Title: To George Washington from Samuel Davidson, 28 May 1792
From: Davidson, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir
George Town 28 May 1792.

Sensible of the multiplicity of important business which must necessarily occupy your attention, I would not presume to trespass thus on your time, did not events of the first importance to my own welfare and happiness, compel me however painful, to apply to you as the source from whence alone relief can flow, a knowledge of your disposition to render impartial Justice, inspires me with the confidence, to state a few facts.
Soon after your proclamation establishing the permanent residence

of Congress on the Potowmac appear’d I became a purchaser of property in the now City of Washington to the amount of £6000, to effect which purchase I have involved nearly my all, add to this, I prevailed with an only Brother in this country—the father of a numerous family—to become an Adventurer in that enterprize to the amount of £4500. these speculations during the Administration of Major L’Enfant, had promised us great advantages, in so much that during that period ’twas in our power to have disposed of them at a very handsome advance. It is a very melancholy fact, of very general credence, that since that unhappy Secession, the property in the city has become of little or no value, arising as I concieve from the total incompetency of the present Commissioners to a due and energetic execution of the duties of their office—the individual and private character of the present Commissioners is undeniably amiable and respectable, but not having had the education and habits of men of business, they certainly are totally disqualified to conduct operations of so extensive and complex a nature, which requires not only constant and unremitted attention, but all the energy and spirit of the most active mind, to every Proprietor the fact comes home with peculiar force, that since the conducting the business has devolved on the Commissioners alone, all public confidence in the object is lost, the Proprietors retrospect its late situation in comparison with its present, with the most poignant sorrow, since they now perceive a total abatement of disposition in individuals to speculate in the property, this distressing fact from whatever cause it may arise has excited the most serious apprehensions in the mind of every friend to the business—affairs thus situated and having embarked the greater part of my Property in the new City, I am alarmed for my own fate, I have been restrained from expressing my sentiments until the present moment from considerations of respect to you and in the wish and expectation that some change ere this moment would have taken place which might have cherished those hopes with which in the first instance I was inspired.
It is probable my character may have been pourtrayed to you in an unamiable point of view, by the tongue of malice, respecting a refusal to Mr Ellicott to cut a ditch through my land, a wish to stand justified to you induces me to detail a few particulars relative to that transaction: when Major L’Enfant was here clothed

with authority, he requested me to dig clay in one of the Public Streets and observed it would be of service to the Public, he pointed out the spot the most proper and I accordingly at my own expence employed Men to turn it up, with an intention of building a House in the City while I was in the execution of this work and under the impression that my authority was good, I received a laconic and mandatory letter from the Commissioners replete with all the airs of the most dictatorial authority commanding me to desist and a subsequent one threatening me with most rigorous prosecution in the federal court if I did not comply, having my feelings thus wounded by the insolent manner in which I was treated I have felt myself perfectly justified in the refusal of a request from them, reasonable in itself and which on another occasion I should have chearfully acquiesed in.
As daily and repeated complaints are made by the Proprietors against the measures of the Commissioners, a sense of justice to their own characters as well as an anxiety for the interests of the city induces them to collect a few of the facts on which they found their complaints and which in a few days will be forwarded to you, in the most perfect confidence that as far as they can be substaintiated you will give them the attention they may deserve.
Throwing myself on your candour to pardon the freedom I have taken in thus addressing you, I remain with sentiments of the greatest respect. Sir Your most obedt hum. Servt

Sam: Davidson


Title: To George Washington from Lefebvre, 28 May 1792
From: Lefebvre, —— (M.)
To: Washington, George

à Monsieur
Newbury Port [Mass.] ce 28 may 1792

Supplie humblement Dominique Damphoux Demonié Ecuyer Et sieur de Vachier ancien officier des troupes dètachèes de La marine, habitant De L’isle gouadeloupe Disant Monsieur qu’Etant accablé D’infirmités et ne pouvant Se donner Par lui même son Nécessaire ni S’habiller que par Le Secours de Ses Domestiques, Cet etat maL’heureux obligea Le Suppliant De Passer à Newbury Port Le 5 du mois de juillet Lannée Derniere avec Deux Domestiques Esperant De trouver Du soulagement En cette contrée. il fut trompé dans cette attente. & Se trouve toujours afflige De même; Ce qui L’oblige de repasser à La gouadeloupe. et au moment de mon Embarquation mon nêgre germain S’est evadé, En m’enlevant une petite male avec Du linge Pour Son usage—Dont Pour ces même articles je me trou⟨v⟩e Debiteur Envers un marchand de cette Ville. En outre Du tabac que j’avois don⟨n⟩é a mon autre Domestique, il veut Se prevaloir Sois Disant des privileges attachées En cette contrée Disant qu’il Est libre par les Loix D’ici mais Le Suppliant saddrèsse monsieur à Vous pour reclamer votre justice afin que Vous Donniez Des ordres Pour que ce même nêgre soit arrêté et Embarquer Pour La Pointe à Pître. Parceque Le Suppliant ne croit pa⟨s⟩ que les Loix d’ici puissent valloir Pour des habitants Etrangers que ne viennent que pour Sétablire & amenent des Domestiques Pour Son service. Le Suppliant Est persuade Monsieur De toute Vôtre equitté & justice En pareil Cas Surtoût Dans L’etat maL’heureux ou il se trouve: & ne cessera de faire des

Voeux au Ciel Pour La Conservation & La Prosperité De Votre personne Pour monsieur Damphoux demonié

Lefebvre


Title: To George Washington from Harriot Washington, 28 May 1792
From: Washington, Harriot
To: Washington, George

Mt Vernon May 28 1792

I now take up my pen to write to my dear Uncle, I hope you arrived safe in Philadelphia, and at the time you exspected, If my dear Uncle finds, it convenient to give me a guittar, I will thank you if you will direct it to be made with key’s and string’s both, as they are easier to lear[n] to play on, and not so easy to be out of order, but if one with key’s, is dearer than without, I shall be much obleiged to you for one with string’s, I should not trouble you for a guttar, if I was not certain that I could learn myself, every person that I have asked say’s that It is the easiest instrument to learn on that is, and any body that can turn a tune, can play on a guittar, but Mrs Bushrod Washington, has been so kind as to offer to teach me if I could not learn myself.
If you please to give my love to Aunt Washington Nelly and Washington. I am My dear Uncle Your affectionate Neice

Harriot Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 30 May 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia May 30. 1792.

It is my duty to suggest to your attention that in the act of the late session of Congress for making certain appropriations, is a clause enacting that a sum of 50,000 D. in addition to former provision be appropriated to defray any expence which may be incurred in relation to the intercourse between the U.S. & foreign nations, and to add that the public service will be advanced by having that sum ready for your orders as speedily as may be conveniently effected. I have the honour to be with the most perfect esteem & respect Sir Your most obedt & most humble servt

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 31 May 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] 31st May 1792.

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to inform the President of the Unit’d States that the place of Keeper of the Light house on Thatcher’s Island in the State of Massachusetts has become vacant by the death of Mr Hustin. The following persons are respectably recommended—Joseph Sayword—Henry White—Samuel Hustin, son of the deceas’d Keeper, and— Rowe. The first is strongly recommended both by the Collector of Boston and the Collector of Gloucester. The latter has also recommended Captn Rowe.


Title: To George Washington from Joachim Jacob Brandt, 2 June 1792
From: Brandt, Joachim Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada, June 2d, 1792

The Legislature of the Union during their last sitting passed two Acts (which you were pleased to approve) for affording relief to persons disabled in the service of the United States in the War with Great Britain a defect in the first respecting its operation was the cause why a second or Act Supplementary was enacted & therefore it is that being One of the description considered in the Acts alluded as well as Numbers of others who are at present in a situation little above want; that is a state of dependance and uncertainty. that I now humbly presume to address you that you may be pleased to point out some mode by which we may hope for a speedy relief and that we may be informed thereof as

conveniently as may be and which consistent with your Characteristic goodness and Justice will be affording relief to the distressed; and that you may continue to preside over us long and with your usual Philanthropy We humbly & sincerely pray.

Signed in behalf of himself & divers others
Joachim Jacob Brandt


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 2 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia, 2 June 1792]

I wish more favorable explanations than I expect, from your interview with the British Minester.


Title: From George Washington to Béhague, 3 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Béhague, Jean-Pierre-Antoine, comte de

Sir,
[Philadelphia, 3 June 1792]

I have received the duplicate of the polite letter which you did me the honor of writing to me on the 28th of may 1791. The first has not reached my hands.
The obliging manner in which you express your wishes to prove the sincerity of your attachment to the United States by keeping up and encouraging the treaty of amity which unites France and America, merits the acknowledgements of the good citizens of this Country, as well as the protection which you mention to have given to the American Vessels on the coast of the Isle of Belle Isle, where you commanded in the late war.
The Constitution of the Society of the Cincinnati does not permit the President to decide on the qualifications for admission into that Society. He can only grant diplomas to such as may have been admitted in confo[r]mity to the general Institution. And in order to be better informed of the pretensions of foreign Officers for admission, power was given to the Count de Rochambeau, the Marquis de la Fayette and the Count d’Estaing to admit such as should appear to have well-grounded pretensions, to wear the Insignia of the Order; and the Certificate of those gentlemen being transmitted to the Secretary of the Society (which office is now filled by General Knox) will entitle the person to whom it is granted to a Diploma. With sentiments of due consideration I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 3 June 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

 [Philadelphia] 3 June 1792. Asks Lear “to inform the President of the United States that I propose to avail myself of his permission to go to New York by the early stage tomorrow Morning, and to return on thursday or at furthest on friday evening next.”


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Read, 3 June 1792
From: Read, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sir
Charles Ton So. Carolina 3rd, June 1792

Mr Hugh Rose of this State will do himself the honour of paying his Respects to Your Excellency and delivering this Letter[.] I pray leave to present him to Your Excelly as a Gentleman of worth and fortune.
As my brother in Law and also a Cousin German by birth I

cannot be indifferent to Mr Rose’s Reception or happiness on his present tour [.] I have therefore taken the Liberty of presenting Mr Rose to you sir as my friend and a Gentleman in Whose Welfare I am particularly interested.
Mrs Rose who is my Sister will not fail of paying her Respects to Mrs Washington if they have the good fortune to find Your Excellency & family in Philadelphia.
I pray You Sir to do me the favour to present Mrs Reads’ and my own most Respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington with our Sincere acknowledgements for her politeness & Attention when in New York. With the most Respectful Esteem and Regard I am Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Humle Servt

Jacob Read


Title: To George Washington from Ann McCrea, 4 June 1792
From: McCrea, Ann
To: Washington, George

Hounerd Sir,
Philada June 4th 1792

In my Distresed Situation I Make Bold to Call on you for a Little Help, your Houner May Rest assur’d Nothing But want Induces me, the Reason of me Being in this town my Son Left me with an Intention of Coming here but was took Sick in Wilmington, me Hearing of his Sickness Came Imediately to See him a few Days after I Came there He to my Sorrow Died, Left me there friendless and Moneyless, I wish to go Home to Dumfrees, I hope your Hounerd wount think hard of me for Making So Bold, I am, with the greates Respect Your Very Humble Servt

Ann McCrea


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 4 June 1792
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
G: town 4th June 92

I cannot but think it necessary that you should know, that Bowles’s brother, John, who passed through this town last winter on his way to his Brother, returned a fiew days ago—A Gentleman

who had some conversation with him, as he passed through here, tells me, he informed him, that he staid about a fortnight with his brother; and then went to the Bahama islands: from thence he came to Norfolk, and now intends to go to Kentucky; after staying a fiew days with his friends near Hagar’s town. I am Dr Sir, with the greatest respect, Your Obt Serv.

Dd Stuart

P:S: his rout from here, was through Baltimore.


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 6 June 1792
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

Sir.
George-Town 6th June 1792

We enclose you a Copy of a Section of our Act of the Assembly of Maryland, passed at the last session, the Treasurer, as we are informed, has about 24,000 Dollars now in Hand, we shall be obliged to you for your Order, as the late Demands has been so heavy that it is proper to lodge more Money in our Treasurers hands—There is a Ballance of 5746 Maryland Currency yet to receive on the Virginia Donation for the first Year—we are sir with the highest Respect Yours &c.

Th. Johnson
Dd Stuart
Danl Carroll


Title: To George Washington from Rodolph Valltravers, 6 June 1792
From: Valltravers, Johann Rodolph von (Vall-Travers)
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency!
Rotterdam, June 6th 1792.

The Packet, with instructive Materials, collected from the Academies of Berlin, Leipzig, Petersburg and Hamburg, in Aid of Mr John Churchman’s, your ingenious Countryman’s, Labors, towards an experimental very interesting Theory of magnetical Motions and their Variations, transmitted to Your Excellency, by Captn Bell, from Hamburg, in March 1791. having been kindly received & forwarded to that worthy Gentleman, by Tobias Lear, Esqe your Exccy’s Secretary, the 10th of Septembr following, to his very great Joÿ: I now take the Liberty, to have again Recourse to the same secure Channel of Your generous Protection, in conveying this new Packet of further important Materials, towards the same Doctrine; collected during a Twelvemonth’s Stay in these Parts; in Behalf, not only of my indefatigable Friend, but of Navigation & philosophical useful Investigations in general, from the first Characters of the Age, in Point of solid mathematical Knowledge. A third Packet, not less valuable, shall get ready in the Course of this Summer, & be transmitted the same, with Your Excellency’s kind Leave & Approbation. The present is entrusted to the special Care of my much esteemed Friend, Mr Chrn Maÿer, agent to Mr Adrn Valck of Baltimore, sailing back on Board the good Ship, Wackzamkeed, commanded by Captn Tys Van Haas, with a Cargo of about 400. Passengers, chiefly Germans, bound to Philadelphia; followed with an other Cargo of the Same, of about 300. more, shipt off to New-York, on Board the Rodolph & Elizabeth, Captn Jürgens Commander, both from this City; This Accession of industrious Emigrants is, in great Measure, owing to the patriotic Zeal & Activitÿ of Mr Mayer, from whose Talents your prosperous Commonwealth is likely to derive many further Benefits.
I hope, Your Excellency has received long ago, my Letter of July 21t 1791. from this Place, along with my Manuscript Work, collected from Mr Eshelscrown’s german Materials, furnished me, when at Hamburg, entitled: The present political & mercantile State of all the chief European Settlements in East India in 3. Vols. 4º. 1789–1790; entrusted to the Care of Captn Folger, of Baltimore, a Relation of my deceased great Friend, Dr Benjn Franklin; who, I hear, arrived safe in August following. He promised

me, to deliver my Manuscript to Yr Exccy in Person; and to dispose of it, agreable to your kind Commands; when found of some public Utility to that important Branch of your extensive Trade & Navigation. Yr Exccy’s Silence, as well as his, concerning this Object, on which I have bestowed much Time and Labor, make me anxious about its Fate. I am equally ignorant of the Fate of a 3d Letter of mine to Yr Excy conveÿed by Captn Stuart of Baltimore, last ÿear, on the 1t of Augt inclosing Six Copies of mÿ german Publication and Dispersion of Dr Franklin’s Instructions sent me to Vienna, from Paris, & advice to all those, who propose to Settle in N. America; which I got inserted, from Time to Time, in various Almanacks, Newspapers, and other periodical Works throughout Germany; the good Effects of which still continue to be sensibly felt. Capn Wm Dolliver of Boston, bound from this Place to Savannah, in Georgia, with his Brig, the Massachuset, took Charge of a further Letter to your Excellency, dated Novr 19th 1791; containing a Series of Objects, in which I am still ambitious to signalize my Sincere Veneration & Attachment to the Service of your confederate Union; ever since my first Acquaintance with Dr Bn Franklin, as Fellow-Member of the roial Society in London, 35. Years ago; and afterwards with yr worthy Patriot, H. Laurence Esqe yr unfortunate Predecessor in the Presidency of your States in Congress; with both whom I had the Honor to correspond, ever since.
All these; besides my several Letters to the learned, encouraging Societies of your Continent, with Offers of interesting literary Communications, to promote every Branch of useful Knowledge & Industry, to the utmost Stretch of mÿ small power and Sphere of Action; remaining unnoticed: it wd argue the highest Degree of Presumption in me, were I to flatter myself with any further Hopes of mÿ wellmeant Tenders having been acceptable.
Nor will the Narrowness of my present Fortune, greatly impaired by mÿ manÿ liberal Sacrifices, together with my advanced Age, permit me now, to repair to N. A. to reside there some Time, & to recieve your Commands & Instructions in Person, without some adequate Aid & Compensation: Great as my Desire is, to be an Eye-Witness of that flourishing State of public Felicity, of which Yr Excellcy has been, & please God! will long continue to be, the chief Promoter and Support.

Mr Short’s Destination, as your public Minister to this Republic, having, I hear, been changed to a particular Service at the Court of Spain and good Mr Dumas’s unhappy Situation at the Hague, obnoxious to the Court from his Attachmt to the french Interest, and quite Sunk by the Weight of his Sufferings in Body & Mind, having it no longer in his Power, to be of actual Service to his Principals, in this important Station, wou’d willingly accept of my Assistance in his Functions, were I duely authorised to relieve him. The present general Strugle, between Liberty & Despotism, affords no indifferent Matter of Contemplation to yr happy Commonwealth, even as a peaceable Spectator of all the inhuman Horrors of so bloody a Contention.
Tho’ nine Years more advanced in Age, than Your Excellence, I feel myself, as ardent as ever, to exert every Ability in mÿ Power, in the Execution & faithful Discharge of whatever Commands Yr Exccy shall be pleased to intimate to Your Excellence’s Most sincerily devoted humble Servant

Rodolph Vall-travers.


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 8 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

Gentlemen,
Philadelphia June 8th 1792

The bearer of this, Mr James Hoben, was strongly recommended to me by Colo. Laurens and sevral other Gentlemen of So. Carolinia when I was there last year, as a person who had made architecture his study, and was well qualified not only for planning or designing buildings, but to superintend the execution of them. He informs me that he intends to produce plans of the two buildings next month agreeably to the advetisement of the Commissioners, and is now on his way to view the ground on which they are to stand. I have given him this letter of introduction in order that he might have an opportunity of communicating his views & wishes to you, or of obtaining any information necessary for completing the plans. But as I have no knowledge of the man or his talents further than the information which I recd from the Gentlemen in Carolina you must consider this letter merely as a line of introduction for the purposes mentioned. With estem & regard I am Gentlemen Yr most Obed. Se[rvan]t.


Title: To George Washington from James Iredell and John Sitgreaves, 8 June 1792
From: Iredell, James,Sitgreaves, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Newbern, North Carolina, June 8th 1792.

We the Judges now attending at the Circuit Court of the United States for the District of North Carolina, conceive it our duty to lay before you some important observations which have occurred to us in the consideration of an act of Congress lately passed, entitled, “An Act to provide for the settlement of the claims of widows and Orphans barred by the limitations heretofore established, and to regulate the Claims to Invalid Pensions.”
We beg leave to premise, that it is as much our inclination as it is our duty, to receive with all possible respect every act of the Legislature, and that we never can find ourselves in a more painful situation than to be obliged to object to the execution of any, more especially to the execution of one founded on the principles of humanity and justice, which the Act in question undoubtedly is. But however lamentable a difference in opinion really may be, or with whatever difficulty we may have formed an opinion, we are under the indispensable necessity of acting according to the best dictates of our own judgement, after duly weighing every consideration that can occur to us, which we have done on the present occasion.
The extreme importance of the case, and our desire of being explicit, beyond the danger of being misunderstood, will, we hope, justify us in stating our observations in a systematic manner.
We therefore, Sir, submit to you the following.
1. That the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Departments are each formed in a seperate and independent manner, and that the ultimate basis of each is the Constitution only, within the limits of which each department can alone justify any act of authority.
2. That the Legislature, among other important powers, unquestionably possess that of establishing Courts in such a manner

as to their wisdom shall appear best, limited by the terms of the Constitution only, and to whatever extent that power may be exercised, or however severe the duty they may think proper to require, the judges, when appointed in virtue of any such establishment, owe implicit and unreserved obedience to it.
3. That, at the same time, such Courts cannot be warranted, as we conceive, by virtue of that part of the Constitution delegating Judicial power, for the exercise of which any act of the Legislature is provided, in exercising (even under the authority of another Act) any power not in its nature Judicial, or if Judicial not provided for upon the terms the Constitution requires.
4. That whatever doubt may be suggested, whether the power in question is properly of a judicial Nature; Yet inasmuch as the decision of the Court is not made final, but may be at least suspended in its operation by the Secretary of War if he shall have cause to suspect imposition or mistake; this subjects the decision of the Court to a mode of revision which we consider to be unwarranted by the Constitution; for tho’ Congress may certainly establish, in instances not yet provided for, Courts of appellat Jurisdiction, yet such Courts must consist of Judges appointed in the manner the Constitution requires, and holding their Offices by no other tenure than that of their good behaviour, by which tenure the office of the Secretary of War is not held, and we beg leave to add, with all due difference, that no decision of any Court of the United States can, under any circumstances, in our opinion, agreeable to the Constitution, be liable to a revision or even suspension by the Legislature itself, in whom no Judicial power of any kind appears to be vested, but the important one relative to impeachments.
These, Sir, are our reasons for being of opinion as we are at present, that this Circuit Court in the execution of that part of the Act which requires it to exercise and report an opinion on the unfortunate cases of Officers and Soldiers disabled in the service of the United States. The part of the act requiring the Court to sit five days for the purpose of receiving applications from such persons we shall deem it our duty to comply with, for whether in our opinion such purpose can or cannot be answered, it is we conceive an indispensable duty to keep open any Court of which we have the honor to be Judges, as long as Congress shall direct.

The high respect we entertain for the Legislature, our feelings as men for persons whose situation requires the earliest as well as the most effectual relief, and our sincere desire to promote, whether Officially or otherwise, the just and benevolent views of Congress so conspicuous on the present as well as on many other occasions, have induced us to reflect whether we could be justified in acting under this act personally in the Character of Commissioners during the Session of a Court; and could we be satisfied that we had authority to do so we would chearfully devote such part of our time as might be necessary for the performance of the service. But we confess we have great doubts on this head. The power appears to be given to the Court only, and not to the Judges of it; and as the Secretary at War has not a discretion in all instances, but only in those where he has cause to suspect mistake or imposition, to with-hold a person recommended by the Court from being named on the Pension list; it would be necessary for us to be well persuaded we possessed such an authority before we exercised a power which might be a means of drawing money out of the public Treasury, as effectually as an express appropriation by law[.] We do not mean, however, to preclude ourselves from every deliberate consideration whether we can be warranted in executing the purposes of the Act in case an application should be made.
No application has yet been made to the Court or to ourselves individually, and therefore we have had some doubts as to the propriety of giving an opinion in a case which has not yet come regularly and judicially before us. None can be made more sensible than we are of the necessity of Judges being in general extremely cautious of not intimating an opinion in any case extra-judicially, because we well know how liable the best minds are, notwithstanding their utmost care, to a bias which may arise from a preconceived opinion, even unguardedly, much more deliberately given: But in the present instance, as many unfortunate and meritorious individuals whom Congress have justly thought proper objects of immediate relief, may suffer very great distress even by a short delay, and may be utterly ruined by a long one, we determined at all events to make our sentiments known as early as possible, considering this as a case which must be deemed an exception to the general rule upon every principle of humanity and justice; resolving however, that so far as we are

concerned individually, in case an Application should be made, we will most attentively hear it, and if we can be convinced this opinion is a wrong one we shall not hesitate to act accordingly, being as far from the weakness of supposing that there is any reproach in having committed an error, to which the purest and best men are sometimes liable, as we should be from so low a sense of duty as to think it would not be the highest and most deserved reproach that could be bestowed on any men (much more Judges) that they were capable, from any motive, of persevering against conviction in apparently maintaining an opinion which they really thought to be erroneous.
We take the liberty to request, Sir, that you will be pleased to lay this letter before the Legislature of the United States at their next Session—and Have the honor to be &c.

James Iredell—one of the Associate Judges of the Supreme Court of the U.S.
John Sitgreaves—Judge of the U.S. for the North Carolina Dist.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel and Elizabeth Willing Powel, 8 June 1792
From: Powel, Samuel,Powel, Elizabeth Willing
To: Washington, George

Friday 8 June 1792

The Speaker of the Senate of Pennsylvania will have the Honor to wait on the President of the United States and Mrs Washington on Thursday next.
Mrs Powel has the Pleasure to present her respectfull Compliments to them and to express her Regrets that she cannot have the Honor of dining with them upon that Day.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 9 June 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] June 9. 92.

Th: Jefferson, with his respects to the President, incloses him a letter from mister Rittenhouse on the subject of procuring a house for the mint. mister Rittenhouse thinks the house in 7th street can be bought for 1600.£. it is probable that none can be rented under £150. and this sum would pay the interest and sink the principal of 1600£ in 15 years. the outhouses will save the necessity of new erections, and there is a horse mill, which will save the building one for the rolling mill: so that on the whole Th: J. concurs in opinion with mister Rittenhouse that it will be better to buy this house; and submits the same to the President. a plan of the ground & buildings is inclosed.
Mr Rittenhouse thinks the appointment of a Chief coiner & Engraver (in one office) necessary to prepare the proper machines for coining copper. he thinks Voight perfectly equal to the duties of the coiner. he is no engraver himself, and it is therefore proposed that he shall consider the cost of engraving

dies as a charge to be deducted from his salary of 1500. Doll. he has not been consulted on this point. he is willing to accept the appointment, & to retire from it of course on the arrival of any successor whom we shall import from abroad.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 9 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
[Philadelphia] Saturday June 9th 92

I am in sentiment with you & the Director of the Mint, respecting the purchase of the Lots & Houses which are offered for Sale in preference to Renting—as the latter will certainly exceed the Interest of the former.
That all the applications may be brought to view, & considered, for Coining &ca; Mr Lear will lay the letters and engravings before you to be Shewn to the Director of the Mint. I have no other object or wish in doing it than to obtain the best. Yrs &ca

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Arthur Young, 9 June 1792
From: Young, Arthur
To: Washington, George

Sr
Bradfield Hall [England] June 9. 92.

I beg leave to present your Excellency with a book I have published; &: to request that you will pass over the first half of it & read only the second. The age is so frivolous that if a work contain only a subject of importance it has but little chance of attention unless it proceed from a genius of the first class, and this circumstance induced me to publish some rubbish to tempt people to the plough.
When America sees the work that is made with the corn trade in France, she may bless herself at being governed by more enlightened legislators. I have the honour to be With the Greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Much obliged & Devoted St

Arthur Young


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 10 June 1792
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

private
My dear Sir,Paris 10 June 1792.
Altho I have been above a Month in this City I have not been able untill within a Day or two to make up my Mind as to the Sentiments of the Person mentiond to you in mine of the twenty first of March, or rather I could not obtain that Certainty which was needful before I could properly mention them to you. I can now venture to assure you that by coming into Office he has not chang’d his Sentiments.
My former Letters have mention’d to you the Indiscipline of the french Armies, and the public Prints will give you such Facts on that Head as may tend to making up in your Mind a solid Judgment as to future Events[.] The first Step towards Bankruptcy has already been made by extending to seventeen hundred Millions the Sum of Assignats which may be in Circulation. A further Extension must take Place in a few Days. The Powers combin’d against France have it therefore in their Choice to wear her out by a War of resources or dash into the Heart of the Country. This last will best suit with their own Situation but I do not think they will advance before the Begining of August.
Your Letter to the King has produc’d a very good effect. It is not relish’d by the Democrats who particularly dislike the Term your People but it suits well the prevailing Temper which is monarchic. The jacobine Faction approaches to its Dissolution, as you may perceive by its Agonies. In fact the Deliberations are so absurd & so extravagantly wild that they daily furnish new Arms to their Enemies. You will perceive at a Glance that this is not a Moment for making commercial Treaties[.] I shall however do all which I can without seriously compromising our future Interest. I am ever most truly yours

Gouvr Morris


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Barclay, 11 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Barclay, Thomas

Sir
Philadelphia June 11. 1792.

Congress having furnished me with means for procuring peace, and ransoming our captive citizens from the government of Algiers, I have thought it best, while you are engaged at Marocco, to appoint Admiral Jones to proceed to Algiers, and therefore have sent him a commission for establishing peace, another for the ransom of our captives, and a third to act there as Consul for the U.S. and full instructions are given in a letter from the Secretary of state to him, of all which papers, mister Pinkney now proceeding to London as our Minister Plenipotentiary there, is the bearer, as he is also of this letter. it is sometime however since we have heard of Admiral Jones, and as, in the event of any accident to him, it might occasion an injurious delay, were the business to await new commissions from hence, I have thought it best, in such an event, that mister Pinkney should forward to you all the papers addressed to Admiral Jones, with this letter, signed by myself, giving you authority on receipt of those papers to consider them as addressed to you, and to proceed under them in every respect as if your name stood in each of them in the place of that of John Paul Jones. you will of course finish the business of your mission to Marocco with all the dispatch practicable, and then proceed to Algiers on that hereby confided to you, where this letter with the commissions addressed to Admiral Jones, and an explanation of circumstances, will doubtless procure you credit as acting in the name & on the behalf of the United States, and more especially when you shall efficaciously prove your authority by the fact of making, on the spot, the payments you shall stipulate. With full confidence in the prudence & integrity with which you will fulfill the objects of the present

mission, I give to this letter the effect of a commission & full powers, by hereto subscribing my name this eleventh day of June one thousand seven hundred & ninety two.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Potts, 12 June 1792
From: Potts, Richard
To: Washington, George

sir
Frederick Town [Md.] 12 June 1792

Finding it very inconvenient to attend the Circuit and district Courts of the United States from this place so remote from the seats of those Courts, and considering it material to the interests of the United States That the Residence of the Attorney should be nearer the Scenes of Business, I am induced to give up my appointment as Attorney for the District of Maryland, and beg that this may be received as my resignation thereof—Permit me to assure you that I entertain a just sense of the honour conferred by that trust reposed in me, and am led to this step by a sense of duty, after experiencing that I cannot discharge the duties of that station with advantage to the public, without a change of Residence that present circumstances would not justify. With Sentiments of the highest Respect I have the honour to subscribe myself Your obedt Servant

Richard Potts


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
[Philadelphia] Friday 15. June 1792

When Artizans are imported, and criticism is at Work, the inducement is greater to obtain those who are really skilful: for this reason, if Mr Pinckney should not readily meet with those who are unequivocally such; or, if there is a chance of getting better in France than in England, I think it would be well to instruct him to correspond with Mr Morris on this Subject with a view to obtain the best. I should be mortified to import men not more understanding in the business of Assaying, Engraving & Coining than those who are already among us. Yours. &ca

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Chittenden, 16 June 1792
From: Chittenden, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir—
Williston [Vt.] June 16th 1792

The unprovoked insult lately offered to this, and the united government by the commanding officer of a british Garrison within the jurisdiction of the united States; is so flagrant a breach of the Laws of Nations, and the late treaty with great Britain; that

I feel myself under obligations to give you the earliest information of it. I have inclosed you sundry affidavits, to which I refer you for the particulars. Inclosed also is a copy of my Letter to the Governor of Canada of the 16th instant. As soon as I receive an answer I shall without loss of time, communicate it to you, together with such other circumstances as may hereafter come to my knowledge. I am with the greatest respect your Excellencys very humble servant

Thoms Chittenden


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 16 June 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

 [Philadelphia, 16 June 1792]. Asks Lear “to submit the enclosed letter from Genl Chapin, to the President of the United States. Capt. Brant will be here by tuesday, at furthest, in the judgement of the express who has just arrived.”


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 17 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
[Philadelphia] June 17th 1792.

The Attorney General will, I presume, draw the Deed for the Lot for the Mint. The purchase of it, I approve of.
If you can aid me in answering the queries of Mr Young, contained in his letter enclosed, I would thank you—I wish to write to him by Mr Pinckney.
Is not fish Oil one of the things that will claim the particular attention of Mr Morris? Yrs &ca

Go: Washington


Title: Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 18 June 1792
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

 United States [Philadelphia] 18 June 1792. Transmits by GW’s command for Hamilton’s inspection “a letter from John Ritchie, Inspector of the 2d division in Maryland, to the President.”


Title: From George Washington to Arthur Young, 18–21 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Young, Arthur

Sir,
Philadelphia June 18 [–21] 1792.

Your letter of the 18th of Jany was received about a fortnight ago. For the Annals which you have had the goodness to send me, I pray you to accept my thanks. No directions having accompanied the second sett, and presuming they were intended for the Agricultural Society in this City, I have, in your name, presented them to that body.
As far as it is in my power, I will endeavour to solve the doubts which are expressed in your queries, contained in the above letter. and first—“Labour is so slightly touched on, that I know not how to estimate it.”
The information on this, as well as on other points of my last communication, was given in transcripts of the letters I had received in answer to certain queries, hastily submitted, to some intelligent Gentlemen of my acquaintance, in the States of Pennsylvania, Maryland & Virginia. If therefore the article of labour was not sufficiently enlarged upon, or, if there appeared too great a diversity in the price of this article, in that of land, and of other things, to be easily reconciled and understood; you must ascribe the inconsistency, or omission, to that cause; & to the habits, & value which is set on these things in the different States, and in different parts of the same State.
South of Pennsylvania, hired labor is not very common, except it be at harvest, and sometimes for cutting grass. The wealthier farmers perform it with their own black Servants, whilst the poorer sort are obliged to do it themselves. That labour in this Country is higher than it is in England, I can readily conceive. The ease with which a man can obtain land, in fee, beyond the

Mountains—to which most of that class of people repair, may be assigned as the primary cause of it. But high wages is not the worst evil attending the hire of white men in this Country, for being accustomed to better fare than I believe the labourers of almost any other Country, adds considerably to the expence of employing them; whilst blacks, on the contrary, are cheaper: the common food of them (even when well treated) being bread, made of the Indian Corn, Butter milk, Fish (pickled herrings) frequently, and meat now and then; with a blanket for bedding: In addition to these, ground is often allowed them for gardening, & priviledge given them to raise dung-hill fowls for their own use. With the farmer who has not more than two or three Negros, little difference is made in the manner of living between the master & the man; but far otherwise is the case with those who are owned in great numbers by the wealthy; who are not always as kind, and as attentive to their wants & usage as they ought to be; for by these, they are fed upon bread alone, which does not, on an average, cost more than seven dollars a head pr Ann. (about 32/ Sterling).
From these data, in aid of my last communications, you will be able to form an idea of the cost of labour in this Country. It varies, however, in the different States as I have already observed, and sometimes in the same State; but may be said to vibrate with white men, between ten & fifteen pounds—and for black men between Eight and twelve pounds sterling pr Ann., besides their board. No difficulty, I should conceive, would be found in obtaining those of either description on the terms here mentioned; but I do not advance this with certainty, not having been in the habit of hiring any, myself, for several years past. Blacks are capable of much labour, but having (I am speaking generally) no ambition to establish a good name, they are too regardless of a bad one; and of course, require more of the masters eye than the former. Formerly, I have given to skilful & careful Cradlers, a dollar a day during harvest; which was a sixth more than the usual price; but then, I knew the men, & that they would oblige themselves to cut clean, and lay well, four acres of Wheat a day (if it did not stand very heavy on the ground)—or, if I prefered it, they would cut by the Acre paying them at the rate of a dollar for every four acres. There are men who will rake & bind as fast as the Cradlers will cut the grain, but to do this is

deemed hard work, and when done, entitles them to Cradlers wages. These people eat three times a day (once perhaps of milk) and are allowed a pint of spirits each man. A Barn floor, with straw & a blanket, serves them at harvest for lodging.
When I observed in a former letter that, “all our labour was performed by Negros” I must have alluded to the custom in Virginia—the State in which I then lived, & from which I wrote; but my last communication to you, was on a more extensive Scale, comprehending the practices, & prices of Pennsylvania & Maryland, as well as different parts of Virginia; which (latter) is a state of great extent—differing much in its products and culture.
The English Statute acre is the measure by which we have hitherto bought & sold land; and the price of land, as handed to you in my last, includes buildings, fences, arable, meadow, in short the improvements of every sort appertaining to the tract, on which they are placed. To a stranger at a distance, this aggregate mode, of estimating the value of a farm is, it must be confessed, dark, & unsatisfactory; but to the parties present, who see & examine every thing, & judge for themselves, it is quite immaterial. The Seller warrants the title, & quantity which he sells; and both form an opinion of the total worth of the premises. It rarely happens, however, that buildings & other improvements are estimated by the purchaser at near what they cost the Seller, especially on old farms which have been a good deal worked; the received opinion being, that fresh land without improvements, is more to be desired than worn, & much abused land is with such as are usually found thereon; but this is to be considered as a general, not an invariable rule; for the better & more attentive farmers keep their farms in high order, and value the improvements accordingly.
Never having been in England, I ought not to hazard an opinion, or attempt a comparison between the Soil of that Country & this, in their virgin & unimproved State; but from what I know of the one, & have heard of the other, I should decide in favor of the latter at a distance from the Sea-board; which from the highlands of the Neversink (in East Jersey) to Florida inclusively, is flat; and with but few exceptions, sandy, and generally of mean quality. From the falls of the Rivers to the Mountains—which is generally from Sixty to 100 miles—and above the latter—except

the craggy hills & mountains which lye between the Eastern & Western waters; the best lands are to be found. They are strong, and after having been used, & abused in a shameful manner, will, with a little repose, get covered with white clover. The upper Country is healthiest also.
You seem surprised, and no wonder, to hear that many of our farmers—if they can be so called—cultivate much ground for little profit; because land is cheap, and labour is high; but you will remember, that when I informed you of this fact, I reprobated at the sametime both the practice & the principle. The history however of it, is this—a piece of land is cut down & kept under constant cultivation—first in Tobacco & then in Indian Corn (two very exhausting plants) until it will yield scarcely anything; a second piece is cleared & treated in the same manner; then a third—& so on until probably, there is but little more to clear. When this happens, the owner finds himself reduced to the choice of one of three things—either to recover the land which he has ruined, to accomplish which he has perhaps neither the skill, the industry, nor the means; or to retire beyond the Mountains; or to substitute quantity for quality, in order to raise something. The latter has been generally adopted; and with the assistance of horses, he scratches over much ground, & seeds it, to very little purpose as you may suppose, & have been informed; for I presume an English farmer would bestow more labour on one acre by deep & frequent ploughings, besides the dressings he gives to the land, than the other does on five acres. It is but justice however to Pennsylvania, to declare that her husbandry (though not perfect) is much better; and her crops proportionably greater. The practice above mentioned applies more particularly to the Tobacco States which, happily, are yielding more and more every year to the growth of Wheat, and as this prevails the husbandry improves. Instances could be enumerated, and where no extraordinary dressings or management has been used, of land yielding from thirty to forty bushels of Wheat pr acre, that has been very much exhausted.
Your mode of calculating the taxes of this Country, being unusual with us, I may not accurately understand; and as the Virginia method was, if I recollect rightly, detailed in my former accounts, I know not how to give you a more distinct idea of them than by exhibiting the items of the specific charges on every

species of taxable property—viz.—on Land, Negros, Stock &ca. This, as it respects an estate in Virginia with which I am very well acquainted, I am enabled to do, & will do. We have a Road tax besides but it is light, and in most of the States paid by a contribution of labour, which rarely exceeds two days in the year, for each male labourer. Dutiable articles is a distinct tax, the quantum of which depends upon the consumption, and the consumption upon the disposition of the consumer: with the aid therefore of the Laws (which I sent you) every man can calculate, better than I am able to do for him, the amount of his own expenditures in this way. An additional duty, or excise, was imposed last Session; and this being now sent, will, if I am not mistaken (with what was mentioned in my former communication) bring every tax, direct, & indirect, to your view, to which property, in this Country, is subjected; either by the general government, or the laws of the States of Pennsylvania, Maryland & Virginia, to which the observations have been confined.
Beef, & other meats; Grain of all sorts, and flour; Butter; Cheese; and other things in quantities to make them an object; are always, I conceive, in demand; and are sought after by the purchasers. The Sale of lesser articles, at a distance from market towns, may, sometimes, stick on hand; but rarely, I believe forego a Sale if they are worth the transportation.
Sheep thrive very well in the middle States, though they are not exempt from diseases—and are often injured by dogs; and more so as you approach the Mountains, by Wolves. Were we to use horses less, and Oxen more, on our farms (as they do in the New England States) we should, unquestionably, find our account in it; yet, strange as it may seem, few are in the practice of the latter—and none push the raising of Sheep to the extent they might, and ought to do. The fact is, we have, in a manner, every thing to learn that respects neat, and profitable husbandry.
Bakewells breed of Sheep are much celebrated, and deservedly I presume; but if entrusted to a common Bailiff (or what with us is called an Overseer) would, I should apprehend, soon degenerate for want of that care & attention, which is necessary to preserve the breed in its purity. But, the great impediment is, the British Statutes. These discourage men of delicasy in this Country from attempting what might involve the Master of a Vessel in serious consequences if detected in the breach of them.

Others however, less scrupulous, have attempted to import English Rams with Success, and by this means our flocks in many places are much improved—mine for instance, ’though I never was concerned directly nor indirectly in the importation of one, farther than by buying lambs which have descended from them. the average weight of the fleeces being 5 lbs.
Our modes, system we have none—are so different from yours—generally speaking, and our business being carried on so much within ourselves, so little by hiring, and still less by calculation, that I frankly confess to you, I am unable to solve your query respecting Sheepwalks—or how many sheep an acre of Woodland pasture would support.
I shall have pleasure at all times as far as I possess the means, or can command them, to give you every information that can contribute to your own satisfaction, or that of a friend; but I am so thoroughly persuaded of my inability to throw new lights upon any branch of husbandry in a Country where it is so well understood as in England; and, that anything I could write to you on that subject, would only serve to expose the defective practice of my Countrymen, & be considered as the beacon of our ignorance, that I am disenclined to see any production of mine in a work, where so much useful information is conveyed to the public, as is to be found in your Annals of Agriculture. With very great esteem I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. June 21st. I have not yet received the account of taxes I promised you, and for which I had written to Virginia; but I will send it by the first conveyance after its arrival.
This letter goes by Mr Pinckney Minister from the U. States to the Court of London, through which channel I recommend any letters you may favor me with to pass, who being detained a day or two longer than was expected, by the Vessel in which he is to embark, has given me an opportunity of asking Mr Jefferson (who is well acquainted in the South Western parts of Virginia, near Charlotsville)—and Mr Peters (one of the best farmers in the State of Pennsylvania, about Six miles from this City) to give me there sentiments on the several queries contained in your letter. These you ⟨will find enclosd herewith in their own words. On applying to Colo. Hamilton for the statement mentioned in

Mr Peters’ letter he put into my hands, together with the statement, several communications which were made to him last year by some of the most respectable farmers in this part of the Country in consequence of an application from him for information on certain points respecting Farms, And as they appeared to contain some matters worth attention I had them copied, and they are also enclosed. Mine, & each of theirs, are written without any previous consultation, & may be considered (my Estate in the Neighbd of which I am best acquainted lying about midway between theirs) as the opinions of men living, North, South, & in the centre of the District of which an acct was given to you in my communications of the 4th of Decr last.⟩


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 19 June 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Departmt June 19th 1792.

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit to the President of the Ud States a provisional Contract entered into between the Superintendent of the Delaware Lighthouse and Abraham Hargis for sinking a well for the accomodation of that Light house; together with a report of the Commissioner of the Revenue on the subject, & some explanatory statements.
The Secretary has delayed this communication under an impression that the allowance was excessive, and with a hope that something better might be done: but reputable workmen who have been consulted appear to be of opinion that the charge is not unreasonable, and no other person has been found disposed

to undertake at a lower rate. More from the latter circumstance, than a conviction that the terms are not less moderate than they ought to be, the Contract is now submitted. The approbation of it may be qualified by a reservation that if all the materials mentioned in the Estimate B are not used in the work, a proportional deduction shall be made from the sum stipulated. This, it is represented, will be agreed to by Mr Hargis.

Alexder HamiltonSecy of the Treasury.


Title: From George Washington to James Anderson (of Scotland), 20 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Anderson, James

Sir,
Philadelphia June 20th 1792.

I had the pleasure a few days ago to receive your letter of the 28t[h] of September, enclosing a letter from the Earl of Buchan, and accompanied with some seeds of the Sweedish Turnip, or Ruta Baga. At the same time I received from Mr Campbell, a bookseller in New York, six volumes of the Bee, which he informed me were transmitted by your directions. In your letter you mentioned having sent the four first volumes of the Bee, and the Earl mentions in his that he has sent me a sett. I therefore concluded that the six vols. which I have received are those mentioned

by his Lordship, and especially, as the pamphlet on wool, by Sir John Sinclair, which you observed in your letter accompanied the books which you sent, was not with those which I received. I mention these circumstances in order, that if there is any mistake in the transmission of the books, it may be set right. I feel no less grateful, Sir, for your polite attention, whether the books which I have received be those sent by yourself or by the Earl. I must beg your acceptance of my best thanks for the Sweedish Turnip seed, and the particular account which you were so good as to give me respecting it⟨.⟩ As I have spent great part of my life (and that not the least pleas⟨ing)⟩ in rural affairs I am always obliged by receiving such communications or novelties in that way as may tend to promote the system of husbandry in this Country.
When you first determined upon publishing the Bee, the Earl of Buchan had the goodness to transmit to me the plan  of the work, with which I was much pleased, and from the answe⟨r⟩ which I then gave to his Lordship’s letter; I have considered myself as a subscriber to the publication, and must beg to be informed to whom or in what manner I shall cause payment to be made for it.
I have not yet had it in my power to peruse those volumes of the Bee which I have received, but I promise myself much entertainment & information from them; for the extensive & liberal ground upon which you appear to have undertaken the work must make it interesting to the good citizens of every Country, and for your complete success in it you have my best wishes. I am Sir, with proper consideration, Your most Obed. Ser.


Title: From George Washington to the Earl of Buchan, 20 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Buchan, eleventh earl of (David Stuart Erskine; 1742-1829)

My Lord,
Philadelphia June 20 1792

I presume you will, long before this reaches you, have received my letter of the first of May, in answer to the honor of your Lordships favor of the 28th of June, by Mr Robinson. In that letter, I have stated, that the reason of my having so long delayed acknowledging the receipt of it, was a wish that the portrait, which you were pleased to request, should accompany the letter.
It was not till the 10th instant that I had the honor to receive your Lordships second favor of the 15th of September which was enclosed in a letter from Doctr James Anderson, and accompanied with six volumes of the Bee. These were forwarded by a Bookseller at New York, who mentions his having received directions from Doctr Anderson to transmit them to me.
I must therefore beg your Lordships acceptance of my warmest thanks for this additional testimony of your politeness. Considering myself as a subscriber to the Bee I have written to Doctor Anderson to know in what manner I shall pay the money, that it may get regularly to his hands.
With sincere prayers for the health & happiness of your Lordship—an⟨d⟩ gratefully impressed with the many mark⟨s⟩ of attention which I have received from you—I have the honor to be with Great esteem Your Lordships Most Obedient Serv⟨t⟩

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Ely, 20 June 1792
From: Ely, John
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Say Brook [Conn.] 20th June 1792

Be Pleased to Permitt me once more Mr President, to ask your Indulgent Reflection for a Moment on the Situation of a man whose Feelings are Extreamly Injured when his Fondness for his Country Induced him to Exert every Nerve for her Releif (Perhaps to a Fault) uppon Principal as well as Duty not Doubting that Goverment would Distribute Equal Justice at the Close of the War.
Yet after 7 Years Persuit by Humble & Dutifull Petitions found my Self Disappointed. Frequent And Repeated Committes have been appointed all of which Reported that my Claim was a Just & Meritorious Claim[.] The Secretary of war also made a Very Particular Report Stateing most Clearly to Congress that my acting as a Physician to the Prisoners was Intirely Distinct from Official Duty & that I aught to be Paid as a Regimental Cirgeon Dureing the time I acted as such. Yet after all my Petition was Negativd in the Senate.
Yet sir I have this agreable Reflection that I have Contributed to the relif of the Sick & wounded Prisoners and in some measure

have Prevented a Very Heavy Debt which must have accrewd, & must have been Paid—this Service was not only Done with Great Fategue & Resque of Life But with Great Expence for an Induvidual. without a Horse without Money Yet a Tour to be Performd, almost Every Day for the Best Part of 4 Years into 4 Differant Townships which was absolutly Performd by me sometimes on foot & Sometimes on Horseback to the Tune of 3 & 4 Dollars pr Day to Visit the Sick & wounded Officers on Long Island. and I Beg Leave Further to State that no Expence has arisen Dureing the war in Consiquence of Sickness among the Prisoners on Long Island But that I have Defrayd, Except a Small Bill of a Certain Doctr Bambridge a Refugee Physician and I Belive for One Patient Only he Charged £60 which Mr Skinner Refused to Pay Since which a Suit at Law was Commincd & the Money Recoverd, with additional Expence. these Facts are made Manifest by the Testimony of Colo. Boudenott Baty & Skinner—I have Therefor Only to Regrett that Ruin as to my Property has in fact Taken place in Consiquence of the accumelated Debts Contracted for the above Purpose, and my Children Drove from a Decent Patrimony and to seek an asulum in the wild of America & my self at 55 years of age Obligd, to work Double tides for Soport, this I do with Health Thank god & a Degrea of Chearfullness. I aught However to have added that Part of my Property was Burned, by the Traitor Arnold. and that it being on an Island Said to be without the Limitts of this State by which means I am Prevented from Receveing Relief by the State which has been afforded to Other Sufferers within its Limitts.
But Mr President it is Sugested to me that the Committee from the Senate Soposd the State of Connecticutt had made me full Compensation for my Services, to which I Beg to State that in a Settlement with the State of Connecticutt they Paid me in Paper the Prime Cost of the Medicens Only accor[d]ing to a Bill amounting to £150 S[terling] Money they also allowd me Sundry Sums for Extra Expences while on Command Previous to my Captivity (viz.) Expences to the Northern Army when Visited wt. the Small Pox &ca, But Sir I Never asked the State for nor Did I Ever receive a Farthing as a Compensation for any Service I Rendered the Prisoners while in Captivity or for Horse hire or Other Expences in Performing Sd Service. This will appear by the Testimony of Colo. Cook & Colo. Chester who were of the Committee

when I Settled wt. the State Colo. Cook was soon after a Member of Congress and Presented my Petition to the same while Every matter was fresh in Memory. I Pray now to ask the President if it is not Reasonable that my Expences aught at Least to be Paid. I am wt. Great Respect Your Obt Humble Servt

John Ely


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 20 June 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] June 20. 92.

Th: Jefferson, with his respects to the President, incloses him a publication by mister Knox an Under-secretary of state in England, who seems to have been the true parent of the British system with respect to our commerce. he asks the favour of the President to read the paper No. 18—page 60—as it shews the expectation of what would be done on our part, & an acknolegement of the injury it would do them, could we enforce it. papers 12. & 13. are also interesting: but not so pointedly so.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 20 June 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
War department June 20th 1792.

I have the honor to submit to your consideration a letter to Andrew Moore Esq. upon the appointment of some Ensigns in the Rifle Companies raising in the South Western parts of Virginia, and also a conditional appointment to Richard Chandler as an Ensign.
This Gentleman is well recommended to Mr Jefferson, and also in a letter from Captain Ballard Smith to me—He is stated to Mr Jefferson as a person who most probably can raise a number of good rifle Men. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your most obed. Servant

H. Knox


Title: Enclosure: Madison’s Draft of the Farewell Address, 20 June 1792
From: Madison, James
To:

[c.20 June 1792]

The period which will close the appointment with which my fellow citizens have honoured me, being not very distant, and the time actually arrived, at which their thoughts must be designating the citizen who is to administer the Executive Government of the United States during the ensuing term, it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should apprize such of my fellow citizens as may retain their partiality

towards me, that I am not to be numbered among those out of whom a choice is to be made.
I beg them to be assured that the Resolution which dictates this intimation has not been taken without the strictest regard to the relation which as a dutiful citizen I bear to my country; and that in withdrawing that tender of my service, which silence in my situation might imply, I am not influenced by the smallest deficiency of zeal for its future interests, or of grateful respect for its past kindness; but by the fullest persuasion that such a step is compatible with both.
The impressions under which I entered on the present arduous trust were explained on the proper occasion. In discharge of this trust I can only say that I have contributed towards the organization and administration of the Government the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. For any errors which may have flowed from this source, I feel all the regret which an anxiety for the public good can excite; not without the double consolation, however, arising from a consciousness of their being involuntary, and an experience of the candor which will interpret them. If there were any circumstances that could give value to my inferior qualifications for the trust, these circumstances must have been temporary. In this light was the undertaking viewed when I ventured on it. Being, moreover still farther advanced into the decline of life, I am every day more sensible that the increasing weight of years, renders the private walks of it in the shade of retirement, as necessary as they will be acceptable to me. May I be allowed to add, that it will be among the highest as well as purest enjoyments that can sweeten the remnant of my days, to partake, in a private station in the midst of my fellow citizens, of that benign influence of good laws under a free Government, which has been the ultimate object of all our wishes, and in which I confide as the happy reward of our cares and labours. May I be allowed farther to add, as a consideration far more important, that an early example of rotation in an office of so high and delicate a nature, may equally accord with the republican spirit of our constitution, and the ideas of liberty and safety entertained by the people.
(If a farewell address is to be added at the expiration of the term, the following paragraph may conclude the present).

Under these circumstances a return to my private station according to the purpose with which I quitted it, is the part which duty as well as inclination assigns me. In executing it I shall carry with me every tender recollection which gratitude to my fellow citizens can awaken; and a sensibility to the permanent happiness of my Country, which will render it the object of my unceasing vows and most fervent supplications.
(Should no further address be intended, the preceding paragraph being omitted, the present address may go on as follows).
In contemplating the moment at which the curtain is to drop for ever on the public scenes of my life, my sensations anticipate and do not permit me to suspend, the deep acknowledgments required by that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred on me, for the distinguished confidence it has reposed in me, and for the opportunities I have thus enjoyed of testifying my inviolable attachment by the most steadfast services which my faculties could render. All the returns I have now to make will be in those vows which I shall carry with me to my retirement and to my grave, that Heaven may continue to favor the people of the United States with the choicest tokens of its benificence; that their Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free constitution which is the work of their own hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department, may be stamped with wisdom and with virtue; and that this character may be ensured to it by that watchfulness over public servants and public measures, which on one hand will be necessary to prevent or correct a degeneracy; and that forbearance, on the other, from unfounded or indiscriminate jealousies which would deprive the public of the best services, by depriving a conscious integrity of one of the noblest incitements to perform them; that in fine, the happiness of the people of America, under the auspices of liberty, may be made compleat, by so careful a preservation, and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will acquire them the glorious satisfaction of recommending it to the affection, the praise, and the adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it.
And may we not dwell with well grounded hopes on this flattering prospect; when we reflect on the many ties by which the people of America are bound together, and the many proofs

they have given of an enlightened judgment and a magnanimous patriotism.
We may all be considered as the children of one common country. We have all been embarked in one common cause. We have all had our share in common sufferings and common successes. The portion of the Earth allotted for the theatre of our fortunes, fulfils our most sanguine desires. All its essential interests are the same; whilst its diversities arising from climate from soil and from other local & lesser peculiarities, will naturally form a mutual relation of the parts, that may give to the whole a more entire independence than has perhaps fallen to the lot of any other nation.
To confirm these motives to an affectionate and permanent Union, and to secure the great objects of it, we have established a common Government, which being free in its principles, being founded in our own choice, being intended as the guardian of our common rights and the patron of our common interests, and wisely containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, as experience may point out its errors, seems to promise every thing that can be expected from such an institution; and if supported by wise councils, by virtuous conduct, and by mutual and friendly allowances, must approach as near to perfection as any human work can aspire, and nearer than any which the annals of mankind have recorded.
With these wishes and hopes I shall make my exit from civil life; & I have taken the same liberty of expressing them, which I formerly used in offering the Sentiments which were suggested by my exit from military life. If, in either instance, I have presumed more than I ought, on the indulgence of my fellow citizens, they will be too generous to ascribe it to any other cause than the extreme solicitude which I am bound to feel, and which I can never cease to feel, for their liberty, their prosperity and their happiness.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 20 June 1792
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Belmont [Pa.] June 20. 1792

I shall be happy if I can assist in solving Mr Young’s Queries; but the Time will not admit either of Accuracy or the Combinations necessary to form the Average of Labour, Building & Improvement applicable to the State at large. From Mr Y’s Calculations, formed I presume upon Communications from you, I am surprized to find that the Prices of Labour & Quantity of Product are, in a great Degree, similar to those of this State; tho’ You seem to have confined yourself to Virginia & Maryland. I mean the Labour & Wages of Hirelings for as to Slaves I have but a very imperfect, & you a perfect Knowledge of what concerns their Value, Expence & Labour.

1. Our Wages for Hirelings by the Day are commonly 2/ in Winter, & 2/6, 9 Months in the Year for common Days-Work on a Farm & every Thing found as to eating & drinking—The same Man will hire & find himself at 3/ & 3/6 ⅌ Day—For a Reaper 3/ to 3/9 & found & the same for cutting Grass—Reaping by the Acre I have never had done under 5/ but the Price generally 7/6 the Labourers finding Themselves—Neither Reaper or Mower will on an Average do more than ¾ an Acre. Mowers ⅌ Day are allowed here a pint of Rum or other Spirits ⅌ Day—a vile & unnecessary Practice. Reapers have as much as they choose perhaps three half pints ⅌ Day but this Practice is yearly diminishing. When I say that a Reaper or Mower will do ¾ of an Acre I mean of a common Crop for in heavy Grain or Grass, such as a good English Crop, no Labourer here will reap or mow above half an Acre. As to mowing, or what we call cradling, Grain, we pay a Man 5/ to 6/ ⅌ Day & found, & the Days Work about the same with Mr Young’s Statement viz. 2 or 2½ A[cre]s ⅌ Day. Mowing ⅌ Acre 5/ to 6/ & a pint of Rum. Laboure[r]s find themselves Food.
2. The Hire of a Waggon 4 Horses & Drivers from 15/ to 20/ ⅌ Day.
3. The yearly Hire of a good Labourer in Pennsilvania I think 60 Dollars or £22, 10 Currency & found, Cloathing excepted.
4. As to the Quantum of Labour to be commanded for Pay I know not how to answer. Many who have small Farms either on Rent or their own Property can spare a Portion of their Time to assist their Neighbours for Hire. The Class of People merely Labourers is not very numerous & by no Means Stationary or collected. The independent Situation they can place themselves in by removing to the Frontiers is the Cause of the Scarcity of Labourers in the settled Parts of the State. Nor is the Demand for Labour so regular as to detain unconnected Labourers in any Spot. Whether the considerable Improvements we are about undertaking by Roads & Canals will operate so as to attract Labourers from other States or from Europe in Hopes of constant Employment is yet problematical. If these Works employ none but our own People the Price of Labour will encrease on the Farms[.] There is no Doubt but that the Rates of Labour are & will for a long time continue to be higher than they are in England—Our People live better than those of the same Rank in

Life in any Part of the World. The Employer pays for the Habits of the Hireling who not only eats & drinks well when provided for in Addition to his Wages but out of his Wages must (if he has one) provide for his Family according to the Custom of the Country. Even an English Labourer who lives better than one in any other Part of Europe would be astonished at the Fare of one in America[.] I do not believe Mr Young much mistaken when he says that the Rate is comparatively 100 ⅌ Cent higher than in England; & the Habits of living are as much the Cause of it as the Easiness of the Passage over the Mountains. I am not displeased as a Citizen at this Circumstance, tho’ as a Farmer it is against my Profit. Some Things might be retrenched, but I am happy when I know that our common People are better fed & cloathed than in any other Part of the World.
5. The Prices of Land are so extremely various that there is no fixing an Average. The Situation & Improvement always add to Value. Knowing so little as our Farmers do of the Means of renovating Land the longer they are cleared the less valuable for the most Part they are. I gave to Col. Hamilton an exact Account of the Debtor & Creditor of four Farms in my Neighbourhood taken from the Knowledge I have of the general Circumstances of this Part of the Country. The Result is very unfavourable to the Characters of our Farmers. Be pleased to ask Col. H. for it as I have not a Copy. I believe Col. H. who in some Project he had, sent for Information to all Quarters could most easily give Satisfaction in this Point. Mr Y. does not know that in Parts where there are no Slaves the Farmer & his Family do the greater Portion of the Work of their Farms within themselves. This is the Reason why they can get forward & live well. If Calculations were made of every thing being hired few Farms in Pennsilvania would clear a Farthing. A Man here saves Money by a Crop of 10 Bushells & in England he would perish under it. There he rents & hires—here for the most Part the Farm is his own & he hires little or none at all.
The Products of Wheat can be all sold
—Barley not in great Quantities our People not being as fond as they ought to be of Beer.
—Rye—may encrease in Demand by domestic Distillation—at present it is no great Object
Butter—Fluctuating—but all may be sold now produced.

Beef—a good Article & when we know better how to cure it for Exportation will encrease in Demand.
Mutton—No Sale for any great Quantities. For some Time hence this will not be a great Sheep Country. The dryness of our Seasons burn up the Pasture for a great Part of the Year—we keep too many Dogs who destroy them. & our Country is much intersected with Mountains inhabited by Wolves which cannot be extirpated. It is a profitable Article so far as you can extend it but no great Capital can be employed in it & if the Bussiness was more extensively carried on the Profit would be reduced to Nothing. Our long Winters are inimical to Sheep—they render the keeping expensive & subject the Animal to numberless Disorders. We can have no succulent or green Forage—Turnips are out of the Question our Snows & severe Weather destroy or cover them, nor is their Culture certain—I have tried the English Sheep which were degenerate & stand the Climate but badly. As to Fleece it is but scant, 3 lb. ⅌ Sheep being rather an Overcalculation. Wool is now in some Demand but I have known it unsaleable. I hope Manufactures will continue to encrease the Demand but the Prospect of this is distant. Mr Y’s Calculation upon Waste Land might be well enough if the Circumstances before stated as to Sheep did not forbid our going extensively into them. Sheep have most Enemies where there could be most Range for them; & they require Care as well as Range. I know none who have tried the Sheep Business that have suceeded. Folding is very well—but it requires Labour & the Sheep crouded together here have often perished. I cannot ascertain how many an Acre will support for none are kept within my Knowledge but in small Numbers & as a Variety in a Farmers Stock. They are close Feeders & destroy Pasture prodigiously.
Excuse me, Sir, for this hasty & imperfect Sketch. I should have gone more deeply into the Subject had the Time You allot permitted. Unless one could find, as it is in England, the Business carried on in different Branches systematically it is difficult to make Calculations or even Observations generally applicable. Few People here do all their Business by hiring & some scarcely hire at all. The Race of Tenantry is miserable indeed. I am with the greatest Respect Your obedt Servt

Richard Peters

Should you think of any particular Point I would be pleased to mention it. I will pay particular Attention to it. Mr Young’s Letter would require a very extended Discussion.


Title: To George Washington from John Hazelwood, 21 June 1792
From: Hazelwood, John
To: Washington, George

Phila. June 21st 1792

Sir in the Year 1776 By order of your Excellency I fitted four fire ships In the City of New York, for which I never had Any Compensation. as I was sent by your self to Poughkepsie to fitt a Boom & Chain to be put a Cross the North River &c., it being too late when I returnd to Apply as our Army were retreating from Long Island & there being so much to Attend to That I thought it improper.
I now wish to have it settled as Congress have takein Off their limitation Acts but as it will be necessary to have some proof I hope your Excellency will give me a line certifying that I fitted them which favour shall ever be Acknowledged by your most Obt & Very Humbl. Sevt

John Hazelwood


Title: From George Washington to Edward Newenham, 22 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Newenham, Edward

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 22d June 1792

I have now before me your letters of the 9th of January & 12th of february, to which it will not be in my power to reply so fully as my inclination would lead me to do if I had no avocations but those of a personal nature.
I regret exceedingly that the disputes between the Protestants and Roman Catholics should be carried to the serious and alarming heigth mentioned in your letters. Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause: And I was not without hopes that the enlightened and liberal policy of ⟨the present⟩ age would have put an effectual stop to contentions of this Kind.
The present appears to be an eventful moment in Europe. The declaration of war by France against the King of Hungary will probably soon discover what part the several nations in Europe will take; but when or where those agitations which now shake that quarter of the glo[b]e will terminate is beyond the ken of human wisdom.
Notwithstanding our local situation & political circumstances

guard us against an interference in the contests betwe⟨en⟩ the European powers; yet we cannot be indifferent as to the issue of a business in which the happiness of so many millions of our fellow creatures is involved. We have had nothing from France since the declaration of War, but are waiting with no small degree of anxiety for further intelligence which may enable us to form some conjecture on this momentous business.
I am happy in being able to inform you that the affairs of this country are still going on in a prosperous train. The ha[r]vest through the several States, so far as I have been able to extend my enquiries, promises to be abundant for the quantity sown, and it is said by those who are well acquainted with the subject, that there has never been a year in which so much land has been cultivated in grain, particularly Wheat, as in the present. I paid a visit to Mount Vernon immediately on the rising of Congress, and was much pleased to find the appearance of crops of my own farms much more flattering than I had known them for many years past, and the country, generally, exhibited the face of plenty. An insect, called the Hessian fly, has made its appearance and done some mischief in parts of this State, Delaware & Maryland; but the destruction occasioned by this enemy will bear but a very trifling proportion to the whole crop of the Country, and I am informed that its ravages, where it has been found this year, are far less than those committed by the same insect some years ago. An investigation of the natural history & progress of this insect is now taking place, in order to see if some effectual measures cannot be fallen upon to prevent its devastations. As it is a subject deeply interesting to every individual in the community I flatter myself that such enquiries & communications will be made respecting it as will lead to its extirpation.
Mrs Washington unites with me in sincere wishes for the health & happiness of Lady Newenham & yourself. I am, with great esteem, Dear Sir, Your most Obedt Sert.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 22 June 1792
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philada June 22d 1792

I was ashamed to send you so hasty & desultory a List of Observations on Mr Young’s Letter & on Reflection I find I have not paid sufficient Attention to some material Parts of it. By the Desire I had of speedily complying with your Request I have in a great Degree defeated the Object of the Trouble you were pleased to take in making it. It will however be now too late to do anything more, as it would be of no Use to you by the present Opportunity, if indeed it would be at all useful in any Case. I will promise to be more attentive should I again be honoured with a similar or any other Request from you.
I have found & send you a Copy of the Letter & Statement I mentioned to have sent to Col. Hamilton—This Statement is not conjectural as I consulted the Owners of the Farms I made the Subject of it. They were mortified at the Result, tho’ they could not find Fault with the Estimate. They consoled themselves that they could live, & that they never went into minute Calculations. They all agreed that a Farmer never counted upon Interest of Capital & that striking this out of the Account & giving

them their Maintenance as some Compensation for their Labour personally—the Thing was well enough. I am with sincere Respect & Esteem Your obed. Servt

Richard Peters


Title: To George Washington from James Smith, 22 June 1792
From: Smith, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Hull, Old England. June 22. 1792

I take the liberty of sending these few lines to you togather with my kind love hoping they will find you in a comfortable state of health & the best of happiness Sir, though I am an entire strainger to your person yet not so to your Name, caracter, & encreasing Fame, these are not confined within the bounds of America Ever since I read (in Gordon’s History of the united States) of your patriotism and steadiness in the war, the honourable peace you were instrumental in procuring for the States; togather with the wholesome laws that are established among you I have found a particular affection toward your person and that part of the globe where you dwell and should be happy in coming to see you & afterwards to settle in some part of your Country—But to give you a short Detail of my pedigree & employment, Sir, I am the Son of a Farmer in the west of Yorkshire a young Man, that is unmaried. I have been a short time at an Academy near Halifax and am now entering upon the work of the christain ministry, in the independant connection, which Sect prayed to God for your prosperity & sucsess in the time of the war and greatly applaud your disintrested conduct since the peace. Sir, I have a strong desire to come over to your Country, could I obtain a promise of your patronage & favour, (upon condition of my being an honest man & good citizen) it would be a very great inducement towards my leaving Britain, and my friends, to come over to America Sir, having the greatest confidence in you[r] fidelity I have sent these few lines to you in order that I might know whether my coming to America will be a prudent step and to be informed whether I can meet with incouragement,

or not. Sir, if I meet with encouragement, I purpose coming to see you (and I shall be very happy in it) the next Summer please let me have your thoughts upon the subject, as soon, as you can. Sir, I shall be very glad to hear of your age, and the state of your health after the various fatigues you have passed through. Sir, publick affairs are going on but roughly in Britain, as Mr paine asserts, goverment is looking one way, and the people another, and this is the reason why I wish to be made a member of your commonwealth by settling in some part of it. Sir, without vanity I can say that I have a love to America, to her Soil, and to her law, but I cannot say so of Old England because I look upon it that some remarkable troubles are awaiting her and ready to burst forth. I understand that great disturbances are likely to break forth at London The Bill for the abolition of the Slave is likely to be thrown out by the House of Lords, which will be very much contrary to the voice of the nation. Indeed Sir, they are behaving towards the Dissenters in a very proud & imperious manner which I am rea⟨mutilated⟩ think in the end will produce some very ⟨mutilated⟩ consiquences, because I believe they are possess⟨ed⟩ of the same spirit for liberty which their Brethren in America are possessed of and shewed themselves so active in defending in the war. Sir Mr paine has lately published his 2 volume on the rights of man which is called by the King & his ministry a nefarious work that militates against their honour. It is reported they are prosicuting the printer, as printing a libel—I hope Mr paine will keep out of the British Dominions for the future if he do not, the higher powers will certainly put him to Death for they are already Drinking Damnation to paine, to his works, & his principles, whilst others greatly admire them. I am, Sir, yours affectionately

James Smith

N.B. P. Direct to me—at Mr Murrow’s Linen Draper. Barrow—Lincolnshire—To be left at Mr Rodes, Stationer, Market, Hull. old England.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 26 June 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Departmt June 26. 1792.

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to The President of the United States a Report of the Commissioner of the Revenue on the Subject of a certain Pier

to be erected in the River Delaware, in lieu of one previously established there which was carried away by the Ice at the breaking up of the River in the last Spring.
After the best examination which the Secretary has had in his power, he submits the Contract provisionally entered into between The Superintendant of the Delaware Lighthouse &c. and Thomas Davis and Thomas Connaroe Junior, as the best thing practicable. He begs leave to add that the erection of the Pier prior to the ensueing Winter is of the most material importance to the Navigation of the River.

Alexander Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 26 June 1792
From: Washington, George Augustine
To: Washington, George

Honor’d Uncle
Berkley County [Va.] 26th June 1792

When I left Mount Vernon it was my intention to have returned there about this time, but three days detention on the road in consequence of bad weather, and ill health since my arrival here will procrastinate my return a week longer than I had determen’d when I set out—On my way up I increased my

Cold and Cough very much and a disagreeable hourseness attended it—which so much disorderd and weakned me as to produce disagreeable apprehensions, but my cold for three or four days having considerably deminished and my strength increased, gives me hopes that with prudence it may pass off without any serious consequences—I hope that by remaining here a week longer and paying proper attention to my health that I shall be able to return, and better than when I set out—I have felt much anxiety at being absent from Mount Vernon at so busy a season, and having been informd by Fanny that my Children & several of the family have been very unwell increased my anxiety to return, but the state of my health being such as to render me incapable of business thought it advisable to continue here a little longer in the attempt to regain it—My Father who is in better health than he has been for several years desire with the family to be kindly rememberd to You and my Aunt—My tenderest affe⟨c⟩tions attend You both & the Children and good wishes for Mr & Mrs Lear & the family and believe me to be with the strongest attachment—Your sincerely affectionate Nephew

Go. A. Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Jenkins, 27 June 1792
From: Jenkins, David
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada, June 27th 1792

The subscriber who now takes the liberty to address you was in the year 1755 a Lieutenant in the 44th Regmt in the British service under the command of Gen. James Abercrombie, and in Colonel Gage’s regiment; but was under the necessity of selling

his commission on account of bodily infirmities; and being afterwards reduced to indigent circumstances has been employed for some time past in teaching a school, Of this last source of subsistence he has lately been deprived by a severe stroke of the Palsy; he is therefore under the necessity of returning to his native country where he has a competence depending sufficient to support him and his family comfortably[.] Being therefore under the necessity of applying to the genorisity of my present countrymen I was advised, by several Gentn both in Virginia and Pennsylvania, to make my case known to your Excellency in hope of sharing that liberality which has often been exerted in relieving the unfortunate and distressed—Your friendship in this respect will much oblige Sir, your Excellencies most obedient humble servant

David Jenkins


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 28 June 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

 [Philadelphia] 28 June 1792. Asks Lear to submit to GW “the enclosed letters from Governor Blount, Mr Allison and Judge McNairn, and others, by which the train of affairs with the Cherokees will be discovered.”


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 29 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia, 29 June 1792]

I am grieved to find that Mr Short was, on the 22d of April, without his Comn & Instructions—and that Mr Morris was not then in Paris.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Powel, 29 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Powel, Samuel

Dear Sir,
[Philadelphia] June 29th 1792.

I feel much obliged by your kind offer of one of the tubs of Grape Vines from Madeira. If the remaining two contain plants enough to answer your own purposes, I will accept it with thankfulness; but let me entreat you not to disoblige yourself in order to accomodate me.
A Vessel will sail in a few days for Alexandria, by which I shall send sundry parcels to Mount Vernon.
Mrs Washington unites with me in compliments & best wishes for Mrs Powell & yourself—and with grt esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedient and Affectionate Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 29 June 1792 [letter not found]
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 29 June 1792. GW wrote to Whitting on 4 July that “Your letter of the 29th Ulto came to my hands yesterday.”


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 30 June 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, 30 June 1792]

For carrying into execution the provisions of the third section of the Act intitled, “An Act making certain appropriations therein specified,[”] passed the Eighth day of May in this present year.
I do hereby authorise you the said Secretary of the Treasury in the name and on the credit of the United States to borrow of any body or bodies politic, person or persons whomsoever the sum of Fifty thousand Dollars; and to enter into such Agreements for the reimbursement thereof as shall be needful and proper; hereby promising to ratify whatever you shall lawfully do in the premises.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my hand at the City of Philadelphia the thirtieth day of June in the year One thousand seven hundred and ninety two.

G: Washington