Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 13 March 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philadelphia March 13. 1795.

        The vessel, which is to go to the West Indies for the papers, respecting British captures, being ready to sail, I have the honor to request a warrant on your contingent fund for eight hundred dollars to be paid to the agent, who will embark in her, on account of his expences and trouble, and seven hundred dollars, to defray the charges of records &c.; making in the whole fifteen hundred dollars. I have the honor to be sir with the highest respect yr mo. ob. serv.

          Edm: Randolph


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 March 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          War Office March 14. 1795.

        Solicitous to retain in the public service so estimable an Officer as Captain Dale, I wished to place the indulgence he requests on such ground as might save that service from injury and afford a justification to the Executive of the United States in granting him a furlough.
        Captain Dale will undoubtedly return from China in full time to take command of the Frigate to which he has been appointed.
        The superintending of her while building may be committed to Captain Samuel Barron, as soon as he returns from sea, and in the interim to his uncle Captain Robert Barron. Both are of Norfolk, experienced seamen, and recommended by the Agent Mr Pennock and others. Samuel Barron is a Candidate for a first Lieutenancy in the navy; and will feel a peculiar interest in performing attentively the Office of Superintendant. Captain Dale will compensate them for the services they render in his stead.
        Captain Barry and Captain Truxtun have engaged to afford every advice and assistance that may be required relative to Captain Dale’s frigate, during his absence.
        Under these circumstances I have thought it would be expedient that Captain Dale should be indulged with a furlough during the time necessary for performing his intended voyage to China: otherwise an Officer so universally highly valued and esteemed will be forever lost to the naval service of the United States.
        On communicating the matters here stated to General Knox I have the pleasure to find his opinion entirely concurring with my own.
        Should the reasons, Sir, appear satisfactory to you I shall beg to be honored with your determination as early as may be convenient—Captain Dale had an expectation of sailing tomorrow. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Your obedient servant

          Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 March 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          War Office March 14th 1795

        As the carved work for the frigates should be relative to their names, and will require a length of time to accomplish—there being but a single Carver here competent to the work for the frigates building at Philadelphia, Baltimore and Norfolk—the Captains, with Mr Humphreys the Constructor at this place, have represented the necessity of an early designation of the names of the Frigates. To facilitate your choice I beg leave now to lay before you a select list of such as have occurred in my conversation with Gentlemen on the subject. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect sir for your most obt servant

          Timothy Pickering


Title: From George Washington to James Ross, 14 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Ross, James

          Dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 14th March 1795

        As my back lands are not offered for sale with a view to speculate in other lands; and as I am thoroughly satisfied that Lands which are known to be good—conveniently situated—and the titles to them indisputable, will continue to encrease in price (especially in the Western counties of this State, since the

restoration of tranquility & the influx of money there have taken place) I request, if you have not already entered into any positive, or honorary agreement for my land in Washington county, that it may not be disposed of at less than four dollars an acre—one fourth down, & the other three fourths in five years; with legal interest thereon, the payments of which, at the periods they become due, to be secured as in the proposed sale to Colo. Shreve.
        Thirty Shillings an acre was the price I fixed on my land in Washington County when forty shillgs was annexed to that in Fayette—several years since. The latter having yielded 20 prCt more than the estimated price I have no apprehension of the other’s falling short of it, provided it be generally known that it is the for sale. With very great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

          Go: W——n


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 15 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

          Mr Pearce,
          Philadelphia March 15th 1795.

        I have received your letter of the 8th instt, with the reports of the preceeding week.
        By the Sloop Harmony, Captn Ellwood, who talked of Sailing today, I send you as pr Bill of lading enclosed, a bale of Oznabrings consisting of ten pieces, amounting to 972½ yards. The Box, & band box, therein mentioned, are for Mrs Fanny Washington as marked; and is to remain with Colo. Gilpin ’till she calls for them; Besides these, and since the Bill of lading was signed, I have put on board another small box, containing seeds &ca of various kinds; some of them rare, and valuable. Enclosed is a list of them for your own information & government. There is besides, on each parcel, a label descriptive thereof for the Gardener. All these seeds, except the different sorts of Turnips; the Chiccory; and Botany bay grass-seeds, may be given to the Gardener; with very particular directions to use his utmost skill and care to raise plants from them; and that one thing may not be put here, and another there, and never thought of, or attended to afterwards (which has been too often the case with many curious & valuable Seeds—stones—and nuts which I have sent to Mount Vernon) I desire he will prepare a piece of ground well for them; & place them altogether, either in the Vine yard, or elsewhere, as he may think best, when he comes to examine the different papers; taking especially care to distinguish by labels (that will not be injured by weather, for it seems some of the Seeds may not come up the first year) the particular spots where each sort is sown, or planted. And as all will be to be transplanted, and the Seeds besides, (being imported), may not be good, he need not regard crowding them a little in the first instance. Let him have also as much of each kind of the Turnip seed, & Turnip rooted Cabbage, as he can spare ground to put them in. the rest, with the Chiccory & Botany bay grass seeds, I shall commit to your care, as there is enough of the former, that

is of the different kinds of Turnips, if good, to sow a good deal of ground; but to prevent any waste of grd, or misapplication of labour in preparing it for seed that may not come up, prove all that will admit of it, in time to see if it will vegitate: for if the seed is old, or has been injured by crossing the seas, & will not come up, preparing ground for it would be lost labor & improper—This trial may readily be made in time, of all the different sorts of Turnips, Cabbage, & possibly of the Chiccory & Botany bay grass seeds. If the latter will come up I recommend the greatest attention to it. The other, that is the Chiccory, is what I wrote to you sometime ago, to save all the seed you could from that growg on my estate.
        I have not been able to get any Lucern seed in this City; I wrote on Friday last to New York for five pounds of it; if I succeed there, it shall be sent by Post: in the meantime, let the ground intended for it, be got in the very best order; and the natural grass & weeds totally eradicated therefrom; that they may not spring up and choke the lucern as was the case when sowed before.
        Let Sam supply the place of Bristol, until I come home; unless (which does not occur to me at present) a likely & well disposed young fellow of mans growth, or near it, should be found on my estate fit to make a Gardener of. If one, not among the Dower Negros, could be selected, it would be preferred. Honesty, with some degree of acuteness, are desirable; but in whom amg my people these are to be found, I know not. Sam has sense enough, & has had a little experience, but he wants honesty, and every other requisite, particularly industry. Cyrus, besides being a Dower slave, is strongly suspected of roguery & drinking; other wise he would do very well, as he is likely, young & smart enough. The children of Daphne at the river-farm are among the best disposed negros I have, but I do not recollect whether there be any of a fit size.
        I have no objection to your complying with the promise you made Mr Smith, provided his salt is kept distinct from mine; & the latter is guarded from embezzlement. I again repeat, that when the Schools of fish run, you must draw night and day; and whether he (Smith) is prepared to take them or not, they must be caught & charged to him: for it is then, & then only—I have a return for my expences; and then it is, the want of several

purchasers, is felt, for unless one person is extremely well prepared, he cannot dispose of the fish as fast as they can be drawn at those times & if the Sein, or Seins do no more than to keep pace with his convenience, my harvest is lost, and of course my profit; for the herrings will not wait to be caught, as they are wanted to be cured.
        If Mrs Fanny Washington does not draw a Sein at her own landing, herself, or rent it with a reservation of fish for her own use, let her get what she wants for this purpose, at my landing; and at any rate, when you have occasion to send to Alexandria, always send some for her Table. And tell Doctr Stuart if you shd see him, or send him word if you should not, that he may always get fish for the latter purpose, by sending for them—so may Mr Lund Washington.
        Do you receive Rent from Gray or make him account for it when you pay for the weaving he does for me?
        Presuming you saved all the seed you could from the India hemp, let it be carefully sown agin, for the purpose of getting into a full stock of seed. I wish you well and am Your friend

          Go: Washington

          P.S. Among other things sent by Captn Ellwood, is a small paper bundle of Pair graffs of an extraordinary fine kind wch desire the Gardener to be particular attentive to.


Title: To George Washington from District of Columbia Citizens, 17 March 1795
From: Citizens of the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          City of Washington 17th March 1795

        We, part of the Inhabitants of the City of Washington, and parts adjacent in the Territory of Columbia—beg leave to avail Ourselves of the opportunity which it is expected your presence upon the spot, will shortly afford us; to represent—That the want of a Post Office nearer to most of us than George Town—has for some time past, occasioned much loss of time, in the procurement of Letters from thence; and consequently some degree of Dissatisfaction.
        The considerable accession of Inhabitants to this City of late Years; and the prospect of its encreasing in numbers, Year after Year; considering also the considerable Correspondence with Persons of almost every part of the United States, with Persons already residents of this Place; and the prospect of such correspondence being encreased, as it is expected it will be, the Summer approaching—induce us earnestly to request—That Your Excellency will use your influence and authority in procuring the Establishment of a Post Office for the City of Washington—which if accomplished, will unquestionably contribute much to the dispatch of Business in the City; and consequently remove the disadvantages we at present experience; by the Want of such an Establishment.
        We should long since have troubled you on this Subject—had it not been, that until lately—we could not fix upon a Person properly qualified, as we conceived, who would undertake to act

as Postmaster. That difficulty is now removed—and we have a pleasure in saying that Mr Thomas Johnson Junior, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Federal District, will execute the Duties of the Office—and should one be established agreeably to our Wishes; We beg leave earnestly to recommend him to be Postmaster at the City of Washington. With the highest Respect, We are, Sir Your obedient and very humble Servants

          [signed by 120 citizens]


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 17 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

          Mr Pearce,
          Philadelphia 17th Mar: 1795

        You will receive this letter from the hands of Mr Izard, to whom I request you to pay attention, and make his visit to Mount Vernon as convenient and agreeable to him as may be in your power. I am Your friend &ca

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 18 March 1795
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

          My dear Sir,
          George Town [D.C.] March 18th: 1795

        On the day that I left this place to accompany Mr Weston up the River, I had the honor of writing a few lines to you on a certain subject mentioned in your respected favor of the 4th instant. Having returned from that trip but yesterday, no further oppurtunity of obtaining information on the point alluded to has yet occurred.
        I am much pleased to inform you that Mr Weston found time to visit the Shanandoah, and to examine with attention such parts of that River, as well as of the Potomac, below it, as appear to require any considerable labour or expense to render them navigable with ease and safety. The falls in the Shanandoah, and the obstacles to the navigation of that noble branch appear small in comparison with the advantages which would naturally and immediately flow from its being made passable.
        Mr Weston has not yet made his Report, in writing, to the Directors, as he intends doing; but I am convinced, from his remarks on the spot, that he considers that the impediments in the Shanandoah may be overcome with ease, and at no great expense. From its junction with the Potomac to the distance of about seven miles up the River are the only obstructions worth noticing. Mr Weston, Colo. Gilpin and myself walked up and down the distance on each side of the River, and examined with accuracy every part of it which required attention. The first fall begins about 3 Miles above Keys’ ferry, and falls about 30 feet in the distance of 2½ Miles. The Bed of the River, even if that should be thought the best mode of navigation, appears too much obstructed with Rocks to attempt clearing it. The ground on the So. or Loudoun side (as it may be called) offers itself as very favourable for Canals, three of which, of about 350 or 400 yards each, with a lock, may be made in the distance of 2½ miles abovementioned, using the River between the Canals, where the Water admits of it very well. From the end of this fall the River is beautifully navigable ’till you get about 2 miles below Keys’ ferry,

where the second fall begins, and falls about 30 or 35 feet in the distance of 2 Miles. Here, as at the falls above, the Water must be taken out of the bed of the River and conducted along the So. side, where the ground is remarkably well adapted to the purpose, and two Canals and Locks will complete the navigation. In making all the before mentioned Canals it does not appear that it will be necessary to cut one fourth part of their length for nature has formed a chain of Islands along the Shore in such a manner as to carry the navigation almost wholly between them and the fast land, as is done at the Seneca falls. By pursuing this mode of opening the navigation it will be made very complet in the first instance; and Mr Weston is of opinion that the use of the water at the several Locks, for Mills &c. may be sold for as much as the Locks (which will be almost the only expense here) will cost. The land on the South side of the River belongs to the Estate of the late Colo. Fairfax, and it is presumed there will be no difficulty in obtaining what may be wanted at a reasonable rate. After passing about one half the distance of the second fall, there is a convenient place to cross the River, and bring the navigation on the north side so as to take advantage of Colo. Bull’s Mill Race, and the Race of a saw mill below; which may be done if the owners of the property there know their own interest.
        Approving, as Mr Weston does, of Canals instead of using the River, he could not but regret that the labour at the Shanandoah falls in the Potomac had not been bestowed on a Canal and Locks there; but he approves generally of the work which is done, pointing out some improvements that may be made in it.
        At Payne’s falls, and particularly at the Seneca, he thinks Locks should certainly be fixed, as the circumstances of the River at those places admit of them very well.
        The Great Falls were examined with much attention, and it was not until after repeated views of the ground that Mr Weston could determine whether it would be best to fix the Lock seats at the place heretofore contemplated, and at which some work has been done, or at a spot lower down, to which the water from the basin of the Canal takes a course in a line nearly parallel with the River. And even now he has not declared his decision in direct terms; but from the tenor of his observations on the subject, I have no doubt but he has determined upon the latter as the most proper place. He declares there will be no difficulty

at either, and that the object can be accomplished within two years.
        On our return we visited the Little Falls where Mr Weston took another view of the works there, and confirmed his opinion first given, vizt that the work of the Locks was sufficiently substantial, indeed more so than he should have thought necessary—that a greater slope ought to be given to the Banks of the Canal where they are not walled—that a guard-Gate and a Boom should be fixed at the entrance of the Canal to prevent its being injured by Ice or Logs in heavy freshes. He is moreover of opinion that the Locks are much larger than will ever be found necessary (tho’ the law fixes them of the dimensions used at the Little Falls in order to admit rafts, masts &c.) and that it will require at least 40 minutes to pass a boat through each. The water should have been led from one lock to another by Trunks or Spouts, entering at the sides of the Locks, in aid to the Wicket gates. He thinks the workmanship of the Locks is executed in a clumsey manner.
        Upon the whole Mr Weston finds much more done to the navigation of the River than he expected; and considering that the great object, in the first instance, was to make the River passable for boats to as great an extent as the funds would permit, the best means have been used to accomplish this, that circumstances would allow; but that it is capable of being made infinitely better by means of Canals & Locks in many places, and that at an expense trifling, when compared with the magnitude & importance of the Object. It is readily seen that Mr Weston is a strong advocate for Canals & Locks in all cases where there is difficulty in passing, in preferrence to attempting the bed of the River. and he is undoubtedly a very good judge of the ground through which they may be best conducted, & of the best mode of constructing them; but having never had occasion to manage, in a River, so wild a stream as is our Potomac in many places, he is not perhaps so competent a judge of the easiest & cheapest mode of making the River navigable in its bed, nor aware of the difference of expense in the two, which is with us at present an important object—I am, however, very much mistaken, if he will not go away deeply impressed with the great advantages of this River over the Susquehanna.
        On Saturday Mr Weston will meet the Directors and lay his

report before them, when the time for calling a meeting of the Company will be determined upon—and the number of additional shares fixed.
        Mr Brent is elected for the Fairfax District, in place of Mr R. B. Lee, by a majority of more than 200 votes in the three Counties.
        We are now shipping Tobacco suitable for the Holland market, and I have taken the seven hhds belonging to you in this warehouse, which were in Colo. Deakins’ hands. The price for which we have purchased, & for which we could have any quantity here is 4 dollars per hundred. There is nearly two years crops now in the Ware-houses, and no other Ship loading but that in which our’s is shipp’d, of course there is no demand for this article. Should the price be agreeable to you the money will be at your command—if not we will replace the Tobacco by a like quantity of the same quality, which is what is here esteemed the common run of Tobacco—or should you prefer the chance of a market abroad the a/c of this shall be kept seperate from the rest of the Cargo and the proceeds accounted for to you. The Tobacco of Alexandria ware-house is chiefly of the dark heavy kind, which is not suitable for the Holland Market—Your’s there is of that quality, otherwise we should be glad to take it to our a/c. It is best adapted to the French Market; for which there will be vessels loading shortly, when it will probably sell better than it would do at present.
        I hope to have the pleasure of paying my respects to you in Phila. in the course of next week, on my way to the Eastward.
        Tendering my best respects to Mrs Washington and affectionate regards to my young friends, I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the purest respect & most affectionate attachment Your grateful & obliged friend

          Tobias Lear.

          P.S. I find Mr Weston is opposed to the inclined plain in toto: unless where water cannot be commanded to fill a lock.


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 18 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

          Sir,
          Philidelphia 18th March 1795

        On considering that part of your letter of the  instt which relates to the establishment of a Post at Presqu Isle I have no hesitation in giving it as my opinion that the position is eligable, in several points of view, & that the United States ought to fix one there. The doubt I have is, from whence, in the reduced, & reducing state of the Legion, and the uncertainty of the negotiation of Peace with the Western Indians a competent force is to be obtain’d to possess & garrison it.
        On the last of these points a report will be expected from you.

          G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 March 1795
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

          Treasury Department March 20th 1795.

        The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit most respectfully to the consideration of The President a copy of a Letter from this Department to the President of the Bank of the United States, dated the 6th Instant, with a copy of certain resolutions of the Board of Directors of that Institution of the 10th of the present month.
        It will be seen that the Instalment of one million of Dollars

demandable of the Bank under the contract of two millions authorized by the President’s commission of the twenty fourth day of December 1794 to my predecessor, will be wanted to reimburse former Loans due on or before the first of April ensuing, and consequently that the Treasury will derive no resource therefrom to meet the demands upon the Treasury at the close of the present quarter.
        The great expenditures which the late Militia expedition has occasioned, will prevent such an accumulation of funds from the ordinary revenue as will enable this Department to face the demands for the current service with punctuality. The only resource remaining is, therefore to be expected from a temporary Loan.
        An authority to borrow much more extensively than is now proposed, is contained in the Act passed on the 3d day of March 1795, entitled, “an Act making further appropriations for the military & naval establishments, & for the support of Government.”
        Notwithstanding the terms proposed by the Bank are less favorable than have been obtained on former occasions; yet they are, in the opinion of the Secretary, such as ought to be accepted, considering the embarrassments of the present moment, and the great proportion of the Bank capital which has been already applied to the use of the Government.
        Under a sense of those impressions the form of a power to the Secretary of the Treasury to borrow as usual has been proposed. All which is submitted with perfect deference, to the consideration of the President of the United States, by

          Olivr Wolcott JrSecy of the Treasy


Title: To George Washington from Maria I, 21 March 1795
From: I, Maria
To: Washington, George

          [21 March 1795]

        Dona Maria por graça de Deos Rainha de Portugal, e dos Algarves, d’aquem e d’alem Mar, em Africa Senhora de Guiné, e da Conquista, Navigacáo e Commercio da Ethiopia, Arabia, Persia e da India &c. Invio muito sandar dos Estados Unidos da America que muito estimo eprezo. Adevida estimaçáo expreço em que Vos tenho, fas com que Eu Me nao demore em participarvos que hoje pelas sete horas e quarenta minutos da tarde foi Deos servido que a Princeza do Brazil Minha mui prezada Nora desse á Luzhum Neto Meu com bom Successo. E sendo tao constantes as provas que Me tendes dado do particular interesse que tomais em tudo quanto a Mim Me dis respeito, estou

intimamente persuadida de que neste ditoso acontecimento, que enche o Meu Maternal coraçáo do maior jubilo e prazer, tereis igual satisfacáo á que recebo sempre por motivos da Vossa maior ventura. Reduplicadas occasioes desta Vos de Deos conforme o muito que Vos Me mereceis, e que a Minha cordial propensáo e boa vontade Vos deseja. Estados Unidos da America Nosso Senhor vos haja em sua santa guarda. Escrita no Palacio de Guelas a 21 de Março de 1795

          OPrincipeLuiz Pinto de Souza


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 22 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

          Mr Pearce,
          Philadelphia 22d March 1795

        Your letter of the 15th, and the reports of the preceeding week, have come duly to hand.
        I am glad to hear that your new Overseers turn out so well. Of Groves I had not the least knowledge; my fear of Allison was, that he would be too familiar with those he overlooked, and of course would carry no authority. If he avoids this error, and is sober, honest, industrious, and stays at home & with his people, when at work, it is all that can be required of him; for I never meant to entrust any thing to him that did not pass under your directions.
        I received twenty pounds of Lucern seed yesterday from New York, as a present from a gentlemen there of my acquaintance; on the goodness of which entire dependence may be placed. Five pounds of which shall accompany this letter, that the lot for which it is intended, may be more plentifully sown with this seed than I at first designed, under the bad prospect I then had of obtaining any at all of it. Not knowing how much ground the lot contains, I am unable to direct the quantity of seed which it ought to receive; but I would have you allow at the rate of eight pounds of lucern, and the like quantity of clover mixed to the Acre. and as I know that ground was extremely foul, it has occurred to me to ask you (who can judge better on the spot than

I can at a distance) whether it might not be advisable to delay sowing it until August; plowing it in the meantime as often as it shall appear to require. If it is not already sown, & you should prefer August (for the reason I have assigned) to the present time this work may be delayed. All grasses ought to be sown on clean & well prepared ground, especially those near a dwelling house, wch attract the eyes of all visitors.
        This observation applies to grain as well as grass; for which reason, however desirable it might have been to have got the Oats in the ground soon, I had rather hear it was delayed than that it should be sown before every thing was in perfect order for it; for it is a fixed principle with me, that whatever is done should be well done. Unless this maxim is attended to, our labor is but in vain, and our expectation of a return is always deceptious; whilst we are asscribing our disappointments to any thing rather than the true cause, namely not laying (by proper preparations) a good foundation, on which to build our hopes.
        I observe what you say of Betty Davis &ca—but I never found so much difficulty as you seem to apprehend, in distinguishing between real & feigned sickness, or when a person is much afflicted with pain. Nobody can be very sick without having a fever, nor will a fever or any other disorder continue long upon any one without reducing them. Pain also, if it be such as to yield entirely to its force, week after week, will appear by its effects; but my people (many of them) will lay up a month, at the end of which no visible change in their countenance, nor the loss of an oz. of flesh, is discoverable; and their allowance of provision is going on as if nothing ailed them. There cannot, surely, be any real sickness under such circumstances as I have described; nor ought such people to be improperly endulged. It should be made one of the primary duties of every Overseer to attend closely, & particularly to those under his care who really are, or pretend to be, sick; to see that the first receive aid & comfort in time, & before it is too late to apply them; and that the others do not impose upon him. In the first case you ought to be immediately notified, as delay is often dangerous; & in the second, where the matter is at all doubtful, you ought to be the judge, for I am as unwilling to have any person, in my service, forced to work when they are unable, as I am to have them skulk from it, when they are fit for it.

        It is highly probable Paul has left the parts (by water or land)—If Mr Dulany is disposed to pursue any measure for the purpose of recovering his man, I will join him in the expence so far as it may respect Paul; but I would not have my name appear in any advertisement, or other measure, leading to it.
        Tell the Gardener, when he dresses the Artichokes, to put up a number of the Slips, securely, for a Gentlemen of my acquaintance; and let them be sent by the first vessel afterwards, to this City—I am Your friend &ca

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 24 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

          Gentlemen,
          Philadelphia 24th March 1795

        As I may have appear’d somewhat indecisive respecting square No. 21 in the federal city, I should not be surprised if you are at a loss to understand my meaning, in that particular.
        The Commissioners on my application, agreed to let me have—first a quarter—then half—and finally the whole of that square. My mind settled on the last; but not being able (from the accident I met with) when I was at that place in June, to view the whole of it myself—nor to obtain such accurate information of the several parts, as respected the shape & declivity of the hill—to ascertain which was essential for my plan of improvement; I paid for no more than a moiety thereof.
        I have since recollected, and indeed have been informed, that neither moiety will answer without the other for the purpose I contemplate—that is—buildings & a garden (when my means will enable me to encounter the expence).
        This being the case, I repeat my wish to possess the other moiety of the said square. But if in your judgment, my delay

has involved any inconvenience, or by paying for the half only, it argued a dereliction of the whole, and fresh terms must be made; you have only to name them; for as I mean to do nothing wrong in this business myself, it is not my wish, or desire, that you should do otherwise than right.
        I should be glad to hear from you on this subject as soon as it is convenient; because I shall have the needful to provide for the first payment; and I wd take it with me about the middle of next month; when, if nothing unforeseen happens, I expect to be on my way to Mount Vernon, for a short stay. I am—Gentlemen Your Most obedt Servant

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 24 March 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          War-Office March 24. 1795.

        The Secretary of War respectfully submits to the President of the United States, the inclosed draught of a letter to Governor Blount. Mr Wolcott verbally expressed his approbation: Mr Bradford & Mr Randolph have subscribed theirs; the former suggesting a few alterations which he has noted with his pencil.


Title: Enclosure: A List of Plants, 23 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To:

            Botanic Garden Leguanea Jamaica 23rd March 1795

              Botanic names.
              English names.
              No of Plants.

              No 1 Artocarpus integrifolia.
              Indian Jaack Tree.
              four
              plants

              2 Garcinia cornea.
              Small Mangosteen.
              four
              do

              3 Cycas circinalis.
              Sago Palm.
              two
              do

              4 Laurus Cinnamomum.
              Cinnamon Tree.
              six
              do

              5 ——
              Akee.
              four
              do

              6 Annona nova sp:
              Cherimoya.
              two
              do

              7 Piper longum.
              Long Pepper
              two
              do

              8 Gardenia florida.
              Cape Jasmine.
              two
              do

              9 Laurus camphora.
              Camphire Tree.
              four
              do

              10 Annona Myristica.
              Nutmeg Annona.
              two
              do

              11 Cicca disticha.
              Cherimaila.
              two
              do

              12 Justicia picta.
              Painted Justicia.
              two
              do

              13 Allamanda cathartica.
              Galarips.
              one
              do

              14 ——
              Mandarin Orange.
              two
              do

          A List of Plants wanted from America.
          Kalmia latifolia. Kalmia augustifolia. Kalmia glauca. Ledum latifolium. Rhodora canadensis. Rhododendron maximum. Clethra alnifolia. Clethra paniculata. Pyrola maculata. Mitella diphylla. Liquedambar Styraciflua. Sanguinaria canadensis. Spigelia marilandica. Azalea nudiflora. Azelea viscosa. Phlox paniculata. Phlox divaricata. Helonias bullata. Helonias Asphodeloides. Trillium cernuum. Dionaea Muscipula. Sarracenia flava. Sarracenia purpurea.

            Jas Wiles

            A Collection of Plants is getting ready at Bath, which will be sent the first good Opportunity.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Marshall, 25 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Marshall, Thomas

          Dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 25 March 1795

        I have been presented with your letter by Mr H. Marshall whose detention in the Atlantic States will be longer than he expected on acct of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce & Navigation with Great Britain not arriving in season for the Senate to pass their opinion upon; ⟨therefore⟩ a considerable time is required to collect them together again, after their dispersion.
        I was glad to hear from Mr Marshall that you continued to enjoy tolerable good health—perfect health at our time of life is not to be expected. The natural decline of men after they have entered into, or passed their grand climacteric, will make its appearance in a variety of ways—too perminently for figures in the background of the picture.
        I find by a law of your State—republished in the Gazettes of

this city—that from non-resident landholders, certain things are required to be done, by, or in the month of November next. In the county of (what was or still is) Jefferson, I hold five thousand acres in two surveys, with which I pray you to do the needful in my beha⟨lf⟩ and I will repay the amount of the exp⟨en⟩dit⟨u⟩re to your order, at any time.
        As this land is far removed from me, and as I have, in the course of my experience, found that distant property produces more plague than profit; I would dispose of it, provided the sale thereof would amount to near the present value of the land. What this is, I can judge only fr⟨om⟩ information; and after all, the quality of the soil—its situation—and local advan⟨tages⟩ must be decided by Hudibras’s rule—“worth what they will fetch.”
        The plats of these tracts with the observations thereon, & Colo. Greenups opinion to which (Genl Scott, who obtained it says) he added, that lands in those parts according to quality & local advantages, were worth from ten to twenty shillings an acre, is all the evidence I have of the value of mine—except having Patents for it.
        If with these documents—copies of which I send—you could, conveniently, aid me in disposing of them, I would thank you. If a fourth of the purchase ⟨money⟩ was paid down at the time of transfer, I would allow a credit of four or even ⟨five⟩ years for the residue, provided that the principal is well secured, and the interest thereof punctually paid every year, whenever it becomes due.
        I should be unwilling without further & more accurate information of this land, to take less for it than the lowest price above mentioned; and it would be uncandid to say, I should object to the ⟨lar⟩gest, if there should be found any thing therein to deserve it. I should be ⟨glad⟩ to hear from you on the several ⟨points⟩ of this letter. With very great esteem & regard, I am—Dear Sir Your sincere friend & affectionate Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Savary de Valcoulon, 25 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Savary de Valcoulon, Jean

          Sir,
          Philadelphia 25th March 1795

        I have given the propositions contained in your letter of the 19th instant the consideration they merit. The result is—an indisposition to accede to them—At the same time, I pray you to accept my thanks for the tender you have made me of your services to carry them into execution.
        My reasons for declining to embark in the project you have offered (at least at the present) are—1st the greater desire I have to dispose of the whole, than a part of any tract of which I am possessed; that I may thereby have the use of the money arising from the sale, or the interest thereof whilst it may be of service to me, rather than look forward to future advantages. 2d If a small part only of the projected number of 870 lots in the one case, and 700 in the other, should be disposed of, and these too in different situations—remote perhaps from one another (according to the fancy of the purchasers) they would, for a consideration of little or no value, be alienated from the proprietor of the tract—become an inconvenience to him—and perhaps a real disadvantage in the sale of it thereafter whilst the

preemption right to out lots, ties up, for 12 & 18 months, according to the plan which is submitted, the sale of all that part which is so subjected. 3d By the plan which is contemplated, my name, both in Europe & here, must appear in the project and would be bandied about in the public prin⟨ts⟩. a measure which would not, by any means, be agreeable to me, a simple sale being the extent of my object & wishes. 4th admitting, that the scheme should succeed in the manner and to the extent which is proposed, yet as I have no collateral object in view, the property as I have observed before, would in part be tied up in uncertainty for a while, and the proceeds afterwards would be received so slowly and in such driblets, as to melt away without affording me the benefits I aim at.
        For these reasons I am more disposed to wait longer & try the chance of selling by whole tracts, than to dispose of parts thereof in any manner, or for any purpose whatsoever. And tho’ I am sensible that the real value of the lands I hold on the Ohio cannot be obtained at the present moment, yet I have had some reason to think that, on credit, land of such quality & so situated, with indisputable titles would command five dollars an acre.
        If your estimates are formed on good data; and a proper knowledge of circumstance, and as you have a lateral object of considerable importance in view (I mean enhancing by such an establishment the value of the circumjacent lands of which you hold large quantities) the inducement which you would have on these accts to be possessed of one, or more of my tracts, must be very great; and if you are so inclined the purchase may be made at a guinea an acre; one fourth paid down—and the remaining three fourths in five years with interest; the regular payment of which to be secured in a manner to be agreed upon. I am Sir Your obedt H⟨ble Servt⟩

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Somerville, 26 March 1795
From: Somerville, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philadelphia 26th March 1795

        On my arrival here in Decemr last, I had the honor of forwarding for your Excellency a letter from the Earl of Buchan; whose immediate neighbourhood I left.
        I was also by the same Personage entrusted with the care of some books, intended by his Lordship a present for some literary institution, to be established in the Federal City; which books, I was to give into the hands of Mr Lear. but business then calling,

and since detaining, me from going to the Southward at least for some time: May I hope to be forgiven the presumtion of enquiring at your Excellency in what manner I shall dispose of them? my solicitude for taking particular care of the gift, as well as to fullfill the intentions of the Donor can only apologise for thus intruding on your Excellencys valuable time, and important avocations. With the most profound respect I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Very Obedient Servant

          James Somerville


Title: From George Washington to Daniel Morgan, 27 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, Daniel

          (Private)
          Dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 27th March 1795

        The interest, which you have taken in the safety of John Mitchell, as expressed in your letter of the 19th of January last, would be an inducement to me to go, as far in relieving him, as public propriety will admit. But the Attorney-general having made a report of which the enclosed is a copy, I think it advisable to postpone the further consideration until his trial shall have taken place.
        It has afforded me great pleasure to learn, that the general conduct & character of the Army has been temperate & indulgent; and that your attention to the quiet and comfort of the western inhabitants has been well received by them. Still it may be proper constantly & strongly to impress upon the Army that they are mere agents of Civil power: that out of Camp, they have no other authority, than other citizens: that offences against the laws are to be examined not by a military officer, but by a Magistrate: that they are not exempt from arrests and indictments for violations of the law; that officers ought to be careful, not to give orders, which may lead the agents into infractions of law; that no compulsion be used towards the inhabitants in the traffic, carried on between them and the army: that disputes be avoided, as much as possible, and be adjusted as quickly as may be, without

urging them to an extreme: and that the whole country is not to be considered as within the limits of the camp.
        I do not communicate these things to you for any other purpose, than that you may weigh them; and, without referring to any instructions from me, adopt the measures, necessary for accomplishing the foregoing objects. With great regard & esteem I am—Dear Sir Yr affecte & obedt Ser.

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 27 March 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          War Office March 27th 1795

        The Secretary of War in conformity with the expectation of the President of the United States has considered of the means of possessing and garrisoning a post at Presqu’ Isle and now respectfully reports,
        That having requested Major Denny, the Commandant of the State Troops of Pennsylvania to give information of their number and term of service and of other matters respecting the projected settlement at Presqu Isle, he on the 9th instant made a communication in writing which not admitting of an abridgement a copy is herewith presented.
        That information has also been obtained from Mr Ellicott, by which it appears that the post at Le Boeuf is so well fortified, as to be capable of resisting any number of Indians who could assail it: that it is very advantageously situated at the head of the navigation of French Creek, and where the portage to Presqu’ Isle must commence: that a Town is there laid out on the reservation made by the state for that purpose, and a number of lots already improved: That a road thence to Presqu’ Isle was formerly opened by the French or British almost in a direct line, thirty feet wide, from which all the Trees were taken out by the roots, except for about thirty perches at the South end: that the bridges had in that day been generally completed, but no part of the causewaying attempted and consequently the road had

not been travelled by Wheel Carriages: that the road which had been used was very narrow and crooked and probably no other than the old Indian path: but that neither of these Roads could be made to answer any valuable purpose without several miles of causewaying, except in the winter, and two or three months in the summer, if the season should be dry. The distance between Le Boeuf and Presqu’ Isle he states at a little more than fifteen miles, and observes that the transportation between them should be performed by Oxen; as wet and swampy Countries soon destroy horses: and that the Water Carriage from Pittsburg may be performed in such long boats as are used in the Susquehannah and Delaware, as far up as Venango, except in the dry part of the Season, when batteaux in the form of those used on the Mohawk River, will be requisite; and from Venango to Le Boeuf such Batteux ought ever to be exclusively used.
        That a number of Cannon and military and Quarter Masters Stores belonging to Pennsylvania were last year transported to Le Boeuf and may doubtless be transferred to the United States; and with some moderate additions to replace the articles consumed, will be sufficient in forming the establishment.
        That if it should be inconvenient to order of the Legionary troops such a number as would be competent to take possession of the post at Presqu Isle, the deficiency may in the first instance be supplied by the State Troops, most of whom are at Le Boeuf, or in the Western Country: and Major Denny supposed they would cheerfully continue, if wanted, during the summer: indeed he discovered signs of solicitude to have them so continued: and in the Autumn should orders be given to discharge them it is highly probable a number of them would enlist for three years, and with the few Legionary troops, who can be spared for that station form an adequate Garrison.
        That as the law of the United States now allows the same pay to the Militia as that given by the State of Pennsylvania, the great obstacle to the engaging of the Militia is removed; and there is no doubt but that the whole of the State Troops may be reingaged for the object now in question, as soon as their period of service under the state shall expire—There is the more reason to expect this as they were originally inlisted for this single object.
        That with respect to the permanent garrisons the Secretary of War thinks fifty men fully competent to the security of the

post of Presqu Isle—twenty five for that at Le Boeuf, and twenty five for that of Fort Franklin. The present Garrison of the latter (amounting to Fifty seven, officers included) will, with the addition of about forty men, be sufficient to garrison the three posts.
        That however the legion might be reduced by the expiration of inlistments, and whether we do or do not make peace with the hostile Indians, the establishment of a post at Presqu’ Isle appears to the Secretary of War so important, that he thinks no surmountable obstacles should prevent it. That should offensive operations be necessary next year, the transportation of troops, stores and provisions to the Indian Country may thereby be so facilitated, as abundatly to compensate for the small draught its Garrison would make from the force of the Legion. That the establishment itself, putting these advantages in our power, may forcibly influence the minds of the Indians in favour of peace.
        That without this establishment, it will be extremely difficult, if not impracticable, to take possession of and support the Western posts of Detroit and Michilimackinac in 1796, should they be surrendered.
        That the direct and main object for establishing the Corps of Artillerists—the defence of the Sea-coast—being, it is presumed, in a great measure superceded by the Treaty concluded with Great Britain, a detachment from that corps may be easily made for all the three posts of Venango, Le Boeuf and Presqu’ Isle, and the present Garrison of Fort Franklin sent to join the Legion. The only objection to this which now occurs is, that by detaching the Artillery Officers and Men this early, they will miss the advantages which they would acquire by being assembled at West point or elsewhere, in considerable numbers, under the immediate direction of their field Officers, for the purposes of instruction & discipline. But as there are some officers of artillery already well informed both in theory and practice, some of these may be assigned for the above Command.
        These facts and reasons forcibly impress the mind of the Secretary of War with the necessity and practicability of an immediate establishment of a military post at Presqu’ Isle and are now respectfully submitted to the Presidents consideration & decision.

          Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Jackson, 28 March 1795
From: Jackson, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Newburyport [Mass.] March 28th 1795.

        After having replied to the official letters sent me by the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of State announcing my appointment to the Comptrollership of the Treasury—I was still unwilling to pass the opportunity of acknowledging personally to you, the great weight of obligation you have imposed upon me by this renewed testimony of your confidence in my integrity.
        I cannot persuade myself in my present circumstances and state of health that I could meet the duties of the office of Comptroller so as to perform them to my own satisfaction, and I should fear not agreeably to the public expectation.
        At the same time that I decline so honorable an Appointment I beg Sir, it may not be construed into any disrespect, or any unwillingness to do all in my power in support of the Government of the United States, to which I am attached by the strongest ties—or that I may not be considered as willing to undertake any other duties here to which my abilities may be supposed equal. With the highest consideration and respect, I have the honour to be Sir, your much obliged, and most obedient servant,

          Jona. Jackson


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 28 March 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          War-Office March 28. 1795.

        I have received letters from Kon-ondaigua, informing me of the death of General Chapin: and I take the liberty of inclosing letters from divers respectable inhabitants of that country,

strongly recommending the General’s son, Israel Chapin, to succeed his father. What they say of him appears to me strictly just. He has been so much employed by his father in the affairs of the Six Nations, that he is well acquainted with them. I do not know any man in that country who has equal pretensions. One thing I with great confidence expect—an honest application of all monies and goods and provisions destined for the use of the Indians, which pass through his hands. I am with the greatest respect sir, your most obt servant

          Timothy Pickering

          P.S. I beg leave to present with the recommendatory letters, one from Captain Chapin, the Candidate for the office, as a Specimen of his manner of writing.


Title: From George Washington to Philip Richard Fendall, 29 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Fendall, Philip Richard

          Dear Sir
          Philadelphia 29th Mar. 1795

        The request I am about to make requires an apology; but I will rely more on your goodness than anything I can say, for my excuse.
        In Loudoun County, at Difficult bridge, on the ⟨road from⟩ Alexa. to Leesburgh I have a small tract (of about) 300 acres of land, which I am disposed to sell, & some are willing to buy. It is bounded by the Difficult stream ¾ of a mile, & forms one side of a principal seat for a Mill; besides which, there passes through the middle of it, a branch which is constant, with a considerable fall, requiring a Dam of not more than 50 feet, excellent for another Mill. The whole tract consists of land well adapted to farming; a large proportion of which might be converted into good meadow, at no great expence. I have been offered £5 an Acre for it, part down, and the residue in a few years, (I presume) with interest. The request I make therefore, is this an adequate

price for land with the advantages I have described, situated as they are; viz. 19 miles from Alexandria and about 3 only from Matildaville?
        The reason why I trouble you with this enquiry is, that I know you have property in that part of the Country, and are well acquainted with the rise of property in the vicinity of the federal city.
        Your answer, as soon as it is co⟨n⟩venient to you to give it, would oblige me, a⟨s⟩ I must give mine in a very short time. with esteem and regard I am—Dear Sir Yr most Hble Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 29 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

          Mr Pearce
          Philadelphia 29th March 1795

        I have received your letter of the 22d instt with its enclosures.
        Had Mr Pierce Bailey accepted the terms on which I offered him my land on difficult run, without proposing an abatement of interest, after I had declared I never would lower them, the bargain would have been concluded on my part. As he did not, but is still attempting to make other terms, I shall suspend saying any thing further on the subject until I come to Virginia; which, if nothing unforeseen at present, intervenes, will be by the 20th of April, as my intention is to commence my journey for Mount Vernon on the 13th, or at the farthest, the 14th of that month. I shall be better able to decide then, than now, what will be best for me to do in this matter. Land situated as that of mine is on Difficult, with the adva⟨n⟩tages attending it, is in no danger of falling ⟨in⟩ price, when all the circumjacent lands are ⟨risi⟩ng most rapidly in theirs, by the coming of ⟨all the⟩ world as it were to this country for the purpose o⟨f buyi⟩ng lands.

        I hear with concern, of the injury the New Meadow at Dogue run has sustained. I had great expectation from it (knowing, as I do, the goodness of the soil)—If you have Seed, let the parts which have been covered, and all others that are too thin, be resown, and a light harrow, or roller, run over, to bury the seed. If the water (in freshes) has not sufficient vent at the bridge, would it not be proper to widen the passage at that place? It is a pity to subject so valuable a meadow as that might be made, to such disasters, where the remedy is at hand, and not difficult.
        The weather since thursday has been worse than at any period through the winter: what effect it has had, or may have on the growing grain; the grass; and the fields which are to be sown & planted, you, much better than I, can decide: You may continue to write me as usual, informing me of these things; for the letters that do not come here before I set out, I shall find on the Road, at one or other of the ⟨Po⟩st Offices.
        If Moses at the Mill is of sufficien⟨t⟩ si⟨ze for⟩ the purposes of the Garden, I see no ⟨materi⟩al objection to his being placed ther⟨e⟩—indeed with so little merchant work as is done at my Mill, I never saw much occasion for him at that place. for the Miller knows, that by his agreement, he ought to be Coopering himself, when he is not employed in the Mill; and he certainly knows too, that the Mill does not require half his time: in the summer scarc⟨e⟩ly any of it. Hard therefore would it be, if Jack & Tom, with such occasional aid as himself & Ben could afford, is not sufficient to keep the Mill in Barrels.
        I did not expect Gray’s rent wd otherwise be received than as a credit to his weaving acct. If this is done, ’tis sufficient.
        I perceive Isaac is still employed in making Ploughs, whilst Donaldson is working at the Carpenters trade. The principal advantage I expected to derive from the latter was the character he had of being skilled in making of these, & other impliments of husbandry, & the insight the former would get by attending him in this work.
        I send the Gardene⟨r⟩ a small paper of Pease, of which desire hi⟨m to⟩ make the most seed he can, as they were gi⟨ven to me⟩ for a very valuable sort.
        An English Gentleman, of family & fortune, of the name of Strickland, from whom I received the Turnip & many other seeds which were forwarded by the last Vessel from this place,

will, I expect, be at Mount Vernon before I shall. If this should happen, (& he will have a line from me to you) I request you to treat him with all the attention & civility in your power. He is a plain man in his dress & manners, and being a farmer, may wish to go over my farms, if this should be the case, I request you to ride with him over them. As I expect you have (according to my former request) got some red wine, let him have of this, & some of that kind of Madeira which was left out by Mrs Fanny Washington. Whether you have Porter in the house, or not, I am unable to say; but I desire it may be there, as well for him, as against I come home. I wish you well, and am Your friend

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 30 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

          Dear Sir,
          Philadelphia 30th Mar. 1795

        A short time since I wrote to you, and hope the letter got safe to your hands. If this should reach them, it is intended to introduce Mr Strickland, of Yorkshire in England, to your civilities and attention—His merits, independent of the recommendation of Sir Jno. Sinclair, will entitle him to them.
        From Monticello, Mr Strickland intends crossing the ridge for Winchester; and to return to this city either by Frederick town, or through the Valley. With great truth & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Affectionate

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Lenox, 31 March 1795
From: Lenox, David
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philadelphia 31st March 1795

        In conformity to the letter which I had the honor to address to you on the 28th Ultimo, I now beg leave to resign the appointment of Marshal of the Pennsylvania district as well as that of Comptroller of the Treasury protem. I beg leave to mention that I have made every necessary arrangement for the approaching Circuit Court in the line of my duty; and I wish you to believe that nothing actuates me to a resignation of the former appointment but my private fortune being such as not to justify a longer continuance in it. I have ever viewed it as perfectly honorable and pleasing to me from the source from whence it came and I regret that circumstances are such as to oblige me to relinquish it—I hope Sir (and it is a thing very near my heart) that no impression may be made in your mind unfavorable to me but that in retiring from Office I may be gratified by a continuance of your good opinion and this will fully compensate me for some inconveniences I have experienced in it—With every sentiment of esteem and respect I am Sir Your most Obedient Servant

          D. Lenox


Title: Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 31 March 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

          Sir,
          War Office March 31. 1795.

        The inclosed draught of a letter to Mr Seagrove touches on points of such importance, I think it necessary to be submitted to the President’s inspection: and as it respects Mr Seagrove’s letter to the President, the submission is indispensable. The letter with its inclosures accompany my answer, as well as Mr Seagrove’s Talk, which has occasioned many of my observations: but which from its length perhaps the President may not spare time to read. I am yr obt servt

          T. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 31 March 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

          Philadelphia March 31. 1795.

        The Secretary of State has the honor of sending to the President a letter from Colo. Smith; upon which he is now in conference with Mr Hammond and the result will be communicated to the President in the morning.


Title: From George Washington to William Augustine Washington, 31 March 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William Augustine

          My dear Sir,
          Philadelphia March 31st 1795

        By yesterdays Post, I recd the enclosed letter from Mr Cabot (one of the Senators from Massachusetts) covering another from Judge Phillips (one of the most respectable characters in Andover, where the Academy is).
        Mr Cabot—who is a sensible and judicious man—is the person I requested to make enquiry into the present state of things at Andover (having had two, or more sons educated at that Seminary)—Mr Phillips’ given it, & both may be relied on. It rests with you to decide, whether you will send your sons there, or not; and with me to give the information which is required in Judge Phillips’s letter, and this as soon as you will enable me to do it.
        It is unlucky, that conveyances to you by Post are so tedious, if not uncertain; and that other opportunities rarely happen. About the 20th of April I shall be at Mount Vernon for a stay

of a few days only. If, therefore, you cannot get a letter to me at this place by the 14th; nor to Mount Vernon by the 30th of that month; I shall not receive it until after I shall have returned to this city; which wd be a little out of season. Having stated these matters to you—as they have come to me—I have only to add that with sincere friendship, & affecte regard I am always Yours

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 8 January 1795
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

          United States, January 8. 1795.
          Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.

        I lay before Congress copies of Acts passed by the Legislatures of the States of Vermont, Massachusetts and New York, ratifying the amendment proposed by the Senate and House of Representatives at their last session, to the Constitution of the United States, respecting the judicial power thereof.
        The Minister of the French Republic having communicated to the Secretary of State, certain proceedings of the Committee of public safety, respecting weights and measures, I lay these also before Congress.
        The letter from the Governor of the Western Terri⟨tory, co⟩pies of which are now transmitted, refers to a defect in the judicial system of that Territory, deserving the attention of Congress.
        The necessary absence of the Judge of the District of Pennsylvania, upon business connected with the late insurrection is stated by him in a letter, of which I forward copies, to have produced certain interruptions in the judicial proceedings of that District, which cannot be removed without the interposition of Congress.

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Martha Washington, c.3 Oct. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Washington, Martha
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Martha Washington, c.3 Oct. 1794. On 3 Oct., Edmund Randolph wrote to GW: “Mrs Washington’s letter is inclosed in the packet.”


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 5 Oct. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 5 Oct. 1794. On 2 Nov., GW wrote Pearce: “I have received your several letters of the 28th of Septr—and 5th 17th and 23d of last month.”


Title: From George Washington to Martha Washington, c.6 Oct. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Martha

Letter not found: to Martha Washington, c.6 Oct. 1794. On 8 Oct., Edmund Randolph wrote GW: “I was honored by your private letter of the 6th instant, about half an hour ago; and immediately delivered to Mrs Washington the one, addressed to her.”


Title: To George Washington from Martha Washington, 13 Oct. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Washington, Martha
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Martha Washington, 13 Oct. 1794. Edmund Randolph wrote GW on this date: “Mrs Washington having written this morning will have told you, that she and the family are in good health.”


Title: To George Washington from Martha Washington, 16 Oct. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Washington, Martha
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Martha Washington, 16 Oct. 1794. In his private letter to GW of this date, Edmund Randolph wrote: “Mrs Washington informs you in her own letter of the health of your family.”


Title: To George Washington from Martha Washington, 20 Oct. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Washington, Martha
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Martha Washington, 20 October. On this date, Edmund Randolph wrote to GW: “Mrs Washington having written herself, I need not add, that I saw her this morning in good health.”


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 23 Oct. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 23 Oct. 1794. On 2 Nov., GW wrote Pearce: “I have received your several letters of the 28th of Septr—and 5th 17th and 23d of last month.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, c.3 Nov. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Henry Lee, c.3 Nov. 1794. On 3 Nov., Alexander Hamilton wrote GW, “A letter from Governor Lee which goes with this probably informs you of the plan of future operations.”


Title: To George Washington from William Augustine Washington, 12 Nov. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Washington, William Augustine
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Augustine Washington, 12 Nov. 1794. On 23 Nov., GW wrote William Augustine Washington, “Your letter of the 12th instt came to my hands yesterday.”


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 16 Nov. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 16 Nov. 1794. On 23 Nov., GW wrote to Pearce: “Your letter of the 16th with the reports—except the Carpenters, which I have been without for several weeks—came to my hands yesterday.”


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 30 Nov. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 30 Nov. 1794. On 7 Dec., GW wrote Pearce: “Your letter of 30th Ulto, with the weekly reports, came safely to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 7 Dec. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 7 Dec. 1794. On 14 Dec., GW wrote Pearce: “Your letter of the 7th instt, enclosing the reports of the preceeding week, came duly to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 14 Dec. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 14 Dec. 1794. On 21 Dec., GW wrote Pearce: “Your letter of the 14th instant with the papers & reports, which were enclosed therewith, came safe to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 28 Dec. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 28 Dec. 1794. On 4 Jan. 1795 GW wrote Pearce: “I have received your letter of the 28th of last month with its enclosures.”


Title: To George Washington from Peter Bouysson, 16 Jan. 1795 [letter not found]
From: Bouysson, Peter
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Peter Bouysson, 16 Jan. 1795. On 16 Feb. 1795 Edmund Randolph wrote Bouysson at Charleston, S.C.: “I am desired by the President of the United States to acknowledge your letter of the 16th ultimo. No man can feel with more sympathy, than he does, the distressed situation of those who have been obliged to abandon St Domingo.” However, “no public funds are appropriated to their relief, and the innumerable applications” sent to GW “from every part of the Continent … compel him to divide into portions, too small for his own wishes, the surplus, which he finds himself enabled to share” and “exhaust his private resources” (DNA: RG 59, Domestic Letters).


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 18 Jan. 1795 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 18 Jan. 1795. On 25 Jan., GW wrote Pearce: “I have received your letters of the 11th & 18th instt, with the weekly reports.”


Title: To George Washington from Savannah, Ga., citizens, January 1795 [letter not found]
From: Savannah, Ga., citizens
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Savannah, Ga., citizens, January 1795. A cover addressed “The President of the United States” is docketed: “From Sundry Inhabitants of Savannah—recommendg Moses Sheftall as physician of that port. Jany 95” (DLC:GW).


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, c.1 Feb. 1795 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, c.1 Feb. 1795. On 8 Feb., GW wrote Pearce: “Your letter with its enclosures, came to my hands as usual.”


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, c.8 Feb. 1795 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, c.8 Feb. 1795. On 15 Feb., GW wrote Pearce: “Your letter, and the reports of the preceeding Week, came duly to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from James Blanchard, 13 Feb. 1795 [letter not found]
From: Blanchard, James
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from James Blanchard, 13 Feb. 1795. On 13 Feb., Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., wrote Timothy Pickering: “By the President’s order B. Dandridge respectfully transmits to The Secy of War a letter from Jas Blanchard to the President, of this date; & informs the Secy that the President desires an enquiry may be made into the complaint stated in the sd letter, & the result reported to him” (DLC:GW).


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 17 Feb. 1795 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Letter not found: to Timothy Pickering, 17 Feb. 1795. On this date Pickering wrote to GW: “I have been honoured with your note of this morning.”


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 1 March 1795 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 1 March 1795. On 8 March, GW referred to Pearce’s “letter of the 1st of this instt.”


Title: To George Washington from an unknown correspondent, 4 March 1795 [letter not found]
From:
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from unknown, 4 March 1795. On 14 March, Robert Montgomery wrote Edmund Randolph: “a Swedish Ship arrived here from Algiers brings me the inclosed letter of the 4th Current to his Excelly the President With a Statement of the demand made by the Dey for a peace with the united States” (DNA: RG 59, Consular Despatches, Alicante). A docket on Montgomery’s letter states that “the letter said to have been inclosed—was not recd at the office of State.”


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 15 March 1795 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 15 March 1795. On 22 March, GW wrote Pearce: “your letter of the 15th, and the reports of the preceeding week, have come duly to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from Harry Innes, 18 March 1795 [letter not found]
From: Innes, Harry
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Harry Innes, 18 March 1795. On 8 May, Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., transmitted to Secretary of War Timothy Pickering “a letter of the 18 of March last, with its enclosure, from Harry Innes Esqr. to the President” (DLC:GW); and on 13 May, Pickering reported to GW on “The subject of the letter dated March 18. 1795, from Harry Innes Esq. of Kentuckey, to the President of the United

States, with the letter of James Smiley inclosed therein” (DLC: Harry Innes Papers).


Title: To George Washington from John Henery Zimmerman, 20 March 1795 [letter not found]
From: Zimmerman, John Henery
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Henery Zimmerman, 20 March 1795. On 27 March, Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., wrote Zimmerman, “The President of the United States has received your letter of the 20 instant inclosing a petition to Congress, praying some compensation for your services during the late War” (DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters).


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 22 March 1795 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 22 March 1795. On 29 March, GW wrote Pearce: “I have received your letter of the 22d instt with its enclosures.”


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 29 March 1795 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 29 March 1795. On 5 April, GW wrote Pearce acknowledging “your last report enclosed in your letter of the 29th ulto” (ViMtvL).


Title: From George Washington to Harriot Washington, 18 Jan. 1795 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Harriott

Letter not found: to Harriot Washington, 18 Jan. 1795. On 17 Feb., Harriot Washington wrote GW: “I received my dear and Honor’d Uncles letter, of 18th of January.”


Title: To George Washington from John Carey, 2 April 1795
From: Carey, John
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            London, April 2, 1795

          By the ship Friends, captain Bacon, I have the honor of transmitting to Your Excellency a copy of your letters to Congress, written during the first four years of that memorable contest, which, under your auspices, so happily terminated in the establishment of American Independence.
          If, in any passage, I have mistaken your sense, if, by any errors of the press, it is obscured, permit me, Sir, to hope that such mistakes will be excused, when with great truth I declare that I have used my best endeavours to guard against them, and intend to rectify in a second edition whatever I can discover to be wrong in the first.
          Respecting the plan of publication I have adopted, which I fear Your Excellency will at first sight disapprove, and which is far from being satisfactory to myself, I would beg leave to refer to the copy herewith transmitted, which contains some manuscript remarks expressive of the motives that influenced me on the occasion.
          With sincere and ardent wishes for Your Excellency’s health, and that the indulgence of heaven may long preserve you a blessing to that happy country which is so much indebted to you for the happiness it enjoys, I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant,

            John Carey.

            P.S. I have also delivered into the hands of captain Bowen, of the ship Factor, bound for Philadelphia, two copies of the book, which he has promised carefully to convey to Your Excellency, one for Your Excellency’s library, the other containing the same manuscript observations as that now committed to the care of captain Bacon.


Title: To George Washington from Jean Savary de Valcoulon, 2 April 1795
From: Savary de Valcoulon, Jean
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philada 2d April 1795.

          The Kindness with which your Excellency has taken the trouble to answer by writing to my plan, encourage me to make to your objections some observations by way of explanation to it; rather to Justify the intentions of its author in his ideas of practicableness, than in the design to change the determination of your Excellency.
          my project in its origin was confined only to a settlement of a town either on sandy, or mill creeck for my account Jointly with Mister Robt Morris: if I have extented the project to two towns, of which one on little Kanhawa tract, it is because I have believed, that your Excellency had pointed me that spot as the most eligible for that purpose, and as I was of the same opinion, that tract being the most valuable in all regard, I have offered to follow that business; and although I have not an indirect advantage in it (my lands being far from that place) I would have taken the share that your Excellency would have thought convenient to depart with. Reflecting now on the objections of your Excellency, being conscious that such undertaking is not analogous to your station and inclination, notwithstanding all precaution to save you all trouble, and it suit better to all other persons purchaser in futur time of that tract; I leave it intirely and confine myself to the first project.
          my joint lands with Mister Robt Morris being at the proximity of your Excellency’s two tracts on mill & sandy creeks and being ignorant till further inspection which of both is more eligible for a town, if your Excellency had not taken a firm determination not to divide such tracts, I would have wished to buy only 400. acres at 35/—that price although high in this moment, would nevertheless answer our purpose of enhancing the value of our lands, to my ideas and to my pecuniary circonstances; But as the incitement to the Settlers of some town lots is very trifling, essentially in those western parts, I had calculated that in order to insure a compleat and prompt success to such settlement, it would be convenient to leave to the acquerors, the preemption right of purchase of one out lot of two acres, and consequently laid out also 800. acres back and Joigning the said 400. acres, on which each acqueror would exerc[is]e his right for the term

of 18 months from this date but always Joigning one another without distance or separation, in order to leave in all time the remaining tract intire and ready to dispose, and as independently of the private interest of your Excellency promoted by that town, you would have certainly some interior Satisfaction in the prompt welfare of that settlement, all precautions and clauses to remouve the objections and inconveniences resulting for your Excellency, in the free disposal at all time of the remaining tract, would be stipulated in the deed of sale; as by instance, if before that term of 18. months your Excellency find an acqueror for the remaining part, we should be obliged to determine directly the quantity of acres we reserve for our acquerors. it is in that manner, or all other more Suitable to your Excellency, I had found the project practicable according my present capacity; I would have been very glad to meet in every regard the approbation and Conveniency of your Excellency of which I have the honour to be with the greatest Esteem The very humble and obedient servant.

            J. Savary


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Coleman, 3 April 1795
From: Coleman, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Richmond April 3d 1795

          I have, with a transport which I might in vain attempt to describe, perused the letter, which you have been pleased to address to Governor Brooke on the appropriation of the Shares in the Potowmack and James River Companies, and which reflects the highest additional lustre on your character as Father of your Country.

          The pleasure which I feel is not the effect of a Stupid Vanity arising from a belief, that I have, in any degree, originated an idea so comprehensive, so truly your own as that communicated to our worthy Governor; but that I have at any time entertained one, in however small a degree, congenial with yours.
          The trouble which, with much impertinent forwardness, I gave you in the perusal of a request respecting the appropriation of these shares, while on your tour through the Southern States, is now the inducement to my troubling you again with an apology for my conduct at that time; and with an acknowledgement, from the most pointed conviction, how much better qualified you were, for the execution of the trust reposed in you, than I could possibly be: hence the absurdity of my request.
          Amongst those who feel as they ought the numerous benefits derived from your administration of the General Government, I subscribe myself, with the most lively Gratitude, Sir, your most obed. Servant

            Sam: Coleman


Title: To George Washington from Isaac Story, c.4–10 April 1795
From: Story, Isaac
To: Washington, George

            [c.4–10 April 1795]

          Deign, most respected Sire, to accept of the inclosed, as one of the sermons was composed in obedience to your requisition;

please to accept them as a pledge of my veneration for your person & public administrations.
          I acknowledge myself a federalist, & that I rejoice in the Privileges of our excellent constitution. May the blessings of it be preserved, notwithstanding the machination of foreigners, & foes within, be increased & handed down in their utmost extent to the latest posterity.
          While the old Officers of government are dropping off around you, may you be like mount Zion, which cannot be moved. Long may you sway the sceptre of our government, long reign in the hearts of every sincere Patriot; & at some far distant period leave the earthly dominion for a crown of glory which fadeth not away. And when you take your ascension, may the reins of government, like Elijah’s mantle, drop into the hands of a worthy Successor. I am your most obedient; & devoted servant

            Isaac Story

            N.B. The Thanksgiving sermon breathes the sentiments of 1920ths of the clergy in this State.


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 4 April 1795
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

            [4 April 1795]

          At a Meeting of the Trustees for the redemption of the Public Debt, at the Senate Chamber on the 4th of April 1795.

          Present,
          The Secretary of State,
          The Secretary of the Treasury,
          The Attorney General;
          The Certificate of the Register of the Treasury being read, by which it appears that the quarterly interest of the Stock standing on the Books of the Treasury to the credit of the said Trustees & of Samuel Meredith, Treasurer in trust for the U. States and due on the 31st of last month, amounts to the sum of Eighteen thousand nine hundred Dollars & fifty one Cents.
          Resolved, that the same be disposed of by the Agent of the Trustees in the purchase of the Public debt, in the manner last prescribed by the Board. on behalf of the Board,

            Olivr Wolcott JrSecy of the Treasy


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 5 April 1795
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from William Pearce, 5 April 1795. On 12 April, GW wrote Pearce: “Your letter of the 5th, with its enclosures, I received yesterday.”


Title: To George Washington from the British Board of Agriculture, 6 April 1795
From: British Board of Agriculture
To: Washington, George

            Board of AgricultureWhitehall [London] April the 6th 1795.
            Sir,

          We have the honor to acknowledge your Excellency’s Letter and to inform you that The British Board of Agriculture has unanimously elected your Excellency an Honorary Member, the

Diploma for which We have the Honor to inclose by Mr Jay, who was so good as to attend one of our meetings, and who is also one of our Honorary Members, & will inform your Excellency of our Mode of conducting Business, and how desirious we are of improving Agriculture in general, and of cultivating more particularly as far as our powers extend, the reciprocal advantages of great Britain & America.
          It gives us, Sir, much satisfaction That so Good a Judge of every Branch of Agriculture can receive pleasure from our plans to promote that valuable Science, the solid basis on which, the prosperity of every country must ultimately rest, and which different from the System of manufacture, improves the morals of the People, while it ameliorates their Situation and their Soil.
          We shall think ourselves obliged by any information which your Excellency shall think proper to communicate, and take this opportunity to thank you for the Judicious observations in general contained in your Letter, yet, notwithstanding the advantages which must result to the American Cultivator from light taxes, and no rates or tithes, and notwithstanding the Bar which Commons certainly in Some places erect against British Agriculture; We cannot but think, That the want of near Markets, the great expence of freight, and Carriage, the high price of Labour, the inferior Crops, with the occasional inroads of The Indians, must more than balance the disadvantages of the British Agriculturist. We most Sincerely wish that every Bar to Agriculture may be Speedily removed in both countries, and shall think ourselves much honoured by your Excellency’s future Correspondence. We have the Honor to remain with very great Esteem and Respect Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient Servants

            John Sinclair, President of the Board of Agriculture Hawke: V.P. and President of the Committee of Foreign Correspondence


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 6 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

            Sir,
            Philadelphia 6th April 1795

          Having fixed on monday the 13th instt to commence my journey for Virginia—& made arrangements to do business in the federal city on my way down accordingly—It is my desire that ⟨the⟩ Instructions for Genl Wayne’s government at the treaty which is proposed to be held with the Western Indians in June next, may be laid before me without delay, that I may have time to consider them.
          It is my further desire that ⟨all⟩ such other matters as may require ⟨any⟩ opinion, or directions of mine before the fifth of May, ensuing, may be submitted to me as early in the present week, as you are able to prepare them.

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 6 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

            Dear Sir
            Philadelphia 6th April 1795.

          Your letter of the 22d Ulto came duly to hand.
          I shall keep Mr White, with others, in remembrance, for the place suggested; but I shall come to no decision thereon before

I arrive at the federal city; which, probably, will happen on the 18th instant if no accident happens on the road; as my present intention is to commence my journey for Mount Vernon on the 14th for a very short stay.
          The continual disputes, which seem to be entailed on the public transactions in the federal city, are extremely to be regretted. Who is to blame, in the case which you allude to, I know not; nor, if it respects property, or the construction of contracts, is it likely I shall decide, or give any opinion respecting it. I am sorry it has happened however.
          My absence from this place must be short, & two days of it will, probably, be spent in, and about the federal city.
          My best wishes attend Mrs Stuart and your family. With very great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Affectionate

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 7 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

            Sir,
            Philadelphia 7th April 1795

          I have perused the Bill which you sent me for laying out a town &ca at Presqu-Isle.
          The portion of land allotted for a fortification at that place by the 4th section, is much too small for the object; for if ever the work is assailed, the houses and other obstructions within range of its shot must be removed, or the artillery therein would be ⟨ren⟩dered useless & of course the defence insufficient; whilst

under cover of these obstructions, approaches would be made undiscovered & without loss. Fortifications ought always to be placed upon the most c⟨omman⟩ding ground, as well for annoyan⟨ce⟩ as defence; why therefore confine the one intended to be erected at Presqu-Isle to the south side of the harbour, when a more eligable site for the purpose might be found on the other? Why not give the U’d States while their troops occupy the Post the same interest and privileges therein, as is required by them elsewhere? It appears to me expedient, that through the same medium, which presented ⟨the⟩ Bill to you, or some other indirect cha⟨n⟩nel, the defects here mentioned, should be made known in time for amendmen⟨t⟩ if it shall so please the Legislature.
          By the 12th Section of the aforesaid Bill, it would seem that as soon a⟨s the⟩ troops of the United States are sent t⟨o⟩ Presquisle the Governor is required t⟨o⟩ discharge those belonging to the Stat⟨e;⟩ except such as shall be found necessar⟨y⟩ to cover the Commissioners &ca. Ho⟨w then⟩ in the present moment is this work to be executed? that is, by whom and under whose auspices and direction? All these things are essentia⟨l⟩ & ought to be clearly understood—and without delay; as I want, before I leave the city, to know precisely on what foo⟨t⟩ing the matter can be placed.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 8 April 1795
From: Humphreys, David
To: Washington, George

            On Board the Brig Sophia Delaware BayApril 8th 1795 Evening
            My dear & most respected Sir

          I beg leave to explain myself on a part of the plan for the management of the Algerine business, on which I had not an opportunity of doing it in conversation. My idea is that Mr Donaldson should not commence any negociation whatsoever at Algiers, or even appear in a public character (but merely as the bearer of a letter & under sanction of a Flag) unless he shall receive secret & confidential assurances of success, amounting almost to a moral certainty, from the Consul of France. A circumstance, from our latest intelligence from Alicant, to be but little expected. But still th⟨is⟩ measure seems indispensably necessary in order not to lose any possible chance of success, to comply with the wishes of Government after the late appropriation for the object, & to satisfy the public mind that there has been no delay in the matter. In the interim, agreeably to the plan you was pleased to suggest, my intention, is, to hasten (upon a candid disclosure of the real state of facts) to concert with Mr Monroe & the Executive of France what measures are best to be pursued, & to embrace whatever mode of execution shall upon a full view of the circumstances be deemed advisable. The unfortunate, if not improper moment, at which I was obliged to call to take leave of you on Sunday last, and the state of my feelings at the time, prevented me from going into explanations after it was decided I should go to France, & mentioning some details which m⟨mutilated⟩ at least, serve to shew that I do not consult ⟨mulilated⟩ own ease or convenience. It is unnecessary to ⟨mutilated⟩ how far I have sacrificed both in the course of the past winter, in taking measures which I believed best calculated to promote the interests of the United States. But perhaps I may derive some satisfaction from a conviction that justice has been done to the purity of my intentions, by acknowledging I could not have been influenced by any private or sinister motives.
          I am apprehensive, that there is much delicacy in the existing

political connection between this Country & France; and that it may not perhaps be the most favorable moment to expect powerful intervention in our favour. However, in consequence of what I have learned from yourself & the Secry of State, I shall not fail to give to our Minister in that Republic strong assurances of the continued friendly dispositions of our Government; & attempt to prove how much that nation is interested in the accomplishment of our wishes.
          I will hope for your indulgence, in suggesting that, although it may not be convenient to bring the French Minister into company (particularly at your dinners) with the Ministers of the nations at war with his own, yet it may perhaps be highly important to shew him that the neglect, is compensated by attention in some other way. I have known a neglect of invitation to a Diplomatic Dinner [to] become a subject of official discussion.
          I pray you will pardon my solicitude that your character should appear more perfect than that of any other human being. I entreat also that my best respects may be presented to Mrs Washington & my Compliments to the rest of the family.
          Expecting few occasions which will make it either necessary or proper to trouble you with my letters; I hasten to conclude with assurances, that no one of all your friends has ever been more sincerely attached to the promotion of your glory, & that no one more ardently prays for your health & happiness than Your sincere friend & humble Servant

            D. Humphreys


Title: To George Washington from Joseph de Maisonneuve, 8 April 1795
From: Maisonneuve, Joseph de
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Joseph de Maisonneuve, 8 April 1795. On 14 Nov., Timothy Pickering wrote Maisonneuve: “I am directed by the President of the United States to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters to him, one dated the 8th of April” (DNA: RG 59, Diplomatic and Consular Instructions, 1791–1801).


Title: From Samuel A. Otis to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 8 April 1795
From: Otis, Samuel A.
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

            Sir
            Philada 8th April 1795

          I return you the book containing a copy of the proceedings of the Senate in their Executive capacity, which I am ordered to lay before the President of the U. States. I have the honor to be Your most humble Sert

            Sam. A. Otis


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 9 April 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            April 9. 1795.

          E. Randolph has the honor of submitting to the President the draft of a letter to Mr Hammond. The other subjects of complaint will probably be best in another letter.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Howell, Jr., 10 April 1795
From: Howell, Joseph Jr.
To: Washington, George

            Department of War Accountant’s OfficeApril 10th 1795.
            Sire

          On the 12th Ulto compleated nin⟨e⟩teen years Service for the public, in which I flatter myself of having done my duty with some degree of Honor, but finding from the disposition of a majority in the last Congress that an addition to the present compensation which has not been equal to my necessary expences would not be granted. I feel myself compelled—and indeed my old Army complaints require—that I should dispose of the rest of my days to the support of my family, under these impressions I am induced to resign the appointment of Accountant to this department, and now do myself the Honor to enclose the Commission. I am with the highest respect sire Your obedt Servt

            Joseph Howell