Title: To George Washington from John Blair, 16 December 1796
From: Blair, John
To: Washington, George

                            Worthy Sir,
                            Wmsburg Decr 16th 1796

                        The inclosed letter will acquaint you with the subject & intention of
                            my present address, & supersedes the necessity of my being particular, if the
                            knowledge I have of the young gentleman, in whose favour the application is made, were
                            extensive enough to justify particularity. Altho that be not the case, yet being requested
                            to express to you my opinion of young Mr Wm Claiborne, I can truly say, that the character,
                            given of him in Mr Ross’s letter, perfectly co-incides with the hopes which I have ever
                            entertained in his favour. With more respect & affection than I know how to express,
                            I am Dear Sir, Your most obedient servant,

                            John Blair

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Richmond 6th December 1796

                            Since my return from the Tenassee State I have been continually in motion and very little at this place—this & this only has prevented me from calling
                                upon you—not as a mere matter of compliment, but to communicate to you the most
                                gratefull information which a Father can receive—to hear that his children are rising to
                                respect & fortune—this happiness you enjoy in both your sons in the western
                                Country Nath. & William but ‘tis the latter with whom I am best acquainted—indeed
                                I may say pretty well acquainted with his progress in life from his first going into
                                that Country till this time—but when I was last in that Country I was particularly
                                gratiffied—I found Your son greatly improved by his own good sense and application, I
                                believe he’s as free from vice as any man of his age—he is intirely free from the two
                                prevailing & ruinous vices drinking & gaming—he has the best practice of
                                any man at the Bar and he’s as much respected as any practioner in that Country, ‘tis
                                manifest that no man possesses the confidence of the people of all ranks in that Country
                                more than your son, he might with great ease been elected a member of Congress, but his
                                friends advised him ‘twould be injurious to his practice—Whilst I was upon Holston your
                                son communicated to me that a Fedral Judge would soon be appointed for that State, and
                                that he had an inclination to fill that office although not so lucrative as his practice
                                it would be less fatiguing & afford more time for study—I am sure there is no
                                man who can be appointed in that Country who would be more agreable to the people at
                                large, and I am very sure he would discharge his duty with integrity & ability—I
                                promised to mention the matter to you and I have to request that you may apply to such
                                of your friends as can serve him without loss of time—If you think I
                                can be usefull to him I give you liberty to refer any gentleman to me who may want
                                information concerning him—The greatest proportion of my Landed property is in that
                                State, and I have a common interest with the rest of the Society that those important
                                Offices should be filled with men of honesty, firmness & talents. I am Sir Your
                                hume Servant

                                David Ross

                                P.S. I had almost forgot to inform you that since I left the Tenassee
                                    which was the first of last September there happened a vacancy of a Judge for the
                                    Superior Courts in the State, to which Office your son is appointed—but I know tis
                                    his wish to obtain the Office of Fedral Judge.

                                D.R.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 16 December 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Department of State Decr 16. 1796.

                        The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the United
                            States a list of appointments which have been made during the recess of the Senate. The list
                            No. 2. accompanies the former, mentioning, where known, the occasion of those appointments.
                        The Secretary had the first list prepared in that simple form, because he
                            thought it might seem to the President unpleasant to note the cause of some of the
                            appointments; for instance, the recall of Mr Monroe, and the removal of Mr Parish the Consul
                            at Hamburg; for if the causes are noticed in his nomination, they will appear in the public
                            papers, and as if announced by his authority.

                            T. Pickering.


Title: To George Washington from John Hoskins Stone, 16 December 1796
From: Stone, John Hoskins
To: Washington, George

                            Sir.
                            Annapolis Decr 16th 1796

                        I have the honor to enclose to you certain Resolutions unanimously agreed to by
                            both Branches of the Legislature of Maryland—I consider as the most agreeable and honorable
                            circumstances of my life, that during my administering the Government of Maryland, I Shoud
                            have been twice gratified in communicating to you the unanimous and unreserved approbation
                            of my Countrymen of your Public conduct, as well as their gratitude for your eminent
                            services—as this will probably be the last time which this pleasing duty will devolve on me,
                            I beg permission to add most cordially to join my Countrymen in those sentiments which are
                            made with such sincerity—with the highest respect and great regard I have the honor to be
                            Sir Yr Most Obt Sert

                            J.H. Stone

                     Enclosure

                                BY THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES , December 13,
                                1796.

                            RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY, That the President of the United States merits the
                                everlasting gratitude of the people; that his profound wisdom in council, and eminent
                                exertions in the field, aided by the virtue and valour of his fellow-citizens, triumphed
                                over British invasion, and led his country through an arduous war to victory and to
                                happiness; establishing its independnece by a revolution unsullied with a crime, and
                                distinguished for moderation, virtue and humanity. That his wise and steady
                                administration of the general government, promptness in suppressing domestic
                                insurrection, firmness in defeating improper exertions of foreign influence, and
                                perseverance in the system of neutrality, have continued to us those advantages which
                                result from a stable and free government, and have crowned us with the blessings of
                                peace, liberty and prosperity, whilst Europe and the Indies have been convulsed with the
                                horrors of a dreadful and desolating war.
                            RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY, That his late paternal address, the result of much
                                reflection and experience, is eminently calculated by its counsels to secure the
                                continuance of the independence, peace, happiness and prosperity of our country, if
                                steadily pursued by his successors, and firmly adhered to by the people; wisely founding
                                the principles of our political conduct on the immoveable basis of morality and justice,
                                aided by the influence of religion, learning and virtue in private life.
                            RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY, That to perpetuate this valuable present in the most
                                striking view to posterity, it be printed and published with the laws of this session,
                                as an evidence of our approbation of its political axioms, and a small testimony of the
                                affection we bear to the precepts of Him, to whom, under Divine Providence, we are
                                principally indebted for our greatest political blessings.
                            RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY, That it is the earnest prayer of the legislature of
                                Maryland, that the president, in his contemplated retirement, may find all the blessings
                                of domestic happiness, and live to experience the salutary principles of his
                                administration, operating through his successors to encrease the independence,
                                prosperity and welfare of the American people.
                            By order, W. HARWOOD, ClkBy the Senate Decemr 14th 1796Read and unanimously assented toTest Archd Van Horn Clk
                                J.H. Stone


Title: From George Washington to United States House of Representatives, 16 December 1796
From: Washington, George
To: United States House of Representatives

                            Gentlemen,
                            December the 16th 1796

                        To a Citizen whose views were unambitious, who preferred the shade and
                            tranquillity of private life to the splendour and solicitude of elevated stations, and whom
                            the voice of duty and his country could alone have drawn from his chosen retreat, no reward
                            for his public services can be so grateful as public approbation, accompanied by a
                            consciousness that to render those services useful to that Country has been his single aim:
                            and when this approbation is expressed by the Representatives of a free and enlightened
                            Nation, the reward will admit of no addition. Receive, Gentlemen, my sincere and
                            affectionate thanks for this signal testimony that my services have been acceptable and
                            useful to my Country: the strong confidence of my fellow Citizens, while it animated all my
                            actions, ensured their zealous cooperation, which rendered those services successful. The
                            virtue and wisdom of my Successors, joined with the patriotism and intelligence of the
                            Citizens who compose the other Branches of Government, I firmly trust will lead them to the
                            adoption of measures which, by the beneficence of Providence, will give stability to our
                            System of government, add to its success, and secure to ourselves and to posterity that
                            liberty which is to all of us so dear.
                        While I acknowledge with pleasure the sincere and uniform disposition of the
                            House of Representatives to preserve our neutral relations inviolate, and with them deeply
                            regret any degree of interruption of our good understanding with the French Republic, I beg
                            You, Gentlemen, to rest assured, that my endeavours will be earnest and unceasing, by all
                            honorable means to preserve peace, and to restore that harmony and affection which have
                            heretofore so happily subsisted between our two Nations; and with You I cherish the pleasing
                            hope that a mutual spirit of justice and moderation will crown those endeavours with
                            success.
                        I shall cheerfully concur in the beneficial measures which Your deliberations
                            shall mature on the various subjects demanding Your attention. And while directing your
                            labours to advance the real interests of our Country you receive its blessings with perfect
                            sincerity my individual wishes will be offered for your present and future felicity.

                            Go: Washington.


Title: To George Washington from John Wise, 17 December 1796
From: Wise, John,Lee, Ludwell
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Richmond, December, 17th 1796

                        By direction of the General Assembly of Virginia we do ourselves the honor of
                            enclosing to you their address on the subject of your retirement from public life.
                        Permit us Sir, to join our prayers, with those of an admiring Nation, to the
                            supreme Ruler of the Universe, that you may long in health enjoy the happiness which your
                            unexampled patriotism and virtue, have so justly entitled you to. We have the Honor to be
                            with the highest respect Sir Your most Obedt & very Hble Servts

                            Ludwell Lee S.S.
                            Jno. Wise S.H.D.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir,

                                    c.17 December 1796

                            The General Assembly of Virginia, actuated by the affectionate manner in
                                which you have announced your intention of declining a re-election to the high office
                                you now fill, and impressed with those sentiments of friendship and gratitude, which
                                personal merit and public services ought invariably to inspire, cannot silently behold
                                an event, long deprecated by your fellow citizens; and whilst they deplore the
                                resolution which will deprive a nation of its first hope, they are unable to repress
                                those sensations arising from the prospect of her beloved citizen’s return into the arms
                                of his native State. On a review of the whole tenor of your life, they feel themselves
                                stimulated to bestow upon you the best reward which free men can give, and the most
                                grateful, which a mind like your’s, can receive. They trust that the acclamation will be
                                heard by distant nations, and resound to future ages, when with one voice they proclaim,
                                that you have deserved well of your country.


Title: To George Washington from Landon Carter, 18 December 1796
From: Carter, Landon
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Sabine Hall 18. Decemr 1796

                        Without further Preface I will proceed to answer your 10th Quere, as to the
                            Period to be prefered for planting the Pease; which will equally be a reply to the 11th, as
                            they hinge very much together.
                        A Field which was planted, in the year 1794, on the 19th to the 21st May, were
                            pulled up about the same time in August: The season warm and pretty dry. I was absent from
                            home so long, in the Summer of that year, as to be unable to fix any accurate observation,
                            as to the state in which they were pulled up; or the exact kind of Weather. It was done
                            under the direction of a Person, whose judgement, as to the fitness for harvest, had my
                            confidence; so I suppose he was not premature. My Remarks on these Pease, as they progressed,
                            noted the time of their begining to run, to be about 43 Days from the sowing. From this
                            scale a Person may accomodate his planting to his wish, as to the season he chooses to sow
                            his small grain; taking into account somewhere near about ten days for winding the Vine and
                            Pod to a state suited to the Stack. There are several variations to be
                            noted in this Scale, generally speaking. Seasons diversify the progress
                            of the Pease—and cool weather, in May, prooves a tardy influence—so
                            that the object to anticipate the harvest, by putting them in the ground early in May, will
                            probably exhibit the End defeated by the means. Upon the whole I would advise you to adopt
                            the middle of May, for your planting season, in your first Essay. I will close the subject
                            of your 10th & 11th Queries with a referrence, in respect to their fitness for
                            harvest, to the 5th Paragraph in my sketch, in the Gazzette; which shews that you need not
                            wait, if you otherwise wish, untill the Pease are all dry: If those which are yet green, are
                            but formed  in the Pod, the succulence of the Vine &c. will sustain the Grain, till
                            they gradually dry, without any shriveling, to a perfect looking Pea, howsoever small.
                        My Answer to your 12th querie will explain the error in the Gazzette, which
                            gave rise to the 13th and taking them together, I will proceed—In the Crop, alluded to in my
                            Publication, I bestowed a single ploughing; and that it was done at the critical time of running, not of sunning, as the
                            Printer has expressed it. When I came forward to communicate my incipient Practice, founded
                            upon long investigated Theory, for the supposed good of my fellow man, I could but leave the
                            Door open to subsequent experience. Further application of my postulate to the practice, has
                            induced the change in my mode of ploughing, in my light ground; I can thereby throw up a
                            better Ridge, to effect the purpose of presenting more surface to the influence of the Air:
                            I therefore do now direct the cast from the Pease. It is probable that this method may be
                            objectionable in stiff grounds, by dmitting the water that falls, too near to the roots;
                            which may possibly injure them: this too I lay down only as a possible case merely as a
                            Beacon before you; for I have no experience in that kind of ploughing in
                            such Land. Both ways lie open to my Readers to be adapted to circumstances: Both are good, in
                            even light land,  and I have great reason to hope the Tryal
                            will give the adopters of my Plan, in either way, the
                            satisfaction of uniting profit with improvement. My new way of
                                plowing had for some object, the purpose of preventing the grass
                            growing among the Pease, suppossing the latter capable of growing by
                            means of its tap root, and it’s aerial pasture, where the former
                                can not sustain,ng to its spreading roots, & dependencies
                            upon the  soil. The productivenessplo of grass, from whatever cause, will
                            certainly induce an occasion for more plowing; but the period of the
                            runing is too short to admit of great increase in
                            that way; for when the vine spreads over the ground it curbs the Anuel
                                growth, except the Careless & Jametown weeds here &
                            there which you may recollect my Publication appropriated some
                            indifferent hands to pull up Early planting will stretch that period beyond 43 days, and
                            June planting, in a warm dry summer, as was the case in theCrop  my publication alluded to, I presume will shorten it; so that you
                            will discover that the Labor in ploughing will vary with circumstances: The most tho will be
                            found to be short of that which is required to cultivate the P. Corn, as
                            one is to two, &c. not exceeding even a common summer fallow.
                        I will here take my leave for this time, and reserve Your Last querie for the
                            subject of another Letter; as I believe it will, with
                            all it’s Relations, be extensive enough to employ and sufficiently easy to be read at
                            one time! In the mean time I am with unfeigned esteem Your very Respectfull and Most Hmble
                            servt

                            Landon Carter


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 18 December 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

                            Mr Pearce,
                            Philadelphia 18th Decr 1796

                        Your letter of the 11th, with the enclosures, came to my hands yesterday; and I
                            am sorry to find by it that so late as that, you were still
                            without rain. I hope what has fallen to day, will have extended to you: here it has rained
                            the whole day without ceasing.
                        I do not know whether I understand Mr Alexr Smiths proposition, with respect to
                            putting the note for 4839 dollars in the Bank, to be discounted at the end of Sixty days;
                            making the Bank (instead of himself & Securities) liable therefor. If he means, that
                            at the end of the Sixty days, I am to receive that sum from the Bank without interest
                            thereon for that time, I shall not accept the offer; because there is neither reason nor
                            justice why I should suffer that loss for my indulgence to him;
                            but on the other hand, if at the end of 60 days, it is to be paid at the Bank with interest,
                            in the same manner that it wou’d be paid by him, I should suppose it ought to be preferred:
                            however, as I know very little of Bank transactions, but believe that money matters stand
                            rather on ticklish ground, I would (if you have an opportunity) have you consult Mr Lear,
                            & be governed by his advice in this business. If you have not that opportunity, act
                            for me in the case, as you would for yourself, & I shall be satisfied therewith.
                        I will not have the ground, in which I directed Ivy & the wild honey
                            suckle to be planted, plowed beforehand. Nor can I find what it is the Gardener means by
                            saying he has as much to do between this & Christmas as he is able to accomplish,
                            when one of his own hands (according to his report) is at work with the House gang,
                            & might be recalled, besides which he has been authorised to employ Frank, Herculas
                            & Cyrus—nay, even to call for more aid if necessary. If he won’t do it, or makes any
                            delay, or difficulty in doing it, desire him to give up my letter of directions; and order
                            Allison to set about the work agreeably thereto. If the ground is as hard frozen as I
                            presume it is, there being no Snow on it, he has missed the most favourable opportunity of
                            taking the Plants up, with frozen earth to their roots, that ever occurred, or may occur
                            again in seven years. and I suppose, after plowing the ground up, would give me a naked
                            furrough to look at all next spring & summer, instead of a plantation of flowering
                            Shrubs. I am much displeased at his conduct.
                        It would give me great pleasure to have the New road compleated, or in a state
                            of forwardness, this Winter and Spring; but I would not have this attempted at the expence
                            of more important concerns. As you have crossed the road leading into Muddy hole farm, let
                            the Road from thence in a line as marked be opened into it—16 1/2 feet wide on each side of
                            the stakes, which were set up.
                        I am sorry to hear that Mr Neal continues so much indisposed, for my Carpenters
                            really appear to me to do nothing; and there is Sall who was constantly at work when we were
                            at home, is now regularly returned sick six days in the week; and Mima, Dick, and some
                            others, nearly as bad.
                        I had a letter from Mr Anderson by the last Post, who informs me that it was
                            not in his power to leave the concern he was engaged in at the time I wished him to be at
                            Mount Vernon; but that he certainly would be there by the 27th or 28th of this month, if he
                            was alive and well. I wish it may be convenient for you to stay a few days after he comes to give
                            him a thorough insight into the business, and then transfer the directions I have given
                            concerning it to him.
                        Shall I not want Clover, and other Grass seeds for the next year? and how much?
                            As these things can neither be procured, or sent at all times, they shd be noticed in
                            Season. I wish you well and am Your friend
                    G: Washington
                    P.S. What has Frank Herculas & Cyrus been employed in. No mention is made of any work performed by them in the gardeners or other Reports.


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 18 December 1796
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir,
                            Hope Park Decr 18th 1796

                        I now inclose you a copy of your account made out by Mr Kieth, and allso one of
                            the little extract from your books furnished me by Mr Lear in the Summer 1793—Mrs Stuart’s
                            illness has prevented my doing it sooner. I had considered her recovery as impossible, till
                            within these two days—I flatter myself, she is now out of danger, and will be soon freed
                            from her long and painfull confinement.
                        I hope Mr Adet’s conduct, together with the report of Louisiana being ceded to
                            France, will prevent our Countrymen throwing themselves into the bosom of France; as it would appear to be the object of some to make them—The former seems to have excited much disgust,
                            and the latter with great justice much alarm—I suspect the Minister has gone rather further than
                            his partisans could wish; or too far to enable them to make dupes  of
                            the people—Our election has satisfyed more than  before, of the extreme
                                impolicy of permitting any emigrants to this Country, to have the right of
                            voting or being voted for at an election—They were by far the most zealous, among us, and most
                            influential. I have no doubt but they have had a powerfull effect even when
                            —I think it is a subject worthy the attention of Congress—I have written to Col. Simms
                            on it, and he promises me to attempt it in our Assembly: tho’ it should fail, it may be the
                            means of calling the attention of other Legislatures, and perhaps Congress to it—To those,
                            who may be opposed to it, from a sense of obligation to this description of persons at the
                            late Election, and in the Politics of the moment at this period, it may be
                            replied, that it is in perfect conformity to the opinion of Mr Jefferson in his notes on
                            Virginia—Those who look further into the subject, must feel some alarm, at finding that
                            Montesquieu (whose authority on the subject of government is admitted among all) in his
                            history of the causes of the subversion of the Roman empire, considers the indiscriminate
                            admission to Citizenship, first introduced by Sylla in the civil war with Marius for party
                            purposes, as an essential cause of it.
                        It seems Mr Henry refuses the office of Governor, a circumstance much I think
                            to be regretted in our situation as to parties—A Convention Col. Simms writes me is meant to
                            be called to form a new Constitution for this State—Tho’ it is very desirable, it is perhaps
                            not well timed. With respectfull  compts to Mrs Washington—I am Dr Sir, with perfect respect
                            Your Affect. Serv.

                            Dd Stuart.


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 18 December 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

                             18 December 1796

                        Mr William Pearce having Superintended the Farms, and other business
                            appertaining to my estate of Mount Vernon, during my absence as President of the United
                            States for the last three years (ending the 31st of the present month)—It is due to him to
                            declare, and I certify it accordingly, that his conduct during that period has given me
                            entire satisfaction; and that I part with him reluctantly, at his own request, on account of
                            a Rheumatic affection which he thinks would prevent him from giving that attention to my
                            business which from laudable motives he conceives would be necessary.
                        His industry and zeal to serve me during the period above mentioned
                                has been conspicuous on all occasions. His knowledge in Farming, and
                            mode of managing my business in all its relations, have been highly satisfactory to me. and
                            I have every reason to believe that his conduct in paying & receiving money has been
                            strictly regular and just. In a word, I have had great confidence in his honesty, sobriety,
                            industry and skill; and, consequently, part with him with regret. Given under my hand at
                            Philadelphia this 18th day of December 1796.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 19 December 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, George Washington Parke

                            Dear Washington
                            Philadelphia 19th Decr 1796

                        I am not certain whether I have written to you since my receipt of your letter
                            of the first instant; for as my private letters are generally dispatched in a hurry,
                            & copies  not often taken, I have nothing to resort to, to refresh my memory: be
                            this however as it may, we are always glad to hear from you, though we do not wish that letter writing should interfere with your more useful and
                            profitable occupations.

                        The pleasure of hearing you were well, in good spirits, & progressing
                            as we could wish, in your studies, was communicated by your letter of the 14th instant to
                            your grand Mamma; but what gave me particular satisfaction, was to find that you were going
                            to commence, or had commenced, a course of reading with Doctr Smith, of such Books as he had
                            chosen for the purpose. the first is very desirable, the other indispensable; for besides
                            the duty enjoined upon you, to be governed by the instructions of your preceptors, whilst
                            your own judgment is locked up in immaturity; you now have a peculiar advantage in the
                            attentions of Doctr Smith to you; who, being a man of learning & taste himself will
                            select such Authors, & Subjects, as will lay the foundation of useful knowledge: let me
                            impress it upon you therefore, again & again, not only to yield implicit obedience
                            to his choice, & instructions in this respect, but to the course of studies also;
                            and that you would pursue both with zeal & steadiness. Light reading (by this I
                            mean books of little importance) may amuse for the moment, but leaves nothing solid behind.
                            The same consequences would follow from inconstancy, or want of steadiness, for ’tis to close
                            application, &  perseverence, men of letters & science are indebted
                            for their knowledge & usefulness; and you are now at that period of life (as I have
                            observed to you in a former letter) when these are to be acquired, or lost forever: but as
                            you are not acquainted with my sentimts on this subject, & know how anxious all
                            your friends are to see you enter upon the grand theatre of life with the advantages of a
                            finished education; a highly cultivated mind; and a proper sense of your duties to God
                            & Man, I shall only add one sentiment more before I close this letter (Which, as I
                            have others to write, will hardly be in time for the Mail)—and that is to pay due respect
                            and obedience to your tutors, & affectionate reverence to the President of the College;
                            whose character merits your highest regards. Let no bad example (for such is to be met with
                            in all Siminaries) have an improper influence upon your conduct. Let this be such, &
                            let it be your pride, to demean yourself in such a manner as to obtain the good will of your
                            superiors, & the love of your fellow students. Adieu—I sincerely wish you well,
                            being your attached and affectionate friend,
                        G. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from John James Dufour, 19 December 1796
From: Dufour, John James
To: Washington, George

                            Monsieur
                            Pittsburgh le 19. Décembre 1796.

                        Dans la Gazette de Philadelphie du 1r Fevrier 1796: qui m’est tombée par hazard
                            dernierement dans les mains, j’ai vu que vous offriez quantite de terre a Vendre sur les
                            rivieres de l’Ohio et du Kenhawa: Dans le cas que vous ne les ayez pas encore toutes vendues
                            et que vous soyez encore intentionnez de les vendre; je prends respectueusement la liberte
                            de vous prier par celle ci de vouloir bien si vos grandes occupations vous le permettent me
                            faire l’honneur de me marquer les prix que vous mettez a chacune de vos pieces de terres,
                            afin que S’il me convient je puissent les visiter au retour d’un voyage que je me propose de
                            faire dans le Kentuky; Alors je prendrois la liberté d’aller chez vous pour convenir
                            definitivement.
                        Votre Amour reconnu pour la prosperité de ces contrées fait que j’ose esperer
                            que vous daignerez m’honnorer d’une reponce favorable, que je vous prie d’adresser à Poste
                            restante a Limeston dans le Kentuky; Car je ne pretend point grossir la foule des agioteurs
                            de terres qui entravent si terriblement Les progres de l’agriculture, mais je cherche un
                            terrein propre a recevoir une grande famille de bons laboureurs Suisses instruits
                            particulierement dans la culture des Arbres, des Bestieaux et de la Vigne, qui sur la
                            renommée dont jouis ce pays m’ont envoyé pour leur choisir une place ou ils puissent exercer
                            leur industrie.

                        Daignez recevoir l’expression des Sentiments d’estime et de respect dont est
                            pénétré pour Votre Excellence cellui qui en faisant les voeux les plus sinceres pour votre
                            constante prospérité ose se dire De Votre Excellence Le Très humble et Obeïssant Serviteur

                            Jean Jacques Dufour


Title: From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 19 December 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Robert

                            Dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 19th Decr 1796

                        A day or two ago I received your letter of the 4th instant.
                        As it is more than probable that my tenants on Goose Creek must have resolved,
                            ’ere this, to go or stay; any opinion I can now give with respect to the terms, will have
                            arrived too late. If the case however should be otherwise, get the best Rent you can from
                            them for the ensuing year, or even let them remain on the old Rent; as I am not disposed to
                            give leases for more than Seven years, and wish for more time,
                            & leizure, to consider the nature of my landed property, than I have been able to do
                            for some years back, before I even grant them for that term. But if you find any difficulty
                            in procuring tenants in the manner I have mentioned, you may in that case, adopt the mode
                            which you yourself have suggested, in your letter of the above date; & confine the
                            tenants to the fulfilment of the conditions therein mentioned with respect to cultivation,
                            &ca &ca.

                        I have not here, nor do I possess any where, I believe, a single paper relative
                            to the Land on Deep run. It was originally taken up by my father & uncle; in doing
                            which, One Warner who was the Surveyor, contrived to leave out about 170 Acres for himself,
                            as was afterwards discovered, & recovered. My Uncle gave his part to Warner
                            Washington, and my father left his part to my brother Samuel & myself. The first
                            division took place during my non-age; the subdivision I left to my Brother Samuel to make;
                            who had, as I have always understood, disposed of his property therein to Mr Lawrence
                            Washington of Chotanck. In what manner the latter was accomplished I know not, not being able to attend
                            to the matter myself. The 170 Acre Tract became mine, but by what means I am unable at this
                            time, to give any distinct account of,—but think my elder brother
                            Lawrence who was the acting Executor of my fathers will, recovered it from Warner (the
                            Surveyor) and gave it to me.
                        The original Patent for the large tract was for 5000 Acres—the half of which,
                            as has been observed, came to my brother Samuel & me, by a devise in my father’s
                            Will; it was him, not me that sold to Mr Lawrence Washington of
                            Chotank. I never parted with a foot of mine until I gave it to you. Who Warner Washington
                            sold to I know not.
                        This is the best, indeed the only account I have it in my power to give,
                            relative to the Lands on Deep run. You did well therefore, in my opinion, to compromise for
                            the small tract, in preference to letigious investigation of Rights. And you must make the
                            most you can of the other. Your Aunt unites with me in best wishes for yourself, Mrs Lewis
                            & the family, and I am your sincere friend & Affectionate Uncle

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 December 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Department of State Decr 19. 1796.

                        The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President the draught of a
                            letter to communicate to Congress the report of the Director of the Mint. His report last
                            year was laid before each house thro’ the Secretary, by the President’s direction. If
                            approved, the present report will be communicated to-day.

                            T. Pickering.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Barnwell, 20 December 1796
From: Barnwell, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Columbia Decem. 20. 1796

                        No event which has happened to me as Speaker of the House of Representatives of
                            this State. hath given me such satisfaction as that which prescribes me the grateful duty of
                            transmitting, to you the inclosed resolutions of the House of Representatives of the State of
                            South Carolina. In doing this I cannot pass by the opportunity of expressing the deep sorrow
                            which I feel at your determination to quit that station—from which you have directed and
                            guarded the prosperity of the United States of America. And permit me respected Sir to add
                            that whilst I contemplate with fearful anxiety. the consequences of this dreaded event. That
                            those circumstances which may effect your future happiness. will be for ever closely
                            interwoven with the dearest and most beloved concerns of—Your Humble & Obedient
                            Servt

                            Robt Barnwell
                            Speaker of the house of Representatives
                            of the State of South Carolina

                     Enclosure

                                 December 19th 1796

                            In the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina
                            The President of the United States having announced to his Fellow Citizens
                                his determination to decline a reelection to the important Office of Chief Majistrate;
                                this House cannot behold the Event of his leaving the public Service, which has been
                                long deprecated by his Country, without giving expression to its feeling.
                            Be it therefore resolved. That the great Merits and disinterested Services
                                of George Washington, President of the United States, have inspired this House with the
                                most lively Feelings of affectionate Attachment and Gratitude to him.
                            That this House entertaind the most exalted sinse of his great and
                                excellent Character, established on the unperishable Foundations of Virtue, Honor and
                                Talent, long employed in the Service of his Country, and that it will ever cherish the
                                Memory of his Worth with proud affection.
                            That he carries with him into the retirement he seeks, the ardent wishes of
                                this House for a long and uninterrupted course of Happiness.
                            Resolved—That the Speaker be requested to transmit to the President this
                                Testimony of public Opinion and respect of his Fellow Citizens.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Kidder Meade, 21 December 1796
From: Meade, Richard Kidder
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Frederick 21st Decr 1796

                        It is with reluctance that I contribute in the least degree to the accumulation
                            of your trouble; but when the object of this letter, & my motive for writing it, is
                            known to you, I will not doubt of gaining your pardon, for the trouble it may cause. I am
                            certain you hold in remembrance the name of Colo. Robert Stark, the gentleman who met with
                            such rigorous & continued ill treatment to the Southward during his captivity with
                            the British. From a state of affluence, at least of compleat independance, he was reduced to
                            seek his fortune in the Spanish Government, & settled with the remnant of his
                            property at the Natches—disgusted with so arbitrary a Government & possessing a
                            temper incapable of flattery, by which he might have presev’d a good understanding with the
                            Governor & by that means have promoted his interest, he determend unfortunately,
                            just before the treaty with Spain, to return to his native State with the very little he had
                            left; he is however still anxious to go back from the favorable boundary establish to the
                            South, & his attachment to that Country, & has solicited me in such a
                            manner, to give you the trouble of reading this, that I was unable to get over it. He
                            informs me that the establishment of a new State South West of the Tenessee will be before
                            Congress during their present sitting, & that he should be glad to fill any office
                            in such State, as he may be thought qualified for; he also mentions that he has written to
                            some members of Congress of his acquaintance on the subject, to them I beg leave to refer you as being
                            better acquainted with him than I am; but Sir, although I am well aware
                            of the serious business of recommendation, I think myself bound as I have
                            undertaken this task, to say that he appeard to me during a visit he made me, to be an open
                            candid & firm man of good plain understanding, & that his politics
                            correspond perfectly with the sentiments you express’d publicly to your
                            Country, I would to God we could all imbibe the same opinions. Pardon me for going a little
                            further. There can be no doubt that you get good general information of what passes in the
                            union, yet it may not be amiss to communicate to you that Mr Stark (immediately arriv’d)
                            speaks of a dangerous French character in the Country he has left, an agent of Genets on a
                            former occasion, who is endeavouring to poison the minds of the people, by disaffecting them
                            to the United States & attaching them to france, but as a consolation he further
                            adds that the few inhabitants there by no means incline to a french connection. I will only
                            present Mrs Meades & my own best respects to Mrs Washington & yourself
                            & beg you to be assurd, that I am with every proper sentiment towards you—your
                            anxious fellow citizen Friend & hum. Servt

                            R. K. Meade


Title: To George Washington from David Ramsay, 21 December 1796
From: Ramsay, David
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Columbia State of South Carolina December 21st 1796

                        In obedience to the orders of the Senate I transmit to you the inclosed
                            resolutions unanimously adopted by them in a very full house. I feel a peculiar happiness in
                            being the instrument of conveying sentiments of respect & esteem which in my opinion
                            permeate not only the Senate but the people of this state. I have the honor to be with the
                            greatest regard your most obedient humble servant

                            David Ramsay
                            President of the Senate
                            of South Carolina

                     Enclosure

                                State of South Carolina In the Senate December 19th 1796.

                            The President of the United States, having announced to his fellow Citizens
                                his determination to decline a re-election to the important Office of Chief Magistrate.
                                This House cannot behold the event of his leaving the public service which has been long
                                deprecated by his Country, without giving expression to its feelings. Therefore.  Resolved,
                                unanimously, That the great merits and disinterested services of George Washington,
                                President of the United States, have inspired this House with the most lively feelings
                                of affectionate attachment and gratitude towards him. That this House entertains the
                                most exalted sense of his great and excellent character, established on the solid
                                foundations of virtue, honor and talents, long employed in the service of his Country,
                                and that it will ever cherish the memory of his worth with proud affection. That he
                                carries with him into the retirement which he seeks, the ardent wishes of this House for
                                a long and uninterrupted course of happiness.
                            Ordered. That the president of this House be requested to transmit to the
                                President of the United States, this testimony of the public opinion and respect of his
                                fellow Citizens.

                                By Order of the Senate
                                Felix Warley. C. S.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 22 December 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Department of State Decr 22. 1796.

                        Judge Livermore & Mr Langdon have just handed me the inclosed petition,
                            which is signed by the most respectable merchants in Portsmouth, recommending (and those
                            Senators from their own knowledge concur in the recommendation) Nicholas Rousselet,
                            & praying that he may be appointed Consul of the United States for the Colony of
                            Essequebo & Demarara. This Dutch Colony is now in possession of the English. The
                            Dutch language only is in use. Mr Rousselet is a Dutchman but resided many years in
                            Portsmouth, where he married into a respectable family. I am most respectfully Sir your obt
                            servant

                            Timothy Pickering


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Thompson, 22 December 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Thompson, Benjamin

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia 22d Decr 1796

                        In the month of November, I had the honor to receive your letter, and a few days
                            since, that of the first Vol: of your Essays, Political Economical and Philosophical. For
                            these marks of your polite attention to me, I pray you to accept my best thanks.
                        Congress being in Session, & my time, consequently much occupied with
                            the business of it, will allow me no leisure until the close thereof to give the work an
                            attentive perusal; the doing of which will, I am persuaded, afford both pleasure &
                            edification to Sir, Your Most Obedient & Obliged Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Whipple, 22 December 1796
From: Whipple, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Portsmouth New Hampe Decr 22d 1796

                        I had the honor to receive your letter of the 28th ultimo. I sincerely Lament
                            the ill success of my endeavours to restore to your Lady her servant on the request of Mr
                            Wolcott—It had indeed become a subject of Anxiety to me on an Idea that her services were
                            very valuable to her mistress and not readily to be replaced.
                        My mode of proceeding then, was adapted to my feelings on the Occasion for I
                            conceived that a Servant (in her employment especially) returning voluntarily of infinitely
                            more value in the estimation of her employer than one taken forceably like a felon to
                            punishment—wherefore I gave her notice—this notice however was not given until the Vessel
                            intended to convey her in was on the point of sailing—nor would it then have been given had
                            I not drawn from her an Acknowledgement of a desire to return before she knew I was
                            authorized to send her back, It was the circumstance of her Acquaintence discovering her
                            intention that defeated it.

                        I will now Sir agreeably to your desire send her to Alexandria if it be
                            practicable without the consequences which you except—that of exciting a riot or a mob—or
                            creating uneasy Sensations in the mind of well disposed Citizens—the first cannot be
                            calculated before hand—it will be governed by the popular opinion of the moment—or the
                            circumstances that may arise in the transaction, The latter may be sought into and judged of
                            by conversing with Such persons without discovering the Occasion—so far as I have had
                            opportunity I perceive that different sentiments are entertained on this Subject. At present
                            there is no Vessel bound for Alexandria or Philadelphia when there is for the former place,
                            I shall (if practicable without such disagreeable consequences as I may think repugnant of
                            your wishes) execute your directions. I have defered answering your letter some days to find
                            out the present retreat of the Girl and yesterday discovered that she was lodged at a
                            Free-Negro’s—that she is published for marriage agreeably to our law in such cases to a
                            Mulatto. I have applied to the officer who certifies the publication and required of him to
                            withhold the certificate. The farther measures that may be proper I will give the utmost
                            attention to.

                        It has been remarked that there are many Servants who have escaped from the
                            Southern States into Massachusetts and some to New Hampshire; If the practices increases it
                            will be very injurious to many Valuable Estates at the Southward, and such numbers of persons
                            unused to providing for themselves will become miserable and a nuisance to the public. It
                            were to be wished for the good of Society as well as for the individuals interested that
                            some means could be adopted of a public nature to prevent this growing evil and that the
                            abolition of this Species of Servitude should be gradual as has been heretofore
                            contemplated. I shall in all cases in which my services may be acceptable to you be happy in
                            rendering them & in executing your commands—and am Sir with Sentiments of the most
                            perfect respect Your Excellency’s most obedt and most Hume Servant

                            Joseph Whipple


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Hartley, 23 December 1796
From: Hartley, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Sir.
                            Philadelphia 23d December 1796

                        When I had the pleasure of seeing you on Wednesday, you were pleased to desire
                            me to give my opinion of the present value of Lands situate between the Susquehanna and the
                            Potomac. I cannot answer with actual certainty at the moment but imagine that the following
                            extract of a Letter dated the 24th September 1791 which I had the pleasure of sending to
                            you, may be very properly taken into view—as I wrote that Letter upon the best information,
                            It will be afterwards necessary to add the supposed rise in the price of Lands since that
                            period with such other observations as may occur to me.
                        "You were pleased to direct my enquiries chiefly towards York and Franklin
                            Counties in this State, I have accordingly done so, and beg leave in order to be better
                            understood in my answers, to divide York into three Districts and call Franklin the fourth
                            District.
                        1st District, York valley beginning at the Susquehanna at Wrights Ferry and
                            running through York County including York Town, McAllisters Town (alias Hanover)
                            Petersburg (alias Littlestown) to the Maryland Line near the latter place in length about
                            thirty nine Miles in breadth from three to four Miles.
                        2nd District, The Lands lying on the right of that valley adjoining the same,
                            and bounded by the River Susquehanna the South Mountain and the Maryland Line.

                        3rd District, The Barrens of York including the lands to the South of York
                            Valley to the Maryland Line.
                        4th District, Franklin County
                        Answer to the first. The fee Simple price on farming lands in the first
                            District may be averaged at six pounds and fifteen shillings the Acre, Dollars at seven
                            shillings and six pence. Arrable Lands near the Susquehanna will
                            sell from £12 to £20 an Acre some Fields have furnished the Grower a clear profit of £4 a
                            year for three years following—Cash price for arable Lands in the neigborhood of York, Ten pounds
                            an Acre, Meadow from £30 to £50 an Acre, and they will demand the same price at McAllisters
                            Town.
                        York Town lies 56 Miles from Baltimore 45 from Rock-Run, 55 from Christiana
                            Bridge, and 80 Miles from the Philadelphia Market.
                        McAllisters Town is 18 miles form York, 45 from Baltimore, Petersburg is 7
                            Miles from McAllisters & 48 from Baltimore.
                        The Soil of the valley is of the Limestone kind, and is rather of a rich
                            quality when fresh it is generally covered with a black Mould, some spots however are
                            inclined to Gravel or Slate, from the intrusion of a few small Hills. The proportion of
                            Meadow Ground to Arable Land, may be as one to twelve more than one half of the arable Land
                            is generally in Grass for Pasture sown every third year with red clover or Timothy Seed, the
                            Timber Locust, Walnut, Wild Cherry, Hickory, Black Oak, White Oak &c.

                        In the second District the Fee Simple price of farming Lands may be averaged at
                            three pounds and ten shillings the Acre, the Soil is generally of a reddish Color, but
                            sometimes mixed with Sand, we call it, Sand Stone Land. I have said the Land is generally of
                            the Sand Stone kind, but there are two large bodies at the foot of the South Mountain
                            formerly held by Messr Carrols, called Carrols burg, and Carrols Delight,
                            they were originally held under Marylands Grants, but now within the limits of Pennsylvania,
                            they are of the Limestone quality and so
                            excellent that the arable Lands would sell as high as
                            those in the Neighbourhood of McAllisters Town, from £6, to
                            £10 an Acre, Timber Walnut, Black Oak, White Oak—Poplar, Chestnut
                            &c.
                        3rd District, This District is in general badly timbered and the Soil poor of
                            the Gravelly or Slate kind, and of a reddish cast, often mixed with Sand; notwithstanding
                            these disadvantages more than half the Barrens is under cultivation, the Wood composed of
                            dwarf White Oak, Chesnut & the price ⅌ Acre may be estimated at
                            Thirty five Shillings.

                        The Lands in the third District have been averaged only at thirty five
                            Shillings to the Acre, but I would mention that there is a Tract of fine Land in this
                            District on the Susquehanna called Conejochola—formerly the Lands upon
                            which the Marylanders & Pennsylvanians used to meet in Battle array, contending for
                            boundary—say upwards of 2,000 Acres at from £10 to £15 an Acre, a considerable share of the
                            Tract has been worked for upwards of forty or fifty Years, and is still capable of producing
                            the best of Grain without any Manure.
                        Before I proceed to Franklin, I would observe that the great South Mountain (or
                            blue Ridge as called in Virginia divides York from Franklin County, and
                            is from seven to ten Miles in breadth a very small proportion of it can
                            be cultivated.
                        4th District, Franklin is a compact County including Cumberland Valley, between
                            the South and North Mountains for upwards of twenty five Miles and part of the rich
                            Settlement of Conecocheague, and Antitem, few situations in America can
                            claim a superior Soil, it is nearly all Limestone Land, Timber White Oak Locust Walnut, Hickory &c. The County Town is Chambersburg distant
                            80 Miles from Baltimore, 90 Miles from George Town and 24 Miles from Potomac River at
                            Williams Port, Green Castle is a handsome Village lying 11 Miles from Chambersburg nearer
                            the Potomac on the Road to Williamsport 75 Miles from Baltimore."
                        Thus most respected Sir, I have made the extract, and I may safely say I
                            considered the calculations just at the time I wrote, posterior to the 24 September 1791
                            Lands in the Counties I have described have risen from fifty to one hundred per Cent.

                        The Lands round Frederick Town are good, they sell as high (so far as I know)
                            as those in the Neighbourhood of York or Hanover.
                        I presume the Lands from Wrights Ferry—to Nolands Ferry, may be placed under
                            one or other of the classes I have stated, I have no precise knowledge of the Ground between
                            Nolands Ferry and the Federal City, but the Land from Green Castle to Williamsport is of
                            first rate quality, in short, no country in America has better prospects than the Country
                            you wish me to speak of, There may be some small difference in the price of lands (of equal
                                quality) in Maryland and Pennsylvania, but if the general Government
                            is happily administred this will be soon done away, I have then hastily endeavoured to
                            answer your request. Farming and Gardening please God shall be my principal pursuits, I
                            shall be particular in taking Memorandums, on cases which I conceive to be anywise
                            interesting—Grains and Grass seeds will draw my attention, the discovery of a cheap and
                            useful Manure is highly worthy of enquiry. I wish you every happiness, & am, with
                            the greatest respect, yr most Obt H. Servt

                            Thos Hartley

                            My Letter of 24, September 1791, which may be somewhere among your files,
                                contains information, which I think is generally correct and may be depended upon, It
                                will also give me great pleasure to answer any queries you may be pleased to put to
                            me.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 23 December 1796
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philada Decr 23d 1796

                        On the 25th of August last I had the honor to state in my letter of that date
                            what had been the tenor of my Conduct in regard to the pre-emption right which I had
                            acquired by purchase of the State of Massachusets to a Tract of Country within the State of
                            Newyork and to request of the President of the United States that He would "Nominate and
                            appoint a Commissioner to be present and preside at a Treaty which he would be pleased to
                            Authorize to be held with the Seneca Nation of Indians for the purpose of enabling me to
                            purchase the Native right to the said Tract of Country &c." On
                            the 27th of August I received a Note from the Secretary of State enclosing an Opinion of the
                            Attorney General by which it would appear that The President had not Authority to appoint
                            Such Commissioner without the advice & Consent of the Senate Upon the receipt of
                            this opinion I forbore to pursue my object untill the Senate Should be in Session &
                            now that they are so & when There cannot exist any reason for further delay, I beg
                            leave to refer to my said Letter that of the Secy of State with the Oppinion of the Atty
                            General and to renew the request that a Commissioner may be Nominated for the approbation of
                            the Senate in order that a Treaty may be held with the Seneca Nation of Indians at such time
                            & place as may hereafter be fixed for the purpose.


Title: From George Washington to John Hoskins Stone, 23 December 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Stone, John Hoskins

                            Dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 23d Decr 1796.

                        Yesterday I received your letter of the 16th instant, covering the resolutions
                            of the Senate and House of Delegates of the State of Maryland, passed on the 13th &
                            14th—The very obliging and friendly terms in which you have made this communication, merit
                            my sincere thanks.
                        The manner in which the two branches of the legislature of Maryland have
                            expressed their sense of my services, is too honourable, and too affectionate ever to be
                            forgotten. Without assigning to my exertions the extensive influence they are pleased to
                            ascribe to them, I may with great truth say that, the exercise of every faculty I possessed
                            was joined to the efforts of the virtue, talents and valour of my fellow–citizens to effect
                            our Independence: and I concur with the Legislature in repeating, with pride and joy, what
                            will be an everlasting honor to our country, that our revolution was so distinguished for
                            moderation virtue & humanity, as to merit the eulogium they have pronounced of being
                            unsullied with a crime.

                        With the same entire devotion to my country, every act of my civil
                            Administration has been aimed to secure to it those advantages which result from a stable
                            & free government; and with gratitudes to Heaven, I unite with the Legislature of
                            Maryland in the pleasing reflections, that our country has continued to feel the blessings
                            of peace, liberty & prosperity, whilst Europe and the Indies have been convulsed with
                            the horrors of a dreadful & desolating war—My ardent prayers are offered that those
                            afflicted regions may now speedily see their calamities terminated, and also feel the
                            blessings of returning peace.
                        I cannot omit my acknowledgements to the Senate and House of Delegates for the
                            manner in which they have noticed my late Address to my fellow citizens. This notice, with
                            similar acts in other States, leads me to hope that, the advice which therein I took the
                            liberty to offer as the result of much experience and reflection, may produce some good.
                        Their kind wishes for my domestic happiness, in my contemplated retirement, are
                            entitled to my cordial thanks. If it shall please God to prolong a life already far advanced
                            into the vale of years, no attending felicity can equal that which I shall feel in seeing
                            the administration of our government operating towards the Independence, prosperity and
                            welfare of the American People. With great respect & consideration I am—Dear Sir Your
                            most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Landon Carter, 24 December 1796
From: Carter, Landon
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            At Sabine Hall still 24th December 1796

                        I am now to give you some account of an Arrangement which I rather wish to
                            adopt, than one I have in real practice. The untowardness, so often complained of as a
                            fatallity, may always be traced to some error in the Man himself, immediate or remote:
                            Howsoever this may be, an untowardness has unceasingly marked my Life. My Plan requires
                            appropriate Farm Houses, Utensils, and inclosures; and I am baffled in all my attempts to
                            fit them out. Every effort I have made, during Life, to have Tradesmen formed of my Slaves,
                            has had for a result, to be untaught as to the object, but well instructed Rogues, and
                            Vagabonds; and every Carpenter I meet with is too full of Work to be able to do mine: Nay
                            the division by Survey is clogged with delay, and remains incomplete, though a whole year
                            began. I hope you will not imagine I have been uttering the vexations of disappointment; but
                            will rather admit it to be an apology, for recommending to you what I do not as yet, pursue
                            with just precision on my own Estate.
                        Long have the Planters, and Farmers, in Virginia, been willing to admit the
                            superior effectiveness of small divisions of their Laborers; but few have put it into
                            practice. The reasons for this superiority are obvious, and have often been repeated; but
                            among those to be alledged, I may here speak of such as I have never heard advanced. It
                            would always have been well to conciliate the mind to Labor, not relying on Fear for the
                            impulse: It now becomes the more essential, since the Minds even of the Slaves grow more
                            enlightened. The division of the Laborers is creative of some degree of Rank; it presents to
                            their Minds an object within their comprehension to take in; they see the begining and the
                            end of their years Toil; and thereby may take it hold by the right end to pursue a clue
                            along.
                        The wide extent of the I. Corn field, in the usual collective way, not only
                            wastes the fertile store laid up with in the Land but it also serves to consume a deal of
                            Labor by a misapplication of it. A Farm works to the best advantage, when it consists of
                            only four Hands, allowing each an horse: These Hands should have no interruption from the
                            pursuit of their Crop. All the fencing, cleaning up &c., should be brought in as a
                            charge to be debited against the Profits; and the steady pursuit, with singleness of object,
                            will well affray that charge. An extra Gang may be appointed, on every
                            Estate to do this as a sole employment; and their Labors will be better
                            directed, than if they had to pass from one to the other, as is the case
                            where all is blended: There is cheerfulness in Labor, when it is distinct. To every four
                            laboring hands there should be one sedate Female to keep the house, cook, take care of the
                            Children, the Poultry concern, and cultivate the little Garden: Often in
                            the lesser ailments this Person may take place of the absentee in the
                            Field. Besides the four Horses, I would allow the Farm four Oxen and
                            two Tumbrils: & these the Manure may be carried out to the I. Corn field, during the
                            Period when the Horses are doubled in the Plough, to break the Land and thereby two of the
                            Hands are spared to drive the Tumbrils.
                        A Farm, to be wrought by the above appointed Labor, should consist of seven
                            forty acre Fields; to raise I. Corn upon one—manured in the Hill; I. Pease in two; Fall
                            grain in two; and Clover or other grass in the remaining two. These
                            different Crops will follow each other as expressed in the following Scheme.
                        Fields numberedYears179717981799180018011802180318041805180618071808180918101811181218131PeaseCl.CloverC.I.C.P.F.G.P.Cl.C.C.I.C.P.F.G.P.Cl.C.F. GrainsF.G.F.G.2I. CornPeaseCl.C.C.I.C.P.F.G.P.Cl.C.C.I.C.P.F.G.P.Cl.F.G.F.G.F.G.3I. CornP.Cl.C.C.I.C.P.F.G.PCl.C.C.I.C.P.F.G.P.F.G.F.G.4PeaseF. GrainI.C.P.Cl.C.C.I.C.P.F.G.P.Cl.C.C.I.C.P.F.G.F.G.F.G.5P.I.C.P.Cl.C.C.I.C.P.F.G.P.Cl.C.C.I.C.P.F.G.F.G.6P.F.G.P.Cl.C.C.I.C.P.F.G.P.Cl.C.C.I.C.F.G.F.G.7P.F.G.P.Cl.C.C.I.C.P.F.G.P.Cl.C.C.F.G.F.G.

                        In this Scheme you will observe, in one of the Fall grain
                            fields in every year, cl. placed above; which is meant to denote the
                            seeding of the Clover either with the Fall Grain sown upon the Tilth,
                                or the Spring under a harrowing of the Grain, & rolled in,
                            just as a Farmer chuses. Some Persons assure me, that sort of spring
                                culture does mend the crop of Wheat; but I have never made the
                            Tryal—perhaps you have, and if so will oblige me with your Remarks: My
                            objection to the harrow is in a measure removed, in this instance, by
                                the ready succession of shade in the advance of the Wheat; and must
                                yield to that necessity there is at seeding to have unevenesses
                            removed.
                        I think I may well say that this Sceme presents a Culture
                            favorable to the Earth, and profitable to the Owner. Many People will
                            have a better opinion of it for the two years appointed for Grass; but it
                            was not with that View I have admitted a sixth and seventh Diversion; for
                            I think that is not probably a state of best improovement to the Soil. If
                            the Clover be the chosen Grass, and that be suffered to advance to a
                            fitness for the Scythe, to soil the Beast, it then will mend the Land: if
                            the Clover be pastured, kept low, and hoof trodden; or if the Grass be of the spreading root kind; I must think the Earth will, at best, be in
                            equilibria. The motive I had for the introduction of the two grass
                            fields, was to make the Farm complete, by taking its share of Stock, for
                                the purpose of dividing that as well as the Laborers; upon a
                            supposition of their thriving better: The Farms too by possessing Stock, acquire a succession of Manure for the I. Corn field: Add to these motives, the
                            Field has a longer recess from the I. Corn Crop.
                        The annal Crop for four hands, will be forty acres of I. Corn;
                            eighty acres of Fall Grain; and eighty acres of I. Pease. This will be
                            thought by some Persons to be too great an allotment—but you will take a
                            View of the principle accomodation; which is the simplifying the Labor,
                                by throwing away the hoe, and performing all with the Plough:
                                you will take a comparative view of the Labor required to cultivate
                                I. Corn, and that which the Pease demand; and that twenty Acres
                                of the former has, in all time, been found within the compass of one
                            Plow-horse, As to the Fall Grain, the Farmer may call in Hirelings, if his plowing is
                            throng, as they do in all countries, to assist in the Harvest; and he
                            will find that his other engagements will well afford the expence. The
                                general appointment, for the common I. Corn husbandry, is, in a gang
                                of fourteen hands, about eight Ploughs and Six hoes: Suppose the Crop
                                to consist of twenty acres for each plough, it will be one hundred
                            and sixty acres. In my arrangement, allowing the fourteen hands an horse
                            each, the crop at the rate of twenty acres as before for every Plow will be Two hundred and
                            eighty Acres. Now admitting that the Hoe is useful to advance the I.
                            Corn, an apt question may be asked if that advance will make 160. produce as much as 280. Acres
                            will do without the aid of the Hoe.
                        One happy discovery, if pechance it can be made, would enable
                            us to stretch the pease, and consequent Fall Grain Fields, a greater extent than this Sceme
                            appoints; I mean an instruement to facillitate the Pease Harvest: Pulling
                            them up by hand makes 80 Acres full tedious for four hands.
                        I will here conclude this Letter, and if I shall have omitted any material
                            matter on the subject, you will please to point it out, and I will be more explicit. In the
                            mean time I shall cease, for a while, from intruding on your
                                valuable time, till your high Office is laid down, unless you find
                                liesure to call my Pen again into use before that Period. I have the
                            honor to be with every sentiment of most true regard Dear Sir Your very
                            respectfull and Obedient humble servant

                            L. Carter


Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 26 December 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William

                            Gentlemen,
                            Philadelphia 26th Decr 1796

                        Your letters of the 30th & 30th of November, and 5th of the present
                            month, are now before me; the receipt of which have, until now, remained unacknowledged.
                        I have not been unmindful however, of the contents of that, which relates to
                            public property, &ca in the federal City; but, laying it with the two former Powers,
                            & other Papers before the Attorney General of the United States, you will receive
                            his opinion thereon under cover with this letter. It would have been sent sooner, had I not
                            been desirous of a personal conference with that Gentleman; but which, for ten or twelve days
                            or more, has been prevented by his indisposition; & this still confines him to his
                            chamber.
                        I shall be ready, while I remain in Office, to execute any Power which you may
                            Suggest—the Attorney General approve—and the nature of the case will warrant—for the purpose
                            of designating, and conveying the different descriptions of property therein—and it will lye
                            with the Commissioners to bring these matters forward, as their attention must be more
                            immediately turned to objects of that sort than mine possibly can be.
                        With respect to the claims of individual proprietors, to be compensated for the
                            spaces occasioned by the intersection of Streets and Avenues, I should conceive that they
                            might, with equal propriety, ask payment for the Streets themselves; but the terms of the
                            original contract, or cession, if a dispute on this point should arise, must be recurred to,
                            for I presume the opinion of the President, in such a case, would avail nothing. But, if
                            angles are taken off, at these spaces, the case is materially altered; and, without
                            designing it, you make a square where none was contemplated, and thereby not only lay the
                            foundation of claim for those angles but for the space also which
                            is made a square by that act.
                        I have never yet met with a single instance, where it has been proposed to
                            depart from the published plan of the City that an inconvenience or dispute of some sort,
                            has not, sooner, or later occurred—for which reason I am persuaded there should be no
                            departure from it, but in cases of necessity, or very obvious utility.
                        The Deed is returned. and with very great esteem and regard I am Gentlemen Your
                            most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 26 December 1796
From: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Washington, 26th Decr 1796

                        The State of our funds will not admit of delay in disposing of some part of the
                            Stock borrowed of the State of Maryland—Our Labourers and Mechanics will have a month’s
                            wages due, on monday next; and, also, there will then be one quarter’s Salary due to all the
                            Officers, who are paid by the Year—The Rules of the public Offices do not permit any
                            transfer of Stock until the first of January, next.We think it will be best to have the
                            Stock borrowed, transferred to some person in Philadelphia, who can transfer, on the Spot,
                            as Sales are made, and as the exigencies of our affairs may require—As this Stock bears an
                            Interest of Six per cent, we do not contemplate selling more than ten or twelve thousand
                            Dollars, at one time, and we hope that this may be done at Baltimore; if so, the expence of
                            Brokerage and the inconvenience of receiving Phila. paper, which does not pass generally
                            here, will be avoided.
                        It may be necessary, for our safety, as we are to become individually,
                            Security, on this Loan, that it should be sanctioned by your written approbation, which we
                            will thank you to endorse on the copy of the Resolution, forwarded to you, from Annapolis,
                            by Mr Scott; as we think such assent should appear on our Books: this is asked, under a
                            presumption, that the Loan will meet your approbation. We have the honor to be &c.

                    G. Scott W. Thornton


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Pemberton, 26 December 1796
From: Pemberton, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            May it Please your Excellency
                            No. 26 Garden Street New York 26th Decr 1796

                        The enclosed sent me by a Friend with direction to deliver it myself I received
                            sometime since, but however desireous I might be to avail myself of the Honor it intended
                            me, I cou’d not think of intrudg, on you when I knew how fully and importantly your time must
                            be engaged, nor shou’d I have troubld you with it now, but that I conceive you may think the
                            following communication of sufficient importance to excuse it.
                        The dreadfull Fires that have lately prevaild in several Towns of the United
                            States, induced me to turn my thoughts to some more efficacious means of Supplying the
                            Engines with water, and the Idea of doing it by means of Pipes sugested itself to me, it is
                            extreamly simple and capable of being Universally adopted, by Obligeing every House to be provided with Two Tin Tubes, seven feet long of
                            a competant bore of from three to Six Inchs, and All form’d on
                            exactly the same make, haveing one End for about two Inches deep a little Widend, so that
                            the smaller end of the Other cd be admitted into it, the whole to be painted, and the Number
                            of the House to which it belong’d painted on it.

                        Thus each House wou’d be provided with fourteen feet of Pipe, which with the
                            Opposite House wou’d make a length of twenty Eight feet, equal to the average porrt or length of each House to the Street, In case of a Fire every house
                            to furnish their Pipes commenceing at the nearest pump that was sufficiently elevated to
                            conveigh the Water towards the fire, and by inserting the smaller end of One into the larger
                            of the Other—with a smart stroke of a light Mattch, wou’d make them Water tight. Observeg that
                            the small end shoud be pointed towards the Fire or decent, by this means
                            a length of Pipes cou’d be laid in a few Minuets to conveigh the Water from the Pump at any
                            distance imediatly to the Fire to supply the Engines, & all the Labor and Confusion
                            that attends handg the Bucketts avoided. This Line of pipe can be continued from Pump to
                            Pump to any length and in Any direction, by a provision of
                            certain peices of Pipe forming Angles with the Others, so as to be capable of being
                            inserted into the side of the Others, by which the water from the Crossing streets may be
                            conveighd into the Principle one, water may likewise be brought from a lower situation by
                            Casks on Cariages, or Buckets to the Nearest pipe in a commanding
                            situation, no Matter how distant from the Fire as every house is
                            to be provided.
                        I shall not take up Your Excellencys time by a minute detail of the
                            construction of certain peices of pipe to be provided by & brought with the Engines
                            to stop or turn the water at Pleasure in diffirent direction to the several Engines, as
                            likewise Reservoir pipes to receive the water from the Pumps,
                            Casks, or Bucketts.

                        I can have no difficulty in confideing to your Honor & Judgement a Plan
                            on which I have built some expectations and that I hope will be found Usefull to the State,
                            shou’d it meet your Approbation and be adopted I have no doubt you will secure an adequat
                            Compensation for your Excellency’s Most Humle and Most Obedient Servant

                            Benjn: Pemberton


Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 26 December 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Gustavus

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia 26th Decr 1796

                        Your favour of the 15th instt was not received until the 22d. To what the delay
                            is to be ascribed, I know not.
                        The voice of Maryland, as expressed by its legislature, in the Resolutions
                            which you enclosed, is flattering indeed, as it respects myself, personally, and highly
                            pleasing as it relates to their federal sentiments—I thank you for sendg them.
                        From what you have said of the disposition of the Senate, of that State,
                            the presumption is, that the loan of $100,000 for the use of the Federal City, must,
                            ’ere this, have passed through all the requisite forms. The necessity of the case justified
                            the obtaining of it on almost any terms, & the Zeal of the Commissioners (if they,
                            in their individual capacities, which they surely may do without hazarding any thing) in
                            making themselves liable for the amount, as it could not be had without, cannot fail of
                            approbation. At the sametime I must confess that the request has a very singular appearance—and will not, I should suppose, be very grateful to the feelings of Congress. With great
                            esteem & regard I am—Sir Your Obedt Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington