Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 4 June 1794
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Mount vernon June 4th 1794

               I Received your letter of the 25th of May the Cause of your drilled wheat and I[n]deed the whole Crop being so bad—Must have been from the long Drought last fall which prevented a Great Deal from Coming up and I beleive what did Come up did not Git soficient Strength to stand the winters frost—and what did live through the winter was Very much Injured this spring by the long dry spell we had—we have now rain In Great abundance the Ground Is so wet we have not been able to touch our Corn feilds this 4 days past this Seasonable Spell has made the oats Flax & Buck wheat Look thriveing and Cleaver and I am in hopes thare will be a Tollarable Crop But it Come too late for the Clover.
               Your sheep have no doubt Degenerated a Great deal and no stock Is so apt to do it as sheep with out the Greatest Care, and one Reason of your sheep Giting so bad Is I beleive from killing and Selling the Best forward Ewe lambs and keep’g the Latter small ones to breed from—and not Culling out the old ones In

                  time—but I have reason to beleive that thare Is a distempr a Mongst them for they keep Dieing yet—I have Culled them all over and taken the rams & culls and put them In a feild Seperate from the rest and will Leave none to be wintered but those that Look healthy and are likely to be brought through the winter well.
               I informed you In My last letter of the fruit Trees and thorn plants Comeing to hand, and it was Very luckey that it happend In so Seasonable a time they are Some of them buding out & I am In hopes a great many of them will live.
               I also Informd you In My last letter of the flour being sold the wet weather has prevented Its all being deliverd. I have sold the Midlings and ship stuff the first for 12/6 ⅌ cwt & the latter for 9/6 pr cwt & to pay for the Barrells.  I am Sir with the Greatest Respect your Humble Servt

                  William Pearce

                  payable In 60 days


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 4 June 1794
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Alexandria June 4th 1794

               In reading your letter that I Recevd this Evening I find you have advised me to take good security for the flour—I did Intend to mention to you that he has Given me Alexander Smyth as one of the Indorsers and Jams Duglass for the other and I am Told by Doctor Craik and Several others that the Security is good. I am Sir with the greatest respect You[r] Huml. Servt

                  William Pearce

                  P.S. I am not sure wheathr I mentiond this In my Letter of the 27th.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Dobbs Spaight, 4 June 1794
From: Spaight, Richard Dobbs
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  No. Carolina 4th June 1794

               On the 28th May I received (via Wilmington) a letter from Mr Samuel Hodgdon enclosing an invoice and bill of lading of sundry ordnance and military stores shipped by him on board the brig Noah’s Ark Captain Skinner and to be delivered at Wilmington to me or my order.  As soon as I received Mr Hodgdons letter I wrote to Coll Read the Collector of Wilmington and requested that he would be so obliging as to receive them and have them safely stored till I should receive further instructions what was to be done with them, or untill some person should be appointed whose duty it would be to take charge of them.
               The Secretary of war in his letter of the 24th April enclosed me a copy of the invoice and informed me that they had been shipped but as nothing more was said upon the subject I expected that they had been directed to the care of some person at Wilmington.
               If the sea Coast carriage is to be made use of for mounting the cannon of the fort on Beacon island it will be necessary that a model should be sent, as the one at Wilmington will be of no use on that occasion there being little or no intercourse by water between any of the ports that communicate to the sea thro’ Occacock and that place, so that an opportunity of having it shipped from thence to Occacock might not happen within twelve months.
               From the information I have received respecting the public cannon, since I informed you of those of Edenton, I find there is but a twelve pounder at Swansborough and one twelve and one eighteen pounder at Wilmington none of them mounted.

               Mr Martinon having completed his plans and estimate of the fort to be erected on Beacon island has gone on to Wilmington to fix on the place for erecting the fort on Cape Fear river. As he has sent on copies of his plans and estimate to the Secretary of war it is not necessary for me to say anything upon the subject.
               I have recommended to Mr Martinon that after he has completed his plans & put the superintendant in a proper way of building the fort on Cape Fear River he had best then alternately visit each fort that he might from time to time have an eye over each and see that the superintendants went on agreable to his plans and instructions. if the revenue cutter could convey him backwards and forwards it would be a great saving of time and perhaps of expence to the United States. The run is but short from the new inlet to Beaufort and from thence thro the sound to Occacock. the distance from where fort Johnston stood to this place by land is 130 miles and from hence to the bar 90 miles. I am with respect sr &ca

                  R.D. Spaight


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 June 1794
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                  War department June 5th 1794

               The Secretary of War respectfully reports the following matters and things arising out of the Acts passed the present session, as necessary to be performed within the Department of War, in addition to those specified in a report on the 10th of April 1794.
               First. The execution of the law for the fortification of Annapolis, about which some previous measures have been taken.
               Second. The raising the corps of the Artillerists and Engineers.
               Third. Any regulation which may be necessary in pursuance of the laws for detaching eighty thousand militia.
               Fourth. The completion of the naval arrangements, such as
               1. Deciding on the sizes of the frigates.

               2. Deciding on the places at which they shall be built.
               3. The execution of the law relatively to gallies.
               To these are to be added the measures necessary to be taken with respect to the south western frontiers.

                  H. Knox secy of war


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 5 June 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

                  [5 June 1794]

               The Secretary of State has the honor of reporting to the President of the United States upon the Laws of the present session of Congress, That the following are memoranda of all the Laws yet printed.
               1. The alteration of the flag.
               2. The relief of the Inhabitants of St Domingo—what remains to be executed is to obtain a credit with the French Republic; with which Mr Monroe will be charged.
               3.	Relief of Thomas Jenkins.
               4.	Alteration of the Mint Law.
               5.	Remission of Duties of French Vessels.
               6.	Appropriation-Law.

               7.	Foreign intercourse—The President has called upon the Secretary of the Treasury to arrange this.
               8.	Loan of a Million of Dollars—The President has given powers for this purpose.
               9.	The defence of the Ports and Harbors. This is understood to have been provided for by the President.
               10. Appropriations for the War Department.
               11. Prohibiting the slave trade.
               12. Providing a naval armament. This is understood to have been settled by the President.
               13. Payment to Major General La Fayette—The Secretary of the Treasury has been requested to forward the money to Mr Pinckney.
               14. Erecting arsenals. In war Department.
               15. Relief of Stephen Paranque.
               16. Jurisdiction of the fœderal courts.
               17. Change of place for holding Congress—Eventual power in the President.
               18. Placing Buoys.
               19. Relief of Leffert Lefferts.
               20. Authorizing Ephraim Kimberly to locate a Land Warrant—At a future day, the President may grant a patent.
               21. Destroyed Certificates.
               22. Colonel Tousard.
               23. Post-Office—The appointment of a Post-Master on the first of June.
               24. Prohibiting exportation of Arms.
               25. Lighthouses on Cape Hatteras &c. The President is to approve certain contracts of the Secretary of the Treasury.
               26. Remission of Duties to Elliott &c.
               27. Anapolis Harbor to be fortified. The President to direct this to be done.
               28. Detachments of the Militia. This Law is to be executed by the President.
               29. Corps of Artillerists. The President is to direct the execution of this
               30. Lighthouse in Maine. The like steps to be taken by the President as in No. 25.
               31. Adjournment of Courts.
               32. Fulwar Skipwith. The President to cause payment.

               33. Relief of Reuben Smith &c.
               So that the attention of the President is not called to any of the preceding laws, except
               No. 3—Destined for Colo. Monroe
               7—Already settled, as far as it can be.
               8. Already executed by the President.
               9. For the War-Department.
               12. For the War-Department.
               14. For the War-Department.
               17. Eventual for the President; but not yet required.
               20. Eventual for the President; but not yet required.
               23. To appoint a Post-Master.
               25. For the Secretary of the Treasury.
               27. For the War-Department.
               28. For the War-Department.
               29. For the War-Department.
               30. For the Treasury Department
               32. For the Department of State.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 6 June 1794
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                  sir
                  6th June 1794

               The letter to General Wayne herewith submitted being of great importance I concluded it ought not to be transmitted until you had full time to consider its contents, and to approve or disapprove the same or direct alterations therein.  Opportunities will occur in the beginning of next week for its transmission. I have the honor to be respectfully your Obedient Servant

                  H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 7 June 1794
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  City of Washington June 7th 1794

               Having many reasons for wishing an interview with you at this meeting we cannot but express our regret at the Circumstances which have prevented it.
               We have the pleasure to inform you that it will be in our power from the Arrangements we have made with Mr Peter, the Proprietor of the Square on which your lots lie to accomodate you agreeably to your desire with the whole Square.
               The indisposition of Mr Johnsons family prevents his meeting us at present; as there are many matters which require the

                  consideration of a full board in a short time we have fixed on the 20th of this month for that purpose. we are with great respect Your obedt Servts

                  Dd Stuart
                  Danl Carroll


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 7 June 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

                  Sir,
                  Philadelphia June the 7. 1794.

               I approve of the plan proposed in your letter of the 4 inst. namely, that a power for making a loan of 800,000 dollars be lodged in Holland, to be used at the time specified in that letter. When the business of Algiers is arranged, it will be seen, whether it be proper to give the premium of two per cent for an engagement to have the loan ready when it is wanted. The remaining 200,000 dollars may be reserved for the other purposes of foreign intercourse.
               I presume that the power, which you design for Mr Adams, will be of the same kind with that formerly given to his predecessor Mr Short. I wish you to have the two powers prepared in conformity wlth this letter.

                  Geo: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Mrs. William Osborne, 7 June 1794
From: Osborne, Mrs. William
To: Washington, George

                  Respected Sir,
                  Philada June 7th 1794

               Since the death of my husband William Osburn, your late Servant, Certain circumstances have happened which make it necessary for me to address you; hoping your known Character for justice and equity will excuse the liberty I take, as I am a poor Widow, and in, (to me) a strange Country—Without farther intruding on your time, I shall briefly relate my situation.
               When I returned from Bushhill Hospital, I applied to your steward, (Mr Fraunces) and demanded from him, my husbands Cloaths; He promised to let me have them, but when I brought a person to carry them away, Mr Fraunces informed me, that he had received written Orders from you to detain them, for you had made him, (Mr Fraunces) a present of them—and likewise directed him to apply to a person, who had some property of my husbands, and stop the same.  Being much surprized at Mr Fraunces’s Conduct, and in great Distress, I applied to the Housekeeper, for some things to cover me from the inclemency of the weather, and she permitted me to take my husbands great coat, but with a promise, to let Fraunces know nothing of it—I found the Trunk which Contained his Cloaths, Books Papers &ca had been opened during his illness, and a number of things taken away, amongst the rest three pair of Silk Hose belonging to you, which last Articles I informed the Butler, previous to my going to Bushhill were in my husbands possession and that if I lived to return to Town I would leave in care of the Housekeeper—I took a few things out of the Trunk amongst which was a pair of Pistols—In some days after I asked Fraunces for my Husbands Kneebuckles, who abused me very much with

                  bad language and said I stole your Pistols—This was the first time I had heard that the Pistols belonged to you—However Sir, on hearing that they were yours I immediately went & delivered them to Fraunc<es> who abused me with language worse than before—About two weeks ago I asked Mr Fraunces for my husbands Kneebuckles again, but was called by him Thief, Rogue and such other names, as are not Sir, proper to mention—Add to this, my husband’s Accompt book was taken from the Trunk with several other things of value to me.
               Mr Fraunces has said, that my husband was indebted to him in the sum of Fifty dollars, which I am certain Sir, is false. Mr Osburn agreed to give Mr Fraunces 3 dollars for a barrel of pickles, which, on my return from Bushhill he was for charging Six dollars for the same, but as we never had the Pickles, I am of the Opinion we had no right to pay Mr Fraunces for them—And this Sir, is all, and the only dealing that my husband ever had with Fraunces to my knowledge.
               My husband informed me previous to his death, that he had received One hundred Dollars from you, but indeed Sir, I know not what became of the same, as his death, and my being ill of the yellow fever prevented me from knowing what became of any property we had in possession, before, or at that time, but this I will venture to say, that Mr Fraunces’s Character for honesty and attention to you Sir, was not to be compared to William Osburne’s.
               I beg leave then to pray Sir, that as my husbands Cloaths and Trunk, were in the House, and in care of Mr Fraunces, you will please to notice the matter, and grant me such relief, as to your goodness may seem just, and you will confer a lasting obligation on a poor Widow, and your much distressed humble & obt Servant

                  <C.> Osborne


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 7 June 1794
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

                  Gentlemen of the Senate,
                  United States 7. June 1794.

               I nominate Amos Marsh, to be Attorney for the United States in the District of Vermont, vice Stephen Jacobs, resigned;
               Jabez G: Fitch, to be marshal of the District of Vermont; vice Lewis R. Morris, resigned, and
               Alexander Duvernet, to be Vice-Consul for the United States at Paris.

                  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 8 June 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

                  Mr Pearce,
                  Philadelphia June 8th 1794.

               Your letters of the 4th instt accompanying the reports, came duly to hand; & by the Post of tomorrow I was in hopes I should have been able to inform you of the day I should leave this for Mount Vernon—but the case is otherwise—Congress are yet in Session, and although they talk of rising tomorrow, this may not be the case, and if it were other business will claim my attention for some days after the adjournment. You will continue therefore to write, & send the weekly reports to me as usual.
               If Lambs of any kind, have been sold from my flocks of Sheep, it has not only been done without my consent, but expressly

                  contrary to my orders. And sure I am, the money for which they were sold never found its way into my pockets; nor is there credit for it in any accounts I have seen. So far has it been from my practice, or policy to sell off the forward ewe lambs, that, in order to prevent it, I would not suffer any lambs to be disposed of at all unless it was the very latter runts. My plan, while it was in my power to attend to these matters myself, was, to be sparing of the lambs even for my own table & never to kill the females; to keep the ewe lambs (especially the latter ones) from the Rams the first year—to seperate the Rams from the ewes at sharing time (to be returned at a proper season)—and, at sharing time also, to cull over, & remove to a pasture by themselves, all the sheep above a certain age, and all such as appeared to be upon the decline, that, after receiving the summers run, & such aid as could otherwise be afforded them, they might be disposed of to the Butchers; reserving enough for the use of the family. If lambs have been disposed of contrary to this plan, it has been done by the knavery of those who have availed themselves of the opportunities my absence has afforded them, to do it. It might be well therefore for you to enquire by whom lambs have been sold, and as you will see by the written agreements with my Overseers that they are not allowed to sell even a fowl, to charge them in explicit terms, not to depart from it.  The granting them this indulgence, was for their comfort on the farm; but they have no right to raise any thing thereon, of any sort, or kind whatsoever, for sale. If therefore, as the practice of this sort is contrary to agreement, they presume to sell one thing they may, and will be suspected of selling every thing they can do with impunity. This reminds me, of what has often been in my intention to write about, & that is Mr Stuarts selling Butter. He is, I well remember, allowed a certain part of the butter that is made on the farm, of course is entitled to the butter or the value of it; but to avoid suspicion, he had better, both on his own account & mine, after taking out what he uses in his own family (and which he ought to account for) send all that is made, besides, to the mansion house; and, as it will go from thence to market, let him be allowed for his proportion the price it sells at. Besides avoiding suspicion & evil reports, another good will be derived from this practice, & that is, that it will supercede the necessity of his wife’s—or any other person’s running to Alexandria to

                  dispose of this article, or to enquire into the price of it. That Mr Stuarts conduct in this business has not escaped censure you will see by the enclosed; but as I never entertained an unfavorable opinion of him, and always a very bad one of Green, I never mentioned the report to the former although, when the latter gave the information, I told him to commit what he had to say to writing, charging him at the same time to say nothing that he could not prove, as he might bring himself into a scrape if he did.  I have no doubt of Mrs Stuarts having furnished Butter for McKnights Tavern, & if the quantity bears any proportion to what is asserted in the paper, that it has been fraudulently done. The account, I presume is exagerated, otherwise instead of being content with one fourth (which if my memory serves me, is the part allowed him) he must have taken three fourths of it, at least. But be the report true or false, it still shows the necessity of the measure I have advised, In the first case, to guard me against such impositions; and in the second, to secure his own character against suspicion & calumny.
               Mrs Fanny Washington writes that the Cellar of my House in Alexandria wants paving, & to be drained, as it is very damp.  Let the first be done at any rate, and the latter if it shall appear necessary, as I presume it is. You had better buy smooth, & well burnt bricks in Town than to carry them up. This job will afford another week for Davis and his attendants; when one man, in this City, would begin & finish it (the materials being on the spot) in half a day.
               A Mr Oneil from Chester County in this state, will be at Mount Vernon by the time, or soon after this letter will have reached you. He has a great opinion of a freestone quarry near my lime kiln, but a little up the Branch called Hell hole; & I have authorised him to open it at his own expence; but have told him that if you have a hand or two that could be spared, & he would allow the same for them by the day, or month, that he gives to others, I had no objection to your doing it.  I am to be at no expence or trouble with him, and he has assured me, that the hands he takes from hence with him, shall be sober, honest, & well behaved. If Tom Davis & Muclus could be spared from necessary work, they had best go; for numbers will add nothing to the dispatch of my work whilst it is under the immediate inspection & direction of Thos Green; who, it appears indispensably necessary to me,

                  should be superceded the moment you can get a good workman in whom confidence can be placed to Overlook them; for the manner in which my Carpenters idle away their time, is beyond all forbearance. Twelve Carpenters in this City, would have built every house that is on my lot in Alexandria (from the foundation) in less time than mine were employed in the few repairs they received; but from the habits of idleness which they have contracted, and the bad examples of Green, nothing better I am sure is to be expected from them while they are under his management. I am Your friend &ca

                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 8 June 1794 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 8 June 1794. On 15 June, GW wrote Pearce: "Your letter of the 8th with its enclosures I received yesterday."


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 9 June 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,
                  Treasy Dept [Philadelphia] June 9. 1794.

               I have the honor to send herewith sundry papers which relate to the Petition of William Martin & contain full information on the subject. Upon the whole as Mr Martin is undoubtedly an innocent sufferer, I incline to the opinion that a pardon may be adviseable which would operate to remit one half the penalty incurred.  With perfect respect &c.

                  A. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 9 June 1794
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                  Sir.
                  Philadelphia, 9th June 1794.

               I have the honor to transmit, for your information, a copy of a Report from the Master Warden of the Port of Philadelphia, stating the arrival of the Schooner Flora, Captain Westerhock, a Dutch Privateer, mounting ten Four-pounders.
               As the 22nd Article of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, between the United States and France, provides that it shall not be lawful for any foreign privateers, who have commissions from any other Prince or State, in enmity with either nation, even to purchase victuals, in the Ports of the respective nations, except such as shall be necessary for their going to the next Port of that Prince, or State, from which they have commissions, I have directed the attention of the Master Warden to the subject (as you will perceive by the enclosed Copy of my letter to that Officer) and, if any other measures are to be pursued on my part, I will be happy to receive your Intentions thereon.  I am, with perfect respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble servt.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 9 June 1794
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                  Dear Sir
                  Philada June 9th 1794

               The multiplicity of my engagements did not hinder me from Considering in conjunction with Mr Greenleaf the Contents of your letter of the 26th of last Month, altho those engagements occupied me too much to admit of an earlier reply.
               We viewed and considered the proposition you were pleased to make, several times, and finally came to the conclusion, that due regard to our own interests would not admit of our acquiescence, The price or value being fixed so high in our estimation as not to admit of that reward for the use of our resources, which many other objects now offer. I return therefore all the Papers herewith & also a Copy of the Great Kanahwa & other Survey’s. I am sorry that we cannot be the purchasers, the price so far exceeding our expectations puts it out of our power to make an offer I must however in justice observe that Your prices are such as may probably be obtained by selling the property in detail but even in that way there could be no chance of our obtaining the Compensation which a variety of other pursuits offer to us. With the most perfect Esteem & respect I am Dr sir Your obedt hble servt

                  Robt Morris


Title: From George Washington to the Cabinet, 10 June 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Cabinet

                  Philadelphia June 10th 1794.

               It is my wish to set off for Mount Vernon on Monday next.  With some inconvenience to myself, it might be delayed until Wednesday; beyond which the purposes of my journey would, in a great measure, be defeated by further delay. I therefore desire that everything which requires my attention in your Department previous to my absence, may be laid before me with as much promptitude as the case will admit of.

                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 10 June 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,
                  Treasury Dept June 10 1794.

               I have the honor of submitting herewith to the President the draft of a power to borrow One million of dollars, by virtue of the Act passed the 9 instant, intitled "an Act making appropriations for certain purposes therein expressed.["]
               I need only observe as to the necessity of making the loan, that the objects for which the Act provides will call for immediate expenditures—and that the funds contemplated will only accrue from revenues to be collected in future. With perfect respect, I have the honor to be &c.

                  A. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 10 June 1794
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                  Sir.
                  Philadelphia, 10th June 1794.

               I have the honor to transmit, for your information, a Copy of the Supplementary Report of the Master Warden, relatively to the Schooner Flora, mentioned in my letter of Yesterday’s date: and to be, with perfect respect, Sir, Your most Obed. Hble serv.

                  Tho. Mifflin


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 11 June 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,
                  Treasury Dept June 11. 1794.

               The second instalment on the loan of two millions of Dollars, made of the Bank of the United States, having become due in the month of December last, I have the honor to request that you will be pleased to authorise me, to carry into effect an Act of Congress passed this Session, entitled, "an Act providing for the payment of the second instalment due on a loan made of the Bank of the United States."  With perfect respect &c.

                  Alex. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 11 June 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,
                  Treas’y Dept June 11. 1794.

               I have the honor to communicate a letter of the 19 of May from the Collector of Charleston with it’s enclosures—which announce a very exceptionable & dangerous interference, by certain Citizens of that place, with the Government, Treaties and lawful authorities of the U. States—and to be with the highest respect &c.

                  Alex. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 11 June 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                  Treasury Dept June 11. 1794.

               The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the consideration of the President the enclosed communication from the Commissioner of the Revenue respecting two mooring chains for the river Delaware, with his opinion that it will be for the public interest to ratify it.

                  A. Hamilton

                  The draft of an authorisation for paying the second instalment of the two million Loan of the Bank of the U. States is also submitted.


Title: To George Washington from Anonymous, 12 June 1794
From:
To: Washington, George

                  [c.12 June 1794]

               The genius and spirit of the constitution of the United States requires, not only that the government should be administered for the general good of the people, but that the mode of doing it, and the instruments employed in it, should be accomodated to the general Will. This general Will is properly declared by general suffrage so far as the choice of the administrators of the government is placed within its control; and it is one of the happy circumstances which has thus far attended the exercise of this constitution that the supreme executive magistrate has been chosen by not only the general, but the universal suffrage and approbation of the citizens of this extensive confederated republic. No one can doubt the purity of the intentions of such a magistrate in the appointment of such ministerial agents and subordinate officers as the constitution submits to his choice: But it is hardly possible that he should possess sufficient information of the general opinion, concerning the characters of individuals, to insure universal approbation of the selections he makes for these purposes. His means of information in this respect are, perhaps, more circumscribed, and often less pure, than those of many others. The persons with whom he converses, tho’ perhaps not intentionally corrupt, are generally more liable to be misled by views of self-interest, particular friendships, family connections, party prejudices, l’esprit du corps, and other motives in which the general welfare is either placed in the back ground, or tinged with colorings which change its proper appearance. Intentions the most upright are not a certain protection from delusions of this kind, because they often steal into the mind unobserved by the person on whom they operate, and give a bias to his opinions and conduct, of which he is insensible and unaware.

                  They place objects in a different point of view from that in which they are seen by others, which often gives them an appearance more or less amiable than their true merits or demerits deserve.
               In times of tranquility and confidence, the public attention is but little called to the administration of government. Its municipal aspect is then the principal object of observation, and while that appears fair and smooth, external objects are examinied but by a small proportion of the citizens, and with little emotion. Hence the appointments to offices under the present constitution, have generally been acquiesced in without much apparent censure, tho’ some exceptions cannot wholly have escaped your notice. At present, however, external Objects attract the attention of every one. A new and important crisis in the affairs of the United States seems to be at hand. Important appointments will become necessary, as well to supply vacancies which may happen by removal or promotion, as to fill stations which the exigency of the times may demand. The public mind is highly excited, anxious, jealous, and watchful of every movement of Administration. We are in danger of being again involved in a contest with a nation from whose thraldom we have lately escaped by exertions and hazards which left few characters untried. In those days of trial, zeal in the common cause, fidelity in the execution of public trusts, and whatever is fairly comprehended in the term Patriotism, were deemed marks of fitness for public employment; public confidence sickened at the appearance of opposite qualities in persons raised to public stations, whatever might be their wealth, connections, or circumstances in other respects; and whoever availed himself of the advantages of a public station to enrich himself beyond the fair savings of his stipulated pay, was reprobated as unworthy of public trust.
               It was the natural and reasonable expectation of the patriots by whose zealous exertions and contributions the revolution was effected, whose disinterested services in the common cause had rather impoverished than enriched them, that when the new form of government was established, the honors and emoluments of office would have been distributed amongst them. But the rust of time and change of circumstances, seem to have obliterated in a considerable degree the marks of distinction then established, and permitted other criteria to govern in the choice of many of the public servants. Wealth, however obtained, spread

                  a splendid covering over all defects: It gives a glare of merit and consequence to the possessor, even in the eyes of those from whom it may have been plundered, and by its influence, merges in obscurity the means by which it was acquired. Honest means of acquiring wealth have been very little in the power of men in public employments. And yet how has the wealth of many men in office been acquired?  The zealous and most honest friends of the revolution bore so much of the burthen and expence of it, that their resourses were generally exhausted. Most of their property was in possession of the public; and the delay in appreciating the public debt, brought upon them necessities which wrested the greater part of the evidences of it out of their hands before it obtained a fourth part of its value, and turned it into a source of enormous profit to those who had preserved their property by abstaining from the hazards of the contest, or by more openly opposing the revolution. It is not here intended to censure those who thus availed themselves of advantages so palpably placed before them. They are on this occasion contrasted with more patriotic characters, with another view, which it is presumed will not pass unnoticed. How many of these patriotic characters have been thus shoved out of their proper rank in society, whose merits remain unrewarded and unnoticed, while objects less worthy are enjoying the sunshine of public favor and emolument.
               There was a time, however, when the utmost expectation of those unworthy citizens who either opposed the revolution, or withheld their aid from those who atchieved it, was, to be protected from priviate insults and public punishments for their delinquency, and to be permitted to enjoy the wealth thus saved, or thus acquired, in the private walks of life. They did not then dream of possessing a weighty influence in the administration of the government, and much less of being themselves placed in stations of high honor and public trust. But, Alas! the scene is changed. They have obtained an influence which cannot fail to be disgusting to many worthy patriots whose spoils they are now enjoying. The avenues to preferment and public employment are so much in their possession that their passport or approbation seems to be necessary to an entrance into them, and he who will not stoop to the means of obtaining such passport, has little chance, whatever may be his real merit, of appearing to the

                  supreme magistrate in a fair or just point of view. Hence many worthy citizens, disdaining to receive as favors thro’ such hands, what they have at least a common right to expect without such intervention, are kept at an improper distance, and must either bewail their mortifying situation under the shade of secrecy, or be stigmatized thro’ the influence of these usurpers as factious opposers of the government. They are mortified at seeing the goodly heritage acquired by their virtuous efforts and those of their ancestors and late compatriots, placed so much in the hands of men in whose honesty they have not satisfactory confidence; whose principles they believe to be selfish, regarding the public good no farther than they can render it subservient to their private interest or aggrandisement—Whose attaachment to the present constitution is attracted only by the opportunity it affords them of fluttering round the blaze of power, and would be still more strongly attracted by an higher toned aristocracy, or even a despotic form of government. Such men always hover in crouds round the depositaries of power wherever placed, and always, if permitted, nestle themselves and their friends into every place in administration in such manner as to prevent men of more modesty and virtue from being seen or regarded. Men of true republican principles have generally too much republican pride to enter the lists of competition with such characters. They are willing to serve the public when properly called upon, but they deem this kind of scrambling for office incompatible with propriety and dangerous to the public welfare, especially when, if a man of independent sentiments happens to obtain an office, his principles must either be relinquished or concealed, or his situation is made too irksome to be tenable with satisfaction.
               Are not these powerful causes of dissatisfaction?  It is not, however, against the constitution that this disatisfaction is pointed: For altho’ there were circumstance<s> which induced the real revolutionists to examine it at first with a cautious, and perhaps with a jealous eye, they have since become its most steady friends, and firmest supporters. As yet this dissatisfaction has been confined within governable boundaries by that veneration and respect for the man of their choice which glows in every bosom and cherishes confidence in his merit and patriotism. This, and this only, has hitherto repressed the fermentation of those seeds of discontent which are widely scattered. But they are

                  increasing, and, in a soil so fertile that, if not eradicated, they cannot fail to produce unpleasant fruit. The early and steady friends of the revolution, who are also the real friends and supporters of our excellent constitution, have the confidence of the great body of yeomanry in the country and of the people in cities. And yet how few of them, in proportion to their numbers, are found in the court calendar!
               Think of these things, I beseech you, sir, and examine them with candor. If you do justice to the writer you will believe that his motives are friendly to your fame and honor, and to the public welfare. The former he trusts is sufficiently evinced by the communication being made immediatly to yourself, without the inspection of any other eye. The latter will be inferred from the complection and tendency of the matter. And that he has no sinister views or personal expectations from it, may fairly be inferred from the obcurity in which he has carefully concealed himself.


Title: To George Washington from Francis Deakins, 12 June 1794
From: Deakins, Francis
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Montgomery County [Md.] 12th June 1794

               Upon the Rect of your Letter of the 1st of this Inst. I examined into the Trespass on your part of Woodstock & find there has latly been five or Six Timber trees & Some few House Loggs taken from it by others not the Tenants—I have now gave ful Notice which is your part & that I am Authorised & shall exact on the Smallest Trespass whatever in future—there was Six Tenants on the whole tract when you became situat’d in it & Still are each at 1500 lb. Crop Tobo the Tax on the land & 20/. to be paid to Mr Jones for Superintending ⅌ year—the Annual Amt 9000 lb. Tobo Clear, & I find there is about 16000 lb. now due for the years 1792 & 93—9000 lb. of which Mr Jones Assuers me Shall Certainly be paid to my Brother W. Deakins before the 20th Augt next in Compliance of Col. Mercers order to you & yours to W. Deakins for half the Rents of 1792 & 93.
               The widow Beall the widow McDaid & John Warring are the three Tenants on your part at the afsd Rents which I think is as high as Common & as they can aford to give—the Fields has

                  been Closly worked & Constant for 12 or 13 years yet give Tolerable Crops—their improvments but indifferent—each a Small Logged Dwelling house or two with a Logd Barn perhaps 24 or 30 feet Squar—no fruit trees of any Consiquence—I Judg there is about one half of your part under Cultivation & the other in woods.
               As Mr Jones has & Still recieves the Rents for Mr Spriggs Family, & his Salary fixed on the Tenants, I have desired him to Continue to Collect yours hereafter & Lodg it in Wm Deakins Hands where it may be more Convenient for your order than in mine—he promises it Shall be don by the Month of Augt Annually—I shall also do myself the Satisfaction to take the necessary care—of it in every respect for you—Mr Bernard Oneill has purchased a Seat in this Neighbourhood & intends to move to it in the Fall of next year—Shud yr place then be to rent & you prefer Cultivating wheat with a small propotion of Corn on it to the Common mode of planting he will be glad to get it & ingage to put it into one Farm of 300 A. to Clear no more & only Cultivate one half of the 300 acres Annually So as to have a regular Change & to pay the Rents the three Tenants now pay—I am Sir with the Due Respect yr Obedt Sert

                  Francis Deakins


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 12 June 1794
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                  sir
                  [Philadelphia] 12 June 1794

               I have the honor to submit sundry communications from Jas Seagrove, and also a letter from Governor Moultrie—May 29th.  I am sir respectfully your humble Servant

                  H. Knox


Title: Henry Knox to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 13 June 1794
From: Knox, Henry
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

                  June 13. 1794

               Genl Knox’s Compliments to Mr Dandridge and requests he will submit to the President the enclosed draft and also Captain Hills instructions respecting a proper spot for the erection of Arsenals.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 13 June 1794
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Philadelphia 13th of June 1794

               I think it proper to communicate the letters which I have received from the western Counties representing the hostile proceedings of the Indians, in that quarter and the dissatisfaction of the Citizens at the suspension of the Presqu’isle establishment in compliance with your request.  As I wish to answer these letters by to morrows post I have for the sake of dispatch transmitted the originals which you will be pleased to return as soon as you have perused them. I take the liberty to request, likewise, that those parts of this Correspondence which are of a private nature may be considered as a Confidential communication. I am with perfect respect, Sir, Yr Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

                  T.M.

                  list of original letters above referred to.
                  No. 1. The Presqu’-isle Commissioners to the Govr—5 June 1794
                  No. 2. Genl Gibson to the Govr 6 June 1794
                  No. 3. Capt. Denny to the Gov. 4 June 1794
                  No. 4. Brig[ad]e Insp. of Allegheney to the Govr 6 June 94
                  No. 5. Brig. Insp. of  Westm[oreland] to the Govr 5 June 94
                  No. 6. Andw Ellicot to the Secretary.
                  No. 7. From Wm Jack to the Govr 6 June 1794
                  No. 8. From Genl Irvine to the same—3d June ’94
                  Note—In this last letter are sent, a part of Genl Wilkins’s Narrative to Genl Irvine and a Copy of a Letter from Jno. Obail to Lieut John Polhemus.


Title: From George Washington to Cherokee Chiefs and Warriors, 14 June 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Cherokee Chiefs and Warriors

                  My Children,
                  Philadelphia June 14th 1794

               I am glad to see you and take you by the hand after so long a Journey. I rejoice that you are all in good health and bid you heartily welcome to this City.
               I am made acquainted with the talks you have had with the Secretary of War, You may depend upon what he may say to you in my behalf.
               My Children
               I am very sorry that since I took some of you and others of your nation by the hand about two years ago in this City that disturbances and hostilities have happened between your nation and some of the White Inhabitants upon the frontiers.  It is unnecessary for me to enter upon the particulars of those unhappy events, as we now mean to bury deep and forever the red hatchet of War. Let us therefore forget past events let us endeavour to find out the means by which the path between us shall be kept open and secure from all harm You must restrain your bad young Men from stealing of horses and murdering our frontier people. Unless you have force sufficient for this purpose peace will never be established. The frontier people will not suffer their property to be stolen, much less will they suffer their friends to be murdered, without seeking satisfaction.
               We shall endeavor to keep in order the White young Men and prevent their doing you any injury.
               The Secretary of War has spoken to you my mind about the

                  lands upon Cumberland. These have been confirmed by the two treaties of Hopewell in 1785 and of Holstein in 1791—More than ten thousand people are seated on these lands and they cannot be removed.
               The treaties which have been made cannot be altered. The boundaries which have been mentioned must be marked and established so that no disputes shall happen or any white people cross over it.
               But in order to convince you that the United States are desirous that you and your families should be comfortably clothed, your annual allowance of One thousand five hundred dollars will be increased to the amount of five thousand dollars yearly. The Secretary of War will consult you for the purpose of furnishing you with the articles which shall be most acceptable to your nation and you shall take the amount of one Years allowance home with you. Besides this quantity which will be for the whole Nation, I have directed that you who are present, and your families should be well clothed and well treated in all respects.
               This liberal allowance independent of all former considerations will be of much greater value to the whole nation than could possibly be obtained by Hunters from off the small plots of Ground upon Cumberland or elsewhere which any of you may be desirous of having returned.
               The Secretary of War will endeavor to find an Agent who shall reside among you in the heart of your nation to advise you in all cases and to protect you from all injuries.
               Anything further which you may have to say you will communicate to the Secretary of War in whose charge I leave you being obliged myself to go to Virginia.  He will take care to have you returned to your nation with the goods which shall be provided for you.

                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 14 June 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                  [c.14 June 1794]

               The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President. He had thought that the appointment of a Supervisor for pennsylvania might without inconvenience be deferred ’till the return of the President, & therefore deferred mentioning it.  But on more particular reflection as a new revenue year commences with the first of July, he believes it would be of use to accelerate the appointment.
               The persons who have more particularly occurred to the enquiries of the Secretary (and his enquiries have been particular & extensive)—are General Hand, now an Inspector, Colo. Henry Miller of York County, Charles Biddle of this City, Colo. Francis Nichols, M: Clarkson mayor & Major Lenox.
               General Hand from situation wou’d claim particular consideration. But the Secretary with much esteem for that Gentleman on all personal accounts is obliged in duty to say that he has been so materially defective in the execution of his present office as to forbid an assurance that the superior one would be executed by him with due attention & exertion. And it is of vast consequence to the revenue & to the Government that no mistake should be committed in the present choice.

               Of the persons named, Colo. Miller, all circumstances considered, has the judgment of the Secretary in his favour. All agree that he is a man of good character of friendly dispositions to the Government & Laws of the U. States—of industry, exertion, address & distinguished firmness—of adequate, tho’ not superior ability, and most likely of any man on whom equal dependence can be placed, to have weight in the most refractory scene of this State. He is also a man of decent property unembarrassed. Among those who warmly recommend him is Mr Ross, Senator of this State—who lives in one of the most western Counties.
               Mr Biddle has many things in his favor. perhaps he has more ability than any of the persons named, and no doubts are entertained of his firmness, activity or attention. His connections and influence are principally among the malcontents. But most persons who have been consulted entertain an unfavorable impression of his political principles, & think there is not full assurance that he would not sacrifice the duties of his station & the interests of the Government to party considerations. He was named by the Democratic Society vice President—which he has it seems neither accepted nor publicly disavowed. Several attach an idea of cunning & duplicity to the character. One good judge of characters thinks favorably of his principles & that reliance may be placed. But the result of a comprehensive inquiry is that there would be hazard in the appointment and the case is believed to be one in which nothing ought to be hazarded.
               Colo. Nichols & Major Lenox stand nearly on a level—both men of adequate understanding, honorable characters, some property, undoubted firmness, & probable exertion, but on the last point there is greater assurance of Major Lenox. But neither of these gentlemen seem to have that extensive notoriety & popularity of character which is desirable to assist the progress of disagreeable laws. In this particular Mr Miller or Mr Biddle has greatly the advantage.
               Mr Clarkson has several things in his favor, perhaps rather more ability than most of the other persons. But he wants bodily activity, which may be a point of consequence & he is said to be much embarrassed in his circumstances.
               The Secretary has committed these remarks to writting not wishing to intrude on the President today, & desirous of placing the subject immediately before him.

               If he should conclude on the person before he leaves town it is requested that he would leave a Commission signed but not completed in order that it may be previously ascertained whether Mr Miller will accept.
               Sunday June 14. 1794.
               Among the persons who have been consulted is the Attorney General. He gave a preference to Mr Miller. His knowledge of State-characters is diffusive & accurate.  Mr Miller was lately a very promising candidate for the place of Senator in the Senate of the U. States.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 14 June 1794
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,
                  Philada June 14th 1794.

               I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Answer (communicated in a letter from the Secretary of War dated this day—) to my letter of the 13th instant, stating that the reasons, which induced your opinion relatively to the Suspension of the Presqu’ isle establishment, continue to operate, and have not been weakened by any information since receiv’d.
               The nature of the trust reposed in me by the Act of the General Assembly, the dissatisfaction which a Suspension of the proceedings of the Commissioners has excited, and the Ambiguity of some of the expressions contained in the Secretary’s letter, seem to demand an early explanation of the principles, that have regulated my Conduct upon this occasion.
               As it is the peculiar province of the Legislature to Judge of the policy of the laws, it wou’d be thought, perhaps, an Act of Supererrogation on my part, were I to attempt to enumerate the Various motives, which Suggested and Justify the Act for laying out a Town at Presqu’ isle: but I may be indulged in observing, generally, that the Maintenance of a System for the Sale and Settlement of the public lands (by which a sufficient revenue had been produced to exonerate the State from the pressure of her debts) and the Obligation of the Government to Strengthen the means of protecting our distant frontier, might fairly be considered by the Representatives of Pensylvania, as very cogent inducements to the measure, which they contempleated. W<ith a r>ight Acquired by honest purchase, either to advance, or to decline, the establishment of a Town at Presqu’ isle, the expediency of

                  exercising that right, must have formed the principal subject of Consideration: And, when we reflect, that the Consequences of a rupture with the Six Nations, wou’d in a peculiar manner be injurious to the Citizens of this State, we must presume that the Legislature either thought that the improvement of our Territory in that Quarter cou’d not be Obnoxious to the Indians, or that the projected establishment wou’d afford the most effectual defence against that hostile disposition, which even the Northern Tribes had previously manifested, for reasons certainly unconnected with our plan of Settlement. Nor cou’d a Collision of the State, and Fœderal Jurisdictions have been Anticipated, as naturally flowing from the measure; since it was rather to be expected by the Legislature, that, independently of the Constitutional Obligation of the Union to protect all its Members in the enjoyment of their respective territorial rights, the Fœderal Government was, in this instance peculiarly bound to maintain the Title and occupancy of the State, as Vendor, for a valuable Consideration, of the property in question.
               But, whatever may be the policy of the Legislature however erroneous in its principle, or pernicious in its consequences the province of an Executive Magistrate is certainly circumscribed to enquire what the Law is, not what it ought to be; to perform the task prescribed, not to Arraign the Wisdom <that> prescribed it. Hence, Sir, you will perceive from the documents (which have been regularly communicated to you) that the prosecution of the preparatory Steps for forming a Settlement at Presqu’ isle was imposed upon me as a duty, and Consequen<tl>y that the most Cogent reasons will be necessary, on my part, to justify a neglect or suspension of the Work. By the Act of the 18th of April 1793. it is declared, in mandatory terms, that in the most eligible spot within the reserved tract on Lake Erie, "the Governor shall cause to be laid out and Surveyed 1600 Acres of land, in Town lots, not more than One third of an acre each, and also 3400 Acres adjoining the same in out lotts, not less than 5 Acres, nor more than 10 acres each." and that every obstacle arising from an Apprehension of hostile opposition might be removed, An Act of the 28th of February 1794, after providing for the security of the Port of Philadelphia, and the defence of our Western Frontier, Authorises the Governor "to detach from the Several Companies of Artillery and Infantry raised by the State, as many

                  Men as can be conveniently spared from the specific objects of protection and defence, for which the Companies were particularly destined; and to Station the detachment so made at such place or places, at or near Presqu’ isle on Lake Erie, as shall in his Judgment be best calculated to carry into effect, the Act, entitled "An Act for laying out a Town at Presqu’-isle to protect the infant Settlements beyond the River Allegheny, and to promote the general defence of the Frontiers."  By the Language of these Acts, it is obvious (as I have remarked on a former Occasion) that nothing was expressly left to my discretion but the mode of carrying them into effect, and conclusively, to demonstrate the Legislative expectation of a speedy execution of that trust, it can only be necessary to consider, that, by the first regulation, the time for allowing a bounty to persons who "shall actually inhabit and reside within the Town." was limitted to the 1st of January 1794; that, by the second regulation, it is only protracted to the first day of May 1795; and that by the third regulation, the very existence of the Companies from which the detachment is formed to carry into effect the Act for laying out the Town, is limitted (in its utmost extent) to the meeting of the General Assembly in the ensuing Month of December.
               Acting under these peremptory injunctions to perform a specific duty, I have not, Sir, been regardless, either of the respect that is due to the General Government, or of the precautions which a movement of so delicate a nature required. The Laws, and my instructions founded on those laws, for forming the detachment and laying out the Town, were communicated to you during the Session of Assembly; and, although any attempt to interrupt the proceedings of the Commissioners, must have been Accompanied with a deliberate and hostile invasion of the state of Pensylvania (for it has never been intimated that the station at Presqu’-isle is actually pre-occupied by any other power, whither British, or Indian) I admonished the Officers and Commissioners to observe a friendly and conciliatory conduct towards every description of persons whom they shou’d meet, and even in the event of an Attack, or menace, from any quarter, to confine their resistance strictly to defensive operations, within the Acknowledged boundaries of the State.
               The machinating efforts of the Agents of a foreign Nation, in the neighbourhood of the United states and not the inimical

                  disposition of the Indians, produced in my mind the apprehension of a design to oppose the settlement at Presqu’-isle, soon after the detachment, for effecting that Object, was formed at Pittsburgh; and the intelligence which was brought by successive posts, and punctually communicated to you, Sir, rendered it at last, expedient in my Judgment, to resort to the general authority of the Militia law, for calling into actual service, a Competent force to repel the threatn’ed invasion; to support the party destined for Presqu’ isle; and generally to prevent a failure of the measures which the Legislature had directed to be pursued; and which without farther authority, I did not conceive it wou’d be warrantable to abandon. On your receipt of a Copy of my Orders for making this draft, it was, for the first time, directly stated to me, that you deemed it adviseable to suspend for the present, the establishment at Presqu’ isle, and, "if it will, indeed, be happy, that the Circumstances which have already occurred, shou’d not be found to have matured the evil beyond the possibility of a remedy."  I derive some consolation in recollecting, that you were possessed of the Law, while the Legislature (whose power was alone competent to repeal it) was in Session; that You were seasonably apprised of every step that was taken to carry it into effect; and that if, from information unknown to me, an earlier discontinuance of the Executive proceedings, was deemed salutary, my conduct will evince the readiness with which I shou’d have Acquiesced in an earlier declaration of that Opinion.
               But, I confess, Sir, that, on this ground, I perceive very little cause for disquietude or reproach. If the Legislature has prescribed a task to the Executive Magistrate, which cannot be performed without endangering the publick tranquility, the Legislature, and not the Executive Magistrate, must be responsible for the consequences. But there is, indeed, another reflection, which weighs heavily on my mind at the present moment; and which claims, perhaps, an interest in your Consideration of the subject: Can the requisition or advice of the Executive Authority of the United States justify the Act which suspends the operation of a positive law of Pensylvania?  The Constitutional supremacy of the Laws of the Union will not be disputed: but may it not be Asked, what law of the Union does, nay what power there is to pass a Law which cou’d controul the Commonwealth in the

                  legitimate exercise of her Territorial jurisdiction?  Where there is no Law, there can be no obligation: nor, consistently with the principles of a Republican Government, can reasons of State, or the admonition of Circumstances (upon which the Secretary at War relies) furnish an Executive Magistrate with an authority to Substitute his opinions for Legislative institutions. While, then, I was impressed with these sentiments, the prompt compliance which followed the Communication of your wishes for the suspension of the Presqu’-isle establishment, must, at least, be regarded as an incontrovertible evidence of an Official disposition to promote the Views of the general Government; of an earnest desire to Cultivate every possible means of peace; and of a personal confidence in your Judgment and Patrotism: but, however Consolotary such considerations may be to my private feelings, as my public trust may require other instruments of Vindication, I receive, with peculiar satisfaction, "an assurance that nothing will be omitted to obviate the temporary obstacles which exist."  The bare suspension of our measures will, probably indeed, increase the difficulty of accomplishing them; and any grea[t] delay might eventually introduce a Controversy upon the right of doing so. The evil wou’d become irremediable by any peaceable process, if, taking advantage of the Circumstances which have already occurred, either the Six Nations, or any other ill-disposed neighbour, shou’d seize on the station, which has been designated for our establishment.
               For these Contingencies, however, and for the expence which the State has already incurred, I have no doubt, the Justice of the General Government will satisfactorily provide. It only remains, therefore, Sir, to repeat, that (notwithstanding the remark made by the Secretary at War in his letter of the 24th Ulto) I am not sensible of having failed in duly appreciating every consideration of delicacy and moment, connected with the Subject; and that whatever may be the result, the establishment at Presqu’ Isle will be suspended, untill you shall vary the opinion which you have delivered. I am, with perfect respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most Obedt Humbe Servt

                  Tho. Mifflin


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 15 June 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

                  Mr Pearce
                  Philadelphia June 15th 1794

               Your letter of the 8th with its enclosures I received yesterday.  If nothing, unforeseen by me at present, intervenes to prevent it, I shall leave this City for Mount Vernon the day after tomorow; (tuesday) but as the weather is warm, my horses fat & out of exercise, and I may have occasion to stop a day on the road, it is not probable I shall reach home before sunday or monday next. I shall have two white waiters with me—one a hostler, who may sleep over the Store, in the room usually occupied by Mr Whiting. the other attends particularly on me, and may have a bed made for him in the Garrot (South end) in the room without a fire place.

               Try the Turnip seed, in order to prove its goodness; for it is provoking to be at the trouble & expence of preparing ground for seed that never vegitates.
               As I expect to see you so soon, I shall add nothing more at this time than that I am Your friend and well wisher

                  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Cabinet, 16 June 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Cabinet

                  Sir,
                  Philada June 16th 1794.

               Tomorrow I shall commence my journey for Virginia. My absence from the seat of Government will be as short as I can make it, to answer the purposes of my going. In the interim, occurrences may happen, out of the common rotine which might suffer by delay. where this is the case, & the matter is of importance, advise with the other Secretaries, & the Attorney General, and carry any unanimous opinion into effect, without suspending the execution for my decision thereon; but advise me thereof by post.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 16 June 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,
                  Treasury Dept June 16. 1794.

               It is with regret, I inform you, that another Collector has suffered Treasury drafts to return unpaid, which were drawn upon monies reported by him to be in his hands. Abraham Archer Esquire of York town. Inclosed are letters of apology on the subject.  All the drafts which were at first declined were afterwards paid.
               I perceive nothing substantially to distinguish this case from

                  that of the Collector of Tappahannock who was lately superceded on a similar account.  Nor can I forbear however painful the task, to submit it as my opinion in this as in that case, that the good of the public service requires a displacement of the officer. Punctuality in this respect is too indispensable not to be made the invarible condition of continuance in office.  With perfect respect &c.

                  A. Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to Presley Nevill, 16 June 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Nevill, Presley

                  Sir,
                  Philadelphia June 16. 1794

               I should have written to you at an earlier period but for the extreme hurry into which I was thrown at the close of the Session of Congress (wch did not terminate before monday last)—and from my not having adverted, in time, to the Pittsburgh Post day of last week. This letter (as I shall set out for Virginia tomorrow) is left to go by next Saturdays mail.
               Enclosed is a blank power authorising Mr Charles Morgan, or any other with whose name you shall fill it to collect the rents arising from my land in Fayette & Washington Counties in this State; together with such arrearages as may be due for the preceding years if any there be. Another blank is also left which I pray you to fill up with the pr centage to be allowed as a compensation for the trouble & expence of collection.  The inducements to this are <1s>t because I do not recollect what Colo. Ca<nnon> has been allowed for his services—and 2dly because there is no invariable allowance established. Places & circumstances varying it.
               A Letter for Colo. Cannon is also enclosed requesting him to give the necessary information to his Successor, and to desire that he would discontinue all further agency in my business.  This letter is left open for your insertion of the name of his

                  successor. The emolument, arising from this collection, is too trifling to become an object worthy of your acceptance, or I should never have enquired for another before I had offered it to you.
               From the experience of many years I have found distant property in land, more pregnant of perplexit<ies> than profit; I have therefore resolved to sell all I hold on the western wate<rs,> if I can obtain the prices which I conceive their quality—their situation—& other advantages would authorise me <to> expect. Conversing with Mr Ross [(]one of your Senators) on this subject a day or two before he left the City—he gave it to me, as his opinion that the present Juncture was favorable for the sale of my land in this State, and was so obliging as to offer his services to effect it. He thought the quality of my land in Fayette County, together with the improvements, & show of Iron Ore within less than 30 yards of the Mill door ought, on credit, to command six dollars. The other I have always held at four dollars. The first tract contains 1644 acres besides the usual allowance of Six pr Ct<—the> latter 2813 acs. by the patent, but measures more than 3000 acs. by a sub<sequ>ent Survey.
               If, Sir, as you live in Pittsburgh (the probable mart of enquiry after land in that country) you should find it convenient, and not militating with any plans of your own to make mention of mine & to aid Mr Ross in the sale of these tracts it would oblige me.
               If a fourth of the purchase money is paid at the time of conveyance, <a> credit of four, five or six years mig<ht> be allowed for the remainder; provided it is fully secured; and the interest thereon regularly paid at one of the Banks in this State, Baltimore, George-Town, or Alexandria. To receive this without trouble, & with punctuality as it becomes due, will be insisted upon.
               My Land on the Ohio & Great Kanhawa Rivers, amounting to 32,373 a. was once sold for Sixty five thousand French crowns, to a French Gentleman, who was very competent to the payment, at the time the contract was made; but getting a little embarrassed in his finances by the Revolution in his Country, by mutual agreement the bargain was cancelled.  Lately, I have been in treaty for the same land, at three dollars and a third pr acre, for the whole quan<tity;> but it being connected with other m<atters> is not likely to result in a bargain as I once expected and therefore I am at liberty to seek another market.
               To give a further description of these lands than to say they

                  are the cream of the Country in which they are: that they were the first choice of it; and that the whole is on the margin of the Rivers and bounded thereby for 58 miles would be unnecessary to you who must have a pretty accurate idea of them & their value. But it may not be amiss to add for the information of others that the quantity before mentioned is contained in seven Surveys—to wit—three on the Ohio East <s>ide between the mouths of the little and <grea>t Kanhawa. The first, is the first <large> bottom below the mouth of the little Ka<nha>wa containing 2314 acs. & is bounded by the river 5¼ miles. The 2d is the <4th> large bottom on the same side of the River, about 16 miles lower down, containing 2448 acs. bounded by the river 3<¼> miles. The 3d is the next large bottom, 3½ miles below, & opposite, nearly, to the great bend containing 4395 acs. with a margin on the river of 5 miles. The other four tracts are on the Great Kanhawa. the first of them contains 10,990 acrs. on the west side & begins within two or three miles of the mouth of it & bounded thereby for more than 17 miles. The 2d is on the East side of the River a little higher up containing 7276 acs. & bounded by the River 13 miles—The other two are at the mouth of Cole River on both sides and in the fork thereof containing together 4950 acs.—and like the others are all interval land, having a front upon the water of twelve miles.
               Besides these, I have the round bottom, opposite to Pipe Creek, about 15 miles below Wheeling, which contains 587 Acs. with 2½ miles front on the river, & of quality inferior to none thereon. and 234½ acs. at the Great Meadows on Braddocks Road with the allowances.
               For the whole of these tracts taken together, I would allow seven years credit, without requiring a fourth of the purchase money to be paid down provided the principal is amply secured and the interest also, in the manner before mentioned, for to have no disappointment or trouble in the receipt of this must be a Sine qua non. If the tracts are sold separately, I should expect a fourth of the purchase to be paid down and more than 3¼ dollars pr acre for the round bottom & the t<ra>ct of 10990 Acs. on the Great Kanh<awa, knowing> from my own view the extraordinary value of these tracts. With very great esteem I am Dear Sir Your Obedt Hble Servt

                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Bernhard Christoph Faust, 18 June 1794
From: Faust, Bernhard Christoph
To: Washington, George

                  Bueckeburg in Westphalia: 18 June 1794.

               To you, a man and the friend of mankind, I herewith send my Periods of human life and my Catachism of Health.
               We may hope with confidence, that the nations, in which men are not bound to serve the (merely apparent) happiness of a few, but the good of nations and of the whole family of mankind, will soon perceive and acknowledge this position and these self-evident truths: "that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness": and that every people, which feels the rights of man will obtain a constitution & lawful government, free, consistent, and emanating from the general will. And if this, as cannot be doubted, be the event; we may well exclaim: "He, the great governor of the universe, alone knows to what degree of earthly happiness mankind may attain by perfecting the arts of government." (The Constit. of Pennsylv.).
               To the end that the fraternal race of men, which is to be found among free nations, may reach an high degree of earthly happiness, it is necessary that we contemplate the immutable nature of man, and that we adhere to and regulate ourselves by the laws of his nature, through the successive periods of life from earliest infancy. We have contemplated the course of the planets; we have attained to the most accurate admeasurement of the earth, and thereby regulated the scale of measures. We have also explained the rights of man. The nature of man and the basis of his happiness have we alone neglected to explore and ascertain. Through "the periods of the life of man" is his nature perhaps best explored and ascertained: and as these periods, connected with the "Catachism of Health" (80,000 copies of which I sold in Germany in the course of two years, and which has been translated into the Danish language twice, and into the Bohemian

                  and other languages) may probably point out the path to the education and happiness of man; I deemed these books worthy of being laid before you, and through you before the United States of America.
               The United States of America first broke the yoke of slavery, and proclaimed to man and to the nations of the world freedom and their rights. From these free states of the new world the present and future freedom and happiness of nations is to be derived.
               Another plague, the most terrible after tyranny, the small pox, fills the world with misery and wretchedness, with death and destruction. It kills the tenth part of mankind, and robs two tenths of their health and beauty. To be free from this second plague, it is only necessary to exert the will. Rhode Island made the beginning to root the small pox out of its state.  Perhaps mankind may be indebted to the United States of America and to you, most honorable Washington, for the great, immortal, and second merit of eradicating the small pox, the second plague of the human race, from the greater part or the whole of the United States, from a very considerable part of the world, and, through your example, from both worlds. Of a Benjamin Franklin it is said:
               Eripuit cœlo fulmen sceptrumque tyrannis:
               Of a man equally great it will be said:
               Delevit legiones . . . pestemque variolarum.
               The lightning of heaven destroys infinitely fewer than the small pox; and the crown of oaken boughs, ob cives servatos, the crown of humanity, will be the lot of both of these men, of both of these friends and benefactors of Mankind.
               And may your lot, most honorable Washington, be life and health! the lot of mankind, brotherly love and happiness!

                  Bernhard Christopher Faust


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 June 1794
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,
                  War department June 18. 1794

               I have the honor of submitting to you an answer which was transmitted by the post on Monday the 16 to Captain Aylet Lee, and a copy of which was at the same time transmitted to Governor Henry Lee, who had written upon the subject.
               An answer shall be prepared for Mr Anderson and Mr Pollock by your return.
               An answer was yesterday received at 3. oClock P.M. by Mr Dandridge from Governor Mifflin dated the 14th instant—being a lengthy explanatory and justificatory letter respecting his Conduct in the Presque Isle business—a suitable reply will be made in order to avoid controversy.  I have the honor to be with perfect respect Your obedient Servant.

                  H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 19 June 1794
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                  Sir.
                  Phila. 19: June 1794.

               I have the honor to transmit, for your information, a copy of the dispatches which I have this morning received from Genl Gibson, relatively to the hostile dispostion of the Six nations, instigated and supported, as it is alledged, by the British: and to be, with perfect respect, Sir, Yr Excellency’s Most obed. Hble Servt
               List of the documents, accompanying this letter:
               1. A letter from Genl Gibson to the Govr dated 11 June 1794.
               2. Deposition of D. Ransom, 9 June 1794.

               3. Deposition of H. Certs, 9 June 1794.
               4. Letter from Andw Ellicot & E. Denny to Genl Gibson, 8 June 94
               5[.] E. Denny to Genl Gibson, 8 June 1794
               6. A letter from Presley Neville to the Governor, 10 June 94.


Title: From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 19 June 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Gouverneur

               (Private)
               My dear Sir,Baltimore June 19th 1794.
               The difficulty (under existing circumstances) of knowing what to write to you, had determined me to write nothing, but to let the matter rest altogether upon the public communications from the Secretary of State.
               Coming to this place, however, (on a flying visit to Mount Vernon) and finding the Vessel on which Mr Monroe is on board had not left the River, I have so far departed from my determination, as to be seated in order to assure you that my confidence in, and friendship & regard for you remains undiminished.
               To time, and your own observations, if you should return immediately to this Country, I commit the rest; & it will be nothing new to assure you that I am always and very sincerely Yours affectionately

                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Fredericksburg, Va., citizens, c.20 June 1794 [letter not found]
From: Citizens of Fredericksburg, Va.
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Fredericksburg, Va., citizens, c.20 June 1794. On 23 June, Edmund Randolph wrote Charles Carter, Charles Mortimer, and others of Fredericksburg that "Your letter to the President of the United States, on the subject of Mr Archibald Hunter, was put into my hands by him in order that I might take such measures as his case justified. I have therefore determined to forward them to our minister plenipotentiary near the French Republic" (DNA: RG 59, Domestic Letters).


Title: To George Washington from Moses McFarland, 20 June 1794 [letter not found]
From: McFarland, Moses
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Moses McFarland, 20 June 1794. An entry in GW’s journal of proceedings for 12 July lists among papers sent to the Secretary of War "for his consideration" a "Letter from Moses McFarland, 20 June ’94" (JPPDorothy Twohig, ed. The Journal of the Proceedings of the President, 1793–1797. Charlottesville, Va., 1981., 312).


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 20 June 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia June 20. 1794.

                  I do myself the honor of inclosing to you a copy of the rule (no. 1.), prescribed to hostile vessels, sailing from our ports, and of my letter (no. 2) to the different foreign ministers. Mr Hammond was of course addressed; and he returned an answer (no. 3). I immediately replied as in no. 4; and this morning he wrote to me again, as in no. 5. From the whole texture of his correspondence, he seems to be exceedingly petulant; exposes many weak sides; does his cause an injury; thinks that it is something to say the last word, howsoever unimportant it may be; and endeavours to keep up a fog, until he sees the course, which his court may take.
                  At the same time I have the honor of forwarding the answers (no. 6 & 7), given to the letters, soliciting the application of certain private contributions from Boston and Norfolk; and to be, sir with the highest respect and sincere attachment yr mo. ob. serv.

                     Edm: Randolph


Title: Enclosure II: Edmund Randolph to Foreign Ministers, 18 June 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Foreign Ministers

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia June 18th 1794.

                  I do myself the honor of enclosing to you the determination of the President of the United States, as to the sailing of the vessels of War of any of the belligerent Nations from the United States. The rule being reasonable in itself, and conformable to the law of nations, is now transmitted to you, with a hope, that you will cause it to be promulgated among the Ships of War, whether public or private, belonging to your nation. I have the honor, Sir, to be with respect Yo. mo. ob. serv.

                     Edm: Randolph

                     Approved June 16th 1794.
                     Wm Bradford.
                     A. Hamilton.
                     H. Knox.


Title: Enclosure III: George Hammond to Edmund Randolph, 18 June 1794
From: Hammond, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia 18 June 1794

                  I have had the honor of receiving your letter of this date, inclosing the President’s determination with respect to the space of twenty four hours to be allowed to elapse from the departure, from Ports of the United States of vessels belonging to one of the belligerent Powers previously to their being followed by ships of war or other armed vessels belonging to another belligerent Power: but when I reflect that you have never even acknowledged the receipt of a letter which I addressed to you on the 25th of February, and in which I requested you to inform me whether or not "this principle was intended to be recognized by this Government," and that in consequence of the refusal of this Government to establish some principle of this nature at that period, his Majesty’s frigate Dædalus and some british merchant vessels were detained in the Port of Norfolk, from the beginning of February to the 19th of May last, by the presence of a superior french force, which was not restrained during that interval from

                     instituting a regular succession of cruizers from that port—I do not now esteem it incumbent upon me to comply with your requisition of promulgating the President’s actual determination to the commanders of his Majesty’s ships of war or of other armed vessels, until I shall learn the pleasure of my Court upon the subject.
                  I cannot however avoid adding, that it is a circumstance too singular to be overlooked, that the determination of the Government on this Point should not be announced to me, until the very day on which intelligence has been received here of the arrival of a British squadron in an american Port.  I have the honor to be with respect, Sir, Your Most obedient humble servant,

                     Geo. Hammond


Title: Enclosure V: George Hammond to Edmund Randolph, 19 June 1794
From: Hammond, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

                     Sir.
                     Philadelphia 19th June 1794

                  In answer to your letter of this date, it is only necessary for me to remark, that as you have not stated to me any principle whatsoever; relative to the sailing from ports of the United States of the vessels of nations hostile to each other, that can have dictated the Presidents determination on this point of the

                     16th cur[ren]t (and announced to me on the 18th) which ought not to have operated with equal force on the 25th of February last—I do not esteem it incumbent upon me to recede from the resolution, which I have formed, of declining to promulgate to the Commanders of any of his Majesty’s ships of war, or of other British armed vessels, the President’s actual determination, until I shall learn the pleasure of my Court upon the subject. I have the honor to be with respect Sir your most obedient humble servant

                     Geo: Hammond


Title: Enclosure VI: Edmund Randolph to Thomas Newton, Jr., 19 June 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Newton, Thomas Jr.

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia  June 19. 1794

                  I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letter to the President of the United States, communicating the collection of a sum of money for the relief of our Captive brethren in Algiers.  The sensibility, displayed by those, who have contributed, is intitled to great respect. But notwithstanding the interest, which the President takes in the fate and happiness of our suffering fellow citizens, he is of opinion, that he ought to decline any other agency upon the occasion, than what is provided for, and prescribed by the laws. I am Sir with esteem yr mo. ob. servt

                     Edm: Randolph.


Title: Enclosure VII: Edmund Randolph to Perez Morton, 19 June 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Morton, Perez

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia June 19. 1794.

                  It is impossible to recollect the sufferings of our captive brethren in algiers, without feeling a high respect for the exertions,

                     made by the manager of the Boston Theatre, for their relief.  But however great the interest may be, which the President of the United States takes in their fate and happiness, he is of opinion, that he ought to decline any other agency upon the occasion, than what is provided for and prescribed by the laws. I have the honor, Sir, to be with great respect yr mo. ob. servt

                     Edm: Randolph.


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 21 June 1794 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

Letter not found: to Edmund Randolph, 21 June 1794. Randolph wrote GW on 27 June: "The appointment of Mr Pickering, which is mentioned in your favor of the 21st instant from George Town, was noted in my report on the laws."


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 21 June 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Philadelphia June 21. 1794.

               I was this morning honored by your letter of the 19th instant from Baltimore.
               Mr Adams’s commission was completed, before you left this city. Having notified his appointment to him, I yesterday received a letter from him, dated at Boston on the 14th instant.  He accepts, and will set out for Philadelphia about the 24th or 26th of this mon[th].  Hence it is certain, that he will be here on your return.
               Since my letter of yesterday, nothing has occurred, worthy of being transmitted to you; unless it be the inclosed cedula of the King of Spain; the translation of which has been finished only

                  since your departure.  I have the honor sir, to be with the highest respect yr mo. ob. serv.

                  Edm: Randolph.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Mynn Thruston, 21 June 1794
From: Thruston, Charles Mynn
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Frederick County [Va.] 21º June 1794.

               That there is existing at Kentuckey a powerful faction for placing that Country under the protection of the British Goverment, & of seperating from the Union of the States, the most recent intelligence seems to evince, as well priviate epistolary, as other.
               And further, that this Contagion is not confined to a few obscure individuals, but widely diffused through the leading Characters of that Community, is much to be apprehended, & not without some suspicion, of its having penetrated our very camp.
               For some days I have been balancing whether to say thus much to your Excellency, not as fact, but from information, probable, and highly worthy of enquiry into, And have delayed it, least I might be impertinent.
               But it is a circumstance, which may lead to consequences so full of importance, that whether it be true, or ill founded, or whether notice on the Subject already has come to your hands; the Occasion, I trust, is such a one, as will plead, if not My justification, at least an excuse with your Excellency. My sole Motive is a simple & honest one, the Safety of our Country.
               Notwithstanding the professions of the British & Spaniards,

                  the intelligent part of the frontiers, who are friends to Goverment, are still not without suspicions of their designs and of their connexions by the Lakes & Mississippi. May I take, therefore, permission to add, that in case of invasion, or other sudden emergency, No Man with Us could collect with promptitude in this quarter so good & Useful a body of effective soldiery, as our old General Morgan; As from potowmac to South Carolina the Applications to him for service in Expectation of a War, have of late been exceedingly numerous. I have the honor to be, Sir, Yr Most Obliged & most Obedient humble Servant

                  C.M. Thruston


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 24 June 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

               Private
               SirPhiladelphia June 22. 1794
               The Secretary of State on referring to you the question of the answer to be given to Mr Hammond concerning compensation for certain captured vessels will I presume transmit to you the opinions of the other Gentlemen as well as his own.
               Besides the reasons hastily sketched in the memorandums given to the Secretary of State—there is one of a delicate nature which I did not think fit to put on a paper which might become a public document but which I think ought to be submitted to your consideration.
               Though the form of only giving the opinion of the President that it was incumbent upon the U. States to make compensation in the case has been used—yet between nation & nation this is equivalent to a virtual engagement that compensation will be made—and we were all sensible in advising the President to give that opinion (which advice was unanimous) that a non compliance with it would be a serious commitment of the character

                  of the Nation the Government and the President.  Indeed if the Legislature should not do its part, under such circumstances, it would necessarily give birth to considerations very embarrassing to the delicacy of the President.
               In such a posture of things—is it not adviseable to narrow the obstacles to a right issue of the business?  If Mr Jay is instructed to insert a formal stipulation in a general arrangement, the Senate only will have to concur. If provision is to be made by law, both houses must concur. The difference is easily seen. And it is a case where the point of honor is too materially concerned not to dictate the expediency of leaving as little hazard as possible upon the issue. It is impossible that any questions can arise about the propriety of giving this course to the business. When we are demanding compensation for our captured vessels & goods it is the simplest thing in the world to stipulate compensation for those of great Britain, which we acknowlege to have been unlawfully made within our territory or by the use of our means.  It is also with me a material consideration that the coupling this with the other objects of Mr Jay’s negotiation may tend to disembarrass in future. If the compensation we seek fails, it may be a good answer to the claim on the other side that they were endeavoured without success to be made a subject of reciprocal stipulation. I speak with reference to the Individuals concerned.
               I may be perhaps too nice. But this is one of those questions in which ideas of sincerity
               good faith and honor, in a relation which must always engage my particular solicitude, press my judgment to a course of proceeding which is calculated to dispel all doubt. With perfect respect I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient servant

                  A. Hamilton


Title: Enclosure: Opinions of Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, 22 June 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     [22 June 1794]

                  I am not willing to give a pretext for not doing us justice by the appearance of carelessness or indifference as to the fulfilment of our engagements. I continue to think that the idea of a

                     special instruction to Mr Jay is proper, because it is an evidence of our being in earnest, because as Mr. Jay’s mission was produced by circumstances subsequent to the communication to Congress, that communication can be no objection to embracing the subject in his mission especially as bearing a near affinity to the primary objects of it—because though his general powers are competent it is proper he should know the sense and desire of the Government in this particular—and the specification as already observed has great value as a proof of sincerity.
                  I fear to be retrograde in our means of inspiring confidence in all the parties as to the sincerity of our original professions.
                  I think we have lately lost ground.

                     A. Hamilton

                     I conceive it to be for the real interest of the U.S. to reiterate our obligations to make compensation according to the sense of the original intimation—No relaxation ought to be admitted on this point. Mr Jay’s negociations seem to promise the most speedy means to accomplish this end—and I therefore think he ought to be instructed accordingly.

                     H. Knox.


Title: To George Washington from John Cowper, 23 June 1794 [letter not found]
From: Cowper, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Cowper, 23 June 1794. On 30 July, GW wrote to Cowper: "By saturday’s post I received a Letter from Mr Christopher Cowper, dated the 18 Instant, enclosing one from you of the 23d of June."