Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 24 April 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 24th 1791

On thursday last I had the honor to receive your letter of the 12th Instant with its enclosures. As no vessel has sailed for So. Carolina or Georgia, from this place, since the date of my last letter (the 17th) (altho’ several are up for Charleston, and according to their advertisements shou’d have sailed before this time), I intend this letter to go by the mail to Charleston, with a request to the Post-master there, to forward it by a private conveyance either to Augusta or Columbia as the first opportunity may Offer. Should it go on by the Post to Savannah, it would not reach that place before you leave it, provided you meet with nothing to interrupt your intended movements.
As I mentioned in a former letter that I should, I accordingly have spoken to Dr Smith respecting Washington. The Doctor observed that after the Easter Holy-days (which terminate on Tuesday next) he should make some new regulations in the Schools which he hoped would be productive of good effects: and that Washington should be put to Cyphering immediately and particular attention paid to his writing, reading & as well as to Latin. I have conversed with the Several Gentlemen mentioned in your letter upon the subject. They are decidedly of opinion that the boys have gained nothing, but rather lost, since their entrance into that seminary, and nothing prevents their

taking them from thence but the want of a suitable master to place them under, and this want they conceive may be applied whe[ne]ver a sufficient number unite to employ one. Colo. Hamilton observes that so fully is he impressed with the fact, that there are such radical defects in the present mode of government & instruction at the College as can only be removed by an almost total change of the system now prevailing, that he would not, upon any consideration, continue his son there. He according[ly] removed him some weeks ago, and placed him under the care of Mr Bend, who I mentioned in a former letter has opened a private school. This Gentleman was spoken of as eminently qualified to discharge the duties of an instructor to Boys. But it is said that he has very lately received an invitation from Baltimore to fill the place which has become vacant by the death of the Revd Mr West, and that so flattering & advantageous is the offer there is no doubt of his accepting it.
As there are assurances that an advantageous alteration will immediately take place in the School where Washington goes, I conceive it would be highly proper to continue him there ’till the effects of a change can be known. If it should be favourable it will be highly pleasing that he should remain where he is. If otherwise—there will be a proper & convenient season to remove him after the August vacation (as it is called) which commences the latter part of July, and gives a recess of six weeks, in which time Mrs Washington says she intends to carry the Children to Mount Vernon. Should it be found necessary to remove Washington, the recess will afford a good opportunity for taking the proper steps to enable him to commence a new care⟨:⟩ And the time between this & the beginning of the Vacation will shew the effects of such regulations as may take place in the school this week.
I have had a very full conversation with the Attorney General respecting your slaves, without however, letting him know that I had heard from you on the subject; but entered upon it with this introduction that as you were absent, and could not return before the expiration of the term which the law of this State specifies for the residence of a Slave, I thought it my duty to take such advice & such measures in the business, with the concurrence of Mrs Washington, as might be proper in the occasion, having a due regard to your public station.

The Attorney General made the following observations on the subject. That he found it was a received construction of the law, and one which he thought the words of the law fully warranted, that if a Slave is brought into the State and continues therein for the space of six months, he may claim his freedom, let the cause of his being brought be what it may; and that this extends, in its full force, to those slaves who may be brought here by the Officers of the General Government or by members of Congress. If a man becomes a Citizen of the State, six months residence of the slave is not necessary for his liberation; he is free from the moment his master is a citizen; the term of six months being only intended for the slaves of such as might travel through or sojourn in the State. That those Slaves who were under the age of 18, might, after a residence of six months, apply to the Overseers of the Poor, who had authority to bind them to a master until they should attain the age of 18, when they would become free. That the overseers made it a point to bind the young Slaves to their original masters, unless there should be some special reason against it; but after they are so bound they cannot be carried out of the State without their own consent. That the Society in this city for the abolition of slavery, had determined to give no advice and take no measures for liberating those Slaves which belonged to the Officers of the general Government or members of Congress. But notwithstanding this, there were not wanting persons who would not only give them (the Slaves) advise; but would use all means to entice them from their masters. This being the case, the Attorney General conceived, that after six months residence, your slaves would be upon no better footing than his. But he observed, that if, before the expiration of six months, they could, upon any pretence whatever, be carried or sent out of the State, but for a single day, a new era would commence on their return, from whence the six months must be dated for it requires an entire six months for them to claim that right. As the matter stands upon this footing I think that there will be but little difficulty in it; for Austin is now at home on a visit to his wife, by Mrs Washington’s permission. This will oblige him to commence a new date for six month from his return—which will be next week. Richmond goes in a Vessel that sails tomorrow for Alexandria—and I shall propose to Hercules, as he will be wanted at home in June when you return there, to

take an early opportunity of going thither, as his services here can now be very well dispenced with, and by being at home before your arrival he will have it in his power to see his friends—make every necessary preparation in his Kitchen & as he must return when you do to this place. Mrs Washington proposes in a short time to make an excursion as far as Trenton, and of course, she will take with her Oney & Christopher, which will carry them out of the State; so that in this way I think the matter may be managed very well. If Hercules should decline the offer which will be made him of going home, it will be a pretty strong proof of his intention to take the advantage of the law at the expiration of six months. As Mrs Washington does not incline to go to Virginia until you return to this place, the foregoing arrangement is the best I can think of to accomplish this business.
You will permit me now, Sir, (and I am sure you will pardon me for doing it) to declare, that no consideration should induce me to take these steps to prolong the slavery of a human being, had I not the fullest confidence that they will at some future period be liberated, and the strongest conviction that their situation with you is far preferable to what they would probably obtain in a state of freedom.
Mr Ellicott has returned to this City from surveying the federal territory, and the flattering account which he gives of the spot and the prospect of things in that quarter, added to other information of the same kind which has been received, have created a serious, and to many an alarming expectation, that the law for establishing the permanent seat of Government will be carried fully into effect. This idea has heretofore been treated very lightly by people in general here. They now begin to view it in another shape, and the opposition given in the Assembly of this State to appropriating money for the purpose of erecting suitable buildings for the accommodation of the President & Congress, carried along with it (in the course of the debates) this aspect, that the western parts of Pennsylvania will be more pleased with having the seat of the general Government on the Potomack than in Philadelphia. The consideration of the question was postponed to the next session; but it is very doubtful whether it will then be determined in favor of building or not.
Fraunces has not yet come on; but it is probable he will in the course of this week. Mrs Washington thinks that if Fraunces

comes into the family, there will be little or no occasion for a HouseKeeper. At any rate that it would be best to make an experiment without one. In this opinion I agree so far as this, that one Person to superintend the household affairs is enough; but I cannot help thinking that an honest, managing woman, with the ⟨hosper⟩ we now have belonging to the family, would do better.
I am happy to say that Mrs Washington has entirely recovered for her severe cold &, with the rest of the family, enjoys good health. Mrs Lear & our little boy are well, she begs your acceptance of her best thanks for your kind remembrance of them, and presents her sincere wishes for your health & happiness—in which she is most heartily joined by, Sir, Your grateful & most Obliged Humble Servant

Tobias Lear.

P.S. A letter from Major Jackson, enclosed in yours of the 12th, requests that I would “inform you whether orders have been transmitted to the Collectors at Savannah & Charleston, by the Secretary of the Treasury, to supply you with money should you have occasion for it.” This has been done—But I could give no information of it that would have reached you before you left those places (unless one had offered by water). I therefore mention it here only to shew that I have not been inattentive to the direction.

T.L.


Title: From George Washington to William Cooke, 25 April 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, William

Sir,
Wilmington [N.C.] April 25th 1791.

In consequence of the fair representation which has been made to me of your character, I do hereby appoint you to the command of the Cutter, directed by an act of Congress, to be stationed for the protection of the revenue of the United States on the coast of the State of North Carolina.
On application to the Secretary of the Treasury, which you will make immediately, you will be furnished with particular instructions and your commission. I am Sir, your most obedient Servant

G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to the Inhabitants of Wilmington, North Carolina, 25 April 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Inhabitants of Wilmington, North Carolina

Gentlemen,
[Wilmington, N.C., 25 April 1791]

Appreciating with due value the sentiments you are pleased to express for my station and character, I should fail in candor and respect not to avow the grateful sensations excited by your address, for which I thank you with unfeigned sincerity

Reasoning from the rapid progress of improvement throughout the United States, and adverting to the facility which every undertaking must derive from a settled system of government, the obviation of those disadvantages imposed by situation on your town, may, I think, be calculated upon within no very distant period.
The sanction which experience has already given to the salutary influence of the general government on the affairs of the United States, authorises a well founded expectation that every aid which wise and virtuous legislation can render to indivudual industry will be afforded, and creates a pleasing hope that the happiness of her citizens will be commensurate with the growing dignity and importance of our country.
I express a heartfelt sentiment in wishing to your town and its inhabitants a full proportion of general and particular prosperity.

G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to the Citizens of Fayetteville, North Carolina, 26 April 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Citizens of Fayetteville, North Carolina

Gentlemen,
[Brunswick County, N.C., c.26 April 1791]

It is due to your goodness, and to my own feelings, that I should express the sensibility excited by your address, and that I should acknowledge the grateful pleasure with which I receive it.
My best services are more than compensated by the affectionate partiality of my fellow-citizens—and my most anxious wishes are gratified in observing the happiness which pervades our country.
The very favorable change already manifested in our political system, justifies the prediction that the future operations of the general government will be alike conducive to individual prosperity and national honor.
Should it consist with the necessary arrangements of my journey I shall be happy in a personal opportunity of confessing my obligations to the regard of the citizens of Fayetteville. In any event I entreat them to be persuaded of my sincere wishes for their welfare.

G. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Uriah Forrest, 27 April 1791
From: Forrest, Uriah
To: Washington, George

Sir
George town [Md.] 27 April 1791.

Having for the last two or three Years done very little business other than the Winding up of that, which had been too extensive in former Years—Having effected this so far as to enable my Partner to compleat it—Having been obliged to make such Sacrafices in collecting from my debtors in order to satisfy my Creditors, as will leave me little or no part of the Profits which ought to and otherwise would have attended my business, and Having determined to avoid meddling again with Commerce; together with a great desire of being employed by You, and of rendering myself useful to the Public, has induced me to present myself for any appointment You may think proper.
It was not my intention to have made this application until Your return from the South—But the unfortunate Event of the Comptrollers death Occasions a Vacancy in that Line where perhaps I am most fit to act, and where I cannot but confess I should be highly gratified in being placed by you, Sir.
Permit me to remark that it is not in your Power by any Favors you may bestow or by any Honors You can confer, to add to the Affectionate Consideration and Respect with which I am Sir Your most Obedt humle Servt

Uriah Forrest


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Attwood Digges, 28 April 1791 [letter not found]
From: Digges, Thomas Attwood
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Thomas Attwood Digges, c.28 April 1791. On 28 April Digges introduced William Pearce to Thomas Jefferson and wrote: “I have so little time before the Vessel sails to address The President and yourself. . . , that I hope You will escuse haste & inaccuracys” (Jefferson Papers,Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950–. 20:313–15).


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 29 April 1791 [letter not found]
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 29 April 1791. What is presumably the receiver’s copy of this letter was offered for sale in the catalog of George Smith, “Autograph Letters,” 1960, item 199.


Title: From George Washington to the Inhabitants of Georgetown, South Carolina, 30 April 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Inhabitants of Georgetown, South Carolina

Gentlemen,
[Georgetown, S.C., 30 April 1791]

I receive your congratulations on my arrival in South Carolina with real pleasure, and I confess my obligation to your affectionate regard with sincere gratitude.
While the calamities, to which you were exposed during the war, excited all my sympathy, the gallantry and firmness, with which they were encountered, obtained my entire esteem. To your fortitude in those trying scenes our country is much indebted for the happy and honorable issue of the contest—From the milder virtues, that characterise your conduct in peace our equal government will derive those aids, which may render its operations extensively beneficial.
That your participation of every national advantage, and your prosperity in private life, may be amply proportioned to your past services and sufferings is my sincere and fervent wish.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Masons of Georgetown, South Carolina, 30 April 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Masons of Georgetown, South Carolina

Gentlemen,
[Georgetown, S.C., 30 April 1791]

The cordial welcome which you give me to George Town, and the congratulations you are pleased to offer on my election to the chief Magistracy receive my grateful thanks.
I am much obliged by your good wishes and reciprocate them with sincerity—assuring the fraternity of my esteem, I request them to believe that I shall always be ambitious of being considered a deserving Brother.

G. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia May. 1. 1791.

I had the honour of addressing you on the 24th Ult. which I presume you will have recieved at Cambden. the present is ordered

to go from Petersburg to Taylor’s ferry. I think it better my letters should be even some days ahead of you, knowing that if they ever get into your rear they will never overtake you. I write to day indeed merely as the watchman cries, to prove himself awake, & that all is well, for the last week has scarcely furnished any thing foreign or domestic worthy your notice. Truxton is arrived from the E. Indies and confirms the check by Tippoo-Saib on the detachment of Colo. Floyd, which consisted of between 3. & 4000 men. the latter lost most of his baggage & artillery, and retreated under the pursuit of the enemy. the loss of men is pretended by their own papers to have been 2, or 300 only. but the loss and character of the officers killed, makes one suspect that the situation has been such as to force the best officers to expose themselves the most, & consequently that more men must have fallen. The main body with General Meadows at their head are pretended to be going on boldly. yet Ld Cornwallis is going to take the field in person. this shews that affairs are in such a situation as to give anxiety. upon the whole the account recieved thro’ Paris proves true notwithstanding the minister had declared to the house of Commons, in his place, that the public accounts were without foundation, & that nothing amiss had happened.
Our loan in Amsterdam for 2½ million of florins filled in two hours & a half after it was opened.
The Vice-president leaves us tomorrow. we are told that mister Morris gets £70,000. sterl. for the lands he has sold.
A mister Noble has been here, from the country where they are busied with the Sugar-maple tree. he thinks mister Cooper will bring 3000 £’s worth to market this season, and gives the most flattering calculations of what may be done in that way. he informs me of another very satisfactory fact, that less profit is made by converting the juice into spirit than into sugar. he gave me specimens of the spirit, which is exactly whiskey.
I have arrived at Baltimore from Marseilles 40. olive trees of the best kind from Marseilles, & a box of the seed. the latter to raise stocks, & the former cuttings to engraft on the stocks. I am ordering them on instantly to Charleston, where if they arrive in the course of this month they will be in time. another cargo is on it’s way from Bordeaux, so that I hope to secure the commencement of this culture and from the best species. sugar &

oil will be no mean addition to the articles of our culture. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect and esteem, Sir, your most obedt & most humble sert

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Smith, 1 May 1791
From: Smith, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Belvidere [Brunswick County, N.C.] 1st May 1791

The inclosed letters were handed to me this day—I very much regret that they did not arrive in time—They are however forwarded, to shew you, that, the common Anxiety, which I believe pervades the Continent, to make your path smooth & your Journey light, was not wanting between this part of the Country & Santee; also in justice to the Parties, who perhaps would be mortified that their very proper Intentions were not made known. At the same time I cannot omit the opportunity of returning You, Sir, the warmest thanks for softening in my favour, the rigour of a Rule, which although adopted upon the soundest principles of propriety & with the very best meaning, must punish all the first Characters of the Country where you travel with great Chagrin.
Had Circumstances permitted; a longer visit would have afforded me the most heartfelt Gratification. An assurance of this however cannot be felt in its full force; without a belief in that Attachment with which I was inspired at New York & Long Island in 1776. An Attachment, which has followed You not less to the peaceful tranquil Shades of Mount Vernon, than your Memorable Entry of New York as first Magistrate of the Union—An Attachment however, that has been attended with a keen regret that will end but with my life, in having been forced from partaking of your Fortunes, amongst the variety of which, I am most pained at my absence in the Retreat through New Jersey & when you changed the Fate of America at Trenton—But whither will my recollection hurry me? Excuse me illustrious

Sir, for this Intrusion—I hope it will find you perfectly at leisure, & that your goodness will pardon a fault not likely to be repeated.
Tomorrow, you will probably enter my Native City amidst the applauding Shouts of a grateful People & the welcoming Acclamations of some personal friends—Believe me there is not amongst the whole, one heart more sensibly expanded with offerings to Heaven for the happy prolongation of a life essential to the tranquillity of our Country than that of Virtuous & Great Sir Your sincerely attachd & most devoted

Benja: Smith.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 May 1791
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

(Duplicate)
Sir,Philadelphia May 2d 1791.  Of the measures pursuing by general Knox, relative to Indian affairs, he doubtless makes to you the necessary communications. In those communications, he may, perhaps, have mentioned my being here, preparatory to my undertaking another mission to the Indians of the Six Nations, for the purpose of confirming the peace and friendship subsisting between them and the United States, and as a mean of preventing their being seduced to engage with the Western Indians, in the war against us.
Upon my arrival, I heard of the vacancy of the office of Comptroller of the Treasury; & also learned that there were divers applicants who wished to succeed to it. For my own part, as I had already made known to you my desire of obtaining a permanent office in the general government, I had concluded not to trouble you with a fresh application at this time. But upon farther reflection, it seemed proper to address you. Because among many applications pointing to the particular office of comptroller, a former general application might not come into view; because if there be any office in the treasury department to which I am competent, I conceive it to be this; and because, being now at the seat of government, not to apply might be construed as a relinquishment of all pretensions to it.
A general knowledge of public business—a reasonable share of discernment—industry—cool deliberation—integrity & strict impartiality, are the great requisites of the office. Whether, Sir, I have or have not, just pretensions to any or all of those qualities, you, who have long known me, can accurately determine: to you alone, therefore, I make my suit; without asking the patronage ⟨or⟩ recommendation of any man. Such aid cannot be necessary, nor proper, nor decent: for no patronage, no recommendation, could make you better acquainted with my character; and that is the only ground on which a recommendation could pertinently be offered. For mere patronage will never determine appointments to office, while you preside in the government of the United States. I have the honour to be, with the truest respect, Sir, your most obedient servant,

Timothy Pickering.

(P.S. I hope the deep interest I cannot but feel in the object of this letter, will apologize for my solicitude that my request may come before you prior to your decision on the question to which it relates; and considering the uncertainty of the route by which you may return from the southward, excuse my sending forward a duplicate & triplicate.)


Title: From George Washington to Martha Washington, 2–9 May 1791 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Martha

 Letter not found: to Martha Washington, c.2–9 May 1791. Tobias Lear informed GW on 22 May 1791 that “Mrs Washington had the pleasure to receive two letters from you” by the brig Philadelphia, which had just arrived from Charleston.


Title: From George Washington to the Charleston Merchants, 3 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Charleston Merchants

Gentlemen,
[Charleston, 3 May 1791]

Your congratulations on my arrival in South Carolina, enhanced by the affectionate manner in which they are offered, are received with the most grateful sensibility.
Flattered by the favorable sentiments you express of my endeavors to be useful to our country, I desire to assure you of my constant solicitude for its welfare, and of my particular satisfaction in observing the advantages which accrue to the highly deserving citizens of this State from the operations of the [federal] government.
I am not less indebted to your expressions of personal attachment and respect—they receive my best thanks and induce my most sincere wishes for your professional prosperity, and your individual happiness.

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Officials of Charleston, 3 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Officials of Charleston

Gentlemen,
[Charleston, 3 May 1791]

The gratification you are pleased to express, at my arrival in your metropolis, is replied to with sincerity, in a grateful acknowledgement of the pleasing sensations which your affectionate urbanity has excited—Highly sensible of your attachment and favorable opinions, I entreat you to be persuaded of the lasting gratitude which they impress, and of the cordial regard with which they are returned.
It is the peculiar boast of our country that her happiness is alone dependent on the collective wisdom and virtue of her citizens, and rests not on the exertions of any individual. While a just sense is entertained of our natural and political advantages we cannot fail to improve them; and with the progress of our national importance to combine the freedom and felicity of individuals.
I shall be particularly gratified in observing the happy influence of public measures on the prosperity of your city, which is so entitled to the regard and esteem of the american Union.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from St. Philip’s Church Officials, 3 May 1791
From: St. Philip’s Church Officials
To: Washington, George

[Charleston, 3 May 1791]

At a Meeting of the Vestry & Church Wardens of St Philips Church
Resolved—
3d May 1791
That the President of the United States, be invited to Service in St Philips Church, & the Church Wardens do inform him, that a Pew is ready for his Accommodation on Sunday next, or on any other day that he may think proper.


Title: To George Washington from Hugh George Campbell, 6 May 1791
From: Campbell, Hugh George
To: Washington, George

  Charleston, S.C., 6 May 1791. Offers himself as a candidate for the command of the United States revenue cutter for South Carolina and refers to the accompanying certificate for information respecting his character.


Title: To George Washington from Wakelin Welch & Son, 6 May 1791
From: Wakelin Welch & Son
To: Washington, George

London 6th May 1791

Inclosed we trouble your Excellency with copy of our last of 5th March which we forwarded by the New York Packet since then nothing has transpired from Mr Morris from which we may suppose he is still in France.
Mr Young about ten days ago sent us a case containing a Bag of Seeds, Books & some Yarn manufactured from your own Fleece of Wool which he sends ⟨mutilated⟩ a curiosity. This last article being prohibited he was ⟨mutilated⟩y anxious about its going & therefore requested our particular attention We have luckily succeeded & hope it will come safe The Bill of Lading for its being on board the Peter Capt. Brooks is inclosed The charges of its coming from Bury & putting on board the Ship 16/6 which we have placed to your Excellency’s account. We Remain Your Excellency’s Much Hond Servts

Wake’ Welch & Son


Title: To George Washington from Miss Elliott, 7 May 1791
From: Elliott, —— (Miss)
To: Washington, George

Charleston [S.C.] May. 7. 1791.

Miss Elliott presents her compliments to The President of the United States, and as a small tribute of her grateful respect, begs that he will Honor her by the acceptance of a Sword Knot.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 7 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Charleston [S.C.] May 7th 1791.

I have received your Letters of the 11th & 14th of last month—Concluding from ⟨Mr⟩ Shorts statement of his negotiation in Amsterdam, and from the opinions offered in your letter of the 11th, that the loan has been obtained on the best terms practicable, and that its application in the manner you propose will be the most advantageous to the United States, I do hereby signify my approbation of what has been already done, as communicated in your letters of the 11th and 14th of April. Assenting to the further progress of the loans as recommended by you in these letters, I request that instructions may be given for completing them agreeably thereto. I am sir, Your most Obedt servt

Geo: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 8 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Charleston [S.C.] May 8th 1791.

Mr Cogdell, the Collector of Georgetown appearing on enquiry a proper Person to be appointed Inspector of Excise for that Survey—You will signify his appointment to that Office & transmit to him his instructions.
Capt. Robert Cochran seems in all respects best qualified to command the revenue Cutter on this station, and I have in consequence appointed him to that Office. He is desired to apply to you for his commission and instructions which you will transmit & communicate to him. I am, Sir Your most Obt servt

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Sir,
Charleston [S.C.] May 8th 1791.

The round of business and of ceremony, which now engages my attention, only allows me leisure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th of last month, which will receive a more particular consideration. I am, with great esteem Sir, Your most obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia May 8. 1791.

  The last week does not furnish one single public event worthy communicating to you: so that I have only to say ‘all is well.’ Paine’s answer to Burke’s pamphlet begins to produce some squibs in our public papers. in Fenno’s paper they are Burkites, in the other Painites. one of Fenno’s was evidently from the author of the discourses on Davila. I am afraid the indiscretion of a printer has committed me with my friend mister Adams, for whom, as one of the most honest & disinterested men alive, I have a cordial esteem, increased by long habits of concurrence in opinion in the days of his republicanism: and even since his apostacy to hereditary monarchy & nobility, tho’ we differ, we differ as friends should do. Beckley had the only copy of Paine’s pamphlet, & lent it to me, desiring when I should have read it, that I would send it to a mister J. B. Smith, who had asked it for his brother to reprint it. being an utter stranger to J. B. Smith, both by sight & character, I wrote a note to explain to him why I (a stranger to him) sent him a pamphlet, to wit, that mister Beckley had desired it; & to take off a little of the dryness of the note, I added that I was glad to find it was to be reprinted, that something would at length be publicly said against the political heresies which had lately sprung up among us, & that I did not doubt our citizens would rally again round the standard of Common sense. that I had in my view the Discourses of Davila, which have filled Fenno’s papers for a twelvemonth, without contradiction, is certain, but nothing was ever further from my thoughts than to become myself the contradictor before the public. to my great astonishment however, when the pamphlet came out, the printer had prefixed my note to it, without having given me the most distant hint of it. mister Adams will unquestionably take

to himself the charge of political heresy, as conscious of his own views of drawing the present government to the form of the English constitution, and I fear will consider me as meaning to injure him in the public eye. I learn that some Anglomen have censured it in another point of view, as a sanction of Paine’s principles tends to give offence to the British government. their real fear however is that this popular & republican pamphlet, taking wonderfully, is likely at a single stroke to wipe out all the unconstitutional doctrines which their bell-weather Davila has been preaching for a twelvemonth. I certainly never made a secret of my being anti-monarchical, & anti-aristocratical: but I am sincerely mortified to be thus brought forward on the public stage, where to remain, to advance or to retire, will be equally against my love of silence & quiet, & my abhorrence of dispute. I do not know whether you recollect that the records of Virginia were destroyed by the British in the year 1781. particularly the transactions of the revolution before that time. I am collecting here all the letters I wrote to Congress while I was in the administration there, and this being done I shall then extend my views to the transactions of my predecessors, in order to replace the whole in the public offices in Virginia. I think that during my administration, say between June 1. 1779. & June 1. 1781. I had the honour of writing frequent letters to you on public affairs, which perhaps may be among your papers at Mount Vernon. would it be consistent with any general resolution you have formed as to your papers, to let my letters of the above period come here to be copied, in order to make them a part of the records I am endeavoring to restore for the state? or would their selection be too troublesome? if not, I would beg the loan of them, under an assurance that they shall be taken the utmost care of, & safely returned to their present deposit.
The quiet & regular movement of our political affairs leaves nothing to add but constant prayers for your health & welfare and assurances of the sincere respect & attachment of Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 8 May 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia May 8th 1791

Since I had the honor of writing to you on the first of this month, nothing of a public nature, sufficiently important to trouble you with a communication, has come to my knowledge. Our domestic Affairs are in the same state they were when I had the honor to write last. The family is in good health. Fraunces has not yet come on; but his son called yesterday to tell me that he would certainly be here the first of the week.
Together with the papers I enclose an American Edition of Mr Paine’s answer to Mr Burke’s Attack on the French Revolution. You will observe that the printer of this Edition has prefaced the work with an extract from a note sent to him by Mr Jefferson, who furnished him with the pamphlet for publication. As the following sketch of a conversation which took place last friday evening, at Mrs Washington’s Room, between Colo. Beckworth & myself on this subject may afford you a moment’s amusement you will pardon me for repeating it—which I do as nearly in the same words as I can recollect.
B. Have you seen Mr Paine’s pamphlet in Answer to Mr Burke?
L. I have not yet been favored with a perusal of the work; but have read some extracts from it which have been published in the papers.
B. I observe Mr Paine has dedicated it to the President.
L. So I understand.
B. I am very much surprized at it; for it is always thought that the person to whom a book is dedicated approves the sentiments therein contained, as well as their tendency, and I should hope that everything in that Book did not meet the President’s approbation.
L. Why?
B. Because there are many things in it which reflect highly on the British Government & administration, and as it is dedicated to the President, it may lead to a conclusion that he approves of those things, & that the Author has his sanction for publishing them. Had Mr Paine dedicated this pamphlet to General Washington, it would then have been considered as addressed to him in his personal capacity—and would not have excited the same

ideas that are produced by its being dedicated to the President of the United States; for I beleive it will appear somewhat singular, that a Citizen of the United States should write & publish & book in a foreign Country, containing many things highly disrespectful to the Government & administration of the Country where he writes, & dedicate that book to the Chief magistrate of his own Country. It will naturally appear to the world that, from the dedication, it meets the approbation of the Chief magistrate of the Country whereof the writer is a citizen, and I therefore conceive that Mr Paine has not, in this instance, treated the President with that delicacy which he ought.
L. As I have not read Mr Paine’s book I can say nothing with respect to the sentiments or tendency of it relative to the Government & administration of Great Britain. But it is well known that the President could not have seen it, or have had any knowledge of its contents before it was published, it would therefore be absurd to suppose, merely from the circumstance of its being dedicated to him, that he approves of every sentiment contained in it. Upon this ground, a book containing the most wicked or absurd things might be published & dedicated to the President &c. without his Knowledge, and this dedication would be considered as his having given his sanction to them. Or, a book might be written under the circumstances which you have observed that Mr Paine’s is—and contain many unjust & unjustifiable strictures upon the government & governors of the Country where the writer resides, and a dedication of it to the Chief Magistrate of his own Country would, according to your idea, cause such chief Magistrate to be considered as the patron of its author, and the abettor of its sentiments. If Mr Paine has, in this instance, not acted with that delicacy & propriety which he ought, he must answer for it himself to those who are authorized to call him to an Account.
B. True! But, I observe, in the American Edition, that the Secretary of State has given a most unequivocal sanction to the book, as Secretary of State—it is not said as Mr Jefferson.
L. I have not seen the American, nor any other edition of this pamphlet. But I will venture to say that the Secretary of State has not done a thing which he would not justify.
B. On this subject you will consider that I have only spoken as an individual & as a private person.

L. I do not know you, Sir, in any other Character.
B. I was apprehensive that you might conceive that, on this occasion, I ment to enter the lists, in more than a private Character.
At this moment the Gentlemen of the Cincinnati who are here at the general meeting, entered the Room, in form, to pay their respects to Mrs Washington. This broke off the conversation, and as Colo. Beckworth did not afterwards seek an occasion to renew it, there was nothing more passed on the subject. Yesterday the Attorney General & Mrs Randolph dined, in a family way, with Mrs Washington; and after dinner, the subject of Mr Paine’s pamphlet coming on the Carpet, I related to the Attorney General the substance of my conversation with Colo. Beckworth.
Soon after I had finished my relation to the Attorney General a person called for him at the door, with whom he went out upon business. In the evening I saw him again, when he informed me, that upon being called upon after dinner, he went to Mrs House’s with the person who called him. While he was there Colo. Beckworth came in, and in the course of conversation the subject of Mr Paine’s pamphlet was introduced, when Colo. B. made the same observations, which I had before related. Upon leaving Mrs House’s the attorney Genl said he went to Mr Jefferson’s, to know from him if he had authorized the publication of the extract from his note which appeared prefixed to the American Edition of Mr Paine’s Pamphlet. Mr Jefferson said that so far from having authorized it, he was exceedingly sorry to see it there; not from a desavowal of the approbation which it gave the work; but because it had been sent to the Printer, with the pamphlet for re-publication, without the most distant idea that he would think of publishing any part of it. And Mr Jefferson further added, that he wished it might be understood that he did not authorize the publication of any part of his note.
This publication of Mr Jefferson’s sentiments respecting Mr Paine’s pamphlet will set him in direct opposition to Mr Adams’s political tenets, for Mr Adams has, in the most pointed manner, expressed his detestation of the Book, & its tendency. I had, myself, an opportunity of hearing Mr Adams’ sentiments on it one day soon after the first copies of it arrived in this place. I was at the Vice-President’s house, & while there Dr & Mrs Rush came

in. The conversation turned upon this Book, & Dr Rush asked the Vice-President what he thought of it. After a little hesitation he laid his hand upon his breast, & said in a very solemn manner, I detest that book & its tendency from the bottom of my heart.
The Vice President & family was off for massachusetts last monday—and on Thursday Mr Morris set out for Boston, it is said on some business relative to his late purchase of the Genesee Lands.
Mrs Lear unites with me in sentiments of the highest respect & in best wishes for your health and an agreeable Journey. I have the honor to be, with the utmost sincerity, Sir, Your affectionate & grateful Servt

Tobias Lear.


Title: From George Washington to Charleston Officials, 9 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Charleston Officials

Sir,
[Charleston, S.C., 9 May 1791]

I beg you will accept and offer my best thanks to the corporation and the citizens of Charleston, for their very polite attention to me.

Should it ever be in my power, be assured, it will give me pleasure to visit again this very respectable city.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas FitzSimons, 10 May 1791
From: FitzSimons, Thomas
To: Washington, George

sir
Philada 10 May 1791.

I have no better Apology to Offer for Giving you the trouble of this letter than that it is written at the desire of some of Mr Peter’s friends who wish him to be honored with the Appointment held by the late Judge Hopkinson.
of his fitness for the Station I presume not to say any thing but as delicacy, on his part will prevent his offering himself it has been thot that a doubt might arise: as to his exchanging his present situation: Upon that point I am authorised to say that the Appointment Would be very Acceptable to him and a Great gratification to many of his fellow Citizens.
I hope I shall be pardoned for haveing taken the liberty of giving this information. And have the honor to be with the Greatest respect sir Your Most Obdt & Most hble servt

Thomas FitzSimons


Title: To George Washington from Moses Robinson, 10 May 1791
From: Robinson, Moses
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bennington [Vt.] May 10th 1791

I beg leave to Recommend to your notice Mr Tolman a Citizen of Vermont who is on a tour for his health; and, Consisting with that, wishes for an Employment at the Seat of the Goverment of the union if an office of which he is Capable, and in which the public Service might be promoted, might be Conferrd. Mr Tolman has the merit of long & Satisfactory Services in Sundry public Employments for his request, perticularly, in this State those of paymaster, & Secretary to the Governor & Council; and I Can freely Recommend him as a man of Good moral Character—of faithfulness in Business, and, I believe, Ingenious in the good branches of Clerkship. If an office of this kind Could be Conferrd, in which the public might be benifited by his service (his health permitting) and he Receive a Compensation, it would lay him and his Family under perticular Obligations—be Considered as a token of your favour towards this newly Confederated Republic, and Could not fail of being duly acknowledged. With the most Ardent wish for your happiness, and the prosperity

of the Government of the union, I have the honor to be, with Sentiments of the highest Respect, Sir, your very obedient & humble servant

Moses Robinson


Title: From George Washington to the Citizens of Prince William Parish, South Carolina, 11 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Citizens of Prince William Parish, South Carolina

Gentlemen,
[Prince William Parish, S.C., c.11 May 1791]

My best thanks for your cordial welcome and affectionate address are not more justly due than sincerely offered.
I am much indebted to your good wishes, which I reciprocate with grateful regard.

G. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from George Eimbeck, 12 May 1791
From: Eimbeck, George
To: Washington, George

May it Please Yr Excellency
SirSavannah. May 12th 1791
Having for some years had the Command of Fort Wayne Am Inform’d by his Honr the Governor the Appointment and Salary must be made by the Union likewise that my Salary Ceases from the 31st July 1789.
Therefore Humbly Request your Excellency to Give such Orders Concerning the Business as your Excellencies Wisdom may Dictate. Am with the Greatest Respect Yr Excellencies Most Obet Humble Sert

Geoe Eimbeck


Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 12 May 1791
From: Humphreys, David
To: Washington, George

(Secret)
My dear SirLisbon May 12th 1791
Lest my letters to the Secretary of State on the subject of the Persons executing the Duties of the Consulate here, should have been so inexplicit as to leave your mind in doubt respecting the merits or pretensions of those persons, I take the liberty to add a few facts; not because I feel myself interested in the decision, but because I wish to remove embarrassments from your mind.
The family of the Dohrmans ought certainly to be considered by the Americans as having great merit for their conduct in time of the war & since; Mr Jacob Dohrman does not seem much to expect an appointment, but earnestly wishes that Mr Harrison, may be appointed, as Vice-Consul, untill some native of America shall be named. Mr Dohrman is very desirous to obtain a share in the consignment business if possible.
Mr Samuel Harrison has for some years past, done all the business of the American Consulate in this Port; and, I believe, to very good acceptance. I have had occasion lately to employ him in one way or another a good deal myself; and I have found him, so far as I am able to form a judgment, active, faithful & intelligent in business. I should conceive him very competent to act as Vice Consul until & even after some American shall be established as Consul here. Indeed this will now, of course, be the case until Orders may be received to the contrary.
Mr John Bulkeley is my very good friend. He has taken uncommon pains to shew civilities to me, & continues to do the same. On every occasion evincing his politeness, hospitality & disposition to to serve me. He is one of the wealthiest Merchants of the Factory & a man well versed in business. I understand he has applied for the American Consulship. Indeed he has intimated the same to me, & produced to my view a letter from Mr Thomas Russel of Boston in answer to one from himself on the subject. Mr Bulkeley has made a principal part of his fortune in the American Trade; and from a desire of extending his connections in it, has doubtless been useful to othe[r] Americans as well as to me. I conceive him to be a good Englishman & a true Merchant, in heart. In the time of the war, he conducted in general

prudently: not, however (as I have understood) without being concerned in an English Privateer.
Truth, & the interest of the Republic are my only objects. I write at the desire of no Person—nor with the knowledge of any one. For I can have no possible interest in the matter, nor the remotest byas to an option, distinct from what may comport with the public weal. With sentiments of the purest esteem & respect I have the honor to be My dear Sir Your devoted Servant

D. Humphreys

P.S. At St Ubis, Bellem &c. it will be necessary for somebody or another to act in behalf of our Citizens. At the former is a Mr Bush, a Hambourgoise, now acting—at the latter, a Portuguese by the name of Bonventura Joze Morera, who is Vice Consul for, at least, half a Dozen nations.


Title: From George Washington to Martha Washington, 12–15 May 1791 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Martha

Letter not found: to Martha Washington, c.12–15 May 1791. On 5 June Martha Washington wrote Frances Bassett Washington from Philadelphia: “I have had letters from the President from savanna” (Fields, Papers of Martha Washington,Joseph E. Fields, ed. “Worthy Partner”: The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn., and London, 1994. 231–32).


Title: From George Washington to the Georgia Society of the Cincinnati, 13 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Georgia Society of the Cincinnati

Gentlemen,
[Savannah, c.13 May 1791]

Your congratulations on my arrival in this State are received with grateful sensibility—your esteem and attachment are replied to with truth and affection.
Could the praise of an individual confer distinction on men whose merits are recorded in the independence and sovereignty of their country, I would add, with grateful pride, the tribute of my testimony to the public acknowledgement—I would say how much you had atchieved, how much you had endured in the cause of freedom—Nor should my applause be confined to the military virtues of your character—With the endearing epithet of gallant brother soldiers, your civic worth has connected the respectable title of deserving fellow-citizens—Your conduct in war commanded my esteem, your behaviour in peace exacts my approbation.
My opinions will ever do justice to your merits, my heart will reciprocate your affection, and my best wishes implore your happiness.

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Congregational Church of Midway, Georgia, 13 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Congregational Church of Midway, Georgia

Gentlemen,
[Savannah, c.13 May 1791]

I learn with gratitude proportioned to the occasion your attachment to my person, and the pleasure you express on my election to the Presidency of the United States.
Your sentiments on the happy influence of our equal government impress me with the most sensible satisfaction—they vindicate the great interests of humanity—they reflect honor on the liberal minds that entertain them—and they promise the continuance and improvement of that tranquillity, which is essential to the welfare of nations, and the happiness of men.
You over-rate my best exertions when you ascribe to them the blessings which our country so eminently enjoys. “From the gallantry and fortitude of her citizens, under the auspices of heaven, America has derived her independence—To their industry and the natural advantages of the country she is indebted for her prosperous situation—From their virtue she may expect long to share the protection of a free and equal government, which their wisdom has established, and which experience justifies, as admirably adapted to our social wants and individual felicity.”
Continue, my fellow-citizens, to cultivate the peace and harmony which now subsist between you, and your indian-neighbours—the happy consequence is immediate, the reflection, which arises on justice and benevolence, will be lastingly grateful. A knowledge of your happiness will lighten the cares of my station, and be among the most pleasing of ther rewards.

G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to the Savannah Citizens, 13 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Savannah Citizens

Gentlemen,
[Savannah, c.13 May 1791]

I am extremely happy in the occasion now afforded me to express my sense of your goodness, and to declare the sincere and affectionate gratitude, which it inspires.
The retrospect of past scenes, as it exhibits the virtuous character of our country, enhances the happiness of the present

hour, and gives the most pleasing anticipation of progressive prosperity—The individual satisfaction, to be derived from this grateful reflection, must be enjoyed in a peculiar degree by the deserving citizens of Georgia—a State no less distinguished by its services, than by its sufferings in the cause of freedom.
That the city of Savannah may largely partake of every public benefit, which our free and equal government can dispense, and that the happiness of its vicinity may reply to the best wishes of its inhabitants is my sincere prayer.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Ebenezer, Ga., German Congregation, 14 May 1791
From: Ebenezer, Ga., German Congregation
To: Washington, George

Savannah, d. 14. May 1791.

Permittas, quaeso, Illustrissime Washington! ut devoti piique animi sensa TIBI declarem, cui contigerit insignis illa felicitas, TE Savannae adeundi, virum, tot tantisque factis illustrem. Profecto admiratus sum TUAM humanitatem et indulgentiam, qua me hominem ignotum excepisti, qui non ausus essem ad TE accedere nisi ab amico optimo certior factus essem, tristem abs TE discedere neminem. Georgia laetatur de TUA Splendidissima praesentia, qua eam exhilarare dignatus es. Diu vivas o Washington! deliciae americani populi, tuumque nomen, et facta illustria Sera posteritas celebrabit. Semper precabor Deum Optimum Maximum, qui TE Praesidem harum civitatum constituit, ut omnibus rebus conatibusque Tuis propitius adsit. Accipe hanc tenuiorem epistolam, nullo ornatu commendabilem, eadem indulgentia, qua me excipere dignatus es. Anglia quidem scripturus eram si facultate pollerem eleganter scribendi, et ut dignum esse posset insignibus virtutibus et illustrissimis factis TUIS. Peregrinus, in hanc provinciam missus sum benignissimam doctrinam Redemtoris nostri profitendi inter posteros colonorum Salisburgensium, quos inprimis quia curae meae concrediti sunt, cum omni gente germanica Georgiae Americanae Tuo potentissimo patrocinio magnopere commendo. Ego vero

nunquam desinam ardentissimas preces mittere ad Deum benignissimum, pro totius populi Americani salute.

John Earnst Bergman,Minister of the German Congregation of Ebenezer.


Title: From George Washington to the Georgia Masons, 14 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Georgia Masons

Gentlemen,
[Savannah, c.14 May 1791]

I am much obliged by your congratulations on my arrival in this city—and I am highly indebted to your favorable opinions.
Every circumstance concurs to render my stay in Savannah agreeable, and it is cause of regret to me that it must be so short.
My best wishes are offered for the welfare of the fraternity, and for your particular happiness.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 14 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir,
Savannah May 1[4]th 1791

I have not, I believe, written to you since I left Richmond. At Charleston, towards the last of my stay there, I received your letters of the 10th & 15th of Apl but the continual hurry into which I was thrown by entertainments—visits—and ceremonies of one kind or another, scarcely allowed me a moment that I could call my own—nor is the case much otherwise here.
No letters North of Virginia will now reach me until I arrive at Fredericksburg in that State, which is the first place at which I shall strike the line of the Post. There are no cross-posts on this side Alexandria, and the chances of letters getting to me by private hands, as my rout back will be very wide of the Post-Road is so unfavourable that I have ordered all letters to be stopped at Charleston and sent back to the Post Office in Fredericksburg to await my arrival there.
The silence of Frauncis is evidence sufficient that nothing is to be expected from him; and if your prospects with the other person (mentioned in your letters) are no better, the plan suggested in your letter of the 15th may be tried as the best expedient that offers. A little experience (and there is time for it before the next meeting of Congress) will prove the utility or inutility of the measure.
I came to this place on Thursday afternoon, and shall leave it tomorrow, after attending the first Church. The Roads are abominably sandy & heavy—my horses (especially the two I bought just before I left Philadelphia, & my old white horse) are much worn down—and I have yet 150 or 200 miles of heavy sand to pass before I fairly get into the upper, & firmer roads.

Offer my best wishes to Mrs Lear I hope she the child & yourself are in good health. I remain your sincere and Affectionate friend

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 14 May 1791 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

Letter not found: to Tobias Lear, 14 May 1791. On 3 June 1791 Lear wrote to David Humphreys: “I had a letter a few days ago from the President dated Savannah May 14th” (PPRF).


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 15 May 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia May 15. 1791.

We are still without any occurrence foreign or domestic worth mentioning to you. it is somtime since any news has been recieved from Europe of the political kind, and I have been longer than common without any letters from mister Short.
Colo. Hamilton has taken a trip to Bethlehem. I think to avail myself also of the present interval of quiet to get rid of a headach which is very troublesome, by giving more exercise to the body & less to the mind. I shall set out tomorrow for New York, where mister Madison is waiting for me, to go up the North river, & return down Connecticut river and through Long-island. my progress up the North river will be limited by the time I allot for my whole journey, which is a month. so that I shall turn about whenever that renders it necessary. I leave orders, in case a letter should come from you covering the commission for Colo. Eveleigh’s successor, that it should be opened, the great seal put to it, and then given out. my countersign may be added on my return. I presume I shall be back here about the time of your arrival at Mount-Vernon, where you will recieve this letter. the death of Judge Hopkinson has made a vacancy for you to fill. should I pick up any thing in my journey, I will write it to you from time to time. I have the honor to be with sincere respect & attachment, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servt

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from La Luzerne, 15 May 1791
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

Sir,
London May 15th 1791

Although for a long time I have not had the honor to recall me to Your Excellency’s goodness, I pray you to be well persuaded that I have not been the less occupied in your glory and successes—and that it is with great pleasure I see the confidence in, and the consideration of, the United States daily rising in every country of Europe. Those Persons who, like me, have had the happiness to know Your Excellency ought assuredly to have expected that, when you accepted the first place in the government, your personal eclat would be reflected on your country—but it was impossible to foresee to what point, and with what rapidity the United States would inspire confidence, and how much their new government would be revered by all the nations of the world—I have been witness of the patience, the courage and the energy which your fellow-citizens have displayed to obtain their liberty—but there has arisen among them a great man, who united all suffrages, to make them sensible of all the advantages of that precious liberty, which is a great good when well directed—but which is only a horrible bandage when a wrong road is taken. Our nation in its intimate connection with yours has perceived the good which it had obtained, and desired to share in such an advantage.
The many and enormous abuses of our ancient government required great reforms, and a change in the State was absolutely necessary—but, with some causes of disease, the body of the monarchy was full of force and vigor—The Sovereign was good, just, œconomical, devoted to the greatest sacrifices for the good of his people—From the principle of convoking the States-General the Sovereign had proposed all the concessions which could have been desired to assure the individual liberty of the

subject, and to secure every species of property. With these concessions, with the inestimable advantage of a representative body, the happiness and the credit of France was established for ever. Time, and a knowledge of affairs would have enabled the national assembly to reform all the abuses in the detail of the administration—and we should have been perhaps already one of the happiest nations in the world—but the Mania to be creators, the desire to go beyond all other people, the ignorance of political principles, united with abstracted ideas of philosophy, have plunged us into an abyss from which it is perhaps impossible we should ever recover, at least for a long time.
Our legislative Body has passed some wise decrees, which may one day or other lead to a good constitution, but it has not perceived that in order to the people being free they should always be obedient to the law, that there should also exist an Executive power, who, himself submitting to the laws, should possess the necessary force to execute them.
It has been thought necessary to demolish the royal power the better to establish the legislative, which is clothed with authority to perform the functions of the Executive. The people no longer sensible of an immediate restraint have revolted on all sides, and against all authority—The Soldiers have no longer regarded their Officers as their Superiors—all authority has vanished, and to a very strong government, an absolute anarchy has succeeded. Our friend The Marquis de la fayette has been placed at the head of the national militia of Paris, and to a certain point has maintained order, and notwithstanding what Detractors say, who are very numerous, he has done much good, and prevented still more harm—His courage, his personal virtues always assure him a great number of suffrages but his popularity is lost—he has already several times desired to resign—it is only his patriotism which continues him in a place impossible to fill. If, like the Americans we had possessed a Man sufficiently elevated by his reputation and his virtues to command all the nation, and to know exactly the length we ought to have gone, we should have been, like the Americans, one of the happiest of the nations of the world, having the best laws, and I may say at present without fear of being thought to flatter, we should have been governed by a prince the best qualified by the dispositions of his heart to make subjects happy. Pardon, Sir, this long discussion of the

misfortunes of my country—but I am so much affected by them, and I am so sensible of the interest which you take in them that I could not avoid pouring them out into your breast. I am not however without some hope that the affairs of my country will be re-established—I will serve to the end my King and my country, whom I passionately love because I think I may love them and liberty too—but if we are to continue in anarchy, if all the laws are overturned, if monarchy, the only government fitted for us is destroyed, I will retire into a strange land with all my family, and in that event you can judge which country my inclination and my taste will lead me to chuse. I will demand goodness and assistance for me and mine from your Excellency, and I shall be happy to live under a government, where your influence prevails so much. In the meanwhile, and independent of all events I pray you to be persuaded of the sincere attachment and respect with which I am your Excellency’s &a

La Luzerne

I recommend to your Excellency’s goodness the Chevr Ternant, who goes to succeed Mr de Moustier.


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 15 May 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia May 15th 1791.

On thursday last I had the honor to receive your letter of the 21st of April from New burn; and at the same time a letter for Mrs Washington came under cover to me, which she informed me was dated at Wilmington. Yesterday we had the pleasure to see your arrival at Charleston announced in the papers.
My letters must certainly have met with some interruption or you would have found at least one at Wilmington. Between Richmond & that place I did not calculate upon any reaching you; for the one dated the 5th of April reached you at Richmond, which place you left on the 13th. The next letter which I wrote was dated the 10th—left this place on the 11th—and

ought, by the common progress of the mail, to have reached Wilmington on the 22d or 23d, which would have been a day or two before your arrival there. The dates of my letters since that time are April 15th—17th—24th—May 1st & 8th—all of which I flatter my self you will receive.
I am not surprized to learn that the horses are somewhat worn down. I rather wonder at their holding out so well—it is contrary to the opinion of almost every one who knows the nature of the travelling in that Country. Should you be so fortunate as to bring them all back it will be more than is expected. The mare which was bought of the Quaker a few days before you left this place—turns out to be a very good creature—She is high in flesh & spirits—and makes a very tolerable figure—she will be large—she is now higher than the largest of the Colts, and appears to grow every day.
On tuesday Mrs Washington proposes going over to Jersey for a few days—she makes her visit to Mrs Dickinson. It was thought best & cheapest, by Mrs Washington & myself, that she should hire a Coach, 4 horses & a driver for the trip—the whole of which is engaged of Mr Page for twenty four dollars the trip, he bearing all expences of horses & driver—(Daniel is to be the driver). This is cheaper than Mrs Washington could have gone in her own Coach, without taking into consideration any damage which it or the horses might sustain by the jaunt; for two horses must have been hired in addition to her own—and the expense of the whole & Jacob must have been borne for 4 or 5 days. Mrs Washington takes the children with her & Christopher & Oney. I shall have the honor to attend her on horse back.
Fraunces arrived here on Wednesday, and after signing his Articles of Agreement—going over the things in the house & signing an inventory thereof, entered upon the duties of his station. I think I have made the agreement as full, explicit & binding as any thing of the kind can be. In the Articles prohibiting the use of wine at his table—and obliging him to be particular in the discharge of his duty in the Kitchen & to perform the Cooking with Hercules—I have been peculiarly pointed. He readily assented to them all (except that respecting Hercules, upon which he made the following observation—“I must first learn Hercules’ abilities & readiness to do things, which if good, (as good as Mrs Read’s) will enable me to do the Cooking without

any other professional assistance in the Kitchen; but this experiment cannot be made until the return of the President when there may be occasion for him to exert his talents”—)—and made the strongest professions of attachment to the family, & his full determination to conduct in such a manner as to leave no room for impeachment either on the score of extravagence or integrity. All these things I hope he will perform.
The House-keeper who, I mentioned in a former letter, was engaged, came into the family on the same day. She has taken her stand also—and received into her charge those things which belong particularly to her department. Her proceedings thus far speak much in her favour, and I confess that I have formed a very excellent opinion of her abilities in this line. The greatest difficulty which she has to apprehend, is in bringing the Servants to bear that particular inspection into their conduct which is proper & which she says she is determined to do. The Servants in the family have been impressed with an idea that they are the best Servants that can be obtained—and in pursuing this idea they are likely to become the worst; for they conceive it an insult offered them to have their doings examined into or superintended; and another idea which they have taken up—and which I have laboured hard to do away, is, that the President’s should be considered rather as a public than a private family, and therefore that it would be lessening the dignity of it to observe those rules & that subordination which may be necessary in a private family. From whence this idea originated I cannot pretend to say. But certain I am that it is not consonant to your way of thinking on the subject.
Since your departure I have necessarily had a more immediate inspection of the Servants than I ever had before, and I have less cause to doubt the justness of those complaints which have heretofore been made of them, than I ever thought I should have. Nothing but the establishment of certain rules & a strict adherence to them, with the peremptory discharge of such as refused or neglected to attend to them, will reduce the family to that state of regularity & pleasantness as will make it a desireable one to live in. These ideas which I mention to have obtained are not confined to the men—the women are likewise infected with them. I shall not fail, with the assistance of Mrs Washington, to take such steps upon this new arrangement of the family as appear

best calculated to produce order—and a proper understanding among them.
Vicar, the Cook, takes his discharge tomorrow. He requested it himself, from a determination, as he says, not to be under the immediate direction of Fraunces in the Kitchen as he understands will be the case if he was to continue.
The enclosed papers will give a more particular account of the events of the week past—such as the death of Judge Hopkinson—the fires which took place on Sunday & on Monday night &c. The death of the District Judge is said to occasion much inconvenience to individuals who had suits depending & which must now be delayed until a new appointment takes place.
I received the enclosed letter last week from Colo. Wadsworth, containing a proposal to purchase your young Jack. I have acknowledged the receipt of it and informed him that it should be transmitted to you.
Mrs Lear begs her best respects may be made acceptable to you—and we are happy to say that our little boy has been inoculated & is now fast recovering from the Smallpox—he has had it pretty severely & at one period we had almost given him up—He has been baptized by the name of Benjamin Lincoln, in memory of the deceased son of General Lincoln, and as a testimony of the grateful remembrance in which I hold that friend who took me by the hand at a moment when I needed a friend, and through whose means I had the happiness of being made known to you. And as a proof of the high estimation in which I hold that happiness, I trust I shall never neglect an opportunity of shewing the sincere attachment & high respect with which I have the honor to be Sir, Your grateful, affectionate & very humble Servant

Tobias Lear.


Title: Indenture with John Cowper, 17 May 1791
From: Washington, George,Lewis, John
To: Cowper, John

17 May 1791

  [Gates County, N.C., 17 May 1791]. John Lewis as GW’s attorney conveys to John Cowper four tracts (approximately 1,093½ acres) of land at White Oaks Spring, Gates County, N.C., originally purchased by GW and Fielding Lewis from Marmaduke Norfleet on 26 April 1766. Signed and sealed by Lewis and witnessed by Dempsey Copeland, Riddick Hunter, Thomas Mann, and Arthur Jones.


Title: From George Washington to the Citizens of Augusta, Georgia, 19 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Citizens of Augusta, Georgia

Gentlemen,
[Augusta, Ga., c.19 May 1791]

I receive your congratulations on my arrival in Augusta with great pleasure—I am much obliged by your assurances of regard, and thank you, with unfeigned sincerity, for the favorable sentiments you are pleased to express towards me.
Entreating you to be persuaded of my gratitude, I desire to assure you that it will afford me the most sensible satisfaction to learn the progression of your prosperity—My best wishes for your happiness collectively and individually are sincerely offered.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Hawes, 19 May 1791
From: Hawes, Robert
To: Washington, George

  Queen Street, Moorfields, London, 19 May 1791. Presents with sincere respects the enclosed “effort of a solitary Individual to avenge america’s

and his injur’d Country’s wrongs. May the God of Liberty preserve you continually—is The Prayer of Sir Your Excellency’s most affectionate Friend, and admiring Servant, with a Bible open, and presenting 1. Maccabees Xth Chapter 15 & 16 Verses to my View.”


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Bacon, 20 May 1791
From: Bacon, Edmund
To: Washington, George

[Augusta, Ga., 20 May 1791]

In ages past, we see a splendid train
Of heroes shine, in panegyric’s strain.
Historic pens have varnish’d o’er their crimes,
And prais’d, in them, the vices of the times:
To conquer nations; millions to devour;
To reign in all the wantonness of power;
To follow glory; to acquire a name;
Their cause ambition, and their object fame.
’Tis ours to boast a hero great and good;
With courage and benevolence endued.

Superior genius! you, whose breast can feel
No other motive but your country’s weal.
Superior firmness! with such virtues arm’d;
By power, untainted,—by no flattery charm’d.
Superior chief! by selfish views unmov’d;
Your people loving, by your people lov’d.
Let not th’expressions of our love offend
Our saviour, father, citizen and friend.
Deny us not the pleasure thus t’impart,
Without disguise, the feelings of the heart.

Thou friend of science, liberty, and laws,
Forever active in thy country’s cause;

We are thy children—let thy fancy trace,
In us, the congregated, rising race—
Adopted, ere we drew the vital air,
And snatch’d from slavery by thy watchful care.
Heirs of that freedom, by that valor won;
May we ne’er mar the work by thee begun!
As we’ve been taught to glow at thy renown,
So we’ll transmit by bright example down.
Each future babe shall learn to lisp thy name;
To love thy worth and emulate thy fame.
Whene’er the powers of infant reason dawn,
Full in his view thy portrait shall be drawn:
Hence on his mind these truths will be impress’d;
That virtue only can be truly blest.
Though power may glare in all the pomp of state;
That virtue only can be truly great.
Though vanity may bask in flattery’s rays;
That virtue only meets with honest praise:
That virtue only claims our whole esteem;
That virtue only reigns with power supreme.

In our full hearts, what grateful raptures rise!
When, o’er past scenes, our active fancy flies:
We hail the day, you took the glorious field,
And made the haughty British Lion yield!
Then, though a scepter waited on your word,
For calm retirement, you resign’d the sword.
You scorn’d the glory power usurp’d imparts;
You scorn’d to reign but in a people’s hearts.
Again we see you bless Potomack’s shore,
Resolv’d to leave sweet Vernon’s shades no more.
Delightful seat! by your fond choice design’d,
T’enjoy, in peace, your self-approving mind.
Again your country call’d you to her aid;
And you again your country’s call obey’d.
With fond regret, you left your fav’rite shore,
To feel the weight of public cares once more.

Hail joyous day! what acclamations rung!
Joy fil’d each eye, and rapture mov’d each tongue,
At your instalment!—never Monarch wore

So bright, so rich a diadem before.
No more let sparkling dross ambitions move;
Your diadem, is—universal love.

But hold—this theme is painful to your ear;
Though lightly touch’d, by gratitude sincere—
Indulge our joys, forgive our forward zeal;
Let your own heart imagine what we feel!
What various transports in our bosoms glow,
Swell the full heart, and at the eyes o’er flow!!—

Almighty God! Since virtue is thy care;—
O hear a nations universal prayer!
May all the joys, this transient scene can know,
Full on his heart, in gentle currents, flow!—
May all the joys, benevolence inspires,
Pursue him still when he from time retires!—
May this one joy, forever crown the whole;
And with immortal rapture fill his soul!
May he, from heaven’s sublime, eternal scenes,
See future millions happy through his means!!!—

And let mankind this serious truth confess;
None e’er was prais’d so much,—none ever flatter’d less.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 20 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Augusta [Ga.] May 20th 1791.

While at Charleston I appointed Robert Cochran of that place to command the revenue Cutter for the station of South Carolina, & empowered him, with the approbation of the Governor & general Moultrie, to appoint his mates.
I have appointed John Howell Commander—Hendricks Fisher, first Mate, and John Wood second mate of the revenue Cutter to be stationed on the coast of Georgia. You will transmit the Commissions and your instructions to these Gentlemen. I am, sir, Your most Obedt servt

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Seagrove, 20 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Seagrove, James

Sir,
Augusta [Ga.] May 20th 1791.

The confidence, which your character inclines me to place in you, has induced me to commit the enclosed letter, from the Secretary of State to Governor Quesada, and the negotiation which will be consequent thereon to your care and management. The letter which is under a flying seal, to be closed before it is delivered, will inform you of the import, and serve to instruct you in the mode of conducting the object of your mission—delicate in its nature, it will require the greatest address and temper in its treatment—nor must any proposition or declaration be made, which in its consequence might commit the government of the United States.
The enclosed copy of a letter, written by my direction, from the Secretary of State to the Governor of Georgia, which is now confidentially communicated to you, is another source, whence

some information may be drawn—but, as my ideas of your personal acquaintance with this business combined with my opinion of your character and talents to transact it, have determined me to appoint you, it is from your own knowledge, and the circumstances, which may arise, that you must decide on the best means to accomplish the negotiation—Your first care will be to arrest the farther reception of fugitive slaves, your next to obtain restitution of those slaves, who have fled to Florida, since the date of Governor Quesada’s letter to Mr Jefferson, notifying the orders of his catholic Majesty—and your last object, which may demand the greatest address, will be to give a retrospective force to the orders of the Court of Spain, beyond the date of that letter, and to procure the Governor’s order for a general relinquishment of all fugitive slaves, who were the property of citizens of the United States. This last instruction will require peculiar delicacy, and must be entered on with caution and circumspection, or not be taken up at all, as appearances of compliance may justify the one or the other.
If your collectorate cannot furnish money to defray your expenses, in which you will observe due oeconomy, and of which you will transmit an account to the Secretary of State, you will supply yourself from the Collector of Savannah. I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant

G. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 22 May 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia May 22nd 1791

Since I had the honor of writing to you on the 15 instant, the Brigantine Philadelphia has arrived from Charleston, by which Mrs Washington had the pleasure to receive two letters from you, and we were all made very happy by hearing that you had got that far on your tour without any interruption in your health, and without meeting with any material accident. By the same Vessel I had the pleasure to receive a letter from Major Jackson—enclosing one for each of the heads of the Departments—and one for Messrs Johnson, Carroll & Stuart—all of which were sent to their respective addresses.
The Articles shipped from Charleston came in good order and agreeable to the list enclosed by Major Jackson. The Horse-Covers have been exposed to the air & appear to be in perfect order.
I had the honor, last week to attend Mrs Washington on a visit to General Dickinson’s—we left this city on tuesday morning & returned on thursday—The weather was pleasant & the ride charming—Our reception & entertainment at Genl Dickinson’s was replete with candour, openness & hospitality. The prospect of Crops in that part of the Country, as well as about this city, is pleasing; we have lately been favoured with seasonable rains.
Our House-keeper seems to answer the high character given of her. She has hitherto conducted with prudence & judgement. Mrs Washington expresses herself much pleased with her. Fraunces appears to have every disposition to please, and I trust he will succeed. I have no apprehension for him but on the score of expense—his ideas of which still appear to be extravagant. I have repeated to him that everything, with him, depends on this point; and I am not without hopes that the constant checks which he will meet with will at length reform him on this head. Hercules has been told that it is necessary for him to be at Mount Vernon on your return there, as his presence at that time will be indispensable there & he can be very well spared here; and as you may be there very soon, I have recommended it to him to go home this week in the Stage, as there is no vessel now up, which he has promised to do, and I shall accordingly make arrangements for his departure.

Mr Jefferson left town last monday on a tour through the upper parts of New York—into Vermont—about the Lakes &ca—He meets Mr Madison in New York (where he has been for 3 or 4 weeks past) who accompanies him. He informed me that he expected to return in 3 or 4 weeks from the time of his departure. The letter for him I delivered to Mr Remsen who had directions where to forward letters to him. Colo. & Mrs Hamilton have been out of town on a visit to Bethlehem about 10 or 12 days, and are expected home this week. The letter for him I delivered to Mr Coxe to forward. General Knox has removed, for the summer, to Bush Hill which place he occupies during the absence of the Vice-President to Massachusetts.
In my letter of the 8th instant I gave a sketch of a conversation between Colo. Beckworth & myself respecting Mr Paine’s pamphlet in answer to Mr Burke. Last friday evening the Colo. again made his appearance at Mrs Washington’s room, and took an opportunity to request me to go with him into the yallow drawing room; and when there, he observed that he was apprehensive he might have appeared to have been uncommonly interested in the conversation which took place between us some time before on the subject of Mr Paine’s book, and that he had been ever since wishing for an opportunity to assure me that he had only spoken of the subject as a private individual, and that he had only given his opinion on the book with that freedom which he should have done respecting any book that might have happened to have been the subject of conversation. In reply, I told him I could only repeat what I had observed on the former occasion, that I knew him only as a private man—and that every person had an undoubted right to form such an opinion of Mr Paine’s book, as best suited them; But that it contained a great deal of good sense, and some serious truths which were perhaps, not pleasing to every one. Yes, says the Colo. it is certainly a well written book—and I will venture to say a very bold one to be written in England. True, I replied, and more especially since it has been determined there that truth may be a Libel.
The conversation on this subject then dropped, & the Colo. told me he intended to take a ride as far as Connecticut to waste a few weeks & should return to this place in the latter part of June as he understood you were expected here at that time. He took occasion to speak of the New Government of Canada, &

observed that there was every reason to beleive that it would be pleasing to the Inhabitants of that Country—and added, that he thought it probable Lord Dorchester would return to England early next fall, and that it was possible he might come into the United States—visit this place & New York—and embark at one or the other. But this, he requested me to observe, was only a matter of opinion with him, he could not say that it would take place.
The Marshall of Delaware District yesterday delivered to me the return of the enumeration of that District, a copy of which is enclosed—90,000 had been held out as the probable number in that State by some of its inhabitants—but it falls much short of that—and will not give them another Representative.
Governor Patterson dined at General Dickinson’s the day that Mrs Washington & myself were there, and the conversation turning upon the Census, he observed that the Marshall of New Jersey had informed him that according to the Census taken by him & his deputies there would be but 75 wanting to give them six representatives—and that there was no doubt but several thousands were unenumerated in the State, owing to a backwardness in many persons to give in the real numbers from an apprehension of a direct tax being the consequence.
Mrs Lear unites with me in grateful respects & best wishes for your health & happiness. I have the honor to be with the most sincere attachment & highest respect Sir, Your Obliged & Affectionate Hble Servt

Tobias Lear.


Title: From George Washington to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and Edward Rutledge, 24 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth,Rutledge, Edward

Private
Gentlemen—Columbia [S.C.] May 24th 1791.
An address to you jointly on a subject of the following nature may have a singular appearance; but that singularity will not exceed the evidence which is thereby given of my opinion of, and confidence in you; and of the opinion I entertain of your confidence in, and friendship for each other.
The Office lately resigned by the Honble Mr J. Rutledge in the Supreme Judiciary of the Union remains to be filled. Will either of you two Gentlemen accept it? and in that case, which of you? It will occur to you that appointments to Offices in the recess of the Senate are temporary, but of their confirmation on such a case there can be no doubt.
It may be asked why a proposition similar to this has never been made to you before; this is my answer—your friends whom I have often conversed with on like occasions, have always given it as their decided opinion that no place in the disposal of the

genl Government could be a compensation for the relinquishment of your private pursuits; or, in their belief, would withdraw you from them. In making the attempt, however, in the present instance, I discharge my duty, and shall await your answer (which I wish to receive soon) for the issue. Of my sincere esteem & regard for you both I wish you to be assured and that I Am—Gentlemen—Your Most Obedt & Affecte Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Citizens of Columbia and Granby, South Carolina, 25 May 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Citizens of Columbia and Granby, South Carolina

Gentlemen,
[Columbia, S.C., c.25 May 1791]

I am much obliged by your professions of respect and affection, and I am truly grateful for your kind regards and good wishes. Replying to them with sincere acknowledgement, I desire to assure you that I shall always remember with pleasure your polite attentions.

G. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 27 May 1791
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Paris 27 May 1791

I have the Honor to enclose a Letter and sundry Papers from Messieurs Schweizer Jeanneret and Company. I have referred

these Gentlemen to Mr Short telling them that it is most fitting in many Respects that they should apply to him.
As it is possible however that this Business may come before you, I think it a Duty to convey Some Observations which occur to me and which may not perhaps strike you because Matters of that Sort have not I beleive much occupied your Attention. Previous thereto I beg Leave however to give you a History of my Acquaintance with it. In a Letter to Colonel Hamilton of the 31st of January 1790 I mentioned what had passed between Mr Necker and me respecting the Debt due by the United States to France, and I hinted at the Means of turning to useful Account a very precipitate step of the public Agents in Holland. About this time I received your Orders to communicate with the british Ministers and altho’ I did by no means consider that in the Light of an Appointment to Office, yet from Motives of Delicacy I determined to extricate myself from the Affair of the Debt as speedily as I could with Propriety. Various Applications were made to me from different Quarters to which I replied evasively but on my Arrival in this City last November I informed the Parties that I had Reasons of a private Nature which deterred me from holding any Share in their Speculation. I conversed with Mr Short on the same Subject and communicated to him confidentially my Reason for declining an Interest as well as my Opinion respecting the Use which might be derived from such Negotiation. A few Days after the President of the Committee of finance happening to meet me at the Count de Montmorins mentioned some Proposals then before them which to the best of my Remembrance were extravagant. I declined giving an Opinion without previously seeing and considering the Terms; upon which he and Mr de Montmorin agreed together that before any thing was concluded the various Propositions which might be made should be submitted to my Examination. There the Thing dropt and the enclosed Papers shew the Reason why; for it appears from them that a Bargain was made shortly after by the Controleur general with a different Company. Mr Short mentioned this to me on his Return hither in the End of March telling me that the Parties concerned were (as he was informed in Amsterdam) Men of no Credit nor Capital. I of Course agreed with him in Opinion that if so it was not worth while to listen to them. A few Days after one of them called on me and after giving a History of the Affair begged me to make Use of my good

Offices. I told him at once that it was ridiculous to ask a Commission of 5 ⅌% on changing the Nature of our Debt. That it was quite as convenient to owe France as to owe the Subjects of France, and further that before any Treaty was offered Persons of Credit and Capital should appear. As soon as I had made this last Observation he drew out the Letters of the Comptroller general and shewing me the second Clause of it replied that after what was there contained no Man had a Right to question the Solidity of the Society: he then added that for my private Satisfaction he would prove that People of the first Fortune were connected therein and indeed he gave me such Proof. I told him upon this that they must apply to Mr Short or to their own Ministry whose Support would be much more efficacious than the Sentiments of any private Individual. I ment⟨ioned⟩ nevertheless to Mr Short the Substance of this Conversation. While h⟨e⟩ was in the Country the enclosed Letter was received. He returned to Town Yesterday and called on me in the Evening when I communicated to him the Purport of it.
I have ever been of Opinion that as we are not in Condition to pay our Debt to France a Bargain by which the Period can be prolonged without Loss to either Party is desirable. I say with⟨out⟩ Loss because the Conduct of this Nation has been so generous to us tha⟨t⟩ it would be very ungrateful indeed to take Advantage of those Necessities which the Succor afforded to America has occasioned. Suc⟨h⟩ a Bargain must be either with the Government or with Individuals⟨.⟩ But after the repeated Delays on our Part to ask longer Time now would not look well. Indeed no such Treaty could be made withou⟨t⟩ the Consent of the Assembly and their Observations would not be pleasant. A Bargain with Individuals has the Advantage of bringing in the Aid of private Interest to the Support of our Credit, and what is of very great Consequence it would leave us at Liberty to make Use of that Credit for the Arrangement of our domestic Affairs. And on this Head I must mention that it has been my good fortune to prevent some Publications which would have been particularly injurious to us. Their Object was to complain of the United States for speculating in their own Effects with the Funds of France. Urging that while we owe heavy Installments already due here all the Loans we obtain in Holland ought to be applied to the Discharge of them and therefore that the Speculations in

our domestic Debt were a double Violation of good faith &ca &ca &ca—The present State of Things here has occasioned so great a Fall in the Exchange that Money borrowed in Holland is remitted with great Gain; consequently Loans made there just now answer well and it is evident that the Parties who are endeavoring to contract count on a considerable Profit from that Circumstance. Much however is to be said on this Part of the Subject. First it is questionable whether our Reputation may not be a little affected for you will recollect that about one third of our Debt to France arose from a Loan made on our Account in Holland of five Million of florins for which the King paid us here ten Million of Livres without any Deduction for Charges of any Sort. The Nation is now obliged to pay those five Millions in Holland, and for us to borrow that Amount there and then squeeze them in an Exchange which distresses both their Commerce and Finances looks hard. There was a good Deal of Murmuring about it when the last Operation of 1500000 Guilders took Place and I should not be at all surprized if some Patriot by Way of shewing his Zeal should make a violent Attack in the Assembly when the next Payment is made. There are many of these patriots who if they can inculpate Ministers and distress those of different Sentiments don’t care a Jot for Consequences. But supposing this not to happen it is not possible for a Nation to make the Advantages which Individuals do in such things because they must employ Individuals each of whom will be too apt to look a little to his own Advantage. There is a Difference also between the Gain made upon Parts and that which would arise on the whole for even if we could borrow all at once so large a Sum there can be no Doubt that the Remittance of it hither would greatly alter the Exchange. But it is not possible to borrow it speedily, and the present unnatural State of Things will in all Probability be changed. In fact the leading Characters are very seriously alarmed at it. If their Paper Currency should be either redeemed or annihilated or abolished Tomorrow the Exchange would immediately turn in Favor of France and then we should loose on Remittances. So much for this Affair in its little Details but there is a great View of it which forcibly strike my Mind. If we were at Liberty to turn all our Efforts towards our domestic Debt we should by raising its Value prevent Speculations which are very injurious to the Country if not to the Government.

Millions have already been bought at low Price and afterwards negotiated in Europe; neither is that all for if we can borrow at five per Cent and buy up our six per Cent Debt at Par we gain at once by that Operation one fifth of the Interest or twenty per Cent which besides all the other good Consequences is much more than ever we shall get by any Management of our Debts on this Side of the Water.
I have given you my dear Sir these Hints in Abridgement because my Time will not permit of dilating them attribute them I pray you to the true Cause and beleive me always very sincerely yours

Gouvr Morris


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 27 May 1791
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Paris 27 May 1791

I did intend to give you a pretty full detail of various Matters and Things by Colonel Ternant who will have the Honor to deliver this Letter but I am just about setting off to London which prevents me. Colo. Ternant however will give you every Information respecting the Decrees of the Assembly affecting our Commerce and the like—This he will do confidentially as a man of Honor at least so I beleive because in the first Place there is no Secret in them and because secondly he is very much disposed to do what we would wish to have done, and no man is better informed Very few so well. Accept I pray you the Assurances of my sincere Regard and beleive me truly yours

Gouvr Morris