Title: From George Washington to Daniel McCarty, 13 November 1797
From: Washington, George
To: McCarty, Daniel

Sir,
Mount Vernon 13th Novr 1797.

Presuming from the tenor of your last letter, that there is no great probability of our meeting in the proposed exchange of lands—unless the difficulties which have occurred can be overcome—I should not have given you the trouble of receiving another letter from me on this subject, had it none been from an expectation that those who have applied to know the terms on which I would dispose of my western lands (& required time to view them) might come forward again; and also, how far it might be advisable for me to listen to a proposition of an intelligent gentleman at Pittsburgh—Mr Ross, one of the Senators for the State of Pennsylvania in Congress—to lay these lands off into lots of two or three hundred acres each, for the purpose of accomodating smaller purchasers; assuring me, that by doing so, he was convinced from the applications which had been made to him (on the supposition that he was empowered to sell those lands as he had before done wha⟨t⟩ I held in the State of Pennsylvania) that they might be disposed of to advan⟨tage⟩. I say, were it not for the desire of ascertaining previously to the adoption of a measure of this sort, or making any other disposition of the lands on the

Kanhawa whether there be any prospect of our agreeing on an exchange, I should not have mentioned the subject again; for though I might, ultimately, derive greater profit from the adoption of Mr Ross’s plan, yet, it would be accomplishing by retail, what I am more inclined to do by wholesale; especially as expence⟨,⟩ trouble & time would attend it; neither of which, at my time of life, am I disposed to encounter.
Two things seem to be obstacles in the way of our bargaining—viz.—the quantity, or proportion of Western for Eastern land, and the Island appertaining to your Sugarland tract. I know the value of my own lands, or perhaps it would be more correct in me to say, I know the quality of them, or some of them, from my own actual view—but, as I have mentioned to you in a former letter, I am entirely unacquainted with the quality of yours; never having been on any part of the Sugarland tract except at a ford of the Potomack, and having had no inducement until now, I never made the least enquiry respecting it.
It was for this reason I proposed in my last letter, to view it; for if on examination it should appear more valuable than I had conceived it to be; or in other words, if I could see an equivalent, in receiving one acre for three, ⟨circumstances⟩ considered, I can assure you I should have stickled for no more, for I should feel no pleasure in any bargain that was not mutually satisfactory.
As you have taken no notice in your last, of the Island (proposed in the former letter to be reserved) I am more at a loss what to say on that head than on the one I have been discussing; but as I am desirous of knowing, for the reasons wch have been assigned, whether there is any likelihood of your coming to a bargain, I would ⟨suggest⟩ an expedient, more likely in my opinion, to obtain more than by a separate sale of the Sugarland Island.
You are ⟨now⟩ to learn, I am persuaded how exceedingly scarce Cash is; and how distressed the merchantile men of this country from one end to the other of it, (from whom our money is drawn) are. It is such as to have occasioned a considerable reduction in the price of produce, and almost a total stagnation in the price of real property, at this time. But even if this difficulty could be surmounted; you would, I conceive, find another of greater magnitude; and that is no purchaser who would advance money on so precarious a footing as the nonage of your Son, unless it was so connected with other matters as to render it ⟨useless⟩.

The expedient I allude to then is if we should proceed so far towards a bargain as to render it necessary for me to view your Sugarland Tract, and I should, on that inspection of it, agree to give three acres for one for the whole tract, I will, in nine months from this date, advance you for the purpose you have mentioned, to be secured by a Mortgage of the land on which you live, the sum of three or four thousand dollars. This would answer all the purposes of a separate sale of the Island and much better than one under disadvantageous circumstances: for to my certain knowledge, real property has lately been offered for half what it cost a year or two ago, & could not command cash on these terms. I can, I believe, with absolute certainty promise to advance this sum in the time I have mentioned, because the sales of my Pennsylvania land by Mr Ross insures a larger payment on the first of June next and in such amount as to render a disappointment almost impossible.
It may be asked why if I get the Island in exchange, do I require a mortgage of the land on which you live? The reasons are obvious; first, in the exchange you wd receive an equivalent for that Island; 2d because your Son can give no security for the money loaned for his usage; and 3d because it is a maxim with me, to take landed security which from its nature is unchangeable, to personal security which is subject to numberless vississitudes.
In all this business I have endeavoured to deal fairly openly & candidly, & shall continue to do so; as a proof of it, I shall repeat what I mentioned in a former letter, with my reasons for it; namely—that entire & absolute possession shall be reciprocally given, and the free use and profits of the lands to be enjoyed by the possessors of it; the ⟨circumstance⟩ of the leases I would yield to. But the legal titles, and the ⟨deeds⟩ shall remain as they are, until your son conveys his interest in the Sugarland tract[,] for this is the only security I should have for the performance of the contract, or for indemnification if it is not at ⟨illegible⟩ that the equivalent he wd receive from it, with the improvements & encreasing value of the land, would furnish you, if there should be any hesitation on his part hereafter, with the strongest arguments to induce him to unite in fulfilling the contract, & ⟨execute⟩ it into complete effect. In this way I conceive the purposes of all the parties may be answered, & their interests secured; but as I am no professional man, it would be proper if we should agree to consult

one of acknowledged abilities who is, and this I certainly should do that proper & effectual instruments might be drawn conformative to the true intent & meaning of the parties.
When I look back & see to what length I have extendd this letter, I am surprised at it myself, but as the intention of it is to bring matters to an issue I shall hope for an excuse. You will now be enabled from this communication of my sentimts to decide whether any end could be answered by my taking a view of your Sugarland tract—or whether another personal interview ⟨illegible⟩ there to is more desirable. In that case any morning you please I shall be glad to see you after I shall be disengaged from some visitors whom I understand are to be here tomorrow. I remain Sir your Most Obedt Hble Ser.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 13 November 1797
From: Washington, Bushrod
To: Washington, George

Dear Uncle
Richmond Novr 13 1797

I have examined the records in the General Court Office which contain the writs of ad quod damnum & the Inquisitions returned thereon.
There is no instance of surveys accompanying the Inquisitions; in every case where they were made, the plats were retained I presume by the surveyors. In some cases the Inquisition states a survey

to have been made in presence of the Jury. But in the greatest number of them by far, no mention is made of a survey. from these facts, a strong argument is to be drawn in favor of your cause. It proves the general opinion of this Country, that surveys were only made, or considered as necessary, when required by the Jury for their information and that a contrary decision at this day, would shake the titles of a great number of Estates in this Country. this I am persuaded will never recieve the countenance of the Superior Courts of this Country.
I enclose you an order for settling yr accounts as Exect. of Colville, which please send to Mr Keith with the enclosed letter which states the manner in which he is to proceed. I thought it best to refer the settlement to him, as he is well acquainted with the accounts. his report will finally quiet you as to the affairs of that Estate unless the foreign defendants should in the course of 7 years put in their answers and point out errors in the settlement. this is not probable, & if they do, the proof necessary to invalidate any part of the report will lie on them.
The papers which were sent to me, I shall either forward to you by this post, or send to Mr Keith by some private Conveyance. I am dear Uncle very sincerely yr affect. Nephew

B. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Carter, 14 November 1797 [letter not found]
From: Carter, Charles
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Charles Carter, 14 Nov. 1797. On 3 Dec. GW wrote Carter and referred to “your favour of the 14th Ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from James Keith, 18 November 1797
From: Keith, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria Novr 18th 1797

The Letter referred to by Mr Washington came directly to myself, inclosing my appointment as a Commissioner in Chancery, and informing me that your Accounts respecting your administration of Colvills Estate were referred by the Court to be examined by me—he mentioned that he had transmitted to you the order for the Settlement and woud in due Season transmit whatever papers

he had respecting that Business—He informs me that the Order of Court must be published for a month in the Alexandria Gazette—and the time fixed upon for auditing the Accounts made known at the foot of the Order, Copy of the Order served upon Mr West with a Notification of the time for the Reveiw of the accounts—As the Defendants live out of the Country a considerable length may be necessary to allow for entering upon the Business I woud wish to be made acquainted with what you suppose to be a reasonable time before I determine any thing respecting it. I am with great Respect your Excellencys most obedt hble Servt

Ja. Keith


Title: To George Washington from John Nicholas, 18 November 1797
From: Nicholas, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Charlottesville November 18th 1797.

A few weeks ago a letter came to the Warren Post-Office in this County (Albemarle) from you, directed to “Mr Langhorne”; where it lay some days, unclaimed and unsaught for. Hearing it mentioned, I concluded it was intended for an old Gentn of that name in an adjoining County, who, I believe had been ingaged, in some capa[ci]ty or another, in what was called Braddock’s war; and had it taken up by a friend to be conveyed accordingly. To my great surprise however, I am just informed to-day that it had been sent for and demanded by a certain character in this County, closely connected with some of your greatest and bitterst enemies, as being intended for him, tho’ his name was very different indeed from Langhorne; acknowledging at the same time that he had written to you a few weeks ago under that Signature—the contents or facts of which corrispondence I knew nothing—tho’ the singularity of the circumstances attending the demand of the letter, & the quarter from whence it came (altho’ nothing to me from that quarter is now astonishing) determined me to address you. The only conclusion I can draw from this stra[n]ge circumstance, is, that certain men who are resolved to stick at nothing to promote their wicked

& inglorious views, have fallen on this last miserable deceptive means, among their other hypocritical practices to intrap you; or, that their suspicions of the views of others from a knowledge of the secrets of their own, had even carried them to the unjustifiable and scandalous lengths of violating the Seals of private correspondences, in hopes of finding out State secrets favourable to their schemes. Having positive proofs of the above facts, I determined to write you, and put you on your guard against such fictitious corrispondts, if any such have written to you, or to shew you what danger your private letters have to encounter, in this quarter, if you have had no such late corrispondent. As for the same reason, however, I caution you against unbosoming yourself to such corrispondts in this part of the world, whatever their professions or requests may be, I cannot ask of you a full explanation of this misterious business (the drift and contents of which I can only have my suspicions about) I can only expect or wish to have an acknowledgement of the receipt of this, untill I have the oppertunity of convincing you in person that mine is no fictitious character; which I am in hopes of having the pleasure of doing some time this winter, as I intend a visit of curiosity and pleasure to Philada, in which I shall pay my respects, for the first time, to the family at Mount Vernon.
I should not have troubled you thus far, My Dr Sir, well knowing how you must be occupied with correspondents of more importance than such as myself, but living where I do, immediately in cannon shot of the very head-quarters of Jacobinism; knowing how much you have been deceived in the principles and professions of friendship of certain characters in this quarter, and my own knowledge of their real dispositions; have determined me thus to hint to you some things which I shall make known more fully when I have the honor of a personal interview. I have frequently tho’t of asking from you information on certain Subjects of which my particular situation in this part of the Country gives me some knowledge, contrary, I suspect, to the view in which you had been persuaded to hold them; and the circumstance which has now induced me to write, has created suspicions in my mind that the deceptions imployed towards you are greater than even I myself from my particular situation here had supposed—But for the reasons above assigned, have never asked from you any information—If however, after a better knowledge of me, and my views, from what I

shall say on the subjects above hinted at, you should think proper to satisfy me on one or two points relating to characters and things, which from my particular Situation here have fallen immediately within my knowledge, such information will be thankfully received and not improperly applied by My Dear Genl Your most obt & sincerly devoted friend & very Hle Sert

John Nicholas


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 November 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Novr 20 1797.

The Spanish letter which you transmitted to me in your favour of the  ult. and which I recd the 2d inst. at Trenton, I have had translated; and the sentiments therein expressed being personal to you, as well as official in being addressed to the President of the U. States, I do myself the honor to inclose a copy of the translation. An acknowledgement to those Spanish Officers for their liberality of conduct towards the American vessel they relieved, and respectful, friendly & generous sentiments towards you and the citizens of the U. States, is manifestly due: but it will be difficult to find a conveyance to that sequestered region.
I have been honoured with your letter of the 6th instant; and shall conform to your wishes respecting Mr Parish of Hamburg, and Mr Bucknall’s pamphlet.
The inclosed letter from Mr King came to hand this day under his cover to me.

I am apprehensive that young la Fayette has been too precipitate in his voyage to France. The late explosion in France will doubtless prevent his fathers return thither. But independently of this, it is probable that his coming to America is indispensable. In a letter dated Septr 5th at London, Mr King writes me thus, “Mr Williams our Consul at Hamburg informs me that the Imperial Minister has notified to him that the Emperor had consented to the release of General la Fayette, upon condition that he should embark for America, within eight days after his arrival at Hamburg: He also requested Mr Williams to make the necessary preparations for his embarkation.”
Mr Williams answered without hesitation, that such provision should be made, altho’ he had no instructions on the subject. Mr King wrote him approving of his decision; and desired him to draw upon him for the necessary expences. Mr King has remaining in his hands a part of the monies granted to Genl la Fayette by the U. States.
To-day I received a letter from Mr Williams dated Hamburg Septr 19. in which is the following passage. “The Imperial Minister received, yesterday, an official note, that orders had been given to release General la Fayette & his companions. We have a right to expect that they are on the way to this place.”
It is true that Mr King, in his letter of Sept. 5th “did not consider it certain that General la Fayette would go to Hamburg, or embark immediately for America; having understood that he would be allowed by the Emperor to go to Holland, where (if permitted by the Dutch Government) he might perhaps be inclined to wait some time, in order to ascertain whether he will be allowed to return to France.” But by the late explosion, I presume there will remain no room for hesitation; and that he will embark without delay, for the U.S.
This intelligence I know must be particularly interesting to you; and therefore I have detailed all the information I have received. I have the honour to be with great respect, sir, your most obt servt

Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Louis La Colombe, 21 November 1797
From: La Colombe, Louis-Saint-Ange Morel, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

General,
Philada 21st Novemr 1797.

I take the liberty of presenting you with a short abstract of a letter that may afford you a proof that the man for whose wellfare you have allways had the warmest interest in, General De Lafayette has at last obtained his liberty—as is ascertained by an official note from his Imperial Majesty’s minister, M. ⟨Biro⟩ resident at Hambourg, to a friend of mine Mr Masson formerly his aid du Camp.
“Hambourg 19th Septemr—I have the honor to let you know Sir, that I have received at this moment the official note—an order has been sent from Vienna to Olmutz to set at liberty instantly M. De Lafayette & the other Prisoners.” Several other letters that I have received from Hambourg, and from a particular Correspondent at Olmutz leave me no reason of doubt on this subject—I’m also particularly inform’d that the General & the other gentlemen that were in confinement with him were on the road to Dre[s]den and in all probability would arrive there about the 18th Septemr last, and from thence they were to proceed to Hambourg—notwithstanding the event that took place on the 4th Septemr last at Paris & expected to reach Vienna—in the issue of it have not in the least retarded the liberation of our friend, and it has only been delay’d on account of some trivial pretexts of his Imperial Majesty’s Ministers, who have since been convinced, were acting against their own interests—If as I presume he may come over to this Country it will be very pleasing for him still to find in

you Sir, all the paternal Sentiments which a long captivity may have now render’d to him necessary as life, It may also be an inducemt for him to come & visit a Country and a People with whome he has fought with in the cause [of] freedom—I have the honor to be with the highest sentiments of Respect sir, Your most obedt hume servant

L. Lacolombe

N.B. Mr Lacolombe has the honor to present his most respectful compts to the Ladys.


Title: From George Washington to John Fitzgerald, William Herbert, and George Gilpin, 22 November 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzgerald, John,Herbert, William,Gilpin, George

Gentlemen,
Mount Vernon 22d Novr 1797.

On Monday last, in Alexandria, Colo. Marstellar applied to me to rent my lot with the house on it in that place for three years, from the expiration of the year for wch it is now engaged (at Sixty pounds until Feby).
I answered, that I was well disposed to receive him as a tenant and for the term above mentioned, but was unable to fix the rent then; being unacquainted with such as were usual in Alexandria, or might be expected within that period; but that I would leave it to you three Gentlemen, or any two of you who should agree, to say what it should be. And moreover to enumerate what indispensable repairs it would be indispensably necessary for me to make again, it not being long since the houses & inclosure were put into complete order.
Your compliance with the request will very much oblige me, and I shall hope to be excused for the trouble it will give you. Be assured of the Esteem & regard of Your most obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Welch, 24 November 1797
From: Welch, James
To: Washington, George

[c.24 November 1797]

Sir, I will lease Your Land on the Great Kanawa for 99 Years (Viz.) 23,000 Acres for which I will give You £50 ⅌ Thousand Yearly which will amount to £1150 ⅌ Year[.] Total amount 113,850.


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 24 November 1797
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Phil[adelphi]a Nov. 24th 1797

After a painful & inconvenient dispersion the public Officers have returned to this City & resumed business; Congress has at length formed; the Presidents speech at the opening of the Session is inclosed.
It is certain that the Envoys have reached Paris; the report that they have been refered to Fauchet & Adet is not confirmed; though by many it is considered as probable.
A Mr Barker, offered me five hundred Dolls. a few days since on

account of a debt due to you by Mr Shreve: if you are pleased so to direct I will recieve & remit you the money. Mr Ross to whom this business was refered has not arrived.
I repeat that nothing will give me more pleasure than to be able to render any services which you may be pleased to require—With the most perfect respect to yourself & Mrs Washington in which I am joined by Mrs Wolcott, I remain your faithful & assured Servt

Oliv. Wolcott jr


Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 25 November 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Anderson, James

Mr Anderson,
Mount Vernon 25th Novr 1797

I have given the scheme which you put into my hands for renting some of my land on the Great Kanhawa, such consideration as time and circumstances would permit. What follows is the result.
To require such a rent, and to make it progressive to a certain period as is digested in your Plan of a Rental in a country abounding in unsettled Lands which are open to every purchaser on a more moderate scale than I have affixed to my tract of 11,000 acres might, even to some among ourselves (not particularly acquainted with the situation and superior quality of the soil) seem high, and to foreigners, it might have the appearance of an intention to impose. But when it is considered that the above tract, & others which I hold in the Western country (on the Rivers Ohio & Great Kanhawa) are all intervale or meadow lands upon the Banks of those rivers—in a word that they are the cream of the lands being the first choice of them near 30 years ago—that I have been offered for part thereof less valuable in my estimation than

the tract which is the subject of your scheme—eight dollars an acre—and that I hold the latter at ten dollars, it must be acknowledged that to let it for less than you have suggested, or for a more extensive term than you have proposed would not comport with my interest; nor be equivalent to the interest of the purchase money at eight dollars an acre disposed of in the public funds.
I am, however, disposed to make an experiment with the 11,000 acre tract on the Rent, and in the manner you have proposed; provided a number of respectable men, competent to the fulfilment of an agreement would Associate—take the whole tract—and form a settlement thereon at once; for a piece meal business would neither accord with my interest, or inclination. But it is to be clearly understood, that I do not mean by this declaration, to be restrained from accepting, before the result of the communication to your correspondent is known any offer I may approve for the abovementioned tract as many are in pursuit of it, & that resu[lt] uncertain.
But if such an Association could be formed, on your plan, for the aforesaid tract of 11,000 acres, and advice thereof be immediately given, I would then if it was in my possession & under no engagement hold it thereafter for them—or, which would perhaps be more desirable—let a member of their body come over—view the land—and if approved, conclude the bargain on their behalf. This latter expedient, would prevent all suspicion of the land being too favourably represented, at the same time that it would afford such an Agent an opportunity of examining other matters and making a more advantageous establishment elsewhere—for I should receive no satisfaction from any contract that was not mutually satisfactory.
The usual way of going to these Lands, as well those on the Great Kanhawa as to those on the Ohio, is by Fort Cumberland & Pittsburgh, and thence down the Ohio River—the distance being, by that route to the mouth of the Kanhawa about 560 miles, but of this 75 only is land transportation. The other route by Greenbrier & Kanhawa Court house ⟨to the⟩ same place, is a third shorter; and ⟨80⟩ miles of it water carriage—the other part is, as I am informed, a good waggon road. I wish you well, and am Your friend &ca

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Burwell Bassett, Jr., 26 November 1797
From: Bassett, Burwell Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond Nov: 26th 1797

I have to day seen Mrs Forbes who accounts for her delay in geting to Mount Vernon from disappointments by Mr Brokes not having paid her some moneys he is in her debt and without which she cannot come up, but promises to be ready to take the stage early in the week after this if she can be furnished with money for her expences which Mr B. Washington has promised to do and also myself, that she may be expected at Mount Vernon in the next week she appears to be a woman of strong health and equal to great service.
I have met here with Col: Finne and conversed with him concerning his cook there are two girls in addition to the family for the whole of them he will take the hire of fifty pounds per annum he is offered here thirty six pounds per annum for the man. the woman he says a good washer as well as a good cook he makes it a condition of the hire that they shall consent to go and without that I supppose you would not wish them I have sent to Major Burwell concerning his cook and expect to hear from him next week and will communicate it to you your answer to Col: Finne will find me in Richmond. With sentiments of esteem and respect yours obt Sert

Burwell Bassett

P.S. Letters from Mr Marshall to his friends here inform of his arrival at Amsterdam the 26th of august. B.B.


Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 26 November 1797
From: Washington, Bushrod
To: Washington, George

My dear Uncle
Richmond Novr 26. 1797

I was very much surprized yesterday to meet with Mrs Forbes at my office—I had no doubt of her having been long since at Mount Vernon.
She came to account for her being still in Richmond, to express her anxiety to get up, and her inability to do so from the want of mony. This latter circumstance astonished me still more, as Mr Brook (who she informs me is her debtor[)], promised to furnish her with the necessary sum for her expences. in consequence of this, I wrote you some time ago, that she would set off in a stage or two; for so it was agreed upon between Mr Brooke & myself.
He has been out of Town for ten days or a fortnight, and as his return is uncertain Mrs Forbes requested me to state to you the reason of her continuance here. To prevent any further delay I shall furnish her with mony for her necessary expences, and she promises to leave this in Tomorrow’s Stage.
The letter to which your favor by last Night’s post refers, was I Know recieved by Mr Brook, and he told me he should immediately answer it. It is necessary to state, that he was at that time so indisposed, as to be under the care of a Physician. That he continued to be so with only a few days of intermission, until his departure for the back Country, to which place he has probably been advised to go for health.
whether I have assigned the true cause of his neglect or not, I cannot say. I meerly state the above fact, as furnishing the only possible apology for a conduct otherwise unaccountable.
Mr Keith will please advertize the decree & his notification for 8 weeks successively in the Alexandria Gazette. This will be sufficient.
all the papers belonging to that case I sent up to Mr Keith a few days ago by Mr Lee.

Mrs Washington Joins me in Love & best wishes for my Aunt & yourself and believe me most sincerely Dear Uncle your affectionate Nephew

Bushrod Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Parkinson, 28 November 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Parkinson, Richard

Sir,
Mount Vernon 28th Novr 1797

Your letter dated “Doncaster August 28th 1797” has been received.
In answer thereto, I inform you, that I had engaged my largest farm to a Gentleman in the vicinity of it for the ensuing year (on

the terms mentioned in the plan I took the liberty of transmitting to Sir John Sinclair, and which, having seen as you say, it is unnecessary for me to detail) but some circumstances afterwards occurring, unforeseen at the time, induced a postponement of the measure until the year 1799—when it may, or may not, as I shall find it most convenient, be renewed.
The other farms are entirely free, and must remain in my possession until the crops of 1798 (the greater part of which being in the ground) are harvested. Of course, if you should come to this country in March next—shall then like any of my farms—& we should be mutually disposed to bargain for one of them, on lease, it is not probable there will be any impediment in the way. In the meantime, you may be assured that it would be highly satisfactory to me, to have English, or Scotch farmers who are able & willing, and who can be well recommended to me, to be the Cultivators of the farms of my Mount Vernon estate.
I not only approve of your circumspect conduct in viewing the farms previous to an engagement, but can assure you that, I should be unwilling to enter into any contract with any person for either of them before it was done as no agreement would be pleasing to me that did not give mutual satisfaction.
I thank you for your kind intention of sending me your treatise on Agriculture, entitled, “the practical farmer” and will chearfully pay the cost of it. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Sinclair, 28 November 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Sinclair, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 28th Novr 1797

The Copy of Mr Parkinson’s letter and my answer both of which are enclosed for your perusal and the letter to be forwarded is the best apology I can offer for giving you the Trouble of this Address.
As he has taken the liberty of naming you as a Gentleman to whom he is well known I have followed his example (as he writes to me on an interesting subject) in doing the Same to enquire if he shou’d make the application in person which his letter contemplates,

whethe[r] his character—abilities as a farmer & capital are such as to enable him to stock and manage a farm the rent of which would be (according to his choice of those I have to let) from a thousand to eighteen hundred Dollars per annum, or wheat equivalent.
I should not my good Sir have used the freedom to ask this information had not Mr Parkinson declared that it was by your advice he has made the application and means to pursue it in March next. If he can come under such auspices it would recommend him strongly to me; and to know it in time wou’d be pleasing to—Your much Obliged and Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Welch, 29 November 1797
From: Welch, James
To: Washington, George

Sir,
November 29th [17]97

I will lease Your Land on the Great Kanawa (viz.) 23,000 Acres in the Manner following (to Wit) I will give You Annually $9583.34 C. The lease to Commence in the Year 1800 And I will pay you in the following Manner[:]
in the Year 1801 $19,166.68.
the next payment to be made 1807 [$] 47,916.70.
In the Year 1810 [$]28,750.[0]2.
And after that time I will pay Annually [$]9583.34 for 30 Years & from that time forever Yearly [$]19,166.68 With the previled[g]e of purchasing the Land at Eight Dollars ⅌ Acre any time in 10 Years from the commencement of the lease on my paying You Yearly agreeable to the above proposition for the Term of 10 Years. Security to be given for the firs[t] payment to be paid in Alexandria the lease and Contract to be null and void on the Money not being punctually paid—Your Excellency will please to View the proposals and give me an answer by the Bearer Mr James Cooper I am with respect sir Your Hbl. St

James Welch


Title: From George Washington to James Craik, 30 November 1797 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Craik, James

Letter not found: to James Craik, 30 Nov. 1797. On 1 Dec. Craik wrote GW: “Every Since the rect of your Letter yesterday. . . .”


Title: From George Washington to John Nicholas, 30 November 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Nicholas, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 30th Novr 1797.

I know not how to thank you sufficiently, for the kind intention of your obliging favour of the 18th instant.
If the object of Mr Langhorne, who to me, in person & character, is an entire stranger, was such as you suspect, it will appear from my answer to his letter, that he fell far short of his mark. But as the writer of it seems to be better known to you, and that you may be the better enabled to form a more correct opinion of the design, I take the liberty of transmitting a copy of it along with the answer. If they should be a mean of detecting any nefarious plan of those who are assailing the government in every shape that can be devised I shall feel happy in having had it in my power to furnish them. If the case be otherwise, the papers may be committed to the flames, & the transaction buried in oblivion. To confess the

truth, I denominated Mr Langhorne in my “mind’s eye” a pedant, who was desirous of displaying the flowers of his pen. In either case, I wd thank you for the result of the inve⟨stigation⟩.
In your journey to Philadelphia or at any other time, or upon any occasion, I should be happy to see you at this place; having had a very high regard for your father while living, and a long acquaintance with him in public life as members of the Legislature of this State. With very great esteem I remain Dear Sir Your Most Obedt & Very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Craik, 1 December 1797
From: Craik, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Decr 1st 1797

Every Since the rect of your Letter yesterday I have been trying to obtain the necessary information, which you required; but cannot say that I have recd any Satisfactory information with regard to the Person—He says himself that he is an honest man but Some Seems to doubt it—He has been trading with Some of the people in Town but I have not been able to learn ⟨any⟩ thing from any of them yet—He certainly ⟨is⟩ desirous to get possession both of your Land ⟨and mi⟩ne, but I must own that I am affraid to ⟨bar⟩gain with him. And think the greatest caution necessary in entering into any Engagement with him—I had your Letter of to day delivered to him by one of my Young men whom he told no Answer was requird—I shall still endevour to discover what kind of a man he is, and if I do discover his Character & Situation I shall immediately inform you—Some of my friends have promised me their Assistance—With great Sincerity I am Dear Sir Your Devoted & obedt huml. Sert

Jas Craik


Title: From George Washington to James Welch, 1 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Welch, James

Sir,
Mount Vernon 1st December 1797.

Your proposition to Lease my several tracts of Land on the Great Kanhawa, containing by the Patents 23216 acres, being handed to me by Mr James Cooper while I had company, and was just going to dinner, allowed me scarcely time to make a few hasty remarks then; nor am I much better enabled now I have considered them, to answer your propo[sa]l—first, because I do not understand the principle upon which you have established the rents; 2dly because I am not inclined to give a lease in perpetuity; 3dly because my interest will certainly require that I should attend to the manner in which these lands are to be disposed of to Sub-tenants (notwithstanding they may be let to an individual for a certain term) & how they are to be improved—also, what proportion of the wood should be reserved, for the support of each farm &ca &ca—4thly how the fulfilment of the bargain is to be insured, and the Rents secured; for it is not to be presumed that I would place it in the power of any one to strip the land of all its growth in the course of a few years, leaving me, or my heirs, no other alternative than to repossess it thus injured, or to sell it at an under-rate to those who might hold the Woodland back of it; 5thly as I have no doubt of selling these lands for more than eight dollars pr acre by instalments, if divided into lots of from one to five hundred acres (one fourth of the money to be paid down, and the residue in three annual payments with interest) it is hardly to be expected that I would part with the fee simple thereof for eight dollars an acre at any time that might best suit the Leasee, within ten years, while the Rent, according to your proposition (after two years exemption) is, fixed at $9883 until the year 1801—and then, if I understand your scheme, but suppose I do not, as (besides lying out of the Rents 6 years) they, contrary to all usage, are reduced, instead of being increased. I say an indulgence of this sort, under such circumtances, cannot be expected, when the common interest arising from the Sale of 23000 acs. at eight dollars only, would amt to $11,040 annually, from the day of Sale.
If, after giving you this view of my sentiments on your last proposition, you should think a personal interview would contribute to the removal of difficulties, I should as I am rarely from home, except in my usual rides between breakfast and dinner, be ready

to give it, at any time that may be convenient to yourself, before you leave Alexandria. I am—Sir—Your very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 3 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 3d Decr 1797

Your letter of the 18th of June has been duly received, and gave us the first certain account of your arrival in Holland, which we received with pleasure.
My family are much as you left them, and my avocations being altogether of a domestic nature, I concern myself little in matters beyond my outer Inclosures; indeed I find enough to do within them, for upon a more critical examination of my buildings and appendages it has been discovered that in a year or two more some of them would not have been susceptible of repair—More by accident than design it was (luckily) discovered in time that the great girder which supports the Sleepers in my new room was so much decayed that a company only moderately large would have sunk altogether into the Cellar—In short I have been surrounded with workmen of different descriptions ever since I came home and am not yet done with them—and shall for some time to come have occasion for a Joiner.
As it may be in your power to give some explanation of the matter, I shall inform you that, in looking over my public Accts which you closed at Philadelphia previously to your embarkation for Europe, I was surprised to find the following article of charge when, but the April before, I was similarly debited in a sum of two hundred & odd Dollars “By errors, losses, & accounts paid at different times & omitted to be entered $1147.15.”
This is a large omission in the space of a twelve months. It would require a number of small accounts to form such an aggregate, and the receipts to large ones, ought to have corrected the error—I mention it however to see, if you can furnish an explanation.
We Suppose your mother and frds are well, because we have heard nothing to the contrary. Your brother William I know is, because I saw him but a few days ago. Your Aunt, & others of the family, unite with me in every good wish for your happiness and prosperity and with affectionate regard I am—Your Sincere friend

Go: Washington

P.S. Mrs Peter has got another daughter, Mr and Mrs Law and their daughter are now here and well.


Title: From George Washington to Louis La Colombe, 3 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: La Colombe, Louis-Saint-Ange Morel, chevalier de

Sir,
Mount Vernon 3d Decr 1797

Your favour of the 21st Ulto came duly to hand; for the pleasing and interesting contents of it, I offer you my best thanks; notwithstanding I had received, by the same Mail, similar accounts from our Ministers at London & the Hague, inclosing extracts of letters to them from the Consul of the United States at Hamburgh.
I congratulate with you, on the happy event of the liberation of our mutual friend Genl De Lafayette, whose reception in this country will be, I am sure, cordial from all descriptions of people; from none more than myself.
The answer given by him to the Minister of the Emperor, is noble, and worthy of himself. The only regret I should feel on his arrival in America (if it shd happen soon) would be, his disappointment in not finding his Son here. I said all I could, with decency, both to him and Mr Frestal to induce their awaiting direct accounts from the Prisoners before their departure; but the eagerness of the former to embrace his Parents in the first moments of their releasement from a cruel imprisonment was not to ⟨be restrained. Among other arguments I observed that although it was not⟩ probable, ⟨yet it was⟩ at least possible that they might be crossing the Ocean in different directions at the same time. Unfortunate indeed would this be for both, especially the Son, should it so happen. Slow travelling, and a little delay at ⟨Ham⟩burgh of Genl De Lafayette & family, may give time for the arrival of the Son at Havre; and I hope it will be the case; for the shock must be great to both parties, if they should pass each other. With esteem & regard I am Sir Your most obedient & hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. As the enclosure seems to have been a Paper transmitted for your satisfaction—I return it as a ⟨valuable instrument⟩.


Title: From George Washington to William Vans Murray, 3 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Murray, William Vans

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 3d Decr 1797.

Your favors of the 26th of August (and a duplicate) and 16th and 17th of Septr with the enclosures, have been duly received; and meet, as they ought, my particular thanks. The letter alluded to in the first, is yet missing, but may, notwithstanding, get to hand.
I feel much obliged by your polite attention to me; and though in retirement, you can receive little more in return from me than sincere friendship. I shall hope for a continuation of your correspondence. I rarely stir from home, never beyond Alexandria or the Federal City: indeed if my inclinations were more extensive, business would restrain them; for at no period of my life have I been more closely engaged (though more importantly employed) than during the months I have been at home. Hardly a resident for the last five & twenty years at this place, eight of them at the close thereof; I have found upon an examination into the state of my buildings, that time, and want of attention (which short occasional visits while I was in the Administration of the government, allowed me not leizure to bestow) have caused such depredations thereon, and every thing connected with them; & have so deranged all matters of private concern, that what with the plague & trouble proceeding from the number of Workmen I have been obliged to employ, and of other matters little interesting to any but myself; I have been occupied from the “rising of the sun, to the setting of the same” and which, as the wise man has said “may be all vanity & vexation of Spirit” but as I did not seek it as a source of happiness, but entered upon it as a case of necessity, a line may be drawn betwn his disappointmts & mine.
Your account, & others which I received about the sametime, of the liberation of Genl De Lafayette, is interesting and highly pleasing: Should he, with his family, proceed immediately to America as is enjoined upon him by the Emperor, he will experience one source of regret on his arrival, namely—that his Son sailed for Havre about the last of October, in expectation of finding him in

Paris (from the measures the Directory had taken to obtain his releasement). I proceeded, as far as a strong opposing opinion would allow me, to induce him to await direct advice of this event from his father; but his eagerness to embrace his parents & sisters in the first moments of their liberation; the belief that the Prisoners at Almutz were released, before it actually (as it seems) had happened; and conviction that he would be under no embarrassment in Fra: even if they were not; overcame all opposition. I went so far however as to observe, that it was possible, though perhaps not probable that he & his friends might be upon the Ocean steering different courses, at the sametime. But as this, under the then appearance of things, was not supposed likely to happen, his fear of a winter passage gave the preponderance, and on the 26th of Octr he set sail from New York for Havre de grace.
I am very glad to find that the Colleagues of General Pinckney had arrived safe in Holland, and that all three (according to News paper accts) were set down in Paris. What their reception has been, & what may be the issue of the Negociation with which they are charged, is not for me to pronounce; the late revolution however, at that place, does not introduce them under the most favourable auspices, in my opinion. But this event, like all other Acts of the French government, is extolled by men among us as a Master piece of vigilance, wisdom & patriotism. The means used to effect it are not overlooked, but applauded; of course the Constitution, like treaties, are not obligatory when they become inconvenient. But I will quit politics, and having nothing of a domestic nature to entertain you with, shall soon put an end to my letter. Congress are in Session; and as the Gazettes are transmitted to you, you will learn more from them, than I could detail. Mr Izard I have not seen. The enclosed letters I take the liberty of committing to your care, & with compliments to Mrs Murray in which Mrs W——n unites—I remain with much truth, esteem & regard Dear Sir—Your affecte friend, & Obedient Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Felix Frestel, 4 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Frestel, Felix

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 4th Decr 1797.

Your conjunct letters from New York, and 2nd of Novr from Sea, and your separate letter of the 22d of October from the former place, have all been received with that satisfaction which I shall always feel in hearing that you are well, & happy; as I sincerely wish you may be in a meeting of your friends in the bosom of your native Country.
For the flattering terms in which you have expressed your sense of the civilities, which your merits alone, independent of the consideration of being the Mentor & companion of our young friend, richly entitled you to, I offer you my thanks—and for the sentiments of friendship with which you are pleased to honor me, I shall always entertain a lively & grateful remembrance. You carried with you the regrets of the whole family, at parting; and I can assure you, Sir, that if you should visit America again, we shall feel very happy in seeing you under this roof, and in your old walks.
Except the commencement (if we are to judge from appearances) of a very hard winter, nothing has occurred since you left us which is at all interesting. The branches of this family, with which you are acquainted, remain in Statu quo; except that Mrs Peter has added another daughter to the Stock, & my nephew Lawrence Washington a wife to his bosom; at the ceremonial of which Lawrence Lewis attended, and is not yet returned.
I will engross no more of your time than while I can assure you of the very great esteem & regard with which I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Marshall, 4 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 4th Decemr 1797

Your very interesting and obliging favour of the 15th of September from the Hague, came duly to hand, and I thank you sincerely

for the important details with which it is fraught, & pray for the continuance of them.
I congratulate you too on your safe arrival from Ship-board; and, as the Newspapers tell us, at Paris; and I wish, a little while hence, I may have it in my power to do the same on the favourable conclusion of your Embassy, and happy return to your family & friends in this country. To predict the contrary might be as unjust as it would be impolitic, and therefore—Mum—on that topic. Be the issue however, what it may—three things I shall be perfectly satisfied of, & these are, that nothing which justice, sound reasoning & fair representation would require, will be wanting to render it just and honorable; and if it is not so, that the eyes of all, in this country, who are not wilfully blind, and resolved to remain so (some from one motive, and some from another) will be fully opened; and lastly, that if the French Directory proceed on the supposition that the parties in these United States are nearly equal, and that one of them would advocate their measures in the dernier resort, they will greatly decieve themselves; for the Mass of our Citizens require no more than to understand a question, to decide it properly, and no adverse conclusion of the Negotiation will effect this. Indeed, I believe it may be said with truth, that a very great change in the public mind has taken place already. The leaders, it is true, attempt to keep up the Ball: which is evidently declining; but as both houses of Congress have formed quorums, and received the Presidents Speech, the response of the Representative branch will be some criterian by which this opinion of mine may be tried, though not a conclusive one.
The situation of things in Holland is a good lesson for us, if we are disposed to profit by it; but unfortunately, the nature of man is such, that the experience of other⟨s⟩ is not attended to as it ought to be; ⟨we⟩ must feel ourselves, before we can think, or perceive the danger which threatens; but as this letter (after it quits the Office of the Secretary of State, to whose care I shall send it) may pass through many hands, I shall dwell very little on European Politics. It is laughable enough, however, to behold those men, amongst us, who were reprobating in the severest terms, & sounding the Tocsin upon every occasion that a wild imagination could torture into a stretch of Power, or unconstitutionality in the Executive of the United States, all of a sudden become the warm

advocates of those high handed measures of the French Directory which succeeded the arrestations on the 4th of September; and this too without denying that the barriers of the constitution, under which they acted have been overleaped, but do it on the ground of tender mercy, & an unwillingness to shed blood. But so it always has been, & I presume ever will be, with men who are governed more by passion & party views than by the dictates of justice, temperance & sound policy. If there were good grounds to suspect that the proscribed & banished characters were engaged in a conspiracy against the Constitution of the People’s choice, to seize them even in an irregular manner, might be justified upon the ground of expediency, or self preservation; but after they were secured and amenable to the Laws to condemn them without a hearing, and consign them to punishment more rigorous perhaps than death is the summit of despotism.
A very severe winter has commenced. Since the first of November we have hardly experienced a moderate Day; ⟨hea⟩vy rains followed by severe frosts have done more damage to the Winter grain, now growing, than I recollect ever to have seen. At this moment, & for several days past, all the Creeks & small water⟨s⟩ are hard bound with Ice, & the Navigation of the River, if not entirely stopped as yet, very much impeded by it. The Crops of Indian Corn in the lower parts of the State have been uncommonly great: midway of it, tolerably good; but under the Mountains & above them, extremely bad—with partial exceptions. The Wheaten Crop, in quantity turned out better than was expected; in quality remarkable fine; the white, or early wheat, weighing generally from 60, to 64 lbs. pr bushel.
The Virginia assembly is, or ought to be, in Session; but what the temper of it is I know not. Its composition you must be better acquainted with than I am.
Young Lafayette, too fondly led by his eagerness to embrace his Parents and Sisters in the first moments of their releasement from Prison; and unintentionally deceived by premature accounts from his frds at Hamburg, that this event had actually taken place, embarked for this purpose on the 26th of Octr at New York for Havre de Grace. Since which, official accts having been received of the terms on which his liberation was granted, by the Emperor the meeting in Europe is become problematical; a circumstance,

should it happen, which will be sorely regretted on both sides. I said all I could to induce him to wait here, until he should receive a direct advice from his father but his impatience on the one hand, his confidence in the information he had received that his Parents were on their way to Paris, on the other, his apprehensions from a winter passage, and belief that, he would not be illy received in France, even if they were not there, turned the scale against my opinion & advice that he should postpone his departure until he heard from him or one of the family. With very great esteem & regard, I remain Dear Sir Your most Obedient and obliged Humble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 4 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 4th Decr 1797

With much pleasure I received your letter of the 19th of September from Rotterdam; and that pleasure proceeded in a great measure from the congeniality of sentiments which prevail between you and Genl Marshall; having taken the liberty of introducing him to you as a Gentleman, in whom you might place entire confidence.
What has been the reception of the Embassy by the French Directory, is, to me, unknown; and what will be the result of it, is not for me to predict. The change, however, which took place at Paris on the 4th of September adds nothing to my hope of a favourable issue. In this I may be mistaken; but of another thing I am certain I shall not, and that is, that the failure (if such be the case) cannot be attributed to the want of justice on the part of the United States or from the want of an able representation of it, on the part of their Negociators. Of course the issue must be favourable, or conviction will be produced in all, except those who do not want to be convinced, that we have nothing to expect from the justice of the Nation with whom we are treating. In either case we shall ascertain our ground.
That the Government of France view us as a divided people, I have little doubt; and that they have been led to entertain that

opinion from representations, and the conduct of many of our own citizens, is still less doubtful; but I shall be very much mistaken, indeed, in the mass of the People of the United States, if an occasion should call for an unequivocal expression of the public voice, if the first wd not find themselves very much deceived—and the latter (their leaders excepted) to change their notes. I pray devoutly that the Directory may not bring the matter to trial.
I have received the letter & Book from Mr Luzac of Leyden, which are mentioned in yours, and have offered him my thanks for both, in a letter put under cover to Mr Murray at the Hague, expressive also of the sense I entertain of his uniform & friendly sentiments towards these United States.
Mr Izard I have not yet seen, if he should call upon me on his way to Charleston I shall be very happy—on many accts—to shew him all the civility in my power. The enclosed for young Lafayette I must request your care of. Having received premature advice (from some of his correspondants in Hamburgh) of the liberation of his father & friends, his eagerness to embrace them in the first moments of it, could not be restrained; although I endeavoured to convince him that it would be more prudent to await the confirmation from themselves; and among other things observed to him, that although it was not probable, still it was possible, that his Parents might be on their Voyage to America whilst he was seeking them in Europe. Should this prove to be the case (as appears not unlikely from the injunction of the Emperor) it will be a matter of sore regret to both. The confidence however, which he placed in his information; the advancement of the Season, & his fear of a Winter passage; gave the preponderancy to his inclination over my opinion. He is a sensible & well disposed young man—full of felial affection & every sentiment to render him estimable.
Information with respect to public matters, will go to you from a more direct, and purer fountain than mine—I mean from the Department of State; and that which more immediately concerns my self, is too unimportant to trouble you with, further than to assure you, which I can do with much truth, that in your public mission, and in your private capacity, I wish you all the success, & prosperity that your heart can desire; and that with the greatest sincerity I am, and ever shall remain, Your Affectionate friend, and Obedient Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Washington Motier Lafayette, 5 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, George Washington Motier

My dear George,
Mount Vernon 5th Decr 1797

With that pleasure which I shall always feel at hearing from you, or of any thing which may contribute to your happiness, I received your several letters from New York—dated in October, and that of the 2d of November from Sea, by Mr Latimer. If my best vows would have contributed to a prosperous Voyage, and a happy meeting with your Parents and Sisters in France, both must have happened to the utmost extent of your wishes ’ere this, for they were offered on the Alter of sincerity; and are now followed with assurances that, if you should ever return to America again, that you will find the same cordial reception within the Walls of this Mansion, as you heretofore have experienced.
Great as my wishes are that you may have met with your Parents in France, I am not without fear, from our late accounts, that you have been disappointed. How far the event which took place in Paris, on the 4th of September, may have affected their prospects in that Country, is not for me (who know so little of the principles which governed on that occasion) to express any opinion thereon; but as I have seen an official report from the American Consul at Hamburgh, of the terms on which the Prisoners at Olmutz were released, the proceedings of your Parents after their arrival at Hamburgh, is rendered equivocal with us.

Few things have occurred, since you left us which merit attention, except an earlier Winter than has almost ever been known; for since the beginning of November we have scarcely experienced a moderate day; and at this moment the Mercury in Farenht is standing at 10º only above 0. The Creeks & smaller Waters are all shut up, and the navigation of the River is much impeded by Ice.
Mrs Peter has added another daughter to the family, and both mother & child are well, as are Mr and Mrs Law and their child, who are now here on a visit before their departure for Philadelphia, at which place they propose to spend the Winter. The younger parts of this family are also in good health, and unite most cordially with me in tendering you their best wishes, to which I add assurances of the sincere friendship and affectionate regard of Yours always,

Go: Washington

As you noticed in one of your letters from New York, Christopher’s excursion to Bethelehem, I have pleasure in informing you that he ⟨derived so much aid⟩ from the Medicine he took, as to ⟨have remained⟩ perfectly well ever since; and ⟨has placed such confidence in⟩ his doctors skill that he would not again despair of being cured of the bite of a mad-dog; if the ⟨Hydrophoby⟩ was strong ⟨upon him⟩.


Title: From George Washington to Rufus King, 6 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: King, Rufus

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 6th Decemr 1797

Your favor of the 6th of September has been duly received, and for the information contained in the enclosure, respecting Genl Lafayette, I offer you my thanks. The footing on which his releasement is placed by the Emperor, & the succeeding event in Paris,

on the 4th of September, renders his proceedings after he gets to Hamburgh, problematical.
Should these circumstances (for it is not easy to say what effect the latter may have on his prospects in France) induce him to steer his course immediately for this Country, it will be a matter of sore regret to him, & his Son, that they shall have passed each other on the Ocean.
Deluded (though not designedly) by premature information of his parents liberation & journeying to France, by a correspondent at Hamburgh, his eagerness to embrace them, and his Sisters, in the first moments of their reception in France; the fear of a winter passage (should he delay his departure); and persuasion, as he left his native country under the authority of the Government, that he had nothing to apprehend from his return to it; overcame my advice to him to await a direct account from his father, which would not only have ascertain’d the fact, but might also have pointd out a course which he would have him pursue. Nay, I went so far as to tell him, that although it was not probable, it was nevertheless possible, he might be disappointed of his object, by the means which seems likely to have happened; but his purpose, from the considerations already mentioned, were not to be diverted; and being excited by the purest filial affection, for he is realy a sensible, amiable, and valuable youth, I shall feel much for the disappointment of both parties, if they do not meet in Europe. With the highest esteem & regard—I am, My dear Sir, Your most Obedt & Obliged Hble Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Welch, 7 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Welch, James

Sir
Mount Vernon 7th Decr 1797.

I have revolved the subject of our yesterdays conversation, and as you disclosed a spirit of liberality in it, I wish we may agree; but I shall inform you with frankness that to part with the fee simple in my Kanhawa lands is the greatest impediment in the way of our bargaining; and I will, as frankly assign the reasons.
It has got about, I do not know how, that eight dollars pr acre is the price I had fixed upon my Kanhawa lands; but this is a mistake,

the most I ever said on the subject (unless my memory has failed me much) has been that I had been offered eight dollrs an acre for some of my lands on the Ohio of inferior quality (in my estimation) & had refused it, and it is likely I might have added, that if the whole of my western lands cd be disposed of at that rate, that I would accept the offer, but it is to be recollected that this would have included near 10,000 Acres on the Ohio, between the Great and little Kanhawas, and 3000 on the little Miami, near the mouth thereof. It is well known that I have declared often, that no one should have my tract of 10,990 acres on the Great Kanhawa for less than ten dollars an acre, if for that, as I know the possibilities of it myself well, having been 3 days on it myself, & you yourself observed, yesterday, that you conceived the other tracts of mine on that River, were very little inferior to it.
Notwithstanding this detail and expression of my sense of the value of these lands, I shall candidly acknowledge that the rent you offer for them is as much as could be expected under present circumstances, if the annual payment of it can be secured for the first Six years, in the manner you have suggested—After which, the presumption being, that within that time, for your own security, you will take care to have responsible Tenants thereon, the risk will be less, & the property possessed by them, together with the right of Re-entry, may be deemed suffici[en]t.
Under this Statement of the case, I make you the following offer, which comes pretty near to your own proposition, that is to say—as the four tracts on the Kanhawa contain 23,215 Acres by the Patents, and by presumption more, you shall have a lease of the whole, with proper covenants, skilfully drawn, for the thirty years at the rent of $11,143 Pr annum, to become due the last day of Decr in every year, and payable the first day of May in each; April bei⟨ng an improper season to commence the⟩ operations of the years Agriculture which is equivalent, to the interest of a Sale at $8 pr Acre, and shall be subject thereto in fee within Six years from the first day of January next, provided the Rents are punctually paid during that time; and provided also, that the sum of $200,000 is paid down at the time of the transfer of the Land in fee simple. And that you may be the better enabled to provide tenants & to do this, the first years Rent (to become due the last of Decr 1798) shall be only $5,000; and the 2d years rent shall be $8,000 only. 23,216 acres at $8 would amount to no more than $185,728, but

so sure am I, that such lands as these must rise in price, that it admits of no doubt, in my mind, that the latter sum paid in a short time, & vested in Stock (3 pr Cts particularly) would be more advantageous than the former, at, or near the end of Six years. I should not therefore hesitate a moment in giving it the preference.
At the end of thirty years, if the land, before the expiration of six years, is not disposed of in fee simple as above, the lease may be renewed, so as to complete Ninety nine years on the same Covenants, conditioned however for payment of the annual Rent during that period, of $22,286.
If these, which are the great outlines of the proposed agreement, are acceeded to, there can be little or no difference in opinion with respect to other matters; but it may not be amiss, nevertheless, to add that, the tracts are to be laid of into tenements of a proper size, or sizes—say, for instance from one to 300 acres; that suitable buildings shall be erected, and Orchds planted within a limited time; that a certain proportion of the Woodland & Timber on each tenement, shall be reserved for the support thereof, &ca &ca; not unusual for the Security of the rights of both Landlord and tenants.
As you requested to know my sentiments on your proposal, to day, I have written you this long letter, in haste; if the contents meet your approbation, a line or two will express it, or it may be verbally communicated to Sir Yr Very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Nicholas, 9 December 1797
From: Nicholas, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Charlottesville Decr 9 1797

Your’s of the 30th Ultimo came safe to hand; and altho’, from a view of the papers inclosed, Mr Langhorne was not so direct in his scheme for extracting something from you to answer the purposes of those to whom I know him to be a servile tool; yet from the fulsome contents of his letter to you, & my knowledge of his sentiments

being in direct contradiction to those contained in that letter, his connexions &c., at which I hinted before, &c. I have no kind of doubt but that it was intended indirectly to have that effect.
Inclosed is a copy, as nearly as my memy Serves me of the note demanding your letter to Mr Langhorne, for I have not yet got it from the person to whom it was directed. Mr Langhorne, if you know him not from his real name to that note, is a favourite nephew of your very Sincere friend Mr Jefferson, raised and enducated directly by himself from a child, a constant dependent & resident in his house from that period almost to the present; & entertaining sentiments, I do assure you of my own personal knoledge, very different indeed towards you from those contained in his letter. These circumstances, & not Mr Langhorne’s own consequence, first created my suspicions & induced me to write to you. Struck as I was at the first sight of the gentleman’s note demanding your letter to Mr Langhorne, with the complexion of this odd corrispondence, I requested the gentn to whom it was directed, who was a friend of your’s & near relation of mine, to preserve it, which I make no doubt he has done and will do untill I again call for it; which I shall take some early opportunity to do, & preserve the whole of the papers, together with your corrispondence with me from human sight, untill it shall become necessary to vindicate you against such dark arts as are only to be combatted by exposing the wretched duplicity, and easily overtaken & exposed projects of such shallow & wicked politicians.
The proofs of the facts stated to you respecting the corrispondence of Mr Langhorne, however, whether the note is preserved or not, are sufficiently within my power to be used in any way you may think proper.
I sincerly congratulate you on the liberation of our friend the Marquis La Fayette, about which I hope there can be no doubt now; and I thank the Directory of F——for once, if the part wh. it is said they have taken in that pleasing event be true. I wish there was equal cause to admire them for all their late acts; or that we may have just grounds of satisfaction at their conduct towards our envoys now at their court. Accept Dr Sir the sincere wishes for the happiness & prosperity of yourself & good lady of Your faithful friend &c.

John Nicholas

I shall indeavour, if possible without betraying my knowledge of its contents, to discover from what this very extraordinary corrispondence of Mr Langhorne arose & to what it was intended to lead. J.N.


Title: To George Washington from James Welch, 9 December 1797
From: Welch, James
To: Washington, George

Sir,
[9 December 1797]

I am Satisfyed to lease your Lands Agreeable to Your proposition in part that is I am Willing to comply with your first proposition I’ll give You $5000 for the first year the lease to commence in Ja[nuar]y 1st 1798 & $8000 for the 2nd Year—$11143 After that Yearly for the Term of 30 Years at the Expiration of which time I will pay You Annually $22286 untill the Expiration of 99 Years with the previledge of purchasing Out in 7 years after the Commencement of the lease, the purchase Money to be paid in the following Manner $50000 to be paid in the Year 1800 on the 1 st of Ja[nuar]y d[itt]o Annually for 3 years which Will amount to the Money You ask. I am sir your Excellency’s Obt St

James Welch

N.B. any part of the Money paid as purchase Money on failure of the payment of the whole shall answer as payment for the lease agreeable to the proposals herein Mentioned the rent to decrease agreeable to the payment further I wish to remark that I think from 50 to 300 acres will be best siz’d lots to lay of[f] & that as may best sut the leaser orchards agreeable to the Size of the lots

as is common throughout the Inhabited part of the Countrey & Comfortable Country Houses to be Erected thereon & left in good order at the End of the Lease.


Title: From George Washington to James Keith, 10 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Keith, James

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 10th Decr 1797.

I have just concluded a bargain with Mr James Welch of Greenbrier County, for four tracts of land of which I am possessed on the River Kanhawa, & in the County of Kanhawa (as you will see by the Patents, & Conveyance herewith enclosed) on the following terms; that is to say, I agree to lease the said lands, to the saidjames [Welch], for the term of 30 years; to commence on the 1st day of January next (1798) at the Rent of $5,000 for the first year, to conclude the 31st of Decr following, for $8,000 the next year, and from thence until the expiration of the 30 yrs for $11,143 annually; and for 99 years thereafter on an annual Rent of $22,286. The Rents are always to become due on the aforesaid 31st of Decr in each year, and destrainable for two Calendar months thereafter. With express Covenants to Re-enter upon the land if the same is not regularly and duly paid.
It is further agreed, that the said James Welch not only may, but shall, lay out the aforesaid tracts of land into convenient tenements of from 50 to 300 acres according to the abilities, and ⟨illegible⟩ of the applicants; & may let the same, but for no longer term than is granted to himself. Each tenant being obliged within  years to build a comfortable dwelling house of Stone or Brick, or of Wood with a stone or Brick Chimney; build a Barn, plant orchards and make meadow suitable to the size, and importance of the Tenement; and is moreover, to be compelled to keep a fourth of the Wood & timber in reserve (for the support of the premises) until the expiration of the terms for which the tracts are granted ⟨usually⟩ 30 years; and 1/5 to remain so at the expiration of the further term of 99 years. The Sub-tenants to be subject to all the covenants that the principal is, for the Landlords security

except the quantum of Rents (which is to be a matter between themselves).
Lastly, it is agreed that the said James Welch shall have the priviledge of purchasing the fee simple in the aforesaid tracts on the following conditions; that is—if on the 1st day of Jany which shall be in the year 1804 he shall pay the sum of $50,000, one fourth of the Rent of $11,143 shall cease for that year; if on the 1st day of Jany 1805 $50,000 more shall be paid, another fourth of the rent shall be deminished for that year; if $50,000 more shall be paid on the first of Jany in the year 1806, another fourth of the rent shall cease for that year: and if, on the 1st day of Jany 1807 $50,000 more shall be paid, then, and thereafter, the rents are to cease altogether, and the said Jas Welch is to be seized in fee, of the property; & a conveyance thereof is to be made accordingly. But it is understood, and must be clearly so expressed, that in failure of exact payment on or before the days above mentioned, all rights, or possession of right, to the purchase of the Fee simple, ceases from thence forward; but if the first $50,000 is paid, & a failure takes place of the second on the day appointed, then, and in that case the whole Rent of $11,413 recommences from that time and the $50,000 so paid is to go in discharge of future rents, until it is expended in that way, and the same if the 2d payment is added to the first, and the 3d fails, or the 3d added to the other two, & the 4th fails; the positive agreement being, that nothing less than the whole sum of $200,000 pd precisely at the time aforesaid shall entitle the said Welch to a fee simple estate in these lands, and all payments short of the whole sum shall be applied in discharge of the future rents, at the rate of $11,413 pr Annum, until they are expended in this manner.
Being informed that you occasionally employ yourself in draughts of this sort, I apply to you, on this occasion, in preference to any other, being persuaded, as it is a matter of importance, that you will give due attention thereto. Whether it is usual for the Lessor or the Lessee to pay for the instruments of this sort I know not, but I will see you paid ⟨Informed⟩) Mr Welch that I would be in Alexandria on tuesday next; against which time if you could have the draught (or rough copy of it) ready, it would be convenient to us both. The right of Re-entry and usual covenants for security of the Landlord and Tenant will of course be inserted ⟨and a illegible⟩

to give me collateral security for the payment of the first rents; but this will be another matter. I am always with esteem & respect Yr⟨s⟩

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 11 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 11th Decr 1797.

At the sametime that I acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 20th Ulto enclosing a translation of the Spanish letter and one from Mr King, let me beg the favour of you to forward those which go under cover with this, to their respective Addresses, along with your own if you should have occasion to write soon to our public characters abroad; or by the first conveyances if you should not. That to Sir John Sinclair I wish, more than the others, might be forwarded soon.
The probability is that young Lafayette will be disappointed in his expectation of meeting his parents & Sisters in France, or even in Europe. I said every thing to him I could, with decency to induce him to await direct advice from his father, before he departed from this country. I even went so far, before the condition annexed to his releasement by the Emperor was known, or the Explosion in Paris was suspected, to tell him that altho’ the event was not probable, it nevertheless was possible, that he might be going to Europe while his relations were coming to America; and endeavoured to impress the idea upon him that the moment his father was in a situation to write to him that he would; and more than probable, point out the course he would have him pursue: but having received lettrs from some of his correspondents in Europe informing him of his liberation, and that he was actually on his journey to Paris, his eagerness to see them could no longer be restrained; particularly as delay might involve him in a Winters

passage of which he was affraid, and having come out under the authority of the French Government, because he was under no apprehension of ill treatment, if the information he had received was premature.
It will, however, be a matter of sore disappointment & regret, if his Parents shd have embarked for America before he sees them in Europe, & will be a source of much concern to me also for he is an amiable, and sensible youth; and his eagerness to go, the effect of ardent filial & fraternal affection and a longing desire to embrace them in the first moments of their liberation from cruel captivity. The disappointment will also be as sorely felt by his Parents, if they should miss each other.
I hope the calm, with which this Session of Congress has commenced, will not be succeeded by a storm; I shall confess however, that my expectations fall far short of my hopes on this occasion. Tranquillity will not continue to the end of it; nor can harmony be looked for, while the same men who were sounding the Tocsin at every thing that a wild imagination could construe into even a tendency to stretch the Powers of Government here, are advocating the most outrageous violations of it, elsewhere. But no conduct is too absurd, or inconsistent for some men to give into. In haste (as you will perceive) to get my letters to the Post Office in time, I am with very great esteem & regard Dear Sir Your Most Obedient

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, 13 December 1797 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Bassett, Burwell Jr.

Letter not found: to Burwell Bassett, Jr., 13 Dec. 1797. On 22 Dec. Bassett wrote GW: “Yours of the 13th reached me to day.”


Title: To George Washington from George Gilpin, 14 December 1797
From: Gilpin, George
To: Washington, George

Dear sir,
Alexandria Decemr 14th 1797

Peter has been with me to enquire my Opinion about the State of the navigation with respect to the Ice, one Ship and two brigs & Several other Vessells have waited for Some days for the River to Clear to morrow they intend to try, but I think it is not Safe for a Scow to Venture[.] two days hence if this weather hold I think She may Venture. I tryed for three days past to get a Craft to go to

Pomonky ware house for Tobacco for Colonel Deakins Ship but none would go although I offer an Extra price. I am your most Obedient Servt

George Gilpin


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 December 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia Decr 14 1797.

I am just honoured with your letter of the 11th. The William Penn will, I am told, sail from this port directly for London, in two days, if the present soft weather continues. If I am disappointed in this conveyance, I will send the letters for Mr King & sir John Sinclair to New-York, to be forwarded by the first vessel for London.
The letter for Mr Murray I shall forward in like manner by the first vessel destined from this place to Holland—and on failure, send it to N. York. The letters for Genls Pinckney & Marshall, young la Fayette & Mr Frestal, I shall put under cover to Mr Murray, to whom I transmit, generally, the letters for Paris.
I received a few days ago from Genl Pinckney, a small pamphlet written in Paris by Fauchet, in which he makes some extraordinary assertions (his pamphlet consists chiefly of assertion without proof, and little reasoning) relative to American Affairs. I have lent it to some of the members of Congress who read French: but I recollect this among other declarations—That all the official papers which have been written at Paris in relation to America, have been “cool” and “calm” and that the official papers of the French ministers in the U. States have never departed from the line of “decency and moderation”; while those on the part of the U.S. have been in a very different stile; and particularly the printed letter to Genl Pinckney, of the 16th Jany 1797, is in the “tone of insult from beginning to end.”
You will be able, by this sample, to appreciate the residue of his pamphlet. However, he blames the French Government for overleaping their own rules—that is, the stipulations in the British treaty—all the advantages of which, he says (as Adet said before

him) they had a right to assume, in applying them by the decree of “12th ventose”—2d March last. He says also that the decree of 14th messidore, i.e. July 2d 1796, for treating neutrals as these suffered the British to treat them, was improper—because it was indefinite the French cruisers could not tell how British cruisers treated neutrals, or know for what causes British admiralty courts condemned neutral vessels. He finally expresses strongly his opinion, that the Directory having manifested the vigour of the Government in defence of the rights of the Republic, ought to omit no means of conciliation with the United States, but sacrifice resentments to the “demonstrated interests” of the Republic. That France, indeed, had nothing to fear for her Antilles; but—in case of a rupture with the U. States, these would join G. Britain, from whose combined efforts the possessions of Spain would be in jeopardy. He says further, that a rupture, or even a much longer continuance of the present state of things would produce resentments and a national hatred on the part of the U. States, which a whole generation might not be able [to] destroy. I am with high respect sir, your most obt servt

Timothy Pickering


Title: From George Washington to Richard Parkinson, 15 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Parkinson, Richard

Sir,
Mount Vernon 15th Decr 1797

Since my last of the 28th Ult., a copy of which you will find on the other side, I have received your letter of the 27th of Septr to which, I find little to add, further than to assure you, that it would be very pleasing to me to have my Farms in the hands of skilful Agriculturalists, who are able, & willing, to manage them properly. Such, if their capital be sufficient to afford me the necessary security, might enter upon mine with very convenient advantages, as the draught cattle, stock of every kind, & farming implements, or

such parts thereof as they might want, and I could spare, might go along with the farms at a reasonable valuation; to be paid for at such time or times, & in such manner as may be agreed upon; all of which being on the spot, & assimilated to the Farms, would be convenient to any one, but infinitely more so to a stranger, on his arrival, who would, & perhaps without knowing where, have these things to provide, to enable him to prosecute his plan of husbandry.
From the plans of my farms, which have been shewn you by Sir John Sinclair, you will have perceiv’d that they are large, and require a good deal of force to carry on the various operations of them; I mention this circumstance to caution you against an expectation which you might otherwise have entertained, that labourers in this, as in the old countries, are always to be had: the case is otherwise, and besides the difficulty of getting them, their wages (unless you were to employ slaves, and these are not to be had but by the year, and not always then) are high.
For the reasons mentioned in my last letter, there is scarcely a doubt but that three of my farms will be unengaged from hence until the first of May & if other Farmers were disposed to follow your fortunes, they might be accomodated also. Nor, as the farms are large, am I indisposed to a division of them into many smaller tenements, if the measure would be more agreeable, & a plan could be adopted. I am Sir—Your Obedient Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Martha Washington to Elizabeth Willing Powel, 17 December 1797
From: Washington, Martha
To: Powel, Elizabeth Willing

My dear Madam,
Mount Vernon 17th Decr 1797.

It is unnecessary, I persuade myself to assure you, that with whatsoever pleasure your letters may be received, the satisfaction to be derived from them, will fall far short of that which your company wd give: but as stern winter (which has commenced with uncommon severity) has closed all expectation of the latter, I can only offer my thanks for your kind remembrance of us in your letter of the 24th of November, while I add, as our hopes, that when all things will be blooming here, in the Spring, except the withering Proprietors of the Mansion, that you will carry into effect the long promised visit to this retreat; and make it your head quarters, during your stay in Virga.
It was indeed, with sympathetic concern, we heard of the late

calamitous situation of Philadelphia; and of the death, and indisposition of some of your friends: These occurrences, however, are inflicted by an invisible hand, as trials of our Philosophy, resignation and patience; all of which it becomes us to exercise.
Poor Mrs Morris! I feel much for her situation; and earnestly pray that Mr Morris may, & soon, work through all his difficulties; in which I am persuaded, that all who know him, heartily join me; as they do that their ease, quiet & domestic enjoyments, may be perfectly restored. Mrs Marshalls arrival must be a comfort to them all, however disappointed she herself may be, in the apparent reverse of their situation, since she embarked for Europe. We hear with concern too, of the declining state of Mrs White’s health; and to her, Mrs Morris, & the rest of our Phila. acquaintances, we would thank you, when occasions offer, to present our best, & sincerest regards.
Mr Fitzhugh & family, have, within the last fortnight, become residents of Alexa. & We should, ’ere this, have made them a congratulatory visit on the occasion, but the bad weather in which they travelled, has indisposed Mrs Fitzhugh so much, as to confine her to her room with an inflamation, more troublesome than dangerous.
I am now, by desire of the General to add a few words on his behalf; which he desires may be expressed in the terms following, that is to say, that despairing of hearing what may be said of him, if he should really go off in an apopletic, or any other fit, (for he thinks all fits that issue in death—are worse than a love fit, a fit of laughter, and many other kinds which he could name)—he is glad to hear beforehand what will be said of him on that occasion; conceiving that nothing extra: will happen between this and then to make a change in his character for better, or for worse. And besides, as he has entered into an engagement with Mr Morris, and several other Gentlemen, not to quit the theatre of this world before the year 1800, it may be relied upon that no breach of contract shall be laid to him on that account, unless dire necessity should bring it about, maugre all his exertions to the contrary. In that case, he shall hope they would do by him as he would by them, excuse it. At present there seems to be no danger of his giving them the slip, as neither his health, nor spirits, were ever in greater flow, notwithstanding, he adds, he is descending, & has almost reached, the bottom of the hill; or in other words, the

shades below. For your particular good wishes on this occasion he charges me to say, that he feels highly obliged, & that he reciprocates them with great cordiallity.
Nelly Custis (who has been a little indisposed with a swelling in her face) offers her thanks for the kind expressions of your letter in her behalf, and joins the General & myself in every good wish for your health and happiness. I am my dear Madam with the greatest esteem Your most Affectionate Martha Washington

M. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 17th Deer 1797

Your letter of the 24th Ulto has been duly received; but one cause or another has prevented the acknowledgment until now, when I thank you for the Presidents Speech which it enclosed, and your obliging offer to render me any services I might need, in Phila.
One reason why I did not sooner notice the offer of a Mr Barker—to pay you on my A/c $500 in behalf of Colonl Shreve, was my expectation that Mr Ross, for whom I had deposited a letter in Colo. Pickerings hands, to remain there until his arrival, would have been in Philadelphia long ’ere this, and have settled all that business. If, however, it should have happened that Mr Ross is yet absent, I would thank you for receiving & remitting me the $500 abovementioned; and further, as he has received more money on my account from Colonl Shreve, you would obliged me (if it be convenient for you to do so) to receive the whole amount there, and give me an order for the like sum in Alexandria.

It is time, now, to hear what the reception of our Envoys at Paris has been; & what their prospects are. It surely cannot be, that Fauchet & Adet are appointed by the Directory to negociate with them! If the fact, however, be otherwise, it requires not the spirit of Devination to predict the Issue.
I cannot conclude without offering you my condolence, and I do it sincerely, on the death of your worthy, & much respected father. As it was an event however, which for sometime has been expected, you could not have been unprepared for the stroke; and amidst the affliction, you have the consolation to know that he died “full of years & honours” & regretted, by all who knew him. With best respects for Mrs Wolcott, in which I am joined by Mrs Washington & Nelly Custis, I am My dear Sir Yr sincere & Affe. frd

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 18 December 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

My dear Bushrod,
Mount Vernon 18th Decr 1797.

Your letter of the 26th Ulto came safe in the usual course of the Mail, and about a week ago Mrs Forbes arrived; and from her appearance, and conduct hitherto, gives satisfaction to your Aunt. Having, as she says, obtained ten dollars of you, to defray her expences to this place; I herein return them, with thanks for the aid it afforded to get her here. and as you may have paid for the copies of sundry papers taken from the Records of the General Court, let me know the amount, and it shall be remitted also.
About a month ago, a Mr Woodward, living, according to his own account, at Greenbrier Court-house, presented draughts (of which the enclosed are copies) from the Sheriff of Kanhawa for taxes of my land in that County. As I was unacquainted with the Law imposing these; with the drawer; presenter of them; & certifier that Alderson was Sheriff of that County, I did not incline to pay the amount without making further enquiry into the matter. Upon this he informed me that I might obtain the necessary information

at the Treasury, or Auditors Office in Richmond; to which the returns were made, and where the money might be, and often was paid, instead of doing it to the Sheriffs of the Back counties, by Non-residents.
You would oblige me by making this enquiry, and if the taxes are correctly stated, and the amount of them can be paid with propriety in Richmond, to inform me thereof; and measures shall be taken as soon as I am in Cash, to discharge the Same. The enclosed paper, after it has enabled you to make the necessary enquiry, may be returned to me again. The family here, join me in offering you and Mrs Washington the compliments of the approaching festival—and I am with much truth Your sincere friend and Affectionate Uncle

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