Title: To George Washington from Thomas Paine, 31 May 1790
From: Paine, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
London May 31. 1790

By Mr James Morris who sailed in the May Packet I transmitted you a letter from the Marquis de la Fayette, at the same time informing you that the Marquis had entrusted to my charge the Key of the Bastile and a drawing of that Prison as a present to your Excellency. Mr J. Rutlege Junr had entended coming in the Ship. Marquis de la Fayette and I had chosen that opportunity for the purpose of transmitting the present but the Ship not sailing at the time appointed Mr Rutledge takes his passage, in the Packet, and I have committed to his Care those trophies of Liberty which I know it will give you pleasure to receive—The french Revolution is not only compleat but triumphant & the envious disposition of this nation is compelled to own the magnanimity with which it has been conducted.
The political hemisphere is again clouded by a dispute between England and Spain—the circumstances of which you will hear before this letter can arrive—A Messenger was sent from hence the 6th Inst. to Madrid with very peremptory demands and to wait there only forty-eight hours—his return has been expected for two or three days past—I was this morning at the Marquis del Campo’s but nothing is yet arrived. Mr Rutledge setts off at 4 oClock this afternoon, but should any news arrive before the making up the mail on Wednesday June 2 I will forward it to you under cover.
The views of this Court, as well as of the Nation so far as they extend to South America, are not for the purpose of Freedom but Conquest—They already talk of Sending some of the young Branches to Reign over them and to pay off their national Debt with the produce of the Mines—The Bondage of those Countries will, as far as I can perceive, be prolonged by what th⟨is⟩ Court has in Contemplation.
My Bridge is arrived and I have engaged a place to erect it in—a little time will determine its fate but I yet see no cause to doubt of its Success—tho’ it is very probable that a War, should it break out, will, as in all new things prevent its progress so far as regard profits.
In the partition in the Box, which contain⟨s⟩ the key of the Bastile—I have put up half a dozen Razors manufactured from

Cast-Steel made at the Works where the Bridge was constructed which I request you to accept as a little token from a very grateful heart.
I received about a Week ago a letter from Mr G. Clymer—It is dated the 4th Feby—but has been travelling ever since—I request you to acknowlege it for me and that I will answer it when my Bridge is erected. With much affection to all my Friends and many wishes to see them again I am Sir your much obliged and Obedient humble Servant

Thomas Paine


Title: To George Washington from Beverley Randolph, 31 May 1790
From: Randolph, Beverley
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Richmond [Va.] May 31st 1790.

The inclosed copy of a letter from the Spanish Governor of New Orleans to a respectable Gentleman in Kentucky was handed to me by mr Banks of this City. As the subject of this paper appears interesting to the United States I have taken the liberty to forward it to you. I am with the highest respect your most obt Servt

Beverley Randolph


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 31 May 1790
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

United States [New York]
Gentlemen of the Senate,May 31st 1790
M. de Poiery served in the American Army for several of the last years of the late war, as Secretary to Major General the Marquis de la Fayette, and might probably at that time have obtained the Commission of Captain from Congress upon application to that Body. At present he is an officer in the French National Guards, and solicits a Brevet Commission from the United States of America. I am authorised to add, that, while the compliance will involve no expense on our part, it will be particularly grateful to that friend of America, the Marquis de la Fayette.
I therefore nominate M. de Poiery to be a Captain by Brevet.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Gideon Wanton, 31 May 1790
From: Wanton, Gideon
To: Washington, George

Newport [R.I.]
May it please your Excellency.May 31th 1790
For two years past I have been elected by the General Assembly of this State, Naval Officer for this port and District of Newport, and at present hold that Office, but as that appointment ceases by the adoption of the new Constitution, I humbly supplicate your Excellency’s interposition for my continuance in the same, being altogether unacquainted with every Gent. who has a Seat in Congress I conceive that will be my excuse for an immediate Application to your Excellency.
Pardon me Sr for informing you that I am the Son of Gideon Wanton Esq; deced, many years Governor here previous to American Independency, that I am now advanced in life and my Fortune by a concourse of unfavourable Events far from splendid, and that during the time of my officiating under this State, I have discharged the trust reposed in me to the Satisfaction of the Publick, and if it shall please Your Excellency to promote my continuance in that Office, it shall be my earnest endeavour to discharge the same with all Fidelity, and ever to acknowledge, that I am with due respect Sr Your Excellys most obedient, obliged & humble Servt

Gideon Wanton


Title: From George Washington to the Savannah, Ga., Hebrew Congregation, 14 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Savannah, Georgia, Hebrew Congregation

Gentlemen,
[14 June 1790]

I thank you with great sincerity for your congratulations on my appointment to the office, which I have the honor to hold by the unanimous choice of my fellow-citizens: and especially for the expressions which you are pleased to use in testifying the confidence that is reposed in me by your congregation.
As the delay which has naturally intervened between my election and your address has afforded an opportunity for appreciating the merits of the federal-government, and for communicating your sentiments of its administration—I have rather to express my satisfaction than regret at a circumstance, which demonstrates (upon experiment) your attachment to the former as well as approbation of the latter.
I rejoice that a spirit of liberality and philanthropy is much more prevalent than it formerly was among the enlightened nations of the earth; and that your brethren will benefit thereby in proportion as it shall become still more extensive. Happily the people of the United States of America have, in many instances, exhibited examples worthy of imitation—The salutary influence of which will doubtless extend much farther, if gratefully enjoying those blessings of peace which (under favor of Heaven) have been obtained by fortitude in war, they shall conduct themselves with reverence to the Deity, and charity towards their fellow-creatures.
May the same wonder-working Deity, who long since delivering the Hebrews from their Egyptian Oppressors planted them in the promised land—whose providential agency has lately been conspicuous in establishing these United States as an independent nation—still continue to water them with the dews of Heaven and to make the inhabitants of every denomination participate in the temporal and spiritual blessings of that people whose God is Jehovah.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Stephen Moore, 1 June 1790
From: Moore, Stephen
To: Washington, George

New York 1st June 1790

The Memorial and Petition of Stephen Moore of the State of North Carolina Humbly Sheweth
That, at a season when it is the wish of every friend to America not to break in upon your tranquility, your Memorialist finds himself under the painful necessity of intruding a few moments on your time.
That having devoted his constant efforts and a large proportion of his property in aiding & furnishing the Army acting in the southern department; And having endured the miseries of a tedious & painful captivity in the City & harbour of Charleston; with a number of other expensive casualties in this line, his fortune is become exceedingly impaired.
That having a numerous & growing family, looking to him for tuition & support through early life, he wishes by every virtuous endeavour to occupy himself, in such way, as that his labours may tend towards making his Children useful to the society of which they are to become members.
That your memorialist has his residence near Hillsborough, one of the most central towns in the State of North Carolina, and could with general convenience to the people of the State, and he hopes with due justice to the United States execute such office as he may be thought worthy of.
With this view your memorialist humbly prays that his case may be taken into your favourable consideration, And that

he may receive such marks of your attention as in your goodness may seem right. And your memorialist as in duty bound will ever pray

Stephen Moore


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 1 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

United States [New York] June 1st 1790.
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Having received official information of the accession of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to the Constitution of the United States, I take the earliest opportunity of communicating the same to you, with my Congratulations on this happy event, which unites under the general Government all the States which were originally confederated; and have directed my Secretary to lay before you a copy of the letter from the President of the Convention of the State of Rhode Island to the President of the United States.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Wakelin Welch & Son, 1 June 1790
From: Wakelin Welch & Son
To: Washington, George

Sir
London 1st June 1790

We had the honor of receiving your Excellencys favors of 13th Octr & 1st March by the hands of Mr Morris.
Mr Morris has given his orders for the ornaments suitable for your dining Table, & for which, we have promised to pay, he observed that by sending some Goods, for you while he was in France⟨,⟩ he had advanced near £100, which if the Balance due to you in our hands would admit he should be glad of having it

but if not, it was very immaterial as he should send an order to a friend to receive it in the country.
In looking to your Excellency’s account in our Books it appears that the Balance in your favor is £95.16.—agreeable to the inclosed & which would have been more than to have purchasd the Goods but on a supposition you would have no objection to our paying the whole of the Balance to Mr Morris we wrote him accordingly and therefor⟨e⟩ do suppose when the Goods are ship’d and which imagine will be in the Montgomery Capt: Bunyan who sails for New York some time this Month he will draw for it.
There were Books we sent from Mr Young in Augt last as their value was to us unknown they remain unpaid.
In hopes to have the honor to receive your Excellencys farther commands we remain Your Excellencys Much Obliged and Most Obedt Ser⟨vts⟩

Wakn Welch


Title: To George Washington from John Canon, 2 June 1790 [letter not found]
From: Canon (Cannon), John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Canon, 2 June 1790. In a letter to John Canon of 25 June 1790, GW refers to a letter of “the 2. instant.”


Title: To George Washington from James Manning, 2 June 1790
From: Manning, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence [R.I.] June 2d 1790

I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on the joyful Event, the adoption of the Constitution of the United States by the State of Rhode Island on Saturday last; and to recommend to your Notice Capt. Samuel Snow (Son of the Revd & venerable Joseph Snow of this Town) as a Candidate for the office of Surveyor of the Customs in the Port of Providence. He was esteemed a good officer in the service of this State during the late War: was liberally educated, & is a man of Industry & Principle; &, in my opinion, would with ability, fidelity, & exactness, discharge the duties of that office. Among other reasons to enforce

his claim is that of a young and helpless family, with other dependants wholly indebted to his Industry for their support. He is viewed as second to none of the Applicants for that appointment, yet heard of by Sir Your Excellency’s Most obliged Most Humble Servt

James Manning


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 2 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

 United States [New York]
 Gentleman of the Senate,June 2nd 1790.
The Troops at present in service consisting of one regiment of Infantry and one Battalion of artillery were apportioned by the acts of the former Congress on the States of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; and as the Officers of said troops are in actual service, I nominate them, as in the list hereunto annexed, according to their ranks respectively, for appointments under the act for regulating the military establishment of the United States, passed the 30th of April 1790. And as the said act requires an additional number of officers for one battalion of Infantry, I nominate, under the head of “New-Appointments” in the annexed list, the officers for the same from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia; it being proposed to raise the said battalion in those States.
Go: Washington

Infantry

Officers in Service

Rank
Names
State

Lieutenant colonel commandant.
}

Josiah Hermer.

Brigadier General by brevet 31 July 1787 Pennsylvania

Majors
John Palsgrave Wyllys
Connecticut

John F. Hamtramck
New York

Captains
1 David Zeigler
Pennsylvania

2 Jonathan Heart
Connecticut

3 David Strong
ditto

4 William McCurdy
Pennsylvania

5 John Mercer
New Jersey

6 John Smith
New York

7 Joseph Ashton
Pennsylvania

8 Erkuries Beatty
ditto

Lieutenants
1 Thomas Doyle
Pennsylvania

2 John Armstrong
ditto

3 Ebenezer Frothingham
Connecticut

4 John Pratt
ditto

5 William Kersey
New Jersey

6 William Peters
New York

7 Jacob Kingsbury
Connecticut

8 Ebenezer Denny
Pennsylvania

Ensigns
1 Cornelius R. Sedam
New Jersey

2 Nathan McDowell
Pennsylvania

3 John Jeffers
Connecticut

4 Abner Pryor
New York

5 Asa Hartshorne
Connecticut

6 Robert Thomson
Pennsylvania

7 Jacob Melcher
ditto

8 John Morgan
New Jersey—Vice Francis

Luce resigned 1st May 1790.

Surgeon
Richard Allison
Pennsylvania

Mates
John Elliott
New York

John M. Scott
New Jersey

New Appointments

Major
Alexander Parker

Virginia
}

Maryland

North Carolina
officers who served in the late war

Georgia

Virginia

Georgia

North Carolina

Maryland

Virginia

ditto

ditto

Captains
1 Alexander Trueman

2 Joseph Monfort

3 Michael Rudolph

4 Ballard Smith

Lieutenants
1 Thomas Martin

2 Thomas Pasteur

3 Mark McPherson

4 John Steel

Ensigns
1 Richard Archer

2 Thomson Seayres

[Ensigns]
3 Ezekiel Polke
North Carolina

4 James Clay
Georgia

Artillery

Officers in Service

Major Commandant
John Doughty
New Jersey

Captains
1 William Ferguson
Pennsylvania

2 James Bradford
New York

3 Henry Burbeck
Massachusetts

4 Joseph Savage
ditto

Lieutenants
1 Mahlon Ford
New Jersey

2 Derick Schuyler
New York

3 John Pierce
Massachusetts

4 Moses Porter
ditto

5 William Moor
ditto

6 Mathew Ernest
New York

7 Ebenezer Smith Fowle
Massachusetts

8 Edward Spear
Pennsylvania

Surgeons
Nathan Hayward
Massachusetts

Mate

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 3 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My dear Marquis.
New York June 3d 1790.

Your kind letter of the 12th of January is, as your letters always are, extremely acceptable to me. By some chance its arrival had been retarded to this time. Conscious of your friendly dispositions for me and realising the enormous burden of public business with which you was oppressed, I felt no solicitude but that you should progress directly forward and happily effect your great undertakings—How much, how sincerely am I rejoiced, My dear Marquis, to find that things are assuming so favorable an aspect in France! Be assured that you always have my best and most ardent wishes for your success; and that, if I have not troubled you with letters of late, it was because I had nothing which it was very essential to communicate, and because I knew how much better your time was employed than in answering letters merely of a private nature.
You have doubtless been informed from time to time of the happy progress of our affairs. The principal difficulties which opposed themselves in any shape to the prosperous execution of our Government seem in a great measure to have been surmounted. A Good temper prevails among our Citizens. Rhode

Island has just now acceded to the Constitution, and has thus united under the general government all the States of the original Confederacy. Vermont we hope will soon come within the pale of the Union. Two new States exist under the immediate direction of the General Government, Viz. that at the head of which is Genl St Clair, and that which consists of the territory lately ceded by the State of North Carolina.
Our government is now happily carried into operation. Although some thorney questions still remain, it is to be hoped that the wisdom of those concerned in the national Legislature will dispose of them prudently. A funding system is one of the subjects which occasions most anxiety and perplexity. Yet our revenues have been considerably more productive than it was imagined they would be. In the last year, the plentiful crops and great prices of grain, have vastly augmented our remittances—The rate of exchange is also much in our favor. Importations of European goods have been uncommonly extensive, and the duties payable into the public Treasury proportionably so. Our Trade to the East Indies flourishes—The profits to Individuals are so considerable as to induce more persons to engage in it continually; a single vessel just arrived in this Port pays 30,000 Dollars to Government. Two Vessels fitted out for the fur trade to the North West Coast of America have succeeded well. The whole outfits of Vessels and cargoes cost but £7,000: one is returning home loaded with India produce, the other going back to the Coast of America; and they have deposited 100,000 Dollars of their profits in China. I mention this to shew the spirit of enterprize that prevails. I hope and trust our Commerce with the West India Islands belonging to different Nations (which is at present of no great consequence) will shortly be placed upon a better footing. As the People of this Country are sensible of the generous conduct of the French Nation, I can, with great satisfaction, give it as my decided opinion, that the most friendly dispositions prevail on our side the water towards that nation.
Many of your old acquaintances and Friends are concerned with me in the Administration of this Government. By having Mr Jefferson at the Head of the Department of State, Mr Jay of the Judiciary, Hamilton of the Treasury and Knox of that of War, I feel myself supported by able Co-adjutors, who harmonise extremely well together. I believe that these and the other appointments

generally have given perfect satisfaction to the Public. Poor Colo. Harrison, who was appointed one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, and declined, is lately dead.
I have, a few days since, had a severe attack of the peripneumony kind: but am now recovered, except in point of strength. My Physicians advise me to more exercise and less application to business. I cannot, however, avoid persuading myself that it is essential to accomplish whatever I have undertaken (though reluctantly) to the best of my abilities. But it is thought Congress will have a recess this summer, in which case, I propose going for a while to Mount Vernon. With sentiments of the sincerest affection I am, My dear Marquis, Yours &c.

George Washington


Title: From George Washington to David Ramsay, 3 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Ramsay, David

Sir,
New York, June 3rd 1790.

A copy of your history of the american Revolution has been presented to me by Mr Allen of this city, in compliance as he informs me with your orders.
I therefore beg, Sir, that you will accept my acknowledgments and best thanks for this mark of polite attention, from which I expect to derive much pleasure and satisfaction in the perusal, with very great esteem, I am Sir, your most obedient humble Servant

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Arthur Fenner, 4 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Fenner, Arthur

Sir,
N. York June 4th 1790.

In acknowledging the Rect of your Excellency’s letter of the 20th of May, I cannot forbear to congratulate you and the people of your State upon the happy event which has since taken place by the adoption and ratification of the Constitution of the United States by the Convention of Rhode Island.
Having now attained the desireable object of uniting under one general Government all those States which were originally confederated, we have a right to expect, with the blessing of a divine providence, that our Country will afford us all those domestic enjoyments of which a free people only can boast—and at the same time secure that respectability abroad which she is entitled to by nature and from circumstances. Since the bond of Union is now compleat, and we once more consider ourselves as one family, it is much to be hoped that reproaches will cease and prejudices be done away; for we should all remember that we are members of that community upon whose general success depends our particular and individual welfare—and, therefore, if we mean to support the Liberty and Independence which it has cost us so much blood & treasure to establish, we must drive far away the dæmon of party spirit and local reproach.
I should be deficient in politeness as well as sensibility was I to close this without acknowledging the impression which the great personal regard & warm wishes for my individual felicity expressed in your Letter—has made upon Your most Obedt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from John Steele, 4 June 1790
From: Steele, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York June 4th 1790

A sincere desire that the office of district Judge for No. Carolina, may be bestowed upon a worthy character induces me to

offer you my opinion at present. I have been told that Colo. Davie’s name has been mentioned to you already, he is unquestionably better calculated for the office, than any other man in the State; but acquainted as I am, with his practice as an attorney, his plans, and his prospects, I have reason to believe that he would not relinquish such profitable pursuits for so small a salary. Samuel Spencer Esqr. has been also mentioned, I presume for the same office; he is a good man, at present one of the judges of that state, not remarkable for his abilities, but nevertheless deserves well of his country. Colonel John Stokes, has not been mentioned, but I am authorised to transmit his name to your Excellency as a candidate for the same office.
This Gentleman is a native of Virginia, descended from a very respectable family, was a captain in the Sixth Regiment of that state in the late War, continued in service untill Colo. Beaufort was defeated in So. Carolina, when unfortunately he lost (among⟨st⟩ other wounds) his right hand. He then setled in No. Carolina, has practiced the law ever since, with reputation, and success, has been frequently a member of the State legislature wherein he supported a very respectable, and honorable rank, both as a man of business, and a man of abilities, was a member of the Convention and very instrumental in bringing about the ratification of the Constitution, is at this time Colo. Commandt of a Regt of militia Cavalry, and additional Judge of the supreme Court of Law and Equity in that State. Notwithstanding the loss of his right hand, few men write better than he does with the other, and is extreemely capable of business.
With respect to the Candidates for any other office within that State, or the ceded territory if my opinion, or any information from me, are necessary they shall be given with candor, and impartiality. I have the Honor, to be Your Excellency’s Most Humble Servant

Jno. Steele


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 4 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

United States [New York]
Gentlemen of the Senate,June 4th 1790.
I nominate the following persons to be Consuls and Vice-Consuls of the United States of America for the Ports which are affixed to their names. viz.
Cadiz  Richard Harrison of Virginia to be Consul of the United States of America for the Port of Cadiz in the Kingdom of Spain, and for such parts of the said Kingdom as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States in the said Kingdom.
Bilboa  Edward Church of Massachusetts to be Consul of the United States of America for the Port of Bilboa in the Kingdom

of Spain, and for such parts of the said Kingdom as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States in the said Kingdom.
Madeira  John Marsden Pintard of New York to be Consul of the United States of America for the Island of Madeira, and such other Islands of the allegiance of her most faithful Majesty as are nearer to the same than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States within the same allegiance.
Liverpool  James Maury of Virginia to be Consul of the United States of America for the port of Liverpool in the Kingdom of Great Britain, and for such parts of the said Kingdom as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States in the said Kingdom.
Cowes  Thomas Auldjo of the Kingdom of Great Britain, to be Vice-Consul of the United States of America for the port of Cowes, and such parts of the same Kingdom as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States within the said Kingdom.
Dublin  William Knox of New York to be Consul of the United States of America for the port of Dublin in the Kingdom of Ireland, and for such parts of the said Kingdom as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States in the said Kingdom.
Marseilles  The Sieur Etienne Cathalan the yo[u]nger of the Kingdom of France, Vice-Consul of the United States of America for the port of Marseilles and for such parts of the same Kingdom as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States within the same Kingdom.
Bordeaux  James Fenwick of Maryland to be Consul of the United States of America for the port of Bordeaux in the Kingdom of France, and for such parts of the same Kingdom as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States in the same Kingdom.
Nantes  Burrell Carnes of Massachusetts to be Consul of the United States of America for the port of Nantes in the Kingdom of France, and for such parts of the said Kingdom as are

nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States in the same Kingdom.
Havre  The Sieur de La Motte of the Kingdom of France, to be Vice-Consul of the United States of America for the port of Havre de grace and such parts of the said Kingdom as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States within the same Kingdom.
Rouen  Nathaniel Barrett of Massachusetts to be Consul of the United States of America for the port of Rouen in the Kingdom of France, and for such parts of the said Kingdom as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States in the said Kingdom.
Hispaniola  Sylvanus Bourne of Massachusetts, to be Consul of the United States of America for the Island of Hispaniola, and for such other Islands of the allegiance of his most Christian Majesty as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States within the same allegiance.
Martinique  Fulwar Skipwith of Virginia, to be Consul of the United States of America for the Island of Martinique, and for such other Islands and places of the allegiance of his most Christian Majesty as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States within the same allegiance.
Hamburgh  John Parish, Merchant of Hamburgh, to be Vice-Consul of the United States of America for Hamburgh.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Bloodworth, 5 June 1790
From: Bloodworth, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir
June 5th 1790

with the utmost defidence I proceed to exercize a priviledge founded in youre indulgence. that of Mentioning Carrecters to fill offices, created by the Adoption of the Constitution, & Ceedure of the Western Country, By North Carolina thiss subject are more irksom, as I consider it out of the line of my Duty, and only warrentable by youre permission. through thiss Chanel I venture to mention Coll⟨l⟩ William Blount, as a Carrecter which I have reason to Believe, would afford satisfaction to the Inhabitants as a Governer. thiss Belief is founded in the attention paid to him by their Members. & the people Electing him a Member for the Last Convention.
for judges David Campble, at present judge in that place also Mr Robert Hays, or Howel Tateham secretary. th⟨esse⟩ are carrecters with whome I have no personal acquaintance for States Attorney in the western Country Mr Edward Jones. with thiss Gentleman I have a personal acquaintance, he supports a good Carrecter, & has been twice return’d for the Town of Wilmington.

with respect to Judge for North Carolina, Mr Samuel Spencer one of oure State Judges, has express’d his Desire to fill that station. several Gentlemen have signifyed their Desire to be appointed States Attorney. viz: Mr Arnet, Mr Hambleton, Mr John Hay of Fayettville. & som of my Colliegues have Mentioned Mr John Sitgraves. who is a gentleman of Carrecter & represented the State in Congress in the Year 1785 Pleas to excuse the Liberty I have taken. With every sentiment of Esteem Due to Youre exalted Merrit I remain. sir. Youre Devoted Humble Servant

Timothy Bloodworth


Title: To George Washington from Henry Hollingsworth, 6 June 1790
From: Hollingsworth, Henry
To: Washington, George

And please your Excellency
Elkton [Md.] June 6th 1790

Encouraged by that well established Maxim that your Excellency does not forget or neglect to reward the Honest Labours of the Virtuous and Industrious, be their Situation and circumstances ever so remote. Strongly Impressed with these Ideas, and encouraged by that condescension which your Excellency has shewn on every occasion that has thrown me in your way, I am Imboldened to offer myself through our worthy Senators as a Candidate for the office of Commissioner for this State, I am the more Induced thereto from the supposition that as great a number of the debts of the United States (in this State) were created by and through me as any other person (for which Certificates were given) and hope I dont flatter myself too much when I conceive that if appointed I could be of some use in giving a Sanction to and Establishing the Loan in this State (being one among the Creditors) should your Excellency think me worthy of such appointment it will confer still higher obligations on—Your Excellencys much obliged & Most obedient Humble Servt

H. Hollingsworth


Title: To George Washington from Zachariah Rhodes, 6 June 1790
From: Rhodes, Zachariah
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Pawtuxet State of Rhode Island June 6 1790

When the revenue system was established in this state by the Legislature in September Last, I was appointed surveyor for the Port of Pawtuxet in the district of Providence, and was reappointed at the Late Election—I should be glad to continue to serve the public to the best of my abilities in the same office under the new Constitution. The Port of Pawtuxet is about five miles south of Providence, and it was supposed necessary by the Legislature that a surveyor sho’d be appointed for this place, and I suppose it Probable this office will be continued there after the Organization of the Federal Government in this State for the better security of the collection of the revenue.
Your Excellency may be assured of my faithfull discharge of the Office, and as I can (I hope) Procure a sufficient Recommendation. I beg Leave humbly to solicit that I may under your Excellencies Auspices be continued in the Office, I now hold after the operation of the new constitution shall take effect in this state; and it will greatly oblige him who has the honor to be Your Excellencies most obedient and very hume Servt

Zachariah Rhodes


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 7 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
United States [New York] June 7th 1790

In pursuance of the law lately passed for giving effect to an Act entitled “An Act to establish the Judicial Courts of the United States,” within the State of North Carolina—I nominate the following persons to fill the Judicial Offices in that district. viz.

William R. Davie
to be Judge—

John Sitgreaves
to be Attorney—and

John Skinner
to be Marshall of the district of North Carolina.

I likewise nominate the following persons to fill offices established by law within the Territory of the United States south of the River Ohio. viz.

William Blount
to be Governor—

David Campbell &

John McNairy
to be Judges—and

Daniel Smith
to be Secretary of the Territory of the United States south of the River Ohio.

Go:Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Channing, 8 June 1790
From: Channing, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Newport [R.I.] June 8th 1790

With deference I beg leave to name my brother Walter Channing, for your consideration as an Officer in the Customs for this Port, and would beg leave most respectfully to refer you, in regard to his qualifications, to those who on this occasion may have kindly interested themselves in his behalf.
Should it please you to honor him with an appointment, I shall consider myself as pledged for his faithful discharge of the trust: Or should another in your wisdom be more eligible I shall from the goodness of your motives cheerfully acquiesce.
If there is any impropriety in this application; I trust Sir that you will consider it as not intentional, but impute it to an ardent wish to promote the Interest of a Brother whom I greatly regard. I have the Honor to be Sir With the greatest Respect Your most Obedt & hble Servt

Willm Channing


Title: To George Washington from Robert Aitken, 9 June 1790
From: Aitken, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 9. June 1790.

after very Sincere Congratulations upon Your Excellency’s Election to the distinguished Office of Chief Magistrate of the United States, I beg leave to Solicit your Excellency’s friendship in a Case deeply interesting indeed to me; but in which I conceive, if not mistaken, the Honor and Justice of the Union are also concerned.
Your Excellency, I presume, is uninformed of the large Sums of Continental money I loaned to the United States at an early period of the War, and which I continued to add to, while in my power. I made these loans under a firm belief of being repaid,

according to the pledged faith of Congress; but in this expectation I was disappointed—some of my certificates I converted into Specie, at an incredible discount; and purchased the House I now Occupy, for the amount, to the best of my recollection, of £2700—The great loss I sustained by this Exchange of property, I felt exceedingly. I doubt not Your Excellency recollects, that I printed an Edition of the Bible, at a time when the scarcity of that Valuable book was such, as to claim the attention of Congress, and excite their Solicitude for a Supply; It was done under the inspection of a Comittee of that Honorable Body, though at my Sole expence, and the work was highly approved and recommended to the inhabitants of the United States—“by the Act of Congress of September 12th 1782.” The peace which took place soon after, removed the Obstructions to importation, and so glutted the market with Bibles that I was obliged to sell mine much below prime cost; and in the End, I actually Sunk above £3000 by the impression. These two circumstances render my losses exceedingly heavy, and indeed, almost Unsupportable: But, Sir, I flatter myself I may hope for some compensation, in a Small Share of Public Favour; especially when it is considered, that the Work was undertaken in a great measure at the instance, and under the Patronage of Congress—Under this impression, together with the perfect conviction of Your Excellency’s benevolence; and your Sympathy with all the virtuous feelings of Human Nature; I humbly trust that you will be pleased to have me appointed Printer & Stationer to Congress; Or in any other way in which I might be of Public service, in the Line of my business. I had it in Comtemplation, to petition your Excellency for an exclusive right, for a term of years, to print the Bible within the United States, Conceiving that my sufferings, in Consequence of my former Undertaking would entitle me to a preference: But a faithful execution of this Work would require, in Order to carry it on with propriety and good effect, Such large Sums of Money, as I am utterly incapable of commanding; and therefore, however pleasing an employment it would be to me, while I live, I am constrained to relinquish former intentions in this respect, for want of the Means to carry them into effect.
I would respectfully further inform your Excellency, that the House I purchased as before Mentioned, is under Mortgage, on

Account of a foreign debt, for about £1400, the payment of which will become due in about 11 Months, and unless I should be so happy as to obtain some steady employment, to improve a valuable Stock in my printing office, I much fear the House must be sold under every possible disadvantage; by which I should be reduced, with a large family, in my old age, after having earned by the industry of many years a handsome little property. It is not my desire to become rich—a moderate Subsistence, in the way of labouring for it, is all I covet.
I now take the liberty of praying Your Excellency’s countenance and support—although my feelings might dictate arguments in my favour, I suppress them; in a perfect confidence that they are rendered unnecessary, by Your Excellency’s known Benevolence & Love of Justice, (under the Supreme Being) I intirely rest my plea.
Happy to hear of Your Excellency’s recovery from your late indisposition, and Humbly requesting you to forgive the freedom I have used, I beg leave to Subscribe myself With all Duty and Respect Sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant

Robt Aitken

N.B. Suffer me to Mention, The Revd Dr Mason, & Dr Rogers of N. York, who have known me for many years—likewise the Honble Robert Morris, Mr Boudinot, Mr Gerry & some others, are perfectly accquainted with my Character.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Contee, 9 June 1790
From: Contee, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sr
Tuesday morning ⟨9th⟩ June 90

Being informed you are about to fill up your nominations of Consuls for the United States, I beg leave to mention Alexander Contee; who has requested my application in his behalf, for the consulship at the port of London. Delicacy forbids my saying much of a Brother, and might restrain me likewise from doing him Justice; But I persuade myself that if your appointment for the above po⟨r⟩t is not allready provided, It will not discredit your choice to place his name in the nomination, as consul for that port. He has resided in London since the year 85 and for the most of the Time at the Head of a mercantile House; He is expected to arrive soon in Maryland, but with intention to return to England in the fall.
forgive me, Sr, for the trouble I occasion you. I thought it best to do it in this mode as it leaves less room for that embarrassment consequent on applications—and places you in a less arduous situation than personal application would.
It does also favor my own deffidence nevertheless if I thought a personal application would be more expressive of respect, I would not hesitate to make it. Having the Honour to be truly, with sentiments of the highest consideration, your very respectful and most Obedient Hble Servant

Ben: Contee


Title: To George Washington from Arthur Fenner et al., 9 June 1790
From: Fenner, Arthur
To: Washington, George

Sir,
State of Rhode Island, Newport June 9th 1790

The exalted Station which your Excellency holds in the Government of the United States, is necessarily attended with the Inconvenience of various Applications for Appointments to Offices in the different Districts in the Union. In consiquence of the Ratification and Adoption of the New National Constitution by the Convention of the People of this State⟨,⟩ on the 29th Ulto, Officers, whose Nomination belongs to your Excellency, must soon be appointed here, for carrying into Execution the Laws of the National Legislature, The People of this State are immediately interested in the Appointment of the Officers in this Part of the Confederacy. We Collectively constitute the upper Branch of the Legislature of th⟨is⟩ State and are under the strongest Obligations to consult and promote the Public Good, that being our only Inducement for the present Application, which wee do not consider as made in our Legislative Capacity, but as coming from Citizens of the Union who have the Good of the whole Confederacy at Heart, and who have the best Means of Information on the Subject we write upon, and we therefore hope the Present Application will appear in a favourable Point of Veiw to your Excellency.
At the last Election held by the General Assembly of this State, on the beginning of the last Month, Ebenezer Thompson Esqr. was appointed Collector of the Revenue Duties, in the District of Providence, Theodore Foster Esqr. was appointed Naval Officer, and William Tyler Esqr. Surveyor. The State at large have Confidence in these Gentlemen, They have all Abilities adequate to the faithful and due Performance of their respective Trusts, They are not concerned in Navigation, or External Commerce, and are not immediately connected, with, or likely to be under the Influence of those who are in the Mercantile Line of Business, Their Vigilance, Industry, Firmness, and Suitable Capacities

for their respective Trusts have been experienced and we think their Integrity may be relied on: To these Reasons may be added the weighty Consideration that they are such Persons as wou’d be most likely to appease and soften the spirit of Party in the State as having the General Confidence and good Will of the People, and therefore more likely to conciliate the Affections and Esteem for the National or Federal Government.
We therefore, take the Liberty of recommending to and requesting of your Excellency and the Honorable, the Senate of the United States that those Gentlemen before named may be continued after the Organization of the Federal Government within this State in the Offices which they now respectively hold viz. Ebenezer Thompson Esqr. as Collector, Theodore Foster Esqr. as Naval Officer and William Tyler Esqr. as Surveyor, for the District of Providence. A Compliance with this Request will be in General agreeable, we beleive to all Parties in this State e⟨c⟩cepting the immediate Freinds and Connections of those who have applied or will Apply for Others to be appointed in their Places from Motives of Personal Interest.
That the United States of America may long continue to flourish that they may Experience all the Blessings of Liberty and good Government, and that your Excellency may long live in Health Prosperity (possessing the Hearts and Confidence of the People[)], to enjoy that Glory and National Independence of our Country to which you have so much ⟨contriillegible⟩ you[r] Excellency’s most Obedient and most humble Servants

Arthur Fenner.
Saml J. Potter
James Arnold
Thos G. Hazard
 Job Watson
James Congdon
Thomas Hoxsie
John Cook
John Harris
Peleg Arnold


Title: To George Washington from David Olyphant, 9 June 1790
From: Olyphant (Oliphant), David (1720-1805)
To: Washington, George

Sir
[c.9 June 1790]

Being now a Citizen of Newport in the State of Rhode Island, & connected by marriage with a family there, who have suffer’d as well as myself for being firm friends to the late Revolution; I beg leave to Address your Excellency, & offer myself a Candidate for the Office of Collector in the Revenue of that State.
If you, Sir, think this application worthy your Attention, permit me to refer to Mr Izard, Major Butler, Doctr Tucker, & the other Delegates to Congress from the State of So. Carolina, for the propriety of this intrusion; & I flatter myself that a change in times will plead my apology for troubling on th⟨e⟩ occasion. I have the honor to be, with the warmest Attachment for your health & felicity—Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & very humble Servant

David Olyphant.


Title: To George Washington from the Rhode Island Ratifying Convention, 9 June 1790
From: Rhode Island Ratifying Convention
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Rhode Island, Newport June 9th 1790

I had on the 29th Ulto the Satisfaction of addressing you after the Ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Convention of this State. I have now the Honor of Inclosing the Ratification as then agreed upon by the Convention of the People of this State; the Legislature is now in Session in this Town, an appointment of Senators will undoubtedly take place in the present Week, and from what appears to be the sense of the Legislature, it may be expected that the Gentlemen who may be appointed will Immediately proceed to take their seats in the Senate of the United States. I have the Honor to be with great Respect, Sir, Your obedt humble Servant

Daniel Owen prest


Title: To George Washington from Michael Jenifer Stone, 9 June 1790
From: Stone, Michael Jenifer
To: Washington, George

Sir
June 9th 1790

 I have taken the Liberty to enclose a Letter from Major Swan recommending Colonel Barton—I had not the pleasure of being known to that Gentleman untill the present. But I am intimately acquainted with Major Swan and have the fullest confidence in his recommendation of Col. Barton. I have the Honor to be sir your most respectfull and obedient

M. J. Stone


Title: To George Washington from William Allen, 10 June 1790
From: Allen, William
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Providence [R.I.] 10th June 1790.

The Convention of this State having Ratified the new Constitution by which happy event the Union of the whole is Compleated; and as it is more than Probable that the Laws of the Union will Speedily embrace this State in common with the rest, I beg Leave Sir, with the greatest deference to Present my Self to your Excellency as a Candidate for the Office of Surveyor of the Customs at this Port.
I am aware Sir, that applications for the Same Office may have long Since Reached you, but on my part, till this State had joined the Union I dared not to offer this address, as I was fully persuaded that such application would be considered by your Excellency as Premature.

having had the Honor of Serving through a long and perilous war under your excellencys orders with out censure; Let me hope Sir, so far to engage your Favourable notice, as to induce your excellency to enquire my Character as a Citizen Since the establishment of Peace. I have the Honor, to be Sir with the most lively Sentiments of Respect and esteem you[r] excellencys Most Obt and Humbl. Servant

William Allen

N.B. the Ratification comes on by this Post


Title: To George Washington from Providence, R.I., Citizens, 10 June 1790
From: Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence June 10th 1790

From the change of Sentiment which has gradually taken place in the minds of the Good people of this State, and the Happy Effects of the General Government, which begins to Operate so favorably in the Union, under the Auspices of your Excellency’s administration—in Consequence of which the Convention of this State at their late Session were Induced to Adopt the Enlighten’d Policy of confirming and Ratifying the Constitution of the United States A Circumstance highly Important and Interesting to the peace and Happiness of the Nation—permit us therefore, Sir to Congratulat⟨e⟩ your Excellency on this pleasing occasion—in Consequence of our Accession to the Union a Number of Officers will Necessarily be Nominated and Appointed for the Collection of the Revenue within the State—as it will be your Excellency’s wish that those Appointments should devolve upon persons of Tried Abilities & Integrity, whose Services and Sacrifices during the late Revolution entitle them to your Excellencys Notice and the favors of their Country—we take the Liberty to Recommend the bearer Colo. Jeremiah Olney (who served with Reputation during the War and since which service he has uniformly Supported a fair Character) as a person worthy to be entrusted with the Office of Collector of Impost for the District of Providence—in him your Excellency and the public will find a Vigilant, faithful Officer, a Good Citizen, a Friend to the Federal Constitution, and, on all occasions

a firm Supporter of the principles of a Liberal, Enlighten’d and Just Policy. We have the Honor to be, with profound Defere⟨nce⟩ Your Excellency’s Most, Obed: Hble Servts

John Brown
Enos Hitchcock
Clark & Nightingale
Jos. & Wm Russell


Title: To George Washington from James Warren, 10 June 1790
From: Warren, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Plymouth [Mass.] June 10. 1790

The entire confidence I have in your friendship, & the great respect I have for your character, embolden me to hazard an address to you which I never before made to any man; a solicitation for Office. I have long served my country in stations of some distinction & importance; some of those services fell under your own observation during the period you commanded the army in this State; I have the pleasure to retrospect them with satisfaction, because I think they are marked with disinterestedness & fidelity, & though performed at a time when the distress of the country & the novelty of opposition to the power of Britain engaged the passions, have never heard of any imputation on my public character or conduct. I am willing to serve my country again if you should think proper to appoint me to any place suitable to the character I have sustained: I specify no particular object, because I have none in view; the present appearance of public measures makes me suppose that new appointments will be necessary.
Will you, Sir, permit me to add that I have a son Henry Warren who has once taken the liberty to request your notice: he has been educated to business, has activity and abilities, & a

character without exception; has been several times chosen by the House of Representatives Collector of Excise in this district, & by the virulence of party against me defeated: if he should be so happy as to meet your notice, I presume to say with confidence, he would never disgrace any appointment you may think proper to give him, or disappoint your expectations from him. My sufferings in the course of the Revolution, & the consequences of them to my family, I hope will be considered as a sufficient apology for this intrusion.
I am very happy to hear of your restoration to health & have the honour to be Sir with perfect Respect & Esteem your Excellency’s most obedient & very humble Servant

Jas Warren


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Anderson, 11 June 1790
From: Anderson, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York 11th June 1790

Although I formerly had the Honor, of being personally presented to your Excellency, when an officer of the army of the United States—I apprehend my Charecter was not Sufficiently distinguished; to entitle me to your recollection at this distant period—I must therefore rely on your Benevolence, to pardon the liberty I now take, in offering to introduce myself to your Excellencys notice and Patronage, as a Candidate for the office of the Judge that is yet to be appointed in the new Government lately formed South of the Ohio—as an apology for my present Presumption, I wou’d beg leave to Suggest, that from the Close of the late war until the present period—I have never ask’d any appointment either from the United States or any individual State—Tho my health hath been much injured in the Service

of my Country—and have Sustain’d great Losses from ill reposed Confidence—My Peculiar Situation therefore compells me to Obtrude this application upon your Excellency, and that Consideration will I hope, plead my apology—I have long had a Determination to settle in one of the new States—But have for some time past, been ⟨prevented⟩ by sickness—My only Object or defence in that Country was the pursuit of my profession—and as I am at present determined to make the westward my place of permanent residence, the appointment herein Solicited wou’d render my situation there much more Elegible—To give a Sanction thereto I beg leave to offer for your Excellencys persual, Several Certificates relative to my Charecter as an officer—A Certificate of my having gone through a regular Course of Study of the Law—and also Certificates of my admission as an attorney in Several of the Supreme Courts of the United States—I have the honor to be acquainted with Mr Patterson Senator from New Jersey, and also with Mr Read Senator from the State of Delaware, to whom I wou’d beg leave to refer Your Excellency for any further information you may wish on the Subject—My place of residence Since I left the army, has been in the State of Delaware—I mention this for your Excellencys information as a Local Circumstance.
Shou’d your Excellency think proper to Honor me with the appointment, I Shall acknowledge it with gratitude—and endeavour to discharge the duty with that Integrity, which I trust, wou’d not disgrace the Honor so Confered. I am with great deference and respect your Excellencys—most obedt & Hble Servt

Jos: Anderson


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Powel, 11 June 1790
From: Powel, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 11 June 1790

The Bearer hereof Mr Robert Parrish, an Inhabitant of this City, informs me that his Journey to New York is undertaken

with a View to obtain Subscriptions to a Work of Mr William Bartram’s, containing an account of his Travels thro’ Florida &ca & also to obtain Permission to dedicate the Work to you.
From Mr Bartram’s character as a Botanist and as a Man, I have no Doubt that his Work is an interesting one & such as will do him Credit. I have seen, tho’ I have not had an opportunity of perusing it, The extreme Bashfulness of it’s author⟨,⟩ and his little Intercourse with the World, may, possibly have made him choose rather to sollicit the Honor of dedicating it to you thro’ the Intervention of a Friend than by a direct Application. This is only Conjecture upon my Part as I am not ascertained of the Fact. Should his present Work meet with Success, I am informed that it will be followed by a second or more volumes.
Mr Parrish, who has requested of me to give him this Introduction to you, is a plain, and I believe, a worthy Citizen possessed of much usefull Information, & who has interested himself deeply in promoting Mr Bartram’s Publication.
It gives sincere Pleasure to Mrs Powel & myself to hear that you are likely to be soon restored to Health. Our best good Wishes ever attend you & Mrs Washington. I have the Honor to be dear Sir your most obedt humble Servt

Samuel Powel


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 11 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

United States [New York] June 11th 1790
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives,

I have directed my Secretary to lay before you a copy of the ratification of the Amendments to the Constitution of the United States by the State of North Carolina; together with an extract from a letter, accompanying said ratification, from the Governor of the State of North Carolina to the President of the United States.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 11 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

United States [New York]
Gentlemen of the Senate,June 11th 1790.
I nominate Thomas Bee to be Judge of the South-Carolina district, in the place of William Drayton deceased.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jabez Bowen, 13 June 1790
From: Bowen, Jabez
To: Washington, George

Sir
Newport [R.I.] June 13. 1790

It affoards me the greatest pleasure that I can Congratulate your Excellency on the accession of the State of Rhode-Island to the Federal Union, more especially as it compleats the great Fabrick, and that it has been effected without the sheading of Blood, an Event that must give the greatest pleasure to every Friend to Humanity.
Our General Assembly have been in session for the purpose of Choosing Senators. my Name was made use of for one of them⟨.⟩ but the Antefederal Intrest prevailed Joseph Stanton and Theodore Foster Esqrs. are the two Gentmen Elected the former has been much oposed to the General Government the latter always Friendly. hope they may be able to do good in their stations.
As the Offices for Collecting the Revennue will soon be appointed and that of Navel officer will be vacant by Mr Fosters being Elected a Senator. I have to Request your Excelleny that you will be pleased to appoint my Son⟨,⟩ Oliver Bowen [(]now about Twenty Two Years of Age) to that office I suppose there will be many applicants and therefore put my self much streightned in asking this Favour. Colo. Leonard Member of the Lower House is perfectly acquainted with my son and will be able to give you satisfaction as to his qualifications. Colo. Jereh Olney wishes for the place of Collecter of the district of Providence I need say nothing to Recomme⟨d⟩ him. only that he will be perfect⟨ly⟩ agreable to all our Friends within the same I hartely wish for his obtaining the place.

Colo. Wm Peck also applies for some appointment he is a verry worthy Gentleman and I dare promise will faithfully execute any office that your Excellency may see fit to bestow upon him.
William Tyler has executed the office of Searcher for the port of Providence he has done the same faithfully and should he be Reappointed doubt not will still do the same.
As we are now all one Family hope you Excellency will makes us a Visit in the Recess of Congress ours is a fine Healthy Climate and will tend to Establish your Health and prolong that Life so Dear to us all. With the most perfect Esteem I subscribe your most Obedient and verry Humble Servant

Jabez Bowen


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 13 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir,
Sunday Morning 13th June 1790

Would there be prudence, justice or policy in extending mercy to the Convict mentioned in the enclosed Papers?
Under this cover I send you for perusal two letters, just recd, from Mr Gouvr Morris. Yours sincerely and affectionately

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 13 June 1790
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York 13 June 1790

There does not appear to be a single Circumstance in the Case of the murderer in question, to recommend a Pardon—His own Petition contains no averment of Innocence, no Palliative for Guilt, no complaint of Court Jury or witnesses, nor of the want of witnesses.
The Silence of the british cabinet on the Subject of Mr Morris’s Letters marks their Indicision—it may arise from Doubts of what might be the opinion of Parliamt on some of the commercial, and perhaps other Points; and the Expediency of observing the caution and Delay which such Doubts may prescribe, with perfect Respect Esteem & attachment I am Dear Sir your most obt & hble Servant

John Jay


Title: From George Washington to John Adams, 14 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

Monday June 14. 1790

The President of the United States and Mrs Washington request the pleasure of the Vice-Presidents and Mrs Adams’s company to dinner on Thursday next at four o’clock, an answer is desired.


Title: To George Washington from Abiel Foster and Benjamin Huntington, 14 June 1790
From: Foster, Abiel,Huntington, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York June 14th 1790

We hope it’s not disagreeable that we mention the Hone William Ellery of Newport as a good man for a Commissioner of loans or a District Judge, or a Collector of the Duties for the Port of Newport in Rhode Island His Character is well known from past services in, & under various appointments from, the late Congress He was commissioner of Loans at the adoption of the Constitution and will doubtless give Satisfaction in any of the abovementioned Offices. We are most Respectfully your most hume Servts

Abiel Foster
Benj. Huntington


Title: To George Washington from William Turner Miller, 14 June 1790
From: Miller, William Turner
To: Washington, George

Sir
Warren [R.I.] June 14th 1790

I take the Liberty to address your Excellency in the Cause of the most Respectable of the People of this district Respecting the person to be appointed Surveyor of the Customs of the Port of Warren and Barrington, when I mention to you the Name of

Samuel Miller I Speak of the Person who now is in that office and is the Brother to the late Gen. Nathan Miller he hath given good Sattisfaction in that office and done Justice to the Revennue his Connections are of the Most Influential Charracters here who will all find them selves much gratified by your Excellency’s being pleased to Reinstate him in Said office I am your Excellencys most obedient Humble Servant

William T. Miller


Title: To George Washington from Brown & Francis, 15 June 1790
From: Brown & Francis
To: Washington, George

Dr Sr,
Providence [R.I.] June 15th 1790

We take the Liberty to Inclose you by our Mr Thomas Francis, the Recommendation of a number of Gentlemon in Favour of one of the Best of Citizens and one whome we know to be Truly Desearveing of the most Favorable notice of the Gentlemon of Congress, and had not their have beene a Desided Majority of Anties in both Houses of our Genl Assembly, he Certinly would have beene Elected one of the Senneters, the Gentlemon who was apposed to him and appointed by 16 Majority its True is Reither Fedderal but we are Sorry to have Ocation to Obsearve, that his being Brother in Law to the present Govenour we Fear he will be too much under the Controul of the Anties, we are with the highest Esteeme & Affection Your Obt and Most Humble Servts

Brown & Francis

P.S. the Barer our Mr T. Francis havg Lately Arived from Calcutta ware he was offten in Compy with Lord Corn Wallis perhaps Your Exeleney may if Leasure purmit, wish to have Some Conversation Respecting that Gentlemon, once your prissoner, Mr Francis Stay in New York will be Very Short havg not Seen ⟨His⟩ Famely for 19 Months.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 15 June 1790
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

June 15. 1790.

Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose for the President’s perusal a letter from Mr Gouverneur Morris on the subject of our affairs in Amsterdam; the observations are worthy being known to the President.
Mr Howell of Rhode island has imposed on him the duty also of putting into his hands the letter & papers from him. the printed papers are merely to prove his dispositions enounced in the letter.
Since writing the above, the inclosed letter from mister Short is received.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Phillips, 15 June 1790
From: Phillips, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
State of Rhode Island, Warren June 15th 1790

Having served my Country through the late arduous Contest in the Army under the Orders of your Excellency in such a Manner as to secure my Character from being impeached on any Occasion, and being anxious to serve the United States, and support my Family in that Reputation we have heretofore sustained—I am emboldened to request an Appointment to the Office of Surveyor and Searcher for the Ports of Warren and Barrington. The Gentlemen who are elected Senators from this State are possessed of a Recommendation signed by the principal Gentlemen in the Town of which I am an Inhabitant, together with the Members of the late Convention in this State, and the Members to the General Assembly from Barrington. With the highest Respect and Esteem, I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency most Obedient hhble Servt

Nathl Phillips.


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 15 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
New York June 15th 1790

Your letter of the 2d Instant came duly to hand. If there are any Gazettes among my files at Mount Vernon which can be of use to you they are at your Service.

Your description of the public mind, in Virginia, gives me pain. It seems to be more irritable, sour & discontented than (from the information I receive) it is in any other state in the Union, except Massachusetts; which, from the same causes, but on quite different principles, is tempered like it.
That Congress does not proceed with all that dispatch which people at a distance expect; and which, were they to hurry business, they possibly might; is not to be denied. That measures have been agitated wch are not pleasing to Virginia; and others, pleasing perhaps to her, but not so to some other States; is equally unquestionable. Can it well be otherwise in a Country so extensive, so diversified in its interests? And will not these different interests naturally produce in an assembly of Representatives who are to Legislate for, and to assimilate & reconcile them to the general welfare, long, warm & animated debates? most undoubtedly; and if there was the same propensity in Mankin⟨d to in⟩vestigate the motives, as there is for censuring ⟨the con⟩duct of public characters, it would be found that the censure so freely bestowed is oftentimes unmerited, and uncharitable—for instance, the condemnation of Congress for sitting only four hours in the day. The fact is, by the established rules of the House of Representatives, no Committee can sit whilst the House is sitting; and this is, and has been for a considerable time, from ten o’clock in the forenoon until three, often later, in the afternoon⟨,⟩ before & after which the business is going on in Committees—If this application is not as much as m⟨ost C⟩onstitutions are equal to I am mistaken. Many ⟨othe⟩r things which undergo malignant construct⟨ions⟩ wd be found, upon a candid examination, to we⟨ar oth⟩er faces than are given to them. The misfo⟨rtune⟩ is, that the enemies to the Government—always m⟨ore⟩ active than its friends, and always upon the watch ⟨to give⟩ it a stroke—neglect no opportunity to aim one. If they tell truth, it is not the whole truth; by which means one side only of the picture appears; whereas if both sides were exhibited it might, and probably w⟨oul⟩d assume a different form in the opinions of just ⟨& candid⟩ men who are disposed to measure matters ⟨by a Con⟩tinental Scale. I do not mean however, fr⟨om what⟩ I have here said, to justify the conduct of ⟨Congress⟩ in all its movements; for some of these movements in my opinion, have been injudicious, & others unseasonable, whilst the questions of assumption—Residence—and other matters have been

agitated with a warmth & intemperence; with prolixity & threats; which it is to be feared has lessened the dignity of that body, & decreased that respect which was once entertained for it. And this misfortune is encreased by many members, even among those who wish well to the Government, ascribing in letters to their respective States when they are unable to carry a favourite measure, the worst motives for the conduct of their opponants; who, viewing matters through a different medium may, & do retort in their turn; by which means jealousies & distrusts are spread most impolitickly, far & wide; & will, it is to be feared have a most unhappy tendency to injure our public affairs—which, if wisely conducted might make us (as we are now by Europeans thought to be) the happiest people upon Earth. As an evidence of it, our reputation has risen in every part of the Globe; and our credit, especially in Holland, has got higher than that of any Nation in Europe (& where our funds are above par) as appears by Official advices just received. But the conduct we seem to be pursuing will soon bring us back to our late disreputable condition.
The introductions of the (Quaker) Memorial, respecting Slavery, was to be sure, not only an ill-judged piece of business, but occasioned a great waste of time. The final decision thereon, however, was as favourable as the proprietors of that species of property could well have expected considering the great dereliction to Slavery in a large part of this Union.
The question of assumption has occupied a great deal of time, & no wonder; for it is certainly a very important one; and, under proper restrictions, & scrutiny into accounts will be found, I conceive, to be just. The Cause in which the expences of the War was incurred, was a Common Cause. The States (in Congress) declared it so at the beginning⟨,⟩ and pledged themselves to stand by each other. If then⟨,⟩ some States were harder pressed than others, or from particular or local circumstances contracted heavier debts, it is but reasonable when this fact is ascertained (though it is a sentiment I have not made known here) that an allowance ought to be made them when due credit is given to others—Had the invaded, and hard pressed States believed the case would have been other⟨wise;⟩ opposition in them would very soon, I believe, ⟨have⟩ changed to submission; and given a different t⟨er⟩mination to the War.
In a letter of last year to the best of my recollection, I informed

you of the motives, which compelled me to allot a day for the reception of idle and ceremonious visits (for it never has prevented those of sociability and friendship in the afternoon, or at any other time) but if I am mistaken in this, the history of this business is simply and shortly as follows—Before the custom was established, which now accommodates foreign characters, Strangers, and others who from motives of curiosity, respect, to the Chief Magistrate, or any other cause, are induced to call upon me—I was unable to attend to any business whatsoever; for Gentlemen, consulting their own convenience rather than mine, were calling from the time I rose from breakfast—often before—until I sat down to dinner—This, as I resolved not to neglect my public duties, reduced me to the choice of one of these alternatives, either to refuse them altogether, or to appropriate a time for the reception of them—The first would, I well knew, be disgusting to many—The latter, I expected, would undergo animadversion, and blazoning from those who would find fault, with, or without cause. To please every body was impossible—I therefore adopted that line of conduct which combined public advantage with private convenience, and which in my judgment was unexceptionable in itself. That I have not been able to make bows to the taste of poor Colonel Bland, (who by the by I believe never saw one of them) is to be regretted especially too as (upon those occasions) they were indiscriminately bestowed, and the best I was master of—would it not have been better to have thrown the veil of charity over them, ascribing their stiffness to the effects of age, or to the unskilfulness of my teacher, than to pride and dignity of office, which God knows has no charms for me? for I can truly say I had rather be at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the Seat of Government by the Officers of State and the Representatives of every Power in Europe—These visits are optional—They are made without invitation—Between the hours of three and four every Tuesday I am prepared to receive them—Gentlemen—often in great numbers—come and go—chat with each other—and act as they please. A Porter shews them into the room, and they retire from it when they please, and without ceremony. At their first entrance they salute me, and I them, and as many as I can talk to I do—what pomp there is in all this I am unable to discover—Perhaps it consists in not sitting—To this two reasons

are opposed, first it is unusual—secondly, (which is a more substantial one) because I have no room large enough to contain a third of the chairs, which would be sufficient to admit it—If it is supposed that ostentation, or the fashions of courts (which by the by I believe originates oftener in convenience, not to say necessity than is generally imagined) gave rise to this custom, I will boldly affirm that no supposition was ever more erroneous; for, if I was to give indulgence to my inclinations, every moment that I could withdraw from the fatigues of my station should be spent in retirement—That they are not proceeds from the sense I entertain of the propriety of giving to every one as free access, as consists with that respect which is due to the chair of government—and that respect I conceive is neither to be acquired or preserved but by observing a just medium between much state and too great familiarity.
Similar to the above, but of a more familiar and sociable kind are the visits every friday afternoon to Mrs Washington where I always am—These public meetings and a dinner once a week to as many as my table will hold with the references to and from the different Departments of State, and other communications with all parts of the Union is as much, if not more, than I am able to undergo, for I have already had within less than a year, two severe attacks—the last worse than the first—a third more than probable will put me to sleep with my fathers; at what distance this may be I know not. Within the last twelve months I have undergone more, and severer sickness than thirty preceding years afflicted me with, put it altogether—I have abundant reason however to be thankful that I am so well recovered; though I still feel the remains of the violent affection of my lungs—The cough, pain in my breast, and shortness in breathing not having entirely left me. I propose in the recess of Congress to visit Mount Vernon—but when this recess will happen is beyond my ken, or the ken I believe of any of its members. I am dear Sir &ca

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Simeon Thayer, 15 June 1790
From: Thayer, Simeon
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Providence [R.I.] June 15 1790

An Officer in the Fifty third year of his age after much painful service rendered to his Country and Sufferings in her Cause (a brief Sketch whereof is contained in the inclosed paper) finds himself reduced to the necessity of asking for the means of Support for the residue of Life.
The charges of an expensive Family during the period of his service in the War, besides the support of an aged Father and Mother who with three others of his Family are since Dead incumbered him with Debts—these he could not discharge by no other means than by selling his Securities at the rate of three shillings to three shillings and Six pence in the pound.
He begs Leave further to observe that he has now a wife and Six children Dependent on his Industry for their Support the second a Daughter about 17 years of age in a declining State of health.
The Loss of a Right Eye would entitle your Applicant to a compensation on the Invalid Establishment could he have replaced his securities that was out of his power at the Time of passing the order of Congress, and by their enhansed price is rendered still more so.
Your applicant is fully convinced of your Excellency’s readiness to attend to the redress of all greivances especially those of a Soldier; and cannot doubt of being taken such notice of as may be practicable. Of this be assured Sir that the reluctance with which this application is made is equal in degree to the chearfulness with which the Service was performed.
It is wholly submitted to your Excellency’s Discretion either to provide for your present applicant by giving him a place in the Collection of the Revenue, as Marshal in this State or by recommending his case in any other way that may seem proper and may be calculated to Render the evening of Life comfortable in the enjoyment of a Compentency. With profound veneration

and the most cordial attachment, I am your Excellencys most obedient and very Humble Servant

Simeon Thayer


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 16 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

United States [New York] June 16th 1790.
Gentlemen of the senate and House of Representatives,

The Ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America by the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, was received by me last night, together with a letter to the President of the United States from the President of the Convention, I have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy of each.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Floyd, 17 June 1790
From: Floyd, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York June 17th 1790

Agreable to your Request I wrote for a Machine for gathering Clover Seed, it is now arrived, and is at the Store of Mr David Gelston in front Street, Subject to any orders you may please to give concerning it.
If no opportunity Immediately presents to Send it to Virginia, Mr Winkoop Requests that a Joyner may have it for this Day and tomorrow as a patern to make one by—from Sir your most Obedt and Very humble Servt

Wm Floyd


Title: To George Washington from James Iredell, 17 June 1790
From: Iredell, James
To: Washington, George

Sir,
North Carolina, Wilmington, June 17th 1790.

I had sometime ago the honour of receiving from Mr Jay a copy of the Letter you were pleased to write on the 3d April to him and the other Judges of the Supreme Court I shall not fail, Sir, to do every thing in my power to contribute to the important purpose of it, and shall hope to consult with the other Judges when I have the pleasure of meeting them at New York in order

that we may jointly communicate to you the observations which occur to us.
I hope you will excuse, Sir, my taking the liberty, in a letter which perhaps ought to be strictly official, to express the great joy I feel in hearing of your entire recovery from an illness which caused so universal an alarm. May God grant the most melancholy event which America can possibly sustain may long be removed from it, and that you may still enjoy many years of private as well as public happiness! I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, Your most faithful and most obedient Servant

Ja. Iredell


Title: To George Washington from Paul Allen, 18 June 1790
From: Allen, Paul
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence [R.I.] June 18th 1790

The happiness Individuals of the United States have in addressing your Excellency, is One of the greatest blessing they enjoy under the present Constitution. Emboldened by the kind reception others have met with from your Excellency in similar circumstances, I have presumed to venture on that ground under the fullest conviction that your Excellency has ever attended to the welfare of those who have suffered in the cause of their Country.
 In the beginning of the War⟨,⟩ I took an early and active part being Master of the second vessel that brought warlike stores into this Town. After that I furnished the Army with provisions to the amount of 120,000 Rations, as likewise the sum of £1500 in Ammunition this was nearly all I possessed, and for which I received the public’s securities; many of these evidences I have since been under the necessity of parting with at a very low price

to supply the wants of a large and growing family who are all of them Minors and depend on me for subsistence, this circumstance with many others has so exhausted my property as to occasion my humbly soliciting your Excellency for the appointment of Naval Officer in this Town, which duty have the confidence to think I could discharge in such a manner as to merit yours and the public approbation, which should I be so happy to have my address handed previous to the choice of that Officer, and your Excellency should be induced to make such enquiry respecting my abilities as a suitable person for that department I would beg leave to mention Theodore Foster Esqr. one of the Senators from this State, who although I presume has previously recommended Ebenr Thompson Esqr. yet will not be wanting to give your Excellency such satisfactory information as the nature of the appointment requires. I have the honor to be with the greatest deference & respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient and most Devoted humble Servant

Paul Allen


Title: To George Washington from Jabez Bowen, 19 June 1790
From: Bowen, Jabez
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence [R.I.] June 19th 1790

By the arival of Colo. Barton from New York we are informed of the Appointments made in the Revenue Department for this State. I think they will give intire satisfaction to all the Friends of the General Goverment.
some of my Friends inform me that they have wrote to your Excellency Requesting that I may be appointed to the Loan Office. if agreable, should take it as a favour. whoever the person may be he aught to Reside in this Town, as three quarters of the Business will be with the Inhabitants of this County and from the Massachusetts & Connecticutt in this vicinity at the time the

Loans was made the Inhabitants of Rhode Island were under the power of the British.
The Federalists of this State wish that Govr Bradford or Mr Merchant should be appointed District Judge they are both Gentlemen of the Law, and fully equal to the Office, they have been equally good Wiggs and Firm for the Establishing the Federal Government.
It is wished by our Friends that Benjamin Bourne Esqr. may be appointed District Attorney. he is a Gentleman of the verry first abilities and would be the person that we shall Vote for to send as a Representative but at present he can have no chance of succeeding.
I would also Name John S. Dexter as a verry propper Person for Marshall to this District he is well know[n] to your Excellency and cartainly would give good satisfaction to every good man.
I should not have thus Troubled your Excellency but we are informed that Govr Fenner has and will send on the Names of those persons that he and his Friends wish may be put in Office, but the whole of their Conduct having been uniformly oposed to the General Government I cannot think that they will be anxious to promote such persons to Offices as will act for the General weale. Your task Sir is arduous I dont wish to perplex but to give you such information as will make your Administration Honourable and Happy, I Remain with sentements of the highest Esteem & Respect your most Obedient and verry Humle Servant

Jabez Bowen


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 19 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Saturday June 19th 1790

The enclosed Letters & documents from Mr Gouvr Morris are sent for the perusal of the Secretary of State.
The private letters from the Marquis de la Fayette and Mr Payne he also gives Mr Jefferson a sight of; because there are some ideas in the latter which are new—and in the former, geneneral information respecting the affairs of France, which, by being compar’d with other accts may (though not of very late date, but from the respectibility of the authority) enable one to form a better judgment of the situation of things in that Country, than they could do from any single relation of them.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 19 June 1790
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Washington, George

Dear Sr:
Charleston June 19. 1790

I am infinitely obliged to you for having favoured me with introductory Letters for my nephew Mr Horry. It will give him an opportunity of travelling with such great advantage that every improvement he may thereby acquire, I shall always with gratitude attribute to your benevolent patronage.
We have lately ratified a new Constitution for this State; you will at once see that it is by no means perfect, but considering the different interests in this State, it is the best we could make, & the representation is calculated to give numbers & wealth their proper influence: By it the poor will be protected in their freedom, & the rich in their property, and it is attended with one great advantage that might not perhaps attend a Constitution theoretically perfect, it gives general satisfaction both to the upper & lower parts of the Country, & was ratified unanimously.

The Convention before they dissolved themselves prepared & directed an address to you⟨;⟩ The Legislature which met last January did not present an address; because as the Convention was to meet in May, it was thought that an address from the Legislature could not so properly or forcibly express the Sentiments & gratitude of South Carolina as the Convention of the People.
Mr Henry Middleton (the Grandson of the deceased Mr Henry Middleton who served with you in the first Congress, and the Son of the deceased Mr Arthur Middleton who you may remember in some subsequent Congresses) will have the honour of delivering you this; he is travelling through the Middle & Northern States for his improvement, and I have desired him to take charge of this letter, that he may have an opportunity of paying his respects to you as he passes through New York. I have the honour to be with great gratitude & respect your much obliged & most obedt hble Sert

Charles Cotesworth Pinckney


Title: To George Washington from David Brown, 20 June 1790
From: Brown, David
To: Washington, George

Sir
New Jersey June the 20 1790

When paynful Necessity Called upon me to utter my greavances to ansure his Demands I wass not Longe Considering at whoss Feet to Lay them for som assistance from your honner I have been a Soldear in this late Contest Duering the whole ware and being Discharged at Newberrey as an Envelede unfitt for dutty in Field or Garrison from Abillity and now finding my Self not able to halp or suport myself without some assistance from your honner For I have Losst the uss of my Right arm by being

a Solder lasst Frinch ware and in this Revolution Fithing for Liberty and honner of Amerrica ca[u]s[e] and, suffering a thousend hardship and Callamteys which renders me helples towards montaning my Self Therfore your humble Supplicant Shoold be verry glad of an hearing or of som Releff to Extend your Charryty to him who by Paynfull Nec⟨c⟩essity is obligde to Cr⟨av⟩e. Sir give me Leave to say I honner your Cherrecter and love your person the agreabelness of your mild temper has led me to Com and Se your honner for Relefe. this address Comes from your humble Supplicant David Brown who has been a brother Sufferer in all Lasst war and this late Revolution & that you may Long Live to promote the good of this Common Welth in wich you have so hartyly Engaidged your Self in and that you may Enjoy all the blesings that atend so noble a Case is the Ernest prayers of your humble and affectnet Suplic⟨e⟩nt

David Brown


Title: To George Washington from Charles Mortimer, 20 June 1790
From: Mortimer, Charles
To: Washington, George

Honble Sr
Fredericksburg [Va.] June 20th 1790

When the news of Your Recovery reached this place, it filled us with the greatest joy, and no friend of yours participated more on the occasion than myself, who most ardently prays for a continn⟨uence⟩ of a Life so usefull and necessary for us all.
If the subject of this Address is any wise presumptuous, or inconsistent with your Dignity, I beseech you to forgive me, and only consider the Motive which I will relate in a few words.
I Labored hard for many Years before the war with an unblemished Character, acquired money, lent it out to Gentn as I thought in Distress, the greatest part of which was repaid in Depreciated paper in 1780, I went to Ireland before the war in the begining of 1779, to sue for my property there, sold from me by an Unfortunate Elder Brother, who had a very considerable paternal Estate, the Loss of time Expenses ⟨&c. &c. &c.⟩ came to more than I Could recover, those matters put it out of

my power to have my only son John Educated and brought up to a profession, Therefore bound him to a Merchant in Philada in 1784 where he served his time with good Character and Respect as well as Esteem, as his Moralls and disposition are good.
I have it not in my power to Raise any Capital for him to begin without selling houses and a Bit of Land at under value and injure my family, as I am now unable by gout and Rheumatism often, to labor as formerly.
If it was in your power by any Recommendation of him to any office in this state appointed by Congress or Elswhere as he is a good accountant and a sober young man, who can give the best Security for his Conduct, you would Render me and him very happy, for it grieves me to have him Idle here.
I have not the honor of being acquainted with any gentn in Power or Interest to apply for him, but yourself therefore I pray you forgive the trouble given by your most Sincere and Respectfull Hble Servant

Chs Mortimer

My best wishes attend your Lady and family.


Title: To George Washington from the National Assembly of France, 20 June 1790
From: National Assembly of France
To: Washington, George

Paris 20 June 1790.

The national assembly has worn during three days mourning for Benjamin Franklin, your fellow-citizen, your friend, and one of the most useful of your Co-operators in the establishment of american liberty—they charge me to communicate their resolution to the Congress of the United States—in consequence, I have the honor to address to you Mr President the extract from the proceedings of their session of the 11th which contains that deliberation.

The national assembly have not been stopped in their decree by the consideration that Franklin was a Stranger—great men are the Fathers of universal humanity—their loss ought to be felt as a common misfortune by all the Tribes of the great human family, and it belongs without doubt to a nation still affected by all the sentiments which accompany the atchievement of their liberty, and which owes its enfranchisement essentially to the progress of the public reason, to be the first to give the example of the filial gratitude of the people Towards their true Benefactors Besides that these ideas and this example are so proper to disseminate a happy emulation of patriotism, and thus to extend more and more the empire of reason and virtue, which could not fail promptly to determine a Body devoted to the most important legislative combinations—charged with assuring to the french the rights of men and citizens—it has believed without doubt that fruitful and great truths—were likewise numbered among the rights of man.
The name of Benjamin Franklin will be immortal in the records of freedom and philosophy—but it is more particularly dear to a country, where, conducted by the most sublime mission, this venerable man, knew very soon to acquire an infinite number of friends and admirers, as well by the simplicity and sweetness of his manners, as by the purity of his principles, the extent of his knowledge, and the charms of his mind—-It will be remembered that every success which he obtained in his important negociation, were applauded and celebrated (so to express it) all over France, as so many crowns conferred on genius and virtue—Even then the sentiment of our rights existed in the bottom of our souls—it was easily perceived that it feelingly mingled in the interest which we took in behalf of america, and in the public vows which we preferred for your liberty. At last the hour of the french has arrived—we love to think that the citizens of the United States have not regarded with indifference our first steps towards Liberty—Twenty six millions of men breaking their chains, and seriously occupied in giving themselves a durable constitution are not unworthy the esteem of a generous people who have preceded them in that noble career. we hope they will learn, with interest, the funeral homage which we have rendered to the nestor of America—may this solemn act of fraternal friendship serve more and more to bind the tie

which ought to unite two free nations—may the common enjoyment of liberty shed itself over the whole globe, and become an indissoluble chain of connexion among all the people of the earth—For, ought they not to perceive that they will march more steadfastly, and more certainly to their true happiness in understanding and loving each other, than in being jealous, and fighting—may the Congress of the United States and the national assembly of France be the first to furnish this fine spectacle to the world—and may the individuals of the two nations connect themselves by a mutual affection worthy of the friendship which unites the two men at this day the most illustrious by th⟨eir⟩ exertions for liberty, Washington and la Fayett⟨e⟩.
Permit me, Mr President Sir, to offer on this occasion my particular homage of esteem and admiration. I have the honor to be with respectful consideration Mr President, Your most humble and most obedient Servant

Sieyes President


Title: To George Washington from Edward Rutledge, 20 June 1790
From: Rutledge, Edward
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
Charleston [S.C.] June 20th 1790

The Gentleman who will do himself The Honor of delivering you this Letter, is the Son of my deceased Friend Mr Arthur Middleton, whom you once knew; & who passed his political, as well as his Social Life, without Dishonor, and without Reproach

—As his son is about to make the Tour of America, & thro’ choice, as well as Duty, will pay his Respects to you, I have taken the Liberty of being his introducer. The Account⟨s⟩ of your severe Indisposition my dear Sir, filled the Hearts of your Friends, with much Anxiety and real Concern; but my Letter of the 25th of May, has in some Measure dispelled the Clouds, tho’ our apprehensions are not as yet altogether removed. You will give me leave to assure you what I trust you full well know, that there are few Men who feel more concern at every ill which befalls you, or more Joy, at every Comfort & Honor which affords you, than my dear Sir your very affectionate Friend & devoted Humble Servant

Ed: Rutledge


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Dayton, 21 June 1790
From: Dayton, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Elizabeth Town [N.J.] June 21st 1790

I have been informed that the bill for funding the Continental debt which has passed the House of Representatives and is at present under consideration & discussion in the Senate, provides for the appointment of a Commissioner in each state to aid in carrying the system into execution. I take the liberty, sir, of addressing you upon the subject, and of offering myself as a candidate for that appointment in the state of New Jersey.
I have not sought for, nor transmitted, the testimonials of others in my behalf in order to support my application, altho I flatter myself they might have been obtained as fully and extensively as I could have wished. Having had the honor of being personally known to you in the course of the late war, as well as since the establishment of peace and being intimately acquainted with many of the Members of the present Congress with whom I had the pleasure of serving for the two last years under the confederation, I had thought it not necessary to trouble you with recommendatory letters from particular persons.

Lest I should intrude too much upon your more important concerns, I shall conclude with adding, that if I should be thought to merit, and should by you be honored with, the appointment in question, I shall zealously endeavour so to discharge the duties which accompany it as to entitle me to your approbation & consequently to that of my country. I have the honor to be sir with the highest respect & regard your most obedt hum. servant

Jona: Dayton


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 21 June 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Department [New York] June 21st 1790.

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United states, for his approbation, the enclosed contract for timber, boards, Nails and workmanship, for a Beacon to be placed near the Light-house on Sandy-hook; the terms of which, he begs leave to observe, are, in his opinion favourable to the U. States.


Title: To George Washington from John Eager Howard, 21 June 1790
From: Howard, John Eager
To: Washington, George

Sir
Annapolis [Md.] June 21st 1790

I had the honor to receive your Excellencys letter of the 25th march with a medal ordered to be struck by the late Congress. my only object in the late war was to render any service in my power in the common cause, and my only hope of reward was that my conduct might meet the approbation of my Country; the obliging manner in which you are pleased to communicate this mark of approbation which my Country has expressed of my conduct, affords me the highest satisfaction.
It gives me great pleasure to be informed that you have recovered from your late indisposition, and I indulge the fond hope that your complaints are intirely removed.
Capt. Robert Denny, Auditor General in this State, informs me that he intends making application for the appointment of commissioner of Loans in this State, under the funding system proposed by Congress. If your Excellency should think proper to nominate him for that appointment, I have the highest confidence that he will discharge the duties in the most exact & satisfactory manner, and with the strictest integrity. He is well known to the Gentlemen from this State and I make no doubt they all will give the most satisfactory recommendations in his favour. I have the Honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humb⟨le⟩ Servt

J.E. Howard


Title: From George Washington to Michael Jenifer Stone, 21 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Stone, Michael Jenifer

June 21st 1790

The President of the United States requests the pleasure of Mr Stone’s company to dinner on Thurs-day next at 4 Oclock. An answer is requested.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Dayton, 22 June 1790 [letter not found]
From: Dayton, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Jonathan Dayton, 22 June 1790. Letter listed in American Clipper, January 1943.