Title: To George Washington from Joseph Swift, 2 March 1797
From: Swift, Joseph,Cumpston, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                             March 2. 1797

                        The Rector, Church Wardens and Vestrymen of the United Episcopal Churches, of
                            Christ Church and St Peter’s, take the Liberty, at this interesting Period of your Retreat
                            from public Life, of offering to you a sincere Testimony of their Veneration of your
                            Character and their Affection for your Person.
                        On an Occasion which, in so lively a Degree, effects the public Mind, we feel a
                            peculiar Source of Sensibility in the Circumstance, of your having Attended divine Worship
                            among us; as well during your Presidency, as on many preceeding Occasions of your temporary
                            Residence in this City. And we are persuaded, that in the Emotions which we now express, we
                            only participate with all the Members of the Congregations whom we represent.
                        While we unite with our Fellow Citizens in Acknowledgement of the Wisdom and
                            the Virtue of your Administration; we especially rejoice, in it’s having been directed to
                            the invaluable Ends of Protection and of Peace; for which, as we are taught by our holy
                            Religion to believe, Government was divinely instituted.

                        You will carry with you, Sir, into your Retirement, the Testimony of your
                            Conscience, the Gratitude of your Country; and the approbation of the Age: May you have the
                            additional Enjoyment of Health; and of whatever else can tend to the Happiness of the Remainder
                            of your Life. And above all, it is our Prayer, that you may at last enjoy a better Rest, in
                            which no Labor for the Happiness of your Fellow Men will have been in vain.
                        Signed in Behalf of the Vestry, Wm White, Bishop of the Prot: Ep: Ch: in the Commonweal. of Pennsa &
                            Rector of the said United Churches.

                            Church WardensJoseph Swift
                            Thomas Cumpston


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Swift, 2 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Swift, Joseph,Cumpston, Thomas

                            Gentlemen,
                             c. 2 March 1797

                        To this public testimony of your approbation of my conduct & affection
                            for my person, I am not insensible; and your prayers for my present and future happiness,
                            merit my warmest acknowledgments. It is with peculiar satisfaction I can say, that, prompted
                            by a high sense of duty in my attendance on public worship, I have been gratified, during my
                            residence among you, by the liberal and interesting discourses which have been delivered in
                            your churches.
                        Believing that that Government alone can be approved by Heaven, which promotes
                            peace and secures protection to its Citizens in every thing that is dear and interesting to
                            them; it has been the great object of my Administration to insure those valuable ends: And
                            when, to a consciousness of the purity of my intentions, is added the approbation of my
                            fellow-citizens, I shall experience in my retirement that heartfelt Satisfaction, which can
                            only be exceeded by the hope of future happiness.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 2 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

                            Gentlemen of the Senate,
                            United States March 2d 1797.

                        I nominate Joel Barlow of the State of Connecticut, to be Consul-General of the
                            United States of America, for the City & Kingdom of Algiers.
                        John Gavino to be Consul of the United States of America for the port of
                            Gibraltar, in the room of James Simpson appointed Consul for Morocco.
                        Frederick Folger of Maryland, to be Consul of the United States of America for
                            the port & district of Aux-Cayes, in the Island of St Domingo.
                        Procopio Jacinto Pollock of Pennsylvania, to be Consul of the United States of
                            America for the port of New-Orleans.
                        Charles Jackson to be district attorney of the United States of America for the
                            State of Georgia.
                        David Lenox of Pennsylvania to be the Agent of the United States of America, to
                            reside in the Kingdom of Great-Britain, pursuant to the Act for the relief &
                            protection of American seamen.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 2 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

                            Gentlemen of the Senate.
                            United States March 2nd 1797.

                        Application having been made to me, to permit a treaty to be held with the
                            Seneka Nation of Indians, to effect the purchase of a parcel of their land under a
                            preemption right derived from the State of Massachusetts and situated within the State of
                            New York, and it appearing to me reasonable that such opportunity should be afforded,
                            provided, the negociation shall be conducted at the expence of the applicant, and at the
                            desire and with the consent of the Indians; always considering these as prerequisites, I now
                            nominate Isaac Smith to be a Commissioner to hold a Treaty with the Seneka Nation for the
                            aforesaid purpose.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 3 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William

                            Gentlemen,
                            Philadelphia 3d Mar. 1797

                        Three things relative to the City of Washington call for my decision, and this
                            is the last day I have Powers to give any.
                        The first respects the dispute with Mr Law, touching the conveyances of Lotts;
                            the second, to my approbation of the Plans for the Executive Offices; and the third, to the
                            Instrument you transmitted to me in your letter of the 31st of January.
                        With regard to the first, however hard & unexpected the case may be as
                            it affects the public interest, and whatever my private opinion on some points may be; I
                            think it safest, and all things considered perhaps the best, to let the opinion of the Law
                            Officer of the government—herewith enclosed—prevail; and I advise it accordingly. The
                            second, not only meets my approbation, but is much approved also by the heads of
                            Departments; and may, when the funds and other circumstances will permit be carried into
                            effect; for which purpose the Plans are returned with my approving signature. On the other,
                            or third point, the Bill for incorporating the Commissioners of the City of Washington, has
                            not been passed into a Law, in consequence of the superior claim of more important matters
                            upon the attention of Congress in the close of the present Session. The instrument you
                            transmitted to me, as mentioned before, having been altered according to the advice of the
                            Attorney General you will herewith receive, formally executed.

                        Another matter occurs which is necessary to apprise you of. In your letter of
                            the 31st of Jany it is said "We have forwarded to the Secretary of State, a plan of the City
                            under cover to Messrs Willinck, with all the public property particularly designated on the
                            face of it; and have written to those Gentlemen, pressing them to forward the loan by all
                            the means in their power." Inquiring the other day of the Secretary if it was dispatched, he
                            answered that no such packet had been recd by him.
                        Your letter of the 27th Ulto is received & I am sorry your prospt of a
                            loan in Holld is so bad. With esteem & regd I am always Yrs

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William White, 3 March 1797
From: White, William,Green, Ashbel
To: Washington, George

                            sir—
                            Philadelphia March 3d 1797.

                        On a day which becomes important in the annals of America as marking the close
                            of a splendid public life, devoted for near half a century to the service of your country;
                            We the undersigned clergy of different denominations in and near the city of Philadelphia,
                            beg leave to join the voice of our fellow citizens, in expressing our deep sense of your
                            public services in every department of trust & authority committed to you. But in
                            our special character as ministers of the gospel of Christ, we are more immediately bound to
                            acknowledge the countenance which you have uniformly given to his holy religion.
                        In your public character we have beheld the edifying example of a civil ruler
                            always acknowledging the superintendence of divine providence in the affairs of men,
                            & confirming that example by the powerful recommendation of religion &
                            morality as the firmest basis of social happiness; more particularly in the following
                            language of your affectionate parting address to your fellow citizens.
                        "Of all the dispositions &c. habits which lead to political prosperity,
                            religion & morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the
                            tribute of patriotism who should labour to subvert these great pillars of human happiness,
                            the firmest props of the duties of men & citizens. The mere politician, equally with
                            the pious man, ought to respect & cherish them. A volume could not trace all their
                            connexions with private &c. public felicity—Let us with caution indulge the
                            supposition that morality can be maintained without religion—Reason & experience
                            forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious
                            principles."
                        Should the importance of these just &c. pious sentiments be duly
                            appreciated & regarded, we confidently trust that the prayers you have offered for
                            the prosperity of our common country will be answered. In these prayers we most fervently
                            unite: And with equal fervour we join in those which the numerous public bodies that
                            represent the citizens of these states are offering for their beloved chief. We most
                            devoutly implore the divine blessing to attend you in your retirement, to render it in all
                            respects comfortable to you, to satisfy you with length of days, & finally to
                            receive you into happiness & glory infinitely greater than this world can bestow.

                            Wm White
                            Ashbel Green
                            William Smith
                            John Ewing
                            Samuel Jones
                            Wm Flendel18 more signatures not transcribed


Title: From George Washington to William White, 3 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: White, William,Green, Ashbel

                            Gentlemen,
                             c.3 March 1797

                        Not to acknowledge with gratitude & sensibility the affectionate addresses
                            and benevolent wishes of my fellow Citizens on my retiring from public life, would prove
                            that I have been unworthy of the Confidence which they have been pleased to repose in me.
                        And, among these public testimonies of attachment and approbation, none can be
                            more grateful than that of so respectable a body as your’s.
                        Beleiving, as I do, that Religion & Morality are the essential pillars of Civic society, I view, with
                            unspeakable pleasure, that harmony & Brotherly love which characterizes the Clergy of
                            different denominations—as well in this, as in other parts of the United States: exhibiting
                            to the world a new & interesting spectacle, at once the pride of our Country and the
                            surest basis of universal Harmony.
                        That your Labours for the good of Mankind may be crown’d with success—that your
                            temporal enjoyments may be commensurate with your merits—and that the future reward of good
                            & faithful Servants may be your’s, I shall not cease to supplicate the Divine Author of
                            life & felicity.


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 3 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Dr Sir,
                            Philadelphia 3d March 1797.

                        At the conclusion of my public employments, I have thought it expedient to
                            notice the publication of certain forged letters which first appeared in the year 1777, and
                            were obtruded upon the public as mine. They are said by the editor to have been found in a
                            small portmanteau that I had left in the care of my Mulatto servant named Billy, who, it is
                            pretended, was taken prisioner at Fort Lee, in 1776. The period when these letters were
                            first printed will be recollected, and what were the impressions they were intended to
                            produce on the public mind. It was then supposed to be of some consequence to strike at the
                            integrity of the motives of the American Commander in Chief, and to paint his inclinations
                            as at variance with his professions and his duty. Another crisis in the affairs of America
                            having occurred, the same weapon has been resorted to, to wound my character and deceive the
                            people.
                        The letters in question have the dates, addresses, and signatures here
                            following.
                        "New–York, June 12. 1776. To Mr Lund Washington, at Mount Vernon, Fairfax
                            County, Virginia. “G.W.”

                            "To John Parke Custis, Esqr. at the Hon. Benedict Calver’t, Esqr., Mount
                                Airy, Maryland.” “June 18. 1776.” “Geo. Washington.”

                            "New-York, July 8, 1776, To Mr Lund Washington, at Mount–Vernon, Fairfax
                                County, Virginia.” “G.W.”

                            "New-York, July 16, 1776. To Mr Lund Washington, &c.” “G.W.”

                            "New–York, July 15, 1776. To Mr Lund Washington, &c.” “G.W.”

                            "New-York, July 22, 1776. To Mr Lund Washington, &c. “G.W.”

                            "June 24, 1776. To Mrs Washington.” “G.W.”

                            At the time when these letters first appeared, it was notorious to the
                                army immediately under my command, and particularly to the gentlemen attached to my
                                person, that my Mulatto Man Billy had never been one moment in the power of the enemy.
                                It is also a fact that no part of my baggage, or any of my attendants were captured
                                during the whole course of the war. These well-known facts made it unnecessary, during
                                the war, to call the public attention to the forgery, by any express declaration of
                                mine: and a firm reliance on my fellow-citizens, and the abundant proofs they gave of
                                their confidence in me, rendered it alike unnecessary to take any formal notice of the
                                revival of the imposition, during my civil administration. But as I cannot know how
                                soon a more serious event may succeed to that which will this day take place, I have
                                thought it a duty that I owed to Myself, to my Country and to Truth, now to detail the
                                circumstances above recited; and to add my solemn declaration, that the letters herein
                                described, are a base forgery, and that I never saw or heard of them until they
                                appeared in print.
                            The present letter I commit to your care, and desire it may be deposited in
                                the office of the department of state, as a testimony of the truth to the present
                                generation and to posterity. Accept, I pray you, the sincere esteem & Affectionate
                                regard of Dr Sir Your Obedt

                            G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Hans Alexander Siegfried [von] Steuben, 3 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Hans Alexander Siegfried [von]

                            sir,Philadelphia March 3rd 1797.

                        I received your letter dated the 1st of September last, inquiring for the
                            fortune of your deceased Brother, Baron Steuben. A former application from some relation of
                            the Baron led me to inquire how he disposed of his estate, and I found that the payment of
                            debts and claims would absorb the greater part, and that the residue was given to some
                            particular friends to whom he was attached, and who had been attached to him; especially
                            during his service in the army of the United States. And it was even doubtful whether any
                            thing would remain after his debts were paid.
                        To supercede any further inquiries of the kind, perhaps I ought to add, That
                            although the pay and emoluments of the Baron from the United States were liberal, and
                            supported him several Years after the close of the american war, yet possessed of a generous
                            heart and accustomed to an expensive mode of living, he felt some embarrassements, until in
                            the year 1790 Congress granted him a pension of 2,500 Dollars a year. From this he could make
                            no saving; and whatever Estate he left behind him resulted from the bounty of particular
                            States in grateful acknowledgment for the services he had rendered to the United States
                            during the American War. I have the honor to be, with much respect sir Your obedient servant


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 3 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.

                            My dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 3d March 1797

                        Before the curtain drops on my political life, which it will do this evening—I
                            expect for ever—I shall acknowledge, although it be in a few hasty lines only; the receipt
                            of your kind & affectionate letter of the 23d of January last.
                        When I add, that according to custom, all the Acts of the Session, except two
                            or three very unimportant Bills, have been presented to me within the last four days, you will not be surprised at the pressure under which I write at
                            present; but it must astonish others who know that the
                            Constitution allows the President ten days to deliberate on each
                            Bill that is brought before him that he should be allowed by the Legislature less than
                            half that time to consider all the business of the Session; and
                            in some instances, scarcely an hour to revolve the most important. But as the scene is
                            closing, with me, it is of little avail now to let it be with
                            murmers.

                        I should be very unhappy if I thought my relinquishing the Reins of government
                            wd produce any of the consequences which your fears forebode. In all free governments,
                            contention in elections will take place; and whilst it is confined to our own citizens it is
                            not to be regreted; but severely indeed ought it to be reprobated when occasioned by foreign
                            machinations. I trust however, that the good sense of our Countrymen will guard the public
                            weal against this, and every other innovation; and that, altho we may be a little wrong, now
                            & then, we shall return to the right path, with more avidity. I can never believe
                            that Providence, which has guided us so long, and through Such a labirinth, will withdraw
                            its protection at this Crisis.
                        Although I shall resign the chair of government without a Single regret, or any
                            desire to intermeddle in politics again, yet there are many of my compatriots (among whom
                            be assured I place you) from whom I shall part sorrowing; because, unless I meet with them
                            at Mount Vernon it is not likely I shall ever See them more, as I do not expect I shall ever
                            be twenty miles from it after I am tranquilly settled there. To tell you how glad I should
                            be to see you at that place is unnecessary; but this I will add, that it would not only give
                            me pleasure, but pleasure also to Mrs Washington, and others of the family with whom you are
                            acquainted; and who all unite in every good wish for you, and yours, with Dear Sir—Your
                            sincere friend and Affectionate Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 3 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

                            Gentlemen of the Senate,
                            United States March 3d 1797.

                        I nominate Anthony Walton White of New Jersey to be Surveyor for the agred
                            Port of New Brunswick and Inspector of the Revenue for the same.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Stephens, 21 September 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Stephens, William

                            Fellow citizens and Brothers of the Grand lodge of Georgia.September 21. 1796.

                        I have received your address with all the feelings of brotherly affection
                            mingled with those sentiments for the Society which it was calculated to excite.
                        To have been in any degree an instrument in the hands of Providence to promote
                            order and union and erect upon a solid foundation the true principles of government is only
                            to have shared with many others in a labour the result of which let us hope will prove
                            through all ages a sanctuary for brothers and a lodge for the virtues.
                        Permit me to reciprocate your prayers for my temporal happiness and to
                            supplicate that we may all meet hereafter in that eternal Temple whose builder is the great
                            architect of the Universe.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From James Montgomery to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 19 September 1796
From: Montgomery, James
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

                            Sir
                            Sepr 19th 1796

                        I do myself the Honour to transmit a Copy of what I wrote on the 17th and must
                            apologize for troubling you so soon again but I so sensibly feel the Insult endeavoured to
                            be put on me by the Collector that I flatter myself I recd but appeal to what would be your
                            own feelings on a similiar Occasion to be redressed and am with every sentiment of respect
                            your most obedient Humble Servant

                            James Montgomery


Title: From Oliver Wolcott, Jr. to James Montgomery, 19 September 1796
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Montgomery, James

                            Sir
                            Treasury Department Sepr 19th 1796

                        In reply to your letter of the 17th instant on the subject of the Cutter, I
                            have to inform you that what has been done in that business was in pursuance of my
                            directions. I am with Consideration Sir Your Obed. Servant

                            Oliver Wollcott


Title: To George Washington from James Montgomery, 20 September 1796
From: Montgomery, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Sepr 20th 1796

                        As you have in Yours of this instant informed me that every thing relative to
                            the Cutter has been done by your Directions I must take the Liberty of requesting a Reason
                            for my not being called on to attend and am very Happy to find it is to you I must apply for
                            an explanation of what appears to me in the light of an Insult which neither my Conduct nor
                            Spirit can Brook if there is the slightest shadow of Fault in my discharge of every Duty I
                            demand an examination of the most minute Parts of it if not I surely am not to be considered
                            as a Cypher in Business in which I am Undoubtedly most Interested. Whilst I have the Honour
                            to Hold a Commission under the President of the United States I must consider any Unmerited
                            Insult to myself in my Official Capacity as a Want of that Respect due to his Appointment I
                            must beg leave to observe I mean not to be deficient in that Respect due to Mr Wollcott both
                            as a Gentleman and in his Official Character and am with respect your most obedient Humble
                            Servant

                            James Montgomery


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 25 September 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir.
                            Philadelphia 25 Sepr 1796.

                        I thought it best to wait till I could ascertain the full expression of the
                            public sentiment, before I should comply with your request, to tell you all, and conceal
                            nothing from you.
                        Your address on the first day of its publication, drew from the friends of
                            government, through every part of the City, the strongest expressions of sensibility. I am
                            well assured, that many tears were shed on the occasion, and propositions made in various
                            companies, for soliciting your consent to serve another term; which were afterwards dropped,
                            on reflecting, that nothing short of a very solemn crisis could possibly lead to a change—of
                            your determination. The enemies of the government, upon their part, discovered a sullenness,
                            silence, and uneasiness, that marked a considerable portion of chagreen and alarm, at the
                            impression which it was calculated to make on the public mind.

                        Such have been the first effects of an address which
                            still continues to be a subject of melancholly conversation and regret. And I think I may
                            safely add, that what has been exhibited here, will be found to be a
                            transcript of the general expression of the people of the United States.
                            I sincerely believe, that no nation ever felt a more ardent attachment to
                            its chief; and ’tis certain, that history cannot furnish an example such as you have given
                            Those men who have relinquished sovereign power, have done it under circumstances which
                            tarnished more or less this glory of the act; but in the present case, there is no
                            circumstance which does not serve to augment it. With the most sincere attachment
                                & affection I am Sir your Ob & hble st

                            James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Bartholomew Dandridge, 26 September 1796
From: Dandridge, Bartholomew
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 26 Septr 1796.

                        Since you left this nothing out of the common course of things has occurred.
                            Genl Pinckney sailed yesterday morning.
                        I have taken particular pains to know what reception your address to the people
                            met with here; and truly declare that not a Single instance of disapprobation of any part
                            thereof has been found. With general regret for the cause which produced it, all seem to
                            agree in the solid truths which the address contains. Many respectable characters even now,
                            think it will be impossible for you to retire, owing to the importunities of, the people for
                            you to remain in your present station.
                        On the morning of your departure, Mr Claypoole, (who was wanting to purchase the
                            round bottom) called here & from what he told me seemed inclined to give the price
                            you asked for it. He said he should go on to Alexandria & would see you respecting
                            it. Be pleased to present me dutifully & affectionately to my Aunt; &
                            believe me Dr Sir with affecte attachment, Yr obt Servt

                            B. Dandridge


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Olney, 26 September 1796
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Custom House District of Providence 26th Septr 1796.

                        The Office of District Judge for Rhode Island, being Vacant by the Death of
                            Judge Merchant—I feel a Confidence in Addressing you on the Subject of a Suitable Person to
                            Succeed to that Office—and take the Liberty of recommending Benjamin Brown Esqr., of this
                            Town, Attorney at Law, as a Gentleman possessing all the requisits to discharge, with honor
                            and impartiallity the important duties thereof, He is Deservedly esteemed by all Classes of
                            his Fellow Citizens as a Gentleman of Fair Character and Deportment in life—possessing very
                            distinguished Tallents in the Line of his Profession, Mr Brown’s Feaderal Principles and
                            unshaken attachment to Peace, order, and good Government, are so firmly Established and
                            known to you Sir, as to render Any thing my feeble pen can Suggest on that Subject—unnecessary—I shall therefore only assure you that I am authorised to say should you be
                            pleased to Confer the Honorable appointment on him it will be Acceptable, and afford General
                            Satisfaction to the Citizens of this State. I have the Honor to be very respectfully Sir
                            Your most Obed. Hum. Sert

                            Jereh Olney


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Sterett, 27 September 1796
From: Sterett, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Baltimore 27. September 1796

                        Understanding that Mr Paul Graybill of this Town is an Applicant for the Office
                            of Marshall for the District of Maryland, I have great pleasure in giving my testimony of
                            his Merits and Capacity. Mr Graybill acted as Marshall of the Admiralty Court under the State
                            Jurisdiction prior to the establishment of the present Constitution of the United States and
                            since that period as Deputy Marshall of the District of Maryland with general approbation
                            and with honor to himself. In the hands of Mr Graybill I have no doubt
                            that the Office of Marshall will be executed with great Fidelity, Skill and
                            Firmness, and in a manner that will be very acceptable to the good Citizens of this State. I
                            have the honor to be With great Respect Sir Your humbe Servant

                            Samuel Sterett


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Phillips, 28 September 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Phillips, Samuel

                            Sir,
                            Mount Vernon 28th Sep: 1796

                        The enclosed letter, from my Nephew to me, accompanying one from him to you
                            (which have been to Philadelphia and back) must be my apology for giving you the trouble of
                            reading this address. I shall only add, that if there are arrearages yet due to you, and you
                            will let me know the amount, it shall be remitted from Philadelphia; at which place I expect
                            to be by the first of November. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 28 September 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Sir,
                            Mount Vernon 28th Septr 1796

                        Your letters of the 17th 20th & 20th instant, have been received.
                        Enclosed you have a Warrant on the Secretary of the Treasury for two thousand
                            dollars for contingent purposes, agreeably to your request.
                        ’Tis well to learn from Mr Monroe’s own pen, "that he trusted the French
                            Councils relative to us were fixed, & that he should hear nothing more from the
                            Directory on the subject he had frequently touched upon in his former letters." If his
                            conjectures are right, it will not be difficult to account for the cause.
                        It affords much satisfaction that Judge Benson has accepted the Office of third
                            Commissioner for deciding on the true St Croix.
                        As no fit character occurs to me to supply the place of Mr Marsh as District
                            Attorney, I request that you will get what information you can, on this head, &
                            transmit it to me.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 28 September 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

                            Mount Vernon 28th Septr 1796

                        Pay to Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State, Two thousand Dollars out of the
                            Sum appropriated to defray the Contingent Charges of Government, to be applied by him to
                            that use.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Augustine Washington, 28 September 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William Augustine

                            My dear Sir
                            Mount Vernon 28th Sep. 96

                        Your letter of the 12th Inst. enclosing one for Mr Phillips of Andover, found
                            me at this place yesterday, after having been to Philadelphia & back again.
                        Happening to have as many bank notes of the United States by me as would
                            exchange those of Alexandria, wch you enclosed to me I have done so; and by tomorrows Post
                            from Alexandria they, & your letter to the above named Gentleman, will proceed.
                        Mrs Washington unites with me in best wishes for you, and with sincere
                            friendship, I am always Your Affectionate Uncle

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., September 1796
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                            Treasury Department September the  1796

                        The Secretary of the Treasury most respectfully reports to the President of the United States.That on the 8th of June he received a letter from William Jackson Surveyor of the Port of Philadelphia containing a representation against the Official Conduct of Sharp Delany Collector for the District of Pennsylvania, for having taken Robert Hopkins one of the Inspectors from his duty, on an excursion into the Country. The Collector being absent and the Secretary fully engaged in pressing business, nothing more was done at that time, than to submit the Surveyors letter to the President who, immediately directed that a strict inquiry into the truth of the allegation should be made by the Secretary. On or about the 3d day of July the Collector returned to Philadelphia, and on the 7th day of the same month, the Secretary commenced the enquiry in the following manner.A letter was written to the Comptroller of the Treasury transmitting a Copy of the Surveyor’s letter of June 8th with certain documents which had been suggested as being material in the proposed investigation, and requesting him to appoint a time and place convenient to himself and the parties, for the purpose of observing that allegations, testimony and explinations which might be offered, were carefully and impartially reduced to writing.On the same day a Letter was written to the Collector transmitting a Copy of the charge and informing him that the Comptroller would superintend the enquiry, similar in formation was at the same time communicated to the Surveyor.On the 13th of July the enquiry commenced at the Custom House under the Superintendence of the Comptroller, when the following specific charges were adduced by the Surveyor.“1st That the said Collector on the 4th day of June last when the business of the Port of Philadelphia was so pressing, as to require the best exertions of every Inspector belonging to the said Port to perform it, did take from his duty to attend him Mr Delany, Robert Hopkins, one of the Inspectors for the said Port, and did continue the said Hopkins with him from the 4th day of June to the 3d day of July 1796.”“2d That the Collector (after being informed that the Surveyor had suspended the said Hopkins from his Office, for absenting himself from his duty as an Inspector, without the consent, and against the direction of the Surveyor) did insist upon reinstating the said Hopkins in his Office, before any hearing was had upon the said suspension—and for this purpose the said Collector did issue an order in writing, directing the said Hopkins to resume his Office, and notifying all whom it might concern that the said Hopkins was to be considered as an Inspector of the said Port of Philadelphia, the suspension of the said Hopkins by the said Surveyor notwithstanding.”“3d That the said Collector, has within the space of the last thirteen Months or thereabouts at different times, and at those seasons when the greatest degree of business generally prevails in the Port of Philadelphia taken the said Hopkins from his duty as an Inspector for the said Port, to attend him, Mr Delany, on an excursion in the State of Pennsylvania, or into the State of New Jersey for upwards of Sixty days.”“4th That the said Collector has paid unto the said Hopkins, and has charged to the United States, in the Accounts which the said Collector has rendered against the United States, his pay as an Inspector for the Port of Philadelphia, for a period of time, when the said Hopkins was not only not performing the duty of an Inspector, but when both the said Collector and the said Hopkins were beyond the limits of the Pennsylvania District being absent together, on an excursion into the State of New-Jersey.”On the 27th day of August the Comptroller of the Treasury made his report, which with the testimony and documents adduced in the course of the enquiry and the comments of the parties thereon are herewith submitted. It is a satisfaction to the Secretary to be able to state, that though the passions of the parties, have been highly excited they have mutually born testimony to the moderation and impartiality with which the investigation has been conducted by the Comptroller.As preliminary to the comments which the Secretary is to make on the charges and evidence now submitted, he conceives that it will not be useless to state his ideas of the powers and duties annexed to the Offices, of Collector, Naval Officer, and Surveyor.The general duties of a Collector are.1st to receive and record all reports manifests and documents to be exhibited on the entry Vessels or Merchandize.2d To estimate all duties payable to the public, to grant all permits for unlading and delivering goods, to receive all monies and bonds and to account therefor to the Treasury.3d To employ or appoint all Inspectors, Weighers, Guagers and measurers and to provide Stores weights and measures, with the approbation of the Secretary of the Treasury.4th To exercise a general superintendance over whatever concerns the collection of duties and the execution of the Revenue Laws of the United States.The general duties of a Naval Officer are.1st To receive copies of all manifests, and concurrently with the Collector, to estimate all duties and to keep separate records thereof.2d To countersign all permits, clearances certificates and debentures granted by the Collector.3d As incident to the foregoing powers and duties he is to maintain suitable checks upon all receipts of money by the Collector and to certify the amount thereof to the Treasury when required.The general duties of a Surveyor are.1st To superintend and direct all Inspectors, weighers, measurers and Gaugers in his District.2d To visit and inspect Ships and Vessels as they arrive and to put on board them one or more Inspectors.3d To examine and compare the quantities of Goods entered with the Collector, with the quantities delivered pursuant to permits.The Surveyors of the Customs in addition to the duties above recited, are charged with special duties under their Commissions as Inspectors of the Revenue for Ports; these duties consist in inspecting the unlading and transporting of distilled Spirits, Wines and Teas, and in granting certificates to accompany the same; As Inspectors of the Revenue for Ports; the Surveyors are subject to the instructions of the Supervisors of the Revenue in all other respects they are by Law “subject to the controul of the Collectors.”The Inspectors of the Customs, are Officers whose duty it is to observe the conduct of Vessels, while in the Ports or within the Revenue jurisdiction of the United States; It is conceived to be most regular that the details of their duties within the Districts to which they belong, should be assigned to them by the Surveyors—the Collectors only have the power however to place an Inspector on board a Vessel to attend her from one District to another District—how far the Collectors may legally interfere in the distribution of particular services to Inspectors within a District is doubtful; in the opinion of the Secretary however the exercise of such a power, without special reasons, wd be inexpedient.From this summary view of the duties of the Officers of the Customs it is easy to collect the intention of the Legislature respecting them and to infer that the following general course of conduct is no less prescribed by Law than by propriety and duty to the public.The Collector is to have a general superintendence over the Surveyor and Inspectors and is to be considered as responsible for a faithful execution of the Laws; his principal and appropriate duties ought however to be considered as requiring particular attention to the course of Office business—The Surveyor ought to superintend and direct the business and duties which are to be performed on the Wharves and on board of Vessels; The naval Officer ought to regard it as his duty to examine accounts and documents, to keep records thereof for the purpose of maintaining a check upon the Collector’s accounts, and to detect or prevent errors. good sense, moderation and propriety require of the Collectors, that their agency in directing the conduct of the Inspectors, Weighers Gaugers and measurers should be exerted through the Surveyors whose power of superintendence ought to be real and effectual—good sense, moderation and propriety also require of the Surveyors, that they should freely consult with and be guided by the opinions of the Collectors except in cases of real diversity of sentiment as to their duties, when they ought to concur in stating for the decision of the Treasury, the questions upon which their doubts arise.As the construction of the Law establishing the compensation of Inspectors of the Customs, constitutes one of the questions to be considered, the Secretary takes the liberty to state his opinion and knowledge of the practice which has obtained on this subject.By the terms of the Law, the compensation of Inspectors is a ⅌ diem allowance for every day they are actually employed in aid of the Customs. Until the first day of April 1795, this allowance was a Sum not exceeding one Dollar and sixty six cents ⅌ diem. The compensation prior to April 1795 was evidently disproportionate to the importance of the trust; at present it may be deemed truly moderate. Though doubts may be entertained whether the strict Letter of the Law, recd in any case warrant a payment to an Inspector for any day on which some service was not actually performed; Yet a different practice consistent as it is believed with equity, with the spirit of the Law, and the good of the service; has governed: no secret or concealment as to the prevailing rule has at any time existed; on the contrary, the practice which has obtained was freely communicated by my predecessor and myself to a Committee of the House of Representatives to whom it was referred in the Session of 1795 to consider and report upon the compensations proper to be allowed to the Officers of the Customs; no doubt is now entertained but that the uniform ⅌ diem allowance which was established alike for the Inspector in the principal and most expensive and for those in the smallest and least expensive Ports, was occasioned by the information communicated by the Treasury.The practice referred to is this; that in the out Ports, the Collectors engage Inspectors to attend at those seasons when business occurs, or occasionally as is found practicable and most economical—the situation of a district as presenting a facility or difficulty of committing illicit practices, the course of business and various circumstances which it is difficult to enumerate, influence the appointment of a greater or lesser number of Inspectors, and the continuance of their pay, either constantly or occasionally. The charges of the Collectors are critically examined and if any thing doubtful or improper appears it is corrected by the Treasury. While however the state of a Port requires the time of an Inspector to be constantly devoted to the public, he is considered as actually employed in the sense of the Law and of the established usage.What has been last said applies principally to the out ports, where but little business occurs; in the principal Ports, the constant service and attention of some Inspectors has been deemed always necessary. for the purpose of securing the services of faithful and competent characters, who possess a due degree of skill and experience it has been a practice to employ such a number as during the busy seasons of the year may be able, with their best and most diligent exertions to transact the business and this number is considered as constantly retained while they devote their attention exclusively to their duties. it is believed that this practice affords the best security for having the business well done and that it is on the whole most economical. It is certain that respectable Men can generally with facility establish themselves in this Country in permanent and steady employments—it is well known that they are not to be engaged upon condition of being liable to be dismissed at short notice—the compensation ⅌ diem established by Law being as low if not lower than what is paid to ordinary porters and labourers for daily services, is a proof that an idea of some permanency of compensation exceeding that allowed to day labourers must be understood between the Collectors & Inspectors. If this idea was to be rejected and a different practice adopted, the Inspectors would of course be appointed from a Class of society much inferior to what they are at present; a greater number would be sometimes employed that at others—no skill or experience would be retained in this Class of Officers, frauds would be committed; while the direct expense upon the Revenue would be in no degree diminished.Upon the principles before stated, the number of Inspectors ought to be such as on an average of the service to be performed in an entire year, would be reasonably employed, and such as during the most busy seasons, could be active exertions discharge the duties required by the public. Thus by extra exertions in one Season compensating for relaxations in another.It is easy to see that in a service of this nature some thing must be left to discretion; and that the Laws cannot enter into details which preclude the exercise of opinion; cases will occur in which a partial belief will obtain that there has been a want of economy, where at the same time the circumstances may be too doubtful and complicated to justify censure; to evince the difficulty of forming a correct judgment upon these subjects; a comparison of the expences of collecting the Revenue in two Districts is presented.In the year 1794 the duties payed and secured in the District of Pennsylvania exceeded two Millions of Dollars; of the property imported upon which these duties accrued, one third at least was exported and of course subject to a double expence of collection charged to the public during the year 1794 amounted to less than Thirty six thousand Dollars, or 1 & 4/5th ⅌ Centum on the Sums paid and secured. During the same year the duties paid and secured in the District of New London of which General Huntington is Collector amounted to about One hundred and Seventeen thousand Dollars or 6 & 84/100 ⅌ Centum on the Sums paid or secured. Thus it appears that in proportion to the duties paid or secured the expences in the District of New London compared with these, in the District of Pennsylvania are nearly in the proportion of four to one, while at the same time General Huntington’s character as an Officer is conspicuous and exemplary. No single criterion can be selected for judging of the conduct of an Officer; and a complex view must embrace too many considerations to produce a uniform opinion even in minds which are impartial.It is not objected against Mr Delany that he has employed too great a number of Inspectors; but that he has to the injury of the public service taken Mr Hopkins from his duty on an excursion into the Country; This is the essence of the first charge.That Mr Hopkins was absent with the Collector from June 4th to July 3d 1796 is certain, the question which arises therefore is, was the public service injured by this absence?The general current of the testimony on this point appears to be, that the principal press of business was in the Months of April and May; in the beginning of June, the Inspectors say they were diligently employed, from and after the 10th of June there appears to have been a considerable remission of business.With respect to the Ship John from inspecting which Mr Hopkins was taken, it appears that his absence commenced on Saturday morning the 4th of June; that no deliveries were made in the after noon of that day, and that on Monday morning of the 6th of June, the unlading was compleated. It results therefore from the testimony respecting the general state of the business, as well as the particular facts respecting the Ship John, that the absence of Inspector Hopkins, did not expose the Revenue arising from that Vessel to additional risque; the injury to the public from his absence, if any has existed must therefore have arisen from the manner of his quitting his duties and not from the absence itself independently considered. On this point the Secretary’s opinion will be hereafter expressed.The second charge is in substance; that after the Surveyor had by a written notice suspended Robert Hopkins from his Office as Inspector, the Collector by a writing reinstated the said Inspector in his Office, before the charges preferred against him had been heared and determined.On this point the Secretary is of opinion that the Surveyor had no power to suspend Robert Hopkins from Office. The power of a Surveyor over an Inspector is believed to have been accurately defined by General Macpherson, the present Naval Officer as appears from his testimony herewith transmitted. When an Inspector is deemed to be guilty of improper conduct, the Surveyor may direct him to desist from the business in which such improper conduct appears; or from all business if the public security so requires, until a Report can be made to the Collector; The Collectors have generally the power of deciding on questions respecting the conduct of Inspectors. Their decisions ought to be made with due respect to the opinions of the Surveyors—Indecent disrespect, or disobedient conduct towards a Surveyor would be a ground for dismission by a Collector; a refusal to dismiss an Inspector, when sufficient reasons were shewn for a dismission, would be a good cause of complaint against a Collector. The power of dismission however rests with the Collector and not with the Surveyor; to admit the power of appointment to be vested in one officer and the power of dismission in a different Officer would be to introduce a principle of disorgination and hostility, ruinous to the public service—It is a different thing to order an Officer to desist from particular duties, or even from all duties until an enquiry can be instituted from what it is, to suspend him from Office, in attempting to exercise this last power, the Surveyor has exceeded his authority.The case has been supposed of a collusion between a Collector and an Inspector of a nature to render the Collector an improper person to decide on the conduct of the Inspector—If such a case should happen it would render necessary a representation to the Treasury for the purpose of being communicated to the President, but it could not increase the powers of a subordinate Officer.In respect to the second charge, the Secretary is for the reasons above stated of opinion that there is no ground to culpate the Collector.The third charge is that the Collector has within the space of about thirteen Months, at different times, when the business is generally most urgent, taken Robert Hopkins from his duty as Inspector, to attend the said Collector on excursions into the Country for upwards of Sixty days.It appears from the testimony that Mr. Hopkins was appointed an Inspector in the Spring of 1793 & that since his appointment he has been absent in the company of Mr Delany during the following periods. from the 18th to the 28th day of June 179410 daysIn the Month of May 95 two weeks & in the21 daysMonth of June 95 one weekDuring the Month of September 179530 daysfrom the 4th of June to the 3d of July 179629 daysAmounting in the whole to90 daysIt appears that during the first and second periods of absence the Inspector has been allowed pay which has been charged to the United States; It is positively declared both by the Collector and Mr Hopkins that no pay was allowed for the Month of September 1795. Whether any pay will be allowed during the last absence in June and July, may depend upon the Judgment which shall be formed upon the charges under consideration.The censure conveyed by this charge appears to be, that the Collector & Inspector were absent at busy seasons of the year and that the public service has suffered.It is difficult to judge of a charge of this nature especially in respect to a distant period, and when as in the present case the Officer best acquainted with the case, being the late Surveyor, is dead. The general tenor of the testimony is that April and May & October & November are the most busy periods—during the last two Weeks of May 1795, the Collector & Inspector were absent; there appears however to be a general concurrence in the testimony, that the public business suffered no injury; so far as the Collector is implicated personally in the charge of neglect, the Secretary conceives it to be his duty to state, that he has known the Collector’s health to be feeble and declining, for some time past, and that in general his personal attention to his Office is exemplary and beyond what is bestowed by the Collectors of several of the principal Ports. Of particular times and circumstances, the Secretary has no knowledge. On a view of the whole evidence there does not appear ground to declare that the public interest has suffered by the absence of the Collector or Inspector.The fourth charge is that the Collector has paid to Mr Hopkins his pay as an Inspector, not only for a time when he was not performing his duty, but for a time when he was absent with the Collector, beyond the limits of the District of Pennsylvania: as it cannot be concealed that this charge bears the aspect of an accusation of fraud and perversion of public Money, it is of a serious nature and merits a particular enquiry & consideration.The first period of absence with the Collector, for which Mr Hopkins received pay is from the 18th to the 28th of June 1794 being ten days.The following rules obtain in the Settlement of the Inspectors Accounts. A book is kept in the Surveyors Office, in which the Inspectors enter their daily services; at the end of a quarter, an abstract is drawn from this book, of the services rendered by each Inspector, which is certified by the Surveyor and paid by the Deputy Collector.The Deputy Collector is entrusted with monies from time to time on account, from which partial payments are made occasionally, during a quarter—the quartily accounts of the Inspectors as rendered to the Treasury, therefore embrace a Settlement of Sums paid at various times—It is alledged in the testimony and appears probable from the nature of the business, that the Inspectors accounts are generally settled and paid, without any special consultations with the Collector.The Law having established the compensation, the only question which can arise, is what services have been performed? this is settled by the Certificate of the Surveyor; no advantage would therefore arise from a minute attention to these settlements by the Collector, and if it were bestowed, business of more difficulty and consequence would most probably suffer.With respect to the payment during the first absence in June 1794 it appears that an account was presented to the late Surveyor, without any specification of service during the absence. & that the late Surveyor refused to sign it, because Mr Hopkins had been absent from his duty, sometime in the Month of June, and as three Months were included in one account, the Surveyor would by his signature to the Account have allowed the whole thereof. But notwithstanding this objection it appears that afterwards the Account was presented again with these words inserted against the absent time “Coasting and other duty by order of the Collector.” Upon which the Surveyor certified the Account in the following manner “Examined and found right, Walter Stewart Surveyor.” The words against the absent time are not in the hand writing of the Collector, nor is there any evidence that they were inserted by his direction. It thus appears that General Stewart knew of Mr Hopkins’s absence, that he first objected to the account, and afterwards allowed it; he probably, though this only conjecture, consulted with the Collector, and was satisfied by him that Hopkins’s absence was on account of sickness or for some reason which ought not to occasion a forfeiture of his pay. As General Stewart was an honourable Man, as it is known that he felt no particular attachment to the Collector, and as the circumstances of the case must have been specially considered at the time, it is but reasonable to conclude, that no fraud could have been contemplated as existing. If the payment must be considered as fraudulent the character of the late Surveyor is necessarily implicated in the supposed fraud with that of the Collector—it appears to the Secretary that a conclusion so severe ought not to be drawn from the facts before stated.The second absence of Mr Hopkins appears to have been between the 18th of May and the 19th of June 1795. In the Inspectors account, the following services are stated: from the 18th to the 31st of May attending the Brig Brothers, Moser from Jackemel and from June 1st to the 9th attending Coasting. The account is certified by Daniel Brower late Deputy Surveyor, in the following words “The above account is just and true” It has been paid and charged to the United States—It does not appear that the account attracted any special attention or caused any discussion at the time of Settlement.The third absence was during the Month of September 1795—Mr Hopkins has sworn that he received no pay during this period—the Collector has asserted, the same fact. The accounts for the quarter ending with September 1795, have not been rendered for settlement—the affidavit of Mr Hopkins was publickly made and before persons who knew whether he spoke the truth or not—his general character is said to be good; he must be believed; of course the only question is, whether the public suffered an injury by his absence: this as before observed by the Secretary upon the third charge does not appear.The fourth absence, is that upon which the present enquiry has arisen, namely from the 4th of June to the 3d of July 1796. no Certificate of service has been granted by the Surveyor; no payment is suggested as having been made, but if the fact were otherwise, it could only be considered as a declaration by the Collector, that in his opinion the Inspector was entitled to pay, the state of the case being known, there cannot exist that secrecy and collusion which constitute the essence of fraud.To justify the claim made for pay by Mr Hopkins during his absences in June 1794 and in May and June 1795, it is alledged that he was in ill health—in respect to the first period the principal if not the only evidence of this fact, is his own declaration; the distance of time is such that special testimony could hardly be expected; this absence was about ten days and is that absence which attracted the particular attention of the late Surveyor General Stewart.In respect to the second absence in May and June 1795 it is proved, that Mr Hopkins had been sick of a pleurisy but a short time before his departure; he had however so far recovered as to resume his duties; it is conceivable that a Man may attend to business, when a proper regard to the state of his health would justify or require relaxation; it is credible that self love may justify to a virtuous mind the presentation of an account for pay on the ground of indisposition when in fact no injury to health was to be justly apprehended from a customary attention to business—it is possible that a man whose general character is unexceptionable, may have fraudulently affected sickness as a pretext for indulging his pleasures; on the facts stated different minds will form different conclusions in respect to the conduct of Mr Hopkins; to the Secretary they do not appear sufficiently marked to justify a public imputation of fraud.It has been stated that the Inspector’s accounts contain charges for specific services, when in fact no such services were performed; this is true and requires explanation. It appears to have been a practice with the Inspectors, during the sickness or necessary absence of their comrades to perform services on account of each other, and to enter the services of the substitute in the account of the person for whom they were performed. This has been done and allowed by the present Surveyor, the practice is inaccurate and must be corrected; every account ought to contain true recital of facts, which it now appears the Inspector’s account do not: But though inaccurate the practice cannot be called fraudulent; as it has obtained both before and since the charges now under consideration were presented.A circumstance happened in the course of the enquiry, upon which the Surveyor has remarked with great asperity, and as appears to the Secretary upon mistaken principles; The case is as follows.On the settlement of the Collector’s accounts for the quarter ending—December 31st 1794 in the Comptrollers Office, certain deductions had been made from the charges for the services of Inspectors, for which deductions the following reasons were communicated to the Collector.“The accounts of David Rose and Jonas Simonds Inspectors are suspended for explanation; as they do not specify according to the usual practice the particular duties on which they were employed during the time for which the compensation is charged.” This information was communicated to the Collector in November 1795.On the examination before the Comptroller the Collector proposed to the Inspectors from whose accounts deductions had been made, the following question, “what has been the usual practice among the Inspectors with respect to their mutually accommodating and assisting each other in case of absence of duty, from sickness, or from any other cause, and has it been usual or not, for their accounts to be allowed and paid during the time of such absence.”The answers to the question were in substance, that it has been the usual practice, when an Inspector was sick or wished to be absent for a short time to engage some other Inspector, to exert himself to have the duty of the sick or absent person performed, and that in such case pay has been allowed.It is alledged by the Surveyor, that the proceedings of the Treasury above referred to, establish a negative to the facts stated by the Inspectors in their reply; that the Collector knew of these proceedings—and that he improperly permitted the Inspectors to give erroneous answers.To the Secretary, it appears, that the proceedings of the Treasury establish nothing but that the accounts referred to, appeared to be informal or incorrect and were suspended for explanation, they were not disallowed. besides the question of the Collector evidently had reference to the usages of the Custom House: The answers of the Inspectors were doubtless correct and at any rate could not have been different, if all the proceedings of the Treasury above referred to, had been fully explained at the time.On a deliberate view of the whole subject it appears to the Secretary, that there is no sufficient ground whereon to establish a charge of fraud or wilful neglect of duty against either the Collector or Inspector Hopkins; it nevertheless appears that in two particulars the conduct of the Collector is liable to a just criticism, for which an admonition will be proper.1st It appears that leave of absence was granted to Mr Hopkins, without any consultation with the Surveyor, and that a direct application was authorized by the Collector to an Inspector to take charge of the Ship John on board which Mr Hopkins was doing duty without any previous conference with the said Surveyor.It appears to the Secretary that the Collector was not justified by the occasion in such an interference with the usual duties of the Surveyor and that considerations of duty policy and respect, ought to have produced a style of conduct less disagreeable, there is reason to believe that on other occasions, the Collector has been less circumspect in his demeanour towards the former and present Surveyor than was proper, that he has really given just cause for discontent, and that this error requires correction to prevent a diminution of that influence and discipline which the Surveyors ought to maintain over the Inspectors.2nd There appear in the repeated excursions of the Collector in company with Mr Hopkins indications of intimacy and partiality, which have generated discontents among the Officers in some degree injurious to the public service; whether this intimacy was or was not founded on the amiable motives stated by the Collector, it has been certainly indiscreet, and such ought not to have been publickly manifested.Though the principles of the usage established for compensating Inspectors is deemed unexceptionable, yet the Collector ought to be informed that great care is necessary to prevent abuses; and that compensation ought not therefore to be made except when sickness is apparent, or for such short and occasional absences as urgent business may require and during which the public business can and shall be faithfully and effectually performed by a substitute. All which is most respectfully submitted by.

                            Oliv. Wolcott JrSecy of the Treasury


Title: To George Washington from John Carey, 1 October 1796
From: Carey, John
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            London Octob. 1. 1796.

                        I have the honor of transmitting to Your Excellency a copy of the Critical
                            Review, containing remarks on a publication which bears your name, as mentioned in a letter
                            of Sept. 9, which I took the liberty of addressing to Your Excellency, by the brig. Diana,
                            Potts. At the same time I beg leave to assure Your Excellency, that, had I then known from
                            what source the letters were derived, I should not have thought it worth while to trouble
                            Your Excely on the subject. To the politeness of the American minister, Mr King, I am
                            indebted for my knowledge of the origin of the fabrication, which of course rendered it
                            necessary to make many alterations from the manuscript inclosed in the letter above
                            mentioned.
                        I conclude, Sir, by requesting that Your Excellency will indulgently pardon my
                            presumption in addressing you at all on the occasion; and believe me to be, with sentiments
                            of heart-felt respect, Your Excellency’s very sincere well-wisher, and most obedient humble
                            servant,

                            John Carey.

                            P.S. A report, circulated here, of Your Excellency’s declared intention to retire from public life about this
                                time, induced me to take the precaution observable in this as well as the former packet
                                (of Sept. 9), lest a successor, or any one else should think himself entitled to inspect
                                the contents, as being addressed to the "President of the United States." Another copy
                                of the Review, with a duplicate of these lines, is forwarded by the Fame, Harris, bound
                                for New-York.


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 1 October 1796
From: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Washington 1st October 1796

                        We enclose a copy of a Letter from Messrs Morris & Nicholson respecting
                            the completion of their titles; and supposing that the most eligible mode of accommodating
                            those gentlemen, as well as all others Similarly circumstanced, will be, to obtain a
                            conveyance from the Trustees to the Commissioners, agreeably to a clause in the Deeds of
                            Trust, authorising such conveyance; we also enclose a form of request, which we think proper
                            to be used by the president on the occasion, should he approve of the measure—We are, with
                            sentiments &c.

                            G. Scott
                            W. Thornton
                            A. White


Title: To George Washington from William Thornton, 1 October 1796
From: Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Washington Octr 1st 1796.

                        After writing the inclosed I heard it suggested that if the Square now
                            contemplated for a Hospital should not be divided into Lots it might not be improper to
                            recommend it for an University—In this Case it would be necessary to point out another Seite
                            for a Hospital, but I do not hesitate to say there is no place equal to this for that
                            purpose in the whole City. It will also be admitted I hope on mature Consideration that the
                            Seite already recommended for a National University is so much superior to the other that
                            there can be no hesitation in fixing it, especially as the Library & Museum would be
                            objects of gratification to the more refined Members of Society, who would inhabit, most
                            probably, the portion of the City remote from Trade. I am sir &c.

                            W.T.


Title: Account with Frederick Kitt, 3 October 1796
From:
To:

                            October 3d 1796.

                        Recd of B. Dandridge Fifty one dollars & 41 Cents to purchase Sundries
                            for the President’s household.

                            Fredk Kitt

                            $51.41/100


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Beall, 3 October 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Beall, Thomas,Gantt, John Mackall

                                3 October 1796

                        Whereas in and by certain Deeds executed by Notley Young and others proprietors
                            of land within the City of Washington whereby the whole land of the said Notley Young
                            & others in the said City is vested in you subject to the trusts in the said Deeds
                            mentioned, it is among other things provided that you shall on the request of the President
                            of the United States for the time being convey all or any part of the said Land which shall
                            not then be conveyed in execution of the trusts aforesaid to such person or persons as he
                            shall appoint in fee simple. I do therefore in order to prevent any difficulties which may
                            occur in the execution of the said trusts request you to convey all Lands now vested in you
                            by the said Deeds from the said Notley Young and others within the said City to Gustavus
                            Scott, William Thornton, and Alexander White Commissioners appointed under the Act of
                            Congress entitled "An Act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the
                            Government of the United States in fee-simple subject to the trusts yet remaining to be
                            executed." Given under my hand this third day of October in the Year One thousand Seven
                            Hundred and Ninety-six.

                            Go: Washington

                            Recorded the 1st day of December 1796.

                            True Copy Test
                            Wm Blount. Clk


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Smith, 4 October 1796
From: Smith, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Alexandria Octr 4th 1796

                        I am Justly indedted to You for flour purchd to Amount of Six thousand four
                            hundred & thirty nine Dollars which will become Due on the twenty fourth Day of
                            November I Only have to Observe that I have been misfortunate in Some of my purchases the
                            last Season and from that Considderation I take the liberty of Addressing you at present and
                            if Consistant with Your Conveniance Shall Esteem it a Singular favour to Lend me Your mony
                            for twelve months or Shorter time as may best Sute Yourself I Shall make You perfeckly Safe
                            in the payment and Allow Six pr Cent intrest which we pay the bank if I am Obliged to pay
                            the mony at the time it becomes Due it will Cramp me much in my buying at this perticuler
                            time a few lines from You will much Oblige Your Obedint Hule Sart

                            Alex. Smith

                            P.S. if not Conveniant to Spare the mony you Shall be paid punttaly if I
                                Should be Obliged to make a Sacrafice to Rase it.

                            A.S.


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

                            Sir,
                            Department of State. Octr 5. 1796.

                        I have been honoured with your letter of the 28th ulto. A subsequent letter
                            from Mr Monroe covered the copy of one from Dela Croix, the minister of the French Republic
                            for foreign affairs, in which he still manifests some dissatisfaction: but this was so
                            contrary to the information given by a member of the Directory to Mr Monroe, that the latter
                            says he supposes the act to be that of the minister alone, and not of the Directory. De la
                            Croix letter had respect only to the British treaty, in consequence of the Congress having
                            decided to make provision to carry it into effect.
                        Yesterday I received a letter dated the 29th of July at Bourdeaux from Mr
                            Fenwick, inclosing the copy of a letter from Mr Donaldson, by which it seems an American
                            Vessel has been captured by the Tunissians, even before the expiration of the truce he had
                            formed with the Dey. A copy of Mr Donaldson’s letter is inclosed. But by the same
                            communication you will be happy to learn that our prisoners in Algiers had been released,
                            and were arrived near the port of Marseilles. An extract of Mr Cathalan’s letter containing
                            this information is also inclosed. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir, your
                            most obt servant

                            T. Pickering

                     Enclosure

                                sir,
                                Leghorn July 2nd 1796

                            This moment I am informed by letter from Tunis that the american Schooner
                                Eliza Saml Graves, has been sent in there by one of their privateers contrary to an
                                arrangement made by me in november last, and will not expire until the 8th instant.
                            You will do well to caution my Countrymen against the Cruizers of Tunis
                                & Tripoli.

                                (signed) Joseph Donaldson

                     Enclosure

                                Extract of a letter from S. Cathalan Jr to Joseph Fenwick Consul at
                                    Bordeaux
                                dated marseilles 20 July 1796

                            "Just now a fisherman is sent to me by the Danish Captain of a Ship
                                entering into Pomeque (the Island in this Road where Ships from Levant or Barbary are to
                                perform quarantine) from Algiers, with all the americans who were there in slavery."


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Law, 6 October 1796
From: Law, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Hope Park Thursday 6 October 1796

                        Mrs Stuart having written of her indisposition, Patty & Mr Peters
                            & Eliza & I set off on Wednesday morng for this place
                            with Mr Stuarts two Horses & mine but Mr Stuarts two were so viciously obstinate
                            that we were detained 5 hours in sight of George Town—it is with pleasure that I inform you
                            of Mrs Stuart being much better.
                        Enclosed is a Lre written at Mount Vernon in Augt last, but
                            which I would not send from an apprehension lest I
                            should intrude upon more important business at Philadelphia—the Commrs
                            have now addressed you upon that subject, but with regret I found other parts of their
                            Letter by no means so agreeable.

                        A desire to promote a City to which I have strongly evinced my
                            partiality induced me to join in one public address to
                            you from a thorough conviction of its propriety, & I feel a similar impulse on the
                            present occasion together with many in the City, but am restrained from adopting the
                             same mode of communicating my sentiments,
                             lest an ill will should be excited injurious to the
                                general good & lest it should bear an
                            appearance of litigiousness, on the other hand when
                                I consider the
                            delicacy of my situation, I feel
                            peculiar embarrassment in a private animadversion upon a public
                            Letter—the accompanying jocular Petition being on this subject may be destroyed before or
                            after perusal as you may deem best, it only remains for me to say that after thus
                            conveying my ideas, I shall implicitly rely upon the justice & wisdom of your
                            decisions & forbear to subscribe my name to any general address to you should it be
                            proposed—Mr Moris thinks with me of which I am proud.
                        Eliza & I request that you & Mrs Washington will if possible
                            make it convenient to stay a few days with us on your way to Philadelphia. With sincere
                            esteem & unfeigned regard I remain Yours most faithfully & Obt

                            Thomas Law

                     Enclosure
                                                 c.6 October 1796
                            The humble Petition of the Capitol Sheweth

                            1st That your Petr under a republican Govt conceived
                                the pleasing & natural expectation that the Presidents House would be a
                                secondary consideration,, but with grief has beheld himself neglected & a
                                preference given to the other.
                            2
                                 That your Petr expected that the Commrs of the City & the
                                public Superintendant of the works & other public Officers would reside near
                                him, with a view to accelerate the works & by forming a Society around him to
                                promote private buildings for Congress, but with indignation he sees them prefer a
                                little Town three Miles off.
                            3rd That your Petr hoped the Commrs
                                would improve some of the Avenues for the convenience of Waggonage, but with surprise he
                                saw them expend the public money in a Causeway & a Bridge out of the city.
                            4 That your Petr has with astonishment heard that the
                                head Commr has built an house out of the City near the little town aforesaid, &
                                of the second Commr having purchase Lots & buildt almost as far off near the little town
                                aforesaid, & is wounded to the soul to have it artfully circulated that the
                                President has bought a Square there for his private Residence, & that he means
                                to remove the University as far from your Petr as possible.

                            5. That your Petitioner with regret hears that the
                                spot destined for an arsenal & for a Citadel because it is near the river
                                & calculated for securely depositing Stores & for easy removal of them
                                is to be done away,, & that a University is proposed to be fixed in its stead as
                                if the Society of Seamen would improve morals, & your Petr verily believes that
                                some Wharf or Whare house in the little town aforesaid or near it will be purchased for
                                an arsenal hereafter at a great expence, because there ought to be one near the
                                President who is Commander in Chief.
                            6. That your Petr is informed that the foreign
                                Embassadors who are offered Lots are not to have the choice of the most healthy
                                & convenient spots but are to be lumped together between the Canal &
                                 the Potomac & your Petr has only to
                                remark that if the South Side of the Canal is as unhealthy as that of
                                the North, last year the sickness was as fatal there as a Yellow fever, the foreign Embassadors will be frequently changed
                                & a prejudicial impression against the health of the City
                                will be made abroad.

                            7. That your Petitioner with sorrow understands that
                                the Spot destined for an Hospital on the Eastern branch where
                                invalids & such persons may be landed witht going thro’ the City, &
                                    which the Doctors approve of for its healthy situation is now to
                                be done away, from a false œconomy to save 25£ ⅌ Acre which is to be paid for it by
                                the Commrs & to increase the number of private buildings
                                 Lots, now your Petr has to observe that the Lots are already too numerous
                                & that by encreasing them they will be more depreciated, & that Ground
                                which now costs the Commrs 25£ ⅌ Acre is worth about 500 & cannot soon be
                                bought for 1000, if the City prospers & that by doing away appropriations public confidence is shaken.

                            Lastly your Petr sees two Commrs residing at a distance & the third
                                not fixed, & from the above mentd  meditated changes is led to fear that the
                                design is to push on the part of the City three Miles off from Men
                                near the little town, & to have him deserted—The Prest not long ago ordered the
                                Commrs into the City & immediately property rose in value, & Your
                                Petitioner got a start but your Petr now is told that the Commrs have parried that
                                judicious Order & your Petr is apprehensive that they mean to give him a side
                                blow by doing away the appropriation to the East-ward,, & by removing the
                                University, & the Embassadors to the Westward—the money Chest
                                has been once emptied witht your Petrs foundation
                                being finished & the general expectation is that
                                the funds will fall short before your Petr is finished—the Prests
                                House is further advanced than your Petr & the Head Commrs proposes finishing a
                                Room or two & removing the Office there openly avoids
                                a partiality to the end of the City near the little Town in short the public mind is
                                impressd with a consciousness of the predominating bias
                                & everyone is deterred from building near your Petitioner lest the report once
                                    industriously circulated should be realised by Congress meeting in the Presidents House—Your Petitioner acknowledges with
                                gratitude that he has received peculiar attention this Year, & he does not doubt
                                of having plenty of Houses about him, if Embassadors are allowed to build where they may
                                chuse, & if the Commissioners are obliged to live in some centrical
                                Situation—Your Petitioner would scorn to request any improper partiality, but humbly
                                suggests that the prosperity of all & the existence (he may say) of the City
                                depends upon his being ready for the reception of Congress, & that all doubts
                                & suspicions of the reverse whether well or ill founded should be done away,
                                & every future Cause of avoided, which can only be by the
                                Commrs residing in the City.


Title: To George Washington from John William Bronaugh, 7 October 1796
From: Bronaugh, John William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Aquia 7th Octor 1796.

                        Yours of the 28th Augt on the subject of the bond you hold of my Fathers I have
                            received.
                        I find on inquiry of my Father that he has conveyed the Land to Mr Muse, my
                            Father says he saw you about seven years ago in Alexandria, and that he then informed you,
                            that Muse had made application to him to convey this Land, but he refused to do so, untill
                            he received instruction from you, he also mentioned that you told him you had at that time
                            forgot every thing relative to the business. but you cou’d inform yourself as soon as you got
                            to Mount Vernon, and if Mr Muse was not to have the conveyance made; you would write him in
                            a few days, and if you did not write him he was then to make the conveyance as Mr Muse had
                            requested—I think my Father mentioned that you and Muse had made an exchange of Lands—that
                            Mr Muse held land joining your large tract on the Kanhawoi, and as you wished your land all
                            in one body you had made the exchange—these circumstances may perhaps bring to your
                            recollection what is the exact situation of the business—The conveyance my Father made Mr
                            Muse has been recorded in the General Court at Richmond—I am Sir, Yr most obt Servt

                            John W. Bronaugh


Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 7 October 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William

                            Gentlemen,
                            Mount Vernon 7th Oct. 1796

                        Hurried in closing my dispatches for the Post Office on Wednesday, I enclosed
                            for you a wrong paper. The proper one is now sent, and I request that the other may be
                            returned to. Gentlemen Your Most Obedt Servt

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