Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 13 February 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Philadelphia 13 Febry 1796.

          Without pursuing any official form, (with which I cannot say I am yet acquainted), I take the liberty to submit the thoughts that have occurred to me on reading the letters you were pleased to put into my hands on saturday last.
          Were you to conform to the dictates of friendship and receive publicly into your family the son of Mr La Fayette, it might be productive of certain political inconveniences, resulting from the relation between the U.S. and France; and as connected with a certain party in both countries. There it might be employed, as in all likelihood it would be here, to strengthen impressions against this government that have been industriously, and in some parts of the union, not unsuccessfully disseminated. Inasmuch therefore, as the state of things in France may not have acquired sufficient stability to bear the experiment, nor the public mind here been every where sufficiently disabused to appreciate motives, it may be questioned, whether at this juncture it is adviseable to incur a risk that may be avoided, without, perhaps, intrenching upon the duties of friendship, or withholding from the young Fayette the kind offices of a protector.
          It is true, Sir, that were you to do openly what may be done privately, the act would instantaniously meet the approbation of every man of sensibility: nay it is probable, that it might force into silence the perturbed and factious spirits of the day; but the probability also is, that the silence of the latter would only continue till an oppertunity should present, to convert an act of

high generosity and friendship into an insidious and political crime.
          To take therefore from the factious in both countries the power to disturb either by this means, it would seem expedient that young Fayette’s reception should be private, and your kindness to him for the present flow in the same channel.
          It may be asked. Does the duties of friendship impose upon you an open and avowed expression of sympathy and assistance? As to the extent of your assistance, that being relative to your own property must depend upon yourself. As to the mode of bestowing or conveying it, that being relative to your public character, must be conformable to the obligations it imposes. As to the duties of friendship, can they authorise or require from you any thing which might injure your country or uselessly commit the United States?
          In another point of view which approaches the real merits of the case, it may be fairly doubted whether the U.S. through their President, can without cause of offence to France, publicly receive, and acknowlege himself, the protector of the son of a man under a positive or implied proscription. A doubt in such a case calls at least for the exercise of prudence and caution.
          On the other hand it may be said, that, inasmuch as the son has not been considered criminal by any decree of that government, and is besides a citizen of the U.S. no cause of offence could be given by his being publicly received and acknowleged.
          And may it not also be said, that in a case circumstanced like the present, where the public notice and protection presumed is so evidently the result of humanity to a forlorn and helpless child, and when such notice and protection can neither injure nor be intended to injure France, that therefore France could not rightfully nor on rational ground be offended.
          But there is a fact which strikes me as of weight and which cannot be thrown out of view in examining this question. If the young Fayette obtained his passport by concealing who he was from the authority having power to grant it, he must be considered as a fugitive from France, or one who would not have been suffered to leave the kingdom had he made himself known. As such then, though he could not be reclaimed by France, yet he might be proscribed while publicly noticed and protected by

you. Perhaps too such a reception of him, by being artfully managed and represented might induce such a misfortune.
          Upon the whole then, will it not be the safest course and the least subject to embarrassing circumstances as it respects the public, the youth and his connexions, to receive him in a private way and remove him to a distance from you, till such time as a different situation of things may authorise a different line of conduct and proceeding.
          Is it possible that I can have written with such seeming coldness where the suffering and exiled son of Fayette is the subject: that I who would share with his father my fortune should be obliged by the imperious situation of things to advise that your goodness to his son should flow for a while in secret and unseen.
          But, Sir, I think I perceive in his letters and those of Mr Frestels, in the reluctance shewn to embrace the course of education you have proposed, and in the suggestion of a reserved communication that required a personal interview, that his visit to this country has chiefly for its object to implore you to take some steps for the release of his father. It is a mission that might readily occur to his mother who it seems is gone to Vienna to solicit the Emperor, and must have been preconcerted in the hope that the person chosen, from his age and other circumstances was the best fitted to act impressively on your feelings, and thereby remove any political obstacle to a diplomatic application.
          If this conjecture should be founded, your sensibility is devoted to a severe trial on his arrival, as well as the poor youths, should you be of opinion that the reasons that render a private reception of him proper and necessary apply with still greater force against the particular object presumed to be contemplated.
          I inclose the several papers you intrusted me with and have the honour to be with the most sincere respect Sir your most obt Servt

            James McHenry


Title: From George Washington to Rufus Putnam, 13 February 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Rufus

            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 13th Feby 1796

          You will perceive by the enclosed, that I am disposed to sell the land I possess on the Western Waters—and on what terms. Let me request the favor of you therefore, to cause these notifications to be pasted up in some conspicuous part of the Town of Mariatte, and elsewhere lower down (but above Cincinnati) in such a manner as to give them a reasonable chance of remaining there, & legible, for sometime. And I would take it kind of you, to let me know what you think the Lands lying on the Ohio, Great Kanhawa and little Miame would, or ought to sell for on the credit which is proposed to be given, by the Acre, or Tract, as they are described; which I believe is correct. With esteem & regard, I am—Dear Sir Your Obedient Hble Ser.

            Go: Washington

            P.S. Upon second thoughts, I pray you to request some friend of yours at Cincinnati to set up one or two of the Advertisements at that place.


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 14 February 1796 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from William Pearce, 14 Feb. 1796. On 21 Feb., GW wrote Pearce: “Since my last to you, I have received your letters of the 7th & 14th Instant.”


Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 14 February 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 14th Feb. 1796.

          Since my last to you, relative to my Executorship of Colo. Colvills Estate, I sent, as therein mentioned, to the person from whom I had purchased the Guinea, or Chinese Hogs which you saw at my Mill, and obtained two; a boar & a sow; the latter with Pig. He informed me, however, that they were not of the whole blood; but, in his opinion, improved from their mixture with another breed of Hogs which he has. They were accompanied with as much Corn as would serve them—plentifully—on the passage; and ordered immediately to the Vessel, which was on the point of Sailing, & did sail yesterday; and a receipt to be taken therefor & brought to me. This not being received until to day, I was surprised, (but too late to remonstrate agt it) at the freight that is charged. But it is the way we are imposed upon here, in almost every thing. My love to Mrs Washington, in wch your aunt joins. I am always, and Affectly Yours

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Anderson (of Scotland), 15 February 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Anderson, James,Scotland, of

            Sir,
            Philadelphia 15th Feb: 1796

          Since my last to you in December, I have been favored with your letter of the 15th of September, on the subject of Iron Bridges.
          The invention is ingenious, and if it answers as well in practice as it appears in theory it will be a valuable and useful discovery. I see no reason why it should not, as the construction is upon mathematical principles. I should fear, however, if you have not been correct in your estimates and comparison, that a bridge formed of Iron must cost more than one of Stone—both having the same span. But as I have had no leizure to examine the matter accurately, this may be a very erroneous opinion of mine.
          The Mechanics of these United States, are in the practice of building bridges of Wood, that are not exceeded any where, for span of Arch, convenience, appearance and cheapness. One lately erected over Piscataqua River in the State of New Hampshire, has a span of 244 feet in one arch—but the want of durability in bridges built of such perishable materials, is a serious objection to them.
          The more I have revolved the plan of renting the farms of my Mount Vernon Estate, the more inclined I am to the measure—and that my intention in this respect, as well as in the sale of certain lands which I possess on the Western Waters, may be known, I have caused a notification (as you will perceive by the enclosed hand-bills wch are copies thereof) to be inserted in some of the public gazettes of this country; but without much expectation of carrying it into effect the ensuing year.
          Having taken the liberty of bringing you acquainted with the preliminary steps to this measure, I now offer the plan in a more advanced stage; but upon the same principle, and under the same restrictions contained in my last—namely—that it may be communicated (not by way of public notification, nor at all, if it militates in any degree with the declared policy of the British government) to any m⟨a⟩n, or set of men, who you may have reason to believe are disposed to migrate to this country; and would wish to avail themselves of the information therein contained.
          As it relates to tenants, I should wish for peaceable,

industrious & skilful farmers; to obtain such, I must resort to some other country than this—where little knowledge of husbandry is possessed, and less care used in the practice of it, to keep the land from a ruinous course. For many reasons, the similarity of language not least, I would prefer those of yours.
          Numbers come daily, by individual families; and more from habit than any advantage I ever could discover, arrive at this City and New York. But Individuals who have not capitols equal to my undivided farms, would not answr my views, forasmuch as it would not be convenient, or agreeable to me, to let a part, and retain a part of the same farm. With esteem and regard I am—Sir Your Obliged & Very Hble Ser.

            Go: Washington

            P.S. Enclosed also, are the terms on which I propose to give Leases.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 February 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            Department of State Feby 15. 1796.

          The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the United States, the letter of resignation of Mr Benjamin Joy, late consul of the United States at Calcutta; and the recommendations of Mr William James Miller late of Philadelphia, now established at Calcutta, as a fit person to succeed Mr Joy in the Consulate.
          In addition to the testimonies inclosed in favour of Mr Miller, the Secretary begs leave to say, that John Miller, a respectable merchant in Philadelphia, & brother of the gentleman recommended for Consul, has shown him divers letters from his brother, by which it appears that he has become a partner in a very respectable mercantile house at Calcutta; which implies

clearly a permission from the local government to reside there. And the 13th article of the treaty with Great Britain declares that without such permission no citizen of the United States is to be considered as entitled to such residence. By the 16th article, before a consul can act as such, he is to be approved by the party to whom he is sent: if then any person whom the President shall be pleased with the advice and consent of the Senate to appoint Consul at Calcutta, shall be so approved, it would seem that Mr Joy’s objections to the appointment of a British subject would be superceded: for Mr Miller appears already to be well received by the officers of the Government in India as well as by the body of merchants. Mr Miller’s standing as an American citizen was of about ten years before his departure for India. His letters mark him as a man of business, correctness and good sense. These observations are respectfully submitted.

            Timothy Pickering


Title: From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 15 February 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Senate

            Gentlemen of the Senate
            United States February 15. 1796

          Herewith I transmit, for your consideration and Advice, a Treaty of peace and Amity concluded on the fifth day of last September, by Joseph Donaldson Junior on the part of the United States, with the Dey of Algiers for himself his Divan and subjects.
          The instructions and other necessary papers relative to this negociation are also sent herewith, for the information of the Senate.

            Go: Washington


Title: Yundt & Brown to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 16 February 1796
From: Yundt & Brown
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

            Sir,
            Balt[imore] February 16th 1796.

          Your favor of the 12th we had the honor of receiving on the 13th instant. The advertisement is inserted in this day’s paper, which is transmitted to the President, (to save postage) by mail. Our charge is twenty five dollars, (being a dollar per square for the three first insertions) which you will please to pay Mr Young, bookseller, to whom we shall give an order. It was our desire to make it less expensive by inserting it in smaller types, but not

having a sufficiency, at the time, un⟨oc⟩cupied, we had no choice. To make a small ame⟨nds⟩ we will let the intervals between the publications be sh⟨orter⟩ and insert it oftener than you have required. With great respect, we are, Sir, your obt Hum. Serts

            Yundt & Brown

            P.S. The copy you transmitted us we preserved entire, and had stuck up in a public place in Mr Evans’s Tavern.

              Y. & B.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Lewis, 17 February 1796
From: Lewis, Robert
To: Washington, George

            Spring Hill Fauquier County [Va.]February 17th 1796
            Hond Uncle,

          I have delayed answering your last letter until I had made another collection and examined more attentively into the exact situation of your property over the ridge and in this County—I felecitate myself extremely when I inform you that my success in the collection business has been far more favorable than my most sanguin expectations cou’d have supposed—Out of fifty or sixty tenants not more than three or four are delinquent for the last year, and those principally where the leases have expired, and where the rents have been raised.
          You desire to be informed whether the covenants in the leases have been strictly complied with, or not—I can venture to

affirm with truth, that scarcely one in ten of the old Leases have been fullfilled in respect to improvements, notwithstanding the frequent and pressing importunities on my part to make them comply. In consequence of this, I have (as you suggested it wou’d be proper) put most of the life Leases into the hands of a Lawyer, with an exact Memorandom of every article in which the Tenants are deficient, and do expect that he will advise me in what manner it will be most proper to proceed.
          Mr Muse, (when he gave me all the papers in his hands belonging to you); advised me strongly not to issue ejectments, as Colo. Simm of Alexandria had given his opinion the Leases were badly drawn, and that it wou’d be attended with cost to no purpose; as the tenants wou’d—and cou’d hold their Leases for the term stipulated therein; supposing the covenants not strictly complied with, or not complied with at all. I have by stratagem got repossessed of two lotts in Frederick, and one very valuable one in Berkley; and hope by the next fall to get possession of one more in Berkley, full as valuable as the three former.
          In my last letter I mentioned, that I had rented the Frederick lotts at thirty five pounds per annum, but neglected saying that it was to be obtained for each lott seperately; which occasioned a misunderstanding with you (i.e.) whether the sum of thirty five pounds was for both lotts taken together or seperately. I have since confirmed the bargain as you consent to it, and have put the Tenants in possession. One of the lotts contains 200 acres & the other 175. The Berkley lott contains 200 acres—Rent £30 per annum for three years and forty pounds for the three succeeding years when the Lease expires.
          The number of acres in each lott is mentioned for your information, and as you requested—My next Rental (which will be complete some time in the month of May next) will state the precise number of acres in each lott—The reason of postponing the completion of the Rental until May is on account of five replevy bonds which will be due at April Court, and which, without some unforeseen accident will certainly be paid. I wish to pay all the money at once, and not leave any deficiency on the rental as has been the practice before my time, and since; owing to the rascallity of the Sheriffs, who will not pay me the money after it has been obtained from the tenants by a legal process: and I am as frequently obliged to travel thro the same process

in order to get from them what they have so easily got from the tenants.
          Before I conclude, it will be necessary to inform you that owing to the neglect of Mr Muse in not searching your lines in the County of Berkley, thirty five or forty acres of your prime reserve land has been cut down, for the use of the Estate of my deceased Cousin—Thornton Washington. It appears from my Uncle Samuel Washingtons Will, that his son Thornton was previledged to cut as much timber off that part of his land now owned by my Cousin Laurence as will keep his Plantation in repair during the life of the said Thornton—But instead of cutting the timber off Laurence Washingtons Estate as the Will directs, it has been taken off your reserve land altogether. Lawrence has the land in possession without knowing his lines and has always supposed it his. If agreeable, I will rent out the open land, (as its under a good fence,) with a strict injunction on the part of the tenant not to make use of any timber whatever, farther than is sufficient for a good warm cabbin—A Rent of three or four pounds annually may be obtained which will be some little addition to the amount of the rental, and can be of no disservice to the land. I shall wait for your instructions.
          I am much at a loss what to do with your land on Deep-run, as I cannot rent it at what I conceive to be its value: In fact, it is so extremely poor that little, or no profit whatever, can be derived from it by cultivation—Four pounds a hundred has been thought too high by all who have been to see it; and I do really believe out of the thousand acres, which is in the tract, that not more than three or four hundred acres of arable Land can be found.
          Those who want it, I believe, mean to make a profit from it by sawing the pines, there being some extremely large lieing on the run. If you desire it, I will lay it off into two hundred acres lotts and do the best I can with it; altho’, I conceive, the timber wou’d sell for considerably more than the Land—If a situation cou’d be purchased for a saw-Mill (and I am told there are several two or three Miles below) It wou’d add considerably to the value of the Land—I have never asked more than four pounds per hundred acres for the Land and still have never been able to procure tenants without previledging them to sell the timber in there clearings. I wish to have an answer to this letter as

soon as you can find leisure, and also to know when it will be in your power to visit Mount Vernon, as I must see you, whenever it happens—I was much disappointed in not seeing you when last in, and a severe indisposition prevented my going a second time to Mount Vernon.
          Mrs Lewis joins in offering our best regards to you and my Aunt: and in the interim I remain your dutifull and much Obliged nephew

            Robt Lewis


Title: From George Washington to Harriot Washington, 17 February 1796 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Harriot

          Letter not found: to Harriot Washington, 17 Feb. 1796. On 26 Feb., Harriot Washington wrote GW: “I now take up my pen to answer my dear and Honord Uncle’s letter of February 17th.”


Title: To George Washington from Arthur Campbell, 18 February 1796
From: Campbell, Arthur
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Washington Febr. 18. 1796

          Bearing in mind your polite invitation that you would consider it as a mark of personal attention to continue my communications to the Executive of the United States on subjects relating to the Western Country.
          The proceedings of the Convention lately met at Knoxville will no doubt reach you in a short time.—And it will be found

of moment to the interests of the Union that Congress take sufficient time to deliberate on so important a subject.
          Objections in detail might now be put down to the Instrument called a Constitution. However it may be satisfactory for the present to hint, that there ought to be an article in the Constitution recognizing the right of the United States to dispose of the lands occupied by the Indians, and also the vacant lands within the limits prescribed by the Treaty of Holstein.
          The Convention was called in haste and sat a very short time. From the mode the people have been enumerated, it is probable that the numbers have been much exaggerated. A delay of one or two years more of being admited as a Member of Union, may disappoint a few aspiring Spirits; but it will be found to accord with the interest and safety of the people.
          The present begining will be useful, it will arouse the Citizens to a full examination of the subject, which will add to their Stock of knowlege, a Treasure they need almost as much as that of Gold.
          I am Sir with great Respect Your Obedient servant

            Arthur Campbell


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 18 February 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            Department of State Feby 18. 1796.

          The Secretary of State has the honor to request the approbation of the President of the United States, of the purchase of copper made by the Director of the mint, agreeably to the inclosed account, amounting to three thousand two hundred & fifty one dollars & seven cents—being nearly 2½ cents per pound cheaper than the preceeding purchase.

            Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Jabez Bowen, 20 February 1796
From: Bowen, Jabez
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Philadelphia Febr. 20 1796

          The principal design of my Visit to this City at this time was to endevour to make a settlement of a Cannon Contract subsisting between the Ud States & The Owners of the Furnace Hope (of which I am one) I have had a Meeting of the Heads of the Departments but find no Incouragement from them. The contract is made and must be finished by somebody, as it particularly belongs to the Department of War. the now Secretary wishes some Time to examin into the situation of the Business. while this is delayed the Business of the Contract is partly suspended and the Stock consuming in the Furnace for other purposes which ought to be appropriated to fullfill the Contract with Government.
          ’Tis with the greatest Reluctance that I intrude on you at this Bussey Time but knowing your desire that Justice should be Established in general and in particular to all who make Contracts under the Government of which you are the Head, I have presumed to make this application Requesting that you would signify to the Secretary at War and the other Heads of the Departments your Desire that this (to me) preplexing Business might be brot to some Just and Equitable Conclusion. I Remain Sir. with the highest Esteeme Your Exellencies most Obedient Servant

            Jabez Bowen


Title: From George Washington to the Earl of Buchan, 20 February 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Buchan, David Steuart Erskine, Earl of

            My Lord,
            Philadelphia 20th Feb: 1796

          Having seen several persons from the vicinity of your estate of Dryburgh Abbey, with your Lordship’s certificates of their honest and orderly deportment; (one or two of whom I have employed, and found deserving the charecter) I take the liberty of troubling Your Lordship with the perusal of the enclosed annunciation of a design, wch I have had in contemplation two or three years, but lately only have resolved to carry it into execution.
          I accompany the information My Lord, with an unequivocal declaration that, it is not my intention to invite Emigrants—even if there be no prohibitary act of your Government opposed to it. My sole object is, if there are persons on the move, who may incline to associate and become tenants on such a plan as I offer, that being apprised of the measure, they may decide how far their views would be accomodated by it.
          The staple produce of the part of the country in which my Mount Vernon estate lyes, being Wheat, I mean to fix the Rent in that article, as most convenient and equitable for both Landlord & tenant; and I set it at a bushel and half for every acre contained in the lease; which will be all arable, with the priviledges detailed in the printed notification. In failure of a crop of this article, the Rent may be discharged in cash, at the price it bears in the Market.
          I have but little expectation I own, of maturing this plan so as to carry it into full effect next year; nor would I wish to do it with the slovenly farmers of this country, if I had a well founded hope of obtaining this class of Men from any other (particularly from Great Britain) where husbandry is well understood, and the language similar.
          Having had occasion lately, to write to Doctr Anderson (of Cotfield) on other matters, I have detailed my plan much more at large than I chose to trouble your Lordship with; and have sent him a sketch of the Farms, with their relative situation to each other, and divisions into fields, Lanes lots &ca; from whence an idea, more accurate than can be formed from the printed

notification, might be had; but it is not my wish that any man, or set of men, should engage without first, by themselves or Agents, competently qualified & instructed, viewing the premises and judging for themselves.
          I pray your Lordship to present me in respectful terms, in which Mrs Washington unites, to Lady Buchan; and that you will be persuaded of the respect and consideration with which I have the honor to be Your Lordships Most Obedient & Hble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Cooper, 20 February 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Cooper, William

            Sir,
            Saturday 20th Feby 1796

          The lands which I hold on, or near the Mohawk river, are in Partnership with Mr Clinton (late Govr of New York) who has had, & continues still to have (by a Power of Attorney) the disposal of them.
          It is not in my power to inform you at what price he has lately sold any—but of this you can easily be informed by a line to that Gentleman. Or if you desire it, I will write to him myself on the subject. I am Yr Obedt Sert

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Pinckney, 20 February 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pinckney, Thomas

            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 20th Feb. 1796

          Permit me to intrust the enclosed dispatches to your care, and to request that they may be forwarded agreeably to their directions; but by private conveyances, rather than by the mail; as I am not disposed to saddle those Gentlemen with the Postage.

          Having come to the resolutions which are implied in the enclosed printed notification, I take the liberty of transmitting them to you; for no other purpose, believe me, than merely to put it in your power to say (if enquiries should be made of you) for lands to be rented in the vicinity of the Federal city, or to be sold, that you are possessed of information that may merit attention.
          As Wheat is the Staple commodity of the part of the country in which my Mount Vernon estate lies, I mean to fix the rent in that article; and to ask a bushel and half for every acre of arable land in the lease (giving the priviledges contained in the printed publication) to be discharged in failure of that Crop, in Cash, at the price it bears in the market.
          I have very little expectation of accomplishing the Renting part of my plan for next year; nor would I attempt it at all, with the slovenly farmers of this country, if there was a tolerable well grounded hope of getting them from any other; where husbandry is better understood, and more rationally practiced. With great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Obedt & Affecte

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Sinclair, 20 February 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Sinclair, John

            Sir,
            Philadelphia 20th Feby 1796

          When I last had the honor of writing to you, I had hopes—tho’ I must confess they were not of the most sanguine sort—that I should have been enabled ’ere this, to have given you a more satisfactory account of the business you had been pleased to commit to me, than will be conveyed in this letter.
          Doubts having arisen, from peculiar calls on the Treasury of this country for money (occasioned by the expences of our Wars with the Indians—the redemption of our captives at Algiers—obtaining peace with that Regency & Morocco—together with other demands in addition to the ordinary expenditures of

government) that funds with difficulty would be provided to answer them, without imposing additional taxes—a measure wished to be avoided—I was restrained (after consulting one or two influencial members of the Legislature) from introducing your plan for a contribution: and under these circumstances—I avoided communicating the “Extracts from the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Agriculture, respecting Mr Elkingtons mode of draining, &ca” except to one gentleman only; in whom I had entire confidence, and who I knew was always disposed to promote measures of utility. These being the grounds of my proceeding, I shall hope, altho your expectations may be disappointed, you will receive the information as an evidence of my candour.
          Agreeably to your desire I have put the “Out lines of the 15th Chapter of the proposed general report from the Board of Agriculture, on the subject of Manures,” into the hands of one of the most judicious farmers within my reach; and when his observations thereon are received, they shall be transmitted to you. I wish my own engagements would allow me time to attend, more than I do, to these agreeable, and useful pursuits; but having been absent from what I consider my proper home (except on short occasional visits) for more than Seven years; and having entered into my 65th year—a period which requires tranquillity and ease—I have come to a determination to lease the farms of my Mount Vernon Estate, except the Mansion house farm, & a graizing one 3 miles off; which I shall retain in my own occupation—for amusement, whilst life & health is dispensed to me. And as many farmers from your country have emigrated to this, and many more, according to their accounts, desirous of following, if they knew beforehand, where and on what terms they could fix themselves compactly in a healthy & populous country; I have taken the liberty to enclose you the copy of a notification which I have published in some of the Gazettes of the United States; that in case any farmers answering the descriptions therein contained are about to transplant themselves, to whom you might be inclined to give the information, that you may have it in your power to do so. But let me entreat you, Sir, to believe, that I have no wish to its promulgation farther than I have declared. that I have no intention to invite emigrants, even if there are no restrictive acts against it; and if there be, that I am opposed to it altogether.

          As Wheat is the staple produce of that part of the country in which this estate lyes, I shall fix the rent therein, at a bushel & half for every acre of arable land contained within the lease; to be discharged, in case of failure of that crop, at the price the article bears in the market. Two or three years ago I sent Mr Young a sketch of these farms, with all the fields, meads & lots, with their relative situations, laid down from actual Surveys.
          I have but little expectation that arrangements will be made by the time limitted, for giving possession of the farms next year; nor should I wish to do it with such unskilful farmers as ours, if there was a prospect of obtaining them from any other country where husbandry was better understood, & more advantageously practiced. It is time however to conclude, for I feel ashamed at having employed so much of it, in matters interesting to myself only; & I shall do it with assurances as sincere as they are warm of being—Sir Your Most Obedt & Obliged Se⟨rt⟩

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 21 February 1796
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

            My dear sir
            Boston 21 February 1796.

          I have been requested by several respectable characters in this place, to name for your consideraton Christopher Gore Esqr. of this vicinity as a suitable character for one of the Commissioners to repair to Great Britain in pursuance of the late treaty. I before

took the liberty of suggesting his name upon another occasion, and to express my conviction, of his fitness, for high confidential public employment. He has evinced his abilities by several well written peices in favor of the government. His fortune is handsome. His manners remarkably engaging, and his integrity unquestionable. He has no children and therefore would I am well persuaded have no objection to the mission alluded to.
          Mr Parsons of Newbury port has also been suggested as a very suitable character to adjust matters within the United States in conformity to the treaty. His knowledge and talents are of the first class.
          I have also been requested to name Mr Sullivan the Attorney General of this State as a Commissioner for ascertaining the St Croix river. He has written a history of the district of Maine in which this subject is somewhat discussed.
          I have named these Gentlemen with less diffidence than I otherwise should have done had I not known your desire of swelling your list of candidates with characters who may be thought even by others, of possessing the requisite qualities.
          Mrs Knox unites with me in presenting ourselves affectionately to your and Mrs Washingtons remembrance. And I am my dear sir with perfect respect and attachmt Your obedient Servant

            H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 21 February 1796 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from William Pearce, 21 Feb. 1796. On 28 Feb., GW wrote Pearce: “Your letter of the 21st instt with the Reports of the preceeding week came to my hands yesterday.”


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 21 February 1796
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Hartford Feby 21. 1796

          Your favor of the 11th instant came duly to hand the Advertisement you inclosed will be published as you directed. I will pay the Printer and transmit his account to Mr Trumbull I am glad you are not in imediate want of a Narragunset Horse as it is not possible to get one at any time—when I do find one that is a good one you may depend on having him—it is very rare to find a Bay one I did not send a note with the Salmon because it was in charge of a Gentleman who I expected would deliver it himselfe Mrs Wadsworth & Miss W. return with great cordiality your compliments. this state never was so tranquil as at present—and I do not believe they ever were so prosperous—but we are prone to anticipate evils. I am often asked if it be true

that you will not suffer your selfe to be again chosen President (for so it is rumoured) I can only reply that I am utterly ignorant of your intentions permit me to assure you, you never had such an entire and universal influence in this state as at this moment—and when I express my own wishes, that you continue in office: I am confident I express those of all this state. I will not except one Hundred I have no wishes no hopes (let who will preside) for my selfe or friends, but I fear a change will endanger the peace & properity of this Country—I do not believe I should have taken the liberty to mention this subject to you, tho personally very anxious about it, but seeing as I do allmost every body—and finding one wish, one sentiment—in the whole circle of my acquaintance—in this & the neighboring states I could not forbear—you will forgive this liberty. I never have nor ever will flatter or deceive you and what ever you may de[c]ide on—or whatever an ungreatfull world may say—be assured of my unalterable esteem & attachment—and that I am with great respect & esteem Dear Sir Your Hum. Svt

            Jere. Wadsworth


Title: George Washington’s Notes on the Treaty with Spain, 22–26 February 1796
From: Washington, George
To:

            [22–26 Feb. 1796]

            Treaty with Spain—signed 27th Oct. 1795
            art.
            II. Boundary—Northermost part of the 31st degree—thence by an East line to the Middle of the River Apalachecola—Down the middle of d[itt]o to its junction with the flint River—thence by a straight line to the head of St Mary’s—And down the middle thereof to the Atlantic.
            All Troops to be drawn from the Territory of the other party within 6 months after ratifications are exchanged.
            III. Comrs & Surveyors, one of each, on each side, to meet at the Natchez before the expiration of 6 months from the Ratification; to run & mark the above boundary—Their proceedings to be considered as part of the Treaty or Convention.
            These Surveys to be accompanied by Guards equally furnished—the whole to be a joint expence.

            IV The Western boundary between Spain & the U.S., is the Middle of the Channel of the Mississipi from the Northern boundary of the sd states to the completion of the 31st degree as above.
            “And his Catholic Majesty has likewise agreed that the navigation of the said River in its whole breadth from its source to the Ocean shall be free only to his subjects and the Citizens of the U.S., unless he should extend this priviledge to the subjects of other Powers by special Convention.”
            V. Peace & harmony to be maintained betwn the Indns—both parties oblige themselves “expressly to restrain by force, all hostilities on the part of the Indn Nations living within their boundary: So that Spain will not suffer her Indns to attack the Citizens of the U.S. nor the Indns Inhabiting their territory: Nor will the U.S. permit these last men[tione]d Inds to commence hostilities agt the subjts of his Cath: M. or his Indns in any manner whatsoever.”
            No Treaty (but for Peace) with each others Indians—but the trade to be open, & mutually benificial to each.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Contee Hanson, 22 February 1796 [letter not found]
From: Hanson, Alexander Contee
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Alexander Contee Hanson, 22 Feb. 1796. On 7 March, GW wrote Hanson: “Your letter of the 22d Ulto has been duly received.”


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 23 February 1796
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

            Charlestown [Va.; now Jefferson County, W.Va.]Feby 23d 1796
            My dear Sir,

          I have the pleasure to inform you that I yesterday closed the bargain, on account of the United States, for the two tracts of land at the junction of the Rivers Potomac and Shanandoah, for the sums which the proprieters proposed to sell them last fall, and with some circumstances respecting the Reservations on the ferry tract, more advantageous to the public than were then proposed. I set off for home tomorrow and will immediately on my arrival there communicate the particulars relative to this business.
          Whenever the United States commence their operations on this spot, the agency of some person well acquainted with the best mode of managing and conducting water to advantage in so large a stream as the Shanandoah will probably be wanting, Colo. Bull, with whom you are acquainted, has desired that you may be informed of his readiness to render services in this way, should his attention be required; and the experience which he has had in matters of this kind relative to dams, Races &c. will, in all probability, be useful. I have therefore taken the liberty of mentioning the circumstance to you, that the public may avail themselves of his services should they be required. With sentiments of the purest respect & attachment, I have the honor to be, my dear sir, Your Affectionate friend & obliged servant

            Tobias Lear


Title: To George Washington from John Nicholson, 23 February 1796
From: Nicholson, John
To: Washington, George

            sir
            Philada February 23d 1796

          I take the liberty of sending the inclosed to your Excellency. The store which it refers to was opened yesterday to which time it was for several days postponed in order that it might take place on a day so much respected by this Country.
          The institution hath been brought to its present state

principally on my support, and is owned by me save an interest of one third which is possessed by the principal artist in this business.
          It is my intention that every article of the concern shall be of american manufacture: in the case of the prints the plates have been and will be engraved and the paper for them made here The printing whether plain or in color done by us also, as well as the frames &Ca, the other articles will also be of American materials & Manufacture.
          The day that matured such a plan so as to open as we have done may be considered as the Birth day of several elegant and useful Arts and manufactures in the united states.
          The introduction of useful arts and manufactures in this Country I am sure cannot fail to meet your favor and patronage, and I beg leave to ask it in behalf of this concern. I am with the greatest respect sir your most Obedt very humble servant

            Jno. Nicholson


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 23 February 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            Department of State February 23 1796

          The Secretary of State respectfully requests the President of the United States to grant his order on the Secretary of the Treasury, to pay to the Secretary of State fourteen hundred and ninety eight dollars and eighty four cents to enable him to take up a bill of exchange dated August 11th 1795, drawn by Fisher & Darrell of Antigua on Thomas Fitzsimons Esqr. Chairman of the Committee of merchants in Philadelphia, on account of the

expences attending the copying and authenticating of the proceedings of the Court of vice Admiralty of Antigua on the property of the Citizens of the United States, captured and carried in there under the orders of the 6th of November 1793, the said sum having been advanced by the bank of the United States, in payment of the said bill, during the President’s absence from the seat of Government.

            Timothy Pickering


Title: Augustine Jaquelin Smith to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 23 February 1796
From: Smith, Augustine Jaquelin
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

            Sir
            Alexandria [Va.] Feby 23d 1796

          The President of the United States in his advertisement of sundry lands has referred persons desirous of becoming purchasers to you for information. I should be glad to know whether his Lands on the Kanhawa are as yet undisposed of, what are the prices of the several tracts, & whether the whole taken together would not be sold on lower terms than separately Your answer sir may perhaps lead to further negotiation. I am sir yr obt servt

            Aug. J. Smith


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 24 February 1796
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Richmond Feby 24. 1796

          I have been honored with your favor of the 12th Instant, and with Sincere pleasure, complied with your request in getting your advertisement inserted in Davis’s paper, it having much the most extensive circulation of any published here, or elsewhere in this State. The enclosed paper contains the first publication, and it is to be repeated twice, with intervals of a fortnight each, agreeably to your request. when the work is compleated, I will pay for it, & communicate to you the cost.
          With real pleasure I feel myself confident in the propriety of informing you, that the public mind in Virginia, was never more tranquil than at present—the fever of the late session of our Assembly, has not been communicated to the Country; indeed it had, in a great degree, abated before the members dispersed. I think myself warranted in saying that the people do not approve of the violent & petulant measures of the Assembly, because, in several instances, public meetings have declared a decided disapprobation, & in no instance have I heared of an approving meeting, which furnishes strong evidence of an inability to obtain, even, one. In truth, the perturbation in this State was never such while the ratification of the Treaty on your part was depending, as appeared from the meetings—these meetings, in most instances, were but thinly attended—that said to be a general one of this City, was held while I was out of Town, but I was well informed it did not amount to one hundred persons—the meeting published as of the County of Gloucester, under the signatures of Mr Page & others, is said to have been of the same complection, of which the members from there were so confident, that they voted, on the questions brought forward in the Legislature, in direct opposition to the alledged sentiments of the County. it is believed that the next election will effect a change of the Congressional Member from that district, on account of the violence of opinions inculcated, on that occasion, by the present one. In a former letter I took the liberty of predicting that an evidence of the mass of the people being less violent than was asserted, would be discovered in the failure of our Zealots in getting their signatures to certain printed papers,

sent through the Country, almost by Horse loads, as Copies of a petition to Congress on the subject of the Treaty. I think that this prediction is verified—I have not observed that more than 15 or 20 have been presented to Congress as from this State, and believe a publication of the numbers to each, would in the whole, make but an insignificant appearance.
          That the public mind is now at ease on the subject of the Treaty may, in my opinion be concluded from the usual mode of enquiry as to its ratification on the part of G.B.—these enquiries have not of late, been frequently attended with expressions unfriendly to such ratification.
          I fear you will think me tedious in my details, but your object being information, & not merely my opinions, I feel it incumbent on me to give you, as far as within my power, the facts & circumstances, from whence my conclusions are drawn.
          Suffer me to partake with you in the satisfaction arising to every truly patriotic mind, from the temperate & just Sentiments which have lately flowed from many of the State legislatures. these events are the more animating as they manifest, under the various conflicts of the day, an eventual Stability in those principles, on which the existence of the American, and all other free governments, depends. I have the Honor to be with unalterable attachment Dear Sir your Most Obedt servt

            Ed. Carrington


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 25 February 1796
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir,
            Hope-Park [Va.] Feby 25th 1796

          I recieved your favor of the 7th in due course of the Post—I have attentively considered your plan for farming your lands out—You will I expect find it difficult to meet with such large associations—It will certainly be a very fortunate event for the country if you should: for from the immense trouble and small profits from lands and negroes, the disposition is gaining ground fast in this State among the Proprietors of such property, to get released from their slaves at least—If your plan should succeed, it will give rise to many similar attempts—The increasing population, and consequent increased value of lands, seems to furnish a hope that we may at no very distant period, derive a comfortable support from the rent of our lands alone. I shall omit no opportunity of mentioning your plan to those you speak of—As to your intentions respecting your negroes, it is a delicate and perplexing subject. It has allways appeared to me, that their wellfare and the safety of the country required that the plan should be gradual—In this point of view, it has occurred to me to be a good preparatory step, to select some one of the most intelligent and responsible negroes, and rent to him a farm with so many hands furnished with every necessary implement; stipulating so much for each hand to recieve as an encouragement for them to work, and do their duty without violence; and so much to the proprietor for the use of the land, and the furnishing of the implements; with this further inducement to industry and good behaviour, that if they conducted themselves well they should be at perfect liberty at the expiration of two or three years either to remain on the farm, or seek employment elsewhere; in short, that they should enjoy perfect liberty. A large proprietor, might inform his other negroes that he meant to rent another farm on the same plan every year, till they were all free, or his lands all occupied, in which latter case, the ballance of the negroes would be set free on condition of paying a moderate sum to their Masters for two or three years. It appears to me, to be a necessary step to give them this information, to prevent uneasiness among the rest, who have been equally deserving, and to interest them all in encouraging those with whom the first experiment was made to industry, and good behaviour—It might be

made a further rule, that if any one of those with whom the first experiment was made, should behave refractorily, and be disobedient to his principal, he should forfeit his claim to freedom for that term, and some one else substituted in his stead—By some such plan as this, I think the minds of the negroes would be better prepared for directing and governing themselves at the end of the term fixed on—They would besides, if frugal of their earnings, have something to subsist on, and of course not be so likely to fall into bad habits, and become dangerous to society—To give this experiment a fair chance the Legislature should pass an act enabling those destined for freedom, to bear witness against the whites in all instances at least of trespasses, and robbery committed on such a farm: otherwise, the benevolence of the Proprietor would be frustrated, without any default or want of exertion on the part of the negroes—This indeed, is a measure allready necessary from the numbers at present free—And there have been instances in this County, where some free negroes have had their houses broke open, and robbed of all they had, without being able to get any redress, tho’ they knew the robbers: because, their testimony against a white man was inadmissible—This plan would render the associations you are seeking after unnecessary—if attended with success, I believe it would effect the abolition of slavery on terms more satisfactory to the Masters, and beneficial to the slaves too, from it’s gradual operation, than any which has been tried—A fiew successfull examples would bring it into such general use, that the Legislature might ultimately recommend it, or take steps for introducing it.
          The practicability of the plan, seems at least to be evinced, by the actual condition of the lower classes of people in Europe, during the existence of the feudal system. They were not only as much debased, but their masters even possessed the right in many instances of taking away their lives—and another perhaps still more humiliating, of having the first night with the daughters of all his vassalls when married—The introduction of commerce, was the happy cause wc⟨h⟩ dispelled this execrable system—If debasement of mind therefore, is any argument against the plan, I think it may be proved that the whites were in a more debased state under the feudal system. And yet these people at present form the substantial yeomanry of those Countries where they were once so vilifyed—That the same will happen to

our negroes I have no doubt—And the only thing to be regretted is, that they are not of the same colour with ourselves—But time which applies a remedy to all things, will no doubt soon find one for this.
          From the many connexions formed by the Dower negroes in the neighbourhood, and with your own, I really view that part of the plan as more painful and perhaps difficult than the other, altho’ unavoidable, and what happens every day—I really know not well how the estate will be carried on in any tolerable manner when the girls shares are all taken away—I expect to hire most of Mr Peter’s for the present year, on very low terms—And from what I can learn, it is probable, I may allways have Betsey’s for very little: As I am told, Mr Law say’s she may do as she pleases with her fortune—In this case, I suppose she will exact but a moderate hire from her brother—I have for four years past, been looking forward to such an event and preparing for it in the best manner by converting the estates into farms which require fewer hands than the cultivation of tobacco—But I expect the Eastern shore estate must be rented out the next year; tho’ for it’s extent it has been the most profitable—From the constant accidents which seem to befall the wheat crops, and the heavy charge of supporting many negroes I have really found it hitherto difficult to pay up the annuity even in the manner it has been done—How far it will be prudent to encounter an additional, and even reasonable sum for the hire of those you speak of, I cannot determine at present—For, tho’ it may be at a low rate, and such as an industrious person under his own management might find advantageous, much allowance must be made for an estate at a distance—The division made, was as you apprehended from the whole aggregate number of negroes—I had however taken advise on it—The case is very different from the dower negroes still in your possession—they must revert to Washington Custis—But by the terms of your contract with Mr Custis, those included in that instrument, are surrendered up to him and his heirs for ever—But each of the girls will be liable for a part of the annuity; and I shall either reserve in my possession as many negroes as will defray their proportion, or take their Husband’s bonds for paying it to me—If indeed the contract had been as you apprehended, I do not see how the negroes could now be ascertained, as their names are not inserted

in the contract, but merely stated at thirty two more or less—As soon as the crops of the last year are disposed of, the proportion of each of the annuity will be fixed; there being persons appointed by Court for the purpose—But it will fall principally on the land, as you will observe it must, from the small proportion they have of the negroes that were formerly, of Dower.
          Betsey as I suppose she informed you, made entirely her own bargain in a Husband—She was desired by her mother and myself, when informed of it, to weight well the disparity in their years—From my acquaintance with Mr Law he appears to be very amiable, and he is certainly a man of very superior understanding—He has shewed me the most honourable testimonials of his conduct when in the service of the East India Company. As to his fortune, he stated it at 60,000 Stirling certainly; and most probably 80,000; but the latter depended on some circumstances which he did not mention—It was his own proposition to settle 10,00£ (stirling I think) on Betsey—An instrument to this purport is drawing up by Mr Cranch—I do not think he is in any respect an agent—He has recieved lately many letters from his friends in India, empowering him to buy largely for them in this Country. He says, they seem to be alarmed at the situation of England, and are looking fast towards transferring their wealth here—I expect, he will prove the most valuable acquisition the City has yet made, not only from what he will do himself, but from the very high point of respectability in which both his character and abilities appear to be held in the E. Indies. I am Dr Sir, with the greatest respect Your Affete Serv:

            Dd Stuart


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 26 February 1796 [letter not found]
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Tobias Lear, 26 Feb. 1796. On 2 March, Lear wrote to GW: “I had the honor to address you under date of the 26th ultimo”; in GW’s letter to Lear of 13 March, he acknowledged receipt of “letters of the 26th Ulto and 2d Instant.”


Title: To George Washington from Harriot Washington, 26 February 1796
From: Washington, Harriot
To: Washington, George

            Mill-Brook [Va.] Febry 26–96

          I now take up my pen to answer my dear and Honord Uncle’s letter of February 17th though when it will reach you I cant pretend to say as I am now at Matipony where there are very seldom opportunity to Fredericksburg also to express my thanks for your unbound’d kindness in sending the money requested it did not get here time enough but Aunt Lewis was so kind as to trust me therefore I paid her the sum lent immediately on receiving your letter Aunt Lewis join’s me in love to you and Aunt Washington. I am my dear & Honor’d Uncle your affectionate Neice

            Harriot Washington


Title: John Marsden Pintard to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 27 February 1796
From: Pintard, John Marsden
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

            Sir
            Madeira 27th February 1796

          I herewith hand you Invoice of one pipe of very choice old Madeira wine Shiped by me on board the American Brig the Peace of Norfolk Joseph Saltus Master and Consigned to Messrs Pettit & Bayard of Philadelphia to be held by them at the disposal of the President of the United States if he thinks proper after tasting it to Receive it and Should the President Conclude to take it you will be pleased to Settle for its amount being forty Pounds Sterling with Messs. Petitt & Bayard. This pipe of wine you will find to be of an excellent Quality and such as I think will Please the President—The pipe is a very particular peice of workmanship being made by a young lad of 18 years of age just out of his Apprenticeship and you will Scarcely be able to See where the Staves join I have never yet heard whether the President tooke the pipe of wine I ship’t by way of India to Boston to the care of Mr Thomas Russell for him I hope that the

Ship Ganges Capt. Tingey will arrive Safe at Philadelphia and deliver the two pipes I shiped by him for the President in good order for be assured they are of a very excellent quality It will give me Pleasure to hear the President approoves of the pipe I now Send him and Requesting the favour of you to present Mrs Pintards and my profound Respects to Mrs Washington and the President I Remain with great Respect Sir your most obedient and very Humble Sert

            John M. Pintard


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 28 February 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 28th Feb: 1796

          To the enclosed, I answered in a note, that the whole of the business to which it related, was entrusted to you: from whom, if application was made, complete information might be obtained.
          A few days afterwards, Mr Cooper applied to me personally; intimated that the land was valuable; that he was desirous of purchasing; and would give a good price for it. I answered as before, and added that much of the land had already been disposed of.
          Repeating his wish to know what part remained unsold, and the terms on wch it could be obtained, are the causes of my troubling you with this letter and its enclosure.
          Whatever answer you incline to give to them, let it be so framed as that it may be shewn to Mr Cooper. With great esteem and regard—I am—Dear Sir Your Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Washington Motier Lafayette, 28 February 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, George Washington Motier

            My dear young friend,
            Philadelphia 28th Feb. [1796]

          My desire to see you, is such, that I request that you and Mr Festal, will make me a visit about the first of April at this City; by that time the Weather will be settled, the roads good, and the travelling pleasant.
          Colo. Hamilton will be the channel thro’ which this letter will be conveyed to you; and my wish is that you and Mr Festal would come by the way of New York to this City, and there make necessary arrangements with that Gentleman with respect to your proceeding hither.
          Any thing of which you stand in need, will be furnished by Colo. Hamilton on my behalf. With best wishes & the most affecte regard I remain yours always

            G.W.


Title: Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to James McHenry, 28 February 1796
From: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.
To: McHenry, James

            [Philadelphia] 28 Feby 1796.

          By The President’s order B. Dandridge respectfully transmits to The Secretary of War the enclosed papers respecting proceedings had by Govr Blount with the southern Indians, with a request that he will carefully peruse them & see if any & what parts require to be acted upon immediately.
          The President desires that The Secy of War will, in his Letters to Govr Blount, request him to make known to the chiefs who wish to visit Philada that the Conference which is to be held in May next between the Commissioners appointed for that purpose & the Creeks, will prevent their coming ’till some time in the summer when the President will be absent from Philaa—He

desires, therefore, that their visit may be deferred ’till about the begining of September, when he will have returned to the City, & will be glad to meet them.

            P.S. The President desires the Secretary to attend a meeting of the heads of Departments tomorrow morng at 10 o’Clock, at the Presidents.


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 28 February 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

            Mr Pearce,
            Philadelphia 28th Feb. 1796

          Your letter of the 21st instt with the Reports of the preceeding week came to my hands yesterday. I do not recollect that I have missed writing to you by Mondays Posts since you returned from the Eastern shore.
          I have no doubt of your having many applications to Rent, both my farms and Mill; but I question if it be from such persons, or on such terms, as I would chuse to engage; for which reason, all I would have you do in the matter, is, to inform me of their names—of what place they are—what their views are &ca which you may request them to give in writing, for the purpose of transmitting the same to me. I must know my men, & how capable they are of doing justice to me, the land, and the objects I have in view; before I shall part with the property. In a word, but this I mention for your own information, I shall not be in a hurry, or fond of renting to the slovenly farmers of this Country, if I thought there was a well grounded hope of getting them from any other; where husbandry is better understood, and more profitably practiced. I furnish you however, with the terms on which I mean to lease my lands—if I do it at all—and wish to know what you and others think of them, & the probability of my disposing of them agreeably thereto.
          I would have you take ten shares in the Bank of Alexandria, as you have the means to purchase them.

          By your last account of the price of flour in Alexandria it had risen: keep me advised of the price, & I will tell you when to sell—In the meantime, hurry the grinding as much as you can, that the whole may go off at once.
          If, after your New ground is compleated, you could find time to open the New road from the White gates towards the Gum spring, it would be pleasing, & no matter whether it strikes the old road above the little field (in the wood) or not; as it would be the straighter for it. But as I have said on former occasions, I do not require you to undertake it, if it should interfere with more important work; or if it cannot (at least such part as is undertaken) be executed in a complete manner; for I should not like to be jolting over stumps in passing it with a carriage.
          What grubbing have you accomplished in field No. 4. at Union Farm? How does the Winter grain look after all the open, and wet weather which we have had? And how does my old white horse stand it?
          There is a vessel now up for Alexandria, by which I shall send you three bushels of Clover seed, altho’ I am obliged to pay at the rate of 2/6 pr lb. for it. I shall also send you some Rye-grass seeds provided a tryal which I am now making of its goodness (being imported seed) proves satisfactory. If I should send the latter seed, I would have you sow it in some place where seed can be saved from it, rather than to spread it sparsely over the ground at Mansion H. which was in Corn last year. The Books you have, will tell you how thick it ought to be sown, to cover the ground well.
          Herewith you will receive a parcel of Seeds for the Gardener; but I request you to tell him, in positive terms, that he must, in future, save his own seeds; for I cannot be eternally buying seeds in the manner I am, merely because it saves trouble; when the cost falls so heavy upon me; especially too, as it is an equal chance that the Seed is bad. I think of nothing else at present; but wish you well, and am Your friend

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 29 February 1796
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Jr.
To: Washington, George

            sir
            Phila. 29th Febry 1796

          Persuaded that the Treaties lately concluded with foreign Nations will soon induce a number of appointments from you, to effectuate the various objects of those Treaties—I take the Liberty of bringing into your View, one or two Persons who I should deem suitable to sustain some of those appointments.
          The first Gentleman I recommend, is Mr Christo. Gore of Massachusetts—of this Gentleman I entertain a very good Opinion—as well from personal knowlege of his Character & abilities—as from the recommendations of others in whom I can confide, & who are perhaps more intimately acquainted with his Talents than I am—This Gentleman I should conceive to be a very suitable Character to be employed as a Commiss[ion]er on the Claims for English Spoilations—I have reason to believe, he would readily engage to go abroad on that mission—and would be very agreable to many, if not all those Claimants from the State of Massachutts—who are perhaps more numerous & more interested in that business, than from any other State.
          The Other Person I beg leave to mention is Mr Amasa Learned of Connecticut—late a Member in Congress from that State—his Talents Probity & Abilities, I believe, are very generally known & acknowleged—his Abilities may perhaps be best employed in surveying & determining the Boundaries of the U. States—between either the British or the Spanish Nation—I should not entertain much doubt of his being advantageously employed in settling & adjudging the British Claim for Debts in this Country—But, as you will doubtless have many Characters

presented to your View, I have the fullest confidence that you will be able to make the best Estimate of the comparitive Merits of the Persons who will be named—and form the most satisfactory selection for the different purposes which will be needed—With the highest Respect & Regard—I am—Sir—Your most Affectionate and Obedient Servant

            J. Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 29 February 1796
From: Washington, Bushrod
To: Washington, George

            Dear Uncle
            Richmond Feby 29 1796

          I rec: your letter of the 10th with a bundle of papers which I have examined. I had before issued a Subpœna from the Court of Chancery, and I wish to file the Bill during the present Session that I may be enabled to obtain an order to be inserted in the Gazette warning the residuary Legatees to come forward with their respective pretensions. Your great object I know is to close this business, and obtain a quietus from all parties concerned. But there are other considerations which I beg leave to present to your view that I may know more fully your wishes.
          Your accounts have been all settled by Commissioners appointed by the Court in the usual way, but should that settlement be hereafter contested it is necessary to inform you that a resettlement would be directed before Commissioners named by the Chancellor.
          This induced me to ask Mr Keith if the vouchers were all preserved, and in themselves sufficient to avail you in case it should be necessary to resort to them. he inform’d me they were. this being the case, I thought it would be satisfactory if a resettlement were asked for, whilst you can have the benefit of Mr Keiths assistance. Is this your wish? it will shut out future contestation when vouchers may be lost and those are in the grave who might explain matters.
          Mr Keith has not furnish’d me as yet with the appraisment and account of Sales of the estate, but I shall write to him for them as well as for information as required.

          I am therefore unable to State whether all the personal estate has been sold, or whether there are any debts yet to collect and if there are, in what situation they are. I think I understood from you when at Mount Vernon that something was yet due from Sydney George—If I do not mistake in this, be good enough to give me what information you can upon this part of the subject. As to the special rect given by you, I will take care that the residuary Legatees be decreed to give you counter security on that head. This Court rises the 21st of this month, before which I beg to hear from you if convenient.
          I have now to acknowledge the reciept of the two Hogs for which I return you many thanks—they are a valuable acquisition to me.
          The Bundle of papers which you sent me, it will be necessary for me to retain—good care shall be taken of them.
          Nancy Joins me in love to you & my aunt. Believe me to be very sincerely dear Uncle yr affect: Nephew

            Bushrod Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 1 March 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            March 1. 1796.

          I have the great satisfaction to inform you that Mr Lear has purchased the lands at the junction of the Potowmac & Shenandoah, on the original terms. His letter, which I have just received, is inclosed. I take liberty to inclose also my letter to Mr Lear to make the purchase; and am with the greatest respect sir your obt servant

            Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 1 March 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Department of State March 1. 1796.

          The Director of the Mint has presented the inclosed statement to show at what rate he can probably import ten tons of sheet copper for the mint. He can purchase no more here and all that has been purchased has been coined. The rate of exchange being extremely favourable at this moment, he wishes to obtain your approbation of his estimate to enable him to obtain from the Treasury the sum stated, viz. 5540 dollars to purchase the bills necessary to effect the importation on the best terms. I am with the highest respect sir your most obt servt

            Timothy Pickering


Title: From George Washington to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 1 March 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Senate,House of Representatives

            United States March 1st 1796

          Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives.
          The Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation concluded between the United States of America and his Britannic Majesty, having been duly ratified, and the ratifications having been exchanged at London on the 28th day of October 1795, I have directed the same to be promulgated; and herewith transmit a copy thereof for the information of Congress.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 2 March 1796
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

            My dear Sir,
            Washington, March 2d 1796

          I had the honor to address you under date of the 26th ultimo, informing of my having closed the business respecting the property at the junction of the Potomac & Shanandoah Rivers &c.

          Agreeably to my promise at that time, your account current should have been forwarded by the last Post; but I was called to Alexa. on business which prevented its being prepared. It is now enclosed, and I hope will be found right. The Balance will lay at your disposal in such way as you may point out. I should have made further purchase in the Stock of Alexandria Bank; but, for particular reasons, I chose to postpone it. The addition made to the Stock of that Bank will cause the shares to be less sought for than before. The subscription for new shares is yet open and not nearly full; the late Change of the President of that Bank (Mr Herbert having been chosen in place of Mr Hartshorne) has a tendency to diminish the confidence of the people in the Country, and lessen the circulation of their notes. No reason being assigned for the Change, it is placed to the score of fickelness in the management, which, in Banks, is always productive of evil. However, I firmly beleive that the Bank of Alexandria will prove as solid as any Bank excepting the national one. But I conceive that the period is not very distant when all will suffer in a greater or less degree.
          You will observe in the dividend at the Alexa. Bank in January, that 8½ per Cent is divided on the Capital for 6 months. This cannot be expected to happen again. It arose now from their dividing all the accumulations in the Bank, to place the new Shares upon a footing with the old.
          I yesterday purchased twenty Potomac Shares, which were thrown into the Market with a double view, the ostensible, to raise money; but, I beleive, the real, to cast a discredit on the Potomac Interest. The price asked was 450 dolls. pr Share, all paid up, which is only 4 56/100 dolls. more than the original Cost without interest. Should you incline to take some of this Stock you can have it at the rate I gave; for I shall sell part of it as soon as a fair oppy offers to dispose of it without injuring the interest. My object in buying was only to prevent the ill effects which would have followed its being hawked about. Could I afford to hold the Shares I should rejoice; for I know no object which offers such permanent & increasing value. A few days ago I had an offer made of property (Stores & a Wharf) in Alexa. in an eligible part of the town, to the Amount of ten thousand Dollars, with a security of renting it for ten years, without additional expense, for ten per Cent on the purchase. I mention this, that

in Case you should incline to purchase property on these terms, you could, I presume, have it.
          Since the advertisement of your lands has appeared, several persons have applied to me to know if I was acquainted with the prices of lease or purchase; for the former, it is possible tenants may appear in this quarter; for the latter Phila. or N. York would be most likely to furnish applicants. Nothing being said about the people, it is uncertain whether they are to be attached to the Lands or not.
          Fanny and the Children are well & unite in sentiments of respect & affection for you with Your obliged & grateful friend & Obedient Servant

            Tobias Lear


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Posey, 2 March 1796
From: Posey, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            sir
            Spotsylvania [Va.] March 2d—1796

          Being inform’d of your having it in contemplation to appropriate the Virginia donation shares of the James river compy to the purpose of an endowment for the Establishment of a University somewhere above the Blue ridge in the state of Virginia; and being well assured that information relative to a situation, would be acceptable (however small a light it might throw upon

the subject) I have taken the liberty merely to suggest to you a few particulars which comes within my own knowledge—Three places I am told have been mentioned to you for your consideration as being suitable for the situation of a university Viz.—Staunton, Lexington, and Fincastle. Either of those places are well situated as to pureness of Air, & water, also as to convenience for the accomodation of supplies; but as to centrality of population there can be no doubt in favor of Lexington It is also the centre of the three places mentioned and indeed I may almost say of the state. As to its natural advantages of situation, it has scarcely an equal, and as to the improved advantages they are superior to either of the places mentiond: there being a considerable building already completed for the purposes of a Seminary, which will bare adding to with great propriety, both as to elegance and convenience; and the neighbourhood abounds with wealthy farmers, and well improved farms: that there would be little doubt of a plentifull supply of provisions. The building stands on a commanding eminence unconnected with, but in view of the town; which will afford a communication for the advantages of accommodation if necessary.
          I have understood that Charlottesville has been proposed to you; I think I may venture to say it is not to be compared to the advantages possess’d by either of the other places mentioned. I am with sentiments of great respect Your Obt H. Servt

            Th: Posey


Title: To George Washington from Henry Young, 2 March 1796
From: Young, Henry
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Virginia King & Queen County 2d March 96

          From a variety of causes I am induced to write this Letter, but the main one is, to prevail on you to suffer your self to be nominated for the insuing election of President. The consequences resulting from your nomination alone, will silence the faction opposed to your person, & your Administration; your election,

of which their can be no doubt, will demonstrate to all America, that the sentiments of the people of Virginia are not understood by the temper of their representatives, either in Congress, or, the State Legislature. A last effort is making to procure Mr Jefferson the appointment of President: But Sir if I am not mistaken, & I am thoroughly persuaded I am not, you have nothing else to do, to bury in silent contempt all your enemy’s, but to declare that you will continue to administer the Government if the People shall think fit to confide it to your care. The people Sir of Virginia venerate the Federal Government, they also approve, highly approve, of your Administration, by expressions of gratitude to you, for placing them in a Situation the most enviable, that any Nation ever enjoyed. Some of your friends & consequently the friends of the Government are doubtful, that the opposition is ment to go farther than to you, and your Administration, they fear it goes to the destruction of the Government itself: I acknowledge my fears on that head. The people Sir have in you a confirmed confidence, that you will not withdraw your services at this critical moment tho you have done so much for them, & thereby risque the loss of a Government, which has excited, the love, the envy & the Admiration of the World: a government too that you have been the chief, if not the sole cause of giving to America. I shall conclude by observing, that I am confident, you will not cease to do for your Country as long as any thing remains to be done. I am with all due respect your friend

            H. Young


Title: To George Washington from Justus Erick Bollmann, 3 March 1796
From: Bollmann, Justus Erick
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            170 High street [Philadelphia] March 3. 1796

          If I am not mistaken Your Excellency mentioned, when I had the honor to wait on You about three weeks ago, that You intented to have some farther conversation with me through Mr Pickering. Not having had the pleasure to see Mr Pickering since, and going to depart for New york in a few days I think it my duty to inform Your Excellency of this in order to receive

Your commands. Waiting which I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir Your Excellency’s most obidient and humble servant

            J. Erick Bollmann


Title: From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 3 March 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Senate

            Gentlemen of the Senate,
            United States March the 3d 1796.

          I nominate Oliver Elsworth, of Connecticut, to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States; vice William Cushing, resigned.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Cabot, 4 March 1796
From: Cabot, George
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            March 4th 1796

          The great importance of selecting persons speedily for the offices created by the british treaty, & the difficulty of finding those who may be in all respects competent to the duties required, have suggested the belief that it might not be unacceptable to the Executive to receive from various parts of the Union the names of Candidates who may be thought most suitable. under the impressions of these ideas I have frequently reviewed the circles in which I have been accustomed to move, & it ought to be confessed that very few have occurr’d to my mind whose characters were wholly free from objections; however I do not hesitate to mention Mr Gore as a Gentleman who, in my estimation, unites most of the qualifications requisite for a Commissioner in London & possesses more fitness for that trust than any other Person in Massachusetts who can be consider’d as a

Candidate. I also take the liberty of naming Mr Parsons as a Lawyer whose well known talents peculiarly fit him for investigating & deciding on the claims of british Creditors, & Mr Learned of Connecticut as a Gentleman whose probity & good sense qualify him for many offices where public confidence is required. with the highest possible respect I am Sir your mo. obt Servant

            G. Cabot


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 4 March 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 4th March 96

          My public duties not allowing me to keep pace with Sir John Sinclairs wishes, is the best apology I can make for giving you the trouble of receiving (if you even should not read) the enclosed: and for requesting, if your leizure will not permit you to bestow any attention to his request (which you will find) at the head of the “Out lines of the fifteenth chapter,” &ca that you would prevail on some of the most intelligent farmers of your acquaintance to favor you or me with their observations thereon, for the satisfaction of Sir John; who is zealous in acquiring information, and promoting these measures, which are of great public utility, and very interesting to Agriculture. Yours always

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 5 March 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            Department of State March 5th 1796.

          The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the United States the draught of instructions and a seperate letter for Mr Pinckney, relative to further negociations with Great Britain, the Secretary not supposing a formal commission would be necessary. Should he be mistaken, there will be time to prepare a commission, as the ship favourite will not sail till Tuesday.

            T. Pickering


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Pinckney, 5 March 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pinckney, Thomas

            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 5th Mar. 1796.

          The Ship Favourite, by which these dispatches are sent, having been delayed much longer in this Port than was expected, affords me an opportunity of informing you—that the Spanish Treaty arrived here on the 22d Ulto; that it was laid before the Senate as soon after, as the accompanying Papers could be copied; and that, on the 3d instant, the Ratification of it was advised & consented to by an unanimous vote of that body. Hence you may form an opinion of the general approbation of your negociation. With very great esteem and regard I am—Dear Sir Your Affecte Hble Sert

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 6 March 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

            Dear Sir
            Philadelphia 6th March 1796

          As you are knowing to the situation of young Mr Fayette; to the measures I have adopted in his behalf; to my wishes towards him; and to the restraints under which those wishes have been placed, from considerations of a public nature. And as I am unacquainted with the ground work, or the tendency of the motion made by Mr Livingston, relative to this young gentleman; I flatter myself, that in the progress of the business before the house, that you will have the goodness, as far as proper representation will avail, to let the result of the motion be such, as it ought; both as it respects him, & myself.
          The United States are much better able to make provision for this young gentleman, and his family, than I am; and I should be highly pleased & gratified to see it accomplished in that way; because it would be more honorable for them, and a relief to me: but neither the one, nor the other shall want, while I have the means of administering to their relief.
          My wish, as has been communicated to you on a former occasion, was, and still is, if circumstances would permit it, to take him, with his Tutor, into my family: and, in the absence of his father, to superintend his education & morals: and this I am the more desirous of doing, as it is the impression under which he appears to have come to this country.
          What form, the proceedings on Mr Livingstons motion will take, is not for me to say; but my ideas, and feelings on the subject, have led me to make these communications of my Sentiments to you; who alone, of the house of Representatives, has ever heard me lisp a word on this subject. With sincere esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Affecte Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 6 March 1796 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from William Pearce, 6 March 1796. On 13 March, GW wrote Pearce: “Your letter of the 6th instant came to hand yesterday.”


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 6 March 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

            Sir,
            Philadelphia 6th March 1796

          I have given your Letter of instructions to our Minister at the Court of London, attentive consideration, and approve them; unless the last clause but one, should give rise to the negotiation of an article which may not accord with the result of a motion which is pending in the House of Representatives (introduced, if my memory serves me, by Mr Smith, of Baltimore)—of which, however, I have but an imperfect recollection.
          I think too (even with the advantages proposed to be obtained by the reduction) our Negotiator should adhere, even to the hazard of the Treaty altogether, to vessels of one hundred tons burthen, for the West India trade.
          These things, and a general view of the subject, as comprized in the instructions, added to matters which have been, & may yet be introduced into Congress, which may have relation to the proposed negotiation, incline me to think that it would be better to forbear sending the dispatches for Mr Pinckney by the ship Favourite (as other conveyances will no doubt soon offer)—& to take more time in consulting the most intelligent mercantile characters within your reach, on the principles and heads of the several articles which are the subject of them.

          The Instructions ought, in my opinion, to be accompanied with powers. They may be offered or not, as occasion shall require. They can, with this alternative, do no harm: whereas the want of them, if called for, may occasion a suspension of the measure.
          Mr Adams’s letter, and Lord Grenville⟨’s⟩ propositions relative to captured vessels of a certain description—and with respect to the pay of the Commissioners, require immediat⟨e⟩ attention.
          Proclamation of the treaties with Spain & Algiers, should issue as soon as they can be prepared, & the ratification of the former dispatched as soon as possible. Measures also for carrying these, & the other treaties which have been ratified & proclaimed, into effect, ought to meet with no delay that can be avoided.
          And I request you would concert measures with the Secretaries of War, & Treasury, if necessary, for proceeding vigorously, & securely with the Arsenal at the confluence of Potomac & Shenandoah.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 7 March 1796
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Greenwich [Village, N.Y.] 7th March 1796.

          Owing to my not having been in Town for some Days past I did not receive your Letter as soon as might have been expected—I now inclose you an Answer respecting our Lands in Coxburgh which may be shewn to Mr Cooper—I think it proper at the same Time for your private Information to be a little more particular on the Subject; Knowing the Character and Circumstances of the Man, I have no Idea that he ever had any serious Intention to purchase our Lands (unless he could obtain them far below their value) or that he could command the ready Cash for the purpose yet lest I should be misstaken, the Price I have mentioned is what I think we ought not to reject if offered, and on the other hand we ought not to accept of less—Our first Sales were low tho quite as high as others sold for at the Time; but unfortunately we sold rather too much at the Commencement of the Settlement of that Quarter of the Country. These Sales however tended to inhance the value of our remaining Lotts and they have since increased in value far beyond the usual Interest of Money—Our first Sales you will recollect was at 2 Dollars pr Acre, the second at 3 Dollars and the last two Lotts I agreed to sell are at something better than 5 Dollars pr Acre with Interest

from the Date of the Agreement—I am of Opinion therefore that the remaining Lotts will command the like Price Admitting the value of Lands there to be stationary whereas I am inclined to believe they will yet continue to rise tho perhaps not in the same proportion they have hitherto done—It is obvious then that the only advantage in selling the whole together at 40/ pr Acre would be in receiving the Cash down and in an Excemption from the Trouble of retailing it out in Farms & receiving the Money in parcels and for this we must relinquish the Advantages which may accrue from their rising value—I shall however be willing & happy to conform to your Sentiments on the subject. I am with the highest Respect & Esteem Dear Sir Your Affectionate Humble Servant

            Geo: Clinton


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Contee Hanson, 7 March 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, Alexander Contee

            Sir,
            Philadelphia 7th Mar. 1796

          Your letter of the 22d Ulto has been duly received; and altho’ it is not usual with me, to answer letters of application for offices or to assign reasons for non-compliance; yet, from the respectability of your character, I depart from it in the present instance: and doing so, candour requires I should add, that it would be inexpedient to take two of the Associate Judges from the same State. The practice has been (founded I conceive in sound policy) to dissiminate them through the United States.
          I have not mentioned, nor shall I mention, the application you have made. I keep no copy of this letter, & that your own may never appear, I transmit it to you, to be disposed of as you shall think proper. With sentiments of esteem & regard I am Sir Your Obedient Hble Serv.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Isaac Craig, 8 March 1796
From: Craig, Isaac
To: Washington, George

            Philadelphia 8th of March 1796No. 86 Race Street
            Sir

          Your letter of the 13th Ultimo Enclosing an Advertisemt of Your Lands has been received and the Advertisement agreeable to your directions insetred in the Pittsburg Gazette & Posted up at Several of the most public places of that Town, also at Browns Ville on the Monongahale & at Union Town & Washington &c.

          A part of Your Lands on the Ohio I have seen & am thereby convinced it is of the first Quality & the Situation unexceptionable, but I am appre[he]nsive that the prob[ab]ility of A Sale of part of the Northwestern Teritory Soon taking place will at present Opperate against Your Lands Commanding that Price their Quality & situation Merits, it is notwithstanding my Opinion that the Ohio Lands will Sell for four Dollars pr Acre. the Lands on Miami I presume will Sell at three Dollars, but of the Other Lands I am entirely Ignorant of their probable Value—The letters Addressed to Genl Putnam & Colol Lewis has been carefully transmitted to Marrietta & Mount Pleasant. I am with the most unfeigned Respect Sir Your Very Obedient Humble Servant

            Isaac Craig


Title: From George Washington to George Lewis, 8 March 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, George

            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 8th Mar. 1796.

          I send you the enclosed Advertisement, that you may perceive thereby, I have restrained myself from selling the Land I hold on Green River in Kentucky, until the first of September; that all who are disposed to purchase may have notice thereof. Between this and then, I would thank you to give me, from time to time, and by duplicates (to guard against miscarriages) such information as you may be able to obtain, of what it will likely Sell for, on the terms it is offered. Let this information extend to the other tracts also; as your opportunities of acquiring this information is superior to mine, from the knowledge, and acquaintance you have with the classes of people who buy; either for actual settlement, or the purposes of speculation.
          The rise in the prices of Land in Kentucky, according to the accounts given of it by people from that State, is almost incredible; and possibly are a little exagerated; but that it is considerable, there can be no doubt.
          Colo. Marshall writes me, that he had paid the tax on my Land on Kentucky; which supercedes the necessity for you to do it. My

love to Mrs Lewis in wch your Aunt unites—I am, Your Affecte friend & Uncle

            Go: Washington

            P.S. Always put the letters you may write to me into the Post Office, as far preferable to any private conveyances.