Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 7 September 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

                  Mr Pearce,
                  German Town [Pa.] Septr 7th 1794.

               Your letter of the 31st ulto with the Reports, I have received.
               A few days ago I received a letter from Mr Pyne dated in the

                  City of Washington still expressing a desire to be employed at Mount Vernon, and a wish to be there some short time before Butler left it, that he might get a little insight into the nature of the business, previous to his entering upon duty.  I referred him for his being employed at all, & for the terms and time, to you, not chusing to enter into any agreement with him myself lest it might militate with any views of yours; desiring him to shew you the letter I wrote to him on this subject, that you might be acquainted with my ideas thereon.
               Enclosed is a certificate for Mr Butler.  The latter part I suppose he wd have dispensed with; but in my opinion it is necessary that the whole truth on such occasions should be told; for I have no idea that with a view to serve one person it is justifiable to deceive another: and without that part, it might with propriety be asked why I parted with him. If his activity, spirit, & ability in the management of Negros were equal to his honesty, sobriety & industry there would not be the least occasion for a change.
               It is not possible for me, at this distance, to say when the Carpenters & Negros on the respective farms will be most at leisure for removing the Negro quarters at Union, & River Farms; but if this work is not set about before the weather gets cool, it may be dangerous (as the daubing & filling in will be green, & not sun enough to dry them before winter) to put the Negros in them; and besides, after the ground gets soft & slippery, the trouble, and time necessary to accomplish the removal of the houses will be double. I have nothing further to add at present than to wish you & family well. Being Your friend &ca

                  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 8 September 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Bryan

                  My dear Sir,
                  German Town [Pa.] Sep. 8th 1794.

               It is not my wish to add to the trouble which I am sorry has been thrown upon you (in a manner unavoidably) in the management of the Suit against the Representatives, or Security of the deceased Doctr Savage—But when I am written to on this subject by those who are interested therein—I feel the necessity of making some response lest Silence should receive an unfavorable interpretation.
               On this ground I give you the trouble of perusing the enclosed letter from a Mr Peter Trenor—and my answer; after which, let me pray you to put a wafer in the latter, & cause it to be forwarded agreeably to the superscription by the first good conveyance that may present itself to your view.
               Who Mr Trenor is I know not. Nor have I any recollection of what he says I wrote to him on the 15th of Novr 1786 (having no papers of that date by me, at this <pla>ce to recur to)—I have some imper<fect re>membrance, it is true, of an applica<tion> that was made to me by a person in <Virgi>nia about the period he mentions with which I was not favorably impressed—but why I was not so, or whether it came from this person, I am unable to inform you with the least precision—nor is it of much moment as the authenticity and regularity of the papers he alludes to must decide his pretensions.
               With best respects to Mrs Fairfax, and with very sincere esteem & regard for yourself I remain—Dear Sir Your most Affecte & Obedient Servant

                  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Lewis, 8 September 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, John

                  Dear Sir
                  Philada Septr 8th 1794

               The enclosures of letters from me to Mr John Cowper, and from him to me, &ca occasioned by his Bond to you, assigned to me; will shew you that it was not until tuesday last that I received any part of the contents of the Said Bond; & his reason for not discharging the whole of it.
               To hold the bond any longer, under these circumstances, would be nugatory; as he means, I perceive, to pay <illegible> of it until a final settlement for the land, takes place; and for a variety of reasons this settlement cannot be adjusted with me; amongst others, because I am unacquainted with the agreement you entered into, but principally, if I was, my situation and public duties would render it impracti<cable> for me to attend to the business.
               I therefore return the Bond to you, that whatever may be due thereon at the final settlement, may be received and carried to the credit of our joint concern. In the mean while, that conce<rn> will have credit for Two hundred & tw<elve> pounds six shillings & five pence half pa<ymt> received Octr the 6th 1792. and One hundred and forty pounds recd from Mr Cowper <the> fourth instant.
               Mr Cowper, as you will perceive, is very desirous of having this mat<ter> set<tled;> nor ought it to be less desirable on our account: for delay will work more against us, than him. Let me besee<ch> you therefore to take prompt and <ef>ficatious measures to bring the bus<iness> to an end. One or two claims, of wch I never had any knowledge or eve<n> suspicion, have already appeared; and oth<ers> may start up, if the matter lyes open any longer.
               I am perfectly Satisfied that we ought not to lose anything on account of any claim set up s<ince> the purchase of old Marmaduke Norfleet, & not known at the time of <this> purchase; at least that the heirs <to> that Gentleman are liable for all <disco>veries; but whatever you shall do <af>ter a full investigation, advice, and consideration, with respect to such claim or claims, I will abide by.
               So soon as you shall have brought this business to a close, be so good as to transmit a state of it to me. I am—Dear Sir Your Obedt Hble Servt

                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Stokely, 8 September 1794
From: Stokely, John
To: Washington, George

                  Honord Sir.
                  Philadelphia Septr 8[-9]th 1794

               Confident of the many ingenious pens, and Multitude of business that daily throng your Excellencies attention. Tis simply as a child at the tacit desire of my Incidental suffering bretheren, for a moment I implore your Paternal observation, Trusting that necessary truths, without Eloquence will in their turn be heard. Your Excellency is characteris’d the proprietor, of the Most valuable Tracts of land on ohio, between the Mouth of Little Kanhawa (my residence) and Great Sandy as well as some of the best above—Its most certain that, the common inroads of our enimy is directly thro those Excelent Lands. wherefore we the more Confidentially claim your Particular attention, Pity it is that those firtile tracts should be used as a highway for Barbarians, whom with Impunity occupy them as Such; while experience shows us, that a triveal encuragment to adventurers, would Spedily enlink

                  a chain of Settlements from wheeling to Kentuckey. would this not be constituting a cheap, and perminent barier, against Indian incursions on the northwest of virginia.  There have been Sundry attempts (and I believe none vain) to Establish Small Settlements on ohios margens, betwen the above recited waters and where the Lands were Equally Exposed with these old grants, by trifling donations out of Lands, the titles of which are so doubtful, as to render a purchase on Moderate Terms more Eligible, where like these old Grants they be Indisputable, Time and Experience teaches us, that the Indians will not cross that great river in the face of a Settlement but admiting they would there are much more vigilence in the man whos family, & property, with his own person security be at Stake, than in a Soldier who generally consults his Personal safety alone, These are things remote, and may appear trivilous and unworthy of attention amongst the great objects of your observance; or may have Escaped your Benefaction, mearly for lack of a Solicitation from that Harrased frontier. Howbeit, tis an unfeign’d fact that, that frontier conceives itself much aggrieved because these Valuable lands are uncultivated, and actually serve as an asylum for savage murderers. Would not the cultor of that almost unparralled soil in all probabelity tend to invigorate a feeble frontier, contribute to the public weal and rapidly encreas the growing worth of them Same Lands, I feel the more anxious to see this work going on, as it would tend to tranquillize the virginia frontiers, on the most allarming occasion; and Serve to consolodate their Patriotic Affections in their Present blended commotions—to me it appear [from] appoligies of Some of the Land holders in that quarter (which I will Lay before you if Required, & which I confess corroberate with my Ideas on this Subject) that your Perposials Should be, the Basis of this business, as a begining under your Excellences name, would be most cogent, both on account of Character & possessions I am induced with the more ardor to hope for the Interposition of your Philanthropy, Since Tis probable that a delay of this good work, will be accompanied with Loss of lives and property and an Exageration of other Perplexities Incidental to our enfebled & peculier Situation.
               I am Authorisd to Say, that your Excellencies terms for Selling or renting them Lands which may induce the cultor thereof; will be an acquisition truly worthy of the thanks, and will meet the

                  Strictest attention of my neighbours & self—as I shall take my departure from this City for L. Kanhawa shortly to wit on wedensday or thursday ensuing should Gladly (Previously) Possess myself of your Ideas respecting the Premises. I am Your Excellencies Obt Servt

                  John Stokely

                  Septr 9th
                  N.B. The within Subscriber this night Lodges at the sign of the King of Prusia in German Town.


Title: To George Washington from Anonymous, 9 September 1794
From: Anonymous
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  [c.9 Sept. 1794]

               The fear of this not reaching your hands induced the form of the superscription.  The motive of my assuming the liberty to address you, is from my often having read with the utmost concern that several of the back settlers have been scalped &C. by the savage Indians; and of the very ineffectual means taken to prevent a repetition of their barbarities by the Small force sent against them, which they are able not only to cope with but often to overthrow. I’ve read that the whole of the North American Indians do not exceed sixty thousand; therefore, if a few hints of an individual of no importance may be of weight to merit any attention, they are as follows.
               On the least repetition of their inroads to declare war against them, and instead of sending a small force against them as usual, to send out a sufficient force from every one of the states, at the

                  same time, to push directly westward, and to destroy all their dwellings and plantations. If they take shelter in the woods, to set them on fire (by tarring the bodies of the trees) to drive them from thence. Such as are taken in arms, to keep them to labour during their days; but them who are taken without arms, and all who submit on proclamation, to disperse them in the several states, and to assign them labour to defray their maintenance. To put all boys under 14 years of age to the different trades necessary to form communities, particularly to agriculture, rearing of cattle and gardening; and the girls to sewing. After the country is sufficiently cleared by burning the woods, to lay it out in farms of about 40 acres each (or whatever quantity you judge proper) in order to afford them to make subdivisions to their children; and then to give each American Indian One of them free for ever, with tools of agriculture, and a stock of provisions till they acquire a crop. To lay out cities at distances of 20 or 30 Miles from each other in different directions, to which them who learned trades should repair, and to establish a magistracy of themselves and Justices in each. And for security to erect a small fortification in each city—with a few troops. To give a gratuity in land and a premium in money to every one of European American blood who married a woman of Indian American blood; and alike to every woman of Europn American blood who married a man of Indian American blood. To erect schools at the expence of the states to teach their children English, reading writing & Arithmetic. By this means, in a few years, all will understand the American British language; whereas without this institution they may remain for several centuries (like many thousands now in Ireland) without a general knowledge thereof. Some of the ingenuous youths of each tribe should be educated in the Colledges, with strict orders, at the same time, to retain the knowledge of their mother tongues by conversing together therein. And when they finish their studies, to erect at the expence of the States places of worship in each city, and to place pastors in them with a liturgy in their mother tongues of the several tribes. When the young growth thro’ means of schools, as aforesaid, attained the knowledge of the American British language, they may have the liturgy alternately each sabbath in each language till by a general knowledge of the American British language, together with the influx among

                  them of members of the States, they require no longer any other liturgy than the American British. The pastors should for some time be supported by the states, till on a general conversion, and an erection of Colleges among themselves they elect their own clergy and support them by voluntary contribution according to the circumstances of the parishoners. By the aforesaid means you’ll have subjects instead of enemies and extend your dominion to the pacific Ocean. The country can be divided into States, elect their representatives and be governed like the other states. Not to mention the mighty advantage to be gained hereby, what a charity and source of blessings, in time, to Millions of our fellow creatures. You should build a fleet sufficient to destroy the Piratical States of Barbary. A sufficient number of seamen can always be obtained by the following means: Boatswains have a command over the Seamen on board the Navy and in all large Merchantmen. Their appointment, besides being good Seamen, arises from their knowledge in rigging which is entrusted to their care. Therefore to acquire a supply of Seamen, rigging Yards at the public expence should be set up in all the Seaport towns, and them who offer themselves, besides all charity boys should be placed in them for two years to be instructed in rigging & during this time they could learn to hand and reef sails by having masts fixed—in the Yards, with yards across them, and sails. There should be as many Convenient Vessels built as would be necessary to supply a sufficient number of Seamen, and on board these Vessels (having a few experienced Seamen in each) they should be sent for three Years, during which they would learn to Steer, heave the lead, work the Vessels, and all the Necessary motions in tacking, wearing, &c. &c. &c. The meaning of every motion, at the time of their performance, should be mechanically explained to them. They should get the manner of executing said motions by heart—And such as shewed the greatest proficiency and quickness of parts should be taught Navigation. To fit them foreign voyages they should be fed alternately, each week, with fresh, and with Salt provisions. To help to defray the expence of this institution, several of the Vessels ought to be employed in the fishing trade; & others in the coasting trade; and a preference of freight always given them by the merchants. By this means numbers of as good Seamen as any in the world will be obtained; by which the expedient of Pressing (which is

                  allied to slavery, and a disgrace to a free State) will be totally removed. All boys at school should learn the Manual exercise; and all able to bear arms, who pay taxes, should be registered as a Militia; and as many as are necessary to aid the civil power, should be drawn by lot to serve & for 6 or 8 years, half to go out every 3 or 4 Years, and be supplied as before & Each man ought to have no less than a shilling (clear) a day. The officers should always remain (unless they chose to resign) and promotions take place only by seniority; for example—On the death of an officer, the next to him should succeed, and so on, in the several degrees, till a private by the election of his comrades is promoted to be a corporal. And alike form should take place on board the Navy, on the death of a Captain, Lieutenant, Master mate &C., the next in rank should Succeed in the several gradations, till the seamen elected, one of their own number, to be a boatswains Mate. By this means experienced commanders both by Sea and land will be obtained, and the devil of pride lessened amongst the disciples of the humble Jesus. In the aforesaid—The executive power, in case of war, to appoint the most approved of the Captains to be admirals and commodores; and the most approved of the Colonels to be generals &C. (Laws should be founded on justice, reason and utility, without regarding the precedents of any other nation. They ought to be simplified and reduced to as small a compass as possible, as the late king of prussia did for his subjects.  All acts relating to one or the same head, should be reduced to one Act. As it is the duty of every state to render justice to its members, the state should pay a certain Number of Lawyers and attorneys to be applied to without fees; and the last person should be amerced or fined in a certain sum to his state, to defray this expence, according to a regulation to be settled for that purpose. Every man, if he pleases, should plead his own cause, and have the assistance of Lawyers if he chooses. Whatever Lawyers or Attorneys do not exert themselves to the best of their ability in what they are employed about, or take any fees, should be discharged from the public Service, disgraced and banished from the Settlement. Patriotic societies should be formed of Wealthy persons who should subscribe to a fund for acquiring the arts and manufactures of all Nations; and the state contribute liberally thereto. For this purpose ingenious children (at the recommendation of their school masters) should

                  be sent into every state in Europe, whose arts and manufactures they wanted to acquire. I say children, to be sent, and boarded and schooled in the several countries aforesaid by which they would acquire the knowledge and facility of expression in the several languages equal to their Natives. And when they arrived to 14 years of age, to give fees and bind them apprentices. And after they served their times and arrived in America to give the Capitols to follow their several arts and manufactures To build water mills for grinding Cutlery; Silk mills of every kind from the most Complicated to the most simple, steam engines &c. and in <force> every engine, machin and mechanism known in Europe, accompanied with its arts & manufactures. By this means the knowledge of more Arts and Manufactures may be acquired in a few years, than perhaps otherwise in some centuries. Some physicians and Surgeons ought to be paid by the state for the poor to apply to for their advice and assistance, and medicines should be found them—The wealthy without issue (and some that have issue and great wealth) should leave legacies for certain uses, particularly to encourage population. Suppose one out of his time to a handy craft business, who could swear he was not master of £6—to give such persons on their marriage (not to exceed 21 years) the sum of £6—to buy working tools and other necessaries. To have public schools in which the children of the poor should be schooled; and they should be supplied with clothes. Where the poor have more children than they can maintain they should not only be free from every tax, but have a weekly allowance from the parish, if there’s no fund by legacies of the wealthy for that purpose. The memory of them who have funds for public charity should be honoured by public monuments; as should likewise such as bring the knowledge of any art or manufacture to their country by their own endeavours and expence. The barbarous spirit of fashions should be totally excluded; and every improvement in dress adopted. Nature shd be copied in her simplicity, and will always be found the surest guide (as in gardening, Parks &C.) to procure the most amiable appearance. But fashions are not governed from the least motive of any improvement in dress—No—but from a barbarous spirit of whimsical novelty, for the purpose of displaying their pride and despising such as can’t afford the expence of a like whimsical appearance. It is virtue and public spirit that ought to

                  distinguish the glamorous Sons and daughters of liberty and especially the wealthy. Fashions are of a most fatal effect; they corrupt the morals of a people and make Mammon the ruling deity of such persons, who in his service would sacrifice religion, conscience, and love of their Country—Fashions are only suited to a whimsical, unsteady, fickle, magotty headed and vile growling Souls, who in time are accompanied with scared hearts, and ripe for divine justice and destruction. Such persons should beware lest the scourge of God should be already lifted up against them. In charity to such wretches, in order to save them from destruction, they should be despised and held in contempt by all moral people until they quit their base and diabolical Spirit. I call it a diabolical spirit for pride is the devils Net in which he catches his prey. The ancient Greeks and Romans were utter stranger<s to> fashions or change in the form of their dress; the wealthy were distinguis<hed mutilated> by the richness or <fin>ess of their garb; & the same takes place now all over the <mutilated> & spirit of novelty by constantly varying the form of dress originated <mutilated> barbarians, who (astonished at the Roman Magnificence; and <mutilated> barbarous spirit they exercised it in a constant change in the form of dress to appear of consequence to their slaves.)  Christ gives humility <mutilated> love of brethren as the characteristic of being his disciples; but of all rec<mutilated> profess in the world Christians are the proudest; therefore whose discip<les> are the proud—Christ’s or Lucifers?  It’s asserted that a set of young no<ble>men with the assistance of their Valets de chambre, consult how to inv<mutilated> the most ridiculous whims in the change or form of dress, to laugh, as <mutilated> say, at the puppy citizens who eagerly adopt them: and that thei<r> Sisters, with the help of their waiting maids, act from a like motive, <mutilated> laugh, as they say, at the ridiculous city Hussies who eagerly adopt them. It’s a plea that fashions promote trade; but the benefit is too dear bought, by the destruction of the morals of the people—Surely the wealthy may better answer the purpose by giving their cloths to their servants, as often as they now do from fashions; and the sale of them by servants would help several poor to get a cheap rate cloths suited to them. As for numbers in cities applied to triffles, for the purpose of fashions, it would be of more service to the state that they were employed in agriculture. All foundlings should be children of the state

                  subject for their maintenance (after learning trades and the manual exercise) to be sent to colonize for 7 Years, at the end of which the land given them, at their entrance, should be theirs for ever; but No sale thereof should be valid for 40 Years afterwards to induce them and their children to remain there. I implore The Almighty to pour his choicest Blessings on you, and remain with the greatest Respect and Esteem, Great Sir Your very Sincere Well wisher

                  D:S.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 9 September 1794
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  New York 9th September 1794

               I transmit, enclosed, certain Documents relative to some recent Seizures made by a Bermudian Privateer—It is well ascertained that there was no circumstance attending either of the three Vessels now referred to, which could excite a suspicion that either the Owners or Mariners had been guilty of the slightest departure from even British Constructions of the Rights and duties of neutrality.
               The Minds of our Citizens had not yet recovered from the irritations produced by similar Outrages practiced by the same Nation, especially during the Course of the last Winter: A repitition of them at this Moment and in the Mouths of our own Harbours diminishes the hope of recompense for past injuries, discourages commercial enterprize and excites emotions alarming to public peace. The forbearance of our Citizens under the

                  most aggravated insults is founded on their confidence in the Government of the Union; and though the spirit of forbearance may not be yet wholly exhausted yet that confidence is weakened and may be destroyed by the constant view of rapine on their unprotected Trade, and of aggression and insult in every Quarter.
               It is remote from my Intention and it would surpass my ability as well as my duty to attempt to indicate to you the measures proper to be pursued on this occasion, and my relyance in common with my fellow Citizens on your patriotism and your zeal for their honor and interest assures me that it can only be necessary that their losses and their feelings be made known to you.
               I now also enclose a Copy of the Affidavit of John Kelly this Day handed to me by Colo. Woolsey of Clinton County stating certain Facts interesting to our Northern Frontier.  I have the honor to be with the most perfect Respect and Esteem Your Obedient Servant

                  Geo: Clinton


Title: To George Washington from William Alexander, 10 September 1794
From: Alexander, William
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,
                  Elkton [Md.] Sepr 10th 1794.

               Encouraged by my friends, I take up my Pen to ask you for the appointment, of Naval Officer, for the District of Baltimore; which if conferred on me, I flatter myself, it will be executed with the Stricktest propriety.  As Offices, flow through the channel of Favor, when candidates, are equally qualified to execute them—permit me, Sir, in that case, to offer an argument in my favor?  that there is no man in the Community, who has a higher sense of your Virtues, & eminent Services, to your Country than myself—I have declared it, in my most reflecting moments, that was it possible, to be so ordained, for you to suffer an innocent death, that I would at any moment die for you, as I thought you worthy of dying for, in this assertion, I beleive, no man who hear’d

                  me, & knew my character, doubted my veracity—I this moment appeal to the Searcher of all hearts, if I made the declaration, with a view of its ever assailing your Ears, or with any interested motive whatever, & if I know myself, it did not spring from self-conceit. Had I deemed it necessary, I could have obtained certificates, favorable to my character, from many of the first characters in & around Baltimore, I being well known to them, & some of them my connexions—Should, further particulars relative to my character, be necessary, than are contained in the enclosed Certificates, I take the liberty of referring, the President, to Chief Justice McKean, John Barclay Esqr., or Mr John B. Bordley.
               If Mr Delosier should be appointed, Naval Officer, the Appointment of Surveyor would be equally acceptable—If Nathaniel Ramsey Esqr. should get the Appointment, the office of Marshall would be equally so.  Tho I have solicited either of the Appointments, your granting or refusing it, can make no alteration, in the manner you stand engravened on my heart. I have the honor to be, Sir, yr mo. Obedient & humble Servant

                  Wm Alexander


Title: From George Washington to Elizabeth Willing Powel, 11 September 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Powel, Elizabeth Willing

                  Thursday 11th Sepr 1794.

               The President’s best respects and thanks to Mrs Powell, for the perusal of the Pamphlets herewith, accompany their return.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 11 September 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Philadelphia Sepr 11. 1794.

               I do myself the honor of inclosing to you the opinion of the secretary of the treasury, upon the request of Mr Jaudenes for a military guard.  I wait your pleasure; and take the liberty of mentioning, that it will be convenient to know your decision, in time for the mail of this morning.
               The executive magistrates of Europe would in all probability, (since it would cost so little,) feel no great difficulty in ordering their troops forth for any purpose, which should be agreeable to them at the moment. But the President of the U.S. would encounter these animadversions. 1. The suspension of the movement of the troops to their ultimate destination for the present object would not appear to be founded upon satisfactory grounds; since we have no evidence of the cause of apprehension, except the declaration of the commissioner, who proceeds upon the alarms instilled into him by others, without letting the government into the nature and authenticity of the proof. 2. It will establish a precedent for employing regular troops for other

                  purposes, than those for which they were raised. 3. It will be interpreted, as if an attempt was countenanced by the President, to throw the odium of assassination upon the French nation, by a step of such eclat, and notoriety. I have the honor sir to be with the highest respect yr mo. ob. serv.

                  Edm: Randolph.


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 12 September 1794
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

                  My Dear Sir
                  St Neots [England] Sepr 12[-15]. 1794

               Judging there is an advantage from knowing the particular tempers of those, with whom we have to transcrit business of the first consequence, I have taken up my pen to acquaint your Excellency with the following matters. I had an intimate friend, who was settled, as a minister, with an English Presbyterian church in Rotterdam; & who was acquainted with a teaching tutor of a prince of Wales, under special obligations to him for copies of letters to be transcribed, & then put into the hands of the pupil, for furnishing the latter with suitable materials to be forwarded to his sovereign upon special occasions. My friend annually visited Ipswich in Suffolk where I resided. In free conversation he related the above circumstances, mentioned the tutor’s name, & his particular employ; & further added, that being in familiar chat with the tutor, he asked him, what sort of a person his pupil was, & had for answer—He has good common abilities, & if he falls into good hands the nation will be very happy with him; but if otherwise, the Lord have mercy upon you, for he is as obstinate as any mule. Corresponding with Americans before I crossed the Atlantic, I communicated this anecdote to the late governor Bowdoin, long before I left G. Britain. Of this same person, I have been assured, that the present Sir John Temple was told by the noted Ld Chatham—when the American war was the subject of conversation—It is not Ld North’s war; it is not Ld Mansfield’s war; it is not Ld Bute’s war; it is the man’s own war, I have seen him in the council & I have seen him in the cabinet.  The events of that war have been a sore mortification to him, & the person, under whose care he was when ill, told an acquaintance of mine in the neighbourhood, that he apprehended his disorder was owing greatly to it. Dr W. lives rather more than thirty miles from hence to the northward; & in passing backward & forward goes within about a mile of me.  Have lately heard in a way that gains my credit, that the same individual delights in war: notwithstanding, I am well assured, that he is a personal coward. I doubt not, but that an American war, could it be commenced with safety & prove successful, according to his wishes, would not be disgusting to him. But it will probably be avoided, if possible, while the French continue to bear down all before them, as nothing would be more

                  unpopular. However, cowardice is often attended with low cunning & artful chicanery; & I should not wonder if negotiation is prolonged, instead of satisfactions being given, in hopes that a turn of affairs in Europe, may admit of prosecuting the dispute by avowed war, & thereby affording the opportunity of gratifying revenge. Should war ever commence, you must be upon your guard against some of the English among you, who are friends to royalty, & enemies to the federal government. My information upon this head cannot be doubted. It was obtained in free conversation from a young gentleman in my neighbourhood, who reprobated the conduct of his countrymen; & who told me, that when dining at New York in company with twenty or thirty of them, they discovered the temper I have now mentioned, & while they toasted the king, they refused toasting your Excellency. I should not have mentioned this, but to shew how much they ought to be watched in case of a rupture. The greatness of your own mind, will lead you to pass by the affront as below your attention. My informer was Mr Maitland, a large youth of twenty, whom you will possibly remember as having been introduced to you, after coming from the West Indies, & being advised by you, what rout to take for seeing the country while upon his travels; & with whom you sat down, & conversed in the most familiar way, upon the sofa after another gentleman had left it, when paying a complimentary visit to your Lady.
               The weight of business you have had upon your hands, & the misbehaviour of some turbulent fiery spirits, will not, I trust, dishearten you from prosecuting steadily the real interests of the United States, nor tempt you to quit your post. You are spared, it is to be hoped, to ward off those evils, with which the country has been, & may be still threatened; & to give a firmer establishment to the liberties & prosperity of it.
               You was raised up by the Lord of Hosts to be an instrument of saving the United States from slavery. I most sincerely wish, that the same Omnipotent Power may have commissioned Kosciusko to deliver the Poles from under slavery. If he & his co-adjutors can but weather the present year, I shall scarc[e] doubt of his succeeding in his glorious attempt. May the divine Blessing attend you in private & public life, living & dying!  Mrs Gordon joins in most cordial regards to Self & Lady. Your Excellency’s most sincere & affectionate friend & humble servant

                  William Gordon

                  Sepr 15. The papers of saturday contain such information, as gives me hopes that Providence favors the Polish Revolution.


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 13 September 1794
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

               private
               Dear SirLondon 13 Septr 1794
               My Letter to Mr Randolph which accompanies this, contains very full and accurate Information respecting our negociations

                  here.  You will perceive that many points are under Consideration, and that alterations will probably yet take place in several articles. altho it is uncertain, yet it is not altogether improbable that Lord Grenville and myself may agree on Terms which in my opinion should not be rejected. In that Case I shall be strongly induced to conclude, rather than by Delays, risque a change of views and measures or ministers, which unforeseen circumstances might occasion.
               The Secretaries Letter by Mr Munro, and the Speech of the latter to the Convention, are printed; and have caused a disagreable Sensation in the public mind here, and probably in that of the Government. The one written by you is spoken of as being within the Limits of diplomatic Forms.
               Gentlemen, whether in or out of Office, are doubtless free in their personal affections or Predilections for Persons or nations—but as the Situation of the united States is neutral, so also should be their Language to the belligerent Powers—neither can it be proper to adopt any mode of pleasing one Party, that would naturally be offensive to the other; and more particularly at a Time, when with that
               other, a Negociation for Peace, Commerce and Friendship, is pending. To be fair upright & prudent is to be politic; and of the Truth of this Maxim, your character, and very singular Degree of Respectability weight and Reputation, afford the strongest Proo[f].
               I learn that Virginia is escheating british Property, and I hear of other occurrences, that I regret.  but they shall not abate my Perseverance in endeavouring to preserve Peace, and bring the negociation to such a Conclusion as will either ensure peace with this Country, or produce union among ourselves in prosecuting War against it. Whatever may be the Issue I am determined not to lose the only Satisfaction that I can be sure of—vizt the Satisfaction resulting from a Conciousness of having done my Duty.
               That attempts will be made in america to frustrate this negociation, I have not the most distant Shadow of a Doubt. I brought that Belief and opinion with me; and my Dependence then was, and still is, on the Wisdom Firmness and Integrity of the Government—on the general good Sense of our People, and on those enlightened and virtuous Characters among them, who regard the Peace Honor and Welfare of their Country as primary objects. These men regret the Differences which subsist between

                  this Country and their own; and sincerely desire to see mutual animosities give way to mutual good will—as to a political Connection with any Country I hope it will never be judged necessary; for I very much doubt whether it would ultimately be found useful—on the contrary it would in my opinion introduce foreign Influence which I consider as the worst of political Plagues. with the best wishes for your Health & Happiness and with perfect Respect Esteem & Attachmt I am Dear Sir your most obedt & obliged servt

                  John Jay


Title: Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Morgan, 13 September 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Morgan, Daniel

                  Sir,
                  War Department September 13th 1794

               I am instructed by the President to express to You his wish that every practicable exertion may be made to accelerate the assembling of the Militia at their appointed places of Rendezvous, Winchester and the Vicinity of old Fort Pleasant Alias Moorefield. you are probably informed that a junction of the Virginia and Maryland Troops at Fort Cumberland has been contemplated.
               You are at liberty to hasten to that Point all such as may be ready, and which you Judge it adviseable should move that way—but if you think that those who are to assemble at Moorefield, had better proceed by a Route different from that of Fort Cumberland, they may continue at Moorefield till further instruction. With consideration & esteem I am Sir, Your obedient Servant

                  <A. Hamilton>On behalf of the Secy at War

                  P.S. It will be well to have runners sent into the Insurgent Counties to ascertain what they are about the degree of unanimity & probable strength. Col. Carrington will furnish the means.


Title: From George Washington to James Ross, 13 September 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Ross, James

                  Sir,
                  German Town [Pa.] Sepr 13th 1794

               By Mr Bradford, I was favored with your letter of the 3d Instt from Pittsburgh; together with Two hundred and Sixty seven dollars on account of Colo. Cannons Bond; for which, and the train you have placed the residue of it, in, I pray you to accept my best thanks.
               I am ready, and willing, to dispose of my lands in Fayette County at the price, & on the terms conditionally offered by the man from Cumberland County, whensoever he, or any other is disposed to close the matter, agreably thereto. and I would dispose of my other tract in Washington County on the conditions mentioned in your letter of the third, by Mr Bradford. I do not, for reasons which will readily occur to you—repeat these—but a recurrence to, or recollection of the purport of that letter, will inform you what they are. I will only add on this head, that I am more sollicitous that interest on the unpaid sums shou’d be secured with punctuality, and without trouble, when due, than I am for the shortness of the credit which is to be allowed; especially if lengthening the credit would enhance the price.
               The state of matters in the Western counties of this Commonwealth fill me with the deepest regret, but I shall not trouble you with more than this general expression of it. Circumstanced as things have been in them, for sometime, a letter on business of a private nature, & of immaterial consequence, was not to be expected; nor would the postponement of one, until a more tranquil scene, have surprized, or excited the least impatience in me. With great esteem & regard I am Sir Your Obedt & oblig’d Hble Servant

                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 14 Sept. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from George Clinton, 14 Sept. 1794. Edmund Randolph wrote Clinton on 17 Sept.: "In acknowledging your Excellency’s

               letter of the 14th instant, to the President of the United States, I am only expressing surprize at the delay in the passage of my letters. . . . The President thanks you for the information from Ontario County; but he had received the substance of it thro’ another channel" (DNA: RG 59, Domestic Letters).


Title: From George Washington to Elizabeth Parke Custis, 14 September 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, Elizabeth Parke

                  My dear Betcy,
                  German Town [Pa.] Sepr 14th 1794

               Shall I, in answer to your letter of the 7th instant say—when you are as near the Pinnacle of happiness as your sister Patcy conceives herself to be; or when your candour shines more conspicuously than it does in that letter, that I will then, comply with the request you have made, for my Picture?
               NO—I will grant it without either: for if the latter was to be a preliminary, it would be sometime I apprehend before that Picture would be found pendant at your breast; it not being within the bounds of probability that the contemplation of an inanimate thing, whatever might be the reflections arising from the possession of it, can be the only wish of your heart.
               Respect may place it among the desirable objects of it, but there are emotions of a softer kind, to wch the heart of a girl turned of eighteen, is susceptible, that must have generated much warmer ideas, although the fruition of them may, apparently, be more distant than those of your sister’s.
               Having (by way of a hint) delivered a sentiment to Patty, which may be useful to her (if it be remembered after the change that is contemplated, is consummated) I will suggest another, more applicable to yourself.
               Do not then in your contemplation of the marriage state, look for perfect felicity before you consent to wed. Nor conceive, from the fine tales the Poets & lovers of old have told us, of the transports of mutual love, that heaven has taken its abode on earth; Nor do not deceive yourself in supposing, that the only mean by which these are to be obtained, is to drink deep of the cup, & revel in an ocean of love. Love is a mighty pretty thing; but like all other delicious things, it is cloying; and when the first transports of the passion begins to subside, which it assuredly will do, and yield—oftentimes too late—to more sober reflections, it serves to evince, that love is too dainty a food to live upon alone,

                  and ought not to be considered farther, than as a necessary ingredient for that matrimonial happiness which results from a combination of causes; none of which are of greater importance, than that the object on whom it is placed, should possess good sense—good dispositions—and the means of supporting you in the way you have been brought up. Such qualifications cannot fail to attract (after marriage) your esteem & regard, into wch or into disgust, sooner or later, love naturally resolves itself; and who at the sametime, has a claim to the respect, & esteem of the circle he moves in. Without these, whatever may be your first impressions of the man, they will end in disappointment; for be assured, and experience will convince you, that there is no truth more certain, than that all our enjoyments fall short of our expectations; and to none does it apply with more force, than to the gratification of the passions. You may believe me to be always, & sincerely Your affectionate

                  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 14 September 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

                  Mr Pearce,
                  German Town [Pa.] Sepr 14th 1794.

               I am well satisfied that the omission of the date of Colo. Lyle’s bond was accident, & not design—& for that reason suggested a mode, by the observance of which, no information that is required will ever be omitted. When is that Gentleman, by promise, to discharge this bond?
               I think you were quite right in sowing the early (or drilled) wheat at different seasons, with a view to discover the best season for it. But have you been told, or do you know, that the drilled Wheat at Union farm was of two kinds—one of them double headed. Unless Crow kept them asunder, the next growth from these seeds will be a curious hotch potch.
               I am sorry to hear of the heavy rains you have had, on many accounts; but on none more than throwing you backward in the Mill swamps, & the hard and unfit condition it will put them grounds for the reception of the grass seeds, even if it should not have gullied & washed the soil off, in places. I know too,

                  that besides stopping your ploughs on Acct of the wetness of the land, that such rains are apt to gully the fields already sown with Wheat; and to render those which have not received the Seed in a much worse condition for this purpose; but as these are the effects of Providential dispensations, resignation is our duty. I am persuaded you will render the disadvantage as light as possible, & that is all I can expect. Under these circumstances I hope the season has not urged you to sow faster than the ground was in order; for I know no practice worse than ploughing & sowing when it is too wet.
               Drains in all the fields that require it (& none requires it more than No. 6 at Dogue Run) if those heavy rains had not come, ought to be made before the winter wets set in; as, for want of these, & notwithstanding I am continually inculcating this doctrine upon my Overseers, I have much Wheat drowned every year.
               I am sorry to hear that you, among others, have the Ague & fever. It has, from what I hear, been uncommonly rife this year; occasioned it is presumed, by the wetness of the Summer. An emetic, after it becomes regular, as I mentioned in one of my former letters, & care, generally removes it.
               The actual spitting of young Boatswain should be carefully investigated, & medical aid administered if it be real; which, from the temper of the boys mother, & her desire of keeping him with her as a waiter, may well be questioned. Under pretence once before, of a hurt by a Cart she kept him three months (if I recollect rightly) in the house with her, until he was forced out; & this may be the case again.
               Whilst some deny, other affirm, that the yellow fever is in Baltimore—I shall decide nothing on this head myself, and only mention the matter, that if that should be your rout to the Eastern Shore, whensoever you may go, that you may be on your guard. I am Your friend &ca

                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 14 September 1794
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

                  Dear Sir,
                  Hope-Park [Va.] 14th Sepr 1794

               Your Brother John A: Washington in the year 1786 gave me his bond for £998.12.6 which was due from his Brother Samuel’s estate to that of Mr Custis, in order that he might favor his brother’s estate—Mr B: Washington paid me the interest due on it, to the year 1791; but has since declined it, observing that I must bring suit against him, when he should take out an execution on the judgement he had against his Uncles estate, which however he knew would be still very distressing to that estate, as his sons had but lately undertaken the management of it and had no doubt had their difficulties to encounter in the outset—It being my duty to do something in the business, I have thought it proper, previously thereto, to inform you of the above circumstances; and beg leave to mention, that if it is your desire still to have it in your power to indulge the estate longer, it may be done by your taking that bond amounting at present with the interest to about £1150, in discharge of so much due you from the estate of Mr Custis—If this is not agreeable to you, I have the pleasure to inform you, that I have a thousand pounds lodged in the Bank of Alexa. which shall either be paid to Mr Pierce or transmitted to Philadelphia, as you may direct.
               If you are not yet provided with a third character for Commissioner, I take the liberty in consequence of your request, of proposing Coll William Lyles of Broadcreek; and regret much he did not occur to me at the time you were making enquiries on the subject.  He is not only a man of great industry activity, &

                  probity, but has very considerable experience of the prices of materials, and in the management of workmen. He is besides a man of good temper with great decision, disinterested in property in the City, and tho’ perfectly unconnected with all parties, much respected by them. Whether he will serve or not, I cannot say, as he is possessed of very handsome property, and is very attentive to it. With the greatest respect I am Dr Sir Your affecte Serv:

                  Dd Stuart.


Title: To George Washington from Frances Bassett Washington, 17 September 1794
From: Washington, Frances Bassett
To: Washington, George

                  Dear and honord Sir
                  Alexandria [Va.] September 17th 94

               I have had the happiness to hear by my Aunts last letters, that you have entirely recoverd the indisposition you were afflicted with, while at Mount Vernon, & also that the cancerous appearance on your face is very much releived; none, I assure you can be more sincere in their congratulations on this subject than myself—The weather has been so very seasonable in this part of the country, that I beleive it is now left without doubt, the crops of corn will far exceed what are generally made here, mine, considering the few hands I have looks very promising, but unless I provide some better place to secure it, than the farm now affords, I shall run the risque of having it exposed to all the injuries of

                  the weather; I have therefore my dear Sir thought it best to ask your permission to have a corn-house put up immediately, my Overseer who is a pretty good workman will undertake to do it, with the assistance of my two Carpenters—he says the farm will supply the necessary timber, except the boards for the roof, & I informd him I woud request you to be so kind as to let them be taken from the river plantation—The cheif object of my settling myself in this place (the tuition of my Children) is not as yet accomplishd entirely to my wish, I have chosen for them the school which is preferd by most of my acquaintanc<es> in town, but I think it much too crowded for children so young as mine, & it is an evil complaind of among all the schools here, a few months however will shew, whether they receiv<e> the wish’d for advantage—poor Fayette has been extremely sick for ten days, his fever has now left him, but his strength & spirits are not yet recruited—my children desire me to present their love to you, & I beg you to accept my dear Sir, the warmest wishes for your health & happiness of your gratefully affectionate

                  Frances Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Wellford, 18 September 1794
From: Wellford, Robert
To: Washington, George

                  Fredericksg Virga Sepr 18th 1794.

               Robert Wellford of Fredericksburg in Virga would feel himself criminated of ingratitude by his own heart, were he in any instance whatever, to neglect his most sincere acknowledgments & thanks to General Washington, for his truly friendly attention to his feelings, at the time He condescended to introduce R.W: to the notice, and friendship of Col: Feilding Lewis, Mr Fitzhugh of Chatham, & other respectable characters.

               The President of the United States at his last visit in Fredg having intimated to R.W., a further disposition to Countenance him, if any future occasion should offer. R.W: now begs leave to observe, that it has fallen to his lot to be drawn forth in support of Government, & as he wishes to deserve its protection, goes from this Town to the place of Rendezvous with the Cavalry commanded by Capt: Geo: Lewis, as surgeon.
               Robt Wellford sincerely hopes that the Author of all Good will avert every necessity of requiring any, the least aid from Men of his profession in this expedition: but if the President should esteem it proper to make any arrangement of a Medical department, in case of a different issue, and should imagine R.W.’s professional merits worthy his notice, he will point out to the Commander in chief on this service, in what manner his talents may be best exerted for the relief of the unfortunate, & such as they may be, they will in consequence be fully exerted.
               Robt Wellford can never forget a most respectfull regard for the President, nor can he relinquish but with memory itself his gratitude for those introductory Let[ter]s which settled him in Life, & from which has resulted a practice in surgery & Medicine which now enables him to support an amiable Wife, two lovely daughters & the <means> of edu<ca>ting Six Sons, every one of whic<h he> hopes <at> a future day, will prove them<selves> valuable members of the United States.
               Resources & consequences like these have arisen from General Washington, & Robt Wellford has only to desire the President of the United States to be assured that he shall ever entertain the most lively sense of the Obligations already conferred upon him.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 19 September 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,
                  Philada Septr 19. 1794.

               Upon full reflection, I entertain an opinion, that it is adviseable for me on public ground, considering the connexion between the immediate ostensible cause of the insurrection in the western Country & my Department, to go out upon the expedition against the insurgents. In a Government like ours, it cannot but have a good effect for the person, who is understood to be the adviser or proposer of a measure, which involves danger to his fellow Citizens, to partake in that danger: while not to do it might have a bad effect. I therefore request your permission for the purpose.
               My intention would be not to leave this till about the close of the month, so as to reach one of the columns at its ultimate point of rendezvous. In the mean time I take it for granted General Knox will arrive & the arrangements which will be made, will leave the Treasury Department in a situation to suffer no embarrassment by my absence, which if it be thought necessary, may terminate about or shortly after the meeting of Congress. With perfect respect &c.

                  A. Hamilton.


Title: To George Washington from William Rowley, 19 September 1794
From: Rowley, William
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Saville row London. 19 Septr 1794

               Permit me to present to your Excellency a copy of my works, as a small tribute of respect.  I am Sir, with best wishes your most obedient humble servant

                  Wm Rowley


Title: To George Washington from James Gamble, 20 September 1794
From: Gamble, James
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Western Teritory 20th Septr 1794

               Mr Ephraim Kimberly Obtained a resolution of Congress Last session in his favour Granting him Three hundred Acres of Land West of Ohio river being the Amount of his Military Warrent—the Said Kimberley has made a Survey Of the Same & as I am informed sends the plat forward in Order to Obtain a patant which Survey is made—much to the Injury of myself & others as I had Erected a Mill on the Lower side of Short Creek & said Kimberleys Land is on the Uper side the Mouth of sd Creek as your Honour will See by the plat the Shape of which will Shew for it Self being all Bottom & Little or no hill Land the Most South westward corner of said Survey is Where it takes in my Mill.
               Although I have no Legal Claim to the Land yet I flattered my self one Day or other to be Able to procure it from the person Who might get it but If said Kimberleys Survey is Establis<hed> As it now is run I shall not be Able to procure it I hope you Excellency will Consider my Case & restrict the sd Kimberly to Some reasonable Bounds as to his Survey I am your Humble Sert

                  James Gamble


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 21 Sept. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 21 Sept. 1794. On 28 Sept., GW wrote Pearce: "I have received your letter of the 21st instt, and the Reports of the preceeding week."


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 21 September 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

                  Dear Sir,
                  Philadelphia Sepr 21st 1794.

               Your letter of the 14th instt has been duly received.
               As it was, and is, my earnest wish to discharge my obligation

                  to Mr Lund Washington, and all other debts; it will prove inconvenient to me to apply the money which you have lodged in the Bank of Alexandria, for my use, to the purpose of paying the debt due from my brother Samuel’s estate to that of Mr Custis’; yet I cannot, whilst there are means at my command, see the estate of the former arrested from his representatives, and suffer them to be involved in difficulty—perhaps in distress & not apply them in prevention.
               The estate of my Brother Samuel being involved, and left under wretched management, has already proved a heavy tax upon me. Land which I sold twenty odd years ago to Colo. Philp Pendleton falling into his hands, and he thereby becoming paymaster to me, has (as I never intended, under the view I had of his affairs, to ask payment) sunk me more than £800—For the board—education—and other expences of his two sons I am in a further advance for it, upwards of £1000 more, besides the support of his daughter Harriot, since she was given over to me by Mrs Fendall, without receiving a single sous towards it.
               For the past I expected no return, but it will be hard (especially as I thought my advances, except for Harriot, were at an end) to launch out a thousand pounds more with as little prospect of a re-fund as for that which has gone before it. Yet, and for the reason I have mentioned, I shall not suffer the remains of the estate to be sold without lending my aid to prevent it. I must therefore leave the thousand pounds in the Bank of Alexandria which you say is appropriated for my use, to your own disposal.
               But it is my wish, and desire, that the process against that estate may not be arrested short of its coming to actual Sale, at which point I would stop it; without the least intimation of my intention previous thereto, to do so; for the following reasons—1st because George & Lawrence Washington do not appear to me to be sufficiently impressed with the incumbrances on their estate; 2d, because both of them seem to entertain too high an opinion of the value of the property they are possessed; 3d, under this mistaken idea, or from proneness to show, they are not, nor will not be restrained from endulgencies, until they either feel, or have a nearer view of the necessity, for imposing those restraints; 4th because they are not sensible, I believe, of the inconveniency to me of the advances I have made for their accomodation; and 5th, because the estate may (unknown to me) have made some

                  provision to meet this demand—at least in part; & might slacken its exertions, or divert its funds, if another source is contemplated, through which the debt is to be discharged. If all, or any of these things can be effected by concealing my intention, until the period abovementioned, it may be serviceable to all, and injurious to none.
               You will have found that Doctr Thornton’s Commission, bears equal date with your letter, of course was too late for the purpose mentioned in the latter.  With great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Affecte Servt

                  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Augustine Washington, 21 September 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William Augustine

                  My dear Sir,
                  Philadelphia Sepr 21st 1794.

               Compassion for a helpless woman and a number of small children, was the principal inducement to my retaining in service another year, the same man who has overlooked my Carpenters a number of years back—and consequently was the cause why I did not employ the person (whose name I have forgot) and his two negro Carpenters & white apprentice whom you recommended to me, last fall, as a Superintendant of this business.
               The incorrigibility of the person I now have, or lately had (for I believe he is gone) is such, as to be no longer tolerated; necessity therefore compells me to seek for another.

               This letter then is addressed to you for the purpose of enquiring if the man mentioned by you to me last fall could now be had?  Whether he would come on the terms he then proposed?  If not, whether on any other terms?  and what?  Singly, or with his workmen?  and when he would be able to repair to Mount Vernon?
               To save time, I would thank you for writing by Post to Alexandria, to Mr William Pearce, my present Manager at Mount Vernon, solving the above queries; who will, immediately upon the receipt thereof, inform you decisively whether he will employ him upon the terms he may propose—if materially changed from the former. If they are not altered, or but immaterially so, & you still retain a good opinion of the man and his hands (if he chuses to bring them) I wd in that case pray you to engage him at once, and on my behalf enter into the written agreement, or one similar thereto, which I sent you last fall.  His being married would be no objection—as there is a house three or four hundred yards from the mansion, that would accomodate him—and the people he brings very well.
               My best wishes, in which Mrs Washington unites, attend you and family and with much truth I am Yours Affectionately

                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Hamburg Burgomasters and Senate, 22 September 1794
From: Hamburg Burgomasters and Senate
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  [Hamburg, Germany, 22 Sept. 1794]

               The increase of the Trade and Navigation of our City to and with the United States of America chiefly promoted since some years by Mr John Ross of Philadelphia and your Excellency’s condescendent offer made in the Commission granted last year to Mr John Parish Our Citizen as Consul of the United States for this Port to accept of any proper person in the same quality that should be recommended, by us to your Excellency in the like manner, have moved us to appoint the said Mr John Ross Consul general of Hamburgh for the United States of America and to grant him Letters Patent thereof.
               We recommend therefore this our Consul General to your Excellency’s kind reception and at the same time us and our City to the continuance of your affectious favour wishing, the mercantile Connexions between the Illustrious Republic of America so highly esteemed by us, and our good City undoubtedly tending to mutual advantage may in course of such nomination be still more countenanced and augmented.
               We are happy in embracing this opportunity to shew to one of the first and most eminent Statesmen and Heroes of our Age the greatness of the Devotion, we bear to Him and with which, we remain unalterably Your Excellency’s most humble and most devoted

                  The Burgomasters and Senateof the free Imperial City of Hamburgh.Given under the Seal of our City the 22d Dayof September 1794.


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 22 September 1794
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

               22 Sept. 1794. Introduces "Monsr De la Rochefoucauld de Liancourt, who was President of the national assembly and a Duke and Peer of France."


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Smith, 22 September 1794
From: Smith, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,
                  Baltimore 22d Septr 94

               The Post of Marshall for the District of Maryland having become Vacant by the removal of Colonel Ramsay, I am solicited by the Friends of Mr Jacob Graybell (that Gentleman having marched against the Insurgents) to entreat your Excellency in his behalf. The Connections of Mr Graybell are very respectable & numerous—he has been employed by Coln. Ramsay as Deputy Marshall—In which Office from his residence being in Baltimore he has been under the necessity of doing nearly the whole Business & it is with Pleasure that I inform your Excely that his conduct has met with general Approbation. Permit me to add that the Office cannot be bestowed on any more Capable or more Worthy than Mr Graybell—I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most obedt Servant

                  Sam. Smith


Title: To George Washington from Lewis Nicolas, 23 September 1794
From: Nicolas, Lewis
To: Washington, George

                  Sr
                  23 Septr 1794

               Casually going into a painter’s shop yesterday I there saw some Tent Poles which I was told were for your Excels. use, I did not particularly examine them, but they appeared to me to be in the usual mode, in which the Standards in the middle have always been complained of as great inconveniences, tho without seeking any remedy, that I know of, on account of its occasioning an augmentation of weight; an evil avoided as much as possible in an army; but as that consideration has no place in the present case, I beg leave to submit the inclosed scheme to your consideration.  Do me the justice to believe me with great respect Your Excels. Most obedt Servant

                  Lewis Nicolas


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 23 September 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

                  Tuesday. [23 Sept. 1794]

               E. Randolph has the honor of informing the President, that the word, which he has observed to be omitted, was not omitted designedly, but in the hurry of copying; and would have struck E.R. upon a reperusal of the draft. It is certainly a word, which is very direct, and as probably as direct as can be with propriety, under the circumstances, to which the President has alluded. In this view, a doubt is entertained as to the insertion of the word "legal" before "bodies."
               E. Randolph has the honor of inclosing a rough sketch of the substance of the instructions.  But finding from a conversation with Mr Bradford yesterday, that he wishes the formation of them to be postponed, until Mr Ross shall come, and being himself impressed with the same idea in the progress of the paper now inclosed, E.R. takes the liberty of suggesting to the President, that it may be better to let the subject rest, until the day after to morrow.


Title: From the Commissioners Sent to Western Pennsylvania, 24 September 1794
From:
To: Washington, George

                  Philada Septr 24. 1794.

               The Commissioners, appointed to confer with the Citizens in the Western Counties of Pennsylvania, in order to induce them

                  to submit peaceably to the laws, and to prevent the necessity of using coercion to inforce their execution, respectfully report to the President of the United States:
               That, in pursuance of their instructions, they repaired to the Western Counties; and, on their arrival there, found, that the spirit of disaffection had pervaded other parts of the fourth survey of Pennsylvania, besides those counties, declared to be in a state of insurrection: that all the offices of inspection established therein had lately been violently suppressed: and that a meeting of persons, chosen by most of the townships, was assembled at Parkinson’s ferry, for the purpose of taking into consideration the situation of the Western Country. This Assembly, composed of citizens coming from every part of the fourth survey, would have furnished a favourable opportunity, for a conference and mutual explanation: but as they met in the open fields, and were exposed to the impressions of a number of rash and violent men (some of them armed) who surrounded them, an immediate communication with the whole body would have been inconvenient and hazardous. The meeting was probably of that opinion also; for soon after the appointment of Commissioners was announced to them, they resolved, that, a committee to consist of three persons from each county should be appointed to meet any commissioners, that might have been, or might be, appointed by the Government, and that they should report the result of their conference to the standing committee, which was to be composed of one person from each township. As soon as this Committee of conference were nominated, they agreed to meet at Pittsburgh on the 20th of the same month.
               The underwritten accordingly repaired to that place, and were soon after joined by the Honorable Thomas McKean and William Irvine Esquires, who had been appointed Commissioners on the part of the Executive of Pennsylvania. A full and free communication was immediately had with those Gentlemen as to the powers delegated, and the measures proper to be pursued at the expected conference.
               On the day appointed, a sub-committee of the Conferees waited on the Commissioners, and arranged with them the time, place, and manner of conference. It was agreed, that it should be had the next morning, at the house of John McMasters, in Pittsburgh, and should be private.

               On the 21st, all the Commissioners met the Conferees, at the place appointed. Of the latter there were present; John Kirkpatrick, George Smith, and John Powers, from Westmoreland County; David Bradford, James Marshall, and James Edgar from Washington County; Edward Cook, Albert Gallatin, and James Lang from Fayette County; Thomas Morton, John Lucas, H. H. Brackenridge from Alleghany county; together with William McKinley, William Sutherland and Robert Stephenson, who were inhabitants of Ohio county, in Virginia.
               The conference was begun by the underwritten, who expressed the concern they felt at the events, which had occasioned that meeting; but declared their intention to avoid any unnecessary observations upon them, since it was their business to endeavour to compose the disturbances, which prevailed, and to restore the authority of the laws, by measures wholly of a conciliatory nature.
               It was then stated, that the formal resistance, which had lately been given to the laws of the United States, violated the great principle, on which republican government is founded; that every such government must, at all hazards, enforce obedience to the general will; and that so long as they admitted themselves to be a part of the nation, it was manifestly absurd to oppose the national authority.
               The underwritten then proceeded to state the obligations, which lay on the President of the United States to cause the laws to be executed; the measures he had taken for that purpose; his desire to avoid the necessity of coercion; and the general nature of the powers he had vested in them; and finally, requested to know; whether the conferees could give any assurances of a disposition in the people to submit to the laws, or would recommend such submission to them?
               The Commissioners, on the part of the State of Pennsylvania, then addressed the Conferees, on the subject of the late disturbances, in that country; forcibly represented the mischevous consequences of such conduct; explained the nature of their mission; and declared, they were ready to promise in behalf of the Executive authority of the state a full pardon and indemnity, for all that was past, on condition of an entire submission to the laws.
               On the part of the Conferees, a narrative was given of those

                  causes of discontent and uneasiness, which very generally prevailed in the minds of the people, in the western counties, and which had discovered themselves in the late transactions. Many of these, they said, had long existed and some of them from the settlement of that country. Among other causes of discontent, they complained of the decisions of the State Courts, which discountenanced improvement titles, and gave the preference to paper titles; of the war which had so long vexed the frontiers—& of the manner in which that war had been conducted.  They complained, that they had been continually harrassed by militia duty, in being called out by the State Government, to repel incursions &c.; that the general government had been inattentive to the execution of the treaty of peace, respecting the western posts, and remiss in asserting the claim to the navigation of the Missisippi; that the acts for raising a revenue on distilled spirits were unequal and oppressive, in consequence of their local circumstances; that Congress had neglected their remonstrances and petitions; and that there was great hardship in being summoned to answer for penalties in the courts of the United States at a distance from the vicinage. They also mentioned the suspension of the settlement at Presqu’ isle; the engrossing of large quantities of land in the State by individuals; the killing of certain persons at General Neville’s house; and the sending of Soldiers from the Garrison at Pittsburgh, to defend his house—as causes of irritation among the people. To these they added the appointment of General Neville, as inspector of the survey, whose former popularity had made his acceptance of that office particularly offensive.
               They said, they were perswaded, that the persons, who were the actors in the late disturbances, had not originally intended to have gone so far, as they had gone; but were led to it from the obstinacy of those, who refused to do what was demanded of them; that the forcible opposition, which had been made to the law, was owing to the pressure of the grievance; but, if, there was any prospect of redress, no people would be more ready to show themselves good citizens.
               The Commissioners expressed their surprize at the extent of these complaints, and intimated, that if all these matters were really causes of uneasiness and dissatisfaction, in the minds of the people, it would be impossible for any government to satisfy

                  them. But as some of these complaints were of a nature more serious than others, though they could not speak officially, they stated what was generally understood as to the conduct, measures, and expectations of government, respecting the Missisippi Navigation—the treaty of peace—the suspension of the settlement at Presqu’ isle & that as to the acts of Congress which had been forcibly opposed, if it were proper they should be repealed, Congress alone could do it; but that while they were laws, they must be carried into execution; that the petitions of the Western counties had not been neglected; nor their interests overlooked; that in fact the local interests of those counties were better represented than those of any other part of the State; they having no less than three gentlemen in the house of Representatives, when it appeared by the Census, that their numbers would not entitle them to two; that the acts in question had been often under the consideration of Congress; that they had always been supported by a considerable majority, in which they would find the names of several gentlemen, considered, in those counties, as the firmest friends of their country; that although the general interests of the Union did not admit of a repeal, modifications had been made in the law, and some favourable alterations, in consequence of their representations; and, that, at the last session, the State Courts had been vested with a jurisdiction over offences against those acts, which would enable the President to remove one of their principal complaints; that the convenience of the people had been and would always be consulted by the government; and the conferees were desired to say, if there was any thing in the power of the executive, that yet remained to be done to make the execution of the acts convenient and agreeable to the people.
               One of the conferrees then enquired, whether the President could not suspend the execution of the excise acts, until the meeting of Congress; but he was interrupted by others, who declared, that they considered such a measure as impracticable. The Commissioners expressed the same opinion; and the conversation then became more particular, respecting the powers the Commissioners possessed; the propriety and necessity of the Conferees expressing their sense, upon the proposals to be made, and of their calling the standing committee together, before the 1st September. But as it was agreed, that the

                  propositions and answers should be reduced to writing, the result is contained in the documents annexed, and it appears unnecessary to detail the conference further.
               The underwritten accordingly presented to the conferees a letter, of which a copy, marked No. 1. is annexed: and the following day they received an answer from them, in which they declare; that, "they are satisfied, that the Executive had in its proposals gone as far, as could be expected; that in their opinion, it was the interest of the Country to accede to the law; and that they would endeavour to conciliate not only the Committee, to whom they were to report, but the public mind in general, to their sense of the subject."  A copy of this letter also is annexed No. 2.
               The underwritten then proceeded to state in writing what assurances of submission would be deemed full and satisfactory, and to detail more particularly the engagements they had power to make. This detail was submitted to the inspection of a sub-committee of the conferees, who candidly suggested such alterations as appeared to them necessary to render the proposals acceptable. From a desire to accommodate, most of the alterations, suggested by those gentlemen, were adopted; and though some of them were rejected, the reasons given appeared to be satisfactory, and no further objections remained. A copy of this detail is marked No. 3.
               The Conferees, on the following day, explicitly approved of the detail thus settled, engaged to recommend the proposals to the people, and added, that however it might be received, they were perswaded nothing more could be done by the Commissioners, or them, to bring the business to an accomodation. No. 4. is a copy of their letter.
               So far as this letter respects the gentlemen from Ohio county, in Virginia, a reply was made and some arrangements entered into with them, the nature and extent of which appear, by the correspondence, copies of which are annexed, Numbered 5. 6. 7. & 8.
               The hopes, excited by the favourable issue of this conference, were not realized by a correspondent conduct in the Citizens, who composed, what was called, "The standing Committee.["]  They assembled at Brownsville (Redstone-Old Fort) on the 28th Augt and broke up, on the 29th; and, on the following day, a

                  letter was received from Edward Cook, their Chairman, announcing, that difficulties had arisen, and that a new committee of conference was appointed: and, although the resolve which is annexed was passed, it did not appear, that the assurances of submission, which had been demanded, had been given. Copies of this letter and resolve are marked No. 9. & 10.
               The underwritten were informed by several of the members of that meeting, as well as other citizens who were present, at it, that the report of the Committee of Conference, and the proposals of the Commissioners were unfavourably received; that rebellion and hostile resistance against the United States were publickly recommended by some of the members; and that so excessive a spirit prevailed, that it was not thought prudent or safe to urge a compliance with the terms and preliminaries, prescribed by the underwritten, or the Commissioners from the Governor of Pennsylvania. All that could be obtained was the resolve already mentioned, the question upon it being decided by ballot; by which means each member had an opportunity of concealing his opinion and of sheltering himself from the resentment of those, from whom violence was apprehended. But notwithstanding this caution, the opinion was so far from being unanimous, that out of fifty seven votes, there were 23 nays, leaving a majority of only eleven: and the underwritten have been repeatedly assured, by different members of that meeting, that if the question had been publicly put, it would have been carried in the negative, by a considerable majority.
               With a view of counteracting the arts and influence of the violent, the underwritten, on the 27th Augt, addressed a letter to the late conferees, authorizing them to assure the friends of order, who might be disposed to exert themselves to restore the authority of the laws, that they might rely on the protection of government, and that measures would be taken to suppress and punish the violence of those individuals, who might dissent from the general sentiment. This letter (a copy of which is marked No. 11) was delivered to one of the Conferees going to Brownsville; but he afterwards informed the underwritten that the Gentlemen, to whom it was addressed, did not "think it prudent to make any use of it, as the temper, which prevailed, was such, that it would probably have done more harm than good.["]
               The conduct of the Meeting at Brownsville, notwithstanding

                  the thin veil thrown over it by the resolve already mentioned, was said to be considered by many & especially by the violent party as a rejection of the terms. It was certainly a partial rejection of those proposed by the underwritten & a total one of the preliminaries prescribed by the State Commissioners who had required assurances from the Members of that Meeting only & not from the people themselves.
               Having therefore, no longer any hopes of an universal or even general submission, it was deemed necessary by a solemn appeal to the people to ascertain as clearly as possible the determination of every individual—to encourage & oblige the friends of order to declare themselves—to recal as many of the disaffected as possible to their duty by assurances of pardon dependant on their individual conduct—& to learn with certainty what opposition government might expect if military coercion should be finally unavoidable.
               To secure these advantages, the underwritten were of opinion, that the assurances of submission required of the people ought not only to be publicly given, but ought also to be reduced to writing: & that the state of each County should be certified by those who were to superintend the meetings at which the disposition of the people was to be ascertained.
               On the first instant, nine of the gentlemen appointed by the meeting at Brownsville assembled at Pittsburgh & in the afternoon requested a Conference with the Commissioners which was agreed to.  They produced the resolves by which they were appointed & entered into some explanation of the nature of their visit: but being desired to communicate it in writing they withdrew; & soon after sent a letter addressed to the Commissioners of the United States & of the State of Pennsylvania, to which an answer was immediately written.
               Copies of these letters are annexed No. 12. & 13.
               As no part of their letter, altho’ addressed to the Commissioners from Pennsylvania, related to the preliminaries prescribed by them, they made no answer in writing: but in a conference held the next morning with those nine gentlemen they verbally declared to them their intire concurrence in the sentiments contained in the letter from the underwritten; and they expressed at some length their surprize & regret at the conduct of the meeting at Brownsville.  The conferees declared themselves satisfied

                  with the answer they had received—avowed an intire conviction of the necessity & propriety of an early submission in the manner proposed—& offered immediately to enter into the detail for settling the time, place & manner of taking the sense of the people. A copy of their letter which also expresses these sentiments is annexed. No. 14.
               It was accordingly agreed between the Commissioners on the one part & these gentlemen on the other that the people should assemble for the purpose of expressing their determination & giving the assurances required on the 11th inst: and the mode of ascertaining the public sentiments of the citizens resident in the fourth survey of Pennsylvania was clearly & definitely prescribed by the unanimous consent of all who were present at the conference.  It was evident, that circumstances might arise to prevent the real disposition of the citizens from being fully ascertained at these meetings & that even arts might be used to procure such an expression of the public mind, that while it held up an appearance of submission might be in reality a false and delusive representation of it. It was therefore necessary that persons of character from every township or District, (who might be able from their own knowledge or the comparison of all circumstances justly to appreciate the public opinion) should assemble & jointly certify their opinion whether there was such a general submission in their respective Counties or not, that the laws could be peaceably carried into Execution. For the same purpose it was agreed to be proper that the number of those who openly refused as well as of those who promised to submit in their respective townships or Districts should be reported to the Commissioners. A Copy of this agreement marked No. 15. is annexed.
               It appears that meetings were held in the several counties in pursuance of this agreement: but The underwritten with extreme regret, find themselves obliged to report, that in the returns made to them no opinions are certified that there is so general a submission in any one of the Counties, that an Office of inspection can be immediately & safely established therein: on the contrary, the report of those who superintended the meeting in Westmoreland, states their opinion to be that such a measure would not be safe.
               From Alleghany County no report whatever has been

                  received—and altho’ it is understood that a very great majority of those assembled in the Pittsburgh District actually subscribed the declarations required, yet there is no reason to believe that there was a favorable issue in any other district. Information has been received that great violence prevailed in one of them, and that in another the majority declared, their determination not to submit to the laws of the United States.
               From Washington County a general return was duly transmitted to one of the Commissioners at Union Town signed by 28 of the Superintendants of the meeting. They do not however state the number of the yeas & nays on the question for submission—they decline giving any opinion whether there is such a general submission that an Office of inspection may be established therein—but certify their opinion & belief "that a large majority of the inhabitants will acquiesce & submit to the said law, under a hope & firm belief that the Congress of the United States will repeal the law."
               The report from the Superintendants, in Westmoreland County, is equally defective, in not stating the numbers as required; but it certifies their opinion that as ill disposed lawless persons could suddenly assemble & offer violence it would not be safe immediately to establish an office of inspection in that County.
               The County of Fayette rejected the mode of ascertaining the sense of the people which had been settled between the Underwritten & the last Committee of Conference at Pittsburgh—The standing committee of that County directed those qualified by the laws of the State for Voting at Elections, to assemble in their election Districts & vote by ballot whether they would accede to the proposals made by the Commissioners of the U.S. on the 22d of August or not. the superintendants of these election districts report that 560 of the people thus convened had voted for submission & that 161. had voted against it; that no Judge or Member of their Committee had attended from the fourth district of the County to report the state of the Votes there, & that they are of opinion that a great majority of the Citizens who did not attend are disposed to behave peaceably & with due submission to the laws. But it is proper to mention that credible & certain information has been received, that in the fourth district of that County (composed of the townships of Tyrone & Bullskin)

                  of which the standing Committee have given no account Six Sevenths of those who voted, were for resistance.
               Copies of the reports stated, are annexed and numbered 16. 17. 18.
               From that part of Bedford County which is comprehended within the fourth survey of Pennsylvania, no report or returns have been sent forward, nor has any information been received that the citizens assembled there for the purpose of declaring their opinions upon questions proposed.
               The written assurances of Submission which have been received by the Commissioners are not numerous, nor were they given by all those who expressed a Willingness to obey the Laws. In Fayette County a different Plan being pursued, no written assurances were given in the manner required. In the three other Counties, which, from the Census taken under the Laws of the State, appear to contain above Eleven thousand taxable Inhabitants (in which none under the age of 21. are included) the names subscribed to the Papers received, barely exceed 2,700 and of these a very considerable part have not been subscribed in the mode agreed on; being either signed at a different Day, unattested by any person, or wilfully varied from the settled Form.
               From credible information received, it appears to the underwritten that in some Townships the majority & in one of them, the whole of the Persons assembled publicly declared themselves for Resistance: In some, altho’ the sense of the majority was not known, yet the party for Resistance was sufficiently strong, to prevent any Declarations of Submission being openly made; and in others the majority were intimidated or opposed by a violent minority: But notwithstanding these circumstances, the underwritten firmly believe that there is a considerable majority of the Inhabitants of the fourth survey, who are now disposed to submit to the Execution of the Laws: At the same time, they conceive it their Duty explicitly to declare their Opinion, that such is the state of things in that Survey, that there is no probability that the Act for raising a Revenue on distilled Spirits & Stills can at present be inforced by the usual Course of civil authority, and that some more competent Force is necessary to cause the Laws to be duly executed, & to insure to the Officers & well disposed Citizens that Protection which it is the Duty of Government to afford.

               This opinion is founded on the facts already stated; & it is confirmed by that which is entertained by many intelligent & influential persons, officers of justice & others, resident in the Western Counties, who have lately informed one of the Commissioners, that whatever assurances might be given, it was in their Judgment absolutely necessary that the Civil authority should be aided by a military force in order to secure a due execution of the Laws.

                  James Ross
                  J: Yeates
                  Wm Bradford.


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

                  24 Sept. 1794.

               The Secry of the Treasury presents his respects to The President. He finds it will be impracticable for him without injury to the public service to leave town on Monday, but he will do it the day after & overtake the President.  However he begs leave to inform the President that from the information received, there is no prospect of a pretty general assembling of the Pennsylvania & N. Jersey militia at Carlisle before the 6 or 7 of Octor, so that The President will have some time to spare & perhaps it may be useful for him to remain here as long as will comport with the object of his journey & his convenience in making it.


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 24 September 1794
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

                  My dear Sir,
                  George Town [Md.] September 24th 1794

               At a meeting of the Potomac Company yesterday, they did me the honor to elect me a director, by an unanimous vote, in

                  place of Colo. Deakins who had resigned. As I have accepted this appointment, I thought it my duty to inform you thereof, lest, if you should first hear it from any other quarter, you might think my conduct inconsistent & unjustifiable in accepting this place when I had so lately declined the honor of an appointment which you had the goodness to offer me.  But to you, my dear Sir, it is well known that to have discharged my duty with fidelity in one place would have required a pretty constant attention which my other indispensible engagements could not permit me to pay, and that occasional duties only are required in the other. And as I conceive it to be incumbent upon me to devote the little time I can spare and what talents I may possess in endeavouring to promote some of the great objects which are carrying on in this quarter, I could see none in which I could engage with less inconvenience to my private affairs than in this, and on that consideration it is that I accept the place to which the Company have been pleased to elect me, and I shall feel myself amply rewarded for any time or labour I may bestow on the business if they can be in the smallest degree useful in opening a channel through which wealth beyond calculation will flow to our ports in this quarter.
               Most of the militia that were ordered to Frederick & Hager’stown from this place have returned, and it is pleasing to learn that they found the people in that quarter much more disposed to quiet & good order than from repeated accounts we had been led to suppose them: and not having heard lately of any further outrages being committed by the people in the Western parts of Pennsylvania, we are not without hope of that business being settled without bloodshed.
               I pray, my dear Sir, that Mrs Washington may be assured of the continuance of my respect & gratitude & that you will beleive me to be, with truth & the most respectful & sincere attachment Your grateful & Affectionate friend

                  Tobias Lear.