Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 20 November 1788
From: Washington, Bushrod
To: Washington, George

Dr Uncle
Bushfield Novr 20th 1788

From a variety of reasons which have for some time past operated upon my mind, It has become in my Judgment necessary for me to remove from this part of the Country, and to fix in some Town. my inclination leads me towards Alexandria whether I shall act with prudence and wisdom in this change of situation, I can only determine from the force of those reasons upon my mind, which have principally influenced it. I find from Experience (the best and only safe Monitor) that the cares of a plantation and the attention due to a professional life, are altogether incompatible with each other. It is necessary to relinquish my farm or my profession. The long attention and expence which I have incurred in fitting myself, (such as I am,) for the latter, renders me very unwilling to give it up. The life as well as the capacity of man is insufficient to attain even a competent degree of perfection in more than one Study, and as my inclination is attached to that of Law, I wish not to be diverted from it by any other pursuit. Another reason for my wishing to leave this place is, that I have no other mean of discharging the many debts due from my fathers Estate, than by disposing of my negroes and personal property for this purpose. I have near £2000 to pay, and I expect that I shall be enabled by such a Sale, to relieve myself from such a weight of Debt, and avoid the painful as well as destructive consequences of compulsion. My

Land I have rented upon very advantageous terms, the profits of which added to those of my profession, will I hope support me comfortably and in independence. My Mother whose present public & exposed situation renders her very uncomfortable, will return to Bushfield to reside during her life. I have taken the liberty to trouble you with the above circumstances relative to myself, because I should feel more confidence in this or in any other project, if it met your approbation. My reason after the maturest consideration of the subject, tells me that I am right, but that reason may very probably be erroneous. Mr Packet the Bearer of this lives with me, and goes up to Alexandria to enquire about the Rent of Houses in that place. I have written to Doctor Brown on that Subject, supposing that he is well acquainted with it.
Nancy Joins me in Love & best wishes to you & my Aunt & believe me to be very sincerely Dr Uncle Your very affectionate Nephew

Bushrod Washington


Title: To George Washington from Moustier, 21 November 1788
From: Moustier, Eléanor-François-Elie, comte de
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York 21st Novr 1788.

The disagreeable weather which I have almost constantly experienced since my departure from Mount Vernon, has only served to justify my fears in that respect. I do not, however, regret the error into which I have been led with regrard to the pleasantness of the American autumn, as without that I should not have had the confidence to undertake a journey at this season.

To that I owe the satisfaction of having made a personal acquaintance with your Excellency. The pleasantest days which I have seen, in every respect, since my residence in this Country, have been those which I spent at Mount Vernon. I hope another year I shall be happy enough to visit that interesting spot, and make a longer tarry there.
I found no news directly from France; the Gazzettes confirm the suppression of the Packet-boats, but exhibit the different opinions which are entertained respecting a proposition which is now upon the Carpet for establishing others between France & the United States by contract, instead of having them under the direction of the marine department which is Known to be injurious, and subject to many abuses. As this plan forms the basis of a project which I remitted to my court at the beginning of this year, I hope it will not be long before we are informed that some permanent means has been adopted to establish the correspondence between the inhabitants of the two countries. I never lose sight of those measures which can confirm & strengthen the mutual tie. A complete knowledge of the interests of both nations appears to me of very great importance towards effecting this and I neglect nothing that can give it.
The most critical point is the commerce with the West Indies I have the honor to send to your Excellency two pamphlets which have appeared upon this subject in France about the time of the publication of the Arret of the Council of the King for admitting certain foreign commodities, and to facilitate those which appear exorbitant on the one hand, or insufficient on the other. The United Americans have said nothing, but the French Colonists in pleading their own cause have pled that of the Americans. This question is yet deserving of consideration. I am exceedingly desireous that some plan may be proposed which may conciliate all interests. It is a subject worthy the attention of the most celebrated Geniuses who are anxious to have the French and Americans strongly united.
I have sent to Colo. Hamilton the watch and the letter with which your Excellency charged me, and have addressed to M. de Letombe that which was destined for him. I have already become acquainted with Genl Williams here and at Philadelphia, I have been very glad to renew it under your auspices.

Mde La Mise de Brehan is sensibly touched with the pleasing attention which she experienced from you and the Mrses Washingtons, and has charged me to give her particular thanks to you and beg you, Sir, to tender her sincere compliments to them, to which permit me to have the honor of joining my respectful acknowledgements. We have here no such fine walks as those at Mount Vernon. The prevailing mode of life and the social qualities of the inhabitants of this City do not afford much to an European Stranger to compensate the want of those simple charmes of nature which are found in the country, or the refined pleasures of Cities where the arts & the urbanity of the inhabitants open a thousand different sources of enjoyment. However, one may here find a closet for meditation, an occupation which I frequently give myself up to, particularly to admire those things of an interesting nature which took place during the first period of the Revolution in these States, and to contribute all that in me lies to their future prosperity, and that may attach them to us as good Allies & affectionate friends. I have the Honor to be, with a most respectful attachment Sir, Yr Excellency’s most Hble & Obedt Servt

Le Cte de Moustier.


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 25 November 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Novr 25 1788.

I have received your favor of the 15th & thank you for the communications contained in it. In my next I will be more full—The chief, indeed the only object of this letter is, in behalf of Mrs Washington, to request the favor of you to send her by the first Stage, addressed to the care of Mr McCrea, 12 yards of good black crape for a Gown. Neither Alexandria or Annapolis (from the last of which Mrs Stuart writes) affords any.
Will you endeavor to procure for me from Mr Henley, or elsewhere, some of the little Frederick Tobo Seed? I have thoughts, at present, of trying about One hundred thousand plants next year and seem most inclined to that sort. With very great Esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 25 November 1788 [letter not found]
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from David Stuart, 25 Nov. 1788. On 2 Dec. GW wrote to Stuart acknowledging receipt of “your two favors of the 15th and 25th Ulto.”


Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 25 November 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

Dear Bushrod,
Mount Vernon November 25. 1788

Mr Packet handed me your letter of the 20th—In one thing my sentiments are perfectly in unison with yours, and that is, to manage a Virginia Estate well there cannot be a divided attention—because with all the attention that can be given they are rarely productive—How far Alexandria above other places may claim a preference in prospective, for your place of residence requires better information with respect to, circumstances and professional characters in your line than I am Master of. Tho this place is under a cloud at present, I have no doubt but that it will Phoenix like again rise into consequence out of its own ashes—and being in the vicinity of several important Courts in the State of Maryland, may, in those respects be considered as a place of importance—The merits and abilities of the Practitioners at the Bar of this, and the Courts adjacent you know as well, perhaps better than I do—consequently can form a better Judgment than I am enabled to do (who never go to any of the Courts) of the stumbling blocks that are in your way to an extensive practice—This however is not confined to Alexandria for the same difficulties might occur any where out of your present walkes—It is unnecessary I hope for me to add that if you can find your interest it is that no place on which you could fix wod be more agreeable to me than Alexandria—And should this be the case if you could accommodate yourself in my small house there (the one in which Doctr Brown formerly lived) you shall be very welcome to the use of the Rent free till you can find a more convenient one on such terms as you liked to fix

in—Your Aunt and the family under this Roof join me in every good wish for you and Nancy and with very sincere esteem and regard. I am yrs &c.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Moustier, 26 November 1788
From: Moustier, Eléanor-François-Elie, comte de
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York 26th Novr 1788.

An admirer of those deeds which have rendered your name illustrious, cannot but feel deeply interested in those occupations which employ you in your retreat and which ought to serve as an example to your fellow Citizens. The Barn which you have built is a true monument of Patriotism as it is intended to preserve the produce of a new mode of cultivation, which will greatly conduce to the happiness and prosperity of a people who are to form a nation, and not to supply the wants of a Metropolis. For the better preserving of the wood which constitutes a part of it, I would propose to your Excellency to make use of the Varnish which is extracted from Seacoal. I have the honor to send you a minute of the prices of the different extracts from this substance. In favour of the Cattle, I propose to form their stalls in such a manner as to give a drain to them to prevent the humid & dangerous evaporation which proceeds from the ground when constantly trodden & imbibing moisture. After having run over the Encyclopaedia I have made the following extract upon mortar.
Take lime made of hard Stone—the sooner after it is burnt the better; Clean Sand—(for mortar which is intended for pavement the sand should be coarser than for common masonry)—and pounded brick—this forms the cement.

There is no fixed proportion for this mixture, but experience shows that it is best to have two parts of sand and brick, and two parts of unslacked lime. When they speak of the proportion it is ment by weight, and not by measure.
To make the mixture, water should be poured on gradually, and stired briskly until it has acquired the consistancy of mortar which should be used immediately; it should not be made but as it is wanted for immediate use. It is essential that it should be stirred or beat well.
To give the greater solidity to the Mortar when it is to be laid on places exposed to the wet, you must, at the very moment of using of it, mix a proportion of unslacked lime, pulverized, about one fourth or one fifth part of the whole and stir it well in. The Amalgamation of the quick lime with the slacked lime & other materials of which the mortar is composed, is the secret of a cement called Lorior, from the name of a Mechanic who, by the force of combination and of reiterated experience, has made such proof as to assure himself that this process was employed by the Ancients in their works which at this day excite our admiration as much on account of their solidity as beauty. The effect of this pulverized quick lime is to cause the mortar to dry very quick without exposing the slacked lime in such a manner as to cause cracks & flaws.
In cases where this pulverized quick lime is used the mortar should be a little more liquid at the moment it is put on, than in other cases; for the property of this is to destroy humidity without the assistance of evaporation.
As preservation is the next step after creation, I am persuaded that Your Excellency will make use of any means that may tend to preserve your barn & the Cattle which are to inhabit it. It is to effect preservation of this kind that your Excellency has laboured by letters, and by your Presidency in the Convention of Philadelphia, to preserve the spirit of the Confederation which now has only a name.
I hope in the next trip which I make to Mount Vernon I shall have the pleasure to see the barn (I do not know its name) compleatly finished. I have the honor to be with the most respectful attachment Sir, Yr Excellency’s Most Hbe & Obedt Servt

Le Cte de Moustier.


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 27 November 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 27th Novr 1788

I have now before me your letters of the 16th & 26th of October and 16th of November. The articles sent by Captn Ellwood arrived in good order and agreeable to the Invoice. Captn Ingraham has not yet arrived but is hourly expected. I think the Irish Linen @ 8/2 is very high, and as there has been a late importation of Linens into Alexandria I will endeavour to supply myself at that place; if I should not be able to do it I must then thank you to procure some for me in Philadelphia. If there are any Hollands in Philadelphia of a quality equal to the pattern of linen sent you, I will thank you to let me know the price of them.
I have lately been informed by Embree & Shotwell of New York that the quantity of Clover-seed which I shall want, and of the best quality, may be procured at that place, @ 9d. per lb. New York currency, and perhaps at less. But if it can be obtained at Philadelphia upon the same terms, and equally good, I should prefer getting it from thence. I must, at any rate, request you to send me five bushels by the next opportunity, as I shall want to sow a quantity upon my wheat with the first proper snows in January, and also to inform me, with certainty, of the lowest terms upon which the quantity mentioned in a former letter may be had. It is hardly necessary for me to mention that the goodness of the seed should be particulary attended to, as a disappointment in that will be of very considerable detriment to me. The loss of the seed would be but a small part of what I should suffer by it; as my great object is to get my lands well seeded, and if I fail in this thro’ the badness of the

seed, the season, and my labour upon the land will be lost. Last year I received some seed from New York and some from Philadelphia; it was sown indiscriminately, and no memorandum made, as it was sown, to distinguish from which place it came. Some part of it came up very well, and part very thin or not at all; but from its not being noted I was unable to determine from which place the bad seed came.
The piece of Sattin sent by Captn Ellwood will supercede the necessity of purchasing a ps. of Padusoy which Mrs Washington wanted. With great esteem I am, Dear Sir, Yr most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Chastellux, 27 November 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de

My dear Marqs
Mount Vernon November 27th 1788

Although I know you are well acquaited with Mr Gouverneur Morris yet finding he was about to embark for France,I thought it might not be unacceptable for you to hear from me, and of the wellfare of my connections, by a person for whom I entertain so good a regard. Besides I thought I should have a convenient opportunity of addressing the Compliments of Mrs Washington and myself, to you, to your good Lady, and, if it was not presuming too much, to the amiable Princess with whom she is so intimately connected. As for Mr Morris, only let him be once fairly presented to your French Ladies, and I answer for it, he will not leave the worst impression in the world of the American character, for taciturnity & improper reserve.I rely upon it he will make his way good.
In the mean time, with sincere wishes for the felicity of you

and yours, I embrace you, my dear Marqs and am now, as ever With sentiments of esteem and Friendship

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Robert Dick, 27 November 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Dick, Robert

Sir,
Mount Vernon November 27. 1788

I have received your letter of the 15th inst. and as I am desireous of giving every encouragement in my power to that useful class of men who understand agriculture, and wish to settle in this country, I am sorry that you was not sufficiently explicite

in your letter to enable me to answer you more decidedly upon the subject of your enquieries. If you[r] view is to purchase a large tract of land and introduce a number of settlers upon it from Scotland, this country certainly offers itself under every advantage for that purpose whether you consider the facility of the terms upon it, can be obtained, the climate, soil, or local situation—I have myself large tracts of Land in the western parts of this State, equal in point of soil and situation to any in the world, which I would either dispose of, or lease out, upon such terms as might be very advantageous to the settler, and as the emigrations to that part of the country are so very considerable there is little danger to be apprehended from the Indians on the Eastern side of the Ohio. I have also a number of tracts of very excellent land on this side of the Aleegany Mountains in the Counties of Berkley, Fauqueire, Frederick and Louden in this State, but they do not lie in one body so as to accommodate a number of persons together; and I believe it would be difficult to find a single tract large enough for this purpose in the possession of any one person on this side of the Alegany mountains.
If your present design is to superintend and direct the management of some Gentleman’s Estate it is necessary for you to be furnished with testimonials of your abilities for that purpose of your sobriety and good conduct and recommendation from some Character or Characters known in this Country.
If you will let me know more particularly what your intention and plans are, I shall perhaps be able to give you an answer more to your satisfaction. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lutterloh, 27 November 1788 [letter not found]
From: Lutterloh, Henry Emanuel
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Henry Lutterloh, 27 Nov. 1788. On 1 Jan. 1789 GW wrote to Lutterloh: “I have regularly received your letter dated the 27th of Novr.”


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 28 November 1788
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Philadelphia 28 Novr 1788

The Robbery lately committed on the Southern Mail obliges me to trouble you with a mighty insignificant Letter to tell you of that Accident that in Case you had sent Letters by that Post they might be renewed—You will oblige me by mentioning the Circumstance to Colo. Humphreys—In about ten Days hence I

expect to sail for Havre and as I mentd in a former Letter shall hope to be favored with your Orders.
Our friend Maddison who is now here will I am perswaded give you fuller Information than I can of the several occurrences worth Notice. It is the general Opinion of those with whom I converse that the fœderal Ticket will prevail thro this State with a very great Majority I sincerely hope that it may and that the Citizens of Virginia will in their Choice of Representatives compensate for the Appointment the Legislature have made to the Senate.
Mr & Mrs Morris join in Respectful and affectionate Regards to yourself and Mrs Washington with Dr Sir your friend and Servant

Gouvr Morris


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Smith, 29 November 1788 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, Thomas

Letter not found: to Thomas Smith, 29 Nov. 1788. On 26 Dec. GW wrote to Smith: “I have received your letter of the 29 Ulto.”


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 30 November 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Novbr 30th 1788

We are informed that this is the day appointed for the departure of Mrs Fendall for Norfolk—if rightly so it is not probable I shall have the pleasure of seeing you before your embarkation; and in that case, our proposed exchange of Magnolio for 5000 Acres of Kentucke Land stands upon uncertainty.
It is true I am not fond of buying a Pig in a Poke (as the Phraze is) especially too of a sort which may be expensive to me, but under the circumstances attending the choice of the Land you offer me for Magnolio, there can be no doubt of the quality of it I am willing to confirm the bargain because it is my intention to breed Mules only and for that reason wish to avoid expence of keeping Magnolio he is in high health, spirits, and flesh, can be delivered in good order.
If we should not have the pleasure of seeing any of your family before their departure, Mrs Washington, and all under this Roof, unite in the most affectionate Compliments to Mrs Fendall and Mrs Lee accompanied with fervant wishes for the perfect recovery of their healths. I am ever yours &c.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Francis Hopkinson, 1 December 1788
From: Hopkinson, Francis
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Philada Decr 1st 1788

There is all the Difference in the World between a Thing done, & a Thing to be done. A Thing to be done is exposed, like our new Constitution, to all Manner of Criticisms, Objections, Oppositions, Reasonings true & false, with Arguments & Apprehensions founded on future Consequences, possible and impossible. On the Contrary, a Thing done, unless it is a very bad thing indeed, is not only generally admitted, but often even zealously supported, beyond it’s real Merits—The Tide of Prejudice flows in its Favour.
Had I asked your Permission to compose, & dedicate to you a Book of Songs, you would, probably, have said—“Your Scheme is full of Inconsistency—You are neither a Poet nor a Musician, & yet you would write Verses & set them to Music—and you would dedicate your Work to me, knowing that I can neither

play Musick nor sing Songs—you certainly mean that we should both be laugh’d at”—To which I should then reply—1st “If no Authors had ever written but on such Subjects as they thoroughly understood, our Libraries would be but small[.] Upon a moderate Calculation I suppose that one fourth of our Systems of Philosophy, one half of the physical & medical Authors, three fourths of the learned Writers in polemick Divinity & not one of the numerous metaphysical Enquirers, had made their Appearance in the World—And 2dly If no Works can with Propriety be dedicated to you but on such Subjects in which you are yourself a Master, the sooner you employ Tutors to instruct you in every Branch of human Learning the better—you have no Time to loose—for I foresee Crowds of American Authors on all Subjects, Projectors, Schemers & Contrivers, presenting their Works to your Notice & honouring them with your Name”—I say, such would be my Answer then—My apology now is much shorter—The thing is done—I have composed the Songs, I have set them to Musick, & I have dedicated them to you, And, therefore, instead of objecting to, we had better join in defending the Measure as well as we can.
These Songs were composed occasionally for the Use of my Daughters, without any View to Publication. When I found they had accumulated to 7 or 8 Songs I thought of publishing them, from an Ambition of being recognized as the first Citizen of the United States who had produced a Work of this kind—And I dedicated my Work to you, because I love and respect you—And this is the Truth, the whole Truth, & nothing but the Truth so help me Apollo & the Nine Muses.
With my best Regards to Mrs Washington I am, Dear Sir Your sincerely affectionate Friend & humble Servant

Fras Hopkinson


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Lewis, 1 December 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Thomas

Sir,
Mount Vernon December 1st 1788

Your letter of the 27th of August, and the papers therewith transmitted, did not reach me till very lately.
If the fear of deceiving me, by not being able immediately, to procure tenants for my Lands, was the only cause that prevented your accepting the agency which I requested you take upon yourself, I am very sorry that you declined it, for the same reason would operate, with equal force, upon any other person; and your local situation, and the confidence which I place in you are such as to induce me again to request that you will accept this trust, and I therefore enclose my former terms and the plats of the Land.
It is not my wish or desire that you should put yourself to any inconvenience in this business, neither do I expect that you will

procure tenants for my land in preference to your own which is under the same predicament, but as it is necessary for me to have some person in the neighbourhood empowered to act in my behalf in case any opportunities of seating, or otherwise disposing of the land, should occur, who could take care that my property was not encroached upon, and who would from time to time, inform me of the State of it, I must again beg the favor of you, Sir, to take charge of this business, and for your trouble and agency therein a compensation will be cheerfully made.
As my great object in wishing to settle these Lands is, that they may be profitable to me at a future period, I have not an idea of deriving any immediate advantage from them, and the terms therefore, might be very easy to the settler, no further than to exonerate myself from any expences arising from taxes &c.—provided the time for which they were leased be limited, and not unreasonably extended, that I might know when they will revert to me.
You conceive that the division of some of the large tracts of land held by individuals into small parcels, and their being sold, would greatly facilitate the settlement of them. I do not know that I should have any objection to such a division and sale of mine, provided it was laid off in such a manner as that the sale of one part or parcel should not interfere with, or impair the value of the other. The tract which lays on the Ohio, near the little Kanawa, I would not wish to dispose of, nor to lease if for a term exceeding ten years, because its vicinity to the Settlement formed on the Muskingum will, in my opinion render it peculiarly valuable at no very distant period.
There is now a regular post established between Pittsburg and Philadelphia, any letters, therefore, put into the post office at the former place or sent [to] Richmond and lodged in the office there, will be sure to reach me; and I shall be much obliged to you Sir, to let me here from you by the first opportunity which offers of depositing letters in either of the above mentioned offices after this (which Mr Clandenning is so good as to take charge of) gets to your hands, and shall also thank you for such other communications upon the subject as you may find it convenient or necessary to make. With very great esteem & regard. I am Sir &c.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 1 December 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Decr 1st 1788.

By a notification in the Pensylvania Packet, it appears that the Southern Mail was robbed on the 22d ult. in the State of Delaware. As it was about, at least not far from the time, I wrote you fully in answer to your favor of the 5th of Novr I am anxious to know its fate. If it has not reached your hands I will upon intimation thereof transmit a duplicate of my sentiments respecting the Falls Estate—At present I shall only give fresh assurances of what I hope you are fully persuaded, that I am—My dear Sir, Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Sevt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 2 December 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon December 2d 88

A house rarely without Company, and Many other matters which claimed my attention, have prevented my acknowledging, in the manner I wished to do the receipt of your two favors of the 15th and 25th Ulto—and now it is rather out of Season to touch upon matters which have been finally decided on in the Legislature of the State.
That body has displayed the most malignant (and if one may be allowed the expression, the most unwarrantable) disposition towards the New Government, in all its acts respecting it, need no other evidence than their public records; but upon what ground they have undertaken to assert things which the Representatives of the people, chosen for the express purpose in Convention, have not authorised them to do; lays with the wisdom of the Majority of that Assembly to explain; nor will it redound much to their honor I conceive if in the ultimate appeal to the people there should (as you have intimated) be seven out of the ten Representatives on the fœderal side. But excuse

me, my dear Sir, when I give it to you as my opinion that you are reckoning without your host as the phase is, not that there may be such a proportion through the State who are friends to the adopted Constitution but they either do not See the necessity are too indolent or too much engaged in other matters to come forward—or too much disunited among themselves to act in unison. Whilst those of the other discription (or I am much mistaken) will be formed into one solid phalanx—Need I go out of this district for proof? In my opinion Chatham Fitzhugh, or you are the characters most likely to unite the suffrages of the federal Interest in it. Neither will serve. what is the consequence? why, a third is proposed. in whom all cannot agree—a fourth, and a fifth will have advocates—and neither will be chosen. This is my idea of the matter—I give it to you however in confidence for I have been already dragged into public view on these occasions than is agreeable to me. It would seem to me, good policy, if the Fœderal delegates (now in Assembly) of each districk to confer freely together and resolve to support the fittest character therein—at any rate not to be disunited. Sorry indeed should I be, if Mr Madison meets the same fate in the district of which Orange composes a part as he has done in the Assembly—and to me it seems not at all improbable.
A day or two ago I wrote you a hasty line (being unwilling to Miss the conveyance afforded by the Green brier Members) enclosing a packet for Colo. Thomas Lewis I hope it got safe to your hands, and in time to be forwarded by Colo. Clendenning. On a reperusal of Colo. Lewis’ Letter it would appear as if his only objection, or at least the principal one, to his acceptance of the trust proposed, was a doubt (under the peculiar circumstances of that part of the Country) of his executing it to my satisfaction. But as this may be made by any man anxious to perform well, an agency under similar circumstances, I have requested him (if this be all) to enter upon the discharge of it. Notwithstanding, if by any indirect inquiries, you can discover that he is too indolent, or in other respects unfit to be entrusted, and will inform me of it in time to recover my Letter, and name another, I certainly shall do it. There is one objection to Colo. Lewis, but it is not confined to him alone, to every Man of property, who by his local situation has it in his power to

serve me with convency it may apply with equal force. I mean his having much Land of his own to Rent or Sell, a preference to which it must be expected will be given.
The expensive manner in which I live (contrary to my wishes, but really unavoidable) the bad years of late—and my consequent short crops have occasioned me to run in debt, and to feel more sensibly the want of money, than I have ever done at any period of my whole life. and obliges me to look forward to every source from whence I have a right to expect relief—Under these circumstances I must ask you what prospect I have, and in what time (after it becomes due) I may expect to receive the present years annuity from the Estate of Mr Custis? In a letter which I wrote to you sometime ago I requested the favor of you to procure for me (and I wish it to be brought up when you come that I may be in no suspence about it) some Tobacco seed of the sort called little Frederick. That in my first essay, will be approaching as near Sweet scented as I dare venture. Permit me to remind you of this request.
Mrs Stuart is not returned from Mount Airy that we know of—all of this family join in best wishes for you and, I am Dear Sir, &c.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Weedon, 2 December 1788
From: Weedon, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Fredericksburg Decr 2d 1788

I have the honor of transmiting you a copy of the proceeding of the last meeting of the Virginia Society of Cincinnati held in Richmond the 13th & 14th of Novr 1788.
A very severe fit of the gout which crippled me for three months has deprived me the pleasure of Visiting you at Mount Vernon this fall agreeable to promise. With very great esteem and respect I am my Dear Genl Your Obt Servt

G. Weedon


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 4 December 1788
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Paris [December] 4. 1788.

Your favor of Aug. 31. came to hand yesterday; and a confidential conveiance offering, by the way of London, I avail myself of it to acknolege the receipt. I have seen, with infinite pleasure, our new constitution accepted by 11 states, not rejected by the 12th and that the 13th happens to be a state of the least importance. it is true that the minorities in most of the accepting states have been very respectable, so much so as to render it prudent, were it not otherwise reasonable, to make some sacrifices to them. I am in hopes that the annexation of a bill of rights to the constitution will alone draw over so great a proportion of the minorities, as to leave little danger in the opposition of the residue; and that this annexation may be made by Congress and the assemblies, without calling a convention which might endanger the most valuable parts of the system. calculation has convinced me that circumstances may arise and probably will arise, wherein all the resources of taxation will be necessary for the safety of the state. for tho I am decidedly of opinion we should take no part in European quarrels but cultivate peace and commerce with all, yet who can avoid seeing the source of war in the tyranny of those nations who deprive us of the natural right of trading with our neighbors? the produce of the U.S. will soon exceed the European demand, what is to be done with the surplus, when there shall be one? it will be employed, without question to open by force a market for itself with those placed on the same continent with us and who wish nothing better. other causes too are obvious which may involve us in war, and war requires every resource of taxation & credit.

the power of making war often prevents it, and in our case would give efficacy to our desire of peace. if the new government wears the front which I hope it will I see no impossibility in the availing ourselves of the wars of others to open the other parts of America to our commerce, as the price of our neutrality.
The campaign between the Turks & two empires has been clearly in favor of the former. the emperor is secretly trying to bring about a peace. the alliance between England, Prussia and Holland, (and some suspect Sweden also) renders their mediation decisive wherever it is proposed. they seemed to interpose it so magisterially between Denmark & Sweden, that the former submitted to it’s dictates, and there was all reason to believe that the war in the North-Western parts of Europe would be quieted. all of a sudden a new flame bursts out in Poland. the king and his party are devoted to Russia. the opposition rely on the protection of Prussia. they have lately become the majority in the confederated diet, and have passed a vote for subjecting their army to a commission independant of the king, and propose a perpetual diet, in which case he will be a perpetual cypher. Russia declares against such a change in their constitution, and Prussia has put an army into readiness for marching at a moment’s warning on the frontiers of Poland. these events are too recent to see as yet what turn they will take, or what effect they will have on the peace of Europe. so is that also of the lunacy of the king of England, which is a decided fact, notwithstanding all the stuff the English papers publish about his fevers, his deliriums &c. the truth is that the lunacy declared itself almost at once, and with as few concomitant complaints as usually attend the first development of that disorder.I suppose a regency will be established, and if it consist of a plurality of members it will probably be peaceable. in this event it will much favor the present wishes of this country, which are so decidedly for peace, that they refused to enter into the mediation between Sweden & Russia, lest it should commit them. as soon as the convocation of the States general was announced, a tranquillity took place thro’ the whole kingdom. happily no open rupture had taken place in any part of it. the parliaments were re-instated in their functions at the same time. this was all they desired, and they had called for the States general only through fear that the

crown could not otherwise be forced to re-instate them. their end obtained, they began to foresee danger to themselves in the States general. they began to lay the foundations for cavilling at the legality of that body if its measures should be hostile to them. the court, to clear itself of the dispute, convened the Notables who had acted with general approbation on the former occasion, and referred to them the forms of calling and organizing the States-general. these Notables consist principally of nobility & clergy, the few of the tiers etat among them being either parliament-men, or other privileged persons. the court wished that in the future States general the members of the Tiers-etat should equal those of both the other orders, and that they should form but one house, all together, & vote by persons, not by orders. but the Notables, in the true spirit of priests and nobles, combining together against the people, have voted by 5 bureaux out of 6 that the people or tiers etat shall have no greater number of deputies than each of the other orders separately, and that they shall vote by orders: so that two orders concurring in a vote, the third will be overruled; for it is not here as in England where each of the three branches has a negative on the other two. if this project of theirs succeeds, a combination between the two houses of clergy & nobles, will render the representation of the Tiers etat merely nugatory. the bureaux are to assemble together to consolidate their separate votes; but I see no reasonable hope of their changing this. perhaps the king, knowing that he may count on the support of the nation and attach it more closely to him, may take on himself to disregard the opinion of the Notables in this instance, and may call an equal representation of the people, in which precedents will support him. in every event, I think the present disquiet will end well. the nation has been awaked by our revolution, they feel their strength, they are enlightened, their lights are spreading, and they will not retrograde. the first states general may establish 3 important points without opposition from the court. 1. their own periodical convocation. 2. their exclusive right of taxation (which has been conferred by the king.) 3. the right of registering laws and of previously proposing amendments to them, as the parliaments have by usurpation been in the habit of doing. the court will consent to this from it’s hatred to the

parliaments, and from the desire of having to do with one rather than many legislatures. if the states are prudent they will not aim at more than this at first, lest they should shock the dispositions of the court, and even alarm the public mind, which must be left to open itself by degrees to successive improvements. these will follow from the nature of things. how far they can proceed, in the end, towards a thorough reformation of abuse, cannot be foreseen. in my opinion a kind of influence, which none of their plans of reform take into account, will elude them all; I mean the influence of women in the government. the manners of the nation allow them to visit, alone, all persons in office, to sollicit the affairs of the husband, family, or friends, and their sollicitations bid defiance to laws and regulations. this obstacle may seem less to those who, like our countrymen, are in the precious habit of considering Right, as a barrier against all sollicitation. nor can such an one, without the evidence of his own eyes, believe in the desperate state to which things are reduced in this country from the omnipotence of an influence which, fortunately for the happiness of the sex itself, does not endeavor to extend itself in our country beyond the domestic line.
Your communications to the Count de Moustier, whatever they may have been, cannot have done injury to my endeavors here to open the W. Indies to us. on this head the ministers are invincibly mute, tho’ I have often tried to draw them into the subject. I have therefore found it necessary to let it lie till war or other circumstances may force it on. whenever they are in war with England, they must open the islands to us, and perhaps during that war they may see some price which might make them agree to keep them always open. in the mean time I have laid my shoulder to the opening the markets of this country to our produce, and rendering it’s transportation a nursery for our seamen. a maritime force is the only one by which we can act on Europe. our navigation law (if it be wise to have any) should be the reverse of that of England. instead of confining importations to home-bottoms or those of the producing nation, I think we should confine exportations to home-bottoms or to those of nations having treaties with us. our exportations are heavy, and would nourish a great force of our own, or be a

tempting price to the nation to whom we should offer a participation of it in exchange for free access to all their possessions. this is an object to which our government alone is adequate in the gross. but I have ventured to pursue it here, so far as the consumption of our productions by this country extends. thus in our arrangements relative to tobacco, none can be received here but in French or American bottoms. this is emploiment for near 2000 seamen, and puts nearly that number of British out of employ. by the arret of Dec. 1787. it was provided that our whale oils should not be received here but in French or American bottoms, and by later regulations all oils but those of France and America are excluded. this will put 100 English whale vessels immediately out of employ, and 150 ere long: and call so many of French & American into service. we have had 6000 seamen formerly in this business, the whole of whom we have been likely to lose. the consumption of rice is growing fast in this country, and that of Carolina gaining ground on every other kind. I am of opinion the whole of the Carolina rice can be consumed here. it’s transportation employs 2500 sailors, almost all of them English at present, the rice being deposited at Cowes & brought from thence here. it would be dangerous to confine this transportation to French & American bottoms the ensuing year, because they will be much engrossed by the transportation of wheat & flour hither, and the crop of rice might lie on hand for want of vessels: but I see no objections to the extension of our principle to this article also beginning with the year 1790. however before there is a necessity of deciding on this I hope to be able to consult our new government in person, as I have asked of Congress a leave of Absence for 6 months, that is to say from April to November next. it is necessary for me to pay a short visit to my native country, first to reconduct my family thither, and place them in the hands of their friends, & secondly to place my private affairs under certain arrangements. when I left my own house I expected to be absent but 5 months, & I have been led by events to an absence of 5 years. I shall hope therefore for the pleasure of personal conferences with your Excellency on the subjects of this letter and others interesting to our country, of getting my own ideas set to rights by a communication of yours, and of taking again the tone of sentiment

of my own country which we lose in some degree after a certain absence, you know doubtless of the death of the Marquis de Chastellux. the Marquis de la Fayette is out of favor with the court, but high in favor with the nation.I once feared for his personal liberty. but I hope him on safe ground at present. on the subject of the whale fishery I inclose you some observations I drew up for the ministry here, in order to obtain a correction of their Arret of Sep. last, whereby they had involved our oils with the English in a general exclusion from their ports. they will accordingly correct this, so that our oils will participate with theirs in the monopoly of their markets. there are several things incidentally introduced which do not seem pertinent to the general question. they were rendered necessary by particular circumstances the explanation of which would add to a letter already too long. I will trespass no further then, than to assure you of the sentiments of sincere attachment and respect with which I have the honor to be your Excellency’s most obedt humble servant

Th: Jefferson

P.S. the Observations inclosed, tho’ printed, have been put into confidential hands only.


Title: From George Washington to Arthur Young, 4 December 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Young, Arthur

Sir,
Mount Vernon Decr 4th 1788.

I have been favored with the receipt of your letter dated the 1st day of July; and have to express my thanks for the three additional volumes of the Annals which have also come safely to hand.
The more I am acquainted with agricultural affairs the better I am pleased with them. Insomuch that I can no where find so great satisfaction, as in those innocent & useful pursuits. In indulging these feelings, I am led to reflect how much more delightful to an undebauched mind is the task of making improvements on the earth; than all the vain glory which can be acquired from ravaging it, by the most uninterrupted career of

conquests. The design of this observation is only to shew how much as a member of human society, I feel myself obliged by your labours to render respectable and advantageous an employment, which is more congenial to the natural dispositions of mankind than any other.
I am also much indebted to you for the enquiries you was so kind as to make respecting the threshing machines. Notwithstanding I am pretty well convinced from your account that the new invented Scotch Machine is of superior merit to Winlaws; yet I think to wait a little longer before I procure one. In the intermediate time, I am not insensible to your obliging offers of executing this or any other Commission for me; and shall take the liberty to avail myself of them, as occasions may require.
I would willingly have sent you a lock of the wool of my sheep, agreeably to your desire, but it is all wrought into cloth, and I must therefore defer it until after the next shearing. You may expect it by some future conveyance. A Manufacturer from Leeds, who was lately here, judges it to be of about the same quality with the English wool in general—though there is always a great difference in the fineness of different parts of the same fleece. I cannot help thinking that encreasing & improving our breed of sheep would be one of the most profitable speculations we could undertake; especially in this part of the Continent, where we have so little winter that they require either no dry fodder, or next to none; and where we are sufficiently distant from the frontiers not to be troubled with wolves or other wild vermen which prevent the Inhabitants there from keeping flocks. Though we do not feed our sheep upon leaves, as you mention they do in some parts of France; yet we cannot want for pastures enough suitable for them. I am at a loss therefore to account for the disproportion between their value & that of black cattle; as well as for our not augmenting the number. So persuaded am I of the practicability & advantage of it, that I have raised near 200 lambs upon my farm this year. I am glad to find that you are likely to succeed in propagating the Spanish breed of Sheep in England, and that the wool does not degenerate. For the multiplication of useful animals is a common blessing to mankind. I have a prospect of introducing into this Country a very excellent race of animals also, by means of

the liberality of the King of Spain. One of the Jacks which he was pleased to present to me (the other perished at Sea) is about 15 hands high, his body & Limbs very large in proportion to his height; & the Mules which I have had from him appear to be extremely well formed for Service. I have likewise a Jack & two Jennets from Malta, of a very good size, which the Marquis de la Fayette sent to me. The Spanish Jack seems calculated to breed for heavy, slow draught; and the others for the Saddle or lighter carriages. From these, all together, I hope to secure a race of extraordinary goodness, which will stock the Country. Their longevity & cheap keeping will be circumstances much in their favor. I am convinced from the little experiments I have made with the ordinary Mules, (which perform as much labour, with vastly less feeding than horses) that those of a superior quality will be the best cattle we can employ for the harness. And, indeed, in a few years, I intend to drive no other in my carriage: having appropriated for the sole purpose of breeding them, upwards of 20 of my best Mares.
Since I wrote to you formerly respecting the objection made by my labourers to the weight of the Ploughs; I have had sufficient experience to overcome the ill-founded prejudice, and find them answer the purpose exceedingly well. I have been laying out my farm into fields of nearly the same dimensions, and assigning crops to each until the year 1795—The building of a Brick Barn has occupied much of my attention this Summer. It is constructed somewhat according to the plan you had the goodness to send me: but with some additions. It is now, I believe, the largest and most convenient one in this Country.
Our seasons in this Country (or at least in this part of it) have been so much in the two opposite extremes of dry and wet for the two summers past that many of my experiments have failed to give a satisfactory result: or I would have done myself the pleasure of transmitting it to you. In the first part of the last Summer, the rains prevailed beyond what has been known in the memory of man; yet the Crops in most parts of the United States are good. They were much injured, however, in those places on my farm, where the soil is mixed with clay & so stiff as to be liable to retain the moisture. I planted a large quantity of Potatoes, of which only those that were put in as late as the end

of June, have produced tolerably well. I am notwithstanding more & more convinced of the prodigious usefulness of this root and that it is very little, if any thing of an exhauster. I have a high opinion also of Carrots. The same unfavorableness of the Season has rendered it unimportant to give a detail of my experiments this year in flax, though I had sowed 25 bushels of the seed. In some spots it has yielded well, in others very indifferently. Much injured by weeds & lodjers.
As to what you suggest at the close of your letter, respecting the publication of extracts from my corrispondence in your Annals, I hardly know what to say. I certainly highly approve the judicious execution of your well-conceived project of throwing light on a subject, which may be more conducive than almost any other to the happiness of mankind. On the one hand, it seems scarcely generous or proper that any farmer, who receives benefit from the facts contained in such publications, should withhold his mite of information from the general stock. On the other hand, I am affraid it might be imputed to me as a piece of ostentation, if my name should appear in the work. And surely it would not be discreet for me to run the hazard of incurring this imputation; unless some good might probably result to Society, as some kind of compensation for it. Of this I am not a judge—I can only say for myself, that I have endeavoured in a state of tranquil retirement to keep my self as much from the eye of the world as I possibly could. I have studiously avoided, as much as was in my power, to give any cause for ill-natured or impertinent comments on my conduct: and I should be very unhappy to have anything done on my behalf (however distant in itself from impropriety) which should give occasion for one officious tongue to use my name with indelicacy. For I wish most devoutly to glide silently and unnoticed through the remainder of life. This is my heart felt wish; and these are my undisguised feelings. After having submitted them confidentially to you, I have such a reliance upon your prudence, as to leave it with you to do what you think, upon a full consideration of the matter shall be wisest & best. I am with very great regard and esteem Sir Your Most Obedt and obliged Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 5 December 1788
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Paris Dec. 5. 1788.

I this moment discover that I have dated my letter of yesterday Nov. 4. instead of Dec. 4. tho’ the letter be gone out of my hands I hope the present will reach the bearer of it in time to accompany that, and to prevent the embarrasment of dates which it might otherwise occasion. I have only to repeat assurances of the sentiments of esteem & respect with which I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedt and most humble servt

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from John Dandridge, 6 December 1788
From: Dandridge, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Richmond Decemr 6. 88.

I have received your answer to my offer of the tract of Land in Gloucester. I have no platt of it by which you can be informed of it’s boundaries precisely; but I can give you such a description of it’s situation as will answer the purpose of examination—It is part of a large tract of land that belonged formerly to one Brister, a citizen of England, and was escheated under the laws of this Commonwealth. It is situated in Wareneck, between Ware & north river, about four miles from the Courthouse—a creek, called back-creek or Whiting’s creek, affords navigation to part of it for large vessels—The land lies level & Square and adjoins Peter Whiting’s Estate, parson Fountain’s & philip Tabbs—It has not been in cultivation for eight years, & of course all the improvements are destroyed—Of the four hundred acres, about one hundred is in Wood: The rest is grown up with small pine &c. for want of cultivation—Altho’ the improvements are gone, yet the soil is mended by the land not being tended.
I shall be very glad to hear, that on enquiry it will suit you. You will be so good as present my Affte duty to my Aunt; My love to patsy, & remember me to the rest of the Family. I am, Sir, with respect, yr Obt Sevt

J. Dandridge


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 6 December 1788
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Philadelphia 6 Deer 1788

Your Letter of the twenty eighth of last Month came safe to Hand this Day. Accept my Thanks for the several Letters of Introduction you have taken the Trouble to write. I feel a proper Sense of your Kindness on this, as on many other Occasions, and I hope and beleive that I shall have Opportunities of evincing my Attachment. At the same Time I beleive, and hope, and most ardently desire that you may always stand so high as to be beyond the Reach of any Thing I can do to serve or any other Person to injure you.
On the Subject which has closed both your Letter and mine I feel too much not to say Something. I have ever thought, and said that you must be the President. No other Man can fill that Office. No other Man can draw forth the Abilities of our Country into the various Departments of civil Life. You alone can awe the Insolence of opposing Factions, & the greater Insolence of assuming Adherents. I say Nothing of foreign Powers, nor of their Ministers. With these last you will have some plague—As to your Feelings on this Occasion, they are I know both deep and affecting. You embark Properly most precious, on the most

tempestuous Ocean: for as you possess the highest Reputation, so you expose it to the perilous Chance of popular Opinion. On the other Hand you will, I firmly expect, enjoy the inexpressible Felicity of contributing to the Happiness of all your Countrymen; even of those who hate because they envy, and envy because they cannot, dare not, imitate you. You will become the Father to more than three Millions of Children. And while your Bosom glows with parental tenderness, in theirs (or at least in a Majority of them) you will excite the dutious Sentiments of filial Affection. This, I repeat it, is what I firmly expect; and my Views are not directed by that Enthusiasm which your public Character has impressed on the public Mind. Enthusiasm is generally shortsighted and too often blind. I form my Conclusions from those Talents and Virtues which the World beleives and which your Friends know you possess. That they may long continue a rich Treasure in the Hands of our Country is the sincere Wish of your affectionate Friend & obedient Servant

Gouvr. Morris

P.S. Pray make to Mrs Washington, the Major and his Lady, Colo. Humphreys and particularly to your little Name Sake the proper Expressions of my Respect Esteem and Regard.


Title: To George Washington from John Lewis, 7 December 1788
From: Lewis, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
7 Decr 1788

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 16th September with Mr Cowpers letters inclosd. I shoud have answered your letter e’er this had I not waited to hear from Mr Cowper in answer to a letter I wrote him the 14th November respecting the No. Carolina land. I have not had any answer to my letter which I am a little surprised at. Inclosed is a letter reed the begining of November Mr Cowper is very desirous of the Land & I beleive is the only person that wants it who is able to pay for it. The Situation of my Fathers Estate is such that, money must be raised by some means to pay the debts due from it the lands ordered for sale to discharge the debts is the only

means at present of raising money as the remaining fund for that purpose is cheifly in Certificates which it woud be ruinous to part with at their present estimated value. As I set out for Kentuckey the next week it will not be in my power to make any bargain for the land if you can come on any agreement with Mr Cowper I shoud be very glad as there will be an absolute necessity for money in the Course of the next year for the Estates use. I find a Bill for £50 Sterling drawn by the Executors of William Armistead Esqr. Dec’d whether ’tis the one you alude to or not I cannot determine it is the only one I have found I am Dr Sir Your Most Obdt Servt

John Lewis.


Title: From George Washington to John Lewis, 8 December 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Decr 8th 1788.

The protested Bill sent me by my Nephew, is not the one I was wishing to be informed about and therefore I return it under this cover—The one I miss, was drawn by the Executors of William Armistead Esqr. in my favor for near ⟨£200⟩.
You should let me know what proposals you made to Mr Cowper; or, as you have left the matter with me to negotiate, I may act inconsistently therewith: and this I beg you will do before you set out on your Journey, for I am as much in want of Money as your fathers Estate can be, and therefore will gladly dispose of the Carolina Land, if even a tolerable good price can be had for it.
I heartily wish you a pleasant and prosperous Journey to Kentucke, and with compliments to Mrs Lewis am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Since writing the above, George informs me that you requested him to keep the Bill of Exchange he brought to me until your return lest any accident Should happen—for this reason it is not enclosed as mentioned above.


Title: Articles of Agreement with William Garner, 10 December 1788
From: Garner, William,Washington, George
To:

[10 December 1788]

Articles of Agreement made and entered into, this Tenth day of December Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight, by and between George Washington Esqr. of Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, State of Virginia, of the one part, and William Garner of Charles County, State of Maryland, of the other part, Witness, that the said William Garner, for, and in consideration of the wages and priviledges herein after mentioned to be paid and allowed him by the said George Washington, doth promise and agree to serve him the said George Washington for the term of one year from the date hereof as an Overseer on his Plantation in Clifton’s Neck. And that he will, during said time of service, conduct himself with the utmost Industry, Sobriety and Honesty. That he will (when not necessarily called off for other purposes) be constantly with some part or other of his people at their work, as the said George Washington conceives that is the only sure means of getting work done—and well done—and this too in peace and quietness, and to the satisfaction of all concerned; and this is his great object in procuring an Overseer. The said William Garner doth further promise and agree that he will not stir off said Plantation (except on Sundays or Hollidays, nor then if there is any particular reason for his remaining at home) without the consent of said George Washington, or of those who manage

for him. That he will strictly and indefatigably pursue the plans and obey the orders which he shall receive for conducting the business of said Plantation. That he will be very particularly attentive to the Stock of every kind, not only seeing that they are properly fed, but properly sheltered. And in a particular manner will attend to the plow-horses, and working Oxen to see that their allowance is given them in due season, and without embezzlement or waste. That he will take a regular Account of the tools of every kind, and Plantation Utensils, and see them forth-coming when called for, and that the latter are not unnecessarily exposed to the weather. That he will discourage company, unless it may be his own, or his wife’s relations now and then, from resorting to the plantation—and will prevent all gunning and fowling within his Inclosures—as also Water men from taking off his wood, stone, or anything else without leave. That he will be particularly attentive to the fences of the several Inclosures, especially those of the out-lines—suffering no Stock but his own to be within them—nor his own to be in any Inclosures but such as are allotted for them. That he will provide in due season meal for the Negroes and see it regularly delivered to them and also that they have the butter-milk after the milk is churned—and when occasion requires it for sick persons, or Negro Children, that they moreover, have sweet milk given to them. That he will be very careful of the Negroes in sickness. And to sum up the whole—that he will act the part of an industrious, honest, and sober man—and in failure of either that the said George Washington may discharge him at any season of the year. In consideration of all the above mentioned things being well and truly done and performed on the part of said William Garner, the said George Washington doth promise and engage to pay, or cause to be paid, unto him the said William Garner the sum of one hundred and twenty Spanish Milled Dollars, or the value thereof in Gold or Silver—and to allow him five hundred weight of meat, and bread sufficient for his family—to permit him to raise fowls for his own killing, but neither they, nor their Eggs, are to be sold—as it will be expected that poultry will be raised for the Mansn House—to allow him to kill four Shoats in the Year, neither of which to exceed three months old when it is killed—and to give him one

fourth part of the butter; and one eighth part of the Cyder that is made on said plantation while he continues there.
In testimony of all these things, and for the true and faithful performance of them, the parties have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals the day and year first written.

            Done in presence of us

            Geo: A. Washington
            William Garner

            Tobias Lear
            Go: Washington

It is hereby agreed by and between George A. Washington & William Garner that the foregoing agreement shall continue in as full force as if a new set of articles had been drawn from the 10th day of December 1790 untill the 10th day of December 1791. with the following alterations—viz.—his wages to be thirty pounds instead of thirty six—in lieu of the shoats mention’d he is to recieve fifty pounds of fresh Beef in the fall—and in addition to his allowance will be furnished with one thousand herrings and fifty Shad if they are caught. Done this 23d day of December 1790

            Witness

            Jno. Packett
            Geo: A. Washington

            Jno. Puckett
            William garner

It is further agreead by and between George A. Washington and William Garner that the foregoing agreement shall continue in as full force as if a new set of articles had been drawn from the 10th day of Decr 1791—untill the 10th day of Decr 1792. with the following alterations viz.—his wages to be thirty five pounds instead of thirty as above—the quantity of flour and Corn which he is to recieve is to be as follows and deliverd as mention’d—two hundred weight of midling flour in one draft but not more than two—six Barrels Corn ground into meal and not deliver[d] in less quantities than one barrel at a time from the Mill—when it is to be had. Done this 12th day Augt 1791.
Go. A. Washington
William garner


Title: To George Washington from Paul Bentalou, 11 December 1788 [letter not found]
From: Bentalou, Paul
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Paul Bentalou, 11 Dec. 1788. On 19 Dec. GW wrote to Bentalou: “I have received your polite letter of the 11th Inst.”


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 12 December 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon Decbr 12. 1788

If you wish for a more formal Pedigree than the enclosed, return the one sent and an other shall be framed by the time you send for Magnolio when a Bill of Sale shall also be forwarded—And as you have it not in your power at present (for want of the Papers) to pass a deed of Conveyance to me, for the 5000 Acres of Land in Kentucke agreeably to your Memorandum—I should be glad to receive some instrument (in case of accidents) by whh to establish my claim to it.
Your intention to decline offering yourself for the Westmoreland district since you have received advice of Mr John Page’s

doing it, is an unequivocal proof if proof was wanting, of your friendly dispositions to the New Government; but whether it is the most effectual way of serving it, is another question. Whether Mr Page’s interest, or yours, is best in the district I am not sufficiently informed to decide. but of one thing I am sure and that is, that these matters (to stand upon equal ground with the opponents of the Constitution) ought to be the result of previous consultation and arrangement. I am &c.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 12 December 1788
From: Washington, Bushrod
To: Washington, George

Dr Uncle
Bushfd Decr 12th 1788.

I take this opportunity by Mr Packet (who goes up with my furniture) to return you my very grateful thanks for the offer you were pleased to make me of your House, rent free. The difference between paying thirty or forty pounds, and not paying any thing is very considerable, and would have been a great relief and assistance to me, at least at this time; I would therefore most willingly have accepted your affectionate offer, if it had not appeared to me from the representation of Doctor [Brown] as well as from my own recollection of the place, that it would have been very inconvenient for my purpose. The House being small was no objection, but it is out of repair, and has no office, or other necessary outhouses. I was therefore afraid, lest we might at this season of the Year have suffered in our ⟨health⟩ by living there, independent of the inconvenienc above mentioned. I have the highest sense of the obligation which you have in this instance laid me under, and Shall always reflect upon it with gratitude. I am happy that I have the sanction of your opinion in favour of my scheme for disuniting the practice of Law from that of farming. As to my choice of situation it certainly depends upon circumstances. I am apprized of the formidable Competitors which I must encounter, and I am equally diffident of my abilities to hazard the competition. But if I have

not merit to support my pretensions, I ought not, neither do I wish for success.
Nancy & myself will be at Mount Vernon shortly after Christmas—she Joins me in Love to you & my Aunt—& I hope you will believe me to be Dr Uncle Your very Affectionate Nephew

Bushrod Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lewis Morris, 13 December 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Lewis

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon December 13th 1788

The letter which you did me the honor to write to me on the 14th of November, has been duly received.
I was well apprised of the sacrifices which you had made and the services you had rendered to your Country, during the progress of the late Revolution. Unfourtunately, from the want of a more efficient general government, the zealous advocates for and patriotic sufferers in the acquisition of American Independence, have not as yet (in very many instances) enjoyed the full fruits of their labours. The prospect of national and individual prosperity, it is hoped and believed, is now more favorable than it hath hitherto been. It appears to me, that we shall want nothing, but good dispositions, industry and frugality, under the proposed System, to make us a truly happy people.

While I am convinced that the motives for the intimation you have given in your letter are laudable; you will permit me to say that the subject, so far as it relates to myself, is peculiarly embarrassing and distressing. I have ever flattered myself, that I should be permitted to pass the remainder of my days in the bosom of retirement. I still have the sincerest hopes, that I shall not be called to a situation, where it might be incumbent on me to have any agency in disposing of appointments, under the general government.
You will, therefore, be pleased to excuse me from entering upon any anticipation whatsoever; and at the same time, to do me the justice of believing that I entertain a very great regard for yourself and family.
Mrs Washington and myself desire that our compliments may be presented to Mrs Morris. I am, Dear Sir, with much esteem Your most obedient & very humble Servant

George Washington


Title: From George Washington to Moustier, 15 December 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Moustier, Eléanor-François-Elie, comte de

Sir,
Mount Vernon Decembr 15th 1788

I am now taking up my pen to acknowledge the receipt of the two letters, which your Excellency did me the honor of writing to me on the 21st & 26th of last Month. While I request you to receive my thanks for the Memoirs on the trade to the West Indies, for the memorandum concerning the different kinds of Coal Tar, & for the desertation on Cements proper for the preservation of perishable substances; I must entreat you to be more especially persuaded of my sensibility for the flattering place I have the satisfaction to hold in your remembrance.
From the badness of the weather after your departure from Mount Vernon, we were all under great anxiety, lest your journey

should have been attended with distressing inconveniences, particularly to the delicate constitution of Madame de Brehan. The two Mrs Washington’s rejoice with me that it has not been followed with fatal consequences & hope that, having had so severe a seasoning, she will find less detriment to her health from the rigours of the approaching winter, than she did from the last. We pray you to make our most cordial good wishes for her health & happiness acceptable to her, with a renewal of our assurances, that we ant⟨ici⟩pate the purest satisfaction in cultivating ⟨the⟩ acquaintance which has been so happ⟨ily⟩ formed, & which was only rendered the le⟨ss⟩ perfect, hitherto, on account of the short⟨ness⟩ of your visit.
I was in hopes that on your arr⟨ival⟩ at New York you would have received offi⟨cial⟩ & satisfactory intelligence from your Coun⟨try⟩—But, agreeably to the English adage “tha⟨t⟩ no news is good news,” we should flatter ⟨our⟩selves that affairs are taking a favorable ⟨turn,⟩ & that every thing will end to the mutual co⟨ntent⟩ of the King & Nation.
Your observations on the reviva⟨l of⟩ the regular communications between ⟨France⟩ & America: and on the importance of ha⟨ving⟩ a precise knowledge of the interests of ⟨the⟩ two nations more generally diffused, are ⟨cer⟩tainly very just. I cannot but accord ⟨with⟩ you in earnest expectations, that a go⟨od⟩ system for the purpose will be Speedily ⟨insti⟩tuted.
I believe I told your Excellency ⟨before,⟩ I was so little conversant in commercia⟨l mat⟩ters, that I desired but small stress might ⟨be⟩ placed upon my opinions. It may be nec⟨essary⟩ to repeat this observation in apology for ⟨what⟩ I am about to say on the Commerce betwee⟨n this⟩ Country & the West India Islands. I have ⟨every⟩ reason to wish that this trade might, if po⟨ssible⟩ be made reciprocally beneficial. Of tha⟨t, how⟩ever, I entertain some doubts. For hithert⟨o I have⟩ thought it of much less importance to the ⟨United⟩ States, than people commonly imagine it to be. My reasons for this opinion were, first, because I could not learn upon enquiry, that it turned out much, if any, to the advantage of those concerned in it: and secondly because all, or nearly all, the produce imported from thence (Cotten excepted) might be considered as articles of luxury, & the use of which would in a great measure be dispensed with, if they were

not so easily to be obtained. But my greatest reason for supposing the trade to be detrimental to us was—that Rum, the principal article received from thence, is, in my opinion, the bane of morals & the parent of idleness. I have been informed that before the War, while all the British Islands were wholly open to our Vessels and some of those of other nations partly so, the trade (by enabling the Adventurers to make a circuitous remittance to Europe) was attended with pretty certain, but very small profits: and that since the war it has been generally a loosing speculation—even in the State where it has been carried on to the greatest extent, and with more œconomy in the out-fits & navigation than elsewhere. But it will be asked whether the States which produce Horses &ca for this trade, would not be greatly injured, in case of its annihilation, for want of a Market to dispose of that produce? I answr that, in my judgment, it would be better to alter the mode of farming; and to raise Sheep & black Cattle instead of Horses. There can be no want of sufficient demands for Wool & Beef. Nor can I conceive that it would be a difficult affair to substitute the growth of these, in the ro⟨om⟩ of less useful articles. Then, I could wis⟨h to⟩ see the direct commerce with France enco⟨ura⟩ged to the greatest degree; and that almost ⟨all⟩ the foreign Spirits which we consumed sh⟨ould⟩ consist of the Wines & Brandies made in ⟨that⟩ Country. The use of those liquors would ⟨at⟩ least be more innocent to the health & mo⟨rals⟩ of the people, than the thousands of Hogs⟨heads⟩ of poisonous Rum which are annually ⟨con⟩sumed in the United States. And, upon fa⟨rther⟩ reflection, it seems obvious to me, that ⟨there⟩ are articles enough in France, which ⟨are⟩ wanted here; and others in turn prod⟨uced⟩ here, which are wanted in France; to ⟨form⟩ the basis of a beneficial, extensive, ⟨and⟩ durable Commerce.
The discovery of extracting Tar ⟨from⟩ Coal is a proof of the investigating geniu⟨s of⟩ the present age. In whatever Country ⟨use⟩ful inventions are found out, & impro⟨ve⟩ments made; I rejoice in contemplating ⟨that⟩ those inventions or improvements ma⟨y, in⟩ some way or another, be turned to the ⟨common⟩ good of Mankind.
The Season will be so far adva⟨nced⟩ before I shall have completely finished ⟨cover⟩ing my Barn, that I can be able to do

  n⟨othing⟩ more to it this year. I have former⟨ly⟩ been Somewhat curious in making e⟨xpe⟩riments relative to Cements, particul⟨arly⟩ in that which derives it name from Lo⟨riot;⟩ but have never been able to succeed to ⟨my⟩ wishes. I was delighted with the idea⟨, that the Cement used by the Antients, had been in all probability rediscovered. Sometime in the late war, I employed three or four of the principal French Enginears in our army, to make some mortar into a consolidated Mass, according to printed directions for making Loriot’s Cement; with a copy of which they were furnished⟩. But the result, after very many trials, was infinitely distant from what we had been led to expect. As the process was strictly in conformity to the prescribed rules, I know not to what cause the failure of success should be attributed. ⟨With sentiments of esteem and consideration—I have the honor to be Sir yours &c.

  Go. Washington⟩


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Newton, 17 December 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Newton, Thomas

Sir,
Mount Vernon December 17. 88

I have received your letter of the 5th Ulto. The last load of Shingles arrived safe, and as it is not in my power to remit the Cash to discharge your Account and Mr Brents for the freight of the Shingls I have shipped 50 Bbls of f[l]our on board his Vessel which I have requested him to dispose of immediately and pay your Account of £25.15.9 which I presume will be done.
The scarcity of Cash is such at present that I find it almost impossible, with the greatest exertions, to obtain sufficient to answer my ordinary & necessary demands, this naturally leads me to have recourse to my old debts; and among others I should be glad if there was a prospect of obtaining any part of those contracted by the sale of my flour &c. sent to you to dispose of on Commission. I am Sir Your most Obedt Hble Sevt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Harry Innes, 18 December 1788
From: Innes, Harry
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Kentucky Danville Decr 18th 1788

Never was a person more perplexed than I am at the present moment. I have it in my power to communicate important intelligence, which not only affects the happiness of the Western Country but the prosperity of the Union. To what power then shall I make the communication? At the first view, it would appear

to be most eligible to the Executive of Virginia; but this to me is exceptionable, because they could do nothing but communicate the subject to Congress, besides, Secrecy is necessary, & altho’ the Executive are few in Number I doubt whether they all possess integrity.
Suppose I was to address Congress. I fear nothing could be done, the attention of that Body is too much engross’d by the approaching change of the Government; or perhaps there is at this period no Congress, arising from the absence of the Delegates, in which case my information would be ineffectual & the subject might probably transpire at an improper time.
Under these reflections, I have ventured to address you Sir, as the late Protector & Guardian of America, the friend of Liberty & the friend of Mankind, & to intrude for a few moments on your domestic tranquillity. Altho’ Sir I am an intire Stranger to you, & altho’ you have retired from the publick scenes of Life, yet I trust that the importance of the subject which I shall communicate, will justify the intrusion & make a sufficient Appology therefor.
In the latter end of this Summer it was suggested to me that the British Court had Emissarys in Kentucky. From the abhorrence & detestation which I have to a British connection, other than that of friends & allies, I was induced to keep a look out & scrutinize the conduct of all Strangers[.] My observations soon convinced me of the truth of the case.
Among others Lieut. Colo. Connally (late of Ft Pitt) from Detroit hath visited the District. His conduct hath alarmed my fears, he had some confidential conferrences with influential characters; he touched the Key to Fomentation and offered assistance to enable the Inhabitants of the Western Country to sieze on the City of New Orleans and secure thereby the Navigation of the Mississippi. How his Machinations are to be counteracted is the great object? I would be more explicit if the conveyance of my Letter was more certain; it is thrown into the Womb of chance; I must therefore act with caution.
Relying implicitly on this Fact—that whatever tends to disturb the peace of United America, would distress & injure your tranquility & repose, & that your aiding hand would not be withheld when your Country’s cause required it. I have ventured

to solicit your advice & directions on this interesting Subject, & would wish to write confidentially to you on this business, if by your Answer I should concieve myself justified in the attempt. Should this proposed communication meet your approbation will it not be advisable to invent a Cypher for the preservation of that Secrecy which the magnitude of the subject requires. This being arranged, I pledge my Honor to give you from time to time a faithful detail of Facts. The happiness of my Country & the prosperity of Posterity yet unborn are the motives which actuate me on the present occasion, & I shall feel myself amply compensated if by my communications the Plots of that Haughty & Imperious Nation (G.B.) can be counteracted & frustrated.
At an early period of my Life I formed an acquaintance with your friend Dr Steuart, by inquiring of him you may learn who I am. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir your mo. ob. Servt

Harry Innes


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 18 December 1788
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear General.
Alexa. 18th Decr 88

If you please, send off Magnolio tomorrow to be delivered to Mr W.A. Lee who lives at his mothers four Miles below Stafford Court-house —It is performable in one day if the horse starts very early. you will be so good as to have him shod & to direct that he wears his cloaths—for the cold weather will injure his appearance, otherwise.
I enclose you my bond, as I beleive it will not be in our power to pay the visit which we so much wish to do—with the greatest respect I am unalterably yours

Henry Lee


Title: From George Washington to Warner Lewis, 19 December 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Warner

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon December 19th 88

As it has happened that the only mode by which a pretty considerable

debt whh is due to me, can be discharged with any convenience to the Estate that owes it, is to receive a small tract of Land in Gloucester County and I believe not far from you in payment; May I take the liberty of requesting the favor of you to give me your opinion of its worth with a short detail of the quality of the Soil growth thereon—proportion and sort of Woodland to that which is cleared—Improvements (if any)—with the advantages and disadvantages attending its local situation.
The following description of it I have had from the Gentleman who wishes me to take it.
Of two evils which present themselves to my view in the present case namely to distress a worthy family, or take Land whh I do not want in lieu of Money which I really do want I prefer the latter—The Gentleman thinks worth £1000. For a farthing less than it is worth, I do not desire to possess it: but I wish this to be ascertained by a disinterested Gentleman in whoes Judgment I can confide—for this reason I appeal to you without offering an apology for the trouble it must necessarily give you to comply with my request.
Butler says “every thing is worth what it will fetch”—but in these times of scarcity every thing will not fetch what it is worth—and it is for that reason I have asked your opinion respecting the latter—to which I pray you to add to what amount you conceive it would be rented, for as to selling, I presume it is entirely out of the question I mean for cash at the sum fixed for or it would not have been offered to me, it being well known to the present proprietor that to take the land is solely to accommodate the Estate for which he acts. With very great esteem and regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 19 December 1788
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Honorable Sir.
Berkeley County [Va.] Decr 19th 1788

My being Taken Very Ill in Fauquier County on yours & Colo. Fairfaxes Business Last Month Prevented my geting Home untill the 9th of Instant at this Time not able to do much, therefore I wish to be Excused in not Complying with my Promise in Visiting you this month, as Soon as I am able I Shall Send down your accts agreeable To your request I have not received one Shilling Since I saw you, & its Very uncertain whether I shall get my own money before next march as money Cannot be Collected. I have accts To Settle with Colo. Warner Washington & Mr Lancelott Lee the 1st Day of January—I want a Coppy of their accts that is Entered in Colo. Fairfaxes Books to Ennable me To Settle with them—I Shall be Much Oblige To you To Send me a Coppy of their accts—Maybe Mr L. Lees accts is Entered in His Fathers Name or in the name of Lees Estate; those accts I must See & have Before I can go into a Settlement with those Gentlemen as I am not able To ride at this Time I beg the Favour To Forward those accts (if any) to me—To the Care of Mr Andrew Wales in Alexandria whom will Send them To me by Post—I do not Expect To be down untill next Spring, I will do Every thing in my Power for your Interest—I am, Sir your Most Obedient Hble Servant

Battaile Muse


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 December 1788
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Boston Decr 20th 1788

I have been honour with the receipt of your two favors Octr— and the 14th Ulto—The information conveyed by them is pleasing and interesting it at once relieved my mind from a state of painful anxiety and impressed in its stead sensations the most agreeable.
Last Thursday our votes were given in for representatives and for electors of President and vice President Mr Ames is probably chosen for this district, He was an active member in our convention and has always distinguished himself as an honest good man—I can hardly guess who will represent any of the other districts, excepting the western one which I think will be represented by Mr Sedgwick The majority however I am confident will be good members—There was great exertions made for Mr Samuel Adams—he would probably have carried the vote could the people have been persuaded that he was in heart a federalist—Our Senators are federal indeed Mr Strong & Mr Dalton.
By one of the inclosed papers your Excellency will learn some of the exertions which have been made for Mr Adams and by the other how far in many towns they succeeded In about one week we shall be able to determine more fully who will represent us and who will be our electors as soon as these events shall take place I will do myself the pleasure of communicating such things as may be worthy your notice. With the highest esteem I have the honour of being my dear General your Excellencys most obedent servant

B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 21 December 1788
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

New York 21 December 1788

It is a long time my dear Sir since I have had the pleasure of addressing you, owing to my having been into Massachusetts and the province of main, during the period of the last four months.
I have received your favor enclosing some foreign applications for admission into the Cincinnati—These papers are placed on the files of the society but cannot be acted on, untill the next general meeting to be held in 1792.
In the states of New Hampshire Massachusetts and Connecticut, the great object of organizing the new constitution, engrosses the attention of the people—It is with sincere satisfaction that I can assert from personal observation that the affection for the new system is encreasing in those states and that it is dayly becoming highly popular.
The senators of those states are characters calculated to inspire confidence in the new government, and are all highly federal—I am persuaded the representatives will generally if not entirely be of the same description.
As to Rhode Island, the Majority are in such a train that nothing good can at present be expected from them—their paper money system, and tender-laws, are sufficiently characteristick of their pursuits.
New York are also laboring under errors of Conduct—But from the powerful party in favor of the new system something may be hoped from the ensuing elections.
New Jersey, Pennsylvania Delaware and Maryland are right.
The late choice of representatives in Pennsylvania may be considered as a new and fair appeal to the people as it respects their approbation of the new government—Although the party in favor of their local constitution have been brought to operate against the general constitution, yet it appears the majority of the people are its firm supporters.

Mr John Adams will probably have the plurality of votes for vice President From his principles of government—as well as his professions of regard to the Character universally decided on for The President he will probably make a good vice President.
Major Haskell who is going to Europe is very solicitous to obtain your Excellencys certificate of his services—He sustained the Character of a brave and good officer—and at present he supports the reputation of a good Citizen—It is with diffidence I ask this certificate but the request is made under such auspices that I cannot avoid it.
Our three youngest Children have lately had the measles, and are we hope safely through the disorder—Our Eldest children Lucy and Harry are about sickning with it.
Mrs Knox presents her respects to you and unites with me in presenting your Respects to Mrs Washington. I am my Dear Sir your affectionate friend and Humble Servant

H. Knox

If Colo. Humphreys is with you, I pray that my love may be given him.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Dick, 22 December 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Dick, Robert

Sir,
Mount Vernon December 22d 88

I have received your letter of the 8th Inst. and shall answer your several quœries with as much precision as the nature of the subject will admit in giving a general idea of the matter.
The great body of my lands in the western Country lay on the River called the Great Kanawa not far from its confluence with the Oh[i]o—I have also a tract of about 10,000 Acres laying on the Ohio between the Mouth of the great and Little Kanawa Rivers, and about 10 miles below the Settlement on the Muskingum—All these lands are of a very excellent quality, being what are called bottoms or intervals the soil of which is perhaps, equal to almost any [I] know. The price of these lands, if sold, would depend much upon the terms of payment, and I am not inclined to sell them in seperate parcels unless they could be so laid off in such a manner as would prevent the injuring any part or lessen[in]g its value by the division. The terms upon which I am willing to leave them are to permit the settler to live three years upon the land free from Rent, and after that time shall require one third part of whatever is raised upon the Land (which I am informed is customary in that Country) or £5 per hundred Acres annually if payment is made in Cash. The latter mode of payment would be much the most agreeable to me, and I should suppose must be more advantageous to the settler than the former, for a man of any industry can certainly make more than £15 from 100 Acres of that land. The leases may run from 10 to 20 years—Markets, I should imagine would readily be found at the settlement on the Muskingum, or in the vicinity of the land, to take the produce off the farmers hands; the surplussage of the produce, after reserving sufficient to support the inhabitants in that Country, must be transported by persons who attend particularly to that business. The most convenient landing place for foreigners who are desireous of going into

that Country is at Alexandria or George Town upon the Potomack River which will, probably, in a short time be rendered navigable water on the western side of the Allegany mountains is but about 30 miles of land carriage, so that through this channel persons and effects may be water borne to any part of the western country, except the 30 miles of land carriage above mentioned.
My lands on this side the Allegany Mountains are, I believe, all occupied, or if any part of them is untenanted it is to small to draw the attention of immigrants. I am Sir, Yr most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Fishbourn, 23 December 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Fishbourn, Benjamin

Sir,
Mount Vernon December 23rd 1788

Your letter of the 20th of September, has been put into my hands, only a few days ago: in acknowledging the receipt, I take occasion, with very great satisfaction, to congratulate you on your appointment to so honorable an office, as that which you now hold in the State of Georgia. For you may rest assured, Sir, that, while I feel a sincere pleasure in hearing of the prosperity of my army acquaintances in general, the satisfaction is of a nature still more interesting, when the success has attended an officer with whose services I was more particularly acquainted.
From the place you held in the military staff this must have been the case with your services: and I will say, I am truly glad to find, that your merits have been so respectfully noticed in civil life.
I wish I could with equal truth have added, that the intimation contained in your letter, had been received without producing some disagreeable emotion; or rather some embarrassment from my not knowing well what to say on a subject, respecting which I may very possibly never have occasion to act.
The future is all a scene of darkness and uncertainty to me, on many accounts. It is known; that when I left the army, it was with a fixed determination, never to be engaged again in any

public affairs. Events, which were not then foreseen, have since turned up: but, perhaps, neither those or any which can happen, will be of sufficient urgency to justify me in foregoing my fixed determination and sacrificing my domestic happiness. So much, at present, I can say with the strictest truth; that nothing but a conviction of the indispensable necessity of the measure, can ever induce me to make the sacrifice. That conviction not having been made; it would be improper for me to say any thing whatsoever on the immediate point to which you allude; and because as a farther reason if it should be my fate to administer the government, I will go into it free from engagements of every kind and nature whatsoever making, when the pretentions of every candidate are brought to view as far as my judgment shall direct me, justice, and the public good the sole objects of my pursuits. I am happy to hear that Genl Wayne is likely to be elected to the foederal Senate. It is my most earnest wish that none but the most disinterested, able and virtuous men may be appointed to either house of Congress: because, I think, the tranquility and happiness of this Country will depend essentially upon that circumstance. With sentiments of esteem I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obt Servant

George Washington