Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 13 November 1795
From: Scott, Gustavus
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Annapolis. 13th November 1795.

          I had not the pleasure of receiving your two favors to the Commissioners untill the tenth Inst. when they were forwarded from the City to me at this place. Notwithstanding the very sanguine Expectations of Genl Forrest; I came here rather under an Idea that every thing ought to be tried, than that there was much solid Ground to expect Success. Thus impress’d, I have communicated even to those of the Legislature in whom I must confide, no more than that I had personaly hopes of effecting a Loan; but that this was merely my own Act; not authorized by the Board, or communicated to the Executive. My public & constant business whilst here has been openly to sollicit in the strongest Terms, a subscription from the State of 30 shares in the potomack Company. I think this business at present in a prosperous Train; & I am confident if pushed with Zeal will succeed. Of a Loan I have no Hope: The best and warmest friends in the Legislature, to the City and indeed to the peace & Happiness of the General Government, have expressed their fears of an application. The civil List of the State, who are totaly dependent for their Support on the annual Interest of the Stock own’d by the State, wou’d I

am confident clamour loudly. Under such Circumstances I have altogether declined communicating to my most confidential friends the real Object of my attendance here; & have drawn as far as possible the public Attention to the potomack Shares: an Object in my Opinion of the utmost Consequence; & to the City inferior to none, unless it be the Completion of the public buildings in time for the Reception of Congress. The death of our Secretary, & the late disagreement between Messrs Hadfield & Hoban render my attendance absolutely necessary at the City. The moment the affairs of the City will permit my Return, I shall again take up the subject of the Potk shares, unless some of the Directors will attend on the Assembly untill the business is brought to an End. If early in the Session the State of Maryland can be brought to subscribe for 30 shares I sincerely hope it will have a happy Effect on the Commonwealth of Virginia; to which I shall not fail to urge an Application if successfull in Maryland. I have the honor to be with sentiments of the utmost Respect Sir Yr most obedient servt

            Gusts Scott


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 November 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            War Office Saturday Novr 14. 95

          The Secretary of War respectfully informs the President of the United States that Henry Abeel, the Cornplanter’s son, is going home, expecting to set off to-day. It has some time been evident that he could derive no advantage by continuing here: I therefore made no objection to his going home; and have fitted

him out to his satisfaction. He will wait on the President within half an hour to take leave—if that time be convenient.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 November 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Department of State Novr 14. 1795.

          Mr FitzSimons has sent me three bills amounting to upwards of five hundred dollars, drawn by the agents in the W. Indies & Halifax for the expences of obtaining copies of the papers in the spoliation cases. I presented them to the Secretary of the Treasury for payment: but to avoid the tediousness of paying such small sums in the form used at the treasury, he desired me to request from the President an order on him for one thousand dollars, with which I might pay the present & future draughts of the kind. I have therefore to request such an order; and am most respectfully sir Your obt servant

            Timothy Pickering


Title: From George Washington to Mrs. Segur, c. 15 November 1795 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Segur, Mrs.

          Letter not found: to Mrs. Segur, c.15 November 1795. On 16 Nov., GW wrote Alexander Hamilton asking him to forward a letter that enclosed a “pittance” to Segur. In his accounts, GW recorded the gift of $50 to Segur on 15 Nov. (Cash Accounts, 29 Sept. 1794–17 Aug. 1797, RPJCB).


Title: To George Washington from Anonymous, 16 November 1795
From:
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Virginia [c.16] November 1795

          The hand that now addresses you had never the honor of being in contact with yours, and altho’ the Author has been in

your company, he is entirely unknown to you—His motive for this epistle proceeds neither from vanity, or base adulation—he loves his country & its constitution—he has been a Witness of your personal services in freeing America from bondage, and establishing a Government for its Citizens, on the firm basis of liberty—He has been a Witness too to the many false and base aspersions of your enemies, who hope thereby to drive you from the post of honor, and is the only hope they have of overturning the Government, introducing anarchy, and, by civil broils among ourselves, of subjugating us again to a foreign yoke—They have impudently asserted that you wou’d resign from a conviction that you cou’d not be re’elected—I can venture to assert sir, that the people in general are fully sensible of your merits, and that ninety nine in the hundred are in favor of your administration, and will support that Constitution, which you have made the guide for your conduct, with their lives & fortunes—They begin to discover, from the conduct of certain ambitious Characters among us, that their motive is not the public Good, but the aggrandizement of themselves—I repeat it again that the people are with you, and I do not believe that you would lose a single vote—as a proof of this a certain Gentleman not long since mentioned that he woud become a candidate for the Office of Elector in order to vote against you—the consequence is, that he has lost his popularity, & it is generally believed, he wou’d be mobbed by his own County men, were he to avow the declaration to them—It is true sir, you have done much for your Country, and for mankind in general and might without affording cause of complaint, insist upon retiring—you might have done this at the close of the last war—but then your character wou’d have been complete only as a military man—you have now proved to the world, that you were equally qualified for the political sphere of life, and I have no doubt but a faithful historian will portray you as excelling in both. Frustrate not then I beseech you, good sir, these pleasing hopes in us, by resigning the helm of Government, until Europe be at peace, and our great political Vessel shall be moored safe in port. then shou’d you wish for retirement, you will go to it with the blessings of milions of grateful & virtuous Americans We know sir, that the scurrilous traducers of your fame are but few, and the Chiefs of these are an impudent irish lawyer, Secretary to the very man, who, during the war, endeavored to compass your ruin, and an

English blue coat boy, Clerk to one of the great branches of national Legislature—you have some enemies besides among the more enlightened, who have been disappointed & soured by being out-stript by more able & virtuous patriots: but these can do you no hurt. You have discharged your own part with integrity and honor—you have done properly what was incumbent on you to do—and your mind should be at rest—providence will perfect the Events—Your “witness is in heaven & your record is on high”—Satisfied with the approbation of God, and the testimony of a good Conscience, you may enjoy yourself, and despise the triumphs of guilt. I am a friend to Government & virtue, & one whom you can never Know.


Title: From George Washington to Dismal Swamp Land Company, 16 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Dismal Swamp Land Company

            Gentn
            Philadelphia 16th Novr 1795

          Having disposed of my share and all the interest I have in the Dismal Swamp company, to Henry Lee Esq. I request that he may, henceforward be considered as being standing in my place. He is not only to receive the profits, which may hereafter arise from that concern, but if any thing is due thereto, he is entitled to my share thereof—& is in like manner to pay all unsatisfied demands upon me on this acct passed & to come. With respect I am—Gentn—Yr mo. Obt Hble Sert

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 16 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            (Private & confidential)
            My dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 16th Novr 1795.

          The papers herewith enclosed are so full, on the subject of my former request, that nothing more remains than to refer to them for every information I can give, as the ground work of the Superstructure you are to build. When you are done with them be so good as to return the whole to me again, with those sent before; together with the letters respecting young Fayette—and the result, relative to him.
          I would beg the favor of you to run your eye over the letter from Madam de Segur & let one of your young men make some enquiry into the truth of her narrative and if found just, to seal & forward my letter to her, safely. The reason why I give you this trouble, is, that applications of the kind have been, and still are very frequent; and in more instances than one, impositions have been practiced on me. If this lady’s tale be true, her case is pitiable; and I have only to regret that the frequent calls upon my private purse, render it inconvenient for me to do more for her than the pittance I enclose to her. With sincere, and affectionate esteem and regard I am ever yours

            Go: Washington

            P.S. Be so good as to drop me a single [line,] merely to say that this letter & its enclosures have got safely into your hands.


Title: To George Washington from William Rawle, 16 November 1795
From: Rawle, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Philadelphia 16th Nov. 1795.

          The above is in substance the information given to me by a man of honor & respectability resident in this place whose name if necessary I may disclose and whose accuracy I have never found deficient.
          But it is proper to mention that since I had the honor to wait upon you, I accompanied my informant to the house of one of the partners of whom the bill was purchased and that his recollection did not exactly tally with that of my informant. The latter however persisted in having received the account from this very gentleman as he had stated it to me.
          This is the reason, Sir, that I have delayed transmitting you this statement. I have the honor to be with the truest respect & attachment your most obedient humble servant

            W: Rawle.


Title: To George Washington from Albert Stevens, 16 November 1795
From: Stevens, Albert
To: Washington, George

            Brookfield [Conn.] Novr 16th 1795

          Your Excellency will be not a little supprized at the presumption of a youth, in private life, at the age of Nineteen, in writing to your Excellency: but a sense of your Excellencys true greatness, and innate goodness, banishes the fear of offending by this scribble, and prompts me to write. I am the son of a farmer in the town of Brookfield, Fairfield county, and state of Connecticut; my fathers Name is Hezh Stevens Jun: at the age of three I

was put to a District School, where I staid two years and a half, and learned to read; the school then broke up, and I went very little more till I was fourteen, when my father not having business enough for my other two brothers and myself on his little farm to do, placed me as an Apprentice to my uncle to learn the blacksmiths trade; at which business I work’d till I was nearly Seventeen, when finding the business hurt my Eyes I was oblig’d to leave it. I now requested liberty of my father, to teach a Village school not far distant, which he consented to, and by favoring my Eyes what I could, they recovered their former strength very fast, and at present are quite well. I have always had a great inclination for Books; and since last spring, have at my leisure hours been studying the Law: I have taught school one quater this last summer, and applied to my studies so diligent, as to loose no time, but I find it too hard for me, my father is not able to maintain me, and give me my education; I wish he was—he has got his little farm by honesty and hard labor and he ought to enjoy the sweets of it. if your Excellency has any thing for so poor a subject as myself to do, be so kind as to command the readiness of your Excellencys real, and very humble Servt

            Albert Stevens


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 17 November 1795
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Greenwich [Village, N.Y.] 17th November 1795

          My ill state of Health for upwards of a year past has prevented me in a great degree from paying attention to Business & of Course our joint interest has been in some Measure neglected—Shortly before the commencement of my indisposition some small payments were made to me—These as soon as I am able

shall be stated and your proportion transmitted to you. I am informed that further Payments may soon be expected & as these will entitle the Purchasers to Deeds, they shall be prepared & forwarded to you for Execution—This Mode however of transacting the Business is found inconvenient to the Purchasers as it is not in their Power to have their Deeds (executed at different Times & not in the presence of the same Witnesses) proven in order to their being recorded—To remedy this I submit to you the propriety of empowering some person here to execute the Deeds in your Behalf—In this Case it will be requisite that the Power be executed by some Witness coming hither that it may be proven & recorded & it ought to authorize the Attorney to enter into the usual Covenant for securing the Title to the Purchassers. I am with the highest Respect & Esteem your most Obedt Servt

            Geo. Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 17 November 1795
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

            My dear Sir,
            Washington [D.C.], Novr 17th 1795

          I should ere’ this have acknowledged the receipt of your respected favor of the 2d inst. but waited for a further communication, or for the arrival of Colo. Rochefontaine. The latter has just taken place. And I have informed Colo. Gilpin thereof, who told me a few days ago that he would be ready at a moments’ warning to accompany that Gentleman to the junction of the Potomac & Shanandoah; I, therefore, presume we shall set off tomorrow.
          I was just on the point of going to Annapolis to present a petition to the Assembly in behalf of the Potomac Company, praying them to take a proportion of the additional Shares; but the

arrival of Colo. R. will take me another course, and Colo. Forrest has engaged to go to Annapolis in my stead, which I am very glad of, and trust that his knowledge of Characters, and of the best means of accomplishing this important point will ensure us success there, of which there seems at present no doubts, from the information we have received of the disposition of this Assembly. In virginia the thing seems mo⟨re⟩ dubious.
          I am happy, my dear Sir, in being able to inform you that the late season of dry weather has enabled us to make the navigation between the falls very good. Indeed it is nearly as perfect as it can be made or wished—No difficulty or danger in passing need now to be apprehended.
          The Peggy arrived here on the 9th instant, and brought the enclosed letter for you, which, as I knew the Contents, I took the liberty to open, in order to get at the invoice of your things, which was necessary to have them entered at the Custom House and delivered from the Ship. I ventured to do this the more especially as I knew the Blankets were wanting at Mount Vernon & the season would not admit of delay. I had the things all sent down and they were safely delivered. Enclosed is a Copy of the duties on the goods—and on the back the form of a bond &c. which I have settled.
          Please to present my affectionate and most respectful regards to Mrs Washington and beleive me to be with sentiments of the purest respect and most sincere attachment My dear Sir, Your grateful, affectionate & faithful friend

            Tobias Lear

            P.S. I have advertised your House in Alexa. to be lett, but have as yet been unable to find a tenant such as could be wished, that would give £60—which was the lowest that any one thot it ought to be placed at. If one should not offer on my return at that rate, I shall set it at £50—which I think must undoubtedly be obtained.


Title: From George Washington to Bouvinghausen, 18 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Bouvinghausen von Wallmerode, Baron

            Sir,
            United States, Philadelphia Novr 18. 1795,

          I received your Excellency’s letter dated at Stoutgard the 10th of June last, in which you ask my aid in securing to you the payment of certain legacies which you represent to have been destined for yourself, your three sons, & Mr Franc, by the will of the late major general baron de Steuben, my highly valued friend.
          Immediately on the receipt of your letter, I caused enquiry to be made about the subject of it; and lose no time to transmit to you the result. This you will find in the inclosed letter from Colonel Pickering (Secretary of War) to Colo. Benjamin Walker, in his answer, and in a copy of the Baron’s last will.
          If the fortune of the Baron de Steuben had been as ample as his heart was benevolent, none of his friends would have been omitted in the dispositions of his will. I have the honour to be, with great consideration & respect, your Excellency’s most obedient servant,


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 18 November 1795
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia, the
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Commissioners Office [D.C.] 18th November 1795.

          Your letter of the 9th instant came duly to hand. on friday Mr Scott returned from Annapolis and Mr White from Virginia in consequence a full board has been held every day since; The principal object of deliberation has been the very important and delicate subject of the proposed change in the plan of the Capitol, the result you will see from the enclosed copies; and in some measure the ground on which our resolution is founded, but besides the assurances given by Doctor Thornton in his letter both Mr Hoban and Doctor Thornton asserted that the plan proposed by Mr Hadfield could not be executed so as to secure stability to the building. On this point the board do not think it necessary to give a decided opinion tho the opinions of those Gentlemen had great weight in their determination; And it was not on the other side proved to their satisfaction that the plan which has been proceeded on is capitally defective, neither were the estimates of expences stated to them with such precision as to give a preponderancy in their Judgment to either plan—Mr Scott having informed the President of the event of his mission the board conceive it unnecessary to add any thing on that subject. Mr White it is expected will proceed to Philadelphia agreeably to the proposition of the Board approved by the President when last in the City. We are Sir with sentiments of the highest respect Your Obt Servts

            Gusts ScottWilliam ThorntonAlex. White


Title: To George Washington from David Meade Randolph, 18 November 1795
From: Randolph, David Meade
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir,
            Baltimore 18th November 1795

          Upon examination I have found the horse of Capt. Barney to fall greatly short of expectation. My continued indisposition and considerable fatigue rendered it impossible for me to mount him—his qualities therefore, are yet undiscovered—the person who paraded him had so fretted him, that he cou’d only be moved in a pace—I have seen him trot well in the Stage—there is a similarity of form in the hind parts, to those of old Wag; and I conceive it probable, that with care, he might be made to go nearly as well. But the price seems to forbid a trial—three hundred dollars! At one half the price I shou’d not hesitate to have bought him. His head and eyes are extremely bad—his neck not good—his height 15 hands & an inch—age, eight next Spring—highh spirited—Capt. Barney has promised to wait on you with him in some short time.

          Under the persuasion that you will not in any short time be otherwise accommodated, I shall not omit an opportunity shou’d any one occur for replacing Wag. I am with perfect esteem and respect your Obliged Hume Servant

            D. M. Randolph


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 18 November 1795
From: Scott, Gustavus
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            George Town [D.C.] 18th Novr 1795.

          Since my Return from Annapolis, tho’ generaly in the City from 9 to 3 OClock I have not been unmindfull of the Potk Company. Two Meetings have been held to decide upon the proper Measures to obtain Aid from the States of Maryland & Virginia. The Result is that Messrs Forrest, Lear & Law proceed immediately to Annapolis to attend the Assembly of Maryland now in Session: & that some other Gentlemen will be sent forward to Richmond as soon as the Event of the Maryland Application is known. Upon enquiry since my return I find that not a single Share has been subscribed since the Vote for the new Shares; which evinces how necessary it is to push for aid from the States. My Confidence of Success in Maryland is in no degree lessen’d; & if gained early enough will probably be of essential service in obtaining something from Virginia. Knowing your solicitude for this great and important National Object I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of communicating to you the prosperous Train in which I believe the business to be.
          Shou’d any thing cast up in the Course of the Session to make the former object of my Journey to Annapolis assume an Appearance of certain Success I shall gladly embrace the opportunity of effecting a measure I ardently wish. But nothing shall seduce me to take a Step in a Matter so important untill I am confident of the Ground on which I move. & shou’d such unexpected good fortune be communicated to me during the Session you shall be fully informed before any Measure is finaly taken. I have the honor to be with sentiments of the highest Respect Sir Yr mo. obt servt

            Gusts Scott


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 19 November 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            New York November 19. 1795

          Your letters of the 16 and 18 instant with their inclosures are received.
          An extraordinary pressure of profession[al] business has delayed my reply on the subject of Young La Fayette; in which another cause cooperated—I wished without unvieling the motives incidentally to sound the impressions of other persons of Judgment who I knew had been apprised of his being in the Country.
          The byass of my in[c]lination has been that you should proceed as your letter of yesterday proposes and I cannot say it is changed, though it is weakened. For I find, that in other minds and judicious ones, a doubt is entertained whether at the actual crisis it would be prudent to give publicity to your protection of him—It seems to be feared, that the factious might use it as a weapon to represent you as a favourer of the Anti Revolutionists of France; and it is inferred that it would be inexpedient to furnish at this moment any aliment to their slanders.
          These ideas have enough of foundation & importance to make me question my own impressions, which, from natural disposition, are in similar cases much to be distrusted.
          I shall therefore do nothing more at present than write to La fayette & his Preceptor to come to New York & I shall forbear any

definitive communication to them till I hear further from you, after you have reflected on the information I now give.
          Should you on reconsideration conclude on yielding to the doubt as a matter of greater caution, perhaps it will be then best for you to write Young La Fayette a Letter, affectionate as your feelings will naturaly lead you to make it, announcing your resolution to be to him a parent & friend but mentioning that very peculiar circumstances of the moment impose on you the necessity of deferring the gratification of your wishes for a personal interview; desiring him at the same [time] to concert with me a plan for disposing of himself satisfactorily & advantageously, in the mean time. I shall with pleasure execute any commands you may give me on the subject. The papers respecting this matter are herewith returned—I shall without delay attend to all the others. Very respectfully & Affecty I have the honor to be Sir Your obedt sr.

            A. Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to John Eager Howard, 19 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Howard, John Eager

            (Private)
            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 19th Novr 1795.

          It may seem strange to those, not acquainted with circumstances, that the office of State should be so long vacant; but causes, not within my power to controul, have occasioned it.
          I have, at length, proposed to Colo. Pickering, to go from the War office into that of State, & he has agreed to do so: this, of course makes a vacancy in the former. Permit me, to ask you Sir to fill it.
          I shall use no other arguments to induce your acceptance than such as candour dictates—these are, that I believe the duties of the Office will be well executed by you—that I conceive the appointment will be very agreeable to the public—and though of lesser consideration in a national point of view because it would be very agreeable to Dr Sir—Your Obedt Hble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 20 November 1795
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Richmond Nov. 20. 1795

          In mine of the 10th Instant, the day on which the assembly convened, I did myself the honor to give you, as nearly as I could, the temper in which it had met, and that which I supposed existed amongst the people at large, in respect to the Treaty & the administration of the Fedl Government, to which I added a conjecture, founded on former experience, that the spirit of dissatisfaction might extend, by the workings of Faction—the opponents of the Treaty deferred their measures until two days ago, when a proposition for a Simple vote of approbation of the Conduct of our two Senators in voting against the Treaty, was brought forward—this has given rise to a pretty full discussion of the constitutionality, as well as expediency of the Treaty, and terminated this evening in a passage of the proposition by a majority of 100 against 50. the discussion has been an able one on the side of the Treaty, but such was the apprehension that a vote in its favor, would be unpopular, that argument was lost—on the point of constitutionality many conversions were acknowledged, but on allegations of inexpediency, the vote, in most instances,

remained the Same. what will be the issue in the Senate, I will not pretend to be certain but in all probability, it will accord with that in the lower House. neither in this proposition, or any other has it yet been attempted to obtain an approbation of the premature publication of the Treaty, for which I cannot account but from there being, at first, a diffidence in the attainability of a majority. whether such a measure will now be attempted I have not yet learned—Having given you this history of the proceeding, I feel some consolation in having it in my power to add, that during the discussion there has been preserved a decided respect for, & confidence in you—& the debate has been conducted with a decorum, in regard to the ratifying Senators, differing greatly from the spirit of indecency which has lately been brought into practice. the Support of the Treaty has fallen altogether on Genl Marshall & Mr Chas Lee—Genl Lee has not yet arrived which is to be regretted. I shall do myself the pleasure of addressing you again in a few days, and shall indeavour to give true information. I have the Honor to be with the highest respect Dear Sir yr most Obt st

            Ed. Carrington


Title: To George Washington from “Scipio,” 20 November 1795
From: “Scipio”
To: Washington, George

          20 Nov. 1795. Claims “It would give me great pleasure, could I, in conscience, vindicate your character, against the numerous charges of maladministration, as our chief magistrate,” but instead he must “lament the hour in which you resolved to leave the dignity of your retirement.” If GW could “for a short time … condescend to that state of humility, in which you might hear the real sentiments of your fellow citizens,” he might “save the wreck of character now crumbling to pieces under the tempest of an universal irritation.”
          While GW continues “shut up among your dependants, and shut out of the rest of the world,” he “may dream a little longer that the storms of opposition and feelings of resentment” about “the fatal treaty you have made with Great Britain” are “partial, insignificant, temporary, and appeasable.” However, he “will find … in the course of the next session of Congress, that. … Every step you take to carry the ruinous instrument into final ratification will multiply your difficulties—you cannot, even now, retreat without disgrace, or proceed without perdition.
          “An immediate resignation might, however, save your country. The heavy charges of vanity, ambition, and intrigue, might then lose some proportion of their force,” and “The serious question, as to the powers of Congress to regulate our Commerce—the very foundation of their existence, and which, if agitated, must consume you, will then be buried on Mount Vernon.”
          GW “will never carry this instrument into effect, unless you call on Great Britain to aid you against the nation.” While Scipio does not believe GW “weak enough or base enough to do it,” his “administration has excited my fear and apprehensions, that your wishes lead to monarchical government. I trust, however, those wishes do not extend to the ruin of your country.” GW alone is “the father and patron of this ruinous measure, for you did not even consult the Senate. Knowing that your secret designs must have become public, had you done so; and knowing it was directly opposing the will of the nation.” Some “declare it a violation of the constitution,” but Scipio “will forgive your past sins, if you stop here.”
          GW now stands “on the banks of the Rubicon.” He should “Retire immediately; let no flatterer persuade you to rest one hour

longer at the helm of state. You are utterly incapable to steer the political ship into the harbour of safety.” He should not “flatter” himself that he knows the people’s “interests better than other men; there are thousands amongst them who equal you in capacity, and who excel you in knowledge. If the treaty you have made is consistent with our honor and interests, it will be carried into effect, without your aid. If it is ruinous and degrading, neither you nor all the sycophants who attend your levies, nor all the force of your British allies, can rivet its fetters on our necks.”


Title: To George Washington from R. Foster, 22 November 1795
From: Foster, R.
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Spade November the 22. 179[5] Richmond

          the brethen is all pun a decay which I am sorrey for you must judge the situation of america by the younger brother. 40 years was a very good age the heathens is Convince that ther is no power but of god he is able to make one man to subdue america which is the Case the earth must melt a way befor his word will fail as I have before wrote you I am numberd with the Dead and wheare it was Dun and thear he offerd his tender mercy to us the sulffer of brimstone was laid on my longs at old ben pines in kingaquean County by reason america not honour the word of god is becaus ther Deads are evil Choose darkness rather than light and that preseeded from the Cornection of france last wor tha have got the Cuntrey to think there is no god but if the world Could se what I have seen tha would heave all thear gold and silver in the furnace but now Sir the winter is as same as the spring and if that Cornection of france ant Cut away from america I think thear will be Destreses upon earth then the gospel will shine and ministers from england tha have grown very numerous in france as tha have in affrica And all other saveages nation but god nothing to Do with them you must think the wrath of god to be Due against you all for Disabaying his rightous law tha might as well make a ball on the sabouth at the Capitel and Dance as to go theare to make a law for thear is no law for you have Denied god and he will Deny you tho you may make a rule the world Dont no me sir bu and I dont want them to no me for

I have but very little Chance to live now for everything tha teach tha pisen and if tha need no me tha would shoreley kill me for you no sir the world is a foe to god else tha would serve him but the intention of america is to make fun of god or els you would lend great britain 50 thousand men for tha oat to be keep in subjection in so Doing you would be promoting the glory of god then religion might flourish if you will not what is right act according to Days when you have a Dark Day Do what you pleas and the same when you have a light one for god nose the harts of all men and what tha oat to Do as to your part I think all nation oat to neel Down at your feet for your noble prinsable in signing the treate in payment of the british Deats thear is no astate in america that is worth any thing but what Com by the hand england and none but rouge is against a payment of them as to my part sir I am poor man for your people Dont want me to have any thing as I formerley one but I Count all things lost as I may win Christ but the united states of america thinks more of you than of god but the least angel in heaven is greater than the greates king upon Earth all things under the earth and in the Deapth of the sea is in vew of god all things are build by some men but he that build all things is god the ways of the heathens and talk is to me just as the history of Chris life relate when he was pun the earth all fleash is as the grass of the feild and as the flower of the grass he must pass away tha wonder what become of the Dead tha sink sir as to my part I never turned the moon into blood but safley led the young Children through the red sea I shall leave part of the Copey of this letter at the Capitel I go. h. s. god and son 3

            R. Foster


Title: From George Washington to George Washington Motier Lafayette, 22 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, George Washington Motier

            My dear Young friend,
            Philadelphia 22d Novr 1795

          It was with sincere pleasure I received your letter from Boston; and with a heart of affection I welcome you to this country.
          Considerations of a political nature, added to those which were assigned by yourself or Mr Frestal of a sort more private but not less interesting to your friends left no doubt in my mind of the propriety of your remaining incog. until some plan advantageous to yourself and eligable for all parties could be devised for bringing you forward under more favourable auspices.
          These considerations, and a journey which I was in the act of commencing when I received your letter (and from wch I have not long since been returned to this City) restrained me from writing to you at that time, but I imposed upon Mr Cabot a gentleman of character and one in whose discretion I could place entire confidence the agreeable office of assuring you, in my name, of my warmest affection & support—of my determination to stand in the place of a father & friend to you under all circumstances: requesting him at the same time to make arrangements with Mr Frestal for supplying your immediate wants—and moreover, that he would add thereto every thing consolotary on my part. All of which I now renew to you in the most unequivocal terms; for you may be assured that the sincere, and affectionate attachment I had to your unfortunate father—my friend & compatriot in arms will extend to you, his son; do not therefore ascribe my silence from the period of your interview with Mr Cabot to a wrong cause.
          The causes which imposed this conduct upon us both, not being entirely removed, it is my desire that you & Mr Frestal would repair to Colo. Hamilton in the city of New York, who is authorised by me, to fix with you, on the most eligable for your present accomodation. This gentleman was always in habits of great intimacy with, and is warmly attached to Mr de la Fayette; you may rely therefore on his friendship, and the efficacy of his advice.
          How long the causes which have withheld you from me may continue I am unable, at this moment, to decide; but be assured of my wishes to embrace you so soon as they shall have ceased—and that, whenever the period arrives I shall do it with fervency. In the meantime, let me begin with fatherly advice to you—to

apply closely to your studies—that the season of your youth may be improved to the utmost, that you may be found the deserving son of a meritorious father. Adieu, believe me to be, as you will always find me Your affectionate friend

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 22 November 1795
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

            Baltimore 22d Novr 95

          I was early this morning my dear President with Col. H[oward] & he called on me Just now.
          I had I thought good ground this morning to conclude that he would accept your call.
          Now I fear he will not—I beleive his state of health which he says can with difficulty be kept tolerable by freedom from business, & daily exercise is his cheif objection—He will write to you in a few days from Annapolis where he is obliged to go on senatorial business tomorrow—I lament my dear President your lot; yet recollect how much our country relys on you alone. ever & affy yours

            H. Lee


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 22 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

            Mr Pearce,
            Philadelphia 22d Novr 1795

          I received no letter from you yesterday, nor the Saturday before; nor have I written to you for several weeks, on account of your proposed journey to the Eastern shore; postponing it until the time I expected your return from thence.
          In one or two of the letters I have written to you since I left Mount Vernon, it was intimated that I should be more full on the subject of Hedging whenever I was at leizure. This will hardly happen I believe, while I am in this city. But, as there is nothing which has relation to my farms—not even the Crops of grain—that I am so solicitous about as getting my fields enclosed with live fences, I cannot too often, nor too strongly inculcate this doctrine upon you: and I find it more necessary to do so, as it is considered in the light of a Subordinate object, and made to yield to other things.
          It is a useless expence & trouble, to buy, or gather seeds; to put them in the ground; or to transplant from the nursery to the hedge; if they are not attended to afterwards with as much care as a field of Indian corn: nay, as plants in a garden; until they are too powerful to be injured by Weeds or grass. Unless this is done, every antecedent expence & labour is thrown away; & disagreeable as that is, it is not to be compared with the loss of time: in effecting this plan year after year.
          At least 15 years have I been urging my managers to substitute live fences in lieu of dead ones—which, if continued upon the extensive Scale my farms require, must exhaust all my timber; and to this moment I have not one that is complete: nor never shall, unless they are attended to in the manner beforementioned; & if plants die, to replace them the next Season; and so on, until the hedge is close, compact, & sufficient to answer the purpose for which it is designed.
          It may be said, & with great truth, that the latter part of last Summer was so wet as to render it impossible to keep weeds & grass under—of course that labour was greatly multiplied; but this is an evidence also of another thing which I have been equally anxious to adopt, and that is to tend less ground—& to manure & cultivate the smaller quantity higher. Sure I am, the profit will be greater: why else will a particular spot of ground, if it is well

dressed and prepared, yield five and twenty or 30 bushels of corn or Wheat to the acre, when the circumjacent land (of the same original quality) will not, at most, produce more than eight or ten? The reason is obvious; the ground, in the first place, is kept clean; is well prepared; & well cultivated; and in the next place, the manure which is put on it, and would hardly be perceived in an hundred acre field, would be sensibly felt in one of 50 acres. But this is not all—a small quantity of ground, proportioned to the force that is to cultivate it—may, under all circumstances of weather, be kept in order; for if the weather be bad, it still can be managed; if good, it not only can be managed, but time is afforded to get up mud, & do many other advantageous things on a farm; whereas a full crop, is hardly manageable as it ought to be even in good weather, and is much injured, if not lost, if it proves unfavorable; whilst every thing else of smaller magnitude is ruined.
          The last paragraph is a digression from the Subject of Hedging, but serves to shew my ideas of aiming at too much; at the same time that it serves to prove what are really facts, that hedging, ditching, and putting my meadows in prime order, would be infinitely more agreeable to me, and ultimately more profitable, than an attempt to encrease my crops of grain. But to return to hedging.
          At the proper season let all the English thorn, in the Vineyard, be transplanted (I do not care where, so it be) to places where the strongest inner fences are required. Let the long string of fence from the gate at Union farm (going into No. 1) quite through to the branch be planted with the honey locust, if they are of a size proper for it. Continue the Ceder hedge from the Barn at that place, to the Mill road; or as far as you have plants for the purpose: and then (on both sides of that lane) in ground properly spaded, or well hoed up, and formed into a bed, sow the Ceder berries in a single streight row; after rubbing off the skin, or glutinous substance which surrounds the Seed, in the manner which has been mentioned to you; & which, it is said, is necessary to their vegitation. But with respect to these, & other berries, the vegitation of which is said to be promoted by their passing through the body of an animal, I have often thought, that if they were put into a pot with water sufficient to moisten the whole mass of them, & kept warm (but not hot)

from morning until night, and then to have the skin rubbed off as beforementioned, it would answer as well as the heat of the animal body. The only danger would be from carelessness, in letting them get so hot as to destroy vegitation altogether.
          The cross fences, where hogs are not suffered to run, might, in my opinion be made from the cuttings of the Lombardy poplar; which being quick of growth would, watled in the manner I have described to you, soon form a hedge against horses, cattle & Sheep: & might, if necessary hereafter, have a hedge, on the contrary side of the ditch made of locust, Thorn, Ceder, or something equally Substantial, tho’ of slower growth; to aid, or supply the place of the first, if it should decay soon. But it is useless to attempt more than can be executed; and a folly to begin on fresh ditches until those which are planted on the old ones, are made good.
          No hedge, alone, will, I am persuaded, do for an outer inclosure, where two, or four footed hogs find it convenient to open a passage; but I am equally satisfied, that any hedge will do for partition fences, where no hogs are suffered to run; consequently those that can be quickest raised, will answer my purposes best; if I am even obliged to have a double hedge, in the manner beforementioned, to be ready for the decline of the first.
          On board of Captn Ellwood, I send you, to the care of Mr Hartshorn or Colo. Gilpin 28½ lbs. of Chiccory seed in a bag; twelve pounds of wch I request you to sow in the lot by the Spring, at Mansion house (once intended for Lucern) as early in March as you can get the grd in perfect order. You may sow it alone, or with Oats, very thin; The residue of this Seed, sow, at the rate of twelve pounds to the Acre, on the Wheat in the lot by the Barn at Dogue run. Let this be done in February or March, on a slight Snow; & sow the residue of that lot, at the same time with Lucern Seed, at the rate of at least 15 lbs. to the acre. The rest of the Lucern Seed you may sow at the other farms, as convenient to the Stables as you can find suitable grd; that it may be handy for Soiling the work horses in its green State; or where else you please.
          The Chiccory being a very light Seed, should be mixed with Sand, Ashes, or something of this sort to make it sow regular. The enclosed paper will give you some idea of its worth. So much has been said of the value of this plant for feeding horses,

cattle & Sheep, that I have been induced to give upwards of Six pounds Sterling for the small bag I now send you—this circumstance alone, makes particular attention to it necessary.
          Give the small papers enclosed, to the Gardener, and desire him to pay particular attention to them.
          The small sketch enclosed, shews the course of the Road from the white gates in Front of the Mansion house, to the end of the little old field; and I could be glad, if circumstances would allow it, if a new road was opened along the streight line AB if you can, without a compass, lay it off streight or if it was to strike the road a little beyond the field, next the Gumspring no other disadvantage than lengthening of it, and increasing the labour in opening of it, would result therefrom. This road would leave out a small part of the inclosure by the White gates, and would cross a rising by the little old field; but if I have a proper recollection of it, the assent in going to the house will be very easy, & none elsewhere in returning—and a good view of the house would be had from it. If this road was opened, a substantial ditch (as soon as the ditchers could be spared from the Mill race) might be thrown up along it as far as the fence, at C where the line I laid off the morning I left home, would meet it, & a good fence be placed thereon.
          Urge the Miller to grind up my Wheat as fast as he can. Let me know how you have gone on in getting it out—& what the quantity, & quality of it is likely to be—How your Corn turns out—And how the growing Crops look. I wish you well, and am Your friend

            Go: Washington

            P.S. Have you got an Overseer yet for Union Farm.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 23 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

            dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 23d Novr 1795.

          Your favor of the 17th instt has been duly received. My enquiries after your health have been constant—and my concern for the ill-state of it—has been sincere.
          I beg you will not suffer the business, in which I am jointly interested, give you a moments concern; for I can assure you it has never occupied a thought of mine. But in order to make the transacting of it as easy to yourself, and as convenient to others as the case is susceptible of, I will empower you to act for me in the same manner you do for yourself, if there is no incompatibility in it—and I see none. And as you know what kind of an instrument is necessary to vest a power adapted to the nature of the case I will execute & return to you any one you may draw or have drawn & forwarded to me, and with the number of witnesses to it you shall advise. I pray you to present me respectfully to Mrs Clinton & the family, in which Mrs Washington unites, and that you would believe me to be, as I really am Dr Sir—Yr Obedt & Affecte Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 23 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            My dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 23d Novr 1795.

          Enclosed are letters for Mr de la Fayette, and his Tutor. I leave them open for your perusal; and notwithstanding the request in my letter of the 18th I shall cheerfully acquiesce in any measures respecting them which you (and others with whom you may be disposed to consult) may deem most eligable.
          As there can be no doubt, that the feelings of both are alive to every thing which may have the semblance of neglect or slight; and indeed, expectant as they must have been (without adverting perhaps to the impediments) of an invitation to fly to me without delay—and distressing & forlorn as the situation of one of them is—It is necessary that every assurance & consolation should be administered to them. for these reasons I pray you to send my letters to them by Express, the expence of which I will repay with thankfulness.

          The doubt which you have expressed of the propriety of an open and avowed conduct in me towards the son of Mr de la Fayette, and the subject it might afford to malignancy to misinterpret the cause, has so much weight that I am distrustful of my own judgment in deciding on this business lest my feelings should carry me further [than] prudence (while I am a public character) will warrant. It has, however, like many other things in which I have been involved—two edges, neither of which can be avoided without falling on the other. On one side, I may be charged with countenancing those who have been denounced the enemies of France; on the other with not countenancing the Son of a man who is dear to America.
          When I wrote to you last I had resolved to take both the Pupil & Tutor into my own family, supposing it would be most agreeable to the young gentlemen, & congen⟨i⟩al with friendship—at the sametime that i⟨t⟩ would have given me more command over him—been more convenient—& less expensive to myself than to board them out. But now, as I have intimated before, I confide the matter entirely to your decision, after seeing, & conversing with them.
          Mr Adet has been indirectly sounded on the coming over of the family of Fayette generally, but not as to the exact point—his answer was, that as France did not make war upon women & children he did not suppose that their emigration could excite any notice. The case however, might be different, if one of them (with his Tutor, whose character, conduct & principles may, for ought I know to the contrary, be very obnoxious) was brought into my family, & of course, into the company that visited it. But as all these things will be taken into consideration by you I shall not dwell upon them, and only add that With esteem, regard & sincere Affn I am ever yours

            Go: Washington

            P.S. I have no doubt but that young Fayette and his Tutor might be boarded at German Town, or in the vicinity of this City, and would be at hand to receive assistance & advice as occasion might require although he might not be a resident under my roof.


Title: To George Washington from John Eager Howard, 23 November 1795
From: Howard, John Eager
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Annapolis, November, 23d 1795

          I had the honor yesterday in Baltimore, to receive from Genl Lee your letter by him, and being obliged to return immediately to this place, I could not answer it by the mail which left Baltimore this morning. This mark of your confidence has made so deep an impression on my mind, that I should not hesitate to comply with your wish, could it be done without making sacrafices that I am persuaded you would not think advisable, and I assure you, that although such an appointment was unexpected, I should not be induced by less important considerations, to decline accepting it.
          My constitution was so much impaired during the war that for several years the effects were sensibly felt, and I have attributed the good share of health I that I have for some years enjoyed, entirely to my present pursuits which require constant exercise. The business which I am engaged in here will not admit of that constant exercise, and I am at times so much affected by it, as to fear I shall be obliged to resign my seat in the Legislature.
          To abandon my present domestic arrangements for the comfort and education of a growing family, deserves some consideration, but that circumstance alone would not influence me so far as to withold, in the present situation of affairs, any service I might be thought capable of rendering the publick.
          It is with regret that I am compelled to decline accepting so honorable an appointment, but I have some consolation in believing it will be in my power, at this crisis of affairs, to be of service to my country in my present station, and I trust that our Legislature, will shortly give decided proofs of their attachment to the true interests of their country. I have the honor, to be, with great regard & esteem Your Excellencys Obedt Servt

            John E. Howard


Title: To George Washington from Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 24 November 1795
From: Carroll, Charles (of Carrollton)
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Annapolis 24 Novr 1795

          Mr Hyram Faris a young man of good character and good constitution and able bodied, whose father and family have been many years residents of this place, has applied to me to recommend him to you for a lieutenancy in the marines to be raised to serve on board the Frigates.
          Should you think proper to comply with this request, you will oblige me, and a deserving young man who I am confident will not disgrace my recommendation. With sentiments of the highest respect and esteem I remain Dear Sir Yr most obdt hum. Servant

            Ch. Carroll of Carrollton


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Chew, 25 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Chew, Benjamin

            Wednesday 25th Novr 1795

          Compliments and thanks to Mr Chew for the favor of perusing the enclosed letter. A different result, from the forebodings therein, would have been very pleasing.


Title: Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 25 November 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

            Dear Sir
            War Office Nov. 25. 95

          The inclosed instructions to Mr Price, who is to manage the Indian trading store in Georgia, and to Captain Eaton who is

to command the troops destined to St Mary’s river, I pray you to lay before the President for his inspection, and approbation or correction. I have this moment finished them. I will wait on the President to receive his orders concerning them either this evening or as early to-morrow morning as shall best suit his convenience. I am yr obt servt

            T. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from John Eager Howard, 26 November 1795
From: Howard, John Eager
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Annapolis [Md.] Novr 26th 1795.

          I have the honor to enclose a vote of the Legislature of this state, which I hope will in some measure check the attempt made by factious men to lessen the confidence of the people in the officers of Goverment. I have the honor to be with great regard and esteem Yr Excellencys most Obedt Servt

            J. E. Howard


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 26 November 1795 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from William Pearce, 26 Nov. 1795. On 29 Nov., GW wrote Pearce: “The Post of yesterday brought me your letter of the 26th instt.”


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 27 November 1795
From: Scott, Gustavus
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            George Town [D.C.] 27. Novr 1795.

          I received last Night a Manuscript Copy of the enclosed Resolution which I had no doubt wou’d pass when I left Annapolis; tho’ I did not expect the Vote wou’d be unanimous. The

business respecting the 50 potk shares is in such a Train as to leave no Doubt but so many shares will either be taken up by the State, or by some Individuals through the Means of the State: whether Virginia will do any thing, I think very doubtfull: if not the Object is but half attained. I am with the highest Respect Sir Yr mo. obt servt

            Gusts Scott


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 29 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

            Mr Pearce,
            Philadelphia 29th Novr 1795

          The Post of yesterday brought me your letter of the 26th instt, and the weekly reports of the 14th & 21st preceeding.
          I am sorry to find by them that you have had much sickness among the Negros; and that the prospect of a good crop of corn as well as a tolerable one of Wheat, is diminishing. As the latter of these is got out, and the horses more at liberty, I hope every diligence will be used in breaking up the fields intended for the ensuing crop, when the weather will permit, and the ground is in order for it: and I request also, that your shelters may be prepared for the reception of the different species of stock, at all the Farms, by, or before the Season requires them to be used; for if Cattle suffer in the early part of winter, they rarely recover it.

          By the Report from River farm I perceive shelter is preparing for the horses at that place; what this means I know not; but it reminds me of the necessity of giving substantial shores to the Barn & stables there: otherwise some very disasterous accident may befal not only the horses, but negros also, in a high wind, or storm.
          How does Neale seem to conduct himself in the superintendence of the workmen? I hope he will have a little more command over them than Green or Donaldson had; or he will get little more done by them than they did. I take it for granted, that by his agreement, he is to work himself. If then, you perceive any backwardness in his doing so remark it to him at first appearance of it—Neglects of this sort come on by degrees; and increase in proportion as they are overlooked. Let him cast his eyes round, and see what kind of work is, or will be wanting, & can be done within doors; when the weather is such as to prevent the people from working out to advantage, or with safety; & have the materials previously lodged in the Barn, to go on with it. Among these, I recollect at once—Dormant Windows to the Barn; Sashes to the Kitchen where they are falling to pieces; Plank tried up for the North end of the mansion house, that is now rotting; (Plank of a proper width and thickness, and without sap should be procured for this purpose)—the same for the Pillars of the covered way going into the Kitchen; Locust Posts for the circle before the door; Harrows, Ploughs, rakes[,] Wheels, Carts, cradles for the grain harvest; repairing Spinning Wheels, and many other things which might be thought of, & executed within, to advantage, when the weather is rainy, snowy, very sloppy, or very cold. If he is a man of industry & contrivance, and will give his attention to these things, more will be done by a proper arrangement of the business than can easily be conceived; and by such an arrangement, work might be so forwarded out of the rough, as to superceed the necessity perhaps, of calling hands in, to do occasional jobs; or keeping Isaac & Joe always, as it were, from the other people, doing less, it is presumed than they would do, if they were under the eye of a man who would attend to them.
          Enclosed, is a copy of the Invoices of the Oznabrigs & Blankets; there are, as you will perceive, two kinds of each. let the better sort of Linnen be given to the grown people, and the most deserving; whilst the more indifferent sort is served to

the younger ones & worthless. I request that particular attention may be given to the cutting out that, there may be neither waste, nor embezzlement if it is cut out by the Negro women; and a piece at a time only used. the number of yards in each piece appears by the Invoice, and it is easily ascertained what quantity a shirt; or shift will take (of the different sizes) and calculate thereby. All my People that want blankets (or rather all that are entitled to them) must be supplied; giving to the grown Negros the larger, or better sort. Many have lately been given to the laying in Women, but where the children are living, it is usual to let them come in with the rest notwithstanding; but where dead, not to do so.
          You said something to me about Sein twine, but nothing was fixed that I recollect; if you depend upon me for it, not a moment is to be lost in sending round, as the Navigation may soon be stopped by Ice.
          Have you recd the money yet for my flour & Corn? Pay yourself, Overseers, & every thing I owe with it; & let me know how the Acct stands. Charge Peter to be careful of the Mules designed for my own particular use—& let the number be Six instead of four. I am Your friend &ca

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 29 November 1795 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from William Pearce, 29 Nov. 1795. On 6 Dec., GW wrote Pearce: “I have received your letter of the 29th Ulto with the Weekly reports of the 6th and 28th of November.”


Title: To George Washington from Caleb Gibbs, 30 November 1795
From: Gibbs, Caleb
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Boston Novr 30th 1795.

          Nothing but the support and comfort of an amiable wife and five children could possibly induce me so frequently to call to your recollection my situation. One year has nearly expired since I was appointed as Clerk of the Navy Yard in this place, from the

commencment of which period I have kept an exact account of my expences and allowing December to average with the other months (which will be the last in the year) my expences will be more than one hundred ⅌Cent above the Salary that I receive from the United States.
          This is my real situation and if I should continue in my place at the present Salary it will in a short time place my family in a situation that must be extreemly painful to every man of honor and feeling. With very great respect and personal regard I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedient and Most humble servant

            Caleb Gibbs.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Lee, 30 November 1795
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Richmond 30th novr 1795

          I have been honored with your letter of the 19th to which I take the earliest opportunity of answering. In expressing my willingness to accept the office of Attorney General of the United States, I do it with the utmost diffidence of my competency and can only assure you I will endeavour to discharge its important duties with diligence and fidelity. I had been arranging for a retired life, but while public affairs wear a most critical appearance I shall not withhold any service which it may be in my power to render to the community and I feel the highest pleasure and personal gratification in being called by you near your person. I will reach Philadelphia as soon as I can consistently with my duty as member of the general assembly here which will detain me about ten days. With the most perfect consideration of esteem and respect I am Dear sir your most obliged and humble servant

            Charles Lee


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, November 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            [November 1795]

          Topics which have occurred to the Secretary of War as proper to be noticed at the opening of the ensuing session of Congress.
          1. The treaty of peace effected by General Wayne with the Indians northwest of the river Ohio.

          2. The continuance of peace with the Cherokees.
          3. The formal agreement entered into by Mr Seagrove and the Chiefs of the Creek Indians for putting an end to their depredations & restoring harmony between them and the citizens of the United States. The apparent sincerity of the Creeks manifested by their delivery of prisoners, and abstaining from their wonted hostilities. But the full effect of this happy adjustment of differences hazarded, perhaps defeated, by the killing of a number of the Creeks on the frontiers of Georgia. The official reports give too much reason to believe that these slaughters of the Creeks were unprovoked, atrocious murders.
          Hence occasion may be taken to enforce the necessity of providing new & certain means of bringing such murderers to punishment; if the United States would prevent the destruction of multitudes of innocent citizens, and avoid the miseries and ruinous expences of perpetual Indian wars.
          4. The peace with Morocco officially notified by the agent entrusted with the negociation.
          5. The prospect of peace with the Algierines, and of the release of our fellow citizens their prisoners, on satisfactory terms.
          6. The state of the treaty with Great Britain—a plain statement of the few principal facts, without any reasoning: for reasoning is connected with opinions; and with these so many passions are enlisted as to hazard premature discussions and conclusions. should the treaty be ratified by G. Britain, it will of course be laid before Congress, and the measures necessary to carry it into effect be suggested. The state of parties may by that time be ascertained; and the consequent expediency of giving or withholding an exposition of motives to the ratification. Possibly, however, Mr Randolph’s pamphlet may demand some declarations; though without any referrence, directly or indirectly, to him or his work.
          7. The prices of the necessaries of life have for several years been increasing, and are now so enhanced as to reduce the salaries of public officers, perhaps to half of their original value. In a republic, offices should be rendered accessible to talents and virtue, by yielding at least a decent support to the holders; otherwise they can be accepted only by the wealthy; and of these, few will be disposed to sacrifice their ease as well as their fortunes in the public service. To this defect of compensation must very

much be ascribed the difficulty of filling two important offices now and for some months past vacant. What further provision for the support of public officers should be made, will merit consideration.

            Subjects of messages
            1. State of the negociations with Spain—measures which have been taken on account of the recent encroachment at the Chickasaw Bluff.
            2. State of the frigates.
            3. State of the fortifications.
            4. Arsenals.
            5. Fees necessary for officers in the federal courts—in some cases particularly in which no provision is made; for the law now refers to state fees in like cases—which in some states do not exist.
            6. To provide for a more extended Indian trade, on public account.


Title: To George Washington from Ephraim Tebbets, 1 December 1795
From: Tebbets, Ephraim
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Greenland (Newhampshire) Decr 1—1795

          Inclosed I Send you Somthing that appears to me to be a Very Great Curiosity as being the production of Nature Wholly If you Will Condescend to Accept of the Within and To your Servant Send Such Advice as you think most proper You Will Lay an obligation on yours tr⟨ul⟩y.
          the post hastens So I hope you Will Excuse my Scribble.

            Ephr. Tebbets


Title: To George Washington from “Valerius,” 1 December 1795
From: “Valerius”
To: Washington, George

          1 Dec. 1795. In the eleventh and last of his series of letters critical of GW, Valerius aims at “conciseness” as he brings ten additional charges that fall under the heading of “domestic transactions.”

          First, most of those appointed to office do not “possess the confidence of people.”
          Second, preference in appointments “has been given … to tories and officers of the late army,” the former rewarding traitors and the latter ensuring that officeholders will be “tractable instruments” for GW.
          Third, GW has accepted “the Aristocratic honours of the Cincinnati,” a “suspicious order.”
          Fourth, the “imperial grandeur” of the city of Washington exemplifies the waste of money raised by taxation.
          Fifth, GW has hidden from the people his sentiments about the French Revolution, but, sixth, he is “intimate with French Aristocrats, and cold and distant to French Democrats.”
          Seventh, GW has maliciously denounced “popular societies.”
          Eighth, contrary to the Constitution, GW is guilty of “systematic withholding of important information from the Legislature, and more especially from the House of Representatives.”
          Ninth, GW has sanctioned the “illegal conduct of the late secretary of the treasury, in drawing into the country, loans, made for the payment of the French debt, without the knowledge of Congress.”
          Tenth, GW has exceeded his Constitutional powers by respiting the sentences of criminals. Unlike the pardon power, which the president does have, respiting keeps the prisoner in suspense and thus is “a power of inflicting the most barbarous torture,” which “may convert punishment into a political instrument of party purpose.”
          Moreover, unlike tyrants of the past, GW has failed to encourage learning and support the arts, as “that salary, which was made large that the President might encourage literary merit, is unequal, we are told, to a household establishment!”


Title: To George Washington from Frederick County, Va., Citizens, 2 December 1795
From: Frederick County, Virginia, Citizens
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Winchester [Va.] 2d Der 1795

          It is with real pleasure we comply with the Request of our fellow Citizens of Frederick County, by forwarding to you the inclosed Resolutions, which express the Sentiments they entertain of your Conduct, in a situation the most delicate, and upon an occasion the most interesting and important, that has, perhaps, occured during your administration.
          Permit us, Sir, to seize this opportunity of expressing our sincere and Anxious wish, that you may long continue to preside over the Interests of these States, with that Wisdom and firmness which have hitherto so conspicuously adorned and supported your official Conduct, And That you may in an eminent degree partake of that happiness, which you have been so instrumental in procuring and preserving to your fellow Citizens. We Have the Honor to be with Sentime⟨nts⟩ of Real Esteem and Respect Sir your Hbl. Se⟨rvts⟩

            Danl Morg⟨an⟩C. M. ThrustonRobt White jrCha. MagillJoseph Caldwell


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 2 December 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

            My dear Sir
            Philadelphia 2d Decr 1795.

          Since writing to you on Monday, I have seen and conversed with Mr Myers; who is desirous of employment, and of removing from this place; which (having a pretty large family) he finds very expensive. He professes to understand perfectly, the various matters set forth in the card I enclosed you in my last; and was employed, according to his own account, in the Lancashire navigation, in England, until the call for Soldiers took away most of the hands. This circumstance, added to a desire of fixing his fortunes in America, where he has some property, in Land, and his wife is a native, induced him to embark for this country.
          He disapproves of Locks made of Wood, but understands them in all their parts. He is healthy in appearance, stout & robust, and of a good humoured countenance. He professes to be moderate in his expectations; & willing to put himself upon trial a year; the wages to be fixed at the end of it. He gave me to understand however, that at the Lancashire works he received Three hundred guineas a year and some small perquisites; and added that compensations were very much governed by the prices of necessaries, & the expence of living.
          I told him I would write by this day’s Post; and by that of thursday of next week, such an answer might be received, as to enable him to decide upon the eligibility of his waiting on the Directors for further explanations.
          I do not write formally, otherwise I should have directed this letter to the Board; but as you can easily consult the members

of it, it would be well to express their sense on the contents of it. Nor do I mean to give any opinion of my own upon the subject; as the Directors know better than I do, in what train the affairs of the company is, and what their wants are. All I shall say is, that if Mr Myers really understands all he professes, particularly that of Lock Navigation, he will not be long without applications in abundance; especially as the Members of Congress are now assembling from all parts of the U. States.
          Whatever you chuse should be said to Mr Myers, let it be comprised in a letter to me, or him, as you please, if to me, I shall put it into his hands that there may be no misunderstanding of the sentiments. Give my love to Fanny and the Children & believe me to be Your Affectionate

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Leet et al., 3 December 1795
From: Leet, Daniel
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Washington Pennsa Decr 3d 1795

          The Subject to Which we Would Call your Attention for A few Minutes, is the late unhappy Insurrection in this part of the Country—We are of those who felt themselves in danger during that frenzy—We have seen it totally subside, peace happily Restored, and the Laws in full and free execution—With peculiar pleasure we have Observed the Lenity with which your Conduct Sir on this trying Occation was Marked, Operating this Happy effect, even More powerfully than the force employed: But Sir, there are Still A Wretched few to Whom your Clemencey has not been extended, and Whose Miserable families are Still Amongst us exciting Such emotions, as no doubt, you Sir will partake of on Reading this, Whilst the Husbands and fathers are, no One knows Where. Now Sir the Question we Would Submit to your Consideration is, Whether it Would be Consistant with

public peace and Safety to extend your pardon to all, and thereby Render the Miserable happy, and Relieve us from the painfull feelings Occationed by their presence and Circumstances. We will not presume Sir to Urge Arguements to you on this Subject, your Own Mind is Much More Capable of Suggesting the proper—We are Aware that this may be thought an early day to Come forward with this Application: The Condition of the unofending Women and Children is all we Can reply, and are With Great respect Sir your Very humble servant

            Daniel Leet[and 36 additional signatures]


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 3 December 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

            Dear Sir,
            Phila. 3d Decr 1795

          I can add nothing, in support of the extract on the other side, that was not contained in a former letter from me to you; on the same subject. But I would thank you for letting me know what answer I shall return to the Commissioners of the Federal city.
          Their credit, I know, has been stretched to its utmost limits, in order to keep the wheels moving; even in the slow, and unprofitable manner in which they have turned. I am—Dear Sir Your obedt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 3 December 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            War Office Decr 3d 1795.

          The Secretary of War respectfully lays before the President of the United States the accompanying letters & papers received lately from Govr Blount & Mr Seagrove—the latter yesterday.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 4 December 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Department of State Decemr 4. 1795.

          Some further demands against the Department of State have been presented relative to the expences of procuring documents from the British vice Admiralty Courts in the spoliation cases

               amounting, with the former, to
              Dollars 2163.80

              On the President’s first order I have received
              1000.

              remain to be provided for
              1163.80

              To which I must add the sum due to Captn George Smith (one of the early prisoners at Algiers) who was sent from thence by the Agents of Colo. Humphreys, with dispatches for the Government, and which he delivered last Spring at the office of State. His expences and compensation having been liquidated by the Secretary of the Treasury and myself, there appears due to him a balance of 1041.

              which the Secretary of the Treasury informs me must be discharged by the contingent fund. In the whole
              2204.80

          I have therefore to request the President will be pleased to grant his order in my favor for two thousand five hundred dollars to discharge the abovementioned debts and further demands of the kind as they may be presented. I am very respectfully Sir &c.

            Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Bradford, 5 December 1795
From: Bradford, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Saturday Decr 5 1795

          As a public testimony of my esteem for your Character & Conduct, I have taken the liberty of dedicating to you, A translation of Martens Law of Nations, recommended for publication to me, as a work of merit, by my brother, the late Attorney General; and as a private mark of the personal respect & regard I bear you, I beg leave to request a place for the inclosed Volume in your Library, the granting of which will be deemed a favour confered on Sir your very humble Servant

            Tho. Bradford


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 5 December 1795
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Annapolis 5 Decr 1795.

          Well knowing how employed you must be at this moment I had not calculated on hearing from you till after the meeting of Congress.
          The Commissioners of the federal City have not applied to the legislature, but the Potomack company have to interest the State in a certain number of shares which I hope and expect will be taken. Mr Lear is with us.
          Mr Pinckney a man of real talents and genius and a fascinating speaker took charge of the declaration which respects you. He originated it in the house of delegates and supported it beautifully and irresistably. His influence and conduct on the occasion overawed some restless spirits and reached even into the Senate. Yours truly sincerely & affly

            James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 6 December 1795
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Richmond Decr 6th 1795

          On the 20th Ultimo I did myself the honor to communicate to you the result of a proposition in the lower House of assembly here, approving the vote of the two Senators from this State, against the Treaty, and at the same time, took pleasure in mentioning the decorum observed during the debate respecting

yourself and the ratifying Senators. on the next day however, the active persons of the party, presuming on the decided turn which they supposed had been fixed in favor of their views, unveiled themselves, & carried in the House, some points very extraordinary indeed, manifesting disrespect towards you—it is highly probable you may have seen the proceedings in the public papers. the result of these proceedings, together with the original vote of approbation, went to the Senate—the approving vote was there concurred in, with an immaterial amendment; but a very decided discountenance was put on the other proceeding, by an amendment totally reversing its aspect. by this time it was observed that many in the lower House, had become dissatisfied with their former conduct, and when the amendment came down, the zealots of anarchy were backward to act on it, while the friends of order were satisfied to let it remain for further effects of reflection. on the 4th Instant the amendment of the Senate was taken up and carried by a majority of 78 agt 62, & I believe that on the same question now, the majority would be much greater. the fever has raged, come to its Crisis, and is abating.
          As an evidence that the temper of the people at large is not such as our Members in Congress will probably exhibit an appearance of, referrence may be had to the consequences of insiduous attempts to get signed through the Country, some seditious petitions which were sent in Vast numbers from Philadelphia. these petitions were at first patronized with great zeal, by many of our distinguished anarchists; but, from the best intelligence I can get, I am satisfied that very few Copies will be sent to Congress fully signed. after a very short time they were viewed with contempt in most places. I think this information is correct. a short time will shew how far it is so, as it is not to be doubted that all the Copies will be laid before Congress, which are but tolerably signed. it will be no new intelligence to you to be informed, that several of our Members of Congress, have been the most active in endeavors to dissatisfy the people with the Treaty, & other measures of administration which have saved us from War, foreign dependance, and domestic wretchedness. my hope is, that from the other states in the Union, better dispositions will be met on that floor where the great republican principle is perhaps to be put to trial; for if it really turns out, that in any one of

the branches of government resentments against one nation, or love for another, is to supercede a calm consideration of our own interests and happiness, a dependence utterly inconsistent with freedom must be the result; let it be once ascertained that the people of the United States are incapable of self government, and where else can it ever be tried again? I trust & believe they will preserve the sacred principle. I have the Honor to [be] with great affect⟨ion⟩ Dr Sir your Obt Servt

            Ed. Carring⟨ton⟩


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 6 December 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

            Dear Sir,
            Sunday Afternoon 6th Decr 1795

          The papers, of which I was speaking to you on friday evening, are herewith sent.
          In looking over Sir John Sinclair’s letter (since I spoke to you on this subject) I perceive it is to a Committee I am at liberty to communicate the extracts. This, however, I consider as sufficient authority to give you the perusal of them; as the project, if it can be accomplished, in this country, must be put in train. When you have read, & considered the Papers, I would thank you for their return with your sentiments thereon.
          The “Outlines of the 15th chapter &ca” I send for your acceptance, several of thes⟨e⟩ having been forwarded to me. With great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Obedt & Affecte Servt

            G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 6 December 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

            Mr Pearce
            Philadelphia 6th Decr 1795

          I have received your letter of the 29th Ulto with the Weekly reports of the 6th and 28th of November.
          I wish you to make the most you can of the materials you have within yourself, for hedging; for I do not believe you will get any berries of the white thorn from Newcastle; for the reason given in one of my letters after I arrived at this place, from Mount Vernon

last. I hope the Cedar berries will prove better than you expect, that you may, as soon as possible, get the lane from the New barn (at Union farm) to the Mill road compleated with that kind of hedge on both sides. Make good the hedges as you proceed, in this business; otherwise you will have incomplete ones, that will render no service. Anxious as you perceive I am, to substitute hedges instead of dead fences, I have full confidence in your exertion to raise them; and as I have o⟨bser⟩ved in a former letter, those for inner & ⟨cros⟩ss fences, where no hogs are suffered to run, they may, in the first instance, be made of any thing that suits the soil, and will grow quick; altho’ they should be doubled hereafter. When I speak of tilling too much land, and add that a less quantity would be more productive than the greater quantity, which is now tended in order to produce an adequate quantity of Corn; I would not be understood to mean that half of one of your fields in the condition they now are, would produce you as much corn (or other things) as the whole of it would do; that would be absurd; but for example, suppose ten hands are necessary to cultivate a field of 100 acres (more or less) & that this quantity, in common seasons, can be cultivated as well as usually is done, but will allow no spare time, or labour for any extra work—my idea then is, that by turning half that field out, or rather let it be enclosed, and nothing suffered to run upon it (that all the grass and weeds it produces may fall, rot, and ameliorate the soil)—Cultivate the other half better than you could do the whole; and bestow all the spare labour of the ten hands in rakin⟨g⟩—scraping, collecting & carrying out all the manure tha⟨t ca⟩n be obtained from Swamps, ponds, trash about houses, & in the lanes, and even leaves & rotten trees from the woods; that more would be produced in a year or two from the 50 acres, than is now got from the hundred: and by this means gullies might be filled up—& many other improvements made on the farms that are not, nor cannot be done, with a full crop. Is it not better to get 20 bushels of Wheat (and other things in proportion) from one acre of ground, than from two acres? That worn land, undressed & unimproved will not produce the latter that is 20 bushels, and when well cultivated & manured, will produce the former, is known to every man who has attended to these things; and yet, such is the force of habit, that people will not quit the path their fathers have trod in. Besides, I am so well persuaded of the injury, land sustains from the growth

of Indian Corn, I never desire to raise more than enough for my Negros (who cannot do without it;) substituting other species of food for Horses, Hogs &ca—or even buying, from the sales of other crops if I cannot do this.
          I agr⟨ee⟩ to your putting No. 1 at Muddy hole in Oats ⟨in⟩stead of No. 6—And one object which makes me desirous of clearing ground at the Mansion house, and tilling what has been grubbed, is to relieve those worn out fields at the former; whilst the principal design, is to improve & beautify the grounds about the latter. But altho’ I wish very much to have the new road (sketched out in one of my late letters,[)] opened, yet I cannot, nor do not request it, if more essential matters are to suffer by it. perhaps it may be done on a streight line from the sweep by the white gates, to the intersection of the proposed road and the fence, which was marked out the morning I left home.
          I am glad to hear that your growing grain looks well. take care to make drains, in time, to take the water from all low places; and let me know, as soon as the matter is ascertained, the amount of your Wheat & Corn Crops at each place; and in each field; if the accts have been kept distinct. I remain your friend and well wishe[r]

            Go: Washington

            P.S. What Hogs have you put up for Porke? & when will they be fit to kill?


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 6 December 1795
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Mount Vernon Decembr 6th 1795

          I Recved your Letter of the 29th of November with the Invoise of the goods which ware sent here and It agrees with the one I sent with the Last Reports.
          we have got our ploughing prety well forward: at Muddy hole the field No. 4 Is done at Dogue Run the field No. 1 Is Nearly

done and the field No. 3 at Union farm the part that was In oats Last year Is ploughed—and at River farm a good deal of No. 7 Is ploughd.
          The people that have been sick are most of them better but I Expected we should have Lost some of them—Cyrus and some of frenchs people ware at the very point of death—the Boy Jacob who waits In the house—Is still very Ill with a Nervous fever—tho I hope he is Better than he has been—Frenches Lucy—Is not out of danger. we are prepairing shelters for the stock—The shelter Reported at Rive[r] farm for Horses Is made for fear the Barn will blow down on them—as it Gives way with all the proping we can Give it—Mr Neale the Carpenter so far, appears to be an Industrous Cleaver man—and I think he will do very well If he goes on as well as he has begun—his agreement obliges him to work Constant with your people—and he does work constantly—from what I have seen of his work I believe he is a Good House Carpenter—but he cannot do as good Joiners work as he ought—he Cannot make sashes—nor do a Great many other things In that way that will be wanted to be done.
          I have not been able to git shingles for the Barn yet, with out Takeing such as I did not Like—for the Greatest part of what has been Brought to Alexa. has been the 18 Inch narrow shingl⟨es⟩.
          I have Recved the money for the flour Corn &c. I shall want Enough to pay the overseers and othe[r] Ac[coun]ts—But I do not want my wages only as I may want to git nessesaries for my Family—and thare will always be some Trifles whi[c]h will be comeing In in the Course of the year—and which will pay a great part of my wages.
          I have Inquired the price of Seine twine and the price Is from 3/4d to 3/6—and that not very good thare Is but Little In Alexa.
          The 4 young Bay muls Intended for your Cariage Is at this time Very fat & I allow peter as much for them as they can Eat but thare Is no more of the same age that will match them. I am with the Greatest Respect Sir you[r] Humb. Servt

            William Pearce

            P.S. I Expected last week to have finishd all the Corn so that I might have sent forward the ac[coun]t But we are not quite don at River Farm—But shall be done In a day or two.

              w.p.


Title: From George Washington to John Hoskins Stone, 6 December 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Stone, John Hoskins

            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia. 6th Decr 1795

          By thursdays Post I was favoured with your letter of the 27th ulto enclosing a declaration of the General Assembly of Maryland.
          At any time would the expression of such a sentiment have been considered as highly honorable & flattering: at the present, when the voice of malignancy is so high toned, and no attempts are left unessayed to destroy all confidence in the Constituted authorities of this country it is peculiarly grateful to my Sensibility; and coming spontaneously, & with the unanimity it has done from so respectable a representation of the People it adds weight, as well as pleasure to the act.
          I have long since resolved (for the present time at least) to let my calumniaters proceed without taking notice of their invectives myself, or by any other with my participation or knowledge. Their views, I dare say are readily perceived by all the enlightened and well disposed part of the community; and by the Records of my Administration, & not by the voice of faction I expect to be acquitted or condemned hereafter.
          For your politeness in making the unofficial & friendly communication of this act, I pray you to receive my thanks; & assurances at the sametime of my being, with very great esteem & regard, Dr Sir Your Most Obedt & Hble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Auguste de Grasse, 7 December 1795
From: Grasse, Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de (marquis de Tilly)
To: Washington, George

            Charleston South Carolinathe 7th of December 1795.
            My General

          From all tokens of freinship you have been so Good as to Shew me, I Venture to pray you, to add to all your benefits, that of honouring me With a Gift Very dear to the Son of your freind; that is, your portrait General Rochambeau the father has obtained it from you, permit me to request of you the Same proof of Goodness, in memory of my father. it shall be, for my family, a Precious Gift that We shall preserve as long as We Live. pray respectable president, no reject the prayer and instances of him Who is With the most profound respect and the Greatest Veneration of your Excellency My General the most humble and obedient Servant

            Auguste De GrasseSub Engeneer, of the Svs. of the unid States.


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 7 December 1795
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

            Washington [D.C.], Decr 7th 1795Monday Evening
            My dear Sir,

          I have this moment returned from Annapolis, and had the happiness to meet your aceptable & respectable favors of the 30th of Novr and the 2d of Decr with their enclosures.
          As it is within a few hours of the closing of the mail it is not in my power to give a decided answer to Mr Myers’ proposition for superintending the works of the Potomac Company; but before the next mail, I will see the Directors, and be able to write decidedly on the subject.
          The object of my trip to Annapolis (which was very sudden) was to press the passing of an act to aid the Company in completing their additional shares: as Genl Forrest had informed

that the Report of the Committee on that business had been rejected by the House. It was, upon a proper representation, accepted on Wednesday last, and a bill brot in, agreeably to our wishes, which had the first reading on Wednesday, and was made the order of the day on Saturday last, for a decision; but was postponed ’till tuesday, to enable the House to go through a judiciary bill which they took up on friday and did not finish. As it was with the greatest inconvenience that I could leave my own affairs to go to Annapolis on Tuesday, it was not possible for me to wait ’till the decision on Tuesday next; neither do I think it was necessary; as I had given to Mr Pinckney and Mr Phillip Key, in the House, and to Mr Carroll & Dr McHenry, in the Senate, the fullest information on the subject, and am assured of their best exertions, and had the best opportunity of making favorable impressions on many of the members of both Houses, who are considered as most influential—The State of Maryland, will probably take 40 shares, and I have no doubt, in such event, of the other shares being taken by individuals. From the other State I have no expectations.
          Fanny (who did not get her letter ’till just now) unites with me in most respectful & affectionate remembrances to Mrs Washington & yourself—and to our friends in the family. Mr B. Bassett & his lady have been with us for sometime past—on their way to Philadelphia. She and the Servants have been inoculated for the Small pox, and are well over it. Mrs B. is yet unwell; but expects to be able to travel in a short time. With sentiments of the purest respect, and most sincere attachment I have the honor to be my dear sir, your obliged & most affectinte friend

            Tobias Lear


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 7 December 1795
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Philada Decemr 7th 1795

          My Strong desire to give an agreable Answer to your Note of the 3d inst. restrained me from doing it sooner. I am not in possession of Money at present, nor can it be obtained in any way but upon Usurious Loans, However repugnant such Loans are to my interest & feelings, I have made offers that are held under Consideration at present, which if accepted will put it in my power to remit the Sum asked by the Commrs for the City of Washington, and if attained I shall instantly do it. I am Dr Sir Your most obed. Servt

            Robt Morris