent advantage than that his Cough only appears to have ceased, he is trying the utmost that a weak regimen may do—rideing as the weather will permit, intends to meet an early Spring on the Rappahannock and thence proceed to what is called the Sweet Springs in Agusta, of which his friends in Berkley, give in that complaint a very favourable account. I am Dear General, with the highest esteem Your invariable friend And most Obedt & humble Servant

John Armstrong

We hear nothing favourable nor certain from the Western Treaty—only it’s said it will be tedious, and that the Shawanese refuse to attend, but desire a Seperate treaty in the Spring.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Clarke, 25 January 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Clarke, Thomas

Sir,
Mt Vernon 25th Jan: 1785

In your name & behalf Mr Laurens, as he passed thro’ this State last Month on his way from the seat of Congress to Charleston —presented me a very handsome gold headed cane: & accompanied it with such favorable sentiments of your

good wishes towards the American revolution—& the flattering opinion you entertained of me, as to induce me, contrary to my usual custom, to accept of it. With this acknowledgment thereof, I beg you to receive my thanks for so evincive a mark of your esteem & approbation, & the assurances of my being—Sir, Yrs &c.

G: Washington