Title: To George Washington from Landon Carter, 27 October 1796
From: Carter, Landon
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Cleve 27. October 1796

                        Owing to my absence from home on the arrival of our weekly post, I did not
                            receive your Favor of the 17th inst. until the 24th at night. I immediately prepared a
                            Letter for continuance of the correspondence, you seemed to be willing to comply with—Upon
                            a review of that Letter tho, I resolved to suppress it on acct of the subject: That was of a
                            nature to involve too much of conjecture. Your well known Character assures me that you wish
                            only to tread upon established ground: Therefore the food of Plants is too unasscertained a
                            subject, I imagine, to be acceptable.
                        I will for the present content myself with laying before you some experience,
                            that I have had, in the course of crops best adapted to the restoration of the Land: And I
                            must request you to keep in view the postulata in my late Letter. I once wrote a Society in
                            George Town in Culpepper County; which was printed in the Gazzette, by Timothy Green, in
                            Fredericksburg, 9. October 1794. Extra: That too would perhaps aid my
                            letter; but I must request you to suppose me to have been free from those
                            blunders, the Coppyist, or Printer, have stamped upon it; for it is by a false stop changed
                            from my expression.
                        The rational conclusion from my Postulata is, that cultivation under fit Crops
                            & proper method, will restore land from a State of stirillity to
                            a pristine fertillity. If Earth is considered to enter into the composition of vegitable
                            food, that is seen to circulate in the Air; & a free divided state of the Soil,
                            under proper guards against heat, must be the most apt state for
                            attracting matter so arranged: And the same may be remarked of each
                            matter that has ever been advocated as the Chief agent in that business.
                        The mode of Plowing I have pointed out; and you will see my choice of Crops, in
                            the publication alluded to, fully argued as to fitness. I have chiefly now to express my
                            favorite arrangement.
                        A naked Fallow I deem to be destructive of the Land; and even when manured it
                            is but a cross operation. I would practice Fallow in preferrence to Indian Corn preparation;
                            for small grain: But I would solicit shade, in aid to oblique plowing, to make my Fallow
                            conducive to fertillity. Indian Pease is the growth I have adopted, not merely for its shade
                            but as a moderate claimant from the Earth, by means of its direct down root; and because it
                            occasions a profuse tendency to it; of such aerial matters as lead to fructify the Earth:
                            For that plant strongly attracts from the Air. To make this draft the more copious, it will
                            perhaps occur to you that there must be a croud of them together, for collectiveness is not,
                            in this case, as two to three but as two to four. On account of those ideas I never sow them
                            broad; I should thereby single the pease, and loose the benefit of Plowing thro’ the season:
                            Leaving the soil to grow compact, and in a Level position; which reduces the surface, that
                            presents to the Air, to the least possible extent. I plant the pease 12, 15, or even 20, in
                            a place—say in furrows three feet apart & 18, to 30 inches in the step; tho I have
                            it in contemplation to put in future 10, to 12, & only one foot in the step; and
                            when I plow them, the mouldbd always directs the cast to a ridge in the middle; So as that
                            the pease will ultimately stand on a little ridge: And I plow so close as even to start
                            them & press them over.
                        Let not this alarm the Farmer; for the plant sustains so
                            much from the air, that it never flags for so rude a push, but gathers
                            vigor from the near approach of the air to its ruits: Nor can they suffer
                            injury from a crouded state, for the Same reason; but rather acquire
                            accumulated supplies by the association. My Letter grows long, and the
                            continuation of the subject must be deferred.
                        I am equally with you convinced of the utillity of Societies toward the
                            promotion of any Science; and should exult to find an Establishment of
                            that kind, under congenial Auspices, in some way practicable. A
                                Recluse myself, and under a consequent want of Influence,
                                any attempt by me to set such a thing on foot would of
                                course be fruitless; therefore has not been at all aimed at on my
                                part. But I willingly would follow; tho I cannot lead. I am Dear Sir with
                            every Sentiment of Esteem and respect for you and for your relative
                            regards Your most Obt & very hmble Servant

                            Landon Carter

                            P.S. As possibly you may not come at once to the Gazzette
                                and it may be necessary for the better understanding my
                                Last post I have inclose you one from my File—to be
                                    returned.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Phillips, 28 October 1796
From: Phillips, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Octr 28 ’96.

                        I have been honored with your favor of the 28th Ultimo, enclosing a letter from
                            Colo. Washington in whch were recd—150 dollrs and take the liberty to
                            enclose an answer.
                        You are pleased to authorize me to give you notice of any arrears on acct of
                            the sons of your Nephew. it gives me pleasure to say there are none of any consequence now
                            due to me. With the highest respect I am Sir yr most obed’t & very h’ble Servt

                            S.P.


Title: To George Washington from Godfrey Bumgardner, 30 October 1796
From: Bumgardner, Godfrey
To: Washington, George

                            Most Excellent President
                            Harrison County October the 30th 1796

                        I hope you will not take Amiss that One of your Subjects takes the Liberty to
                            send you a few Lines Hoping they may find you in health of Body & mind.
                        I am One of your old Soldiers. I Served in your Company in the Year 1754.
                            & a Grant of Land was Given By A proclamation of Robert Dinwide Governor of
                            Virginia But I am like to loose my Right for the Want of my Name Being found on the List The
                            Reason I expect is that I Got my Discharge Burnt But I have proved by my Neighbours Before
                            Captain Andrew Lewis that I had it & leave the provement to Mr Felix Gilbert,
                            who Told me he had Given it to your Brother in Fredericksburgh. Moreover I have never Receiv’d
                            Any pay at all for my Service. I humbly pray Dear Sir that you would Look into it & that I may
                            Get my pay & my Right to sd Grant.. for probably you may Remember me & if not
                            you may perhaps find my Name in some of the Lists or Records. please to Honour me with an
                            Answer By Colonel Jackson who may Give you some Information of my person & Your Compliance
                            Dear Sir Will Abundantly Oblige your faithful Subject & most Humble Servant

                            Godfrey Bumgardner

                            A Copy of The List taken from The Records at RichmondThere is Granted
                                unto the Following Men in the Year 1794 19th of February by A proclamation of Robert
                                Dinwide—Governor of Virginia & Survey’d by George Washington & Wm
                                Crafort on the Ohio river Above big Sandy &c.John Savage, Robert Langdon,
                                Edmund Waggonner, Richard Trotter, Wire Johnson Hugh McCoy, Richard Smith, John Smith
                                Charles Smith Agnus McDonnald—Nathan Chapman, Joseph Gatewood, James Samuel, Michael
                                Scully, Edward Goodwin William Bailey, Henry Bailey, Wm Coffland Mathew Dorran,
                                Christian Bumgarner &c.


Title: To George Washington from Budd & Pryor, 31 October 1796
From: Budd & Pryor
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philada 31 October 1796

                        It is with much reluctance we address ourselves to you on the present occasion,
                            but as we think our interest as well as that of the City of Washington materially concerned,
                            we have thought it necessary to make you acquainted with the subject on which this
                            application is founded, in order to see how far the Comms. of the City have acted with
                            Propriety towards us.

                        We, together with Mr Robt S. Bickley & Mr Danl William jr are the
                            proprietors of the Ticket which drew the Hotel—Immediately after the
                            Lottery had finished drawing, we found that the Buildings were not
                            Progressing, in consequence of which we wrote to the Comms., requesting them to acquint us
                            with the situation of the Building & to furnish us with Copies of the engagements
                            entered into between Mr Blodget & them, they accordingly sent us
                            forward a Copy of a Mortgage given by Mr Blodget to Mr Johnston & Mr Peter, to
                            indemnify the Comms. against all damages Costs &c. which they might sustain on Accot
                            of said Lotty and wrote us at the same time that they would do all in their Power to have
                            the Buildings compleated—Finding in a short time after, that the Buildings were wholly
                            neglected, our Geo. Budd, waited on the Comms. at the City of Washington & made a
                            regular complaint to them against Mr Blodget’s conduct (who we conceived their agent) for
                            not furnishing funds to proceed with the Buildings, in consequence of this application, the
                            Comms. wrote to Mr Blodget, & told him, they had no alternative left, unless he did
                            in a given time furnish funds, they would be obliged to institute a suit to forclose the
                            Mortgage, and sell as much of the Property Mortgaged as would enable them to finish the
                            Hotel & out Buildings—Mr Blodget then came forward & we understood from the
                            Comms. had lodged with them a certain Sum to proceed with the Work—those funds we have been
                            informed since are exhausted, and the work at a stand—The Comms. now Sir decline that
                                interference in the exercise of their power over Mr Blodgets
                            property which we think they ought in justice to proceed against in order to compleat the
                            work, they now tell us that the former Commissioners had no right to bind them, and that
                            they consider this business as having no connection with the City, or with them as Public
                            Officers & that they are not authorized to interfere in the business—Those Gentlemen
                            have already interfered & told Mr Blodget that they were compell’d to proceed
                            against his property, and now they disclaim any interference—All we ask Sir is justice, we
                            thought at one time the Comms. disposed to see it done, we have no controul over Mr Blodget,
                            but they certainly have & we think the Buildings ought to be compleated by
                            Somebody—We beg the favor of you Sir to investigate the truth of our assertions and if it is
                            necessary we will lay before you Copies of all our letters as well as theirs on the Subject.
                            We are with every Sentiment of esteem & respect Sir Your Mo. Obedt Servts

                            Budd & Pryor


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 31 October 1796
From: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Washington 31st October 1796

                        We were favored, by last Mail, with the two inclosed Letters, which are
                            forwarded by the earliest conveyance since their arrival; not having been received until the
                            Saturday’s Mail had been closed—The prospects held out by Messrs Willink are by no means
                            flattering—We inclose an answer to their letter which we presume will readily meet with a
                            conveyance to Amsterdam or Hamburgh; a copy of which Letter is inclosed—Messrs Morris
                            & Nicholson have releived us of 50,000 Dollars of our Bank debt, and we have some
                            reason to expect that they will relieve us of $20,000 more in which case, we shall only owe
                            $12,000, & 10,000$ of that sum yet remains in Bank, undrawn, & is destined
                            to meet the expenditures of the next month. We shall probably be able to raise a further Sum
                            of 5000 Dollars from other Sources, which will carry us to the middle of December, when the
                            building Season will close—The months of Decr & January are those during which we
                            have with most advantage generally contracted for one Year’s supplies of Beef, Pork, Meal,
                            Lime & sundry other articles; on all of which contracts, it is essentially necessary
                            to make considerable advances, & without them, no beneficial contracts can be
                            made—The Bank of Columbia, whilst so much of their capital is absorbed by Morris &
                            Nicholson, in their city affairs, and upon which principle alone they obtain such large
                            discounts, can give us no effectual aid; money, however, is as necessary to our operations
                            in the Winter as summer, and without some supplies by the middle of Decr, our Summer
                            operations will be considerably crippled. We think it therefore,
                            adviseable immediately to lay before you such plans as appear to us most likely to
                            succeed—The reasons given by Messrs Willink why they can at present do nothing at Amsterdam,
                            apply with equal strength to the rest of Europe—We therefore consider that Country as for
                            the present out of the question, and that we must gain our immediate supplies within the
                            United States, or not at all—A Sale of Lots or partial loan appear to be the only means of
                            obtaining the object—We wish Mr Wolcott, with whom we heretofore had a correspondence on the
                            Subject, to renew his application to the Bank of the U. States—Could we obtain from them
                            100,000 Dollars, to be advanced by Instalments of 7000 Dollars ⅌ Month, during the Winter
                            Months, or, until April; and afterwards at the rate of 11000 Dollars per month until the
                            whole shall be drawn; it would be sufficient, with our other resources, to carry us through
                            the ensuing Year—We would readily agree to pay an Interest of 6 ⅌ cent ⅌ annum on the
                            whole Sum borrowed, from the day of the first advance and to draw the money by monthly
                            Instalments, as above proposed—This would, we presume, be convenient to the Bank, and would
                            really yeild them an Interest of at least 8 1/2 ⅌ cent; and we would agree, further, to
                            repay the money loaned, as soon as the foreign Loan is effected—If, however, these terms
                            cannot be obtained, we know not how we can do better than negotiating with the Bank of the
                            United States for $100,000 of the new created Stock, which will sell at a loss of 10 or 12
                            ⅌ ct, one we are very unwilling to sustain; but this will be less injurious than the loss
                            of a Summer’s operations, & Congress cannot complain of a loss which arises from a
                            Sale regulated by their own acts, & which prohibits the Bank from selling at any
                            price less than par—The sooner the result of Mr Wolcots application is known, the better, as
                            we mean, if not successful with the Bank of the United States, to apply to the Legislature
                            of Maryland; who will soon be in session & who will probably lend us Stock on the
                            same terms now proposed to the Bank—We beg leave, also, to submit to your consideration the
                            propriety of offering for Sale at Phila, New York and Boston, through the medium of some
                            respectable Broker at each place, a number of Squares, sufficient to raise 60 or 70,000
                            Dollars, limiting the Sale to certain prices, under which, they shall not be bid off—If
                            successfull, these Sales will greatly facilitate our finances, and, if not, no expense or
                            inconvenience can arise—We have the honor to be, &c.

                            G. Scott
                            W. Thornton
                            A. White


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 31 October 1796
From: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Washington 31st October 1796

                        Since our first Letter of this date, we have thought it prudent to write to Mr
                            Wolcott & to enclose to him the proposals for a Loan from the Bank drawn out into
                            detail, both which are left open for your perusal & approbation, without which we do
                            not consider ourselves at liberty to make the propositions. Not knowing what may be the
                            event of the application to the Bank, we have thought it adviseable to forward an Instrument
                            empowering us to borrow of the State of Maryland, in case of need. We are, with sentiments,
                            &c.

                            G. Scott
                            W. Thornton
                            A. White


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 2 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

                        (Private)
                            My dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 2d Novr 1796.

                        On Monday Afternoon I arrived in this City, and among the first things which
                            presented themselves to my view, was Mr Adets letter to the Secretary of State, published by
                            his order, in the moment it was presented.
                        The object in doing this is not difficult of solution; but whether the publication in the manner it appears, is by order of the
                            Directory, or an act of his own, is yet to be learnt. If the first, he has executed a duty
                            only; if the latter, he has exceeded it, and is himself responsible for the indignity
                            offered to this Government by such publication, without allowing it time to reply—or to
                            take its own mode of announcing the intentions of his country towards the Commerce of these
                            United States.
                        In either case, should there be in your opinion, any difference in my reception
                            & treatment of that Minister, in his visits at the public Rooms (I have not seen him
                            yet, & do not expect to do it before tuesday next)—and what difference should be made if
                            any?
                        He complains in his letter, that he had received no answers to the
                            remonstrances in former communications (the dates of which are given). The fact is, that one
                            at least of those remonstrances, were accompanied by as indecent charges; and as offensive
                            expressions as the letters of Genet were ever marked with; and besides, the same things on
                            former occasions, had been replied to (as the Secretary of State informs me) over &
                            over again.
                        That the letter which he has now given to the public will be answered, and (to
                            a candid mind) I hope satisfactorily, is certain; but ought it to be published immediately, or not? This question has
                            two sides to it; both of which are important. If the answer does not accompany the letter,
                            the antidote will not keep pace with the poison—and it may, & undoubtedly would be
                            said, it is because the charges are just, and the consequences had been predicted. On the
                            other hand—may not the dignity of the Government be committed by a News paper dispute with
                            the Minister of a foreign Nation, and an apparent appeal to the People? and would it not be said also that we can bear every thing from one of the Belligerent Powers, but nothing from another of them? I could enlarge on this subject,
                            but add nothing, I am certain, that your own reflections thereon will not furnish. Whether
                            the answer is published now, or not, would it be proper do you conceive, at the ensuing
                            Session, which will close the political Scene with me, to bring the French affairs, since
                            the controversy with Genet fully before Congress? In doing this it is to be noticed, that there is such a connexion between them and our
                            transactions with Great Britain as to render either imperfect without the other; and so much
                            of the latter as relates to the Treaty with that country has already been refused to that
                            body: not because there was any thing contained therein that all the world might not have
                            seen but because it was claimed as a matter of right, and the compliance therewith would
                            have established a dangerous precedent.
                        Since I wrote to you from Mount Vernon, on the eve of my departure from that
                            place, and on my way hither, I received a letter from Sir John Sinclair—an extract of which
                            I enclose you—on the Subject of an Agricultural establishment. Though not such an enthusiast
                            as he is, I am nevertheless deeply impressed with the benefits which would result from such
                            an institution, and if you see no impropriety in the measure, I would leave it as a
                            recommendatory one in the Speech at the opening of the Session; Which, probably, will be the
                            last I shall ever address to that, or any other public body.
                        It must be obvious to every man who considers the Agriculture of this country,
                            (even in the best improved parts of it) and compares the produce of our lands with those of
                            other countries; no ways superior to them in natural fertility,
                            how miserably defective we are in the management of them; and that if we do not fall on a
                            better mode of treating them, how ruinous it will prove to the landed interest. Ages will
                            not produce a systematic change without public attention & encouragement; but a few
                            years more of increased Sterility will drive the Inhabitants of the Atlantic States
                            Westwardly for support; Whereas if they were taught how to improve the old, instead of going
                            in pursuit of new & productive Soils, they would make those acres which now scarcely
                            yield them any thing, turn out beneficial to themselves—To the Mechanics, by supplying them
                            with the staff of life on much cheaper terms—to the Merchants, by encreasing their Commerce
                            & exportation—and to the Community generally, by the influx of Wealth resulting
                            therefrom. In a word, it is in my estimation, a great National object, and if stated as
                            fully as the occasion & circumstances will admit, I think it must appear so. But
                            whatever may be the reception, or fate of the recommendation, I shall have discharged my
                            duty in submitting it to the consideration of the Legislature.
                        As I have a very high opinion of Mr Jay’s judgment; candour, honor and
                            discretion (tho’ I am not in the habit of writing so freely to him as to you) it would be
                            very pleasing to me if you would shew him this letter (although it is a hurried one, my time
                            having been much occupied since my arrival by the heads of the Departments, & with
                            the Papers which have been laid before me) and let me have, for consideration, your joint
                            opinions on the several matters herein Stated.
                        You will recollect that the conduct to be observed towards Mr Adet must be
                            decided on before tuesday next; that is, if he comes to the public Room, whether he is to be
                            received with the same cordiality as usual, or with coolness; and you will do me the justice
                            to believe that in this instance, and every other, I
                            wish it to be such as will promote the true policy and
                            interest of the country, at the sametime that a proper respect for its
                            dignity is preserved. My own feelings I put out of the question.
                        There is in the conduct of the French government relative to
                            this business, an inconsistency, a duplicity, a delay, or a
                                something else, which is unaccountable upon
                            honorable ground. It appears that the order under
                            which Mr Adet has acted is dated in July (early) and yet Mr
                            Monroe has been led to believe (though much dissatisfaction he says has
                            appeared) that no such order had, or would be issued unless Great Britain
                            set the example; and in a letter of August the 28th he writes Mr King to
                            that effect as the latter officially informs the Secretary of State: But
                            I am fatiegued with this and other matters which crowd upon me, and shall only add that I am
                            Very Affectionately &c

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I find I have not time before the hour for closing the Mail arrives,
                                to take the promised extract from Sir John Sinclairs letter, I therefore send the
                                original, with a request that it may soon be returned as I have given it no
                                acknowledgment yet. Tthe articles which he requests my acceptance of are not yet come to
                                hand.

                            G. W—


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 2 November 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            War office 2 Novr 1796

                        In compliance with the Presidents command the Secretary of War lays before the
                            President the points that have been submitted for consideration, in the Secretarys letters,
                            bearing date the 8th & 10th of Octtober ulto.
                        Will the President think proper, that detachments be made from West Point to
                            complete the garrisons at Governors Island, Mud Island, Baltimore, Norfolk and Charlestown,
                            to one company each?
                        Will it be proper to employ one or two qualified persons, to teach the officers
                            of the corps of artillerists & Engineers, mathematics, the elements of geometry, the
                            fundamental principles of statical mechanics & designing?
                        Will it be expedient to have the main body of the corps of Artillerists
                            & Engineers, and each detachment, inspected from time to time, by a well informed
                            officer, who should be specially charged to give information of the state of the works and
                            buildings where posted, and the discipline of the men and improvement of the officers.
                        Will it be proper that the Secretary of war should digest, at his convenience,
                            and report to the President, a system of rules & regulations for perfectioning the
                            discipline & instruction of the corps?
                        Will the President give the Secretary any orders relative to the sentence of
                            the Court Martial on a soldier for desertion, noticed in his letter of the 10th ulto.

                            James McHenry.


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 3 November 1796
From: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Washington 3rd Nov. 1796

                        Upon an accurate research into the several laws past by the Legislature of
                            Maryland respecting that part of the City formerly known by the names of Carrollsburgh and
                            Hamburgh, it is thought, that the order lately made by you for a reconveyance, may not be
                            extensive enough to include those Lots—We therefore take the liberty of requesting your
                            signature to the enclosed, which will include all the Lands vested in the Trustees. We have
                            the honor to be &c.,

                            G. Scott
                            W. Thornton
                            A. White


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 3 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

                            (Private)My dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 3d Novr 1796

                        After my letter of yesterday was despatched to you, the draught of the answer
                            to Mr Adet was presented for my approbation, with the opinions of the Gentlemen about me,
                            that it would be expedient to publish it, and without delay.
                        It appeared also, by information from the Secretary of State, that as far as
                            public opinion had been expressed on the occasion that this measure was looked to, &
                            expected. These considerations, and a conviction if the publication was to take place
                                otherwise than through the medium of Congress, the
                            sooner it happened the more likely it would be to obviate the bad impressions it was
                            calculated to make on the public mind; induced an acquiescence on my
                            part. I do not, nevertheless, think it free from those
                                objections which I mentioned in my last; as it is not probable that
                            the correspondence will end with the Secretarys letter.
                        I give you the trouble of this note & account for the
                            Publication which you will find in the Gazettes of this Morning; and to rescue my conduct
                            from the imputation of inconsistency.
                        There are other parts of my letter not involved in this determination, which
                            await the opinions I have asked, and on which I should be glad to hear from you (and in the
                            manner which has been required in preceeding letters) as soon as it is
                            convenient. I am—Your Affectionate friend

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Rutherford, 3 November 1796
From: Rutherford, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Berkeley County Virginia November 3d 1796

                        Inclosed, please receive some addresses dictated by genuine respect, from the
                            people of Frederick and Berkeley County’s, Many more are filling up, and will be sent forward
                            with all Convenient Speed. Various were the Opinions,. about the mode of address. the greater
                            part of the people, were desirous, to evince their sincerity, by subscribing. other modes
                            have and may be adopted, but all unite, in the most unfeigned Esteem. May you with good
                            Lady, enjoy each temporal blessing. I have the honr to subscribe with every sentiment of
                            respect and regard Sir Your Most Humble Servant

                            R. Rutherford

                     Enclosure

                                Frederick County, Septr 30, 1796.

                            We, the subscribers, inhabitants of Frederick County, in the State of
                                Virginia, having seen, with concern, your paternal address of the 17th instant, to the
                                people of the United States, beg leave to return you our unfeigned thanks for this
                                generous attention—& to express the warmest respect for your public and private
                                character. We are persuaded, Sir, that the approbation of your Fellow-Citizens is, to a
                                mind like yours, the highest possible reward—whilst it remains with us, the only means by
                                which we are enabled to testify our respect for your faithful, arduous, and very
                                important services, more than forty-five years; and though we sincerely regret the
                                resolution you have taken, to terminate labours so long sustained, in a variety of
                                Characters—yet, be persuaded, Sir, that you carry with you into the shades of retirement,
                                the esteem and the affections of every good man and real lover of this our common
                                country.

                            The various and greatly important matters you so wisely and feelingly
                                recommend to the consideration of your Fellow-Citizens, please to be assured, has made
                                deep impressions on our minds. The inhabitants of this county, while it was much more
                                extensive than at present, have, in a very particular manner, been witnesses of the
                                reverence with which you regarded the civil authority, when you supported a high
                                military character under the regal Government, and at a time of Life, when ideas not so
                                enlarged and truly benevolent are often predominant with those in office. Posterity, we
                                are sensible, will regard with the most lively and grateful sensibility, sentiments
                                dictated by purest patriotism, and anxious solicitude for the happiness and prosperity
                                of our country.
                            In that retirement to which you are determined to return, may you enjoy every
                                temporal blessing, and may the eve of your life be crowned with that felicity which is
                                the reward of the just and virtuous, whilst we shall ever continue to be, with great
                                regard, Sir, your affectionate humble servants,

                                    Multiple Signatures


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 4 November 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Novembr 4. 1796

                        I have lately been honored with two letters from you, one from Mount Vernon the
                            other from Philadelphia, which came to hand yesterday. I immediately sent the last to Mr Jay
                            & conferred with him last night. We settled our opinion on one point—(viz.) That
                            whether Mr Adet acted with or without instruction from his Government in publishing his
                            communication, he committed a disrespect towards our government which ought not to pass unnoticed, and would most properly be noticed to him as the Representative or Agent—That the manner of noticing it, in
                            the first instance at least, ought to be negative, that is, by
                            the personal conduct of the President towards the Minister—That
                            the true rule on this point would be to receive the Minister at your levies with a dignified reserve, holding an exact
                            medium between an offensive coldness and cordiality—The point is a nice one to
                            be hit, but no one will know better how to do it than the President.
                        Self respect, & the necessity of discouraging further insult, requires
                            that sensibility should be manifested; on the other hand, the importance of not widening a
                            breach, which may end in rupture demands great measure and caution in the mode.

                        Mr Jay & myself are both agreed also, that no immediate publication of
                            the reply which may be given ought to be made—for this would be like joining in an appeal to the Public—would countenance & imitate the
                            irregularity & would not be dignified—nor is it necessary for any present purpose of
                            the Government—Mr Jay inclined to think that the reply ought to
                            go through Mr Pinckney to the Directory with only a short note to Adet acknowleging the
                            reception of his paper & informing him that this mode will be taken—I am not yet satisfied
                            that this course will be the best—we are both to consider further and confer. You will
                            shortly be informed of the result.
                        But whatever be the mode adopted it is certain that the reply will be one of
                            the most delicate papers that has proceeded from our Government—in which it will require
                            much care and nicety to steer between sufficient and too much justification, between self
                            respect & the provocation of further insult or injury—and that will at the same
                            time save a great political interest which this step of the French Government opens to us.
                            Did I not know how guarded you will yourself be, I should be afraid of Mr Pickerings warmth. We must if possible avoid rupture with France—who if not
                            effectually checked will in the insolence of power become no less troublesome to us than to
                            the rest of the world.
                        I dedicate Sunday to the execution of your commands
                            in preparing certain heads. You will speedily hear again from me Most Affecty &
                            respecty I have the honor to be Sir Yr very Obed. serv.

                            A. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Jane Swanson, 4 November 1796
From: Swanson, Jane
To: Washington, George

                            May it please your Excellency
                            London Novr 4th 1796

                        To forgive the Liberty a Young Woman has taken, as the Goodness of your heart is
                            confessed by every one in this Country as well as in America, and has been ever ready to
                            relieve the distressed, I therefore hope this may claim some Merit to your Excellencys
                            Attention.
                        My Father whose Name was John Swanson, and if by the
                            Information I have lately received from a Friend of his, and also by
                            several others who were in the Country with him, and that he was a Colonel in your Service
                            at the Time the English General Lord Cornwallis and his Army was Captured, Is. Right, and I
                            am crediably informed it is. I am a Truely unfortunate Daughter of his, in not hearing from
                            him.
                        I have made every enquiry in my power for Information for many Years past, but
                            all to no purpose I have therefore been advised to address this to your Excellency to
                            Sollicit your Good offices to make the necessary Enquiries—for every other of my relations
                            are dead—and since I have came to the Years of Maturity, I shall feel most sensibly the Loss
                            of so Tender a Father (if he is also dead).
                        He came from Thurso in the County of Caithness and North of Scotland. He was a
                            Carpenter by trade.
                        An answer to this Letter will be received with the utmost Gratitude and
                            Attention By Your Excellencys Very obt Servant

                            Jane Swanson

                            To be directed for her at Mr MacKenzie Brokers Row Drury Lane London.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 November 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Nov. 5. 1796

                        Yesterday after the departure of the Post I received your letter of the 3d. I
                            have since seen the answer to Adet. I perceive in it nothing
                            intrinsically exceptionable—but something in the manner a little epigrammatical and sharp. I make this remark freely, because the Card now to be
                            played is perhaps the most delicate that has occurred in your administration—And nations
                            like Individuals sometimes get into squabbles from the manner more than the matter of what
                            passes between them—It is all important to us—first, if possible, to avoid rupture with
                            France—secondly, if that cannot be, to evince to the People that there has been an
                            unequivocal disposition to avoid it—Our discussions therefore ought to be calm smooth inclined to the argumentative, when remonstrance and
                            complaint are unavoidable, carrying upon the face, of them a reluctance and regret—mingling a steady assertion of our
                            rights and adherence to principle with the language of moderation, and as long as it can be
                            done, of friendship.
                        I am the more particular in these observations because I know that Mr Pickering,
                            who is a very worthy man, has nevertheless something warm and angular in his temper
                            & will require much a vigilant moderating eye.

                        I last evening saw Doctor Bayley our health Officer, who tells me, that the
                            French Consul here in a conversation with an assistant of the Doctors, who is a refugee from
                            St Domingo, expressed a desire to make arrangements for the sick of a French fleet expected
                            shortly to arrive in this port. I thought this circumstance worth communication. With the
                            most respectful Attachment I have the honor to be Sir Yr. very Obed. servant

                            A. Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 5 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Anderson, James,Pearce, William

                            Philadelphia 5th November 1796

                        I shall communicate such directions as have occurred to me since I left Mount
                            Vernon, and are necessary to be followed, in this way; that such of them as may not be
                            executed, or executed in part only, by Mr Pearce, may be consigned over &
                            compleated, or attempted to be completed by his Successor,
                         Mr Anderson.
                        The Plan for the Crops of next year (as handed to me by Mr Pearce) may be
                            adopted: or if he should have a meeting with Mr Anderson in time, and alterations should be
                            proposed & agreed upon between them, I shall yield my consent thereto excepting as to
                            the rotation at Dogue run, at which farm I am inclined to pursue the system mentioned in the
                            plan for that place and hitherto, to wit.
                        The Plans of the several farms. The rotations which had been designed for each
                            farm. and the Book of Reports, are all to be transferred to Mr Anderson when he takes
                            Possession together with the Book of Accts for his information & genl guidence.

                        All accounts, of every kind & nature whatsoever, are to be settled; and
                            all balances against me paid off before Mr Pearce surrenders his trust. and if those which
                            are in my favor are not received, they are to be reduced to specialties, and promissary
                            notes taken for the payment thereof, at a time to be agreed upon, to be inserted therein.
                            These are to be given to Mr Anderson & a list of them sent to me. Unless this is
                            done, and receipts taken in full. He or myself, will be plagued
                            with old claims for this, or that thing which would never have appeard if Mr Pearce was
                            present to confront them.
                        All The Overseers & the Gardeners as well as others must therefore be finally settled
                            with, up to the commencement of their new term, and charged with every thing they have had,
                            over and above what they are entitled to by their several contracts, which express what that
                            is, and which must be the guide in the settlements; as I am under no verbal engagements to
                            any of them & consequently want nothing referred to me for decision.
                        Mr Alexr Smith must be called upon, pointedly, for payment of his note, when
                            due: and the money lodged in the Bank of Alexandria. It is on this fund you will, I presume,
                            be obliged to draw to enable you to complete your payments; and it is from this source also,
                            I must derive the means of providing necessaries for the house & family use; and for
                            the various expences I shall be plunged into previous to, and on my resettlement (almost as a
                            new beginner) when I arrive at Mount Vernon for my permanent residence. But admitting that I
                            could afford to pay out of the money (which is not the case) it might not be prudent to
                            avoid calling for it when due, as the endorser; if Smith’s circumstances are ineligable,
                            might attempt to avail himself of the neglect to exonerate himself from the payment.

                        It is my earnest wish that the Mill race may be completed this Autumn or
                            Winter, not only because it is highly essential it should happen before the droughts of next
                            Summer, come on, but that I may have the Ditchers for other jobs, which I have in
                            contemplation, as soon as possible after I get home.
                        For these reasons, & because there will be a good deal of work in
                            preparing for, and tilling the ground at Mansion house, in Indian Corn next year together
                            with other jobs at, and about that place, it is my desire that Sinah & Grace both
                            may join the house gang as soon as your family quit their present abode, & you
                            yourself shall remove to Mount Vernon. Mr Anderson may chuse other girls, who will come
                            within the description of his agreement.

                        I should be glad to have as much of the New road (which I laid out) done before
                            you go as circumstances will admit, as you understand my views in this business better than
                            I could explain them to another without being on the spot. Let the line last staked out by
                            Will receive double Stakes, to prevent mistakes; and let the stakes be extended backwards,
                            exactly on the same straight line till it strikes the River; & inform me whereabouts it
                            does so. have your logs for the floor of the Causey (in the low parts thereof) each be at
                            least eight inches in Diameter & smaller poles between them to level the Surface. let the
                            Logs & the Poles both be cut 16 & 8 feet in length for the purpose of breaking the
                            joints. I would also have the line that was staked out by Allison (as the Corn field fence
                            runs) continued up to the road (at the double stakes) and all within cleared this winter in
                            the manner the other part of the ground was cleared last year. I do not expect this can be
                            done in time for Corn planting; and I know too, that it cannot be enclosed until the New
                            Road is completed and in use; but if this should be accomplished by Mid summer it might be
                            put in turnips, or anything else that would clean the ground against the next year, when it
                            would be my wish to lay the whole down in small grain and grass.
                        Having given my sentiments with respect to the mode of thinning the Trees in
                            the ground intended for Corn at the Mansion house, it would be unnecessary to say any thing
                            further to you on the subject, if the execution could take place
                            before your removal; but as this is not likely to happen, I must, for the government of Mr
                            Anderson, repeat that no trees standing between the Visto’s are to be cut down, or trimmed
                            up; but that those on the right hand going from the house (on the left hand, if I recollect
                            rightly, they are sufficiently thin already for the purpose of ornament, which is my first
                            object) may be a good deal thinned, by taking them up—invariably—by the Roots. Where the
                            trees stand very thick, leave circular clumps (of from 30 to 50 yards across) without
                            trimming the Trees. But all single trees should be trimmed to one regular height, & as
                            high as can be reached by a Chissel on a long staff; that the Corn may be less shaded in its
                            growth. In leaving the clumps, if it can be done consistent with the thick growth of the
                            Trees, pay attention to the look of them, in going to, or returning from the house.

                        There are so many things I wish to have done soon, and so many others that are
                            essential to do, that I scarcely know what direction to give concerning them—but if the
                            thinning of these trees in the manner here described could take place before you quit the
                            concern it would please me, because you have had my ideas more fully explained to you on
                            this subject than I should be able to give in writing, to Mr Anderson. Another advantage
                            would result from the thinning, as soon as possible, this ground of the trees, and that
                            is, that it may be immediately broke up by a number of strong Plows, and deep plowing, to
                            enable it to produce better Corn next year.
                        All the ground within the inclosure adjoining to this (at Mansion house) that
                            was not in Wheat this year (and which was proposed to have been sown in Rye but not done so)
                            I would also have put in Corn next Season; The part that was in Wheat, may be sowed with
                            Oats and grass-seeds in the Spring; or, if judged better, might lye uncultivated; or be
                            fallowed, so as to come into Rye in the Autumn with all the Corn
                            ground in other parts at that place; or the Spring following may be wholly sown with Oats.
                            My object being, to lay the whole, of those two inclosures (which may both of them be thrown
                            into one, & the Rails which now divide them applied to strengthen the outer fencing) into
                            grass & Pasture, after all the under growth, sprouts from the Stumps, &ca
                            &ca, are quite destroyed.
                        As the lot which was in Oats & Clover at Mansion house last year, is badly
                            taken with the latter crop—and the other lot in front of the house is pretty well set with
                            that Article I leave it to you, from their present appearance, to decide wch of the two
                            should come into Potatoes or Oats & Clover next year that it may be broke up this autumn accordingly.

                        When the angle of Wood, adjoining the present Corn field at Mansion house is
                            cleared let all the Poles which are of a proper size for a watled fence, either whole, or
                            by being split in two, be preserved; as my intention is, when I come home, to have a neat
                            fence of that kind, on a ditch from the White gates along the road, to the turn of it, as
                            Allisons stakes will run to the present fence.

                        When that lot by the Mill is cultivated, according to your plan, the ensuing
                            year in Corn, let that part of it which lyes below the race in the lower meadow of the Mill
                            Swamp, down to the ditch, or to the old bed of the run, be cultivated in Corn also, in order
                            to cleanse & prepare it for grass. That part has been twice cleared & grubbed but for
                            want of cultivation may be worse now than ever; wch shews the bad policy of undertaking, at
                            any time, more of anything than can be compleatly executed under
                            almost any circumstances. It is very desirable also, if it were practicable, to do the same
                            in the next meadow above, between the Race and present good mowing ground, quite up to the next
                            partition fence. Having these foul spots in fields, whether they are intended for
                            cultivation, or for grass, is not only a great eye sore, but in truth they are a real
                            disadvantage; for they are constantly encroaching; spreading their Seeds; affording harbour
                            for Vermin—and at length get so thick with briers, & other trash, as to make the clearing
                            more difficult the longer it is delayed. Besides, in the present case, I think peculiar
                            advantages to the Mill would be derived from clearing them up as the earth along side the
                            race, by taking the growth of Shrubs &ca from it & by tillage, would become more
                            consolidated, and not so liable subject to those leaks which are a great diminution of the water at
                            the Mill.
                        I would also have that part of the Mill Swamp, which by your plan is destined
                            as additional Corn ground for Dogue run, perfectly cleared & tilled, where it has been
                            cleared before; for my object with that Swamp is, to make it perfect as I move on, towards
                            the head of it, at the Tumbling dam. If one lot or inclosure after another was completely
                            cleared & cleaned, with trees left here & there for shade, it would have a beautiful
                            appearance from the Mill Road; & whether for Hay or grazing it would be highly advantages,
                            to let the lots succeed each other in Rotation.
                        Get the greatest quantities you can of Cedar Berries, before they are destroyed
                            by Birds as I shall want them in profusion next year. If delayed too long you may be puzzled
                            to do this, and next year the Trees may produce few, or none; which would throw me back two
                            years.
                        Let the Lane from the Barn at Union Farm be completed on both sides with cedar
                            plants as far as you have them—and then with the Berries afterwards (sowed sufficiently
                            thick) after being prepared in the way formerly mentioned to you—that is, by rubbing, or
                            getting off in some way or other all the pulp, or glutinous matter which encompasses the
                            Seed. The Plants, I am persuaded, in order to ensure their living, ought to be taken up in
                            winter with a block of frozen earth around the Roots; and if the Seed is sown, it ought to
                            be in a bed of well prepared earth, in the line they are ultimately to remain, in the hedge
                            rows.

                        I request that a lane may be made by Post & Rail fences from the outer gate
                            going into Dogue Run farm, across the meadow to the next gate of the wedth, and in a line
                            with the fences from the last mentioned gate to the Barn. The outer gate may remain where it
                            is, but the inner one may be removed to any place, where most wanted, this will not only
                            divide the meadows but secure them better from trespassers.

                            All the hedges which were planted last Spring, or Autumn, should
                            be made good at the proper Season; otherwise the labour & materials which have been
                            applied that way, will have stood for nothing; as an imperfect hedge forms no inclosure, &
                            would be little better than a nuisance. The ground should be well prepared for this purpose.
                            In truth, it is idle to put either plants or Seeds in to it without; for there is no better
                            chance of their succeeding without cultivation, (until they arrive to a certain strength to
                            protect themselves) than there is to expect a crop of Corn from merely putting the Seed in
                            the ground and giving it no attendance thereafter.
                        I would have the Corn gathered as soon as it can be with safety—1st to rescue
                            it from the depredations of Squirrels & other animals that are devouring it; Secondly, to
                            avoid the injury which the Wheat Sustains by Carts running over it after the ground begins
                            to freeze, & get slippery on the top; and thirdly, because they will take heavier loads,
                            & make more frequent trips before, than after the earth becomes soft & the Wheels sink
                            into it either from Rain or frost.

                        Some years ago, I had brought from Point Comfort, or some other place on the
                            Bay of Chesapeak, a quantity of fine white Sand for the purpose of Sanding my houses anew
                            when circumstances would enable me to give them a fresh coat of Paint. As it is my intention
                            to do this the ensuing Summer, I request you would inform me if the sand is there still, &
                            what quantity there is of it. To the best of my recollection it was put into the Salt house,
                            or into the Cellar at the North end of the Mansion house. Whether it is to be found now, or
                            not, I wish you would have a little of the whitest finest & softest of the free stone at
                            the Wharf (not that which is rotten) pounded fine & run through a meal Sifter of middling
                            finess, to see if it would not answer as well, or better than sand. If it would, a
                            preference should be given to it on acct of its being on the spot and easily reduced to a
                            powder; whereas the white Sand from below is not always to be obtained, and one is imposed
                            upon in the price. To ascertain the difference with certainty between the Sand & pounded
                            Stone take two pieces of Plank (plained, a foot square each will be sufficient) and paint
                            them in the usual manner with white lead grd in oil and after the first coat is dry give
                            them a second (the paint a little thicker) and while it is fresh throw (the board standing
                            perpendicular on one edge) sand against one, & pounded stone against the other, as long as
                            they will stick, & till every part of the paint is well covered. You will then, when they
                            are dry, be able to decide which will look best and most resemble stone; which, together
                            with the preservation of the Wood, are the ends to be answered by this operation. Let me
                            know the Result of the experiment as soon as it is made, that I may know what measures to
                            take.

                        If it is not already done, delay no time in digging your Potatoes; when they
                            are suffered to remain so long in the ground they rarely get sufficiently dry to keep well
                            in bulk. Keep an exact account of what comes out of each lot, and the field at Dogue run—that the quantity of the latter, may be compared with the quantity of Corn from the same
                            field.
                        Besides reserving an ample store of Potatoes for Seed (at all the Farms) next
                            year, let there be a sufficiency of them, and Turnips also, laid by for the use of our
                            Table, after we come home, in March next.
                        Take particular care that a great number of (what you conceive to be) the best
                            kind of Turnips, is set out for Seed—among these let there be many of the Sweedish, as that
                            sort is in very high estimation on many accts.
                        Let particular care be taken of the India Hempseed, and as much good grd
                            allotted for its reception next year as it is competent to Sow.
                        As I am persuaded not a moment will be lost in grinding up my Wheat, I shall
                            only add, on this head, that I would have the flour sold as fast as it is manufactured.

                        In a particular manner I request that the Ice house may be filled from the first Ice that forms, & be replenished afterwards as fast as it
                            sinks, and there is Ice to do it with. Let the house be examined before hand & repaired (if
                            repairs are wanting) and everything had in the most perfect readiness to embrace the first
                            opportunity without depending upon a second. The disadvantage of not being able to keep fresh
                            meat, last summer (though generally a cool one) ought to stimulate to the greatest exertions
                            to provide against the next when we shall have more, & longer occasion for this mode of
                            preserving it.
                        If it shall be found, on experiment, that the pounded Stone answers as well, as
                            sand for coating the houses, Frank, Herculas and Cyrus may get a good deal of it pounded.
                            They may get up a large quantity of gravel at the place I shewed you. They may, when Davis
                            & Muclas have done the Brick work at River farm assist them in throwing up Brick earth at
                            the place I pointed out for at least One hundred thousand Bricks. They may assist the
                            Gardener in making good the Hedges about the Mansion house, getting Dung into the Garden, or
                            in any thing else. In short let them be employed in any manner at, or near the M. House that
                            will Keep them out of idleness & mischief.
                        The old white horse & the Iron Grey I would have kept in good order without
                            being highly fed and this may happen as it is my desire they should not be used. The black
                            and horse called Smoaker, it is also my desire should be kept in order for the use of Mr
                            Anderson and not suffered to be hackneyed about. The four Mules set apart for my particular
                            use—together with the two mule colts from the Coach Mares and that one from the Augusta
                            Mare I desire Peter may be particularly charged to keep them in good order.
                        Such Sashes as are wanting in the Cupulo ought to be put in without a moments
                            delay otherwise the weather driving in may do great damage to the house and occasion the
                            Sealing of the rooms below to fall.

                        In order that your Porkers may be made fat, & killed before you leave Mount
                            Vernon (both of which I desire may happen) let them be got up immediately and well fed
                            (inform me of the number). Our call for this article will, I expect, be pretty heavy after
                            we get home.
                        Before you quit the Concern, have an exact Inventory taken of all the Horses,
                            Asses, Mules, Cattle, Sheep and Hogs (if the latter can be ascertained)—together with the
                            Carts, Plows, Harrows, Axes, Hoes Mattocks & every other
                            impliment on the farms, and deliver one copy thereof to Mr Anderson and send another to me.
                            He, of course will note down what each farm has that he may know when any are missing. He
                            will provide himself, from the Booksellers in Alexandria, with a new Ledger to enter all
                            these things in and to commence his Accounts anew.
                        Endeavor to procure all the Oyster shells you can for me as I shall have
                            occasion for a good deal of Lime next year.

                    Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 6 November 1796
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

                                6-12 November 1796

A Meteorrological Acct of the Weather kept at Mt Vernon                        Novr6th In the Morning48DE foggy54E foggy52E Cloudy7th50NE foggy55NE foggy52NE Cloudy8th52SW foggy56SW Cloudy54SW Cloudy9th50SW foggy54SW Cloudy52SE Cloudy10th50DE foggy54DE Cloudy52E Cloudy11th52SE foggy54SE Cloudy53SE Cloudy12th50NE Cloudy52NE Cloudy50NE Cloudy

                        November the 12th 1796

                        DaysDr. Mansion House for the Work of 11 hands amt. ⅌ week to66Cr. By waggon hauling hay To town 2 days }2Broke down & mending 2 hauling wood to Brick yard 2 days4By Cart hauling wood to Brick yard 3 days3By Dito hauling hay to Mansion house3Jubo hauling wood to brick yard 3 Dito the Quota and at Mill 1 day}6By working on the causway 12 days12By Cuting wood and working In the Brick yard12By Peter In Care of Stables 6 days6By Sickness Maria 6 sam 612By Dito frank 6Total66

                        Stock 1 Stud Horse 3 Stud Jack - 3 young Jacks - 9 Jinnies & 2 ass Colts - 6
                            Horses 3 Brood Mares 9 work Mules - 12 out Mules 5 Colts 15 Cows.

                        DaysDr. Ditchers for the work of 4 Men amt. ⅌ week to24Cr. By Working on the Causway 9 days9By Working the B. Yard 6 - By Sickness Paschall & charls 9 Days1524

                        DsDr. River Farm for the Work of 27 hands amt. ⅌ week to162Cr. By ploughing In No. 2 12 day By hauling Corn to Mill 1 day14By hauling Brick wood 2 days - By Treading Wheat 1618By Measuring Potatoes 3 days By Cuting Brick wood 6 days9By Geathering Husking and Measuring & Lofting Corn119By Attending to stock 6 days By Sickness old Ben 612Total162

                        Lofted this week 107 Barrells of Corn from No. 7 Fed to Fatning hogs &
                            other Stock 10 Barrells Sent to Mill 18 Bust Stock 11 horses & 12 Mules & 1
                            Colt 86 Cattle 213 Sheep

                        DaysDr. Union Farm for the Work of 23 hands Amt. ⅌  week to138Cr. By By ploughing 23 days - By pluling Corn 30 days53By Carting Corn - 10 By Loading Carts 20 By husking 2555By Lofting Corn 10 By Cleaning the Medow   10 Day20By Cuting Brick wood at River farm—4 days  4By London Cuting wood 6 days138Total
                        Stock 14 horses 6 Mules 78 Cattle young & old 126 Sheep Sent to Mill 20
                            bushels of Corn fed to fatning hogs 4 Lofted 59 Barrells this week.

                        DaysDr.  Dogue Run farm for the Work of 16 hands Amt. ⅌ week to96Cr.By Treading out Wheat 12 days By Digging  Potatoes 26     38By ploughing In No. 3 12 days12By Geathering & husking Corn 21 days21By Grubing & Cleaning before the plough  12 day12By Joe working with ditchers 66By Carting Brick wood at River farm 11By Sickness agness 2 & Simon 4 6Total96
                        Stock 5 Horses 8 Mules one Colt -  69 Cattle young & old 148 sheep decrease 2 sheep
                            died Sent to Mill 15 Bushels of Corn Lofted & Measured In all 67 Barrells of Corn
                            Grew on the Medow fed To Fatning hogs & other stock 5 Barrells of Corn.

                        daysDr. Muddy Hole Farm for the Work of 14 hand Amt.  ⅌ week to84Cr. By Cart hauling of Corn 5 days—at Mill 16By Cuting wood & working on the Causway  on the New roads12By Geathering Husking & Lofting Corn 45 days45By digging potatoes—9 days9By Sickness peg 6 days will 6 days12Total84
                        Stock 7 Horses 4 Mules 33 head of Cattle 4 Calves 55 Sheep—Sent to Mill 10 1/2
                            Bushels of Corn Lofted 57 Barrells of Corn—fed To fatning hogs & other stock 5
                            Barrels dito.
                        Mill Dr. for Sundreyswheatwt.CornContra    Cr.flourMid.   MealB.To Muddy hole10 1/2By Muddy hole farm/2To Dogue Run farm15By Dogue Run farm110To Union farm20By Union Farm15 1/2  0To River farm18By River Farm13      0By Mansion house19 By John Neal 30 wt Mid.30Toll Corn this week3By John Elen 25 flour25By W. Pearce1By Cooper & Bays3/4
Corn Ground for Farms 65 Bushels } Meal Delivered 69
                        daysDr. Cooper for the work of 1 Man & a boy Amt. ⅌ week to12Cr. By dressing out Stuff In the shop 11 /2 days11 1/2By hooping some hhogd   /2 day   /212
                        Novembr the 12th 1796
                          daysDr.Spinner Sowers & Knitters for the work of 15 women Amounting ⅌ week to 90Cr. By Betti Davis Spinning 6 pd of yarn6 daysBy Delia do             6 pd of do6By Alsce do             6 pd of do6By Anne do              6 pd of do6By Delphie do           2 1/2 pd of do6By Judit do             4 pd of stocking yarn6By Kitty do             2 pd of sowing thread6By Caroline sewing 5 suits of Clothes5By Charlotte do 5 suits of do6By Lucy Knitting 1 pear of stocking6By Daley spinning 6 pd of yarn6By Sieckness sall 6 days Matilda 6 days Doll 6 Ally 6 Caroline 125Total90 days
By Sam Peter Sieck 6 days
                        Novembr the 12th 1796
                         daysDr.Gardens for the Work of 3 men Amounting ⅌ week18Cr.By Digging & Burying the Cabbage12 daysBy Moses work by the Hous gangs 6 Total18 days


Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 7 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William

                            Gentlemen,
                            Philadelphia 7th Novr 1796

                        Your two letters, dated the 31st Ulto, with their several enclosures, were
                            received on thursday last. The one to Mr Wolcott has been delivered to him; but he seems to
                            have no sanguine expectation of obtaining a loan from the Bank of the United States, for the
                            purposes of the Federal City. He intended to communicate your offer to the President and
                            Directors on Saturday and to support it with an expression of his wishes that you might be
                            accommodated. He promised to write to you himself, by this day’s Post, but did not expect he
                            should be able to give the result of his application at that time.
                        I gave him your letter for Messrs Willirck, to be forwarded to those Gentlemen,
                            and shewed him the copy of it, as I had some doubt myself with respect to the offer of 7 1/2
                            ⅌ Ct ⅌ Annum. His doubts of the eligibility of this offer under the Act of Congress guaranteeing the Loan, being
                            still greater than mine, I requested he would give the matter mature consideration, and
                            inform you of the result, if in his judgement it was inadmissible under the Act. You will
                            observe that the objection lyes to the words ⅌ Annum, not
                            because the cost & charges in obtaining the loan may amount to this in the first instance—As Mr Wolcott (if he is confirmed in this opinion)
                            will write to you himself on this subject, I shall not enlarge except to inform you that I
                            shall detain the letter until this point is decided.
                        My opinion always has been (since the first Sale to Greenleaf) and still is,
                            oppos’d to large Sales of Lots, except in the dernier resort. I am more disposed therefore
                            to try any other expedient to raise Money in preference. If these fail, and it comes to the
                            alternative of Selling in the manner you propose, or suspending the operations altogether I
                            shall have no hesitation in my choice of the first. I have no doubt of your being informed
                            of the result of Mr Wolcotts application here, by Wednesdays Mail
                            (if he says nothing thereon to day). If this fails, I will execute and forward the power
                            authorising the other application to the Legislature of Maryland, by the succeeding Post.
                        Enclosed is a Statement handed to me by the Proprietors of the Hotel in the
                            Federal City, I told the bearer (one of them) who brought it to me that I would, simply,
                            transmit it. If your answer passes through me, to them, let it be distinct from other
                            matters, and so framed as that the letter may be turned over to them, under a blank cover.
                            With great Esteem I am Gentlemen Your Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Ebenezer Hazard, 7 November 1796
From: Hazard, Ebenezer
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Novr 7. 1796.

                        On Saturday Evening I received a Package from London, containing among other
                            Things some Pictures of our Friend Doctor Gordon, and the Correspondence between Messrs
                            Wyvill and Pitt, one of each of which the Dr directs me to hand to your Excellency. I have
                            the Honor to send them herewith, and remain, Your Excellency’s Most obedient & very
                            hume Servt

                            Eben. Hazard


Title: From George Washington to Landon Carter, 8 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Carter, Landon

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia 8th Novr 1796

                        The letter you have been so good as to favor me with dated the 27th Ulto: found
                            me in this City—immersed in papers, and preparing for the approaching Session & busy
                            Scenes with Congress; let this be my Apology—then for doing little more at present, than to
                            give your letter and its inclosure an acknowledgment. A time will soon come, I hope when I
                            can do more; and be in a situation to profit from the relations you may give me of your
                            further experiments. Permit me in the mean while to ask your solution of the following
                            questions, being a warm frd myself to green in preference to naked fallows.
                        1st Have you continued the alternate growth of Pease and Wheat, since the year
                            1794, in the field refered to in your printed letter of the 29th of Jany of that Year?
                        2nly In that case what has been the product of your crops in it since?
                        3dly Has the field received any other aid, than what you supposed it had
                            derived from the leguminous crop & mode of cultivating it?
                        4thly If not what is the present condition of the field? Is it improving or
                            otherwise?
                        5th Would the peas have yielded as well on a Stiff Loam, or clay, as on such
                            light or sandy land as you have described yours to be?
                        6th Did you drop them by hand or by means of a Drill plough?

                        7th As there is a great variety in the tribe of Indian Pease, which kind of
                            them have you cultivated? Some run and extend their vines so far as soon to impede the
                            operations of a plough.
                        8th Is there always a ready sale of them? and at what Price?
                        9th Could as many be bought now or in the course of
                            the ensuing Winter as would sow or plant at the distances, and in
                            the manner you recommend, a field of about 70 Acres?
                        10th At what period would you choose the Pease should be planted or sown?
                        11th In that case when would they be sufficiently ripe to
                            harvest? or in other words how long do they usually remain on the Ground?
                        12th by your sketch & the letter also is not expressed whether more
                            than one plowing is given after the peas are planted, and their is a disagreement between
                            the two the 1st throwing the mould to, & the 2nd from the peas? Is one plowing sufficient
                            (especially if the Season is moist,) to prevent the ground from being
                            foul wth grass, and hard as well as With large Weeds thereby rendering it unfit for the
                            reception of Wheat?
                        13th What is meant in the 4th paragraph of the sketch by the Words "about the
                            time of its sunning"? And when does this sunning happen?
                        14 As by the rotation, which is here contemplated the fields may be always in
                            culture, what proportion of pasture or grazing ground would you give the farm, of any given
                            Size?

                        I will make no apology Sir for giving you the trouble of Answering these
                            queries. The Gazette containing your printed letter to the Agricultural Society in Culpeper
                            is returned with my thanks to you for giving me the perusal of it. If the Experiment
                            mentioned in the Sketch has been continued on the same fields as
                            successfully as it appears to have been commenced there can be no rotation so simple, no
                            dressing (if it is sufficient) so cheap—nor any profit from field cultivation greater if
                            progressive as you conceive it to be. With much Esteem—I am your Obliged and Obedt Hble
                            Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Smith, 9 November 1796
From: Smith, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Alexandria Novr 9th 1796

                        Need usaly Allone is the Only Cause of my troubling You Once more when I wrote
                            last I had Every Reason to beliave that it would be in my power to pay Your mony when Due by
                            makeing Some Small Sacrafice but my hopes in Some mesure is blasted Since that
                            time I have had payments withheld to Amtt   near
                            ten thousand Dollars for flour Salt and Cash lent and I find that I
                            Cannot Collect therefore Shall be Obliged to Give time I have Sufitiant to pay Every
                            Gentlemn that I Owe One Shilling without Selling Reael Estate but at the Same time will
                            Dispose of Any property I have to pay my Debts I therefore Request it as a Singuler favour
                            to Only Give me Ninty Days more indulgance from the 24th this month At which time Your mony
                            becoms Due you Shall have the Same inclosur I have
                            Communicated my mind to Mr Wm Pearce and Showed him a Statement of my
                                books in Order that he may more fully Sattisfey you that their is no
                            Danger of Loosing Any mony by me at present I Do not think it will be in
                            my power to take Up my note a few lines On this business will be
                            thankfully Received By Your Obednt Hule Sert

                            Alexr Smith


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Beall, 10 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Beall, Thomas,Gantt, John Mackall

                                10 November 1796

                        To Thomas Beall of George, and John M Gantt, greeting.
                        Whereas in and by certain Deeds executed by Amos Smith and others, whereby the
                            whole Land of the Said Amos Smith and others, situate in the Town of Carrollsburgh and also of
                            Hamburgh (now included in the City of Washington) is vested in you, subject to the Trusts in
                            the Said Deeds mentioned; and whereas all the Lands belonging to Minors, persons absent out
                            of the State, married women, or persons non compos mentis, or Lands the property of the
                            State, are by an Act of the Assembly of the State of Maryland, intituled, "An Act
                            concerning the Territory of Columbia and the City of Washington" subjected to the terms and
                            conditions recited in the before-mentioned Deeds from Amos Smith and others; and whereas all
                            the other Lands, belonging as aforesaid, within the limits of the said City of Washington
                            are subjected to the same terms and conditions as Notley Young, Daniel Carroll of Duddington
                            and others, have subjected their Lands to, by their Deeds of trust, respectively, and where
                            no conveyances have been made, the legal Estate and Trust are, by the said Act of Assembly,
                            vested in you, in the same manner as if each proprietor had been competent to make, and had
                            made a legal conveyance of his or her Land, according to the form of those already
                            mentioned, with proper acknowledgement of the execution thereof and where necessary for the
                            release of Dower; and whereas it is provided in and by the several Deeds of trust mentioned
                            in the before in part recited Act of Assembly, that you shall on the request of the
                            President of the United-States for the time being, convey all or any part of the Land which
                            shall not then be conveyed, in execution of the Trusts aforesaid to such person or persons
                            as he shall appoint, in fee-Simple—I do therefore in order to prevent any difficulties which
                            may arise in the execution of the said Trusts, request you to convey all the Lands in the
                            Towns of Carrollsburgh and Hamburgh vested in you by the said Deeds from Amos Smith and
                            others; and also, all Land in the said City of Washington vested in you by virtue of the
                            before in part recited Act of Assembly, to Gustavus Scott, William Thornton and Alexander
                            White, Commissioners appointed under the Act of Congress, intituled, "an Act for
                            establishing the temporary and permanent Seat of the Government of the United States" in
                            fee-Simple, subject to the Trusts yet remaining to be executed; and you are further
                            requested to convey, in like manner, to the said Gustavus Scott, William Thornton and
                            Alexander White, a certain Island or part of an Island situate in Aquia Creek, in the
                            county of Stafford and Commonwealth of Virginia, conveyed to you by George Brent, subject to
                            the Trusts in the Deed of the said George Brent yet remaining to be executed. Given under my
                            hand, this tenth day of November in the Year one thousand seven hundred and ninety Six.

                            G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 10 November 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            N. York Nov. 10. 1796

                        I have been employed in makig and have actually completed a rough draft on the
                            following heads "National University, Military Academy, Board of Agriculture, Establishment of such manufactories on public account as are
                            relative to the equipment of army & navy, to the extent of the
                                public demand for supply, & excluding all the branches already well
                            established in the country—The gradual & successive
                            creation of a Navy—compensations to public Officers—Reinforcement
                            of provision for public Debt" I send you this enumeration that you may see the objects which
                            I shall prepare for—But I must beg your patience till the beginning of the next week for the
                            transmission of the draft, as I am a good deal pressed for time.
                        The Legislature having appointed Mr Laurance district Judge—a successor will of
                            course be to be provided—A conviction of his competency, a high opinion of his worth, and a
                            long established personal friendship induce me to take the liberty of precipitating a recommendation to you of Mr  Troupe, the
                            present Clerk of the District and Circuit court (the Attorney of
                            the District being known to be disinclined to the Office). Mr Troupe is a lawyer,
                            professionally very respectable, so that his practice is inferior in productiveness to no
                            other—but he has by the most unexceptionable means acquired a property sufficient to make it
                            reasonable in him to withdraw from practice upon a salary such as that of the District Judge
                            & latterly his health has somewhat suffered from a long course of excessive application—His moral character is without an
                            imputation of any sort—indeed no man in the state is better esteemed than this Gentleman—So
                            that, I believe, the appointment would be considered as altogether fit. I trust however that
                            in expressing myself thus strongly it will not occasion to you a moment’s embarrassment, if
                            any candidate more agreeable to you shall occur. Very respectfully & Affecty I have the
                            honor to be Sir Yr Obed. servant

                            A. Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 11 November 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William

                            Gentlemen,
                            Philadelphia 11th Novr 1796.

                        Enclosed is the Act with my signature, requesting Thomas Beall of George, and
                            John M. Gantt. to reconvey to the Commissioners of the Federal City all the lands within the
                            same which had been vested in them, in trust.
                        Yesterday the Secretary of the Treasury shewed me the copy of the letter he had
                            written, to you on Monday last, as also of the one he had addressed to the President
                            & Board of Directors relative to your application for a loan from the Bank of the
                            United States.
                        In consequence of the latter a Committee has been appointed to examine, and
                            report their opinion on the said application: the result of which was unknown to him at that
                            time. Until I am informed of this, I shall forbear to send the other Act, authorising the
                            Resort to the Legislature of the State of Maryland. With respect & esteem—I am Gentn
                            Yr Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 11 November 1796
From: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Washington 11th November 1796

                        We were duly favored with your letter of the 7th Inst. that the inaccuracy of
                            our Clerk and our own inattention should have occasioned so much trouble to the Executive,
                            excites sensations scarcely to be expressed. The Words per annum
                            noted by you are not contained in the original Draft of the letter to Messr Willink, from
                            which, the letter itself, and the copy inclosed with it, for your perusal, were taken; we
                            think it is probable the letter may be right, if you will take the trouble to open it, and
                            find it so, it may be sent on; but, lest the same error may have crept into it, we have
                            written another Letter to those gentlemen, varying the expression respecting incidental
                            charges, so as to leave no doubt of our meaning, & which, we think better than the
                            first in its original form.
                        The Statement of the proprietors of the hotel in this City, was not enclosed,
                            with your Letter. We are, &c.

                            G. Scott
                            W. Thornton
                            A. White