Title: To George Washington from James Rumsey, 15 May 1788
From: Rumsey, James
To: Washington, George

Dr General,
philedelphia May 15th 1788.

When I Last had the honor of writeing to you I was about Seting out on a Very uncertain Expedition. I Came to this place with an Intention of astablishing my prior Right to The Invention of the Steam boat and have met with great Oppozetion from Mr Fitches Company who Seem to Stop at nothing to Carry their point[.] by advice of Several freinds we attempted an N[e]gotiation of the matter and I was met Several Times by Deputyes from his Company in The Course of which I offered to make an Eaqual Join of the matter with them which They Refused, &

they offered me one Eighth which I Refused, when all negotiation Ceased.
I Laid the Drafts of Several Mechines before the philosophical Society Expecting thereby to Secure Such Inventions to myself[.] among these Drafts was my new Invented Boiler for Generating Steam my papers was In possesion of his Excellencey Docter Franklin Several Days before the Day of Meeting But on that Day three other Drafts was handed in of Boilers on the Same princeples as mine but Varyed a Little in form two of these was a Mr Voights a partners of Mr Fitches, the other by a person of Influance a teacher in the Collage I found who it was by axedent. Inclosed you have the Report of a Committee of the philosophical Society on the above mentioned Mecheines, also the proposials of a plann I published to form a Company and the names of the persons that has subscribed to it, when this was known Mr Fitches party Immediately Sent a Draft of the boiler to Urope, with Letters and Instructions to apply for a pattent for it. the Gentlemen That formed my Company was Roused at Such Treatment and at the next meeting after the first formation of it, they Subscribed 1000 Dollars more for the Express purpos of Sending me to Urope and I am to Set of in the morning, Docter Franklin and a number of other Gentl. write Letters by me to their freinds in Europe. If you think Sir that you Could with propriaty mention me in a Line the first opertunity to the Marquis La Fayette Mr Jefferson or any other Gentlemen that you may think proper the favor Should always be most Greatfully Remembered. Benjamin Vaughn Esqr. Jeffreys Square and Mr Robert Barclay[,] Thralers Brewery[,] Southwark London are to be two of my Confitent⟨ial⟩ freinds—Doctr Franklin is to name one or two more In his Letters which I have not got yet but am to Call on him in the Evening for them. I am Sir with Every Sentiment of Esteem your much obliged hble Servt

James Rumsey

P.S. If Mr hartshorn would give me Credit for the Boats and Sum Other Small accounts that Lye with him It would nearly pay what was Called for by the Company before I Came from home


Title: To George Washington from Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 15 May 1788
From: Van der Kemp, Francis Adrian
To: Washington, George

Sir!
New-york 15 May 1788

Being honoured with a recommendatory letter of the Marquis de La Fayette to your Excellency, in view to adsist my endeavours to Settle my in this commonwealth with my wife and two children, who followed their husband and father from the Unhappy Nethelands I thougth it my duty to Sent that letter to

 your Excellency, as soon Possible. Althoug I lost the greatest part of my fortune in the defence of the Rigths of the enhabitants of a country—before my fellow-citisens—now Subdued by an unlawful power, with the adsistance of two mighty forein allies I flatter my Selv with the hope, that it wil be Sufficient to procure me and my family a henest Susestance in one of the other Part of America if my unrelented endeavour are blessed by Providence. as i have no larger views formed than to Subsisst, and enjoy of that indepence with belongs to a member of a free State I think it wil be So.
I am personally acquainted—Since Several years by Mr John Adams. This man can inform your Excellency of my character of what I have done. If I am happy enough to be honoured by length of time—with your Excellency’s adprobation and may enjoy—for the present—of your advie—this wil give a new ⟨Surcroit⟩ to my Contentment. It is my design to make a tour to Philadelphia to deliver my recommandatory letters, as I did in this town; and if I am happy enough to know before me departur that the paying a vsit to your Excellency wil not be Ungrateful I wil make that digression of Some days. my duty of making no expences, without necessity is the reason of this question—and my departur to Philadelphia wil not have place before the arrival of the French Packet. It sh⟨all be⟩ always for me a blessing to tell to my children—that I Saw and Spoke that Man, who was the principal foundator of all those blessings, which Surely wil be their property—if they chuse to live in a virtuous manner.
Be Sure Sir! that no born American, who was an eye-witness of your uncommon deeds, wil pay, with more Sincerity, the respect and admiration, due to your Person, than He, who is Sir Your most obedient Servant

Fr. Adr. van der Kemp


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 16 May 1788
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond May 16th 1788

Having been honoured with the receipt of your very obliging letter of the 2d Inst. I waited to hear of Mrs Morris’s setting out on her journey before I gave you the trouble of my thanks for its Contents; Before you receive this Mrs Morris & three of her children will feel them selves happy under Your Hospitable roof, I am not ready, but shall make every exertion to finish my tedious & troublesome business here, so that I may personally make those acknowledgements which will be due to Mrs Washington & yourself for the kind reception I know my Family will meet at Mount Vernon. the Mail is just making up & I have only time to assure you of my respect & Esteem being ever my Dr sir Your most obedient humble Servant

Robt Morris


Title: To George Washington from William West, 17 May 1788 [letter not found]
From: West, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William West, 17 May 1788. GW wrote West on 28 June: “I was favoured with your letter of the 17th Ult.”


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 18 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon May 18th 1788

Your favor of the 22d Ulto and a Barrel of Barley have arrived safe, & I pray you to accept my thanks for the latter. I lost no time in committing it to the Ground; & shall, (as it was good) look for a prolific return. My People, however, tell me it is a grain that is called Bare, and considered more as a Winter than Summer grain, tho’ it is, sometimes sown in the Spring they say. Mrs Washington joins me in Compliments, & good wishes for you and Mrs Wadsworth—and with sentiments of great esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Yr most Obedt Hble Ser⟨vt⟩

Go: Washington

Colo. Humphreys is here, & begs to be remembered to you.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Lewis, 19 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Thomas

Sir,
Mount Vernon May 19th 1788

Enclosed is the duplicate of a letter I wrote to you agreeably to the date, but having heard nothing from you since, I am apprehensive it may have met with a miscarriage and therefore send this copy by your Brother who will endeavor to contrive it safe to you.

I have been called upon for Taxes, and threatned at the sametime with a Sale of the Land after June, if the money is not paid before, by the Sheriff of Green brier County—As I have been suffering loss after loss for near ten years while I was in the public Service and have scarcely had time to breath sence. to this proceedure seems to me to be a little hasty, no regular application bee’n made to me—nor I might add any application at all but by these threats indirectly sent. to be threatned with a Sale when I cannot upon enquiry find that others who have lands in the same County has been treated in that rigorous manner seems to carry with it singular appearince. I am however, endeavouring to provide for the payment but wish to meet that measure and indulgence which is shewn to others.
I have heard also, that People, under some other authority than mine, are settling in the point of a Fork between Cole River an[d] the great Kankawa; as I have a tract of two thousand Acres which encludes this spot these persons should be informed thereof to prevent deception to themselves, or trouble to me. The authority (if you encline to act under it) with which you are invested will enable you to settle this matter with them and to continue them thereon if you can agree on terms. I am &ca

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 20 May 1788
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Paris May the 20th 1788

I Have Been Requested to introduce to You Mr de Chastel de la Vallée a french Gentleman Who intends to Visit the United States, and Will probably Settle in one of them. He is Particularly

Recommended to Me By the Marquis de Boüillé to Whose lady He is Related, and I Beg, My dear General, you Will Honour Him with Your Advices in His intended plan.
Not knowing When this Can Reach You, and Having a Speedy Opportunity to write I shall only Present You, My Beloved General, with the filial Respect and Affection of Your Most devoted friend

lafayette


Title: From George Washington to Lachlan McIntosh, 20 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: McIntosh, Lachlan

Dear Sir,
[Mount Vernon, 20 May 1788]

This letter will be presented to you by Mr Stevens, and is introductory of him; He has been an Officer in the Virginia line of the Army during the War, and as far as hath come to my knowledge behaved with zeal and propriety in the Service of his Country. Business carrying him to the State of Georgia, I could not refuse him this recommendation, & myself the pleasure of assuring you that I am Yr Most Obedt and very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jean Gibo, 22 May 1788
From: Gibo, Jean
To: Washington, George

My Lord,
Alexandria 22d May 1788

Pardon me for presuming to take the Liberty of troubling your Excellency, to whom every moment is so precious—your name so much respected among us was the Cause I did not in

the smallest degree hesitate to Comply with every request that your dear Nephew Mr Ferdinand Washington ever made to me; when at the Warm Springs I supplied him with every thing he asked me for, and when I was returning home I presented him my accot against him, which he recd and promised to leave the amount of it with Mrs Hannah, at the Coffee house, in this Town, with whom I left the Note he was good enough to give me for the Same—Indeed had he asked me for twice the amot he should have had it most chearfully, considering he was so nearly connected with a personage So illustrious as yourself. Had not a premature Death prevented him, I am thoroughly convinced I should have been paid long ago. From a very considerable Robbery that has been committed in my absence by my Servant, and from the many Instances of bad faith I have met with from allmost every person I have had any dealings with, I find my self most unhappily circumstanced in my affairs. I shall hold myself exceedingly obliged to your Excellency for this Small Sum (the amot of which your Excellency can See by the inclosed Note) and the payment of it will most certainly greatly add to your well known honor as you can have no other motive for paying it than that of generosity altogether disinterested, and for which your Excellency has always been most justly praised. I hope your Excellency will graciously consider what a Loss I should Sustain in not receiving this Small Sum, which would be So inconsiderable to your Excellency & which would be a very principall means of retreiving my affairs which I am Sorry to Say are truly distressing—I cannot expect to receive it from any other person but your Excellency, as the Guardians of your dear Nephew have no right to pay it, as the Transaction happened before he was of age. I will not murmur should your Excellency decline settling this small matter, but when I consider the character of your Excellency with respect to the unfortunate I have not the smallest doubt but your Excellency will do every thing in your power to serve me. In expectation of your gracious Answer, I have the honor to be My Lord, Your most obedeint and very Hble Servt

jean gibo


Title: To George Washington from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 24 May 1788
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Washington, George

Dear General,
Charleston [S.C.] May 24th 1788

South Carolina has ratified the fœderal Constitution. Our Convention assembled the 12th Instant, & yesterday the vote of ratification was taken—149 Ayes—& 73 Noes—I enclose you a list of the Members who voted on each side. You will be pleased to find that the names you are best acquainted with, were in

favour of the Constitution, and that those who were against it, have declared they would do all in their power to reconcile their Constituents to its adoption, and would exert themselves in its support.
Mrs Pinckney joins me in tendering our best respects to Mrs Washington & yourself, & to Major Washington & his Lady, & I remain with sincere gratitude for all your favours, Your devoted & affectionate humble Sert

Charles Cotesworth Pinckney

Major Butler out of a principle of delicacy too refined, declined serving in the State Convention, you will not therefore see his Name among the Yeas or Nays.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 25 May 1788
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

New York 25th May 1788.

I have to acknowledge my dear Sir the receipt of your several favors in March and yours of the 28th of april enclosing the application of Major LEnfant.
I intended to have written You from Philadelphia while attending on the Cincinnati but being only three days there, and being much hurried by public business I could not obey my wishes in that respect.
I have this day been putting on board the french packet the eldest son of our highly esteemed friend the late General Greene. He goes to the Marquis de la Fayette in order to receive some years of education in France. It is proposed he should return in about six years. Indeed this will be long enough lest he should receive habits inconsistent with those necessary to be pra[c]ticed in his own country—He is a lively boy and with a good education will probably be An honor to the memory of his father and the pride of his friends.

We have received no explicit information from South Carolina, the convention of which has been in session nearly a fortnight—Nobody doubts that it will be adopted, although it is well ascertained there will be a considerable party against it—Much will depend on Virginia—Her conduct will have a powerful influence on this state and North Carolina.
In this state it appears to be conceded on the part of the federalists that numbers will be against them in the convention, but they hope so many states will previously have adopted the constitution that they shall prevail—It is however doubtful—the party against it in this state are united under the auspices of the Governor and he is supposed to be immoveable—And yet one would think they could not persist in an opposition fraught with the most deadly consequences—The elections will be known in a few days, when a better judgement will be formed than at present.
Colonel Smith has lately arrived from England and informs that Doctor Price and all the friends of liberty in great Britain highly approve the Constitution and ardently wish its adoption—Mr John Adams who probably has arrived in Massachusetts is exceedingly pleased with it, and thinks it the first production ever offered to the human race—It is spoken of by the English Ministers as an admirable form of government and which if adopted will place the American character in a new point of view highly deserving respect.
The turks are oppressed by the plague and what is worse and perhaps more cruel War. If they extricate themselves out of such complicated calamities, it will probably be owing to some work of chance The calculations being greatly against them.
Mrs Knox and her little family are well and unite with me in presenting our respectful compliments to Mrs Washington and I am my dear Sir Your sincere and affectionate humble Servant

H. Knox

If Colo. Humphreys is still with you I will thank you to present my love to him.


Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 25 May 1788
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Paris May the 25th 1788

In the Midst of our internal troubles, it is a Comfort to me that I May Rejoice in the Happy Prospects that oppen Before My adoptive Country. Accounts from America Give me Every Reason to Hope the New Constitution will Be Adopted. Permit me once More, My Beloved General, to insist on Your Acceptance of the Presidency. The Constitution as it is Proposed Answers Most of the Purposes, But, Unless I am Much Mistaken, there are Some Parts Which Would not Be Quite Free of some danger Had Not the United States the Good fortune to Possess their Guardian Angel, Who May feel the Advantages and inconveniences of Every Article, and Will Be able, Before He Retires Again, to ascertain to What degree Governement Must Necessarily be Energic, What powers Might Be diverted into a Bad Use, and to Point out the Means to Attain that Perfection, to which the New Constitution is Already Nearer than Any past or present Governement.
The affairs of france are Come to a Crisis, the More difficult to Manage as the people in General Have no inclination to Go to Extremities—liberty or death is Not the Motto on this Side of the Atlantic—and as all classes are More or less dependant, as the Rich love their Ease, and the poor are depressed By Want and ignorance, the only Way is to Reason or persuade the Nation into a Kind of Passive discontent or Non obedience which May tire out the Levity and Undo the Plans of Governement. The Parliaments, Notwistanding the inconveniences Attending them, Have Been Necessary Champions to Stand forth. You will See By the Publications, for We Have Sent over Every thing, that the King Has Assumed Pretentions, and the Courts of justice Have Stated principles Which so widely differ that one Could Hardly Believe those Assertions are Made in the Same Country and Century. Matters Could not Rest there. Governement Have

Employed the force of Arms Against Unarmed Magistrates, and Expelled them—and the people will you say? The people, my dear General, Have Been so dull that it Has Made me sick, and phisicians Have Been obliged to Cool My inflammed Blood. What Has the More wounded Up My Anger, is a Bed of justice wherein the King Has Established a Court pleniere Composed of judges, peers, and Courtiers, Without one Single Representative, and their Ministers Had the imprudence to Say that all taxes and loans Should Be Registered. thank God, we Have Got the Better, and I Begin to Hope for a Constitution. the Magistrates Have Refused Sitting in the Cour pleniere—the Peers, who are Thirty Eight, a few of whom Have Sense and Courage, Will not However Obey—some, like my friend La Rochefoucauld Behaved Nobly. the others follow at a distance. The parliaments Have Unanimously protested and Made an Appeal to the Nation. Most of the inferior Courts Reject the New Regimen—discontents Breack out Every Where, and in Some Provinces are Not despicable. The clergy who Happen to Have an Assembly are Remonstrating. The lawyers Refuse to plead. Governement are Embarrassed and Begin to Apoligise. Their Commandants Have Been in some Parts Pursued with dirt and stones—and the Midst of these troubles and Anarchy the friends of liberty are daily Reinforced, shut up their Ears Against Negociations, and Say they Must Have a National Assembly or Nothing. Such is, my dear General, our Bettering Situation, and I am for My Part Very Easy when I think that I shall Before long Be in an Assembly of the Representatives of the french Nation, or at Mount Vernon.
I am so taken up with those Affairs, that I can tell you But little of European politics. My disapprobation of Ministerial plans, and what little Exertions I Could Make Against them Have induced me to Cease My visits at the Arch Bishop’s House, and the More I Have Been Connected with Him and the keeper of the Seals, the Greater indignation I Have professed Against their infernal plan. I am Glad our American Arrêt du Conseil Has taken place Before the full tide of these troubles, and Am Now, through other Ministers, Endeavouring to Bring about a plan for the total Enfranchisement of duties on the Whale oil, Which Would put the American Merchants on the same footing

with the french, Even With Respect to Bounties, and that Without obliging the fishermen to leave their Native Shore. Should we succeed in that, our Next object Must Be the trade With the west indias. I am Happy in the Ambassador we Have in this Country, and Nothing Can Excell M. jefferson’s abilities, virtues, pleasing temper, and Every thing in Him that Constitutes the Great States man, zealous Citizen, and Amiable friend. He Has a Young Gentleman with Him, Mr Short, a Virginian, who is a very able, Engaging, and Honest Man; This letter Will Be delivered By Mr de Warville, a Man of letters, Who Has writen a pamphlet Against Chattelux’s journal, But is However very clever, and wishes very Much to Be presented to You. He intends to write the History of America, and is of Course very desirous to Have a Peep at Your papers Which Appears to me a deserved Condescension as He is Very fond of America, writes pretty Well, and Will set Matters in a proper light. He Has an officer with Him whom I also Beg leave to Recommend—M. de la terriere is His Name.
But to Come to politics, I Must tell you that the War Betwen the Imperial Powers and the turks is Going on—the Emperor Has Made several attempts, But there is a fatality in that Man which Makes Him Ever Begin and Never finish Any Thing. The Skirmishes Have Generally Been doubtfull. He Has taken a town, But was Severely Brushed in an other Assault, and the Same day met with a second defeat. Those Matters, However trifling, show that the turks are either very ill attaked, or More lucky than We did Expect. The siege of Belgrade will Be the Grand Expedition that Way and is Not Begun. There Has Been a jonction Made By the Austrians and Russians in an other Quarter, But they Have Not Much the Means to Operate. The Grand Army of the Russians are Moving toward Ozakow which Prince Potemkin, a former lover, and the Bosom friend of the Empress is Going to Besiege. Paul jones Has Entered the Russian Service and Will Command a Squadron on the Black Sea. all the powers are Negociating for a peace, But at the Same time Spain, Sweden, danemark are Arming. Those will Be observation fleets, and it is Expected that a Peace will take place this Winter. We Must of Course Wish for decisive Actions. Should they be Unfavourable to the Christians it May disgust them. and you Never Can Get a Concession from the turks, Untill the

Prophet Has shown His displeasure By suffering them to Be flogged. in Case Both Parties Maintain their Ground, a General war is Aprehended for the Next Year.
I Beg, My dear General, You will present My Most affectionate Respects to Mrs Washington, And to Your Respected Mother. Remember me to the family, the young ones, your Relations, to all friends. Mde de lafayette and Children join in the Best Respects to You and Mrs Washington. My younger daughter Virginia is Now Under inoculation. Adieu, My Beloved General, I don’t live one day without Grieving for this Hard Separation which deprives me of the Blessed Sight of What is dearest to me, and leaves me so few opportunities to tell you, My dear General, With all the love of a devoted Heart that I am forever With the Most affectionate Respect Your filial, gratefull friend

lafayette

I Had a letter from M. de Moustier who (Betwen us) appears to me not well pleased. We Must Humour Him a little, that His Representations Be favourable. it is Said that the Russian fleet destined to the Mediterranean is Counter Manded altho Spain Had Consented. How far this is Certain I don’t know. I Have just Received an official Communication of a Resolve Signed By more than three Hundred Gentlemen of the order of Noblesse in Britanny declaring it infamous to Accept a place in the New Administration—to which I very plainly Have Given My Assent—Adieu, my dear General.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Dobbs Spaight, 25 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Spaight, Richard Dobbs

Sir,
Mount Vernon May 25th 1788.

The letter with which you honored me the 25th of last Month, and the Pease (by way of Baltimore) are safe at hand. I pray you to accept my thanks for them. I shall cultivate the Pease with care—this year in hills, to accumulate Seed—next year in broadcast, for a crop.
I am sorry to find by your letter that the State of North Carolina is so much opposed to the proposed Government. If a better could be agreed on, it might be well to reject this; but without such a prospect (& I confess none appears to me) policy I think, must recommend the one that is submitted.
The sentiments of this State will soon be known—The second day of June the Convention is to meet. Since the election of delegates to it, the prevailing opinion is that a majority of the members are in favor of the Constitution, but as they are soon to speak their own sentiments it would be imprudent to anticipate them, even, if they were reduced to certainty. Maryland has ratified by a very large Majority, Sixty three to Eleven. With great esteem & regard I have the honor to be—Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 26 May 1788
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Richmond May 26th 1788

I had the pleasure to meet Mrs Morris & my Children at the Bowling Green about two oClock on Friday & have since Conducted them safe to this place. We reserve our Acknowledgements for Mrs Washington & your kind Attentions untill they

can be made in person as I hope it will not be long before we shall have the pleasure of waiting on you again at Mount Vernon—The letters Enclosed herewith were brought by Mrs Morris under a Sealed Cover directed to me on the supposition of my being with you. The French letter is from a meer aventurier who took me in for 100 Dollrs & has now put me to an expense of 50/ for Postage from Charles Town. these Circumstances will guard you against his importunities.
Mr Pollock’s request you will be best able to judge of. He wishes me to solicit for him what I would not ask for myself. With perfect esteem & regard I remain Dear Sir Your obliged & obedient humble Servant

Robt Morris


Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 28 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My dear Marquis,
Mount Vernon May 28th 1788

I have lately had the pleasure to receive two letters by which you introduced to my acquaintance M. Du Pont and M. Vanderkemp and (altho’ those gentlemen have not as yet been to visit me[)], you may be persuaded that whensoever I shall have the satisfaction of receiving them, it will be with all that attention to which their merits and your recommendations entitle them.
Notwithstanding you are acquainted with Mr Barlow in person, and with his works by reputation, I thought I would Just write you a line by him, in order to recommend him the more particularly to your civilities. Mr Barlow is considered by those who are good Judges to be a genius of the first magnitude; and to be one of those Bards who hold the keys of the gate by which Patriots, Sages and Heroes are admitted to immortality. Such are your Antient Bards who are both the preist and doorkeepers to the temple of fame. and these, my dear Marquis, are no vulgar functions. Men of real talents in arms have commonly approved themselves patriots of the liberal arts and friends to the poets of their own as well as former times. In some instances by acting reciprocally, heroes have made poets, and poets heroes.

Alexander the great is said to have been enraptured with the Poems of Homer and to have lamented that he had not a rival muse to celebrate his actions. Julias Ceesar is well know[n] to have been a man of a highly cultivated understanding and taste. Augustus was the professed and munificent rewarder of poetical merit—nor did he lose the return of having his atcheivments immortalised in song. The Augustan age is proverbial for intellectual refinement and elegance in composition; in it the harvest of laurels and bays was wonderfully mingled together. The age of your Louis the fourteenth, which produced a multitude of great Poets and great Captains, will never be forgotten: nor will that of Queen Ann in England, for the same cause, ever cease to reflect a lustre upon the Kingdom. Although we are yet in our cradle, as a nation, I think the efforts of the human mind with us are sufficient to refute (by incontestable facts) the doctrines of those who have asserted that every thing degenerates in America. Perhaps we shall be found, at this moment, not inferior to the rest of the world in the performances of our poets and painters; notwithstanding many of the incitements are wanting which operate powerfully among older nations. For it is generally understood, that excellence in those sister arts has been the result of easy circumstances, public encouragements and an advanced stage of society. I observe that the Critics in England, who speak highly of the American poetical geniuses (and their praises may be the more relied upon as they seem to be reluctantly exhorted) are not pleased with the tribute of applause which is paid to your nation. It is a reason why they should be the more caressed by your nation. I hardly know how it is that I am drawn thus far in observations on a subject so foreign from those in which we are mostly engaged, farming and politics, unless because I had little news to tell you.
Sence I had the pleasure of writing to you by the last Packet, the Convention of Maryland has ratified the federal Constitution by a majority of 63 to 11 voices. That makes the seventh State which has adopted it, nex[t] monday the Convention in Virginia will assemble—we have still good hopes of its adoption here: though by no great plurality of votes. South Carolina has probably decided favourably before this time. The plot thickens fast. A few short weeks will detirmine the political fate of America for the present generation and probably produce no

small influence on the happiness of society through a long succession of ages to come. Should every thing proceed with harmony and consent according to our actual wishes and expectations; I will confess to you sincerely, my dear Marquis; it will be so much beyond any thing we had a right to imagine or expect eighteen months ago, that it will demonstrate as visibly the finger of Providence, as any possible event in the course of human affairs can ever designate it. It is impracticable for you or any one who has not been on the spot, to realise the change in men’s minds and the progress towards rectitude in thinking and acting which will then have been made.
Adieu, my dear Marquis, I hope your affairs in France will subside into a prosperous train without coming to any violent crisis. Continue to cherish your affectionate feelings for this country and the same portion of friendship for me, which you are ever sure of holding in the heart of your most sincer[e] Friend &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to La Luzerne, 28 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

Sir,
Mount Vernon May 28th 1788

As not any thing which is interesting to your happiness and glory can be indifferent to me, I have a sincere pleasure in congratulating you on your appointment as Ambassador from the most Christien King to the Court of London.
Altho your Excellency may possibly have had some knowledge of Mr Barlow (the gentleman who will put this letter into your hands and of whom it is recommendatory) during your residence in America; yet his celebrity as a writer was not then so

great as to have attracted the same admiration and applause, which he hath since merited and obtained by the publication of his celebrated Poem entitled the Viseon of Columbus. That Work is dedicated by permission to the King of France, and is intended as an honorable testimony of America[’s] gratitude and affection for the Frence nation. I observe that it has been republished in London, and that the Critical Reviewers have treated the Author, in their Strictures upon it, as a person possessed of a very distingueshed and sublime Genius. I will only trespass on your time to add that Mr Barlow’s character and talents are such as authorize me to commend him to your particular notice: and to assure you, my dear Marquis, with how great personal consideration and esteem—I have the honor to be Your most Obedt and Most humble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 29 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon May 29th 1788

Enclosed is a bill of lading for Ten Barrls of Shad, and Forty Barrls of Herrings which you will please to dispose of on Commission to the best advantage for the benefit of—Your Most Obedt Hble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Gilpin, 29 May 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Gilpin, George

[Mount Vernon, 29 May 1788]

My Nephew informs me that you propose to set off for Shenandoah tomorrow. Particular matters which I have on hand will prevent my doing of it till Saturday—possibly in the afternoon of that day, time enough to reach Mr. Fairfax’s. Early on Sunday I will call at the Great, & proceed to the Seneca Falls and if business should not require Mr. Smith to proceed before that time, I should be glad to meet him at the first place, but not otherwise.
It is my earnest wish that the meeting should be full—business requires it—& for that reason I hope Colo Fitzgerald will attend, and that the Maryland Members could be carried on. Barring accidents I will be at the place of Rendezvous by 10 o’clock on Monday.—Such papers as will be wanting be so good as to take with you, particularly the charges &c. against Stuart.


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 29 May 1788
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York 29 May 1788—

I was two Days ago favored with yours of the 15th Instant. it gives me pleasure to find that the Probability of Virginias adopting the proposed Constitution rather encreases—such an Event would undoubtedly disarm the opposition. It appears by recent advices from Charleston that we may count on South Carolina, and the New Hampshire Delegates assure me that their State will come into the Measure.
There is much Reason to believe that the Majority of the Convention of this State will be composed of antifœderal Characters; but it is doubtful whether the Leaders will be able to govern the Party. Many in the opposition are Friends to Union and mean well, but their principal Leaders are very far from being sollicitous about the Fate of the Union. They wish and mean (if possible) to reject the Constitution with as little Debate and as much Speed as may be. It is not however certain that the greater part of their Party will be equally decided, or rather equally desperate—an Idea has taken air, that the Southern part of the State will at all Events adhere to the union, and if necessary to that End seek a Separation from the northern. this Idea has Influence on the ⟨Fears⟩ of the Party. I cannot find that they have as yet so looked forward to contingent Events, or even to those the most probable, as to have united in or formed any System

adapted to them—with perfect Respect & Esteem I am Dear Sir your affectte & hble Servt

John Jay


Title: To George Washington from John Moss, 30 May 1788
From: Moss, John
To: Washington, George

Sir.
30th May 1788.

Not attending to your list of Titheables when I receaved it, did not discover you had not made the necessary distingtion between Blacks above Sixteen, and over Twelve and under Sixteen. I inclose the list that you may make the alteration. Should also be glad to receave Major Washingtons list. Colo. Wren also desired me to ask you for your list in Truro Parish. The whole you may send me to Mrs Peakes if convenient. Or lodge them for me at Mr Hepburns Store in Alexandria. I am Sir with due Esteem your Hble Servt

John Moss


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 1 June 1788
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Baltimore 1st June 1788.

Captn Barney being the bearer of the present from the merchants of Baltimore would, I am persuaded, be a sufficient introduction, and insure to him without any thing further a favorable reception. I cannot however omit the occasion this offers me of placing it more upon his own merit. Permit me therefore to mention, that the federal cause in this Town is not only greatly indebted to his exertions, but that he has rendered his country valuable services as a brave sea officer in the late revolution.
I congratulate you upon the adoption of the constitution by South Carolina and am, Dear Sir, with the most sincere regard and affection your obt & hble servt

James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Francis Peyton, 1 June 1788
From: Peyton, Francis
To: Washington, George

Sir
June 1st 1788

I have the Honor to inclose you an Acct which I am Satisfied you have forgot or thought it must have been paid by Mr Washington in your Absence which I suppose would have been the case had I have been in possession of Dawsons Order but as I had delivered it to you I had nothing to Support the Charge. I once Wrote to Mr Washington on the Subject requesting him to inquire of you as to it’s legality but never received any answer from him—if you remember the Matter and find no mistake in the Acct you will please Order me payment when Convenient I have the Honor to be with great respect Your Mo. Obt Servt

Francis Peyton


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 2 June 1788
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir,
Portsmouth N.H. 2d June 1788.

As I know you feel deeply interested in the fate of the proposed Constitution, considering its adoption or rejection as deciding upon the happiness & prosperity of your fellow-citizens, I shall take the liberty to give you an account of its present situation in this State so far as I have been able to learn it from the best information which I can obtain; beging, at the same time,

that you will not answer this, or any other letter which I may write to you before my return, unless something more particular (which I do not at present know of) should require it, because I am so well acquainted with your numerous avocations as to be sensible that you have not (especially at this busy season) an hour that could be conveniently spared.
I was surprised to find, in conversing with some of the first Characters here, that so little information respecting the Constitution has been diffused among the people of this State; there have been few, or no original publications in the papers & scarcely any republications; the valuable numbers of Publius are not known, the debates of the Pensylvania & Massachusetts conventions have been read but by few persons, and many other pieces which contained useful information have never been heard of. Fabius is now republishing in the papers of this town, and as the papers under this Signiture are written with perspicuity & candour I presume they will have a good effect. The enemies of the Constitution have been indefatigable in disseminating their opinions personally among the interior inhabitants of this State, and had they acted like good politicians would effectually have prevented its adoption here, but instead of alarming the fears of the people by telling them that their immediate & individual interest would be effected by the adoption of the Constitution they acknowledged that this State would be more benefited thereby than any other in the Union, but declared that if the Constitution obtained[,] the rights & liberties of all American citizens would be destroyed, and that the people of this State, as a part of the Community, wo⟨mutilated⟩ for in the general wreck; this apparent disinterestedness & patriotism was relished for some time and was the means of producing so large & unexpected an opposition in the last convention, but since that period the friends to the proposed System have been at some pains to counteract their opponents by personal information, and their success (they say) is as great as they could wish; for the people, upon reflecting, & duly considering those Characters who had stood forth as the Champions of the general rights of America, were convinced that they had been imposed upon by a specious parade of patriotism, thought it highly absurd to pretend that the inhabitants of other States were not as competent to the judging of what was injurious to their liberties

as they were, and as they have more to hope & less to fear from its obtaining than almost any other State it would be doing injustice to themselves not to accept it. This is taken to be now the general sentiment which prevails, and I think the friends to the Constitution would not feel so secure of its adoption as they do, (after the unexpected opposition which they met with ⟨la⟩st winter) unless they were possessed of some certain information to ground their faith upon; they now only appear to be mortified that New Hampshire will not make the ninth State, as it is probable South Carolina & Virginia will adopt it before them, and coming in at the tenth hour will rather have the appearance of submitting to, than accepting of it; the only method which can be devised to save appearances is to adopt it before the ratification can reach them from Virginia; this they expect to do, as it is thought the Convention will not be many days in session.
You will be so obliging as to tender my best respects to Mrs Washington, & beleive me to be, With sentiments of the highest respect & warmest attachment, My dear Sir, Yr most Obedt & Hble Servt

Tobias Lear


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Pleasants, Jr., 2 June 1788
From: Pleasants, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Raleigh 2d June 1788.

I have just recieved a Letter from Mr John Dydsbury, formerly a noted shoe & Boot Maker Pall-Mall London, but now residing at south Multon in Devonshire, requesting of me to procure him information of an allotment of Land made to Capt. Jacob Van Braam. and as your Exellencys name is mentioned, as having procured the land for Capt. Braam so I have taken the liberty of enclosing an extract of Mr Dydsbury Letter, as the most likely person to whom I could apply, to give me the information wanted, or to put me into the best way of obtaining it—

Which Will greatly oblige one, who is With great regard, and respect, Yr Most ob. Hble St

Thomas Pleasants jr


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 June 1788
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Boston June 3d 1788

I have had the pleasure of receiving the several letters answers to those which I have had the honour of writing to your Excellency.
In one of my last I suggested to your Excellency what appeared to me to be the temper of our last house of representatives relative to the new constitution and my apprehensions lest the same spirit which they possessed would be by them difused through the different parts of the State. Their professed design

was to shift the Governour and to appoint one, and a Leiutenant Governour of their own sentiments, hence federalism & antifederalism were pitted one against the other—The antifederalists were in hopes of throwing such an influence into the Government, by a change of its officers, as to prevent an organisation of the general Government by this State should it be adopted by nine.
Mr Hancock was put up by the federalists and Mr Gerry by the oposite party for Governour Mr Adams and Mr Lincoln were put up by the federalists as Lieutenant Governour and General Warren by the other party. The division of votes beetween Adams & Lincoln prevented a choice of Lieutenant Governour by the people, they had about two thirds of the votes General Warren had the greatest part of the remainder. As no person was chosen the four Gentlemen who had the most votes were by our constitution candidates, from whom the house must chuse two and send their Names to the Senate one of whom must be chosen by them Lieutenant Governour. Adams, Warren, Gerry & Lincoln were the candidates. The votes for them by the people stood as followeth Warren 6,157 Adams 3495 Gerry 669 Lincoln 10,204—Warren & Lincoln were returned to the Senate—they elected Lincoln who had 20 votes out of 28. He accepted the trust I hope he will discharge the duties of his office with fidelity.
I have been thus particular in returning the numbers as the contest as I said before seemed to be between the federalists & those of a different character that you might judge of the temper of the people & of the state of the parties. Federalism is manifestly fast gaining ground.
In our last house of representatives the antifederalists could carry any vote they pleased and there cannot be a doubt but if it had been with them to determine the question they would instantly have rejected the constitution with triumph—In the present house it has I am confident a great majority in its favor, much greater than it had in the convention.
In this State the people are manifestly returning to that train of thinking and line of duty necessary and indeed indispensible to their well being.
Though the majority have much to do yet they must take care

that they do not do too much, the utmost good temper and moderation must be used and we must make haste slo⟨w⟩ly.
On the whole if we act with judgment temper and moderation we shall, I have no doubt, in a short time have a government established the influence of which will not only promote and preserve the happiness and interest of the United States but that the beneficial effects of it will be enjoyed by all the different nations of the world.
I wish my most dutiful respects to Mrs Washington and that the children may be assured and early taught that General Lincoln loves them and that he wishes they may live long happily and be the most honored & useful among their brethren. With the sincerest esteem I have the honour of being My Dr General Your Obt Servant

B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hanson, 4 June 1788
From: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria, 4th June, 1788

To whom but the powerful and the benevolent should the unfortunate apply?
The partiality of my Friends has suggested the expediency of soliciting your influence in procuring for me an appointment under the new Government. I mention that the idea originated entirely with them, in order to acquit myself, as far as I can, of the blame of preferring a Suit which may, perhaps, be considered as premature, if not improper—They possibly hoped that the Consideration of my misfortunes, might, in your opinion, confer a kind of merit upon one who cannot justly boast of any other. What those misfortunes are I beg leave to relate. You may probably have heard of the depredations committed on my Father’s fortune by the severe operation of the Tender-Law, which deprived him of ⅞ths of his debts. This event necessarily occasioned him to lessen the provision he intended for me. To recover what in this manner I had lost, I was induced to become one of those numerous adventurers, who, on the establishment

of peace, were seized with a rage for mercantile engagements. What was the issue of my attempt you have, probably, understood. My ill Success Sir, was not owing, as I conceive, to inattention, Mismanagement, or extravagance, but to causes which no human prudence could controul.
Thus, Sir, I find myself, with a large family, reduced, from flattering prospects, to a situation the most uncomfortable. Upon this ground, chiefly, I must rest my pretensions to your favour. In misfortunes I may, I conceive, claim a melancholoy pre-eminence.
I know it is usual with Suitors to employ the advocation of others. But I also know that these commendations are generally obtained either through the solicitous importunity of the Candidate, or the partiality of his Friends. It cannot, therefore, be the effect of conceit in me to believe that I could procure the advocation of Gentlemen of great respectability both in this, and my native, State. But, not to mention the irksomeness of this business to one unhackneyed, as I am, in the ways of Solicitation, I wish to owe to your own goodness any Service you may render me. Indeed, abstracted from that wish, I do not perceive how I can be benefited by the representations of my Friends. I was, and am still, Sir, in hopes that, if during my residence for the last 4 Years in your own neighbourhood, there has been no impeachment of my Character or integrity, you will generously conclude that none can be exhibited of an earlier date.
Thus, Sir, I do not hope for success through the partial recommendation of my Friends, or the efficacy of illustrious advocation. It is in the form of a poor but honest man, that I prefer my Suit. In this character I am not ashamed to solicit you. Sir, let me not be the first who, in this character, ever solicited you in vain.
It has, doubtless, occurred to you that, the new government not being yet established, my application is premature. I take it for granted, Sir, that the proposed Government, or some other efficient one, must be adopted; and the reason of my early application is that, if it should meet your approbation, I may have as much time as possible for qualifying myself for any office of which you may think me capable. This it will be my earnest desire to do, in order by a faithful execution of my duty, to justify your friendly Patronage.

I must beg, Sir, that if, in pursuing this Subject, I have been imperceptibly carried beyond the true line of Decorum, you will ascribe it, not to any deficiency of respect, but to the anxious, yet natural, feelings of a Husband and a Father. With every sentiment of the most exalted respect, I have the honour to remain, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant

S. Hanson of Saml

 P.S. I have the pleasure to inform you, for your satisfaction, that the behaviour of the boys ⟨is une⟩xceptionable.


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 4 June 1788
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond June 4. 1788

Your favor of the 2d Ulto was not recd till my arrival here on monday evening. I found, contrary to my expectation that not only a very full house had been made on the first day, but that it had proceeded to the appointment of the President & other officers. Mr Pendleton was put into the chair without opposition. Yesterday little more was done than settling some forms and Resolving that no question general or particular should be propounded till the whole plan should be considered & debated clause by clause. This was moved by Col. Mason, and contrary to his expectations, concurred in by the other side. To day the discussions commenced in the Committee of the whole. The Governor has declared the day of previous amendments past, and thrown himself fully into the federal scale. Henry & Mason made a lame figure & appeared to take different and awkward ground. The federalists are a good deal elated by the existing prospect. I dare not however speak with certainty as to the decision. Kentucke has been extremely tainted, is supposed to be

generally adverse, and every piece of address is going on privately to work on the local interests & prejudices of that & other quarters. In haste I am Dr Sir Yrs Affecly

Js Madison Jr


Title: To George Washington from Christopher Gadsden, 5 June 1788 [letter not found]
From: Gadsden, Christopher
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Christopher Gadsden, 5 June 1788. On 18 Aug. GW wrote Gadsden of the letter that Gadsden wrote him “on the 5th of June last.”


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 4 June 1788 [letter not found]
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from David Stuart, 4 June 1788. On 8 June GW wrote Stuart: “I have received your favour of the 4th.”


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henderson, 5 June 1788
From: Henderson, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bladensburgh [Md.] June 5th 1788

The impression made upon me by the inclosed letter, has surmounted the hesitation I felt, at the thought of troubling you with it; for the Queries are beyond my capacity of answering, as I was desired to do, and seem worthy of attention from the greatest.
I know not the writer. He lives in the north of Scotland, where the body of the people are useless to society, by the neglect of their rulers; and miserable, by the engrossed state of land, and the expensiveness of landlords, which leaves not a subsistence to their tenants.
It is a pity that a vigorous people, who are easily ruled by humane usage, should remain in misery, as recruits some day to pester us, when they might be improving the soil or navigation of this country, to their own felicity.
The letter has been some time in this country, & deserved no attention, untill the prospect of a good government opened. But now I think it proper to submit it to your observations, hoping that you will bestow a little time, in giving information, that may

be transmitted either as coming from you, or not, as you please, to a man who may become an usefull fellow citizen.
The love you have shewn to our country, produced that sincere respect and regard which have led me to trouble you on this occasion—And this is the only apology which can with truth be made by Sir Your most Obedt Servt

Rd Henderson


Title: To George Washington from James Swan, 5 June 1788 [letter not found]
From: Swan, James
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from James Swan, 5 June 1788. On 18 Aug. GW wrote Swan: “I have received your favor of the 5th of June from Havre de Grace.”


Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 7 June 1788
From: Washington, Bushrod
To: Washington, George

[7 June 1788]

The convention has hitherto made a very slow progress towards finishing the business before them, and leads me to apprehend, that we shall be detained here much longer than I at first expected. We have determined to go through the constitution clause by clause, before any question shall be put. This regulation, if attended to, would expedite the business, by confining us to the particular parts objected to. But the debates have hitherto been general and desultory, although we have proceeded

no farther than the third section of the first clause. The defects of the old confederation, and the necessity of framing an entirely new one, seem to have claimed the principal share of our attention.
Mr. Henry on Thursday called upon the friends to the proposed plan to point out the objections to the present federal constitution. This challenge, which was given with an appearance of great confidence, drew from the governor yesterday a very able and elegant harangue for two hours and a half; for I suppose you have been informed of Mr. Randolph’s determination to vote for the proposed government without previous amendments. He pointed out those defects, and painted in a masterly and affecting manner the necessity of a more solid union of the States. Mr. Henry’s confidence in the power and greatness of Virginia, which he said she might rest upon though dismembered from her sister States, was very well exposed by the above speaker. Mr. Madison followed, and with such force of reasoning, and a display of such irresistible truths, that opposition seemed to have quitted the field. However, I am not so sanguine as to trust appearances, or even to flatter myself that he made many converts. A few I have been confidently informed he did influence, who were decidedly in the opposition. Mr. Nicholas concluded the day with a very powerful speech, inferior to none that had been made before as to close and connected argument. Were I to attempt to predict the fate of the constitution, it must be founded on conjecture.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Hanson, 8 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)

Sir,
Mount Vernon June 8th 1788

Your letter of the 4th instant, which was delivered to me on my return from my late Journey, is now before me; and requires that I should say something in reply on a subject, in which I feel myself more embarrassed and more awkwardly situated than ever I have been before.
It is but Justice to my own feelings to observe, that I am conscious I have never been indisposed to do whatever might be in power in favor of those whose misfortunes had been unavoidably brought upon them, without any fault of their own. In this predicament, I doubt not, I was not a little concerned at an application for employment under a Government which does not yet exist, and with the Administration of which (in case it should be adopted and carried into execution,) it is much more than possible I may never be concerned. The chaos of uncertainty in which we are involved, and the impropriety of my anticipating events or hazarding opinions, would scarcely permit me to touch, however slightly, on these delicate topics.
These circumstances, I observe, had not entirely escaped your attention—you will not, therefore, think hard that I should mention the subject as peculiarly distressing and perplexing to

me. Delicacy forbids that I should enlarge as to myself—as to yourself, I will only add that I know nothing but that your character stands in the fairest possible point of light, and consequently cannot be actuated by any prejudice against your pretentions.
I beg, Sir, that the candour and freedom which I have used on this occasion may not be misinterpreted to give you any unintended and unnecessary anxiety; or to induce you to believe that I have taken in ill part the application, although I thought it to be altogether untimely and improper.
On the contrary you may rely upon my protestation, that I am in every personal consideration, with real esteem and Friendship. Sir, Your most Obedt and Most Hble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 8 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon June 8th 1788.

I am much obliged by the few lines you wrote to me on the 4th and though it is yet too soon to rejoice one cannot avoid being pleased at the auspicious opening of the business of your Convention. Though an ulterior opinion of the decision of this state on the Constitution would at any time previous to the discussion of it in the Convention have been premature yet I have never dispaired of its adoption here. What I have mostly apprehended is that the insiduous arts of its opposers to alarm the fears and to inflame the passions of the Multitude may have produced instructions to the Delegates that would shut the door against argument and be a bar to the exercise of the judgment—If this is not the case I have no doubt but that the good sense of this Country will prevail against the local views of designing characters and the arragent opinions of chagreened and disappointed men—The decision of Maryland & South Carolina by such large majorities and the moral certainty of the adoption by New-Hampshire will make all except desperate men look before they leap into the dark consequences of rejection.
The ratification by eight States without a negative—By three of them unanimously—By Six against one in another—By three to one in another—By two for one in two more—and by all the weight of abilities & property in the other is enough one would think to produce a cessation of opposition—I do not mean that

number alone is sufficient to produce conviction in the Mind, but I think it is enough to produce some change in the conduct of any man who entertains a doubt of his infalibility.
Altho’ I have little doubt of your having received a copy of the enclosed pamphlet, yet I send it. It is written with much good sense & moderation—I conjecture, but upon no certain ground, that Mr Jay is the author of it. He sent it to me sometime ago, since which I have received two or three more copies. With the sincerest esteem & most affecte regard I am ever Yours

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 8 June 1788 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

Letter not found: to Richard Peters, 8 June 1788. On 27 June Peters wrote GW: “I have the Honour of your Letter of the 8th inst.”


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Pleasants, Jr., 8 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Pleasants, Thomas Jr.

Sir;
Mount Vernon June 8th 1788

I have been duly favored with your letter of the 2d instt containing an extract from Mr Disbury⟨’s⟩ letter to you. In addition to what he has there recited, I can only inform you that the tract in which Major Vanbraam holds or held a share, lays on the little Kankawa. but in what County (whether Greenbrier, Ohio—or Harrison) I am not sufficiently acquainted with the boundaries of them to decide. nor can I say whether or in what manner the tract of 28,400 has been divided or give the least information with respect to the quality of the land; consequently can say nothing as to the value of it. The natural situation of it is exceedingly advantageous for it is not only a part of the highest survey on the Ohio (that was made under the Proclamation of 1754) but it lays on the Communication which is opened, or opening under the authority, and at the expence of the State from Morgan Town (Harrison Court House) to the Ohio. From Judge Mercer you may, possibly, get a more particular acct of this matter for if my memory does not deceive me, his brother Colo. George Mercer (for whom he was acting Attorney) either by purchase, or by

the advanc[e] of his (Vanbraams) quotas of the expence of Surveyg Patentg &c. is involved in this business. I am Sir Yrs &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Smith, 8 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, William

Gentlemen,
Mount Vernon June 8th 1788.

Captn Barney has just arrived here in the miniature Ship called the Federalist; and has done me the honour to offer that beautiful curiosity as a Present to me, on your part. I pray you, Gentlemen, to accept the warmest expressions of my sensibility for this specimen of American ingenuity: in which the exactitude of the proportions, the neatness of the workmanship, and the elegance of the decorations (which make your Present fit to be preserved in a Cabinet of Curiosities) at the sametime that they exhibit the skill & taste of the Artists, demonstrate that Americans are not inferior to any people whatever in the use of mechanical instruments & the art of Ship-building.
The unanimity of the Agricultural State of Maryland in general, as well as of the commercial Town of Baltimore in particular, expressed in their recent decision on the subject of a general Government, will not (I persuade myself) be without its due efficacy on the Minds of their Neighbours, who, in many instances, are intimately connected not only by the nature of their produce, but by the ties of blood and the habits of life. Under these circumstances, I cannot entertain an idea that the voice of the Convention of this State, which is now in Session, will be

dissonant from that of her nearly-allied Sister, who is only seperated by the Potomack.
You will permit me, Gentlemen, to indulge my feelings in reiterating the heart-felt wish, that the happiness of this Country may equal the desires of its sincerests friends; and that the patriotic Town of which you are Inhabitants (in the prosperity of which I have always found myself strongly interested) may not only continue to encrease in the same wonderful manner it has formerly done—but that its trade, manufactures and other resources of wealth may be placed, permanently, in a more flourishing situation than they have hitherto been. I am with sentiments of respect Gentlemen, Your Most Obedt & Most Hble Ser⟨v⟩t

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 8 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Jr.

My dear Sir
Mount Vernon June 8th 1788

Although a multitude of avocations joined to a recent journey which I have been obliged to make in order to visit the works on the Potomack, have occasioned me to postpone giving an answer to your letter in favor of Lieutt How, yet I delayed not to forward the necessary certificate for that Gentleman, so that it might come to him before the time fixed for his departure. I have at length found a moments leizure to take up my pen & to tell you in few words the state of politics in this part of the Union.
Our Convention has been assembled about a week, & so far as I am advised of their proceedings seem to have made as auspicious a beginning as could have been expected. Mr Mason & Mr Henry are at the head of the opposition. In favor of the Constitution are many very able men—among these we count Messrs Pendleton, Madison, Wythe, Blair, Nicholas, Innis, Marshall & a long train of other worthies—Governor Randolph (in answer to a speech in which Mr Henry insinuated that the Fœderal Convention had exceeded their powers, and that nothing forbade us to live happy under the old Confederation with some alterations) described pathetically our perilous situation as

a full Justification of the proceedings of the Fœderal Convention; and declared, since so many of the States had adopted the Constitution without alterations that he should vote for it in its present form; Upon the whole (tho’ great and unwearied artifices have been practiced to prejudice the people in many parts of the State against the New Government) I cannot avoid hoping, and believing, to use the fashionable phraze that Virginia will make the ninth column in the fœderal Temple. May all things turn out for the best in respect to this highly favoured Continent, is the constant & unfeigned prayer of My dear Trumbell Your most Affecte friend

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hanson, 12 June 1788
From: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria, 12th June, 1788

Your favour of the 8th instant was left here when I was out of Town; whither I did not return till this moment.
It is with extreme Concern I find you have been involved, through my means, in a considerable embarrassment. Believe me, Sir, nothing could have been farther from my intention than a procedure that should reduce you to a Situation productive of the smallest perplexity. I beg your indulgence whilst I defend, by explaining, myself.
I solemnly assure you that the expedient of obtaining a provision for my family by an appointment under the new Government, did not originate with me, but in the partiality of my Friends. It was mentioned to me, for the first time, not more than 4 Weeks ago. It was objected that any application, before the establishment of the new Government, would be unseasonable. To this it was replied that, as there must be a new Government, of some kind, there would be no impropriety in soliciting the influence of your private Capacity. It was this Interest, Sir, which I wished to procure; without any intention of applying to you, at that time, as a future Magistrate of the new Government. No, Sir—It would have been indeed, highly presumptuous in

me to wish to anticipate the disclosure of a determination which has for some months engaged the anxiety of all fœderal America. Though, in the course of my Letter, Some expressions escaped me that might seem to have reference to you in a future official Station; yet, my only view was to solicit the patronage of your private one. The efficacy of this interest I conceived to be sufficient; and an unavoidable conviction upon this point, leading me to consider your advocation as tantamount to an appointment, occasioned the ambiguity of my Letter, & your consequent misconception of it’s true design.
I beg you, Sir, to accept my most grateful acknowledgements for the condescending, indulgent, & obliging Sentiments contained in your Reply. Be assured, it is with the utmost ⟨mutilated⟩ I declare that, whatever may be ⟨mutilated⟩ fate of my application to the new Government, your good-Opinion confers in my estimation, an honour upon me greater than any I could receive from a public appointment, however splendid or illustrious. With unfeigned Sentiments of respect, Esteem, & Gratitude, I remain, Sir, your much-obliged, and most obedt Servt

S. Hanson of Saml


Title: To George Washington from William MacIntosh, 12 June 1788
From: MacIntosh, William
To: Washington, George

Avignon 12th June 1788

The Letter, Sir, which you did me the honor to write, at Mount-Vernon, the 8th January, saluted me, here, the 28th May.
It appears, that the same Patriotic Zeal, & unaffected Equanimity, which have suffused your fame, both as a General, & as a Politician, accompany & guide your ideas into the recesses of a Citizen, & intercourse with Individuals. It is to such elevated Sentiments, Sir, that I feel myself indebted, for the ingenuous condescension of gratifying me with a Copy of the New Constitution composed by a Convention of the States of America, in September last. The memorable retreat, from a high military Command which terminated successfully, and from the dignities inseperable from Great achievements, to the Private Station of a Citizen, on your hereditary domain, without Show or Emolument, (which your Country, the unanimous Voice of all Europe,

and even the Enemies to Your Cause, have admired with Veneration) originated the institution of a Military Order, the Lustre whereof has been, in some degree, obscured by its universality; but, Sir, the late measure, was the well-timed ordeal, which promises to Crown with Permanency, the vigilant, perillous, & unremitted toils & dispositions of a Six Years Supreme Military Station in constant action. That conclusive measure, called you forth again, from a Private Station, to uphold the New Superstructure, not yet consolidated; and to rescue your Jarring Country from impending danger, by the powers of reasoning, & the irresistible confidence due to recent illustrious Services as a General. The result claims another honorary institution, which may properly be denominated the Civick Order, or the Order of Solon—a decoration, qualified to incite future emulation in the bosoms of Legislators, Magistrates, Cultivators, & merchants, & to inspire them with ideas worthy of those Characters; the true Springs of public Wealth & Grandeur; which are the natural qualities, & birth-right inheritances, of the People of North America.
It is flattering to me, Sir, on comparing the paper which you were pleased to transmit, & that which I took the liberty of submitting to your Consideration, (although the one was crossing the Atlantic, while the other was under decision in Philadelphia) to perceive so striking a resemblance in their Outlines & features. By the latest accounts from Great Britain (our most frequent vehicle of intelligence concerning the affairs of America) I see with pleasure, that the number of Provinces required to establish the new Constitution, by adopting the act of the Convention, were nearly completed. Without offending delicacy, may I presume, Sir, on this occasion also, to intrude an humble opinion, as a Salutary maxim in Legislation; It is—To be tender of amending acts, hastily—to avoid a multiplicity of articles—and to admit no terms or phrases in any Code of Jurisdiction, or Jurisprudence, that can be construed ambiguously. Some improvements may be found indispensable, at the beginning, but, perhaps, it may be productive of good, that Explanations, amendments, and abrogations be stored up, as in petto, for discussion & determination at the termination of a certain period of years. The reasonings & Votes on the several objects, during the term of one presidentship, being minuted & preserved apart, after such

an experience, every obscurity, ambiguity, & necessity, will become evident to the plainest demonstration. The Example of Britain, and of many other States in Europe, should open the Eyes & Senses of New Legislators. The original Constitution, and the rights of a free-people, should be so sacred & inviolable, that strong, emphatical, unequivocal words, should be selected from an entire language, as an infallible barrier, to preserve both, by a clause, solemnly and incontestably declaring the Congress of the United States, ipso facto, & in toto, suspended from all Legislative functions, (without discomposing the wheels of the Executive government,) and the people authorised, & obliged, to proceed to new Elections, on any rash assumption of power, derogatory to the original Constitution, or to the rights of the people, or innovations on either; unless accompanied with clauses suspending their Execution, untill the consent of the Provincial States are legally, and deliberately obtained.
Constitutionally frank, even to the borders of Enthusiasm, my mind disdains to flatter. Admiring virtue, Truth, & Generosity, in others, by inclination, I have always wished to practice them. These are not Spiritual, but they may be temporal Crimes, in the present Political age, to which I plead guilty. Therefore, the man who means well, and does not utter absurdities, or follies, cannot offend; far less will it receive so haughty an interpretation, when it comes addressed under the language of respect to General Washington. On this foundation I build my faith—and without apprehension of offending, I take my leave with sentiments of profound Esteem Sir Your most obedient, & most Humble Servant

W. MacIntosh


Title: Clement Biddle to GW, 13 June 1788 [letter not found]
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: Clement Biddle to GW, 13 June 1788. On 20 July GW wrote Biddle: “Your favors of the 26th of May, 13th of June and 7th instt are before me.”


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 13 June 1788
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond June 13th 1788.

Your favour of  came to hand by the mail of Wednesday. I did not write by several late returns for two reasons; one the improbability of [your] having got back to Mount Vernon; the other a bilious indisposition which confined me for some days. I am again tolerably well recovered.
Appearances at present are less favorable than at the date of my last. Our progress is slow and every advantage is taken of the delay, to work on the local prejudices of particular setts of members. British debts, the Indiana claim, and the Mississippi are the principal topics of private discussion & intrigue, as well as of public declamation. The members who have served in Congress have been dragged into communications on the first which would not be justifiable on any other occasion if on the present. There is reason to believe that the event may depend on the Kentucky members; who seem to lean more agst than in favor of the Constitution. The business is in the most ticklish state that can be imagined. The majority will certainly be very small on whatever side it may finally lie; and I dare not encourage much expectation that it will be on the favorable side.
Oswald of Philada has been here with letters for the antifederal leaders from N. York and probably Philada. He staid a very short time here during which he was occasionally closeted with H——y Ma—s—n &c. I learn from N. York that the elections have proved adverse to the Constitution. Yours Affectly

Js Madison Jr


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 13 June 1788 [letter not found]
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from David Stuart, 13 June 1788. On 23 June GW wrote Stuart of “the receipt of your favor of the 13th instt.”


Title: To George Washington from Rochambeau, 15 June 1788
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Rochambeau near VendômeJune the 15th 1788.

I have received, but Since a few days, the letter of the 8th January the last, which you have honoured me with—I See in it with the greatest Satisfaction that your confederation is to take a solid and respectable form, and that you are going to play at its head a part where your Virtues and your merit naturally place you. our constitution, tho’ monarchical, is in a moment of crisis that has Some ressemblance with that in which your has been till now. our twelve parliaments which arrogated the title intermediate between the Sovereign and the people, have had always principles of administration entirely dissonant, and grounded upon privileges of place. the King will reduce all that different wills to, an only King, an only law and an only court for registering, that they Shall call, according to an old Set form of the monarchy, cour-pleniere, plenary court; it has been recorded by the Strength of the Sovereign authority, many Edicts very good and very useful, which the last is the complement that establish a plenary court wherein all the laws will be recorded, and Shall have alone the right of remontrance. all depend on the Composition of that plenary court, if it remains as it is made Known, Composed of the delegates of the parliaments which refuse to Seat in, it Should remain only the Princes and peers and Courtiers that one could get easily, and our King Should become, against his intention, a despotic sovereign. but if, as it is assured, he calls members of the three orders lawfully elected

by each province then we could acquire a very legal Constitution that will make respect our credit and render to us the consideration that We have lost by the bad administration of M. de Calonne—that plenary court is to be assembled the first of next december, and it is, its good or bad composition, that will decide of our constitution.
We are going to make this year two Camps of peace one under the orders of the marschal de Broglie at ⟨Metz⟩ and t’other in the provinces where I command, under the orders of the Prince de Condé. The King Since the death of the Mareschal de Levis has re-united the Province d’artois to my Command of Picardie. The Camp Shall be probably at St omer or at Lens in the artois. I am to go at the end of this month to give orders for the preparation of it—I Shall begin my turn by the artois and I Shall fix myself at Calais till the Epoch of the camp, which Shall be about the 15th of September, after the plain will be discovered of its harvests.
my Respect to Madam Washington, my Dear genéral and be very persuaded that my heart draw near again continually the immense distance Which Separates our persons. I am with respect my Dear General Your most obedient and Very humble servant

le comte de Rochambeau


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 17 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon June 17th 1788.

I received your letter of the 25th of May, just when I was on the eve of departure for Fredericksburgh to pay a visit to my mother from whence I returned only last evening.
The information of the accession of South Carolina to the New Government, since your letter, gives us a new subject for mutual felicitations. It was to be hoped this auspicious event would have had considerable influence upon the proceedings of

the Convention of Virginia; but I do not find that to have been the case. Affairs in the Convention, for some time past, have not worn so good an aspect as we could have wished: and, indeed, the acceptance of the Constitution has become more doubtful than it was thought to be at their first meeting.
The purport of the intelligence, I Received from my private letters by the last nights mail, is, that every species of address & artifice has been put in practice by the Antifederalists to create Jealousies & excite alarms. Much appears to depend upon the final part which the Kentucke members will take; into many of whose minds apprehensions of unreal dange[r]s, respecting the navigation of the Mississipi & their organization into a seperate State, have been industriously infused. Each side seems to think, at present, that it has a small majority, from whence it may be augured that the majority, however it shall turn, will be very inconsiderable. Though, for my own part, I cannot but imagine, if any decision is had, it will be in favor of the adoption. My apprehension is rather that a strenuous—possibly—successful effort may be made for an adjournment; under an idea of opening a corrispondence with those who are opposed to the Constitution in other States. Colo. Oswald has been at Richmond, it is said with letters from Antifederalists in New-York & Pensylvania to their Co-adjutors in this State.
The Resolution, which came from the antefederalists (much to the astonishment of the other party) that no question should be taken until the whole Plan should have been discussed paragraph by paragraph; and the remarkable tardiness in their proceedings (for the Convention have been able as yet only to get through the 2d or 3d Section) are thought by some to have been designed to protract the business until the time when the Assembly is to convene, that is the 23d instant, in order to have a more colorable pretext for an adjournment. But notwithstanding the resolution, there has been much desultory debating & the opposers of the Constitution are reported to have gone generally into the merits of the question. I know not how the matter may be, but a few days will now determine.
I am sorry to find not only from your intimations, but also from many of the returns in the late Papers, that there should be so great a majority against the Constitution in the Convention of New York. And yet I can hardly conceive, from motives of

policy & prudence, they will reject it absolutely, if either this State or New-Hampshire should make the 9th in adopting it—as that measure which gives efficacy to the system, must place any State that shall actually have refused its assent to the New-Union in a very awkward & disagreeable predicament.
By a letter which I have just recd from a young Gentleman who lives with me, but who is now at home in New-Hampshire, I am advised that there is every prospect that the Convention of that State will adopt the Constitution almost immediately upon the meeting of it. I cannot but hope then, that the States which may be disposed to make a secession will think often and seriously on the consequence.
Colo. Humphreys who is still here, occupied with literary pursuits, desires to be remembered in terms of the sincerest friendship to you & yours. Mrs Washington & the family offer, with me, their best Compliments to Mrs Knox & the little ones—You will ever believe me to be, with great esteem & regard My dear Sir Yr affecte & Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 18 June 1788
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond June 18. 88.

No question direct or indirect has yet been taken, by which the state of parties could be determined. of course each is left to enjoy the hopes resulting from its own partial calculations. It is probable the majority on either side will not exceed more than 3, 4, 5 or 6. I indulge a belief that at this time the friends of the Constitution have the advantage in point of number. Great moderation as yet marks our proceedings. Whether it be the effect of temper, or of the equality of forces & the uncertainty of victory, will be seen by the event. We are at present on the Executive Department. Mr H——y has not made a very opposition to it though it was looked for. He may however still mean to make one; or he may lay by for an exertion agst the Judiciary. I find myself not yet restored & extremely feeble. With very affet. regards I remain Yrs

Js Madison Jr


Title: From George Washington to Richard Henderson, 19 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Henderson, Richard

Sir,
Mount Vernon June 19th 1788

Your favour of the 5th instant was lodged at my house, while I was absent on a visit to my Mother. I am now taking the earliest opportunity of noticing its contents and those of its Enclosure. Willing as I am to give satisfaction so far as I am able, to every reasonable enquire (and this is certainly not only so, but may be highly important and interesting) I must however, rather deal in general than particular observations: as I think you will be able, from the length of your residence in the country and the extensiveness of your acquaintance with its affairs, to make the

necessary applications and add the proper details. Nor would I choos[e] that my interference in the business should be transmitted, lest, in a malicious world, it might be represented that I was officiously using the arts of seduction to depopulate other countries, for the sake of peopling our own.
In the first place it is a point conceded, that America, under an efficient government, will be the most favorable Country of any in the world for persons of industry and frugality, possessed of a moderate capital, to inhabit. It is also believed that it will not be less advantageous to the happiness of the lowest class of people because of the equal distribution of property the great plenty of unocupied lands, and the facility of procuring the means of subsistance. The scheme of purchasing a good tract of freehold estate and bringing out a number of ableboded men, indented for a certain time appears to be indisputably a rationale one. All the interior arrangements of transferring the property and commencing the establishment you are as well acquainted with, as I can possibly be. It might be considered as a point of more difficulty, to decide upon the place which should be most proper for a settlement. Although, I believe, that Emigrants from other countries to this, who shall be well-disposed and conduct themselves properly, would be treated with equal friendship and kindness in all parts of it; yet in the old settled States, land is so much occupied and the value so much enhanced by the contiguous cultivation, that the price would in general be an objection. The land in western country, or that on the Ohio, like all others, has its advantages and disadvantages. The neighbourhood of the Savages and the difficulty of transportation were the great objections. The danger of the first will soon cease by the strong establishments now taking place—the inconveniencies of the second will be, in a great degree, remidied by opening the internal Navigation. No Colony in America was ever settled under such favorable auspicies as that which has just commenced at the Muskingum Information, property and strength will be its characteristics. I know many of the settlers personally & that there never were men better calculated to promote the wellfare of such a community.
If I was a young man, just preparing to begin the world or if advanced in life, and had a family to make a provision for, I know of no country, where I should rather fix my habitation

than in some part of that region; for which the writer of the quæries seems to have a predilection. he might be informed that his name-sake and distant relation, Genl St Clair, is not only in high repute, but that he is Governor of all the Territory westward of the Ohio and that there is a Gentleman (to wit Mr Joel Barlow) come from New York by The last French Packet, who will be in London in the course of this year and who is authorised to dispose of a very large body of land in that Country. The author of the quæries may then be referred “to the Information for those who would wish to remove to America”: published in Europe in the year 1784, by the great Philosopher Dr Franklin. Short as it is, it contains almost every thing that need to be known on the subject of migrating to this Country. you may find that excellent little Treatise, in “Carey’s American Museum for September 1787.” It is worthy of being republished in Scotland and every other part of Europe.
As to the European Publications respecting the United States, they are commonly very defective. The Abbe Raynale is quite erroneous. Guthrie, though somewhat better informed, is not absolutely correct. There is now “an American Geography preparing for the press by a Mr Morse of New Haven in Connecticut” which, from the pains the Author has taken in travelling through the States and acquiring information from the principal characters in each, will probably be much more exact and useful. of books at present existing, Mr Jefferson’s “Notes on Virginia,” will give the best idea of this part of the Continent to a Foreigner: and the “American Farmer’s Letters”—written by Mr Crevecœur (commonly called Mr St John) the French Consul in New York (who actually resided 20 years as a farmer in that State) will afford a great deal of profitable and amusive Information, respecting the private Life of the Americans; as well as the progress of agriculture, manufactures and arts in their Country. Perhaps the picture he gives, though founded in fact, is in some instances embellished with rather too flattering circumstances—I am &ca

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 20 June 1788
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Jr.
To: Washington, George

My Dear General
Lebanon [Conn.] 20th June 1788

I have this Day been made very happy in the receipt of your favor of the 8th instant. The information you have been so good as to communicate, and the pleasing prospects whih that information has excited in my Mind, have formed such an accession to my common stock of Joys as rarely falls in my Way—The Support which the new Constitution will receive from the State of Virginia must fill every Well Wisher to its Adoption, with heart felt pleasure & satisfaction. Under the Influence of these feelings, I anticipate the Joy of soon hearing the compleat ratification of your State.
The Triumph of Fœderalism has been great in Connecticut since last Winter. The Opposition which then existed, is now dwindled into meer unimportance. At our late Elections—which you know Sir! are formed by the people at large—a Genl Wadsworth,

who was the Champion of Opposition in our Convention, lost his place as an Assistant, by great Odds—his Seat at the Council Board, was filled by Colo. Chester, late Speaker of our House of Assembly—a Gentleman of independant, liberal Sentiments, & a firm friend to general Government—Your Old Secretary being placed in the Speaker’s Chair, on the removal of Colo. Chester, was an additional Blow to Opposition—and, he being considered as a warm supporter of the fœderal Interest—a fast friend to the Army, & to public Justice, this Event had its influence towards compleating the Triumph.
Indeed much pleased have I been in the Course of our late Sessions of Assembly, to observe a Disposition towards public Measures much better than has prevailed for some Years past—Pray God this happy Change may continue!
A like Triumph I am told—and a similar good disposition has taken place in Massachusetts. And it is confidently said—so that it gains my belief—that N. Hampshire, at the Adjournment of her Convention, will asssuredly ratify the new Constitution, by a considerable Majority. A Dawn of better Times, my Dear Genl! appears—may the Day soon break upon us in full Lustre & brightness.
Under these circumstances, can the State of N. York have hardiness eno’ to refuse their Assent? or will she consent to stand on the same Ground with our deluded Sister R. Island. I would fain hope, that shameless Prostitute will not be able to find an Associate in her Sins & Follies.
I have a late Letter from my Brother, who still continues in London—the Confidence with which he has been honored by Mr Adams, has led him near the Channels of the best information—and his Intimacy with Mr West, who, from a particular foible attendant on Majesty, has perhaps as much domestic intercourse with the King as almost any private Subject—has brot him more nearly acquainted with the Character of his Majesty, than is commonly obtained.
My Brother speaks warmly of the new Constitution—of the happy Effects he hopes from it—& of the urgent necessity of its speedy adoption. “No unforeseen Event (he says) will I hope occur to dash our hopes of Union—it was never more necessary than at this Hour—there are those who neither forget nor forgive our past successes; & who would rejoice in a fresh Opportunity

of dispute, if they saw but a hope of success—& a late Event (he adds) has taken place which may perhaps inspire that hope—A Bill has just passed in Parliament for the better regulation of affairs in India—which vests the supreme Goverment & Defence of that Country in a Board of Controul, to be appointed by the King—this Board is supreme, & being charged with the defence of the Country, are consequently made directors of the territorial Revenues, which are said to amount to Seven Millions a year—This Sum is an addition to the Royal purse—independt of Parliament—and has for its natural attendant the Army at present under the Orders of the India Compa.—a no inconsiderable Body of Men—likewise independt of Parliament. Those who know the British Constitution, may judge what will be the Effect of such an addition to the Power of One Branch. and those who know the Character of him who now constitutes that Branch, may judge what will be his future conduct. Ours obviously ought to be guarded, united & preparatory. We may perhaps be secured for a little time by the Quarrels of Europe—there is some reason to hope, that the Ambition & resentment which frowns on us may find other Occupations for some time: yet we shall not be forgotten—there is One who never forgets nor forgives—& be assured we shall be the Objects of his earliest Vengeance, as we are of his continual remembrance & Detestation.”
These circumstances are committed to me in Confidence—on the same ground I mention them to you, my Dear Sir!—with this one Observation only—that the Writer having been once frowned upon in England, would not willingly be brot into trouble again from the freedom of his pen.
I beg pardon for troubling you with the above detail—at the present period however, such information, rightly improved, may not be useless. With the warmest cordiality of friendship—& the highest Sentiments of respect & regard I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your most Obedient & Obliged humble Servant

Jona. Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from George Washington, 20 June 1788
From: Washington, George (of N.C.)
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
North Carolina Tarborough June 20th [1788]

From a most distresd Situation, have taken up my Pen to request your Attention, though I have not the least reason to Expect it, owing to my entering myself into a Matrymonial State too soon, & allowing myself to be led astray by the deceitfull Tongue of a Woman, one beyond expression & occasioned through my haveing so great an Attachment to her, that she rul’d me as she thought proper, & made me enter into all kind of Extravagancy; which has brought me to ruin, & depriv’d me of seeing my friends for some time past, I have, since her death Marryed another, who I can with propriety call a Wife, but as her Parrents weare so much averse to the match, I am kep oute of her Fortune untill she comes of Age, which will be in a twelve month from this, I have wrote to my Father for his Assistance he den’ys bitterly, which reduce’s me to apply for your Astance, & am in hopes that you will take it under mature consideration—& grant it me, I should not have wrote at this time but I have lately Rented a House in greensVill Town, in this State, & am reduc’d to the necessaty of Keeping a Tavern; though I am not able to carry it on for the want of Moneys to set up a good one, therefore begg your assistance most seriously should you incline to assist me you may by Post, which will deliver me any service’s that your undoubted goodness may send me, if you could assist me in leting me have a place on the Dismall Swamp to live on I had much rather be a Planter, or I will take care of your Business there, let me know by the first post after this, as I shall wait with expectations of heareing from you. I am Sir with every sentiment of reguard

Geo. Washington

N.B. pray do not let my Father know of what I wrote to you for.


Title: To George Washington from John Langdon, 21 June 1788
From: Langdon, John
To: Washington, George

Sr
State of New Hampshire Concord June 21, 1788

I have the great pleasure of informing your Excellency that this State has this day Adopted the Federal Constitution, 57 yeas 46 Nays—thereby placeing the Key Stone in the great Arch, this I hope will Apologize in some measure, for our heretofore Missdoings—please to Excuse haste, and Beleive me with the highest Sense of Esteem and Respect your Excellencys most Obt Servt

John Langdon


Title: From George Washington to John Lathrop, 22 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lathrop, John

Reverend & respected Sir,
Mount Vernon June 22d 1788.

Your acceptable favour of the 16th of May, covering a recent publication of the proceedings of the Humane Society, has, within a few days past, been put into my hands.
I observe, with singular satisfaction, the cases in which your benevolent Institution has been instrumental in recalling some of our fellow creatures (as it were) from beyond the gates of Eternity, and has given occasion for the hearts of parents & friends to leap for joy. The provision made for Ship-wrecked Marriners is also highly estimable in the view of every philanthropic

mind & greatly consolatory to that suffering part of the Community. These things will draw upon you the blessings of those who were nigh to perish. These works of charity & goodwill towards men reflect, in my estimation, great lustre upon the Authors, and presage an æra of still farther improvements. How pitiful, in the eye of reason & religion, is that false ambition which desolates the world with fire & sword for the purposes of conquest & fame; when compared to the milder virtues of making our neighbours and our fellow men as happy as their frail conditions & perishable natures will permit them to be!
I am happy to find that the proposed general government meets with your approbation—as indeed it does with that of most disinterested and discerning men. The Convention of this State is now in Session, and I cannot but hope that the Constitution will be adopted by it—though not without considerable opposition. I trust, however, that the commendable example exhibited by the minority in your State will not be without its salutary influence in this. In truth it appears to me that (should the proposed government be generally & harmoniously adopted) it will be a new phoenomenon in the political & moral world; and an astonishing victory gained by enlightened reason over brutal force. I have the honor to be with very great consideration Reverd & respected Sir Yr Most Obedt & Hble Sert

Go: Washington