Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 8 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon April 8th 1793

Since my last to you from this place, your letter of 3d instt has been received transmitting Colo. Cannon’s Rental, and Mr de Barth’s profession of inability to discharge his Bond. The latter seems to be a more candid acct than the former; but with both, I must be satisfied—presuming, I shall never obtain better, from either.
Before you say any thing to Mr C——with respect to the lands which Mr de Barth had of me, & is willing to relinquish; I beg you to have some conversation with the Attorney General on the subject he mentioned to me respecting Mr C——which I did not very clearly understand at the time, & know less of it now. It seemed to squint (if I recollect rightly) at a sort of speculation which might implicate the Seller; but in what manner I know not. As I do not mean, however, to place it in the power of malice itself to charge me with any Agency in measures that can even be tortured into impropriety on this head, I wish the above enquiry to be previously made.
If it is not too late—I mean if the Assembly of Pennsylvania has not risen, & the opportunity lost—I wish you would enquire

of Mr Gallitan, and others from the Western Country, into whose hands I could, to advantage, entrust the management of my business in the Counties of Fayette & Washington: for I am sure it will not do to leave it in the hands of Colo. Cannon; who, if nothing else is against him, is too dependent for his election as representative of the latter County to fix my Rents at a just medium; or to collect them in the manner he ought to do—lest his popularity should be effected by it. And, if the rents are liable to be applied, (when under leases for five years, & after farms have been settled 12 or 15 years) towards repairs & improvements, I may bid adieu to any prospect of profit from them; as nothing can be easier than to balance the acct by fence rails—and other such like improvements; which every man who ever had a farm, & expected to make any thing on it, always did, & for their own sakes ever will be obliged to provide for the security of their Crops at their own expence. It is usual when a tenant goes on a New place, and has every thing to provide, to allow him one, two, and sometimes (according to situation & circumstances) three years rent free; but I never heard before, of a continuance of it on farms so long settled as I have mentioned, & which have always been in occupation. nor is it to be suppo[se]d that a tenant will ever do any thing at his own expence, if, by agreement, he can charge it to the account of his Landlord.
As the Will of my deceased Nephew will not be proved at next Court for this County, I shall not, (unless obliged to wait for Mr Robert Lewis, who has written me that he shall be here with some Rents, & to settle other business with me) remain here till Monday the 15th—but as I shall, (unless advices from Philadelphia or other occurrences unknown to me at present render it inconvt) go by the way I had contemplated to come, if the Roads would have permitted it; that is—by Frederick town in Maryland—Carlisle, Harrisburgh, the upper Canal, Reading and the lower Canal; it is not in my power at this time to name the day when it is probable I shall be in Philadelphia—but at any rate, if no accident happens, nor my horses fail me, it will be by the 25th of the month at farthest.
Fanny Washington thanks you for your friendly remembrance of her & joins me in best wishes for yourself, Mrs Lear and Lincoln—I am always and sincerely Yr Affecte friend

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 9 April 1793
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

Sr
George Town 9th April 1793

We have had explanations with majr Ellicott, there appears to us no occasion to tire you with particulars in general. He is to continue under a general Arrangement marked out which we flatter ourselves will spur to attention and activity platting and dividing, the Squares on Certificates from the head of the surveying department is to be the Work of a different person—As we mentioned before, we believe the Staking out the work on the ground is accurate so that Revision of the whole will not cost so much time as is perhaps generally imagined; but the length of the line of some squares certainly Must be corrected and others probably necessarily must which i[n]volves in such instances, a necessity of replatting and Redividing such squares: however on the whole the publick mind need not be disturbed—we inclose you majr Ellicotts’ letter on narrowing the mall which we forgot to mention to you—if it is to be done at all it must be before the sale of any Land near its sides—Mr Blodget seems to think it may at least as well stand—we have had enough to occupy our minds and but little reflection on this particular on which a settled oppinion of ours ought to have very little weight—The spot for the Capitol is with us much more important, it is obvious that there will be a great difference of expence between the pitch of the hill and the high flatt—Hoban in a loose way speaks of more than we had conjectured. Doct. Thornton threw out an idea that the Capitol might be thrown back to the desirable spot and the center ornamented with a Figure of Columbus—The idea seems not to be disapproved by Mr Blodget, and Ellicot thinks there’s room enough—it does not seem to us that there’s any Sticking impropriety and with that you could consider it on the spot where you could have the most perfect idea of it Mr Blodget thinks we have not missed it in the site of the Judiciary So much as we imagined and as some affirm, he and many others think the street running through that point and cutting the squares

so small had better be struck out and two squares thrown into one we mention it just for your notice—We have requested Mr Blodget to bestow attention to the Site for an exchange and bank so far as to be able to give his matured thoughts in favour of his Choice. We are &c.

T. Johnson
Dd Stuart
Danl Carroll


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 9 April 1793
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

Sr
Geo. Town 9th April 1793

Since closing our letter of this date we have had conversation with Mr Blodget on the Subject of another letter The avidity

which the Ticketts of the present have been bought up, the probability of the sale of Ticketts in the time of the drawing and the Sale of lots, and our being restrained by an Act of the Assembly of Maryland from raising a Lottery after the first of June, have induced us to agree to Mr Blodgets planning and publishing another if that Mason Should meet your approbation. We are &c.

T. Johnson
Dd Stuart
Danl Carroll


Title: From George Washington to James Craik, 9 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Craik, James

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Aprl 9th 1793

On thursday, 1 Oclock afternoon, it is proposed to pay the last Office (in funeral obsequies) to my deceased Nephew; at which I should be glad to see you. The funerl Service will be in presence of a few friends only; & dinner for these will be ready at half after two Oclock; at which I shall expect you.
Mrs Washington mentioned Mr Porter (as an intimate of Her late husbd) and I should be glad to see him on the occasion—I do not, as it is intended to be a private burial, go beyond this in

formal invitations, but if you shd see Colo. Fitzgerald, Mr Herbert, & Colo. Gilpin, who, I believe, were among the first & most intimate, of his acquaintances, & would mention these circumstances to them I should be obliged to you and happy in seeing them. I am &ca.


Title: From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 9 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Bryan

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon April 9th 1793.

At One ’oclock afternoon on Thursday next, I mean to pay the last respect to my deceased Nephew—by having the funeral obsequies performed.
If you will do me the favor to officiate on the occasion, it will be grateful to myself, & pleasing to other friends of the deceased. No Sermon is intended, and but few friends will be present; for these dinner will be ready at half after two Oclk, at which I should be happy & shall expect to see you.
If Mr Thos and Ferdinand Fairfax, or either of them are at Mount Eagle, I should be glad if they would accompany you. I am—&ca &ca.


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 9 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 9th Apr. 1793.

On Thursday next at one o’Clock, I mean to pay the last respect to the remains of my deceased Nephew, by having the funeral obsequies performed.

Mrs Fanny Washington & myself would be very glad to see you, mistress Stuart & the Girls here on that occasion; for this reason, & knowing they have not the means of getting down, a carriage is sent for them: and I believe it would be extremely grateful to Fanny if mistress Stuart would come down with out more delay than she can well avoid. The funeral will be in the presence of a few friends only.
The day following, that is on friday, if not unexpectedly prevented, I shall set off on my return for Philadelphia. Charles takes up a Box with some things for the Girls—in which is some property of Austin’s, not hard to designate, tho’ hard in it’s nature—My love to mistress Stuart, & all the family. I am always, & sincerely Your Affecte Servant.

Geo: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 10 April 1793
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 10th 1793.

Agreeably to the wish expressed in your letter of the 5th instant, with which I have been honored, I have made enquiries respecting the price of flour &c. and find that superfine flour is now selling for forty three & six pence & forty four shillings per barrel, for the Cash—and at forty five & forty six shillings, for notes payable in sixty days. Common flour is from 3/ to 3/6 less. For a week or ten days past I am informed that flour has been rather dull; but the Accounts from Europe being so much more favorable with respect to our commerce than was apprehended, will, it is thought, very much increase the demand for it. These accounts having arrived but yesterday, the effects of them do not

yet begin to be felt. It is a general opinion that every article of our produce will rise very much within a month or six weeks—flour particularly—for this being the season when it is brought to market in the greatest abundance the price is always less than it is about the middle or latter part of may. Our neighbour Captain Anthony, who is ranked high among the most knowing ones on this subject, told me this morning that he was confident flour would be much higher to the Southward in a few weeks than it has been for some time past in that quarter. His opinion he says is founded on this ground that lately flour has been offered in Baltimore—Alexandria & George Town in large quantities and at a low price, compared with the prices in Philadelphia—that the reason of its being offered at that rate was to raise the Cash from it immediately—the want of Cash has prevented those from purchasing who wished to do so, and were ready to give good bills at sixty days, this not suiting the owners of the flour it has laid on hand ’till the p[r]esent time. The probability of a great demand for this Article—and a general knowledge of the circumstances above mentioned, will cause the purchasers of flour to send large orders to the Southward—which will create a competition among them, and give the seller his own price. This reasoning appears to me to be good, but whether the circumstances from which it is drawn be justly stated or not is more than I can tell. Indeed it is not an easy matter to draw an unqualified opinion upon these subjects from persons who are often intersted in concealing their true sentiments upon them.
From Mr deBarth’s communication to me upon the subject of paying his bond—I presume that he is as destitute of public securities as he is of Cash—I will, however, take an occasion to ask him if he is able & willing to make payment in them at their current value.
We had three arrivals here yesterday from England, and the principal accounts brought by them will be found in the enclosed papers.
General Hull arrived yesterday from the Northward, and Genl Knox says he shall write to you by this post and mention generally the information which he brings from thence.
Mr B. Randolph has not yet arrived—Mrs Washington, the young folks—Mrs Lear & our little boy & all the family are in good health—and unite in the best wishes for your health &

happiness & that of those with you, with—Your obliged, faithful & Affecte Servant

Tobias Lear.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 11 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Treasury Departmt 11th April 1793.

I have the honor to enclose a communication of the 9th instant from the Commissioner of the Revenue, this morning received, transmitting a Contract with Abeshai Woodward as Superintendant of the workmen to be employed in completing the Lighthouse at Bald-Head.
From what is said by the Commissioner of the Revenue, & information through other channels, I am of opinion, that a person

in this character is necessary to be procured and sent, and the experiment has shewn that none on better terms has been obtainable. It is therefore submitted as appearing to be expedient to authorize the Contract. with perfect respect & the truest attachment I have the honor to be &ca

A. Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to John Fitzgerald, 12 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzgerald, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 12th april 1793.

Enclosed is an open Letter to mister Lee, Collector at Alexandria, requesting him to deliver up the Office books & papers to you; tho’ it would be more regular, & in my opinion better that the matter should be suspended until I return to Philadelphia, (for which place I shall set out tomorrow) when a Commission will issue agreeably to Constitutional modes. I am Sir, &c.

Geo: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 12 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear sir,
Mount Vernon 12th April 1793.

In due course of Post I have received your Letters of the 5th and 8th instant. & thank you for the information contained in them.
Tomorrow I leave this for Philadelphia. the advices which I may receive this Evening by the Post, will fix my route by Baltimore (as usual)—or by the one I intended to have come—that is, by Reading, the Canals between the Rivers, Harrisburgh, Carlisle &a—In either case ten day, I expect, will land me in the City.
Hostilities having commenced between France & England, it is incumbent on the Government of the United States to prevent, as far as in it lies, all interferences of our Citizens in them; and immediate precautionary measures ought, I conceive, to be taken for that purpose, as I have reason to believe (from some things I have heard) that many vessels in different parts of the Union are designated for Privateers & are preparing accordingly. The means to prevent it, and for the United States to maintain a strict neutrality between the Powers at war, I wish to have seriously thought of, that I may as soon as I arrive at the Seat of the Government, take such steps, tending to these ends, as shall be deemed proper & effectual. With great esteem, I am &c.

Geo: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 12 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon Aprl 12th 1793

Your letter of the 8th instt with its enclosures came duly to hand. It is painful, after the exertions Government have made to keep the Southern Indians quiet, & the expence that has been incurred to effect it, to receive such unfavorable accts from that quarter as are contained in the letters of Mr Seagroves which you have forwarded to me.
From Genl Waynes Representation of the want of Officers, I am of opinion that such of the Newly appointed Ensigs as are with the Army, ought to be Commissioned without delay—the Commissioning of the other, provisional ones, may be suspended for further consideration.
I shall set out to morrow for Philadelphia. The advices which I expect to receive by the Post this evening will decide whether it will be by the direct Rout, or by the way of Carlisle Harrisburgh & the Canals wch is opening between the Susquehanna & Schoolkill—&c.
As I shall soon be at the Seat of government by either Rout, I shall only add that it is with pleasure I hear your health is restored, and that I am with Very great esteem & regard Dr Sir—Yr Most Obedt Servt

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Keith, 13 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Keith, James

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon Aprl 13th 1793.

Your letter of the 8th has been duly received. You, better than I, can acct for the smaller judgment being for two hundred and odd pounds more than is due. Justice to all parties, & a speedy settlement of the whole, is all I am at. the latter, as I have often repeated, I am extremely desirous to have accomplished.

Was I to see Colo. Hooe, which is not likely now to happen, as I am in the very act of Setting off for Philadelphia; I should be at a loss to know what to say to him respecting the charge on Acct of Giles. By the papers alone I could be governed in any conversati[o]n held with him and these you have. If my memory does not deceive me, however, (but on it I never rely)—there is a particular statement of this matter in the Will of Thomas Colvill. If it is justly due to the Tankervilles, it ought undoubtedly to be paid, if it is not, I, as certainly ought not to allow it. I rely therefore on you to have the matter thoroughly investigated, either by yourself, or some other eminent in Law that I may act safely. for I have had too much trouble in this business already, to lay the foundation for more, by allowing a claim if it requires authentication.
Messrs Wilson & Dunlap on Tuesday the 2d instt required only 10 Days to consider whether they would pay the judgment on the Bond with—or without interest. This time is elapsed; & delay only can be their object if they have not announced to you (—to me they have not—) their determination thereupon. Of course no time should be lost in issuing the Execution. But who is it to be served upon? Cumberland Wilson they say, who has no interest at all in the business! As you are so much better acquainted with this business than I am—& know my objects & wish, I shall, in one word, as I shall be out of the State in a few hours—leave the accomplishment of them to you—being Sir Your Most Obedt Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 17 April 1793 [letter not found]
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 17 April 1793. GW wrote Whitting on 21 April that he had “this day received your letter of the 17th instant, with all the Reports of the two preceeding weeks, except those of the Gardeners & Spinners.”


Title: From George Washington to the Cabinet, 18 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Cabinet

Sir,
Philadelphia April 18th 1793.

The posture of affairs in Europe, particularly between France and Great Britain, places the United States in a delicate situation; and Requires much consideration of the measures which will be proper for them to observe in the War betwn those Powers. With a view to forming a general plan of conduct for the Executive, I have stated and enclosed sundry questions to be considered preparatory to a meeting at my house to morrow; where I shall expect to see you at 9 ’oclock, & to receive the result of your reflections thereon.

Go: Washington

Philada April 18th 1793.

Question I. Shall a proclamation issue for the purpose of preventing interferences of the Citizens of the United States in the War between France & Great Britain &ca? Shall it contain a declaration of Neutrality or not? What shall it contain?
Questn II Shall a Minister from the Republic of France be received?
Quest. III If received shall it be absolutely or with qualifications; and if writh qualifications, of what kind?
Quest. IV Are the United States obliged by good faith to consider the Treaties heretofore made with France as applying to the present Situation of the parties. May they either renounce them, or hold them suspended ’till the Government of France shall be established.

Questn V If they have the right is it expedient to do either—and which?
Questn VI If they have an option—would it be a breach of Neutrality to consider the Treaties still in operation?
Quest. VII If the Treaties are to be considered as now in operation is the Guarantee in the Treaty of Alliance applicable to a defensive war only, or to War either offensive or defensive?
VIII Does the War in which France is engaged appear to be offensive or defensive on her part? or of a mixed & equivocal character?
IX If of a mixed & equivocal character does the Guarantee in any event apply to such a War?
X What is the effect of a Guarantee such as that to be found in the Treaty of Alliance between the United States and France?
XI Does any Article in either of the Treaties prevent Ships of War, other than Privateers, of the Powers opposed to France, from coming into the Ports of the United States to act as Convoys to their own merchantmen? or does it lay any other restraint upon them more than wd apply to the Ships of War of France?
XII Should the future Regent of France send a Minister to the United States ought he to be received?
XIII Is it necessary or advisable to call together the two Houses of Congress with a view to the present posture of European Affairs? If it is, what should be the particular objects of such a call?

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 18 April 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] April. 18. 1793.

The Secretary of state thinking it his duty to communicate to the President his proceedings of the present year for transferring to Europe the annual fund of 40,000 Dollars appropriated to the department of state (a report whereof was unnecessary the two former years, as monies already in the hands of our bankers in Europe were put under his orders)
Reports
That in consequence of the President’s order of Mar. 23. he received from the Secretary of the Treasury Mar. 31. a warrant on the Treasurer for 39,500. Dollars: that it being necessary to purchase private bills of exchange to transfer the money to Europe, he consulted with persons acquainted with that business, who advised him not to let it be known that he was to purchase bills at all, as it would raise the exchange, and to defer the purchase a few days till the British packet should be gone, on which event bills generally sunk some few percent. he therefore deferred

the purchase, or giving any orders for it till Apr. 10. when he engaged mister Vaughan (whose line of business enabled him to do it without suspicion) to make the purchase for him: he then delivered the warrant to the Treasurer, & received a credit at the Bank of the U.S. for 39,500. D. whereon he had an account opened between ‘The Department of state & the Bank of the U.S.’ that mister Vaughan procured for him the next day the following bills

            Willing, Morris & Swanwick on John & Francis Baring & co. London
            £ sterl.
             Doll.

            3000.0 =
            13,000

            Walter Stewart on Joseph Birch—mercht Liverpool.
            400.0 =
            1,733.33

                  Robert Gilmer & co. on James Strachan & James Mackenzie, London, indorsed by Mordecai Lewis
                  200

                  150

                  250

            600.0 =
            2,600.

            4,000.0
            17,333.33

averaging 4s. 7 38/100 d. the dollar, or about 2½ per cent above par, which added to the 1. per cent loss heretofore always sustained on the government bills (which allowed but 99 florins, instead of 100. d[itt]o. for every 40. dollars) will render the fund somewhat larger this year than heretofore: that these bills being drawn on London (for none could be got on Amsterdam but to considerable loss, added to the risk of the present possible situation of that place) he had them made payable to mister Pinckney, and inclosed them to him by Capt. Cutting, in the letter of Apr. 12. now communicated to the President, and at the same time wrote the letters of the same date to our bankers at Amsterdam & to Colo. Humphreys, now also communicated to the President, which will place under his view the footing on which this business is put, and which is still subject to any change he may think proper to direct, as neither the letters nor bills are yet gone.
The Secretary of state proposes hereafter to remit in the course of each quarter, 10,000 D. for the ensuing quarter, as that will enable him to take advantage of the times when exchange is low. he proposes to direct at this time a further purchase of 12,166.66 D. (which with the 500. D. formerly obtained & 17,333.33 now remitted, will make 30,000 D. of this year’s fund) at long sight,

which circumstance with the present low rate of exchange will enable him to remit it to advantage.
He has only further to add that he delivered to mister Vaughan orders on the bank of the U.S. in favor of the persons themselves from whom the bills were purchased, for their respective sums.

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from John Conrad Zollickoffer, 18 April 1793
From: Zollickoffer, John Conrad
To: Washington, George

Sir!
Baltimore April 18th 1793.

I had the Honour to forward to Your Excellancy, a Pakket which was sent to me by my Cousin Mr Rd. Walltravers, a Member of most all the Learned Societys in Europe, and Who is

now a Member of the Society in Philadelphia under the same Denomination.
As this Gentleman has much on Heâlth, that none of his Letters (owns Escap’d the Dangers of the Occean) should be Miscarried, recomand’d me therefore very Particulary, the Dispatches destined for Your Excellancy, desiring me to forward them Personally; but Business Unexpected, and Unavoidable Called my presens at Annapolis at that time; was therefore out of my power to Satisfy the Desire of my Cousin [to] put it to the Post Office, but as yet uncertain if Said Packet is come into Your Excellancys possession, and wishing, to be able to give a Satisfactory answer to my sayd Cousin, that one of Your Excellancys Secretary would assure me the re[c]eipt thereof.
Mr Walltravers is a Man who possesses the knowledge of what he puts fort[h], and being not only a Republican by Sentiments (but by Bearth) like myself as Natifs out Swizerland, wishes to be Useful, most Particularly to this; as a New Country, in the way of his former Proposal made to Your Excellancy.
As my Desire is to be in any Way servisible to Mr Walltravers, I hope Your Excellancy will not take a Miss of my Zeel to request a few Lines Directed to said Gentleman, which I shall forward him, which Certainly will give new strenght to his Aged pen for the Use of the United States under Your Govern.
May the Lord bless Your Excellancys further Days in Everlasting Life, for the Hapyness of Your Poeple, with that sentimts; and of being much Attached to Your Auguste Person. I have the Honour to be with out Reserve Your Excellancys Most Humble, & most Obediant servant

John Conrad Zollickoffer


Title: Minutes of a Cabinet Meeting, 19 April 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To:

[Philadelphia, 19 April 1793]

At a meeting of the heads of Departments & the attorney General, at the President’s april 19th 1793. to consider the foregoing questions proposed by the President: it was agreed by all on Quest. I—(to wit, “shall a proclamation issue” &ca) that a Proclamation shall issue forbidding our Citizens to take part in any hostilities on the seas with or against any of the belligerent Powers; & warning them against carrying to any such powers any of those articles deemed contraband according to the modern usage of nations, and enjoining them from all acts & proceedings inconsistent with the duties of a friendly nation towards those at War.
Quest. II. (to wit—“Shall a Minister from the Republic of France be received”?) agreed unanimously that he shall be received.
The remaining questions were postponed for further consideration.


Title: From George Washington to Alice Delancey Izard, 20 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Izard, Alice Delancey

[Philadelphia] Saturday 20th April [1793]

The President presents his respectful compliments & thanks to Mrs Izard, for the information contained in the Charlston Gazette (herewith returned) of the arrival of M. Genet at that City.


Title: Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 20 April 1793
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Knox, Henry

[Philadelphia] Apl 20t[h 17]93

By the Presidts commd T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secy of War the letters & enclosures from Govr Blount and to inform the Secy, that the Presidt conceivg the information contained therein to be highly interesting to the U.S. requests the Se[c]y to take them into serious consideratn & report to him thereon as early as may be—and at the same time to report on the letters from Governors Lee & Telfair wh. were yesterday submittd to the Presit. The P[r]esid. requests that Mr Shaw’s conduct may be criticaly scrutinizd.

T. L.S.P.U.S.


Title: To George Washington from William Moultrie, 21 April 1793
From: Moultrie, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Apl 21. 1793

Mr Genet minister from the French republick will do me the honor to present you with this; I embrace the opportunity of offerring you my most respectfull Compliments, and to assure you of my very great regard & esteem. I am dear & respected Sir Your most Obt & very humle Servt

Willm Moultrie


Title: From George Washington to the Earl of Buchan, 22 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Buchan, eleventh earl of (David Stuart Erskine; 1742-1829)

My Lord,
Philadelphia April 22d 1793

You might, from appearances, suspect me of inattention to the honor of your corrispondence: and if you should, I can assure you it would give me pain. Or you might conceive that, I had rather make excuses than acknowledge, in time, the receipt of your favors, as this is the second instance of considerable lapse between the dates of them and my acknowledgments: this also would hurt me—for the truth is, that your favor of the 22d of last Octobr, under cover of one from Doctr Anderson of the 3d of November, accompanying the 7th, 8, 9, 10 & 11th volumes of the Bee, did not come to my hands until the 18th of the present month.
Having by me the rough draught of the letter I had the honor of addressing to your Lordship in May, I do agreeably to your request, transmit a copy thereof. It is difficult for me, however, to account for the miscarriage or delay of the original, as it was

committed to the care of Mr Robertson at his own request, to be forwarded along with the Portrait of me which (for the reasons therein assigned) a preference had been given of him to take for your Lordship—both of which I expected you had received long since.
The works of Doctr Anderson do him much credit—and when they ar⟨e⟩ more extensively known will, I am persuaded, meet a very ready sale in this Country. I have taken an occasion to mention his wish to a respectable member of the Philosophical Society of this City, who has promised to bring his name forward at the next meeting: entertaining no doubt of his being readily admitted; as his pretensions are known to stand upon solid ground.
The favorable wishes which Your Lordship has expressed for the prosperity of this young & rising Country, cannot but be gratefully received by all its citizens, and every lover of it. One mean to the contribution of which, and its happiness, is very judiciously portrayed in the following words of your letter “to be little heard of in the great world of Politics” These words I can assure your Lordship are expressive of my sentiments on this head; and I believe it is the sincere wish of United America to have nothing to do with the Political intrigues, or the squabbles of European Nations; but on the contrary, to exchange Commodities & live in peace & amity with all the inhabitants of the earth; and this I am persuaded they will do, if rightfully it can be done. To Administer justice to, and receive it from every Power with whom they are connected will, I hope, be always found the most prominent feature in the Administration of this Country; and I flatter myself that nothing short of imperious necessity can occasion a breach with any of them. Under such a system if we are allowed to pursue it, the Agriculture and Mechanical Arts; the wealth and population of these States will encrease with that degree of rapidity as to baffle all calculation—and must surpass any idea your Lordship can, hitherto, have entertained on the occasion. To evince that our views (whether realised or not) are expanded, I take the liberty of sending you the Plan of a new City, situated about the centre of the Union of these States, which is designed for the permanent Seat of the Government. And we are at this moment deeply engaged, and far advanced in extending the inland navigation of the River (Potomac) on

which it stands and the branches thereof through a tract of as rich Country—for hundreds of miles—as any in the world. Nor is this a solitary instance of attempts of the kind, although it is the only one which is near completion, & in partial use. Several other very important ones are commenced and little doubt is entertained that in ten years if left undisturbed we shall open a communication by water with all the Lakes Northward & Westward of us with which we have territorial connections; and an inland navigation in a few years more from Rhode Island to Georgia inclusively—partly by cuts between the great Bays & Sounds—& partly between the Islands & Sand banks & the Main from Albemarle sound to the River St Mary’s—To these, may also be added, the erection of bridges over considerable Rivers, & the commencement of Turn-Pike Roads as further indications of the improvements in hand.
The family of Fairfax’s in Virginia—of whom you speak—are also related to me by several intermarriages before it came into this Country (as I am informed) and since; and what remain of the old stock are near neighbours to my estate of Mount Vernon. The late Lord (Thomas) with whom I was perfectly acquainted—lived at the distance of Sixty miles from me after he had removed from Belvoir (the Seat of his kinsman) which adjoins my estate just mentioned; and is going to be inhabited by a young member of the family as soon as the house which some years ago was burnt can be rebuilt. With great esteem & respect I have the honor to be Your Lordships Most Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Mordecai Hale, 22 April 1793
From: Hale, Mordecai
To: Washington, George

  New York, N.Y., 22 April 1793. Writes that “By the advice of a few respectable friends who are happy in being intimate with you, and from my acquaintance with your general disposition, to releive at all times those who have served and been disabled in the late war, I have been induced to address a few lines to you. . . . The Office of Supervisor to the district of New York, in consequence of the resignation of Richard Morris Esqr will shortly become vacant; To a man in my circumstances, surrounded by a small and increasing family, and in some measure disabled for many of the purposes of active life, in the late war, . . . I am urged to offer myself as a candidate for that office.”
Hale continues: “My Character, and every particular respecting me, I trust the Secretary of the Treasury, to whom I have the honor of being personally known, will do me the honor to lay before you, together with the recommendations of such respectable characters, as have been so kind as to interest themselves in my favor.”


Title: Neutrality Proclamation, 22 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To:

[Philadelphia, 22 April 1793]

Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great-Britain, and the United Netherlands, of the one part, and France on the other, and the duty and interest of the United States require, that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerent powers:
I have therefore thought fit by these presents to declare the disposition of the United States to observe the conduct aforesaid towards those powers respectively; and to exhort and warn the citizens of the United States carefully to avoid all acts and proceedings

whatsover, which may in any manner tend to contravene such disposition.
And I do hereby also make known that whosoever of the citizens of the United States shall render himself liable to punishment or forfeiture under the law of nations, by committing, aiding or abetting hostilities against any of the said powers, or by carrying to any of them those articles, which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, will not receive the protection of the United States, against such punishment or forfeiture: and further, that I have given instructions to those officers, to whom it belongs, to cause prosecutions to be instituted against all persons, who shall, within the cognizance of the courts of the United States, violate the Law of Nations, with respect to the powers at war, or any of them.
In testimony whereof I have caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. Done at the city of Philadelphia, the twenty-second day of April, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the seventeenth.

Go. WASHINGTON.
By the President.Th: Jefferson.


Title: Alexander Hamilton and John Armstrong, Jr., to Tobias Lear, 23 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Armstrong, John Jr.
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir,
[Philadelphia] April 23d 1793

Do me the favor to learn from the President, & inform me by the bearer, whether mister Lee’s resignation was purely voluntary on his part, or was occasioned by any circumstance dissatisfactory to the President. The reason to the enquiry is that I may regulate my expressions to him accordingly. I presume no such circumstance has occured; but for greater caution I ask. Yrs &c.

A. Hamilton
John Armstrong Junior.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Hogan, 23 April 1793
From: Hogan, Edmund
To: Washington, George

  Loganian Library, Philadelphia, 23 April 1793. Writes that “The person who addresses you, wants a place as a Clerk, He is thoroughly acquainted with accounts, & is well recommended; He has been employed in a conspicuous station some months past, is now unemployed because a necessity for a person in the station wherein he had been engaged, does not at present exist:” Hogan explains that “the necessity the writer is under of soliciting employment, as the only means left him of supporting a large family, impel him to make this application.”


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Johnson, 23 April 1793
From: Johnson, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelpa April 23 1793

When I wrote Your Excellency a History of my Sufferings and Losses I had no tho’t or Expectation of Seeing Philadelphia—By the Hand of God upon me I am now in the City—Could wish were it consistent—And by Your Excellenies Permission to be favord with a Short Interview—To give Your Excellency Some further Relation of my Personal Sufferings and Dangers While Essaying to defend the Susqueha Frontiers—and Propegate the glorious Gospel among the Six Nations of Indns. Your Excellencies Devoted Servt For Jesus Sake

Jacob JohnsonMinister of Christ at WilksbarreNow in Philada At the House of the Revd James Sproat D.D.


Title: To George Washington from John Adams, 24 April 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Quincy [Mass.] April 24. 1793

Captain John ⟨mutilated⟩ of Harvard in the Massachusetts, has been recommended to me, by So many respectable characters, and in Such handsome terms, that I cannot refuse his request of a Line to the President of the United States in his favour. He has the merit of long and early Services, though he is Said to have been lately unfortunate. As his application is entirely out of my Department, and to a Judge of his Pretentions both accurate and impartial I wish this Address from me, like all others in similar Cases, to be considered, as entirely Submitted to the Wisdom of the President, to whom I have the honour to be, with the highest Esteem and the strictest attachment the most humble & obedient Servant

John Adams


Title: To George Washington from Ernst Frederick Gayer (Guyer), 24 April 1793 [letter not found]
From: Gayer, Ernst Frederick
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Ernst Frederick Gayer (Guyer), c.24 April 1793. Thomas Jefferson wrote Gayer on 26 April: “I have duly received your letter of the 24th inst. inclosing a Memorial to the President on the subject of an instrument and table of your invention for ascertaining the longitude at sea, and desiring that the patent-board might appoint a time for examining into the same” and that the president was not “authorized to refer applications of this kind to any persons whatsoever” (Jefferson Papers,Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950–. 25:589–90).


Title: From George Washington to Samuel and Elizabeth Willing Powel, 24 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Powel, Samuel,Powel, Elizabeth Willing

[Philadelphia] Wednesday 24th Aprl [1793]

The President and Mrs Washington present their complimts to Mr & Mrs Powell—and (agreeably to Mrs Powells request)

have the honor to inform them that Mrs Washington is so much indisposed with a cold as to make her fear encreasing it by going to the Circus this afternoon. The President & rest of the family propose to be Spectators at the exhibition of Mr Rickets.


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 24 April 1793 [letter not found]
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 24 April 1793. GW wrote Whitting on 28 April, “Your letter of the 24th instt with the weekly Reports—except Greens—which was not among them, came to hand yesterday.“


Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 25 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Anderson, James

Sir,
Philadelphia April 25th 1793

It was not until the 18th instant that I had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 3d of November, enclosing one from Lord Buchan, and accompanied by the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th & 11th Volumes of the Bee—and a copy of the pamphlet on Wool.
While I beg your acceptance of my best thanks for the polite attention you have shewn in forwarding the several Volumes of the Bee—and express my sincere wishes for the prosperity of that liberal and useful work, I must repeat my desire of being considered as a subscriber to it, and request to be informed to whom I shall make payment therefor.
I have been hitherto prevented, by my numerous avocations

of a public nature, from perusing the Volumes which you first sent me, with that care & regularity I wished; but such parts of them as I have had an opportunity of looking into, have convinced me that the work has been conducted with that view to a diffusion of useful knowledge upon which it was undertaken, and in such a manner as must meet the approbation of the friends of Science and those who wish to promote the best interests of mankind. I am persuaded that when the work becomes more generally known in this Country than it is at present, you will find a pretty considerable demand for it from this quarter; for I beleive I may say, without vanity, that my Countrymen are as eagar in the pursuit of useful knowledge as their circumstances & necessary avocations will permit; and as these are every day becoming more favorable to such acquirements, it will not be an unfounded calculation to count upon an increasing demand here for such publications as inform the head & improve the heart.
I hope you will find it convenient to prosecute your proposed plan of publishing a periodical work on Agriculture, the utility of which pursuit is so abundantly evident, and in which, comparatively speaking, so little progress has been made, at least in this Country.
I am pleased to learn that you have been so successful in the experiments to improve your wool. I have been always convinced that nothing more is necessary than an attention to the breed and management of sheep to produce the best wool in every Country that is suitable for tending them. I sincerely hope that Sir John Sinclair will meet the success which his exertions merit in this, as well as in his other laudable undertakings to promote the good of Society. I am, Sir, with consideration & esteem, Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 25 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasy Departt 25th Aprl 1793.

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit to the President of the U. States, two communications from the Comissioner of the Revenue; one enclosing a Contract entered into by the Superintendant of the Delaware Lighthouse with Matthew Van Dusen, for a mooring chain for one of the floating beacons in the Delaware bay. the other transmitting an offer of Samuel Wheeler concerning two Iron Lanterns for the Lighthouses on Tybee & Cape Fear Islands.
It appears that due pains have been taken to place the business upon the best footing practicable for the U. States and that the terms are as reasonable as there is a prospect of obtaining. The objects are indispensable.
All wch is humbly submitted

Alex: HamiltonSecy of the Treasury

A House for the Keeper & an Oil Vault for the Bald house establishment will be finally necessary, & it will conduce to œconomy to make them concurrent operations.


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 25 April 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir
[Philadelphia] 25 April 1793

Please to submit the enclosed letters from Governor Telfair, & Lt Governor Wood, to the President of the United States. Yours sincerely

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to William Washington, 26 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William

Dear Sir,
Phila. April 26th 1793

At the request of Mr David Clark, a Coach maker of this City, I inform you that he made the Carriage which I had with me at Charleston on my Southern tour, and which you saw there. I am told that this Carriage is pronounced a very handsome one in its

appearance by persons of taste & judgement in that way, who have seen it & given an opinion upon it—As to the goodness of the materials & workmanship I can pronounce with truth that they are equal to any I have ever met with—and the Carriage has been put to a pretty severe test for the time I have had it.
Mr Clark says the reason of his wishing this information to be given you, is, that he understands you propose having a Carriage made in this City—and he is very desirous of having the job—not only on Acct of the advantage to be immediately derived from it; but he thinks it will prove the means of his getting more work from that quarter. With sincere regard I am Dear Sir Your Most Obed. Ser.


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 26 April 1793 [letter not found]
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 26 April 1793. In his letter of 5 May to Whitting, GW acknowledged receipt of “your letters of the 26th of April and 1st of this month.”


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 27 April 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia April 27th 1793.

The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President. The enclosed Letter just received from the Collector of Charleston contains information & raises a question, which are proper for the eye of the President.


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 27 April 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir
[Philadelphia] 27 April 1793

I submit to the President of the United States the enclosed draft of a message to the chickasaw Nation. If approved I propose to enclose it in a letter to General Wayne to go by the post this Morning. Yours

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to John Fitzgerald, 28 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzgerald, John

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia April 28th 1793.

Two or three days after my arrival in this City, I forwarded a Commission appointing you Collector of the Port of Alexandria; to be in force until the end of the next session of Congress, longer than which I could not issue one in the recess of the Senate but there is no instance of that body with-holding its consent to appointments thus made when offered to them for confirmation.
I am now about [to] give you a little trouble on my private Account. In Alexandria, stored in the warehouse belonging to Colo. Hooe, I have 141 barls of Superfine, & 149 barls of common flour—and at my Mill about an equal quantity of each sort, for Sale: and would thank you for letting me know the most that can be had for it on a credit of 40, 60, or even 90 days, in secure hands.

In the Tobacco Warehouses in Alexandria I have also 25 Hhds of Tobacco of (as I am told) the first quality—being made of the sweet scented plant, little Fredk &c.—tho’ it stands in the notes as Oro[o]noko neatly handled, & dry—& wish to know what could be had for this? I have held it a guinea pr Ct and am not disposed to take less. be⟨l⟩ow is a list of the Nos & weights of it. With great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr Obedt & Affecte

Go: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 28 April 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Apr. 28. 1793.

According to the intimation the other day, and indeed according to my own wish in a question, if not difficult, yet very important, I have the honor to inclose you a written opinion on the question Whether the U.S. ought to declare their treaties with France void, or suspended?
This contains my answer to the 2d 3d 4th 5th & 6th of the written queries.
The 1st had been before answered & acted on.
The 7th 8th 9th & 10th are questions on the Guarantee, which

it may possibly never be necessary to answer; or if we should be called on, we may then take due time to give in the answer, which must always be framed in a considerable degree on the circumstances existing at that moment.
The 4th page of the inclosed contains my answer to the 11th.
The 12th I answer by saying that if the nation of France shall ever reestablish such an officer as Regent (of which there is no appearance at present) I should be for receiving a minister from him: but I am not for doing it from any Regent, so christianed, and set up, by any other authority.
The 13th has been decided negatively.
I have the honor to be with the most entire respect & attachment, Sir, your most obedt & most humble servt

Th: Jefferson


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 28 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Whitting, Anthony

Mr Whiting,
Philadelphia April 28th 1793

Your letter of the 24th instt with the weekly reports—except Greens—which was not among them, came to hand yesterday. With respect to the Sheriffs acct, given in by Chs Turner, it is my desire now (and was so expressed in my last) that you would enquire of some person well acquainted with the taxes, whether

the rates there charged are the legal ones? & by what authority, if the Parish tax was levied in Tobo, he has converted it into 4/2 cash? If it is an arbitrary act of his own, & you can discharge this tax by purchasing Tobo on more advantageous terms than he has charged it—or, if he is not warranted in making such a charge I will not pay it—because I am resolved not to submit to the impositions of such sort of people.
Upon the back of each Clerks note I have directed what is to be done with them. Those which are to be paid by me, you are to settle for at 12/6 pr Ct; unless you shall be advised by those who are well knowing to these matters that they have a right to the Tobacco. This, I am sure, was the law formerly and I have no reason to believe it is altered since but have more reason to suspect these or some of them have been paid before: for it is very unusual for the Clerks & Sheriffs to let their fees lye over two or three years when there is a regular collection for them every year, or Officers whose business it is so to do. I wish also to know how it comes to pass that in Fairfax Parish I am charged for 376 Acres of Land seperately. I do not, unless I was at home & could have recourse to my Papers, know the agregate quantity of my land in that Parish—but sure I am, I have no seperate tract in it of 376 Acres.
I am very glad to find you have obtained a temporary supply of lime; but if you could get the Shells (even at 25/. pr Bushls) it would make that article come much cheaper than buying Shell lime at 9d.—I think I have been told that one bushel of Stone lime will go as far as three bushels of that made from Shells—but the quantity of either which it will take to lay a thousand Bricks, is more than I am able to inform. This knowledge you must learn from a comparison of different accts, to be obtained from the Bricklayers in Alexandria; as also the difference between the two kinds of lime; and the proportion of each to Sand; and make Davis conform strictly to it: without which he will (as he always has done) put a great deal more lime than is necessary. I once made an experiment of this sort (in the Wall which runs from the Stercorary to the Ice house) but have forgot the proportions, in the different parts of that wall, but recollect well that in some part thereof there was considerably more sand than usual, therein. When you know the kind of lime you are to use, & how much of it the laying of a 1000 Bricks will take, you can be at no

loss for the total required; as the Plan gives the number of Bricks which the building will take. Of Shells you need be under no fear of an overstock; but of lime, if it grows worse by keeping, I would not procure much more than is sufficient for that work. The foundation of which I should be glad (now you have got lime) to hear was begun; I mean the Brick Work; that no delay may happen to the Carpenters work; The first of which that will be wanting, is the pieces for the sleepers of the lower floor to rest on; and next, the Windows. I request that, in laying out the foundation you will be present, and attend to the directions I have given; for I shall be mortified if any mistake happens: & I wish also, that particular attention may be paid to fastening the bars in the Cills of the windows; and that the ends of these window Cills may be worked into the pillers of the Wall: for on these two things the security of that apartment (with a good door & lock) absolutely depends.
I am very glad to hear you have got part of the scantling; and of a good kind; and that you expect the rest without delay. Will you have shingles enough? Almost any kind will do for the top; as it will be pretty taunt, & when drawing to a point, will require narrow ones.
Is all the Peoples cloaths made, that Charlotte should be out of Work? The Spinning in this case, or indeed in any case, ought to go on expeditiously; to provide for the Fall cloathing.
Mrs Washington informs me that her Overseer (Tayler) has applied for a Cart against Harvest; & requests that I would give such orders as I shall think proper concerning it. A Cart of some sort, I suppose is necessary; but as I know there is a pair of truck wheels belonging to the Plantation, a proper body put to them by her own people (an acct of the time they are about it to be rendered & deducted) might suffice; as the Wheat will not be to be drawn far. The Corn ground at this Plantation must be kept clean & well worked, that it may be laid in Wheat in Augest.
I perceive by the Report from the River Plantation that some of the hands were engaged in gathering & Sowing Cedar berries—which I was glad of—but if the gum, or glutinous substance was not rubbed of before sowing, the time & labour spent in this business will have been all lost.
The late stormy weather has, I fear, not only checked your

fishing, but in all probability, has put an entire stop to it—as the season is now far spent.
It was not my opinion when I left Mt Vernon that the Coach Mare was with foal—but I yielded it to that of others. Let her be put to Traveller.
The Gardener applied to me, & seemed earnestly to wish, that he might be removed from the House he now lives in, to that in which Mr Butler Sleeps, on acct of its having a room to lodge in above (which a decent Woman would require) and another below to Cook in, with a floor unsusceptible of fire. Had this request been made before Mr Butler went into it, I should have yielded to it without hesitation—as well for the accomodation of the Woman as for that of Mrs Washington when she comes home, for she (the Gardeners wife) would be more at hand there, to receive her directions, & to do what might be required of her about the house than she could be at the other House; and I wish, even under this circumstance, the thing to take place. If Butler does not incline to go to the House where the Gardener at present lives in—(which by the bye is a very proper situation for an Overseer to be, to keep order & quiet in the family)—he might have Shoemaker Wills old apartment scoured up, & made a little decent & go into that, as he wants nothing more than a place to sleep in—whereas the Gardener & his wife require for eating, washing & lodging more than one Room, to be decent, which the Woman seems to be. There is a very good room over the Kitchen where Fairfax (your predecessor) used to lodge—but as the Major occupied it as a Store room—I would not, if the things belonging to that estate are still in it, have them removed, lest it should be considered as a slight.
In looking over the last weekly report that has been forwarded to me, I perceive the allowance of Meal to Muddy hole is increased one peck—Union Farm, & River farm two pecks each; and Dogue Run Farm three Pecks: Whether this addition, with what goes to their absent hands is sufficient, I will not undertake to decide; but in most explicit language I desire they may have a plenty; for I will not have my feelings again hurt with Complaints of this sort, nor lye under the imputation of starving my Negros and thereby driving them to the necessity of thieving to supply the deficiency. To prevent waste or embezzlement is the only inducement

to allowancing of them at all—for if, instead of a peck they could eat a bushel of Meal a week fairly, & required it, I would not with-hold or begrudge it them.
Mention every now and then how the wheat comes on and looks—Oats, Buck Wht and the new sown grass also. I remain Your friend & Well wisher

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 29 April 1793
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear President.
Richmond [Va.] april 29th 93

As soon after my hearing of your return to Mt Vernon as I could, I sat out for a visit to you, but unfortunately your stay at home was so short that I could not see you.
I had reached Stafford court house when I accidentally learned that you had departed on the previous sunday, and on knowing this I instantly turned back from whence I came.
This disappointment would have always been mortifying to me as it deprived me of the pleasure of seeing you, but it was uncommonly so then, as I had vast solicitude to obtain your opinion on a subject highly interesting to me personally.
Bred to arms I have always since my domestic calamity wished for a return to my profession, as the best resort to my mind in its affliction.
Finding the serious turn which the French affairs took last year I interposed with the Marquis to obtain me a commission in their army & at the same time made the same application in another way. The marquis about the time he got my letr took the part which issued so unfortunately to him—From him I had no reply—But from the other source I am informed that a major generals commission will be given to me on appearence in Paris & that probably it would be sent to me.
I have detailed thus to you, merely that your mind might be fully informed in as much as the step I may take will be to me all important.

I am consequently solicitous for the best advice, and this I am persuaded you can give—Should it be improper on your part, much as I want it, I must relinquish the hope—But as your opinion to me will never be known but to myself, & as I ask your Council to your private character, I feel a presumption in favor of my wishes.
If fair war on terms of honor, with certainty of sustenan⟨ce⟩ to the troops & certainty of ⟨accord⟩ among the citizens will & can be supported by France, I will embark.
If the reverse in any part is probable, to go would be completion of my lot of misery.
You see my situation, You have experienced my secrecy in my younger days & You know the inviolable affection I bear towards you.
Apprehend no improper effects of your full opinion to me—Your letr shall be committed to the flames as soon as read.
The minds of the people of my acquaintance are much agitated by reports of privateeers being fitted out in some of our ports—The considerate part of society hope for peace which can only be obtained by strict neutrality—Do you not think your pro⟨c⟩lamation on this subject would be useful—Pardon the suggestion, & regard it only as my opinion & you know how uninformed I must be on this subject.
The indians have shewn a temper of keen hostility this spring—I fear the war will be furious & general, in spite of your efforts to produce peace.
I have enclosed some additional information on this subject in my letr of saturday to the minister of the department of war which it is unnecessary here to repeat as you will from him know the result of those communications.
From every quarter we learn of uncommon & early exertions by the Indians & our inhabitants exposed to their hostility in this state evidence very unusual alarm. wishing you every happiness & continuation of your exalted fame I have the honor to be your affec: h: sert

Henry Lee


Title: From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 29 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Robert

Dear Sir
Philadelphia April 29th 1793

The Land which was given to me by my mother, or as Heir at law I am entitled to without—I do, as I told you at Mt Vernon, make you a present of. It lyes near the Accoceek old Furnace and about eight miles from Falmouth on the Road leading to it containing, as I have generally understood, about 400 Acres of the most valuable Pine in that part of the Country; but which, as I have been informed, has been much pillaged by Trespassers. When you can ascertain the bounds by a Survey thereof for I have no Papers to aid you in doing it I shall be ready to convey to you my Right.
I repeat my wish that you would attend to that small tract of mine on Potomac, abt a dozn miles above the town of Bath; & to the lots which I have in that place. And whensoever you may be in Winchester, I request you will make particular enquiry into the condition of a lot which I have in that town, & an out lot belonging to it in the Common adjoining thereto; & know if some advantage cannot be made of them—The Number of either I am unable to give, unless I was at Mount Vernon; but the enclosed letter contains the most recent information of the town Lot.
Do you know whether Major Harrison went to Mount Vernon

as you expected he would do? Or have you heard any thing further of his intentions, respecting his Land adjoining me. I do not wish you to appear forward in your Overtures to him, but wis⟨h⟩ notwithstanding to know what may be expected in this matter. Remember me to Mrs Lewis and be assured of the frien⟨d⟩ship & regard of Your Affecte Uncle

Go: W——n


Title: From George Washington to William Augustine Washington, 29 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William Augustine

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia April 29th 1793.

Whilst I was at Mount Vernon in the early part of this month, I recd your letter of the 20th of March, and was in hopes it would have been followed by the Oyster shells you gave me reason to expect; but none had arrived the 24th, when I last heard from Mr Whiting. If I am to relinquish all expectation of getting them I wish to be informed thereof, that I may try, through some other source, to obtain a supply before my building is at a stand for want of the lime necessary to carry it on.
The other part of my letter to you—respecting the practicability of hiring Negro Carpenters; the terms if to be had; and whether a white man of known industry and integrity could be had to look after them, and on what lay; you have not answered. Present my best regards to Mrs Washington and your family & be assured of the esteem & friendship of Your Affecte Uncle

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Joseph De Barth, 30 April 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Barth, John Joseph de

Sir,
Philadelphia April 30th 1793.

As there appears no prospect of your making the stipulated payments for the lands which you agreed to purchase from me, lying on the Kanawas &c. and the object of my disposing of them being thereby defeated—I think it would be best that the bargain should be cancelled (as you expressed to Mr Lear a readiness to do it if required by me); for it would be an unpleasant thing for me to pursue rigorous measures to obtain payment of the Bonds.
If you think fit to comply with this proposal Mr Lear will deliver to you your several Bonds &c. upon receiving the writings &c. relative to that bargain, that it may be completely cancelled. I am Sir Your Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Hartshorne, 30 April 1793
From: Hartshorne, William
To: Washington, George

May it Please the President
Alexandria [Va.]30th April 1793

Seeing some prospect of a call for Flour to Supply the French in Hispaniola, I beg leave to present the enclosed communications and if our Government should be Active in the business, to Offer the best services of my House here, for which I think we are well Qualified and I believe can give satisfactory security in Philadelphia for the performance of what we may undertake.
There is at this moment some difficulty in getting Vessells and the Freights on Americans to Europe have been as high as 6/6 Sterling ⅌ barrell but Flour is generally half a dollar cheaper here than at Philadelphia and as to the Quality we can readily asscertain it, by sending Six or Eight barrells of Fine and Superfine from as many differant Mills, to be shewn in that City. If thy attention should be called to this Object and it is thought I can be useful therein, please to communicate thy Sentiments to me when convenient, which will much oblige Thy very Respectful Friend

Wm Hartshorne

            S⅌fine Flour
             32/
             @ 33/

            fine
             30/
             @ 31/

            Wheat
             6/
             @ 6/3

            Indian Corn
             16/
             @ 17/6.


Title: To George Washington from James Simpson, 30 April 1793
From: Simpson, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Gibraltar 30th April 1793

I have the honor to inclose a Dispatch received lately from Mr Francis Chiappe for Your Excellency. I am with great Respect Sir Your Most Obedient & Most Hume Servant

James Simpson


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, April 1793 [letter not found]
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, April 1793. GW wrote Tobias Lear on 12 April that the “enclosed from the Attorney General I return to him through your hands.”


Title: To George Washington from Martha Washington, April 1793 [letter not found]
From: Washington, Martha
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Martha Washington, April 1793. On 12 April, GW wrote Tobias Lear, “I was sorry to learn by a letter from Mrs. Washingn. that little Lincoln has been unwell.”


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Barber, Jr., 1 May 1793
From: Barber, Nathaniel Jr.
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency,
St Croix [Virgin Islands]May 1. 1793

It is with much pain & reluctance, that I trouble a Gentleman of your high Station & amiable Character. At this time, cruel necessity obliges me to do it, & I hope you will excuse me. I was in the Public service as Commissary of Military Stores, & Station’d in Boston from the time the British evacuated that Town, to the 16 of April 1781. My resignation was Accepted by Congress the 5 of March. It was made known to me the 28, & I finished delivering the Stores which remaind in my care the 16 of April. I have pay & rations due to me for the last 3 mo. & 16 ds. of my service, & am in very great want of it—I was unfortunate at home, for which reason, I came to this Country & have resided here near Seven years—I have also been unfortunate here—I have a Wife & Family, & am in the utmost distress—I wrote General Knox so, last November, & enclosed him a petition to Congress—The time was, when General Knox very frequently wrote me, often thankd me for my good conduct, & beg’d me to continue in the service—In one of his letters to me, he says, “I have shewn your letter to His Excellency, & He is much pleased with it—Go on Sir, in the great matters committed to your charge, & while you support the good character, which you have already obtain’d, provided I have any influence, your interest shall be attended to.”
Now he neglects me—It is no great that is due to me, I know, but small as it is, I can with truth inform your Excellency, that it would revive my spirits, for I am really in want. I have the honour to be with the greatest esteem, Your Excellency’s, Most Obedient & very humble Servant

Nat. Barber


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 1 May 1793 [letter not found]
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 1 May 1793. In his letter of 5 May to Whitting, GW acknowledged receipt of “your letters of the 26th of April and 1st of this month.”


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 2 May 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] May 2d 1793.

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to enclose for the information of the President a Letter of the 26th of Feby from our Bankers at Amsterdam which came to hand yesterday.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Van Staphorst, 2 May 1793
From: Staphorst, Nicholas Van
To: Washington, George

Sir
Amsterdam 2 May 1793

I have received the Letters, your Excellency did me the honour to address me under dates of 30 & 31 January, 4 February and 15 March, inclosing a Bill of Exchange drawn by George Meade on Henry Gildemeester for two thousand three hundred and ten florins Holld Currency, to be held subject to the order of Madam de La Fayette. Immediately on the arrival of the first of your favors I wrote to my Correspondent in London to acquaint me the Residence of Madame De La Fayette, and on receiving this Reply.
“Madame De la fayette est dans ce Moment dans sa Terre de Chauvaignac en Auvergne. Les lettres ne lui arriveroient pas à droiture. Il faut chercher une occasion sure. Madame La Princesse d’Henin, Amie intime de M. de la fayette, qui a deja reçue une Lettre pour sa Femme, et qui vient de faire passer une Lettre d’elle à Magdebourg, offre de s’en charger. Madame d’Henin etant à Londres, nous pourrons lui remettre la Lettre, dont vous nous parlez.”
I forwarded your Letter to Madame De la Fayette, inclosed in one from my self, informing her the money you desired me to hold at her Order, was subject to her disposal when, and in whatever manner she pleased. Offering at the same time, to remit it or to cause it to be paid to herself as she should prefer.
Being deprived of that Lady’s Answer, notwithstanding I

wrote her the Second day of April, I begin to grow fearful it may not have reached her. Wherefore I this evening forward to my Brother Jacob Van Staphorst, now in Paris, a duplicate of your Letter to Mrs La fayette, and of the one in which I inclosed it to her, requesting him to use every exertion to have it delivered, and to offer to pay her the money, in any manner most agreeable to her. I flatter my self soon to have the pleasure to announce to your Excellency the fulfilment of your desire on this Subject. And in the interim ever devoted to the Execution of whatever your Excellency may be pleased to commit to my management, I have the honour to be with the greatest Esteem and Respect of your Excellency the most humble & Obedient Servant

Nic: van Staphorst.


Title: To George Washington from Anonymous, 3 May 1793
From: Anonymous
To: Washington, George

SIR,
Pittsburgh May 3d 1793.

I HAVE just seen your Proclamation, written with your usual propriety and delicacy. But I do not accord with your idea, that “the duty and interest of the United States require, that they should with sincerity and good faith, adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial towards the belligerent powers,” leagued against France. It is not their duty, because, though bound by no express contract, yet there is an implied obligation to assist the weak against the strong, the oppressed against the oppressor, on the same principle as in the case of an individual in a state of nature, who sees another attempt an unjust force upon a third, and ought to interfere to

preserve right. The cause of France is the cause of man, and neutrality is desertion.
It is “not our interest”; because despotism will give no thanks, and the republic of France which will assuredly triumph, will disdain her unfeeling Sister, who stood by with an unassisting hand, and saw her distress.
But how can we assist? We can make a push at one of her adversaries, England; and remove that power from Canada.—The losing of foot hold any where will contribute to reduce her force [.] It will be self defence for ourselves, as it will relieve from the hostilities of savages.
The independence of the islands in our neighbourhood, will give an equal use of their productions, which at present, are engrossed by England.
Objection: Our commerce in the mean time will suffer, and the imports be reduced. How so? instead of purchasing British cargoes, cannot we take them? If we have not the duties, we can have the bulks.
If it is referred to the great mass of the people, I doubt much whether it is “the disposition” of the United States to preserve “the conduct you enjoin. It may be the disposition of those who draw from the funds; but of none else. The fact is, the American mind is indignant, and needs to be but roused a little to go to war with England, and assist France. Let all who think with me, SPEAK!


Title: To George Washington from James Keith, 3 May 1793
From: Keith, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria [Va.] May 3d 1793

I had the Honor of your Excellency’s Favor of the 13th Ult. by Mr Dandridge, respecting the Judgments of Colvill’s Es[tate] against Semple’s Trustees, and have now the Satisfaction to inform you, that Mr William Wilson called upon me, the monday following, and gave me his assurance that he would settle the Judgment upon the Bond and the whole of the Interest without contraverting any part of it—he, at the same time, let me know that, the Judgment founded upon the supposed Error in the Settlement made between the Executors and Trustees, he considering as altogether unfounded, and that he intended to contest the same in the High Court of Chancery. I requested him to bring it forward immediately, that the final Settlement of those

Estates might not be any longer delayed, he promised to do it in the course of a fortnight, and acquaint me with the Result of his application to the Chancellor. Since that, at his Request, I have had an interview with Mr Richard Brent his attorney, who, upon taking a full View of the whole proceedings has been fully convinced that the Judgment is just and properly founded. Mr Wilson, in consequence, has promised to settle that as well as the other in the above Judgment, the Settlement I only postpone, untill I receive your Excellency’s directions, how to conduct myself with respect to Mr Bennetts Claim of the Ballance, remaining in your hands, of the money arising from the Sale of the merryland Tract of Land, after Satisfying the Debts of John Colvill⟨.⟩ Colo. Hooe as Agent to Mr Bennett, sometime ago, transmitted you a Statement of Mr Bennetts Claims upon the Estates of John and Thomas Colville. The Colo. agrees to take Mr Wilson for the payment of those Claims, whatever, upon a Settlement, they shall appear to be, and to give your Excellency proper discharges for their respective Amounts, Mr Wilson is to pay the Ballance immediately after those Claims are properly ascertained. I mentioned to your Excellency, in a former Letter, that I conceived it necessary, previous to the payment of the Ballance of the Merryland Tract to Mr Bennetts Agents, to have a Bond or some other Indemnification from the Claim of a Mr Giles against the Estate of John Colvill for one thousand pounds. The Claim was frequently made by Mr Giles to the old Lord Tankerville and Colo. Thomas Colville in their days, It was the Advice of Colo. Colville to his Lordship to settle that Claim himself to preserve the American Estate, which was a growing Interest, for his Family. This Advice was not followed by the old Lord, but I have Reason to think, from some Letters I have seen, that the present Lord Tankerville has satisfyed that Claim. I think, notwithstanding, that an Indemnification against that Claim is nec[e]ssary, before you pay that Ballance out of your hands. this I have mentioned at different times to Colo. Hooe, and he has promised me to write your Excellency fully upon that Subject. As soon as I am made acquainted with your Sentiments, I will proceed to a Settlement with Mr Wilson, and also with Colo. Hooe if you approve of the propositions made by him. If you direct the discharge of both Mr Bennetts Claims, I mean to transmit you, a Statement of the Settlement which I shall make, previous to the

full discharge of the Claims, that it may undergo your Inspection and Correction, wherever necessary. I have informed the Gentlemen employed in those Actions that I have your Orders to pay their Fees as soon as money comes into my Hands. they have intimated, that the Business being of magnitude, and part of it of great Intricacy, they expect more than common or legal Fees. your directions upon this head I coud wish to receive. I am with great Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient & most hble Servt

Ja. Keith


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 4 May 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] May 4th 1793.

The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President. It has appeared to him that a circular letter of the enclosed form to the several Collectors would be a measure of utility. If not disapproved by the President it will be forwarded.
The enclosed paper is sent lest the President should not have received it otherwise. It contains intelligence critically important, tho’ requiring confirmation.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 4 May 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Depart: 4th May—93

The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully communicates to The President of the United States a letter of the 28th of April received yesterday from the Commissioner of the Revenue. In the early part of the ensuing week he will have the honor of waiting upon the President to submit his ideas on the several points raised, & take the President’s orders thereupon.

A. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 4 May 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] May 4. 93.

Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President and asks a dozen Passports for present use.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 4 May 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] May 4. 1793.

Th: Jefferson having prepared a written opinion on the Question Whether Passports should be granted to vessels belonging to American citizens, but of foreign built, has the honor of inclosing it to the President as an explanation of the principles on which the affirmative was adopted yesterday.


Title: To George Washington from Noailles, 4 May 1793
From: Noailles, Louis-Marie, vicomte de
To: Washington, George

Saturday—Seven [4 May 1793]

When Viscount Noailles accepted the invitation of Mr President he expected early this morning the Papers and things he left in the new Pigou, he has been waiting this morning after them without Succès. as Soon as the visit of the officers will be Made aboard the Ship he will have the honour to wait upon M. President and inquire which hour he may be introduced.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Powel, 4 May 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Powel, Samuel

Dear Sir,
[Philadelphia, 4 May 1793]

By one of the late ships from London, I have received from Mr Arthur Young two sets of his Annals—numbered from 98 to 108 inclusively.
Although no direction is given concerning them, I take it for granted that one set is intended, as usual, for the Agricultural Society of this City, and to you, as President thereof, I send them accordingly. With estem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Vaughan, 4 May 1793
From: Vaughan, John
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
[Philadelphia] Saturday 4th May [1793]

I take the liberty of enclosing a letter I have just recieved from Carolina—from a house of Character there, the perusal of which may not be improper at the present moment; I would not even wait to make the extract, which if your Excellency should wish can be done at any moment. I remain with the greatest respect—Your obt Servt

Jn Vaughan

A Vessel goes to Charleston on Tueday next.


Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 5 May 1793
From: Humphreys, David
To: Washington, George

(Secret & confidential)
My dear Sir.Lisbon May 5th 1793
I wrote to the Secretary of State on the 29th Ulto by way of Boston. In that Dispatch, I mentioned having seen a letter of the 20th of March from Captn Obryen, on Algerine affairs. I now take the liberty of enclosing the copy of a letter from him to a

Gentleman in this city, for your information. I pretend to make no comments upon it, as you must know more of the subject than I do: and particularly whether any or what terms for a Peace had been transmitted on the part of the Dey to the United States in April 1792 . . . of which circumstance I do not recollect ever to have heard a syllable before. But from the ransom actually given for the redemption of George Smith, from the general tenor of intelligence, as well as from the facts relative to Holland mentioned in the enclosed, I should apprehend there is not the least shadow of probability that a Treaty can be formed, under the limitations specified in certain Papers, which you know came accidentally into my possession. And if it shall be judged there will be little or no chance of effecting that purpose upon those conditions, the wisdom of Government will have to decide on the nature & expediency of the measures still to be taken.
  In the present circumstances of the naval war in Europe, the difficulty is very great (& perhaps will be almost insuperable) of chartering a neutral vessel & transporting a considerable amount of property in safety to a destined point. A Danish vessel bound from Lisbon to Genoa is taken & carried into Marseilles; and we have just now received certain advice that Captn Rodman, commanding a Ship belonging to a Citizen of the U.S., who sailed a few days ago from Lisbon for St Petersburg, has been captured by a French Privateer; recaptured by an English Frigate & sent into Bilboa. Other neutral vessels have been brought by British Cruizers into Gibralter. None of them had military stores. I understand the pretext, on one & the other side, is, to examine whether the property on board does not belong to Subjects of a Power with which their nations are at war.
  By all accounts from France, it appears that the situation of that new Republic is very alarming indeed. Although we have no authentic details to be absolutely relied upon, yet there is little doubt that discord & treachery greatly prevail. The reports of the treasons of Dumorier & other Generals are too monstrous almost for credibility. God only knows how the confusions will end. Still I cannot believe that the antient order of things will be restored.
  I hope soon to hear good news from America, & that the troublesome war of the Savages is terminated. In the mean time I pray you will offer my best Compliments to Mrs Washington, &

our friends near you; and that you will be persuaded there is no one more sincerely attached to you, than your affte friend & Humble Servant

D. Humphreys.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] May. 5. 1793.

Th: Jefferson with his respects to the President has the honour to inclose him the following papers.

1. a letter from mister Pinckney with the papers it refers to, on the subject of mister Albion Coxe, employed as Assayer, who is arrived.
2. a copy of the letter written to Mr Morris & mister Pinckney, on the subject of M. de la Fayette, copies of which were sent to Messrs Humphreys, Carmichael & Short. the two former were to act on the subject, because nearer the proper scene. the communication was made to the three latter merely for their information, and that they might know the views of the government in case they should have occasion to say or do any thing on the subject.
3. Mr Fox’s pamphlet.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Newton, Jr., and William Lindsay, 5 May 1793
From: Newton, Thomas Jr.,Lindsay, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Norfolk [Va.] May 5—1793

We have taken the liberty, considering it a duty to give you information of two small schooner boats cruizing of[f] our Capes, as privateers under French Commissions, who are daily chasing vessels bound in & out to the great prejudice of our trade, & contrary to the Law of Nations, to be chasing & boarding vessels within our territories. one of these vessels is Called the San Calotte & commmanded by a mr Farre, the other called the Eagle, they are about the size of the largest pilot boats & rigged as they are. mounting four carriage Guns each & fitted from Charleston, by reference to Capt. Tuckers report you will find how the San Calotte is manned & from report of negro Cæsar the pilot, the Eagle has but one Frenchman on board her, the others Americans & Englishmen. One of these vessels belonged to mr Hooper of Cambridge in Maryland. mr Hooper is gone with Capt. Tuckers vessel to that place, where his father lives & Capt. Tucker says he understood she was to be laid up in some creek thereabouts. from the circumstance of erasing the name out of her stern it appears as if some fraud was intended. we are with the greatest respect Yr Excys Obt Servts

Thos Newton Jr
Wm Lindsay

I am sorry to inform your Excy that we have no kind of defence here, not a Gun mounted, nor the militia aranged as yet. I have seventeen 18 & 24 pounders on my land where fort Nelson stood belonging to the United States, some of them were spiked by the Brittish but coud soon be put in order. They are fine guns & never been used. I am respectfully Yr Excys Obt Servt

Thos Newton Jr


Title: To George Washington from William Thomas, 5 May 1793
From: Thomas, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Baltimore May 5th 1793

I had the Honor (through the recomendation of Capt. Barney) to be appointed Second Mate of the Maryland Cutter under the Command of Capt. Gross in Which capacity I acted until his Resignation, in July last—Our first Mate Capt. Porter Was then promoted to the command Since Which time I have Done the Duty of first Mate and in fact have been the only Acting Mate on board As Mister Forbes our third Mate Was Suspended Soon After Capt. Porter Was Appointed to the Command—the Duty of the Vessell in course has fallen perticularly hard on me and to be Allow’d only Second Mates pay for Doing the Whole Duty of the Vessell is A hardship I hope your Goodness Will Redress.
I Stated my Situation to the Secretary of the Treasury last Fall by letter but As ten Months has elaps’d Without my being noticed I make bold to address you My Self in hopes you Will consider My perticula⟨r⟩ Situation and Allow me the compensation Due for my past Services—I Am Sir your Most Obedient Servant

William Thomas


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 6 May 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry

(Private)
Dear Sir,Philadelphia May 6th 1793.
On Saturday last your favor of the 29th ulto was handed to me.
My visit to Mount Vernon (intended to be short when I set out) was curtailed by the Declaration of War by France against Great Britain and Holland; for I foresaw in the moment information of that event came to me at that place the necessity for announcing the disposition of this Country towards the Belligerent

Powers; and the propriety of restraining—as far as a Proclamation would do it—our citizens from taking part in the contest. This Proclamation I presume must have reached you soon after the date of your Letter.
It gives me inexpressible pain to receive such frequent, and distressing accounts from the Western frontiers of this Union (occasioned by Indian hostilities)—more especially as our hands are tied to defensive measures and little, if any thing more to be expected from the proposed Negotiation of Peace with the hostile Tribes to be assembled at Sandusky (tho’ perhaps, it is best for me to be silent on this head) than, in case of failure, to let the good people of these States see that the Executive has left nothing unessayed to accomplish this desirable end; to remove those suspicions which have been unjustly entertained that Peace is not its object—& to evince to them that the difficulties which it has had to encounter (from causes which, at present, can only be guessed) has been greater than was apprehended—And lastly, if the Sword is to decide, that the arm of government may be enabled to strike home.
I come now to a more difficult part of your letter.
As a public character, I can say ⟨nothing⟩ on the subject of it. As a private man, I am unwilling to say much. To give advice I shall not. All I can do, then towards complying with your request, is to declare that if the case wch you have suggested was mine, I should ponder well before I resolved; not only for private considerations but on public ground. The latter, because being the first Magestrate of a respectable State, much speculation would be excited by such a measure; and the consequences thereof not seen into at the first glance. As it might respect myself only—because it would appear a boundless Ocean I was about to embark on from⟨,⟩ from whence no land is to be seen. In other words because the Affairs of——would seem to me to be in the highest paroxysm of disorder—not so much from the pressure of foreign enemies (for in the cause of liberty this ought to be fuel to the fire of a patriot Soldier, & to increase his ardour) but because those in whose hands the G——t is entrusted are ready to tare each other to pieces—and will, more than probably prove the worst foes the Country has⟨.⟩ To all which may be added the probability of the scarcity of Bread, from the peculiar circumstances of the contending parties & which, if it should happen

would accelerate a crisis of sad confusion and possibly of entire change in the political system.
The enclosed came under cover to me by one of the late arrivals—If the date of it is as old as the one to me which accompanied it, it can contain nothing New. although no name will appear to this letter I beg it may be committed to the flames as soon as it is read. I need not add, because you must know it that I am always Yours.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Hastings, 7 May 1793
From: Hastings, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 7th May. 1793

I have just received the inclosed letter from London under Cover, and now improve the first Opportunity of forwarding it.

With Sentiments of Esteem and Respect, I am, your Excellency’s most Obed. humb. Servant

Jona. Hastings


Title: From George Washington to Robert Townsend Hooe, 7 May 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Hooe, Robert Townsend

Sir,
Philadelphia May 7th 1793.

Your letter of the 25 Ulto came duly to hand.
The enclosed to Mr Keith (which I take the liberty of putting under cover to you as there is no postage to pay, because as he does not seem to be in the habit of sending regularly to the Post Office letters to him sometimes sleep there) is expressive of my consent to his receiving from Mr Wilson, & paying to you on Acct of Mr Bennett all the money that propriety will admit—for I can assure you, with much truth, that none of the parties can be more anxiously desirous of closing this business than I am—Whatever is done therefore, by Mr Keith, will be agreeable to Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] May 7. 93

Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President and incloses the draught of a letter to mister Pinckney in answer to one lately received from him. as Colo. Hamilton, the Attorney General & Th: J. had a meeting on another subject, Th: J. took the liberty of consulting them on it, and has altered it agreeably to their minds.


Title: From George Washington to the Chiefs and Warriors of the Wabash and Illinois Indians, 7 May 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Chiefs and Warriors of the Wabash and Illinois Indians

My Children
Philadelphia 7th May 1793

Chiefs and Warriors of the Tribes of Indians residi⟨ng⟩ on the Wabash and Illinois Rivers.
As you are now about to return to your own Country, I take you by the hand and wish you a pleasant Journey.
When you arrived here I was glad to see you, because I believed your undertaking so long a Journey, was a Strong assurance of your disposition to Cultivate peace and friendship with the United States.
You have now been with us Several Moons during which time you have experienced various marks of friendship from us. These, I trust, have made an impression on your minds favourable to t⟨he⟩ United States—I hope on your return to your coun⟨mutilated⟩u will communicate your good dispositions to your friends, and to all with whom you may have influence.
Most of you have been a long Journey to the Eastward, where you have seen the numbers and Strength of a part of the United States. But you have only seen a part. The States which lay to the Southward of this, contain as many people as those you have seen—Judge then, what the bad Indians may expect in the end if they will not hearken to the voice of peace!
My Children
From what you experienced and seen among us, you must be convinced that we wish to live in peace with the Red people; but that we do not wish for peace, because we are not able to Carry on war—We wish for peace because it is for the happiness of all Men and pleasing to the great Spirit.
We have lately sent some of our beloved men, as Comm⟨is⟩sioners

to meet the hostile Indians at the Lower Sandusky, to endeavour to Settle all disputes, and form a treaty of friends⟨hip⟩ with them—The Indians must believe what these Commiss⟨ioners⟩ say; for they will tell them the truth, and they will spea⟨k⟩ the sentiments of all the white people in the United S⟨tates⟩.
I wish when you return home that you would ⟨mutilated⟩ all your people and all other Indians with whom you may have any influence to listen to what our Commissio⟨ners⟩ Shall say; for they will only desire what is right and jus⟨t⟩ and for the happiness of the Red, as well as the white people to agree to, If we fail in this attempt to restore peace, we shall believe that the Indians never mean to live in friendship with us—and in that Case it will be for our Interest to Carry on the War with mo⟨mutilated⟩r than ever, and the bl⟨ood⟩ which may be shed will ⟨b⟩e on ⟨the⟩ heads of the I⟨mutilated⟩.
My Children
The Secretary of War has, by my directions furnished you with Such presents for your Selves, your families, and the friends of your brothers who have died since you left home, as I hope are satisfactory—and will be considered as an evidence of our desire to keep the Chain of friendship between us bright.
as a further token of my regard for you, I present each with a Medal, which you must wear as a sign of your attachme⟨n⟩t to the United States.
I also give you a parchment for each of your Tribe⟨s⟩ on which is written the wishes and Views of the United States with respect to them; and assurances of the protection of the United States. These are signed by me, and have the Seal of the United States affixed to them.
My Children
I bid you farewell. I hope the great Spirit will preserve you through your Journey, and restore you in Safety to your families and friends.

Go: Washington


Title: Attachment: Letter of Protection, 7 May 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Chiefs and Warriors of the Wabash and Illinois Indians

[Philadelphia, 7 May 1793]

George Washington, President of the United States of America, To all to whom these Presents shall come:
Know ye, That the nation of Indians called the Kaskaskia inhabiting the town of Kaskaskia and other towns, villages, and lands of the same community, are, in their persons, towns, villages, lands, hunting-grounds and other rights and property in the peace and under the protection of the United States of America: And all persons, citizens of the United States are hereby warned not to commit any injury, trespass or molestation whatever on the persons, lands, hunting-grounds, or other rights or property of the said Indians: And they and all others are in like manner forbidden to purchase, accept, agree or treat for, with the said Indians directly or indirectly, the title or occupation of any lands held or claimed by them; and I do hereby call upon all persons in authority under the United States, and all citizens thereof in their several capacities, to be aiding and assisting to the prosecution and punishment according to law of all persons who shall be found offending in the premises.
Given under my Hand and the Seal of the United States this Seventh day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three and of the Independence of the United States of America the seventeenth.

Go: Washington
By the PresidentTh: Jefferson