Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 29 September 1790
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Chantilly [Westmoreland County, Va.]Septr 29th 1790

A long and severe visitation of intermitting fever since I returned from Congress, has placed me in a very low and reduced situation. But unfit as I now am for writing, I cannot withhold my testimony when it is requested, in favor of a very deserving young Man who wishes an appointment to the command of one of the Cutters to be equipped under the late Act of Congress “providing more effectually for the Collection of the duties &c.” Mr John Parker who will have the honor of delivering you this letter, is a trained Seaman, and well acquainted with this Bay—he is a Man of honor & spirit, and a fifth brother of that brave and persevering family of brothers that served, three of them in the Continental Army, and one in our State Navy during the late war. His eldest brother fell at Charles Town, and the two next served under your command from the beginning to the end of the war, and as I have been informed, with honor to themselves and usefulness to their country.
Since the peace, this young gentleman has been diligently fitting himself for Sea service, by voyaging to Europe and the W. Indies, and by the command of Vessels in the Bay trade. It is my opinion Sir, that if you shall be pleased to appoint Mr Parker, he will prove an useful Officer in his Line, and I am sure he will always retain a grateful remembrance of his Benefactor.
Present, if you please, my best respects to your Lady, and be assured that I am, with the highest respect and esteem, dear Sir Your most affectionate and most obedient servant

Richard Henry Lee


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 30 September 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York Sepr 30. 1790

I had lately a visit from a certain Gentleman the sole object of which was to make some observations of a delicate nature, concerning another Gentleman employed on a particular errand; which, as they were doubtless intended for your ear, and (such as they are) ought to be known to you, it is of course my duty to communicate.
He began (in a manner somewhat embarrassed which betrayed rather more than he seemed to intend to discover) by telling me that in different companies where he had happened to be, in this City (a circumstance by the way very unlikely) he had heared it mentioned that that other Gentleman was upon terms of very great intimacy with the representative of a certain Court at the one where he was employed and with the head of ⟨the party⟩ opposed to the Minister; and he proceeded ⟨to say,⟩ that if there were any symptoms of bac⟨kwardness⟩ or coolness in the Minister, it had occ⟨urred to⟩ him that they might possibly be occa⟨sioned by⟩ such an intimacy; that he had no ⟨intimation⟩ however of this being the case, and th⟨at the idea⟩ suggested by him was mere matter of c⟨onjecture;⟩ that he did not even know it as a fact that the intimacy subsisted. But if this should be the case (said he) you will readily imagine that it cannot be calculated to inspire confidence or facilitate free communication. It would not be surprising, if a very close connection with the representative

of another power should beget doubts and reserves; or if a very familiar intercourse with the head of the opposition should occasion prejudice and distance. Man, after all, is but man; and though the Minister has a great mind, and is as little likely as most men to entertain illiberal distrusts or jealousies; yet there is no saying what might be the effect of such conduct upon him. It is hardly possible not to have some diffidence of those, who seem to be very closely united with our political or personal enemies or rivals. At any rate, such an intimacy, if it exists, can do no good, may do some harm.
This, as far as I recollect, was the substance of what he said. My answer was nearly as follows.
I have never heared a syllable Sir, about the matter you mention. It appears to me however very possible that an intimacy with both the persons you mention may exist: With the first, because the situation of the parties had naturally produced such an intimacy, while both were in this Country; and to have dropped and avoided it there, would not have been without difficulty, on the score of politeness, and would have worn an extraordinary and mysterious aspect: With the last, from the patronage of American affairs, which is understood to have been uniformly the part of that Gentleman, and in some degree, from a similarity of dispositions and characters; both brilliant men, men of wit and genius; both fond of the pleasures of society. It is to be hoped that appearances, which admit of so easy a solution will not prove an obstacle to any thing which mutual interest dictates—It is impossible that there can be any thing wrong.
He replied that he certainly had no idea that there could be any thing wrong; but that as trifles often mar great affairs he thought it best to impart to me his conjecture, that such use might be made of it as should be thought adviseable. I have the honor to be with the most perfect respect & truest attachment Sir, Your most Obedt & humble servt

A. Hamilton

P.S. The letters herewith were through hurry omitted in my dispatch of yesterday.


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Waters, 30 September 1790
From: Waters, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Boston, September 30th 1790

The underwritten, has the honor to set forth, that previous to Your Excellencys taking the Command in 1775, He had the direction of a floating battery; and was appointed upon the 20th of January 1776 by your Excellency, to command the Schooner Lee: In which had the good fortune to Capture the 1st British transport with 120 Light Infantry: and also to assist at the taking of the powder Ship.
Your Excellencys recommendations to Congress, obtained him a Commission in 1777, for a Twenty-Gun Ship; but this he never set foot on board of, there being none of that description then built.
To fill up vacant time, & serve his Country, he engaged as a Volunteer with Captn Manly, in the Hancock, and after release, from a 12 Months imprisonment, had the Continental Brig Gates, until she was condemned. From that time to the present, hath been out of service, but now proffers himself to Command

the Continental Cutter, in this department: Which he hath no doubt but your Excellency will be pleased to appoint him to, as Captains in the Naval service of the United States, have a prior right, before any other Individuals. With great Respect he has the honor to be Your Excellys most Devoted servt

Daniel WatersCaptain in the Navy of United States America


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Tucker, 1 October 1790
From: Tucker, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Boston, 1 October 1790. Understanding that a number of federal cutters will be built for the service of the United States, offers himself as a candidate to serve in one, if he is thought worthy after an inquiry into his character. “I serv’d through the whole of the Late War without any kind of Impeachment, as a Captain.”


Title: Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 3 October 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
New York October 3d 1790

I have been duly favored with your letter of the 27th Ultimo and this morning Captain Albertson handed me your favor of the 23d.
One hundred and sixty dollars is the lowest Captain Alberson will take for his vessels; and this exclusive of the Cabin, which he says was never comprehended in his conversation with you; and that it is always considered as seperate from the vessel when a vessel is hired, unless particularly specified. This is different from the custom of this and all other places in the United States where I am acquainted; it may however be the custom of Philadelphia. The Cabin I considered as an essential part of the vessel, not only for the Servants of which there will be 9 or 10, but to put such particular things as might be better there than in the hold. And sure I am, from your letter of the 27, that you understood the Cabin as included in the vessel for 160 dollars. He says he should not objet to some small things being put into

the Cabin; but he shall charge 2 dollars for each passenger[,] I finding provisions. He even made some objections to my occupying the deck of the vessel—saying that he only mentioned the hold to you. This, however, he gave up. I have therefore agreed to give him 160 dollars for the hold and deck of the vessel, and if I occupy the Cabin to pay him accordingly. He will begin to take in on Tuesday, and in all probability will sail by the last of the week.
Mrs Lear & myself set out for Philadelphia as soon as the vessel sails, and as we shall be obliged to take lodgings ’till the furniture arrives, I will be much obliged to you, my dear Sir, if you will engage them for us at Mrs Houses—or, if she cannot accommodate us, at some other good house near to the President’s—We shall have a man & woman servant with us; but it is not likely we shall be under the necessity of continuing in lodgings but a few days. With very great respect & esteem I am Dear Sir, Your most Obdt Servt

Tobias Lear


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 3 October 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York October 3d 1790

I had the honor yesterday to receive your letter of the 27 of September with the other letters which you were so good as to inclose for me.
The Vessel which is to take the furniture on board arrived this morning. The Owner has come in her; and as my letter to Colo. Biddle requesting him to make a written agreement with the owner did not get to hand before the vessel saild from Philadelphia (the 23d of Septr) I found that, altho he acknowledged his having promised Colo. Biddle to take 160 dollars for his vessel; yet he was very desireous of being releived from that obligation, as he had several applications for her immediately on his arrival, and could have received 200 dollars for the trip to Philadelphia from more than one person to my knowledge. When he found I was not inclined to relinquish the vessel, and mentioned the servants which were to go in the Cabin; he objected to it, declaring it was not his intention, when he told his terms to Colo. Biddle, that the Cabin should be included in the Bargain, as it never was the case unless particularly specified. I produced to him a letter from Colo. Biddle in which he particularly mentions the Cabin as included. The owner observed that Colo. Biddle must have been mistaken on this point, and that if I insisted on the Cabin as in the bargain he must be off. His terms for the Cabin were 20 dollars for the whole—or 2 dollars per passenger (I finding their provisions). I was therefore under the necessity of acceding to this or of giving up the vessel. I preferred the former; reserving to myself ’till the last of loading, a choice of the two conditions either of the whole or passengers; and subjecting the whole bargain of the Cabin to the event of its being proved that Colo. Biddle had included it in his verbal agreement, which if it is proved, I pay him nothing for it. I was aware of some misunderstanding of this kind taking place, as well as of the great demand there would be for vessels to go to

Philadelphia about this time, which made me anxious to have an agreement in writing and to have it made in Philadelphia where the eagerness for vessels did not prevail. This would have been done had not the error in Colo. Biddle’s letter respecting the terms kept him from engaging ’till he could receive my reply to its rectification which reply did not get to hand till after the vessel had saild. I would have suffered any personal inconvenience whatever rather than have acceded to what I conceive to be an imposition in the owner of this vessel[.] But I could not have justified it had I relinquished her for the sum of 20 dollars when I knew others were standing ready to give 40 dollars more than I have engaged her for, the moment I should give her up; and the season will admit of no delay in removing, even if I was certain of getting a vessel for less money; which, however, I am far from being certain of; for the people about to remove are anxious to get away, and are ready to give almost any price for those vessels which coast between this place and Philadelphia, not considering others at this season as so safe. The Captain says he shall discharge his Cargo tomorrow—remove round here and be ready to take in his loading on tuesday; in which case, if the weather proves fair, (for it will not be proper to expose the furniture in foul) she will be ready to sail by the latter part of the week.
The Pagoda is put up with soft cotton in the same case in which Mrs Washington received it. As I was present when it was opened and saw the manner in which it was then packed up, I have put it up in the same way; and have no doubt (without some extraordinary accident) of its getting safe to Philada for it shall be carried carefully on board the vessel—secured well there—and taken carefully out. The Glass Case is well provided for in another box.
The Rent which Mr Macombe allows for the house is more than could have been obtained from any other quarter; but he does not seem much disposed to accommodate in any other way (and in taking the House he undoubtedly has an eye to his own convenience rather than to anything else:) for he will not take any of those closets, partitions or fixtures which you bought of the French Minister, tho’ I have offered them at his own price, and they must certainly be as convenient for him as they were for you. If he has an idea that they would be left and he thereby

get them for nothing he will be mistaken; for I have already had them taken down, and if the parts cannot with convenience be laid upon the deck of the vessel they can at last be sold as boards.
I have not had a single offer for the Wash-House and Stable; I shall therefore advertise them in the papers of tomorrow to be sold at publick Auction on Thursday next, unless disposed of before at private sale. But at any rate they will fetch but a small part of the cost; for the change which has taken place in the demand for everything of this kind within a month past is inconceivable.
I do not think that any such articles as you mention could be disposed of at this time without a certain loss of nearly one half their value; and I am in hopes that the vessel, which appears to be pretty capacious, will take all the things. If she should not I shall follow your directions in sending by some other vessel those things which require the least care and attention. The Cows I shall sell for the most I can, but I beleive it will be but little.
I shall pay particular attention to your directions respecting the mangle, and unless your’s is equally good I will have Mrs Morris’ taken down and sent to her, first acquainting her therewith.
Mrs Lear joins me in best respects to Mrs Washington & yourself with love to the Children—my good wishes and affectionate regards attend all the family at Mount Vernon & my other friends in its vicinity. With the highest respect and most sincere Attachment I have the honor to be Sir, Your obliged & very Humble servant

Tobias Lear.


Title: To George Washington from Ralph Hart Bowles, 4 October 1790
From: Bowles, Ralph Hart
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency,
Machias [Maine District of Massachusetts]4th October 1790

Sometime previous to the appointment of Officers, for the collection of the public imposts—I was requested to make application for that appointment, by my freinds in this quarter—I accordingly wrote to my good friends Generals, Knox, Jackson & Lincoln also the Secretary of this State, but my Letters were too late, & your Excellency appointed our Old Naval Officer collector to this Port.
It would be presumption in me, & I fear troublesome for you to read, was I to inform you of my fatigues and pleasures during the American Revolution, my good Generals above mentioned were knowing to my conduct, more than your Excellency possibly could be—have only to say I served my Country from 1775 till the expiration of the war, and never left the field, the word furlough or leave of absence never was placed against my name. I served from a private soldier in eight grades, the last was Capt. by Brevet & acting as Brigade Major in the City of New York—I now live in Machias in the rising County of Washington the Eastermost of the United States, and if your Excellency will place any business to my care, I will attend to it with the same pleasure as when under your command as a soldier. I have the Honor to be your Excellencies most Obedient Servant

Ralph H. Bowles


Title: To George Washington from Kentucky Convention, 4 October 1790
From: Kentucky Convention
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Danville [Kentucky District, Va.] October 4th 1790.

By order of Convention, I now enclose to you, a copy of the resolutions of Convention, respecting the separation of the District of Kentucky, from the State of Virginia; and, their address to the President and Congress of the United States. I have the honor to be, With the highest respect, Sir, Your Most Humble Servant

George MuterPresident of Convention.


Title: To George Washington from John Boyle, 6 October 1790
From: Boyle, John
To: Washington, George

Boston, 6 October 1790. Transmits at his earliest opportunity a bundle that “came in a Trunk of Books address’d to me by Mr Charles Dilly of London.”


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 6 October 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Mount Vernon Octr 6th 1790.

I have received your letter of the 29th ulto. The papers concerning Capt. Lyde, put into your hands by the Vice President, which you say were enclosed to me, have not been transmitted—but from the recommendations in favor of Captain Williams, I think him entitled to a preference.
Not being possessed of any commissions, I have to request (unless your farther enquiry should point to more proper characters) that you will signify to the undermentioned persons my intention to appoint them to command the revenue Cutters on the stations opposite their respective names, and that you will furnish them with the necessary instructions for proceeding to superintend the building and equipment of their several Vessels.

            Hopley Yeaton
            New Hampshire

            John Foster Williams
            Massachusetts

            Richard Law
            Connecticut

            Patrick Dennis
            New York

            James Montgomery
            Pennsylvania

            Simon Gross
            Maryland

            Richard Taylor
            Virginia

            William Hall
            South Carolina

I am, Sir, Yr most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 6 October 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Treasury Departmt [New York] Oct. 6th 1790

I have recieved from Nathl Gilman Esquire the Commissioner of Loans for New Hampshire, a letter of the 27th September informing me, that he has transmitted his commission to you with a resignation of his Office. I beg leave on this occasion to call to your mind the name of Woodbury Langdon Esquire, who from my recollection of circumstances, and from the result of my enquiries to day, appears to be a suitable person to execute this duty, should none more proper be at this time before you. The situation and nature of the office render as early an appointment,

as you may deem proper, of consequence to the public interests and individual convenience. I have the honor to be with the highest respect, Sir, Your mo: Obedient, & most humble servant

Alexander Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 6 October 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York October 6th 1790.

Nothing of importance has occurred since I had the honor to write to You on Sunday last.
We shall tomorrow finish loading the vessel which I have taken to carry the furniture round to Philadelphia. Altho’ she is very capacious, and stows as much as any Vessel of her burthen (80 tons;) Yet I find we shall have many things left which must go under deck; and I have according engaged a freight for them in another vessel which sails for Philadelphia on Saturday. I shall leave this place on Monday next, if the wind is such as to get the furniture under way before that time.
Mr Eveleigh is very ill; and it is thought he cannot live long.
Mrs Lear unites with me in offering our best respects to Mrs Washington and yourself, and love to the Children, with good wishes to all the family at Mount Vernon. I have the honor to

be, with the highest respect & most sincere attachment, Sir, Your obliged & very Hble Servt

Tobias Lear.


Title: To George Washington from James Tilghman, Sr., 6 October 1790
From: Tilghman, James Sr.
To: Washington, George

Honoured Sir
Chester Town Maryland Octr 6 1790

Admidst the variety of important Objects which employ your attention, it would be no wonder if so small a matter as Miss Andersons Legacy under Colo. Colvills Will, should escape you And you will therefore be so good as to excuse my just reminding you of it. I would not interrupt you while on the publick business And I assure you, Sir, it is with reluctance I give you the least degree of trouble in the present short recess of Congress[.] But I am persuaded you will excuse me when you consider that I am solliciting the Case of a young Lady of great merit, who has seen better days, And to whom the receipt of this Legacy (long suspended by a series of unavoidable Events) whenever it can be accomplished, will be very convenient[.] To save you the trouble of looking back for letters you and Mr West have heretofore written to Miss Andersons friends on the Subject, I beg leave to furnish you with Copies of two letters I found amongst Miss Andersons papers. I would observe that Mr West is uncertain as to the Amount of the Legacy and refer’s to papers probably not now to be come at: But I suppose the Will of Colo. Colvill may be seen in the Registry of Fairfax County or other repository of Wills in the State of Virginia[.] Any Satisfaction that may be required of Miss Anderson being the person described in the Will, may be had tho I think, and indeed, know, that the fact cannot admit of a doubt. I have the honour to be with the highest respect and Most sincere regard, yr most Obt hble serv.

James Tilghman


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 8 October 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

sir
Treasury Departmt [New York] Oct: 8th 1790.

I do myself the honor to inform you, that the result of my enquiries concerning the character of Capt: Jonathan Maltbee, is, that he is a man of fair character and an experienced & good Seaman, who might be expected to execute his duty faithfully as the Commander of a revenue Cutter. I do not learn however, that either he or Capt. Law are remarkable for their activity. The principal point of preference which appears to exist in regard to these two gentlemen is, that Capt. Law has had better opportunities of education than Capt. Maltbee.
Benjamin Harrison junior Esqr. of Richmond, is the only person here, from whom I can obtain information concerning the two applicants for the Office of Surveyor of that port. He gives a decided preference to Mr Hague, grounded upon his personal knowledge of him, and his deportment in a similar Office under the State of Virginia. He however is of opinion, that Mr Hague would not relinquish trade for the emoluments of the post in question; The appointment of a trading person of any description,

to a place in the Customs has been generally avoided, and I beg leave to observe not without sufficient reason. Mr Harrison seems to think, that Mr Rowland has not all the qualities that are to be desired in such an Officer, yet doubts whether the emoluments of the Office would induce an acceptance of it by a more suitable person. he added, that the exactness of the Collector of that District would operate to produce a conduct in Mr Rowland, which might not take place under a superior of a different character, in which opinion I concur with him. If therefore some more suitable person has not been brought before you since the date of your last communication, I humbly conceive, there is little probability, that a more eligible character will be presented to your choice.
As the papers relative to the several objects, about which your letter of the 27th ultimo instructs me to enquire, may be requisite at the time of your determination on the Cases, I transmit them in this inclosure. I have the honor to be with the highest respect, Sir, Your most Obedient, & most huml. Servant

Alexander Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 10 October 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

⟨De⟩ar Sir,
Mount Vernon Octr 10th 1790

Your letters of the 26th and 30th of the last, & 3d of the present month, have come duly to hand.
Without entering into the details, I can assure you that I am perfectly satisfied with the steps you have taken respecting the Vessel which is to bring the furniture & Servants to Philadelphia—With your agreements with Mr Macomb, & whatever you shall do with the Houses I was compelled to build, on his Lots. With your conduct towards, & agreement with Mr & Mrs Hyde. And with your taking the Carpeting from Barry & Rogers, although it arrived much after the time it ought, by agreement, to have been delivered. As Mr Macomb will, more than probable, get the Houses for little or nothing, you acted very properly I think in taking down the Closets, partitions & fixtures which I purchased of the French Minister and which would have been equally convenient to him rather than encrease his gain at my loss—If the Vessel will bring them, they can, unquestionably, be made useful in our intended habitation—if not they will probably fetch something.
The easy and quiet temper of Fanny is little fitted I find for the care of my Niece Harriot Washington, who is grown almost, if not quite a Woman; & what to do with her at the advanced size she is arrived at, I am really at a loss. Her age (just turned of 14) is not too great for a Boarding School, but to enter new with any tolerable prospect, the Mistress of it must not only be respectable, but one who establishes & will enforce good rules. She is prone to idleness, & having been under no controul, would create all the difficulty. I have formed no resolution respecting what will be proper for me to do with her; but that I may the better judge, I request that you will enquire whether there be a proper School (for her to board at) in Philadelphia. If so, whether there are at it, genteel girls of her size & age. Who the Mistress of it is, what her character—Terms &ca are—The numbers at it, who of the principal families and how they are entertained & accomodated. I have not intimated any thing of this matter to Harriot yet; who, if it should be, would I daresay be a good deal alarmed as she had, I daresay, rather mix with other company than be in a Boarding School. Among other things, enquire

what is taught at these Schools. I must further desire, that, in pursuing your enquiries after a School for Washington, particularly if one is to be found in the College at Philadelphia fit for him, that you would extend them to the reputation of the higher branches in that Seminary; & whether much good could be expected from my fixing my Nephews George & Lawrence in it. From what I can find they are doing but little in Alexandria, having left the study of the Languages, & indeed Mr McWhir, and are learning French & the Mathematics under a Mr Harrow. George, & indeed Lawrence, I am told are well disposed Youths—neither of them wanting capacity; and both, especially the first, very desirous of improvement. I would wish to know what their Studies & board would stand them annually—In a word, the best estimate (exclusive of Cloaths) of the expense of fixing them at that place.
As I have had no account yet of what has been done, or is doing to our new habitation, or what ideas to annex to Mr Morris’ information to you, that the House would not be ready for your reception before the 10th of the present Month, I should be glad to receive a full statement of these matters as soon as you arrive at Philadelphia & have time to look into things.
We all join in best wishes for you & Mrs Lear—and for your & the safe arrival of every thing in Philadelphia. With sincere regard and Affecte I am Yours

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 10 October 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York October 10th 1790.

I have been duly honored with your letter of the 3d inst.—and, agreeably to the intimation therein given, shall not fail to communicate such interesting matters as may come to my knowledge, and are not contained in the news-papers.
When I get to Philadelphia I shall make it a particular business to gain the information you request respecting Schools. The College, under the circumstances, and for the reasons which you mention, would certainly be preferrable to any School. My attention shall, therefore, be more especially directed to that.
I have not mentioned anything respecting John’s wife in my letters as I did not know, till a few days since, that she wished to go to Philadelphia with the Servants. As she has applied for permission I have granted it.
I cannot now get at the letter of the Count de Estaing to which you allude; but I well remember that mention was made therein

of his intending to send or having sent the Bust and Prints which you have received. As soon as I can get at the letter it shall be forwarded.
We finished loading Captn Alberson’s vessel on friday, and she sailed Yesterday; but I think it probable that she has not yet left the hook, as there were strong appearances of an approaching storm, which actually came on and still continues. However, if she went out the wind has been directly astern, and there is no danger to be apprehended; for she is a very stout vessel, has a skilful Skipper and good hands. Four of the People—viz. the two washer women, James’ wife and Rhemur went in her. The others will go with the remainder of the furniture to carry which I have taken a sloop and agreed to give the Captain One hundred dollars, as I found, when Alberson’s sloop was loaded, that nearly one third of the furniture which it was necessary to carry under deck remained. A Philadelphia Coaster was loading to the Captain of which I applied to know upon what terms he would take the furniture which was left, and he would not receive a single article for less than 7d. per foot—which, according to the measurement of the things, would have amounted to more than 140 dolls. I therefore agreed with this Captain upon the above terms to take all we had, with such Servants as I might chuse to put on board him; and if his vessel was not filled with the furniture, and other freight offered immediately, he might take it in and receive the benefit of it. But no advantage will accrue to him from this source; for we got about one half of the things on board on friday afternoon, and find that when the whole is in she will be completely full, so that he has given up all idea of taking other freight. The incessant and hard rain of yesterday prevented the completion of the loading; but there is no doubt of our getting every thing on board by tomorrow noon: in which case, the wind permitting, she will sail immediately, and I shall then set out for Phila. with Mrs Lear in the mail Stage on Tuesday morning.
Mr Hyde expressed a wish that he and his wife might go in the Stage, to which I had no objection, putting it upon the footing of its being no further expence to you than it would be for them to go by water; he bearing all the extra expence; to which he readily agreed; and they will this place as soon as the vessel sails.

On friday the buildings were sold at public Auction, and bought by Mr Macombe for one hundred dollars—but few persons attending the sale, and still fewer inclining to bid, as the removal was annexed to the purchase. This is a trifling sum for such buildings; but it was the most that could be obtained.
The long contested business between this State and Vermont is finally settled by the commissioners. The terms I am informed are these. New York withdraws her claim to a certain part of the land known by the name of the New Hampshire Grants; and the settlers on the other part are to be quietted upon Vermont’s paying 31,000 dollars, or ten cents per acre for such lands as are taken up by the Settlers, at the option of the Assembly of Vermont at their next meeting. Thus is the matter adjusted; and in all probability there will soon be an additional State to the Union.
All the late arrivals from Europe seem to agree in the sailing of the Spanish and British fleets; and that appearances of war are as strong as ever.
The best respects and most grateful remembrance are due from Mrs Lear & myself to you and Mrs Washington—our love to the Children & best wishes to all the family. With the highest respect & most sincere Attachment, I have the honor to be Sir Your obliged & very Hble Servt

Tobias Lear.


Title: Agreement of Georgetown, Md., Property Owners, 13 October 1790
From: Georgetown, Md., Property Owners
To:

[Georgetown, Md. 13 October 1790]

The object of the subscribers to the paper annexed, is to accommodate—they will cheerfully consent to any other arrangement, that may be thought reasonable, should their Lands, or any part of them be selected for the Federal City.
They are induced to make the offer of their Lands under the Idea, that if the Federal City should be erected on navigation, no place in the small distance from the mouth of the Eastern Branch, to the highest Tide Water, offers so many advantages—and that to none there can be so few solid objections, as to George Town and its immediate vicinity.
In point of healthiness of situation, goodness of water & air, considerations of so much weight, there are but few spots in the United States, which can boast any advantages over the one now in contemplation: And it is conceived, that the hilliness of the Country, far from being an objection, will be thought a desireable circumstance, as it will at once contribute to the beauty, health, and security of a City intended for the Seat of Empire. For a place merely commercial, where men willingly sacrifice health to gain, a continued flatt, might perhaps be preferred—but even in this view, the Friends to an entire flatt might be gratified from the Lands now offered—the whole of which, includes a sufficient variety to please.
For at least nine months in the year, the Harbour of George Town is as secure as any in the United States, and is sufficient to contain several hundred Ships, and it is a fact easily to be proved, that any vessel which can pass the mud some distance above Maryland Point, can come to George Town, and load at the Wharves. It is not a good winter harbour in its present state, and probably cannot be made so for many ships, without considerable expense; the subscribers cannot think it very material as undoubtedly, the lower part of Mason’s Island can be made a place of security for any number of ships that might winter here—and even if this was not the case, the Eastern Branch would afford the utmost safety and would be found no inconvenient place for the merchants in the Federal City, to lay up their Ships; for when Ships must be Idle, it is of little consequences

whether they remain under the owners Eye, or at the distance of four or five miles. Whenever they could sail from the Eastern Branch they could load at George Town—the only difference is this, that they might sometimes be loaded in the Eastern Branch and ready to sail as soon as the Ice disappeared; whereas at George Town, they would only begin to load, when they could sail from the Branch, which might be attended with a delay of 6 or 7 Days—not more; and this could not probably happen to more than one vessel in every hundred. Alexandria, in this particular, stands & must remain unrivalled, there, opportunities are generally afforded of dispatching Ships every 12 or 15 da[ys] during the Winter, from partial openings of the Ice an advantage, which experience evinces, cannot be enjoyed by any place above Alexandria. But even this advantage will be thought less important, when it is considered that large commercial towns on the Patowmack must derive their chief support from the Produce brought down the River—and that Ships can always remain at George Town, at least as long as the River above, can be navigated; and consequently long enough to take off all the produce brought down by Water. In one particular, and that a very important one, George Town must always retain great advantages over any places below it—there is seldom any swell at George Town—never one quarter of a mile above it, the vessels therefore, which bring the produce down the River, can empty at George Town, which from their construction, and the swell in the River, it is thought they can never do, much below.
Should it be necessary to raise money for the public buildings by the sale of lotts, the place now offered would probably afford greater advantages than any other which could be selected under the Act of Congress; for the seat of government, being fixed in the neighbourhood of a Town already in possession of no very inconsiderable, and increasing Trade, the lotts that might be laid off adjacent to the Town, would immediately command a ready & an extensive sale, and would produce money in the beginning, and when it would be most wanted—Whereas, should any spot at a distance from Town, be chosen, it would likely be many years before the lotts would sell, or be improved—Doubts would arise, whether after all, the Seat of government would be on Patowmack; and if now such doubts were to exist, Commercial men would long hesitate about setting down & erecting expensive

buildings, on a spot, between two Towns, each of them possessing superior natural advantages to any place between; and one of them certainly better calculated to remove the objections entertained by some parts of the Union, against Patowmack on the score of health.
The subscribers cannot but be of opinion (and where their observations are just, they will not have less weight for coming from Men Interested) that the speediest means of extending the Town all over the Country between George Town and the Eastern Branch, would be, to erect the Federal buildings adjacent to George Town—in such an event, no doubts could be entertained of the rapid improvement of the City and Country around it—no buildings would be omitted in consequence of apprehensions that the seat of government might not after all be on Patowmack, for all Men would be satisfied, that if disappointed in this favorite object, their improvements would still afford them ample compensation for their expences, from being in a large Commercial Town.
We, the subscribers, do hereby agree and oblige ourselves our heirs, Executors and administrators, to sell and make over by sufficient Deeds, in any manner which shall be directed by General Washington, or any person acting under him; and on such terms as he shall determine to be reasonable and Just; any of the Lands which we possess in the vicinity of George Town, for the uses of the Federal City, provided the same shall be erected in the said vicinity. Witness our hands this thirteenth day of October, 1790.

            Robert Peter for One hundred Acres shoud so much of mine be thot necessary.

            Tho. Beall of Geo.
            J. M. Lingan

            Benj. Stoddert
            George Beall

            Uriah Forrest
            Anthony Holmead

            Will Deakins, Junr

            John Threlkeld

             any Land on the north side of my meadow


Title: To George Washington from Stephen Sayre, 15 October 1790
From: Sayre, Stephen
To: Washington, George

Sir
Paris. 15th octor 1790

I did myself the honor of writing you, more than once, some time since, when in England—I am sorry to find, that I am thought unworthy the shortest reply—Making every consideration for the important business & high situation you are now in; I must again trouble you, with my wishes and my complaints—relying on your justice, & will cease all applications to my friends who know better what I deserve, but who may naturally feel unwillingness to ask favours—Mr R. Izard, & Mr Wm Floyd are the only Members, of whom you may now learn, what I suffer’d, & what I have deserved—they can be my witnesses in part—they will confirm, in a degree, the short narative, I now trouble you to read. I could write a History of my misfortunes, my sufferings, & the causes of my continued disappointments, arising from my imprudent attachment, I must now call it, to the Revolution. To detail, or even hint at any proportion of the Evils that arose along with it, and, that have, to this moment, follow’d me, is impossible to explain, in a Letter. They would fill your head with astonishment, & your heart with Compassion—you would doubt the possibility of such pointed persecution, against a private man—you would wonder at so much neglect on the part of my Country, tho’ under all the pressure of universal Complaint.
Mr Izard can inform you, that I was not only much more active against the veiws of the British Administration against America, at the commencement of the troubles than Mr Franklin,

or any other American in England. I was Chairman of that first meeting of the Americans in London, where they made their Protest against the proceedings at Boston &c. &c.—I continued an open & avow’d opposition, not only in the City of London, but in Middlesex—where being the Sheriff; I frequently concenter’d their opposition also, by County Meetings—this conduct, not only excited the hatred of Ad[ministratio]n but all others, their adherents—I lost many freinds to my Bank, who would, under neutrality, have done me solid Services—At last Government took a despotic, & desperate measure, by hiring a Scoundrel to make a weak & ridiculous Information agt me—sent me a close Prisoner to the Tower; & in the issue; ruin’d the cr⟨e⟩dit of my Bank.
The head of the Opposition, after this offer’d me a Seat in Parliament—I thought it inconsistent with my former conduct, & felt it so, to accept it—I quitted England the moment I could do so, with honor; as to private Engagements—came here, in Feby 1777—apply’d to the then Com’s. from America—they sent me to Berlin with Mr Lee—they promised to write to Congress, in my favor—If they did so, none of those Letter came safe—while at Berlin; where I lived six months at my own expence—preserving every respectable appearance—Congress, were prevail’d upon to appoint Mr Wm Lee, (whom God almighty, could not shape into the likeness of a Minister) to that very Court, with two other very weighty Commissions—Had he been ever so well qualified for this triplicate Ambassy; he had no higher pretentions to the one at Berlin than myself; from any solid Services done for his Country—If his whole merit rested in a selfish family intrigue—they were unjust to displace me—I had a sort of prescriptive right to remain at the Court of Prussia—I had made very favourable impressions on his Majesty—had suggested every Idea, & the leading features that afterwards made up the great confederation in Europe, as publish’d by the Empress of Russia. From Berlin I went to Denmark, & Sweden—had a particular & personal Interveiw with his Swedish Majesty—stated what I had urged at Berlin—the reasons why Prussia could not take the lead—having no Ships of force, & little commerce to protect &c. &c.—His Majesty, promised, instantly, to improve the plan—to unite the rest of Europe in it: but saw too much danger in making the first attempt—He

urged my going from thence to Russia—made me a solemn promise to do his utmost to prevail on the Empress to effect it—this she did, in just 12 months after—humbled Great Britain, and so far assisted us, that we might, otherways, have been, this day, contending for our liberty.
In all this business; I neglected only my own—I rely’d on the justice of my Country, without considering, how necessary it was, to have some Interest in Congress—or reflecting; that those who are nearest the fire will first feel its warmth.
Upon the notice of the Empress having resolved on the Arm’d Neutrality—I went to St Petersburg—having an unlimited Credit on Amsterdam to buy or build Ships there—I knew what must be the effect of her policy—finding no Ships, in readiness, I began building, in April 1780—but the same spirit of persecution follow’d me—The English Ambassador, set her on fire, before finis’d—burnt her to Ashes with several Houses; and made a merit of it to his Court—saying she was building for account of Congress—that I was their known Agent &c. &c.—thus I suffer’d all the Inconveniencies: but had no emolument, even when there—I wrote to Mr Adams then at Amsterdam—offer’d my Services—instead of giving me any countenance, he sent Mr Dana (at a considerable expence) who knew not two words of french, & very little of the world—He shut himself up, with a Master to teach him the language—and, I believe, was obliged to leave the Court before he could express the nature of his business—I was not, a Minister: but I assotiated, all this time with Ministers, who were astonish’d at such inconsistency—I had access to every Table, of every Prince, at the Court, and was much in the confidence of many—united the interest of some leading men in two Ships, & afterwards built & freighted for Brest—peace taking place, in novr prevented my coming in one of them—highly protected under the Empress, to some port, in America.
Thus, I positivly laid the foundation of solid aid & countenance from half Europe, that in time, must have ruin’d the hopes of Great Britain—and it was done upon their clearest & most important Interests.
There are some of my papers, & Letters, in the possession of Congress, left with the Secretary in 1785—which, in some degree, prove the facts I state—But had I been apprehensive,

when at your freindly Table, that any circumstances could have call’d you from Retirement; I should have impress’d you with the value of my Services—It is perhaps necessary to say a few words as to my remaining so long in since England. First, I had property there, which required my attention—I was also impower’d by many of my suffering freinds & Relations, on long Island & New York, to demand some considerable debts of the B. Administration—Soon after my arrival, I was basely betray’d, cheated, & persecuted, by my own agent. And having found freinds, at last to assist me, I could not leave them, any way liable, to suffer for their good Opinion—I am now here for the winter—If you will employ me in Europe, pray do so, to prevent an unnecessary voyage—for otherwise, I shall embark for America in March next—The Minister, or who ever is the Charges des Affaires here, will know my address, if out of Paris. If you mean to have a Consul General, either here—in Holland, Sweden or England—or if you mean to send a Minister to any secondary Court—why should I be forgotten.
Your good nature must suffer you to allow me the Assertion. I know myself as well qualified—and half Europe knows it also—as any man in America, for a higher Employment than I ever presumed to ask—I hope You will put an end to the abuse, as to sending men to Europe, to learn the language, the manners, the fashions & necessary knowledge of mankind—Congress sent one, not many years since, on a most important Comn who had no pretence to the nomination, but having, many years before, been Cap’n of a Mule Ship—who knew not his own language, or any other: and was but a degree above the Brutes he transported—We have in our Country many worthy and respectable men; bred Gentlemen—why not employ such in the line, where, to be a Gentleman is positivly necessary. But you ought to recollect also, it is equally proper that he should know the world; and capable of moving among the first ranks of men; to do you much real Service—a moderate genius, who knows mankind, does better in Europe, than a sensible Pedant—But to you those observations are useless—they arise from my recollections of past Intrigue and past disgrace. I will trouble you no farther, than adding that I am, most respectfully, your sincere Hume Servt

Stephensayre

P.S. I am about forming a House at the Port of Havre de Grace. If nothing better is to be offer:d, I may, perhaps, see the propriety of asking for the nomination of Consul, there though, I confess, candidly, the Idea is some what humiliating. I know Mr Delamotte or a Mr Lamotte, has now the appointment: but, suppose, because no American has apply’d for it—Dont be offended if I say, it is degrading myself in my own opinion, of what I deserve, to name it—It is not my Intention to offend—I write not to flatter—you are above it—I express my feelings, like a man, who feels Injuries with an independent Spirit.


Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 16 October 1790
From: Newenham, Edward
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
BellChaupe [Dublin] 16 October 1790

Though my Letters cannot be worthy of taking up a moment of your Time, when you are to materialy engaged in the Internal plan for the future prosperity of the united states, And when your mind must be eventualy engaged in the present fluctuating Situation of European Politics; where we see the Gens-des-Armes deserting their Grand Monarch & Supporting the rights of Mankind, & in another Country the founders of despotism, (the Monks & Friars) pretending to take Arms in defence of Liberty; at Such a period the Letters of an Islander, unconnected with the Grand Movements of Europe, cannot be even amusing, but the pleasure I enjoy in corresponding with you, induces me to trespass on your forgiveness.
Last Month I had the Honor of Sending you, the Account of our Lord Chancellors having attempted to overturn the Chartered Rights of the Citizens of Dublin; Since he was defeated in that attempt of imitating Judge Jeffries, his Defeat has instigated him to declare war against Every Right of a Freeman; Reports are Current, that he has already framed a Law (which by a hired band of Placemen he may get passed by both Houses of Parliament) to alter the Charters of the few Free Cities in this Kingdom, & render the Election of Magistrates Subservient to the Mandates of the Minister; though possessed of Power, they want to exceed even that of the Sultan; they will overflow the Cup of oppression & teach Mankind they must make a Sudden & bold Effort to break their Chains; these last 8 Months have been more productive of the Grossest Corruption in the fountain of Honor that can be paralelled in the History of England; five Peerages were Sold; avowedly Sold at public Vendue; So barefaced, that when the Minister was Charged with the infamous Traffick, he did not attempt to deny it; the fact is thus settled—the Woud-be-Peer pays the Vice-regal secretary a sum of Money £1000 & buys a seat in the House of Commons for a person to Vote for Ministry, who thereby adds one to his Band among the Lords, & retains his Majority among the Commons; Had we a Majority in Parliament, this Traffick would undergo its adequate punishment; and before the Ides of March 1791 we are to have four more new Creations; a Short time Since Sir Frederick Flood,

who had faithfully obeyed the Dictates of Government in 3 Parliaments, was Candidate for a County, he took a Test, that he would obey their Instructions; he lost his Election & was then turned out of his Employment of £500 a year Income; Every Man that has an Employment of that Value must go into Parliament or Get a Voting Proxy—We have the Dawn of hope, that Common Sence & Justice will have some Weight in the Next Session as the principles of the Whig Club are generaly adopted.
In France, Affairs appear to me to be nearly at a Crisis—whether the present or nearly the old Constitution shall remain—the affair of the Assignats was a Tryal of Strength; the Bulk of the People seem to approve of that Mode of Finance; a Desperate Dissorder required a desperate Remedy; the Enquiry instituted by the Chatelet against Mirabeau & Orleans have ended favourable for them; but they are Chagrind at the process having been begun; & thus a party will be formed, that may divide the friends of the Revolution; Spain will force England to a War in order to divert the French in General, & distract the Councils of the present Government (& here I cannot avoid a Circumstance that happend this Evening, a Spanish Merchant ⟨man⟩ manned by Spaniards came into this Harbour with a Cargo of Wine & fruit, which none of our Ships have ventured to do in any Port in Spain)—In Saxony some troubles are hourly expectd, & would have proved serious, if there had been a dispute between Austria & Prussia—the Crusaders in the Netherlands are Slaughterd by hundreds, & when the Grand Army arrives, they will be annihilated, for the Bulk of the people are not hearty in the Cause; they Know they are only fighting to add to the Riches of Cathedrals & Convents; they Know, that if the Clergy were triumphant, their Taxes would not be Lessn’d nor would the Ancient Belgic Constitution be restord—in Switzerland the Cheifs begin to fear, I mean in the Aristocratic Cantons; a Spirit of Equalization, that does not Suit their System of Government—Should France Succeed in its Revolution, Spain & Portugal will feel the Effects of a Simular attempt.
My Ardent Prayer is & always has been for the prosperity of you & your Allies—may your union be more & more Consolidated, & may you soon raise the Temple of Liberty in South America, & Shew the Natives the Blessings of American Government—May America remember her Washington to the Latest

Posterity, & may the Virtues of the Present Inhabitants descend in unimpaired Glory to their Succeeding Generations.
I do not, even at this period of my Life, relinquish the Hope I entertaind of paying my personal respects at Mount Vernon, if God is pleased to prolong my Life.
Lady Newenham whose heart & Principles were ever warm in your Noble Cause & personal Safety joins in Sincere Wishes for yours & Mrs Washingtons health & Happiness. I have the Honor to remain My Dear Sir with the most perfect Esteem your faithfull & obt Hble Sert

Edward Newenham

This goes by the Olive Branch Captain Barnwell bound to New york.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 17 October 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York Octr 17. 1790.

I had the honor of receiving your letter of the 10th instant by the last post. It is certainly very possible, that motives, different

from the one avowed, may have produced a certain communication; and in matters of such nature, it is not only allowable, but the dictate of prudence, to receive suggestions with peculiar caution.
A British Packet arrived yesterday. The accounts she brings, are all of a war-like aspect. I have extracted from an English paper the inclosed decree of the National Assembly of France; which though of a qualified tenor looks pretty directly towards the eventual supporting of Spain. The English papers hold it up as a decisive indication of a disposition to do so—And it is said in some of the letters which have been received that positive orders have been sent to Lord Howe to fight if he can find an opportunity. The papers announce a second fleet of fifteen sail of the line ready to rendezvous at Portsmouth to be under the command of Admiral Hood. Their destination unknown.
It is also mentioned that the Dutch Fleet had returned to the Texel; the Duke of Leeds having previously made a journey for an interview with the Dutch Admiral. This very mysterious circumstance is wholly unexplained.
A certain Gentleman, who called on me to-day, informed me, that a Packet had sailed the 16 of August for Quebec, in which went passenger General Clarke. He added that the rumour in England was that Sir Guy Carleton was to return in her. He made no other communication.
The inclosed letter came to hand this day. I have had no opportunity of making any inquiry concerning the person recommended in it. If I can obtain any additional lights they shall be made known without delay.
The object suggested in your letter as preparatory to the Meeting of the Legislature shall engage my particular attention.
The papers of the Departments of State and the Treasury, and of the Commissioners for settling accounts are on their way to Philadelphia. On the 20th I propose with my family to set out for the same place. I have the honor to be with the highest respect and truest attachment Sir Your most Obedient & most humble servant

Alexander Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 17 October 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia October 17th 1790.

It is not in my power fully to express the pleasing satisfaction which I felt upon perusing your kind favor of the 10th Inst. with which I have been duly honored, to find that the steps which I had taken since your departure from New York meet with your approbation. It is a reward I shall ever prize above all others—and one that it shall always be my study to obtain.
Since I had the honor to write to you on the 14th Inst. the two Vessels with the people and furniture have arrived safe—are unloaded and discharged. The furniture (except such things as were necessary for our immediate use) is securely stored; and, so far as I can judge from the appearance of the cases, is in very good order. Tomorrow we shall begin to take it up to the house and unpack it.
Mrs Morris, having much recovered from her indisposition, removed yesterday, with such things of their’s as remained in the house; and tomorrow the Masons will go to work on the Bow window; after finishing which, they will run up the Servants’ hall on the back part of the Kitchen, and extend it far enough to make two rooms for the Servants at the end of the Hall. These, with the Accommodations to be made in the Smoke house and the four Garrets will provide for all the people. Mr and Mrs Hyde take one of the Garrets in preferrence to the room over the wash-house, which must be converted into a Laundry and sleeping room for the washer women. In the letter which you did me the honor to write from this place, you mentioned a room over the Stable or Coach-house which could accommodate the Servants belonging to the Stables. But I find, upon examination, that there is no room for that purpose; neither do I see that one could be made there with any convenience. The whole is used as a Hay loft and Mr Morris’ Coachman has a bed in one corner where he sleeps; but neither a candle or fire could be carried there with any safety. The Coachman tells me that he is never suffered to carry a light into the loft[.] But I beleive it would not be safe to trust your people under those circumstances, as they would be more apt to study their own convenience than the safety of the buildings; and they may be conveniently lodged in the smoke house.

From the work that is to be done by the Carpenters and Masons, it appears to me that they cannot complete it in Less than five or six weeks. But Mr Morris tells me they will have it done in two. I shall not fail to give you regular information of the progress of the work. And if there is any particular appropriation of the furniture to the several rooms that you wish to have made different from what it was in New York, I will thank you to let me know it, and it shall be done. When the Bow window is run up it will make the large dining Room and the drawing room over it 34 feet long, which is two feet more than the large rooms in Mr Macomb’s house. The want of a closet in the large dining room for the Images, save china &c. will be a serious inconvenience which I do not now see a prospect of removing.
Since my arrival here my time has been so much employed in attending to the landing and safe Storage of the furniture, that it has not yet been in my power to make the inquiries which you requested respecting Schools; but it shall be done in the course of this week, and I will then transmit the fullest account I can obtain.
Mrs Lear unites with me in sentiments of gratitude and respect for Mrs Washington and yourself—love to the Children, and best wishes to all the family. With the highest respect and most sincere attachment, I have the honor to be Sir, Your obliged & very Humble Servant

Tobias Lear.


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Haynie, 19 October 1790 [letter not found]
From: Haynie, Elizabeth
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Elizabeth Haynie, 19 Oct. 1790. On 27 Dec. 1790 GW wrote Haynie: “Your letter of the 19 of October never reached my hands until a few days ago.”


Title: From George Washington to Elizabethtown, Md., Citizens, 20 October 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Elizabethtown, Md., Citizens

Gentlemen,
[Elizabethtown, Md., c.20 October 1790]

The cordial welcome which you give me to Elizabeth-Town, and the very flattering expressions of regard, contained in your address, claim and receive my grateful and sincere acknowledgements.
Estimating, as I do, the affection and esteem of my fellowcitizens, and conscious that my best pretension to their approbation is founded in an earnest endeavor faithfully to discharge the duties which have been assigned me, I cannot better reply to their confidence than by assuring them that the same impartiality, which has heretofore directed, will continue to govern my conduct in the execution of public trusts.
I offer sincere wishes for your temporal happiness and future felicity.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Mary Harding Bristow, 22 October 1790
From: Bristow, Mary Harding
To: Washington, George

Sir
Spring Gardens London 22d Octr 1790

I hope you will pardon the liberty I once more take of Addressing a few lines to your Excellency: as I understand the Sale of my Son’s Brent Town Lands is set aside, not having legaly been sold. I flatter myself your known Humanity and Justice will Induce you to prevail on the Assembly of the States to restore that part of the Estate to my Child: which I shall always remember with the greatest gratitude! I have the Honor to be, with great Respect, your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Sert

M: Bristow


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 24 October 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia October 24th 1790.

Since I had the honor of writing to you on the 17th Instant, we have got all the furniture &ca up to the house; and it is with great satisfaction I can inform you that, sofar as it has been examined, we find it safe and in as good order as when it left New York. The Images for the table, of which I was more apprehensive than of anything else, have not received the smallest injury—they are unpacked, cleaned, and, I think, look much whiter and more delicate than they did after their first cleaning. One of the large glasses that cover the Images was cracked in unpacking; but it is mended and made as useful as ever in preserving them from the dust. I have not yet opened the Pagoda, as I do not know where you would wish to have it put; but I have no doubt of its being whole. I have examined all the large Looking Glasses, and find them safe; but shall let them remain in their boxes until the rooms are ready for their reception. The smaller Glasses I have no doubt are in good order, as they were packed in the same manner, and handled with the same care as

the larger. We have not opened the Save and Cincinnati China, as the closets in which they are to be put have been lately painted and are not yet dry; but the common China which we have unpacked is preserved beyond expectation, not a single piece is broken; and as we were much more particular in putting up the better kind, I have no doubt of its being found in good order. No injury has happened to Any of the Mohogony or other furniture.
I have good reason to be confirmed in the opinion given in my last letter, that the work to be done to and about the house will not be finished sooner than the first of December; and even that period will not complete it unless they make more dispatch than they have done in the week past; for they have not yet pulled down the wall of the house where the Bow window is to be built, and ’till that is done they cannot lay a single brick of the Bow. The delay in this is occasioned by the Carpenters being obliged to secure each floor with Girders as the wall is taken down.
They began yesterday to prepare for the foundation of the Servants’ hall, which the Masons will work upon while the Carpenters are fixing the Girders &ca. But the first object is to complete the Bow-window and finish the Rooms to which it will be annexed. I have endeavored to impress the Masters of the Carpenters and Masons with the necessity there is of having all the work done before your arrival, which I tell them I have every reason to expect will be by or before the 20th of November. They appear anxious to forward the work as fast as possible, but tell me that such is the demand for workmen in their lines at present, that it is with the utmost difficulty and at advanced wages that they can retain such workmen as they now have, and that there is no such thing as increasing their numbers; for the many buildings which are carrying on, and the season of the year making every one who has a building on hand anxious to complete it soon, cause the demand for workmen to be so pressing that there is no depending for a day even upon those who are engaged, as people advance the wages of the Carpenters & Masons to induce them to quit the employ in which they may be engaged.
Upon examining Mrs Morris’ mangle it was found to be better than your’s; I informed her thereof, and her’s is accordingly

taken down. I have informed Mr Morris that the Looking Glasses and Glass lamp for the passage, which he is to have in lieu of those left in the house, are ready to be delivered whenever it is convenient for him or Mrs Morris to make a choice and receive them.
I have paid several visits to Mr Clark since my arrival, and find he is at work on the Coach and harness which he assures me shall be completed by the middle of November; and from appearances I have no doubt of it. He has applied to me for the crest of your Arms which he says you directed him to put on the Coach and harness, and I have accordingly furnished him with it from an impression of the seal which I have in my possession. He wishes to know if you would have the motto of your arms over the crest, or only a wreath round the plate on which it is painted similar to those round the seasons.
My inquiries respecting a School for Washington have terminated more in favor of the College than any other seminary here. I am informed that since the seperation of the University from the College the latter has been much attended to, and is rising fast in reputation. The former is also well spoken of. And, so far as I can learn each has its supporters and advocates in the two political parties which have long since been conspicuous in this place. The College, under the superintendence of Doctor Smith, is re-established upon its former Charter, retains the Collegiate buildings and is well endowed. The masters in the several branches of this Seminary are said to be able and respectable men, and that good order and regularity are observed in the government. Boys are received here from the time of their beginning to read, and conducted through the several Classes to the highest branches of education. The hours of their attendance are from 8 to 12 in the summer—from 9 to 12 in the winter, and from 2 to 5 through the year. The Professors are too well known to make it necessary for me to say anything respecting them. To their number Judge Wilson has lately been added as Proffessor of Law, and high expectations are formed of the utility of his lectures which are to commence in December. Mr Morris’ youngest Sons go to the College. The University, under Doctor Ewing is well supplied with able teachers, receives boys of the same standing, and carries them through the several branches which are taught at College. But I have been informed

that this Seminary does not stand upon so solid a basis in respect to endowments, nor meet the warm support that the College receives. However, as each has its partisans, and there seems to be a rivalship existing between them, it is difficult for one to form an accurate idea of their comparative merits without a personal knowledge of both. In the essentials my information seems to agree, viz. that good masters and good order are to be found in both.
Should it be thought best to send Miss Harriot to a Boarding School in this place I think there is one in which every advantage you wish may be found. Mrs Bordeau is spoken of in the highest terms by Mrs Morris and other Ladies here who have experienced her abilities and good conduct in the education of their daughters. It is now upwards of twelve years since she first opened a Boarding School in this City; during which time she has conducted herself in such a manner as to give entire satisfaction to the Parents and friends of those who have been under her care, and has acquired a handsome property in the pursuit of her business. She is said to be very much respected by the first families here; and that the greatest order, regularity and good Government is observed in her School. After receiving this information, I waited upon her myself, to know her terms &ca which are enclosed, with a list of the names, places of residence and ages of the young Ladies now at her School. Mrs Bordeau appears to be a Lady of about 35 or 40 years of age, and of very easy and pleasing manners. Mrs Pine’s School is likewise well spoken of. But she has not the experience of Mrs Bordeau in that line; and is considered only as the second.
Agreeably to your desire I have extended my inquiries to the reputation of the higher branches of education in the College; and am informed that they are attended to in such a manner and by such persons as to be much celebrated; and that a young Gentleman may here finish his course of studies to great advantage: But I have not yet been able to learn the different expences with which this finishing is attended; neither have I received such particular information on this head as I wish, nor as I intend to do from the best sources, when I shall have the honor of transmitting you a more satisfactory account thereof.
The following is a transcript of what the Count de Estaing says in his letter to you respecting the Bust of Mr Necker &ca.

“Sir,Paris march 20th 1790.
“Permit one of the least, but one of the most zealous assistants in the great work which you began, conducted, and have completed, to join a private letter to his official answer—and to commune freely with you. The small token which I take the liberty to send to you, begging your acceptance of (the Bust of Mr Necker, and the engravings which accompany it) will better express the public opinion and my own than any dissertation could do.”

By a Captain Vance who sailed last week for Alexandria I sent two loaves of maple Sugar which had been refined at New York by Mr Roosevelt. Altho the Sugar in its original State was not of the first quality, yet the sample will shew how well the attempt to refine it has succeeded: And Mr Roosevelt assured me that he had no doubt, when the best quality should be sent to the Sugar house, of its making a good loaf Sugar as could be produced from the best muscavado. He sold what he had refined of this @ 2/. NYk Curry per pound, which is 3d. more than the same quality made from imported Sugar sells at; which advanced price he said was owing to the small quantity that was refined (at 2 or 300 c[w]t) which occasioned the same expense and trouble to the refiner that a much larger quantity would have done. But if it was refined in large quantities it could be afforded as cheap or cheaper than any other.
Colo. Hamilton and his family arrived here on the 22d. Genl & Mrs Knox had not returned from Boston when Colo. Hamilton left New York. Their removal to this place must therefore be late. Genl Knox himself will however be here by the 1st of November.
Mrs Lear unites with me in gratitude and respect for Mrs Washington and yourself—love to the Children and best wishes to all the family. With the highest respect & most sincere Attachment, I have the honor to be, Sir, your obliged and very Humble Servant

Tobias Lear.

P.S. Captn Vance will deliver the Sugar to Mr Murray in Alexandria.


Title: To George Washington from Jeremy Belknap, 25 October 1790
From: Belknap, Jeremy
To: Washington, George

Worthy Sir
Boston Oct. 25 1790

It was my happiness to receive from under your hand, and afterward from your Mouth an approbation of the first Vol. of my history of New Hampshire—After a long but necessary Interruption I have resumed & am continuing the work wch I hope will be ready for publication next spring.
In searching for materials of information respecting the Controversy between N. Hampshire & Vermont toward the close of the late War, I have learned that some Letters written by your Excellency to the Vermonters were very influential to restore order & prevent that Controversy from being carried to the length which many people wished & many others feared. These Letters must contain arguments with which the historian of that period ought to be acquainted, & I do therefore request your Excellency to favour me with such Copies or abstracts of them, & such other remarks as you may think proper for my purpose, & you will thereby much oblige your most respectful & obedient servant

Jeremy Belknap


Title: From George Washington to William Temple Franklin, 25 October 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, William Temple

Sir,
Mount Vernon October 25th 1790.

I did not receive your letter of the 13th instant until yesterday on my return from an excursion up the Potowmack, which will apologize for the delay of my answer.
I am much obliged by your offer to take charge of my letters for Europe—but, having no communication to make at this time, I shall not be able to profit of your politeness.
The reason, which you say has been suggested for your leaving America, I have not heard mentioned, nor should I have placed such a construction upon your absence—being altogether ignorant of any cause to authorise the opinion.
I wish you an agreeable passage to England, and a successful issue to your intentions in visiting Europe. I am Sir, your most obedient Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 25 October 1790
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir.
War-department [New York] October 25th 1790.

Having been unavoidably longer detained at Boston, than I expected, I did not return to this place until the 22nd instant, and I shall this day set out for Philadelphia to make the necessary arrangements to remove my office and family to that city.
No events of sufficient importance have arisen in my department to warrant my troubling you with particular details at present—But as the expedition on the Western frontier is an object of real importance, I have the honor of transmitting you Governor St. Clair’s letter of the 19th of September, which is the latest information.
Brigadier General Harmar of the 2’nd of September writes that he ought to have 2500 or 3000 men in order successfully to encounter the force which may be opposed to him—He mentions in a former letter that the militia of Kentucky were in high spirits on the occasion.
The contractors have informed me that ample supplies of provisions had been furnished, and also of horses and other necessaries in the quartermasters line.
Mr McGillivray arrived safely at St Mary’s after a pleasant passage of fourteen days.
If any thing further should occur relative to the Western expedition, I shall have the honor to communicate it. I have the honor to be Sir, with the highest respect, Your most obedient humble Servt

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Waldo, 25 October 1790
From: Waldo, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Portland [District of Maine], 25 Oct. 1790. Proposes himself as a candidate for the office of collector of excise if such is established and for his character refers GW to a letter James Bowdoin wrote some months ago to the president.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 26 October 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Mount Vernon Octor 26th 1790.

Your letter of the 8th inst: I received yesterday on my return from an excursion up the Potowmack.
I acquainted you on the 15th instant that I had appointed Mr Woodbury Langdon Commissioner of Loans for the State of New Hampshire; but as it is probable from his brothers letter to you, that he will decline the appointment, I have now to inform you that I have no objection to Mr Keith Spence the person recommended by Mr John Langdon provided that, on enquiry, you find him to be the person best qualified to discharge the duties of the Office.
Mr Lear’s knowledge of characters in the State of New Hampshire will assist your information on this subject. I am, sir, Your most Obt Servant

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 26 October 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Treasury Department [Philadelphia]October 26th 1790.

I have had the honor to receive your several letters of the 12th, 13th, & 15th inst: which finding me in the act of removal from New York to Philadelphia, I have been prevented from the due acknowledgement of their reception at an earlier moment.
The Baron Perin’s claim shall be examined as soon as the Officers of the Treasury can complete the arrangement of their Books & papers, which I trust will be in a very few days, and I shall communicate to the Baron the result, transmiting at the same time your letter to him.
I was apprehensive from the letter of Mr J. Langdon to me which I had the honor to enclose to you at the moment of my departure from New York, that his brother was not very desirous of the Office of Commissioner of Loans. A later letter of his to Mr Lear is less decided, though that to me expresses a wish that the appointment may be given to Mr Keith Spence of Portsmouth. I have however transmitted your letter to Mr Woodbury Langdon, and have written to his brother, as the recent insolvency of Mr Spence, a circumstance which I have just learnt from Mr Lear appears to render him in a considerable degree unsuitable for an Office of so great pecuniary trust. I have the honor to be with the highest respect sir Yr most Obedient & most humble servt

Alexander Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 27 October 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Octr 27th 1790

On Sunday last I returned from a twelve days excursion up the Potowmack & found your letters of the 6th & 10th from New

York, and 14th & 17th from Philadelphia. I am very glad to hear that you are all arrived at the latter place, safe—and the furniture, as you conceive, in good order. It was very right to give Johns wife the same priviledge that was allowed to others, and Mr & Mrs Hyde’s coming in the Stage is equally agreeable to me.
I have no particular directions to give respecting the appropriation of the furniture. By means of the Bow windows the back rooms will become the largest, & of course will receive the furniture of the largest dining & drawing rooms, & in that case, although there is no closet within the former, there are some in the Stewards room directly opposite which are not inconvenient; or (but here I am speaking some what at random, not knowing to what use it has hitherto been applied) there is a small room adjoining the Kitchen (by the Pump) that might if it is not essential for other purposes be appropriated for the Images, Save China, and other things of this sort which are not in common use. Mrs Morris who is a notable lady in family arrangements, can give you much information in all the conveniences about the House & buildings; and I dare say would rather consider it as a compliment to be consulted in these matters (as she is so near) than a trouble to give her opinion of them or in putting up any of the fixtures as the House is theirs & will revert to them with the advantages or disadvantages which will result from the present establisment of things. I am very glad you pressed them not to incommode themselves by an inconvenient remove—We are very happy to hear of her recovery, & request you to present our compliments of congratulation to her & Mr Morris on the occasion.
I am very anxious to have the Rent which I am to pay for my new residence ascertained before I take up my quarters in it—you will perceive by the enclosed answer to a letter I wrote to Mr Morris on the subject that this point is yet unsettled. Previous to my application to Mr Morris, I was informed by the Committee with whom I had conversed on the Subject that it was well understood I was to pay rent—I have therefore to request that you will get the matter fixed in some way or other with them. A just value I am willing to pay—more I have no idea will be asked but my fears rather are that they want to make it the expence of some public body (which I shall not consent to) and that they do not care to avow it.

If the Servants can by conveniently accomodated without using the Stable loft it will certainly be much the best & safest; for I am certain no orders given to my people wd restrain them from carrying lights if they were to be in it as lodgers.
I send you a letter with the Bill of loading for Wines Shipped by Fenwick Mason &ca which, if arrived you will give the necessary orders about. By return of the person who carries this & other letters to the Post Office in Alexandria I expect to receive accounts of later date than the 17th from you; and, possibly, something more indicative of Peace, or War between Spain & England which has hung long in suspence. Our best wishes attend you & Mrs Lear and I am Dear Sir Yr Affecte friend

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 28 October 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia October 28th 1790

The enclosed paper of this date will give a full account of the present state of the College in this City. It was the expectation of this, which I had been informed was about to be published, that prevented my entering so fully into the subject in former letters as I should otherwise have done. To this I will add, that, so far as I have been able to learn, the abilities and characters of the several directors and instructors stand high. Their mode of teaching is said to be eligible; and that good order and regularity prevail throughout the whole. The terms are five pounds per annum for each Scholar in the Academy, and seven pounds per ann. for each one in the Philosophy Schools of the College. Those who attend the Medical and other Lectures, pay six pounds for the course in each branch. The terms of the Law School are not yet fixed. There is no provision made for Students to board within the College; and the price of board at such places as would be suitable for George and Lawrence is now 3½ dollars per week, exclusive of washing; but it is highly probable that it will soon rise to 4 dollars; and at that rate the annual expence of each would stand thus

            Board @ 4 dol. per week
            208 dollars

            Philosophy Schools in College
             18 60/90

            Washing & Ironing (say)
             15

            241 60/90 Dollars per ann.

Should they attend other Lectures the prices are fixed, except the Law, which will perhaps be the most worthy their at[ten]tion, unless the study of Physic should be an object with either.
If you should determine upon sending George and Lawrence here, I think it is not improbable but that board might be had for them with some one of the Directors of the College, which on every account would perhaps be the most eligible place.
The Attorney General and Colo. Hamilton seem desireous of having a School established upon the plan of that to which Washington went in New York. They have spoken to me on the subject. But as you had requested me to make inquiries respecting

the College, I have declined taking any steps in the matter without your directions.
The Masons began yesterday to build the Bow window which they have now carried about four feet above the surface of the ground. The foundation of the Servants’ hall is not yet laid. The Stable & Smoke House are untouched.
Thirty seven cords of wood were laid in by Colo. Biddle (who has been exceedingly kind in offers of advice or assistance) to which I shall add fifty. This should have been done before this time, had not the Yard been so occupied by the Workmen and their materials as to render it almost impracticable to get another load in it. They are now removing their rubbish, and I hope in a few days we shall be able to take the wood in.
General Knox was in this city yesterday, and set off for New York this morning. He told me he should return with his family as soon as possible. The House in which Mr Jefferson is to reside appears to be in a very unfinished state, and I think he will hardly find it fit to live in when he arrives. The Rooms in the New Court-House for the Senators and Representatives will be handsome and convenient. They are nearly finished.
Mrs Lear unites with me in gratitude & respect for Mrs Washington and yourself—love to the Children and best wishes to all the family. With the highest respect and most sincere attachment I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obliged & very Humble Servant

Tobias Lear.


Title: To George Washington from John Mitchel, 29 October 1790
From: Mitchel, John
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir,
Frankfort [Kentucky District of Va.]Octo. 29th 1790

I take the liberty of informing you that some time since I was making a Survey adjoining a tract of Land belonging to you, lying in a Loop of the Potowmack River about twelve miles from the Berkely Warm Springs, when I heard some of the people in that Neighbourhood, remark that there was much more Land in the tract Calld Genl Washingtons that the patent Calld for, and that they designd making an Entry adjoining your Land and having the lines run, in order to secure the Surpluss, I give you this inteligence, in order that you may have the oppertunity of having the matter Settled to your mind. if you think it an object worthy of your Attention, & you send any orders they shall be Very Carefully executed by Dr Sir your Most Obet Hume Sert

John Mitchel


Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 31 October 1790
From: Humphreys, David
To: Washington, George

(Secret)
My dear GeneralLondon Octr 31st 1790.
Since my arrival here, on the 14th inst., I have written four letters to Mr Jefferson, by different conveyances, in which I have given him a detail of such political facts & reports as I supposed might be in any degree, interesting in America. As these communications will be submitted to your inspection, I forebear troubling you with any circumstances contained in them. But finding so good an opportunity, as that presented by Mr Swift, directly to Mount Vernon, I take the liberty (according to the permission you was pleased to offer) of adding a few things some of a more confidential, & others of a less public nature.
The question of war or peace remains as much undecided at this moment, as it was in May last, when the King sent his message on the Nootka-Sound business to the two Houses of Parliament. By the Messenger, who is expected to return from Spain this week, it will probably be determined. If Spain should not comply with the propositions made by the British Court, their Minister will be recalled, and hostilities commence on the part of this Nation. The prospect of this event has given a great advantage to our Merchants, in loading vessels that were American bottoms. Everything here carries an aspect favorable to the credit & reputation of our Country. But there are accounts & descriptions of the state of public affairs transmitted from that Country to this, which I little expected to find and which, in my opinion, may have a pernicious effect in fixing on the minds of men an erroneous idea of our real situation. I should not have been surprised to learn that the colour of the pictures of American affairs given by the Compte de Moustiers was dark & gloomy. But I was much so, on hearing that Mr Adams had, not long since, given such a view of American affairs in a letter to Dr Price. I have not seen Dr Price myself, but I have heard two different Gentlemen mention that the Doctor informed them he received a letter from that Gentleman, conceived in a desponding style, and representing that our government & affairs were proceeding in the most ruinous train imaginable. But I have seen a letter written by Mrs Adams since I left America, of a directly contrary tenor: a letter which exhibited our government

& affairs in the most flourishing state that can be conceived. Which of the family will prove the better politician, time will in a short time decide: though I own myself at no loss to anticipate in favor of the latter.
The Count Andriani has written things monstrously absurd & ill-founded: such in respect to their import as follow—that the United States are divided into two factions, Mr Jefferson and the northern States in favor of France, the southern States and New York in favor of Britain—that Congress had done nothing but quarrel about the seat of Government, and that this circumstance was what probably gave you the air of anxiety which he had remarked—that there was no man in Congress but Mr Madison who argued in a gentlemanlike & solid manner—nor, in short, any man out of it in America but Colo. Hamilton, who possessed abilities: with a great deal of stuff about American parade & luxury not worth repeating. These idle tales, however, are propagated in such a manner as to be in danger of making unfavorable & false impressions. Colo. Miranda (an active, shrewd, studious, noisy man) is one of his Correspondents. This extraordinairy Character (for I believe he is really one of the most knowing men, in many respects, of the age) while he visits & is visited by the Spanish Ambassador here; is (by a description which cannot be mistaken) represented, in the News Papers, as having had an audience of Mr Pitt last week, and had before him correct, ample Maps, Descriptions & Statements of facts, respecting the whole Spanish Empire in America: with a view, in case of war, that the British Minister may avail himself of the Informations.
The night after you left New York, Colo. Hamilton, in a very confidential conversation, expressed himself (though still he mentioned his high opinion of the talents & honor of the gentleman in question) not perfectly satisfied with the manner in which Mr G—— M—— had conducted the business entrusted to him with the Duke of Leeds; and desired me, upon investigation of the temper of the British Administration with regard to the points in agitation between the United States & Great Britain, to write you, or him, the result of my Information. This, in the absence of Mr M—— & in the private character it is necessary for me to preserve, I have found in a manner impossible without exposing myself to be considered as a person, at least

some way or another, employed in political affairs. Under the impression of such sentiments, I have not even once mentioned the subject to the Marq. de la Luzerne. On the contrary, I have judged it expedient to use all the discretion in my power, equally avoiding all appearances of curious enquiry or mysterious reserve, in order to pass for a meer common traveller. Yet somebody has written to Paris, describing a person, once a Colonel in the American Army, as now employed here in intregues relative to the Spanish war. This must be absolutely the effect of conjecture, without any ostensible grounds; for I have never opened my lips to any Creature in existence on any matter that led to it, since my arrival. I have hitherto escaped all observation in the News Papers here. With this object in sight, I have carefully avoided seeing the Spanish Ambassador, and when I was asked by the Marquis de la Luzerne, if I had come to Europe on public business, I answered, as I might with veracity, in the negative.
My mortification is extreme in being detained at this time by contrary winds, as the vessel, in which I have engaged my passage, ought to have got down to Graves end yesterday. My stay here has afforded me an opportunity of seeing Mr Paine’s Iron Bridge. It is an arch of 115 feet on the upper side, & the most beautifully light appearance I ever beheld. In expecting some Iron Wedges for the Abuttments, the supporters are not yet taken from under the Bridge. But the truth of the principles & the extent of the utility of the Invention are demonstrated. Mr Rumsey, after struggling through the greatest difficulties & obstacles conceivable, is also, beyond a question, on the point of succeeding in his ingenious & profitable projects.
I entreat, that, in pardoning the trouble I shall give by your perusal of this long letter, you will be pleased to present my most cordial respects to Mrs Washington; and consider me in every Country & Situation, ambitious of proving, with how great attachment & sincere affection, I have the honor to be My dear General, Your Most devoted & Most humble Servant

D. Humphreys