Title: To George Washington from the Cherokee Nation, 19 May 1789
From: Cherokee Nation
To: Washington, George

[Chota, Tenn., 19 May 1789]

We the Warriors, Chiefs and Representatives of the Cherokee nation resident and living in the following towns of Chota, Toquoh, Cettico, Little Telliquo Tumotly, Nioh or the Tassels’ town, Coettee, Chilhowah Tallassee, Great Telliquoh, Big Highwassa, Cheestowa, Eastanora Chatanugah, Chickamaugah, Stickoe, Ottilletaraconahah, Catatogah, Nicojackee, Tuskeegah, and Cheescheehah, our said towns lying and being on the Great Rivers of Tenasee Telliquo, Highwassa Ammoah &c. &c.

We the said warriors, representatives, and Chiefs being met at our ancient and beloved town of Chota on Tenasee at our Council Fire having considered the nature and circumstance of our Country and nation, are sorry to inform our elder brother General Washington, and the Great Council of the United States, that from the bad conduct of some of our young and inconsiderate men too much encouraged by bad white men, who too often frequent our nation under pretentions of doing us good service and keeping peace between us and our elder brothers, the Americans; have darkened our land with war, and stained our white chain of friendship with blood, but to our great joy the Great Spirit above has removed the Cloud and permits the sun to shine again in friendship upon each party, tho’ the darkness has lasted so long that our country and towns have been spoiled, our selves become naked, and suffer much with hunger.
We now make known to the great Congress of America, that our desire and intention is to live in the most perfect and strict friendship and alliance with our elder brothers the Americans: that we shall forever listen to and abide by their instructions, advice, and determination, placing the strongest confidence that the great Council is composed of such, who have eyes of pity and hearts of humanity and compassion, that they will not divest us of our rights and possessions, which our ancient fathers and predecessors have enjoyed time out of mind.
We still remember and abide by the treaty held with your Commissioners in South Carolina in the year 1785. And tho’ our hunting grounds and towns north of Tenesee and Holeson rivers is sold unto white people for to settle upon without our consent, we still hope Congress will have mercy upon us. For if our Country is all taken from us we shall not be able to raise our children, neither is there any place left for us to remove to.
We rejoice much to hear that the great Congress have got new powers and have become strong. We now hope that whatever is done hereafter by the Great Council will no more be destroyed and made small by any State.
We shall always be ready to listen with open ears and willing hearts to you or any one joined with you and to no other for protection, and regulating all matters.

We beg leave to make it known to your great and beloved Council, that we have appointed and constituted our beloved brother Bennet Ballew, to be our Chief and Representative, in and over all that part of the Cherokee nation comprehending the towns lying on the aforesaid Rivers Tenasee Highwassa, Telliquo, and Ammoah, and all lying north and northwest of said rivers and towns. That we have given and granted unto the said Bennet Ballew full powers and authorities to transact and negociate all manner of things in any wise touching, appertaining, or relating to the aforesaid towns and that part of our nation, in our behalf and in our name and stead, in the same manner and form as tho’ we were personally present ourselves in as full and ample manner to all intents and purposes and in testimony of which we have sent our great and beloved Warrior and Chief, the Rising Fawn Keeuhteetah of Great Highwassa to accompany our beloved Chief and Representative Bennet Ballew to Congress then and there to make known to your Great beloved Council the truths and sincerity of this our Instrument and Writing touching the premises and to do whatever the said Bennet Ballew may think for the good, tranquility and safety of our nation, trusting that the Great Council and Elder brothers will do us justice, quiet us in our possessions, particularly our lands lying north of the river Tenesee and Holeson, it is our hunting grounds and we have no other to get our living on. Done in Council at Chota the 19th day of May 1789.
Signed and acknowledged before us.
(Here is added the signatures of 24 Indians.)


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel F. Fosdick, 19 May 1789
From: Fosdick, Nathaniel F.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Portland Casco Bay [District of Maine] 19th May 1789

Having been Naval Officer for this Port (being the Port of Falmouth) for this some time past, I take the Liberty to address your Excellency, requesting a continuation in the office under the New Government, & beg leave to refer your Excellency to the Honble Genl Knox & the Honble George Thatcher Esqrs. for proof of Character. I am Sir with the greatest respect your Excellency most Obedient & most hble sert

Nathl F. Fosdick


Title: To George Washington from Moustier, 19 May 1789
From: Moustier, Eléanor-François-Elie, comte de
To: Washington, George

Sir
Newyork the 19th of Mai 1789

Peculiar circumstances require peculiar measures. It was on this principle that I conceived there was no impropriety in soliciting an audience which seem’d to me, not only convenient but necessary to pave the way to the future management of business between the two nations. As by the transformation of the Federal Government of the United states the establish’d forms have ceased, the first measure ought as I conceive to be a confidential one and of such a nature as behoves friends, for I dare assert, Sir, that this name fits a man chosen to act a friendly part, by a King of France and in behalf of the most powerful Nation in

Europe, towards a Nation to whose Success that King and that Nation have so much and so gladly contributed. The question is not to define what shall be the intercourse between the President of the United states and the Minister of France. You are, Sir, too much enlightened and too much attached to the true interests of your Country, not to think that the most immediate intercourse between those two Characters is the most proper. Any person who should attempt to erect a wall between them, could not be considered as your personal friend, nor as the friend of your country. Such an attempt could have no other object but to render you, Sir instrumental to private views. And I believe, there are few characters, not only in America, but in the world, who like General Washington are superior to private interests. I fondly hope, Sir, that nobody has yet presumed to insinuate that it would be beneath the dignity of a President of the United states occasionally to transact business with a foreign Minister. As there are Ministers of different degrees so there are Ministers of different powers. I have been used to believe that a French Nobleman employed as Minister plenipotentiary of the King of France might, in some cases, transact business with any Sovereign even de proprio jure. On another Side I conceive that a President of the United states would expose himself to lose one of the most important of his functions if, for the sake of dignity, he should be so circumscribed, as not to be able to take any step in foreign politicks without the intermediate mean of persons, who notwithstanding the abilities they posess, might not inspire the same confidence, nor perhaps act with the same impartiality.
These observations are submitted, not to the President of the United states, but to General Washington, who more than any American has had proofs of the candour, liberality, regard and affection of the French Nation. Those sentiments he will experience still more in the high Station he now occupies, and this letter is a convincing proof that the man who represents that Nation, is very sollicitous to contribute to the personal glory and satisfaction of General Washington, as well as to the Success of the President of the United states.
My Sincerity in this circumstance can only be attributed to the concern I take in your happiness and in the welfare of the

country whose direction is entrusted to your care. I am with the greatest respect Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

Count de Moustier

P.S. To avoid the inconveniencies attending the translation of a confidential letter, I have exposed myself for this time, to write in a language in which I am not used to write, and which I would not employ in any official transactions.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 19 May 1789
From: Thomson, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York May 19. 1789

I intended to have done myself the honor of waiting on you this evening but the dampness of the weather prevents my going abroad I therefore take the liberty of enclosing my opinion on the paragraph in the constitution which you were pleased to mention; the result of my conference with Mr Jay on the subject of sea letters; and the lights I have received by examining the laws of Pensylvania and Massachusetts touching the Naval Officer and the collector of the customs or duties. With the greatest respect I have the honor to be, May it please the president Your most obedient & Most humble servant

Chas Thomson

Enclosure
On this clause of the Constitution touching the powers of the President viz. “He shall nominate and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate shall appoint Ambassadors, other public ministers and Consuls, judges of the supreme court and all other officers of the United States whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for and which shall be established

by law.” It appears that ambassadors, other public minister and consuls, and judges of the Supreme court are on the same footing, that is officers recognised by the Constitution & the existence of whose offices does not depend on, or require a law for their establishment, Though an Act will be necessary for their support: that as he has power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur, So treaties being made he may in consequence thereof at his discretion nominate and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate appoint Ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, consequent to such treaties. The last words “and which shall be established by law” appear by every rule of construction to be confined to “all other officers of the United States whose appointments are not herein (namely in the constitution) otherwise provided for.[”]
Touching the granting of Sea letters
On the 12 february 1788, Congress Resolved That the Secretary for foreign [affairs] for the time being be and he is hereby authorised and directed upon application made to him for that purpose to grant in the usual form Sea-letters for any vessel or vessels owned entirely & navigated chiefly by citizens of the United States and bound on long and distant voyages at his discretion; provided always that it be made to appear to him by oath or affirmation or by such other evidence as shall by him be deemed Satisfactory by the person or persons applying therefor, that the vessel or vessels, for which such Sea letters shall be required, shall together with all and every part of her cargo be owned entirely and commanded by officers citizens of the United States and shall be navigated for the most part by the same. That for this purpose the Secretary for foreign affairs be and he is hereby instructed to procure a sufficient number of blank Sea letters drafted in the usual form and signed by the president of Congress for the purpose aforesaid, and that the same when filled up be sealed with the seal of the United States, and certified by the Secretary of Congress.
The usual form of the Sea letters is as follows Most serene, Serene, Most puissant, puissant, high illustrious, noble, honorable, venerable, wise, and prudent Emperors, kings, republics, princes, dukes, earls, barons, lords, burgomasters, counsellors,

as also judges, officers, justiciaries and regents of all the good cities and places, whether ecclessiastical or secular, who shall see these patents, or hear them read.
We the United States in Congress assembled make known that  captain of the ship called  is a citizen of the United States of America and that the ship which he commands belongs to citizens of the said United States and as we wish to see the said  prosper in his lawful affairs our prayer is to all the before mentioned and to each of them separately where the said  shall arrive with his vessel and cargo, that they may please to receive him with goodness and treat him in a becoming manner, permitting him upon the usual tolls and expences in passing and repassing, to pass navigate and frequent the ports, passes and territories, to the end to transact his business where and in what manner he shall judge proper, whereof we will willingly be endebted. In testimony we have caused the great Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed Witness his Excellency  President of the United States in Congress assembled this  day of  in the year of our Lord  & of the sovereignty and independence of the United States of America .”
Though there can be no doubt but that the President may in virtue of his powers grant Sea letters to vessels belonging to citizens of the United States bound on long and distant voyages, yet it does not appear from the foregoing resolution and form of Sea Letters that the Secretary for foreign affairs can now grant Sea letters in the usual form nor the Secretary of Congress Seal and certify the same; nor that the Sea letters now to be issued can run in the form prescribed. On consultation, both the Secretary of Congress and the Secretary for foreign affairs concur in this Opinion.
Touching the naval Office and the Office of Collector of the Customs in Pensylvania
By a law of Pensylvania passed the 10 Sept. 1778 Masters of vessels shall within 48 hours after arrival in port enter at a naval Office & make report, on oath, of all goods wares & merchandize in such vessel, setting forth the packages, marks & numbers thereof and the nature of their contents & his own name and the name and burthen of the ship, and the names and

abodes of the owner or owners thereof, the port or place where the cargo was shipped with the documents usually furnished in such place: Masters of Vessels outward bound are first to report to the said Office the intended voyage & before the vessels proceed to sail deliver, under oath to be administered by the Officer, a manifest of the outward cargos. All vessels belonging to subjects of the State to be registered in the said office, for which purpose one or more of the owners shall certify on oath or affirmation to the naval Officer the name burthen, shape and Kind of vessel together with the name of the master, the place of construction and the name or names of the owner or owners thereof and the parts or shares they respectively hold in the same; and the naval officer shall register such vessel in a book kept for the purpose and furnish an attested copy of Such register.
The naval officer is paid by fees fixed by law for entering & clearing out for entering registers & granting certificates thereof and for permits to unload. By an act passed 23 Decr 1780 an impost as laid on goods imported, which impost was to be received by the naval Officer who was to keep a true account of his doings and once in every month pay over to the treasurer of the State the monies received, & once in every six Months or oftner if required settle with the State auditor; for this service he was allowed ½ per cent on the Monies received & paid over and 2/ from the party executing any bond for each bond given for duties. It appears that by an Act passed the 15 March 1784 Sharp Delaney was appointed Collector. This act is not in the office—But by an Act passed the 2 April 1785 entitled a supplement to the Acts for raising an impost and to secure more effectually the revenues arising from the same it appears that both officers were continued and their duties as far as they relate to the collection of the impost are regulated as follows
1. All goods imported are to be entered with the collector.
2. Such entry before permit is given for landing is to be examined & compared by the naval Officer with the manifest of the cargo lodged by the Master of the vessel at his office and a certificate of his approving the same to be sent to the collectors office & filed upon which the collector is to grant a permit for unloading.

3. The collector or deputy collector, or the naval officer or his deputy, on reasonable cause of suspicion, may open and examine any bale, box &c. and if fraud be discovered, the goods shall be forfeited one half thereof to the use of the State, the other half to him or them who made the seizure.
4. The book of register Kept by the naval officer for registering entries made at the collectors office, and the manifests lodged and filed in the naval office by the masters of vessels or a fair transcript thereof to be lodged in the comptrollers office as checks for the examination & settlement of the accounts of the collector. The naval officer to be allowed six pence for every entry he examines and to take an oath for the faithful discharge of his duty.
The collector to give bond with sufficient sureties for faithfully accounting and paying over the money received.
a M[r] Phyle has been naval officer of the port of Philadelphia And Mr Sharp Delaney Collector of the said port.
In the commonwealth of Massachusetts
By an act passed 1 Novr 1781 an excise is laid on wine, rum, brandy & teas and on wheel carriages and for the collection thereof one collector is to be annually appointed for each county.
By an act passed March 1782 persons importing wine rum brandy or teas, and all persons distilling spirituous liquors are prohibited from selling the same without permits so to do from the collector of excise or his deputy.
By an act passed Novr 1782 a new duty or excise was laid on a great number of articles therein specified, both imported and made in the state. No imported goods are to be landed without a permit from the naval officers or in case of no naval officer in the port from the collector of excise in the county, and where there is no naval officer, collector or deputy in the port, from the town clerk or a selectman. No permit for landing to be given by a naval officer till a manifest of the cargo, on oath, is lodged with him. Collectors and naval officers are empowered to seize.
The collector of each county is to account with the treasurer of the commonwealth for the money received for duties or penalties & to pay the same into the treasury quarterly.
The collectors appointed in the several counties under former acts are to receive & collect the duties mentioned in this act

till others are chosen in their room. Suitable persons are to be appointed annually for executing the duties assigned to collectors with such allowances for their services as shall be determined when they shall be appointed.
On the 22 March 1783 an impost was laid on certain goods wares and merchandize which was to be collected by the same officers in the same manner and under the same regulations as prescribed in the Act of Novr 1782. A further impost was laid July 1784 And in addition to this another act was passed July 1785 laying an impost and excise on a great number of enumerated articles, which duties of impost and excise were to be collect⟨e⟩d by the same persons and in the same manner as prescribed in the acts to which this is an Addition.
In July 1784 an Act was passed establishing naval offices in the several towns of Boston, Salem, Marblehead, Newburyport, Gloucester, Ipswich, Beverly, York, Penobscot, Pepperelborough, Falmouth, Booth bay, Goldborough, Machias, Passomoquaddy, Bath, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dartmouth Dighton Edgar town & Sherburne in Nantucket.
The naval officers are to give bond & be sworn; their duties are to grant registers for and to enter and clear out vessels; to take manifests on oath of cargoes imported or exported & keep records thereof; to grant bills of health to take bonds required; to secure duties on the lading of vessels hovering on the coasts; to make a weekly return to the county collector of the vessels entered or cleared at their offices, with Copies of the manifests of the cargoes; and every six months to render to the secretary of the state a fair transcript of the entries & clearances & manifests of cargoes. And by an Act of the 2d of the same Month they are to receive and account for a duty of tonnage laid for support of light houses. An act of the same month regulates the fees to be received by the naval officers and prescribes the forms or registers, clearances permits &c. to be used in the Offices.
From these acts it appears that the impost and excise are blended & collected by the same officers and that for the collection of them there is a collector for each county in the commonwealth; And that besides the collectors office there is a naval office for entering and clearing Vessels &c.
The propriety of keeping up both offices and the necessity of

the naval officer being an Officer of the United States is apparent from these considerations.
1. The naval officer can greatly assist the collector of the duties and furnish the best documents to check the accounts of the collector.
2. He can keep a register of the vessels belonging to Citizens of the United States & enforce the acts of Navigation.
3. He is the proper officer to furnish the papers required by the treaties of Commerce between the United States and foreign nations.


Title: To George Washington from Arthur Young, 19 May 1789
From: Young, Arthur
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bradfield Hall [England] May 19. 89

I should long since have acknowledged the receipt of your Excellency’s Letter but I waited from time to time in expectation of some curious seeds which I hoped to be able to send, but being disappointed repeatedly I postpone no longer the pleasure of thanking you with great sincerity for the confidence you honour me with in relation to publishing extracts from your letters. I dare not presume to do it, after the cautious manner in which you express yourself, and your last letter is an additional motive with me for desisting, for had you given a direct permission, it would not have allowed me to insert that letter without the alteration of a syllable; no extract could do justice to a composition replete with that calm, native, and unaffected dignity which marks the evening repose of a life passed in the performance of great actions. I should be sorry to use expressions that should seem to make me guilty of flattery, feeling myself incapable of it, but the truth is your last letter has filled me with admiration; I have taken the liberty to shew it to a few

friends of great talents & equal judgment & they think of it as I do. It would be wounding all my feelings to publish extracts of secondary consequence & omit the passages descriptive of a situation & of ideas interesting to the whole world—the connection that man has with the plough who has founded an empire on the basis of human liberty. To exhibit this spectacle to mankind without decoration or comment simply in the genuine terms of a private correspondence without an idea of the press, I do conceive of much more importance than many experiments. The more agriculture is honoured and persued the better for mankind & those are not good citizens of the world who do not exert every endeavour to make it so. On this principle I should stand self condemned if I did not once more urge your Excellency to trust your letters to my judgment—to do what I please with them; provided I do not publish a line which I have not a firm conviction will be for the benefit of an art which I ought to understand having practiced it for near thirty years. Your political & military fame will be in the hands of many historians as to yr reputation as a farmer I should be sorry to injure it. I beg your pardon for taking this liberty now permit me to trouble you on another subject.
The flying wevil and Hessian fly make much noise in England at present, and Lord Carmarthen writing to all our ministers abroad for information has spread it through Europe: The accounts are by no means satisfactory, not even from America, from places in the midst of their ravages: they are contradictory in essential points: Will you have the goodness to inform me whether these insects have continued their ravages—if not, what has checked them? whether the yellow bearded wheat continues to insure safety? How far are the accounts exact wch deduce fro. the progress of the insect the improbability of conveying the malady by a transport of corn? Is your province troubled at present & in what degree by the Virginia wheatfly? I trust in yr goodness for excusing the freedom of my putting so many questions.
I am very glad to hear you look so much to sheep—200 lambs reared is a good feature—you will find it the most profitable branch of husbandry; I have no doubt but you are very careful what rams you breed by, & that you serve ten ram lambs for one

you intend to keep, in order to have choice—another point is to draw off 20 or 30 of the best ewes you have & put them separate to the best ram in order to breed ram lambs. I wish to heaven our abominable monopolizing laws would allow me to send you some South Down rams, the breed is admirable: as you are not troubled with Wolves you of course fold your sheep.
As mules are an object with you I am glad you have such as promise well; but I have many doubts about them, especially fro. ⟨mutilated⟩ge Spanish asses: In Ireland the experimt was tried very expensively, & mules bred that sold at 40, 50, & 60 Gs. each, but they proved so inferior in hardiness & cheapness of Keeping to the little native mule that every body left them off. Mr Arbuthnot procured 4 fro. Ireland at 40 Gs. each wch were fed and worked as his teams of horses & were all dead in four years! What difference the climate of Virginia may make remains ⟨in⟩ question. Oxen for the labour of a farm have no rivals provided you get them 16 hands high.
It gives me pleasure to find the ploughs answer: I beg you will keep them to the measures I sent; or by their truth of form they go easy, and if they will not go alone for several yards (without holding) they are out of the right lines.
What in the name of wonder can you do with flax? Not make linnen I hope: buy from England, fro. France, fro. Russia any where rather than employ a soul in fabrics while wastes surround you by millions: Every species of manufacture demand hands & capital; when land is plentiful about what should those two requisites out of three be employed? I remain with the greatest Respect Sr Your obliged & Devoted Servt

Arth: Young

Having heard a great character of the Algerine Kale I inclose some seed: It is new in England: Sow in April or Mch & plant in the rain in July. It is for sheep.


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Bedinger, 20 May 1789
From: Bedinger, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Norfolk [Va.] May 20th 1789

My time having since the peace, been almost wholly employed in the Naval Office at this place, I humbly flatter myself, that I have acquired some little knowledg of the nature of the business and Duties of a Collector of the Customs. Should any such Office be created, I beg leave to present myself as an humble candidate.
I do not mean to trouble your Excellency further on the subject by stating fully my humble pretentions, but for particulars respecting myself, beg leave to refer you to the honorable gentleman who will present this letter. I am with every sentiment of respect your Excellencys most Obedient and most humble servant

Daniel Bedinger


Title: To George Washington from Josias Carvill Hall, 20 May 1789
From: Hall, Josias Carvil
To: Washington, George

Sir
Baltimore May 20th 1789

If in the distribution of the Offices necessary to the execution of the new government there should be one suited to my capacity your Excellency will confer a favor by having me in consideration when you are pleased to make the appointment.
My absence from home during the war, And consequent neglect & depriciation of my fortune, has made this application in some degree necessary. With the greatest Respect & esteem I have the honor to be yr Excellencys Mo. Obt & very Hble Sert

Jo. Carvill Hall


Title: To George Washington from William North, 20 May 1789
From: North, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
May 20th 1789

Fearful of intruding on Your Excellencys time, more valuable at present, if possible, than ever: I should have waited in silence until my merits had been sufficient to bring me forward, were I not informed that Your Excellency would not be displeased with applications from those who wished to serve the Public.
For this Purpose, I offer myself to your Excellencys Notice—If I have abilities, Your Excellency can best estimate their Value, and place them where they will be most useful to our Country. I can only vouch for my integrity, & for the promptitude with which I shall execute the commands of a Leader whom I was so

long used to follow in times of difficulty, & distress. With the most Profound respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellencys Obed. Servant

W. North


Title: To George Washington from Christian Senf, 20 May 1789
From: Senf, Christian
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Rocky Mount, So. Carolina the 20th May 1789

At last the Period seems to have arrived, when I may venture, under the present, and happy, Goverment, to propose a Plan, I have had for several Years in Contemplation.
The Opportunities, I have had during the War and since, have given me a good deal of Knowledge of Our Sea-Coast. The Advantages this Country has over many others, if its Inland Communications by Water are improved, are certainly, in my humble Opinion, very great—I have not the least Doubt of the Practicability, that a safe and good Inland Navigation can be effected, on moderate Expences, from the State of New York to East Florida.
The Traveller must recieve much Satisfaction, when he can travers hundreds of Miles in Safety, without being tossed about

by the Sea or to undergo the great Fatigues to travel by Land. How much greater will be the Benefices, the Inhabitants will recieve, when they can transport their Produces and Manufactories almost to any Port of the United States, where it appears most suitable to them, without any Risk, either in Peace or in War-time.
The Desire to assist in so great and beneficial a Plan, urges me to request humbly, to be honored with a Permission from the Goverment to make the necessary Surveys for the Purpose mentioned, and to have that Satisfaction to present the Plans and the Estimates of the Expences.
That I may further be permitted to draw for a Sum of Money (or to be furnished with it) from time to time, not exceding five hundred pounds Sterling in all, on Account, to defray all the travelling Expences from it, and to pay the Wages and Provisions for the People requisite, to assist me, when surveying.
And that I may have a Recommendation to the Governors of the different States, to be furnished with a Boat and Guides, when I shal have Occasion for.
Should the Goverment be pleased to approve of my Propositions, I shal cheerfully engage myself, to furnish twelve Months after the time, I have recieved the Approbation, a Map with the necessary Plans anexed to it; with every Explanations, Remarks and an Estimate of the Expences attending it; If no unforseen Accidents happen—I shal likewise not omit, to make all Military Observations, as far as my Capacity will permit me, if demanded. And I promise, that the whole Sum of Expences, in making these Surveys, shal not exceed five hundred pounds Sterling, excluding the Hire of a Boat or Guides, I may be furnished with at times when requisit.
An Apprehension, that the interested Motives of the different States, under the former Goverment, could frustrate my Wishes, has hithertoo prevented me to attempt to lay the present Proposition sooner before the Honorable the Congress.
I hope, that my humble and well meaning Proposition may meet with a kind Reception. And if the Execution of so great a Plan should be thought premature, I flatter myself, that I will be so far indulged, to make the necessary Surveys, to prove with them, what may be done, and what I have proposed. I have the

Honor to be with perfect Respect Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & humble Servant

Ch. SenfEngineer of the State of South Carolina


Title: To George Washington from John Story, 20 May 1789
From: Story, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York May 20th 1789

I have the honor to address you to offer myself as a Candidate for an Appointment under Goverment and beg leave to submit the following for Your Consideration.
I am a Native of Boston and served with a Merchant untill the commencement of the late War, when I entered the service of my Country as a Volunteer and served as such untill 1776. Infirm health prevented my Acceptance of a Commission at that early period, but Zealous in my Country’s Cause I accepted an Appointment under the Commissary of Military Stores, and in September 1776 was Appointed Pay Master to Colo. Hitchcocks Regiment. In June 1777 I was Appointed Quarter Master to General Glovers Brigade, and in October following was Appointed Deputy Quarter Master General to a division of the Northern Army, which Appointment of Deputy Qutr Master General I held untill General Greene left the Main Army to take command of the Southern Department, after which by his

particular desire I continued my Attention to the Business of the Quarter Masters department, under his direction, untill I effected a settlement with the Commissioner to that department, in 1784. For General Greenes opinion of my Conduct I beg leave to offer the inclosed Copy of a Letter from him. In September 1781, by the desire of Lord Sterling I joined his family as a Volunteer Aid de Camp, this I complied with as there was not Business sufficient in General Greenes department to employ my whole time.
In March 1785, I was Appointed Commissioner of Accounts for the State of Pennsylvania, and served under that Appointment untill the Ordinance of Congress of the 13th October 1786. For my Conduct during this Commission, I beg leave to refer you to the inclosed Certificate from John Nicholson Esqr. Comptroler for the State of Pennsylvania.
It was my Misfortune in the settlement of my Accounts in the Quarter Masters department, not to be allowed the depreciation on my Pay, as the Commissioner conceived the Resolutions of Congress did not extend to those in that Department, nor did he allow any Pay after the 21st of April 1781, as he considered me Acting in two capacities and would be paid as an Aid de Camp, which Obliged me to Apply to Congress in February 1785, but I have received no Compensation for near three years Service.
The State of Massachusetts, after I had settled my public Accounts, made me an Allowance on Account of Depreciation, but much less than the real Balance due me to the 4th of August 1780.
Since the commencement of the late War my time has been employed in public service, excepting about two years. Being deprived of health and of the little property I had, by the failure of a friend in Trade, to whom I had lent the greatest part of my Interest, I was prevented from persuing that vocation I intended in early life, that I have engaged in no private Business, which constrains me to solicit your Notice, and I hope my situation will plead my excuse for being thus troublesome.
Should my former services and present situation be considered as an inducement for you to honor me with an Appointment; I hope my attention to the public Interest, will be such, as

to the greatest acknowlidgement I can make for the favor confered. I have the honor to be with the Most profund Respect Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

Jno. Story


Title: From George Washington to Mathew Carey, 21 May 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Carey, Mathew

Sir,
New York May 21st 1789.

However desireous I am to encourage or promote useful publications, it is not in my power to comply with the request made in your letter of the 21st ulto—to select from my papers such documents of interesting circumstances, skirmishes & battles of the Revolution, as would enable you to prosecute the design which you have begun of publishing in the American Museum a series of documents and public papers; for all the papers in my possession relative to the Revolution are packed up in trunks and boxes at Mount Vernon. I am, Sir, Your most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Davies, 21 May 1789
From: Davies, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York May 21. 1789

In consequence of the vacancy at the board of three, occasioned by the resignation of Mr Baldwin, I have been advised to offer myself as his successor. Having come hither on public business in behalf of Virginia, and without any views towards obtaining an appointment, I have no other recommendation or testimonial in my favor, than my past conduct and present situation can give me. Perhaps it would be foreign to the purpose to mention the length of my service in the army or my employments in it; and it might be deemed unbecoming to assume any merit from my conduct, while at the head of the war department in Virginia, during a busy and difficult period of near two years, thro’ an important part of which, from an almost entire derangement of the Executive, a very large share of the

public business was of necessity thrown under my direction: For my constant exertions in aid of the southern army, I experienced a repetition of the warmest acknowledgements from General Greene & Colonel Carrington, and towards the close of the war when the department was discontinued, I received from the Executive the most honorable testimonials in my favor. I have ventured to mention these circumstances as a presumptive proof of diligence, as well as of some acquaintance with the nature and duties of military arrangements. My professional pursuits both before and since the war, have led to the knowledge of the laws of evidence and of the general principles of equity; and as for my ability in the business of accounts, perhaps the most impartial testimony I can adduce in my favor, is the post I now hold, by an unsolicited appointment from the late Governor Randolph in Council, to superintend the settlement of the accounts of Virginia: and I have presumed to think, that my present deputation to this city for the purpose of adjusting with some of the public board some matters interesting to that State by the express desire of the Executive, is an additional evidence of the favorable opinion, with which in this line I am honored by that government.
I would respectfully hope that the unforeseen contingency of this application, for which, as I have before mentioned, I had not provided, and which I have been induced to make, by the opinion of some members of Congress who are pleased to think favorably of me, will plead in my excuse for saying so much in respect to myself.
Having now nearly completed the business for which I was sent hither, and expecting to return to Richmond in the early part of next week, I cannot refrain, tho’ an humble individual, from embracing the opportunity which this occasion affords me, of joining my voice of congratulation with that of United America and of paying you the tribute of my most sincere veneration and respect. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant

Wm Davies.


Title: To George Washington from James Kelso, 21 May 1789
From: Kelso, James
To: Washington, George

Frauncis Tavern Courtland Street[Philadelphia] May 21st 1789

The Memorial of James Kelso of the State of Maryland humbly sheweth That your Memorialist has ever been a steady friend to the liberties and Independence of the United States and has suffer’d according to his Circumstances more than any person of his acquaintance by his confidence in, and endeavours to support the credit of continental Money.
That he is well acquainted with Accompts in General and Custom house Accompts in particular, having done the business of the Comptroller’s Office in Philadelphia several years before the War for the truth of which, and the goodness of his moral Character he begs leave to refer to William Smith Esqr. Member of the house of delegates for the State of Maryland, who has been intimately acquainted with him for almost thirty years past, and to warm recommendations from several Gentlemen of the first Character in Baltimore, to Messrs Charles Carroll, Robert Morris, John Henry, Richard Henry Lee, George

Read and William Maclay, members of the Senate. To Thomas Hartly Esqr. member of the house of delegates for Pennsylvania, Mr Contee and sundry other delegates from Maryland &ca.
That he has now been in this City for more than two weeks past the necessary expences of which together with the charges of traveling from and returning to Baltimore if disappointed in his expectations must distress him much. he therefore humbly requests that he may be nominated by your Excellency, Comptroler of the Customs for the Port of Baltimore or some other district (if such an Office should be wanted) or to any other Office to which his abilities are Competent, and your Memorialist as in duty bound will ever pray &c.


Title: To George Washington from Arthur Lee, 21 May 1789
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Washington, George

Sir
May 21st 1789

It is not without great apprehension of presuming too much on the favor you have always shown me, that I offer you my Services, as a Judge of the Supreme Court which is now establishing.
The having been calld to the bar in Westminster hall after five years study at the Temple, & having practisd the Law there for some time—are the grounds, Sir, on which I presume to ask your protection.
I quitted the line of the Law in England, where much was to be expected from the pursuit of it, & with the fairest prospects; the moment my Country calld upon me, to aid in supporting her violated rights. With what fidelity I dischargd the trust She reposd in me; the records of the Office of foreign affairs will shew.
To return to the profession I had chosen, in a station, not unbecoming

those in which I have acted, is my most earnest desire. It woud be an additional satisfaction to be distinguishd by your appointment, Sir, & to assist in distributing equal justice to a well-governd People. I have the honor to be with the highest respect, Sir. Yr most Obedt Servt

Arthur Lee


Title: From George Washington to Mary Wooster, 21 May 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Wooster, Mary

Madam,
New York May 21. 1789

I have duly received your affecting letter, dated the 8th day of this Month.
Sympathysing with you, as I do, in the great misfortunes which have befallen your family in consequence of the war; my feelings, as an individual, would forcibly prompt me to do every thing in my power to repair those misfortunes. But as a public man, acting only with a reference to the public good, I must be allowed to decide upon all points of my duty without consulting my private inclinations & wishes. I must be permitted, with the best lights I can obtain, and upon a general view of characters &

circumstances, to nominate such persons alone to offices, as, in my judgment, shall be best qualified to discharge the functions of the departments to which they shall be appointed. Hitherto I have given no decisive answers to the applications of any Candidates whatsoever. Nor would it be proper for me before Offices shall be created & before I can have a general knowledge of the Competitors for them, to say any thing that might be construed as intended to encourage or discourage the hopes which individuals might have formed of success. [I only wish (so far as my agency in this business is concerned) that Candidates for Offices would save themselves the trouble, and consequent expence, of personal attendance. All that I require, is the name, and such testimonials with respect to abilities, integrity & fitness as it may be in the power of the several applicants to produce. beyond this, nothing with me is necessary, or will be of any avail to them in my decisions.] In the mean time, I beg you will be persuaded, Madam, that let the result be whatsoever it may, I can have no interest to promote but that of the public; and that I remain, in all personal considerations, with the highest respect, Madam, Your Most O.


Title: To George Washington from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 May 1789
From: Bourne, Sylvanus
To: Washington, George

Most respected Sir
New York May 22 1789

Happy in that easy access to the first Office in his Government which is alone the pride of an American and the Ornament of his Court; and which is now rendered still more flattering by the amiable qualities of the Person who fills that important Station; I am emboldened to ask your Excellency’s Attention (in any moment which may be unoccupied by the vast concerns incident to your situation) to the sentiments and wishes of an Individual who hoping that he is uninfluenced by any motives which ought not to govern his Conduct—approaches with more Confidence the great Exemplar of disinterested Patriotism and abstract Virtue.
Tho from the tenderness of my years at the commencment of the late Revolution I was incompetent to judge of the principles which led to it, or the Consequences which were involved in it, to my Country; yet being born in a Land where ideas of liberty and the Rights of Mankind have ever been early inculcated; I soon felt the influence of that laudable Zeal which animated my Country—and nought but a fear of frustrating the hopes of a fond Parent prevented me from relinquishing my Academical Studies for those Military pursuits which under the direction of your Excellency led to the establishment of our National Sovereignty and Independence: and I have for some years past viewed with pain the danger we have been in of losing the fair Inheritance: but the prospect however again brightens—and America once more guided by your fostering hand—holds out her future claim to happiness at home and respectability Abroad.
Sensible of that duty which every Citizen owes to his Country. I have chosen the present levies of her political affairs to relinquish all domestic Connections and to offer my feeble service in promoting her Prosperity and Welfare—having endeavoured both by reading and observation to make myself in some degree

acquainted with those Commercial Interests a want of system in which gave the first spring to that Government we have now the happiness to possess—my views were priorly directed towards a Commercial Errand abroad—upon which specific Subject I had the honour a few days past to deliver Your Excellency two letters—from Govr Lincoln & Mr Bowdoin—but since which I have been informed by the Vice President and others that Mr Harrison of Cadiz is my Rival who has the merit of former services in a similar Line to support his future expectations; this being the case and as I hope never to urge my wishes beyond the proper grounds which ought to suppose them—would present myself to your Excellencys kind notice & Patronage for a similar appointment to any other Post Abroad—or in the Revenue or other home Department which you may think within the Compass of my Abilities and where I may do honour & service to my Country which suffer me again to say I feel to be the prevailing motive of my Heart—tho did I wish to mention my suffrance in Property in the late Contests—melancholly facts would support me—but I think not of my loss—when I reflect on my Countrys gain.
I am endeavouring to collect a Tablet of the Exports and Imports of this Country—with the amount of Tonnage foreign & domestic employed in her Commerce—which may contain information of service in the revenue System—and could I feel confidence equal to the attempt would venture to intrude a few Ideas upon the public in support of a Board of Trade or some permanent establishment of the kind at the seat of Govt in order to collect into one focus all that information from abroad & from the several States which will serve to extend our future Commerce, and to acquire a nice acquaintance with those different manufacturing Interests of this flourishing land which may be encouraged with present advantage and without interfering with other Important Interests of the Community—as also to ascertain how certain proposed duties at anytime may be likely to operate upon the various Interests of the people to preserve that equality thro the whole which constitutes the sovereing balm for all exactions of the kind upon a Community.
Pardon Kind Sir the indelicacy of the foregoing observations respecting myself—which the necessity of the case can alone justify—as also my great trespass upon your time. I have the

Honour to be with warm Wishes for the Welfare of my Country—which is essentially involved in the continuance of your Life & Health Your Excellencys Devoted & Humble Servt

Silvanus Bourn

P.S. If under the severall arrangements of the Great Departments of Govt I can more specifically point my wishes, will humbly propose my solicitations.


Title: To George Washington from John Lamb, 22 May 1789
From: Lamb, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 22nd May 1789

Presuming on your kind attention to me, in the course of the late War; I am emboldened to solicit your Patronage, at this time. and to express a wish, to serve the United States, as Collector of the Customs, for the Port of New York. Should my application meet your approbation, it will be my constant study, to merit the confidence, which you may be pleased to place in me by a strict attention to my duty and the Public Interest. Permit me to assure your Excellency, that nothing could have induced me to trouble you, on this occasion, but, an apprehension, that my silence might (possibly) be construed into a want of respect.

With every sentiment of Gratitude, I have the honor to be Most Respectfully, Your Excellency’s Obliged and Obedient Humble Servant

John Lamb


Title: To George Washington from William Heth, 23 May 1789
From: Heth, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Shillelah 23d May 1789

I am Just honord with your favor of the 14th inst.
The little attention and trouble which I was at, in endeavouring to insure Mrs Washington an agreeable & Safe Journey to New York—being no more than common duty—is greatly overpaid—in my estimation—by the polite manner, in which you have been pleased to notice it; and this too, at a time, when every hour almost, must be interrupted with publick business, makes me feel more sensibly, the honor which you have done me. I now, only wait to hear of Mrs Washingtons safe arrival in New-York, after as pleasant a Journey as She could reasonably expect—to be made extremely happy. For—and I speak from my Heart when I say so—I feel much interested in this circumstance. Nay, If I am to follow the dictates of my Heart Just now—I must tell you, that my Sensibility was so much affected at some of her observations on your both being oblig’d to leave Mount-Vernon once more; as well as at some apprehensions—tho’ very common with Ladies—respecting her Journey, that I should most assuredly have returned, and accompanied her to New York, had not certain reasons, founded in propriety, forbad

me. Nor should I have become thus Gallant, Sir, because She is the Lady of the President of the United States; but, because she is the Lady of General Washington; and because, I have the highest veneration, & most sincere affection for her. If I am not too presumeing, pray mention me to her in the most respectful manner—while I repeat again, and again, my most fervent prayers, that both your days be long & happy; and that, when you shall be calld from this vale of anxiety, trouble & disappointment, you may be crownd with glory everlasting. I have the honor to be Sir, Your Most Obedient Servant

Will. Heth


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 May 1789
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

War Office May 23rd 1789

The Secretary at war having examined the Negotiations of the Governor of the Western territory with certain northern and north western Indians, and the treaties made in consequence thereof at Fort Harmar on the 9th of January 1789, begs leave to Report.
That The several treaties of peace which have been made with the northern tribes of Indians, and those North west of the Ohio, since the conclusion of the late war with Great Britain, are as follows.
To wit.
1st The treaty at Fort Stanwix on the 22d day of October 1784 between Oliver Wolcott Richard Butler and Arthur Lee, Commissioners plenipotentiary from the United States on the one part, and the Sachems and warriors of the six nations on the other.
2nd The treaty entered into by the said commissioners Plenipotentiary and the sachems and warriors, of the Wyandot, Delaware, Chippawa, and Ottawa nations of Indians at Fort McIntosh the 21st day of January 1785.
3d The treaty at the mouth of the great Miamé the 31st of January 1786, between Commissioners from the united States, and the chiefs and warriors of the Shawanoe nation.

That the treaties of Fort Stanwix and Fort McIntosh were entered on the Journals of the United States in Congress assembled, June the 3d 1785, and the treaty of the miame, on the 17th day of April 1786.
That it may be proper to observe that the Indians are greatly tenacious of their lands, and generally do not relinquish their right, excepting on the principle of a specific consideration expressly given for the purchase of the same.
That the practice of the late english Colonies and Government in purchasing the indian claims has firmly established the habit in this respect, So that it cannot be violated, but with difficulty and an expence greatly exceeding the value of the object.
That the treaties of Fort Stanwix and of Fort McIntosh, do not state, that the limits therein defined are by virtue of a purchase from the Indians.
That the said treaties have been opposed and Complained of, will appear by the representation to Congress, accompanying this report, marked No. 1.
That in consequence of the said representation Congress on the 21 day of July 1787 passed the following resolve.
“Resolved, That the superintendant of Indian affairs for the northern department, inform the five nations—the Hurons and other indian nations who Joined in the representation made to Congress dated the 18th day of December 1786. that Congress on the 18th of the present month July 1787 received their said representation and have taken it into their serious consideration and in due time will send them an answer.”
That on the 5th of October following Congress resolved, “That a general treaty be held with the Tribes of Indians within the limits of the united States inhabiting the country north west of the ohio, and about Lake Erie as soon after the first of april next, as conveniently may be and at such place and at such particular time as the Governor of the Western Territory shall appoint for the purpose of knowing the causes of uneasiness among the Said tribes, and hearing their complaints, of regulating trade and amicably settling all affairs concerning lands and boundaries between them and the united States.
“That the Governor of the Western Territory hold the said treaty, agreably to such instructions as shall be given him for that purpose.”

That on the 12th of October 1787 Congress resolved.
“That twenty thousand dollars be and hereby are appropriated for the purpose of Indian treaties whenever the same shall hereafter be Judged necessary by a majority of the united States in Congress assembled, and that the resolutions for holding a general treaty with the Indians passed the fifth day of the present month be and they are hereby repealed.”
That on the 22d of October 1787 Congress resolved. “That the Governor of the Western Territory be and he is hereby empowered to hold a general treaty with the Indian tribes in the ensuing spring if in his Judgment the public good requires it, and that he be authorised to draw for such sums of money appropriated by the resolve of Congress of the 12th instant, as may be necessary to effect this object not exceeding the sum of fourteen thousand dollars.”
That on the 2d of July 1788 Congress Resolved. “That the sum of twenty thousand dollars in addition to the fourteen thousand dollars already appropriated, be appropriated for defraying the expences of the treaties which have been ordered or which may be ordered to be held on the present year, with the several Indian tribes in the northern department and for extinguishing the Indian claims; the whole of the said twenty thousand dollars, together with six thousand dollars of the said fourteen thousand dollars to be applied solely to the purpose of extinguishing Indian claims to the lands they have already ceded to the United states, by obtaining regular conveyances for the same, and for extending a purchase beyond the limits hitherto fixed by treaty; but that no part of the said sums be applied for any purpose, other than those abovementioned.”
That the instructions to the Governor of the western Territory marked No. 2 will further show the sense of Congress on this subject.
That the treaties of Fort Harmar on the 9th of January 1789 with the sachems and warriors of the six nations, the mohawks excepted, and with the sachems and warriors of the Wyandot, Delaware, Ottawa, Chippawa, Pattiwatima and sac nations, inhabiting part of the country north west of the Ohio, appear to have been negociated by the Governor of the western Territory, so as to unite the interests of the United States with the justice due the said indian nations.

That the reservation in the treaty with the six nations of Six miles square round the Fort at oswego, is within the territory of the state of New York and ought to be so explained, as to render it conformable to the constitution of the United States.
That if this explanation should be made, and the senate of the United States should concur in their approbation of the said treaties, it might be proper that the same should be ratified, and published with a proclamation enjoining an observance thereof.
All which is humbly submitted to the President of the United States.

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 23 May 1789
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Boston May 23d 1789

I was early convinced, upon your Excellencys retirement from public life, that too much of your time, for your own happiness was engrossed by a correspondence as extensive as is the knowledge of letters, and by the frequent visits of people throughout the equally extended limits. An idea that these visits were multiplied by the ease with which people obtained letters of introduction to your Excellency has restrained me from giving such letters but in a few instances lest I should be instrumental in adding to your cares and breaking in upon your domestic tranquilty. At this day sir I ought to be more upon my guard than ever as your burdens are multiplied and as your whole time must be engrossed by the important calls of your elevated office[.] While under this conviction I hope and trust that I shall not exceed the bounds of propriety. I consider however, that there are instances which to neglect, would be highly criminal and might justly be considered as a neglect of duty to your Excellency

and to the public[.] Such I consider the instance now before me.
This letter will be honoured by its being born by the honourable George Cabot Esquire. Feeling as all others do an esteem for and obligations to your Excelly intends to wait upon you and express them. I hope his business will permit him to remain a little time with you, for I am sure your Excellency will find him a Gentleman in all respects perfectly agreeable—From his abilities, his integrity, his knowledge of the world, of commerce in general, and its connections with the different nations, our interest with them and with each other I cannot help considering him an honour to our country and one of the most able and useful men in it. He has been drawn into public life but we have not had influence enough to retain him. If your Excellcy should have time to open with him on the state of trade here, on its foreign and domestic connexions, you will receive a very judicious relation and such an one as will be pleasing and throw light on the interesting and important subject and as free from personal views and those local prejudices which have so often cloged our public proceedings and given a false colouring to them as from any man I know on earth.
Fearing that he would call as thousands of others must do, without being particularly known, I have taken the liberty to beg it as a favour that he would take charge of this letter and deliver it with his own hand—I have been urged to this from the fullest conviction that the happiness arising from an interview would be reciprocal.
Captain Browne formerly of Glovers Regiment, and who was with your Excellency at Trenton, now a very respectable merchant in this State, will accompany Mr Cabot. I have the honour of being with the most perfect esteem My dear General Your Excellencys most obedient servant

B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Sackett, 23 May 1789
From: Sackett, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fishkill [N.Y.] May 23d, 1789.

Be pleased to accept my cordial, and respectful Congratulation on your arrival at the Head of the united States, an Event that gives Joy and gladness to the Hearts of all True Americans.
Esteeming you as the Father of our Country, I do take the Liberty to request, that when you come to make out your appointments, that you will think on me, and be favourably Pleased to give me one that I may be equal to.
To enable you the better to determine on the propriety of my Supplication, I now cover with this a Short Detail of some of the occurrences that happen’d to me in the Time of war and Since.
You will be pleased to acknowledge the receipt of this Letter, by the bearer who will chearfully trans⟨mit⟩ your favour to me. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most humb⟨le and⟩ most obedient Servant

Nathl Sackett


Title: From George Washington to James Warren, 23 May 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Warren, James

Sir,
New York May 2⟨3⟩ 1789.

I have duly received your very friendly letter of the 2d inst. and beg you to accept of my sincere acknowledgment and best thanks for the kind congratulations and good wishes which were contained in it.
It affords me peculiar satisfaction to see the union of sentiment which seems to prevail in favor of our new system of Government. I find that the good and respectable characters from every quarter, are determined to give it their countenance and support, notwithstanding some of them apprehended that evils might arise from particular parts of it.
Those who opposed the Constitution before its adoption,

from principle, were pretty generally convinced of the necessity there was for a change in our former confederation; but its being accepted by so large a part of the Community—the harmony which prevails in the legislature—and the prospect of having their apprehensions done away by some alterations, have induced them to say with you, that “it is the duty of every good citizen to rejoice in every measure calculated to carry it into operation agreeably to the principles on which it was adopted.”
It gives me no small pleasure to find that former friendships have not been destroyed by a difference of opinion on this great political point. It is a proof of the good dispositions which govern the people of this Country, and which, if properly improved, will make us a happy people. With great regard & esteem, I am, Sir, Your most Obedt Hbe Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 24 May 1789
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Baltimore 24 May 1789.

It may give you some pleasure to know from one who cannot be supposed to have any interest in concealing disagreeable circumstances from you, that all your late public acts, and the arrangements which respect your household meet with universal approbation. Men of different political sentiments have united in your praise. The unfriendly to the constitution have only ventured to observe “that your successors will receive from your hands a government firmly established without your principles or moderation to direct it.” I beleive with them that you will have the merit of giving stability to the government, but I am also disposed to think, that the next generation will be as competent to the preservation of their liberties as the present, so that on this point I am perfectly at ease. You see however from the observation, that though these men find nothing wherewith

to blame you, their enmity to the constitution is of an inextinguishable nature.
I mentioned to you in a little memorandum Mr Purviance as a candidate for a place in the customs. Poor man I am distressed for him on many accounts. The money necessary to support him at New York is wanted to maintain his family here; added to which I understand his journey has been delayed by his falling sick at Philada. My chief reason for introducing this subject again, is its having been suggested to me that Mr Smith of this Town one of our representatives, from an apprehension that he may stand in the way of his son in law General Williams (who is an expectant for an office) rather disfavors his interest with our Senators, who, owing to their remote situation from Baltimore can know little or nothing of him. I hope this is not true, because the general opinion is that there will be a division of the customs, in which case he might at least have spoken of him as qualified for an inferior or subordinate appointment. I hope, moreover, that it is not true, because I have a good opinion of Mr Smith, which such a conduct would undoubtedly destroy; for to my own knowlege, no inhabitant of Baltimore who is candidate for a place, is so generally beloved—has been so much of the federalist, or possesses more integrity and merchantile ability. Ascribe then, my dear and ever revered General this second trouble which I give you to the purest motives, a desire to rest this poor mans application on his real merits, and that it may come before you free from any interested colouring.
Mrs Washington I hope is with you by this time. She was very kind and we shall long remember the honor she did us. I was sorry we were obliged to harrass her with company (her stay being so very short) but our neighbours who visited her, would never have forgiven me if they had not been asked to supper. I have promised Mrs Washington however, that she shall be more private when she inclines to see Mount Vernon. Mrs McHenry prays her to accept of her most sincere regards and wishes for her health.
May you, my dear General, continue to support your new character with the same nobleness and dignity with which you have commenced it. As yet you have no storms to contend with; and when they happen, you stand on ground where you may see the waves of party break under you without being injured

by their greatest violence. God be with you and long preserve you on this elevated situation so necessary to your own peace and the public safety. With the most profound and sincere respect and affection I am your obt st

James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Charles Pettit, 24 May 1789
From: Pettit, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 24th May 1789

Having at length obtained a Settlement of the Accounts of the extensive public Trust in which I was connected with General Greene, so as to ascertain a Balance in our favour, I can with the greater Freedom offer my future Services to the United States, if there should be any Department in which they can be usefully employed.
While the moderate Share of Property, which I derived from Industry in earlier Life, is with held from me by the debilitated State of the public Funds, I can neither command the Use of it as a Capital in Business, nor derive from it the Income it ought to produce. Under these Circumstances I must own that some Emolument from Office would be convenient to me; and, provided I can be placed in a Situation to render the Public adequate Service, desireable. I avoid suggesting any particular Station as the Object of my Wishes, because I doubt not that in the necessary Distribution of Employments your Excellency will find Occasion to select Men for some purposes from an Idea of their fitness for the Occasion rather than from their Choice of

an Office. Neither do I approach you armed with Recommendations nor the Solicitation of Friends, because I feel a Confidence that such Means are not necessary to procure from Your Excellency as favourable Notice as I ought to receive. The different Stations in which I have moved, and my Conduct in those Stations are the only Credentials I offer. If these, fairly examined, are insufficient to recommend me as worthy of Public Confidence, I must suppose, however mortifying the Supposition, that I ought not to enjoy it. With the most perfect Respect, I have the Honor to be, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

Chas Pettit


Title: To George Washington from ——, 25 May 1789
From: Unknown
To: Washington, George

Great and exalted man
Albany May 25. 1789.

It is not on my own account that I address you, no! it concerns the Wellfare the internal strength liberty so dearly and so bravely fought for, things which are hastening to their ruin in particular in the parts about Albany & Schonactady.
Cast an eye upon them, great man, do not give credit to my pen, neither take your information from the wealthy, but listen to the well founded observations of the poor or the well thinking part of those, that are in moderate circumstances, judge thereof and take your measures accordingly, for wise and unambiguous

laws are the means for putting an end to all manner of abuses.
It is not in your hand alone, exalted man! to free from their oppressors the inhabitants of these parts, who get more and more oppressed by the finest and the most imperceptible cunning; neither can that part of the yoke, which in an immediate but in a sure manner tends to aristocratical tyranny be shaken off at once, no! either of it is as impossible, as on an invisible spirit to lay hold with a forcible hand.
The wealthiest inhabitants here are Hollanders or, as they call themselves, Dutchmen, naturally prone to avarice and to insatiable thirst for gain, to a total oppression of those that can make no resistance.
In what State of Europe (even those not excepted, which groan under the most abject slavery) is it allowed, that a merchant or any person else may buy up the immediate necessaries of life, i mean grain of all sorts, before it is brought to market, and hoard it up untill he can make an hundred per cent to the cost of his fellow-citizens? not in one! and i believe not even in Turkey, though the greatest propensity to avarice and a thirst for gain is attributed to that nation.
But it is at Albany that this is allowed, and why? because the friends of the merchants and the latter themselves hold all the most profitable offices, and there is no person not belonging to their family (except the collected power of the people) that can oppose them. They did send their servants a distance of six till ten miles out of town for the purpose of buying up all grain they could meet with. The honest citizen of ordinary circumstances with the money in his hand by every Sleigh or waggon had to hear the answer; it is sold already. Thus it was with pipe Staves, planks and all other things. When a vessel now arrives with corn, potatoes and other high prized necessaries of life, then the whole cargo is purchased at once. Who has invested these wealthy adversaries, who have nothing of the man about them except the external shape and the internal power of forming sharp judgments abusing it in a manner derogatory to true humanity, the image of the almighty and contrary to the purpose of our great creator, who, i say has invested them with an exclusive right thus to act with their fellow brethren, that are

not so wealthy as themselves, to snatch their bit of bread out of their mouths and to live upon the marrow of their bones which is slowly consuming? Surely not the Creator. True it is that the almighty has ordered wealth and indigence, both to have place, and this order is necessary to the system of the universe, but is it his will, that the wealthy shall still more oppress the poor? It is by no means possible, that he should have created one member of the body to destroy the rest, but on the contrary, that be means thereof the perfection of the whole be promoted.
This winter when the old paper money was called in, it was that the wealthy must have again advantage, but of whom? surely of the poor man: Notice was indeed given, that the old bills should not any more pass after a certain fixed day, but they could be brought to the merchant, who would not receive them unless goods were taken for half of their value, of which he wished to be rid, and which for current money he could not have sold nearly so high. Was there none of the great freeholders here Sufficiently sure to be intrusted with so much money out of the treasury in order to supply Albany? It is true he must have been paid out of the treasury for his trouble, for no one would have undertaken to do it gratis, but would it not have been better, that the whole state had paid it, than that the burden thus fell upon single families; In general there is no occasion to mistrust those freeholders if good writings are made; they have a princely income, but their expences are not as great as those of an english or a german merchant, who besides his trade has no income whatever; they keep their tailors, weavers and such like tradesmen, seamstresses & so on, in their houses, and when they have any thing to do, to which their slaves are incompetent, they take white people, with whom the[y] are very close in agreement still punctual with respect to payment; when they can have it, they like to find their workmen, but make a deduction for their fare from the wages; and upon arts and sciences they spent nothing at all, they in general take up with any fare, and they hate luxury, for money is their god.
I would fain wish to relieve every one that suffers injuries, but i can not, yet representations to those that can help, refuge to the most exalted man of our States, give me hope, that all abuses, which oppress the poor, will be done away. I am yours that feels sentiments of the heighest respect to your great merits.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Dawes, 25 May 1789
From: Dawes, Thomas
To: Washington, George

New York 25th May 1789

Having been lately introduced to your Excellency’s person, my constraint in making this application is in some measure diminished. I am requested by the friends of Mr James Greenleaf to mention him to your Excellency as a gentleman who would do honor to this his country in the character of resident or consul at the Hague. He is a native of Boston where he lived until about seven years past. He is now of the mercantile house of Watson and Greenleaf of this city; tho’ his residence is at Amsterdam, he having there lately married into a family of rank & influence. If your Excellency should think fit to consider Mr Greenleaf among the candidates for the office I have mentioned, I would take the liberty of referring to the Vice-president for some further information touching the character and connections of Mr Greenleaf. His credit and circumstances in Holland must, I believe, be known to Mr Van Berkel Junr the minister from that country. If it should be found necessary I believe that ample testimonials could be procured of the abilities and requirements of Mr Greenleaf.
Hoping that this mode of introducing the foregoing subject to your Excellency will not be considered as improper I am with all possible veneration and respect Your Excellency’s most obedt, most humble servant

Thomas Dawes Junr


Title: To George Washington from Keenetteteh, 25 May 1789
From: Keenetteteh
To: Washington, George

Allejoy [Tenn.] May the 25th 1789

Greate & Beloved Brother I have thought the Day Long to See you, Since I heare So much good of you, I think you are the man that can Settle our Land in Peace, I have seen the Day when the Little Carpenter & my self Brought in Col. Stewart that I was able to walk, then I was a young man & warrior, & so was you—But the Days are Past & cannot come Back no more, I Set off with my Beloved Son (Bennet Ballew) to See you once more, & the Greate Counciel of the white People, But I was not able to hold out, But was oblig’d to Return home after Coming Better than a hundred miles, But I hope to See you the nix time my Son comes in that way—I hope the greate Spirit above will Put it in to your harte to Do us all the good you Can, as we are in greate Destress at this time, my Son Can in form you all what we want you to Do for us, I hope our Greate father above will make all your harts as one, & cause you to Do Some thing for us, I am yr old friend & Brother to my oldest Brother

[mark] Keenetteteh


Title: From George Washington to Moustier, 25 May 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Moustier, Eléanor-François-Elie, comte de

Sir,
New York May 25th 1789

What circumstances there may be existing between our two nations, to which you allude on account of their peculiarity, I know not. But as those nations are happily connected in the strictest ties of Amity, not less by inclination & interest, than by the solemnity of a Treaty; and as the United States are too remote from Europe to take any share in the local politics of that Continent; I had concluded, that Commerce was the only subject of Negotiations, which could, at present, be very interesting to the Inhabitants of the two Countries. In two letters which I had the pleasure of writing to you before I returned into public life, I stated (if I remember rightly, for I have not the copies of the letters with me) that I was so little acquainted with commercial affairs, that I should very much distrust my own judgment, even in the opinions which I might be obliged to hazard in treating casually of them. This fact, if there had been no other circumstance that merited a consideration, would be a conclusive reason for preventing me individually from entering upon any kind of negotiations on that subject. For, while I find myself incompetent to it, I really believe that much reciprocal advantage might be

acquired if that subject could be candidly & intelligently managed. This I should hope, too, might be the case; and so far shall I be from throwing any obstacles in the way, that I shall certainly take a great pleasure in removing (so far as lays in my power) such as may occur. Every one who has any knowledge of my manner of acting in public life, will be persuaded that I am not accustomed to impede the dispatch or frustrate the success of business, by a ceremonious attention to idle forms. Any person, of that description, will also be satisfied that I should not readily consent to lose one of the most important functions of my office, for the sake of preserving an imaginary dignity. But, perhaps, if there are rules of proceeding, which have originated from the wisdom of Statesmen & are sanctioned by the common consent of Nations, it would not be prudent for a young State to dispense with them altogether, at least, without some substantial cause for so doing. I have myself been induced to think, possibly from the habits of experience, that in general the best mode of conducting negotiations, the detail & progress of which might be liable to accidental mistakes or unintentional misrepresentations, is by writing. This mode, if I was myself obliged to negotiate with any one, I should still pursue. I have, however, been taught to believe that there is, in most polished nations, a system established, with regard to the foreign as well as the other great Departments, which, from the utility, the necessity, & the reason of the thing, provides that business should be digested & prepared by the Heads of those Departments. The impossibility that one man should be able to perform all the great business of the State, I take to have been the reason for instituting the great Departments, & appointing officers therein, to assist the Supreme Magistrate in discharging the duties of his trust. And, perhaps I may be allowed to say of myself, that the Supreme Magistrate of no State can have a greater variety of important business to perform in person, than I have at this moment. Very many things will doubtless occur to you, Sir, as being incident to the office of President in the commencement of the Government, which cannot be done by the intervention of a third person. You will give me leave to say likewise, that no third person (was there a disposition for it) shall ever have it in his power to erect a wall between me & the Diplomatic Corps; that is to say, to prevent necessary communications. Nor

has any body insinuated that it would be beneath the Dignity of a President of the United States occasionally to transact business with a foreign Minister. But in what light the Public might view the establishment of a precedent for negotiating the business of a Department, without any agency of the Head of the Department who was appointed for that very purpose, I do not at present pretend to determine: Nor whether a similar practice, in that case, must not of right be extended hereafter to all Diplomatic Characters of the same rank.
Here you will be pleased to observe, Sir, that I am writing as General Washington to the Count de Moustiers. Happy am I, that my regard for yourself and your Nation is so far from being equivocal, that I have had several occasions of making it known to you both in conversation & writing. And I hope you will consider this confiden⟨tial⟩ letter as an evidence of the extreme regret which ⟨I s⟩hould feel, in being obliged to decline any proposition⟨s, as to⟩ the mode of doing business, from a person who has ⟨so⟩ many titles to my esteem as the Count de Moustiers. I will only add, that, under my present impressions, I cannot persuade my self that I should be justifiable in deviating essentially from established forms. With the highest sentiments of esteem & regard⟨,⟩ I am, Sir Your Most obedt & Most humble Servant


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 25 May 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
New York, May 25th 1789

In pursuance of the order of the late Congress, Treaties between the United States, and several nations of Indians, have been negociated and signed. These Treaties, with sundry papers respecting them, I now lay before you, for your consideration and advice, by the hands of General Knox, under whose official superintendence the business was transacted, and who will be ready to communicate to you any information on such points, as may appear to require it.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Burrall, 26 May 1789 [letter not found]
From: Burrall, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Jonathan Burrall, 26 May 1789. Burrall wrote to David Humphreys, 6 Aug. 1789: “I had the honor of addressing to the President of United States of the 26th of May last.”


Title: To George Washington from Lambert, 26 May 1789 [letter not found]
From: Lambert, ——
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lambert, 26 May 1789. On 31 May GW wrote to Lambert: “I have received your letter of the 26th.”


Title: To George Washington from La Vallière, 26 May 1789
From: La Vallière (Valtière), Henri-Joseph de Chassey-Rieux, baron de
To: Washington, George

Cap ce 26e May 1789.

Votre Excellence, Monsieur, a Eté instruite dans Les tems d’hostilité Et de guerre des services qu’avec jnclination Et Empressements j’ay Rendus Comme Commandant pour Le Roy au Mole Et ses dependances a Messieurs Les Commandts de Batiments Et negotiants des Etats unis; j’us L’honneur d’adresser a Votre Excellence En divers tems plusieurs officiers Et jeunes gens français a qui Vous avés Bien Voulu donner des Emplois Et m’en avés accusé Reception En m’en temoignant Votre satisfaction.
j’ay Eté assés heureux que dêtre util aux Respectables Etats unis En protegeant Leur Batiments Et En Empechant Les Corsaires Ennemis de s’en Emparer, j’ay Reçu des temoignages de satisfaction Des Capitns de Votre Nation.
on me flatte, Monsieur, d’une marque de Contentement qui me fera Le plus grand plaisir, C’est de L’admission dans L’honorable societé de Cincinnatus ainsy que La Eté Mr De Lilencourt Brigadier des armées du Roy Et autres qui n’ont Eté a l’amerique.
j’ose Esperer Cette même faveur Et prie Votre Excellence d’en acheminer L’effet a La premiere assemblée de la societé. je suis avec Le plus Respectueux attachement de Votre Excellence Monsieur Le trés humble Et trés obeissent serviteur

Le Bon De la ValliereMaréchal des Camps Et armées du Roy


Title: To George Washington from John R. Livingston, 26 May 1789
From: Livingston, John R.
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York May 26. 1789

Where great services have been performed, or where great talents are centered, a confidence is seldom wanting to make application for employment; but as it would be boasting to pretend either to one or the other, it is with diffidence I now address your Excellency upon this subject For when I compare a few years services with the late Presidents of Congress to the many arduous and difficult transactions other Candidates have experienced, I feel that want of merit which would entitle me to your favorable consideration—but as new Offices may be created, and as new circumstances may arise to make it eligible to bring forward Characters who have not hitherto been conspicuous in public life, I am induced to cherish a hope that some appointment may be alloted to which my abilities are not inadequate.
With respect to Family & Connexion I beleive no enquiry will be necessary as you Sir are well acquainted with both, but what respects my particular Character a reference to Gentlemen with whom I have been in the habits of intimacy will elucidate, among those are the Three last Presidents of Congress, Genl Knox, Baron Steuban Colo. Hamilton and many others—Should such enquiries prove satisfactory and any Office be created to which pretensions of a higher nature have not the prefference

a gratitude for the appointment would be added to my present esteem and warm wishes for your Excellencies safety and happiness—I have the honor to remain With profound respect Your most obdient And very Humble Servt

John R. Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Mathew Carey, 27 May 1789
From: Carey, Mathew
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia, May 27, 1789

In imitation of the example you set me, I decline burning your letter. I enclose it.
I am sorry that severe necessity impelled me to extort a secret from you, which I was no more desirous to pry into, than you could be to communicate. It shall not escape me.
Whether I shall be able to steer the A.M. thro’ the surrounding difficulties, remains yet a matter of doubt with me. If it be at all possible, it will be at the expence of great labour, unwearied perseverance, and the keenest distress of mind. To my view are presented the extremes of misery or of affluence. May heaven avert the former.
The benevolence of your disposition, & your natural indulgence towards mankind, will, I hope, induce you to excuse the intrusions I have been guilty of. They shall never be repeated. I remain, sir, with every sentiment of regard & esteem, your obt & very hble servt

M. Carey.


Title: To George Washington from David Lenox, 27 May 1789
From: Lenox, David
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 27th May 1789

I came to this City to present myself to your Excellency and to add to the number of applicants for Office, in doing this it is far from my intention to apply for an Office which has been held by another, in arranging the Offices under the new Government new ones will arise particularly in the Customs and to be honored with your nomination would be extremely flattering to me—As I am about returning to Philadelphia I shall rest the merit of my pretensions entirely on your former knowledge of me (if in the multiplicity of your affairs I may not be forgot) and a reference to my present Character to any of the Senators or Representatives from the State of Pennsylvania should your Excellency incline to take that trouble—I have the honor to be with the utmost respect Your Excellencys most Obedt Servant

David Lenox


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Nicholson, 27 May 1789
From: Nicholson, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Balt. Town [Md.] May the 27. 1789

Not having the Honor of being personally known to your Excely I have taken the Liberty of transmitting you the inclosed Letter—I have likewise wrote to our Senators on the same business not knowing through what channel your Excely may think proper to recieve applications of this nature. I am with Sentiments of the Highest respect your most Obt Hble Servt

Benj: Nicholson


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Blackden, 28 May 1789
From: Blackden, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dear General—
Paris May 28th 1789.

Monsieur De Lormerie a french Gentleman and a friend of Mine, wishes to present to your Excellency a book and he has asked me for a line of introduction.
Presuming upon your goodness, I shall Pray you to consider him as a Zealous and Warm friend to the Government and people of America, where he flatters himself he shall pass the remainder of his life in tranquility And for this purpose he some time since has made a purchase of lands in Virginia, and intends in a convenient time to pass into America.
I pray your Excellency to Accept my most Ardent wishes for the continuence of your health and all your enjoyments with which I have the honor to be, Dear General Your Most Obedient humble Servant

Sam. Blackden


Title: To George Washington from David Henley, 28 May 1789
From: Henley, David
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 28th May 1789

My Situation being such as induces me to lay before your Excellency, the state of my case, which I hope will be a sufficient apology for my troubleing you at this time, when matters of such magnitude and consequence must before you in the great public concerns of the Nation; but being convinced that your ideas of justice are such, as will make you ever ready to hear, and as far as is consonant therewith willing to assist such as have felt the inconveniences and distress of doing public business heretofore I shall proceed to give you a Summary view of what I have felt upon the occasion.
After my Services in the Army I engaged in business as joint Agent with Mr Otis under Congress, for clothing the Army; in which transactions my misfortunes originated, for in those negotiations several Millions of Old Continental Money passed through our hands besides near One hundred thousand pounds in specie & Bills of Exchange; from these vast expenditures of Money, Your excellency must be convinced the business was essential and it was so to the Army—convinced of their Sufferings I was led to be active, assiduous and faithfull, that I might accomplish two objects in the discharge of my duty; to make them as comfortable as in my power, and to enable them to keep the field in the extreem Winter of 1780: for had it not have been for the large quantity of Clothing we purchased in the year 1779, and in which I took an active part and risque, almost upon myself; having exceeded the ideas of Congress upon this occasion, and in which it took me many months to convince that Honble body the necessity there was of this purchase: and in which negotiation they was the winter following so convinced of the propriety of my conduct, that many of the Gentlemen confessed without this Cloathing the troops must have suffered in Such a manner, that the consequences might have been very prejudicial to the Army and consequently to the public cause. this contract was honorably discharged in Bills of Exchange by Congress. after finishing the whole business and Settleing my Accounts with the public, a balance remained due of about 9000 Dollars, with Several Years interest upon it, besides

a balance of 2000 Dollars, with interest from the state of Massachusetts, for clothing the Regiment of that State, making in the whole balance due about fourteen thousand Dollars, which was received in Certifycates, the half of which was mine, and these did not yield me 2/6 in the pound—a Sum not equal to pay the expences, and for my time in getting my Accounts Settled, this took me Six months, being so involved in difficulties by this hard, tho’ necessitous payment of the public. I have been struggling to get through them continueing my employment in the public line, and am now in a way so small, that it will scarce maintain me and my Children. if therefore your Excellency should think me worthy of attention, and there is any thing in which I can be of Service to the public and myself, that you may think fit to entrust me with—You may depend upon my executing it with industry and fidelity.
I could mention other circumstances to convince your excellency of my propriety in requesting your attention but I am Satisfyed it is not proper that Your mind should be taken up with small objects—I therefore conclude in praying that God may continue you many Years to come, a blessing to the nation over whom you preside. and remain with the most profound respect Your Excellencys most Obedit and Hum. Servt

David Henley


Title: To George Washington from Louis-Philippe Gallot de Lormerie, 28 May 1789
From: Lormerie, Louis-Philippe Gallot de
To: Washington, George

Excellençe
28 May 1789.

Vos vertus civiles et vos talens militaires ont donné a Votre Patrie la Liberté et le Bonheur; mais leur influence sur celui du Globe entier est encor Préferable a mes yeux. Cest a ce Grand But que tend tout homme qui se sent digne d’arriver a L’immortalité. L’univers vous a décerné d’avançe cette illustration.
Daignés donc, Exçellence, agréer L’hommage d’une idée que je crois selon vos Principes. Je ne crains point de Présenter un Plan de Paix perpètuelle a un Général qui est Encor plus Philosophe que Guerrier. Si vous L’honorés de votre suffrâge il lui donnera un Grand Poids et le Genre humain vous auroit encor cette nouvelle et importante obligation.
L’Agriculture etant une de mes Principales et plus chéres obligations j’ai receuilli des Graines que j’ai L’honneur de vous adresser il s’en trouvera peut être quelques unes que n’a point encore la Virginie.
J’ai une Grace, General, a vous demander a cet Egard, Cest de vouloir bien ordonner qu’on Envoye de ces mêmes Graines (et dans la même caisse) lannée Prochaine lors qu’elles auront Produit, et même des aprésent de celles dont les Paquets sont doubles, telles que les Lormeries, auxquelles j’ai donné mon nom en faveur de L’utilité dont je Pense qu’elles pouront être dans le Pays de Kentucky pres de Loüis-ville. j’ai acquis dans ce canton 6700 acres de Mr Sam: Blackden sur les Bords de l’Ohio pres Doërun, a quelque distançe de la Riviére salée.
Vous connoissés sans doute par vous même Général ou par messieurs vos amis quelque bon cultivateur dans ce canton qui soit curieux de nouvelles et surtout d’utiles productions. J’Enverrai sou peu de tems une instruction sur la Culture des Raçines, Lormeries, Je vous supplie de les recommander Particulièrement.
J’aurois eté deja visiter mes Possessions, en Kentucky, mais la Crainte d’Etre Pillé et même asassiné par les sauvâges soit dans la route, soit dans mon habitation, m’a arrêté. Ce Beau Pays, au Centre des Etats unis, et qui peut leur Procurer un commerce si florissant par le Misissipi ne sera t’il donc pas protegé contre ces horribles Dévastations? ce sera sans doute un des premiers

fruits du Gouvernement sage et ferme, que vous verrés, Excellençe, de Donner a lamérique. Quels Biens inappréçiables, et prochains elle doit en retirer!
J’ai l’honneur de vous Présenter aussi, Genéral, un ouvrage français, ou vous verrés que mes compatriotes savent apprèçier et Chanter vos vertus, et vos talens.
J’y Joins aussi un Petit ouvrâge intitulé Etrennes de la Vertu, dont je suis coopèrateur et qui contient quelques traits honorables pour la nation française. Jose Espérer que dans vos Dèlassemens, Excellençe, vous daignerés jetter sur ces Productions d’un peuple qui a combattu Glorieusemum pour vous et sous vos ordres, quelques regards indulgens.
Le Col: Samuel Blackden avec lequel j’ai L’avantage d’etre lié d’amitié depuis trois ans a la bonté de me donner une Lettre pour votre Exçellençe et Cest prinçipalement sous ses auspiçés que j’ai Lhonneur de vous écrire et de vous suppliër d’agréer les sentimens de la Profonde et sincère vénération, dans lesquels Je Suis, De Votre Exçellençe, le très humble et trés obeissant serviteur

De Lormerie

Gentilhomme de S. A. R. Mgr Comte D’Artois, frère du roi, membre correspondant de la societé Royale d’agriculture, et de celle Philantropique de Paris, rùi St nicuise, a Paris