Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 25 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

United States [Philadelphia] October 25th 1791.
Fellow Citizens of the Senate,and of the House of Representatives.

I meet you, upon the present occasion, with the feelings which are naturally inspired by a strong impression of the prosperous situation of our common Country, and by a persuasion equally strong, that the labours of the Session, which has just commenced, will, under the guidance of a spirit no less prudent than patriotic, issue in measures, conducive to the stability and increase of national prosperity.
Numerous as are the Providential blessings which demand our grateful acknowledgments—the abundance with which another year has again rewarded the industry of the Husbandman, is too important to escape recollection.

Your own observations, in your respective situations, will have satisfied you of the progressive state of Agriculture—Manufactures—Commerce and Navigation: In tracing their causes, you will have remarked, with particular pleasure, the happy effects of that revival of confidence, public as well as private, to which the constitution and laws of the United States have so eminently contributed: And you will have observed, with no less interest, new and decisive proofs of the increasing reputation and credit of the Nation. But you, nevertheless, cannot fail to derive satisfaction from the confirmation, of these circumstances, which will be disclosed, in the several official communications that will be made to you in the course of your deliberations.
The rapid subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, which completed the sum allowed to be subscribed, in a single day, is among the striking and pleasing evidences which present themselves, not only of confidence in the government, but of resource in the community.
In the interval of your recess due attention has been paid to the execution of the different objects which were specially provided for by the laws and resolutions of the last Session.
Among the most important of these is the defence and security of the Western Frontiers. To accomplish it on the most humane principles, was a primary wish.
Accordingly, at the same time that treaties have been provisionally concluded, and other proper means used to attach the wav[er]ing, and to confirm in their friendship, the well-disposed tribes of Indians—effectual measures have been adopted to make those of a hostile description sensible, that a pacification was desired upon terms of moderation and justice.
These measures having proved unsuccessful, it became necessary to convince the refractory of the power of the United States to punish their depredations. Offensive operations have therefore been directed; to be conducted, however, as consistently as possible with the dictates of humanity. Some of these have been crowned with full success, and others are yet depending. The expeditions which have been completed were carried on under the authority, and at the expense of the United States, by the Militia of Kentucky; whose enterprize, intripidity and good conduct, are entitled to peculiar commendation.
Overtures of peace are still continued to the deluded tribes, and considerable numbers of individuals belonging to them

have lately renounced all further opposition, removed from their former situations, and placed themselves under the immediate protection of the United States.
It is sincerely to be desired, that all need of coertion, in future, may cease; and that an intimate intercourse may succeed; calculated to advance the happiness of the Indians, and to attach them firmly to the United States.
In order to this, it seems necessary—
That they should experience the benefits of an impartial dispensation of Justice.
That the mode of alienating their lands, the main source of discontent and war, should be so defined and regulated, as to obviate imposition, and, as far as may be practicable, controversy concerning the reality and extent of the alienations which are made.
That commerce with them should be promoted under regulations tending to secure an equitable deportment towards them, and that such rational experiments should be made, for imparting to them the blessings of civilization, as may, from time to time suit their condition.
That the Executive of the United States should be enabled to employ the means to which the Indians have been long accustomed for uniting their immediate interests with the preservation of peace.
And—that efficatious provision should be made for inflicting adequate penalties upon all those who, by violating their rights, shall infringe the treaties, and endanger the peace of the Union.
A System corrisponding with the mild principles of religion and philanthropy towards an unenlightened race of men, whose happiness materially depends on the conduct of the United States, would be as honorable to the national character as conformable to the dictates of sound policy.
The powers specially vested in me by the Act laying certain duties on distilled spirits, which respect the subdivisions of the Districts into Surveys, the appointment of Officers, and the assignment of compensations, have likewise been carried into effect. In a matter in which both materials and experience were wanting to guide the calculation, it will be readily conceived that there must have been difficulty in such an adjustment of the rates of compensation as would conciliate a reasonable competency with a proper regard to the limits prescribed by the law. It

is hoped that the circumspection which has been used will be found in the result to have secured the last of the two objects; but it is probable, that with a view to the first, in some instances a revision of the provision will be found advisable.
The impressions with which this law has been received by the community, have been, upon the whole, such as were to be expected among enlightened and well disposed Citizens, from the propriety and necessity of the measure. The novelty, however, of the tax in a considerable part of the United States, and a misconception of some of its provisions, have given occasion in particular places to some degree of discontent. But it is satisfactory to know that this disposition yields to proper explanations and more just apprehensions of the true nature of the law. And I entertain a full confidence, that it will, in all, give way to motives which arise out of a just sense of duty, and a virtuous regard to the public welfare.
If there are any circumstances, in the law, which, consistently with its main design, may be so varied as to remove any well intentioned objections, that may happen to exist, it will consist with a wise moderation to make the proper variations. It is desirable, on all occasions, to unite with a steady and firm adherence to constitutional and necessary Acts of Government, the fullest evidence of a disposition, as far as may be practicable, to consult the wishes of every part of the community, and to lay the foundations of the public Administration in the affection of the people.
Pursuant to the authority contained in the several Acts on that subject—a district of ten miles square for the permanent Seat of the Government of the United States, has been fixed, and announced by proclamation, which district will comprehend lands on both sides of the River Potomac, and the towns of Alexandria and George-town. A City has also been laid out agreeably to a plan which will be placed before Congress: And as there is a prospect, favored by the rate of sales which have already taken place, of ample funds for carrying on the necessary public buildings, there is every expectation of their due progress.
The completion of the Census of the Inhabitants, for which provision was made by law, has been duly notified, (excepting one instance, in which the return has been informal; and another, in which it has been omitted or miscarried) and the returns of the officers who were charged with this duty, which will

be laid before you, will give you the pleasing assurance, that the present population of the United States borders on four millions of persons.
It is proper also to inform you that a further loan of two millions and an half of florins has been completed in Holland; the terms of which are similar to those of the one last announced, except as to a small reduction of charges. Another on like terms for six millions of florins had been set on foot under circumstances that assured an immediate completion.
Gentlemen of the Senate.
Two treaties, which have been provisionally concluded with the Cherokees, and six nations of Indians, will be laid before you for your consideration and ratification.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives.
In entering upon the discharge of your legislative trust, you must anticipate with pleasure, that many of the difficulties, necessarily incident to the first arrangements of a new Government, for an extensive Country, have been happily surmounted by the zealous and judicious exertions of your predecessors in co-operation with the other branch of the legislature. The important objects, which remain to be accomplished, will, I am persuaded, be conducted upon principles equally comprehensive, and equally well calculated for the advancement of the general weal.
The time limited for receiving subscriptions to the loans proposed by the Act making provision for the debt of the United States, having expired, statements, from the proper department, will, as soon as possible apprize you of the exact result. Enough, however, is already known to afford an assurance that the views of that Act have been substantially fulfilled. The subscription in the domestic debt of the United States has embraced by far the greatest proportion of that debt; affording, at the same time, proof of the general satisfaction of the public creditors with the system which has been proposed to their acceptance, and of the spirit of accommodation to the convenience of the Government with which they are actuated. The subscriptions in the debts of the respective States, as far as the provisions of the law have permitted, may be said to be yet more general. The part of the debt of the United States, which remains unsubscribed, will naturally engage your further deliberations.
It is particularly pleasing to me to be able to announce to you,

that the revenues which have been established, promise to be adequate to their objects, and may be permitted, if no unforeseen exigency occurs, to supersede, for the present, the necessity of any new burthens upon our Constituents.
An object which will claim your early attention is a provision for the current service of the ensuing year, together with such ascertained demands upon the Treasury as require to be immediately discharged, and such casualties as may have arisen in the execution of the public business, for which no specific appropriation may have yet been made; of all which a proper estimate will be laid before you.
Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:
I shall content myself with a general reference to former communications for several objects, upon which the urgency of other affairs has hitherto postponed any definitive resolution. Their importance will recall them to your attention; and I trust that the progress already made in the most arduous arrangements of the government will afford you leisure to resume them with advantage.
There are, however, some of them of which I cannot forbear a more particular mention. These are the Militia—the Post Office and Post Roads—the Mint—Weights and measures—aprovision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States.
The first is certainly an object of primary importance, whether viewed in reference to the national security, to the satisfaction of the community, or to the preservation of Order. In connection with this, the establishment of competent Magazines & Arsenals, and the fortification of such places as are peculiarly important and vulnerable, naturally present themselves to consideration. The safety of the United States, under Divine protection, ought to rest on the basis of systematic and solid arrangements; exposed as little as possible to the hazards of fortuitous circumstances.
The importance of the Post Office and Post Roads, on a plan sufficiently liberal and comprehensive, as they respect the expedition, safety and facility of communication, is increased by the instrumentality in diffusing a knowledge of the laws and proceedings of the Government; which, while it contributes to the security of the people, serves also to guard them against the effects of mis-representation and misconception. The establishment

of additional cross-Posts, especially to some of the important points in the Western and Northern parts of the Union, cannot fail to be of material utility.
The disorders in the existing currency, and especially the scarcity of small change, a scarcity so peculiarly distressing to the poorer classes, strongly recommend the carrying into immediate effect the resolution already entered into concerning the establishment of a Mint. Measures have been taken pursuant to that resolution for procuring some of the most necessary artists, together with the requisite Apparatus.
An uniformity in the weights and measures of the Country is among the important objects submitted to you by the Constitution, and if it can be derived from a standard at once invariable and universal, must be no less honorable to the public Councils than conducive to the public convenience.
A provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States is particularly urged, among other reasons, by the important considerations that they are pledged as a fund for reimbursing the public debt; that if timely and judiciously applied they may save the necessity of burthening our Citizens with new taxes for the extinguishment of the principal; and that being free to discharge the principal but in a limited proportion, no opportunity ought to be lost for availing the public of its right.

Go: Washington


Title: Conversations with Pierce Butler, Ralph Izard, and Aaron Burr, 26 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To:

[Philadelphia] October the 26th 1791

On the morning of this day the President requested Mr Butler (who had to pass by his house) to give him a call on his way to the Senate Chamber; and in this interview the President informed Mr Butler, that after the best consideration which time and circumstances had allowed him to bestow on the subject of etiquette, which had been submitted to him on the 24 instant, he thought it most advisable that he should give no opinion thereon—first, because as a public character he had no power to decide the point. Secondly, as a private one it would only be committing sentiments that would be void of operation, that is, which might have no effect on those whose opinions did not coincide therewith—and thirdly because it might open an avenue to more extensive discussion of points of Etiquette than he should chuse to be engaged in. This opinion the President requested

Major Butler to communicate to Mr Izard and Mr Burr, with a view to save them the trouble of calling upon him; to whom, however, if they inclined to do it, he would repeat the same sentiments.
About three o’clock, these Gentlemen were again deputed to wait upon the President and present to him the following Resolutions of the Senate—the last of which, it seems, applies to them as well out of, as while in Session, because they say they are liable to be called upon in their Executive capacity, whenever the President shall think it proper to do it.
PresentThe Vice-President

            Mr
            Burr
            Mr
            Izard

            Butler

            King

            Cabot

            Langdon

            Dickinson

            Morris

            Few

            Read

            Foster

            Rutherfurd

            Hawkins

            Stanton

            Henry

            Sherman

            Johnston

            Strong

            Wingate

Voted unanimously, as the sense of the Senators, that they may, with Propriety, pay the first visit to all Ambassadors after they shall be received by the President and announced by him to the public, in consideration of their being the Representatives of the persons and dignities of their respective Sovereigns, and that the Senators will expect to receive the first visit from all other ministers.
Voted unanimously, that this rule shall be considered as universal.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 26 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States [Philadelphia] 26th October 1791

I have directed the Secretary of War, to lay before you for your consideration, all the papers relative to the late negociations with the Cherokee Indians—and the treaty concluded with that

tribe, on the 2d day of July last, by the Superintendant of the Southern district; and I request your advice, whether I shall ratify the same.
I also lay before you the instructions to Colonel Pickering, and his conferences with the six Nations of Indians. These conferences were for the purpose of conciliation, and at a critical period to withdraw those Indians to a greater distance from the theatre of war, in order to prevent their being involved therein.
It might not have been necessary to have requested your opinion on this business, had not the Commissioner, with good intentions, but incautiously, made certain ratifications of lands, unauthorized by his instructions, and unsupported by the constitution.
It therefore became necessary to disavow the transaction explicitly, in a Letter written by my orders to the Governor of New York, on the 17th of August last.
The Speeches to the Cornplanter, and other Seneka Chiefs—the instructions to Colonel Procter, and his report, and other messages and directions, are laid before you for your information; and as evidences that all proper lenient measures preceded the exercise of coercion.
The Letters to the Chief of the Creeks, are also laid before you, to evince that the requisite steps have been taken, to produce a full compliance with the treaty made with that nation, on the 7th of August 1790.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 26 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives
United States [Philadelphia] October 26th 1791.

I lay before you copies of the following Acts, which have been transmitted to me during the recess of Congress viz.
An Act passed by the Legislature of New Hampshire, for ceding to the United States, the Fort and Light House belonging to said State.
An Act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, ratifying on behalf of said State, the first article of Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, as proposed by Congress; and
An Act of the Legislature of North Carolina, granting the use of the Jails within that State to the United States.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 27 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir,
[Philadelphia] Thursday 27th Octr 1791.

Enclosed I return you the list of Sales in the Federal City.
You will oblige me, by drafting a short answer to the address, to be presented tomorrow, and sending it to me this Evening or in the Morning early. If you want the address let me know it & it shall be sent to you. Yours—Sincerely & Affectly

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 27 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

Gentlemen of the Senate and house of Representatives,
United States [Philadelphia] 27th October 1791.

I have directed the secretary of War to lay before you for your information the reports of Brigadier General Scott, and Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Wilkinson, the officers who commanded the two expeditions against the Wabash indians, in the months of June and August last; together with the instructions by virtue of which the said expeditions were undertaken. When the operations now depending shall be terminated, the reports relative thereto shall also be laid before you.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 28 October 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

War-Department [Philadelphia] October 28th 1791.

The Secretary of War, to whom the President of the United States referred the letter of his Excellency the governor of Virginia of the 20th instant, enclosing a letter of the 6th instant from H. Smith commanding officer of the County of Russell, Stating the defenceless situation of his County.
Respectfully reports.

The enclosed draft of a letter to the said governor in answer to his letter.
That the governor being the best judge of the situation of the said county, and being a dignified and responsible character, will be best qualified to judge of the propriety of calling out a full company from the interior counties.
That the letter, a copy of which is hereunto annexed, was written to the governor of Virginia, on the 2nd of April last, and it was presumed that the power which would then have b[e]en directed by the President of the united States, would have been adequate for the defensive protection of said county.
That a copy of the power vested in the county Lieutenants on the 10th of March last was transmitted to the said governor on the 14th of the same month, in a letter, of which the annexed is a copy.
All which is humbly submitted to the President of the united States.

H. Knoxsecy of War


Title: From George Washington to the United States House of Representatives, 28 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States House of Representatives

Gentlemen,
[Philadelphia] October the 28th [1791]

The pleasure I derive from an assurance of your attention to the objects I have recommended to you, is doubled by your concurrence in the testimony I have borne to the prosperous condition of our public Affairs. Relying on these sanctions of your enlightened Judgment, and on your patriotic aid, I shall be the more encouraged in all my endeavours for the public weal; and particularly in those which may be required on my part for executing the salutary measures I anticipate from your present deliberations.

Go: Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Harriot Washington, 30 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Harriot

Dear Harriot
Philadelphia October 30th 1791.

I have received your letter of the 21st instant, and shall always be glad to hear from you—When my business will permit inclination will not be wanting in me to acknowledge the receipt of your letters, and this I shall do more cheerfully as it will afford me opportunities at those times of giving you such occasional advice as your situation may require.
At present I could plead a better excuse for curtailing my letter to you than you had for shortening of yours to me, having a multitude of business before me while you have nothing to do, consequently you might, with equal convenience to yourself, have set down to write your letter an hour or two, or even a day sooner, as to have delayed it until your Cousin was on the point of sending to the Post-Office—I make this remark for no other reason than to shew you it is better to offer no excuse than a bad one, if at any time you should happen to fall into an error.
Occupied as my time now is, and must be during the sitting of Congress, I nevertheless will endeavor to inculcate upon your mind the delicacy and danger of that period, to which you are now arrived under peculiar circumstances—You are just entering into the state of womanhood without the watchful eye of a Mother to admonish, or the protecting aid of a Father to advise and defend you; you may not be sensible that you are at this moment about to be stamped with that character which will adhere to you through life—the consequence of which you have not perhaps attended to, but be assured it is of the utmost importance that you should.
Your Cousins, with whom you live are well qualified to give you advice, and I am sure they will if you are disposed to receive it—But if you are disobliging—self willed and untowardly it is hardly to be expected that they will engage themselves in unpleasant disputes with you, especially Fanny, whose mild and placid temper will not permit her to exceed the limits of wholesome admonition or gentle rebuke. Think then to what dangers a giddy girl of 15 or 16 must be exposed in circumstances like these—To be under but little or no controul may be pleasing to a mind that does not reflect, but this pleasure cannot be of long duration,

and reason, too late perhaps, may convince you of the folly of misspending time. You are not to learn, I am certain, that your fortune is small—supply the want of it then with a well cultivated mind. with dispositions to industry and frugality—with gentleness of manners—obliging temper—and such qualifications as will attract notice, and recommend you to a happy establishment for life.
You might instead of associating with those from whom you can derive nothing that is good, but may have observed every thing that is deceitful, lying, and bad, become the intimate companion of and aid to your Cousin in the domestic concerns of the family.
Many Girls before they have arrived at your age have been found so trustworthy as to take the whole trouble of a family from their Mothers; but it is by a steady and rigid attention to the rules of propriety that such confidence is obtained, and nothing would give me more pleasure than to hear that you had acquired it—The merits and benefits of it would redound more to your own advantage in your progress thro’ life, and to the person with whom you may in due time form a matrimonial connexion than to any others—but to none would such a circumstance afford more real satisfaction than to Your affectionate Uncle

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Giuseppe Ceracchi, 31 October 1791
From: Ceracchi, Giuseppe
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia October 31. 1791.

I take the liberty to enclose to you a Copy of a Memorial which I have the honor of presenting this day to Congress—Give me leave to submit it to the Friend and Patron of the fine Arts as well as to the President of the United States. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant

Joseph Ceracchi


Title: Enclosure: Giuseppe Ceracchi to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 31 October 1791
From: Ceracchi, Giuseppe
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

Philadelphia 31st October 1791.

Joseph Ceracchi, a Roman Sculptor begs leave to submit to your Honors the annexed Design, which he has conceived of a Monument for perpetuating the Memory of the American Revolution.
If Congress should think proper to encourage this Design, the Artist, satisfied with the Glory, which his performance will receive from the Subject itself, desires no pecuniary Reward, and only wishes to have the Expence defrayed, necessarily attending on such a work.
He has Sketched a Model of this work of the Height of about six feet, which will best convey the Idea of the intended Execution, and which he begs leave to submit to the Judgment of Congress.
Should his Offer be thought worthy of Acceptance, he will be happy in dedicating his Labours to a work, the Subject of which being so glorious in itself must insure Immortality to the Artist.

Joseph Ceracchi


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Potts, 31 October 1791 [letter not found]
From: Potts, Samuel
To: Washington, George

	Letter not found: from Samuel Potts, 31 Oct. 1791. GW wrote to Potts on 18 Mar. 1792: “Your letter of the 31st of October, on the subject of a Legacy left by Mr[s] Savage to Mrs Bomford, has been received.”


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 31 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen,
[Philadelphia, 31 October 1791]

This manifestation of your zeal for the honor and the happiness of our Country, derives its full value from the share which your deliberations have already had in promoting both.
I thank you for the favorable sentiments with which you view the part I have borne in the arduous trust committed to the Government of the United States; and desire you to be assured that all my zeal will continue to second those further efforts for the public good, which are ensured by the spirit in which you are entering on the present session.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 31 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.
United States [Philadelphia] October 31st 1791.

I send you herewith the arrangement which has been made by me, pursuant to the Act, entitled “An Act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled Spirits imported from abroad, & laying others in their stead, and also upon spirits, distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same,” in respect to the subdivision of the several districts, created by the said Act, into surveys of Inspection, the

appointment of Officers for the same, and the assignment of compensations.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 1 November 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.
United States [Philadelphia] November 1st 1791.

I received yesterday, from the Judge of the District of South Carolina, a letter, inclosing the presentments of the Grand Jury to him; and stating the causes which have prevented the return of the Census from that District; copies of which are now before you.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Vancouver, 5 November 1791
From: Vancouver, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
Connestoga Waggon in Philadelphia 5th Novr 1791.

Being in England in the year 1786, and seeing there a very curiously invented plough, which seemed to embrace every requisite of a complete drilling machine, and having frequent opportunities of attending to the operation of it, was ordered to purchase one, and Ship it to Philadelphia for the use of the agricultural society of Pennsylvania—Agreeably to the directions I gave the Gentleman to whose care it was consignd the machine was deposited in carpenters hall (the place where the society then met) and I was happy in finding on my arrival in Philadelphia in the year 1788 that a number of hints had been taken from it and applied to the improvement of Machines in the new husbandry which (as I am informed) have since been introduced into pretty general practice in the lower parts of this State, Delaware, and Maryland—So far my intentions have been answerd—Objections however have been urged to the adoption of the machine in Toto, by some of the members of the Society, which I am fully persuaded, in a great measure arise from their little experience in practical husbandry particularly with regard to the adjusting and working of wheel ploughs—From the attention I paid to the operation of the Machine when I was last in England, I was made thoroughly satisfied of the many excellencies, and that it was admirably adopted to the light and gentle soils of North America, especially where the fields were clear of stumps, and such impediments as must necesarily interfere with the working of a plough, which in every bent or turn of going up and down a land, completely drills, sows, and finishes off with its harrows, a space of Twelve feet wide on which according to the nature of the crop sown are 6, 12, or 18 equi-distant rows as regularly planted as even the distances measured by inches and the seed carefully and singly dropped into the drills by hand.

From these considerations and from the ardent desire I feel of promoting as far as in my power the improvement of Agriculture in this Country, I do with all possable defference and submission solicit the favour of you, Sir, to accept of the machine, and by your example in ordering a proper application of it bring to the farmer those advantages its principles are so well calculated to secure to him.
  The reduction of Manual Labour by the aid of proper Machines is a point of the utmost consequence in our rural as well as General Œconomy. The machine herein referred to very happily applies to that end, as well as to the sowing and regular distribution of the seed and dispatch of business, advantageous I believe never before completely united Till the ingenious Mr Cook produced his celebrated sowing Machines—I am lately returnd from Kentucke where for three years past I have been endeavouring but without effect to establish permanent settlements on some large tracts of land I possess in that Country—some business of moment calls me early in the spring to England, but in the mean time must revisit Kentucke, from whence on my way to this place in February or March next (should you Sir, do me the favour of accepting the machine) I will do myself the honour of calling at Mount Vernon, when as I well understand the management of it ‘should any instruction be wanting’ I will most cheerfully attend.
I wish, Sir, in the very fullest manner to apologize for intruding so long on your more important moments and to be permitted to say that I remain with the highest veneration, and respect Sir Your most obedient and most devoted humble Servant

Charles Vancouver


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 6 November 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Philadelphia] Nov. 6. 1791.

I have the honour to inclose you a draught of a letter to Governor Pinkney, & to observe that I suppose it to be proper that there should, on fit occasions, be a direct correspondence between the President of the U.S. and the Governors of the states; and that it will probably be grateful to them to recieve from the President answers to the letters they address to him. the correspondence with them on ordinary business may still be kept up by the Secretary of state in his own name.

I inclose also a letter to Majr Pinkney with a blank to be filled up when you shall have made up your mind on it.
I have conferred with mister M[adison] on the idea of the Commissioners of the federal town proceeding to make private sales of the lots & he thinks it adviseable. I cannot but repeat that if the surveyors will begin on the river, laying off the lots from Rock creek to the Eastern branch, and go on, a-breast, in that way from the river towards the back part of the town, they may pass the avenue from the President’s house to the Capitol before the Spring, and as soon as they shall have passed it, a public sale may take place without injustice to either the Georgetown or Carrolsburg interest. will not the present afford you a proper occasion of assuring the Commissioners that you leave every thing respecting L’Enfant to them? I have the honor to be with the most sincere respect, Sir, your most obedt humble sert

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from William Shepard, 6 November 1791
From: Shepard, William
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency,
Westfield [Mass.]. Novr 6th 1791

A cordial Friend of the Government at the Head of which you are unanimously placed by the Suffrages of our common Country, & one, too, whose Name may possibly be yet recollected by the Commander in Chief of the late Army, begs leave to approach you—& to acquaint you that, he has received Information that a Superintendant of Indian Affairs is speedily to be appointed by your Excellency. If, Sir, you can suppose me capable of serving the Public in so considerable a Station, may I be permitted to request a Remembrance with your Excellency, upon this Occasion, if that Office is not already disposed of? I can, in this Case, promise for nothing more than the same Fidelity with which I have endeavoured to perform the Duties which have fallen to my Lot in earlier Life; in the Discharge of some of which

your Excellency well knows I have received but an indifferent Consideration: & to be afresh impressed with a Sense of the Obligation with which I have the Honor to be your Excellency’s most obedt Servt

Wm Shepard


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 7 November 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia November 7th 1791.

I have duly considered the letter you were pleased to refer to me, of the 18th of August from his Excellency Governor [Charles] Pinckney to yourself, together with the draught of one proposed to be written by him to the Governor of Florida claiming

the redelivery of certain fugitives from justice who have been received in that Country. The inconveniencies of such a receptacle for debtors and malefactors in the neighbourhood of the Southern States are obvious and great; and I wish the remedy were as certain and short as the letter seems to suppose.
The delivery of fugitives from one Country to another as practised by several Nations is in consequence of conventions settled between them, defining precisely the cases wherein such deliveries shall take place. I know that such conventions exist between France and Spain, France and Sardinia, France and Germany, France and the United Netherlands, between the several sovereigns constituting the Germanic Body, and I believe very generally between co-terminous States on the Continent of Europe. England has no such Convention with any nation, and their laws have given no power to their Executive to surrender fugitives of any description; they are accordingly constantly refused, and hence England has been the asylum of the Paolis, the La Mottes, the Calonnes, in short of the most atrocious offenders as well as the most innocent victims, who have been able to get there.
The laws of the United States like those of England receive every fugitive, and no authority has been given to our Executives to deliver them up. In the case of Longchamp[s] a subject of France, a formal demand was made by the minister of France, and was refused. He had indeed committed an offence within the United States but he was not demanded as a criminal but as a subject.
The French Government has shewn great anxiety to have such a convention with the United States, as might authorise them to demand their Subjects coming here; they got a clause in the consular convention signed by Dr [Benjamin] Franklin and the Count de Vergennes, giving their Consuls a right to take and send back Captains of Vessels, mariners, and passengers. Congress saw the extent of the word passengers and refused to ratify the Convention; a new one was therefore formed, omitting that word. In fact, however desirable it be that the perpetrators of crimes, acknowledged to be such by all mankind, should be delivered up to punishment, yet it is extremely difficult to draw the line between those and acts rendered criminal by tyrannical laws only, hence the first step always is a convention defining the cases where a surrender shall take place.

If then the United States could not deliver up to Governor Quesada a fugitive from the Laws of his Government, we cannot claim as a right the delivery of fugitives from us: and it is worthy consideration whether the demand proposed to be made in Governor Pinckney’s letter, should it be complied with by the other party, might not commit us disagreeably, perhaps dishonorably in event; for I do not think we can take for granted that the legislature of the United States will establish a convention for the mutual delivery of fugitives, and without a reasonable certainty that they will, I think we ought not to give Governor Quesada any grounds to expect that in a similar case we would redeliver fugitives from his Government. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect and attachment Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant

Th: Jefferson


Title: From George Washington to Lansdowne, 7 November 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Lansdowne, William Petty, marquis of

My Lord,
Philadelphia Novr 7th 1791.

The letter with which you were pleased to honor me—dated the 4th of July—was presented to me by Lord Wycombe. Permit me to thank your Lordship for introducing so worthy and intelligent

a young Nobleman to my acquaintance—and to regret that his stay in this Country is so short as not to have allowed him to investigate it more.
This Country has a grateful recollection of the agency your Lordship had in settling the dispute between Great Britain and it; and fixing the boundary between them. It is to be wished that the same liberal policy was pursued, and every germe of discontent removed that they might be reciprocally benificial to each other; their Laws, Language, and Customs being much assimilated.
I pray your Lordship to be assured of the great respect and consideration, with which I have the honor to be Your Lordship’s most obedient, and most humble servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Francisco Chiappe, 8 November 1791
From: Chiappe, Francisco
To: Washington, George

  Cadiz, 8 Nov. 1791. Observing that GW has yet to acknowledge his letters or issue him orders, encloses a duplicate of his letter of 22 Mar., as well as two lists of gifts presented by the ambassadors of Denmark and Sweden to the emperor of Morocco, and requests advice on how he and his brothers, who have long temporized and given many excuses, should respond to the emperor’s continuing questions about the nonappearance of the American envoy; Holland’s ambassador is likewise absent, but those of England, Denmark, Sweden, and Venice have presented their letters of credence and were well received by the emperor.


Title: From George Washington to William Moultrie, 8 November 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Moultrie, William

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia November 8th 1791

As I am certain that occasions which will afford you opportunities of shewing civilities to distinguished characters cannot fail to give you pleasure, I do without hesitation or ceremony introduce Lord Wycombe to your attentions: He is the Son of the Marquis of Landsdown, whose character you well know—and, having passed through the eastern and middle States, is on a visit to Charleston whence he purposes to embark for England.
However unnecessary it may be I will remind you of the plants and seeds you were to provide for me; and of the sincere

esteem and regard with which I am and always shall be your obedient and affectionate Servant

G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Charles Pinckney, 8 November 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Pinckney, Charles

Sir,
Philadelphia, November 8th 1791

I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency that your letters of the 18th of August & 20th of September, with their duplicates and the several papers accompanying them, came duly to hand.

The first was received at the time I was making arrangements to go to Mt Vernon, and the second when I was preparing my communications for Congress at the opening of the present session, This will account for my not having sooner acknowledged the receipt of them.
Your favor of the 18th of August has been communicated to the Secretary of State, within whose department foreign affairs are; & I enclose you a copy of his observations to me on that subject.
Similar applications to those mentioned in your favor of the 20th of September, for aid from our neighbours of St Domingo, had come here during my absence in Virginia, and the officers of government had paid due attention to them by furnishing such as our ⟨s⟩ituation admitted, and the Minister of France approved. I feel sincerely those sentiments of sympathy which you so properly express for the distresses of our suffering brethren in that quarter, and deplore their causes. We have not as yet any information which may lead us to hope they will soon be at an end. I am with due consideration & esteem Your Excellency’s Your most Obedt Servt

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Charles Pinckney, 8 November 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Pinckney, Charles

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia, November 8th 1791.

To a Gentleman of your information it would not be new to say that the Marquis of Landsdown was the liberal friend of this country in its negociation of peace with Great Britain.
The bearer, Lord Wycombe, his Son, is on a tour through America, and purposes to visit Charleston—I trouble you with this letter introductory of him to your civilities—You will find him agreeable well informed, and worthy of your acquaintance. With my best respects to Mrs Pinckney I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, Your obedient humble servant

G. Washington.

P.S. I have received, and thank Your Excellency for, the painting of the aloe or agave which grew in your garden, and which you had the goodness to send to me.


Title: To George Washington from William Darke, 9–10 November 1791
From: Darke, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
fort Washington [Northwest Territory]Nineth [–10] Novr 1791

I Take the liberty of Communicating to your Excelency The disagreable News of our defeat.
We Left fort Washington the Begining of Septr, a Jornel of our

march to the place of Action & the whole proseedings on our march I hoped to have had the Honour to inclose to you but that and all other papers, Cloathing &ca was Taken by the Indians—this Jornal I know would have gave you pain but thought it not amis to give you a State of facts and give you every Information in my power and had it Ready to Send to you the Very Morning we were actacked.
We advanced 24 miles from fort Washington and bult a Small fort which we I thought were Long about from thence we advanced from the banks of the Miammi River where the fort was aracted 44½ Mills on a Straight Line by the Compass West 74 North though farther the way the Road went and bult another fort—which we Left on the 23 October and from that time to the 3d Novr got 31 Miles where we incamped in two Lines about 60 yards apart the Right whing in frount Commanded by General Butler, the Left in the Rere which I commanded, our puiquets Discvered Some Sculking Indians about Camp in the Night and fired on them These we expected were horstealers as they had Taken Many of our Horses Near fort Washington and on the way and killed a few of our Men.
As Soon as it was Light In the Morning of the 4th Novr the advanced Guards of the Militia fired the Militia Being incamped a Small distance in frunt a Scatering fire Soon Commenced The troops were instantly formed to Receive them and the pannack Struck Militia Soon broke in to the Center of our incampment in a few Minutes our Guards were drove in and our whole Camp Surrounded by Savages advancing up Nere to our Lines and ⟨Made⟩ from behind trees Logs &ca Grate Havake with our Men I for Some time having no orders indevoured to prevent the Soldiers from braking and Stil finding the enemy Growing More bold and Coming to the very Mouths of our Cannon and all the brave artiley officers killed I ordered the Left whing to Charg which with the assistance of the Gallent officers that were then Left I with dificulaty prevailed on them to do, the Second U.S. Regt was then the Least disabled the Charg begat with them on the Left of the Left whing I placed a Small Company of Riflemen on that flank on the Bank of a Small Crick and persued the enemy about four hundred yards who Ran off in all directions but by this time the Left flank of the Right whing Gave way and Number of the Indians Got into our Camp and Got possession of the Artilery and Scalped I Sopose a hundred men or more I

turned back and beat them quite off the Ground Got posesion of the Cannon and had it bean possible to Get the troops to form and push them we Should then have Soon beat them of the Ground but those that Came from the Left whing Run in a huddle with those of the Right the enemys fire being almost over for Many Munites and all exertions Made by many of the brave officers to get them in Some order to per sue Victory was all in Vain. they would not form in any order. in this Confution they Remained until the enemy finding they were not pushed and I dare Say Active officers with them and I believe Several of them white. the Came on again, and the whole Army Ran together like a Mob at a fair, and had it Not been for the Gratest Exertions of the officers would have Stood there til all killed the Genl then Sent to me if off that Spot by Making a Charge I found my indevours fruitless for Some time, but at Length Got Several Soldiers together that I had observed behaving brave and Incoraged them to lead off which they did with Charged bayonets & Success the whole followed with Grate Rapidity I then endevoured to halt the frunt to Get them in Some order to turn and fire a few Shots but the horse I Rode being good for little and I wounded in the thigh Early in the Action and having fatigued my Self much was so stif I could make a poor hand of Runing—the confution in the Retreat is beyound description, the men throughing away their arms Not withstanding all the indevour of the few Remaining Brave officers I think we must have Lost 1000 Stand of arms Militia included. It is impossible to Give any Good acount of the Loss of men at this time but from the Loss of officers you May give Some gess—a list of their Names you have In Closed the Brave and Much to be Lamented G:B at their Head. I have Likewise in Closed you a Small Rough Sketch of the feeld of battle, I at this time am Scarcely able to write being worn out with fatigue Not having Slept 6 hours Sinc the defeat This fatigue has been occationed by the Cowardly behaviour of Major John F. Hamtramck, and I am Sorry to Say Not the Same exertions of the Govenor that I expected: Hamtramk was about Twenty four Miles in our Rere with the first U.S. Regiment Consisting of upwards of 300 effective men and on hearing of our defeat, insted of Coming on as his orders was I believe to follow us Retreated back 7 miles to fort Jefferson’s we knowing of his being on his March after us and was in hopes of Grate Releif from him in

Coverng the Retreat of perhaps upwards 200 or 300 wounded Men Many of whome might easily bean Saved with that fresh Regiment with whome I Should not have bean afraid to have fased the whole Indian Army if they had persued As the would have bean worn down with the Chaice and in Grate Disorder when we Got to the fort 31 miles in about 9 hours No one having eat any from the day before the action, we found the Gareson without more than one days bred and No Meat having been on half alowance two days there was a Council Called to which I after I believe they had agreed what was to be done was Calld it was Concluded to march of or Recommence the Retreat at 10 Oclock which was begun I think an hour before that time More than 800 wounded and Tired in our Rere the Govenor assured me he expected provition on every hour I at first Concluded to Stay with My Son who was very dangerously and I expected Mortaly wounded but after Geting Several officers dressed and as well provided for as possible and Seing the Influance Hamtramck had withe Genl about twelve oclock I got a horse and followed the army as I thought from apearences that Major Hamtramck had Influance anough to prevent the Gareson from being Supplied with the provition Coming on by Reaping the first Regt as a guard for him Self. I Rode alone about ten miles from twelve oclock at night until I over took the Regiment and the Genl I stil kept on until I met the pack horses about daylight Much alarmed at having heard Somthing of the defeat, the Horsemaster Could not prevail on the drivers to Go on with him until I assured them I would Go back with them Lame as I was I ordered the horses to be loaded immediately and Returned as fast as I could to hault the first Regiment as a guard, and when I met them told them to halt and make fires to Cook immediately as I made sure they would be Sent back with the provitions but when I met the Govenor and Major Hamtramck I pervaild with Genl St Clair to order 60 men back only what was all I could possbly get and had the bulock drivers know that was all the Guard they were to have the would not have gone on neither would the horse drivers I believe in Sted of the horse loads 57 Got on all the Rest went back with the Army and though the Men had bean So Long Starving and we then 47 miles from the place of action I could not pervail on them the Genl his fammily or advisers to halt for the Starved worn down Soldiers to Cook, nor

did they I believe even Kill a bulluck for their Relief—I went back to fort Jefferson that Night with the flambeaou & c. where they was No kind of provition but a Miserable poor old horse and many Valuabld officers wound there and perhaps 200 Soldiers, it was night when I Got back I Slept not one moment that night My Son and other officers being in Such Distress the Next day I was busy all day Geting beiers made to Carey off the wounded officers there being no medison there—Nor any Nurishment Not even a quart of Salt but they were not able to bare the Motion of the horses—that night I Set off for this place and Rode til about 12 Oclock by which time My thigh was amassingly Sweld near as Large as my body and So hot that I could feel the warmth with My hand 2 foot off of it I could Sleep none and have Slept very Little Since the wounds begin to Separate and are much esier I am aprehensive that fort Jefferson is now besieged by the indians as Certain Information has bean Received that a large body were on Sunday night within fifteen miles of it Coming on the Road we marched out and I am Sorey to Se no exertions to Releive it I Cannot tel whether they have the Cannon they took from us or Not if the have not, they Cannot take it nor I don’t think the Came with, for want of Ball which they have No Grate Number of—They took from us eight peices of Ordinin[c]e 130 bullucks about 300 horses upwards of 200 Tents a Considerable quantity of flour Ammunition and all the officers and Soldiers Cloathing and bagage except what they had on I believe they Gave quarters to None as Most of the Women were Killed before we Left the Ground. I think the Slaughter far Grater then Bradocks there being 33 brave officers Killd Dead on the Ground 27 wounded that we know of, and Some Mising exclusive of the Militia and I know their Colo and two Captains were Killed. I donot think our Loss So Grate as to Strike the Surviving officers with Ideas of despare as it Seems to. the Chief of the Men Killd are of the Levies and indeed many of them are as well out of the world as in it as for the Gallent officers they are much to be Lamented as the behaviour of allmost all of them would have done honour to the first Vetrans in the world—the few that escaped without wonds it was Chiefly axedent that Saved them as it is impossible to Say More in their praise then they deserve.
In the few horse officers though thay had no horses good for anything—Capt. Truman, Lieut. Sedam, Debuts, Boins and

Glen behaved Like Soldiers, Capt. Snowden is I think Not Calculated for the army Ensign Shamburg of the first United States Regiment is as brave Good and determined Herow as any in the world Lieutenent James Stephenson from Berkaley, of the Levies is aded to one of the most un Spoted and Respectable Carectors in the world in private Life as good an officer as ever drew breth, his Gallent behavior in Action drew the attention of every officer that was Near him more then any other, There is one Bissell perhaps a volonteer in the Second U.S. Regiment who richly deserved perferment for his bravery though the whole action he made the freeest use of the baonet of any Man I notices in the Carcases of the Savages. John Hamelton I cant say too much in praise of who was along with the Army a packhorse master he picked up the dead mens Guns and used them freely when he found them Loaded and when the Indians entered the Camp he took up an ax and at them with it, I am intirely at a loss to give you any act what General St Clair in tends to do I will Know What I would do was I in his place and would venter to forfet My Life if the Indians have Not Moved the Cannon farther then the Miammi Towns if I did not Retake them by Going there in three days in Sted of two month I well know the have Lost Many of their bravest Warriors and I make No doubt the have Near 100 wounded their killed I cannot think Batre any perpotion to ours as they Lay So Concealed but many I know we killd and those of the most dareing fellows which has weakened them Grately and I know we were able to beat them and that a Violent push with one hundred Men when the Left whing Returned from persuing them would have turnd the Scale in our favour [(]in deed I think fifty would in the Scatered State they were in) and five or Six hundred Mountd Rifelmen from Canetuck aded to the force we have would Be as Sure of Suchsess as they want many hear offer to Go with me a number of offices ofer to Go as privates and I never was Treated with so much Respect in any part of the world as I have bean this day in this wilderness in the time I am offered My Choice of any horse belonging to the town as I Lost all my own horses—I Shall Se the General in the Morning and perhaps be No more Satisfied then I am now—Though I have Spoke of all the officers with that Respect they Richly deserve I Cannot in Justice to Capt. Hannah help mentioning him as when all his men were killd wounded and Scatered except four he Got a Sailor that belonged to Capt. Darke Company when

  the Cannon was Retaken the artilery Men being all Killd and Lying in heaps about the peases who he Draged a way and Stood to the Cannon him Self til the Retreat and then within a few yards of the enemy Spiked the Gun with his Baonet Capt. Brock and all the Captains of the Maryland Line I cannot Say too much in their praise. I have taken the Liberty of writing so particulerly to you as I think no one Can Give a better account nor do I think you will Get an account from any that Saw So much of the action Genl St Clair no Being able to Run about as I was if his Inclina⟨mutilated⟩ had been as Grate—I hope in the Coure of the winter to have the plesur⟨mutilated⟩ of Seing you when I may have it in my power to answer any question⟨mutilated⟩ you are pleased to ask Concerning the unfortunate Campain. Have the Honour to be your Excelencys most obt and most humble Servant

Wm Darke

10 Novr I have prevailed on the Good Genl to Send a Strong party To Carry Supplies to fort Jeferson which I hope will be able To Releive it and as I have polticed wound and the Swelling much Assuaged if I find my Self able to Set on horse back will Go with the party as I Can be very warm by Lahing myself with blankets.

Wm Darke


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

  Philadelphia, 10 Nov. 1791. After examining the enclosed papers relating to the land purchase of John Cleves Symmes on the Great Miami River, he thinks it proper to lay them before Congress, to demonstrate not only the foundation of Symmes’s larger claim but also the “expediency of providing some speedy and regular mode of deciding this and other questions of a like nature which might arise hereafter, and obstruct for a considerable time the proceedings relative to the public lands.”


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 11 November 1791
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
[Philadelphia] United StatesNovember 11th 1791.

I nominate the following persons to fill the offices annexed to their names respectively—namely—
Nathaniel Rogers, to be Marshal of the New-Hampshire District; vice John Parker, deceased.
Alexander Moore, to be Surveyor of the Port of West Point, in Virginia; vice John Spotswood Moore, who has resigned his appointmt.
Charles Brown, to be Collector of the Port of George Town, in South Carolina; vice John Cogdell, who has resigned his appointment.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Lewis, 12 November 1791
From: Lewis, William
To: Washington, George

  Fredericksburg, Va., 12 Nov. 1791. Solicits the position of the keeper of the lighthouse on Cape Henry and refers to John Fitzhugh of Chatham, Stafford County, Va., Luther Page of Mannsfield, Spotsylvania County, Va., John Lewis of Fredericksburg, and Thomas Newton of Norfolk, Va.; “Mr Jefferson if he has Not forgot me will I expect Vouch for me I wrote by Mr Munroe—to him on that Account.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 November 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir,
War-department [Philadelphia], Nov: 14th 1791.

Lieutenant John Heth having arrived from the Creek country, I have the honor to submit his report relative to his mission and also, three letters from Brigadier General McGillivray of the 15th and 25th of September and the 4th of October; and also a letter from Edward White, dated the 7th of October. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, Your most obedient Servt

H.Knox


Title: From George Washington to Eliphalet Pearson, 14 November 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Pearson, Eliphalet

Sir,
Philadelphia November 14th 1791.

I have received your letter of the 10th of September, enclosing, by order of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Judge Lowell’s eulogy on the late Governor Bowdoin.
I must beg, Sir, you will present my proper acknowledgements to the Academy for this mark of attention, and at the same time receive yourself my thanks for the polite manner in which you have transmitted to me the Eulogy on that worthy Character, and for the Catalogue of Harvard College which accompanied it. I am, Sir, with due Consideration, Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry McCormick, 17 November 1791
From: McCormick, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sr
[Ontario County, N.Y.] Novr 17th 1791

My past Service in the Army of the United States Emboldens me to write, Informing your Excellency, that after a tedious War I Retired to a Privat life and ever since has got my living by the sweat of my brow With Industrey and Leatly has Settled myself and Rising family in a good Peice of Land in the State of New york in the County Ontario on the Watters of Canastoe near the Genase Where with the blessing of god I hope to aquire a good Living.
I have been Leatly requested by several of my wellwishers to apply for the agency of the Indian affairs in this Quarter to the Six Nations, as I live conteigent to them Which if your Excellancy would Pleas or think Proper to Endow me with I would use my endeavour to Discharge the Busness with Fidelity and Honour to myself and Posterity as I am aquainted with several of the Sachams & Chieffs[.] Colol Proctor and Coll Pickerine knows my satuation hear Who Can give your Excelancy a account &c.
Perhaps your honour may have forgott my Service in the army which was in the Pencyelvenia Line the Last four years. I done the Duty of Majr of Brigade to Genral Wayne, and in 79 your Excellancy appointed me as such with the Inspectorship to the Light Infantry &c.
Thier is Several Gentn in Philadelphia who I have applied to

for thier assistance, but Perhaps through the Multiplicity of Busness they may forgett me.
Your Compliance to my Request will forever be Esteemed by your most Obident & Very Humble Servant

Henry McCormick


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Welsh, 17 November 1791
From: Welsh, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Philadelphia] Nov. 17. 1791.

Living in a part of the united States abounding in people, I beg leave to propose to engage 50 or 100 sober, industrious young men in new England, artists in the several branches and employments necessary, in the new City on Powtomac, to go on by water early in the spring and be engaged for a year under the direction of Majr Le’Enfant.
I offer my service as Superintendant of the men so to be engaged—with them to be under the same direction—One Idea further is suggested the propriety of having a person with Mr L’Enfant who can comprehend his plans, assist his views, and capable to continue his Ideas should he by any casuality be removed.
Sir—if these ideas meet your aprobation any comands in relation to the business will be immediately obey’d. I have the

honor to be with every sentiment of esteem, Sir, Your respectful fellow citizen and Obedient humble Servant,

Jacob Welsh


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 19 November 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir,
War-department [Philadelphia], Novr 19th 1791.

You mention in yours of last evening, the blanks for the commissioners to run the Cherokee line will be filled by the names agreed upon this day.
The following characters were mentioned by me to Mr Hawkins yesterday, who seemed to think them entirely suitable for the purpose, to wit,
Judge Campbell.
Daniel Smith—the Secretary of the territory.
and, Colonel Landon Carter.
Will you be so good as to inform me whether these were the persons you alluded to?
I submit to the President certain estimates for vessels presented to the Senate at their request. I am Dear Sir, Your very humble Servt

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 20 November 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Novr 20th 1791

I had heard before the receipt of your letter of the 29th of October—and with a degree of surprize & concern not easy to be expressed—that Majr L’Enfant had refused the Map of the

Federal City when it was requested by the Commissioners for the satisfaction of the purchasers at Sale. It is much to be regretted—however common the case is—that men who possess talents which fit them for peculiar purposes should almost invariably be under the influence of untoward dispositions—or are sottish idle—or possessed of some other disqualification by which they plague all those with whom they are concerned. But I did not expect to have met with such perverseness in Major L’Enfant as his late conduct exhibited.
Since my first knowledge of this Gentleman’s abilities in the line of his profession, I have viewed him not only as a scientific man but one who added considerable taste to professional knowledge; and that, for such employment as he is now engaged in; for projecting public works; & carrying them into effect he was better qualified than any one who had come within my knowledge in this Country, or indeed in any other the probability of obtaining whom could be counted upon. I had no doubt, at the same time, that this was the light in which he considered himself; and of course that he would be so tenacious of his plans as to conceive they would be marred if they underwent any change or alteration; but I did not suppose that he wd have interfered further in the mode of selling the lots, than by giving an opinion with his reasons in support of it: & this perhaps it might be well always to hear, as the latter would stamp the propriety, or shew the futility of it. To advise this, I am the more inclined, as I am persuaded that all those who have any Agency in the business have the same objects in view, although they may differ in sentiment with respect to the mode of execution; because, from a source even less productive than L’Enfants, may flow ideas that are capable of improvement; and because I have heard that Ellicot, who is also a man of uncommon talents in his way, and of a more placid temper, has intimated that no information had been required either from him, or L’Enfant on some point or points (I do not now particularly recollect what) which they thought themselves competent to give.
I have no other motive for mentioning the latter circumstance than merely to shew that the feelings of such Men are always alive—and, where there assistance is essential; that it is policy to humour them or to put on the appearance of doing it. I have, however, since I have come to the knowledge of Majr L’Enfants

refusal of the Map, at the Sale, given him to understd through a direct channel, though not an official one, as yet (further than what casually passed between us, previous to the Sale, at Mount Vernon[)], that he must, in future, look to the Commissioners for directions. That, having laid the foundation of this grand design, the Superstructure depended upon them. That I was perfectly satisfied his plans and opinions would have due weight, if properly offered and explained. That if the choice of Commissioners was again to be made I could not please myself better, or hit upon those who had the measure more at heart, or better disposed to accomodate the various interests—and persons concerned; and that it would give me great concern to see a goodly prospect clouded by impediments which might be thrown in the way, or injured by disagreements which would only serve to keep alive the hopes of those who are enemies to the Plan. But, that you may not infer from hence he has expressed any dissatisfaction at the conduct of the Commissioners, towards him, it is an act of justice I should declare that, I never have heard—directly nor indirectly—that he has expressed any. His pertinacity would, I am persuaded, be the same in all cases, & to all men. He conceives, or would have others believe, that the Sale was promoted by with-holding the general map, & thereby, the means of comparison; but I have caused it to be signified to him, that I am of a different opinion; & that it is much easier to impede, than to force a Sale, as none who knew what they were about would be induced to buy—to borrow an old adage “A Pig in a Poke.”
There has been something very unaccountable in the conduct of the Engraver, yet I cannot be of opinion the delays were occasioned by L’Enfant. As soon, however, as a correct draught of the City is prepared, the same, or some other person shall be pressed to the execution. I say a correct draught, because I have understood that Mr Ellicot has given it as his opinion it was lucky that Engravings did not come out from the first Plan, inasmuch as they would not have been so perfectly exact as to have justified a Sale by them.
It is of great importance, in my opinion, that the City should be laid out in to squares and lots with all the dispatch that the nature & accuracy of the Work will admit. And it is the opinion of intelligent & well informed men—now in this City—who are friends to the measure, that for this purpose, & to accomodate

the two great Interests of George Town & Carrollsburg, it would be advisable, rather than delay another public Sale until the whole can be compleated, to lay all the ground into squares which shall be West of the Avenue leading from George Town to the Presidents House—thence by the Avenue to the House for Congress—& thence by a proper Avenue (I have not the Plan by me to say which) to the Eastern Branch; comprehending the range of Squares next to, & binding on the said Avenues on the East side; And to appoint as early a day for the Sale as a moral certainty of their completion will warrant.
When I speak of the importance of dispatch, it does not proceed from any doubt I harbour, that the enemies to the measure can shake the establishment of it; for it is with pleasure I add as my opinion—that the Roots of the permanent Seat are penetrating deep, & spreading far & wide—The Eastern States are not only getting more & more reconciled to the measure, but are beginning to view it in a more advantageous light as it respects their policy and interests; and some members from that quarter who were its bitterest foes while the question was pending in Congress, have now declared in unequivocal terms to various people, and at various times, that if attempts should be made to repeal the Law they would give it every opposition in their power. These sentiments of the Eastern people being pretty well known, will, I am persuaded, arrest the design, if a repeal had been contemplated; but it will not prevent those who are irreconcilable, from aiming all the side blows in their power at it: and the rumours which were spread at the Sale, that Congress never wd reside there, is one of the expedients that will be exerted in all its force, with a view to discourage the Sales of the Lots, & the buildings thereon, that the accomodations may be unfit for the Government when the period shall arrive that the removal is to take place.
When I see Major L’Enfant (who it is said will shortly be here) I shall endeavr to bring him to some explanation of the terms on which he will serve the public—and will also impress upon him the necessity of dispatch, that as early a Sale as circumstances will admit, may ensue.
When I began this letter, and until I had got to the present stage of it, it was intended as an answer to yours of the 29th of October; but on a reperusal of that of the 21st of the said month

from the Commissioners, I find it will serve as an answer to both; and, as it is of an enormous length, & my head & hands during the Session of Congress are fully employed, I pray you at the first meeting of the Commissioners to lay these sentiments before them for their private information.
I forward the enclosed, as I did a former communication from the same person, that the Commissioners may be apprised of the circumstances attending the Land which is the subject of the letter. No acknowledgment of this, or the former, has been made by me. With very great esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt & Affecte Humble Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. I fear you have forgot my request, made in behalf of Mr Young, of England.


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll, 21 November 1791 [letter not found]
From: Carroll, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Daniel Carroll, 21 Nov. 1791. GW informed Daniel Carroll of Duddington on 28 Nov. that “Your letter of the 21st came to my hands on thursday afternoon.”


Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 21 November 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My dear Sir,
Philadelphia, Novr 21st 1791.

At the earnest request of Mr Jorre I make known to you, that he came over to this Country with an idea of obtaining some appointment under our Government; but he now finds that idea to have been false; for propriety, as you, my dear Sir, well know, would not admit of a foreigners being prefered to Office before one of our own Countrymen, who suffered so much to effect the revolution, and who certainly ought now to enjoy the official benefits arising from it; especially too, as there is not an Office created for which there are not many applicants, and always among them some who claim attention from their public services.

From the recommendation which Mr Jorre brought to me, he appears to be a man of good character and abilities; and he seems to have given up every other pursuit for the sake of coming here. But finding that he can not accomplish his wishes by obtaining a public appointment, he is about to return to france and, as I before observed, has earnestly requested I would make known the foregoing circumstances to you, in order that, if he should make any application for an appointment under your Government, he might have some unquestionable proof to produce of the views with which he came to this Country, and of the cause of his disappointment.
But, my dear Sir, you must not conceive from this letter that I mean in any degree to interfere with appointments in France. It is written only for the purpose before mentioned. But at the same time it affords me the pleasure of telling you how much and how sincerely I am, My dear sir, Your affte friend,

Go: Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 21 November 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My dear Sir,
Philadelphia, Novr 21st 1791.

Mr John Trumbull, with whom you are acquainted, is engaged in Painting a series of Pictures of the most important Events of the Revolution in this Country, from which he proposes to have plates engraved. I have taken peculiar satisfaction in giving eve⟨r⟩y proper aid in my power to a subscrip⟨tion⟩ for supporting this work, whic⟨h⟩ has been likewise patronized by the principle people in this Country.
In the hope of meeting the patronage of the French Nation (to whose honor as well as that of America this plan is directed) Mr Trumbull informs me he has ordered a Subscription to be opened in Paris. And the object of this letter is to engage your support to the subscription in that City and other parts of the Nation where it may be offered.
I should not, however, do justice to Mr Trumbulls talents & merits were I barely to mention his views & wishes on this occasion. His pieces, so far as they are executed, meet the warm applause of all who have seen them. The greatness of the design, and ⟨the⟩ masterly execution of the Work equally interest the man of a capacious mind and the approving eye of the Connoisseur; He has spared no pains in obtaining from the life the likenesses of those characters French as well as Americans—who bore a conspicuous part in our Revolution; and the success with which his efforts have been crowned will form no small part of the value of his pieces.

To you, my dear Sir, who know Mr Trumbull as a man and as an Artist⟨,⟩ it would perhaps ha⟨ve⟩ been hardly necessary to say so much as I have done on this occasion. But I could not in Justice say less of him when I believe in his profession, he will do much honor to the liberal art of Painting, as well as credit to this his native Country.
I cannot conclude this letter without congratulating you most sincerely on the King’s acceptance of the Constitution presented to ⟨hi⟩m by National Assembly, and upon the happy consequences which promise to flow to your Country, as well as to mankind in general, from that event. The prayers & wishes of the friends to the human race have attended the exertions of your Nation, and when your affairs are completely settled under an energetic and equal government the hearts of good men will be gratified, and no one will rejoice in your felicity, & for the noble & disinterested part you have acted more than Your sincere and truly Af⟨f⟩ectionate Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Pierre L’Enfant, 21 November 1791
From: L’Enfant, Pierre Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
George town [Md.] November ⟨21⟩ 1791

In pursuance of the measure first taken, and of which I took the liberty of Informing you by last post, respecting the House of Mr Carroll of duddington which will become necessary to Have destroyed; he not having acquiessed to proceed himself as requested to the demolishing in lieu of answering my last summon having set out on a Journey—I directed yester day forenoon a number of hand to the Spot & Employed with them some of the principal people who had worked in rasing the House to the End that Every possible attention be paid to the Interest of the Gentleman as shall be consistent in forwarding the publick object.
the roof now has already down with part of the brick work & the whole will I Expect be levelled to the ground before the weak is over. this operation facilitating the laying out of that part of the city as is a proper way to close the process of this & prepard for next Campagne my wish ⟨illegible⟩ to avail of the good ⟨w⟩eather steal Continuing has Induced me to prevail on Mr Ellicott to Continue here a forty night longer—& unless you direct

to the Contrary he will remain having writen by this post to general Knox requesting that Everything should be made ready in philadelphie for him to sale from thence for georgia immediatly after leaving off here.
At this moment when Everything Concur in Evidencing how the publick mind become more & more Interested in the Execution of the undertaking here the forwarding of the work grow up in Importance and wishing to use Every possible advantage of the season I cannot see the various other objects which demand I should also give an Immediat attention upon without regretting the want of possibility to—dispensate of time so as to effect both at one—a compleat Engraving of the plan—& compleat drawing Copie of the grand plan are tow objects Impossible to effect heer-and which Cannot be done unless until I can spare the grand plan by which the operation here are to be regulated—and unless I leve the business here to pursue in Philadelphia are objects which I Conceive you are most desiring of to one for the Information of the publick & the other, to be handed to Congress—neither of these can be done without I can spare the original map which will be wanted here until the work before mentioned is compleated—nor can it well be effected without I am in a situation to direct the work.
a circumstance the Consideration of which lead me to accellerate the compleation of all what require my attendance so that work may be marked out for the hand that may be keept in Continuing on Employment th[r]ough the whole winter.


Title: Tobias Lear to William Shotwell, 21 November 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Shotwell, William

  Philadelphia, 21 Nov. 1791. “The President wants to purchase about one thousand wt of clover, and six or seven bushels of Timothy-Seed, and wishes you to let him know what they can be bought for now with you. If the seeds are obtained by the month of February next, it will be soon enough for the President’s purpose; but he must depend upon

them at that time, if he should determine to have them from N. York, which will depend on the price they bear there. You will, therefore, let me know, as soon as you can, after receiving this letter, whether they can be had now, and the price, and likewise whether it would be best to wait until the month of february for a lower price, or a more plentiful supply.”


Title: To George Washington from Ruben Slaughter, 21 November 1791 [letter not found]
From: Slaughter, Ruben
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Ruben Slaughter, 21 Nov. 1791. In a letter to Slaughter of 25 Feb. 1792, GW refers to “your letter of the 21st of November last.”


Title: Thomas Jefferson to Tobias Lear, 22 November 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Lear, Tobias

  [Philadelphia, 22 Nov. 1791]. Sends a statement for 1,680 livres, the cost of champagne imported for GW this year, and, since there were insufficient funds deposited abroad to cover GW’s present order for thirty dozen bottles of champagne, requests a bill on Amsterdam for 800 florins. This, with the undervaluation of the previous shipment, will probably total more than 2,000 livres.


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 23 November 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia Novr 23d 1791

After closing my letter to you of the 20th I recollected that I had omitted to take notice of your observation respecting Wood covers to Brick or Stone buildings, in the Federal City.
It is much to be wished that this evil could be avoided without involving a greater; for it is difficult to decide between things to be wished—and things that are attainable. It has a claim however to consideration, & may be decided upon before the next general Sale. In the meanwhile, it might be well to enquire, how far the measure would meet general approbation; what, probably, would be the difficulties in covering with Slate, Tyle, or any thing else which would be proof against fire; and what the difference in expence between these & Shingles: for if the latter is much cheaper, and the former difficult to be obtained, buildings will be so discouraged, and the Sales so much impeded thereby, as to render the exclusion of Shingles unadvisable. I am, Dear Sir Your Affecte Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 November 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia] Friday 25th Novr 1791

As the meeting proposed to be held (at nine O’clock tomorrow morning) with the heads of the Great Departments) is to consider important subjects belonging (more immediately) to the Department of State—The President desires Mr Jefferson would commit the several points on which opinions will be asked to Paper, in the order they ought to be taken up.


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 26 November 1791
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

Sir
George-Town [Md.] Novr 26th 1791

A variety of considerations have induced us to think, that many and great benefits might result from the employment of a

person of intelligence, to make a tour for a few months into the Eastern States, and inform himself of the terms on which men, and materials may be had—We are happy that Mr Cabots engagements have permitted him to undertake this Office. We have requested him to call on you before he leaves Philadelphia, and hope you will suggest to him whatever may occur to you as most proper to be attended to, in addition to the communications we have imparted to him—As he is to correspond with us regularly, we shall be happy in conveying to him any thing which may occur to you at any time—We are &c.

Da. Stuart
Dl Carroll


Title: To George Washington from Ts G—ts, 27 November 1791
From: Unknown
To: Washington, George

Honerd sir
London 27th Novembr 1791

from the Small acquaintance I had with you in 1755 & 1756 &c. while in north amaraca and in Regard to my near Relations I have in your Cuntry[.] I take this freedom of Acquainting you of Some Lucrative Scheames now Laying against your innocent Cuntry it seems as if devine providance orderd it and hope he will provide for this Reaching your Honerable House[.] about ten days past I had some business with one of our old parlament who is Very full of talk when intackicaed and often So [.] it being

about Six in the evening when there Came a gentleman who apeared as a stranger to him as well as to me hand him a Letter when he had Read it ased him when he arived[.] he told[.] also asked what newes from Virginia[.] I was Imadently ased to go as thay had Some private business[.] I went out and Stood under the winder whare the Lord sett and from the discorse I found he was from among your Indains where every Scheame is Laying for your Cuntrys desstruction[.] also I heard them agree that Seventy thousand blackes might be Rais in your States as many of them had got there freedom by gentlemen Seting them at Liberty and unless thay where industres in there plan thay would Loos all of that Coular as it was generally thought thay would all be set at liberty and made soulders of to go again the Indains but with industree thay might be brougt to Cut there one masters thraughts as thay whare badly treated and might be raised for half price[.] you may be asured thay will be in armes against you[.] he also Said the dam Congress must perish if it was not for the poor Slaves thay keep in bondage but he did not dout but in a few years to have them head of ther masters[.] I have many Relation in that Cuntry Such as Sisters and brothers Children which I feel for[.] I have none heare nearer than the fourth genaration and dont expect to Stay Long as I have been in a decline this many years but sapose this was nown heare Should not stay many hours[.] he said your Laws from peace with them entitled these Creatures to freedom but you ware all of a tirranical disposion and Could not live without them which blinded every humain princable[;] that you possesed a number of them So that he did not expect any thing done for this two or three years[.] I hope the Almighty will pertect and guide you in your good deeds againts all your enemies and Remains with Respect your ever will wisher

Ts G—ts


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll of Duddington, 28 November 1791
From: Carroll, Daniel (of Duddington)
To: Washington, George

Sir
Carroll’s Burgh [Md.] Novr. 28th 1791

Since I had the honor to write you a few days past, informing you of my disagreeable situation, Major L’Enfant has proceeded with his hands to the demolishing of my building which he has in great Measure effected, having entirely destroyed the roof, & thrown down the greater part of the upper story, in fine the building is ruined, this appears to be the most arbitrary act ever heard of. I expected he wou’d at least have waited until the receipt of your answer, & in the mean time I went to Annapolis, to obtain a bill of Injunction from the Chancellor of Maryland, to prevent his proceeding in the business, which having obtained, I am now advised by my friends, to serve the bill on him, which I shall do immediately on his return from Virginia, where he has

been since he began this destruction of property. I am extremely sorry that I am obliged in my own defense to prosecute this business, which already I perceive makes too much noise, & I am fearfull, may in some measure effect, the grand business already began.


Title: From George Washington to Pierre L’Enfant, 28 November 1791
From: Washington, George
To: L’Enfant, Pierre Charles

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Novr 28th 1791

Your letter of the 21st instant came duly to hand, as did one of the same date from Mr Carroll of Duddington on the same subject. A Copy of my answer to the latter is enclosed, by which you will perceive I have proposed an accomodation. As a similar case cannot happen again (Mr Carrolls house having been begun before the Federal District was fixed upon) no precedent will be established by yielding a little in the present instance; and it will always be found sound policy to conciliate the good-will rather than provoke the enmity of any man, where it can be accomplished without much difficulty, inconvenience or loss. Indeed the more harmoniously this, or any other business is conducted the faster it will progress, & the more satisfactory will it be.
Should Mr Carroll adopt the first alternative mentioned in my letter to him—and there is no pressing cause for taking the building down this Winter, the materials will be less liable to injury by standing as they are—and less apt to be stolen than if they should be taken down before the period shall arrive for reerection.
As there is a suspension at present of the business which took Mr Ellicots brother to Georgia there will be no occasion for his proceeding thither, until he shall receive further advice from me, or from the Department of War. But it is my earnest wish, & desire, that he would give every aid in his power to prepare for a large sale of Lots in the Spring, agreeably to the sentiments

which have been communicated to the Commissioners; And it is moreover exceedingly to be wished, that correct Engravings of the City could be had and properly dissiminated (at least) through out the United States before such Sale.
A great pressure of business at this time, prevents me from adding more than that I am with esteem and regard Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Stewart et al., 28 November 1791
From: Stewart, David
To: Washington, George

  [Baltimore] 28 Nov. 1791. Recommend David Harris, a former merchant of this town, as very deserving, because of his capacity and general deportment, for an “Office, for which the knowledge of Accounts may be Necessary.”


Title: To George Washington from Harriot Washington, 28 November 1791
From: Washington, Harriot
To: Washington, George

Mt Vernon November 28 91

I with pleasure sit down, to inform my dear Uncle, that I recieved his kind, an[d] affectionate letter this day fortnight; I was very sensible, of your kindness in giving me such good advice, and shall try to profit, by it as much as I can, I know very well, the obligations I am under, to you and I am very thankful for your care and attention to me. Cousin and the Major are a going down the country in two or three weeks, and to stay untill the spring, I am going to stay at Cousin Lee’s, and when Cousin returns, I intend to assist her in keeping house, Mrs Stuart is still here, Cousin and all the rest of the family are well at present.
If you please to give my love, to Aunt Washington Nelly and Washington. I am My dear Uncle Your affectate Neice

Harriot Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Seagrove, 30 November 1791 [letter not found]
From: Seagrove, James
To: Washington, George

	Letter not found: from James Seagrove, 30 Nov. 1791. On 20 Feb. 1792 Henry Knox wrote Seagrove: “Your letter to the President of the

United States, dated at Trader’s Hill, on the river St. Mary’s, near the Indian line, on the 30th of November 1791, . . . ha[s] been . . . received within the last week.”


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 1 December 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

Gentlemen,
Philadelphia Decr 1st 1791.

I receive with real mortification the account of the demolition of Mr Carrolls house by Major L’Enfant, against his consent, and without authority from yourselves or any other person: for you have done me but justice in ass⟨erting that⟩ he had no such authority from me. My letter of the 28th Ulto to Mr Carroll of Duddington will prove this.
I now enclose you the copy of one to Majr L’Enfant, in which you will see what I say to him on this subject.
You are as sensible as I am of his value to us. But this has it’s limits, and there is a point beyond which he might be overvalued. If he is saved from the notice of the law on the present occasion, I would chuse he shd owe it entirely to yourselves, and that he be made sensible that there will be no interference from me on his behalf.
The enclosed for Mr Carroll of Duddington you may either deliver or destroy as it shall seem best to you. With very great esteem & regard I remain, gentn Yr. Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 1 December 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Dec. 1. 1791.

Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President and sends him a draught of letters to Majr L’Enfant & the Commissioners, prepared on a conference with mister Madison. perhaps the former may be too severe. it was observed however, that tho’ the president’s sentiments conveyed to him thro’ mister Lear, were serious, & ought to have produced an effect on him, he gave them the go-by in his letter in answer, and shews that he will not regard correction unless it be pointed.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Appleton, 3 December 1791
From: Appleton, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sr
Boston 3d Decembr 1791

with great respect & diffidence I address the President of the United States.
One of my sons Thoms Appleton about 26 years of age has resided in Paris the last 5 years, & has been connected in business with a very respectable House there, in supplying the City with Oil by contract, which gave a fair prospect of yeilding him a handsom proffit, but during the Revolution there, such dificulties have arrisen in the business that he found it necessary to quit it, upon which his friends in Paris, from his good proficiency in writing & speaking the French language, & from the reputation which he has gained since his residence there, have advised him to apply for the appointment of Consul from the United States at the Port of Lisbon, for which appointment, I have now taken the liberty, in his behalf, to address you on the subject—it may be improper for me to enlarge upon his qualifications, but as he had the honor of being acquainted, according to their different ages & rank, with the honorable Mr Secretary Jefferson when he resided in Paris, I know of no person so capable of informing your Excellency of my sons qualifications & reputation, I understand he has written to Secretary Jefferson on the subject—if my son should be thought worthy of the appointment, I hope he will with reputation to himself & his Country promote the Interest of the United States.
My son went abroad So young that but very few persons in this place have sufficient knowledge of him to second this application—perhaps Mr Secretary Otis may recollect him as he was acquainted in his family. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys most obedient & obliged humble Servant

Nathl Appleton


Title: William Lyles to George Augustine Washington, 3 December 1791
From: Lyles, William
To: Washington, George Augustine

Dear Sir
Broad Creek Decr 3d 1791

Mr Murray informs me he had paid you £93.11.8, in part of what you are to receive from me—This sum has been ready some time, and I fully expected the whole amt would have been paid you pointedly at the time it became due by Colo. Fitzgerald, who had money in his hands of mine and alloted for that very purpose, but I am told he has not paid you a Shilling for my ⟨acct⟩.

I am extremely mortified that the whole is not paid before this day, but the Situation of my family is and has been such with the small pox, that I have not been able to attend to any part of my affairs, I shall as Soon as it is possible pay up the balce. I am with great esteem Dr Sir your Obt servt

Wm Lyles


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 4 December 1791
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear President
Richmond [Va.] Decr 4th 1791

Altho the enclosed account which came to hand yesterday is by no means complete, yet I think it worthy of transmission, as I am sure you will be very anxious to receive every additional information on the late disaster in the west.
The writer I am told is entitled to full credit—We may I think truely infer from this communication that the enemy paid dearly for their victory, or General St Clair after so heavy a loss could not have effected his retreat to Fort Jefferson thirty miles distant from the field of battle & also that the remains of the army are not as the first accounts stated destitute of provision, but will be able to subsist until the releif shall arrive.
The district of Kentucky evince on this occasion a zeal & alertness which does the highest honor to their character.
I have not thought it worth while to send General Scotts circular letr, or the extract from the Kentucky gazette, as they only mention the defeat briefly & I have reason to beleive must ere now have reached the secretary of the department of War.
The fate of the detachment Under the mountain leader seems full of peril yet the character of the Indian cheif inspires me with hope that he will elude the efforts of his enemy. I have the honor

to be sir with the most entire & Affectionate respect your most ob: h: servt

Henry Lee