Title: To George Washington from Thomas Law, 4 February 1797
From: Law, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Washington City Feby 4th 1797

                        I respect & esteem you too much to intrude often upon your valuable
                            time I am averse to lacerate a mind already wounded by complaint; yet I cannot forbear when
                            I consider that perhaps in the Year 1800 at Mount Vernon, when Congress cannot come to the
                            City, you may upbraid me for not candidly assigning to you the causes of the misfortune,
                            when it was in your power to do them away.
                        I have subscribed my name to one Memorial along with many respectable
                            Proprietors, & were we again to address You we should entitle our Representation as
                            England once did a similar one to Rome—Vizt "The Groans of the City."
                        Mr Walker with whom I am not accustomed to correspond has informed me of his
                            Complaint, & as you have promised a thorough investigation, I shall wait for a
                            reference.
                        Mr Scot now often visits this end of the City in a certain direction; as Mr
                            Nicholson cannot go out, but it is curious that out of only three City Gentlemen who dined
                            with me yesterday; two of them who have long resided here never saw Mr Scot & the
                            third Mr Barry Junr only saw him last Week at the Office where he went twice &
                            verified his predictions that the Commtte would not do his simple business.

                        If facts are wanted 1st, I aver that Mr Scot before
                            me in a large Company avowed his partiality to the George Town end & gloried in his
                            refusal to come in to the City & he proves his preference by recent mortgages
                            & purchases.
                        2 I aver that When Mr Young Carroll myself & other Proprietors near the seat
                            of Congress waited upon Mr Scot to approve a Petition to the Legislature of Maryland for a
                            Bridge over the Eastern branch, he amused us by shewing the
                            Presidents House on the Map & by pointing out where the Offices should be &
                            by anticipating the future splendor of that part of the City by the residence of Ambassadors
                            & by the Assemblage of Americans who were great
                            Courtiers.
                        Many spirited Patriots who were doomed to destruction under Robespierre
                            diverted their grief & indignation by poetry, & pray accept this apology for
                            the following song written to day in the moments of despair about my property.

                            Rhymes to a Friend in England

                            "The atlantic I cross’d for America’s shore
                            And now will endeavor to pen you a ditty
                            To describe many things you ne’er heard of before
                            And to tell how they raise a Republican City.

                            You’d suppose that at first they made streets for the many
                            And next that the Congress’s House were begun
                            Ah no! for the public they care not a penny
                            And only attend to the flattering of One.

                            As the Presidents salary is very low
                            And as too he lives without splendor or State
                            His House is of stone finely sculptured for show
                            Scarce a Palace in Europe have I seen so great.

                            The Commissioners dwell in a Town rather small
                            For its distance, & not for their
                                interest or gain
                            Thus they mean to evince they’ve no bias at all
                            And faith to all parts of the City its plain.

                            Those who gave to the public the half of their land
                            Who meant to improve they affront and despise,
                            Their great Independance we hence understand
                            Thus the City of Freedom depends on the
                                    Skies."

                            If after poetry which generally deals in fiction I might speak the language
                                of reason in prose, I should say, that the two public Buildings are too distant. "Divide et impera" was a maxim of Despots & when well
                                applied will prevent every thing from rising—Either force should be bent now to the
                                Center or one end of the City should be made to preponderate—Mr Stoddert says, that
                                even George Town & every proprietor of Land in & out of the City would
                                benefit by doing away indecision—Concordia parva crescunt, discordia maxima
                                delabuntur—Let reason determine which shall have the preference; six Years have passed
                                away in uncertainty, all are watching the trepidations of the Ballance. My preference
                                has been shewn when I had the choice of all the City & I daily see the
                                advantages—The Ice closed George Harbour a fortnight before that of the Eastern branch,
                                & Vessels are now waiting here for near a Week till the frost bound George Town
                                harbour shall open—If such a Decr & Jany should happen in 1800 what will be
                                the sentiments of the inhabitants be who were importing materials furniture &
                                goods for the Houses of Congress near the Presidents House where only a few days ago a
                                Gentn of respectability from George Town said Congress would meet. I know it is
                                impossible almost to impress the idea that I am impartial & disinterested, I
                                will however aver sincerely that I had rather throw the dice which public Edifice should
                                be the Seat of Congress rather than let doubt & dismay spread thro’ the City
                                & contaminate the minds of all around—with apologies for this hasty Lre written
                                at an important Crisis—I remain With unfeigned esteem Most sincerely &
                                respectfully

                            Thomas Law

                            I submit some suggestions not from presumption of superior knowledge but
                                because more momentary avocations preclude you from weighing pro’s & con’s.

                            The great object of the President is to have private Houses ready for
                                Congress & Offices for the various departments—If Congress is intended to meet
                                at the Capitol all future public buildings should be within a
                                convenient distance of the Capitol.
                            1st Because they may for a time accomodate some Members of Congress also.
                            2nd Because the workmen employed will put up small Houses adjoining for
                                their own residence.
                            3rd Because these Buildings will promote others.
                            4th Because Commerce will be encouraged by the landing of materials within
                                a convt distance from the Capitol & Houses will spring up there also.
                            Let us examine whether all these advantages are not lost by fixing the
                                Offices on the Presidents Square.
                            1st The workmen employed will be all from George Town which is three miles
                                from the Seat of Congress.
                            2nd All the Materials will be landed at too great a distance from the
                                Capitol to aid the City in the least.
                            It may be urged that the public Offices ought to be close to the President
                                & so they may be hereafter—but the important pressing object now is to ensure the coming of Congress—The Hotel might be purchased for 25000 if not
                                20000 Ds. & Blodget is bound & has given Security to finish it.
                            Mr Carroll will build another Hotel at the Capitol.

                            The Commissioners & Proprietors have the same Interest & if
                                    impartial Commissioners were to call them together
                                & would reside among them, there would soon be displayed a different appearence
                                & Houses would be in abundance for Congress & Lots would sell high
                                & afford funds for public Buildings.


Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 5 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Anderson, James

                            Mr Anderson,
                            Philadelphia 5th Feb. 1797.

                        Your letter of the 1st instant, with the weekly reports, are received.
                        If all that part of the new road from the Causay to the White gates is
                            completed and fit for use, it has gone on better than I expected; and makes me wish more,
                            that the other part was done; that the whole might be fit for use
                            against my return; but I do not desire it to be attempted to the injury of more important
                            work.
                        When Davy is about the fencing at Muddy hole, let that part in which the gate
                            is (going into the farm) be continued in a straight line, as it now runs, until it strikes
                            the New road; and then in a parallel line therewith, until it joins the fence again on the
                            hill, before it reaches the Causay; after which, to run as it now does towards No. 6,
                            whenever that part of it shall be repaired.

                        The method you propose, to get the Peas from Mr Landon Carter, is much better
                            than sending all the distance by land, in the state the roads now are, & will be until
                            they are well settled after frosts are entirely over. But notwithstanding these Peas are
                            promised by that gentleman, I would not have you be too sanguine of the receipt of them,
                            unless you should receive from him positive assurance thereof—the quantity—and when, and how they are to obtained. Of course, it may not be amiss to
                            devise, in time, what is to be done in case of failure.
                        I consent to your cultivating in Corn, the field at Dogue run which is
                            mentioned in your letter; and leave the whole arrangement of the crops at Union farm to
                            your own judgment; but you have not attended to the quantity in that part of No. 4 which
                            lyes between the Meadow, Mill road lane going into the Barn therefrom, if you suppose it
                            contains 80 acres—it will not amount to more than 60 at most.
                        In clearing that piece of Mill Swamp adjoining the Road (and I am glad you have
                            undertaken it) do not thin it too much of single trees—thereby stripping it of both shade
                            & ornament. I am perfectly satisfied of the great quantity of ground I have, capable of
                            being converted into good meadow and have wished always to do it—but these wishes (and
                            being so much from home) have outrun the means of accomplishment.
                        Grain harrowed in, certainly looks better in Autumn, than that which is plowed,
                            but in land which is apt to heave (or spew as it is called) the mouldering of the ridges when
                            ploughed, gives, as is supposed, fresh earth and nourishment to the roots and therefore is
                            prefered by many farmers—experience only, in such soils, can alone decide the question.
                        I shall be able to ascertain upon good conjectural grounds what may be expected
                            for flour & will let you know when, and at what price to sell—In the meantime keep me
                            advised of the prices of that article in Alexandria.

                        As Spades, Shovels, Scythes, Nails, Nail rods—Iron plates for the mould boards
                            of Ploughs—Bar iron, & most other things can be had upon better terms here than in
                            Alexandria—& as I must engage a vessel to carry my furniture round—let me know the
                            quantity, & sorts of each of these articles that will be wanted—and any others—and I
                            will endeavour to provide them. Do you not want Riddles for gleaning grain &ca? how
                            many and of what degrees of finess?
                        Send me the sizes of the four rooms on the lower floor (at Mount Vernon) which
                            open into the passage.
                        Have you Buck wheat for Seed? although my attempts, hitherto, to raise it as a
                            crop, and for a green dressing have never answered my expectations, yet I am very willing it
                            should undergo further trials.
                        I think of nothing more, at present, necessary to add—but wishing you well in
                            all your plans I remain Your friend

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll, 6 February 1797
From: Carroll, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Washington Feby 6th 1797

                        I take the liberty to address you a few lines, which I hope will not intrude much
                            on your time, and when I assure you I am actuated from the best of principles, I flatter
                            myself my intention will be received in a proper manner—I am informed, & I believe
                            the fact is so, that the Commissioners are about to erect two large offices contg forty
                            rooms each, near the Presidents house, this being the case can any one in this place suppose
                            the funds which are known will be sufficient to compleat the two public Buildings, &
                            the offices, or is it not known sufficient to the satisfaction of every one, that the funds
                            now likely to be procured, will be barely sufficient to finish what is already begun,
                            & to do this I am fearfull will require more oeconomy & management, than has
                            been displayed heretofore—The idea of those offices has thrown a damp on the spirit of all,
                            & I believe will be the cause of preventing numbers going on with improvements, as
                            they must be satisfied if they are prosecuted, which will require a large sum taken from the
                            Capitol & Presidents house, the whole will remain unfinished by the year 1800—With
                            respect to myself, I must candidly own, & I hope I shall be believed, that were the
                            offices to be put around the Capitol, where my Interest lies, I woud be among the first, to
                            oppose it & think it an improper step, while the funds for compleating the Capitol,
                            & Presidents house remain as they are—I had intended to erect a handsome tavern
                            adjoining the Capitol, but this step will prevent my laying out one shilling, I have three
                            brick houses by the Capitol, but so little has been the attention paid to that building,
                            & so much seems to be the wish intirely to defeat it, that they remain generally
                            dead on my hands—With the highest esteem & wishes for your happyness I remain Sir
                            Your Mo. Obt Sert

                            Danl Carroll of Dudn


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 6 February 1797
From: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Washington 6th February 1797

                        Your Letter of the 29th Ulto did not reach the City till late on friday
                            evening, of course, it could not receive an earlier attention—We hope with you that the
                            Spring will be early, and exertions shall not be wanting, on our part, to forward the public
                            buildings—Our own Ideas with respect to the mode of carrying them on, we expressed loosely,
                            in our Letter of 31st Ulto. When we say, "we think it adviseable to lay the foundations of
                            them (the executive buildings) this Season; and when the President’s house is so far
                            advanced as to be covered in and placed in a State of Safety, to push forward the other
                            buildings, as they will be wanted—before the removal of Congress." We had no intention, in
                            the mean time, to slacken our exertions in forwarding the Capitol, and meant to include it
                            under the general expression, the other buildings—The Capitol,
                            this year, as it has been the two preceding Years, would have been the primary object of our
                            attention; but as we know it to be the wish of Some, that all other operations should cease,
                            ’till the capitol is finished, and as your Letter manifests a great solicitude for the
                            completion of that building, we think it important to know whether you entertain the Same
                            Sentiment, as we are about procuring the materials necessary to cover in the President’s
                            house—during the ensuing Summer Our opinion is, that preparing the
                            Capitol for the reception of Congress, and the executive buildings for the reception of the
                            respective Departments, are equally necessary; and if a distinction in point of time, must
                            be made that the executive buildings ought to have the preference of Some Months, because
                            the papers must be on the spot before the removal of Congress, and they cannot be removed in
                            a day; if, indeed, there were a certainty that the private buildings, which, by contract,
                            ought to be erected, temporary accommodations might be procured for the executive Offices—The
                            President’s house is not so necessary—There are houses already built, in which a President
                            may live for a time, but we thought it ought to be covered in, the work upon it might then
                            cease, and Hoban, (who, we presume, it is not intended to discharge) might superintend the
                            executive buildings—We think it our duty thus to state our opinion, and having done so, will
                            chearfully pursue any other mode of proceeding which the executive may direct. We are,
                            &c.,

                            G. Scott
                            W. Thornton
                            A. White


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 6 February 1797
From: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Washington 6th Febry 1797

                        In the course of business, a circumstance has occurred, which appears to us of
                            sufficient importance to justify a reference to the executive. Messrs Morris &
                            Nicholson having made payments to an amount sufficient to entitle them to a conveyance of
                            the property sold by them to Mr Law, requested the Commissrs to convey the same to him. Upon
                            a view of the Several Instruments of writing executed by our predecessors, & Morris,
                            Greenleaf and Nicholson; we were of opinion, that Mr Law was not entitled to a Deed, but on
                            condition of building One house for every three Lots, agreeably to a Stipulation in the
                            Contract of the Commissioners with Morris & Greenleaf (Enclosure A) and to a similar
                            stipulation in the agreements of Mr Law with Morris, Greenleaf & Nicholson (B)—Mr Law would not accept of such a Deed, and has obtained
                            opinions of Counsel to justify his refusal. Could we have conceded to those opinions, we
                            certainly should not add to that pressure of business which you are obliged to sustain; but
                            after viewing the Subject in every point of light, and giving it the most mature
                            consideration, we cannot think otherwise than that we have a right to insist on making the
                            erection of those buildings a condition in the Deed; in fact, we see no other means left, to
                            Secure that desireable event—We transmit to you all the writings in the case, and expect,
                            that with the advice of counsel, you will determine, as well the legality of our opinion, as
                            the expediency or inexpediency of carrying it strictly, into effect, should it be thought
                            well founded in point of Law.

                        By an article of agreement, dated 24th Decr 1793, Robt Morris and James
                            Greenleaf purchased of the Commissioners Six thousand Lots in the City of Washington, for
                            which, they agreed to pay £30 Maryland currency, per Lot; at seven equal annual payments,
                            without Interest; the first payment to be made on the first day of May next ensuing the date
                            of the Said article; and to build and erect Yearly on some part of the said Lots, twenty brick houses, of the dimensions in the Said article described, and
                            that neither the Said Robert Morris and James Greenleaf or their heirs, would sell or contract for the Sale of any of the said Lots, before the first
                            day of January 1796, but upon the express condition, that one such house as above described
                            should be built, and erected on every third Lot, at the least, within four years after such
                            Sale or contract for Sale—Among various other clauses and provisions, in the Said article
                            contained, it is declared, that the Covenants and agreements on
                            the part of the Said Robert Morris and James Greenleaf, and the true and full performance of
                            them, are the terms and conditions of the sale of the Said 6000 Lots—Upon the 24th April
                            1794, the Commissrs executed the agreement C, and 4th May thereafter, Morris, Greenleaf and
                            Nicholson executed the Bond D—Had the original agreement remained without alteration; it is
                            evident that Morris & Greenleaf could not have obtained a title to any one of the
                            Six thousand Lots, till the price of the whole should be paid, One hundred and forty houses
                            built, and obligations taken for the erection of one house for every three Lots, which they
                            might Sell previous to 1796—Equally clear we take it to be, that a purchaser under them,
                            previous to 1796, could never be entitled to an unconditional conveyance, without first
                            building, agreeably to Morris & Greenleaf’s Contract, unless some particular
                            circumstance should relieve such purchaser from the obligation to build; if he has given an
                            obligation to build, it became an express Contract on his part, though nominally with Morris
                            & Greenleaf, yet, in effect, for the use of the public, he consequently could not
                            demand a compliance on the part of the public, while he failed to fulfil his own part: if,
                            on the other hand, Morris & Greenleaf sold, without taking an obligation to build,
                                the covenants and agreements on their part, would be broken;
                            they would not, themselves be entitled to a conveyance, and of course, could not confer that
                            right on another—We have then to consider, how far the case is altered by the agreement of
                            April and the Bond of May 1794, above alluded to: We conceive this transaction amounts to
                            no more than this; that instead of vesting the Titles of the whole number of Lots Sold, on the
                            full completion of the agreement on the part of Morris & Greenleaf, by the payment
                            of the whole money the erection of 140 houses, and the stipulating with purchasers for the
                            erection of one house for every three Lots, purchased, or contracted for prior to January
                            1796, partial conveyances should be made, in consequence of partial payments, and that the
                            Bond of Morris, Greenleaf and Nicholson should be considered as a payment for One thousand
                            Lots, and accepted, as a security for the erection of One hundred and forty houses, in lieu
                            of their actual erection; but it provided no security for the erection of houses, by
                            purchasers, except that of inserting it as a condition in the Deed. The responsibility of
                            Morris, Greenleaf & Nicholson is indeed mentioned, as an alternative, and it is
                            contended by Mr Law, that the option lies with them—It appears to us a very extraordinary
                            construction; that in a case of such magnitude, men should be the judges of their own
                            responsibility; indeed the impropriety of such construction cannot be more clearly exposed,
                            than by considering the circumstances which occur in the present case, the situation in
                            which those gentlemen were, at the time of the Contract, and that in which they now are.
                            But, to do away all doubt, if doubts could arise, Morris, Greenleaf & Nicholson
                            never rendered themselves responsible for the buidings to be erected by purchasers: their
                            Bond relates, only, to the 140 houses to be erected under their own Contract; why their
                            responsibility, with respect to buildings by purchasers is mentioned, we know not, the
                            inaccuracy of the writing best accounts for it—We are now called upon to grant an
                            unconditional Deed, in a case, where we have above shown, a purchaser could not be entitled
                            to it under the original Contract; and without the security contemplated by the second
                            Contract—It was not the President’s intention (enclosure E) that the hold, which retaining the legal title to the property afforded, should be
                            abandoned, without unquestionable security for the completion of the Contract, neither is it
                            to be presumed that the Commissioners acted on different principles—Shall, then, the right
                            of the public, to enforce the execution of the building contracts of purchasers (a principal
                            consideration in the Sale to Morris & Greenleaf) to be done away by a forced
                            construction? It is also contended, that Morris & Greenleaf, being permitted to
                            dispose of any of their Lots, at their will, gives a right to dispose of them, in what
                            manner they please; of course, to transfer them, in fee-Simple, free from all conditions—If
                            that is a just construction, what need was there of further provisions in the agreement?
                            this was all that could be granted, all they could ask; but we understand this clause
                            differently, we consider it merely as a general declaration, that their right to sell should
                            extend to all their City Lots, without restriction—But the terms on which the Commissioners
                            are to convey to purchasers, are explained in the subsequent part of that agreement.

                        Mr Law states, that he has Morris, Greenleaf & Nicholson’s Bond for
                            making to him an indefeasible estate, in fee-Simple, in the property purchased of them and
                            thence infers, that he is not bound to accept a title on any other terms—It does not belong
                            to us to pass opinions with respect to the transactions of those gentlemen, so far as they
                            only are concerned, but we consider it as a very clear point, that Morris &
                            Greenleaf having sold or contracted for the Sale of Lots, prior to January 1796, on the
                            express condition: that the purchaser should erect the buildings required by their contract
                            with the Commissioners, of December 1793, although they may have inserted in their contract
                            with the purchaser, covenants with which they cannot comply, and thereby Subjected themselves
                            to damages; at his instance, yet, the right of the public to the erection of the buildings,
                            remains umimpaired—Mr Law alledges, that the four Years within which he is to erect the
                            Stipulated buildings, ought to be computed from the time he may receive an unconditional
                            fee-Simple estate, in the property—and not from the date of his Contract—On this point, it
                            is observable, that by the Bond of Morris, Greenleaf & Nicholson to Mr Law, the
                            conveyance was to be made within ninety days from the date, vizt 3rd Decr 1794, and that Mr
                            Law, after the expiration, of ninety days—vizt 10th March 1795, agreed to take a Mortgage
                            (which he yet holds) for securing the Title to him, at some future period; that title he may
                            have whenever those buildings are erected: what ground, then, does this transaction afford
                            for procrastination? We are sensible that a strict adherence to the agreement of April 1794
                            with respect to buildings, would be attended with inconveniencies Similar to those early
                            foreseen with respect to the original Contract, with Morris & Greenleaf, the whole
                            property depending on the erection of the whole number of buildings; We therefore intimated
                            to Mr Law, that we would agree to convey three Lots for every house which he should erect;
                            we also consented to compute the four Years, in which, the buildings were to be erected,
                            from the present time. Indeed, we would chearfully agree to any
                            arangements for the ease and accommodation of Mr Law, consistent with that security for the
                            accomplishment of the main object, which the present State of things affords—those above
                            stated, alone, have occurred to us, Mr Law does not approve of them, neither has he proposed
                            any other—We consider private buildings of equal importance with the public; we therefore
                            cannot consent to a measure, which, we conceive, will do away every obligation on purchasers
                            to erect them—The papers enclosed, contain all the evidence in the case, and we submit the
                            result to your determination. We are, Sir &c.

                            G. Scott
                            W. Thornton
                            A. White


Title: To George Washington from James Anderson, 6 February 1797
From: Anderson, James
To: Washington, George

                        A Meteorological Account of the Weather kept at Mount Vernon

                                6-11 February 1797

                        Feby 17975in the Morning40 S.W. clear42 SW clear40 S cloudy6th47 S cloudy46 S strong wind45 S cloudy7th45 N.W. clear & Blowing47 N.W. BL: strong &         clear44 N.W clear            Wind down 8th40 W. clear43 S. clear40 S.E. clear9th40 S.W. clear42 SW clear40 S. clear10th50 W. rain46 N.W. Rain & Snow44 N.W.rain         & Snow & Blowing
11th40 N.W. clear & Blowing38 NW clear40 N.W.
                                           clear
                         Feb. 11 1797
                        Dr. Mansion House for the work of 8 hands Amounting ⅌ Week to 48Cr. ByWaggon hauling Timber to the Distillery,  for Trough race1" Do hauling Timber to Carpenters Shop3
" Do hauling hay 1 dayStoped by Rain 1 day2" Carting Manure to Garden 2 daysdo to Clover Lott 24" Carting hay to Mansion 1Stoped by Rain 1 day2" Single Cart hauling Wood 4 daysStoped  by Rain 1 day5"do Hauling do & from the Mill1" Grubing & burning brush in the field by White Gate10" Mauling of Wood 3 dayscuting of Coal wood  2 days5"Postillion Joe Trimming Trees4SickPost. Joe 2Gunner 6 daysStoped by Rain  3 days1148Dr. Ditchers for the Work of 4 hands Amounting to ⅌ Week to 24
                                daysCr. By filing up Mandard for conveying the water in Troughs into the Distillery2" Cuting of Coal wood 4Mortoring of Posts 6 days 10" Cuting Timber for Flatt rails 4 daysHanging up the Meat 48"Stoped by Rain 424
                        Stock 1 stud Horse 3 do Jacks 3 do Young Jacks, 10 Jeanets 7
                            horses, 9 Working Mules & 16 Mules unbroke, 15 Cows, and 8 fattening Weathers.

                        Dr. Dogue run for the Work of 16 Hands Amt. pr Week96 daysCr. ByPloughing 18 daysfencing 25 days43" Morticing Posts & mauling Rails12"Carting Rails, Wood, & Litter of Straw into Farm Yard 5"Hewing of Flatt rails 3& Grubing 6 days9"Shelling Corn, cleaning Stables & Cow houses When it rained12"two Negroes geting their Shoes Mended2SickSall twine 6,Sillar 4,And Grace 3 days1396

                        Stock 4 Horses, 8 Mules, 1 Horse Colt—69 Horned Cattle & one Calf And
                            138 Sheep decreaded 1 horse died by Age.Corn Sent to Mill 12 Bushelsdo fed to Stock 7 1/2
                            do

                        Dr. MillWheatCornContra CrFlourIn MealHempBranBP.B.P. lb.B.P.B.P.B.P.Feby 11 1797To Mudy Hole6210—ByMudy hole82"Dogue run—12—"Dogue run12—"Union Farm104—20—"Union Farm152"River Farm50—26—"River Farm13222"Toll this Week10—"Mansion house3921—8—"James Anderson      fine561—12"1 Boy & 2 Girls un J. A.3"Mansion house Dogs—2"John Neale12"Johah Eheln     Midlngs25"John Allison     fine50"Joseph Cash1—"Patrick Callahan fine25"John Violet fine10"And Midlings15" Cooper Miller & 2 Boys11Corn fed to Hogs3—160278—Packed 22 Super 6 fine & 1 Midfine Mid.9811213540
                        Dr. Cooper, & one by for the Work of 2 hands Amt. ⅌ Week12Cr. Bymaking some Pails, & finishing a a warm Tub for Distillery6"hooping of a Rum Barrel, & dressing flour  Barll halves  612Dr. Miller Ben for One Weeks Work6Cr. By Working in the Mill6Dr Union Farm for the Work of 23 hands Amounting ⅌ Week to138Cr. Byploughing in Corn field24“puting up fences 27 daysGrubing in Mill Swamp 3057“preparing borders to Sow Cedar Berries4“puting up Post & Rail fence at the Distillery for a Hog farm4“Putting up the Gallies at Mill Swamp with Brock10Cuting trees in the Mill Swamp5“Hauling Corn Stalks into the Cow Yard5“Threshing of Corn, & cleaning the Stables23“cleaning of Wheat 4 days& carrying do to Mill 2 days6138Stock 16 Horses & 6 mules 68 Horned Cattle 13 Year Olds & 2 Calves And 119 Sheep Duncan, Died 1 small Year Old, & one Old EweCorn sent to Mill 20 Bushfed to Stock 5Wheat sent to Mill 104 BushellsDr River Farm for the Work of 27 hands Amtg ⅌ Week162 daysCr byploughing35“Hauling wheat & Corn to Mill3“Loading Carts, & Hauling of Straw6“Hauling wood & Rails 4 days,fencing 31 days35“Repairing of Old Post & Rail fences30“Attending to Stock12“Stoped by Rain26SickAgnes in Child bed, 6 days,Bridgey 6,& Easter 3 days15162Stock 11 Horses 1 Colt & 11 Mules, 84 Cattle 5 Calves 203 Sheep & 54 Lambs Increase 19 LambsCorn Sent to Mill26 Bushels,fed to Horses, Hogs, Oxen & poor Cattle & Sheepin All 27Sent to Mansion3083Wheat Sent to Mill 50 Bush @ 58 lb. ⅌ Bar.Dr Mudy hole for the work of 14 hands Amounting ⅌ week to84 daysCr ByHauling Rails 4 days& at Mill 1 day5“cuting & Mauling 3 days& cuting Coal Wood 2 days5“Ploughing, lott by the Barn at Ice house, & by the White Gate20“fencing35“Shelling of Corn, & cleaning, & hauling of wheat13SickNancy684Stock 7 Horses, 4 Mules, 37 H. Cattle 2 Calves 49 Sheep & 8 Lambs, Increase 3 LambsCorn Sent to Mill9 Bushels“ fed to Stock3 doWheat Sent to Mill 6 1/2 Bush. 50 lb. ⅌ Ba.Oats sent to Mansion 6 Ba: & fed to Horses 4 Ba
                        Dr. Carpenters for the Work of 7 Men Amounting to 42 daysCr. Byfixing various things in the Distillery Including slope Troughs, &ca27"making a ladder for Meal house1"Working in the Shop in the time of Rain2"Isaac & Joe Making Ploughs & Carts
                            &c6SickSambo with pains in shoulders & hips 6John Neale Attending & Assisting in the above 6 days42
                        Dr. Brick layers for the Work of 2 hands Amot. pr Week 12Cr. ByTom Davis mending Seines6"Muelles diging Brick Clay5"Stoped by Rain 112
                        Dr. Spinners Sewers & Knitters for the Work of 15 Women ⅌ Week90 daysCr. ByMatilda Spinning 6 lb. Tow
                            Yarn6"Betty Davis do    5 lb. do do6"Alsey do          5 lb. do do6"Annie do          5 lb. do do6"Delia do          5 lb. do do6"Judith do          4 lb. Stocking Yarn6"Kitty do          4 lb. Shoe thread6"Caroline Sewing 6 shirts 4 days& cuting shirts 1 day5"Dalsey sewing 3 shirts3"Lucy Knitting one pr stockings6"Delphia Spinning 2 pr Tow Yarn6SickCharlotte 6 daysDoll 6,Sall 6,Alsey 6,Dalsey 3, & Caroline 128Lame Peter Knitting 1 pr Stocking 3 days & sick 3 days 690

                        Dr. Gardners for the Work of 3 Men Amount. pr Week18
                            daysCr. By trimming & tying trees5Diging in the Garden10Stoped by Rain 318

                        StudsJacksHorsesMulesJeanetsTotalH. CattleCalvesTotalSheepLambsTotMansion167251049151588Union1662271273119119River Farm1211238458920354257Dogue run581369170138138Mudy hole74113723949857164754101182761028651762579Flour in the Mill—44 Super 6 fine 1 Midling


Title: To George Washington from Rufus King, 6 February 1797
From: King, Rufus
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            London feb. 6. 1797

                        I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 22d of december. Count
                            Rumford being in Bavaria. I have requested the minister of that Country at this court, to
                            forward your Letter to the count with his next dispatch—I have delivered to Mr Fulton the
                            letter for him, and as soon as Sir John Sinclair returns to Town I will also deliver the
                            Letter addressed to him—I have before sent two copies of the Gazette containing the
                            Publication of the Chancery order that you enclosed to me for that purpose, by this
                            opportunity I transmit a third—our affairs here relative to the Execution of the Treaty are
                            in a good train; some delays and Difficulties have existed, but they exist no longer, and
                            the Commissioners are going on in a satisfactory manner—In the conferences that I have had
                            with this Government upon these and other Topics, I have found them candid and impartial in
                            as great a degree as I had expected—Several important points not settled by the Treaty still
                            remain open; and both time and patience are requisite even now to form a safe Opinion how
                            far we shall in the End be able to agree—I think I am not deceived in supposing that a
                            sincere and general desire exists in this Country to live in harmony and friendship with us;
                            this disposition is however filtered and enfeebled by Prejudices and Opinions connected with
                            the national commerce and marine, which make the government slow and cautious in every Step
                            which has a reference to these important concerns.
                        Some uneasiness has been manifest here for some few weeks past concerning the
                            situation of the British Territories in the E. Indies—It is not very easy to obtain good
                            information upon this Subject, but there is reason to believe that much disaffection exists
                            among the native troops in the Companys Service—the Establishment is understood to be 20000
                            Europeans, and 60000 native or Black Troops; whatever the origin of these discontents may
                            have been, and they are supposed to be of several years standing, they have lately risen to
                            such a pitch that the local Government of India has been compelled first to temporise, and
                            then, as is commonly the consequence, to submit to measures they were unable to prevent—Lord
                            Cornwallis is suddenly to be sent to Bengal, and with such extensive powers as it is hoped
                            will enable him to restore tranquillity—what may be his Success my want of accurate
                            information forbids me to conjecture.
                        From the continent as a Balance to the Glory acquired by the arch Duke, we have
                            just received the accounts of the astonishing victories lately gained by Buonaparte in
                            Lombardy—the immediate consequences must be the fall of Mantua and the easy subjugation of
                            the South of Italy.

                        Whether these victories or any recent information from america have had any
                            influence with the Directory rispecting the Situation of General Pinckney remains to be
                            ascertained, but I have this morning been informed by Letters from Paris that on the 28th
                            ulto the General was ordered by the Directory to leave Paris, and that he intended to depart
                            on the 31st for Amsterdam—with perfect Respect I have the Honor to be Sir yr ob. &
                            faithful Ser.

                            Rufus King


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Willing Powel, 6 February 1797
From: Powel, Elizabeth Willing
To: Washington, George

                            My dear Sir
                             6th February 1797

                        I now beg leave to inform you that I will give One Thousand Dollars for your
                            Horses on the Delivery of them, provided I understood you clearly on Saturday Evening—that
                            they are only Ten & Eleven Years old—that they are perfectly
                            sound—well broke, and gentle—will drive with a Postillion or in Hand as may be most
                            convenient; for tho they are not for my own Use, yet it is most probable that I shall
                            sometimes ride with them, as they are for my Nephew Mr T. Francis. You well know I do not
                            wish to commit you; and if Mr Adams will pay the Value of them I will most readily yield all
                            Claim to a preference on such a Subject. With Truth & Affection I am Dear Sir Your
                            unalterable Friend

                            Eliza. Powel


Title: From George Washington to Matthias Slough, 6 February 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Slough, Matthias

                            Dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 6th Feb. 1797

                        The 3d of March which is fast approaching, will put an end to my political
                            career; and I shall have another to commence through mud & mire, to reach more
                            tranquil scenes at Mount Vernon. This I shall do without delay, or attempt it at least, be
                            the roads in what condition they may, at that time.
                        To enable me to accomplish this journey, with such baggage as I do not incline
                            to risk by water, I shall want a pair of strong horses that are true & steady to the
                            draught for a Waggon, lighter than a Coachee, to carry some trunks (not heavy) at the rate
                            we shall travel, which must be slow.
                        Would you oblige me so far as to make this purchase, and to have the horses in
                            this City by the first day of March? I should prefer Mares, and wish them to match in (any)
                            colour—They ought not to exceed Six, or at any rate seven years old next spring—nor ought
                            they to be under fifteen hands high. As they will be put to the Plough, or waggon, after I
                            get them home, I should prefer cheapness to appearance & the
                            reason why I mention Mares instead of Geldings, is, that Mules may be bred from them
                            afterwards—but I must take either.

                        Be so good as to let me know, without delay, whether I can, or cannot, place
                            certain dependence on you for the purchase, & having them here by the time before
                            mentioned. The money shall be paid on delivery; or if required, shall be sent to you before,
                            for the purpose of instant payment.
                        I will offer no apology for giving you this trouble, because I persuade myself
                            you are disposed to serve me in it. with esteem I am Dear Sir Your obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. Let me request the favor of
                                you to have the steadiness of the horses to the draught proved, before they are sent
                                here; for to be plagued with them on the road would be dreadful.


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Broom, 7 February 1797
From: Broom, Jacob
To: Washington, George

                            Sir!
                            Wilmington Feb. 7th 1797

                        I find, upon examining the Laws of the United States, that a Collector of the
                            Customs, cannot be concerned in Commerce; under this impression, I beg leave to relinquish
                            my application for that Office; it not being convenient for me to
                            abandon my Commercial pursuits at this time. As I was not concerned in any trade in the
                            District of Delaware, I did not apprehend, at the time I had the honor of addressing your
                            Excellency on the 4th currt, that I was incapacitated, by being concerned in any other part
                            of the United States. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect and esteem, Your
                            Excellency’s most Obedt & most Hble Servt

                            Jaco: Broom


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 7 February 1797
From: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

                            sir.
                            7th feby 1797.

                        We have just received a Letter from Mr Law, of which a Copy is inclosed at his
                            Request, as you will observe. & We think it unnecessary to trouble you with any
                            Remarks. We are with sentiments of the greatest Respect sir Yr obt servts

                            Gusts Scott
                            William Thornton
                            Alex. White

                     Enclosure
                        Thomas Law to the Commissioners of the District of Columbia (Copy)Gentlemen,Washington, 6th Feby 1797
                            I am obliged by the perusal of the Letter from the President—His mind, being
                                ever intent upon the public good, and his disposition always ready to adopt its
                                suggestions, of course, he expected the same from others—At first, he slightly suggested
                                the propriety of Mr Scotts residing in the City, next, he was delicately urgent, but, at
                                length, when mildness had almost degenerated into culpability, he uses the language of
                                exhausted forbearance.
                            As it has been doubted whether there are habitations near the Capitol, for
                                the Commissioners, their Offices and Officers, with their families, permit me to explain
                                to you, how the whole may be accommodated.
                            1st Mr Ralph’s house, which lately belonged to the public, would, very well
                                suit one Commissr.
                            2—The house now occupied by Mr Hadfield, would accommodate another.
                            3—Mr Thornton is already provided, and if either of the two houses
                                above-mentioned, would not answer, Doctor Crocker’s house would be Soon ready.
                            4—The Offices might all be held in Mr Carroll’s houses, at a lower rent than at present and the Papers might be more
                                securely lodged.
                            5—Mr Munroe and his family, might reside in Mr Barcklay’s house, or, in a good
                                brick house belonging to Mr Burrows.
                            6—Mr Dermott might reside in his own brick house.
                            Thus, you perceive, gentlemen, that there are plenty of houses, all ready; but
                                should others be wanting, I will relinquish my own, and remove any where, &
                                chearfully submit, with my family, to a temporary inconvenience, which would be nothing,
                                in my mind, when put in competition with the advantages to result from the arrangement:
                                and others will do the same.
                            Mr Carroll promises, immediately, to erect an
                                hotel at the Capitol, & I will instantly commence solid Improvements, to promote
                                private buildings for Congress—Mr Cooke of Annapolis, Samuel Ringold of Hagers Town
                                & Mr Tayloe of Virginia, resolved, last Year, to build on Square 688—In short,
                                if you, Gentlemen, will reside near the Capitol, your presence will create a Society,
                                and not only promote the public-buildings, but more private houses, in One Year, than
                                have been produced in the Six last.
                            I earnestly request that the board will not Separate at this important
                                crisis; and as I trust, this Statement will be acceptable to you, and agreeable to the
                                President, you will oblige me by transmitting it to him, with any remarks, for every
                                proprietor in the City, will benefit by a certainty that Congress would have buildings
                                ready for them, and must know their fate, by your decisions. I remain, with much respect,
                                yr Obt Servant

                                (Signed) Thomas Law


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Fay, 7 February 1797
From: Fay, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            New York 7th Feby 1797

                        I am informed that you own Several Tracts of Land on the Margin of the Ohio
                            & Great Kanhawa rivers in Virginia, which you have offered for Sale, if these Lands
                            remain unsold, & are still held for market, I should be glad to be informed
                            of their particular Situation, quality, and on what Conditions you would be willing to part
                            with them, if they answer the general description which I have had of them, certified from
                            your own knowledge, I am persuaded I could effect a Sale of them in Europe, provided the
                            Terms are such as comport with the General price of Lands equal in quality &
                            Situation in the United States.

                        I hope Sir you will pardon the Liberty I take in making this enquiry, altho I
                            have had occasion Several times to wait on you on public concerns, it is not probable you
                            will recollect me, I had the honor of delivering some dispatches with a letter from Governor
                            Jay to your Excellency Near Baltimore in october 1795 when you was on your way to
                            Philadelphia, by refering to Mr Jays letter you will be better able to form an opinion how
                            far you would be justifed in Treating on the Subject of the Sale of your
                            Lands. Mr Tichenor one of the Senators from Vermont who is my intimate acquaintance, and Mr
                            Laurence from this City with whom I am also acquainted, & Mr Pickering with whom I
                            have a Slight acquaintance will be able to Give you Such information respecting my Character
                            as you may require. I will wait on your Excellency on being informed that there is a
                            probability of Negociating this business, mean time have the honor to be with unfeigned
                            Esteem Your Excellencys Most obedient and very Humble Servant

                            Joseph Fay


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 7 February 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Candidates for Office

                        c.7 February 1797
                        William Claiborne, of the State of Tennessee—to be district judge. Recommended
                            by General Marshall—and strongly by Colo. Carrington.
                        David Campbell, late a Judge of that Territory, is recommended for District
                            Judge, by a Mr Roane the friend of James Ross Esqr. whom relies on his discernment &
                            probity in the recommendation.
                        Elias Baccman, a merchant of Gottenburg in Sweden, to be Consul for that city.
                            There are ample certificates of his respectability as a merchant, of his abilities &
                            irreproachable character. Colo. Hamilton who has seen the recommendations, interests himself
                            in his favour. Mr Barcman writes English well.
                        Isaac Cox Barnet, a native of New Jersey, residing at Brest, to be consul for
                            that port. The young gentleman writes very handsomely. He is the nephew of Mr Boudinot, who
                            warmly recommends him for his abilities and good qualities. The sentiments expressed in his
                            letter to Mr B. do him honor.
                        Nicholas Clary, a native of Marseilles, and a relation to Mr Cathalan our Consul
                            there, to be Consul at Genoa, where he resides. Daniel Ludlow & Co. at New-York
                            recommend him for the respectability of his commercial and private character.

                        Francis Childs, late printer at New York, now in Europe, and who proposes to
                            reside at Genoa, is strongly recommended by Mr Dayton to be consul there. He has been some
                            few years conceerned in Commerce & has a good acquaintance with it, as Mr Dayton informs.
                            He is one of the commercial house in which Mr Dayton is a partner.
                        G. di Dominico, a Genoese, desires the same office. He refers to his friend Mr Ravara, the Genoese Consul here for his character.
                        Conrad Frederick Wagner, to be Consul at Trieste (a port of the Emperor of
                            Germany on the Adriatic) where he says he has been 17 years Consul for Sweden. The British,
                            Spanish & Portuguese Consuls there certify that he is the Consul of Sweden. Joseph
                            Donaldson at Leghorn has written in his favour for the appointment. Mr Wagner writes English
                            well.


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 7 February 1797
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                        Names of Persons recommended to vacant Offices.

                                c.7 February 1797

                        Richard Rogers to be Naval Officer for the District of New York, vice
                                Benjn Walker resigned.
                        John Stockton to be Collector for the District of Delaware, vice George
                            Bush decd—Also Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Wilmington.
                        Matthias E Sawyer, of  to be Surveyor for the
                            Port of Pasquotank River Bridge in the District of Camden, North Carolina & Inspector of the
                            Revenue for the same Port,—vice Edmund Sawyer decd.
                        Morgan Brown to be Collector for the District of Tennessee, &
                            Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Palmyra.
                        If the Senate consent to the appointment of John Stockton to be Collector, it
                            is submitted that  Bush be appointed
                            Commissioner of Loans, vice John Stockton.

                            Respectfully submitted by
                            Oliv Wolcott Jr


Title: To George Washington from Andrew Jackson, 8 February 1797
From: Jackson, Andrew
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 8th February 1797

                        Having been informed, that, you were about to Nominate, some proper person to fill
                            the office, of District Judge in the State of Tennessee, I think it my duty as the
                            representative, of that State, to furnish you with such information, as will Enable you to
                            Nominate a legal Charecter, best qualified to Execute the duties of that office and whose
                            appointment will be Most satisfactory to the Citizens. This, therefore is the object of this
                            letter.
                        It will be proper in the first place to observe, that there are three legal
                            Charecters, Namely Mr Campbell, Mr McNairy, and Mr Anderson, who under the Territorial
                            government, filled the Judicial Chair, but when a Change took place from a Territorial to a
                            State government they were all Candidates for the office of the state
                            Judiciary and Mr McNairy alone obtaind his Election, from which it will appear that Mr
                            Anderson and Campble had lost the Confidence of the people, and for some cause did not wish
                            them to fill such important offices to the rights of the people; I believe them both to be
                            upright good Citizens, but am Clearly of oppinion, that the appointment of Either of those
                            gentlemen last named would not be pleasing to a majority of the
                            citizens. I am free to declare, as to myself, that I think Mr Campbell
                            a good upright Citizen, but his abilities as a lawyer never can be Considered as Competent
                            to that appointment, and the duties appertaining thereto.
                        As I have Named those Gentlemen, who have presedent as Judges under the
                            Territorial Government, I think it proper to bring into your View a Number of other Legal
                            Charecters whose abilities and Respectability Equally Merit the appointment, and from
                            amonghst whom you may perhaps think proper to make the Nomination, they
                            are as follows Mr Rowan Mr Rhea Mr Overton and Mr Tatam, Mr Rowan now acts in the
                            appointment of State Judge, and in his present office, is Esteemed by the Citizens, I think
                            him a Man of abilities, Mr Rhea and Mr Overton, are Considered as possessing the greatest
                            Legal abilities—of any gentlemen in that State—Mr Tatam is an old officer who has faced all
                            the Stormy Showers of war, and faithfully Served and fought for his Country, his abilities
                            Equal to any other Charecter in the State Except Overton and I may add Rhea, he is a Man of
                            great firmness and Much Esteemed by all who Know him. Mr Claibourn is an amiable young Man,
                            but perhaps is not possessed of sufficient Experience to fill such an important office.
                        I would here Remark that the appointment of Mr McNairy, Rowan Rhea Overton or
                            Tatam would Meet with the approbation of the Citizens but Mr Rheas appointment I believe
                            would be Most satisfactory to the Eastern part of the state as I have been informed.
                        I would Remark that Mr Tatam from his Service throughout the revolution, having
                            in that cause reduced his fortune, and impaired his Constitution, If in him the Country can
                            be as well servd as in any other I think he merrits the appointment—Mr overton and Mr Rhea
                            from abilities have a Claim on the appointment Mr McNairy from his Services in that office
                            before and possessing also abilities; from these Remarks perhaps you will be better able to
                            Nominate than without them. I have the honour to be with sincere Esteem your Mo. ob. Serv.

                            Andrew Jackson


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 8 February 1797
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Albany 8 Feby 1797

                        I Yesterday recd Information that Col. Walker the naval officer for New York,
                            has resigned; and am requested to mention Mr Henry Remson, the Son of the late Mr Henry
                            Remson of that city, as a proper Person to succeed him.
                        I am apprized of the Delicacy of such Recommendations—they too often require a
                            Degree of caution and Reserve, not easy to observe or express with Precision—on this
                            occasion I find myself free from Embarasments.
                        Mr Remson was formerly a clerk in Mr Thompsons office—His modest Deportment,
                            together with Mr Thompsons Recommendation, enduced me to select him for the place of under
                            Secretary or first Clerk in the office for foreign affairs. when you did me the Honor to
                            place me on the Bench, I left him in the office, without having had Reason to wish that his
                            Conduct on any occasion had been otherwise than it was. He has since accepted an appointment
                            in the Branch Bank at New York, where he now is.
                        I think him competent to the office in Question. of his Integrity Punctuality
                            and Industry I never entertained a Doubt; nor have I ever heard of any Doubts or opinions to
                            his prejudice being entertained by others. I have the Honor to be with perfect Respect
                            Esteem and Attachment Dear Sir Your most obt and hble Servt

                            John Jay


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Law, 8 February 1797
From: Law, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir—
                            Washington Feby 8th 1797

                        I yesterday delivered a Lre into the Commissioners Office and returning from
                            thence in company with Mr Hadfeild, that gentlemen told me that he
                                could get the Capitol covered in this Season, "why not write so then to the
                            Commissioners"? said I—his answer was "I shall be more likely to effect
                                it by my own means without their knowing of my intention"—this upon my honor is a
                            fact, but I do not wish it to become public as I might be deemed censurable for divulging a
                            private Conversation & yet I am only acting faithfully by imparting it to You.
                        I went with Mr Hadfeild to survey Mr Carrolls buildings at the Capitol for our
                            literary Society & there saw better rooms than the
                            Commissioners now have for their Offices.
                        Mr Ralph chearfully offered to relinquish his House & to put up another
                            close to the Capitol Square, I enclose his Lre. Dr Brown also promised immediately to build
                            near the Capitol stating that he was only deterred by uncertainty, & that he resided
                            near the tavern of Scot merely because the Commissioners Office was there; in short the fate
                            of the City depends upon your resolves.
                        Excuse the liberty I have taken & the trouble I have given you; the time is at hand when you will approve of my conduct, if even
                            now it should appear officious. I remain with unfeigned esteem & sincere regard Your
                            mt faithful & Obt

                            Thos Law

                            The Office has been held a long time near the Presidents House without
                                advantage to the City, a change to the Capitol cannot do harm, particularly as the
                                Offices will be cheaper & better—the Officer’s may live where they please their
                                own convenience will bring them near—& they must then superintend the Works
                                frequently.

                     Enclosure

                                Dear sir
                                City of Washington, Feby 6th, 1797.

                            With cheerfulness will I relinquish my house, either for a moderate rent, or
                                by a fair sale, if it form a part of an arrangement so manifestly necessary to the
                                interest, I had almost written, to the policital salvation, of this neglected City.
                            What can avail all other exertions if The Capitol be neglected? How easily
                                might a part of it be fitted up before November next for the Commissioners’ office
                                & its dependencies, &c. In the intermediate time far better accommodation can be
                                obtained here But, Sir, your efforts will not avail. The City has been destroyed by the
                                non-residence of those who ought, from its commencement, to have sacrificed partial
                                convenience to the general advantage: suffer me to say, that The Comss will not forsake
                                their beloved George Town & why fatigue yourself by ineffectual exertions.
                            I speak freely & allow me to say confidentially; yet, as a proof of
                                the sincerity of these sentiments, altho’ my stake is little, I freely shall give up my
                                All. Believe me to be with great respect, Dear sir, Your obliged humble servant

                                George Ralph


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Willing Powel, 8 February 1797
From: Powel, Elizabeth Willing
To: Washington, George

                        My very dear Sir 8th February 1797

                        With Pleasure should I accede to your Proposal respecting your Coach, was I to
                            be the possessor of the Horses; but when I assure you that they are for my Nephew you will
                            see the Necessity of the Union being dissolved between them and their espoused Coach. I have
                            deferred answering you Sir until I had an Opportunity of sounding him on the Subject,
                            without directly telling him it was for Sale; but he is young—loves Fashion—prefers the
                            Moderns to the Ancients; although the latter have been proved, and may have Excellences that
                            the former have no pretentions to. In this Instance I am certain it is precisely the Case.
                            Your Coach is an excellent Piece of workmanship; and I have not a Doubt that it will out wear
                            a new Carriage built in America. Was I to have been the Purchaser of it—the low Price would
                            not have been an Object, when you was the Vender. I should certainly have paid any Thing you
                            had asked under a full Confidence that you would not ask more than the Value.

                        I understand that your Successour in Office is this Day legally Announced; and
                            if Mr Adams lays the same stress on the association of Ideas that I do, both with respect to
                            our Pleasures, and our Consequence, I think he will gladly become the Purchaser of not only
                            your Coach, but of every Article that the World have been accustomed to see you make use of;
                            and that you are disposed to part with. I know if I had any pretensions to his Confidence or
                            feelt any Solicitude for him as an Individual I should most certainly advise him to do so.
                        If my dear Sir it will be any accommodation to you to anticipate the payment for
                            the Horses, intimate it to me, it will at any Moment be perfectly convenient to me to draw a
                            Check on the Bank for the Amount, as I do not Speculate I am always in Cash. I was so
                            desirous that you should have the Price you had asked; and that my Nephew should be
                            gratified by having the finest Carriage Horses in Phila. that I
                            offered to advance the Money for him, as he is in an extensive Scene of Trade, I well knew it
                            would facilitate the Objects I had in View; but this I communicate to you in Confidence
                                and to convince you that I am only an Agent in the Business. With
                            Sentiments of Respect & Esteem I am ever your affectionate Friend

                            Eliza. Powel


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 10 February 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                             Friday Feby 10. 1797.

                        The Secretary of State has the honor to inform the President of the United
                            States, that having examined the Constitution & the law respecting the President
                            & Vice President of the U. States, he sees no part requiring that the Vice-President
                            elect should come to the Seat of Government to take the oath to support the Constitution of
                            the U.S. which appears to be the only oath required of him. That oath may be administered by
                            any one Senator to the Vice President. However, the Secretary will immediately see the Vice
                            President, if at his lodgings, & ascertain the ideas of the Senate on the mode of
                            notifying to Mr Jefferson his election; & if this was expected to be by Express, one
                            shall be engaged without delay.

                            T. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Matthias Slough, 10 February 1797
From: Slough, Matthias
To: Washington, George

                            My Dear & most Hond Sir
                            Lancaster 10th February 1797

                        Your most Esteemed favour of the 6th Currant duly reached me on the 8th. In
                            reply to which I beg leave to mention to you that its Contents engaged my Imediate
                            attention, and that yesterday by Rideing a few miles into the Country, I made a purchase of a
                            pair of Mares on which I have had my Eye for upwards of Twelve Months, But which could not
                            be purchased on any Terms untill now, owing to the Want of money by the owner of them, And
                            from your Discription of the Kind of animals you wish to have I flatter myself they will
                            please, Unless their age and price Should be an objection, They are Beutifull bays without
                            any white excepting a Small Dim Starr in the fore head of one of them, Black Legs, full
                            Sixteen hands high, Compleatly formd for any Kind of draft, in which No two in this County
                            can Exceed them, They having frequently taken from Fifty of one hundred bushels of wheat out
                            of this Town to the Mill of this owner and returned with the like Burthen in a Waggon,
                            without any Dificualty, and what will make them more Valuable to you in my
                            opinion is Their being used to draw together for these four years past During which time I
                            see them every day Excepting Sunday or when I was from home. They are Heavy Bodyed, and will
                            formd, but light limbd, for Animalls of their Size Eight years old, this Spring Perfectly Sound, Both heavy with Foal to a Compleat draft horse but not so
                            heavy as to prevent their answering your Purpose, and their price is one Hundred &
                            Sixty Pounds, Your Domestick Kreamer Knows them and will collect them
                            when it is mentioned to him That I purchased them from a George Root a Miller in
                            the Neighbourhood of this Town who about Twelve months Since to my own Knowledge might have
                            Sold them for Two hundred Pounds, I have thus taken the Liberty to give you as Perticular a
                            discription of them as in my power and have onely to add, That Should their Age or price be
                            an objection It will be No disapointment as Several Farmers have already been with me and
                            beged me to let them have them Saying that if they had Known they were for Sale I should not
                            have got them for the price I have, So that in That case If you will only Honour me with
                            your Answer I will Imediately attend to the purchase of another pair which altho they are
                                Sworn I will have them at your Command and in the City on or before
                            the day on which you wish to have them their, If you are pleased to take these mares and it
                            is agreeable to you to forward their price, it will be Verry Exceptable to the
                            man from whome I purchaseed as I believe it his onely motive for Disposing of them. My wish My
                            Hond Sir to give you a full & minute discription of the Mares I have purchased is
                            the cause of the length of this letter which I hope you will Pardon and on every Ocassion
                            believe me My Dear & Hond Sir Your Highly Honoured, Most Obedient & Verry
                            Humble Servant

                            Matthias Slough

                            P.S. The man Called upon me this morning and told me That he could not be
                                Quite Certain that one of them is not 9 years old this Spring.


Title: To George Washington from Elkanah Watson, 10 February 1797
From: Watson, Elkanah
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Albany 10th febr. 1797

                        My Short visit at Mount Vernon in Jany 1785 will always be a Source of the Most
                            grateful reflections to my mind, & I trust the important information I derived from afar, at
                            that time as to your views in improveing the Navigation of the Potowmac, in connection with
                            some branches of the Ohio leading in the direction of Detroit, for the avowed purpose of
                            diverting the fur trade from Montreal to Alexandria, has not been lost to
                            this State, altho our Western Canals and the improvement of our interior water to the great
                            Lakes will undoubtedly divert your main object: but considering ourselves as Americans on
                            the great Scale, divested of local attatchments, In this view I persuade myself you will
                            rejoice at the progress we have already made. We now contemplate Locking round the falls of
                            Niagara—altho warmly opposed by Genl Schuyler. 3 or 4 of us are determind to Make an effort
                            to obtain a Law; thus when the improvement are compleated to Oswego under the Law of 1792,
                            and the last mentioned object is Also effected an uninterupted water communication will be
                            open from Lake Erie to the Hudson. I take the liberty to transmit to you by Mr Van
                            Renssalaer my Short Tour in Holland in 1784, the year previous to my visit to your
                            hospitable mansion. Shou’d it bequite  a few moments from the weighty
                            concerns of our new born Nation, in the Solemn crisis in which we are now involved, it will
                            be grateful to me. I am with profound respect & gratitude, Your devoted

                            Elkanah Watson


Title: To George Washington from John Quincy Adams, 11 February 1797
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Washington, George

                            The Hague February 11th 1797

                        Since I had the honour of writing you I have been informed that about a year
                            ago a workman in the sword manufactories at Sohlingen, a hilt founder by
                            the name of Alte, was induced in consequence of the unsettled and
                            distressed situation of that part of Germany to go to America and before
                            he went had the Sword made according to his own fancy, with the intention as I understand of
                            presenting it to you upon his arrival in America, with the hopes that it might serve him as
                            a recommendation of himself. His Father is living and received a letter
                            from him last May informing him of his arrival at Philadelphia. But since
                            that time he has had no further accounts from him. He professes not to remember particularly
                            the tenor of the inscription upon the Sword. Its value might be from four to five pounds
                            sterling.

                        As this Letter will not come to your hands untill after the period which you
                            have fixed upon for retiring from the Chief Magistracy of the Union, I cannot omit the
                            opportunity of expressing the deep concern which, in common with every
                            virtuous American Citizen, I have felt upon being informed of your resolution and the veneration and gratitude with which as one of the people of the United States. I received your address to
                            them, dated on the 19th of
                                September last. I fervently
                            pray that they may not only impress all its admonitions upon their hearts, but that it may
                            serve as the foundation upon which the whole system of their future policy may rise, the
                            admiration and the example of future times, that your warning voice may upon every great
                            emergency recur to their remembrance with an influence equal to the occasion, that it may
                            controul the fury of domestic factions and check the encroachments of foreign
                                influence; that it may cement with indissoluble force our National
                                Union, and secure at once our dignity and our Peace.
                        I beg leave at the same time to offer you Sir, the tribute of my grateful
                            acknowledgment for the distinguished notice which in the course of your public
                            administration you were pleased to bestow on me by the repeated nomination to places of
                            honour and trust under the Government of the United States, to places so far beyond any
                            pretensions or expectations of mine; that they had never been even the subject of a wish,
                            untill your favourable opinion called me to them. I cannot deem it improper at this moment to
                            express the gratitude which I must ever feel, and as I know that the only acceptable return
                            for favours of this nature will in your mind consist in the zealous and faithful discharge
                            of the public services, which you were pleased to assign, I shall always consider my
                            personal obligations to you among the strongest motives to animate my industry &
                            invigorate my exertions in the service of my Country.

                        With the most ardent wishes and prayers that the remainder of your life may be
                            as replete with personal and domestic happiness to yourself as it has hitherto been with
                            benefits to your native land, with usefulness to the world and dignity to the human
                                character, I have the honour to be most respectfully, Sir, Your very
                            humble & obedt Servt


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Phillips, Jr., 11 February 1797
From: Phillips, Samuel, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,

                                11-13 February 1797

                        As you have announced to the People of the United States, your intention to
                            retire from the cares and decline the honors of public life, the Legislature of
                            Massachusetts deem it a becoming duty to express their sentiments and those of their
                            Constituents, on this interesting event.
                        It is not an opinion, that our public testimony of your merits can be necessary
                            to the lustre of your reputation, or the serenity of your repose, which prompts us to join
                            the general voice of America, in applauding your great and glorious services; but we are
                            excited to this measure, by a wish to exhibit a powerful inducement to the love of our
                            Country, and to transmit to future times a record of the gratitude of our Republic.
                        As the able and heroic General, who led our armies to victory and our Country
                            to Independence, or as the enlightened and patriotic Magistrate, under whose
                            administration, the United States have enjoyed peace and prosperity, your conduct has
                            furnished a great and brilliant example, of integrity, fortitude and wisdom.
                        We trust that the Pacific System which you have pursued with regard to the
                            foreign relations of the Country, will be as completely justified by its eventual success,
                            as it is by the maxims of equity and prudence; And we indulge the hope, that this System
                            will be continued, and that its beneficial effects will not be confined to America, but will
                            tend to discredit among the Nations of the world, that false and barbarous policy, which
                            sacrifices the public good, at the shrine of resentment and ambition.
                        When this effect shall take place, the cause of humanity will have derived a
                            precious advantage from the example you have given, that moderation is the basis of true
                            dignity, and that those laurels which are reared in the sunshine of peace, are beyond
                            comparison fairer than those which are fertilized by the tears and blood of a People.
                        We receive your address to your fellow citizens, upon the occasion of your
                            intended retirement from your civil station, with the same sentiments of respect and
                            emotions of gratitude, which were inspired by that which terminated your military career;
                            sensible that it discloses an intelligent view of their political interests, and discovers
                            that affectionate zeal for their future welfare, which marks the character of their common
                            friend.
                        Whilst in behalf of our Country, we lament the necessity that deprives her of
                            your services in public life, we cannot deny that so many years of anxious toil for her
                            interests, give you the best title to that repose, which you have long so ardently wished to
                            enjoy.
                        You will retire covered with glory, and followed with the blessings of your
                            fellow citizens; whose honor and happiness it will be, that whilst you have deserved well of
                            your Country, that Country has never ceased to cherish a grateful and admiring sense of your
                            worth.
                        Our fervent prayers for your health and enjoyment will go with you into the
                            retreats of private life. May you live to be full of years and satisfied with beholding the
                            prosperity of your country; and when you shall be called from the present scene, may that
                            Beneficent Being, who has made you the happy instrument of so much good to mankind admit you
                            to those rewards in a future state, which this world cannot bestow.
                        Commonwealth of Massachusetts In Senate February 11th 1797.
                        Read and accepted and Ordered that the President of the Senate and the Speaker
                            of the House of Representatives, transmit the foregoing address to the Senate representing
                            this Commonwealth in Congress, to be by them presented to the President
                            of the United States. sent down for concurrence

                            Saml Phillips
                            Prsdt of Senate

                            In the House of Representatives, February 13th 1797.
                            Read and Concurred

                            Edward H. Robbins
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives