Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 12 February 1797
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

                                12-18 February 1797

                        A Meteorological account of the Weather
                                Kept at Mount VernonFeby 1797
                        12 In the Morning47NW clear49W clear50S clear1346E cloudy48E raining48NE raining1445N. raining46N. rainy45W cloudy1545SW clear47W clear45W clear1636NW clear42W clear &   Blowing40W clear

1740S.& cloudy some showers42S cloudy40S cloudy
                    & raining1841E Rain42NE Rain40NW clear

                         Feby 18 1797
                        Dr. Mansion house for the Work of 8 hands Amt. ⅌ Week48
                            daysCr. By Hauling Hay 2 days & Timber 2, flatt Rails 2 days6" 3 Horse Cart hauling Hay & Straw 3, & Manure to Garden 2 }5" do Hauling Meal from the Mill &c1" 2 Horse Cart hauling Wood to Mansion &c1" do Wood & leaves &c to Coal Kill2" Joe Pruning of Trees6" Grubing & burning Brush 9 & cuting Wood
                            615" Cuting coal Wood & Attending at Kill6Sick Lucy 348

                        Dr. Ditchers for the Work of 4 hands Amount. ⅌ Week24
                            daysCr. By working on the Old Mill Race8" cuting coal wood 4 & Morticing Posts 610" planting a Hedge at the Mill
                            624
                        Stock 1 Stud horse 3 Stud Jacks, 3 Young do, 7 Horses, & 10 Jeanets, 9
                            Working, & 16 Mules unbroke 15 Cows & 8 .

                        Dr. Mudy Hole for the Work of 14 hands Amt. ⅌ Week 84
                            daysCr.By Hauling Corn & wheat to Mill 1 Carting  Rails 4 days5" Ploughing19
" making & repairing fences34" cuting & Mauling Rails 5 days Grubing at M. House 2 days7" Shelling Corn in Wett Weather13" Sick Nancy
                            684
                        Stock 7 Horses 4 Mules 37 H. Cattle 2 Calves 49 Sheep & 10 Lambs  2 Lambs.
                        Corn Sent to Mill 9 Bu.Wheat Sent to Mill8do fed to Stock 3do in 15 1/4 12Oats fed to Stock4 Bu.
                        Dr. River Farm for the Work of 27 hands Amt. ⅌ Week162 daysCr. By ploughing 28 days & fencing 15 days43" hauling Wheat & Corn to Mill4" Loading Carts & hauling Straw8" Hauling Wood 2 days & Manure 2 days4" Repairing old Post & Rail fencing25" Spreading Manure8" Grubing 26, And Attending to Stock 12 days38" Stoped by Rain25Sick John 1 day & Agnes in Child bed 6 days  7162

                        Stock 11 Horses 1 Colt & 21 Mules 84 H. Cattle 6 Calves 203 Sheep
                            & 67 Lambs Increased 1 Calf & 13 LambsWheat Sent to Mill 65 Bushels Corn to
                            Mill 25 1/2 Bu.    do fed to Stock 27do52 1/2

                        Dr. Union Farm for the Work of 23 hands Amounting ⅌ Week138
Cr.By Ploughing 18, & planting Hedges 8 days26" Grubing in the Mill Swamp40" cuting & Mauling Rails15" making fences 20 & cuting in Mill Swamp  12 days32" Hauling Manure, & Rails12" Hauling Wheat & Wood to the Mill, & Distillery2" Making Post & Rails fences 4 Hauling Stalks  into Cow Yard 37" cleaning of Wheat  4138
                        Stock 16 Horses 6 Mules 68 Horned Cattle 13 Year Olds & Calves 118
                            Sheep Decreased 1 Sheep died.
                        Corn sent to Mill 20Bush.Wheat Sent to Mill56do fed to Stock5doFailings sent to
35

                        Dr. Dogue run for the Work of 16 Hands Amt. pr Week96
                            daysCr. By cuting & Sawing Timber for flatt rails10" making Posts & Mauling Rails 12, puting up Post & Rails 1729" Grubing & burning Brush30" Carting Rails 5 And Wood 1 day6Sick Sall twine 6, Charity 6, Agnes 3 Judith 3 & Simons 3 days2196

                        Stock 4 Horses 1 Colt & 8 Mules 69 H. Cattle 1 Calf And 138 Sheep and 1
                            Lamb Increased 1 Lamb
                        Corn Sent to Mill 12Bushelsdo fed to Stock 5 do
                        Dr. MillWheatCornContra       Cr.C. mealFlour Fine   Mid.H.     BranTo Mudy Hole89  2By Mudy hole8 2do in Sailings15 1/4" Dogue run012" Dogue run12" Union5620" Union Farm15 2" River Farm6525  2" River Farm13  28  2" Union Farm Sailings35" Mansion house19  21  214The Weight of the Wheats" John Violet1Union Farm 58 & River" Jas Anderson15Farm 59 lb. ⅌ Bu. & his 3
" John Neale1 2" William Stewart1" Mansion house of
                        1
Bu.Delivered the Mills of                       Bus.
Sheep Stuff                200Cooper Miller & boys1 1Wheat 129  50 1/4 67 475 21 2001 227 2

                        Packed this Week 37 Barls Super fine flour fine 3
                            Mid.
                        Super fine in Mill 80 Barls fine 9 &
                            Midlings 1

                        Dr. Coopers for 1 Man & one boy Amt ⅌ Week12
                            daysCr. By dressing Barrel Staves 6 cuting hoop poles 410" doing some Jobs in the Distillery
                                212Miller Ben Working in the Mill
                            6 daysDr.Carpenters for the Work of 7 Men Amt.  ⅌ Week42Cr.By Working at the Distillery16" Working at Dogue run Barn floor11" fixing the Bolting Gears in the Mill1
" Hauling Timbers for the Barn at   Dogue run1" Davy Burying his Child1" Isaac & Joe in the Shop Making a  3 horse Cart for Mansion house one
  plough for Mudy hole, & a Childs Coffin,
  & hewing of Timber for the use of the Shop1242Dr. Brick layers for the Work of 2 Men Amt.  ⅌ Week 12 daysCr. By Tom Davis & Muelles at Town with the
                            Boat2" Tom Davis Mending Seines5" diging brick Clay 2 at Distillery 13" repairing Allisons fire place1" working in Shop When it rained
                            112

                        Dr. Spiners, Sewers, & Knitters for the Work of 15 Women ⅌ Week90Cr.By Matilda Spining  6 lb. Sow Yarn6" Delia5 lb.do6" Betsey Davis5 lb.do6" Alsey5 lb.do6" Annie5 lb.do6" Delphia          2 1/2 lb.do6" Judith4 lb.Stocking Yarn6" Kattey2 lb.Sewing thread6" Charlotte Sewing 6 Shirts4" Dolsey Sewing 6 do being Sickly6" Lucy Knitting 1 pr Stockings6" Lame Alley     1 pr do6" Sall Winding Yarn6Sick Caroline 6 Doll 6 And Charlotte14 Lame Peter Knitting 2 pairs Stockings 6 Days90Dr. Gardeners for the Work of 3 Men Amt. ⅌ Week18Cr. By Working in the Garden18Hercules & Siras diging Brick Clay10Stoped by Rain
                            212

                             Airing cleaning the House And Assisting by times

                        Stud H.Stud J.HorsesMulesJeanitsTotalCattleCalvesTotalSheepLambsTot.Mansion167251049151588Mudy hole741137239491059River Farm1211238469020367270Union Farm1662281283118118Dogue run5813691701381139164754101182861129751678594Jas Anderson314
                        There are 3 Negroe Children Born, & one dead at River Farm 1 born at
                            Mansion house, Sina 1 And at Union Farm 1 born & one dead. It was killed by Worms.
                            Medical Assistance was called. But the Mothers are very unnatended to their Young. A Nurse
                            & some place set a part for the  be that on When You Ex.
                            returns.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Pinckney, 12 February 1797
From: Pinckney, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Private
                            Dear Sir
                            Charleston 12 Feby 1797

                        The Book forwarded herewith was sent to me at Cowes when on
                            the Eve of my departure or I would have transmitted it to you by a less circuitous Route:
                            the want of a fit opportunity to convey it hence ’till the present time has likewise
                            occasioned the detention of the inclosed letter which was written shortly after my arrival.
                        I beg leave again to offer my sincere wishes that your retirement may be
                            attended by comfort and tranquility equal to the services you have rendered to your Country,
                            and to believe me to be with affectionate respect Dear Sir Your much obliged and most
                            obedient Servant

                            Thomas Pinckney


Title: To George Washington from William Blount, 13 February 1797
From: Blount, William,Cocke, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia Feb. 13th 1797

                        We recommend Robert Hays of Davidson County for Mashal Thomas Gray of Jefferson
                            County for Attorny and Morgan Brown of Palmyra for Collector of the Impost in the State of
                            Tennessee. Mr Hays was an officer in the Revolutionary army, is at present Colonel of a
                            Regiment of Cavalry and a Citizen of great Respectability. Mr Gray is a Lawyer of upwards of
                            twenty years standing in No. Carolina and lately become a Citizen of Tennessee—Mr Brown was
                            a respectable Member of the Legislature of So. Carolina lately removed to Tennessee
                            & resides at Palmyra & is well qualified to discharge the Duties of the
                            Office to which he is recommended, We have the Honor to be very respectfully

                            Wm Blount
                            Wm Cocke


Title: To George Washington from Caleb Gibbs, 13 February 1797
From: Gibbs, Caleb
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir,
                            Boston Feby 13th 1797

                        Placed as I am in a situation of live not the most agreable and feeling a
                            conciousness of deserving a better fate I am once more induced before you resign the
                            important station you now fill to address myself to you.
                        I will not presume Sir to trespass too long upon your patience nor recapitulate
                            my former request but beg of you before the last hour of your administration ceaces not to
                            forget One of your Old Servants, who for five successive years fought by your side filled
                            Offices of trust and confidence under your immediate Inspection which met and obtained your
                            approbation and who for nine years of the prime of his life devoted himself to the service
                            of his country.
                        If aught of that life claims your attention let me flatter myself that there
                            will be found a situation which will give me a decent Competency (more I do not ask)
                            adequate to the comfort and support of an amiable wife and increasing family. If nothing
                            should present previous to your taking leave of the Government let me be persuaded that a
                            favourable Idea may be conveyed of me to your successor.

                        And may the God of all mercies have you in his holy keeping through the evening
                            of your days and when the period shall arrive when you must bid adieu to this transitory
                            life may you be received into the blissfull mansions above to reap the rewards of a good and
                            faithful servant.
                        This is the sincere and ardent prayer of him who always was and always will be
                            Your Affectionate and most devoted Obedient and very humble Servant

                            Caleb Gibbs

                            P.S. I entreat of you Sir to Offer me in terms of the highest regard and
                                respect to Mrs Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 13 February 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Department of State Feby 13. 1797.

                        The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the U. States
                            the draughts of letters to General Pinckney Colo. Humphreys and Mr Adams. In the letter to
                            Colo. Humphreys (not private) remains to be added what is mentioned in that to Mr Adams
                            respecting his salary, on which the Secretary entertained some doubts; but on the whole
                            deemed the principle he has adopted to be correct—but which he submits to the Presidents
                            decision.
                        The Secretary also takes leave to submit to the President’s consideration the
                            hint given in the last paragraph of the inclosed letter from Colo. Hamilton.

                            T. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from John Sinclair, 13 February 1797
From: Sinclair, John
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir,
                            Whitehall, London 13th Feby 1797.

                        I beg to recommend, the bearer, Thomas Macdonald Esqr., to your particular
                            attention. He is able and well informed, and has also paid attention to agricultural
                            pursuits. He will carry out with him some additional papers printed by the Board of
                            Agriculture. With great truth & Regard believe me Your faithful and obedient
                            Servant

                            John Sinclair


Title: From George Washington to Matthias Slough, 13 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Slough, Matthias

                            Dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 13, Feby 1797

                        On Saturday morning I wrote to you by the Post, and in the afternoon I received
                            your letter of the 10th instant.
                        Altho’ I had not intended to have gone to the price of one hundred and Sixty
                            pounds for a pair of Mares for the purpose for wch those purchased were wanted, yet from
                                 & Kreamers account of them,  pleased
                            that you made it, & thank you for doing so.
                        Enclosed, I send you Bank Notes amounting to Six hundred Dollars, to pay for
                                 part for the third one required, which (if obtained at all) I
                            request may be  calculated for active movements than I presume the
                            first two are. Whatever this sum shall fall short of the purchase and incidental expences
                            will be immediately remitted to you and I should be glad to  all three of them
                            here as soon as convenient. If a handsome bay horse, young & well broke to the
                            draught, could readily be   not so, I shall readily acquiesce.
                            Although I shall  .
                        I pray you to accept my thanks for the readiness with which you have complied
                            with my request and the   of the esteem & regard
                            Dear Sir Your obedt

                                Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Anderson, 14 February 1797
From: Anderson, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Mount Vernon 14th February 1797

                        Your letter of 5th came duely, And have now to hand You reports of last Week,
                            in Writing of which in mistake began on the wrong end of 3 page—I am sorry that I have
                            hitherto been unsucessful in procuring Fowls from Mr —It is said
                            we are too late—And they are all sold—Shall still try—I have never heard from Mr Carter, And
                            if I do not in a few days Shall try in some other place—Am Glad You are Satisfied with the
                            speed in cuting down the Road—I am seldom pleased with the work of Negroes, being accustomed
                            to more expedition—when speaking of this Shall take some notice of the Overseers—who are all
                            Attentive to my Orders—But find Allison has little Authority, and his hands does
                            little—Davis does as well as may be expected from a Negroe, Stewart is a man of some
                            Ideas—But has there in much esteem, and is rather Opinionative; upon the whole not a bad
                            Overseer—Cash and Violet are good Overseers, And have Authority (And I hope You will not be
                            Offended by my informing that I enforce theirs and all of the Overseers Authority, by
                            assisting in some Chastisements when needfull.) I really do find
                            pretences of Sickness when I can Observe scarcely any Ailment. And I do not wish to
                            encourage this—I do think there are due Negroes And all servants their right (Negroes right being
                            food & Cloathing) and when this is given them, the demand upon them is a Competency of
                            work And when they fail in performing it—That they must be forced thereto—I will Attend to
                            have the road fit for Your Excellency & Ladies traveling to Mount Vernon alongst it,
                            as You return.
                        I find more difficulty in pushing our Overseers to Hedging than any thing—They
                            being unaccquainted have rather an aversion thereto—In planting a Hedge of Locust from the
                            Mill alongst the side of the Road untill You reach the bed of the River with a small Ditch
                            on each side, & post & Rail fence on the Bank I can find no thorns—must fill
                            the Gaps with Locust.

                        We must Attend, to have Potatoes Turnip & Pease on east Farm for the
                            Stock of all kinds—They do not thrive so well on dry food as if they had part green. besides
                            the vast expence of Corn, I did not get the Stills so soon to Work as I did expect—The
                            Carpenters are but very Slow And the Water not being brought
                                forward hindered us—The Worm of the new Still was too small Which
                            I have returned (It did not on Trial Answer) And will have in a day or two a proper one the
                            Old Still does well—And We shall save the Corn fed to
                            the Hogs at the Mill, And on Thursday I shall go after these in Loudon,
                            as I find our two Stills will be able to supply nearly 100 Hogs—I am glad You think upon
                            procuring something at Philadelphia—I have got Spades, But if You please
                            may buy—12 large Shovels for throwing up mud cleaning the Bottoms of Ditches, Loading Manure
                            &c. I think we may do without any Riddles—Buy 12 Grass Sythes of 3 feet 4 Inches
                            long, 2 Dozen plates Rolled Iron for covering Moold boards 2 Dozen of plough plates for
                            Shares, And 200 lb. nail rods As our smiths may make some nails by times especially of the
                            large kind—And if You can meet with it 30 Bushels Buck Wheat & 2 Bushels of the best
                            & perfectly clean flax seed, What we have is full of Cheat. Besides a farmer ought
                            always to be changing some of His seeds every Year, Your Observations as to puting in Seed
                            are coinciding with mine, But when I harrow in wheat I wish to leave a rough Surface—And for
                            any Spring Grain a smoothe one—Colln. Deakins says the Oats 12 or 13 Bush. is to be with
                                Rukels & Mucles by 1 Month I am wishing the Gardner not to sell any
                            trees this Spring as You may need them in the Fall—I send some White & some English
                            grey pease leying by which I will attend to sow When the Season will
                            Admit I have about 1/2 Gall. of a very fine grey pea much in repute in Glouster &
                            Essex which I will plant in good Land to raise thereupon all I can, I think the small field
                            by My house will be a kind of Garden for these Sundrie things being with the greatest esteem
                            Sir Your most Obed. Humble Set

                            Jas Anderson

                                 The fine flour by Allison & Violet is to be
                                paid by the difference between midling &
                                fine, Callahanpays the 25th from his hire.

                        J.A.

                            The Measures of the Rooms are
                            Dining Room,long & at long side 14
                                feet four Inches.Its breadth is 9 1/2 feet say9 feet  6Short Side 10 feet 2 Inches. Its breadth is 7 2 1/2full breadth168 1/2
                            Bed room of that long at long side 14 feet 7 Inches.Broad at this side  8  6
                             long at short side10 feet 1 InchesBroad at this side4full Breadth feet126 Parlour—long on long side 16 feet 1 InchesBroad at this side107
                             long on short side 11 feet 9 Inches.Broad at this side55

                                full 16 "Bed room off thislong on long side16 feet 4 Inches.Broad at this side 7 ft. 1 1/2long on short side12 feet 2 InchesBroad at this side5 7full12 8 1/2
                            I have Frank Airing
                                the Rooms Carpets &ca.  And in a few days before You arrive Shall have small fires
                                in the rooms to Sweetenten the air.
                            Siras & Herculus are diging Brick Clay. Shall need some of them to
                                assist in Grubing the Ground by white Gates.

                        J.A.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Lee, 14 February 1797
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

                        (Copy)
                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 14th February 1797

                        I have examined the journals of the House of Representatives and also of the
                            Senate respecting your message to Congress of the 18th of February 1793 accompanied with a
                            report and plot of the territory of the United States on Patowmack. In each House an order
                            was made that the message lie on the table. On the next day the Clerk of the House of
                            Representatives delivered to the Senate a message with the plot of the territory of the
                            United States on the Patowmack, concerning which no order appears to have been made. On the
                            2d of march following the Senate made an order "that the Secretary return all original
                            papers not addressed to the Senate which have been laid before them during the present
                            session by the President or by any of the Heads of Departments," and on the same day
                            Congress adjourned without day, the term limited by the Constitution expiring on the next
                            day. The message of the President does not suggest that any Act was to be done by Congress
                            on the subject, and there is no evidence on the journals that it was even ever taken into
                            their consideration, so that the question what is the plot of the territory of the United
                            States on the Patowmack will rest on transactions concerning which Congress have not
                            declared any opinion and in which they have not taken any part. With perfect respect I have
                            the honor to remain your most obedient servant

                            Charles Lee


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 14 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia 14th Feb. 1797.

                        I have given the draughts of the letters to Messrs Pinckney—Humphreys—and Adams
                            an attentive perusal, and approve of their contents.
                        It might however be better, to soften some of the strong expressions in the
                            letter which is addressed to the first of those characters; or to convey them in Cypher,
                            lest they should (which is not improbable) fall into hands they are not intended for. and
                            might it not be advisable to let Mr Pinckney know how unpleasant to this country it would
                            be, that the French should be possessed of Louisiana & the Floridas, that he might
                            act as opportunities and circumstances would justify?
                        It would seem that the same principle, which induced a call upon the Merchts to
                            come forward with their statements and proof of British Spoliations, apply equally to those
                            who are suffering by French depredations; but as we may, every moment, expect to hear from Mr
                            Pinckney at Paris, I am inclined to think the call had better be suspended until it is known
                            what his reception has been.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 15 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William

                            Gentlemen,
                            Philadelphia 15th Feb. 1797.

                        Several of your letters have been received within these few days; and
                            notwithstanding the accumulation of business, consequent of the near epoch for my quitting
                            the chair of government, the receipt of them should not have remained so long unacknowledged
                            had I not placed such as related to the Power of Attorney, and to some disputed points, into the hands of the Law Officer of the United
                            States for his official opinion; without having received his report—owing, I believe, to his
                            having been hurried, almost, as much as myself.
                        Thus circumstanced, I shall confine the subject of this letter wholly to the
                            expression of my sentiments relatively to the public buildings; conceiving it necessary that
                            you should be informed of them without delay.
                        When in the course of the Autumn you suggested the propriety of designating the
                            sites for the Executive Offices, and for providing materials, for their erection, I yielded
                            a ready assent; and still think that if we had the means at command, and no doubt was
                            entertained of the adequacy of them, that these buildings ought to commence.

                        But when the difficulty in obtaining loans—and the disadvantageous terms on
                            which the money is borrowed, has since become so apparent; when I see those whose interest
                            it is to appreciate the credit of the City, and to aid the Commissioners in all their
                            laudable exertions brooding over their jealousies, & spreading the Seeds of
                            distrust; and when I perceive (as I clearly do) that the public mind is in a state of doubt,
                            if not in despair of having the principal building in readiness for Congress, by the time
                            contemplated—for these reasons I say, and for others which might be enumerated, I am now
                            decidedly of opinion that the edifices for the Executive Offices ought to be suspended; that
                            the work on the house for the President should advance no faster (at the expence or
                            retardment of the Capitol) than is necessary to keep pace therewith and to preserve it from
                            injury; and that all the means (not essential for other purposes) & all the force,
                            ought to be employed on the Capitol.

                        It may be relied on, that it is the progress of that building, that is to
                            inspire, or depress public confidence. Under any circumstances this, more or less would be
                            the case; but when it is reported by many, & believed by some (with out foundation I
                            am persuaded) that there is a biass elsewhere; it is essential on the score of policy,
                            & for the gratification of the public wishes, that this work should be vigorously
                            prosecuted in the manner I have suggested. And I require it accordingly. Consider’d on a
                            simple point of view, the matter stands thus. Are the funds sufficient to accomplish all the objects which are contemplated? If doubts arise, then,
                            which of those objects are to be preferred? on this ground there would be but one opinion;
                            every body would cry out, the Capitol. Again, admit that the resources will ultimately be
                            adequate, but cannot be drawn forth in the ratio of your general wants, will not the same
                            answer, as it respects time, apply with equal force to the building just mentioned? This
                            then, seems to be safe ground to proceed on. It would gratify the public wishes &
                            expectation; might, possibly, appease clamour; and, if all the buildings cannot be completed
                            in time, no material evil would result from the postponement of the subordinate Offices,
                            until the Capitol is in such a state of forwardness as to remove all doubts of its being
                            ready for the reception of Congress by the time appointed. Another good (mentioned in a
                            former letter) would flow therefrom; which is, that in proportion as that building advanced,
                            & doubts subsided, private buildings would be erected where they would be most
                            wanted for the accomodation of the members. The public offices might shift (as they have
                            done) a while longer. I write in much haste (for this mornings Post) that the letter may get
                            to you in the course of the week. If I have expressed myself in such a manner as to be
                            clearly understood it is enough you must excuse the scrawl & believe me to be with
                            esteem & regard—Gentn Yr Obedt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 15 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate,United States House of Representatives

                            Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives
                            United States February 15th 1797.

                        I lay before You an Official Statement of the Expenditure to the end of the
                            Year 1796, from the Sums heretofore granted to defray the Contingent Charges of the
                            Government.

                            Go: Washington

                     Enclosure

                                1796

                            Dr. Account of the Application of the Grants made by Congress for the
                                Contingent Charges of Government, from the 1. January to the 31. Decem. 1796Cr.1796DollarsCtsDollsCtsTo the following payments made upon Orders of the President of the
                                United StatesBy Balance unexpended on the 31st day of
                                December 1795, and subject to the Orders of the President of the United States,
                                according to Statement of Account rendered to that day7,893 05Jany 26.Warrant No. 5729 in favor of Timothy Pickering Secretary of State, to
                                be applied payment of the Accounts of Bills presented by Thomas Fitzsimons Chairman of
                                the Committee of Merchants for the Expenditures in procuring Copies of Papers from the
                                British Admiralty Courts in the West Indies in Cases of the Capture of American Vessels
                                2,500By Appropriation granted ⅌ Act of the 1 June 179620,000 Feb. 19.Warrant No. 5798 in favor of Ditto, to be applied to the payment of
                                Bills and Accounts presented by Thomas Fitzsimons Chairman of the Committee of Merchants
                                for Expenditures in procuring Copies of papers from the British Admiralty Courts in the
                                West Indies in Cases of the Capture of American Vessels2,000Feb. 25.Warrant No. 5815 in favor of Ditto, to enable him to take up a Bill of
                                Exchange dated 11. August 1795, drawn by Fisher and Darrell of Antigua on Thomas
                                Fitzsimons Chairman of the Committee of Merchants of Philadelphia on account of the
                                Expenses attending the Copying and Authenticating the proceedings of the Court of Vice
                                Admiralty of Antigua on the property of Citizens of the United States, Captured and
                                carried there under the Orders of the 6th November 17931,49884May 23.Warrant No. 6108 in favor of Ditto, to be applied to the payment of a
                                demand for Transcripts of proceedings on American Vessels in the Vice Admiralty Court of
                                Dominica and other expenses connected therewith 1,000July 6.Warrant No. 6280 in favor of Ditto, for the purpose of enabling him to
                                continue the payment of the Expenses attending the procuring of Copies of the
                                proceedings of the British Courts of Vice Admiralty in the Cases of Captures by the
                                Armed Vessels of that Nation2,000Augt 3.Warrant No. 6346 in favor of Ditto to defray the Contingent Charges of
                                Government 1,000Octr 1.Warrant No. 6548 in favor of Ditto to defray the Contingent Charges of
                                Government 2,000Balance unexpended on the 31 Decr 1796 15,894
                            2127,8930527,89305

                                Joseph Nourse Regr
                                Treasury Department Register’s Office, Feby 6. 1797


Title: From George Washington to John Adams, 16 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

                                16 February 1797

                        Compliments to the Vice-President. Enclosed is the curious
                            and Insulting Letter mentioned yesterday Evening.


Title: To George Washington from George Ball, 16 February 1797
From: Ball, George
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Spotsylvania County Virginia Febuary 16—1797

                        About the 14 of last month I wrote you a letter, from Lancaster County (this
                            State) and from my not receiving an answer & some other circumstance I have some
                            doubt whither you have receiv’d it or not—the purpote of which was, that I was informed by
                            your letter to Mr Geo: Fitzhugh of King George County (with whome you had been on a contract,
                            and who has since declined it) of your in tent to sell your land which you hold in Glousester
                            County—from my circumstances and my knowledge of the land I wish to purchase upon the terms
                            you mention in that letter—of your intent still to sell your Agent in this state if any and
                            other particulars you will much oblige me to let me know immediately by post as it will be a
                            matter of importance for me to know soon. I am Dr Sr your very Humble sr.

                            Geo: Ball

                            When I wrote the letter mentioned above I was in Lancaster—from home, and
                                expected to have continued there untill your answer should have arived; but I am now in
                                Spotsylvania and shall continue.


Title: To George Washington from Bremen Burgomasters and Senators, 16 February 1797
From: Bremen Burgomasters and Senators
To: Washington, George

                            Monsieur!
                            Brême, ce 16. Fevrier, 1797.

                        Le Sr Fréderic Jacques Wichelhausen, venant de nous présenter les lettres
                            patentes, qui font foi de sa nomination au poste de Consul des Etats Unis de l’Amerique pour
                            le port de cette Ville, nous ne tardons pas, de marquer à Votre Excellence, combien il nous
                            est agréable, que Son choix pour cet employ est tombé sur une personne, que les talens que
                            nous lui connoissons, Ses merites & Sa loyauté ne peuvent laisser de nous rendre
                            également estimable & cher.
                        Nous faisants donc un vrai plaisir, de réconnaitre le nommé Sieur Frederic
                            Jacques Wichelhausen dans la dite qualité, nous nous en ferons autant, de lui accorder tout
                            ce dont jouissent actuellement chés nous les Consuls des autres nations nommés pour le port
                            de cette Ville, acceptants l’offre d’accorder le reciproque aux Consuls, que tot ou tard
                            nous jugerons peut-etre à propos de nommer pour les differents ports apartenants aux Etats
                            Unis de l’Amerique.

                        Osants régarder en outre l’établissement de ce Consulat, comme une preuve
                            evidente de l’intention des Etats Unis, de reserrer encore plus étroitement les liens
                            amiables & commercales, qui entrelacent l’Amerique Septentrionale & cette
                            République, n’aurons rien plus à cœur, que de cultiver de notre mieux cette bonne
                            intelligence, qui subsiste heureusement; & à entretenir cette amitié qui nous est
                            infiniment chere, & de la quelle par cette nomination même nous venons de récevoir
                            encore une marque nouvelle.
                        Entiérement persuadés, que nous la devons aux soins
                            & à la bonne volonté de Votre Excellence, nous ne sçaurons nous
                            réfuser le plaisir, de Lui en temoigner notre plus vive reconnoissance, La priant de vouloir
                            agréer avec les assurances de celle-ci, les protestations de la
                            consideration la plus distinguée avec la quelle nous avons l’honneur d’etre
                            Monsieur De Votre Excellence les trés humbles & trés obeissants Bourguemaitres
                            & Senateurs de la Ville libre Imperiale & Anséatique de Bremê.


Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 17 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William

                            Gentlemen
                            Philadelphia 17th Feb. 1797.

                        In looking over the press copy of the letter I wrote you by the Post of
                            Wednesday last, which was penned in great haste, to be in time for the Mail; I perceive some
                            ambiguity in the expression of my sentiment respecting the building designated for the
                            President of the U. States; and therefore these lines are given in explanation.
                        It was not, nor is it my intention, that the work on that house should cease
                            for that might prove injurious to the parts that are already executed, and to the materials
                            which are prepared for the completion of the Walls and covering the same. The idea I meant
                            to convey was, that these should go on, but with as moderate means as would accomplish the
                            object, and guard the edifice from damage by weather; employing the remaining force on the Capitol; resting the matter upon a little time, and the
                            prospect of your funds, to determine, unequivocally, whether both
                            buildings can be completed by the year 1800: and until this is ascertained, to proceed on
                            the Capitol in the manner, & for the purposes I have mentioned to you before.
                        It has been advised, that an Act of Congress should be obtained for
                            incorporating the Commissioners of the City of Washington, and their Successors, for the
                            particular purpose of enabling them to take & hold in fee simple, for the use of the
                            United States, the lands within the City set apart and appropriated by the President to
                            their use.
                        It is supposed possible that some inconvenience may arise at a future day if
                            the conveyance be made to any persons & their heirs in their individual capacity, by
                            reason of their absence, infancy, or other unforeseen causes which will not occur in case
                            the Commissioners are incorporated and the conveyance is made to them. A bill for this
                            purpose is now before Congress and expected to pass. So soon as a decision is had upon it a
                            direction will be sent for a conveyance of those appropriated lands to be made to the
                            Commissioners if incorporated; if not then to the same persons in their individual capacity.
                        At the sametime, perhaps sooner—I will give you my sentimts on the Memorial of
                            Mr Davidson, & other matters. In the meantime, with esteem & regard I remain
                            Gentlemen Your very Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Hambly, 17 February 1797
From: Hambly, William
To: Washington, George

                            Hond Sir
                        Falmo Feb.
                                17th 1797
                        Some time since I did myself the pleasure to wait on You through the Medium of
                            my Friends Messrs Thompson & Veitch, with the present of an old Cheshire Cheese.
                        The gracious manner in which you was pleased to receive it—and the growing
                            respect I feel for Your Character—influences me to supplicate Your Condescension, to receive
                            another at my hands—which I hope you will be pleased to do.
                        At this Moment the Eyes of all the World are fixed
                            on N. A.—and I hope those who wish her ill, will be greatly
                            disappointed.
                        I hope kind Heaven will be graciously pleased to lengthen out your days—and to
                            make Your last Moments your most tranquil ones. May nothing arise in your political Horizon to ruffle your Temper—or disturbe your Retirement—is the most sincere
                            prayer of your Excellencies most Obedient Humble Servant

                            W: Hambly


Title: From George Washington to Maria I, 17 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Maria I

                            Great and Good Friend
                         17 Feb. 1797
                        Desirous of continuing a friendly and useful intercourse between the subjects
                            of your Majesty and the Citizens of these States, and the proofs of our good will and
                            consideration towards your Majesty, I have named John Quincy Adams, one of our distinguished
                            Citizens, Minister Plenipotentiary for the United States of America near your Majesty. He
                            knows the interests we take, and shall ever take, in your prosperity and happiness; and I
                            beseech your Majesty to give entire Credence to whatever he shall deliver on our part, and
                            most of all when he shall assure you of the sincerity of our friendship.
                        I pray God to keep you, Great and Good Friend under his holy protection.
                            Written at Philadelphia the Seventeenth day of February 1797. Your Good Friend

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Montgomery, 17 February 1797
From: Montgomery, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia, February 17th 1797

                        Conscious as I am of the Importance of your Time I yet must take the Liberty to
                            intrude so far on it as to solicit from your Justice that Redress the malicious attack on my
                            Character calls for. I trust there are no doubts on your Excellencys Mind relative to it and
                            it is but a Duty owing to Myself and Family to have such unmeritted aspersions refuted
                            Whilst it is to you I can appeal for
                            that Redress which I earnestly solicit your Excellency to grant and by that means let me
                            know on what Footing I stand, My Character has been Attacked, by the Collector the Testimonies
                            that I have handed to your Excellency certainly refutes those charges in their fullest
                            extent but it yet remains to give me the Satisfaction, of knowing myself cleared from the
                            Aspersions cast on me and to your Excellency I appeal and am with the Highest Sentiments of
                            Respect your most devoted Humble Servant

                            James Montgomery


Title: To George Washington from George Latimer, 17 February 1797
From: Latimer, George
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                             17 February 1797

                        When we contemplate the near approach of your retirement from public to private
                            Life, as announced to your Fellow Citizens, in your Address of the 17th of September last;
                            we should be wanting in duty to our own feelings, and those of our Constituents, if we did
                            not cordially embrace this last occasion, to join the grateful Voice of the American Nation,
                            in the Acknowledgment of your long Services and patriotic Labors, in the Atchievement of
                            our Independence, and the Establishment and Maintenance of our peace, Liberty and Safety.
                        In the House where we now deliberate, could we be silent, its walls, if they
                            had utterance, would testify for us that they beheld you seated in our first Congress, and,
                            at their Call, rising undaunted to lead our infant Armies to Victory or Death, in the cause
                            of Liberty and our Country. They beheld you again, after the issue of that perilous, but
                            auspicious Combat, seated in the same House, and presiding, eminently illustrious, among the
                            illustrious Band of Statesmen and Patriots, who framed the present happy Constitution of the
                            Union.
                        We forbear, Sir, a detail of your Services, as well before, as since, the
                            Commencement of the Revolution. Were we adequate to the task, it would fall more properly
                            within the Province of some future Historian, who cannot be suspected of personal Affection,
                            or public prejudice.

                        It is our present duty only to express our grateful sense of your General
                            Services. Prudent, firm and magnanimous in war; never despairing of the public Safety in the
                            worst of times, nor elated by Success, in the best; confiding in, and confided by, your
                            Country, to its greatest advantage; gloriously relinquishing your military Character, when
                            the great national purposes for which it was assumed left you at liberty to seek your
                            beloved retirement; and with equal glory, quitting that retirement, at the Call of your
                            Country to execute its Councils and Commands in time of peace—the faithful Guardian and
                            intelligent Organ of its Laws; maintaining its Freedom, asserting its Honor and
                            Independence; and at last, when in your best Judgment, without an abatement of Love for
                            your Country; you conceived that the time was come, when you might be safely indulged in a
                            final return to that retirement which your years and Services merited—then bequeathing the
                            fruits of your Wisdom and Experience in a Farewell Address, the Maxims and Precepts of
                            which, we trust, will ever be regarded, as the richest Legacy of a Father to his Children
                            and latest Posterity.

                        The same ardent affection which leads us, reluctantly, to acquiesce in your
                            approaching retirement, commands our fervent wishes—that you may enjoy in this World the
                            utmost Felicity of your Heart, in beholding the perpetual Prosperity of our Country, under a
                            Succession of wise and virtuous Statesmen and Rulers, animated by your Example; and that
                            when you are called from this World, you may be rewarded by the unbounded Felicity of the
                            World to come.

                            George Latimer,Speaker


Title: From George Washington to Pennsylvania Legislature, 17 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Pennsylvania Legislature

                            Gentlemen,
                             c.17 February 1797

                        The kindness of my fellow citizens has given me frequent occasions to make my
                            acknowledgments for their expressions of confidence, attachment and affection; and for
                            their honorable testimonies that my public cares and labours have been useful to my country.
                        With great satisfaction I receive your additional testimony, that as a public
                            man I have not lived in vain.
                        Though now seeking that repose which retirement and the tranquil pursuit of
                            rural affairs are calculated to afford, and which my time of life requires, the love of my
                            country will indeed suffer no abatement: its safety & prosperity will be essential
                            to the enjoyment of my remaining years. And I confide in the discernment and patriotism of
                            my fellow-citizens for the choice of wise and virtuous men who will successively administer
                            every branch of the government in such manner as, under divine Providence, to enforce the
                            general happiness. For your affectionate wishes for my present & future felicity, accept,
                            gentlemen, my cordial thanks.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 17 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

                            Gentlemen of the Senate,
                            United States February 17th 1797

                        I nominate the following Persons to fill the Offices annexed to their
                            respective names.
                        Morgan Brown of the State of Tennessee, to be Collector for the District of
                            Tennessee, and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Palmyra.
                        John McNairy of the State of Tennessee to be Judge for the United States in the
                            District of Tennessee.
                        Thomas Gray of the State of Tennessee, to be Attorney for the United States in
                            the District of Tennessee.
                        Robert Hays of the State of Tennessee to be Marshal of & for the
                            District of Tennessee.
                        Richard Rogers of New York to be Naval Officer for the District of New York,
                            vice Benjamin Walker resigned.
                        Mathias E. Sawyer of North Carolina to be Surveyor for the Port of Pasquotank
                            River Bridge in the District of Camden and Inspector of the Revenue for the same Port, vice
                            Edmund Sawyer deceased.
                        Elias Backman a resident of Gottenburg in Sweden to be Consul for the United
                            States at Gottenburg.
                        Isaac Cox Barnet of New Jersey now residing at Brest to be Consul for the
                            United States at the Port of Brest.

                        Francis Childs late of New York now residing in Europe to be Consul for the
                            United States at Genoa.
                        Conrad Frederick Wagner to be Consul for the United States at Trieste.
                        William Henry Lange of Georgia (heretofore nominated by mistake Henry William
                            Lange) to be Surveyor for the District of Savanna, and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port
                            of Savanna, vice James Benjamin Maxwell resigned.

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 18 February 1797
From: Humphreys, David
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General,
                            Lisbon Feby 18th 1797.

                        On the 1st of Janry I had pleasure of writing to you a long letter, which I
                            hope you will have received before this shall reach you. But having now nothing to say, but
                            to repeat the expressions of my veneration & affection for you, I shall not trouble
                            you with many words on the occasion. The language of gratitude
                            & friendship may be as concise, as energetic. I believe you are
                            convinced few have a larger portion of either for you. The
                            expression of these cannot but display itself on every new
                            & interesting epocha of your life. Permit me then to offer you my sincere
                            congratulations on your drawing so near to the period when your public life is to be
                            terminated... or, to speak figuratively, when, after having passed the stormy military
                            & political Seas on which you were embarked from necessity & duty, you are on the
                            point of reaching the ports of private life and domestic felicity—May tranquility, health
                            & happiness long attend you in your retirement.

                        As you will have become a private Citizen before this shall be put into your
                            hand, I may now venture to ask your acceptance of a pair of Shoe & Knee Buckles,
                            made expressly for you of oriental Topases... which Captn OBrien is charged to deliver or send
                            to you. As, I think, they are neither mean or gaudy or too vulgar or too expensive, I hope
                            you will wear them very often for my sake: and that, in wearing them, you will some times
                            have the goodness to recollect, they only meant as a silent memorial of the sentiments of
                            inexpressible attachment, affection & respect, with which I shall never cease to be.
                            Your sincerest friend & Most devoted Servant

                            D. Humphreys


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Fay, 19 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Fay, Joseph

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia 19th Feby 1797

                        Your favor of the 7th instant came duly to hand, but a pressure of business,
                            has retarded the acknowledgment of it.
                        My lands on the Ohio & great Kanhawa Rivers are not yet disposed of nor
                            do I incline to offer them for sale in Europe; where land jobbing is in much disgrace.
                        For some part of them (possessed of no peculiar advantages) I have refused
                            eight dollars an acre, but have offered the whole of what I own
                            on those two rivers at that price; a large proportion of which is of superior quality, and
                            inferior in no other respect to those for which the offer was made.
                        The publication enclosed with this letter, gives a correct general description
                            of the Several tracts—where—and how situated. The quality, & value of them are so
                            well known, that a more particular account might be had from any person who has ever been on
                            the Ohio; and I had rather it should be derived from others, or from an occular view, than
                            from any details of mine.
                        The price, as beforementioned, being eight dollars, the printed notification
                            designates the mode of payment and security thereof. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 19 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

                        Private
                            My dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 19th Feby 1797.

                        Your favor of the 8th instant from Albany, was duly received; but not before
                            arrangements for many nominations (amongst which that for the Naval Office in New York was
                            one) had been made.
                        From the character of Mr Remson, I have a very good opinion of his abilities
                            and worth; but as his name was not among those which had been handed to me for this office,
                            and as there seemed to be a concurrent opinion in favour of a Mr Rogers, who has, it seems,
                            been the main spring in the business hitherto, I decided upon him with out much hesitation.
                            With very sincere regard, I am—My dear Sir Your Most Obedt and Affectionate Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Adams, 20 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

                            Dear Sir,
                             Monday 20th Febry 1797

                        I thank you for giving me the perusal of the enclosed. The sentiments do honor
                            to the head & heart of the writer; and if my wishes would be of any avail, they shd
                            go to you in a strong hope, that you will not withhold merited
                            promotion from Mr Jno. Adams because he is your son. For without intending to compliment the
                            father or the mother, or to censure any others, I give it as my decided opinion, that Mr
                            Adams is the most valuable public character we have abroad; and that there remains no doubt
                            in my mind that he will prove himself to be the ablest, of all our diplomatic Corps.
                        If he was now to be brought into that line, or into any other public walk, I could not upon the
                            principle which has regulated my own conduct, disapprove of the caution which is hinted at
                            in the letter. But he is already entered; the public, more and more as he is known, are
                            appreciating his talents & worth; and his country would sustain a loss if these were
                            to be checked by over delicacy on your part. With sincere esteem and affectionate regard I
                            am ever Yours

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 20 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Anderson, James

                            Mr Anderson,
                            Philadelphia 20th Feb. 1797.

                        Your letter of the 14th enclosing the weekly Reports, was received on Saturday
                            last.
                        The opinion you have formed of the Overseers, under your Superintendance, is, I
                            dare say, very correct; and if the Negros will not do their duty by fair means, they must be
                            compelled to do it; so far therefore from taking the latter amiss, that I consider it as a
                            part of your duty. It has always been my aim to feed & cloath them well, &
                            to be careful of them in sickness; in return, I expect such labour as they ought to render;
                            and not after night walking & fatigue, withdraw from work under pretence of pains and
                            ache’s, which do not shew, and have no other evidence of their existence than what proceeds
                            from a deceitful declaration.
                        Whenever they complain of sickness, examine their cases without delay; that if
                            it be real, aid may be called in, in time; & if obviously feigned, that they may not
                            be indulged in their idle habits.
                        The Vessel for Alexandria will, it is said, leave this Port tomorrow or next
                            day; by her you will receive, if no accident happens to her, five bushels of Clover Seed,
                            and 12 lbs. of what is called American red clover; said to be longer getting to maturity,
                            but affording a much heavier crop: whether there be any real difference between the two, or
                            whether it is a catch penny deception, remains to be ascertained; for which reason I request
                            you to give it a fair trial—the Vessel will also have on board 10 bushls of the Apricot
                            Potatoes, & 10 bushels of English white; these are reputed the earliest that comes
                            to this market. They are in good flour barrels, wch may be sent to the Mill when emptied:
                            besides these, there is in the tierce which contains the clover seed, about half a bushel of
                            another kind of Potatoes, which a gentleman lately from England has sent me as being of a
                            valuable sort. A barrel of Beef also goes, & may remain in the pickle until we come
                            home if it appears to be in good order.
                        I never placed much dependance upon Mr Landon Carter for Pease, nor would I
                            have you place any, if you do not hear from him soon after the receipt of this Letter.
                        The small quantity of white and grey Peas mentioned by you, proceed from what I
                            imported last year: make the most of them: and the small field by your house (if the fence
                            is sufficient) will be an excellent place for these varieties of little matter.
                        Inform the Gardener of what fruit trees I shall certainly want, that they may
                            not be otherwise disposed of. I will make enquiry after flax seed, but with respect to
                            Buckwheat, I imagine you may obtain it cheaper in Loudoun than here. The other articles
                            mentioned in your letter shall be got, & sent round with my Goods.
                        I have no doubt of your finding difficulty enough in promoting hedging; had I
                            not done so, and been so much from home, my Inclosures would all have been under live fences
                            ’ere this: Do not be discouraged by the backwardness in the Overseers—when I come home, I
                            shall give you all the aid & support in my power. Do carry this plan into effect. I
                            am Your friend &ca

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles IV, 20 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Charles IV

                            Great and Good Friend,
                         20 February 1797
                         I have chosen David Humphreys, one of our distinguished citizens, to reside
                            near your Majesty in quality of Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America.
                            From a knowledge of his fidelity, probity and good conduct, I have entire confidence that he
                            will render himself acceptable to your Majesty that he will study to preserve and strengthen
                            the harmony and good understanding so happily established between us; and give effect to our
                            desire of advancing, on all occasions, the interest and happiness of the two Nations. I
                            therefore beseech your Majesty to give full credence to whatever he shall say on the part of
                            the United States, and especially when he shall assure your Majesty of their friendship and
                            wishes for your prosperity: and I pray God to have your Majesty in his safe and holy
                            keeping. Written at Philadelphia the 20th day of February 1797.

                            Go: WashingtonBy the PresidentTimothy PickeringSecretary of State.


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 20 February 1797
From: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Washington, 20th Feby 1797

                        We had the honor of your favor of the 15th Instant—Your Ideas respecting the
                            Capitol are those which have been the prevailing ones with us for some time—No step has
                            been omitted to put things in a state for advancing that building, as far as possible during
                            the present Season; and we expect it to progress 30 additional feet, at least, by December
                            next—You would see by our last Letters to you, that we contemplated carrying on the
                            President’s house no further than to secure what is done, by covering it in, which may with
                            ease be effected without withdrawing the necessary hands from the Capitol—The chief object—in view in forwarding the Plans of the public offices, was, that they should be approved of
                            by you, rather than your Successor to whom, the City & it’s affairs must, at
                            present, be quite new—Had the foundations been prepared during the present Winter, whilst
                            the Labourers have little to occupy them, so much expence would have been saved; they can
                            however, be as well done next winter—The expectation of this being done, has, no doubt,
                            created a great deal of Jealousy, & perhaps, will not create less, whenever done.

                        If Messrs Morris & Nicholson pay their Instalment, when due, or in 60
                            or 90 days after it becomes due, we shall have sufficient funds to carry us through the
                            Year, & having made their Selection, if they fail to pay, we shall certainly proceed
                            to sell their Lots—We have certainly better prospects, as to funds, than for the two
                            Seasons past, & every thing promises fair for more extensive operations. We are Sir,
                            &c.

                            G. Scott
                            W. Thornton


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

                             Feby 20th 1797.

                        The President will read with pleasure the postscript of the inclosed letter
                            from Robert Montgomery our Consul at Alicante, which I have received this day—excepting what
                            relates to the capture of another American vessel by Tripoli; concerning
                            which however Mr Barlow’s words are consoling. The last sentence broken by the seal I read
                            thus—"I have taken now what I think will be effectual measures with these States above."

                            T. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Edward Rushton, 20 February 1797
From: Rushton, Edward
To: Washington, George

                             20 February 1797

                        Expostulatory Letter to George Washington, of Mount Vernon, in Virginia, on his
                            continuing to be a proprietor of Slaves. by Edward Rushton.Oh! reflect that your rights are the rights of mankind That to all they were bounteously given, And that he who in chains would his fellow man bind Uplifts his proud arm against heaven.Liverpool Printed. 1797

                            In July last the following letter was transmitted to the person to whom it
                                is addressed, and a few weeks ago it was returned under cover, without a syllable in
                                reply As children that are crammed with confectionary have no relish for plain and
                                wholesome food; so men in power who are seldom addressed but in the sweet tones of
                                adulation, are apt to be disgusted with the plain and salutary language of truth. To
                                offend was not the intention of the writer; yet the president has evidently been
                                irritated; this however is not a bad symptom, for irritation causelesly excited will
                                frequently subside into shame and to use the language of the moralist Where there is yet
                                shame there may in time be virtue.Liverpool February 20th 1797. Expostulatory Letter

                            It will generally be admitted, Sir, and perhaps with justice, that the
                                great family of mankind were never more benefited by the military abilities of any
                                individual, than by those which you displayed during the American contest. Your country
                                was injured your services were called for, you immediately arose and after performing the
                                most conspicuous part in that blood–stained tragedy, you again became a private citizen
                                and unambitiously retired to your farm, There was more of true greatness in this
                                procedure than the modern world at least had ever beheld; and while public virtue is
                                venerated by your countrymen, a conduct so exalted will not be forgotten The effects
                                which your revolution will have upon the world are incalculable. By the flame which your
                                have kindled every oppressed nation will be enabled to perceive its fetters and when man
                                once knows that he is enslaved the business of emancipation is half
                                performed—France has already burst her shackles neigbouring nations will in time
                                prepare, and another half century may behold the present besotted Europe without a peer
                                without a hierarchy and without a despot. If men were enlightened, revolutions would be
                                bloodless; but how are men to be enlightened when it is the interest of governors to
                                keep the governed in ignorance? "To enligten men," says your old correspondent Arthur
                                Young, is "to make them bad subjects," Hurricanes spread devastation; yet hurricanes
                                are not only transient but give salubrity to the torrid regions and are quickly followed
                                by azure skies and calm sunshine. Revolutions, too for a time may produce turbulence yet
                                revolutions clear the political atmosphere and contribute greatly to the comfort and
                                happiness of the human race What you yourself have lived to witness in the United States
                                is sufficient to elucidate my position, In your rides along the banks of your favourite
                                Potowmack in your frequent excursions through your own extensive grounds how gratifying
                                must be your sensations, on beholding the animated scenery around you and how pleasurable
                                must be your feelings on reflecting that your country is now an assylum for mankind that
                                her commerce her agriculture and her population are greater than at any former period,
                                and that this prosperity is the natural result of those rights which you defended
                                against an abandoned cabinet with all that ability which men who unsheathe the sword in
                                the cause of human nature will I trust ever display. Where liberty is there man walks
                                erect and puts forth all his powers while slavery like a torpedo benumbs the finest
                                energies of his soul. But it is not to the commander in chief of the American forces,
                                nor to the president of the United States, that I have aught to
                                address. my business is with George Washington of Mount Vernon in Virginia, a man who
                                not withstanding his hatred of oppression and his ardent love of liberty holds at this
                                moment hundreds of his fellow beings in a state of abject bondage—Yes! you who conquerd
                                under the banners of freedom—you who are now the first magistrate of a free people are
                                (strange to relate) a slave holder, That a liverpool merchant shoud endeavour to enrich
                                himself by such a business is not a matter of surprize but that you an enlightened
                                character strongly enamoured of your own freedom you who if the British forces had
                                succeeded in the eastern states would have retired with a few congenial spirits to the
                                rude fastnesses of the western wilderness, there to have enjoyed that blessing without
                                which a paradise would be disgusting and with which the most savage region is not
                                without its charms, that you, I say should continue to be a slave holder a proprietor of
                                human flesh and blood creates in many of your British friends both astonishment and
                                regret You are a republican, an advocate for the dissemination of knowledge and for
                                universal justice—where then are the arguments by which this shameless
                                    dereliction of principle can be supported? Your friend Jefferson
                                has endeavoured to shew that the negroes are an inferior order of being but surely your
                                will not have recourse to such a subterfuge Your slaves it may be urged are well
                                treated—That I deny man never can be well treated who is deprived of his rights They are
                                all well treated well fed well lodged, &c. Feed me with ambrosia and wash it down
                                with nectar yet what is all this if liberty be wanting You took arms in defence of the
                                rights of man Your negroes are men. Where then are the rights of your negroes They have
                                been inured to slavery and not fit for freedom, Thus it was said of the French but where
                                is the man of unbiassed common sense who will assert that the French republicans of the
                                present day are not fit for freedom? It has been said too by your apologists that your
                                feelings are inimical to slavery and that you are induced to acquiesce in it at present
                                merely from motives of policy; the only true policy is justice; and he who regards the
                                consequences of an act rather than the justice of it gives no very exalted proof of the
                                greatness of his character, But if your feelings be actually repugnant to Slavery then
                                are you more culpable than the calous hearted planter who laughs at what he calls the
                                pityful whinining of the abolitionists because he believes slavery to
                                be justifiable: while you persevere in a system which your conscience tells you to be
                                wrong. If we call the man obdurate who cannot perceive the attrociousness of slavery,
                                what epithets does he deserve who while he does not perceive
                                his attrociousness continues to be a proprietor of slaves. Nor is it likely that your
                                own unfortunate negroes are the only sufferers by your adhering to this nefarious
                                business. consider the force of an example like yours consider how many of the sable race
                                may now be pining in bondage merly for Sooth, because the president of the united states
                                who has the character of a wise and good man does not see cause to discontinue the long
                                established practice. Of all the slave holders under heaven those of the United states
                                appear to me the most reprehensible, for man never is so truely odious as when he
                                inflicts upon others that which he him self abominates; When the cup of slavery was
                                presented to your countrymen they rejected it with disdain and appealed to the world in
                                justification of their conduct, yet such is the inconsistency of man that thousands upon
                                thousands of those very people with yourself amongst the number are now sedulously
                                employed in holding the self same bitter draught to the lips of their able brethren. From
                                men who are strongly attached to their own rights and who have suffered much in their
                                defence one might have expected a scrupulous attention to the rights of others did not
                                experience shews that when we ourselves are oppressed we perceive it with a linx’s eye
                                but when we become the oppressors no noontide bats are blinder Prosperity perhaps may
                                make nations as well as individuals forget the distresses of former times yet surely the
                                citizens of America cannot so soon have forgotton the variety and extent of their own
                                sufferings When your country lay bruised by the iron hand of despotism and you were
                                compelled to retreat through the jerseys with a handful of half-naked followers when the
                                bayonets of the mercenary glistened at your back and liberty seemed about to expire,
                                when your farms were laid waste your towns reduced to ashes and your plains and woods
                                were strewed with the mangled bodies of your brave defenders when the events were taking
                                place every breast could feel and every tongue could execrate the sanguinary proceedings
                                of Britian: yet what the British were at that period you are in a great degree at this;
                                you are boastful of your own rights; you are violators of the rights of others and you
                                are stimulated by an insatiable capacity to a cruel and relentless oppression. If the
                                wrongs which you now inflict be not so severe as those which were inflicted upon you, it
                                is not because you are less inhuman than the British, but because the
                                unhappy objects of your tyranny have not the power of resistance. In
                                defending your own liberties you undoubtedly suffered much; yet if your negroes,
                                emulating the spirited example of their masters, were to throw of the galling yoke, and
                                retiring peaceably to some uninhabited part of the western region, were to resolve on
                                liberty or death, what would be the conduct, of the southern planters on such an
                                occasion? Nay what would be your conduct? You who were "born in a land of liberty" who
                                "early" learned its value "you who engaged" in perilous conflict to defend it you who in
                                a word devoted the best years of your life to secure its permanent establishment in your
                                own country whose anxious reccollection whose sympathetic feelings and whose best wishes
                                are irresistably excited, whensoever in any country you see an oppressed nation unfurl
                                the banners of freedom possessed of these energetic sentiments what would be your
                                conduct? Would you have the virtue to applaud so just and animating a movement as a
                                revolt of your southern negroes No! I fear that both you and your countrymen would
                                rather imitate the cold blooded British cabinet and to gratify your own sordid views
                                would scatter among an unoffending people terror desolation and death.
                                Harsh as this conclusion may appear yet it is warranted by your
                                present practice: for the man who can boast of his own rights yet hold two or three
                                hundred of his fellow beings in slavery would not hesitate in case of a revolt to employ
                                the most sanguinary means in his power rather than forego that which the truely
                                republican laws of his country are pleased to call his property.
                            Shame! Shame! That man should be deemed the property of man or that the
                                name of Washington should be found among the list of such proprietors. Should these
                                structures be deemed severe or unmerited on your part how comes it that while in
                                the Northern and middle states the exertions of the virtuous Quakers and other
                                philanthrophists have produced such regulations as must speedily eradicate every trace of
                                slavery in that quarter: how comes it that from you those humane efforsts have never
                                received the least countenance If your mind has not sufficient firmness to do away that
                                which is wrong the moment you perceive it to be such one might have expected that a plan
                                for ameliorating the evil would have met with your warmest support; but no such thing.
                                The just example of a majority of the states has no visible effect upon you and as to
                                the men of Maryland, of Virginia, of the two Carolinas of Georgia and of kentucky they
                                    smile contemptuously at the idea of negro emancipation and with
                                the state constitutions in one hand and the cow skin in the other exhibit to the world
                                such a spectacle as every real friend to liberty must from his soul abominate.
                            Then what is man, and what man seeing this
                            And having human feelings does not blush

                            And hang his head to think himself a man.

                            The hypocritical bawd who preaches chastity yet lives by the violation of
                                it is not more truely disgusting than one of you slave holding gentry bellowing in
                                favour of democracy. Man does not readily perceive defects in what he has been
                                accustomed to venerate, hence it is that you have escaped those animadversions which
                                your slave proprietorship has so long merited. For seven years you bravely fought the
                                battles of your country and contributed greatly to the establisment of her liberties,
                                Yet sir you are a slave holder. You have been raised by your fellow citizens to one of
                                the most exalted situations upon earth, the first magistrate of a free people Yet sir
                                you are slave holder, A majority of your countrymen have recently discoverd that
                                slavery is injustice and are gradually abolishing the wrong, Yet sir you continue to be
                                a slave holder. You are a firm believer too and your letters and speeches are replete
                                with pious reflections on the divine being Providence &c. Yet sir you are a
                                slave holder, O! Washington Ages to come will read with
                                Astonishment that the man who was foremost to wrench the rights of America from the
                                tyrannical grasp of Britaian was among the last to relinquish his own oppressive hold of
                                poor unoffending negroes. In the name of justice what can induce you thus to tarnish
                                your own well earned celebrity and to impair the fair features of American liberty with
                                so foul and indelible a blot—Avarice is said to be the vice of age Your slaves old and
                                young male and female father Mother and child might in the estimation of a Virginian
                                planter be worth from fifteen to 20 thousand pounds. Now sir, are you sure that the
                                unwillingness which you have shewn to liberate your negroes does not proceed from some
                                lurking pecuniary consideration. If this be the case and there are those who firmly beleive
                                it is, then there is no flesh left in your heart, and present reputation futur fame and
                                all that is estimable among the virtuous are for a few thousand peices of paltry yellow
                                dirt, irremediably renounced.

                            Edward Rushton.


Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 20 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

                            Gentlemen of the Senate,
                            United States February 20th 1797

                        In the nominations that were submitted to you on Friday the 17th instant, the
                            name of William Henry Lange of Georgia was inserted, by mistake, contrary to my intention.

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Sinclair, 21 February 1797
From: Sinclair, John
To: Washington, George

                        Whitehall 21st
                                February 1797

                            Resolved That the thanks of this Board be given, to His Excellency George Washington, for
                            his obliging Communications respecting Manures and Vegetation.

                            John Sinclair
                            President.


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 21 February 1797
From: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            Washington, 21st February 1797

                        We had the honor of receiving yours of the 17th Inst. by last mail—The ideas
                            expressed in your former Letter were perfectly understood, as you will see, by our answer
                            of yesterday. We wish a Bill to incorporate the Commissioners, may be passed by Congress—It
                            will obviate many inconveniencies & place the property of the United–States in a
                            more eligible situation than heretofore—We had some Idea of applying to Congress on this
                            Subject, in the course of the Session, but the cool reception which the national university
                            met with, discouraged us. We have the honor, &c.

                            G. Scott
                            W. Thornton


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 22 February 1797
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                             February 22nd 1797.

                        Upon this auspicious day—and in contemplation of an approaching public event,
                            the most affecting, which can ever occur to us, either as Men, as Citizens, or as your
                            former fellow Soldiers, we desire to congratulate, and address you.
                        As Men we offer to you the homage of a pure and heartfelt affection—As Citizens
                            we express to you the gratitude, which results from a just sense of the highest
                            obligations—and as fellow-Soldiers we declare the respectful and inviolable attachment,
                            which we feel to a beloved and venerated Chief.
                        The moment, in which America is to lose the public services of her most
                            illustrious Citizen, would indeed be inconsolable, did not the review of his wise, firm, and
                            virtuous administration, as Chief Magistrate, present a series of conduct, which it will be
                            the pride and happiness of his Successors to emulate and attain.
                        With this consolatory reflection, we naturally associate the proud sentiment
                            that, in the instance of your dignified retirement from office, our country will exhibit to
                            the world the rare and interesting spectacle that official station and authority are not
                            required to obtain and to continue the utmost distinction among mankind, or to command the
                            highest degree of their admiration and applause.
                        To that gracious Providence, whose goodness has heretofore preserved you a
                            prime Agent of human happiness, we prefer our fervent supplications for your present and
                            future felicity. Signed by order and on behalf of the Society—February 22nd 1797.

                            Tho. Mifflin


Title: To George Washington from William Macpherson, 22 February 1797
From: Macpherson, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia 22nd of February 1797.

                        While offering to you our congratulations on the return of this auspicious day,
                            we cannot refrain from mingling an expression of extreme regret at the approaching close of
                            your Political Life.
                        When we beheld you as Commander in Chief of the Armies of America, leading us
                            to Victory and the establishment of National independence, and after having accomplished
                            this grand object, retiring from your exalted Station, and embracing the undistinguished
                            Character of a Private Citizen we beleived the measure of your fame was full.
                        But when in obedience to the voice of your Country you again
                                relinquished the sweets of domestic retirement; and we beheld the
                            Storms which threaten’d our happiness dispell’d by the Justice, Wisdom, Vigilance and
                            firmness of your Conduct, public Credit maintained, our inestimable Constitution protected,
                            insurrection crushed, and the National Peace preserved.
                        Language was wanting to express the fullness of our feelings—Under such
                            impressions, great as our confidence is in your Successor, we cannot but lament the
                            resolution you have taken to resign the Helm.

                        And now, Sir, in our Capacity as Citizens and as Soldiers,
                            ever ready to Obey and support the Laws of our Country—we bid you a
                            tender, an Affectionate Farewell: and while we offer our earnest supplications, that every
                            Hour of your remaining Years may be as peaceful and happy to yourself, as the most splendid
                            period of your public Stations have been beneficial to your Country, we rest with perfect
                            confidence, that the close of a life of Virtue and of Glory will be crowned with an Eternity
                            of Bliss ineffable.
                        By order of the Officers of the Militia of the City and County of Philadelphia.

                                W. Macpherson

                            Brigadier General


Title: From George Washington to Charles Hall, 22 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Hall, Charles

                            Sir,
                            Philada 22d Feb: 97

                        With this you will receive my answer to the Address which you presented to me a
                            few days ago, of a meeting held at Sunbury in Northumber land County. You will be pleased to
                            forward it with my good wishes for the people of Northumber land in the manner you think most
                            proper. I am sir Yr Obedt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from William Jackson, 22 February 1797
From: Jackson, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            February 22nd 1797.

                        With a sense of gratitude, which words can but feebly express, I transmit to
                            you the just account of an obligation, infinitely endeared by the manner, in which it was
                            conferred, and the delicacy with which it has been mentioned. Rendering to you the assurance
                            of an inviolable attachment, I am Sir, Your much obliged, faithful, and affectionate Servant

                            W. Jackson