Title: From George Washington to William Strickland, 15 July 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Strickland, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon 15th July 1797

I have been honored with Yours of the 30th of May and 5th of Septr of last Year.
As the first was in part an ansr to a letter I took the liberty of writing to you and the latter arrived in the middle of an important Session of Congress wch became more interesting as it drew more nearer to its close in as much as it was limitted by the Constitution to the 3d of March, and on that day was to give political dissolution to the house of representatives, a third part of the Senate, and the chief Magistrate of the United States, I postponed from the pressure of business occasioned thereby the acknowledgment of all private letters, which did not require immediate answers until I should be seated under my own vine and fig Tree where I supposed I should have abundant leisure to discharge all my Epistolary obligations. In this however I have hitherto found myself mistaken, for at no period have I been more closely employed in

repairing the ravages of an eight years absence except short occasional visits which allowed no time for that investigation which since my reestablishment here I have found my Buildings, Gardens, and every thing appertaining to them, so much required—Engaging Workmen of different sorts, providing for & looking after them, together with the necessary attention to my farms, have occupied all my time since I have been at home.
Unimportant as these details must be to you, an apology in my estimation seemed necessary for suffering so interesting a letter as Yours of the 5th of September to remain so long unacknowledged. And I could offer none better than the facts which occasioned it.
I was far from entertaining sanguine hopes of success in my attempt to procure tenants from Great Britain, but being desirous of rendering the evening of my life as tranquil and free from care as the nature of things would admit I was willing to make the Experiment.
Your observation with respect to occupiers & proprietors of land has great weight, and being congenial with my own Ideas on the Subject was one reason, though I did not believe it wou’d be so considered, why I offered my Farms to be let: Instances have occured and do occur daily to prove that capitalists from Europe have injured themselves by precipitate purchases, of Freehold Estates immediately upon their arrival in this Country, while others have lessened their means in exploreing states and places in search of locations; whereas if on advantageous terms they could have been first Seated as tenants, they wou’d have had time and opportunities [(]for the propensity to become holders of Lands themselves shou’d continue) for making advantageous purchases. But it is so natural for man to wish to be the absolute Lord and master of what he holds in occupancy, that his true interest is often made to yield to a false ambition. Among these the Emigrants from the New England States may be classed and will account in part for their migration to the Westward. Conviction of these things having left little hope of obtaining such Tenants as would answer my purposes, I have had it in contemplation ever since I returned home to turn my farms to Grazing principally, as fast as I can cover the fields sufficiently with Grass—Labour & of course expence will be considerably diminished by this change, the nett profit as great and my attention less divided, whilst the fields will be improving.
Your Strictures on the Agriculture of this Country are but too

just—it is indeed wretched—but a leading if not the primary cause of its being so is that instead of improving a little ground well we attempt much and do it ill; a half a third or even a fourth of what we mangle well wrought and properly dressed wou’d produce more than the whole under our system (if it deserves that epithet) of management yet  such is the force of habit that we cannot depart from it. The consequence of which is that we ruin the lands that are already cleared and either cut down more wood if we have it, or emigrate into the Western Country. I have endeavoured both in a public and private character to encourage the establishment of Boards of agriculture in this Country but hitherto in Vain; and what is still more extraordinary and scarsely to be believed I have endeavoured ineffectually to discard the pernicious practice just mentioned from my own Estate; but in my absence, pretexts of one kind or another have always been paramount to orders. Since the first Establishment of the National Board of Agriculture in Great Britain, I have considered it as one of the most valuable Institutions of Modern times; and conducted with so much ability and zeal as it appears to be under the auspices of Sir John Sinclair, must be productive of great advantages to the Nation and to mankind in General.
My System of agriculture is what you have described, and I am persuaded was I to farm it on a large scale, would be improved by the alteration You have proposed; at the same time I must observe that I have not found Oats so great an exhauster as they are represented to be—but in my system the[y] follow wheat too closely to be proper, and the rotation will undergo a change in this, and perhaps in some other respects.
The Vetch of Europe has not succeeded with me; our frosts in winter & droughts in summer, are too severe for them. how far the mountain or wild Pea would answer as  a substitute by cultivation, is difficult to decide, because I believe no trial has been made of them and because their spontaneous growth is in Rich lands only: that they are nutricious in a great Degree in their wild state admits of no doubt.
Spring Barley (such as we grow in this Country) has thriven no better with me than Vetches. The result of an Experiment made with a little of the True sort might be interesting. Of the field Peas of England (different kinds) I have more than once tried but not with encouragment to proceed; for among other discouragements

they are perforated by a bug which eats out the kernal⟨.⟩ From the cultivation of the common black eye Peas, I have more hope and am trying them this year both as a Crop & for plowing in as a manure but the severe drought under which we labour at present may render the Experiment inconclusive. It has in a manner destroyed my oats; and bids fa[i]r to do so by my Indian Corn.
The practice of plowing in Buck Wheat twice in the season, as a fertilizer is not new to me. It is what I have practiced—or I ought to have said rather—attempted to practice, the last two or three years, but like most things else in my absence, it has been so badly executed—that is the turning in of the pl[an]ts has been so illy timed as to give no results; I am not discouraged however by these failures, for if pulverizing the soil, by fallowing and turning in vegetable substances for manure are proper preparatives for the Crop that is to follow; there can be no question, that a double portion of the latter, without an increase of the plowing must be highly beneficial. I am in the Act of making another experiment of this sort, and shall myself attend to the operation which however may again prove abortive from the cause I have mentioned—vizt the drought.
The lightness of our oats is attributed more than it ought to be to the unfitness of the climate of the middle states. That this may be the case in part and nearer the sea board in a greater degree, I will not controvert; but it is a well known fact that no country produces better Oats than those that grow on the Allegany mountains immediately Westward of us—I have heard it affirmed that they weigh upwards of 50 lbs. the Winchester bushel. this may be occasioned by the fertility of the soil, and the attraction of moisture by the mountains—but another reason and a powerful one too, may be assigned for the inferiority of ours, namely that we are not choice in our seeds & do not change them as we ought.
The seeds you were so obliging as to give me, shared the same fate that Colo. Wadsworths did; and as I believe seeds from England generally will do, if they are put into the hole of the Vessel⟨.⟩ for this reason, I always made it a point, whilst I was in the habit of importing seeds to request my merchants and the masters of Vessels by which they were sent, to keep them from the heat thereof.
You make a distinction and no doubt a just one between what in England is call’d Barley, and Big or Beer, if there be none of the true Barley in this Country—it is not for us without Experience

to pronounce upon the Growth of it; and therefore, as noticed in a former part of this letter it might be interesting to ascertain whether our climate & soil would produce it to advantage. No doubt as your observations while you were in the United States appear to have been extensive & accurate it did not escape You, that both Winter and Spring Barley are cultivated among us; the latter is considered as an uncertain Crop—So. of New York and I have found it so on my farms—of the latter I have not made sufficient Trial to hazard an opinion of Success. About Philadelphia it succeeds well.
The cassia chamœcrista, or Eastern Shore Bean as it is denominated here, has obtained a higher reputation than it deserves; and like most things unnaturally puffed sinks into disrepute. Ten or more Years ago led away by exagerated accounts of its fertilizing quality, I was induced to give a very high price for some of the seed, and attending to the growth in all its Stages, I found that my own fields which had been uncultivated for two or three years, abounded with the same plants; without perceiving any of those advantages which had been attributed to them.
I am not surprized that our mode of fencing shd be disgusting to an European eye; happy wou’d it have been for us if it had appeared so in our own Eyes; for no sort of fencing is more expensive or wasteful of timber. I have been endeavouring for Years to substitute live fences in place of them, but my long absences from home has in this as in every thing else, flustrated all my plans that required time and particular attention to effect it. I shall now (although it is too late in the day for me to see the result) begin in good earnest to Ditch and hedge; the latter I am attempting with various things but believe none will be found better than cedar; althoug[h] I have several kinds of white thorn growing spontaniously on my own Grounds. Rollers I have been in the constant use of many years in the way you mention, and find considerable benefit in passing them over my winter grain in the spring as soon as the ground will admit a hoof on it. I use them also on spring grain and grass seeds, after sowing and sometimes before, to reduce the clods when the ground is rough. My clover generally is sown with spring Grain; but where the ground is not too stiff & binding it succeeds very well on wheat, sown on a light snow in February, or beginning of March, it sinks with the Snow and takes good root; and orchard Grass of all others is, in my opinion the best mixture

with clover: it blooms precisely at the same time[—] rises quick again after cutting—stands thick—yields well—and both horses and cattle are fond of it—green or in hay. alone, unless it is sown very thick it is apt to form tussocks; if of this or any other seeds I can procure, you shou’d be in want, I shall have great pleasure in furnishing them.
I should have been very happy in forming an acquaintance with the Gentleman of whom you speak so highly (Mr Smith of Ross Hall) but unless he has been introduced on a Public day and among strangers, unaccompanied by any expression to catch the attention I have not yet had that pleasure to see him: nor have I heard more of Mr Parsons than what is mention’d of him in your letter. Your sentiments of these Gentlemen, or others, or giving letters of Introduction to any of Your acquaintance, requires no apology, as I shall always be happy in shewing civility to whomsoever you may recommend.
For the detailed account of Your observations on the Husbandry of these United States, and your reflection theron, I feel myself much obliged; and shall at all times be thankful for any suggestions on agricultural subjects, you may find leizure and inclination to favor me with, as the remainder of my life (which in the common course of things Now in my 66th Year, cannot be of long continuance) will be devoted wholy to rural & agricultural pursuits.
Mrs Washington feels the obligation of your polite remembrance of her—and Mr & Mrs Law, who went from hence Yesterday, have added a daughter to their stock, and are all in good health. For the trouble you took in going to Hull, to see if any of the Emigrants who were on the point of sailing from thence to America, would ansr my purposes as tenants and for Your very kind and friendly offer of rendering me services, I pray you to accept my sincere thanks, and an assurance of the Esteem and regard with which I am Sir Your Most Obedient & Obliged Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 17 July 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon 17th July 1797

My Overseers at Union and Dogue run Farms endeavouring to play the same game they did last year—that is—to raise their wages; but as I am fully resolved not to do it (especially as the price of produce is reduced a hundred prCt) I am induced to ask you—as Clark who engaged with Mr Craik is dead, & expectation from that quarter is at an end—if you could recommend a person whom you know would suit me, for Union farm?
It is not impossible but that I may reduce the hands at Union farm & place it and Dogue run Farm under the same Overlooker: but even in this case, I will not give more than Sixty pounds wages with the usual allowances of Provisions.
I shall insist upon a Dairies being attended to by the Overseers wife, and that Fowls shall be raised for my Table, and that nothing

shall be sold from the Farms for their benefit; as the wages, with the allowances of Provisions, is all the man & his wife have to expect.
I would thank you for acknowledging the receipt of this letter by the Post, as soon as it gets to hand, that I may be certain of its safe arrival: and as soon after as possible, let me know (without absolutely engaging any one) what dependence I could place on your getting a good man, with, or without a wife, but not too large a family. It is necessary I should hear from you soon on this subject, as some are offering, & the season for engaging good overseers is at hand.
I hope to hear your health is restored to you, and that your crops have been, and are likely to be, good. My Crop of Wheat is as good as I had any reason to expect; but the Hessian fly began just before the harvest to cut it down. Next year I expect their attack will be formidable & severe. Could there be any dependance on purchasing three or 4 hundred bushels of Rye in your Neighbourhood, and at what price? I wish you & family well and am your friend & Hble Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. The drought is, and has been extremely severe upon us: Corn not half leg high what will be the consequence I know not.


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 19 July 1797
From: Scott, Gustavus
To: Washington, George

Dr sir,
Washington 19th July 1797.

I do myself the pleasure of inclosing you a Certificate of a Transferr of 29 Shares of Columbia Stock. Your Letter to Collo. Ramsey has been forwarded, and I at the same time wrote to Mr Lloyd respecting the young Bakewell. Probably Mr Lloyd is out on a summers Excursion as I have yet received no answer. With sentiments of perfect Regard and Respect I am Dr sir Your mo. obt servt

Gusts Scott


Title: To George Washington from John Sinclair, 19 July 1797
From: Sinclair, John
To: Washington, George

Private Sir.
Whitehall [London] 19th July—1797

I beg to return you my best acknowledgements, for the trouble you had the goodness to take, in writing so long a letter, respecting the state of the different provinces in America, and where a European was likely to settle to the best advantage. When I took the liberty of writing you on that subject, I was in a very indifferent state of health, and our public prospects were extremely gloomy indeed. They are not yet much mended, but my health being much better, I feel less despondency than I did at that time. There is no saying however, but that circumstances may render it necessary for me, to avail myself of the obliging hints, which your attention & friendship to a brother farmer, induced you to draw up.
I am now on the Eve of setting out for the northern parts of England, where my regiment on this establishment is quartered. I have another at Corke, but have not been able to visit my Irish Battalion, since it was embodied in Scotland, and indeed I find it difficult to manage two corps, in addition to so many other avocations.
I intrusted Dr Edwards, with some printed papers, regarding the present state of Denmark, Sweden, and Russia, which were to be destroyed after you had perused them. They would give some idea of the real situation of those interesting Countries, Russia in particular.
If in any particular I can be of the smallest use to you, in this part of the world, you may command the best services, of your faithful and obedient Servant

John Sinclair


Title: To George Washington from Ludwell Lee, 20 July 1797
From: Lee, Ludwell
To: Washington, George

Sir
Shuters hill 20th July 1797

The Cook I wish to dispose of, is at present under inoculation—As soon as he recovers, & is perfectly out of the way of communicating the disorder, he shall come down to Mount Vernon—You are perfectly welcome to keep him, till you have had a satisfactory trial of him—If he pleases you, I am sure we shall not disagree about his price.
I have here about fifty bushels of Rye, but it is not yet cleaned from the chaff—I will have it done tho immediately, & if you can make it convenient, to send for it, about the middle or latter end of next week, it shall be ready for you, at the Cash price of Rye in Alexandria. With the highest sentiments of respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedt Servant

Ludwell Lee


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 21 July 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 21st July 1797

I again take the liberty of requesting that the letters herewith sent may accompany your dispatches to Mr King —who I also hope will have the goodness to excuse the trouble I give him in this business, to insure the safety of the dispatches.
I hope I shall not have occasion to give either of you much more trouble in this way, as correspondencies of this sort were not of my seeking, and I have no disposition to keep them up, except with Sir John Sinclair (President of the National Board of Agriculture) on agricultural subjects.
One of the last productions of this Gentleman I transmit to you, with a request that if the Plan of establishing a similar Board in these United States should be re-entered upon at the next Session of Congress, you would be kind enough to lay it before the Committee which may be appointed for the purpose of preparing that business —I am always your Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 22 July 1797
From: Spotswood, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Newpost July 22d 1797

I arrived at home on the 19th inst. and now repeat the 3d time my information to you of yr Rough creek lands.
On the 25 of may I got on the lands, with a Surveyor, and the gentlemen, appointed by Lee & myself to Vallue the Same—after traceing the lines so as to keep us within the bounds of the land;

we proceeded to traverse the two tracts and found them to consist of as follows; 1st Rooling land—laying well for the plow, finely timbered, and extreemly Rich—(Second) much Broken land runing into high points—Said by the inhabitants to contain much & rich Iron Ore, but not being a Judge of this mettle can form no Judgement—3d—Ridges Runing out from the creek & Surrounded by a large quantity of Flatt land grown up with cane—The ridges lay fine for the plow—and very rich—the flat land immensly Rich, but Subject to be flooded by back water from the creek—which I think makes it more Valluable, because every flood manures it so highly, by the rich Sediment which it leaves—that will ensure its lasting forever—and otherways can be of no dis-advantage to the farmer—because the deepest part of the water does not exceed three feet, which comeing on gradually & going of in the Same manner, will never carry any fence⟨ing⟩ away—and the waters subsideing always by the 20th of March gives the farmer full time to prepare for his crop—(Fourth) very high land consisting of Ridges. the Sides of which next to the creek very Steep & Rocky—but the Tops of many of the Ridges are level, & where fields may be got from 30 to 50—acrees—of fine farming land—Such as will bring from 40 to 50 bushles of corn to the acree and from 25 to 30—bushles of wheat—on this last described land, there is much of it grown up with Hurtleberry bushes, but I think good farming land—the Vallue put on this land is one dollar pr Acree—and which I think it is Richly worth—Andrew woodrows 300 acree Survey is very Valluable, on Acct of the fine Mill Seat that it includes; and which I understood from Majr Lewis he had bought for you—but one Hight an old Setler in Kentucky claims it—assureing me that his father purchased the warrant from Andrew Woodrow ten yrs ago —One Steevens tells me, that he owns 2600 acrees of the 5000 acrees you bought of Lee—his claim he Says is founded in this way—the first warrant laid on the land, and entry made, was earlier than his location & entry—but afterwards the first entry was withdrawn, the warrant laid over, and a new entry made, by which his location & entry became the oldest—However this I suppose may be Known, by Sending all the papers to Kentucky and compareing them with Stevenses—If I can render you any Service in enquireing into this bussiness; youl please to forward me yr Instructions, & I will with pleasure, Take the trouble of[f] yr hands—by assertaining, as early as possible, the Validity of Stevenses

claim —we all Join in Affectionate love to you Mrs Washington and Miss custice & am evr yr Sincerely obdt frd

A. Spotswood


Title: From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 23 July 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, George Washington Parke

Dear Washington,
Mount Vernon 23d July 1797.

Your letter of the 14th instt has been duly received, and gives us pleasure to hear that you enjoy good health, & are progressing well in your Studies.
Far be it from me to discourage your Correspondence with Doctor Stuart, Mr Law, Mr Lear or Mr Lewis; or indeed with any others, as well disposed and capable as I believe they are, to give you specimens of correct writing, proper subjects, and if it were necessary, good advice.
With respect to your Epistolary amusements, generally, I had nothing further in view in the caution I gave you, than not to let them interfere with your studies, which were of more interesting concern; & with regard to Mr Lewis, I only meant that no suggestions of his, if he had proceeded to give them, were to be interposed to the course pointed out by Doctr Smith, or suffered to weaken you[r] confidence therein. Mr Lewis was educated at Yale College, and as is natural, may be prejudiced in favour of the mode pursued at that Seminary; but no College has turned out better Scholars, or more estimable characters, than Nassau; nor is there any one whose President is thot more capable than Doctr Smith to direct a system of education, for which reason, if Mr Lewis, or any other, was to prescribe a different course from the one you are engaged in, by the direction of Doctr Smith, thereby occasioning doubts in your own mind, it would give me

concern. Upon the Plan you propose to conduct your correspondencies none of the evils I was fearful of can happen, while advantages may result: for composition like other things, is made more perfect by practice, attention, & just criticisms thereon.
I do not hear you mention any thing of Geography, or Mathematics as parts of your Study: both these are necessary branches of useful knowledge, nor ought you to let your knowledge of the Latin language, & gramatical rules escape you. And the French language is now so universal, and so necessary with Foreigners, or in a foreign country, that I think you would be injudicious not make yourself master of it.
You certainly do not observe the degree of heat by Farenheits Thermometer, or it must be in a very hot exposure if you do; for at no time this summer has the Mercury been above 90, or at most 91 at this place; and I should think Princeton must be as cool at least as Mount Vernon, being nearly two degrees North of it.
Your Mamma went from hence (with your Sister Nelly) to Hope Park on Wednesday, and as well as usual. Your Sister Law & child were well on that day; and Mr Mrs & Eleanor Peter, are all well at this place now; and having many others in the house (among whom are Mr Volney & Mr Willm Morris) I shall only add that I am sincerely & affectionately Yours

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Hanson, 23 July 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 23d July 97

Enclosed is the certificate of the hundred shares of Stock in the Bank of Columbia, given to Mr Tobias Lear the 6th of April 1796 and transferred by him to me the 18th instant. A certificate thereof I pray you to transmit me by the Post—or other safe conveyance—With esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Obedient Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 23 July 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 23rd July 1797.

Receive my thanks for the information given in your letter of the 3d of July, and for the offer you have obligingly made, of procuring for me, seed of the Yellow bearded Wheat.
Influenced by the opinion, which prevailed some years since that that kind of Wheat would resist the Hessian fly, I then procured seed of it, & have kept my self in stock ever since, to make use of it upon a larger scale, if occasion shd render it necessary. And so well persuaded as I am that the attack of this insect will be severe next year, I shall reduce, considerably, my seeding of Wheat the coming Autumn; and fill the deficiency with Rye, principally. Of Wheat, however, I shall sow three kinds: The early, or May Wheat, as it is called here, in a small proportion; and the residue of the Yellow bearded, and a very fine white (also forward) wheat which I obtained last Fall from the Mountains.
Soon after I wrote you last, the Rust siezed my Wheat straw, and a good deal injured the latter grain. And a severe drought, which we have laboured under since April, until this day week, has rendered our Crop of Oats extremely short; & rendered our Meadows scarcely worth cutting: and till now, by a second fine rain yesterday, left us little hope of making Indian Corn. Present me & Mrs Washington in affectionate terms to Mrs Peters, and be assured of the sincere esteem & regard of Dear Sir Your Obedient Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Lee, 24 July 1797
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 24 July 1797

Mr Monroe has lately demanded in a letter to the secretary of state an explanation of the letter of recall which was sent to him in France. That an inconvenient unwise and pernicious precedent might not be set his request has been denied and consequently that affair stands on the original grounds.
I did not retain a copy of the opinion which I had the honor to give on this measure and supposing it might be of use to me I applied to the Secretary of state for it by whom I am informed it is not in his office. Being concise and perfectly satisfactory to my conscience and judgment then and yet, it is desirable to possess it that it may be used as occasion may require and therefore if you can readily turn to it and procure a copy to be made, I shall deem it a great favor to send a copy as soon as it may be convenient.
Mr Monroe I am told is preparing for the press, and complains of the act of dismissal in the most vehement terms. In a private character I shall not scruple to give him my reasons justifying the act and submit them to him and our country. In doing this I shall find it not amiss to mention some matters that I believe are not extant in the opinion which was sent you.
Whether the mission of conciliation will succeed is very uncertain. There are simptoms in france of returning justice benevolence and peace: If there be not peace our country must & will blame the french faction that within our bowels is working the calamities and miseries of their country. With the most sincere esteem I am very respectfully your affectionate and obedient humble Servant

Charles Lee


Title: To George Washington from Lawrence Lewis, 24 July 1797
From: Lewis, Lawrence
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir,
Fauquier County July 24th 1797

I return you my sincere thanks for the kind invitation I received when last at Mount Vernon, to make it my home and that whilest there my services would be acceptable—This invitation was the more pleasing to me from a desire of being serviceable to you and from a hope in fulfiling those duties assigned me I should derive some improvement by them.
Un-tutored in almost every branch of business, I can only promise a ready and willing obedience to any instruction or command you may please to give.
I should have been with you ere this, but for the unavoidable detention by my Servant’s runing away, and, that at a time when I was nearly ready for my departure—I have been ever since in pursuit of him without success—The uncertainty of getting a Servant, or my runaway, will probably detain me untill the 25th of August; but not a moment longer than is unavoidable. With sincere regard for my Aunt, and family I remain your affectionate Nephew

Lawrence Lewis


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 24 July 1797
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Hopewell [Md.] July 24th 1797

I have Received your Letter of the 17th Instant and I will do every thing In my power to git you a proper Person as overseer for Union farm—but at this time I do not know of any one that would

answear your purpose that Is uningaged. but I will spare no paines In Looking out For such a One. I am sorrey to heare that poor Mr Clark is Dead. If he had Lived he would have made you a good Overseer.
Mr Scoone the person who I ingaged Last year for Union Farm Is dead also—he was taken Ill a few days after he agreed with me. and that was the Reason I never heard from him; he had a Long Severe spell—but he got over that and appeared to be as well as ever. and this spring he applyed to me again and I had agreed with him Conditionally; provided you wanted one and Intended to have wrote to you on the subject—but he was taken Suddenly Ill—and died In a few hours—this was unluckey as he was a first Rate farmer and a sober and I beleive very honest man—and he said he had a wish to have been Imployed In your Service—he had managed for Genll Lloyd for Several years with a Great deal of Creddit.
I should have thought that Viliott and Cash ought to have Been Satisfied with the wages they Receve, if you would keep them at the same, without wanting them Raised. for they are as high as they ought to Expect.
I am Glad to Heare your Crop of wheat is good. I was affraid It would have Been Ingured By the Long drougth we had Last fall and some of It In the Corn Ground was eat by some kind of Insect. which must have Lessened the crop In some degree.
I should be Glad to know how the fallows at Union & Dogue Run farms turned out. and wheather that peice of Land that was Trench ploughed turned out better wheat than the other part of the field.
I am Sorrey to hear the hesian fly has Reached you as they are a great enemy to wheat and no good Crops can be Raised whare they are—I am sorrey Likewise to hear the Drought Has been So Severe as to Injure your Crops of Corn, thare has been a Long Dry spell of weather here till with In this two days past we have had some good Raines and I now hope we Shall have some Seasonable weather which If we do we shall I Hope have tollarable Crops of Corn.
with respect to my Crops they are as good as I Expected For the prospect for wheat was bad and In order to help out with that—I sowed a Large Crop of Oats & flax which are very good—My Crop of wheat will not yield me more than Six Bushels for one. It was

hurt Last fall by the fly and we had a good deal of the scab and Rust which hope to lessen The Crop; but Crops of wheat are better here this year than they have been for these three years past.
I have my Health very Little Better than I had Last year—and all Last winter I suffered Very much with the Rheumatism—but since the warm weather I have got better of that. but I have a bad pain and Soreness In my Breast which seemes to Increase on me I know not how it will end—My Eldest Daughter Nancey Is still In bad health The Rest of my family are well.
I Sent you a small Bag of the Rye Grass seed Last Spring and wrote a note to Mr Anderson but I Never Heard wheather you got It or not.
Thare Is no Rye of any account Raised In this place But I will make Inquerey and if any is to be had I will Inform you thareof.
I Hope your Self Mrs Washington & family are In good Health. I am With the Greatest Respect Sir your Humble Servt

William Pearce


Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 24 July 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 24th July 1797.

We shall be very glad to see you & Mrs Washington here on thursday next, and my Chariot shall meet you at Colchester at 3 Oclock on that day.
By your Fixing on that hour for its being there, I presume you did not intend to be here at dinner (it being the hour at which we dine) of course shall niether expect or wait for you.
Mrs Washington joins me in best regards for you & Mrs Washington & Compliments to Colo. Blackburn and family. I am sincerely & affectly Yours

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 26 July 1797
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Alexandria] 26th July [1797]

In reply to your letr by your servt this evening, I can only say, that my recollection of the lands sold to you, authorizes me to consider every fair attempt to wrest your title to them as the result of error—In Kentucky, I am told, too often are efforts of another sort made to deprive real owners of their property.
I know that all the money due on the purchase of the lands you hold thro me has been paid & that my title from Doctor Skinner is unimpeachable—I will endeavor to collect full information on this subject & then again write to you —most respy & aflfy yrs

H.Lee


Title: To George Washington from Moses Jenkins, 27 July 1797
From: Jenkins, Moses
To: Washington, George

Honrd Sir
July the 27th 1797

I Gladly Embrace an Opportunity of writing to Your Excellency on a Subject of as Great Importance as any thing Ever yet Comprehended By Mortal Man That is the Glory of God & the Redemption & Salvation of mankind; I am A Union Minister. & I Do Sincerely Beleive that if all human Inventions was Laid Aside, that it would be Imposible that any more than one party Could Exist in the Church of Christ I am A Native of Amarica Born in the State of Pennyslvania in the Year of Our Lord 1768 And has traveled through part of Six of the States of America Viz. Pennsylvania Jersey Dalaware Maryland Virginia & North Carolinia & has preached the Doctrine of Union & Reconciliation & Still Continues in the Sam⟨e⟩ Beleif that if human Inventions was Laid Aside that Only One party Could Exist in the Christian Church.
I Desire your Approbation if your Excellency permit The ⟨Free⟩ Preveledge of Preaching in the Church Most Convenient to your present Residence. & am the Earnest well wisher of Souls, a Friend to the Cause of God: In whose presence I Wish your Happiness Abundantly in time & to all Eternity.

Moses Jenkins


Title: To George Washington from Israel Shreve, 30 July 1797
From: Shreve, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear General,
Washingtons Bottoms 30th July 1797

I receivd a Letter from the Hon: James Ross dated at Philadelphia the 14th of Last month informing me that no money had been paid into the Bank of Pennsylvania, towards the Enstallment due to you the first of June Last, which gave me great pain, as I fully Expected the whole Sum was paid in, by a Mr Reuel Sayre & Isaac Sparks, Said Sayres, Brother & Sparks were in New Jersey and

Engaged to pay in the whole Sum. I Expected to have been punctual in every payment after the Bogal Jos: Sayre & Jno: Loyed made Last year they Called upon your Excellency with money in their Pockets Sufficient to make up the Enstalment then due and the Arerages of Rents then behind, and more than a hundred Pounds to Spare, which was all Due to me and agreeble to their Contract to have been paid into the Bank of Pennsylvania previous to the first of June, these people Carried their Money home to Penns Valey 150 miles from me and never Wrote or Sent any Sort of word untill the 4th of September Last when part of the money was Brought to me, this Business being So conducted, I was Determined to be ready this year But have again been Deceived, these people Say that the officers of the Bank of Pennsylvania have more than Once refused to receive their money[.] I will Give your Exelly a short state of my Situation at this time I hold 813 Acres of the Land I Bought of you, the Residue I have Sold and Bound myself to make titles when the whole of the money is paid, for which I have their Bonds upon Interest for £2700 becomeing due So as to Answeer my payment to you, said Sparks has removed out a few days ago, and paid me 700 Dollars. 500 Dollars is Lodged with a Certain Major John Barker in Philadelphia, if your Excellency will be pleased to receive the Interest up to the first of June for the whole Sum yet behind, I will do Every thing in my power to Make up the Installment with the Interest up untill paid, I Acknowledge the Bargain is Good on my Side[.] Just as I Bought Land took a rise here Occationed by the floud of Money the Militia Army Brought into the Country, Land now is more of a Drug money has gone Scarce—although I have not been So punctual as I Ought to have been, I do Beg your Excellence to forbear and not Sue me, which is next to Death with me, It not only Distroys a mans Credit, But Accumelates loss and every way Distructive to a man, that wishes to pay without the Rigor of the Law, all the money I have paid has been without Borrowing any, the 500 Dollars is directed to be paid into Mr Wolcots hands who I am informed by Mr Ross is Appointed to do Business for you in Philadelphia.
I am no Speculator or Land Jobber, I held Lands at the Miami Settlement but Judge Symmes being a man not by any means to be depended upon, I have made but Little by them, there has been Considerable improvements made upon the Land here Since I Bought it, I have Cleard more than 50 Acres on the place where

G: Simpson Lived, the other people has made great Improvements the 813 Acres My Stock &c. and Little more is my all I have a Large famaly to Support and Attend to It as much [as I] Can I have a fine harvest well in this Season, with your Excellencys Goodness and forbearance I hope to make up this payment, and I think in future I will take upon me to See that the Money Shall be ready upon the day, I Should be glad if your Excellency would Condesend to write to me, the 700 Dollars I have with what I can Collect I will Send to Mr Wolcott. I am dear General with unfeigned regard Your Excys Most Obedt Servt

Israel Shreve


Title: From George Washington to Charles Lee, 31 July 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 31st July 1797

Your letter of the 24th Inst. came to hand by last Post. The demand of Mr Monroe is no more than another card played in the same game. The moment I can get at my Papers (for having no convenient place yet to arrange them, they remain in an indigested mass) I will send you a copy of that which you require.
A Lady of my acquaintance (who lives at a distance from hence) being under some apprehension of an approaching Cancer, has written several times without obtaining satisfactory information, to know if the Nephew of Doctr Tate (his name I am unacquainted with) still lives in Philadelphia—in what part of the City—and

whether his applications for Cancerous complaints are attended with the success his Uncles were.
If it is not too much trouble you will oblige me, and in a more especial manner the Lady by solving the foregoing questions. Let the information be the entire subject of a letter, that I may send it with or without your signature to the person, for whose satisfaction it is required.
Several late publications in France, speak a language which it is presumed was not expected by some of its advocates here; And considering the characters from whence it proceeds and the changes which have taken Place in their late actions, auger something more favorable, than was to be expected from the conduct of the Directory, of that Country. With Great Esteem & regard I am always Your Affece Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 31 July 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 31st July 1797

Your favor of the 25th was received by the last Post.
Mr Monroe’s application is nothing more than a continuation of the old game, in a new form; and as I presume he means to play

it with all the advantages that are to be derived from his auxiliaries here I will thank you for the whole of what will come before the public—now, or then, according to circumstances.
I would thank you also for forwarding the letter herewith sent by the first conveyance to Mr King, and the duplicate by some other Vessel.
I hear with much pleasure that the Public sentiment in France towards these U.S. is not in unison with the Directory. It would be to be regretted on every account if it was. Yours always & sincerely

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Searson, 2 August 1797
From: Searson, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelp[hi]a Augt 2nd 1797

Having a Poetical turn from my youth, And having Wrote Some Rural, Romantic and, said to be pleasing Poems in Europe, for which got good Encouragement, And Revisiting this Country last year, form’d a Plan of Publishing by Subscription, some Essays of American Affairs, Previous to which (And your Resignation of the first Station on this Continent) I did my Self the Honor to wait on you Sir, at your House in this City, where you were So Condescending as to give me your Countenance of approbation And Accept of One of my Poems, I beleive on Down Hill. I Obtaind near Eleven hundred subscribers, the Clergy and Professors of the College, the Spanish & Portuguese, Ambassadors, & English minister being of the Number, at the low price of half a Dollar unbound but bound & Letter’d on the back, three quarters of a Dollar, did I know of Conveyance would do my Self the Honor of Transmitting one neatly bound for your Excellency at Mount Vernon, as that Beautiful Seat is mentiond in the Poem. From my long absence from America ⟨(⟩tho many years an Inhabitant And mercht in this City) am Almost become a stranger. And as the Business of my Poem will soon be over, & being in no Sure prospect of Employment, and which I am known to be Capable of either in a Public office, Private Tuition or Master of a Public school, and Can be well Recommended from this City as well as from Europe, Have to

Solicit my friends favour, Should Any vacancy, (I mean a Decent one) offer should be ever Grateful for the favour—Perhaps most Worthy Sir, Something of this Sort might lie in your Way from your Humane & Benevolent Disposition, to Oblige an Honest man Under the misfortunes of Life. Gratitude the most sincere and lasting should not be Wanting—Should I be favour’d with a Line in Answr it may be directed to the Care of the Post office. I have the Honor to Subscribe my Self Your Excellency’s Most Devoted & Obedient Hble servt

Jno. Searson


Title: To George Washington from James Anderson (of Scotland), 3 August 1797
From: Anderson, James
To: Washington, George

Honoured sir
Edinburgh 3d Augt 1797

I wrote to you by post on the 21t June last acknowledging the receipt of your favour of the 7th April, with the inclosures respecting a gardener, which I hope you have received. I have by the assistance of Mr Harper and Mr Foreman at last succeded in finding a Gardener for you whom I have engaged this day, and who will, I hope, afford you satisfaction. He will be the bearer of this. His name is William Spence, and tho’ his personal appearance is not such as to prepossess me much in his favour, yet the character I have received of him from all the persons he has served is such as to overcome the little reluctance I should have felt to engage him. Another person was very well recommended by Mr Harper—but besides that he was at a distance so as not to admit of a personal

interview, I found that he expected much higher wages than you was willing to allow, and that he could not be disengaged from his present place till marti[n]mass. From these considerations I thought it was best to close with the present man, as I found him not only free, but actually intending to set out to America just now whether he had been so lucky as to hear of this place or not.
The terms on which I have engaged him, are that he is to be bound for four years—three years certain and the fourth conditional if neither of the parties shall give the other notice of his intention to part Six months previous to the commencement of that year—The wages to be Twenty guineas a year certain for the first three years, and twenty five guineas for the fourth—and five guineas a year more if he shall give entire satisfaction to you—by leaving this sum optional, I think it will be an inducement for him to exert himself the more—and as the highest is as little as is almost ever allowed here, I think we must have taken a bad hand if we had attempted to beat it down. In the legal agreement, a copy of which he carries with him, you will find all the other stipulations you mentioned, unless it be the article washing, which has been omitted for the following reason.
I found upon enquiry that William had been lately married, and had no children—but his wife did not think herself qualified to superintend spinners, and knitters as you propose, these articles not being usual operations in the neighbourhood of Carlisle, where she was born—concerning a dairy she had no difficulty—At the first I was startled about this circumstance, and being afraid that he might have connected himself with some improper woman who might lead him to ruin, I would not conclude till I should see her in person and converse with her. I found her a plain unaffected country girl, with a principle of conscience that pleased me. She shrunk back from the idea of engaging to do the smallest thing that she knew not perfectly—she seems to have got a proper education, tho’ perhaps rather better than her situation would seem to indicate—Plain needlework she understands—washing and doing up cloaths she knows a little of cooking, and is upon the whole, such a person as I think may prove useful in your situation in many respects. If she be as attentive, and as well founded in her moral principles as I suppose, she may perhaps be soon capable of assisting your spinners &c. tho’ she will not undertake to do it at first—I found that before I saw her, her husband and she had concerted

that she should be left at New York or Philadelphia, at each of which places she has some relations, till he should see how she could be properly disposed of with you—for her inability to superintend the spinners seemed to her to be an insuperable objection to her going there—I strongly objected to the separating of man and wife and I doubt not you will find no difficulty in accommodating them properly. In the mean while I consented to her proposal of paying her own passage over, as she could not think of burthening you with an expence that might prove unnecessary to you—and also to her remaining a short time at one of the places above named till her husband shall adjust matters with you respecting her, and find a place for her reception, which I doubt not you will not find difficult. I stipulated only for the payment of his passage to New York (seven guineas) from whence he will probably find a passage by sea for Virginia, no ships for southern ports being at present either in the forth or Clyde—He said he hoped his travelling charges, at a reasonable rate, would be allowed to him from new york by you—but I said I had no authority to say so—so that it is entirely at your option—Had we engaged any one who was not at any rate going out, all these charges must of course have been allowed—Both persons have discovered a liberality respecting pecuniary matters which has pleased me—and I shall be anxious to know if they shall afford you satisfaction, and continue to please—I hope he will arrive about the time your present gardener leaves you, tho’ I should rather wish he were gone before William’s arrival, for obvious reasons.
I reckon it fortunate that I happened to be in this part of the country when your letter reached this place for I have now changed my residence to the neighborhood of London, where my family now chiefly resides. I remained here somewhat longer than I should otherwise have done, to get this matter finished—Now that it is done, I shall set out in a few days. I use the freedom to embrace this opportunity of sending for you, some additions that have been made to the two first volumes of the essays on agriculture, chiefly respecting the draining of land, of which I beg your acceptance, as without them the former editions will not be compleat.
I have some prospect, when I reach London of perhaps doing something respecting the sale of your lands, and shall not fail to write to you on that subject as soon as I can. Nothing can prove a higher gratification to me than to be in any respect servicable to

you—I have the honour to be with the utmost respect, Sir, your most Hle Servt

Jas Anderson

P.S. Mr Spence has paid the passage out of his own money (Seven guineas) which you will please repay to him. He brings along with him a copy of the indenture—The stamped copy remains in the hands of Mr John ⟨Macnall⟩ writer to the Signet Edinh to be forthcoming if required.
Mr Foreman is to write by this opportunity to Mr Anderson He is to provide all the articles desired, and will forward them at the proper season.
Any letters you shall please to honour me with will be forwarded if addressed to me at No. ⟨35⟩ Leadenhall street London.


Title: From George Washington to Charles Lee, 4 August 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 4th Augt 1797.

Agreeably to my promise I have looked among those parcels which I conceived most likely to produce the Paper of which you required a copy, without the desired effect. How to account for it I am at a loss unless Mr Lear & Mr Dandridge (whom I employed to seperate & Pack up my files) may have left it, with papers of a similar nature, which I also miss, with those designed for my Successor in Office.
I have not, nor is it in my power as yet, to open all my packages; because I have no place to put them at this moment in a seperate State. When I do this, if I find the opinion you have given, in a certain case, among them a copy of it shall be transmitted to you—With great esteem & regard—I am Your obedt and affece

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lawrence Lewis, 4 August 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Lawrence

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 4th Augt 1797.

Your letter of the 24th Ulto has been received, and I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Servant; but it is my opinion these elopements will be much more, before they are less frequent; and that the persons making them should never be retained, if they are recovered, as they are sure to contaminate and discontent others. I wish from my Soul that the Legislature of this State could see the policy of a gradual abolition of Slavery; It might prevt much future mischief.
Whenever it is convenient to you to make this place your home, I shall be glad to see you at it for that purpose; and that there may be no misunderstanding in the matter, I shall inform you before hand, that you, servant (if you bring one) and horses, will fare in all respects as We, & mine do; but that I shall expect no Services from you for which pecuniary compensation will be made. I have already as many on wages as are sufficient to carry on my business, and more indeed than I can find means to pay, conveniently. As both your Aunt and I are in the decline of life, and regular in our habits, especially in our hour of rising & going to bed, I require some person (fit & Proper) to ease me of the trouble of entertaining company; particularly of Nights, as it is my inclination to retire (and unless prevented by very particular company, always do retire) either to bed, or to my study, soon after candle light. In taking these duties (which hospitality obliges one to bestow on company) off my hands, it would render me a very acceptable Service. And for a little time only, to come, an hour in the day, now and then, devoted to the recording of some Papers which time would not allow me to complete before I left Philadelphia, would also be acceptable. Besides these, I know nothing at present, that would require any portion of your time, or attention: both of which, if you have inclination for it, might be devoted to Reading, as I have a great many instructive Books, on many subjects, as well as amusing ones; or, they might be employed in sporting, there being much ⟨ga⟩me of all sorts here; or in riding, & viewing the management of my farms, from whence something useful may ⟨be⟩ drawn, as I think Mr Anderson in many things could give you useful lessons and a better insight into husbandry than your opportunities have, Hitherto, presented to you.

I do not mean however, that any of these things should restrain you from attending to your own affairs, or restrain you from visiting your friends at pleasure; all I have in view by making this communication is to guard against misconception on either side. Your Aunt unites with me in best regards for you, and I am your sincere friend and Affectionate Uncle

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Archibald McClean, 4 August 1797
From: McClean, Archibald
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria 4th August 1797

Having been appointed administrator to the estate of Mrs Kirk deceased, relict of James Kirk esqr. late of this town, I am desirous of settling the accounts as speedily as possible. Mrs Kirk, before her death, informed me that a bond had been lodged with you to satisfy a debt due you from Mr Kirk’s estate, and that there is still a balance of said bond remaining in your hand. As I have not met with any papers of hers from which I could procure accurate information on the subject, I request the favour of you, sir, to transmit me a particular statement of the matter. Please do it by this day week, as I expect to leave town then & shall not return for some time. With respect yours &c.

Archd McClean


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 4 August 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 4th Augt 1797.

In a late letter from the Attorney General (Lee) he has requested a copy of the opinion he gave relative to the recall of Mr Monroe. Among the Packages most likely (as I conceived) to produce it, I have searched for the Original in vain; nor among these do I find the opinions of the Heads of Departments on various other subjects. How to account for this I am unable, unless the bundle containing them, which I once put into your h[an]ds for a particular purpose, was never returned; or left by Mr Lear and Mr Dandridge (who were employed in seperating & packing up my Papers) by mistake among the files which were intended for my Successor in Office.
I have not yet opened all my packages of Papers, nor can I do it until I have provided some place in which they can be deposited with safety—but I pray you to let me know whether the bundle I have alluded to was returned, or not, by you. Your answer may save a further search, and some anxiety. With very great esteem & regard I remain Dear Sir Your Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Edward Newenham, 6 August 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Newenham, Edward

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 6th August 1797

I am so much your debtor in the epistolary way, that it would upbraid me too severely was I to go into a particular acknowledgment of the receipt of all the letters with which you have honoured me in the course of the last two or three years—and avoiding this accustomed mode, I scarcely know how to begin my letter to you, or what apology to make for so long a silence.
As honesty however (in every transaction of life) is, in my estimation, the best policy, I shall frankly declare to you, that soon after I entered upon the duties of my late public station, I found that the ⟨many duties⟩ thereof allowed no leisure for the indulgence

of private correspondencies; and having made it an invariable rule through life, to discharge every trust I engaged in, in behalf of the public, to the utmost of my judgment & abilities, I did not hesitate long in determining to relinquish the latter. I supposed too, that when I should quit the arduous duties attached to the Presidency of this Country and return to the walks of private life, that I should have found abundant leisure to discharge all my epistolary obligations; but here also I have, hitherto, been disappointed; for my long absence from home (except in short occasional visits, which allowed no opportunities to look into the state of my personal concerns, & buildings) has so deranged matters which related thereto, and has committed such depredations thereon, as at no period have I found closer employment than in the last few months since I have been at home, to repair the damages: and this will continue to be the case for sometime to come.
I am now seated in the shade of my own Vine & Fig tree, and shall devote the remainder of a life—nearly worn out to such agricultural and rural amusements as will afford employment for myself, and cannot, or ought not, to give offence to anyone—offering while I am on this theatre, my sincere vows that the ravages of War, and the turbulance of passions may yield their sceptres to Peace and tranquillity, that the world may enjoy repose.
Having withdrawn myself from the scenes of political life, Politics will no⟨t⟩ be the theme for my letters; and having little to relate from the the humbler, & placid walks into which I am now entered, that would be interesting or amusing to a person who is engaged in important matters, I shall only add that I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most Obedt and Most Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Ludwell Lee, 7 August 1797
From: Lee, Ludwell
To: Washington, George

Sir
Shooters hill 7th Augst 1797

The Bearer of this, is the Cook you wrote concerning—You are welcome to make such trial of him, as may be satisfactory to

Mrs Washington & yourself—it will give me pleasure should he answer your wishes.
I have spoken to Mr George Lee to mention your want of Rye to the farmers in our neighborhood tho I fear it will be hard to procure as the number of distilleries in the upper Country, give Rye a value, too great for any distant carriage—With the highest respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr most obedt Servt

Ludwell Lee


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Ramsay, 7 August 1797
From: Ramsay, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Baltimore Augt 7th 1797

I have the pleasure to inform you that the Calf you expected from the Eastern Shore arrived yesterday. It is a beautifull formed Animal and well grown Calf, but not near as large as some I have seen of Mr Gough’s raising at the same Age. It is said to be about five months old. The person who brought it over, says there was no particular pains taken with it, and that it had only the common fare of the Stock. Mr Gough takes great pains to force the Growth of those Calves he intends for Market, and often gives them the Milk of two Cows by which means they are so very fat when about four or five months old that they will weigh nearly as much as they do when double that Age, and removed from that manner of keeping⟨.⟩ Your Calf runs in a very good pasture and I will endeavor to have him learned to lick a little Indian Meal and Salt, and rendered a little more gentle, for he is now very wild. I think you had better not remove him untill you can have cooler weather. We have been extremely wet and extremely warm for some weeks past, but fortunately the City continues very healthy. I am with great respect your Humble servant

Nat. Ramsay


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 9 August 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia August 9 1797.

I put one of your letters for Mr King and the four before received (for Sr John Sinclair & others) on board a vessel bound to London, & which was to have sailed last Sunday or monday; but the continued rainy weather has detained her.
Mr Monroe has anticipated me in furnishg you, by his publication in the news-papers, the correspondence between us on the subject of his demanding the reasons of his recall. After such a solemn demand, so zealously maintained—and after such professions of candour—I did not imagine he would have had the folly to avow, as in his last letter, that he in fact wanted no information on this point: proving, what I supposed was his real object at first, that he made the demand in order to be denied. I kept a table ready for him in my office during a week, while I expected him to review his correspondence with the department: but he has never called, altho’ he stated this as necessary for his information in his intended vindication. I have the honor to be with great respect sir, Your most obt servt

Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 10 August 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Department of State [Philadelphia] August 10 1797.

Your letter of the 4th did not come to hand till this day. I lose no time to relieve you from your apprehensions relative to the papers in question. I have the two bundles you left with me; and among them I find the opinion of the Attorney General on Mr Monroe’s recall, of which I will let him take a copy; and then restore the original to its place.
I will take a safe opportunity to convey the two files of papers to your hands. I am with great respect Sir your most obt servt

Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Charles Lee, 11 August 1797
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Philadelphia 11th august 1797

On the 9th I had the honor to receive your letter of the 4th instant, since which Col. Pickering has found the opinion which was the subject of my former letter; which will enable me to attain a copy without giving you any further trouble.
If Col. Pickering has written to you as he intended he probably has informed you that the prospect of peace between France and Great Britain continues to brighten, a negotiation being agreed upon, with dispositions apparently sincere on both sides for terminating the war. This event if accompanied with a love of peace in the people of France, will probably give a successful issue to the mission of our envoys. With the sincerest esteem & regard I remain your very affectionate & obedient humble servant

Charles Lee


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Ramsay, 11 August 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Ramsay, Nathaniel

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 11th Augt 1797.

Your favours of the 20th Ulto and 7th instant have both been received—the last yesterday.
If nothing happens to prevent it, I will dispatch a light Cart (not being disposed to lead the calf the whole distance this warm weather) for Mr Lloyds present; and two or three sheep from Mr Gough, if he has of the sort I want, to dispose of. The Cart will leave this on Monday, and probably be at Baltimore on Tuesday.
In the meantime, if you should perchance see Mr Gough, you would do me a favour to ask if he has [any] of the Cape sheep to dispose of, that he would recommend for breeding from, the broad tail Sheep is the kind I want. If he has, a ram, and one or two ewe Lambs of his best I would take, at his own price. If he has none, my Cart would have no occasion to proceed there.
For your kind attention to my late request I pray you to accept my thanks—and with great esteem & regard—I am, Dr Sir Yr Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Clement Biddle to GW, 12 August 1797 [letter not found]
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: Clement Biddle to GW, 12 Aug. 1797. On 21 Aug. GW wrote Biddle: “I have received your letter of the 12th.”


Title: From George Washington to Harry Dorsey Gough, 13 August 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Gough, Henry (Harry) Dorsey

Sir,
Mount Vernon 13 Augt 1797

Having occasion to send a light carriage to Baltimore, I have directed the person (Mr Jno. Anderson son of my Manager) who has charge of it, to call upon you & get a ram, and two ewe lambs of the Cape (broad tail) sheep, if you have any to dispose of, & such as you would recommend for breeding.
I want them on account of the mutton, and if the ram was of the size & age to serve a score or more ewes this season, it would be desirable. If Mr Anderson succeeds in his application for these sheep, the cost of them shall be paid to your order on demand. I am—Sir Your most obedient and Very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Ramsay, 13 August 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Ramsay, Nathaniel

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 13th Augt 1797.

The bearer, Mr Jno. Anderson, son of my Manager (with a light carriage) is sent for the calf from the Eastern shore, and the sheep mentioned in my last, if Mr Gough has them to spare. If you have not seen that Gentleman, and learnt that Andersons going to him would be fruitless, he is directed to proceed with the letter of which he is possessed, for Mr Gough.
I would thank you for causing the enclosed advertisement to be inserted three times with the interval of a week between each, the expence of which I will pay the Printer as soon as it is made known to me. Mrs Washington is greatly distressed and fateigued from the want of such a character as I am inviting.
Does the Baltimore Telegraph come under the description of a

Democratic Paper? or what is its character & reputation? With great esteem—I remain Dr Sir—Yr Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 14 August 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 14th Augt 1797.

Not having anything to communicate of sufficient moment to give you the trouble of receiving a letter from me, I have delayed until now, to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 10th & 25th Ulto.
When I left Philadelphia, Mr Lear & Mr Dandridge who remained, were directed to dispose of my Household furniture (such parts I mean as were not packed for a removal to this place) but from some misapprehension the Ornaments of my dining Table, & some Plated bottle Coolers, were not disposed of as was expected; but left in the care of Mr McHenry (Secretary of War) subject to future orders, when they came away.
I have now to request that you will receive these from him, and if you can, to dispose of them (one of the Coolers excepted, concerning which I will write to you sometime hence) on the best terms you can. It is not probable that any one, unless the Presidt or any of the foreign Ministers should be so disposed, would take the whole[.] of course to retail them, would be the most likely means of getting them off.
The articles you will receive, if I mistake not, will consist of two four bottle Coolers—A Platteau in nine pieces. three large groups with glasses over them, two Vases, and twelve small single figures of Porcelain.
The Invoice of the Platteaux I am unable, at present, to come at; but that of the figures is enclosed, as is the one which contains the Cost of the Coolers which were never used—there being four, originally, and two were found sufficient to answer my purposes. I do not expect, notwithstanding they are new, that the one offered for Sale will fetch the cost, and the other thing⟨s⟩ I am certain will fall much below it, as they have not only been used, but the Porcelain in some of its nicest parts, is injured. Although I have not

been able to find the cost of the Platteaux I have a memorandum which informs me that they stand me in 486 Livres in Paris exclusive of all the subsequent charges of transportation from thence to Havre—freight Insurance duty &ca &ca.
I send the Invoices for the satisfaction of yourself, and any who may be inclined to purchase—when this purpose is answered they may be returned to me.
Will you be so good as to ask Mr Dobson if there are no more Volumes of the American Edition of the Encyclopædia out—the 16th is the last I have received—and inform him at the same time, that it is my wish that my second sett (for I subscribed for two setts to encourage his undertaking the work) was neatly bound and sent to me, having given away the sett in boards. With esteem & regard—I am Yr obed. ⟨st⟩

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 14 August 1797
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 14th Augt 1797.

It is a little out of time, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th ulto; but “better late than never.” and one object in doing it, is to pray you to thank Mr Bordly in my name, for the work he had the goodness to send me, through the channel of your conveyance.
I presume the affair of Mr Blount will lye dormant until the Committee of Congress make a Report at the ensuing Session. It will be to be regretted, much, if this business is not probed to the bottom. That Government may not sleep or be forgotten in the mean time, I perceive Mr Monroe has opened a Battery against it; but if his subsequent fire does no more injury than the first, his Artillery will recoil upon himself.
It had escaped me, until reminded by a reperusal of some of your first letters, that my Table ornaments & Coolers were in your possession. Not for the value of the thing, but as a token of my friendship, and as a remembrancer of it, I ask you, Colonel Pickering & Mr Wolcott to accept, each, one of the two* bottle Coolers—

the other articles I pray you to have carefully packed (the Porcelain in fine Saw dust) and sent to Colo. Biddle, who will be directed what to do with them—& will pay the cost of packing.
What is the character of Porcupine’s Gazette? I had thoughts when I left Philadelphia, of ordering it to be sent to me; then again, I thought it best not to do it; and altho’ I should like to see both his & Bache’s, the latter may, under all circumstances, be the best decision, I mean not subscribing to either of them.
Mrs Washington & Miss Custis thanks you for your kind remembrance of them, and unite with me in best regards for Mrs McHenry, yourself and family. With much truth I am Your Sincere friend and affectionate Servant

Go: Washington
*I think there are three of them.

P.S. I shall rely on you to present the Coolers in my name to the Gentlemen abovementd.
Since writing the letter which encloses this scrap, I have determined to let the Table ornaments and large Coolers go into the hands of Colo. Clement Biddle unpacked, to see if he can dispose of them; and I pray you to cause them to be delivered in that manner accordingly.
14th Augt 1797.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 14 August 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon 14th Augt 1797.

Your letter of the 24th of July has been received, and I thank you for your ready compliance with my request; but recollecting how I was served last year, I must remind you that the season will

not allow me to wait long for your decisive answer—especially too, as persons are now applying in this quarter.
I must repeat in this, what I said, or meant to say in my last—that is—that I do not wish you to enter into any engagement that will be binding on me; but to make enquiry for such an Overseer as you know would suit me; know precisely the lowest terms ⟨on⟩ which he could be obtained for Uni[on farm]: and give me as speedy notice th[ereon a]s is in your power. Mr Anderso[n seems] to think that one man may Overloo[k bo]th Union & Dogue run Farms for the wages [of] Sixty pounds, but whether this would be more eligable than two at about £70 or £75 between them is questionably, as there are few Negros who will work unless there be a constant eye on them—or who will not slight it if there is not this eye.
The fallow fields at Union and Dogue run farms looked well at Harvest; and I believe will yield well, but the Hession fly had made an attack upon the latter which had injured it in some degree. Next year I expect this attack will be much more formidable, which is one reason why I propose to encrease my seeding with Rye, considerably this Fall. I perceived no difference between the French plowed part & the parts adjoining from hence the inference is that it was attended with no advantage; in the last Crop at least.
We have been as wet latterly as we were dry before; which to me, has produced both good & evil. My Corn is much amended by it, but my [ha]y ruined; and I have had wheat inj[ured in] the Stack. I am glad to hear that [your cr]op has, and promises to be, tolerable ⟨mutilated⟩—But am sorry that your own, & daught[er] Nancys indispositions continue.
A small bag of rye-grass seeds came here without any letter. We guessed from whence it came, but was not certain until sometime after, when your letter announced it. For sending it I thank you, and if several bushels of the Seed could be purchased & sent to me, I would with pleasure pay the cost to your order. Mrs Washington & the rest of ⟨the⟩ family are as usual—and I am your friend and Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 16 August 1797
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir,
Washington August 16th 1797

I was yesterday at the Great Falls, when Frederick informed me that he could calculate with certainty upon getting two hundred bushels of Rye, and perhaps more, from 4/6 to 5/ pr bushl. The farmers will begin to get it out in a few days, and as soon as there may be enough received to make it an object to send for it, he will give me information thereof. I am, my dear Sir, most respectfully & affectionately Your obliged & sincere friend

Tobias Lear


Title: To George Washington from Harry Dorsey Gough, 17 August 1797
From: Gough, Henry (Harry) Dorsey
To: Washington, George

Sir
Perry Hall [Md.], 17th August 1797—

I had the Honor to receive this morning your Letter by Mr John Anderson. I wish it was in my power to send the Sheep you desire; some few years ago I took much Delight in that part of my Stock and brought it to great perfection, but they have unfortunately been since deseased and so much degenerated that I would not recommend their introduction on your Farm.
I flatter myself that you will excuse the liberty I take in presenting you with a Bull Calf of my improved Breed He has been for some time past marked as yours and I am very happy that Mr Anderson affords so good an opportunity of sending him to Mount Vernon. I am Sir with the greatest respect Your Obt Hbl. Servt

H. D. Gough


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Ramsay, 17 August 1797
From: Ramsay, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Balt[im]o[re] 17th Augt 1797

Your letter by Mr Anderson I received Yesterday Afternoon, before which I had sufficiently ascertained that the sheep you mentioned could be had of Mr Gough, Your Carriage therefore proceeded immediately on. Colo. Howard shewed me a letter a few days agoe in which Mr Gough expressed a wish to present you with one of his Bull Calves and requesting his advice as to the best mode of having it sent, Colo. Howard immediately returned him an Answer, that in all probability your people and Cart would be at his Seat in a few days in quest of the Sheep. So you may expect your Drove to be increased. Your Advertisement will I expect appear in tomorrows paper of Yundt & Brown which paper has the most extensive circulation.
The Telegraphe of this City was set on foot about three years ago with the avowed design of introducing into business two young Irishmen who had some relations and several acquaintances in this place. The property in the Paper was divided into six shares, one of which only was held by the Printers⟨.⟩ At least three of the other five were pretty violent Democrats, and of Course the Paper soon after its appearance partook of that Complexon. And became in a great degree a Copiest of the Aurora. One of the Partners is a French man who served as a Lieutenat or Captain in Polaskai’s Legion who married here, and is supposed to have acquired a considerable fortune by trade. An other of the Partners is a Gentleman not many years from Ireland and when there, was an active Officer in the Corps of Irish Volunteers. You can easily make an estimate of their Politics and moderation. It cannot have escaped your Notice that almost all the Emigrants from Ireland (having as I suppose been realy oppressed by Government) appear to esteem all governments as a Tyrany. The Telegra[p]he at first gave great offence to many of its supporters, several struck their names off the list of subscribers, and many more intimated their intention of so doing, It is supposed however of late, to have become much more Moderate and Candid. Wheat has sold here within a week past as high as 13/6 but it was of an extraordinary quality, about 12/6 I beleive may be rec[k]oned the general Market price. Flour is pretty brisk at 8 1/2 Dollars.
It will ever afford me the greatest pleasure to be honored with

any commands from you, and I hope you will without hesitation at all times employ me to render you any little services here which may be in my power. I am with great respect Your Obedient Humble servant

Nat. Ramsay


Title: To George Washington from William Deakins, Jr., 18 August 1797
From: Deakins, William Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Geo[rge] Town August 18th 1797

Since I had the pleasure of seeing you I have made enquiry for Rye & find no Quantity can be had at a reasonable Price our Farmers Ask one Dollar ⅌ Bushel & cannot engage to deliver it sooner than the Middle of October. I have therefore declined to make any engagements for it—I set out for the Allegany to day & will make one more ⟨mutilated⟩ to get you the Genuin Glade Oats. I am with Great Respect Dear Sir Your Obt Servt

Will. Deakins Junr


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Ramsay, 18 August 1797
From: Ramsay, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
August 18th 1797

The letter which accompanis this was wrote yesterday before your Cart had returned from Mr Gough’s. The Calf which was drove in from his House was so very much fatigued and his feet appeared so sore that I have recomme[n]ded it to Mr Anderson to give it one days rest, and its being in the same pasture with the

other one will make them somewhat acquainted, and perhaps drive better together. The Eastern Shore Calf will I expect perform the Journey without any inconveniency. The other Just coming from such abundance of Milk will I expect be more effected. There is great difference you will perceive in their Seize and weight a Certificate of which Mr Anderson carries with him, but I apprehend there will not be the same difference three month hence should you have the Curiosity to weigh them. The small one has not fell off the least since he came here but on the contrary has improved, altho’ has, or would, eat nothing but Grass. I send you some of the latest papers one of which has your Advertisement insirted in it. I am &c. &c. &c.

Nat. Ramsay


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Macdonald, 19 August 1797
From: Macdonald, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 19 Augt 1797

It gave me pleasure to be made the bearer of a volume of Reports from the British Board of Agriculture, to be presented to you on the part of the Board, and which was delivered to me for that purpose by Sir John Sinclair, with the enclosed letter—As it was only just finished at the Press when I left London, it was sent me in loose sheets which have been bound up here—Coll Innes who left town on Thursday will have the honor of delivering it.
My Colleague Mr Rich & myself, on arriving here in quality of his Majesties Commissioners under the sixth Article of the Treaty between Great Britain and the United States, had the satisfaction of finding (what indeed we had Anticipated) that we should have to Act with two Gentlemen of the first respectability under your appointment—With the Consciousness of intending well, we therefore encourage the hope that the Board, now Constituted by the Appointment of a man of just and honourable principles as fifth Commissioner, will not only do justice, but do it in a manner which may give satisfaction to both Countries—And if this shall be the result, an obstacle in the way of perfect harmony between them, more pernicious I beleive in its operation than many may have conceived, will be removed for ever.

Our amiable and able Colleague and friend Coll Innes will give you an account of our proceedings—but I am sorry to say that we have not as yet been enabled to make much use of our time—Those who will probably be very impatient after they Come before us, have hitherto delayed to present their claims; and therefore Coll Innes’s absence for some weeks which seems absolutely necessary for his health will not be attended with any inconvenience to our business—we shall however certainly refrain from doing any thing material till his return.
If Mr Rich & I make any excursion in the interval, it will be to have the honor of paying our respects at Mount Vernon—we shall do so, whenever it may happen, with other feelings than those of mere Compliment. With highest Consideration & respect I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedient humble Servant

Thos Macdonald


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 August 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia Augt 19 1797.

After messages without number, Mr Anthony has brought me your copying press with the new brass rollers, for which he has charged ten dollars more than he at first mentioned as the probable price. The reason he assigns, is the greater weight of brass,

increasing the founders bill to twenty one dollars. I have paid him, and inclose his receipt for $35, after endeavouring to reduce his demand.
The journals of congress are neatly bound as well as the laws, and are ready to be forwarded by the first conveyance: I suppose the best will be by water, which I shall enquire for.
Some gentleman in France (I suspect it may be Thomas Adams, who went to the Hague as secretary to his brother John) has written from Paris a letter to his friend in Boston, representing a material change in the French Government toward the U. States, and mentioning the opinion formed by the first advocates (or lawyers) in Paris on the printed letter to General Pinckney which last January was laid before Congress, vindicating the Government of the U. States against Mr Adet’s accusations. The extract from the letter you must have seen published in the Philadelphia papers of the present week, as copied from the Boston papers. Presuming it to have been written by Mr T. Adams, I rely on the correctness of its information. What he says of opinions formed and effects produced by the printed letter to Genl Pinckney is confirmed by the General himself, in a letter dated at the Hague the 5th of June, of which I have the pleasure to inclose an extract.
The same letter also countenances the report of the expected dismission of a number of the French ministers, for their peculations & corrupt practices. He particularly mentions the ministers of finance and marine, whose transactions are undergoing a severe scrutiny. A member of the Council of 500 has denounced the Minister of marine for a contract with a commercial house at Nantes for 60,000 quintals of wheat at 21 livres a quintal, for which the money was paid at the public treasury, where the contract and receipt were lodged. Afterwards, the Minister agreed to take only 40,000 quintals, the contractors paying the price of the other 20,000 quintals to the Minister’s private Cashier. This is the charge, which is under investigation. A pretty speculation! the 20,000 quintals, at 21 livres, amount to 70,000 French crowns!
It cannot be true that General Pinckney was invited to Paris—if he had told it to the captain of the vessel arrived at Alexandria, the General certainly would have suspended his dinner (for the newspaper says it was at dinner with the captain that he mentioned it) to have dropped me one line on so material a fact. It was by this same Alexandria vessel that I recd the General’s letter of June 5.

With regard to the disposition of the legislature, General Pinckney says what I have added to the inclosed extract.
I am informed that Genl Kosiuski arrived here last evening. I am very respectfully Sir, Yr obt Servant

T. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Heusler, 20 August 1797
From: Heusler, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Sir!
Baltimore 20th August 1797.

Agreable to your Exelencies ordre I have the honnour to informe you that I am rady to go into your service, and Dew not pretant to pointe out to you anny new Rouls, but will satisfay my self white the same apointements as your other Gardner Injoire now, only white that Tiferance, to Recive frome your Exelencies an Ecquivalent of the amaunte of seele mad Yearly which will not bee any more. I Iam persuaded that your Generosity will provid so fare for me as to be able to Leave white my familie, and to give an Aducation to my Children. I on my side will neglecte Nothing in ordre to provide for your table as plentifuly as will be necessarie. your Exelencies will bleas to give your ordrs to me what time I Cane Come, mean time I have the honnour to be white Due Respect your Exelencise Most obediant humble Servant

ant: heusler.

Bleas to Directe to Man: Heuisler Nurserie & seeds man Baltimore.


Title: From George Washington to John Searson, 20 August 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Searson, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 20th Augt 1797.

Your letter of the 2d instt came duly to hand, and I wish with all my heart you could meet with such employment as your talents are suited to; but if you cannot obtain this in Philadelphia where your character is best known, it is not likely you would succeed better where you are less acquainted, and in places less populous. There is none within my view, in this quarter, in any of the lines to which you allude; and if you look for any thing in a public way you are already in the best situation to make the application with a prospect of Success, as the President will, unquestionably, require the best testimonials that can be obtained of your fitness for Office, and these can only be had from those to whom you are known. If you are pleased to send one of your Poems to me Colo. Biddle will receive, pay, and forward it—to Sir—Yr Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: George Washington Parke Custis to GW, 21 August 1797 [letter not found]
From: Custis, George Washington Parke
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: George Washington Parke Custis to GW, 21 Aug. 1797. On 29 Aug. GW wrote “Your letter of the 21st Instt came to hand.”


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 21 August 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 21st Augt 1797

Not for any intrinsic value the thing possesses, but as a token of my sincere regard and friendship for you, and as a remembrancer of me; I pray you to accept a Wine cooler for four bottles, which Coll Biddle is directed to forward from Philadelphia (where with other articles it was left) together with this letter, to your address.
It is one of four, which I imported in the early part of my late Administration of the Government; two only of which were ever used.
I pray you to present my best wishes, in which Mrs Washington joins me, to Mrs Hamilton & the family; and that you would be persuaded, that with every sentiment of the highest regard, I remain your sincere friend, and Affectionate Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Longworth, 21 August 1797
From: Longworth, David
To: Washington, George

No. 66 Nassau Street New York Augt 21 1797

Perhaps your Excellency will be disposed to pardon, & think it a laudable ambition, which has stimulated me to endeavor to make my publication appear worthy your patronage—The whole of the materials & execution of the edition of Telemachus, now presented you, are entire american, my mode of hot pressing is on an entire new principle from that practised in Europe—under these considerations I pray your Excellency to view with a favorable eye this attempt to improve the art of printing in this (my native) Country, & to excuse the forwardness of one who has taken this opportunity of usurping the honor of subscribing himself your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Most Humble Servt

David Longworth


Title: To George Washington from Ferdinando Fairfax, 22 August 1797
From: Fairfax, Ferdinando
To: Washington, George

Respected Sir,
Shannon-hill 22d Aug: 1797.

Upon more particular Inquiry respecting the Cook of whom I was speaking to you, he is said to possess some ill qualities that might probably disqualify him for your Service; therefore it wou’d not be adviseable to calculate on getting him, if you can be otherwise supplied with a good Cook. My near neighbour Mr Robt Baylor (at whose house Mr Payton Gwynn, his master, stay’d, when up the Country) tells me that Dishonesty was the cause of his being first sold from Shirley; and that is a quality not often corrected by time.
I have only to regret being thus deprived of an opportunity of rendering some service in this business; and make this early communication to prevent suspense.
When you have made your determination, how to dispose of your Jacks, I shall esteem it a favor to be made acquainted with it. To hire for a certain price or for a share of Profits, would suit me; tho, if I could get one of the best, I would rather buy. With great respect I am, Sir, Your hble servt

Ferdno Fairfax


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 23 August 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 23rd Augt 1797

I am extremely sorry to find by your letter of the 17th instant, and the Philadelphia Gazetters of that date, that the Yellow fever has again made its appearance; and devoutly wish that it may soon be removed, from your City.
Your motive for delaying the sale of my Table furniture is not only good as it respects the yellow fever, but if you think any advantage would result from the measure, it might be delayed until the Assembling of Congress in Philadelphia; as some of the members might incline to become purchasers, if the articles are retailed. Be so good as to ask Mr Simmons what he has done with my old Coach, & make the most you can of it. I will await the publication of all the vols. of the Encyclopædia before the sett intended for my use is bound; but could wish to know when this may be expected, as I no longer possess the sett which are in boards. With esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yr Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: GW to Alexander Spotswood, 23 August 1797 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Spotswood, Alexander

Letter not found: GW to Alexander Spotswood, 23 Aug. 1797. On 13 Sept. Spotswood wrote GW: “I got from the post office your favr of the 23d of August.”


Title: To George Washington from Lawrence Augustine Washington, 23 August 1797
From: Washington, Lawrence Augustine
To: Washington, George

Dr Uncle
Berkeley Co[un]ty 23d Augt 1797

Since I had the pleasure to see you, I have become engaged to be married to a young lady near Winchester. Her name is Wood. The daughter of Mr Robt Wood. She has been brought up in the habit of domestic œconomy & industry & to consider the true excellence of a farmers wife to consist in a minute attention to the œconomy of her family & a continued reguard to her husbands

domestic interests. Tis unnecessary to add that I think her withall beautiful & of an amiable disposition.
Could your occupations permit and your inclination induce you nothing would afford me greater happiness, than to see you & family at the Wedding. It happens on the 6th of Novr next. I’ll thank you to write me by post whether I am to expect the pleasure I so much wish or not. I remain with sentiments of the truest respect & reguard Dr Uncle your affe. Nephew

Law[renc]e Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 24 August 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia Augt 24 1797.

I have to-day delivered to the Attorney General, in one packet, the two bundles of papers of reports & opinions of the Heads of Departments &c. which you left in my hands. I have delivered him another packet from Sir John Sinclair, which I received to-day from General Kosciusko; and now inclose the General’s letter to you, with another which was under the ⟨string⟩ of the packet from Sir John Sinclair.
Your journals and acts of Congress in one box, and the copying press in another, with the press board and lever tied together, are sent to Mr Hodgdon who will put them on board a packet near his store, which is a constant trader between this city and Alexandria, & which it was expected would sail this day. I will write by tomorrow’s

post to Colo. Fitzgerald, inform him of the name of the vessel & her master, and desire him to receive into his own care the articles on board for you.
The citizens are many of them alarmed about the contagious fever, and numbers are moving out of town. Mr Wolcott and family have been some time in Connecticut, his father, the Governor has been dangerously ill, and his time of life renders his recovery doubtful. Mr McHenry will move his family to-morrow or next day to Downing’s town, on the Lancaster road. I shall also move, if appearances are not more favorable, in a few days. My situation in Arch street is at present very safe, except from accidents. I have the honor to be with great respect, sir, your most obt servt

Timothy Pickering

P.S. The vessel’s name is the Harmony, a sloop—Elwood master.


Title: GW to James Craik, 26 August 1797 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Craik, James

Letter not found: GW to James Craik, 26 Aug. 1797. On 28 Aug. Craik wrote GW: “Your favour of the 26th Instant was handed me by Mr [James] Anderson.”


Title: To George Washington from William Vans Murray, 26 August 1797
From: Murray, William Vans
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
The Hague 26 Augt 1797

Though I did myself the honour of writing very lately to you, the pleasing event of which a letter this morning from Hamburgh gives a prospect, induces me rather to trespass upon your patience than to omit for a moment the intelligence that there is every reason to expect the liberation of M. Fayette.
I will extract part of Mr Williams’s (the Consul’s) letter of 22d Augt —he says that “Mr Childs who left this (Hamburgh) yesterday, on his way to Paris may have had the pleasure of informing you that the Marquis Fayette & his companions will soon be on

their route hither. The Emperor has ordered their release provided the necessary steps be taken here to convey them off the territory of the Empire to Holland or America, eight days after their arrival at Hamburgh. The Imperial minister received instructions for that purpose which he communicated to me. I am not authorised to do anything for the Marquis officially, but Mr Childs will inform you that he, Mr Jay & myself agreed to make the arrangements & provide him & his family with a passage & every necessary, if wanted. I waited on the minister yesterday, & mentioned measures we are ready to take, which, with a similar offer from Mr Parish, will, no doubt, procure an immediate release. The Marquis will probably proceed by the shortest route to Holland. His friends appear to wish it. They expect perhaps, he will soon have leave to enter France, & recover his property. But if he concluds to go to America, & the State of his health will not admit of his embarking immediately, he will no doubt, have all the indulgence he desires, & be permitted to reside at Altona. I shall render him every service in my power &c.”
Should it be in any way within my reach to render services to M. Fayette I shall seize upon the occasion both out of respect to his virtues & as an opportunity of testifying in a way the most congenial to your feelings my profound and affectionate attachment Sir to you. I am with perfect & most respectful esteem Sir Yr mo. ob. hble Sert

W. V. Murray

P.S. It will be pleasing to you Sir to know that a Treaty is agreed upon between Tunis and the U. States—but not signed—owing it is said to the illness of some great man of the court—a sum of about 170,000 Dollars will be wanting—This will be supply’d in Europe.