Title: Proceedings of the Sinking Fund Commissioners, 1 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To:

          [1 June 1796]

        At a Meeting of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, at the office of the Secretary of the Treasury on the first day of June 1796.
        Present, The Secretary of State, the Secretary of The Treasury The Attornay General.
        A Report of the Secretary of the Treasury dated May 31st 1796, respecting the measures proper to be adopted by this Board, for the due execution of the Act entitled “An Act making

provision for the payment of certain Debts of the United States” was read; and is as follows—To wit
        The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully reports to the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund,
        That the following sums of the capital or principal of the public debt, already have or will become due and payable in the course of the present year, the reimbursement of which according to law is to be made under the superintendence of the Commissioners of the Sinking fund—vizt
        To the Bank of the United States,

            Three instalments of a Loan of 400,000 dollars obtained pursuant to an act entitled “an act for raising a further sum of money for the protection of the frontiers & for other purposes,” passed on the 2d day of May 1792
            300,000.

            Two instalments of a Loan of two millions of dollars obtained pursuant to an act passed on the 18th day of December 1794 for that purpose
            200,000.

            Two Loans of 500,000 dollars each obtained pursuant to an act making appropriations for the military & naval establishments & for the support of Government passed on the 3d of March 1795
            1,000,000.

            A Loan of 500,000 dollars obtained under the 1st section of the act for the support of public credit & for the redemption of the public Debt, passed on the 3d of March 1795
            500,000

            Two instalments of the Loan of 2,000,000 of dollars obtained pursuant to the act for incorporating the Bank of the United States
            400,000.

            An instalment of a Loan of 800,000 dollars obtained pursuant to an act passed on the 21st day of February 1795, for the expenses of foreign intercourse
            200,000.

            To the Bank of New York for amount of a loan obtained pursuant to an act passed on the  20th of March 1794 for expenses of foreign Intercourse
            200,000.

            To Creditors in Holland for, An instalment of one million of Guilders due on a Contract dated June 11. 1782
            400,000.

            Amounting in the whole to five Millions of Dollars.
            $5,000,000.

        That by an Act passed during the present session of Congress entitled “An Act making provision for the payment of certain debts of the United States” the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund are authorised with the approbation of The President of the United States to obtain the said sum of five millions of Dollars upon Loan, by creating a funded stock transferable at the Treasury & Loan offices respectively bearing Interest at six per centum per annum payable quarter yearly, which stock at the said rate of Interest is to remain fixed & irredeemable until the close of the year 1819 and to be redeemed thereafter at the pleasure of the United States.
        That the Creditors of the United States before mentioned may pursuant to the said act subscribe to the said Loan & receive the said Stock in payment of their respective demands, or the Commissioners of the Sinking fund may cause certificates for the said stock to be constituted & sold in the United States or elsewhere, applying the proceeds thereof to the payment of said demands, provided that not more than two millions five hundred thousand Dollars of the said Stock be sold under par: or the said Commissioners may sell the shares of the stock of the Bank of the United States, belonging to the United States, in lieu of selling the funded stock before mentioned, if in their judgments sales of the said Bank shares will be most advantageous to the United States.
        Upon this recital of facts The Secretary of the Treasury represents, that dividends upon the Stock of the Bank of the United States, have been for several years, made at the rate of four per Centum half yearly; that there is a reasonable prospect that future dividends will be declared at the same rate; that by a resolution of the President & Directors of the said Bank, the proprietors of the capital Stock thereof residing in Europe are entitled to receive either in London or in Amsterdam, the half yearly

dividends which may be declared, six months after the said dividends are declared in the United States: in London at the rate of one pound sterling for every four dollars and forty five cents; or in Amsterdam at the rate of one Guilder current money for every forty cents & four mills money of the United States; that the Bank undertakes the risque and expense of remittances at these rates, & therefore that Bank Stock when transferred to a foreigner possesses the essential properties of a Debt contracted in a foreign Country, that it is the policy of the United States not to increase unnecessarily public debt in foreign Countries; that the present price of Bank Stock is no more than twenty seven perCent advance upon the original capital when sold in the United States; that the price in London by the last advices was even considerably below this rate; that sales to any great amount would probably depress the price here to a level with the current price in London, & that for these reasons a comparison between what now is the price of a stock bearing eight pr Centum ⅌ annum, with a stock bearing six pr centum pr annum does not afford a correct criterion to guide the choice of the Commissioners upon the alternative contained in the Law; he is therefore of opinion that the Commissioners of the Sinking fund ought to attempt to raise the requisite funds upon Loans, or by sales of the proposed new funded stock, and that recourse ought not to be had to the authority to sell the Bank shares belonging to the Ud States except in a case of the utmost emergency, or without the absolute injunction of Law.
        The Secretary is moreover of opinion, that the Commissioners ought to be restrained from selling the said Bank shares, not only by the improvidence of such a measure, but also by their respect for the principles of public credit, and their duty as Trustees for the Creditors. By an Act of last Session the dividends on the Bank stock belonging to the United States were declared to be appropriated to the Sinking fund & vested in trust in the Commissioners until the whole of the then present debt of the United States except the three prCent stock should be fully reimbursed & redeemed; the faith of the United States was moreover pledged that the said dividends with the other funds mentioned in the Act should inviolably remain appropriated & vested to be applied to the said reimbursement & redemption. Under these circumstances the Secretary considers the said dividends as having been compleatly alienated by the Legislature and as

cloathed with all the qualities of private property in the hands of the Commissioners who are answerable not only to the United States, but also to the creditors for the faithful discharge of their trust. On these principles the Secretary presumes that the Commissioners will not judge it to be advantageous to the United States to authorise sales of the said Bank stock, & he therefore submits the following resolutions to their consideration.
        Resolved that application be made to the President of the United States for his consent & approbation to the opening of a Loan for Five millions of Dollars pursuant to the terms & conditions of the Act entitled “An act making provision for the payment of certain Debts of the United States & for the purposes therein mentioned.”
        Resolved that if the consent & approbation of The President of the United States be obtained for opening the said Loan, the same be conducted under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury in manner following—To wit
        1st. That the President & Directors of the Bank of the United States be invited to subscribe the whole or any part of the said five millions of Dollars upon condition that so much of the said sum as shall be subscribed & as shall be necessary to satisfy the Loans & Instalments had of said Bank which already have or will fall due on or before the first day of Januy next, shall be applied to that purpose, and upon condition that for such further sums as shall be subscribed, the said Bank will advance & lend an equal amount to be applied in payment of the Loan had of the Bank of New York or the Instalment of foreign Debt which will fall due in the course of the present year.
        2d. That in case the said President & Directors of the Bank of the United States shall decline to subscribe the whole sum of Five millions of Dollars, that then the president and Directors of the Bank of New York be invited to subscribe the sum of Two hundred thousand dollars to be applied to the payment of the Loan had of said Bank.
        3rd. That for such sum of the Loan of Five millions of Dollars as shall not be subscribed by the President & Directors of the Bank of the United States or the President & Directors of the Bank of New York as before proposed, there be constituted certificates of Stock in the manner authorised by Law, and that the same be sold for account of the United States by the President

& Directors of the Bank of the United States on such terms and pursuant to such directions as shall from time to time be given by the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, or the Secretary of the Treasury, for that purpose. So however that not more than two millions & five hundred thousand dollars be in any event sold for less than par including Interest thereon to the time of sale.
        4th. That the proceeds of all sales of Stock be placed in the Treasury of the United States & forthwith applied to the payment of some part of the capital or principal of the public debt, now due or to become due in the course of the present year, to the Bank of the United States, the Bank of New York or the Creditors of the United States in Holland; and that in the application of the monies so placed in the Treasury, the Secretary of the Treasury have regard to the priorities already established by Law in favor of the Creditors respectively. All which is respectfully submitted by

          Treasy DepartmtMay 31st 1796.
          Olivr Wolcott JrSecy of the Treasy

          Whereupon, it was resolved that this Board agree to the resolutions proposed in said Report and that a copy of this proceeding be laid before the President of the United States for the purpose of obtaining his consent & approbation to the opening of said Loan of Five millions of Dollars.

            Timothy PickeringOliv. Wolcott JrCharles Lee.


Title: From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 1 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

          Gentlemen of the Senate:
          United States June 1st 1796

        I nominate the following persons for appointments in the Army of the United States.
        John Wilkins of Pennsylvania to be Quarter Master General vice OHara resigned.
        Joseph Philips, Surgeon’s Mate in the First Sub Legion to be Surgeon of the third Sub Legion vice Heyward resigned.
        David Davis to be Surgeons Mate in the first Sub Legion vice Philips promoted.
        Cyrus Dart to be Surgeon’s Mate in the Second Sub Legion vice Strong resigned.
        Charles Rodes to be Surgeon’s Mate in the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers vice Griffith resigned.
        Samuel Osborne to be Surgeons Mate in the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers vice Brewster resigned.

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 3 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

          My dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 3d of June 1796

        Your letter of the 30th Ulto was received yesterday. As I expect (nothing new & unforeseen happening to prevent it) to commence my journey for Mount Vernon in ten or twelve days, I shall enter into no details respecting any of the matters touched upon in your letter of the above date.
        The chief design of my writing to you by this Post, is to inform you that your good Mother, and lovely son, arrived in this City on Tuesday evening; and left it yesterday about ten oclock on their way to the Federal City. Mrs Lear is very well, & Lincoln as sprightly as ever; but both disappointed at not meeting you here.
        It was with great difficulty a Carriage could be procured to take her on; for it so happened, that Congress closed their Session yesterday—that the members were struggling for, and bidding on each other for conveyances—and your Mothers anxious desire to get to you, would not permit her to wait. At length, after some unavailing attempts, Mr Craik succeeded in getting a Carriage & pair of horses, which I hope will take her safe down.

        I will send sugar, and some other things from hence. We are all as well as usual, and join in best wishes for you. with sincere esteem & regard I am Your Affectionate

          Go: Washington

          P.S. A Mr Prescot attends Mrs Lear & Lincoln. And it is not unlikely, as the weather is cool, but that they may be with you as soon as this letter as the Post does not travel on Sunday.
          I did not know until after the Post had left the City on Wednesday, that Mrs Lear was in it, or expected; or you should have been advised of the circumstance by the Mail of that day.


Title: To George Washington from David Lenox, 3 June 1796
From: Lenox, David
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philada 3d June 1796

        I have till now deferred making application to you on behalf of a Man to whom I conceive myself indebted for life, from the consideration that it might be improper while the fate of others were undetermined, as well as the consideration of troubling you during the Session of Congress.
        The Person Sir who is the object of my addressing you, is a certain Benjamin Parkinson who was concerned in the late Insurrection in the Western Counties of Pennsylvania, this Man at the evident risque of his life, threw himself between me and a Banditti when they had presented their Riffles at only a few yards distance and would inevitably have destroyed me but for his interference, if proof of the circumstance should be wanting I refer to Colonel Presley Nevill who was with me at the time, as well as evidence produced on the trials of the Insurgents in the possession of the District Attorney. Circumstanced as I am Sir I need only appeal to your own breast where I am confident I should stand convicted were I to omit doing every thing in my power to obtain this mans pardon. I therefore now step forward to solicit it, I solicit it Sir as (at the time) holding an Office under Government, and I humbly solicit it from the motive of gratitude to the Man, firmly believing that he is convinced of his error & will in future conduct himself as a good Citizen. I beg leave only to add that my request is unsolicited by any person whatever, and I fond[l]y hope I shall not be disappointed in obtaining this act of justice to myself. With the greatest respect I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

          D. Lenox


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

          Dr Sir,

            Saturday ½ past 12 [4 June 1796]

        If it is not too late for Fenno’s Paper of this Afternoon, an extract from Chapins letter, respecting the removal of the artillery, Stores &ca from Niagara, to the other side of the River (British

side) might afford pleasing information. I presume there can be no doubt of its authenticity. Yrs always

          Go: W——n


Title: From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 5 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

          Dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 5th June 1796

        The letter you left with Mr Kitt—the one you wrote from Shippensburgh and another from Greenbriar Court house dated the 10th Ulto have all been recd.
        It can excite no ⟨illegible t⟩hat the ⟨illegible⟩, the manner, and other cir⟨cumstanc⟩es attending your departure from this place, was not more displeasing than it was surprising: not only to me, but to every one else; and opened the door for variety of conjectures; some of them you may be sure not favorable; and more or less s⟨o⟩ according to the knowledge People had of you. All this is natural, and what you must have made your mind up for.
        For myself, as I always entertained a good opinion of your honor and honesty, vexation at being left in the manner I was in the midst of busy, and perplexing scenes, without a moments intimation of the event, or knowing where to apply for aid, was all the impression, injurious to you, that it made upon me.
        It was sometime and after much enquiry for a character in whose discretion and ⟨a⟩ttachment I could place entire confidence, before Mr Washington Craik (who had returned to Virginia) occurred to me. He is now with me as my private Secretary, & will, I expect Continue in that Office ⟨illegible⟩ remain in the Administration of the government.
        You may remember that the Suggestion in your letter from Greenbrier, with respect to the mode of dividing and disposing of my lands on the ⟨we⟩stern waters is an event which I told

you would be likely to happen, and might find you employment, after your Services in the line you ⟨were⟩ was terminated; but that I wanted first to try if I could not make a sale of them in the ⟨illegible⟩. I must now wait till September, to see the result of my advertisemant, after which if offers to my liking have not come forward, I shall proceed to lay off and sell my lands on the Ohio and its waters in the manner you suggest; and am very well inclined to put the business into your hands, and allow you the profits arising from the management thereof, allowing a Commission upon the Sales, which is to embrace the expence of laying off the Lots. Yourself, which you may soon learn to do.
        ⟨If⟩ you remain in the mind you were, at the date of your letter of the 10th Ulto; which did not get to my hands until the 3d instant, it will be necessary for me to see, or at least to have a direct communication opened with you, on the first of September; that the business may be fully arranged, and a plan devised for the prosecution of it.
        On Monday the 13th I expect to leave this City for Mount Vernon; but as well ⟨as⟩ to meet the offers which may be made me, as to attend to the business of the Public (from which I cannot be absent longer) it is my intention to return to this place again (alone) before the day above mentioned. By, or before which, give me all the information you can, in writing, if I shd not see you, of the value of my lands, or rather, from what you can collect from others, what they would sell for, divided into any sized lots to suit the purchasers.
        Your Aunt and Washington join me in affectionate regard for you, and I am Your sincere friend

          Go: Washington

          P.S. As it may be of Service to you, and ⟨to me⟩ also, I enclose a print of my Advertisement.


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 5 June 1796
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

        Private

          My dear Sir
          London 5 June 1796

        It is now some Time since I received your kind Letter of the 4 March accompanying a Copy of that which you did me the Honor to write on the 22d Decr. The Original of this last has never yet reached my Hands. On that to which it is principally a Reply I must give you a Clue which for sundry Reasons I could not send in due Season. It was written to bear the Inspection of Ld G—— &ca &ca—I did fully expect to have made my Reply to these Letters in Person but I am suddenly called on by some indispensible Circumstances to take a Journey into Switzerland and my Sense of Propriety induces me to make the long and inconvenient Circuit by Hamburg in Preference of the short cut thro France. There is a Clause in your Letter of the 22d Decr which begins thus “To this Catalogue may be added &c: &ca as also” Now if the Parties there alluded to be not speedily removed it will be only because the Means of providing for them do not easily present themselves and they cannot with Propriety be turned adrift. I have recommended Englishmen as the most fitting Characters. I cannot write fully about this or indeed any Thing else having hardly a Moment to myself and not knowing how this Letter is to go.
        I send herewith one to the Secretary of State which I leave open and pray you my dear Sir to cast your Eye over it then all will be put right if it be not so already. I must not close this Letter however short without the tedious Repetition how important I conceive it to be that you should continue in Office. Would you require a very strong Reason indeed? You Yourself shall give

it from the last four Months of our History, and I will freely consent to your Retirement when you can designate a Successor who will truly hold the Sentiments and pursue the Conduct mentioned in yours of Decr. But even then you ought to consider that it is not given to every Man to bend the Bow of Ulysses, whatever may be his Wishes or Intentions. And you well know that Weight of Character is in arduous Circumstances quite as useful as Strength of Mind. God grant you long Life and Good Health; the Rest you will take Care of Farewell—I am ever yours

          Gouvr Morris


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 5 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

          Mr Pearce,
          Philadelphia 5th June 1796.

        Since my last I have received your letters of the 22d & 29th of last Month—The first came to hand on Tuesday, the other on Saturday, as usual.
        On Wednesday last Congress closed their Session; but there is yet a good deal for me to do, before I can leave the Seat of the Government. My present expectation however is, that I shall be able to do this on tomorrow week: but as this is not certain, and as I shall travel slow, to avoid what usually happens to me at this season—that is—killing, or knocking up a horse; and as

we shall, moreover, stay a day or two at the Federal City, it is not likely we shall arrive at Mount Vernon before the 20th, or 21st of this month.
        In a few days after we get there, we shall be visited, I expect, by characters of distinction; I could wish therefore that the Gardens, Lawns, and every thing else in, and about the Houses, may be got in clean & nice order. If the Gardener needs aid, to accomplish as much of this as lyes within his line, let him have it; & let others rake, & scrape up all the trash, of every sort & kind about the houses, & in holes & corners and throw it (all I mean that will make dung) into the Stercorary and the rest into the gullied parts of the road, coming up to the House. And as the front gate of the Lawn (by the Ivies) is racked, and scarcely to be opened, I wish you would order a new one (like the old one) to be immediately made—and that, with the new ones you have just got made, and all the boarding of every kind that was white before, to be painted white again. If Neal and my own people cannot make the front gate, abovementioned, get some one from Alexandria to do it—provided he will set about & finish it immediately. This must be the way up to the House.
        Let the Rooms in the Servants Hall, above & below, be well cleaned; and have the Beds & bedsteads therein put in order; after which have a good lock put on the door of the west room, above, and order Caroline, or whoever has the charge of those rooms, to suffer no person to sleep, or even to go in to it, without express orders from her Mistress or myself. Let exactly the same things be done with the Rooms over the Kitchen; as there will be a white Cook with us that will require one of them; and the other may also be wanted for some other Servants, or use—it being likely, there will be a call for all these places and things. And I hope, especially as there is no Ice to keep fresh meats, that you will have an abundant supply for the demands that will probably be made thereon during our stay at home. And besides, will ascertain from the Butcher in Alexandria, the stated days on which Beef and Veal are killed; that we may know what dependence to place on him—Tell the Gardener, I shall expect every thing that a Garden ought to produce, in the most ample manner.
        There may be many other things necessary to be done, as well for appearance as use, that do not occur to me at this momt but

as you can judge from what I have said, what my wishes are, I have no doubt but that you will contribute all you can to accomplish them; and give the whole as neat & clean an appearance as they are capable of.
        About the time you were employing a joiner to do the North end of the House, I directed Venetian blinds to be made, and painted green, for all the windows on the West side of the House, & mentioned the manner in wch I thought it best to execute them: but have never been informed what, or whether any thing has been done in consequence of it. The omitting to give information of what has, or what cannot be done in consequen[ce] of such requests, often throws me into a disagreeable Suspence, and frequently occasions me to write often on the same subjects. I am equally ignorant whether the dormant windows are yet put into the stable, & Corn lofts; both of which, for the purpose of Air, is indispensably necessary; besides adding to the appearance of the building.
        Take care to keep a sufficiency of Oats, and the best of your old Hay on hand. I shall have Eight or ten horses of my own with me, and there will be many others with visitors.
        You had better, I conceive, get the midlings and ship-stuff off your hands at what they will fetch; as the weather is getting warm, & the flour may turn Sower. Unless you want the money for current expences, it might be sold on such a credit as to receive payment on the same day your demand upon Smith, for the other flour, will become due, so as to have the whole at once. This credit may enhance the price, and will be (if the money is not wanted for the purposes beforementioned) no disadvantage to me in giving it.
        I hope, at your last shearing, there was a complete cull, & seperation of all the old, scabby & disordered Sheep. I do not know how to account for the weekly loss you sustain, in this species of Stock, unless it be by keeping such poor and diseased sheep in the flocks as contaminate others.
        I have no doubt but that you will endeavor so to arrange matters, as to keep your grain, & Hay harvests from interfering as much as possible with each other; and this too without either suffering, by standing too long, if it can possibly be avoided. Begin the former as soon as it can be cut without loss.

        If Miss Nelly Custis should apply to you for a Cart to Transport her Trunk and other things from Doctor Stuarts to Mount Vernon—let it be sent as soon as applied for, and something to cover and secure the contents against Rain—in case any should fall while they are on the Road.
        I perceive Mrs Washington’s Memm herewith sent contains nearly the same requests that are made in this letter—but I send it notwithstanding. I wish you well and am Your friend

          Go: Washington

          P.S. Direct your next letter to me, to be left at the Post Office in Baltimore till called for. If I set off according to my present expectation, I shall, probably lodge in that Town on thursday Night; which is the Night the Mail of that day from Alexandria reaches that place.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander White, 5 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: White, Alexander

        (Private)

          Dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 5th June 1796

        Your Letter of the 25th Ultimo from Martinsburgh, did, as you expected, come to my hands on the 3d instant; but not untill the Mail of that day was dispatched, consequently the Post of tomorrow will be the first, by which I can reply to the contents of it. I wish, very much indeed, that you could make it convenient, and agreeable to yourself, family & business; to remain in the City Commission; and that you would prosecute to the end, the good work you have begun. I sincerely believe that this is the wish of all who know you, and are true friends to that place; and very sorry indeed should I be, if the absence, and attention necessary for your private concerns (which Your Letter does not sufficiently define, to enable me to form a correct judgment) should be found incompatible with the duties which are expected from the Commissioners.
        It is unnecessary, I am sure, for me to remark to you (on general ground, & reasoning) the necessity there is for the closest attention, & the most vigorous exertion of the Commissioners to push this work on: But independent of general considerations, a particular occurrance has happened, lately wch makes me, more than ever, wish you to devote as much time as possible to this business. It is this.
        It is not entirely unknown to you: I believe that I have been hinting in pretty broad terms to your Colleagues, that I did not conceive that the trust reposed in them could be satisfactorily executed while they remained at a distance from the scene of action, and held periodical meetings only; & that, where there was inattention, or remissness in the head, it would be found to extend itself to all the Members; Not perceiving that these hints had all the effects that was intended. Finding from the discussion of the Guarantee Bill in Congress that serious charges were laid against the œconomy in carrying on the business—knowing that there was no way so effectual to prevent, or to correct errors while they were in embryo, as a close inspection into them while they were in a progressive state; and no measure so likely to remove jealousies as a residence of the Commissioners in the City I did on the 22d ulto when acknowledging the receipt of

their Letters of the 13th & 14th relative to the loan in Holland, give it as my decided opinion to that Board, that this event, for the reasons I assigned, ought to take place; and the nearer they could fix, conveniently, to the principal theatre, the more agreeable it would be.
        Thus much happened before I receivd any advice of what was transacting in the City; but on the 1st instant was handed to me an Address from the Proprietors thereof, dated the 24th preceeding, requesting me to do what I had actually done, and which I find is not at all pleasing to Mr Scott. How it may be to Doctor Thornton I know not, having heard nothing from him on the Subject.
        I have given you these details (in a private letter) that you may see at one view what my situation & wishes are; and the necessity there is for my preserving consistency—at least in a degree. I shall touch upon no other parts of your letter, at this time; but that you may have a dble chance of receiving these sentiments soon, this letter shall be forwarded to Winchester, and a duplicate lodged in the Post Office in Washington, that if you miss the first, the other may be found there on your arrival.
        On other subjects I will converse with you when we meet in the Federal City, where it is probable I shall be about the 18th instant, if nothing (at present unforeseen) happens to prevent it. With sincere esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Obedient Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., 6 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Deakins, William Jr.

          Dear Sir:
          Philadelphia 6th June 1796

        Your letter of the 27th Ulto has been duly received. Before I knew, or had heard of any movement in the Federal City, among the Proprietors thereof, I had, in answering some dispatches

from the Commissioners, given it to them as my clear and decided opinion, that those who were entrusted with the affairs of the City ought to be residents thereof. It is & has always been my opinion. It was the principle upon which the new establishment, and compensation took place; and what I have always expected would happen, as soon as accomodations could be provided. To assign all the reasons for this opinion, which have weight in my mind, would run me into prolixity, unnecessarily; as few of them can have escap’d a reflecting man. One however, you may recollect I brought to your view upon a former occasion; when you suggested a residant of George Town for a Commissioner. although that case may not apply quite as strongly to any ⟨of⟩ the present commissioners, yet it does apply, and in that degree, is injurious; as you see by the effects, & the complaints.
        The time in which a great deal is to be done, is short. In the discussion of the Guarantee Bill, all the Faupaus which have been committed—all the neglects, inattentions, and want of the close & constant scrutiny of those to whom the business was intrusted, have undergone severe animadversion. It has been said, that if the Commissioners, & those who had been receiving compensations from the public, had been on the spot, the abuses which the principal building had sustained could not have happened—that they would have perciev’d the errors in their origin, & would have correct’d them, as fast as they arose. In a word, that there can be no œconomy without a close inspection, nor a close inspection by men at a distance, &ca &ca—Knowing these things as I do; and how much depends upon execution, it behoves me, while I have any thing to do in the business, to attend to measures and not merely to the convenien⟨ces of⟩ those who are to execute them. If the two can be blended, it is well—but the first is, & must be, the primary consideration.
        Nothing, pointing directly to yourself (Office I mean) has been said further, than while the Agents, and principal Officers of the City reside out of it & in G. Town, the attraction is where it ought not to be, were the interest of the former, and the accomodation of Congress (when the Government moves to it) as they ought, to be the primary object. I write in haste, the Post hour being at hand, but can assure you that I am—Sir Yr Obedient Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 6 June 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Department of State June 6. 1796.

        The inclosed papers were sent to me by the Secretary of the Treasury. The wrapper, on which is written the opinion of Mr Harrison, the Auditor, gives a concise & just statement of the case on which John Skinner Esqr. late Marshall of North Carolina founds his claim of compensation. His demand is for 900 dollars, being a commission of three per cent on 30,000 dollars, the sum illegally taken from a Spanish vessel. The Secretary of the Treasury thinks a commission of 1½ ⅌cent sufficient: I am of the same opinion. Had the sum been under adjudication in court, & condemned, the Marshall would have been intitled to his 3 ⅌cent, for receiving & paying over. But altho’ the money was seized by the Collector of the Customs, as having been illicitly landed, yet it is not to be imagined that it could have been condemned; the Spanish vessel from which it was so illicitly taken & landed, having been captured by a French privateer unlawfully fitted out; and therefore the landing the money can be considered only in the predicament of money or goods so landed by pirates or robbers, whose unlawful acts ought not to prejudice the rightful owners of the property. I presume then that if the case had been brought before the proper judge, he would have acquitted the money seized & ordered it to be restored. In this event, the judge, agreeably to another clause of the same act of Congress, would have determined what compensation should have been allowed to the Marshall for the “custody” of the money: and it appears improbable that he would have allowed more than one and a half per cent, at which rate his compensation would amount to 450 dollars.
        The Deputy Marshall had the actual custody of the money, and

by his own affidavit has received “198 dollars for his particular expences & trouble in guarding & taking care of the same.”
        If the compensation proposed be approved of by the President, I will pay it, charging the same to the fund appropriated for the contingent expences of government. All which is respectfully submitted.

          Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Jacques-Philippe-Auguste Dursus, 7 June 1796
From: Dursus, Jacques-Philippe-Auguste
To: Washington, George

            Mr President
            Brunswick [Germany] 7th June 1796

          The honor I had to serve under your Command during the Campaign of 1780, 1781 & 1782, the misfortunes which oppress me are the titles on which I dare claim the kindness of your Excellency. Having left France my Country almost five years since, and having a very faint hope at least a very remote one of ever being able to return, I desire very much to live in a Country to the Government of which the confidence of the People & their respect for your virtues have called your Excellency. fully convinced of your generous sensibility, I dare flatter myself that you will willingly afford some assistance to an unfortunate Gentleman who is upon the brink of experiencing the horrors

of the most dreadful misery. Your Excellency deign to assist me with your kindness since I had the honor to dine with you & to be presented to you after the siege of York where I had been wounded by the late Marquis de Chatellux then major General of the Army. I pray you to permit me to lay before you my condition during the Revolution in France & my conduct since that unhappy epoch.
          Having entered at the age of sixteen years in quality of second Lieutenant in the service of his most Christian Majesty in 1774 in the Regiment of Infantry called Soissonnois I performed with this Regiment the Campaign which Rochambeau did under the command of your Excellency. on my return to France I obtained in 1784 the grade of Captain in this Regiment which I did not quit until the arrestation of king Lewis the sixteenth & the suspension of the exercise of Royalty, I went at that epoch to join the Army which had been collected by the Princes his Brothers & I served under their Command the Campaign of 1792 since that epoch I have served no more. and I have lived successively in England the Netherlands & Germany. I could prove to your Excellency by my Commissions Certificates & passports the truth of all that I have the honor to relate to you, and these are the proofs which I cannot annex to my letter, since these titles are indispensibly necessary to me & which it is impossible for me to part with, that I dare implore your Excellency to grant the permission which I have the honor to ask of him to be able to live in the United States, to solicit your kindness to provide me a place in the Troops, or if that is impossible some other employment which will enable me to live, & which you shall judge proper, being deprived of all my fortune by the Revolution I shall bring in America nothing more than a profound respect for the Laws of the Country & for the Chief of the Government & my great desire of becoming useful to my new Country.
          After having laid before your Excellency what was my condition during the Revolution of France & what has been my conduct since my emigration, I presume to repeat again my prayer that you will grant me your protection & your kindness & I assure you of my lively & respectful acknowledgement. I am with profound respect Your Excellency’s very hble & very Obdt Servant

            DursusCaptain in the service ofhis most Christian Majesty

          Persuaded that your Excellency will willingly honor me with an answer, I pray you earnestly to remit it to Mr f. A. Muhlemberg Esqr. to be forwarded to Mr William Wilmerding of Brunswick who will send it to me.


Title: To George Washington from Robert McLean, 7 June 1796
From: McLean, Robert
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Union Town [Pa.] 7th June 179[6]

        I have lately been down the Ohio River and among others have taken a View of a tract of your Land Situate on the East Side of the Ohio River above Bakers Station and below Grave Creek Generally known by the Round Bottom—I have a desire to become a purchaser—And would beg the favour of you, Sir to inform me as soon as convenient “by Letter directed to the Care of Alexander MClean of Union Town Esquire” the lowest terms you will accept of—I am interested in the information, as I wish to turn my Eye to another object if I cannot acceede to your terms. I am Sir with due Regard your Excellencies most Obt Humble Servant

          Robert MClean

          P.S. I live on Monongahela River about 3 Miles below the Mouth of Georges Creek.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

          My dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 8th June 1796

        I would not let Mr Bingham (who says he is about to visit you) depart without acknowledging the receipt of sevl letters from you; and offering Mrs Knox & yourself my sincere condolence on your late heavy loss. Great, and trying as it must be to your sensibility, I am persuaded after the first severe pangs are over you both possess fortitude enough to view the event as the dispensation of Providence, and will submit to its decrees with Philosophical resignation.
        The footing on which you placed the non-acceptance of the Commission for ascertaining the true St Croix, was such, as to leave no hope of your embarking in that undertaking after the arrival of the Commissioner from Great Britain, and his readiness to proceed therein was announced. I therefore nominated, and Mr Howell (of Rhode Island) by the advice & consent of the Senate, is appointed in your place; and Mr Sullivan is designated to prepare the business for them.
        Mr Bingham is so well versed in the Politics of this place, and South of it. & so well acquainted with all the movements in both houses of Congress, that it would be a work of supererogation in me, to give you the details. To him then I refer you, for such relations as are interesting.
        On Monday next, if not prevented by occurrances yet unforeseen, I shall commence my Journey for Mt Vernon; but shall, myself, be returned to this City again before the first of September; not chusing to be longer absent from the Seat of Government. My best wishes, in which Mrs Washington unites, are tendered to Mrs Knox, your self & family; and with sincere friendship, and affectionate regard, I am always Yours

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 8 June 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

              June 8. 96

          The Secretary of State has examined with as much attention as the time would permit, the several acts of the late session of Congress, & noted the points requiring the acts or directions of the President of the U. States, which notes are respectfully laid before him.
          The Secretary also presents the draught of instructions for the person who is to go to London to aid the Commissioners on spoliations. Mr Samuel Cabot was contemplated as the Agent.

Mr FitzSimons & the Committee of Merchants have seen his recommendations—they know of no person whom they can recommend in preference: Mr FitzSimons entirely approves of him, & thinks it fortunate that he will undertake.

            T. Pickering


Title: Enclosure: Acts Requiring Presidential Action, c.8 June 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To:

            [c.8 June 1796]

          Act may 17th 1796—empowers the President to appoint Superintendants of the Light house to be erected on Cape Cod.
          Act may 17th 1796—empowers the President to approve of the locations of certain lands granted to Ebenezer Zane.
          Act may 18th 1796, empowers the President to appoint a Surveyor General—also an agent to join in the direction of the sales of land to be made at Pittsburg—The President to fix the compensation of the Assistant Surveyors, Chain Carriers and axe men, not to exceed in the whole 3 dollars per mile.
          Act may 19th 1796, Boundary line according to treaties with the Indians to be marked under direction of the President—a Superintendant to be appointed for granting licences to reside among the indians—Sect. 7th Temporary agents to reside among them.
          Act may 27th 1796, The President to give directions to certain officers concerning Quarantine.
          act may 28th 1796, directs the president to appoint two or more agents concerning Seamen.
          act 1 June 1796, form of Passports for ships to be approved by the President.
          act 28th may 1796, President to make allowance of compensation to inspectors relative to duties on Carriages.
          act 31 may—President empowered to borrow 324,539 dollars 6 cents.
          act 31 may President to approve of the loan of 5 millions of dollars.
          no. 45—June 1. Passports for Ships & vessels—form to be approved by the President.
          no. 46—regulating grants of land &c. to the Moravians.
          47. admission of the State of Tennessee.

          48—making appropriation to satisfy certain demands attending the late insurrection &c.
          49. drawback.
          50—further appropriations for 96.
          51—President to borrow 650,000 dollars.
          52—relief to owners of Stills.
          53—to indemnify the estate of the late Genl Greene.
          No. 13. Date April 18. Agents for Indian Trading Houses.
          No. 12. date Apl 8. The President to approve of the Contract for building a light house on Baker’s Island, near Salem.
          No. 14. April 20. The president to authorize to be sold such of the perishable materials provided for the frigates as shall not be wanted to complete three of them—& other materials to be safely kept for further use.
          No. 21. May 6. To direct the loan for the city of Washington.
          No. 22. May 6th. To authorize the building or purchasing of revenue cutters; & to order to be sold such as are unfit for service.


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 9 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

          Sir,
          Philadelphia 9th June 1796

        The Instructions for Mr King, herewith returned, appear to me to be proper. To them, however, I think might be added a desire that he should attempt to remove any doubts which may arise in the construction of the [ ] article relative to our Trade ⟨with⟩ the East Indies; and to get relieved if it be practicable from the restrictions on our Vessels going from thence with their Cargoes to China.
        I shall not impede the forwarding the other Instructions to the Accou[n]tant, for the British Spoliations—as they are now drawn. At the sametime I cannot forbear observing that I think £500 St⟨erling⟩ would have been ample compensation for such a character.
        1st Because no such Officer was conceiv⟨ed n⟩ecessary by the

Ne⟨goc⟩iators of the Treaty; nor provided for in the estimate to Congress.
        2d Because among other inducements to the appointment of Mr Gore—his supposed knowledge of Commerce was one (a legal & Commercial character being deemed necessary for the purposes of the Commission)—Why then it may be asked, seek for the latter character in an Accountant of new creation uncontemplated by the Treaty? and this question more than probable will be accompanied with the charge of favouritism to the wishes of the person designated and his friends—and—
        4th Because our Secretaries of Legation are not allowed half what is proposed to be given as compensation to this Accountant.

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Mathews, 10 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Mathews, George

          Dr Sir,
          Philada 10th June 1796

        The best, indeed the only excuse I can make for having so long delayed complying with the request of your favor written the 7th of March is, that when it came to hand (which was not speedily after its date) the business of the session pressed so heavily on me, that I had but little leisure for other attentions; and by laying it by, to be taken up at a more convenient moment, it, in a jumble with other papers was overlooked, until a revision, after the adjournment took place, brought it to view again.
        This apology I thought due to you, at the same time that it

gives me another occasion to express my good wishes towards you, & regret that any circumstances should arise that have, even for a moment, encouraged the idea of relinquishing your country forever. With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir &c.

          G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Matthew McAllister, 10 June 1796
From: McAllister, Matthew
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Savannah June 10th 1796.

        I have reason to suppose the Judge of this District purposes resigning provided a more eligible situation shall present itself.
        Should that event take place, or any other by which the office he holds may become vacant, I beg leave to suggest my inclination to succeed him, in case it shall meet your approbation.

        This intimation, Sir, would certainly have been withheld but from a conjecture that it may have been suggested I do not wish to hold that Appointment even should I have been considered competent to the duties of it.
        My inclination in this respect has not been mentioned to any of the Gentlemen who represent this State in Congress—it is therefore the more probable some other person may be recommended to nomination—At the same time I flatter myself that none of the Gentln would do more than urge his particular friend.
        If necessary Sir, I must beg leave to refer you to the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States who have had occasional opportunities of forming opinions in regard to my fitness or otherwise for the Office—to none of whom nor to any person in Congress have I communicated my present desire. With sentiments of the highest respect and regard, I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient Servant

          Matthew McAllister


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 June 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

            Sir.

              10 June 1796

          This inclosed letter has been procured by Dr Williamson who knows the hand writing. It is written by a Msr Cole Montflorence, a french man who held a commission under the State of North Carolina early in the revolution war.
          The letter to Governor Blount by the same person I understand is gone to Tenessee.
          It would seem that Montflorence had his information at Paris.

The reflexions which he makes upon it appear however to be his own.
          It may be well enough to have the hand writing compared with any letters that may be in the Secy of States office from Monroe, notwithstanding its supposed resemblance to Montflorences. The Secy can return it to me. My fever is increasing. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir your obt

            James McHenry


Title: Enclosure: James Cole Mountflorence to Thomas Blount, 8 March 1796
From: Mountflorence, James Cole
To: Blount, Thomas

            Dr Sir
            Bordeaux [France] 8th March 96

          This Government is much displeased with Mr Jay’s treaty, and it is confidentially reported that Mr Adet is recalled, that Colo. Vincent who was emploied last year by the president for the fortification of New-York is to replace him—he is to sail with the fleet bound to the West India, that he is to demand preremptorily a new treaty between the United States & france, or a Rejection of the Treaty with England, that he is not to negociate, but to give only fifteen Days for an explicit answer, and on a Refusal from our Government to leave immediately Philadelphia & repair to the Islands, from whence it is supposed that hostilities will immediately be directed against us—I think it my duty to give you those important and alarming Informations, that you may make Such ⟨use⟩ of them as you may think proper for the Interest of our Country, I will observe tho, that notwithstanding that I candidly believe that such are the present Sentiments of the Directory, yet as their politics have been constantly wandering, they may adopt other measures before the Sailing of the fleet; for I cannot conceive it to be the Interest of france especially at this Juncture to commence hostilities with us; they could get

nothing by it, & the Consequence would be the immediate loss of all their Colonies, Strengthening the British forces in the Islands Increasing the British Interest in the United States, alienating from france their partisans in our Country, diminishing their Supplies & Revenues, & add a vast number of brave and intelligent Seamen to the British fleet already too powerful for their Enemy—these Considerations make me still hope that they will abate something from their above Intentions, Intentions which Every Symptom here does manifest—It is proper however that our Government should be informed therewith and be on their Guard—may I request you to mention me to Govr Blount to whom I will write by next Vessel very fully—My best Respects to M. J. G. Blount. I have the Honor to be very respectfully Sir

            N.B. William Blound recd a Letter from the same Gentleman dated at Paris 23rd March—The Contents the same as above with the Addition That another Minister had been named after Col. Vincent and that he was not to come but a 3rd or 4th Nomination would be made. The Writer of the Letter had gone from Paris to Burdeaux immediately before he wrote the above Letter.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 10 June 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            [Philadelphia, 10 June 1796]

          I inclose draughts of instructions for Mr Trumbull and Colo. Talbot. The latter will not be able to sail for the West Indies until about the 20th of July. Reflecting on Mr Trumbull’s situation in England, and the nature of the service to be performed there, I have not a doubt but that 2500 dollars will be a satisfactory compensation. I mentioned to his brother Jonathan £500. Sterling, who did not suggest that this would form an objection. Mr Trumbull in England, while ingaged in his agency, will still be in the way of his private pursuits. Colo. Talbot engages solely for the public service, in a more expensive scene, and where the risque of life is not inconsiderable. If the President approves of this distinction, the sums proposed in the instructions will remain. Then there will be 500 dollars left to answer any contingency, or to forward to one or the other agent as shall be needful.
          I have recd this morning a design for our Mediterranean passports from Mr Blodget, which with a British passport accompany this. A draught of a letter to Mr Viar is also submitted. With the greatest respect I am sir your obt servt

            Timothy Pickering

          Montflorence, who wrote the anonymous letter, is the Chancellor to Skipwith, the Consul of the U.S. at Paris! we have his handwriting in the office. I have invited Capt. OBrien to dine to-morrow with the President, & will invite the Secretaries.


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 10 June 1796
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

          Treasury Department June 10th 1796

        The Secretary of the Treasury has the honour most respectfully to represent to the President of the United States;
        That by an Act entitled “An act making further provision for the expenses attending the intercourse of the United States with foreign Nations, and to continue in force the Act entitled ‘an act providing the means of intercourse between the United States & foreign nations,[’]” passed on the 30th of May 1796, The President of the United States is empowered to borrow a sum not exceeding Three hundred & twenty four thousand five hundred & thirty nine dollars and six Cents at an interest not exceeding six per centum pr annum, reimbursable at the pleasure of the United States; & it is made lawful for the Bank of the United States to lend the same.
        That by another Act entitled, “an act making appropriations for the support of the military & naval Establishments for the year one thousand seven hundred & ninety six,” passed the first of June 1796, the President of the United States is empowered to borrow of the Bank of the United States which is authorised to lend the same, or of any body or bodies politic, person or persons, any sum or sums not exceeding in the whole, six hundred and fifty thousand Dollars at an interest not exceeding six prCent.

        The Secretary begs leave further to represent that as the product of the ordinary revenue will be inadequate to the demands for the current service, he therefore requests the permission of the President to borrow the several sums specified in the said acts, and he accordingly transmits two forms of Powers for that purpose. All which is most respectfully submitted.

          Olivr Wolcott JrSecy of the Treasy


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 June 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir,

            Sunday Evening [12 June 1796]

        Reflecting on the proposed application to Mr Liston respecting our seamen impressed in the West Indies, I thought a more effectual mode than a conversation, would be to address him by letter. While in the country to-day, I draughted the inclosed for that purpose. I also sketched a letter to Mr Adet on the subject of the piratical privateer which has captured one of our ships, and in effect blocked up the Delaware. It is formed on the reports of the case—the facts when ascertained will doubtless make alterations necessary. The sketch I will make legible to present to you in the morning, at as early an hour as will suit your convenience, after sun-rise. I am very respectfully, sir, your obt servant

          T. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 12 June 1796
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Hartford June 12th 1796

        Yesterday I purchased for you a Black Guelding Eight Years old fifteen hands high a good pacer both slow & fast. his trot not so good, but fast—I wish I could say he was handsome but that rarely belongs to this breed, but he carries well & when moveing has a decent appearance—he Cost one hundred & thirty Dollars. he has always been used to a plain snaffle Bit. I can every monday send him by a carefull Man who rides Post thro Litchfield to NewYork so as to arrive their on Wednesday. to that place you can send a Boy in the Stage with a Saddle & Bridle to ride him to you. I should send him tomorrow to be left at a stable just at the Ferry Stairs in New York to be delivered your order but fearing you may be absent from Philah. I shall keep him untill I hear from you—if we live two or three Years I hope to furnish you with a perfect Narraganset as I have two fine Mare Colts one of which when old enough you shall have. I am with great sincerity your most obedient Humble Servant

          Jere. Wadsworth


Title: To George Washington from Anne Louise DuBarry, 13 June 1796 [letter not found]
From: DuBarry, Anne Louise
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Anne Louise DuBarry, 13 June 1796. DuBarry wrote GW on 28 July: “the 13th of Last month I had the honour of writing to you” (see GW to George Lewis, 28 April, n.2).


Title: To George Washington from Abijah Hart, 13 June 1796
From: Hart, Abijah
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          New York June 13. 1796

        Having some years ago addressed you through my friend Mr Hillhouse on the Mint establishment without success, I feel a diffidence now; which nothing but the hope of serving you could surmount—I have a Ship now loading for Lisbon, which will sail on sunday next—My Brother Wm Hart will go out in her on business for me—he has a Letter of Introduction from Dr Dwight President of Yale College, to the American Minister Col. Humphreys—& is a young man who will be happy to convey any Commands to that Minister, as he will feel himself much honoured by such an Introduction from the President of the United States. I am &c.

          Abijah Hart


Title: From George Washington to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 13 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.

          Dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 13th June 1796

        Enclosed you have Bank Bills to the amount of Five hundred Dollars. From this fund I pray you to furnish Mr Frederick Kitt, my Household Steward with weekly sums as his occasions require—say from th[i]rty to 40 dollars according to circumstances. It will enable you also to pay the duties on two Pipes of Wine wch I understand is in the Ganges for and on my Acct. As this Wine is in dble cases—I had rather, as it will be to be removed again pay for the whole quantity, the inner Pipes originally contained, than have them uncased for the purpose of measuring

the pres[en]t cont[en]ts. With sincere esteem & regard I am—always yrs

          G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 14 June 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          War office 14 June 1796.

        I have the honour to lay before you the proceedings and sentence of a court-martial on Lieut. Simon Geddis, and several papers and letters connected therewith.
        Lieut. Geddis having prayed for a new trial, I shall wave any

remarks upon his case, and confine myself to the reasons which favour such an application.
        It is declared, in the articles of war, vz. Art. 1. for the administration of justice, that, “General courts-martial may consist of any number of commissioned officers from five to thirteen, inclusively; but they shall not consist of less than thirteen where that number can be convened without manifest injury to the service.”
        This article discovers great solicitude that general courts-martial should consist of the highest number of members it prescribes; and implies very strongly, that every number inclusively between five and thirteen, is to be sought for, and prefered to that of five. It does more. It expresly precludes five members from being considered as a constitutional general court-martial, whenever thirteen can be convened, without manifest injury to the service.
        A general court martial therefore, which should consist of five members only, could not be held to be legal, unless it should be evident that more members could not have been added, so as to approach it to thirteen without manifest injury to the service.
        Viewing the question in this aspect, it might be proper, that the fact should be ascertained, whether the situation of the garrison or corps at West-Point, (at the time when the court tried Lt Geddis) was such, as to render a limitation of its members to five an indispensible measure.
        If upon inquiry it should emerge, that the situation of things at that time would have admitted of the higher number, or a nearer approach to the highest, a new trial may be considered as a necessary consequence.
        I would submit therefore the propriety of returning the proceedings to the commandant of the corps at West Point, with instructions to make the necessary investigation, and grant a new trial, if it should appear to him, that a greater number of members than five might have been convened at that time, “without manifest injury to the service.[”] I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, Sir your most obt st

          James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 15 June 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          War office 15 June 1796.

        Since closing my letter of yesterday I have received the annexed from Majr Cushing whom I had previously directed to join the army.
        If he has made a fair statement of his case, some indulgence may be proper. If on the contrary, he has misrepresented it, he is unworthy of any and unfit for a soldier. At any rate, I presume that he has motives and reasons which he has not expressed.
        Should you direct me to indulge him would it not be right to limit his furlough. This while it would give him an opportunity to reestablish his health, would oblige him on its expiration, either to a performance of his military duties at camp, or a resignation, and at the same time, avoid any appearance of rigour.
        I expect in a few days to have the scheme for the new arrangement of the army ready to lay before you.
        As it is no ways necessary that this letter should be made a record of, I take the liberty to hope that you & Mrs Washington got safe to Mount Vernon and feel a little repose. May you always be happy is the sincere wish of Sir your most respectful & ob. st

          James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, c.16 June 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          [New York, c.16 June 1796]

        I have received information this morning of a nature which I think you ought to receive without delay—A Mr Le Guen, a Frenchman, a client of mine and in whom I have inspired confidence, and who is apparently a discreet and decent man, called on me this morning to consult me on the expediency of his becoming naturalized, in order that certain events between France and the U. States might not prejudice him in a suit which I am directed to bring for him for a value of 160,000 Dollars—I asked him what the events to which he alluded were—He made me the following reply under the strictest injunctions of confidence. “I have seen a letter from St Thonax to Mr Labagarde of this City—informing him that a plan was adopted to seize all American vessels carrying to any English Port provisions of any kind to conduct them into some French Port, if found to be British property to condemn them, if American, to take them on the accountability of the Government—adding that he must not thence infer that it was the intention to make war upon the U. States—but it was with a view to retaliate the conduct of Great Britain, to keep supplies from her, and to obtain them for themselves, and was also bottomed on some political motives not necessary to be explained. That it was also in contemplation when Admiral Richery arrived, if the Ships could be spared to send five sail of the line to this Country.” Fearing he said that this might produce a rupture between the two Countries he had called to consult me on the subject &c.
        I asked his permission to make the communication to you—He gave me leave to do it, but with the absolute condition that the knowlege of names was on no account to go beyond you and myself. I must therefore request Sir that this condition be exactly observed—He has promised me further information.
        I believe the information, as well because the source of it under all the circumstances engages my confidence, as because the thing appears in itself probable—France wants supplies and she has not the means of paying & our Merchants have done creditting.
        It becomes very material that the real situation should as soon

as possible be ascertained & that the Merchants should know on what they have to depend. They expect that the Government will ask an explanation of Mr Adet & that in some proper way the result will be made known.
        It seems to become more and more urgent that the U. States should have some faithful organ near the French Government to explain their real views and ascertain those of the French—It is all important that the people should be satisfied that the Government has made every exertion to avert Rupture as early as possible. Most respectfully & Affect. I have the honor to be Sir Yr Obed. serv.

          A. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Ellsworth, 19 June 1796
From: Ellsworth, Oliver
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Baltimore June 19 1796.

        I had the misfortune to pass you & Mrs Washington without knowing it. You will be pleased, however, to accept of my wishes that your present retreat may be undisturbed, and that you may know, for a few days at least, how much more happifying it is to converse with the works of nature than with the wiles of man. In the mean time I believe you may rest assured that the publick mind, as well Southward as elsewhere, is pretty tranquil, and much more so than it would have been had our Country been dishonored and exposed by a violation of her faith. But one game more of the present System remains, and that respects the next quadrennial election, and is to be played only on condition that the electors are restrained in the objects of th[e]ir choice. I have the honor to be Sir, with the highest respect Your most obedient and most humble Servt

          Oliver Ellsworth


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 June 1796
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Philadelphia June 20th 1796.

          The enclosed Letters have been received by me & the Secretary of State in consequence of the death of Mr Gorham, supervisor of Massachusetts. The Inspectors of Surveys are John Frothingham of the province of Maine, Jonathan Jackson of Newburyport & Leonard Jarvis of Boston. The two last with Mr Davis the present Comptroller are mentioned as Candidates.
          Mr Jarvis’s application does not appear to be supported; he is said to be much engaged in land speculations; his political principles are opposed to the administration of the Government, & the manner in which he has executed the office of Inspector, though not censurable so far as has come to my knowledge, has not indicated extraordinary zeal or ability. Mr Davis or Mr Jackson would I have no doubt, either of them, do justice to the appointment, & either of the persons would be free from any public objection—The appointment would suit Mr Davis who proposes to remove to Boston: Mr Jackson’s claims are however of a peculiar nature. he has served long in the same department, & much of the time for a moderate compensation. the degree of order which has existed in the Revenue Department in the District of Massachusetts is much owing to his exertions. the office now vacant seems therefore to be a just object of expectation by him, and a proper reward of his merit. The force of Mr Jackson’s claims are fairly admitted by Mr Davis, and though, as before mentioned the office in itself would be desirable, yet he feels a delicacy in being the Competition of Mr Jackson.
          In case the President should appoint Mr Jackson to be supervisor—Genl John Brooks & Leonard Vassal Berland are offered as candidates for the office of Inspector. I am not

personally acquainted with the qualifications of these gentlemen; but from the enclosed recommendations it would appear that either of them would discharge the office with diligence & ability.
          If Genl Brooks shall be appointed Inspector, Colo. Saml Bradford is warmly recommended as a proper character to fill the office of Marshal.
          In consequence of the recommendation of Colo. Carrington, concurring with those laid before the President in support of Mr Kirby, a commission has issued in his favor as Collector for the District of Hampton.
          Mr Steele has signified his acceptance of the office of Comptroller & will be here about the first of the ensuing month; he desires me to express to The President assurances of his gratitude, & of faithful exertions to merit the confidence reposed in him.
          Since the President’s absence I have carefully enquired into the circumstances of the capture of the Mount Vernon by a French privateer, & I have reason to believe this to be a true state of the case, which I communicate for the President’s information. The ship was built by Mr Murgatroyd a respectable merchant of this City—it was reported about the wharves some time since, that she was sold to Mr Duncanson. Mr Duncanson actually applied for a quantity of Rum to be shipped on board this vessel. On finding however that the vessel could not be registerred in his own name, as he had not been naturalized, some new arrangement took place with Mr Murgatroyd, in consequence of which the ship was to remain Mr M.’s property, until her arrival in England. The Cargo, though shipped in the names of Messrs Willings & Francis, I strongly suspect to be Mr Duncanson’s property, & that of other Englishmen not naturalized. It is suspected, tho’ this is but suspicion, that even the ship is not at Mr Murgatroyd’s risque. It is certain that he has underwritten two thousand Dollars in this same vessell. This however is a delicate point, because if the Ship is in whole or in part owned by british subjects, Mr Murgatroyd must have violated the Law, if not been guilty of perjury. His general character would strongly repel suspicions of this nature, yet I find he is suspected, even by candid men, of disingenuous conduct. I must therefore consider it as doubtful, to say no more, whether the Mount Vernon was not lawfully captured. In a public point of view, it would be happy if this were to appear to be the case, as it would

obviate some suspicions of an unfriendly disposition on the part of France. The complexion of Bache’s paper is calculated however to keep up alarm; it seems to be an object to be preparing the public mind for some new line of conduct, contrary to our Treaty & distressing to our Commerce. If Bache’s paper is considered as indicating the designs of the French Government, we are to expect that british property on board our vessells will be captured, & that no englishmen will be considered as American citizens who have been naturalized since the commencement of the present war; perhaps they may proceed so far as to take all vessels bound to or from English ports. Of this however I perceive no indications except what are founded on reports which I cannot trace to any authentic source.
          The Democrats, or at least some of them, have been predicting that the French would soon manifest their resentment against the Government. they say as we permit the british to take our vessels, the French have a right to adopt the same line of conduct. If the French Minister has powers for the purpose & can be influenced by our people, there are enough here who would rejoice in any misfortunes which wou’d produce discontents, & thus render the Government odious. If another capture under circumstances less justifiable than those attending the Mount Vernon, were to happen, the case would in my opinion be serious—even at present there are good reasons for apprehension. I have the honor to be &c.

            Oliv: Wolcott Jr

          Note. I am just informed that Mr Otis declines the appointment of District Attorney. On a former occasion I mentioned Mr Davis as a suitable character. I have no doubt but he would execute the office with ability & that the appointment wou’d give satisfaction. I have however heard nothing from Boston, & I do not write in consequence of any intimation from Mr Davis at this time.


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 22 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

          Sir,
          Mount Vernon 22d June 1796.

        Your letters of the 14th & 15th instant have been received, but not in time to have been answered by the Post of Monday last; being then on my Journey to this place.
        The ground on which you place the compliance with Lieutt Geddes’s request, appears to be the best the nature of the case is now susceptible of; and for that purpose, I return the Proceedings of the Court Martial and other Papers relative thereto, that they may be forwarded to the Commandant at West point.
        As Major Cushing founds his application for a furlough (among other reasons) on his having been on duty ever since he entered the service in the Year 1791—and because he was permitted to visit his friends in the Eastern States I think he ought to be endulged in a reasonable absence from the Army; counting the time he has spent in Philadelphia as part of it—although it was Not the place to have effected the last of the objects beforementioned; and surely not the best for restoring health, that had been debilitated by a severe intermittant last autumn; (another reason he has assigned in favor of the indulgence he solicits).
        I forgot to obtain a certified copy from the Office of State (with the Seal annexed) of the Act Guaranteeing the loan for the use of the Federal City—and another respecting (if I recollect rightly) the authenticity of the Commissioners appointment both of which were deemed necessary to accompany the Power of Attorney to Messrs Willinks. Let these be sent to me by the return Post, & I will cause triplicates to be forwarded from hence to those gentlemen in order to insure the arrival of one sett.


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

          Sir,
          Department of State June 22. 1796.

        I have the honor to inclose a translation of Mr Adet’s letter relative to the capture of the ship Mount Vernon. It seems to be studiously reserved. Besides the case in question, my letter invited a frank & candid communication of any information on the subject. Whatever orders the Directory may have given to their new Commissioners gone to St Domingo, relative to neutrals trading with the enemies of the French Republic, it is plain such new orders could not have been furnished to the privateer called the Flying Fish, which, from the information I have received, left St Domingo, and was even probably in the port of Philadelphia, when those Commissioners arrived in the West Indies.
        We have heard of no more captures by the Flying Fish; and her capturing and retaining the ship Mount Vernon seems likely to have been done in expectation of eventually proving her to be

British property, of which a number of circumstances, currently reported, induce the suspicion, in the minds of many people.
        yesterday I received a letter from Mr DeWitt: He suspends his decision on the appointment to the office of surveyor general, until he should come to the seat of government, for which he proposed to set off by the next stage. His letter is dated the 14th at Albany.
        Harrison Gray Otis who was appointed District Attorney for Massachusetts, declines accepting the office. Mr Wolcott says that Mr Davis, the Comptroller, would be gratified by an appointment to that office, when he quits the office of comptroller.
        The death of Mr Gorham, supervisor of Massachusetts, presents Mr Jonathan Jackson, now an inspector in that department, as a candidate for the vacant office. He is so well known to you, either personally or by former recommendations of gentlemen who knew his worth, that no new testimonies in his favour seem necessary.
        General John Brooks, the present marshall of that district, desires to succeed to Mr Jackson’s office: and Colonel Samuel Bradford, now the deputy marshall, who resides at Boston, and has to universal acceptance, done nearly all the business of the Marshall, desires to succeed General Brooks. The general, as well as Judge Lowell, speaks of Colo. Bradford in terms of perfect approbation.
        Captain OBrien remained here several days longer than I expected. When I pressed his departure last week I found he was waiting for some spare topmasts & yards which were making. Yesterday at one o’clock I delivered him his dispatches for Colo. Humphreys, and he was to sail before the evening. Mr Humphreys the naval constructor and Mr Fox are making calculations & forming a draught of the proposed frigate, without which proper directions for building her cannot be given. The greater part of the timber sufficiently seasoned may probably be collected from the various public yards. I am with the highest respect sir your most obt servant

          Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from John Dandridge, 23 June 1796
From: Dandridge, John
To: Washington, George

          Dr Sir,
          New Kent [Va.] June 23: 96

        I cannot help saying that I am sorry to be obliged sometimes to trespass on the little time that you have to spare from attending to the many cares which your public & private affairs must ingage you in; but I will not aggravate my trespass by a tedious apology.
        Being about to remove some distance from where I now

live, & being possessed of the wives & children of Frederic and George two of the Slaves lent by you to my mother, they will be separated unless I can purchase them of you: I will therefore thank you to say whether I can have them & at what prices. They sold each at £60—under your execution & I suppose both about 31 or 32 years of age. A boy called Burwell now about 14 yrs old & another called pleasant about 11 or 12 yrs old have been raised by relations in my Family, & these I shall also be glad to purchase in the same way if you have no objections.
        My mother shall not be injured by parting with them as I will take care to compensate her for the use of them. I am respectfully yr obt Sert

          J. Dandridge

          N.B.
          Burwell sold @ £22.10
          pleasant @ 13.10


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 25 June 1796
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          Philadelphia 25. June 1796.

        In consequence of a representation from the Inspectors of the Health-Office of the Port of Philadelphia, I have exercised the power vested in me by the laws of Pennsylvania, for imposing a Quarantine on all vessels arriving from the West-India Islands; and I have the honor to inclose a copy of my Proclamation on that subject for your Excellency’s information. I am, Sir, with perfect respect, Your most obedt Hble Servt

          Tho. Mifflin


Title: To George Washington from J. Basset, 26 June 1796
From: Basset, J.
To: Washington, George

          Mr President
          London June the 26th 1796

        a number of observers have already written in a satisfactory manner on North America. but most of those works are unfinished and uncomplete. Mr Ebeling my friend, one of the most distinguished learned men in Germany has undertaken in 1793 the geography and general history of the United-States. struck with the perfection and the powerful interest, which must be inspired by a work, which has already received in Europe the seal of approbation and esteem, I have imposed upon myself the duty of making it known in my own language. travelling and out of my country since ten years I wished to offer to it, in its misfortunes, a masterpiece of litterature, a pattern of administration, and the comforting picture of the prosperity of an Empire which under the Egid of a liberty holy and pure enjoys all the possible perfectibilities of the social contract. reason and justice have inspired me with the desire of dedicating to you sir the result of my work. the citizen who has so gloriously served his country with his sword, his learning, and the example of his civic virtues, will undoubtedly receive with kindness, the picture ingrand of that country so dear to his heart. the two first volumes of the work (which work will be composed of twelve volumes) will appear in the course of this summer. I will have the honor to forward you a printed Copy for yourself, Sir, and some others which I will present to the respectable body of legislators which you preside. I am with the greatest respect Mr President your most humble and just admirator,

          signed basset.


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 26 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

          Gentlemen
          Mount Vernon 26th June 1796.

        On thursday last I received your letter of the 22d instant, with its enclosures; and should have answered it by the Post of next day, but for many letters which I had to write by that Mail; which prevented my doing it till the succeeding one.
        Approving of the proposed Suspension (until the first Monday of the year 1800) of the first and third articles of the terms and conditions declared on the 17 th day of October 1791 for regulating the Materials, and manner of buildings & improvements on the lots in the City; I have subscribed, & do now return the Instrument you forwarded to me, and give it as my opinion that the sooner, & more generally it is promulgated, the better, & more advantageous it will be.
        I am glad to hear you have receivd fresh assurances of considerable pecuniary aids from Messrs Morris & Nicholson; and especially, that this assurance has occasioned no relaxation in your other endeavors to obtain a loan.
        The strong impression I am under of the indispensable necessity of close attention, and great exertion to prepare for the reception of Congress by the year 1800, must, in addition to the propriety of the measure, apologize for my urging again, that those on whom the operation of the works materially depend, may be compelled to take their Stations convenient to the same. It cannot be tolerated, that the Superintendant, and others,

whose duty it is to see that every thing moves harmoniously as well as œeconomically; and who to effect these ought always to be on the spot, to receive applications & to provide instantaneously for wants, should be at the distance of thre⟨e⟩ miles from the active scences of their employments. The convenience of those who receive compensations from the public, can not—must not—be the primary object of consideration; for sure I am (be the State & condition of the public buildings in the year 1800 what they may) there will not be accomodation for Congress at that period within such a distance of the Capitol as to induce a removal, if those whose particular duty it is to be there, and to set an example, hang aloof, and fix the attraction another way. The consequences of such a deficiency, not only to the City, but to George Town, & all the interest thereabouts, is too evident to stand in need of prediction.
        If I am urgent on this point, it is from the clearest conviction of the utility of the measure; and not from a desire to incommode one person, or to gratify another. Of this I beg you to be persuaded; as also, that with great esteem & regard I am Gentlemen Your Obedient Servant

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Betty Washington Lewis, 26 June 1796
From: Lewis, Betty Washington
To: Washington, George

          My Dear Brother

            June 26th 1796

        Your letter of the 27th of April I receiv’d and should have answerd it sooner but expecting you in dayly postpon’d writing untill you arriv’d at Mount Vernon, not hearing from you again on Harriots subject, I have been makeing all the enquirey I Could concerning Mr Parks that was in my power I have heard nothing to his disadvantage on the contrary he is respected by all his acquaintance he is A Constant Visitor here and I believe Harriots Affections are plac’d intirely on him, and engag’d so far as this if your consent can be obtaind.
        Harriot begs you will pardon her not writing her self but hopes your being fully acquainted with her Sentiments Concerning Mr Parks will be some apology she is not well I believe her anxiety for fear of offending and not gaining your consent has Produc’d this, your long Silence has given her much uneasiness.

        My Dear Brother if you have any Mules for sale and can let me have one I will with pleasure pay you the Price of it I am under the necessity of purchaiseing A Work Nag and prefer A Mule.
        Harriot Joines me in love and good Wishes for you and my sister Washington and beleive me to be your Affectte Sister

          Betty Lewis


Title: From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 26 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Robert

          Dear Sir,
          Mount Vernon 26th June 1796

        We arrived at this place on Monday last, where it is probable I shall remain until the middle of August, when public business will require my attendance in Philadelphia until towards the end of September. I shall then return to this place again, for Mrs Washington, with whom in the latter part of October I shall make my last journey, to close my public life the 4th of March; after which no consideration under heaven that I can foresee shall again withdraw me from the walks of private life.
        I am sorry you have met with so much trouble & difficulty on account of the Land, I presumed I had an indisputable title to, on Accoceek Run; especially as by your information they appear to have been unavailing. It might be well, however, before you give the matter up, to examine my Mothers Will; to see if it is not bequeathed to me in that. I ought to have a letter from her, but I do not find it among my Papers at this place, declaratory of her intention of giving it to me; this was often done orally, but the truth is, conceiving it would come to me by descent, I never gave myself any trouble about the Conveyance. When I return to Philadelphia I will examine my Papers there, to see if the letter before alluded to can be found; but even this, with the knowledge of my Mother’s intentions of giving it to me, could

only establish the equitable title; for the legal one wd still be where the Law, or Constitution of the State, has plac’d it. The whole therefore depends upon whether there be any mention of the land in the Will.
        I am sorry to hear of the death of Mrs Haney; and will very chearfully receive her daughter the moment I get settled at this place; sooner it would be impossible; because this house will be, as it has been, empty from the time we shall quit it in October, until my final establishment in the Spring. Such necessaries as she needs in the meantime may, however, be furnished her at my expence, and if it is inconvenient for you to retain her in your own house, let her be boarded in some respectable family, where her morals and good behaviour will be attended to; at my expence also. Let her want for nothing that is decent and proper; and if she remains in your family; I wish for the Girls sake, as well as for the use she may be of to your Aunt when she comes here, that Mrs Lewis would keep her industriously employed, always, and instructed in the care, and œconomy of housekeeping.
        There is another reason against her coming here until I am permanently fixed; and that is, that my house, I expect, will be crouded with company all the while we shall be at it, this Summer, as the Ministers of France, Great Britain and Portugal, in succession, intend to be here—Besides other strangers.
        My best wishes, to which your Aunts are united, are presented to yourself & Mrs Lewis—and I remain Your sincere friend & Affecte Uncle

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Lewis, 27 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, George

          Dear Sir,
          Mt Vernon 27th June 1796

        Supposing you are in Fredericksburgh, and not knowing where my Sister, or your Brother Howell is at present, I put the letters for them, and your brother Bob, under one cover to your care and would thank you for letting me know whether you have received them or not.
        My best wishes attend Mrs Lewis & yourself in which your aunt joins me. I remain Your sincere friend & affecte Uncle

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 27 June 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          Philadelphia 27 June 1796.

        I have the honour to inclose you Adjutant General Beckwiths answer to my dispach to Lord Dorchester of the 10th of last month.
        I inclose, likewise, copy of the orders for the evacuation of the posts of Fort Miamis—Detroit and Michilimackinac the originals of which will leave this to-morrow morning at 5 o’clock by express.
        Capn Lewis delivered the orders requiring the evacuation of Oswego & Niagara to Capn Bruff at Albany. With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir your most obt Servt

          James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 27 June 1796
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philadelphia June 27th 1796

        I have the honor to inclose, for your Excellency’s information, the copy of a Report from the Resident Physician of the Health Office of Philadelphia; and to request, that you will direct such co-operative measures, on the part of the Officers of the United States, as may effectually counteract the danger, which is apprehended from vessels holding an intercourse with the shores of New-Jersey, in evasion of the Quarantine prescribed under the authority of the laws of this State. I am, with perfect respect Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble Servant

          Tho. Mifflin


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 27 June 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

          Sir,
          Mount Vernon 27th June 1796.

        The Post of friday—to Alexandria—brought me your dispatches of the 22d instant.
        Mr Adets answer to your communication, relatively to the

Capture of the Ship Mount Vernon, leaves the matter as undecided as before; and his reserve may, it is to be feared, be considered as a collateral evidence of the truth of the information I handed to you in my last, and contributes to shew the necessity of having a proper understanding of this matter. The Privateer Flying Fish, might not have brought orders for Capturing our Provision Vessels, bound to British Ports; but she might have received them thro’ Mr Bournonville, who came out at the sametime the French Commissioners did, to St Domingo.
        My sentiments with respect to the Successor for the Office rendered vacant by the death of Mr Gorham; and the changes consequent of the removal of Mr Jonathan Jackson to it; were communicated by the last Post to the Secretary of the Treasury—who was also informed, that in case of the non-acceptance of the Office of District Attorney for Massachusetts, by Mr H. G. Otis I approved of its being given to Mr Davis the present Comptroller; provided his professional knowledge (of which I had no correct information) was deemed adequate to the discharge of the duties; and he wd place himself in a situation to render them conveniently to the Public.
        If Mr De Witt should decline the Office of Surveyor General, give me notice of it without delay; and you may accompany it with the names of persons (if any should occur or be brought to your view) as may be thought qualified for so important & trusty worthy an appointment.
        Are there any accounts yet from Captn Lewis? & what are the last Accts from the Western Posts? Let the letter which goes under cover with this for Major Pinckney receive the earliest safe conveyance which may offer, since (as I find by the Papers) it has missed the hands of Mr King, by whom I intended to forward it.

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Lee, Jr., 28 June 1796
From: Lee, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

          Dear sir,
          New York June 28th 1796

        I have not been unmindful of the desire you expressed that I should make enquiry about your runaway Woman; From the

information I have received she has certainly been here. This information has been gained from a free mulattoe Woman who is Cooke in a boarding house in this City kept by a Mr Marcelline, this Cooke acknowledges she is well acquained with Oney & that she has been here, says farther that she is gone to Boston—whether this last information is intended as a blind or not I cannot say, however I have spoken to a Constable of the City who has promissed me to keep a watch & make search for her. I leave it with you, Sir, how far it may be adviseable for you to write to some person here about her, the enquiry on my part shall be continued as we proceed on & especially in Boston.
        We leave this in a day or two for Rhode Iland by Water, it would have given me great happiness could I inform you that Mrs Lees health was bettered since we left Philadelphia, on the contrary I think she has lost both flesh & strength, she with Mrs Washington desire to be affectionately remembered to yourself and Mrs Washington. I have the honor to be Dear sir with great esteem your most Obedient Hble servant

          Thos Lee Jr


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 28 June 1796
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

          sir,
          Treasury Department June 28th 1796.

        I have the honour to acknowledge your Letter of the 24th Instant. the Commissions for the offices in the Revenue Department & the Marshal will be made out as directed. No inconvenience will attend a short delay in filling the vacancy in the office of District Attorney, as Mr Otis will attend to whatever is urgent. On this last point I shall consult the Secretary of State.
        A novel & very perplexing question has arisen in respect to the Act of Congress of the last Session for the relief and protection of american seamen. It seems that an entire section of the bill as it passed the House of Representatives, has been omitted in the Act, although the Act has still a reference to what was struck out. by this defect the fourth section of the existing Law is deemed incapable of being executed. After much consideration & different views of the subject, & pursuant to the advice & opinion of Council, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of War & myself have thought that the object of the Law can be properly

attained by the interposition of the Executive. The form of an Act which is proposed to be sent to the Collectors of the Customs has been therefore prepared & is herewith submitted to the President’s decision. That the President may judge of the difficulty which exists, copies of the Act & of the bill of the House, with Messrs Rawle’s & Lewis’s opinions will be herewith enclosed.
        I hope to be able by the next post to write to the President on the points which remain unanswered. With perfect deference & attachment I have the honor to be &c.

          Olivr Wolcott Jr