Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 23 February 1795
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Monticello [Va.] Feb. 23. 1795.

        You were formerly deliberating on the purpose to which you should apply the shares in the Patowmack & James river companies presented you by our assembly; and you did me the honor of asking me to think on the subject. as well as I remember, some academical institution was thought to offer the best application of the money. should you have finally decided in favor of this, a circumstance has taken place which would render the present moment the most advantageous to carry it into execution, by giving to it in the outset such an eclat, and such solid advantages, as would ensure a very general concourse to it of the youths from all our states & probably from the other parts of America which are free enough to adopt it. the revolution which has taken place at Geneva has demolished the college of that place, which was in a great measure supported by the former government. the colleges of Geneva & Edinburgh were considered as the two eyes of Europe in matters of science, insomuch that no other pretended to any rivalship with either. Edinburgh has been the most famous in medecine during the life of Cullen; but Geneva most so in the other branches of science, and much the most resorted to from the continent of Europe because the French language was that which was used. a Mr D’Ivernois, a Genevan, & man of science, known as the author of a history of

that republic, has proposed the transplanting that college in a body to America. he has written to me on the subject, as he has also done to Mister Adams, as he was formerly known to us both, giving us the details of his views for effecting it. probably these have been communicated to you by Mister Adams, as D’Ivernois desired should be done; but lest they should not have been communicated I will take the liberty of doing it. his plan I think would go to about ten or twelve professorships. he names to me the following professors as likely if not certain to embrace the plan. Mouchon, the present President, who wrote the Analytical table for the Encyclopedists, & which sufficiently proves his comprehensive science.
        Pictet, known from his admeasurement of a degree, & other works, professor of Natural philosophy.
        his brother, said by M. D’Ivernois to be also great. Senebier. author of commentaries on Spallanzani, & of other works in Natural philosophy & Meteorology; also the translater of the Greek tragedians.

            Bertrand
            }
            both mathematicians, and said to be inferior to nobody

            L’Huillier
            in that line, except La Grange, who is without an equal.

        Prevost. highly spoken of by D’Ivernois.
        De Saussure & his son, formerly a professor, but who left the college to have more leisure to pursue his geological researches into the Alps, by which work he is very advantageously known.
        most of these are said to speak our language well.
        of these persons, the names of Mousson, Pictet, de Saussure & Senebier, are well known to me, as standing foremost among the literati of Europe. secrecy having been necessary, this plan had as yet been concerted only with Pictet, his brother, & Prevost, who knew however, from circumstances that the others would join them: and I think it very possible that the revolution in France may have put it in our power to associate La Grange with them whose modest & diffident character will probably have kept him in the rear of the revolutionary principles, which has been the ground on which the revolutionists of Geneva have discarded their professors. most of these are men, having families, and therefore M. D’Ivernois observes they cannot come over but on sure grounds. he proposes a revenue of 15,000. D. for the

whole institution, & supposing lands could be appropriated to this object, he says that an hundred Genevan families can readily be found who will purchase & settle on the lands, and deposit for them the capital of which 15,000 D. would be the interest. in this revenue he means to comprehend a college of languages preparatory to the principal one of sciences; and also a third college for the gratuitous teaching of the poor reading & writing.
        It could not be expected that any propositions from strangers unacquainted with our means, & our wants, could jump at once into a perfect accomodation with these. but those presented to us would serve to treat on, and are capable of modifications reconcileable perhaps to the views of both parties.

          1. we can well dispense with his 2d & 3d colleges, the last being too partial for an extensive country, & the 2d sufficiently & better provided for already by our public & private grammar schools. I should conjecture that this would reduce one third of his demand of revenue, & that 10,000. D. would then probably answer their remaining views, which are the only important ones to us.
          2. we are not to count on raising the money from lands, & consequently we must give up the proposal of the colony of Genevan farmers. but, the wealth of Geneva in money being notorious, & the class of monied men being that which the new government are trying to get rid off, it is probable that a capital sum could be borrowed on the credit of the funds under consideration, sufficient to meet the first expences of the transplantation & establishment, and to supply also the deficiency of revenue till the profits of the shares shall become sufficiently superior to the annual support of the college to repay the sums borrowed.
          3. the composition of the academy cannot be settled there. it must be adapted to our circumstances, & can therefore only be fixed between them & persons here acquainted with those circumstances, & conferring for the purpose after their arrival here. for a country so marked for agriculture as ours, I should think no professorship so important as one not mentioned by them, a professor of agriculture, who, before the students should leave college, should carry them through a course of lectures on the principles & practice of agriculture; and that this professor should come from no country but England. indeed I should mark Young as the man to be obtained. these however are modifications to be left till their arrival here.

        Mr D’Ivernois observes that the Professors keep themselves disengaged till the ensuing spring, attending an answer. as he had desired his proposition to be made to our legislature, I accordingly got a member to sound as many of his brethren on the subject as he could, desiring if he found it would be desperate that he would not commit the honor either of that body or of the college of Geneva by forcing an open act of rejection. I received his information only a fortnight ago, that the thing was evidently impracticable. I immediately forwarded that information to D’Ivernois, not giving him an idea that there was any other resource. thinking however that if you should conclude to apply the revenues of the canal shares to any institution of this kind, so fortunate an outset could never again be obtained, I have supposed it my duty both to you & them, to submit the circumstances to your consideration.
        A question would arise as to the place of the establishment. as far as I can learn, it is thought just that the state which gives the revenue should be most considered in the uses to which it is appropriated. but I suppose that their expectations would be satisfied by a location within their limits, and that this might be so far from the federal city as moral considerations would recommend, & yet near enough to it to be viewed as an appendage of that, & that the splendour of the two objects would reflect usefully on each other.
        Circumstances have already consumed much of the time allowed us. should you think the proposition can be brought at all within your views, your determination, as soon as more important occupations will admit of it, would require to be conveyed as early as possible to Mister D’Ivernois now in London, lest my last letter should throw the parties into other engagements. I will not trespass on your time & attention by adding to this lengthy letter any thing further than assurances of the high esteem and respect, with which I have the honour to be, Dear Sir, your sincere friend & humble servt

          Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Richard Dobbs Spaight, 23 February 1795
From: Spaight, Richard Dobbs
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Newbern [N.C.] 23rd February 1795.

        In Conformity to my Letter to you of the  day of  last at the meeting of the Legislature I laid before them the Secretary of War’s letter wth its inclosures on the subject of the patroles on the frontiers of this State, and requested them to take the same into their Consideration and advise me thereon. I now do myself the Honor to enclose you a Copy of the report of the Committee to whom that Business was referred, concurred, with by both Houses of the General Assembly.
        As this State has no agent among the India⟨ns⟩ upon the Frontiers, I have not the proper means within my power to acquire the Information necessary to form an Opinion on the propriety of keeping in Service or discharging the Scouts. The Members from the Westward think that their having been in Service has been the Means of preventing the Indians from Committing depredations on the Citizens of this State and perhaps of preventing hostillities. If it has had this effect certainly the money expended in keeping them in service has been well laid out, not only in avoiding bloodshed, but a much greater expenditure of Money, which would have been the Case had it been necessary to have carried on a Campaign against the Indians to bring them to a sense of their duty.
        Situated as I am, without the necessary information respecting Indian Affairs or their disposition towards the U.S. I shall not take upon me to decide on the propriety of discharging the Patroles, but will defer giving any order on that Subject untill such time as I am instructed by you what to do. I am &c.

          R. D. Spaight


Title: To George Washington from George Cabot, 24 February 1795
From: Cabot, George
To: Washington, George

          Sir—
          february 24. 1795

        upon a review of Mr Jackson’s letters I perceive the apprehension of more severe labor than his present health might endure, with certain other considerations affecting the subsistence & welfare of his family forbid me at this moment to engage in his behalf that he wou’d attempt the arduous task of which you have spoken. if however Sir you shou’d think it eligible to appoint him to an office for which he has very valuable qualifications I shall most zealously contribute all in my power to reconcile him to the service. with the highest possible respect I remain Sir your obedient Servant

          George Cabot


Title: From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 24 February 1795
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

          Gentlemen of the Senate,
          United States Febry 24. 1795.

        I nominate the following persons to fill the offices respectively annexed to their names.
        Joseph Habersham, of Georgia, to be Post Master General; vice Timothy Pickering appointed Secretary of War.
        Jonathan Jackson, of Massachusetts, to be Comptroller of the Treasury; vice Oliver Wolcott Jr appointed Secretary of the Treasury.
        Tench Francis, of Pennsylvania, to be Purveyor of public supplies.
        John Overton, to be Supervisor of the Revenue, for the Disrict of Tenassee in the territory of the United States south West of the river ohio.
        John Frothingham, to be Inspector of the Revenue for Survey No. 1 in the District of Massachusetts.
        Constant Somers, to be Collector of the District of Great Egg Harbour in the State of New-Jersey; vice Daniel Benezet, superceded.

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 24 February 1795
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

          Treasury Departmt Feby 24. 1795.

        The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to transmit to the President of the United States a draft of a nomination to certain vacant offices.
        In case the supplementary collection law now on its passage shall be approved, certain offices will require to be filled before the first of May; for most of which proper characters have been brought in view. The Secretary of State concurs with me in opinion, that appointments are not necessary during the session of the Senate. All which is humbly submitted by

          Olivr Wolcott Jr Secy of the Treasy


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 25 February 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          New York Feby 25. 179[5]

        The evening I had last the pleasure of seeing you, you asked my opinion whether any and what measures could be taken with the Senate with reference to the Treaty with Great Britain in the event of its not arriving before the adjournment of the Legislature—I mentioned as a hasty thought that I feared it would be impracticable to detain them long in expectation of a Treaty not arrived; but that it might be adviseable immediately after the adjournment to notify another meeting as little distant as might be compatible with reasonable time of notice.
        On reflection this opinion appears to me not well founded—as to the last point—I fear the first part will be found true & that the body would not upon casualty remain many days together after the expiration of the session.
        In place of the course which I at first mentioned, I submit the following.
        “That the Secretary of State write a letter to each member present & absent announcing the expectation of the Treaty & that when arrived the Senate will be convened by a proclamation for a time not exceeding six weeks.”
        The letter of the Secy of State to be sent by land, & by water also to the most remote members, & when the proclamation for convening the Senate issues the same to be done; using special expresses for the land conveyance & having ready some swift sailing vessel for the water conveyance.
        With these precautions I think six weeks notice will be enough.
        The President cannot specially convene the Senate without announcing that an extraordinary occasion exists—He had when I left Philadelphia no such advice of the Treaty as would warrant the assertion & even if he had until it arrives there is a possibility of a miscarriage which might prevent his having it ready to lay before the Senate at the time of Meeting if they should be convened upon contingency—These reflections have led to the change of opinion. In great haste I have the honor to remain Sir Yr Affect. & Obed. servant

          A. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 25 February 1795
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

          private
          Dear Sir
          London 25 Feby 1795

        Your very friendly Letter of the 1 Novr last, gratified me not a little. The Insurrection had caused disagreable Sensations in this Country, the objects and Efforts of the Jacobin Societies in america were known here, and the hate of our Government was considered as being involved in that of the Insurrection. The manner in which it has terminated has given sincere Satisfaction to this Government, to whom all disorganizing Innovations give alarm—their confidence in your wisdom Decision and Energy has been confirmed by the Event.
        The Institution and Influence of such Societies among us, had given ⟨m⟩e much concern; and I was happy in percieving that the Suppression of the Insurrection, together with the character and fall of similar ones in France, would probably operate the Extinction of these mischievous associations in america.
        Your Remarks relative to my negociations are just and kind—I assure You, nothing on my part has been wanting to render the Conclusion of them as consonant as was possible to your Expectations & wishes.
        Perfectly apprized both of my Duty and Responsibility, I determined not to permit my Judgment to be influenced by any Considerations but those of public Good, under the Direction of my Instructions. I knew and know that no attainable Settlement or Treaty would give universal Satisfaction; and I am far from expecting that the one I have signed, will not administer occasion for calumny and Detraction. These are Evils which they who serve the People will always meet with. Demagogues will constantly flatter the Passions and Prejudices of the multitude; and will never cease to employ improper arts against those who

will not be their Instruments. I have known many Demagogues, but I have never known one honest man among them. These are among the Evils which are incident to human Life, and none of them shall enduce me to decline or abandon Pursuits, in which I may concieve it to be my Duty to embark or persevere. All creatures will act according to their nature, and it would be absurd to expect that a man who is not upright will act like one that is. The Time will come when all Books and Histories and Errors will be consumed, and when from their ashes Truth only will rise and prevail and be immortal.
        I observe from Mr Randolph’s Letters that certain articles of the Treaty will be considered as more objectionable than they appear to me. Before answers to his Letters could arrive, it’s Fate will be decided—If it should be ratified, additional articles may be negociated, and Defects supplied, and Explanations made. If it should not be ratified—I presume explicit Instructions will be immediately sent to me on the points in question; and I will do my best Endeavours to adjust them accordingly.
        You will herewith recieve a large Packet containing Papers & Letters—the former from Sr John Sinclair—The printed paper enclosed with this Letter I transmit by the Desire of Sir John Dalrymple. You will also find herewith enclosed a copy of an unofficial Letter to me from Lord Grenville, and a copy of the memorial mentioned in it. I have added a printed Report respecting Sierra Leone—the Information it contains may be new and agreable to You.
        among my Dispatches to Mr Randolph by this Ship, is a copy of a Letter I have recieved from Mr Monroe at Paris, and of two which I have written to him. The Expediency of correcting the mistakes which the french Convention seem to have embibed will doubtless strike You. From the last of my two Letters to Mr Munro you will remark that Col. Trumbull is going to Stutgard with my Consent—his presence there is necessary about some plates which an Eng[r]aver there has nearly finished for him.
        Be pleased to present my best compliments to Mrs Washington, and be assured of the perfect Respect Esteem and Attachment with which I am Dear Sir your obliged and affte Servt

          John Jay


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Pinckney, 25 February 1795
From: Pinckney, Thomas
To: Washington, George

          (Duplicate)
          My dear Sir,
          London 25th February 1795.

        An Incident has occurred which having no Connexion with my Mission does not form a part of my Letter to the Secretary of State but as I conceive you ought to be apprized of it I take the liberty of informing you that I am given to understand by a letter from Mr Monroe that he was instructed to declare to the Government of France that no power was given to Mr Jay to treat on commerce with this nation, but that he was restricted to the simple business of demandg the posts and compensation for injuries. Now as I have seen M: Jays instructions I imagine there must be some mistake in the wording or misconception in the interpretation of Mr Monroe’s which Circumstance being made known to you at an early period you may be able to obviate any ill Consequences that might otherwise result therefrom—This Consideration has induced me to impart this Intelligence although I am aware of the delicacy of any Interference of mine

on this Subject and I remain with affectionate Respect, My dear Sir, Your faithful and obedient Servant

          Thomas Pinckney

          In the above I have used my Cypher no. 2 (not noted in the Original).


Title: From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 25 February 1795
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

          Gentlemen of the Senate.
          United StatesFebruary 25. 1795.

        I nominate the following persons for promotions and appointments in the Army of the United States.

          Corps of Artillerists and Engineers

            Stephen Rochefontaine
            Lieutenant Colonel Commandt

            Lewis Tousard
            Major

            John Jacob Ulrick Rivardi
            ditto

            Constant Freeman junior Massachusetts
            ditto

            Abimael Youngs Nicol

            Captain 29th Novem. 1794 vice Taylor resigned

            Staats Morris

            ditto
            vice Williamson declined

            John M. Lovell
            Massachusetts
            Lieutenant to fill a vacancy occasioned by an original appointmt

            Peter Talman
            New Jersey
            ditto
            vice Grayson deceased

            Joseph Guimpe

            ditto
            vice Carter deceased

            John Saunders
            Virginia
            ditto
            vice Coleman declined

            Nathaniel Cudworth
            Massachusetts
            ditto
            vice Nicoll promoted

            Thomas Underwood
            Virginia
            ditto
            vice Smith resigned

            First Sub Legion

            Bezaleel Howe
            Major
            20th October 1794
            vice Hughes resigned

            Ferdinand Leigh Claiborne. Lieutenant 30 June
            vice Gaines promoted

            John Breck
            ditto
            ditto
            vice Shomberg ditto

            Edmund Taylor
            ditto
            1 July
            vice Wade ditto

            Elijah Strong
            ditto
            6 July
            vice Bird ditto

            Rezin Webster
            ditto
            11 July
            vice Montfort resigned

            Second Sub Legion

            Andrew Marschalk
            Captain 20th October 1794
            vice Howe promoted

            Howell Cobb
            Lieutenant
            vice Younghusband deceased

            Joseph Campbell
            ditto
            20th October 1794
            vice Marschalk promoted

            Third Sub Legion.

            Levi McClean
            Lieutenant 30 June 1794
            vice Craig killed

            Fourth Sub Legion

            Richard Butler
            Lieutenant 20 August 1794
            vice Towles killed

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from August 1795 de Grasse, 26 February 1795
From: Grasse, Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de (marquis de Tilly)
To: Washington, George

          Mon Général
          charleston [S.C.] le 26 fevrier 1795.

        j’ai reçu avec la plus Vive Sansibilité Le Service Essentiel que Vous avés Bien Voulu me rendre En maccordant une Commission de Sous-ingenieur pour ce departement. je n’ignore pas mon Général L’interet Et le Zêle que Vous y avés mis, Le Général Rochambeau, mon ami, m’En á fait part aussitot, je Vous avouë qu’il Etoit bien tems que j’obtinsse cette Grace de Vous dans L’Etat de detresse ou je me Voyois reduit ainsi que ma famille, Cependant L’incertitude que L’on me fait Craindre Sur la durée de cette place ne me Laisse pas Sans inquietude, au Surplus je me flatte que Vous Voudrés bien, mon Général, me Continuer Vos Bons offices. Et je ne Cesserai de m’En rendre digne En me Consacrant aux fonctions de mon Etat Et En me rendant Utile, autant qu’il Sera En mon pouvoir, au Service des Etats-Unis, toutes Les fois que j’En trouverai L’occasion. J’ai L’honneur D’Etre avec un três profond Respect Mon Général Votre três humble Et três obeissant Serviteur

          Auguste De Grasse


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 26 February 1795
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

          Treasy Departmt Feb: 26. 1795.

        The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit to the consideration of the President of the United States, the result of certain conditional proposals made to the Bank of the United States, for obtaining a Loan of Eight hundred thousand Dollars of that Institution.
        It is believed that the terms are as reasonable as, under present circumstances, can be expected, and accordingly the form of a power to the Secy of the Treasury to contract with the Bank, is herewith transmitted.

        All which is most respectfully submitted to the consideration of the President of the U. States

          Olivr Wolcott jr Secy of the Treasy


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 27 February 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

          Feby 27. 1795.

        E. Randolph has the honor of informing the President, that the power appears to be accurately drawn in form and substance. The word “last,” which the President has noted, is a part of the title of the law of this session; so that it would not be regular to recite the law of this session by any other name, than that, which congress have given to it. However, there does not seem to be any incorrectness in the use, which congress have made of the word last; because the fact is, that the loan, to be reimbursed, was “authorized by an act of the last session of congress.”
        E. Randolph will pursue the idea, which the President is pleased to intimate, respecting the Spanish affairs.
        He purposes to wait upon the President immediately after breakfast, upon the subject of Mr Johnson’s letter, respecting his water-lot. If the President has not answered it, he will perceive from the information, brought up by Dr Thornton, that something is wrong in this business.


Title: To George Washington from John Coverdale, 28 February 1795
From: Coverdale, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Henderskelf Moor-house near Malton YorkshireFebruary 28th 1795.

        By the various reports which have been lately circulated in the public prints concerning the yellow-fever having raged with such violence in America and the West-Indies—I take the liberty of addressing your excellency with a few ideas I have lately collected on the subject, relative to the asswaging of it’s further progress.
        When the contagion is first seen to break out in any town or village (if it is amongst the poorer sort of people) the first thing I recommend, is, for the magistrates or other peace-officers within the district to order all the families in which the sickness is, to be removed to houses or hospitals for that purpose, the sick to different places from the sound, but the places for both should be a mile or two from where the infection first took place—the sound people should be stript of all their cloathes and washed and shaved before they go into their new lodgings—these removals ought to be in the night when the streets are clear of people which will prevent less danger of spreading the infection—there should likewise be a line cast up round the hospitals so infected (to prevent the further circulation of the disorder) at a convenient distance, and proper guards ought to be placed to hinder people passing from it without due regulation to other places—all people who recover the illness or who shall have attended on the sick and are desirous of removing should perform at least three weeks quarantine in tents or other more convenient habitations, and should likewise have their heads shaved, their bodies well washed with water impregnated with vinegar and also fresh cloathes before they be permitted to depart the line—and the greatest care ought to be taken that none pass without conforming themselves to this order; both by keeping diligent watch, and by punishing with the greatest severity any that shall have done so, or attempt it—and the better to

discover such, it will be requisite to oblige all who travel in any part of the country, under the same penalties to carry with them certificates either of their coming from places not infected or of their passing the line by permission—for when a person gets off thus clandestinely, will be more likely to carry the distemper with him than a hundred who go away under the preceeding restrictions—As this management is necessary with respect to the poorer sort of people, so the rich who have conveniences, may, instead of being carried to hospitals be obliged to go to their country-houses, provided that care be always taken to keep the sound seperated from the infected, and at the same time all the inhabitants who are yet well should be permitted nay encouraged to leave the town which the thinner it is will be the more healthy—All expences should be paid by the publick, and no charges ought to be thought great, which are counterbalanced with the saving of a country from the greatest calamities—nor does it seem to me at all unreasonable that a reward should be given to the person that makes the first discovery of infection in any place; since it is undeniable that making known the evil to those who are provided with proper methods against it, is the first and main step towards the overcoming it.
        When the sick persons are gone to the hospitals particular care should be observed in destroying their cloathes and bedding and other articles which are supposed to harbour the quintessence of contagion, these should be taken out of the town in the night and burnt, buried very deep, or sunk in the Sea. for many persons may be recovered from a disease themselves and yet retain matter of infection about them a considerable time: as we have frequently seen the small-pox taken from those who have sometime before passed through the distemper. I am of opinion that the cloathes &c. of the deceased should not be burnt in the town, because in a close place some particles of the infection may possibly be dispersed by the smoke through the neighbourhood. the destroying of the cloathes bedding &c. of the sick should be particularly attended to, which should be accounted for to the poor at the public expence—What makes cotton so eminently dangerous is it’s great aptitude to imbibe and retain any sort of iffluvia near it; of which a certain great author has made a particular experiment, by causing some cotton to be placed for one day near a piece of flesh from an

amputated limb, in a bell-glass, but without touching it; for the cotton imbibed so strong a taint, that being put up in a close box it retained it’s offensive smell above ten Months, and would he believes kept for years—if instead of fumes of putrified flesh from a sound body, this cotton had been thus impregnated with the fumes of corrupted matter from a person sick of any contagious disorder he makes no doubt but it would have communi[c]ated infection—and this experiment would have succeeded in both cases if instead of cotton; silk, wool, feathers, furs, hair, hemp, flax or such like spongy substances had been inclosed in the vessel: animal substances being the most apt to attract the volatile particles which come from bodies of the same nature with themselves—As soon as the sick are removed from their houses if they are remote enough from any other buildings the best way would be to have them demolished but the greatest care should be taken in having every substance removed which harbours the contagion—the houses or hospitals which contain the sick should be well cleaned and aired, for as nastiness is a great scourse of infection so cleanliness is the greatest preservative, which shews to us the true reason why the poor are most obnoxious to contagious disorders, for while the contagion is kept nursed up in a house it is impossible but the air should become tainted in so eminent a degree as to spread the infection into the neighbourhood on the first outlet—the shutting up of houses so infected is only keeping so many seminaries of contagion sooner or later to be dispersed abroad: for the waiting a month or longer from the death of the last patient, will avail no more than keeping a bale of infected goods unpacked, the poison will fly out, whenever the pandora’s box is opened. and it has been remarked of the Persians that though their country is surrounded every Year with the plague they seldom or never suffer any thing by it themselves: and it is likewise known that they are the most cleanly people of any in the world, and that many among them make it a great part of their religion to remove filthiness and nuisances of every kind from all places about their cities and dwellings. The insides of houses which contain the sick should be often washed with vinegar mixed with nitre or camphor—the steam of vinegar from a red hot iron or tile may be of some service, but the rooms should be kept as cool as possible—the fuel made use of should be that which admits of the purest heat—I have thought

of a method which I have seen used in Yorkshire, when there was a contagious distemper raging amongst the horned-cattle which I think may in some probability be of service on this subject. and that is when cattle have been disordered in one field, those in the fields adjoining being well and healthy owing to nothing (I belive) than rubbing their noses with tar—if therefore Animals can be secured from Diseases incident to their nature by such an article, I cannot conceive (any reason) why some such like application should not have a similar advantage on the human species, (but I refer it to greater judges than myself to determine) I therefore recommend tar to be rubbed on the doors and windows of every house, where the fever rages, (every Day) nay even in the inside of houses especially near the sick—and a little oil or spirits of tar being rubbed in different places may perhaps have no bad effect in checking the effluvia of the distemper.
        At the same time that this care is taken of houses the proper officers should be strictly charged to see that the streets be washed and kept clean from filth, carrion and all manner of nuisances; which should be carried away in the night time—the streets being first cleaned, should be washed with water well impregnated with vinegar juice of lemons or any other acid quality. There should also be large round fire-grates with kettles containing Tar or resin placed in different parts of the streets especially at the corners, but the fuel made use of should be that which admits of the purest heat—the smell of which will assist in dispersing the smell of the contagion, as well as purifying the air. These fires should be kept up in the night as well as the Day—but should be extinguished for about 4 or 5 hours in the middle of the day if it prove warm weather. To keep at a distance from the sick ought to be strictly adhered to, and to such who have but lately recovered—for the greater security herein it will be adviseable to avoid all crowds of people—nay the magistrates should oblige all who get over the disease to confine themselves for some time before they appear abroad—The advice to keep at a distance from the sick is also to be understood of the dead bodies, which should be buried at as great a distance from dwelling-houses as may be put deep in the earth at some distance from each other, and covered with the exactest care—the Coffins should be well rubbed with spirits of tar, or camphorated spirits of wine; the dead bodies should be carried out in the night, while they are

yet fresh and free from putrefaction; and there ought to be fire-grates with some kettles of tar or resin set near the graves, as soon as the remains are interred—As all reasonable provisions should be made for the sound and sick who perform quarantine, so the strict keeping of it ought to be inforced by the severest penalties—and if a ship comes from any place where the contagion has raged at the time of the ships departure from it, with more than usual Violence; it will be the securest method to sink all the goods and even the ship sometimes, especially if any on board has died of the disease—Nor ought this further caution to be omitted that when the contagion has ceased in any place by the approach of winter, it will not be safe to open a free trade with it too soon—because there are instances of the distemper’s being stopt by the winter’s cold, and yet the seeds of it not destroyed, but only kept unactive till the warmth of the following spring has given them new life and force—which I fear will be the same with the Yellow fever which has been so destructive in the continent of Ame[r]ica! If the within rules had been strictly adhered to when the fever first broke out at Grenada—I am certain that the contagion would not have made so rapid a progress.
        I shall be glad to hear of your receiving this, as also of the fever being entirely abated. I am, Sir, Your excellency’s Most obdt & humble Servt

          John Coverdale

          P.S. I would advise all people who visit the sick to chew tobacco, or any other substance which excites the saliva; and always to be prepared with a piece of camphor near their breasts or a few drops of spirits of tar may answer the same purpose.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 28 February 1795
From: Johnson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          George Town [D.C.] 28th February 1795.

        I have been here from the 26th of December to the 10th of January and from the 7th or 8th Instant ’till the writing of this, Time sufficient to form a pretty good Idea of Things: with the Frankness you have often invited Mr Carroll from his State of Health and other Circumstances must go out and I perceive that the success of the City will much depend on your next Choice and I hope and believe you may make a Choice to your Mind.
        The Success of the City has now become important to your Reputation, it is a favorite Object with you and not less so with me though the Reward will be as unequal as our Powers and Merits for you will stand as the first Figure confessed to posterity the noblest Reward to inflame a generous Mind whilst I shall be sunk in the undistinguished Group in the back Ground. Need I tell you that I take the same Interest in your Success and Honor as in my own.
        The chief Purpose of this is to guard you against Applications till you are on the Spot and get Information through the purest Medium as far as possible even to see for yourself.
        I intend to fall in your way as you pass through this place, for meeting with you I consider as one of the pleasures I have left to me—not to buz—I have quarrelled with the new Commissioners and guarding you against my passions as against the Passions of others I claim a sentimental Relationship to you and profess as I feel myself Your affectionate Servant.

          Th. Johnson


Title: To George Washington from David Lenox, 28 February 1795
From: Lenox, David
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philadelphia 28th February 1795

        When I agreed to accept the appointment of Comptroller of the Treasury for a time it was not on the presumption that it would be permanent, but I freely confess that I conceived it was meant as a compliment and with a desire to forward my views in public life beyond the appointment I held as Marshal of the Pennsylvan⟨ia⟩ District, in which I have sacrificed both time and property—Whatever regard Sir I may have for the propriety of your arrangements, the manner of my being placed in my present situation has wounded my feelings more than any thing that ever occured to me in the whole course of my life; and in justice to them must declare that my continuing long in Office after another is appointed to fill it, would be painful to me, however as it is proper to give time for the arrival of Mr Jackson I will continue to act ’till the last day of March next. and if he should arrive sooner the more agreeable it will be to me. After that period I shall not consider myself in Office, and this will comprehend not only a resignation of the Office I hold as Comptroller of the Treasury protempore, but also of the Office of Marshal of the Pennsylvania District. With every sentiment of respect and esteem I am. Sir Your very Obedt Servant

          D. Lenox

          P.S. It may be proper in me to Mention that I have shewn this letter to Mr Randolph & Mr Wolcott who both are of opinion that the contents may give you some uneasiness, God forbid Sir that this should be the case, my heart tells me that I am incapable of such a deed—my sole view is to do justice to my own feelings without injury to yours.


Title: Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., February 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

          War-Office Feby 28. 1795.

        Mr Dandridge will be pleased to hand the inclosed letter and papers from Genl Wayne to the President.

        The result of the Conference at Greenville between General Wayne & the Indians is this.
        That a general treaty shall be held at Greenville about the 15th of next June, with the Chippawas, Ottawas, Pattawatamies, Sakies and Miamis, to conclude on articles of peace; agreeably to preliminary articles signed the 21st of January.
        In General Wayne’s speech dated January 1st, to Tarhe & other Chiefs at Sandusky, he has this passage. “The Miamis say that the Chiefs of the remaining hostile tribes had acceeded to the prevailing opinion and wish for peace; and that those Chiefs are now on their way to this place (Greenville) & may be expected in the course of a few days after the arrival of the Chiefs of the five nations before mentioned.” The papers received do not announce their arrival. The information of the Miamis was communicated by Colo. Hamtranck from the post at the Miami Villages.
        I have thus mentioned the object and result of the conference for the President’s information, if he should not have leisure to read all the papers, which are not interesting. I may except the speech of Richardville, a Miami Chief, of one of the most hostile tribes, & which is very short—and the preliminary articles for suspending hostilities.

          T. Pickering


Title: From George Washington to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 28 February 1795
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

          United States February 28th 1795
          Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives.

        In my first communication to Congress during their present Session, I gave them reason to expect, that “certain circumstances of our intercourse with foreign nations” would be transmitted to them. There was at that time every assurance for believing, that some of the most important of our foreign affairs would have been concluded, and others considerably matured, before they should rise. But, notwithstanding I have waited until this moment, it has so happened, that either from causes, unknown to me, or from events, which could not be controuled, I am yet unable to execute my original intention. That I may, however, fulfil the expectation given, as far as the actual situation of things will in my judgment permit; I now, in confidence, lay before Congress the following general statement.
        Our Minister near the French Republic has urged

compensation for the injuries, which our Commerce has sustained from captures by French Cruisers, from the nonfulfilment of the contracts of the Agents of that Republic with our Citizens and from the Embargo at Bourdeaux. He has also pressed an allowance for the money, voted by Congress for relieving the inhabitants of Saint Domingo. It affords me the highest pleasure to inform Congress, that perfect harmony reigns between the two Republics; and that those claims are in a train of being discussed with candor, and of being amicably adjusted.
        So much of our relation to Great Britain may depend upon the result of our late negociations, in London, that until that result shall arrive, I cannot undertake to make any communication upon this subject.
        After the negociation with Spain had been long depending, unusual and unexpected embarrassments were raised to interrupt its progress. But the Commissioner of his Catholic Majesty near the United States, having declared to the Secretary of State that, if a particular accommodation should be made in the conducting of the business, no further delay would ensue, I thought proper, under all circumstances, to send to his Catholic Majesty, an Envoy Extraordinary, specially charged to bring to a conclusion the discussions, which have been formerly announced to Congress.
        The friendship of her most faithful Majesty has been often manifested, in checking the passage of the Algerine Corsairs into the Atlantic Ocean. She has also furnished occasional convoys to the vessels of the United States, even when bound to other ports than her own. We may therefore promise ourselves, that as in the ordinary course of things few causes can exist for dissatisfaction between the United States and Portugal; so the temper, with which accidental difficulties will be met on each side, will speedily remove them.
        Between the Executive of the United States and the Government of the United Netherlands, but little intercourse has taken place during the last year. It may be acceptable to Congress to learn, that our credit in Holland is represented, as standing upon the most respectable footing.
        Upon the death of the late Emperor of Morocco, an Agent was dispatched to renew with his successor, the treaty, which the United States had made with him. The Agent unfortunately died, after he had reached Europe in the prosecution of his mission. But until lately, it was impossible to determine, with any degree

of probability, who of the competitors for that Empire would be ultimately fixed in the Supreme power. Although the measures, which have been since adopted for the renewal of the treaty, have been obstructed by the disturbed situation of Amsterdam, there are good grounds for presuming, as yet, upon the pacific disposition of the Emperor in fact towards the United States and that the past miscarriage will be shortly remedied.
        Congress are already acquainted with the failure of the loan, attempted in Holland for the relief of our unhappy fellow-citizens in Algiers. This subject, than which none deserves a more affectionate zeal, has constantly commanded my best exertions. I am happy therefore in being able to say, that from the last authentic accounts, the Dey was disposed to treat for a peace and ransom, and that both would in all probability have been accomplished, had we not been disappointed in the means. Nothing which depends upon the Executive shall be left undone, for carrying into immediate effect the supplementary act of Congress.

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Gerar William de Brahm, c.1 March 1795
From: Brahm, John William Gerar de
To: Washington, George

        c.1 March 1795. “For want of opportunity to approach” GW, Brahm is “confined to this public conveyance [newspaper publication] to trust a public concern of great moment in the eyes of thousands.”
        “Euphratia, impiously called America, after an arrogant European, is inhabited ever since one century after the Deluge by a people originally called Dehutes, descending from one of the ten sons of Askenas, great grandson by Gomer to Noah. These Dehutes are now improperly called Indians.”
        The European nations have “spoiled the land for the Aborigenes, who, with partial generosity and partial weakness, submitted to this practice.” In consequence, “the Jasoo lands, chiefly possessed by the Cherokee Nation, (driven from their original habitations between Savannah and Tanessee rivers to a distance 300 miles west) is bought, and selling, without inquiring whether this scattered, peeled, and meted out, yea people trodden down, can or cannot do without it, or are willing to dispose of their most antient possession.

        “This Jasoo land is said to be an acquisition by a surrender of the Nation to the Crown of Great Britain,” but “No surrender at that distance ever existed, except it be one tract of 700 acres of land the Upper Cherokee Nation ceded for ever to support a garrison in a fort, at anno 1774.” A discussion of the construction of Fort Loudoun in 1756 and its surrender to the Cherokees in 1760 is submitted in evidence.


Title: To George Washington from William Vans Murray, 1 March 1795
From: Murray, William Vans
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Union Street 1. March 1795.

        Agreeably to the wish you did me the honour of intimating last session I have endeavoured to obtain information respecting Mr Magowan’s case—I have not been successful though I have written to several gentlemen at & near Annapolis.
        The inclosed from Mr Duval, the Member, is an answer to a letter I wrote to him, uninformed as I was of his being attorney for the administrator. It may from some expressions perhaps be to a certain degree confidential.
        Inclosed I do myself the pleasure of restoring to you Mr Magowan’s letter. I am with most perfect respect Sir your most obedient Servant

          W. V. Murray.


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 1 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

          Mr Pearce,
          Philadelphia March 1st 1795.

        I have to acknowledge the rect of your letter of the 22d ulto, and shall give you my sentiments upon the several matters required.
        With respect to the fishery, I am of opinion, that, selling them all to one man, is best: and that if Mr Smith will give five shillings pr thousand for herrings, and twelve shillgs a hundred for the shad, and will oblige himself to take all you have to spare, that you had better strike, & enter into a written agreement with him. By which agreement, he must be bound to receive or pay for, all you do not want for my own use, and to fill the 100 barls you are getting made. for you will recollect, that both these species of fish run in what are called gluts; at which time if he is not prepared for their reception, & compelled to take them, I shall loose the market; and fishing thereby will become rather a loss than benefit; as, without this, he being the only purchaser, you would only draw the Sein as he could (conveniently) cure the fish by wch means, when the fish are moving up in a body & when ten for one (at another time) might be caught, he might not receive them; and, of course, your harvest would be lost. Having an hundred barrels of your own, will, in some measure secure you against the extent of this evil; but it ought, nevertheless, to be guarded against. Another thing is to be understood between you, and that is, that he is not to interfere with the house where your fish & Salt will be. I never chose to sell to Waggeners; there horses have always been found troublesome, & themselves indeed not less so, being much addicted to the pulling down & burning the fences. If you do not sell to Smith, the next best thing is to sell to the Watermen.
        I do not know for what purpose an order of Court is to be obtained (by Mr Washington) for the purpose of Surveying the land which he, for himself, or others, hold on four mile run. If all the parties concerned agree to Survey, and mark their boundaries, it may be done without the interference of the Court. If they do not (as there is no suit pending) I should not like to have any line marked that is to establish my boundary without being present myself, to see that I had justice done me. As far as I am able, at the present moment, & under probable events, to form an opinion I expect to be at Mount Vernon about the 15th or

20th of April. If therefore the parties interested, will endeavor to accomodate matters to that time, I will endeavor to be present at the Survey of the Lands adjoining to mine. It is to be observed however, that public business will not put it so much in my power to accomodate myself to their convenience, as it may be in their power to yield to mine; which obliges me to speak more in general terms of being at Mount Vernon—than definitely.
        I agree to your taking up the young Cedars along the Creek side, and transplanting them in the lane you propose; and am glad to find you have managed the Cedar berries in the manner you have mentioned; they certainly will make a good hedge, & are a tree of quick growth.
        I agree also, and indeed strongly recommend, your breaking up the Lucern lot by the Spring; and wish that it may be extremely well plowed, harrowed and prepar’d for Lucern & clover seed mixed; the former of which (if any fresh & good can be had) I will send from hence.
        Oznabrigs also shall be sent from hence: but do not let the work stop for want; for I do not suppose it is to be purchased upon much, if any better terms here, than in Alexandria. Do you not mean to spin, for linnen, the flax that has been raised on the Estate the two last years?
        You may inform Mr Bayley, when occasion offers, that It is not certain now, that the same price for which I offered the small piece of land I hold on Difficult run, would tempt me to part with it; since I find by enquiry, that lands of worse quality, & not more convenient to the federal City, on the Maryland side of the Potomack, are selling from twenty to 30 dollars pr Acre without any extra: advantage to recommend them, whereas mine has a good Mill seat on the Main run of Difficult; and, in my opinion, a still better one on what is called the Bridge branch thereof; and a considerable proportion of the tract capable of being converted into good meadow—it ⟨lies⟩ on the main road from Alexandria to Leesburg⟨h⟩—only 19 measured miles from the former, & not more than three from the Great falls, or Matilda ville. As to renting it, it is hardly worth mentioning these terms; but as the question has been asked you, and as the lowest price I ever will take for the land is £1500 Virginia Cury which I have been offered (differing only on the interest of the unpaid money) it will not be expected that I should hereafter sell which wd bring me in less annual profit than that Sum would do at five pr Ct annually.

        I think Mr Stuart ought to be informed if ever Fowlers Ben comes on the Farm you are to give him a good whipping, & forbid his ever returning. I am. Your friend

          Go: Washingtono

          P.S. You might make a transcript of the foregoing paragraph respecting my land on Difficult run—and with the plat, send it to him (as from yourself) as my answer—that is, you need not mention it was done by my direction.


Title: To George Washington from James Gunn and Thomas P. Carnes, c.2 March 1795
From: Gunn, James,Carnes, Thomas P.
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          [c.2 March 1795]

        In obedience to the will of the General Assembly of the State, we have the honour to represent. We beg leave to lay before the President of the United States, an Act passed by the Legislature of the State of Georgia, on the 28th day of December last. By a reference to the seventh section of the aforementioned Act, it will be perceived, that it is the duty of the senators, and Representatives of that State, in the Congress of the United States, to apply without loss of time, for a treaty to be held with the tribes, or Nations of Indians, claiming the right of soil to certain lands, as described in the said Act, lying beyond the present temporary boundary line. The General Assembly, at the time they passed this law, appear to have had in view, the operation of an Act of the General Government, entitled “An Act to regulate trade, and intercourse, with the Indian Tribes”—and in conformity thereto, they have appointed three respectable Citizens, to attend as Agents, on the part of the state, and appropriated the sum of thirty thousand dollars, for the purpose of defraying the expence of a treaty, and extinguishing the claims of Indians, if any there be, to lands lying within the boundaries, described in

the said Act. And to the end that the said treaty may be held, conducted, and concluded, in a fair, open, and honourable manner, and agreeable to the principles contained in the eighth section of the above recited Act of the United States—We have to request on the part of the state of Georgia, that a Commissioner, or Commissioners be immediately appointed, and the time, and place fixed on, for holding a treaty, with the aforesaid Indian tribes. It cannot have escaped the observation of the Executive, that a number of the frontier Citizens of the state of Georgia, have for several years past remained Captives, to a cruel, and barbarous enemy, and that many of those who have been so fortunate, as to avoid captivity, and preserve their lives, are reduced to extreme indigence, from the continued predatory war carried on against them by Indian tribes.
        We anticipate with confidence, that an early period will be fixed on, for holding a treaty, and hope that it may eventuate in a restoration of all the unfortunate sufferers, to their distressed families, and effectually secure the peace, and happiness of those, whose lot it is to reside on a frontier.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2 March 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

          Monday March 2. 1795.

        E. Randolph has the honor of informing the President, that by one o’clock to-day he will be able to give him the sense of the senate, or at least of the most influential characters, respecting the time of meeting upon the treaty.
        The committee were sitting upon the Georgia business yesterday; and Col. Pickering was attending, as he promised. E. Randolph takes the liberty of suggesting to the President the necessity of immediately communicating to congress proper parts of Seagrove’s dispatches. Colo. Pickering undertook to have them ready by this morning.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2 March 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

          Monday [2 March 1795]

        E. Randolph has the honor of enclosing to the President a calculation of the time for convening the senate.
        E. Randolph has seen Mr Hammond, who thinks, that one of the three modes, would be perfectly official or formal. But as he has agreed to convey the necessary intelligence to England, E. Randolph will submit to the President a letter to Mr Hammond in the morning, and will also write to Mr Pinckney’s secretary.
        Mr Wolcott is pushing the vessel for Colo. Humphreys, as fast as he can.


Title: From George Washington to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 2 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

          United States March 2d 1795.
          Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives.

        It appears from the Information, which I have lately received, that it may be probably necessary to the more successful conduct of our affairs on the coast of Barbary that one Consul should reside in Morocco another in Algiers and a third in Tunis or Tripoli. As no appointment for these offices will be accepted without some Emolument annexed I submit to the consideration of Congress whether it may not be adviseable to authorize a stipend to be allowed to two Consuls for that Coast in addition to the one already existing.

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 2 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

          United States March 2d 1795.
          Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives.

        I transmit to you copies of a letter from the Governor of the State of Delaware, and of an Act inclosed, “declaring the assent of that State to an amendment therein mentioned to the Constitution of the United States.”

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Adams, 3 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

          United States [Philadelphia] March 3. 1795.

        Certain matters touching the public good, requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Monday the 8th of June next; you are desired to attend at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such communications as shall be made to you on my part.

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Elisha Bennett, 3 March 1795
From: Bennett, Elisha
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Kinderhook Landg State of New York March 3 1795

        I am Under the Necessity of presenting these few lines to his Excellency Setting forth my greivences, I served on Board of the Continental Frigate, Called the Trumbel Dudley Saltin-stall Commander, Thirteen Months & 6 days as second mate at 15 Dollrs ⅌ month and never received but Seventy Two Dollars of my wages I have repeatedly applyed to that honorable body

the Continental Congress for redress but Cannot Obtain any, for what reasons I Cannot Tell, as my name is On the ships books at Philedelpha.
        I now appeal to his Excellency as the last recorse I have to recover my Just & lawfull demands, and through which Medium I hope to obtain some Satisfaction, for my past services in favour of the Country—which I was faithful in Executing the Commands Laid upon me, I now feel the want of my labour, being Old myself and having a Large family of Children to maintain and nothing to do it with but my naked hands, which if my Country would pay me what I have Faithfully earned, would afford me a Comfortab[l]e Subsistance now in my Old Age, those greivances here Stated are real facts, which I hope his Excellency will so far take notice of, as to put me in some way to Come at my Just due And as in Duty bound your petitioner will ever pray.

          Elisha Bennett


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 4 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

          My dear Sir,
          Philadelphia March 4th 1795.

        Your favor of the 23d instant came duly to hand. The letters which I write to acquaintances, or friends, are done at no great expence of time, or thought. They are off-hand productions; with little attention to composition or correctness; and even under these circumstances, are rarely attempted when they interfere with my public duties.
        From what you have written, and from what I have heard from others, I hope Mr Weston is on the Potomack ‘ere this; and that much benefit may be expected from the Visit. He is certainly a judicious man; with both theory & practice united. I am pleased to hear that the Locks which have been erected at the little falls have stood the test of a first trial, so well; and this pleasure will be increased if Mr Weston should make a favorable report of them.
        An unlucky dispute has happened, or is likely to happen I find, between the present Commissioners and Mr Johnson (one of the old set)—These things, under any view in which they can be placed are extremely unpleasant, and are rendered more so when they are brought before me. The points in dispute have not come before me in detail; the main one, I am told is, whether the lots adjoining Rock Creek above the Stone bridge come under the description of Water lots; and would be so construed in the contract between the former Commissioners & Mr Greenleaf. From what I have learnt, it is a question of some magnitude; in as much, as establishing a principle, applicable to that case, will have an extensive effect in favor of, or adverse to, the public property in the City. This being the case, let me ask you, to collect the sentiments of the judicious about you, in the City & in George Town, as far as it is to be drawn from casual (at least not from forced) conversations, respecting the dispute; & to inform me thereof. You will readily perceive that it is for my own, & private information, my request to you proceeds: both the request & answer to it will then of course, be confined to ourselves. With affecte regard—I am Yr sincere frd

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 4 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

          Sir,
          Philadelphia March ⟨4⟩th 1795

        It is my desire that you would, with as little delay as can be avoided, examine all the acts of the last session of Congress; and report such parts as call for the particular attention of the Executive; that they may be put into a proper course of execution.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Rutherford, 4 March 1795
From: Rutherford, Robert
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Philada March 4th 1795

        I am about leaving the City & therefore trouble you with this address for several reasons. First as a patriot who ardently wishes the prosperity of our common Country, for which I have exerted all my powers, with uncommon perseverence, devested of selfish Views. Secondly I wish to assure you in the sincerity of a heart & mind that knows your innate worth and with the same sincerity wishes your temporal happiness, that occasions my offering in artless terms a few things comporting with these sentiments & to point at the private wrongs that I have sustained. If I know my own heart I am superior to flattery and now have nothing to ask, but a continuance of your friendship which indeed I Value Very highly. First as I Consider you a Patriot in the fullest acceptation of that noble charactor. Secondly as possessing a train of manly Virtues the attendants on Very few and Thirdly as the Man who under the benign influence of a superintendent Providence Conducted us through the most perilous & Malignant war that ever was waged against a generous people now rising under the same good Providence & your Paternal guidea[n]ce, very rapidly in the great Scale of Nations. Respecting myself I find my

opponants (and it is a pity that pride and envy should opperate thus powerfully) are casting dark hints that I encouraged the insurgents & disapproved of your Conduct on that trying occasion, than which nothing was ever less founded, even in probability, which I declare to you upon my honour. And so far from the most indirect Censure I warmly advocated the measure in private & in public and offered my reasons, that as the Four Western County’s of Pensila were Violently agitated and partizans at Carlyle and Bedford as well as at Hagers Town Maryland, and a few ignorant people in ohio County in our State. I contended, that prudence dictated calling forth a very respectable number of Militia and observed at the same time with much pleasure your Paternal attention, in going, to the head of the men in arms, and informing them Strictly not to infringe in the least the civil authority of the people, and these brave men & their leaders, have acquired great Credit, as well in suppressing a spirit so dangerous as by observing that wise injunction. And now you will add to the lusture of your high character, by extending mercy to the utmost to those ignorant men who have incurred the penalty of the law. I know such charity for the uninformed, comports with your goodness of heart and I am convinced, that it is coincident with Sound policy as Sanguinary Spectacles might Create an aversion to the goverment of which it is impossible to form adequate Ideas untill such spectacles were Exhibited to View, and when they have suffered long in Prison and fleeced by mercenary attornys, their sufferings will be pretty great. It is Cruel and unjust to acuse me of formenting such Violence, but I am happily at the defiance, of the bitterest enmity to say that I had correspondance or the most distant knowledge of their secret Machinations. No My Dear Sir I did not sustain so many anxious Hours and Contribute my utmost unceasing toils with the first Patriots, persevere to the last, and sacrifice one of the best Estates in the union by a laudable desire to support public Credit—to Countenance at this period of my life a spirit of anarchy, Violence & disorder, that would totally defeat all the labours of Patriotism, and render of no effect the noble conflicts—in so many fields of battle where the generous and the brave have bled and died for their Country! and to endeavour to introduce outrage & spoilings beyond Expression, and all this to distroy an Excellent goverment & please our inveterate

enimies and the professed enemies of liberty & equality in general. My opponants conceived they had gained a great point when I at times used arguments to soften such minds as I thought too highly inflamed against the insurgents fearing from their threats that they might Commit acts injurious to the public safety and the American charactor, but Contended in the firmest tone that you had done what was perfectly right in calling out the Militia, and that these men must Submit to the Laws, and that so far as I could strengthen the public arm they should submit, and accordingly, sent the only grandson, a meer Boy, (my own sons being dead) in the ranks at my Expence, when every dollar was to me a very serious thing, And my brothers only two sons with My grandson went as vollunteers. I am well aware of the difficulty attending your arduous station. But I entreat you to persevere for the good of the union and an affectionate generous people who place great & entire confidence in you as a common Parent. These are sincere truths influenced by friendship and Patriotism, unalterable. you will no doubt say to your own heart I have sustained for a long time, every peril & unequal toils, beyond Expression, I have obtained the high prize for the people, and surely I may be permitted the injoyment of domestic comforts like other Citizens. These sentiments are just. But Heaven has favoured you with a mind susceptible of inlarged Ideas, a sacred regard for the rights of a people who have done things most astonishing and given tone to another mighty people with whom we are happily in strict amity. and you are happily in a state of compleat independance & affluence, while I have lost my Estate by a generous Zeal to serve our country tho none have or can loos by me Notwithstanding the Very great and unequal loss by me sustained. I repeat it your station is arduous in the extreme, amidst such a variety of opinions as will of course be afloat in a free goverment like ours, and where many cannot divest themselves of an Idea—that the few Powers, which the sovereign independant States have been induced for the common benefit to dellegate to the Federal Goverment, should be exorcised to impress the minds of the people with terror and the moneyed interest is suddenly alarmed whenever the People speak out. But I can declare, that all parties regard you with uncommon reverence and sincere Esteem, and further that the people are wise temperate and determined, not to be cast into tumult or

commotions by any, and tho the unbiased & disinterested Consider the funding system injurious by Creating a Monyed interest that will ever opperate against the true interest of the people at large by accumilating a vast public debt—to the agrandisement of a few while the first Creditor has become a prey to the designing purchaser who obtained it for one Fourth the value and often less and when these things or any other error in the legislature have been broached the party are in a high fever—and they represent the Constitution as in danger pretend to make you the rallying Point wound their own minds with unreal fears so truly ridiculous that it exites laughter, but to say that the people are dissattisfied and aim at overturning the goverment, is untrue to the last degree. The people have a right no doubt to speak freely of their own goverment after all that they have suffered to obtain it—I can say with great sincerity, that I highly Esteem your Person because I am truly convinced of your worth, and such are the sentiments of the people, and I, as an individual, have proved you on every and the most trying occasions to be the firm friend of the people and their rights, which are really sacred, and if it were in the power of this goverment to silence them the most fatal consequences would insue, as the man who’s body or mind is enslaved is bereft of all his Virtues. Continue at your important post, I intreat you & rather incline to the public mind when no danger to the people is in the way, by which you will insure their Zealous affections and continue to render our country services of unspeakable moment. I have the Honr to be with guileless Sincerity Dear Sir your Most Hble Sert

          R. Rutherford


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 6 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

          Dear Sir
          Philadelphia March 6th 1795.

        About the 20th of last month I received a letter from you dated at George Town the 12th of Jany—but which, I presume, ought to have been dated the 12th of February.
        It came to hand at a time when the Session of Congress was drawing to a close, and of course when the business of it pressed upon me. I therefore laid it aside to be acknowledged by Mr Potts, but missing that opportunity, I was about to do it by Post, when your other favor of the 28th Ult. came to hand.
        It is with great regret I found by both, that a difference had arisen between the Commissioners & yourself; of the precise nature of which I have only a general knowledge. No opinion of mine, on the nature of it, has yet been given; nor, if it respects property, or the construction of a contract, may there be propriety in my doing it. Sincerely do I wish, however, that this dispute had not arisen; & as sincerely that it could be amicably adjusted upon principles of strict justice.
        To say precisely when I shall be in the federal City, on my way to Mount Vernon (for a very short stay) is more than I am able, but it is more likely to happen between the 10th & 15th of April than at any other time I could name at present.

        Mr Carroll has intimated his intention of relinquishing his present Post. To fill it with a well qualified character, in its various relations & duties, is of high importance to the welfare of the City. But where is this character to be found? Doctr Stuart has named one, who in his opinion, would answer well; but I stand committed to none, nor for none, nor shall I, before I visit the city (if this shall happen in the time that is expected). If any person, or persons should have come within your view, I should be grateful for their names; and the sooner I receive them the better, that I may have a little time for reflexion & comparison altho’ the subject may be more fully dilated upon when (from what you have written) I may hope, and shall expect, to meet you in George Town—at which time many other matters respecting the federal city may be travelled over. That both of us wish it well, there can be no doubt; and that justice will be rendered to your exertions to bring it to what it now is, and for your future endeavors to promote its growth, & to raise it into importance, I have as little hesitation in declaring. With very great esteem & regard, I am Dear Sir Your Obedt & Affecte Servt

          Go: Washington

          P.S. If any occurrance, unforeseen at present, should retard my visit to Mount Vernon—or if it should happen sooner than the 10th of April, I will advise you thereof by the Post. for, business aside, I shall always have pleasure in meeting you


Title: From George Washington to Mr. West, 6 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: West, Mr.

          March 6. 1795.

        The President of the United States, requests the Pleasure of Mr West’s Company to Dine, on Saturday 14th Inst. at 4 o’Clock.
        An answer is requested.


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 8 March 1795
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

          My dear Sir,
          Georgetown [D.C.] March 8th 1795.

        By the post of friday I had the honor to receive your respected favor of the 4th instant: Since which I have had but little opportunity of hearing any opinions expressed on the points mentioned in your letter. I had, however, frequently heard the subject spoken on since the commencement of the misunderstanding between Mr Johnson and the Commissioners; and from what I could observe of the opinions of those who appeared to have paid any attention to the subject, it seemed to be a generally received idea that the lots on Rock Creek could not be considered as Water lots, in the common acceptation of the term Water-lots as applied to the City, and especially too as a bridge had been

thrown across the Creek which effectually excluded the use of it from all vessels carrying masts, however conveniently the depth of water might admit of such vessels navigating the Creek. It is conceded, that according to the strict sense of the term Water-lot, every lot may be considered as such, which lays upon any creek or inlet, however triffling, into which the tide flows; but taking it in a liberal sense, and as relating to the City, which has so large a proportion of its lines bounded by the Potomac and Eastern Branch, no lots would be considered as water lots but such as lay on one of these waters, unless particularly defined as such bounding on the Creek.
        What I have here stated I find to be the general opinion of such as I have heard express themselves on the subject, where there seems to be no particular interest to bias an opinion; but those owning land on the Creek think otherwise, excepting Mr Peter, who is decided against their being considered Water-lots.
        I should have delayed writing to you on this subject ’till the middle of the week, hoping by that time to have been able to gain more information on it in the way you request; but Mr Weston being now here, and the directors intending to accompany him up the River as far as the Shanandoah, we shall set out this morning, and I shall not probably return to this place till the last of the week, I have therefore felt it proper to give you such information as I had on the subject of Your letter as early as possible, promising to make a further communication of anything else which may come to my knowledge and which I conceive can give you satisfaction to hear, remembering always that it is intended for your own private information, and acting in ⟨it⟩ accordingly.
        Before I close this letter, permit me to add a circumstance of which I had personal knowledge.
        When I was in this place in October 1793, before I sailed for Europe, I had some conversation with the Commissioners, by Mr Greenleaf’s desire, on that part of his first Contract which confines him to two water lots, in order to see how far the ideas of those Gentlemen went on that subject as to the term Water-lots—and I well remember that an impression was left strongly on my mind, that they did not consider the lots in the Creek as excluded from Mr Greenleaf’s selection.

        I pray you, my dear Sir, to pardon the hasty manner in which this is written, to present my best & most grateful respects to Mrs Washington—my affectionate regards to the family—and beleive me to be, with the strongest impressions of gratitude and the most lively respect Your affectionate & faithful

          Tobias Lear.


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 8 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

          Mr Pearce
          Philadelphia 8th March 1795

        I am sorry to find by your letter of the 1st of this instt enclosing the weekly reports—that the Wheat on the ground is in so unpromising a way. Another short crop of this article will fall very heavy upon me. How does the Barley look? It was not my intention to use the Rollers until the frosts were over, & the ground was settled.
        If the absconding of French’s Paul did not proceed from a quarrel with, or threats from, his Overseer, it will be found, I expect, that he has been guilty of some piece of roguery; of the discovery of which he was affraid: pains therefore ought to be taken to apprehend & bring him to punishment.
        What sort of lameness is Dicks (at D. Run), that he should have been confined with it for so many weeks? and what kind of sickness is Betty Davis’s that it should have had a similar effect upon her? If pretended ailments, without apparent causes, or visible effects, will screen her from work, I shall get no service at all from her; for a more lazy, deceitful & impudent huzzy, is not to be found in the United States than she is.
        Is it Sarah that was among the Spinners at the Mansion house that is now in child-bed? If so, she seems to have begun in time.
        I have bought about 1000 yards of Oznabrigs (German) for cloathing of my people at Mount Vernon; but there is no

conveyance for it at present. It shall be sent by the first vessel direct to Alexandria; but you must not delay this work on acct of the nonarrival thereof.
        I have made considerable enquiry after lucern seed, but do not find, as yet, that I have any certainty of getting that which is good. You had better therefore see if any, on the goodness of which reliance is to be placed, can be had in Alexandria. My enquiries shall not cease on that account.
        How does your New Overseer at Mansion house, & at Union farm conduct themselves? Is Allison sober, industrious and attentive? Is he not too much upon a level with those he overlooks, and of course too familiar with them? or does he keep them at a proper distance, remain always with them, and turn the labour of those hands who come to his aid, to the best advantage? To do this is a matter of considerable importance; otherwise the labour which will be lost at the respective farms, will not be gained at the Mansion house. I wish you well & am Yr friend

          Go: Washington

          P.S. What price does flour bear in Alexanda now? Superfine has again got up to ten dollars in this City & fine flour to 72/ pr barrl.


Title: To George Washington from William Bradford, 9 March 1795
From: Bradford, William
To: Washington, George

          Philada. Mar. 9. 1795.

        The Attorney General having made the necessary inquiries respecting the case of John Mitchell, one of the insurgents, recommended by General Morgan as a proper object for a pardon—has now the honor to report to the president of the United States,
        That it appears by the voluntary Confession of the said John Mitchell, that he was present at and concerned in the Attack upon & destruction of General Neville’s house; and that in company with another, he afterwards robbed the carrier of the Mail of the United States, of the said mail on the highway in Westmoreland County. That the apologies he offers for these crimes are, that he was induced to commit the first by the instigation of B. Parkinson, who told him that if he did not go and destroy General Neville’s property he should be served so himself; & that D. Hamilton persuaded him to commit the latter & afterwards gave him money for so doing. That there does not appear to the Attorney General any thing in this man’s case which at this point of time calls for peculiar indulgence: and altho’ it may be very consistent with the public interests finally to extend mercy to him, yet as he did not accept the general amnesty offered by the president, and as the security of the Mail is of great public importance, the Attorney General is of opinion that no pardon should be granted before Trial & that some benifit will result from the Conviction of a person guilty of this offence altho’ he should afterwards receive the mercy he asks.
        The Attorney General also learns, that Mitchell does not sustain in other respects a very good character, & that two Gentlemen from the Western Counties who bailed some others charged with Treason, refused to be security for Mitchell

altho’ the Attorney of the District agreed to accept bail for his appearance.
        The Attorney General therefore recommends that the further consideration of the Case of John Mitchell be postponed untill his trial shall have taken place. All which is respectfully Submitted

          Wm Bradford


Title: To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 9 March 1795
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          New York 9th March 1795.

        I should not thus long have delayed to acknowledge your favor of the 16th Feby & to return my thanks for your obliging communication of Mr Maunsels treatise had I not found it necessary in order to enable the Society to avail themselves of your permission to make such extracts from it as they might think useful—this they have done. The merrit of the discovery will I think depend rather upon the proof that more potatoes may be raised upon the same ground in this than in the common mode than upon (what he seems to estimate most) the saving made in the seed, for the potatoe after it has sent forth shoots is of very little value As you propose try Maunsels meathod of culture I should deem it a particular honor to learn from you at your leiasure the result of your experiments. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & the most perfect essteem Dear Sir Your Most Obt hum: Servt

          Robt R. Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Norman MacLeod, 9 March 1795
From: MacLeod, Norman
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          London March 9th 1795

        Permit a person who owes you the dearest obligations to intrude himself on your notice, though the circumstance most probably has escaped from your memory—A Captain MacLeod and some other officers of the British army; with their wives, in a very delicate situation, were most humanely sent by you to New York on their parole, in the end of the year 1776; and this saved the lives of the poor women—I am that Captain MacLeod; I have since had the good fortune to arrive at the rank of Major General in the service of my Country, & to represent my native County in Parliament—You are no stranger Sir to the present unhappy situation of Europe; which forms so striking a contrast to that Country over which you preside; here all is confusion anxiety, & fear—Many of our oldest & most wealthy Families look to your shores as the most desirable asylum from the miseries which they dread—The gentleman who will have the honour of delivering this letter to you, Mr Wilson, will make us a report; and as he is a worthy & sensible man, I take the liberty of begging for him your protection, during his stay in America—Some attempts have lately been made to meliorate our Constitution: they have hitherto been unsuccessful: but for your amusement I use the freedom of sending some of the publications on that subject—In doing this I shrink, abashed when I think I am addressing a Man before whom all Kings & Emperors are pigmies;

but my reliance is on your goodness—I have the honour to be With the utmost simplicity & truth Sir your faithful & obedt Sert

          Norman MacLeod


Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 9 March 1795
From: Newenham, Edward
To: Washington, George

          My Ever respected Friend—
          Dublin 9th March 1795

        It appears an Age to me, Since I had the Honor & Sincere pleasure of a Letter from you; my pen has not been Idle, for I wrote Several Letters, which, from not hearing from you, I fear were captured by Ships in the service of the French Republic.
        This has been the most Severe Winter, that we have had these 50 years; the Frost begun on the 21st of last December & it was a

Constant frost & Snow with only Six days Intermission untill the 19th of January; Hares, Rabits, patridge & all water wild fowel are nearly annihi[la]ted; the Markets Swarm’d with them—there ought to be an act passed to give the few remaing animals & birds a Jubilee of two years—Provisions did not rize in Consequence of Such bad weather, but they will now, as 10,000 British Troopes are coming over here.
        At this moment, this Kingdom is Violently agitated from one End to the other.
        The Present Lord Lieutenant Earl of Fitzwilliam was Connected with the Duke of Portland in Violent opposition to the English Minister for these 5 years—Matters were accomodated between them—the Duke of Portland was appointed Secretary of State—& his friend Lord Fitzwilliam Vice-roy of Ireland—when he came over here, he took all the opposition Members into his Councils & begun to Turn out all Mr Pitts Steady friends—this was resented by the Duke of Portland, who insists, that the agreement was, that he should not displace any of the old officers of the Crown, but should have the sole Patronage of Every Vacansy—on his Dismissing the Chief Commissioner, the Attorney General & Solicitor General, they remonstrated—Letters were sent from England to reinstate them—Fitzwilliam refused, & declared he would resign—but that he could not do without a Letter under the Kings Sign Manual—this gave Time for a Negociation In the Mean Time many Towns & Counties Drew up Strong Petitions to the King & Addresses to Lord Fitzwilliam to remain here—Both houses of Parliament voted him their thanks Unanimously—the opponents of the British Minister, who were all out of office but wanted to get into office, Stirred up the Papists to make a Violent Demand of Equal Liberty &c. with the Protestants; having just got these most Numerous Class of People on their Side, they made their cause, the Chief of their Complaints, as they had Induced Lord Fitzwilliam to promise them Every thing.
        3 Mails are due this day from England—& all is in Suspence—nearly I may say in Commotion, as the final Settlement is hourly Expected—this Country was never so agitated, & all a Struggle for Power & Employment; the present opponents, when formerly in office (one Excepted) were the most Servile Flatterers of a Court—and were a Jobbing Juncto—& always opposed Every good

Constitutional Act—but since they were dismissd, they have become Violent Patriots—I preserve my freedom & Independance between both parties, sometimes I vote with one & sometimes with the other—though I lost part of my own & the whole of my you[n]ger Chi[l]drens property by my Parliamentary Conduct—I never yet solicited an office or reimbusement—2 of my Sons, got by an English Interest, a Trifling Pension for themselves.
        If the final (& it must be important) Settlement arrives from London before the Ship, this Letter goes by, Leaves the Harbour, where she is only waiting for 3 Passenger, I shall have the Honor of Letting you Know the result.
        Let that result be what it may, it will be a long Time before the Agitation Subsides—untill this fatal Period, we were rapidly encreasing in Wealth Prosperity & public improvements, but all is at a stand! Good God, that Men cannot Serve their Country without being in Lucrative offices—if Lord Fitzwilliams friends would act, as they have lately done, & not Demand Employments, they would deserve well of their Country—but say they, we cannot do good unless we are in office—that is absurd; for while they have the Vice-roy (who Commands all placemen) on their side, they could not meet with any opposition, not Even from 10 out of the 300 Members.
        As to affairs on the Continent you are a better judge than I, for lateraly we only get Garbled papers on Each side, & Seldom get a French paper Since November last—I wish to see France settled within its old Bounds of Territory—I wish to see Holland restored to its former State with some Restrictions to the Power of the Stadholder, & I should rejoice to see the property of the German Princes given Back to them, & then all Europe join to restore Unfortunate Poland to its ancient power, & Curb & Lessen the power of the two Northern Despots—Geneva is nearly ruind by the Present Faction—real Liberty is banished from that once most happy & Industrious City—Atheism & Plunder is the order of the Day, where pure Religion & obedience to the best Laws were the rule of Government—as to Haughty & bigotted Spain, I wish to see it Enlightned for the Benefit of its whole People—& the Italian Governments want Some Corrections—as to Poor Papa he is now a Cypher in his Capitol—his ⟨Bulls⟩, are as innocent as Lambs, & I Experct the French will fraternize his Dominions, & perhaps Levy a requisition from Holy Loretto—for

I should imagine that if their (the French) Army in Italy is so Strong as represent, they will soon arrive at Loretto, Rome & Naples.
        I have never heard from a Darling Daughter of mine, that was married to Mr Folsch the Swedish Consul at Marsailles, sin[ce] the beginning of June 1793—I have long given her & her Children up; Mr Jay promised me to Enquire, but as he never mentiond the result of his Enquiry, I conclude the worst has happened.
        Lady Newenham joins me in best respects to you & Mrs Washington. I remain My Dear Sir with the warmest Sentiments of Respect & unalterable Esteem your Excellency’s Most Faithfull Hble Sert

          Edward Newenham


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 9 March 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

          March 9. 1795.

        The Secretary of State has the honor of Reporting to the President, that of the fifty three Laws, passed during the late Session of Congress, the following only require his immediate attention.
        1. The calling out of the Militia for the western service—This is understood to be done.
        2. The Loan of two million of dollars—done.
        3. Paying instalments of foreign debts—done.
        4. The Algerine money—done.
        5. Purveyor of supplies—done.
        6. Count de Grasse’s daughters—belonging to the Secretary of the Treasury.
        7. Advance of money to the insurgents—belonging to the Secretary of the Treasury.
        8. Military establishment—Secretary of war.

            9. Public Credit
            }
            an eventual power to the President, to

            10. Appropriations
            be executed by the Secretary of the Treasury.

        11. Survey of Galliopolis—Secretary of the Treasury.
        12. Fifty thousand dollars for Indian supplies.
        The resolution of the Senate as to the title of Georgia has been sent to the Attorney General.

          Edm: Randolph.


Title: From George Washington to Charles Carter of Ludlow, 10 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Carter, Charles (of Ludlow)

          Dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 10th March 1795

        Your favor of the 23d ulto came duly to hand. I wish, sincerely, it was in my power to comply with your request in behalf of your son; but it really is not, to the extent of it.
        My friends entertain a very erroneous idea of my pecuniary resources, when they set me down for a money lender, or one who (now) has a command of it. You may believe me, when I assert that the Bonds which were due to me before the Revolution, were discharged during the progress of it—with a few exceptions in depreciated paper (in some instances as low as a shilling in the pound). That such has been the management of my estate, for many years past, especially since my absence from

home, now six years, as scarcely to support itself. That my public allowance (whatever the world may think of it) is inadequate to the expence of living in this city; to such an extravagant height has the necessaries as well as the conveniencies of life, arisen. And, moreover, that to keep myself out of debt, I have found it expedient, now & then, to sell lands, or something else to effect this purpose.
        These are facts I have no inclination to publish to the world, nor should I have disclosed them on this occasion, had it not been due to friendship, to give you some explanation of my inability to comply with your request. If, however, by joining with nine others, the sum required can be obtained—notwithstanding my being under these circumstances—and notwithstanding the money will be to be withdrawn from another purpose—I will contribute one hundred pounds towards the accomodation of your wants, without any view to the receipt of interest therefrom. With very great esteem & regard. I am—Dear Sir Your Affecte Servant

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Dobbs Spaight, 10 March 1795
From: Spaight, Richard Dobbs
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          No. Carolina Newbern March 10th 1795

        I have the Honor to enclose to you an Authenticated Copy of an Act of the General Assembly of this State entitled “An Act ratifying an Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America” also an Act entitled “An Act for Ceding to the United States the Jurisdiction of certain Lands on Shell Castle Island in the harbour of Ocacock.” I am &c.

          R. D. Spaight


Title: To George Washington from James Montgomery, 12 March 1795
From: Montgomery, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philadelphia March 12th 1795

        I beg leave to resign my Commission as Captain of the Revenue Cutter as the Base and unprecedented treatment I have received from the Collector has been such that it is unless redressed incompatible with the feelings of a Man of Honour and a Gentleman to submit to Conscious of having never deviated in the Smallest instance from the strictest Duty (and my abilities are certainly not to be doubted) I can no longer brook the Continual Ill Usage I am constantly receiving from the Collector

I wish not to impede public service But I beg leave to add that if Mr Delany is permitted with Impunity thus to exercise the Insolence of Office I can no longer hold the Commission I have had the Honour of receiving from you I am with the Highest Sentiments of Respect your most obedient Humble Servant

          James Montgomery


Title: To George Washington from John Jacob Ulrich Rivardi, 12 March 1795
From: Rivardi, John Jacob Ulrich
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          Norfolk. March the 12th 1795

        Permit me to express to your Excellency my warmest thanks for the appointment which you have honored me with; Such a distinguished token of confidence from you flatters me more than if it had been conferred by the greatest Potentate of Europe. I shall always be proud of Serving under your Excellency’s auspices & hope on your indulgence respecting Some circumstances, which in my present Situation I was forced to mention in a letter to the Secretary of War before I fix on So important a Step as that of closing with his proposals.
        I shall intirely abide by your Excellency’s decision to which I took the liberty of referring. With Sentiments of the most respectfull consideration & of heartfelt gratitude—I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Humble & Most Obedient Servant

          J. J. Ulrich Rivardi