Title: To George Washington from Alexander Smith, 29 June 1798
From: Smith, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Vienna 29th June 1798

I have received your letter of the 17th Inst. touching the money paid to Capt. Walters for the plank and scantling delivered you, which money came safe to hand, and what Capt. Walters told you generally was true.
The reason that I said nothing to you about payment in my letter of the 5th Inst. was, it being a Small Sum & suposing you might give orders for more Lumber for which should have drawn on you some time ⟨mutilated⟩ in favor of a friend in Baltimore, at the same tim⟨e⟩ I thank you for your attention.
Capt. Walters on his way home collected allmost all the Plank which he unfortunately lost on his way to Mount Vernon, the people on shore had the plank in good order for him so that it received no dammage. As its of the most particular length wanted for flooring I will forward the same to you soon which I’m in hopes will be acceptable.
Understanding that you purchase corn will put in the Vessell a few hundred Bushels with hopes that it may be convenient for you to purchase, at that time. I am Sir Your Most Obed. & Very Humble Servant

Alexr Smith


Title: To George Washington from James Shephard, 30 June 1798 [letter not found]
From: Shephard, James
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from James Shephard, 30 June 1798. On 30 July GW wrote Shephard: “Your letter of the 30th of last month would have received an earlier acknowledgment. . . .”


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 2 July 1798 [letter not found]
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Tobias Lear, 2 July 1798. On 4 July GW wrote Lear: “I have received your letter and A/c of the 2d Instt.”


Title: To George Washington from Archibald McClean, 2 July 1798
From: McClean, Archibald
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria July 2nd 1798

Having formed an intention of removing from this town to the Westward, I had fixed on a tract of land in the vicinity of Pittsburg for which I have been endeavouring to negotiate; but was lately informed that you hold a tract in Ohio county in this state about fifteen or twenty miles below Wheeling. I would prefer that situation to the former, & wish to know if you are inclined to dispose

of the tract (called, I think, Round-Bottom) beforementioned. If you are, please inform me your terms, & whether you would be willing to take in exchange for it improved property in the town of Alexandria. Please forward an early answer, I am sir most respectfully yours &c.

Arch. McClean


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 3 July 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Philadelphia 3d July 1798.

The crisis, and almost universal wish of the people, to see you at the head of the armies of the United States, has been too strong to be resisted, the President has yielded to causes so powerful and nominated you accordingly, which has been unanimously confirmed to-day by the Senate.
Thus you are again called upon by all voices, to fill a station which all think you alone qualified for at this moment. I know what must be your feelings, and how many motives you must have for prefering the privacy you are in the enjoyment of, to the troubles and perplexities of a commander of an army. This however is the crowning sacrifice, which I pray to god you may agree to make for the sake of your country, and to give the last finish to a fame, that nothing short of such a call, and the present occasion, could have been capable of increasing.
I think it probable that the President will request me to be the bearer of his letter to you. I shall, in that case have an oppertunity to converse with you at large on several subjects relative to the army, and agree with you upon such arrangements, as may leave you as long as possible at Mount Vernon. Perhaps I shall set out on

Friday, or at farthest monday next. Present me to Mrs Washington & Miss Custis and accept of my sincere attachment & unchangeable affection

James McHenry


Title: From George Washington to John Adams, 4 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 4th July 1798

Not being in the habit since my return to private life, of sending regularly to the Post Office (nine miles from hence) every Post-day, it often happens that letters addressed to me lye longer there, on that account, than they otherwise would do.
I have delayed no time, unnecessarily, since I had the honor of receiving your obliging favour of the 22d Ulto, to thank you for the polite & flattering sentiments you have been pleased to express relatively to me; and to assure you, that as far as it is in my power to support your Administration, and to render it easy, happy & honorable, you may command me without reserve.
At the Epoch of my retirement, an Invasion of these States by

any European Power, or even the probability of such an events happening, in my days, was so far from being contemplated by me, that I had no conception that that, or any other occurrence would arise, in so short a period, which could turn my eyes from the shades of Mount Vernon. But this seems to be the Age of Wonders! and reserved for intoxicated and lawless France (for purposes of Providence far beyond the reach of human ken) to slaughter its own Citizens, & to disturb the repose of all the world besides.
From a view of the past, from the prospect present, and of that which seems to be expected, it is not easy for me to decide, satisfactorily, on the part it might best become me to act. In case of actual Invasion by a formidable force, I certainly should not Intrench myself under the cover of Age & retirement, if my services should be required by my Country, to assist in repelling it. And if there be good cause, which must be better known to the Government than to private Citizens to expect such an event, delay in preparing for it, might be dangerous—improper—and not to be justified by prudence. The uncertainty however of the latter, in my mind, creates my embarrassment; for I cannot, fairly, bring it to believe—disregardful as the French are of Treaties, and of the Law of Nations; and capable as I conceive them to be of any Species of Despotism & Injustice, that they will attempt to invade this Country after such an uniform & unequivocal expression of the sense of the People, in all parts, to oppose them with their lives & fortunes. That they have been led to believe by their Agents, & Partisans among Us, that we are a divided People; that the latter are opposed to their own Government; and that a show of a small force would occasion a revolt—I have no doubt: and how far these men, (grown desperate) will further attempt to deceive, and may succeed in keeping up the deception, is problematical. Without this, the folly of the Directory in such an attempt, would, I conceive, be more conspicuous, if possible, than their wickedness.
Having with candour made this disclosure of the state of my Mind, it remains only that I should add, that to those who know me best, it is best known that if imperious circumstances should induce me to exchange once more, the smooth paths of Retirement for the thorny ways of Public life, at a period too, when repose is most congenial to nature, and a calm indispensable for contemplation, that it would be productive of Sensations which can be more easily conceived than expressed.

The difficulty in which you expect to be involved in the choice of General Officers, when you come to form the Army, is certainly a serious one; and in a Government like ours, where there are so many considerations to be attended to, & to combine, will be found not a little perplexing. But as the mode of carrying on the War against the Foe that threatens, must differ widely from that practiced in the contest for Independence, it will not be an easy matter, I conceive, to find among the old set of Generals, men of sufficient activity, energy & health, and of sound politics, to train troops to the quick step, long Marches, & severe conflicts they may have to encounter; and therefore that recourse must be had (for the greater part at least) to the well known, most experienced, best proved, and intelligent Officers of the late Army; without respect to Grade.
I speak with diffidence however on this head; having no list by me from which my memory could be refreshed. There is one thing though, on which I can give a decided opinion; and as it is of the utmost importance to the Public, to the Army, & to the Officer Commanding it—be him whom he will, I will take the liberty of suggesting it now; It is, that the greatest circumspection be used in appointing the General Staff. If this Corps is not composed of respectable characters; knowledge of the duties of their respective Departments; able, active & firm; and of uncorruptible integrity, & prudence—and withal such as the Commander in Chief can place entire confidence in, his plans & movements if not defeated altogether, may be so embarrassed & retarded as to amount nearly to the same thing, and this almost without impunity on their part.
The Inspector General, Quarter Master General, Adjutant General, and General of the Corps of Artilleres & Engineers may be considered as so many limbs, or parts of the Commander in Chief, on whom he must depend for correct returns, and distinct information of matters in their respective lines. Much depends also upon the zeal, alacrity & secrecy with which orders are executed; and it being impossible, at all times, scarcely indeed at any time, to Mask designs from some of them, on account of the part they have to act in the preparation; it is better to make them fully acquainted with the design & thereby make them responsible, than to leave them in the field of conjecture, where no particular responsible would be attached. The care & comfort of the Sick &

Wounded—and œconomy in providing & distributing Hospital Stores—depend so much upon the skill—integrity—& activity of the Director of it, that I cannot forbear mentioning of this Officer also, as an import[an]t one.
The opening given me in your letter is such, as hath prompted me to express these sentiments with freedom; and persuading myself that you will ascribe them to pure motives, although they may differ from your own ideas, I have no doubt of their being well received. With the greatest respect & consideration—I have the honr to be Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt H: Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Ferdinando Fairfax, 4 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Ferdinando

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 4th July 1798

I have given the enclosed as attentive a reading as the time allowed, and the letters I had to write by the Mail of this day, would permit.
The observation appears to me to be well founded. But as I have formed no decisive opinion or determination with respect to my own S——s—As there are blanks to be filled in the Address—And as there is a Reference to a work I have either never seen, or if seen have forgotten; I would request, under these circumstances, that the Dedication of your Work to me, for which I feel sensible of the honor, may not be accompanied with the Words “by permission.” With very great esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 4 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 4th July 1798

I have received your letter and A/c of the 2d Instt and presume it is all right. I wish however you had charged the Scow, & given credit for the articles had from Mr Anderson, as it was my wish to have seen a complete State of it.
The thousand dollars lent, was not on usury; and therefore I desire it may be struck out of your A/c, as I shall do it out of mine, when it comes to be entered in my Ledger. I mean the Interest, which you have given me credit for—$60. And it is not my desire, as I mentioned in my former letter, that you should put yourself to any inconvenience in paying the principal.
I have been so much engaged for the few days, past, that I have been unable to look into any accounts whatever; of course, I cannot now say what has been charged to me, as paid to you. I recollected however, that this was plead, when my Collector in Maryland was called upon for my Rents.
My Papers are yet in such a jumble, that I know not where, readily to look for your former A/c; but it dwells upon my memory that in that, I was charged with £50 paid the Trustees of the Academy in Alexandra—if I am right in this, the Treasurer thereof has received a years annuity more than the School is entitled to—Reference to your Books, if you have them by you, or to the A/c rendered to me when I come across it, will decide the matter at once. With very great esteem & reg⟨ard⟩ I am—Dear Sir Your Affectionate

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Lloyd, 4 July 1798
From: Lloyd, James
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia. 4th July. 1798.

Your Excellency’s favors of the 25 and 27 Ulto came duly to hand and I beg you to accept my sincere thanks for them.
You will have heard before this reaches you, that you were, yesterday, by the unanimous vote of the Senate, appointed Lieutenant General & Commander in Chief of the Armies of America.
To all, but the few wicked men who, for base & selfish purposes, wish to subject our Country to foreign domination, this event will give cordial satisfaction.
Two days ago I saw a doctor Carmichael (a surgeon in the army) who told me he had lately been in Kentucky and that a great change had been wrought in that State by the publication of the dispatches. Not so, he says, in Tennessee, where you see nothing like federalism except in the venders of goods, people who are scarcely to be considered as residents of that State.
The packet for Bache, sealed with the seal of the minister of foreign relations fell into the hands of Government and I believe it is pretty certain did not contain Talleyrand’s letter to our Envoys. Whether he received it immediately from Talleyrand or from Letombe the consul or from one of our French-Americans is uncertain.
Your Excellency has probably seen in the papers a bill which was introduced into the Senate, to define & punish the Crimes of Treason & Sedition.
This bill after having been amended, as some of my friends think, by striking out that part which relates to Treason, and having afforded much ground for declamation to the lovers of Liberty, or, in other words, to the Jacobins, passed the Senate, yesterday, 18 to six, & will certainly pass the Ho: of Representatives. I enclose the bill as amended.

The Cincinnati of Pennsylvania dined together yesterday. Two draughts of an address to the President U.S. were under consideration. The federal one was adopted & Chief Justice McKean was moved from the Vice Presidency & Genl Moylan elected, and thus are truth & reason gradually making their way against error.
I fear Congress will close the session without a declaration of War, which I look upon as necessary to enable us to lay our hands on traitors, and as the best means that can be resorted to, to destroy the effect of the skill of the Directory in their transactions with Mr Gerry. I am in doubt whether I mentioned to you that Mr Marshall told me they had had great difficulty in getting Mr Gerry to join them in any of their representations or acts. If the French Government should, on hearing the state of things in this Country, temporise, I am afraid Mr Gerry will be wrongheaded enough to believe them in earnest.
Your Excellency says most justly that the invidious distinction made between him and the other Envoys ought to have filled him with resentment instead of Complaisance; and I desire no better proof of his being a Jacobin than that it not had that effect. With the highest respect & regard I have the honor to be Dear Sir, Your Excellency’s most Obedt Sevt

James Lloyd


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 4th July 1798

Your letter of the 26th Ulto propounds a very serious, interesting & important question to me: a question that might have been

answered with less delay if I had been as much in the habit since, as before I became a private citizen, of sending regularly to the Post Office on Post days for letters.
The sentiments which I mean to express to you in this letter, on the subject of yours, shall be frank, undisguised & explicit; for I see, as you do, that Clouds are gathering, and that a Storm may ensue. And I find too, from a variety of hints, that my quiet under these circumstances, does not promise to be of long continuance.
It cannot be necessary for me to premise to you, or to others who know my sentiments as well, that to quit the tranquil walks of retirement, and enter the boundless field of responsibility and trouble, would be productive of Sensations which a better pen than I possess would find it difficult to describe. Nevertheless, the principle by which my conduct has been actuated through life, would not suffer me, in any great emergency, to withhold any services I could render, required by my Country; especially in a case where its dearest rights are assailed by lawless ambition and intoxicated power; contrary to every principle of justice, & in violation of solemn compact, & Laws which govern all Civilized Nations. And this too with obvious intent to sow thick the Seeds of disunion for the purpose of subjugating the Government, and destroying our Independence & happiness.
Under circumstances like these, accompanied by an actual Invasion of our territorial rights, it would be difficult for me, at any time, to remain an idle spectator under the plea of Age or Retirement. With sorrow, it is true, I should quit the shades of my peaceful abode; and the ease & happiness I now enjoy, to encounter anew the turmoils of War; to which, possibly, my strength and powers might be found incompetent. These, however, should not be stumbling blocks in my own way; but there are other things highly important for me to ascertain, & settle, before I could give a decided answer to your question.
First. The propriety, in the opinion of the public (so far as that opinion has been expressed in conversation) of my appearing again on a Public theatre, after delivering the sentiments I did, in my Valedictory Address of September 1796.
Second. A conviction in my own breast (from the best information that can be obtained) that it is the wish of my Country that the Military force of it should be committed to my charge—and
Third. That the army now to be formed should be so appointed as

to afford a well grounded hope of its doing honor to the Country, & credit to him who Commands it, in the field.
On each of these heads you must allow me to make observations.
With respect to the first, it will readily be admitted, under the circumstances I at present am, that nothing short of an imperious call would, or ought, to draw me from Retirement; and unless this was apparent, the advantages (if any are expected from the measure) would not only be weakened, but might be defeated altogether: for the Opposers of Government, with a view to lessen its influence, would denounce it at once, a restless act, evincive of discontent in retirement; and that my love for it was all a sham. Knowing the purity of my own intentions, such observations would make no impression on my personal feelings, but the necessity in the eyes of the public ought fully to be appreciated. And it would be uncandid not to confess, that although I highly approve of all the Defensive & precautionary measures which have been adopted, and wish they had been more energetic; yet, that I do not believe since the People of this Country (on the defection of which the calculation was made) have come forward in such strong and unequivocal assurances, to defend, at all hazards their Government & Independence—maugre the attempts to divert them from it—that the Directory of France, intoxicated and abandoned as it is, will have the folly to invade our Territorial Rights, otherwise than by predatory attempts on the Seaboard. Unless their Agents & Partisans among us, in defiance of the evidence of their senses, should still have the wickedness and address to make that Government believe that nothing but a force to give countenance to its friends, is wanting, to effectuate all they wish—This, Sir, is my opinion with respect to a formidable Invasion. Perhaps with the Information & lights in possession of the Executive, I might think differently.
On the second head, I shall be more concise; because as my whole life has been dedicated to the Service of my Country, in one shape or another, for the poor remains of it, it is not an object, to contend for ease & quiet, when all that is valuable in it, is at stake, further than to be satisfied that the sacrafice I should make of these is acceptable, and desired by my Country; for as neither Ambition—Interest—or personal gratification of any sort, could induce me to quit the walks of private life, to be disappointed in the only object I should have in view, would be mortifying beyond my

powers of utterance. And what this public opinion & wish is, on this occasion, I know not; for I have studiously avoided touching on the subject, lest some inferences, contrary to my meaning, should be drawn from it. I express these ideas not from Affectation, for I dispise every thing that carries the appearance of it; But from the knowledge that as it is the fashion of the present day, set, or adopted, by the French, with whom we are to contend, and with great & astonishing success too⟨,⟩ to appoint Generals of Juvenile years to lead their armies, it might not be improbable that similar ideas, & wishes, might pervade the minds of our own Citizens; when to this a fear might be added, that age may have wrought too powerfully on my body & mind, to make it advisable to commit so important a trust to my direction.
On the third head you must permit me to dwell a little more at large.
If an Army was in existence, and an Officer invited to take the command of it, his course would be plain, for he would have nothing more to do than to examine the Constitution of it, and to enquire into the composition, to enable him to decide; but we have one to form, and much indeed depends upon the formation. If a judicious choice is not made of the principal Officers, and above all, of the General Staff, in the first instance, it never can be rectified thereafter: The character then of the Army would be lost in the Superstructure; The reputation of the Commander in Chief would fall with it; and the Country be involved in extricable expence.
It is impossible, I know, for the Executive to be intimately acquainted with the qualifications of the Battalion Officers, and perhaps from the manner in which the Volunteer Corps may offer themselves, little will be left to his choice: the presumption however is, that as these Corps will be composed of respectable Citizens, their Officers will be good, and worthy of as much confidence as can be placed in untried men. The great desiderata lyes in the appointment of the General Officers of the line, and of the Staff—particularly the latter; and the first consists in a great measure in determining whether they shall be taken from the old set of Generals, or formed a new, from the experienced—intelligent—and well proved Officers of the late American Army, without regard to grade.
From the want of the list which I left in the Presidential Office,

by which my Memory could be refreshed as to names, it would be hazardous, & might be improper, to give a decided opinion on this head, but I have not much scruple in saying that, I incline strongly to the latter mode; for if the Country is seriously Invaded, our System of Warfare must be the very reverse of the last.
To remark to a Military man how all important the Genl Staff of an Army is to its well being—and how essential they are to the Commander in Chief, seems to be unnecessary; and yet a good choice is of such immense consequence, that I must be allowed to explain myself.
The Inspector General, Quarter Master General, Adjutant General, and Officer commanding the Corps of Artillerists & Engineers, ought to be men of the most respectable characters, & of first rate abilities; because, from the nature of their respective Offices, & from their being always about the Commander in Chief who is obliged to entrust many things to them confidentially, scarcely any movement can take place without their knowledge. It follows then, that besides possessing the qualifications just mentioned, they ought to have those of Integrity & prudence in an eminent degree, that entire confidence might be reposed in them; without these, & their being on good terms with the Commanding General his measures if not designedly thwarted may be so embarrassed as to make them move heavily on. If the Inspector General is not an Officer of great respectibility of character—firm—and strict in discharging the duties of the trust reposed in him; or if he is too pliant in his disposition, he will, most assuredly be imposed upon, and the efficient strength & condition of the army will not be known to the Commander in Chief; of course he may form his Plans upon erroneous calculations, and commit fatal mistakes. If the Quartermaster General is not a man of great resource & activity, and worthy of the highest confidence, he would be unfit for the Military Station he is to occupy; for as it is not possible, at all times, to mask real designs & movements under false appearances from him, the better and safer way is, to place full confidence in him under the seal of responsibility; then, knowing the plan, he participates in the concealment; on which, & the celerity of a movement success oftentimes, entirely depend. In addition to these requisites in a Quarter Master General, Œconomy in providing for the wants of an Army, proper arrangements in the distribution of the Supplies, and a carefull eye to the use of them, is of great importance,

and calls for a circumspect choice. The Adjutant Genl ought also to be a man of established character, of great activity & experience in the details of an Army, and of proved integrity; or no alertness can be expected in the execution of the several duties consigned to him on the one hand, and every thing to be feared from treachery, or neglect in his Office, on the other; by which the enemy might be as well informed of our strength as their own. Though last mentioned it is not least important that so essential & Scientific a part of the army as the Corps of Artillerists & Engineers should have an able & respectable Officer at their head, without which it would soon sink into ignorance and disrepute. Humanity, and feeling for the sick & wounded of an Army, call loudly for Skill—attention—and œconomy in the Director of the Hospital and without the latter qualification, profusion, and misapplication of its Stores, will inevitably take place.
Able, well informed, active, and spirited General Officers are, no doubt, of high importance to the honor, reputation & success of any Army, but I have confined my observations in a more particular manner to those of the General Staff, who may be considered as so many parts of the Commander in Chief. Viewing them then in this light it will readily be seen how essential it is that they should be agreeable to him. Such characters are within my view if they would accept.
I have run into great prolixity, in order to give you a comprehensive view of my ideas on the subject of your letter, and the principles by which I am governed. without these explanations, the answer might have been conveyed in a few words as follows.
When I retired to the walks of private life, I had no idea that any event would occur that could induce me to leave them.
That the pain I should feel, if it be my fate to do so, cannot easily be expressed.
Yet,
If this Country should actually be Invaded, or such manifestations of a design to do it, as cannot be mistaken, I stand ready to render every Service in my power to repel it.
Provided,
My declining years is not considered as an objection to the trust; but on the contrary (and in support of the partiality which may actuate the President in my favour) it shall appear unequivocally to you, and to those with whom you act, being at the centre of

information from all parts of the Union & where a Commander for the Troops to be raised must often have been the subject of conversation, that the Public wish was directed to me, notwithstanding my avowed declaration when I retired from Office to remain a private Citizen.
and provided also,
That I can have such characters associated with me, as will render the turmoils of War, and the burthen of the Command, as light as the nature of it will admit; for it is well known that the viscissitudes of war, are not within the reach of human controul, and that the chances of adding to, are not greater than the hazard of taking from, that reputation the partiality of the World has been pleased to confer, for past Services: and that not prompted as I have observed in a former part of this letter—by motives of ambition, or Interest, to embark again on a theatre so arduous and responsible, I might, in the course of events be left with the single consolation of knowing, myself, though, possibly, deprived even of the credit of that, by the malevolence of others, that a sense of duty was the only motive which had induced me to run the risk; and to make the Sacrafice of my ease and quiet at the sametime.
In a very handsome, polite and flattering letter with which I have lately been honored from the President, he has hinted in very delicate terms, (not to be misunderstood), a wish that the Command of the Military force of this Country might be in me. I did not conceive myself at liberty, however, to go into such details and explanations with him, as from the habits of intimacy I have always been in with you, I thought myself authorised to take with you, who may be assured of the sincere esteem & affectionate regard of

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Private
My dear Sir,Mount Vernon 5th July 1798.
I am perfectly satisfied that the duties of your Office were not diminished by the business thrown upon it in the course of the

present Session of Congress; and far was it from my wish to add to the trouble of them. I expected no more than a simple acknowledgment of my letters, and with respect to the proposed Arsenal at the confluence of the Potomac & Shanondoah, that you would have said it had, or had not been forgotten, according to the fact.
I am well satisfied with your reply to my last; better perhaps than you will be with the trouble of reading the lengthy Scrawl herewith enclosed, to which it has given rise: and which, if you please, as from yourself, may be shewn to the President; to whom I have expressed tantamount Sentiments in more concise terms. If you are at liberty, & deem it expedient, communicate the responses which shall be made to it to me.
The President’s letter to me, though not so expressed in terms, is, nevertheless strongly indicative of a wish that I should take cha[rge] of the Military force of this Country; and if I take his meaning right, to aid also in the Selection of the General Officers. The appointment of these are important; but those of the General Staff, are all important; insomuch that if I am looked to as the Commander in Chief, I must be allowed to chuse such as will be agreeable to me. To say more, at present, would be unnecessary; first, because an Army may not be wanted; and 2dly because I might not be endulged in this choice if it was.
You will readily perceive that a main difficulty with me, in this business, proceeds from the different epochs at which the army may be formed, and at which it would be proper for me to take the Command of it (in case the preliminaries mentioned in my other letter are solved to my Satisfaction). The President, knowing that 10,000 men cannot be raised by the blowing of a Trump, might deem it expedient from such appearances, or information, as would justify him under the Act, to prepare for the worst. I, on the other hand, have no disposition, and think it would be bad policy, to come forward before the emergency becomes evident; farther, than that it might be known, that I will step forward when it does appear so, unequivocally; and if the matters for which I have stipulated, as previously necessary, are ascertained, & accomodated, I shall have no objection to the Annunciation (if good would result from it) of this determination. But what is to be done in the interval? I see but two ways to overcome the difficulty, if it is an object to accomodate my wishes; first, to delay the appointment of the General Staff, to the latter Epoch, if no inconvenience would result from it; or, if this cannot be, then to advise with me on the

appointment of them. I mention the matter now, and in this manner, because I have some reason to believe, that there are very fit men that would be coadjutors with me, whose services without, could not be commanded.
Although I have made my stand at the General Staff, I conceive that much will depend upon active & spirited Officers for the Divisions & Brigades of the Army. And (under the rose) I shall candidly declare, that I do not, from my present recollection of them, conceive that a desirable set could be formed from the old Generals; some on account of their age or infirmities; some from never having displayed any talents for Enterprise; and others from their general opposition to the Government, or their predilection to French measures, be their present conduct what it may. for those who will come up with a flowing tide, will descend with the Ebb—and there can be no dependence upon them in Moments of difficulty. If circumstances would allow a choice of Field Officers, the Service would be much benefited by it. With my two letters I must have tired you sufficiently, & therefore I shall only add, what you knew before, And that is, that I am Your Affectionate

Go: Washington

P.S. I have already been applied to by one Gentleman, to recommend him for Director of the Hospital, which I have refused; as well on general ground, as because if I should ever have occasion for Physician or Surgeon, I should prefer my old Surgeon Doctr Craik, who from 40 years experience is better qualified than a dozen of them put together.


Title: To George Washington from William Booker, 6 July 1798
From: Booker, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond 6 July 1798

I receivd your Letter of the 22 Ulto and on Wednesday Last (being the first opportunity Since) have Shipped on board the Schooner Republican Capt. Bagnal, the Rawhide band put up in a Small Barrel to be delivd to Col. Gilpin of Alexandria.
I have put it up in a barrel in order to make it more handy to Carry &c. not from fear of rats and mice it being well Greased with train oil which I have found a sufficient preventative from them, Some of those bands have been used Last fall and one in particular in a horse Mill it has been Constantly Exposed and have Never Receivd the Least Injury from any Vermin whatever, and there are a great abundance ⟨of⟩ rats and mice in the Same house. The first ba⟨nd⟩ I Ever made Receivd Some Injury but it was before it was Greased. I was then told of the Grease and have always used it and have never as yet heard a Complaint.
I am Extreemly Glad to hear you are Gathering your wheat Straight I make not the Least doubt but the machine will please.
I will (if possible) be at Mount Vernon between the 25 and Last of this month, nothing of any Consequence will be wanting for the alterations Necessary for the machine but may be Easily got after I come, as the alterations Chiefly Consist in the manner of pla[c]ing Some parts of the machine farther and Some nearer than it now is—from Each Other. I am your Most Ob. Set

Wm Booker

P.S. The Captains receipt is Inclosed.


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 6 July 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia 6 July 1798

I am to receive tomorrow the Presidents letter to you, and leave this in the mail stage on monday, and continue with it to Alexandria. I shall not of course sleep much after getting into it till I see you. To facilitate this event, I have to request, if it can be done without inconvenience, that one of your servants may be at Alexandria to serve as a pilot for me to Mount Vernon. Adieu, most sincerely and affectionately

James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 6 July 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia July 6, 1798.eleven o’clock at night.

My attachment to my country, and my desire to promote its best interests, I trust were never equivocal: and at this time I feel extreme anxiety that our army should be organized in the most efficient manner. The enemy whom we are now preparing to encounter, veterans in arms, led by able and active officers, and accustomed to victory, must be met by the best blood, talents, energy and experience that our country can produce. Great military abilities are the portion of but few men in any nation, even the most populous and warlike: how very few, then, may we expect to find in the United States? In them the arrangements should so be made that not one might be lost.
There is one man who will gladly be Your Second: but who will not, I presume, because I think he ought not to be, the Second to

any other military commander in the U. States. You too well know Colo. Hamilton’s distinguished ability, energy and fidelity, to apply my remark to any other man. But to ensure his appointment, I apprehend the weight of your opinion may be necessary. From the conversation that I and others have had with the President, there appears to us to be a disinclination to place Colo. Hamilton in what we think is his proper station, and that alone in which we suppose he will serve—the Second to You—and the Chief in your absence. In any war, and especially in such a war as now impends, a Commander in Chief ought to know and have a confidence in the officers most essential to ensure success to his measures. In a late conversation with the president, I took the liberty to observe that the army in question not being yet raised, the only material object to be contemplated in the early appointment of the Commander in Chief, would be, that he might be consulted, because he ought to be satisfied, in the choice of the principal officers who should serve under him.
If any considerations should prevent your taking the command of the army, I deceive myself extremely, if you will not think it should be conferred on Colo. Hamilton, and in this case, it might be equally important as in the former that you should intimate your opinion to the President. Even Colo. Hamilton’s political enemies, I believe, would repose more confidence in him than in any military character that can be placed in competition with him.
This letter is in its nature confidential, and therefore can procure me the displeasure of no one: but the appointment of Colo. Hamilton, in the manner suggested, appears to me of such vast importance to the welfare of the country, that I am willing to risque any consequences of my frank and honest endeavours to secure it. On this ground I assure myself you will pardon the freedom of this address. I am, with perfect respect, Sir, your most obt servant

Timothy Pickering.

P.S. Mr McHenry is to set off to-morrow or on Monday, bearing your commission.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 6 July 1798
From: Spotswood, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Newpost. July 6. 1798.

My letter to Mr Short respecting the purchase of Andrew Woodrows 300 acree Survey—and my letter to Feild respecting the lands opposite yours on Rough Creek—was put into the hands of a Mr Bland, who took his departure for Kentucky the 10th of April last—last week I received a letter from Mr Short dated Fredericksburg—he Says, he met Mr Bland in the Wilderness who delivered him my packet—that he immediately forwarded my letter to Mr Feild: and being a Stage passenger, and haveing urgent bussiness which compels him to push forward to Philadelphia—puts it out of his power to see me until his return—which will be about the 16 of this Month Therefore—if you think of any other Bussiness you wish done for you in Kentucky—or should you chuse to make any alteration in the instructions already given me—you will please to Signify the Same which shall be communicated to Mr Short.
One thing I will observe to you—Colo. Marshal is old; very infirm, and Seldom or ever goes out of his yard—and in case of an omission in yr Taxes—which may happen by the death, or illness of Colo. Marshall; as a non resident, you are to expect no favour—then would it not be better to get Mr Short, who is a young man to Undertake this bussiness—a letter from you to him would be pleaseing—as sure I am from the very Respectful manner in which I have frequently heard him Speak of you—when I was in Kentucky that Nothing could give him greater pleasure, than to take charge of yr property in that Country—as well as to render you Service in any other way.
My family desires to be presented in the most Respectful manner to you Mrs Washington & Miss Custis as well as dear sr yr Aff. Ob. Svt

A. Spotswood


Title: To George Washington from John Adams, 7 July 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia July 7 1798

Mr McHenry, the Secretary at War, will have the Honor to wait on you, in my behalf, to impart to you a Step I have ventured to take, and which I should have been happy to have communicated in person, if such a journey had been, at this time, in my power. As I said in a former letter, if it had been in my power to nominate you to be President of the United States, I should have done it, with less hesitation and more pleasure. My reasons for this measure, will be too well known to need any explanation to the Public. Every Friend and every Enemy of America, will comprehend them, at first blush. To you, Sir I owe all the Apologies I can make. The urgent necessity, I am in, of your advice and assistance, indeed of your Conduct and Direction of the War, is all, I can urge, and that is a sufficient Justification to myself and the World. I hope it will be so considered by yourself. Mr McHenry will have the honor to consult you upon the organization of the Army, and upon every Thing relating to it. With the highest respect I have the honor to be, Sir your most obedient and most humble Servant

John Adams


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 8 July 1798
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
[Philadelphia] July 8 1798

I was much surprized on my arrival here to discover that your nomination had been without any previous consultation of you—convinced of the goodness of the motives it would be useless to scan the propriety of the step. It is taken and the question is—what under the circumstances ought to be done? I use the liberty which my attachment to you and to the public authorises to offer my opinion that you should not decline the appointment—It is evident that the public satisfaction at it is lively and universal—It is not to be doubted that the circumstance will give an additional spring to the public mind—will tend much to unite and will facilitate the measures which the conjuncture requires—on the other hand your declining would certainly produce the opposite effects, would throw a great damp upon the ardor of the Country inspiring the idea that the Crisis was not really serious or alarming—At least then, Let me entreat you & in this all your friends indeed all good citizens will unite, that if you do not give an unqualified acceptance that you accept provisionally—making your entering upon the duties to depend on future events so that the Community may look up to you as their certan Commander. But I prefer a simple acceptance.
It may be well however to apprise you that the arrangement of the army may demand your particular attention. The President has no relative ideas & his prepossessions on military subjects in reference to such a point are of the wrong sort[.] It is easy for us to have a good army but the selection requires care—it is necessary to inspire confidence in the efficient part of those who may incline to military service—Much adherence to routine would do great harm—Men of capacity & exertion in the higher stations are indispensable—It deserves consideration whether your presence at the seat of Government is not necessary. If you accept it will be

conceived that the arrangement is yours & you will be responsible for it in reputation. This & the influence of a right arrangement upon future success seem to require that you should in one mode or another see efficaciously that the arrangement is such as you would approve. I remain Dr Sir Yr Affect. & obedt servant

A. Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Peter, 8 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Peter, Thomas

  Dr ⟨Sir⟩
Mount Vernon 8th July 1798

⟨I have⟩ been duly favored with your letter of the 2d of July; & enclosed are the two Tobacco notes which were forwarded to me by you—and another which had been paid some time before to Mr Lear—Nos. &ca as below—and request the favour of you to dispose of them in safe hands, for what they will fetch. In this case giving 60 or 120 days credit will make but little difference with me; a promissory note being given for the amount. We are glad to hear you are all well. we are as usual, and I am Dear Sir Your Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: GW to Burwell Bassett, 10 July 1798 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Bassett, Burwell Jr.

Letter not found: GW to Burwell Bassett, Jr., 10 July 1798. Sold by Sotheby, Parke-Bernet, catalog no. 4481M, item 282, 24 Nov. 1980. According to the catalog entry, the letter was an order for samples of bran and pollard.


Title: From George Washington to John Sinclair, 10 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Sinclair, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 10th July 1798

It is not more strange than true, that your letter of the 15th of July 1797, was not received by me until the 28th Ulto; accompanied with the original Surveys of the Counties of Clackmannan, Kinross & Stirling. The Packet appeared to have passed through the hands of Mr King (our Minister) and to have been forwarded by a Mr Frederick Lee in the Ship Adriana; but through what circuitous route, to be eleven months on its passage, is not easy to determine, as it came from the Post Office to me without explanation, but in very good order.
I perceive too, in looking over my file of unanswered letters, that I am indebted for your obliging favour of the 24th of February; received since I had the honor to Address you on the 15th of May by my neighbour & friend the Revd Mr Fairfax and that my thanks are, in a particular manner also due to the politeness of the Board of Agriculture for directing a compleat set of its Works to be neatly bound, and sent to me.
The manner in which the early Wheat (respecting which you enquire) came into this Country, is not ascertained. The history of it, so far as it has come to my knowledge, I will relate. A Farmer, walking in a field of Wheat when it was in bloom, discovered a plant or two, that was perfectly ripe, and carefully seperating it from the rest, sowed it at the usual time the following Autumn. From this small beginning (abt seven years ago) this State, and those adjoining, are well in Seed. The grain is white, full & heavy; weighing, generally, two or three pounds more in the bushel of Winchester measure. It makes excellent flour; and in light loamy land inclining to Sand it is said to be more productive of grain, and less of Straw than Wheat in common. It is a tender plant, and apt to receive damage, both in the field & Garner⟨s⟩. It will not, from report, bear transportation. Of a vessel load sent to Philadephia for Seed, hardly any of it vegitated; and some farmers go so far as to declare, that they are obliged to spread what is intended for Seed, thin on their Barn floors & turn it frequently to prevent the injury abovementioned. From my own experience I can add but little, for as my land is heavy, stiff & slow, not much of it has been sown; but, from the growth of the present year, I send you a sack; that by experiment you may ascertain the utility of cultivating

it in England. It is fit to harvest three weeks sooner than the Lamas. To give it the best chance to escape injury on Ship board, I have requested the Owner of the Vessel (a Mr Wm Wilson of Alexandria) to give it in particular charge to the Master, desiring him to keep the Sack in his Cabin or Steerage.
The Egyptian Wheat, (a head or two of which you had the goodness to send me about two years ago) has not answered, with me. The first year it shot out lateral branches from the heads pretty generally; but this year the heads had hardly any, and in neither year did the grain fill well, and appears to have sustained more injury from the severity of our last Winter, than the wheat in common; although that was great in the extreme in the middle & upper parts of this, and the States bordering thereon; occasioned by the long winter, & severe frosts with very little Snow. Nearer the Sea Board, contrary to what is usual, they have had more Snow, and of course the crops of Winter grain are better; but on the whole they are remarkably short. With very great esteem & respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Most Obedt and Obliged Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Addison, 11 July 1798
From: Addison, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 11th July 1798

I have this day paid to Col. Pickering (Mr Wolcott being absent) Seventeen hundred dollars to be given to you as part of the instalment due on Matthew Ritchie’s bond. I had reason to expect to be able to pay the whole while here and as Mrs Addison wrote me that since I left home your letter requiring the payment had been received I was peculiarly anxious for a compleat compliance. I

have however been disappointed. When I return home (I set out to morrow) no means in my power shall be left untried to procure and remit the money.
The amount of the payment due on 1st June last is Dols. 3292.80 of which 352.80 is interest. Shall the interest be calculated on 3292.80 or on 2940?
One James Reed whose land joins that purchased by Mr Ritchie from you says that Charles Morgan in making the survey on which the price is fixed incroached on his land—I have annexed a rough sketch of this survey with the courses and distances of James Reed’s line as marked in his patent—and the courses and distances marked in your patent. Mr Reed says that Mr Morgan in running the line marked from the post to the beginning corner on the North side of Millers run did not start from the post but farther east than it, and as he went northward went wider so as to encroach on Reed’s land, and that he made new blazes different from the old ones he had formerly made. Of this new line part of it runs through a field of his as I understand—I should be glad to know whether an amicable accommodation of this shall take place and in what manner you would consent to have the investigation and settlement of it made. The quantity in dispute is very small. Reed must be considered as in possession of it, I presume—and Ritchie never. If you think proper that Charles Morgan and another Surveyor shall re-trace the lines—I will propose that method to Mr Reed. I am sorry at this time to trouble you by calling your attention to matters of but small importance. But it is necessary that something should be done as soon as convenient in order to satisfy the person who purchased from Mr Ritchie that part of the land. Permit me therefore to request that I may know your opinion on this point when you can find a suitable opportunity. I am with the greatest respect Your most obedt Servt

Alexr Addison


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 11 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 11th July 1798.

As I never get letters by the Mail until the morning after they arrive in Alexandria, and frequently not for several days, as I am not regular in sending thither, your favour of the 6th instant did not reach my hands until yesterday.
Of the abilities, and fitness of the Gentleman you have named for a high command in the Provisional Army, I think as you do; and that his Services ought to be secured at almost any price. What the difficulties are that present themselves to the mind of the President, in opposition to this measure, I am entirely ignorant; but in confidence, and with the frankness you have disclosed your own sentiments on this occasion, I will unfold mine, under the view I have taken of the prospect before us; and shall do it concisely.
If the French should be so mad as openly, and formidably, to Invade these United States in expectation of subjugating the Government; laying them under Contribution; or in hopes of dissolving the Union: I conceive there can hardly be two opinions respecting their Plan, and that their operations will commence in the Southern quarter. 1. because it is the weakest. 2. because they will expect, from the tenor of the debates in Congress, to find more friends there. 3. because there can be no doubt of their arming our own Negros against us. and 4. because they will be more

contiguous to their Islands; and to Louisiana, if they should be possessed thereof; which they will be, if they can.
If these premises are just, the inference I am going to draw, from placing Colo. Hamilton over General Pinckney, is natural, & obvious. The latter is an officer of high military reputation—fond of the Profession, spirited, active—and judicious; and much advanced in the estimation of the Public by his late Conduct as Minister & Envoy at Paris. With these pretensions, and being senior to Colo. Hamilton, he would not, I am morally certain, accept a junr appointment. Disgust would follow, & its influence would spread where most to be deprecated, as his connections are numerous, powerful and more influential than any other in the three Southern States. Under this view of the Subject I think it would be impolitic, & might be dangerous to sow the seeds of discontent at so important a crisis. To this may be added, that impediments to the return of General Pinckney, and causes unforeseen, might place Colo. Hamilton in the situation you wish to see him—Inspector General, with a command in the line, would, I hope & trust, satisfy him. You will readily perceive, that the difficulty in my mind, arises from thorough conviction that, if an Invasion is attempted it will commence South of Maryland; and from the importance of so influencial a character as Pinckney (if among us) being heartily engaged in repelling it. But not having the Laws at hand to resort to—or knowing precisely what General Officers are authorised by them, I am speaking much at random, and request, for that reason, that nothing which I have here said may be considered as definitive.
What arrangements the Secretary of War is empowered, by the President, to make with me, I know not. In the letter of the former, to me, he has not touched upon them. He is not yet arrived; but the bearer of this to the Post Office in Alexanda carries up my Carriage in order to accomodate him down; this being the afternoon on which the Mail Stage is expected at that place. I regret however, that he should have left Philadelphia before a Letter which I had written him, could have reached that place.
This letter went from hence on friday last; before I knew, or had the most distant suspicion of the Presidents intention of nominating me (without previous notice) to the trust he has done—but was written in consequence of a wish expressed in a letter from the Secretary to me, that the Crisis might overcome my reluctance to

appear again on the public theatre. Upon this occasion, I thought it expedient before matters proceeded further, to be candid and explicit; and accordingly wrote him my sentiments in detail, the substance of which was—that if an actual Invasion by a formidable force—or such demonstrations of the intention, as could not be mistaken, I conceived it to be a duty wch I owed to my Country, and to my own reputation, to step forward with my best endeavours to repel it; however painful the measure might be to a person at my time of life, and under the circumstances I am; but for the satisfaction of my own mind, I should like to know, from the best evidence the case was susceptible of, that my Services as Commander in Chief would be prefered to those of a Man of more Juvenile years, in the prime and vigour of life. And that, as neither Ambition, Interest, or personal gratification of any sort, could induce me to engage again in the turmoils & hazards of War, as I had every thing to risk and hardly any thing to gain (the viscissitudes of War being in the hands of the Supreme Director, where no controul is)—and as the Army was about to be formed and everything, in a manner depending upon the arrangement & organization, it could not be expected that I would take the Commd of it without previously knowing who my Coadjutors were to be, and having the assistance of those in whom I could place confidence. I mentioned no names, for at that time I knew nothing of my own Appointment, and thought the matter too much in embryo to go further—and to allow him, if a fit occasion occurred, to let these—as my sentiments—be known to the President. I shall conclude with sincere esteem & regard Dear Sir Your Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Washington Parke Custis, 12 July 1798
From: Custis, George Washington Parke
To: Washington, George

Dearest Sir
Annapolis [Md.] July 12th 1798

My not receiving any favour from you in answer to my last, and having received one from Doctor Steuart subsequent to that, in which he mentions but little respecting the affair (which you expressed a desire of becoming acquainted with) has given me hopes to beleive that my confession of both the circumstances of the case, and my error, has obliterated from your mind all unfavourable impressions.

Confiding in this assurance I again submit myself to your confidence and assure you that tho by imprudence urged I was by duty governed—That duty which I shall hold sacred in all my various walks of life, and let the goodness of my heart but cover the imprudence of my actions and I am contented—My peace of mind my consciousness of rectitude will allways be to me a sufficient plea for my actions and be assured Dearest Sir nothing can contribute more to both than your favour.
I have nearly finished the six books of Euclid and expect that College will adjourne in a fortnight. I can collect & forward all accounts as soon as you shall think fit to call for the same and I hope that their reasonableness will be acceptable to you.
I need not congratulate you on an appointment which was allways designed by the Creator for one so fully capable of fulfilling it. Let an admiring world again behold a Cincinnatus springing up from rural retirement to the conquests of nations and the future historian in erasing so great a name insert that of the Father of his Country. Remember me to all and beleive me Sincerely Dutifully and Affectionately Yours

Geo. W. P. Custis


Title: To George Washington from Josiah Dunham, 13 July 1798
From: Dunham, Josiah
To: Washington, George

Venerable Old Man,
Hanover N.H. July 13th 1798

Retired from the pinnacle of public trust, to the tranquil vale of rural life, and the glorious level of American freemen, You will not receive an expression of respect from a young and obscure Citizen

of New-hampshire, as a selfish oblation, but as an honest “freewill offering.”
In celebrating the anniversary ⟨of⟩ American Independence, the Memory of the patriot naturally runs back, with peculiar delight, to the period of its birth; and his mind swells, gratefully, at the recollection of the Man, who contributed so signally to its establishment and support. The inclosed Sheet, though less than the widow’s mite, is a tribute of that gratitude.
As such, illustrious Sir, you will deign to accept it—from a heart which glows but with feelings common to every real American.
With unceasing prayers for your life, health, and happiness, as well as for the honorable peace and real glory of our Country—I have the honor to be, Much respected Sir, Your Fellow Citizen,

J. Dunham


Title: To George Washington from William Heth, 13 July 1798
From: Heth, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Shillelah 13th July 1798

Permit me with great sincerity of heart to congratulate the United States, on your being once more appointed Commander in Chief of their armies. This, in the event of a war, to support that Independence so nobly acquired under your auspices, was what all America looked for. It must be so. And may you continue to be the favorite of Heaven, as you have been the pride, the glory, and the defender of your Country.

The latter part of the pamphlet which you will receive herewith, and which is now presented to you by the Author (but this in confidence) will inform you that I had no difficulty in making up my mind, never to withdraw from tempestuous scenes, when my Country shall be in danger. And should my services be deemd necessary in the field, before the present gathering storm shall be dispel’d, it would be the pride and glory of my Heart, to be placed by your side as an aid-de-camp, with a rank proportion’d to my former rank, experience, and service, so that I might be able to take command on any emergency.
You have also herewith a Richmond paper containing an oration deliverd on the 4th Inst. by a Presbyterian clergyman, who, not many months ago, leaned very much to the Democratic side, and a slip from Davis’s paper of the 10th will shew you, that the friends of Government are determin’d—at least in this quarter—not to remain any longer silent spectators to E. R.’s subtle machinations behind the curtain. These papers are now handed to you, lest they may not be among those, which you regularly receive.
May you long, very long enjoy animated Health, and strength of constitution. and when calld hence, to sup with our fathers, may you receive that never fading glory, wch is held up, as the reward of the Great—the Just—and the Good. So prays, your most affectionate friend, and faithful old fellow soldier

Will. Heth


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 14 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

(Private & confidential)
My Dear Sir,Mount Vernon 14th July 1798
Your letter of the 8th instant was presented to me by the Secretary of War on the 11th, and I have consented to embark once more on a boundless field of responsibility & trouble, with two reservations. first, that the principal Officers in the line, and of the Staff, shall be such as I can place confidence in; and, that I shall not be called into the field until the Army is in a situation to require my presence, or it becomes indispensible by the urgency of circumstances. Contributing in the mean while, every thing in my power to its efficient organization, but nothing to the public expence until I am in a situation to incur expence myself.
It will be needless after giving you this information, and having indelibly engraved on my mind, the assurance contained in your letter of the 2d of June, to add, that I rely upon you as a Coadjutor, and assistant in the turmoils I have consented to encounter.
I have communicated very fully with the Secretary of War on the several matters contained in the Powers vested in him by the President; who, as far as it appears by them, is well disposed to accomodate—But I must confess that, besides nominating me to the Command of the Armies with out any previous consultation or notice, the whole of that business seems to me to stand upon such ground, as may render the Secretarys journey, & our consultation, of no avail.
Congress, it is said, would rise this week. What then has been done, or can the President do, with respect to appointments under that Bill, if it has been enacted? Be his inclinations what they may, unless a Law could, and has Passed, enabling him, in the recess of the Senate, to make appointments, conformably thereto, the nominations must have been made; & the business done here, with the Secretary is rendered nugatory.
By the pending Bill, if it passes to a Law, two Major Generals, and an Inspector Genl with the Rank of Majr General and three Brigadiers are to be appointed. Presuming on its passing, I have given the following as my sentiments respecting the characters fit, & proper to be employed; in which the Secretary concurs.
Majr Genls
Alexr Hamilton. Inspector

Chas C. Pinckney
Henry Knox—or if either of the last men[tione]d refuses,
Henry Lee of Virginia
Brigadiers
Henry Lee (if not Majr Genl)
John Brooks—Massachusetts
Willm S. Smith—N: York—or
John E. Howard—Maryld
Adjt Genl
Either Edward Hand—Pennsa
Jonathan Dayton Jr N. Jer. or
Willm S. Smith
to be Qr Mr Genl
Edwd Carrington
Directr Hosl
James Craik
And I have enumerated the most prominent characters that have occurred to my mind, from whom to select field Officers for the Regiments of Infantry, & that of Cavalry, which are proposed to be raised.
And now, my dear Sir, with that candour which you always have, and I trust ever will experience from me, I shall express to you a difficulty which has arisen in my mind, relative to seniority between you & Genl Pinckney; for with respect to my friend General Knox, whom I love & esteem, I have ranked him below you both. That you may know from whence this difficulty proceeds, it is proper I should observe, & give it as my decided opinion, that if the French should be so mad as to Invade this Country in expectation of making a serious impression, that their operations will commence in the States South of Maryland: 1. because they are the weakest; 2. because they will expect, from the tenor of the debates in Congress to find more friends there; 3. because there can be no doubt of their arming the Negros against us; and 4. because they would be more contiguous to their Islands, & to Louisiana & the Floridas, if they can obtain possession of them; & that this will be the case, if they are able to accomplish it, is, to my mind, a matter that admits of no doubt.
If these premises are just, the inference is obvious, that the services and influence of General Pinckney in the Southern States would be of the highest, and most interesting importance. Will he

serve then, under one whom he will consider a Junr Officer? and what would be the consequence if he should refuse, and his numerous, & powerful connections & acquaintances in those parts, get disgusted? You have no doubt heard that his Military reputation stands high in the Southern States; that he is viewed as a brave, intelligent and enterprising Officer; and, if report be true, that no Officer in the late American Army made Tactics, & the Art of War so much his Study. To this account of him, may be added, that his character has received much celebrity by his conduct as Minister & Envoy at Paris.
Under this view of the subject, my wish to put you first, and my fear of loosing him, is not a little embarrassing. But why? for after all it rests with the President to use his pleasure. I shall only add therefore, that as the welfare of the country is the object, I persuade myself, we all have in view, I shall sanguinely hope that smaller matters will yield to measures which have a tendency to promote it. I wish devoutly that either of you, or any other fit character had been nominated in my place; for no one can make a greater sacrifice—at least of inclination, than will Your ever Affectionate

Go: Washington


Title: Suggestions for Military Appointments, 14 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To:

Mount Vernon 14th July 1798

Officers suggested for Appointments in the augmentation proposed
Majr Genls

Alexr Hamilton—Inspector
Chas C. Pinckney
Henry Knox, or if either refuses
Henry Lee

Brigadiers

Henry Lee (if not M. Genl)
John Brooks [1752–1825], Massts
Wm S. Smith—or
John E[ager] Howard [1752–1827]

Adjt Genl

Either Edward Hand [1744–1802]—Penna
Jonathan Dayton, Jr. N.J.—or
Willm S. Smith

Qr Mastr Genl

Edward Carrington

Directr Hospl

James Craik

The following, as far as my recollection serves are among the most intelligent and active Officers of the late American Army

            New Hampshire
            None recollected at present

            Massachusetts
            [Lt. Col.] David Cobb [1748–1830] very good

            [Col.] Henry Jackson [1747–1809]

            [Maj.] Leml Trescott [1750–1826] good

            [Maj.] Caleb Gibbs [c.1750–1818] good

            [Lt. Col.] Andrew Peters [1742–1822]

            [Maj.] Hodijah Baylies [1756–1843]

            Rhode Island
            [Lt. Col.] Jerh Olney [1749–1812] very good

            [Col.] Henry Sherburn [1747–1824] good

            [Maj.] Willm Blodget [1754–1809]

            [Maj.] Jno. S. Dexter [1754–1844] good

            [Maj.] Willm Peck [1755–1832] Do

            Connecticut
            [Col.] Philp P. Bradley [1738–1831] good

            [Lt. Col.] Thos Grosvener [1744–1825]

            [Col.] Elisha Sheldon [1740–1805]

            [Lt. Col.] Ebenezr Huntington [1754–1834] good

            [Maj.] Benj: Talmadge [1754–1835] very good

            New York
            [Lt. Col.] Ebenezr Stevens [1751–1823] good Exec. Office

            [Maj.] Nichs Fish [1758–1833] very good

            [Maj.] Mathw Clarkson [1758–1825] Do

            [Cap.] William North [1755–1836]

            [Lt. Col.] Benj. Walker [1753–1818] good

            New Jersey
            [Lt. Col.] Jno. Cummings [1752–1821]

            [Lt. Col.] Anthy W. White [1750–1803]

            [Maj.] Jos[ep]h Bloomfield [1753–1825]

            [Brig. Maj.] Aaron Ogden [1756–1839] very good

            Pennsylvania
            [Col.] Fran[ci]s Johnson [1748–1815]

            [Lt. Col] Fran[ci]s Mentges [d. 1805]

            [Col.] Thos Robinson [1751–1819]

            [Maj.] Willm McPherson [1756–1813] very good

            [Maj.] Willm Alexander [no dates] good

            [Maj.] Thos Ll Moore [1759-c.1813]

            [Maj.] Willm Jackson [1759–1828]

            Delaware
            None at present recollected

            Maryland
            [Col.] Josias C. Hall [1746–1814]

            [Lt. Col.] Nathl Ramsay [1741–1817]

            [Lt. Col.] Nichs Rogers [1753–1822]

            [Maj.] Leven Winder [1757–1819]

            [Lt. Col.] Jno. Eccleston [1750–1789]

            [Lt. Col.] Aquila Giles [1758–1822] now N. York

            Virginia
            [Col.] William Heth [1750–1807] very good

            [Lt. Col.] Willm Darke [1736–1801] rough

            [Col.] Burges Ball [1749–1800]

            [Maj.] Jos[ep]h Eggleston [1754–1811]

            [Col.] Benj: Temple [c.1734–1800/2]

            [Lt. Col.] Richd C. Anderson [1750–1826]

            [Col.] James Wood [1750–1813] Governor

            [Lt. Col.] Jonathan Clark [1730–1797]

            North Carolina
            None recollected

            South Cara
            [Lt. Col.] Willm Washington [1752–1810] very good

            [Board of War] Edwd Rutledge [1749–1800] Do

            [Maj.] Thos Pinckney [1750–1828] Do

            Georgia
            None recollected

There may be among the foregoing some of bad political principles, and others whose true characters I have mistaken—and the whole of them require to be investigated.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Hickman, 15 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Hickman, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon 15th July 1798.

If, unfortunately, this Country should be engaged in hostilities, soon, the probability is, that it will be with France. In which case I do not suppose that Mr Frignet would incline to take an active part against his own Country—Or that it would be the policy of this to employ him—I am—Sir Your Very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Daniel Jenifer, Jr., 15 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Jenifer, Daniel Jr.

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 15th July 1798

Your favour of the 6th, enclosing notes for two hogsheads of Tobo paid you by Mr Dunnington on a/c of Rent due me, has been received; and a receipt given to him for the same.
For your continued trouble in this business, I thank you; and although I am in real want of the amount of the Bond he gave, payable last January; yet, if he will exert himself to discharge it in the course of the year I shall waiting that time to a suit for the recovery of it as you conceive he means fair; otherwise it would be only gaining on his, and loosing time on my part.
If you should have occasion to visit the Neighbourhood where my land lyes, I would thank you to visit, and give me your opinion of the adequacy of the Rent for the present rent is altogether of Mr Dunningtons own fixing. If you should not have any call into those parts, it is yet possible that you might obtain this information from others who know it well; and the relation it bears to the Rent of other Tenements of similar size & quality of Soil there abouts and at what price it would sell by the Acre giving a credit, payable in Installments, with interest—With esteem I remain Dr Sir Your obedient Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Peter, 15 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Peter, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 15th July 1798

In discharge of Rent, for some land I have in Charles County, State of Maryland, I have received the Tobacco—noted below. If it will sell in George Town for its worth, I would thank you to dispose of it along with that last sent you, on the best terms you can, and it will much oblige Dear Sir Your Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Tayloe, 15 July 1798 [letter not found]
From: Tayloe, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Tayloe, 15 July 1798. On 21 July GW wrote Tayloe: “This instant. . . your favour of the 15th was put into my hands.”


Title: From George Washington to Rawleigh Colston, 16 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Colston, Rawleigh

Sir,
Mount Vernon 16th July 1798.

Your letter of the 1st of last month got safe to my hands, but long, very long after its date.
It would give me great concern if any act of mine should produce difficulty, or loss, to any of the purchasers of Colo. George Mercers land, sold under the Power of Attorney given to me, and others, for that purpose. But as this business has been taken out of my hands by a Decree of the High Court of Chancery, of this State; after the Papers have passed from me, and without recollecting (at this time) why a Deed did not pass in due ⟨form and⟩ time or what the circumstance of the case is now, to renew my Agency, after an absolute relinquishment of it, conveys to my mind an odd appearance. Besides, the Conveyances which were made at the Sale, had a number of parties to them; to all of whose signatures there were Witnesses. Not less than five or Six of these parties (to my knowledge) are dead; and the witnesses for the most part dead also, or dispersed; and, supposing the case otherwise, of what avail would their evidence be to Deeds of 25 years standing, which ought to have been recorded within eight months?
The farthest I have ever gone, since relinquishing the trust, was where the old Deed has, by neglect of the person to whom it was granted, been suffered to exceed the time, required by Law for its record, to certify before fresh witnesses on the back of it, that it was duly executed at the time and in the manner therein expressed. And this I am ready to do in your case, if the case will admit of it; but to go into an entire new Conveyance under the circumstances I have mentioned, I should be very unwilling; unless I was well advised of the necessity & propriety of the measure by a professional and well informed character, who would consider, thoroughly, the case in all its relations, and under all its circumstances; to encounter the expence of which, I am not disposed; having already been

saddled with a good deal on account of my Agency in that business, without ever receiving, or charging a copper for all the trouble or expence of my several trips to Bullrun, Shanandoah, &ca; and paying Clerks & Sheriffs notes for many of the Bonds put in suit by Colo. Jno. F. Mercer—for as much as they were instituted in my name, & being blended with others, could not well be seperated or a farthing for Commission.
If Genl Marshall, as the mutual friend of us both, would consider the case as above, with my difficulties, expressed in this letter, I dare say, before hand, that I should find no scruple in carrying what he would advise, into effect. I am Sir—Your Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 16 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 16th July 1798

Little did I imagine when I retired from the theatre of public life, that it was probable, or even possible, that any event would arise in my day, that could induce me to entertain, for a moment, an idea of relinquishing the tranquil walks, and refreshing shades, with which I am surrounded. But it is in vain, I perceive, to look for ease & happiness in a world of troubles.

The call of my Country, and the urgency of my friends to comply with it, have produced a letter from me to the President of the United States, which, probably, will be given to the public; but if it should not, the principal feature thereof, is, that with the reservation of not being called into the Field until the Army is in a situation to require my presence, or it becomes indispensable by the urgency of circumstances, that I will accept the Commission with which the Secretary of War came charged. Desiring, however, that it might be understood, that my Coadjutors, in the first grades, and principal staff of the Army, must be men in whom I could place entire confidence; for that, it was not to be expected, at my time of life, that I would forsake the ease & comforts which are essenl in old age—-encounter the toils & viscissitudes of War, with all its concomitants—and jeopardize the reputation which the partiality of the World has been pleased to bestow on me (—When the hazard of diminishing, is at least equal to the prospect of increasing it,) without securing such assistance as would enable me to go with confidence into such a field of responsibility.
After this exordium, it is almost unnecessary to add, that I have placed you among those characters on whom I wish to lean, for support. But my dear Sir, as you always have found, and trust ever will find, candour a prominent trait in my character, I must add, that causes—which would exceed the limits of an ordinary letter to explain, are in the way of such an arrangement as might render your situation perfectly agreeable; but I fondly hope that, the difficulty will not be insurmountable, in your decision.
For the present, and augmented force, three Major Generals, and four Brigadiers are allowed by the Act establishing the latter; and in a consultation with the Secretary of War, the characters proposed for the former are Colo. Hamilton, Genl Chas Cotesworth Pinckney and yourself. The first of these, in the public estimation as declared to me, is designated to be second in command; with some fears, I confess, of the consequences; although I must acknowledge at the sametime that I know not where a more competent choice could be made. General Pinckney’s character as an active, spirited and intelligent Officer you are acquainted with, and know that it stands very high in the Southern Hemisphere; it being understood there, that he made Tactics as much, if not more his study, than any Officer in the American Army during the last War. His character in other respects, in that quarter before his late

Embassy, was also high; and throughout the Union it has acquired celebrity by his conduct as Minister & Envoy. His connexions are numerous—their influence extensive; but most of all, with me, when to these considerations I add, as my decided opinion (for reasons unnecessary to enumerate) that if the French intend an Invasion of this Country in Force, their operations will commence South of Maryland; probably of Virginia; you will see at once the importance of embarking this Gentleman and all his connexions heartily in the active scenes that would follow, instead of damping their ardour, and thereby giving more activity to the leaven that is working in others, where unity of sentiment would be most desirable.
Viewing things in this light, I would fain hope, as we are forming an Army Anew, which Army, if needful at all, is to fight for every thing that ought to be dear and sacred to freemen, that former rank will be forgot; and among the fit & chosen characters, the only contention will be, who shall be foremost in zeal, at this crisis, to serve his Country, in whatever situation circumstances may place him. Most of those who are best qualified to oppose the enemy, will have Sacrafices of ease—Interest—or Inclination to make; but what are these, when put in competition with the loss of our Independence or the Subjugation of our Government? both of which are evidently struck at, by an intoxicated—ambitious—and domineering Foe.
The arrangement made with the Secretary of War is on a seperate Sheet of paper, and meant for your perusal only, until the decision of the President relative to it, is announced. With that esteem & regard which you know I feel for you, I remain your sincere friend and Affectionate Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. From the best recollection I have of them, the Secretary of War is furnished with a list of Field & other Officers of the late Army of most celebrity, from whence to draw the Field Officers for the Corps to be raised. If you would afford your aid also, it wd be obliging.


Title: From George Washington to James Markham Marshall, 16 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Marshall, James Markham

Sir,
Mount Vernon 16th July 1798

I have received your letter of the 12th Instant, and thank you for your offer of becoming one of my Aids-de-Camp.
I have consented to accept the appointment to which my Country has been pleased to call me, with the reservation not to quit my private walks until the Army is in a situation to require my presence, or it becomes indispensible by the urgency of circumstances.
Until one, or the other of these periods shall have arrived, I shall make no actual appointment of my Aids: and as circumstances, and a variety of considerations are required in regulating my choice, I must remain perfectly free and uningaged ’till then unless it should otherwise happen in a public ⟨illegible⟩.
Intoxicated, and lost as the French seem to be to ⟨every⟩ principle of Justice, I yet hope that they will pause before they proceed further. That they have been misled—and have made calculations on false ground, the unequivocal declarations of the People (on whose support their plan has been formed) to support Independence, & the Government of their Country at every hazard sufficiently evince⟨s⟩. When to this happy circumstance, the preparation which are making to receive them is added, & fully made known to them, I can hardly conceive (although I think them capable of any thing that is unjust & dishonourable) that they will attempt a serious Invasion of this Country. At the sametime the highest possible obligation rests upon Country to be prepared for the ⟨event⟩ as the most effective means to avert the evil. With esteem I am Sir Your most obedt Ser⟨vt⟩

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Peyton Short, 16 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Short, Peyton

Sir,
Mount Vernon 16th July 1798.

General Spotswood having informed me of the trouble he was about to give you, on my account, I have only to hope that it may not be great, at the sametime that I assure you, that whatever is done under that Power & confomably thereto, shall be strictly complied with on my part.
One trouble, Sir, frequently draws on another; It is some years since I requested my old acquaintance & friend, Colo. Marshall, to see that the Lands I hold on rough Creek—in two tracts, of three and two thousand Acres—were not involved in any difficulty on acct of the non-payment of Taxes. It is now sometime since he has drawn on me for the amount; to what cause owing I am unable to say. It is incumbent however on me to enquire, as I always have been willing, and still am ready, to pay whatever is due on them.
Will you permit me, my good Sir, to request the favour of you to make enquiry into this matter; and inform me of the result—And if time, and the circumstances of the case will not await a remittance from hence, that some means may be devised to pay the money there, which shall be refunded with thanks, & Interest, so soon as it is made known to Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jesse Simms, 16 July 1798
From: Simms, Jesse
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria 16th July 1798

I Shou’d have spoke to Mr Wise and have got him to indorse my paper for the amount of your Debt but am Flattered with Receving

a Sum of money in a few Days for the Sale of Some Land I own about a mile from the Town of Baltimore if So I Shall once more be Clear of Debt—I have therefore to beg a little longer indulgence from you when I trust all will be strieght I now Sir as an old Soldier of the maryland Line who fought in those hard Battles in N. & S. Carolina’s, offer my Servi[c]es in Defence of my Country and any Command you may please to Recommend me too I trust will be well filled I therefore Sir Shall wait your answer and if any vouchers are necessary I will go to maryland and try if any of the old officers are Still Living as but very few Survived the last action the Eutaw Springs. From Sir your Obt Hbe Sert

Jesse Simms


Title: To George Washington from Buchan, 17 July 1798
From: Buchan, eleventh earl of (David Stuart Erskine; 1742-1829)
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Dryburgh Abbey [England] July 17th 1798

My Nephew and godson the eldest son of my dear and truly worthy Brother Thomas Erskine has charged himself with the care of this Letter.
In the present agitated state of Europe we have thought that he could not bestow the time generally allotted to foreign travels better than by taking the Tour of your America in which also he has a patrimonial mission from his Father for investment in the Funds of the United States.
Permit me my most respected Kinsman to reccommend this Youth to your protection & advice.
I greatly wish his mind to be imbued with the Love of Virtue & of useful knowledge and without compliment I can assure you that I know no man living more capable of inspiring him with it than yourself by that which is better than precept.
Deign then most venerable Father of your Country to receive my Nephew under your Roof & to direct his course in the prosecution of his Object.
Lady Buchan joins me in cordial good wishes to Mrs Washington & yr Household and I remain with great Esteem, Sir, Your most Obedient Humble Servant

Buchan


Title: To George Washington from Robert Townsend Hooe, 17 July 1798
From: Hooe, Robert Townsend
To: Washington, George

My Dearly Beloved Old Genl Geo: the 1st
[17 July 1798]

I do in the most earnest manner, ask You to give me leave, to Solicit You for a Place in Your Army for a Young Neighbour of mine, who if you are pleased to give an appointment will neither disgrace You, his Country or himself. Permit me to tell you that it is John Lewis Marstiller, at prese[n]t a Lieutent in the Light Horse, of this County. I do not know a Young Man in all my acquaintance that has a greater Millitary Ardor and Zeal for his Country. He went out Sir, with our Troop of Horse from this County, when you thought it necessary to bring the Insurgents to order. He unfortunately got wounded in that Service, by a Pistol going off & striking him by Accident—But he is in good Health at Present, still he is now, & in all Probability will be Lame to the end of his Days. He is Sir, a Young Man of as great Millitary Pride as ever I knew, and moreover I believe he is as true an American as any Man that ever was Born in America. If Sir, You would Be pleased to give him a Command in Your Body Guard, I believe it would better comport with his Situation than any Station—But I believe rather than not be in our Army to Fight our Enemy, he would take any Station. His Father & Mother are my Neighbours—and very Worthy People—During our War with England his Father with Credit Sustaind the Commission of a Colonel in the Militia of Pensylvania—also was a Member of the Assembly of that State. If you will be pleased to trust the Young Man their Son with a Commission that always call upon his Services near Your Person, it will be most agreeable, and I will pledge myself that he will Act with all Fidelity and with all the Spirit that you could wish for. Now let me conclude with Saying there is not a Man living in America—that wishes You better than

R. Td Hooe


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 18 July 1798
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond July 18 1798

By this evenings Mail I had the honor to receive your letter of the 15th Instant, and am impelled by the very great sensibility with which it fills my mind, to reply to it immediately.
It is impossible for me Sir, to disobey your call to any station which, in the threatened crisis, you may suppose me capable of taking. were I even insensible to the honor resulting from the circumstance, the example under which your summons is made, could not but be irresistable in a mind impressed as that of every true American must be at this time. I freely give my assent to be disposed of agreeably to your judgment with a view to the good of our beloved and injured Country, without annexing any conditions whatever. Having said this much, it may not be improper for me to observe, that the late increased duties of the Office I hold, have brought into operations measures which, with the old business, render it of importance that my attention to the appointment you have assigned, be deferred as long as possible, and it would be my wish if the public interest admit of it, not to be called to it, until indispensably necessary. With the most grateful respect I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most Obt st

Ed. Carrington


Title: To George Washington from Francis Corbin, 18 July 1798
From: Corbin, Francis
To: Washington, George

Sir
The Reeds Caroline County July 18th 1798.

When I did myself the Honor of replying to your favor, a Week or two ago, I did not imagine that our Country would be ever again bless’d with you as the Commander in chief of her Armies, and therefore I was less reserved in communicating my Father’s sentiments, when he delivered me your letter, than I should otherwise have been.
But finding, Sir, that you are again placed in that (for us happy) situation, I beg leave, as the Ice is so far broken, and that diffidence, which has heretofore restrained me from soliciting your

patronage, is, in some measure, gotten over, with all due submission to offer my humble services to you, either in a civil or military capacity.
In the former I would endeavor to act as your Secretary, or otherwise as you may see fit, in such a manner as to meet your approbation.
In the latter, tho’ wholly unskilled in Tactics, I think I could, with assiduity & attention, render myself equal to the Command of a Regiment in a few months, or to the Rank of a Lt Colonels commission.
Of one thing I can speak with confidence. I shall feel myself perfectly at home in fighting the French. With the greatest Respect and deference, I have the Honor to be, Sir, Yr Mo: Obt & Mo: Hble Servt

Francis Corbin


Title: From George Washington to William Heth, 18 July 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Heth, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 18th July 1798

Your favour of the 13th Instant, with its enclosures, came duly to hand; for your kindness in sending which, I thank you—but I thank you more for the offer of becoming one of my Aids, if I should again embark on a Sea of troubles & responsibility, provided a Rank proportioned to your former Grade & ⟨service⟩ could be insured to you. This, my good Sir, you would have to decide on yourself, by recurring to the Law, which fixes the Rank of the Aids of the Commander in Chief; and altho’ I shall keep you constantly in mind, ⟨I do not care to be under any promises; for if I should illegible many considns illegible and until that period arrives⟩.
I have consented to accept the Appointment to which my Country has called me, with a reservation not to quit my private walks until the Army is in a Situation to require my presence (receiving no Pay or emoluments during that time) or, it becomes indispensible by the Urgency of circumstances.
Intoxicated with Power—soaring on ambition, and lost, as the

Directory of France seems to be, to every principle of Justice & propriety; I yet hope, that they will pause before they take the last leap. That they have miscal[cul]ated on the sense of the People of this Country, is evident from the unequivocal declarations of the latter, in all parts of the ⟨U. States⟩, to maintain their Independence, and support their Government, at every hazard, and that they have been led into their error by characters among us; for purposes best known to themselves, is, to my mind, as clear as any problem in Euclid. Will they then, undeceived as they must be, in their information & estimates, and prepared as this Country will be to meet them, attempt an Invasion, in Force? I think not, while Great Britain & they are at War. If Peace should take place in Europe, and more especially if they should be possessed of Louisiana & the Floridas—which Heaven avert!—I think, because I believe them capable of undertaking any thing bad that the worst may be expect[ed]; for if the Directory does not find money, and employment for the Army—the Army will most (assuredly) find persons to supply the places of the present Directory.
I think with you, that all secret enemies to the Peace & happiness of this Country should be unmasked, for it is better to meet two enemies in the open field of contest than one coward behind the curtain. Many matters are pressing upon me, & I am very much occupied, as this scrawl but too clearly indicates, not less on that account, and with thanks for your kind wishes and favourable Sentiments relatively to me I remain—Dear Sir Your Obedt & Affecte Friend & Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 18 July 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

My dear General,
Philad[elphia] 18 July 1798

I arrived here between 7 & 8 o’clock on tuesday morning, and before seeing my family presented your letter to the President. He was at breakfast with Mrs Adams. They both read it and expressed themselves pleased. The same day I waited upon him to arrange the nominations. They stand as follows and are now before the Senate. vz.

            Alexander Hamilton Inspector &c.

            Charles C. Pinckney
            }
            Major Genls

            Henry Knox

            John Brooks
            }

            Wm Washington
            Brigadiers

            Jonathan Dayton

            Wm S. Smith Adjutant General

            James Craik Physician Gen.

            Provisional army
            }

            Henry Lee
            Major Generals

            Edward Hand

            Ebenr Huntington
            }
            Brigadiers

            Richeson [Richardson] Davie N. Carolina

            Anthony W. White

            John Sevier Tennessee (present Governor[)]

There will be a strong opposition in the Senate to Wm Smith for the office to which he is nominated, and there would have been an opposition to him had he been nominated only for Brigadier, which I urged, but could not obtain. It is doubtful whether the President will be induced from a knowledge of the temper of the Senate, to make an alteration; and give Dayton the Adjutant generals place and Smith that of Daytons. He has been spoken to this evening by several of the members to that effect, and I shall be obliged to mention the subject to him to-morrow morning. It will be a disagreeable scene but it must be encountered. I am with sincere respects to Mrs Washington and Miss Custis your attached and affectionate hble St

James McHenry