Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners to the Southern Indians, 29 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners to the Southern Indians

[New York, 29 August 1789]

To Benjamin Lincoln, Cyrus Griffin and David Humphreys Esqrs. Commissioners Plenipotentiary, for negotiating and concluding treaties of peace with the independant tribes or nations

of Indians within the limits of the united States, south of the river Ohio.
Gentlemen
The united States consider it as an object of high national importance, not only to be at peace with the power full tribes or nations of Indians south of the Ohio, but if possible by a just and liberal system of policy to conciliate and attach them to the Interests of the union.
In order therefore that you may [be] possessed of all the information relative to the southern indians contained in the publick documents, you have herewith delivered to you copies of the following papers.
To Wit
The several statements which have been made on the subject from the War Office, to which are added copies of the treaties which have been made by the United States, with the Cherokees, Choctaws and Chickasaws, and the commissioners reports thereon—The proceedings and reports of James White Esqr. superintendant for the southern district.
The reports of Messrs Winn and Martin temporary superintendants—The resolves of Congress under which Commissioners have been appointed by the States of North Carolina South Carolina and Georgia, and the said Commissioners reports—and also certain papers transmitted by Georgia against Joseph Martin one of the aforesaid temporary Commissioners.
The first great object of your commission is to negotiate and establish peace between the state of Georgia and the Creek Nation—the whole nation must be fully represented and solemnly acknowledged by the Creeks themselves to be so.
You will find the ostensible and probably the Real causes of Hostilities between Georgia and the Creeks to consist in a differance of Judgement of three treaties stated to have been made between the said parties, to wit, at August[a] in 1783 at Galphinton in 1785 and at Shoulder Bone in 1786 Copies of which you have herewith deliverd to you.
It is a circumstance of the highest consequence to investigate thoroughly all the facts under which the said treaties were made[.] The official papers will afford you great information on the subject.

On the one side the objections against the Justice of said treaties are stated in the several communications of Mr McGillivray and the communications of the lower Creeks to Mr White the superintendant.
On the other side the statement made by the Legislature of Georgia, contains the reasons in support of the treaties.
 The opinion of the Commissioners of the United States of the treaty of Galphinston is contained in their reports—and the communications of James White Esqr. the superintendant will shew his judgement on the case—But into all these written Evidences it may be proper in order, that the investigation be conducted with the most perfect impartiality to have such viva voce testimoney as can be obtained.
For this purpose you will request the Governor and Legislature of Georgia if in session, to authorize such person or persons to attend the treaty as he or they may think proper in order to give you such information as you may request from time to time of the transactions relative to said treaties—You will also endeavour to ascertain the facts relative to the said treaties from the Creeks.
And you will further endeavour to obtain information on oath of the manner in which the said treaties were held from such unprejudiced respectable private Characters who were present at the said treaties as you shall be able to find—The main points to be ascertained are 1st whether all the lands belonging to the upper and lower Creeks, are the common property of the whole Nation? or 2dly: Were the lands stated to have been ceded to Georgia by the three treaties or either of them acknowledged by the upper Creeks to be the sole property of the lower Creeks? 3dly were the acknouledged proprieters of the lands stated to have been ceded to Georgia, present, or fully represented, at the said three treaties[?] 4thly Did the Creeks present at the said treaties act with a full understanding of the cessions, they are stated to have made? 5thly Were the said treaties and cessions made on the part of the Creeks, uninfluenced by any threats or implication of force?
These circumstances and all others connected therein must be critically examined into, in order that you may form your Judgement on the said treaties with the greatest accuracy.

If the result of your investigation should be that the said three treaties, and the cessions of land therein contained, were made by a full and authorized representation of the Creek Nation, or that the cessions of Land was obtained with the full understanding and free consent of the acknowledged proprietors, and that there were no circumstances of unfairness or constraint of any sort, used to induce the Creeks to make the cessions to Georgia in this case precisely you are to insist on a formal renewal and confirmation (of the said cessions to Georgia or such parts thereof as you shall find Just[)]—If the Creeks after hearing all your arguments for the renewal of the said treaties so faar as the same may respect the confirmation of such parts of the cessions of Land contained therein as you shall have adjudged just an[d] equitable should obstinately refuse to confirm the same to Georgia, then you are to inform them that the arms of the Union, will be called forth for the protection of Georgia, in the peaceable and just possession of said Lands. And in case the Creeks attempt any molestation or injury to Georgia, that they will be deemed the enemies of the United States and punished accordingly.
But if it should result from your enquiries, that the said treaties and cessions were obtained on the part of Georgia, under such circumstances as to preclude the interference of the united States consistently with their Justice and dignity you are not to urge or persuade the Creeks to a renewal or confirmation thereof.
It is however to be observed that Georgia has proceeded on the principal that the cession stated to have been made at Augusta in 1783 was fairly obtained—And that the said State has surveyd and divided the lands between the Ogechee and Ocanee among certain descriptions of its Citizens—That the said Citizens have settled and planted on said lands in great numbers—should therefore the result of your investigation be unfavorable to the claims of Georgia it would be highly embarressing to that State to relinquish the said lands to the Creeks.
Hence it will be an important accommodation to Georgia to obtain from the Creeks a regular conveyance of the said lands lying between the Ogechee and Oconee.
To accomplish this object therefore you are specially required

to use your highest exertions with the Creeks[.] On your success materially depends the internal peace of Georgia, and proba[b]ly its attachment to the general government of the united States.
If the prejudices of the Creeks against the united States are not too deeply rooted it is presumed that such advantages to that nation can be stipulated as to induce them not only to relinquish to Georgia the lands in question but to attach them sincerely and permanently to the United States.
The disputed lands being entirely despoiled of their game by the settlements are therefore no longer valuable to the Creeks as hunting grounds. If they have not been fairly purchased of the real proprietors by Georgia it ought to be done. In case the Creeks therefore would be willing to make a proper conveyance for a given sum, you will stipulate that the same shall be paid by Georgia at a certain period or in case of failure by the United States.
While negociating the price to be given for the said land you will have due regards to the sums which Georgia actually paid at the treaty of Augusta—to the present value of the lands as hunting grounds and to the other considerations hereafter specified.
In this part of the negociation it would be desirable that the persons who may [be] appointed by the Governor or legislature of Georgia to attend the treaty should concur with you as to the sum which in case of purchase shall be stipulated to be given.
In addition to the purchase money for the lands, and for the further great purpose of attaching the Creeks to the united States, provided the same in your mature Judgement should be necessary, you are hereby empowered to make the following stipulations.
1st A secure port to the Creeks or their head men on the Altamaha, St Marys or at any place between the said rivers into which or from which the Creeks may import or export the articles of merchandize necessary to the Indian commerce on the same terms as the Citizens of the united States—The number of arms and quantity of amunation However to be regulated by the quantity that shall be regarded as necessary for the Hunters.

If any apprehensions should be entertained on the part of the Creeks on account of the safety of the goods which they might so import or export, it may be stipulated that the same should be protected by a company of the regular troops of the united States.
The trade of the Creeks is said at present to be engross’d by a company of British Merchants stationed at one of the Bahama Islands who have connected Mr McGillvery with them as a partner—The Spaniards have permitted some of the rivers which empty into the Gulph of Mexico to be the channel of this trade for a certain number of years, some impediments or impositions of duties appear to have disgusted Mr McGillvery with these Spaniards or with the communication and renders him desirous of a port in the United States—If these circumstances could be the means of breaking his connexion with the Spanish Colonies, it would be wise policy to afford the Creeks a port, and to protect them in every thing relative thereto. 2ndly Gifts in goods, or money to some, and if necessary honorary military distinctions to others of the influential Chiefs.
The presents will be regulated by your Judgement—The idea of military distinction arises from the information that Mr McGillvery possesses a commission of Colonel or Lieutant Colonel from the King of Spain.
If he could be induced to resign that Commission by the offer of one, a grade higher the offer ought to be made and substantiated, on his taking a solemn Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
Mr McGilivrey is stated to possess great abilities an[d] unlimited influence over the Creek nation and part of the Cherokees—It is an object worthy of considerable exertion to attach him warmly to the United States.
The measure could be attempted and urged with great propriety as it respects his fidelity to the creeks, and the continuance of his own importance in that nation.
The United States do not want the Creek lands they desire only to be freinds and protectors of the Creeks and treat them with humanity and Justice.
In case you should be satisfyed of his compliance with your desires, you will deliver him the presents which are particularly

designated for him, and also give him assurances of such pecuniary rewards from the United States as you may think reasonable, consequent on the evidence of his future favorable Conduct. 3dly If you should find the measure necessary in order to accomplish the before recited objects you will further stipulate a solemn guarantee of the United States to the Creeks of their remaining Terretory to be supported if necessary by a line of Military Posts.
This measure will most probably be highly satisfactory to the Creeks as it will entirely prevent any attempts to purchase any part of their lands, and it will at the same time impress them with the Moderation and Justice of the General Government.
If these offers with all the benefits resulting therefrom, should be insufficient to induce the Creeks to agree voluntarily to relinquish the disputed lands between the Ogeechee and Oconee Rivers you cannot with propriety make a tender of more favorable conditions.
In this event however you may endeavour to conclude a treaty and establish therein a temporary boundary making the Oconee the line—to stipulate the secure Port and the pecuniary and honorary considerations before recited.
You will establish the principal in case of concluding a treaty that the Creeks who are within the limits of the United States acknowledge themselvs to be under the protection of the united States of America, and of no other sovereign whosoever and also that they are not to hold any treaty with an individual State, nor with individuals of any State.
You will also endeavour without making it an Ultimatum to establish such direct trade as the Government of the union shall authorize—This point however is to be managed with the greatest delicacy for the before recited reasons.
In the general objects of the restoration of prisoners, negroes &c. you will conform [to] the treaties of Hopewell with the Cherokees Chickasaws and Choctaws.
You will also endeavour to obtain a stipulation for certain missionaries to reside in the nation provided the General Government should think proper to adopt the measure—These Men to be precluded from trade or attempting to purchase any lands but to have a certain reasonable quantity pr head, allowed

for the purpose of cultivation—The object of this establishment would be the happiness of the Indians, teaching them great duties of religion, and morality, and to inculcate a friendship and attachment to the united States.
If after you have made your Communication to the Creeks and that you are persuaded that you are fully understood by them, they should refuse to treat and conclude a peace on the terms you propose, it may be concluded that they are decided on a continuance of acts of Hostility and that they ought to be gaurded against as the determined enemies of the United States.
In this case you will report such plans both for defensive and offensive measures so as best to protect the Citizens of the united States on the fronteers from any act of injury or hostility of the Creeks.
Although the policy of attaching influential Chiefs by pecuniary or honorary considerations may not be doubted, yet it has been otherwise with respect to making presents to the commonalty among the Indians, In case therefore you find that the creeks are willing to relinquish the land between the Ogechee and Oconee on further payments for the same you will endeavour to stipulate that the Mass of the goods you have in charge for the treaty should be received by the Indians as part or the whole of the consideration for the conveyance of the said lands as you shall Judge proper.
Messrs Osborne and Pickens have in their report of the 30th June last stated that they have agreed to hold a general treaty with the Creeks at the Rock landing on the Oconee river in the State of Georgia on the 16th November next ensuing you will make every exertion to be there at that time—Immediately on your Arrival at Savannah you will arainge the transportation by land or water of the Goods and provisions under your direction to the place of treaty or towards the same so as to arrive with all possible expedition.
At the same time you will dispatch expreses to the Governor notifying him of your commission and arrival and also to Messrs Osborne and Pickens and as soon after as possible you will repair to the placed affixed for treating—The troops and the Goods may follow agreeably to your direction perhaps you may change the place of treaty to some place to which your goods

might be transported with greater facility than the Rocklanding on the Oconee river.
But notwithstanding your greatest exertions it may happen that your Arrival may be so retarded that Messrs Osborne & Pickens may have held a treaty, and the Indians may have departed to their own country.
In this case you will carefully enquire whether there were present at the treaty a full representation of the whole Creek nation and particularly Mr McGilvery, and whether the treaty was made under such circumstances as to be consistent with the Justice of the united States and conformable to the Spirit of these instructions.
If so you will confirm and ratify the Same in as full a manner as if you had been actually present. But if an inadequate representation only should have been present or any circumstances should [have] been adopted of which the United States could not with Justice and dignity approve, in this case you will use your best endeavors to persuade the Creeks to attend a new treaty at such place and at such time as you may Judge proper—You will observe the same conduct to collect the Creeks in case it should appear that they from any circumstance are disinclined to attend generally the treaty of the 15th of September, or provided your arrival should be posterior to that period and you shall learn they did not attend agreeably to the invitation of Messrs Pickens & Osborne.
During your negotiations with the Creeks you will endeavor to ascertain the following Points
1st The Number of Warriors in the whole Nation including upper & lower Creeks and Seminolies.
2nd Whether they are armed with common and rifle muskets or in any other manner, and how furnished with Ammunition.
3rd the number of each division of upper Creeks lower Creeks and Seminoles.
4th The number of Women and children and Old men in each district.
5th The number of Towns in each district.
6th The names characters and residence of the most influential chiefs, and far as the same may be their grades of Influence.
7th The kinds of Government (if any) of the Towns’ Districts and Nations.

8th Whether they are Hunters only, or whether they cultivate and possess cattle. (If so) the degree of cultivation and number of Cattle.
9th The usual hunting grounds of the whole nation and their districts.
10th The kind and value of Furs taken annually and how disposed of.
11th The Amount of European goods annually consumed.
12 If Ginsang abounds in that country, if so, whether it is gathered in any considerable quantities.
13 To ascertain the nature of the country west from Georgia to the Mississippi—whether mountanous, hilley, level or abounding with low grounds and morasses and the nature of the soil and growth.
14th To ascertain particularly how far northward the waters of the Mobile Apalachicola, and Altahama rivers are navigable for Boats and the nearest land portages from the northern navigable Streams of said rivers to the southern navigable waters or streams of the Tennessee river.
The accurate knowledge of this subject is of considerable importance but the enquiries thereto should be circuitously conducted.
15th To ascertain with great precision the nature of the cunext[i]on of the Creeks with the Spaniards, and if practible to obtain copies of any treaties between them, whether the predominating prejudices of the Creeks are in favor or against the Spaniards, and Particularly the state of Mr McGilverys mind on this subject.
16th You will endeavor as far as your opportunites will admit to ascertain similar facts relative to the Cherokees, Chactaws, and Chickasaws as are contained in the before recited requests relative to the Creeks.
In case of your concluding a treaty with the Creeks, and it should be your Judgement, that a line of military posts would be necessary to the due observance thereof, and also as a security of the peace of the Cherokees you will report a plan for the stations which should be taken, and the number of troops which should occupy each.
The people who are settled on Cumberland river have Just cause of complaints against the Creeks, who have during

the present year murdered several Families within that district—The Creeks can have no cause of complaint against that settlement.
This circumstance is to be strongly stated to the Creeks and in case of a continuance of their murders the vengeance of the union is to be denounced against them.
The peculiar case of the Cherokees seems to require the immediate interposition of the Justice of the united States—But as that nation of Indians are principally resident within the Territory claimed by North Carolina which is not a member of the present union it may be doubted whether any efficient measures in favor of the Cherokees could be adopted immediately.
By the Public Newspapers it appears that on 16th June last a truce was concluded with the Cherokees by Mr John Steele in behalf of the state of North Carolina—In this truce a treaty was stipulated to be held as soon as possible, and in the mean time all Hostilities should cease on both sides.
In the event of North Carolina adopting the Constitution of the united States it will be incumbent on the general Government to take every wise measure to carry into effect the substance of the treaty of Hopewell—in the mean time you will send a message to the Cherokees stating to them the dificul[t]ies arising from the local claims of North Carolina as far as the same may be proper—That when these shall be removed the united States will convince the Cherokees of their Justice and friendship.
You will also transmit a message to the whites in the neighbourhood of the Cherokees enjoining an observance of the truce made by Mr Steele, untill a general treaty shall take place when Justice shall be administred to all Parties.
The two Cherokees who have lately come to this City with their conductor Mr Bennet Ballew are to go under your direction to the place of treaty Good policy requires that they should be kindly treated altho there are suspicions that the conduct of Bennet Ballew has not been very proper in respect to the lands of the Cherokees—you will endeavour to ascertain his real character and designs and make such use of him as You think proper—you have delivered to you copies of the papers which Mr Bellew presented from the Cherokees.
The treaties with the Choctaws and Chickasaws will inform

you of the stipulation of the united States to extend trade to those nations—you will report a plan for carrying into effect the said stipulations, and you will also transmit to the said nations messages containing assurances of the continuance of the friendship of the united States and of the intentions of the general government of extending the trade to them agreeable to the treaties of Hopewell.
You will have regular Invoices of alle Articles delivered to you for the proposed treaty and you will keep fair accounts of all your disbursements, which you will regularly settle at the Treasury of the united States.
And in all cases where the same may be proper consistently with the secrecy necessary to be observed, the delivery of the goods ought to be attested by the Commissioned Officers of the troops, who should attend the Commissioners.
You will also keep a regular Journal of your transactions and report the same.
It is presumed that you will conduct all your disbursements by that proper oeonomy so necessary to be observed in the transactions of the General Government[.] You will learn by the papers delivered to you that certain goods were left by the Commissioners after the treaty of Hopewell in the commencement of the Year 1786 It is probable that these goods have been deliverd to Messrs Pickens and Osborne you will therefore apply to said Gentlemen for regular Invoices of all the goods in their possession for the treaty distinguishing the means by which they became possessed thereof.
You will also request of them an Account of the monies or goods they may have received of the States of South Carolina and Georgia in consequence of the resolves of Congress of the 26th October 1787 and August 14th 1788.
As the said Messrs Pickens and Osborne will most probably be at the proposed place of treaty with the expectation of concluding the same, you will deliver them the Letter containing the reasons of Government for appointing new Commissioners.
Were there any services at the treaty in which you could employ them it might be proper so to do.
You will endeavor to avail your selves as far as may be, of any arraingements which may have been taken by Georgia for the

supplies of provisions during the holding of the treaty, or for furnishing the means of transportation for which the said State will have credit on the before recited requisitions of Congress of the 26th October 1787 and the 14th of August 1788.
You will please to observe that the whole sum that can be constitutionally expended for the proposed treaty with the Creeks shall not exceed the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars—The goods and money which have been deliverd to you and the expences which will arise by the removal and return of the Troops and your own pay will Amount to  you will therefore see the necessity œconomizing your means—and that the same cannot be extended.
It is however to be observed that the Sums you shall think proper to stipulate to the Creeks for the cessions of the land between the Ogechee and Oconee is to be considerd conditional to the said Twenty Thousand Dollars.
You will from time to time communicate your progress to the Secretary of the War department and receive such further directions from him as the case may require.
The company of Artillery commanded by Capt. Burbeck will accompany you to the place of Treaty and be under your orders, As soon as the treaty shall be finished you will take the proper measures for the return of the company to this place as the time of Service will soon expire—The company will receive One Month and an half pay and be furnished with three months rations which you will cause to be transported as the service may require.
These instructions will be the governing principals of your conduct, and they are to be regarded as secret.
But many circumstances may arise which may render some degree of modification necessary in every event however you will please to remember that the Government of the united States are determined that their administration of Indian affairs shall be directed entirely by the great principles of Justice and humanity.
As soon as you have concluded your negociations with the Creeks and forwarded your messages as herein directed you will return to this place and make a full report of all your transactions to the Secretary of the War department.

Given under my hand at the City of New York this 29th August 1789.

Geo. Washington

By command of the President of the United States

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from James Manning, 29 August 1789
From: Manning, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence, State of Rhode Island Augt 29th 1789

Prevented, for some days, by necessary attentions to the College, from coming forwards, with the bearer, Benjamin Bourne Esquire with whom I am charged in a joint commission by the Town of Providence, I beg leave to introduce to your Excellencys notice & attention my colleague, and the business with which he is charged; to introduce to Congress the unanimous petition of the Town of Providence, praying a speedy relief from the insupportable burthens imposed on thier Commerce, by thier being considered as Foreigners in the late Acts regulating the Tonage & collection of the Imports in the United States—All the Seaport Towns, of consideration, in this State, vizt Newport, Bristol, Warren & Barrington unite in this application.
We contemplate the day of our accession to the Federal Government, now, near at hand. At the election of the members of our lower house of Assembly, held on Tuesday last, we calculate on a decided Majority of Federalists chosen to represent us in the Assembly to meet in October next, when, we flatter ourselves, that a Convention will be called to adopt the Constitution. Any assistance towards obtaining this, to us, most interesting object, which your Excellency may please to lend, will confer a peculiar obligation on the Federalists of Rhode Island; and more especially on him, who with the most perfect consideration

has the Honour to be Your Excellency’s most humble and most obedient Servt

James Manning


Title: To George Washington from George Walton, 30 August 1789
From: Walton, George
To: Washington, George

Duplicate, via Charleston
sir,Augusta [Ga.] 30 August, 1789.
Although I have been employed in the service of America, in various lines, and almost without interruption, since the commencement of the public meetings and discussions which led to the Revolution, I do not recollect ever to have solicited an appointment. Nor should I now trouble you on such a subject, if it had not been suggested that my desire of serving in the Judiciary of the Union might be doubted at New York. Having a predilection for that particular department of service, I take the occasion of informing you, Sir, that I feel a solicitude to devote my future time and reflections to the further use of our now common Country, in the office of Judge of the District of Georgia. At the same time I am free to declare, that I feel perfectly disposed to give way to talents more happy, and to integrity better established. Your placing me on the nomination for that appointment, will have the double effect of giving confidence to my public exertions, and of confirming me in those habits of esteem and veneration with which I have always been, Sir, Your most Obedient, And most Hble Servant,

Geo. Walton.


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 30 August 1789
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond State of Georgia 30th August 1789

This will be presented to your Excellency by my former aid Colo. Fishbourn, whose feelings has been much hurt by the unmerited & wanton attack upon his Character by Mr Gunn in the house of Senators—however chargeable he might have been for some little indiscretions of youth, which time & reflection, has & will correct, even the tongue of slander can not with Justice, charge him with any dishonest or dishonorable act. the Certificate that he carries with him will convince your Excellency, that the charge made by Mr Gunn, was groundless—injurous, & malacious, but it had the desired effect, I must acknowledge that I was equally hurt upon your Excellency’s account, as on my own, to find that it cou’d for a moment be thought, that a person cou’d be put in Nomination for any office, who was unworthy of Public trust or confidence, that consideration alone wou’d have prevented any man of sentiment from making so virulent a charge, however he might have voted; I have advised Colo. Fishbourn to clear up that business by publishing the Certificate after it has been perused by your Excellency—at the same time I wish you to be assured, that I wou’d sooner suffer my right hand to be severed from my body, than to recommend to your notice, a Character, such as Mr Gunn represented Colo. Fishbourn to be.
It is with singular pleasure—I see the prompt attention to your recommendation of the Militia and Indian business, by the house of Representatives; I have much depending upon a speedy & permanent peace with the Creek Nation, that once established I shou’d feel myself under easy circumstances—by reoccupying my Valuable property to the southward which altho’ not at all claimed by the Indians as it was ceeded & settled as early as 1763—yet being the ⟨illegible⟩ of the State, it has experienced greater depredation than any other quarter, which added to the protection given to our runaway Negros by the Spaniards, has for the present, detered people in general from

returning to their plantations; thus circumstanced & being known to those Indians with whom I have alternately fought & treated, I flatter myself that was I clothed with proper Authority, I cou’d convince them, that it wou’d be their true Interest & best policy, to enter into an immediate & inviolable peace, but your Excellency is the best judge of those matters & with the Characters best suited for this business[.] I can only promise to act to the best of my Judgment for the Interest & honor of the Union, & the most punctual obedience to your Orders & directions, as well in that as in every other Character. Interim I am with every sentiment of Esteem & regard Your Excellency’s Most Obt & very Hume Sert

Anty Wayne


Title: To George Washington from Roger West, 30 August 1789
From: West, Roger
To: Washington, George

Sir
Westgrove 30th August 1789

Amongst the number that may presume to solicit your notice when about to nominate persons to fill the offices under Government, permit me to make an offer of my services, in any manner you may think proper to call them forth. This I am induced to do from thourough conviction that in the execution of any Business, I may be honor’d with; a marked and steadfast regard to do justice, with the concomitant resolution to do it, with firmness and alacrity, shall accompany every act of my official character. Haveing premised this, It now remains that I should beg pardon for obtruding myself upon your mind at a period, when personal considerations are an inferior object of

your deliberation. I am Dr Sir with the utmost respect your Obed. Humb. Sevt

Roger West


Title: To George Washington from William Jackson, 31 August 1789
From: Jackson, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York, August 31st 1789.

On an intimation received this morning from my much respected friend General Lincoln, I presume to address Your Excellency—and to renew the wish which I had the honor to communicate to you at Philadelphia.
Should I be so happy as to receive your commands—it will be my best pride and most earnest endeavor long to merit the permission of assuring Your Excellency that I am, with the most respectful and sincere attachment, Your faithful, obedient servant

W. Jackson


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Burrall, August 1789
From: Burrall, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York Augt 1789

Having offered myself as a candidate for the Office of Auditor of Accounts in the Treasury Dept, I beg leave to lay before you the inclosed testimonials of my qualifications, and offer to your consideration the following facts and observations.
Conscious of having faithfully and diligently executed the duties of the several important Offices I have held in the Treasury Dept. since the year 1780, and supposing that my character and reputation as a public Officer was well known and established, I had no expectation that a Gentleman so young in Office as Mr Hardy (who indeed has never held any appointment from Congress) would be held up in competition with me on this occasion. I therefore neglected to procure any recommendations or documents to prove my qualifications for this Office, my character as a public Officer being well known not only to the Gentlemen whom I have named in my first application to you, but also to many others now in Congress who were members of the former Congress.
I am aware that Mr Hardys claim is founded on the Idea of his being at present in possession of the Office. I am also persuaded that no other reason can be given for his having a preference, and I humbly conceive that this reason in groundless, and that his appointment has no more analogy to the Office of

Auditor under the present arrangment than the one I have held; with this differance that he was not the Officer to whom Congress looked for responsibility, as will appear by the Act of Congress of September 1787 to which I beg leave to refer.
When I was elected one of the Commissioners of Accounts in the Treasury Dept. in the year 1780, the duties of that Office were the same as the duties of the Auditor under the present arrangment, as no Officer of the latter denomination then existed. In February 1782 the business was divided—five Commissioners were appointed for settling the accoun⟨ts⟩ of the five great departments, as they were then called, and the accounts of the Commissary Dept. were assigned to me.
The residue of the business Vizt the accounts of the Comy of Prisoners, Commissary of Military stores, Civil list and contingent accounts, were to be settled by Auditors who were appointed at this time with a salary of 1000 Dollors ⅌ Annum while the Commissioners were allowed 1500. In May 1786 the accounts of the Commissary Dept. being nearly compleated, those of the Quarter Master Dept., which had been very much neglected, were assigned to me. At this last mentioned period Congress had passed an act for concentering the business of the five Departments into one Office under the direction of one Commissioner; but Colo. Walker becoming a candidate for the Office, and being warmly supported by a number of Gentlemen in Congress, many attempts were made without effecting an election of a Commissioner. This difficulty and a further enquiry into the magnitude of the business that remained in these Depts. induced them to divide it into five Offices, and we were both appointed. This competition between Colo. Walker and myself occassioned some warmth among the Gentlemen of Congress, and produced an investigation of Character which has seldom occurred in Congress on any occasion—For the results as far as it relates to myself I beg leave to refer to Mr Pettits letter, who was in Congress at the time.
The business which had been allotted to the Auditors growing small one of them resigned soon after his appointment, and in September 1787 the other one, together with the Comptroller was deranged as unnecessary, and the duties were vested in the Commissioners of the Board of Treasury, who were authorised

to employ an accountant with a salary not exceeding 800 Dollars ⅌ Annum. Mr Hardy, at that time a Clerk in the Treasury Dept., was prefered to this appointment.
When one of the most important Depts. was assigned to me in the arrangment made in 1782, I considered it as an honor done me, but I shall think myself very unfortunate if it has been the means of placing my claim to preferment in the Treasury Dept. as inferior to that of a gentleman who was many years afterward a Clerk in the Office of the Register of the Treasury. If I have not gained reputation and some title to further notice, I have gained nothing by thirteen years faithfull services, and the labour of my life as far as it relates to my own interest and advancment has been thrown away, for my attention having been wholly given to public business I am at this moment less qualified for private business than when I left a counting house in the year 1776. My anxiety to obtain this appointment is increased by a full persuasion that the public opinion has pointed me out as having the fairest claim to it, and that nothing but want of qualifications on my part will prevent it.
I mean not to treat Mr Hardy with disrespect; I believe him to be a young man of merit, and wish him to be continued in public employment; but I hope I shall be excused when I suggest that the Office of chief Clerk to the Comptroller would place him, both in point of respectability and emolument, exactly on the same footing he now is, and I ask no more than to be placed on the same footing I have been for ten years past.
I have avoided asking for any written recommendation from Mr Morris, the late superintendant of the Finances, because his present situation as a senator made me consider it as indelicate; but as he knows me well and has in conversation expressed his opinion of my conduct in the warmest terms of approbation, I would wish that enquiry may be made of him.
It will naturally be expected that if written documents are necessary, I should procure testimonials of my conduct from the Commissioners of the Board of Treasury; but as I understood they had recommended Mr Hardy before they knew of my being a candidate for the Office, I have never spoken to them on the subject, for altho’ I am confident they would readily give me the fullest testimony of their approbation of my

conduct in Office, I could hardly expect they would recommend me for this particular Office after having recommended another.
I humbly beg that the freedom of this letter may be excused: I fear that a confidence (perhaps ill founded) which I had in the superiority of my pretensions to this appointment has occasioned me too long to delay taking the necessary measures for establishing the facts on which those ⟨illegible⟩ are founded. I have the honor to be with the highest respect, Your most Obedient Humble servant

Jonth. Burrall.


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, August 1789
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

[New York, August 1789]

Mr Jay has the Honor of observing to the President, on the Subject of Capt. Tate’s application, That in his opinion no Papers should be given to that Gentleman, from which it might appear, or be inferred, that the Governmt encouraged him going into the Service of the Porte, lest umbrage be given to Russia, and Suspicions of ulterior views excited—that therefore the Idea of giving him only a Certificate, in the usual form, of his character and Services, is founded in Prudence.
That he should not correspond with the President, nor with the Secy for foreign affairs; lest it should give him the appearance of a private agent in the Service of Governmt—for some of his Letters will doubtless be inspected &c.
That it may nevertheless be advisable, that he correspond with some confidential private Gentleman, & a Cypher settled between them—and he should be apprized by that Gentleman, of the accidents to which it will often be liable, particularly in France, and against which it is very difficult to guard, in any other Way, than by keeping it about his Person.


Title: To George Washington from Robert James Livingston, August 1789
From: Livingston, Robert James
To: Washington, George

Trenton [N.J.] August 1789

The Petition of Robert James Livingston late Lieutt in the fi[r]st Virginia Regiment &ca humbly shewith—

That, your Petitioner begs leave to present himself before you as a Candidate for the office of Marshal, for the State of New-Jersey, under the federal Judicial department.
Your Petitioner begs leave to plead in his behalf his well known attachment to the new Government, and to the cause of his Country during the late war, in which he freely bled.
He pleads his peculiar situation in being taken Prisoner in an early stage of the war, and remaining unexchanged until the Derangement in the line prevented the emoluments and honours which might have attended his rising in the Army.
He pleads his being denyed by the State of Virginia, in whose Service he was, every compensation which was made to her officers at the dissolution of the Army—tho’ the officers of the State & its Delegates in Congress assured your Petitioner his claims were justly founded, & promised to advocate his cause.
He pleads his having sacrificed all the advantages of a liberal education, which all his Brothers have received, and by which they comfortably support themselves—upon which your Petitioner had just entered, when he was driven from Princeton by the British, & to which he was prevented returning by the losses of his widowed Mother, and his strong desire to continue in the service of his country.
Your Petitioner prays therefore to be provided for by his country which he has served, which he is willing to serve, and whose services have eventually rendered a provision in any other way impracticable at least for the present—at the same time Your Petitioner only solicits a provision proportionate to the actual services he is able to render.
Your Petitioner prays to be excused in bringing forward an argument so delicate in its nature as the above—he knows the feelings of the Personage whom he addresses—he knows the impossibility of providing for all who are more highly deserving than himself—should therefore the prayer of his Petition not be answered agreeably to his wishes—he will rest content—assured that it is impracticable in its nature—Your Petitioner could have honoured his petition with a number of respectable Signatures, but he chooses to subscribe his own solitary name and thus to present it to the attention of the President hoping that he will remember him either in the prayer of his Petition or

in some other way which may seem best to himself. And as in duty bound Your Petitioner shall ever pray

Robert James Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Civis, 1 September 1789
From: Civis
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Md.] ⟨Septe⟩mber 1, 1789.

When any Citizen presumes to offer his sentiments to you, his Love for his Country and its Glory should be his apology—Upon this Principle the writer hopes to be heard. and altho’ his opinion may be useless that the freedom will be excused.
He has been a constant and warm Stickler for the new Government, and is happy to think it is now out of the reach of its Enemies.
He does not fully understand the Judiciary Sy⟨st⟩em, and has some fears as to its operation and Extent, Yet he ⟨mutilated⟩ He has no doubt but the best men will be appo⟨mutilated⟩ this most important Department—We have, however ⟨mutilated⟩ed that the Chief will not be a native of america—⟨mutilated⟩ This opinion may have arisen from the great abili⟨mutilated⟩ man, and from their fears; he can venture to s⟨mutilated⟩ truths of the best Friends to america will ever be aver⟨mutilated⟩ President, a Foreign Judge, and Foreign Amba⟨mutilated⟩.
He considers Judge Harrison’s charactor ⟨mutilated⟩ Celebrious commanded Cyrus and is fully ⟨mutilated⟩ manners, and the satisfaction and ease tha⟨mutilated⟩ters in the General Court that he is the best ⟨mutilated⟩ for the head of the Judiciary—best calculated to inspire confidence and love among our People.
He is aware that from the retired Habits of Col. Harrison, that he is not so well known throughout america as many men of high Charactors who perhaps are not near so perfect; but he has this pleasure, that altho’ when out of the Chair of Justice he returns home the most recluse Citizen unknown to all but his Neighbours & friends, that his Virtues and abilities are not hidden from the impartial President of the United States[.] He knows him well, and if he considers him, “take him all in all” the properest Character to suit the Genius of the people of America, to fill the office with dignity, and faithfully execute the Law he will be nominated by your Excellency.

If this appointment takes place the State of Maryland will lose the best man in it, there is no one who can represent him as a Judge and perhaps the Citizens would have cause to regret the removal, but the Writer is one of those men who always will wave local considerations for the good of the whole.
In ⟨mutilated⟩ing in his mind, the Several Characters in America ⟨mutilated⟩ as among the first, and that next to Mr Harrison ⟨mutilated⟩ satisfy all Parties—The writer begs you will excuse his ⟨mutilated⟩is name, He is a very Young man, and diffidence ⟨mutilated⟩ propriety of the Signature of

Civis.


Title: To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 2 September 1789
From: Ellicott, Andrew
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York Sept. 2d 1789

I would propose Niagara for the place, and the second Week in next Month for the time of meeting the Commissioners, to be appointed by the Executives of the States of New York, and Massachusetts, to attend making the Survey directed by Congress in their Act of June 6th 1788. If the Express to Quebec should not return to Niagara by that time, that part of the Survey, lying on the South margin of Lake Erie, may be carrying on.
I am of the opinion that a less sum of Money than four hundred and fifty pounds, will not be sufficient to begin the business, and ensure success. I have the Honour to be your Excellency’s Hbe Servt

Andrew Ellicott


Title: To George Washington from George Gilpin, 2 September 1789
From: Gilpin, George
To: Washington, George

Dear sir.
Alexandria September 2d 1789

Before I set of to see the upper part of Potok, I intended to have informed you, that I might have made such observations as you might have thought necessary which perhaps has not Occured to me, but Doctr Creigh [Craik] informed me that you was very much indisposed th[i]s prevented me from Troubling

you, your happy recovery has determined me to write to you on business which you have taken So much pains to promote.
Agreeable to the desire of the Potomack Company Mr Smith and my self proceeded from the great falls up Potomack in a boat that would have Carried when moderately loaded 35 barrels of flour in this boat we went up the north branch of Potomack 12 miles above Fort Cumberland and we Could have gone to the mouth of new Creek which is 25 miles above Cumberland, but being unacquainted with the river and we were informd by Capt. Daniel Cresap and others that the river was lower than it had been for several years, and Continued falling we were afraid that we might be Stopt on our return from the mountain, we went from Capt. Cresaps on foot along Potomack to the mouth of Savage river to this place the navigation may be extended and not much higher without too great an expence for the present times the mouth of Savage is 210 miles above the navigation or Tide water at the little Falls after we passed the Shenandoah falls we found no fall that would prevent a boat from passing up with ease and safty except in such seasons when the river is very low and in wide parts of the river the water is sometimes Shallow and wants to be Collected to Some one place or a single rift of rocks which wantd to be made deeper these improvements appears nowhere difficult nor very expensive[.] From the mouth of Savage we went along the State road to the top of the Allegany mountain and then to the waters of deep Creek in the green glades which is 13 miles from Savage, & 4 miles below where the road Crosses this water it is large enough for boats and it is gentle and deep and will afford a good navigation down to the fall in the Yohogany near Turky foot So that 17 miles will Join the water of Potomack and Yohogany from the mouth of Savage to little Yohogany one mile above the fork is 22 miles to big Yohogany 24 miles to Salt lick Creek a branch of Cheat river 30 miles to Cheat river ford at dunkard bottom 37¼ miles to morgan Town 50 miles to Clerks burg 80 miles to the mouth of the muskingam 140 miles these distances except the last are from actual measurement Cheat river at the Dunkard bottom is nearly or quite as large at Shenandoah at Snigger[s] Ferry and is a fine gentle river except two falls which are now passed and at a small expence may be rendered safe and easy The Course of the road from the

mouth of Savage to the Dunkards Bottom on Cheat nearly due West, about the mouth of Savage river and Georges Creek there is inexhaustable bands of coal some of which the river has laid bare and we found them easy to dig and good in quality this range or bed of Coal extends along the first rift of the Allegany mountn to wills Creek above Cumberland from which place we say them carreing coal for the nail manufactories at Hagers Town.
On our return from over the mountain one or two day moderate rain raised the river and we found the navigation in that State much better than we expected two boats come down from old Town with Tobacco two or three from Opeckon with flour and we come in company with two from Shepperds Town one of which was 70 feet long and Carried 130 barrels of flour these boats passed quite down to the great falls and I was informd by Capt. Shepperd that 1,000 barrels of flour had gone down Potomack by water this Spring from Shepperds Town only.
If we allow 10 miles from the Tide to the big falls and 17 from the mouth of Savage to deep Creek 27 miles Carriage unites Potomack with the waters of yohogany in their present State and the Ten miles I have no doubt will be removed.
As soon as I can make out a proper draft I will send one to you with the Courses, distance and perpendicular fall of Potomack and of the Allegany mountain where Several of the great waters begin. I am with great esteem your Excellencys most Obedient Servant,

George Gilpin


Title: To George Washington from William Barton, 3 September 1789
From: Barton, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence Sep. 3d 1789.

I feel myself under peculiar difficulties in attempting to address you on a subject upon which perhaps I ought to have been silent & waited an introduction in some other way, but as an opportunity offers, & Reflecting that the wounds I received in the service of my country are such as injure me in pursuing my business on the Profits of which a very large family depend for support I am induced to present myself as a candidate for some office in the customs for the port of Providence.
Pardon my anticipation Sir, as I fully beleive this State will soon accede to and adopt the federal Goverment. If the President should not think my request improper, for particulars respecting my character and situation I would beg leave to refer him to the Revd Doctor Manning who has done me the honor to be the Bearer of this. I am, sir, with Reverance and respect your most obedient humble Servant

William Barton


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 3 September 1789
From: Chase, Samuel
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Baltimore 3d Septr 1789.

I beg You to be assured, that no Person more sincerely rejoiced in your unanimous Election as President of the united States, than Myself; and that my personal Respect for, and attachment to, your private and public Character have been uniformly manifested, ever since I had the Honour to be known to You. I have always esteemed it honorable to execute a public Office in a free Government; but heretofore my profession furnished ample Support for Myself, and a numerous Family. If, Sir, You should think Me capable, and proper to discharge the Duty of one of the five associate Judges, and should be pleased to put Me in Nomination to the Senate, I shall be highly gratified; and will exert Myself to execute so honorable and important a Station with Integrity, fidelity, and Diligence: and I flatter Myself, that You will never have Occasion to regret the Confidence reposed in Me. I have communicated my wishes to no person, because from your good Opinion, and Confidence alone do I wish for the Appointment—If my Desires do not meet your approbation I beg they may remain within your own Breast, for I do not wish to afford my political Enemies (for I never had any private ones) an Opportunity to mortify and insult Me. In a public, or private Station You may depend on my attachment, and affection to Yourself, and that my Endeavours shall not be wanting to render your Administration as easy and happy as possible; and that I will support the present Government, agreeably to my late solemn Engagement.
I pray my most respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington, and I am, Dear Sir, with the Greatest Respect & Esteem, Your affectionate and obedient Servant

Saml Chase


Title: To George Washington from Frederick Craig & Company, 3 September 1789
From: Frederick Craig & Company
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Wilmington [Del.] Sepr 3. 1789

We the Printers of the Delaware Gazette, beg leave to approach your Excellency in our professional line and to request your acceptance of our Paper: It is a trifling publication, but it is the only paper the State affords; and should your Excellency receive any information through its channel we shall be amply rewarded for our trouble[.] That your Excellency may long live, to the honor and dignity of the human race is the fervent Prayer of

Fredk Craig & co.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 4 September 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

Sir,
United States Septr 4th 1789

In consequence of a Resolve of the Congress of the United States, bearing date the 26th of Augt 1789, I have thought fit to appoint Andrew Ellicot to compleat a certain survey directed to be made by an Act of the late Congress of the 6th of June 1789.
The sum of Eleven hundred and twenty five dollars is (by an estimate of Mr Ellicot) found necessary to carry into effect the beforementioned Survey; and its completion being a matter of too great importance to the United States to await the organization of the Treasury Department; I think it expedient to direct you to advance the above sum of 1125 Dollars out of the money which you may have in your hands to defray the expences which may attend treaties or negociations with the Indian Tribes; and the like sum shall be replaced in your hands as soon as provision can be made to defray the expences attending the beforementioned Survey. I am Sir, Your most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Michael Hillegas, 5 September 1789
From: Hillegas, Michael
To: Washington, George

Sir.
New York Septr 5. 1789

As the time for making appointments under the Treasury Law draws near, I beg leave to Request Your Excellency’s remembrance of the present Treasurer, who has the honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedt humble Servt

M. Hillegas


Title: To George Washington from Robert Smith, 5 September 1789
From: Smith, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Baltimore Sepr 5th 1789

Permit me to inform you, that I shall be happy in Obtaining an appointment in the Judicial Department. I am, Sir, with Respect Your Obedient Humble Servt

Robt Smith


Title: From George Washington to James Craik, 8 September 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Craik, James

            Dear Sir,
            New-York September 8th 1789.

          The letter with which you favored me on the 24th ultimo came duly to hand, and for the friendly sentiments contained in it, you have my sincere and hearty thanks.
          My disorder was of long and painful continuance, and though now freed from the latter, the wound given by the incision is not yet closed—Persuaded as I am that the case has been treated with skill, and with as much tenderness as the nature of the complaint would admit, yet I confess that I often wished for your inspection of it—During the paroxysm, the distance rendered this impracticable, and after the paroxysm had passed I had no conception of being confined to a lying posture on one side six weeks—and that I should feel the remains of it for more than twelve—The part affected is now reduced to the size of a barley corn, and by Saturday next (which will complete the thirteenth week) I expect it will be skinned over—Upon the whole, I have more reason to be thankful that it is no worse than to repine at the confinement. The want of regular exercise, with the cares of office will I have no doubt hasten my departure for that country from whence no Traveller returns; but a faithful discharge of whatever trust I accept, as it ever has, so it always will be the primary consideration in every transaction of my life be the consequences what they may. Mrs Washington has, I think, better health than usual, and the children are well and in the way of improvement.
          I always expected that the Gentleman whose name you have mentioned would mark his opposition to the new government with consistency—Pride on the one hand, and want of manly candor on the other, will not I am certain let him acknowledge an error in his opinions respecting it though conviction should flash on his mind as strongly as a ray of light—If certain characters which you have also mentioned should tread blindfold in his steps it would be matter of no wonder to me—They are in the habit of thinking that every thing he says and does is right, and (if capable) they will not judge for themselves.
          It gives me pleasure to hear, and I wish you to express it to them that my Nephews George and Lawrence Washington are attentive to their studies, and obedient to your orders and admonition.

That kind of learning which is to fit them for the most useful and necessary purposes of life—among which writing well, arithmetic, and the less abstruse branches of the mathematics are certainly to be comprehended, ought to be particularly attended to, and it is my earnest wish that it should be so.
          The Gazettes are so full of the occurrences of public, and indeed of private nature, which happens in this place that it is unnecessary (if I had more leisure than falls to my lot) to attempt a repetition: I shall therefore refer you to them or to the Alexandria paper, through which they may, if pains is taken, be retailed—Mrs Washington and the rest of the family join me in every good and friendly wish for Mrs Craik, yourself, and the rest of your family—and with sentiments of sincere regard and friendship, I am dear Sir, Your affectionate

            G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from the inhabitants of Kentucky, 8 September 1789 [letter not found]
From: Inhabitants of Kentucky
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from the inhabitants of Kentucky, 8 Sept. 1789. On 18 Nov. 1789 Tobias Lear submitted to Henry Knox a letter from “a number of respectable Inhabitants of Kentuckey recommendg the Mountain leader [Piomingo] a Chickasaw Chief.”


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 8 September 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

            [New York, c.8 Sept. 1789]

          Confidential
          The points which at present occur to me, and on which I wish your aid, are brought to view in the enclosed statement—I give you the trouble of receiving this evening that you may (if other matter do not interfere) suffer them to run through your Mind between this and tomorrow afternoon when I shall expect to see you at the appointed time.
          Besides the enclosed
          Would it do now that Mr Barton has declined the Judges Seat (western Territory) to nominate Col. Carrington for that Office? If not, can you think of any other that would suit him, of new creation—by this I mean, which has not an actual occupant or one who from similarity of Office may have better pretensions to it.
          Can you bring to mind any fit character for the vacancy just mentioned (west of New Jersey)—as Virga has given & may furnish characters, for important Offices probably it would be better to exclude her also on this occasion.

          What sort of a character in point of respectability and fitness for this office has Majr Turner late of So. Carolina now of Philadelphia.
          Have you any knowledge of the character of Mr Laurence?—a practising Attorney and Son in law to General St Clair.
          What can I do with A—L——he has applied to be nominated one of the Associate Judges—but I cannot bring my mind to adopt the request—The opinion entertained of him by those with whom I am most conversant is unpropitious and yet few men have received more marks of public favor & confidence than he has. These contradictions are embarrassing.
          Should the sense of the Senate be taken on the propriety of sending public characters abroad—say, to England, Holland & Portugal—and of a day for thanksgiving.
          Would it be well to advise with them before the adjournment, on the expediency and justice of demanding a surrender of our Posts?
          Being clearly of opinion that there ought to be a difference in the Wages of the Members of the two branches of the Legislature would it be politic or prudent in the President when the Bill comes to him to send it back with his reasons for non-concurring. Yrs sincerely

            G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 8 September 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

            Dear Sir,
            New York September 8th 1789

          Your favor of the 2d Ultimo came duly to hand. A tedious and painful disorder which deprived me for many Weeks of the use of my pen, and which consequently required the greater exertion

of it when I was able to set up, is the best apology I can make for not having acknowledged the receipt of the above letter sooner.
          The list of associates who purchased 100 Tickets in the lottery of the deceased Colo. Byrd is all the memorandom I have of that transaction—To the best of my recollection Mr Thomson Mason (deceased) was one of the associates and was either authorised, or assumed (I do not know which) the management of the business—He did it so effectually it seems as to monopolize the whole interest. Some of the prizes it has been said, are valuable—but whether there is any Clue by which Mr Masons conduct in this business can be developed I am unable to say. Your Uncle (The Honorable Peyton Randolph) was one of the ten associates—But if neither Mr Fitzhugh nor any of the others who are living can give such information as would avail in an enquiry we must, I presume, set down with the loss of the money and prizes.
          With respect to Mr Powells application I can only repeat to you what I say to all others upon similar occasions—that is—I leave myself entirely free until the office is established and the moment shall arrive when the nomination is to be made—then, under my best information and a full view of all circumstances I shall endeavor to the best of my judgment to combine justice to individuals with the public good making the latter my primary object. My best wishes attend Mrs Randolph and your family and with sentiments of sincere regard and friendship I am—Dear Sir, Your Most Obedient and Affectionate Servant

            George Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Bland Lee, 9 September 1789
From: Lee, Richard Bland
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            N. York September 9: 1789

          At the request of Mr Roger West I take the Liberty of forwarding the inclosed letter: at the same time I beg leave to present to you the most respectful regards of Mr Francis Corbin, who requests me to inform you that Mr John Segar, would be happy to be appointed Surveyor in the place of Mr Stage Davis, who has or will resign, and to assure you that he is well fitted to execute the duties of the office. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect and veneration your most ob: hum: Servant

            Richard Bland Lee


Title: Ratification of the Consular Convention with France, 9 September 1789
From: Washington, George
To:

            [New York, 9 September 1789]

          George Washington President of the United States of America.
          To all to whom these Presents shall come—Greeting.
          Whereas a Convention for defining and establishing the Functions and Privileges of the respective Consuls and Vice Consuls of his most christian Majesty, and of the said United States, duly and respectively authorised for that purpose, which convention is in the form and words following.
          Now be it known that I having seen and considered the said Convention, do, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate accept, ratify and confirm the same, and every article and clause thereof. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these Presents, and signed

the same with my hand. Given at the City of New York the 9th day of September in the year of our Lord 1789.

            G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Bancker, 10 September 1789
From: Bancker, Abraham
To: Washington, George

          Castleton[,] Staten Island [N.Y.]
          Sir.10th Septemr 1789.
          I, for some time past, have had it in Contemplation, immediately on the Organization and Establishment of our new Government, to sollicit for some Office of Emolument, for which I might be deemed capacitated and deserving of; but when I considered, how many Competitors I might have to contend with, whose Abilities might be accounted superior to mine, and whose Claims to Preferment, might be better founded; there appeared so much Presumption, in the Attempt, that I felt a reluctance to prosecute my Intention.
          Upon farther deliberation, however, I have flattered myself, that an Application of this Nature might, probably, receive some degree of Attention from Your Excellency; by reason, that some part of the Services, I rendered my Country, in the course of the late Contest, have come to Your Excellency’s Knowledge and Observation—In order to elucidate the above Suggestion, permit me to advert to Facts. In the Campaign of the Year 1780, a Correspondence was established with certain communicative Characters, within the British Lines, (friendly to the American Cause,) for procuring and transmitting to Head Quarters, from time to time, such political Intelligence, as tended to facil[it]ate the Operations of the Army.
          In this Business, I took an early and active part, as the Certificates herewith presented, as well as a Variety of Vouchers, that

can be obtained, will bear ample Testimony to the Authenticity of this Assertion.
          Your Excellency I trust will recollect that you received Sundry Papers of that Nature, under the Signature of Amicus Reipublicae, and many other anonimous Productions penned by the same Hand; and likewise Plans of Fortifications, and other Communications of an interesting and important Nature, forwarded through the same Channel.
          I beg leave farther to represent, that independent of this, I corresponded with several Gentlemen, in public Service, at different Periods, in the War; who, can, I trust, bear Witness to the honest Zeal, by which I was actuated in the Undertaking as well as to the imminent Hazards I ran of being detected in the prosecution of it.
          For those Services I have not received any Compensation, nor was it my Intention to have Sought it—My Breast was fired with that Ardor for Liberty, and detestation of Slavery which, at that time, pervaded the honest Citizens of America. My Motives for engaging in so arduous and hazardous an Attempt, were pure and disinterested; as they flowed from a cordial Regard for the true Interests and Welfare of my Country. I was not permitted from Situation & Circumstances, to draw the Sword in her defence—and the voice of Reason, and the impulse of Duty pointed out to me this, as the only method, within my Power, of being at all serviceable.
          This Application proceeds merely from a reverse of Fortune. My Situation previous to the War, and at the present day affords a Striking Contrast—I was born to good Prospects, and was, at the Commencement of the War, going through a Course of Study; being intended for one of the learned Professions—But that, unhappily intervening, crushed all my hopes, as it not only diverted me from my Pursuits; but has divested my Parents of large and valuable Possessions, and reduced them to Distress.
          Thus situated, I conceive it my Duty to use the means, which are afforded me, of advancing their Interests, as well as my own, from a full Persuasion, that Your Excellency will not reject any Applications, that are made by Servants of the Public, without having well weighed their Import and Merits.
          I must acknowledge, that from my Ignorance of the Offices,

which remain vacant, I can have no particular Object in view. I wish to leave my Cause with your Excellency, and to submit entirely to Your Excellency’s Judgment; referring Your Excellency to Governor Clinton, for any Information, you may wish to have respecting my Family, Situation and Abilities.
          If Your Excellency, therefore, has any Office to bestow, sufficiently productive to enable me to live in Character, and to contribute towards the Support of my dearest Connections in Life, and shall compliment me with it, I will endeavor to discharge my Duty therein with Fidelity and Attention, and shall ever esteem myself under peculiar obligations to Your Excellency’s Beneficence. I have the honor to be, with Sentiments of the highest Respect & Esteem, Your Excelly’s most obedt & very humble Servt

            Abrm Bancker


Title: To George Washington from George Cornell, 10 September 1789
From: Cornell, George
To: Washington, George

            [10 September 1789]

          The Memorial of George Cornell of Portsmouth On Rhode Island—Your Excellency Humble Memorialist is the first of all this State that yet appears To Congratulate your Excellency Too the Appointment of Their President—and he Thinks Himself forever Happy Now under Your Excellencys Reign and Good Government, and To whome with a faithfull heart he wishes Long life and all Happiness—and your Memorialist Looks up To your Excellency as a father To his people—and he as One of the Children, who have Been Ever faithfull Begs Leave To inform Your Excellency that Our State will Soon Be Joined To the union—and as there Must Be Custom House Officers appointed within the State—he would Most Humbly Beg your Excellency To Confer the Collectorship of the Customhouse of Newport upon him, Or any Other appointment as your Excellency in his Clemency will Be Graciously Pleased To appoint Beleave him On the word of a man that your Excellency will find none More faithfull Through all his america then your Excellencys Humble Memorialist[.] He also Begs Leave to acquaint your Excellency, that he went into the Canadia war in 58 as an Ensign, and then at the Age of 16 years and Soon obtaind a Company in the Rhode Island Corps, and Continued in the field untill 65 and his Conduct was Such as To Merit the Esteem of sir Jeff. Amhast who Treated him with that Respect Due to a faithfull Soldier—But the war Being Over he Left the Army and Betook him Self To the Seas—a poor Exchange—as he has been Amazing unfortunate in being Taken in the Late war—and as there is places of Appointments wholy in your Excellencys Own Disposial he Begs your Excellencys Clemency—He flatters himself that as Some person Must be appointed To the Customhouse that if your Excellency will be Graciously pleased To Confer that Honor on him that his Steady Conduct will be always Such as To Merit Esteem—He Begs Leave To Take the Liberty thus Early To Recommend himself to your Excellency Protection—Hopeing your Excellency in his Great Goodness, will Be pleased to Signify his Pleasur—for which Your Excellencys Most Humble Memorialist will be in Ever Duty Bound

            Geo. Cornell Son of Clarke


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 11 September 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

            Gentlemen of the Senate,
            New York September 11th 1789.

          I nominate for the Department of the Treasury of the United States—
          Alexander Hamilton (of New York) Secretary.
          Nicholas Eveleigh (of So. Carolina) Comptroller.
          Samuel Meridith (of Pensylvania) Treasurer.
          Oliver Wolcott Junr (of Connecticut) Auditor.
          Joseph Nourse (in office) Register.
          For the Department of war—
          Henry Knox.
          For Judge in the Western Territory, in place of William Barton who declines the appointment.
          George Turner.
          For Surveyor in the District of Rappahannock, State of Virginia, in place of Staige Davis who declines the appointment—I nominate Peter Kemp.
          For Surveyor of Town-Creek in the District of Patuxent, State of Maryland, in place of Robert Young who declines the appointment—I nominate Charles Chilton.
          And, in case the nomination of Samuel Meridith should meet

the advice and consent of the Senate—I nominate as Surveyor of the Port of Philadelphia—
          William McPherson.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 12 September 1789
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir,
            Abingdon [Va.] 12th September—1789

          I meant to have written to you, immediately after the rising of the Chancery Court, respecting the Suit against Alexander—

But as my Lawyers promised me their opinions in writing on the subject, I thought it better to wait, ’till I could lay the matter fully before you—I have written to them since my return, desiring they would comply with their promise, but have recieved no answer—I must therefore endeavour to give you as good a statement of their opinions at present, as I can; since the time, at which, the Court of Chancery will again sit, admits of no longer delay.
          A few days before I went to Richmond, Mr Alexander made me the same offer which he had done to Mr Custis, to cancel the bargain and take the land back, leaving the rent to be fixed by indifferent persons, to be agreed on between us—He also wished to put off the trial ’till October—With respect to the first proposition, I informed him, that I did not concieve I had any powers to do such a thing, and that I was also averse to any postponement; but that I would be regulated in the latter, by the opinion of my Council—On going to Richmond, I informed my Lawyers of Mr Alexander’s propositions—They informed me, it was a matter of such magnitude, that it ought if possible to be accepted—That the Chancellor as the Guardian of infants might undertake it, if it appeared from the opinions of their friends to be to their advantage. If the Chancellor should not think his powers sufficient, they recommend an application to the Legislature, signed by Mrs Washington & you, and Mrs Stuart & myself—I confess, I never was more astonished, than to find them considering the matter so differently from what I allways understood them—But, I believe, they had never considered the cause, ’till the moment allmost of it’s coming on to trial—From my conversation with them hitherto, I understood it to be their opinion, that the twelve thousand pounds, on which the compound interest was calculated, would be scaled—This would have reduced it to two thousand, which with interest for twenty four years would amount to more than four thousand pounds—Tho I allways for my part, considered this as a great price for the land; yet when I reflected on the sum which was contended for, I thought it would be fortunate to get off so well—Their most favourable opinion now; is, that the 48 thousand pounds may be scaled; which by the scale would come to eight thousand pounds hard money—From the experience I have had of the land, I think it more than double its value. But

they do not appear even sanguine in obtaining this much; and Alexander’s Lawyers speak confidently of their succeeding in the whole sum for which the bond was given—In a matter of such consequence, it is perhaps prudent to recieve a Lesson from an adversary—If judgement should go for the latter sum, the whole family would be ruined, if for the former, the poor girls would be left destitute; while Washington would be left without negroes to work his lands—From these considerations, it is Mrs Stuart’s opinion & mine that it will be best to give up the land; or at least signify our opinions to the Chancellor that we concieve it to be to the interest of her children to do it; provided Mrs Washington & you concur in opinion; for I shall take no step without your approbation—I must therefore beg to hear from you immediately, as the time is near at hand when something must be done—If the Chancellor should refuse to do it, and you approve of an application to the Assembly, I beg you will mention it, that I may have a memorial prepared—If the latter should be necessary, it perhaps could not have been done at a more favourable time. Mr Randolph & Mr Marshall being both members, and employed in the cause.
          I am just returned from Staunton, where I expected the suit against McClennegan for fourteen negroes would have been tried —To my astonishment when I got there, I found that the cause belonged to the Greenbriar District—So that I have had another proof of the negligence of Lawers. I therefore wrote to the judges requesting it to be put off ’till the Spring—I shall set out in a fiew days for Williamsburg, when I expect the suit against Coll Basset will be tried—I have but little expectations of oversetting his payments.
          I have not yet been able to consult the deed you mention, in which you have made a conveyance to Mr Custis for the lands I mentioned; having lodged it with Mr Dandridge for the purpose of having the lands in King William surveyed; there being some disputes about lines, with some of the neighbours—Tho’ my information was derived from him, I am pretty certain on recollection, that you are right, as I remember Mr Henry’s applying to me a year or two ago, for your deed to Mr Custis for the land he purchased; and my informing him after consulting the deed, that I could not part with it, as it was included in the deed in which you made a conveyance for the lands in King

William—I did not recollect this at the time I wrote; and besides supposed Mr Dandridge a better judge than myself.
          Tho’ I have had but little time of late to attend to Politics, yet I think there is but one voice among us now, since the business of titles, that of approbation. The success of amendments will leave but a fiew scattering opponents—Mr Maddison will be a very popular character hereafter on the South side of James river, for his conduct in this business, as Coll Carrington informs me—The same Gentleman informs me, that there has been scarce an instance where the oaths have been refused—It is perhaps somewhat singular, but the Opponents to the Government, appear more generally pleased with the constru[c]tion of the Constitution, which vests the power of removal in the President, than the friends to it—Their satisfaction however, entirely reconciles the latter to it—Mr Henry is the only one of the party, I have heard of, who disapproves of it—He still thinks too that the single amendment purposed in our Convention respecting direct taxes worth all the rest.
          When the plan you have adopted with respect to your family, was first heard of, it was understood to extend to the exclusion of all company whatever—This being considered, as too great a departure from the friendly intercourse, & communion which allways subsisted between the people and their first Magistrates, was viewed as a novelty, and disliked—Since the matter has been rightly understood, I have never heard it condemned—I have heard many members of the former Congress in particular, express their approbation of it.
          The people in Alexandria, were lately much disturbed by a regulation in the Naval System—The likelyhood of a repeal has put them into a good humour again—The last Post brought us an account of the vote of the lower House, respecting the permanent seat of Government. The people here say, that their expectations of it’s being on the Potowmac, were allways centered in you, and hope that as your opinion has been long known on the subject, it will never pass with your concurrence—For my part, I fear from the majority which have prevailed on the question, that even that will not avail—I am unacquainted with the various steps which have preceded the decision, but it appears to me that some advantage has been taken of the absence

of many members from the Southward. A question which involves all the passions and interests of the different parts of the Union, ought not to have been decided on without much previous notice. Perhaps, it ought not to have been decided on at all, in the absence of two States, who will probably soon join the Union. I have no doubt, but the Opponents to the Constitution in those States, and North Carolina particularly, will consider it, as a striking instance of disrespect—A member of that State, tho’ a friend to the government, will I think be justifyed in refusing to accede to it, when, a question which is to affect them to the latest ages, has been decided on, without their voice—No possible injury could have arisen, from a suspension of the question for a fiew months—As the arguments of population & wealth seem to have been considered as frivolous, and therefore disregarded, I cannot concieve on what principle the question could have met with such a fate—But, it is too probable, tho’ they were not insisted on, that they have had their influence—Upon the whole, it is considered as unfortunate, that a matter of such magnitude should have been agitated at this time, and much more so, that it should be generally considered, that any other circumstance, than that of extent of territory should be supposed to have operated. I am Dr Sir, with great respect Your Affecte Servt

            Dd Stuart

            P:S: I am just informed that Alexander’s friends are dissuading him from the offer he made, as he is so certain of getting more than double the value of his land—I feared this would be the case, and wish I had had power to have closed with him at once—Coll Simms will be in New York the Stage after your receipt of this, who will be able to give you a more particular acct than I have probably done respecting this important matter to the estate. I have begged him to call on you immediately on his arrival.

            Dd S.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Thompson, 12 September 1789
From: Thompson, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

          Morris Town, State of New Jersey
          SirSeptember 12th 1789
          In expectation that, under the present government of the United States, Congress may shortly find it expedient, amongst other commercial regulations, to establish Consuls at foreign Ports—particularly to the Ports of France & french Islands—and having from a long residence with the french nation, acquired a knowledge of their language, Laws & customs, sufficient I flatter myself to discharge the duties of a Consular trust; Beg leave to offer my services to the consideration of your Excellency, as a person who wishes to be viewed as a Candidate for some such Appointment, whenever the commercial interests of the United States, and the arrangement proper on the Ocasion, may render the Same necessary—But as offices of this nature may most probably fall under the immediate Control and direction of the department of Foreign Affairs, an Application to the Head of that department might perhaps be proper, ignorant however on the subject and totally a Stranger to the gentelman who presides over it, I have ventured to Submit my wish & pretensions to your Excellency, to whom in the early part of the late american war, I had the honor to be somewhat known, although at this day not familiar to your Excellencys memory—The following circumstances may, however, enable your Excellency to call me to your mind.
          At the commencement of the late american war, I had then been Seven years a resident in Canada and on the entrance of General Montgomery into that province, was one of the first who took an active part in the Cause of America; consequently with many Others I was compelled to take refuge in, & retreat with the american Army in June 1776. on my arrival at New York in July following, I had the honor to be presented to your Excellency as a person who was thought qualified to enter the

British encampment then on Staten Island, with a view to encourage a desertion of the german Troops in the British Service. Afterwards in the same year I was appointed to a command in the Navy, which appearing to afford but little prospect of action at that time, I gave up, for an appointment in the horse Service, in which, in the campaign of Seventy Seven, first as adjutant to Sheldons regiment, and afterwards as acting Brigade Major to Count Pulaski I had sometimes the honor to receive your Excellencys orders—unable to Support my self longer in the Service, in June 1778 I resigned, I have Since held the Office of Commissioner, for Settling the public Accounts between this State & the United States—I have an encreasing young family & but very Slender means for their Support, a circumstance that alone induced me to address your Excellency on this ocasion.
          I am well known to the representation in Congress from this State but principally to Messrs Patterson Boudinot, & Cadwallader to whom respecting my qualifications, & conduct in life, I beg to refer your Excellency. I have the Honor to be Most Respectfully Your Excellencys Very Obedient Humble Servant

            Benja. Thompson


Title: Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 14 September 1789
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Biddle, Clement

            Dear Sir,
            New York, September 14th 1789

          I have now before me your several favors of the 15th, 19th and 29th of August, and 2d of September.
          The Prayer-Books came safe to hand, and were much approved of by Mrs Washington.
          As there is, at present, no opportunity from this place to So. Carolina by water, I have taken the liberty to commit the enclosed letter to your care, requesting that you will be so good as to have it put on board the first Vessel which sails from Philadelphia to So. Carolina with a charge to the Captain to have it delivered immediately on his arrival.
          Mrs Washington wishes you to send 25lb. of Chocolate shells to Mount Vernon by the first opportunity, which you will charge to the Acct of the President; and I will thank you for a statement of his Acct from the last rendered in, whenever it may be convenient for you to send it. I am, Dear Sir, with very great esteem, Your most Obedt Servt

            Tobias Lear.


Title: From George Washington to the Rhode Island Society of the Cincinnati, 14 September 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Rhode Island Society of the Cincinnati

            Gentlemen,
            United-States September 14th 1789

          In returning my grateful thanks for the flattering and affectionate sentiments, expressed in your address of the 3rd instant, I beg you will do justice to the sincerity of my regard, which reciprocates, with great pleasure, the warmest wishes for your happiness, political and personal.
          Under a persuasion of the candor and support of my fellow-citizens, I yielded obedience to the voice of my country—and, impressed by a sense of duty, I forsook the pleasures of domestic retirement to promote, if my best exertions can have such tendency, the objects of a dearer interest. Those expectations of support have been amply fulfilled, and my fondest hope of their candor has been gratified by a kind and partial country.
          I am much pleased, Gentlemen, with the hope which you entertain that mistaken zeal will give way to enlightened policy—and I desire to repeat to your Society assurances of the most affectionate esteem.

            G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Arthur St. Clair, 14 September 1789
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            New York Sept. 14. 1789.

          The constant Hostilities between the Indians who live upon the river Wabash, and the people of Kentuckey must necessarily be attended with such embarrassing circumstances to the Government of the Western Territory, that I am induced to request you will be pleased to take the matter into consideration, and give me the orders you may think proper.
          It is not to be expected Sir, that the Kentuckey people will, or can, submit patiently to the cruelties and depredations of those Savages. they are in the habits of retaliation perhaps, without attending precisely to the nations from which the injuries are received—they will continue to retaliate, or they will apply to the Governor of the western country (through which the indians must pass to attack them) for redress; If he cannot redress them, (and in present circumstances he cannot) they also will march through that country, to redress themselves, and the Government will be laid prostrate. The United States, on the other hand are at peace with several of the nations; and, should the resentment of those people fall upon any of them, which it is likely enough may happen, very bad consequences will follow; for it must appear to them that the United States, either pay no

regard to their Treaties, or that they are unable or unwilling to carry their engagements into effect. Remonstrances will probably be made by them also to the Governor, and he will be found in a situation, from which he can neither redress the one, nor protect the other: they will unite with the hostile nations, prudently preferring open war to a delusive and uncertain peace.
          By a resolution of the late Congress the Governor of the western Territory, had power, in case of hostilities, to call upon Virginia and Pennsylvania for a number of men to act in conjunction with the continental Troops, and carry war into the indian settlements. that resolution, it is now supposed, is no longer in force. the revival of it might be of use, as it would tend to conciliate the western people, by shewing them that they were not unattended to; and would in some measure Justify me in holding a language to the indians which might obviate the necessity of employing force against them. The handful of Troops Sir, that are scattered in that country, tho’ they may afford protection to some Settlements, cannot possibly act offensively by themselves. I have the Honor to be Sir your most obedient and most humble Servant

            Ar. St Clair


Title: From George Washington to Arthur Campbell, 15 September 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Campbell, Arthur

            Sir,
            New York September 15th 1789

          Your several favors of the 10th and 16th of May and 22d of August with their enclosures have been received—The information which they communicate claims my thanks, and the personal kindness they express is entitled to my grateful acknowledgments.
          Watchful over every interest of the Union, Congress during their present Session, have passed a Law authorising the appointment of Commissioners to treat with the Indians, and providing for the expences attendant on the negotiations—In pursuance thereof Benjamin Lincoln, Cyrus Griffin, and David Humphreys Esquires have been appointed Commissioners; and they sailed from New York for Savannah in Georgia fifteen days ago.
          Circumstances concur to favor a beleif that the most beneficial consequences will flow from this measure, and that its effects will be extended to every description of Indians within, and contiguous to, the United States.
          I accept with pleasure your obliging offers of further communications, and shall at all times be happy to receive such information as you may think interesting to the Government of the United States. I am, Sir, Your Most Obedient Servant

            George Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Gilpin, 15 September 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Gilpin, George

            Dear Sir,
            New York, September 15th 1789.

          I am favored with the receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant, and thank you for the information, which you have been so good as to communicate.
          Every circumstance which serves to shew the utility, and which explains the progress of an undertaking so advantageous to the Community, as the navigation of the Potowmack, is at once grateful and interesting.
          When your leisure allows an opportunity of making out the draft you mention, I shall be glad to receive it, together with such further observations as may consist with your convenience. I am Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant

            Go: Washington


Title: Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 16 September 1789
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Biddle, Clement

            Dear Sir,
            New York September 16th 1789

          The President has sent to Virginia a German who is to be a Gardener for him there.
          As he cannot speak the English Language and is unacquainted with the Country—I have paid his passage in the Stage to Philadelphia; and have written to Mr Inskeep—proprieter of the Stage there, to forward him from thence to Alexandria, and have informed him that the Amount of his Passage to the latter place would be paid by you upon his delivering this Letter—

which I request you to do & charge the same to the Ac[coun]t of the President of the United States. I am Dr Sir, with great esteem, Your Most Obt Servt

            Tobias Lear.

            P.S. The Man has a trunk which I presume will require to be paid for also.


Title: From George Washington to Margaret Tilghman Carroll, 16 September 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Carroll, Margaret Tilghman

            Madam,
            New York, September 16th 1789.

          A Person having been lately sent to me from Europe in the capacity of a Gardner, who professes a knowledge in the culture of rare plants and care of a Green-House, I am desirous to profit of the very obliging offer you were pleased some time ago to make me.
          In availing myself of your goodness I am far from desiring that it should induce any inconvenience to yourself—but, reconciling your disposition to oblige, with your convenience, I shall be happy to receive such aids as you can well spare, and as will not impair your collection. Trusting that this will be the rule of your bounty, I have requested General Williams to give you notice, when an opportunity offers to transport the trees or plants in the freshest state to Mount Vernon, and to pay any expence which may be incurred in fitting them for transportation, and to receive them from your Gardner for that purpose. I

have the honor to be, most respectfully, Madam, Your obliged and obedient Servant

            G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 16 September 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

          United States, 16 September 1789. Nominates Lemuel Wyatt as collector of customs for Reheboth, Massachusetts.


Title: To George Washington from Andrew Moore, 17 September 1789
From: Moore, Andrew
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            New York Sepr 17th 1789

          The judicial Bill now before us requires that a martial should be appointed in each district It is with reluctance I mention a person Who I consider as qualified to discharge the duties of that office And would not have presumd to have thus held up to your view—Had I not been informd that you wisht to be informd of such Characters as might have Pretensions—Colo. Jno. Steel of Virginia I consider as well qualified to fill such an office He has been some time engagd in Studying the Law—And has for some Years been Employd in a Clerks office—I expect he has acquird a sufficient legal knowledge for the Discharge of the duties—Colo. Steel early in the War Was appointed an Ensign in the Ninth Virginia Regiment And Servd to the End He has been high in the Estimation of his Acquaintances—not only in the Army But in private life—should you Consider Colo. Steel As worthy your Attention in this Business—I beg leave to refer you to Colo. Grayson—General Matthews and Genl Muhlenburgh for his Character His present Situation is not so Comfortable as I think his Merits Entitle him to—this Sir Was one reason with me for thus Presenting him to View And I hope will plead my Excuse. I have the Honor to be With respt & Esteem your Mt Obt Sert

            Aw Moore


Title: To George Washington from Bellegard, 18 September 1789 [letter not found]
From: Bellegard, Gabriel Dupare de
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Bellegard, 18 Sept. 1789. In a letter of 15 Jan. 1790 to the marquis de Bellegard, GW wrote: “I have received your letter dated the 18th of September 1789.”