Title: To George Washington from Johann Benjamin Erhard, 27 January 1794
From: Erhard, Johann Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            translation
            Muenchen [Munich, Germany] Jan. 27th 1794

          It is to the full Confidence in Your Excellency’s general Benevolence to Mankind, which
            cannot but constitute one of the chief Ornaments of a Character destined by Providence
            to break the fetters of a World, That I owe the Resolution humbly to address to Your
            Excellency the present Relation of the most unfortunate Event of an Imposture, that
            involves a number of honest Persons in Europe, while abusing the Authority of the United
            States. In vain Delicacy urges the Apprehension of being taxed an
            Intruder for the particular Complexion of my case and the flattering hope of obtaining
            some Redress from the Generosity of United States suppress every hesitation arising from
            that principle of Decency ever so powerful with liberal minds. In order to form a proper
            series of those Events which, Tho in an indirect manner operated my falling a Sacrifice
            to the late sad Event, I beg Leave, Shortly to premise an Account of the principal
            Transactions of my former Life, which will also implici⟨tl⟩y serve to state what little
            Abilities I may pretend to possess. I am a Native of Nueremberg. My father, a wire
            manufacturer by procuring me a liberal Education succeeded in his View, to instill Sound
            republican sentiments in my mind. Accordingly I was at a pretty early Period of my life
            undeceived as to the true Conception of what they in Europe call honour & grandeur,
            & resolved to follow the business of my father. Ever since that time I cherished a
            preponderating Inclination to live in America. My Spare-hours were spent in studying
            Mathematics which led me to theoretical part of Physic without having any Intention in
            the least, to embrace that Profession. However I happened in the year 1786 to meet with
            the Acquaintance of Counsellor Siebold one of the most celebrated Surgeons in this
            Country, who finding me so well prepared persuaded me, wholly to devote me to the study
            of Physic, while that Gentleman found means to procure a proper Opportunity of obtaining
            the practical part of that Science by employing me in the great Hospital at Wuerzburg
            under his Direction. From Thence I repaired to several places
            calculated to improve physical Knowledge, when in the year 1792 I was created Doctor in
            Phc & fixed my Domicile at Nurembergh again resolved to acquire if possible a
            Reputation by publishing some eminent litterary Performance in that Line, yet still
            attentive to my favourite plan to spend the Rest of my life in America.
          Being so disposed in the month of Octr last past a seemingly Favorable Opportunity of
            accomplishing so fond a wish offered, which alas! proved a source of the most sad
            Reverse on my Part, to wit: I became acquainted with a person called William who came to
            see me furnished with Letters of Recommendation from ⟨my⟩ friends at Wuerzburgh, but
            afterwards, when I entered into more unreserved Conversation with him, he professed to
            be an American and proved by producing a number of letters and Documents his proper Name
            was William Pearce and his Capacity a Colonel & Commander of a
            newly raised Regiment of Infantry and a member of the Order of The Cincinnati. Then he
            produced to me as well as to my father and father in Law a written power of Attorney
            bearing Date June 1793 signed: Washington & Jefferson and sealed with the seal of
            the Union, that is vested in him a discretionary Power (the
            Original says, illimited power) to engage for the service of the United States Six
            Captains and eight Lieutenants, the power of Attorney to be in force for the Space of
            nine months from the Date thereof. By his Assertions there was a first surgeon & an
            Auditor to be comprehended among the six officers of Captn’s Rank. I myself in the first
            Emotions of so advantageous an Offer accommodated him at my own Dwelling house, where he
            further told me, he had fought thro’ all the American war on Your Excellency’s side as
            Adjutant mentioning several Events and the particulars thereof with a Degree of Accuracy
            and Probability, that suppressed with me even the remotest Thought of Imposition.
            Amongst many other Things past he related to have resided at Copenhagen in the fall of
            the Year 1791 filling the place of an Envoy from the United States. That being exactly
            the time when I left that City, (where I resided some time to reap Advantage of those
            excellent Institutions of Surgery and Midwifery established There) I made different
            Inquiries about some Characters & found all, what he advanced conformable to a
            Nicety. He without any apparent Design produced Letters and Cards of respectable
            Officers of The Danish Court. Blinded by so many concluding Circumstances I neglected to
            write for more authentic Information from Baron Shimmelmann, Minister of Finances, who
            honours me with his Confidence. From Copenhagen The Impostor
            according to his own Relation departed for Sweden & Stettin.
            He showed me a letter from the Commander of the latter place, in which he is requested
            to grant a Commission to that Gentleman’s Nephew. Having on his way appointed several
            Officers whose names escaped my memory (except one Swiss gentleman, called, de Eckhard
            he said) returned to Philadelphia. He had in his possession Documents, as to Their
            external Appearance fully authentic, authorizing him to engage Officers in the Swiss
            Canton of Basel—also Powers of Attorney to recover Estates &
            Legacies within the United States, and obligatory notes or Receipts for Sums advanced
            drawn by Those Officers appointed by him. That Concurrence of facts so palpable & apparently incontrovertible could not but prevail on a liberal temper
            naturally not suspicious. Therefore I readily accepted his Proposals and he executed in
            my behalf a Brevet in which he appoints me first surgeon, of which I take the Liberty
            here to subjoin a Copy certified by a Notary public. I do not
            deny I received that Brevet with Rapture of Joy thinking myself fortunate for having
            obtained that long wished for Object, being at the same time persuaded, That allways [I]
            should be able honorably to acquit myself of The whole Province of Duties annexed to
            That Commission. A spirit of Patriotism began to animate me in such a Degree as to use
            every means in my power towards contributing to an exquisite choice of Those subjects he
            wanted to engage in the service of the Union, in which I unfortunately but too well
            Succeeded by persuading a certain Fick of Anspach a young man of
            promising talents, who, being acquainted with the English and French language, instantly
            resigned his place and now bewails his misfortune with an interesting family—In that
            first Emotion I even carried matters so far, as to persuade my father in Law Mr Golling
            to purchase Bills of Exchange drawn on Robert Hardy, London, sd Colo. wanted to dispose
            of being out of cash. Then I accompanied him in a second
            Excursion in quest of subjects to engage, when I left him at Salzburg with my chariot,
            having agreed to meet again at Muenchen. On my Arrival at this place he was not to be
            found, but I found, in the contrary letters from my father in Law informing me, that the
            Letters of Exchange had been returned protested, whereupon he to undeceive Us had opened
            a letter directed to the pretended Colo., which had been re-expedited and Thereby was
            convinced of his being an Impostor—It is impossible to describe Those poignant
            desolating feelings like mine were at That moment, I only mention, what greatly
            heightens my misery I mean the sarcastic strictures of narrowminded persons, who are
            ever ready to add Injury to Affliction, when it befalls any Man, who does not idolize
            Their own Prejudices. How far any Relief can or may be granted to me I dare not to
            imagine but I implore Your Excellency’s Interposition to That End with all the Anguish
            of a person, that owes only to Religion’s Support to have been able to survive so
            complicated a Disappointment and Distress, for the dreadful conscious Thought to have
            plunged in Desolation & Ruin all what is dear to me on Earth, my father, wife, &
            her own father preys vulturelike on my soul. Some Answer, I flatter
            myself, I may expect from Your Excellency, as it is still something to clear up the
            uncertain Prospects of an unfortunate, who might be rendered useful again to Society by
            changing Imposture in Truth. In that peculiar state of woeful Anxiety I have the honor
            to remain with unexpressible Respect Your Excellency’s most humble devoted servant

            John Benjamin Erhard. Med. Dr

            P.S. I have put every thing in motion to have the Villain apprehended, Then I shall
              also lay before You his fictitious power of Atty. He gave
              himself for 32 years asserting his father was governor in America, his uncle Earl of
              Pearce & his father Lord Pce he is of middling size, fair complexion, has black
              curled hairs, is wounded on each thigh. He had about him printed Brevets in German,
              Latin & french, for Distribution.


Title: To George Washington from Hudson Muse, 27 January 1794
From: Muse, Hudson
To: Washington, George

            Sir⟨e⟩
            Virginia. Port Tappa. Jany 27 1794

          I have been imprudent in giving Gentlemen Credit at the Office, for duties, and made
            myself liable by my returns, in expectation that the Money would be ready When Call’d
              for; by which, I am not at present prepared to take up
            draughts forward’d last week by Messrs Lovell & Urquahart for five Thousand dollars,
            in Consequence of which presume they will be returned, as they have Signified they could
            not wait any time. I can not pretend to Say any thing in
            Justification of myself for Such Conduct, but if I may be excused for not being pointed
            to my duty in this Instance, I flatter myself You Will do me the favour to Speak to the
            Secretary of Treasury on the Occasion, to grant me a Small indulgence, and he may rest
            Assured that the money Shall be ready for his order in less than two months from this
            date, and I will take care for the future never to be in the like Situation. I am Your Excellencies Most Obt Hble Servt

            Hudson Muse Colon[el]


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 28 January 1794
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            City of Washington January 28. 1794

          Major Ellicotts return in November, after being absent great part of the Summer, and
            soon after we had employed his Brother Joseph, was so plainly
            calculated to be heavy on the Funds, that we could not submit to it, and discharged him
            at our last Meeting: we flattered ourselves, that we should have
            more expedition and Quiet too with his Brothers, but he has continued here, and has, we
            believe, worked like so much Levin in the Surveying Department; for the paultry press in
            this Town, has constantly since teemed with lies and abuse, in which the young men have
            been Instruments or Volunteers—Nothing of Consequence has been done in the Field, in the
            fine weather past, and the Idea seems to be, that little is to be done till the Spring
            but to count the time—We have on the whole, done now, what perhaps had better been done
            long ago—discharged the whole for there is evidently a want of Industry, and there are
            so many Instances of a total absence of probity and Honor, that we can no longer bear
            with the Corps. As to the meer laying out the City we do not
            fear any difficulty. But the levelling the City and marking out the proper Drains,
            approach so quick, that a Man of real abilities in that Line, will be soon wanted, and
            perhaps the Time is not very distant, when it will be proper to have a real Enginier
            here in the public service. Unless you have some Gentleman in contemplation whose
            abilities recommend him to your Confidence, we think of inviting Mr Rivardi hither—when he came as a Companion to Dr Thornton, he made a strong
            impression on each of us, in the two or three Days he staid with us; we should not
            presume to lead his expectations farther, than to the levelling part, and a general view
            of the Surveying Department, which we think might both be attended to by him; as each
            must be done, if well done, on the same intimate knowledge of the Ground, and Design of
            the City.
          Mr Rivardi is not a Shewy man, but he seems to us one of those Characters, who
            maintains the Ground he has gained; we wish him to be introduced to you—It is said, that
            Mr Rittenhouse is well acquainted with him. We are sir very
            respectfully Your mo. obedt Servts

            Th. Johnson
            Dd: Stuart
            Danl. Carroll


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Barbara Embry, 28 January 1794
From: Embry, Elizabeth Barbara
To: Washington, George

          28 Jan. 1794. Writes from Cork County, Ireland: “The Protector
            of the distressed, the Arbiter of differences will He disdain the Sufferings of an
            individual. penetrated with esteem of your Excellent qualities, and hoping relief from a
            beneficence so extensive, and an understanding So piercing as that of your Excellency’s,
            for which you are not more famed than for a moderation, which makes you ⟨illegible⟩ all your great and astonishing talents with a Meakness
            as admirable, as surprizing, I am incouraged to address you.” Gives a detailed account
            of her son who “early distinguished Himself in His literary pursuits, and not less for a
            probity, and love of truth, that made him respectable. . . . At seventeen His ardour for
            distinguishing himself became almost ungovernable. . . . At the age of Eighteen, He had
            passed through all our College Courses,” and sets out on a tour of Europe, because a
            “certain ease, and Manner, was wanting to him, that is seldom possessed without mixing
            in the World—He had been wholly taken up with forming himself on the
            great examples he met with in Story. He was unsuspecting, modest, preferring others to
            him self, Brave by Nature, warm, ambitious, but it was the ambition of meriting
            distinction. It took the place of other Youthful passions, never did I see a Being more
            free from sin, or more truly religious, without any tincture of Fanaticism.” His
            traveling companion, however, was acquainted “with every vice of which the human heart
            is capable, it was A World of Wonders for My Son, of which till this moment He had been
            ignorant.” As a result, “His mind no longer preserved its steadiness. Something puting a
            Stop to their travells together, My Son returned to me directly, all his plans broken,
            his Spirits extremely hurt. . . . All my efforts were ineffectual, his Spirits were
            fled, and at last his health became a prey to disappointment, and indolence.” By this
            time he had “become of age,” and was responsible for an estate in Ireland, which had
            fallen into ruin. “He was cheated, and hated a World in which He found so much fraud,
            and injustice. He sequestred Himself from it, he began to consider it as a Duty to
            manage his little patrimony to the best advantage, but the accomplishment of this did
            not satisfy Him it was too bounded, his education had been extensive. he had endeavoured
            to form Him self for matters of ⟨extent⟩, of universal good, He sunk in the mention of
            little things. . . . I find Him pale, languid, and tho’ not thirty Years of age, His
            fine person stooped as if he were Seventy, his appetite gone, His Strength wasted. . . .
            He is convinced that neither his present employment, nor the air of this place agrees
            with him, Yet afraid to change for fear of worse. I know not what to do with him, or how
            to quit him for a moment. I have pressed his trying the air of a little Villa, I have
            near Dublin, His answer is, he must be Employed, or nothing is done. I alledge his
            Health must first be attended to, he answers Employment is as necessary as any thing
            else to the establishment of his health. if it is ever to be restablished.
          “His admiration of you Sir, is great as Your qualities deserve He looks up to you as
            the first of Men, A word from Your Excellency might be the Means with the Blessing of
            Heaven of saving this inestimable Young Man and of making the widowed heart to sing for
            joy. Will this induce You Sir, to relieve me by Your Advice or if that is too much to
            hope, at least May I flatter My self You will pardon My taking up
            time so precious to the World with my cares and Miserys. . . . If Your Excellency shoud
            honor me with a line My address is Mrs Embry Inchannappa Wicklow Ireland.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 28 January 1794
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            War department January 28. 1794

          Having communicated to the Secretaries of State and the Treasury the purport of the
            recent communications from the frontiers of Georgia, We unite in
            opinion that it would be proper that the papers should be laid before Congress
            accompanied by a special message from the President, stating the importance of Congress
            taking into their immediate consideration the measures requisite to prevent a repetition
            of, and to provide adequate punishments for, such atrocious offences. I have the honor to be with perfect respect Your obedient Servant

            H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to John Hamilton Moore, 28 January 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Moore, John Hamilton

            Sir,
            Philadelphia Jany 28th 1794.

          I have received, and pray you to accept my last thanks for “The New practical
            Navigator,” which you had the goodness to send me, and also for my
            share of the honor of your address on it. I am—Sir Your Most
            Obedient & Very Hble Servant

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 28 January 1794
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from William Pearce, 28 Jan. 1794. GW wrote
            Pearce on 9 Feb. acknowledging receipt of “your letter of the 28th of last month.”


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 28 January 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

            Dear Sir,
            28th January 1794.

          I thank you for keeping in mind my request concerning Oats. For seed I want them. The
            purchase depends upon three things—yea four. 1 the quality. 2 the time they could be
            delivered in this City. and 3 the certainty of a passage to the Potomac. 4th not having
            heard yet from my Manager, how much he requires, I cannot be precise myself as to the
              quantity.
          All therefore I would further request of you, at this time, is,
            to continue your enquiries, where I could be supplied, if under these uncertainties I
            should, hereafter, ask your assistance in procuring them.
            Yours—affectionately

            Go: Washington


Title: Henry Knox to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 29 January 1794
From: Knox, Henry
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

            Dear Sir
            War department January 29. 1794

          Please to submit the papers herein enclosed to the President of the United States—Those
            marked with red Ink have been copied to be presented to Congress with the message to
              morrow—The letter to General Pickens being a private letter
            seems upon further consideration not proper to be submitted—Governor Blounts letter of the 27. December and the enclosures have not been copied
            they being considered as irrelative to the subject of the recent offences of our own
              people. I am Dear Sir Your obedient Servant

            H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 29 January 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Wednesday [29 Jan. 1794]

          E. Randolph has the honor of inclosing to the President a memorandum from Mr Taylor,
            accounting for the delay in the commissions, sent to him this morning.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 29 January 1794
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

            Gentlemen of the Senate,
            United States 29. Jany 1794.

          I nominate John Boyd, of Northumberland, to be Inspector of the Revenue for Survey No.
            2 in the District of Pennsylvania; vice James Collins: and
          John Driver, of Virginia, to be Surveyor for the Port of Suffolk; and Inspector of the
            Revenue for the same port; vice Samuel Riddick; resigned.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 30 January 1794
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            War department January 30th 1794

          I submit to your Consideration a letter proposed to be written to the Governor of South
            Carolina in consequence of a private letter received by Mr John Ross of this Town of
            which the enclosed is an extract.
          The Secretaries of State and Treasury approved the draft now submitted. I have the honor to be with perfect respect Your obedient Servant

            H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Robert Taylor, 30 January 1794
From: Taylor, Robert
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Norfolk [Va.] January 30th 1794

          I was favoured with two letters from you under date of the 10th and 17th December
            containing information necessary for the Trade of this Town to be acquainted with. I have delayed replying to them till I had something new to
            communicate or untill some matter came before Congress in which we were particularly
            interested. In the Debates of Congress on a Petition from Baltimore relative to the ill
            fated French that have found refuge amongst us we note the part you have taken
            respecting those at Norfolk and for which allow me to return you the thanks of the
            Inhabitan⟨ts⟩ of this Town and in which be pleased to include mine.
          It has been insinuated by a Member that as no Application has been made from this Place
            that he concludes that the relief afforded by the Assembly of Virginia must by supposed
            sufficient for the purpose, without wishing to combat with this Argument, I take leave
            to inform you that an Application was made from this Town for Cloathing during the
            Winter and for a support for these unfortunate People till the first of April only, by which time we supposed the French Government would do something
            for their support or that they themselves by getting acquainted with the Language, &
            with modes of acquiring subsistance be enabled to do without the aid of the Country[.]
            this estimate as well as every other Paper relative to it if you think it necessary I
            will take care to forward to you, but you will first let me here observe that the
            Commissioners in estimating the sum necessary for their support included six hundred
            pounds expected from some of the Counties of Virginia exclusive of the Publick Bounty,
            this sum has not as yet come forward and I greatly fear from the supposition of its not
            being necessary will not. tho’ I am still in hopes the sum the County has so liberally
            Voted for their relief will be sufficient to carry them forward to
            the first of April after which I am totally at a loss to know how they are to subsist
            for it cannot be supposed that this Town is equal to the support of two hundred and
            fifty five Poor exclusive of the Parish Poor—all those that have
            arrived here from Cape Francois or elsewhere that had any property went to Baltimore and
            consequently only those that were really Poor and not able to go any further were left
            with us[.] of this truth I became a melancholly Eye witness[.] to enable the
            Commissioneres here to send forward to the Assembly such a statement as required it
            became necessary to see every individual[.] I had therefore the disagreable task to
            visit the Houses and to question these truly distressed respecting their Age, Situation,
            and Abillity of providing for themselves and I can therefore with confidence say if
            Childhood, Old Age, Infirmity, Poverty, and the heart rending thought of what they were
            and what they now are form Objects of Charity and commiseration I hope Congress nor no
            other Public Body will ever again have it in their power to exert their Benevolence and
            Compassion to a set of People so deserving of it all, While I am writing it may be
            perhaps not unnecessary to remind you that by our Act of Assembly no Master of a Ship or
            other Person can bring any pauper or Persons lyable to be burthensome to the Parish,
            without either giving security for their maintenance or be subject to a Penalty of
            twenty pounds for every person so landed or brought into the Parish and that although
            this Law has not been put in execution against the Masters of the French Ships, yet as
            it cannot be denied that the Ships belonging to the Republic of France brought them in
            distressed Citizens and landed them here without taking the necessary steps for their
              support I should conceive that in Justice as well as Law that
            Nation ought out of the funds they have in the hands of Congress at least pay a small
            sum to this purpose. I hint this to you, it is in good hands who I know will make the
            most of it.
          The French Ships, Normand, and Ambuscade, are lying here as well as the British Ship
            Dædalus, and I am happy to say that we have as yet experienced no inconveniency from
            either, and I trust will not as the Officers of all seem desirous to keep the Peace, on
            the Water; and it is our Interest to make them if we had the power so to do on Land. I am respectfully Dear Sir

            Robert Taylor


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 30 January 1794
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

            Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives
            United States. Jany 30. 1794.

          Communications have been made to Congress, during the present Session, with the
            intention of affording a full view of the posture of affairs on the
            south western frontiers. By the information, which has lately been laid before Congress,
            it appeared, that the difficulties with the Creeks had been amicably and happily
              terminated. But it will be perceived, with regret, by the
            papers herewith transmitted, that the tranquility has unfortunately been of short
            duration, owing to the murder of several friendly Indians by some lawless white men.
          The condition of things, in that quarter, requires the serious & immediate
            consideration of Congress; and the adoption of such wise and vigorous laws, as will be
            competent to the preservation of the national character, and of the peace, made under
            the authority of the United States, with the several Indian tribes. Experience
            demonstrates that the existing legal provisions are entirely inadequate to those great
              objects.

            Go: Washington.


Title: Samuel A. Otis, Sr., to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 31 January 1794
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

            Sir
            In Senate of the United States. Jany 31st 1794.

          There is a standing order of Senate that I lay before the President of the United
            States, from time to time, a copy of their records, when acting in their Executive
            capacity. This I have done to the close of the last session, and left the book in which
            the proceedings are copied with the President of the U. States, which if you will
            procure to be returned by the bearer, I will continue the copy.
            I am Sir your most humble Sert

            Sam. A. Otis Secy


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 31 January 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            sir,
            Philadelphia January 31. 1794.

          I do myself the honor of informing you, that the executive proceedings of the territory
            South of the river Ohio, from the 1st of march 1793 to the 15. of June 1793, contain
            nothing of any importance. I have the honor to be with
            sentiments of the highest respect, Sir, your most obedient & very humble servant

            Edm: Randolph.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Dobbs Spaight, 31 January 1794
From: Spaight, Richard Dobbs
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            North Carolina New Bern 31st Jan: 1794

          Since I wrote to you on the 19th Decem: last application having been made to me by
            Capt: James Robertson the former master of the Sloop Providence of Montego bay (now
            called L’amee Margueritte) which was captured in June last by the Vanqueur de Bastille
            to cause the said sloop to be restored to him upon a principle of her having been
            captured within the distance of three miles from the coast and being at the same time
            informed that she then lay at Wilmington. I issued orders on the
            3rd inst. to Colo. Thomas Wright to seize her and detain her untill such time as the
            necessary testimony should be taken to ascertain the facts and that he should order out
            a militia guard to secure her, at the same time I wrote to Mr
            Hill the Attorney of the United States for this district to notify him of the orders I
            had given, and requesting him to proceed to the examination of the Witnesses in this
            case, to have them taken in writing properly authenticated and forwarded to me and for
            his information enclosed him a copy of the Secretary of Wars letter to me on that
              subject.
          I have since received letters from Colo. Wright informing me that he had seized and
            secured the sloop on the 10th instant and also that on the 24th no
            examination of Witnesses had taken place I have had no reply from the attorney to my
              letter.
          By the last Southern post I received a letter dated the 19th Decem. from the British
            vice Consul at Charleston respecting the said Sloop claiming her as the property of the
            Subjects of his Britannic Majesty upon the principle of her having been taken by a
            proscribed vessel subsequent to the 7th June last and requesting that I should take
            measures to have her secured in order to be restored to her former owners. a copy of
            this letter I enclose you.
          In consequence of the above letter I shall cause the vessel to be securely kept till I
            receive your decision thereon; the fact of the L’amee Margueritte & the Sloop
            Providence being the same and of her having been captured after the 7th day of June last
            by the Vanqueur de Bastille is not in the least doubted, the agent for the French Consul
            at Wilmington and the party who took her acknowledging it.
          On this subject my letter of the 19th Dec: was principally written as there was a
            difference of two months between the period fixed by Mr Knoxs letter of august and that
            of novem: last. To my letter I have not as yet received any
              answer. I have the honor to be &c.

            R. D. Spaight


Title: To George Washington from William Bradford, January 1794
From: Bradford, William
To: Washington, George

            [Philadelphia, January 1794]

          The Attorney General has the honour to report, That having considered the Resolve of
            the Senate of the 24th instant whereby the President of the United States is requested
            to lay before that body the correspondence which has been had between the minister of
            the United States at the French Republic and the said Republic and
            between said Minister and the office of Secretary of State—
          He is of opinion, that it is the duty of the Executive to withhold such parts of the
            said correspondence as in the judgment of the Executive shall be deemed unsafe and
            improper to be disclosed. He also conceives that the general
            terms of the resolve do not exclude, in the construction of it, those just exceptions
            which the rights of the executive and the nature of foreign correspondences require.
            Every call of this nature, where the correspondence is secret and no specific object
            pointed at, must be presumed to proceed upon the idea, that the papers requested are
            proper to be communicated; & it could scarcely be supposed, even if the words were
            stronger, that the Senate intended to include any Letters, the disclosure of which might
            endanger national honour or individual safety.
          The Attorney General is therefore of opinion, That it will be advisable for the
            President to communicate to the Senate such parts of the said Correspondence as upon
            examination he shall deem safe & proper to disclose: withholding all such, as any
            circumstances, may render improper to be communicated.

            Wm Bradford


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2 February 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Sunday evening [2 Feb. 1794]

          E. Randolph has the honor of informing the President, that, as far as he has
            understood, it is not intended, that a committee should wait upon
            him, with the resolution; but that it should be transmitted. If
            this be the case, as it pretty certainly is, no immediate answer will be necessary.
          Supposing it to be otherwise; namely that a committee are to be the bearers of the
            resolution Still the answer, which the President has recited, seems to be proper in the
            first instance. For time must be taken to consider the
            resolution, so as to determine how far it is to be complied with, or
            if at all. The President will be pleased to recollect, that a distinction was taken at
            the first interview, between the resolution, as an executive and a legislative act. At least it was not meant by E.R. that if papers were asked for in
            a legislative capacity, altho’ without qualification, what was proper for the public eye
            should not be sent. The only idea, which he contemplated, was, that what was required
            without qualification, should not be granted without qualification; but that what was
            improper should be witheld.
          E.R. had asked himself, how the President was to know, whether the resolution was a
            legislative or executive act? For it is very probable, that it will not be specified. To
            this the answer appears to be, that if the President chooses to understand it, without
            more accurate information, to be executive; he may then oppose in toto. If he chooses to
            understand it, as a legislative act, for the sake of avoiding unnecessary contests; he
            may do so, without injury to the executive rights, and discriminate such parts of the
            correspondence, as are unfit to be communicated. Or if he should be of opinion, that he
            ought to observe a different line of conduct, according as the resolution may be
            executive or legislative; and will not undertake to decide, whether it be of an
            executive or legislative nature; he may, it is presumed, call for an explanation, as to
            the source, from which it proceeds.
          Be this as it may; and even if a committee, contrary to what is
            now probable, should bring the resolution; the answer, mentioned by the President,
            remains perfectly apt and proper.


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 3 February 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

            Mr Pearce,
            Philadelphia Feby 3d 1794

          The Post which ought (in course) to have arrived here On Saturday last, will not be in,
            it seems, until tomorrow. When it arrives, I shall (if anything requires immediate
            notice) by the Post of Wednesday write to you—If not, I shall delay doing it until the
            usual time—that is, on Sunday next.
          By the last Post I sent you a bank note for One hundred dollars, to pay Mr Dulany—I
            hope it got safe to hand. I now enclose you Mr Lewis’s draught
            on Mr Horatio Ross of Alexandria which when received place to my credit and advise me
            thereof that I may repay the amount here. I am Your friend
            &ca

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Harriot Washington, 3 February 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Harriot

          Letter not found: to Harriot Washington, 3 Feb. 1794. In her
            letter to GW of 9 Feb., Harriot acknowledged receipt of her “dear Uncle’s letter” and the “bundle” that accompanied it. Betty Washington Lewis,
            in her letter to GW of 9 Feb., acknowledged the arrival of GW’s letter of “the 3th of
            this Month” with its present for Harriot.


Title: To George Washington from Johann Paul Golling, 4 February 1794
From: Golling, Johann Paul
To: Washington, George

          Translation.
          Sir.Nueremberg [Germany] Febr. 4.
                1794
          At the pressing Instance of my Son-in-Law John Benjamin Erhard,
            Doctor of Physic I take the Liberty to forward to Your Excy’s Address his Letter
            relating the melancholy Circumstances of a late unfortunate Event concerning him, that
            involved me in the deepest sorrow as also my Daughter his wife and his own father. We are all honest people and every Thing, what he in his letter
            advances is pure Truth. I adjoin here the names of a number of gentlemen of
            Respectability who might give Information of his Character, in case Your Excellency do
            his petition think worth any Notice. I remain most respectfully Your Excellency’s most
            humble & devotd Servant

            John Paul Golling

            Count Schimmelmann at Copenhagen. Professor Baggerson
              at the same place. Prof. Kant at Koenigsberg. Prof. Reinhold at Kiel.
              Counsellor Wieland at Weimar. Cr Siebold at Würzburg.


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 4 February 1794
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

            My dear Sir,
            London february 4th 1794.

          I had the honor of writing a long letter to you on the 26th ultimo by the Ship
            Delaware, Captain Truxon, to whose particular care I committed the Watch & chain for
            Mrs Washington, also a profile of the Earl of Buchan, by Tassie, which Lady Buchan
            committed to my charge with a note for Mrs. Washington. Since
            which I have received a letter from the Earl with the enclosed packets for you which he
            requested me to forward by the first Oppy. These he tells me are curious Mss relative to
            the Fairfax family and he wishes to have them preserved in your hands. You will find enclosed likewise a vest pattern of a new fabric which Sir
            John Sinclair pressed upon me to send to you, and in a way that I could not decline it,
            altho’ I know full well your wishes to avoid anything, however trifling, coming to you
            in the shape of a present. This, Sir John, begs to send in order that you may judge of
            the perfection to which the wool of Scotland (of which this is made) is brought, as well
            as of the progress in manufactures of the finer kinds.
          I have put on board the Ship Peggy of George Town, by which this letter goes, 5000
            plants of the white thorn. These you will see by the enclosed Acct are 8/ pr M which is 2/ dearer than they would be
            at another season; the ground being at this time hard frozen makes it very difficult to
            take them up; but this is considered as the best season for sending them abroad.
          I have likewise taken the liberty, as the season and opportunity are so favorable, to
            send addressed to you a number of the best kinds of fruit trees & goosberry &
            Currant bushes. These I have taken for myself, as it will be one of my first objects, as
            soon as I fix myself in the City of Washington, to have a garden of good fruit. Not
            knowing how I could otherways have them taken care of, I have ventured, my dear Sir, to
            trespass so much on your goodness as to send them to you, beleiving that you will direct
            your gardener to plant them at Mount Vernon—and as these are intended for standard trees
            & bushes they will not only furnish me with as many scions or grafts as I may have
            occasion for my self hereafter; but will afford abundantly more for you or your
              friends.
          Mr Young tells me that in a letter which he has lately received from
            you, he is requested to send out a number of good farmers to go upon some of your lands,
            provided he can find such as are disposed to go—can be recommended—and will become
            tenants. He is very doubtful whether he shall be able to meet with such as are good for
            any thing who would be willing to become tenants; the great object with those who go out
            to America (at least if they have a little property to take with them, and such as have
            not are generally but indifferent folks) is to obtain a free hold; and so strongly are
            they possessed with this idea that they will hardly consent to become tenants, however
            advantageous the terms of a lease might be. But Mr Young is not without hopes of being
            able, in some measure, to comply with your wishes, as he knows of a considerable number
            of farmers who have it in contemplation to emigrate to America in the ensuing
              spring.
          In my letter by Captain Truxon I said so much on the subject of politicks that I shall
            add nothing on that score here further than to enclose a few of the latest papers.
          The pamphlet containing a few remarks which I made on the River Potomack &c. has
            had an astonishing effect here in producing more particular enquiries about that part of
            the Country—and I flatter my self that not a few of those who
            emigrate this spring will turn their eyes to that quarter—And I think no great length of
            time will elapse before I shall have the pleasure of seeing a verification of the
            opinion with which I have always been impressed with respect to the federal City. I find
            some of my Countrymen here who are not well pleased with the eagerness of enquiry
            respectlng the Potomack—and altho they do not venture to
            contradict a single fact contained in the Pamphlet; yet they cry up certain other parts
            of the U.S. as having infinitely greater advantages: But I find what I always beleived,
            to be true, that a reasonable & fair statement of facts will make a much deeper
            & more lasting impression on the public mind than any florid description which may,
            in the first moment, lead the imagination astray, but is most assuredly afterwards the
            destruction of the very point which it wished to establish.
          I will intrude no longer on your precious time, my dear Sir, than to beg that my best
            & most cordial respects may be made acceptable to Mrs Washington—my love & best
            wishes given to my young friends Nelly & Washington as well as to Mr Dandridge & Mr Lewis—and to assure you that I am with
            the most perfect respect & inviolable attachment, Your affectionate friend &
            grateful Servt

            Tobias Lear.

            P.S. I heard a report last evening that the Portuguise would not adhere to the terms
              of the truce which had been made with the Algerines, and that the consequence would be
              that those depredators would be again shut up in their ports. This however is a mere
              report, and as such I give it. But it has been all along said that the truce between
              the Portuguise & Algerines was made by another power without the assent of the
              Portuguise Court.
            I am informed that the British Merchants trading to Am. have determined to petition
              Parliament for a Convoy to protect the Am. Ships from the Algerines!

            T. Lear

            Sir John Sinclair has committed to my care the enclosed letter and a packet containg
              the Reports made to the Society for Promoting Agriculture, which will go by the same
              vessel with this.


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 4 February 1794
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Mountvernon Feby 4th 1794

          I Receved your Letter of the 26 Janry and a bank note of 100 dollars—I took notice that
            you had put down in the notes in the plan of Rotation—that Corn might be planted in such
            parts of the fields that ware alloted for the Buck wheat—as would produce it—If the feilds that ware alloted for Corn was not Likely to produce a
            Soficient Quantity To answear the Several demands that would be for that Article—and
            uppon Examening the Several Feilds I did not think they would do it—and that was the
            Reason I mentioned it In my letter—I was looking over The Grass
            lot at River farm before the snow come And I find that the Clover is Very thin in
            it—& I think thare ought to be a part of It Broke up this spring—& put in
            Potatoes—I have Inquired of Mr Butler & old Jack about the orchard Grass Seed but
            they Can Give no acct of it, & say that thare was none Saved to thare knoledge—when
            the Clover Seed Comes I will Take Good Care that none [of] It shall be Stolen or Wasted
            and when it is to be sown will mannage It as you have directed—and Indeed I will Indeavour to do Every thing In my power according to the best of my
            Judgment—Col. Ball has Sent Sixty Bushels of Buck wheat & wrote that he Intended to
            keep hauling till he Sends 500 Bushels down—He wrote to have 3 shoats Sent him of the
            China Breed.
          I am Sorry to have to Inform you that the Stock of sheep at Both Union & Dogue Run
            farms are Some of them Dieing Every week—& a Great many of Them will be lost, let what will be done—Since I come I have
            had shelters made for them & Troughs to feed them In & to Give them salt—&
            have attended to them myself & was In hopes to have saved those that I found to be
            weak but they ware too far gone—and Several of the young Cattle at dogue Run was past
            all Recovery when I come & some have died already & Several more I am affraid
            might die before spring, they are so very poor & weak—The stock at River farm &
            Muddy hole I am In hopes will be Brought through the winter without much loss and I am
            in hopes that the Cattle at Union farm will be brought through the winter prety well
            Likewise some of the young ones are very thin & they have Lost one.
          Mr Stewart Sais part of his last years wages are due & he is in want of money but
            as you had directed me not to pay any Acct without first Informing you—I shall not pay
            him Any till I receive orders from you—the Ice house is Better
            than half filled with Ice—but the Ice was so thin It all melted be fore we Could Get
            Enough to fill It. I am Sir with the Greatest Respect Your Humble Servt

            William Pearce


Title: To George Washington from Robert Lewis, 5 February 1794
From: Lewis, Robert
To: Washington, George

            Hond Uncle,
            Frederick County [Va.] February 5 [1794]

          Inclosed I send you the Deed which you re-acknowledged at Mount Vernon and a fair copy
            of the same which I will thank you to sign. Thro’ the neglect of
            Doctor Stuart & Colo. Ball who did not attend to prove your re-acknowledgment, the
            Deed is out of date, and the Court of Frederick will not admit it to record—I therefore request you will be so obliging as to sign the new Deed (as
            the old one is in a very tattered condition) or reacknowledge the old one, either of
            which will do. I wish you to sign the Deed in presence of old Mr Rutherford & any
            others that may accompany him.
          I have just returned from among your tenants in Berkley and now on my way to Fauquier;
            from which place, I shall write you more fully & respecting to your business. Present my affectionate regards to my Aunt & believe me with
            sincere respect your Affectionate Nephew

            Robt Lewis.


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 5 February 1794
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

          Duplicate
          My dear Sir,Paris 5 Feby 1794.
          In a New’s Paper of this Day I find the Translation of your
            Message of the fifth of December to Congress, and observe that after stating the
            Violation of the Treaty by a Decree of the national Convention you tell them I have been
            instructed to make Representations on the Subject. Now this my
            dear Sir is the first I hear and all I know of such Instructions. Indeed I have received
            no Letters New’s paper or other Intelligence from America since those which Captain
            Culver brought. I suppose this arises from the Difficulty of
            Communication but whatever be the Cause I feel the Effect. It would be of some Use if a
            Clerk in the Office of foreign Affairs had by Triplicates mention’d from Time to Time
            which of my Letters were receiv’d. Thus on the present Occasion, I should know whether
            my Correspondence with the Minister on the Subject of this obnoxious
            Decree was before you. As it is, not being able to determine the
            nature of the Representations which you have desired me to make, I am oblig’d to be
            silent. And unless more than one Copy has been sent I may never receive your Orders, and
            at any Rate it will be at no early Day. I am sure it is superfluous to tell you how
            painful it is for a Person in my Situation to be totally ignorant of what passes in his
            own Country, and whether the Conduct which under Circumstances continually changing he
            finds it necessary to pursue does or does not consist with the Views of Government.
            Blaming a wrong Step would prevent a Repetition of it, but really at present I walk in
            the Dark or at best by the feeble Light of my own Conjectures. I know not whether my
            Brethren have the same Dearth of Intelligence. Mr Short complaind of it much when I last
            saw him and has since mentiond the same thing from Madrid so that I conclude the Evil to
            arise from the Negligence of those to whom Letters are entrusted. Might it not be adviseable to send every Month a small Packet to Europe. They might
            come alternately to Havre and Lisbon and that which arrives at Lisbon come on thence to
            Havre that which arrives at Havre go from thence to Lisbon. In this way a regular
            correspondence would be kept up and seizing for unimportant Communications, the private
            Conveyances which offer full Intelligence would be given and receiv’d. Six packets would
            be amply sufficient for the Service and if, as I believe, small Schooners could be
            safely employd the prime Cost would not be above three thousand Pound Sterling and the
            annual Expense I should suppose not more than Half that Sum.
          I beg your Pardon my dear Sir for troubling you with this groaning Scheeming Epistle. I
            will not say one word of news as in supposeable Circumstances it might prevent this
            Letter from reaching you. I adhere to the Opinions exprest in my last. adieu I am very truly yours

            Gouvr. Morris

            P.S. I am sorry to see that your Love of Retirement struggles so strongly against a
              Continuance of public Life. I am afraid the Devil (for it is
              from him you know that comes all Evil) will put it in your Head one Day to quit
              Outright which God in his Mercy forbid for I tell you, and you know me well enough to
              believe me, it will be a very sad Day for America. As to yourself I know that you will
              be more happy at Home and I judge from my own feelings how strong
              must be your Desire to get there. Apropos whenever you think the United States can
              gain any thing no matter how little by giving me a Successor let it be done.


Title: From Samuel A. Otis, Sr., to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 5 February 1794
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

            [Philadelphia] Feby 5th 1794.

          Mr Otis’s compliments to Mr Dandridge and sends him for the use of the President of the
            United States a Journal of Senate during the second Congress—Should more of the same
            kind be wanting, Mr Dandridge will be so good as to apply.

          Mr O. sends also the sheets of the present session as far as they are printed.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 6 February 1794
From: Johnson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Frederick [Md.] 6 February 1794.

          Your Letter of the 23d of last Month came to Hand whilst I was attending on the Lottery
            Business at George Town: I forbore to answer it immediately
            hoping that a little Delay might enable me to do it more to your Satisfaction, as well
            as my own for I could not think of any Gentleman of the Neighbourhd whom I could venture
            to recommend to you and the Proprietors, amongst whom there is the most Ability, have
            not lately gained in my Confidence—Reflection has not assisted me nor do I see a
            prospect of a favorable Change unless from an Accession of Strangers several of whom it
            is said will be at the City in the Spring and amongst them I hope such as will be proper
            for your Choice—In the Mean Time, with your Approbation I will continue to act for
            though I shd not Suffer much in seeing the little Credit I may have earned, transferred
            by common Opinion to a Successor, I should be very sorry a Change of Comrs should injure
            the Work I have very much at Heart. I am sir, with the most
            Respect, Your affectionate Servant.

            Th. Johnson


Title: To George Washington from John Sinclair, 6 February 1794
From: Sinclair, John
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Whitehall [London]-–6th Febry 1794

          I had the honour of receiving your Excellency’s letter by Mr Lear, with whose
            appearance & conversation I am much pleased. He comes from a good school. By this vessel I have the pleasure of sending copies of several of our
            Agricultural surveys, one or two of the best; it would be worth while to reprint, &
            circulate in america. The whole Kingdom will be completed in about 6 months from the
            commencement of the inquiry. Excuse the shortness of this
            epistle, having such a mass of matter to attend to, & believe me, with sincere
            respect & esteem, your very faithful humble Servt

            John Sinclair

            N.B. We recognise the good sense and steady judgement of old England, in the conduct
              of her American descendants on a late trying occasion. I have perused with much
              pleasure Mr Jefferson’s paper upon the subject. My best Compts to Mr Adams &
                him.


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 6 February 1794
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Hope-Park [Va.] 6th: Feby: 1794

          Your letter of the 20th Ultmo I recieved on my return home from Ge: town, where I have
            been for near ten days past. As you was informed of the result of the meeting, it is
            unnecessary to observe, that it was one of the most unpleasant we
            have had—I hope the discharge of the Ellicotts (rendered unavoidable by their own
            conduct) will ensure not only peace, but honesty & industry too, to the surveying
            department in future.
          It gives me much pleasure, that my conduct has met with your approbation: my
            determination is certainly finally taken, and when I informed you of it, it was my wish
            to have complyed with the request you signifyed to me in conversation last fall, of
            suggesting some characters to you, who might fill up the vacancy created by Mr Johnson’s
            & my own resignation. But I could not at that time do it, to my satisfaction, nor
            can I now do it entirely so—My place may I think be easily supplied, but I know not
            where to look, for any one to supply Mr Johnson’s—and here has been my difficulty. With
            respect to the Proprietors, perhaps my prejudices, may have some influence on my
            opinion: but it appears to me, that those among them who are best fitted for the office
            in point of talents, would be improper from the general sentiment entertained of them as
            to their cunning & design. Perhaps, if they were as free from this imputation as
            could reasonably be expected from their interests, the jealousy of those whose interests
            lie in a different quarter would still be troublesome. I think I speak on this head
            experimentally, from what is constantly suggested with respect to Mr Carroll; and in my
            opinion without foundation: if he who is interested in a very small degree any where,
            and certainly as much in Hamburg as Carrollsburg, has not been able to escape censure,
            how can it be expected from those who are more deeply so, and that in one part only? I must therefore think upon the whole, that a proprietor to any
            extent would not be suitable. The only persons then, that I can think of, are Marsham
            Waring, & Major Ross of Bladensburg—the first of these, is a respectable sensible
            Merchant of Ge: town, who has never intermixed with any of the parties, and who has I
            believe no property in the City; the second you are acquainted with. Mr John Mason &
            a Mr Lowndes were spoke of, I understand by the People of Ge: town as fit persons—But
            from the connection of the latter with Mr Stoddert, and his being allso a very young
            man, and from Mr Mason’s being so deeply interested opposite to Ge: town, I cannot think
            them so proper as the other two—As you are totally unacquainted I believe with Mr
            Waring, it may be necessary to say something more respecting him—he
            has been long an inhabitant of Ge: town, and some of his relations (I believe his
            brother) possessed large property in the city, but has sold out—he is universally well
            thought of, as a man of character, good temper and understanding—Not knowing whether you might be able to fill up our places to your mind; by the
            first of March, we fixed on the third monday of that month for the next meeting; which
            will be an important one on account of the election of proper characters as Bank
            directors—Cashier &c.—Mr Blodget contrary to our
            expectations, and many intimations we recieved, will not hesitate to recieve the salary
            fixed for his Agency; tho’ he was seldom present, and rendered little or no service in
            that time—We are now quit of him, and I think it unfortunate that we ever had any
            connection with him in any way. I am with the greatest respect
            Your Affecte: & Obt: Servant

            Dd: Stuart.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 7 February 1794
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

            Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives.
            United States February 7. 1794.

          I transmit to you an act and three ordinances passed, by the Government of the
            territory of the United States south of the river ohio, on the 13th and 21st of March,
            and 7th of May 1793. And also certain letters from the minister
            plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Secretary of State, enclosing dispatches
            from the general and extraordinary Commission of Guadeloupe.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Dobbs Spaight, 8 February 1794
From: Spaight, Richard Dobbs
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            No. Carolina New Bern 8th Feb: 1794

          On the 6th inst. I received the Secretary of Wars two letters of the 13th Jan: and his
            three letters of the 18th Jan: the latter directing me to restore the money papers and
            other property now in the custody of the Deputy Marshall, to the Agent of the Spanish
            Commissioners, I shall give the necessary orders for that purpose and send them on to
            Wilmington by the next Southern post which leaves this on Wednesday next.
          The papers which I informed you in my letter of the 19th Decem: last I had directed the
            marshal to send to me in order fully to establish the fact of the money having been
            taken from the Spanish Brig St Joseph. I recd whilst at Fayetteville but could not get
            them translated there[.] I brought them here with me and have employed a person well
            skilled in the Spanish language to translate them faithfully, and expected to have had
            them ready to send on to you by this post—but they are not quite finished.
          As the Money is now ordered to be restored to the agent of the Spanish Commissioners,
            it may be unnecessary to proceed with the translation, but as it is in some forwardness
            & the person already engaged to do it⟨,⟩ I shall let it be finished and sent on to
            you. It is an extract from the cargo Book of the Brig St Joseph—specifying every article
            of the cargo shipped on board of her at Carthagena, and the names of the persons who
            shipped it—Also a paper in french appearing to be done by Capt: Hervieux & his
            Officers & crew agreeing to divide between them the money taken on board the Spanish
            brig. executed the 30th Sep: 1793: I have the honor to be
            &C.

            Rd. D. Spaight


Title: To George Washington from Richard Dobbs Spaight, 8 February 1794
From: Spaight, Richard Dobbs
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            No. Carola New Bern 8th Feby 1794

          By the last post I received the Secretary of Wars letter of the 21st Jany 1794.
          At the time the legislature passed the resolutions which I did myself the honor to
            transmit you on the 6th July last they had grounds to apprehend
            an attack on our frontiers by the Indians. they had from the representations made to me
            in novem: been in the habit during the Summer and fall of committing depredations on the
            property of the Citizens of this State, and we had reason to
            think, after the attack made on the Indians by the Militia of the territory South of the
            Ohio under the command of general Sevier that they would have committed hostilities on
            our frontiers.
          As soon as a peace is made with the Cherokees by Governor Blount and our frontier is in
            a state of safety the Scouts now in service can be discharged.
          I enclose you a copy of my orders to Colo. David Vance: you will perceive that they are
            conformable to the Secretary of Wars letter to me and the resolutions of the General
              Assembly. I have the honor &c.

            R.D.S.


Title: To George Washington from Betty Washington Lewis, 9 February 1794
From: Lewis, Betty Washington
To: Washington, George

            My Dear Brothe[r]
            Febry 9th 1794

          your Letter of the 3th of this Month with your kind Present to Harriot Came safe to
            hand she values it more as it Comes from Philadelphia and Expects it is more
              fashonable—things in this Town is Scarce and very dear she
            seems truly sensable of the many favours receiv’d and sayes that she will make it her
            hole study to deserve them, I Can assure you she is truly deserving of the favours
            receiv’d, a[nd] I am not acquainted with any One who takes more Cear of there things and
            turns them to greater advantage.
          My Dear Brother I wish you to give Howell some advice how to Proseed in regard to two
            Negroes that Runaway from me a few daye before Christmas two of the Principal hands on
            the Plantation I Expect their intension is to get to
            Philadelphia as thay have a thought in geting there thay will be free, the hole Crop I made the last year was thirty Barrils of Corn and a
            Hundred and tenn Bushels of Wheat, if I am so unfortunate as not to get them again, I
            have no Chance to make any thing the insuing year. I am Join’d by the Girls in Love and
            good wishes for you all,

            Betty Lewis


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 9 February 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

            Mr Pearce,
            Philadelphia Feby 9th 1794

          since writing you a few lines on the 3d instant, I have received your letter of the
            28th of last month, and that of the third of the present.
          If you are satisfied with Mr Butlers conduct and exertions, I shall be so. He has
            always appeared to me as a well disposed man, obliging and sober one who has seen better
            days: and must have had a good deal of practical knowledge in husbandry. If you can make
            him active, & will support his authority, I do not see why he may not be more useful
            to you than a young man, who might have a greater propensity to be running about.
          With respect to the French furse, I shall leave it altogether to you and him, to manage
            it as you shall think best; for in truth I know nothing of the nature of the Plant. In
            the disposal of the Seed, howr, (where it is ultimately to remain) you cannot go amiss. The best guide perhaps is to sow it in Soil which is most
            congenial to it—and if this could be found around the enclosures at the Mansion house, I
            should give it a preference; but in this also, do as shall appear best.
          I am of opinion the Post & rail fence which runs from the Mill up to the tumbling
            dam, & so on, is too low and unsubstantial for an outr fence, against such
            neighbours as I have in that quarter; it was for this reason I proposed a more
            substantial one; especially, as the good posts & Rails in that fence would do very
            well for the inner & cross fences. I conceive also, that the out side ditch ought to
            be widened, & deepned. In a word, to make the whole of the exterior fence so
            formidable, & the Rails so close together, as to prevent trespass even from pigs;
            without this I shall never enjoy the sole benefit of my Inclosures, nor keep the meadows
            along the mill swamp from injury.
          The out fence at the Mansion house I am sensible stands in great need of repair, and I
            shall be much pleased by your repairing it, & well; as soon as circumstances will
            permit. The idea of getting rails out of the dead, & decaying timber, I much
            approve; for the waste which has been committed on my timber & wood hitherto, has
            really been shameful. I have no doubt, if the trees which have been fallen in all parts
            of my land, & only a small part of them used, were corded for fire wood instead of
            lying to rot on the ground that they would sell for many hundreds of pounds. You will
            find it necessary, I presume, whenever you undertake the Mansion house (out) fence, to
            get the rails tolerably convenient, on acct of the Cartage. It has always been my
            intention to clear, in the same manner the ground now is, in front of the house, from
            the white gates as the road goes towards Alexandria, up to the little old field; &
            to extend the fence out to it; whenever a convenient moment should be found for the
            purpose. If there be, therefore, any stuff fit for Rails within that space, two purposes
            will be answered by using it; namely, fencing; and clearing the ground of its growth;
            but I fear there are but few trees that will answer for the first, that is for
            rails.
          If you will examine the little sketch of the lots at Union farm, which was enclosed in
            one of my former letters, you can be at no loss in laying them off—a slipe of No. 2,
            from the fence of No. 1 to the fence of No. 3, of the breadth mentioned in that sketch,
            gives you the four lots; and dividing this slipe into four equal parts gives you the
            size of each lot. The two next to field No. 1, are those which are to
            be sown with Clover on the wheat, because they have been cowpenned. The other two must
            remain to succeed, in order, as have been mentioned in former letters.
          If I do not confine myself as nearly as circumstances will permit to my rotation
            system, this year, I never shall get into it at all; for which reason, although I might
            find ground better adapted to Corn than what was intended for Buck Wheat (for a Crop) It
            is my desire that you will attend to, & pursue the course wch has been mentioned in
            my letter of the 26th of last Month; or in the Oat grd, if you shd want Seed Oats.
          Let me know every now and then how the growing Wheat & Barley looks, as a week or
            two may change the appearance of them materially.
          What, or how much is done to the new race of the Mill? and at which end did they begin?
            Is it got to its depth? and carried on a level, what has been done?
          I have no chance to get honey locust seed this year; and as it is thought improper to
            sow the french furze for the purpose of transplanting, the ground prepared by the
            Gardener for these things will be useless; But as I have got about a quart, or a little
            more of what is called White bent Seed, which is given to me as a very valuable grass, I
            wish you would prepare about a quarter of an Acre of grd for it (I would not chuse to
            have the seed in more than that) in one of the New meadows at Dogue run or Union farm,
            and sow it at the time mentioned in the enclosed letter. If no opportunity offers of
            sending it by water with the Clover Seed &ca I will send it by Post.
          Let the Gardener know that the Seeds he wrote for shall also be
            sent at the same time, with some others which will require his particular skill &
            attention. You have never informed me how much St foin and India Hemp seed he has
            saved.
          If my Cattle & Sheep receive all the attention & care that is necessary, I can
            require no more, if they should die; but it shews how essenscial it is to pick, cull,
            & sell off before it is too late, & to provide well for the rest, & this I
            hope will be the case another year; and especially in attending to the breeding of them;
            both as it respects the choice of the Males (particularly) and the seasons proper for
            their going to the females.
          In a letter which has just been received from Mrs Fanny Washington, she requests me, to
            desire you, to rent her fishing Landing at Taylers on the best terms you can obtain
            & make it a condition that the person so renting it, shall
            furnish for her own use two Barrels of Shad, and four of Herrings—and as many of the
            latter as hath usually been put up for the use of the negros under his (Taylers) care,
            of which he can inform you—It is my wish you should do this.
          Colo. Ball must have the three shoats he applies for—a boar & two sows. I was in hopes the last spell of freezing weather wd have enabled you to
            fill the Ice house. It is very desirable it should be so, as the convenience on acct of
            fresh meat &ca in the summer is inconceivably great in the Country.
          It appears by Mr Lewis’s accounts that Mr Stuart has only recd £15.12. The difference
            between that Sum and his wages, is yet due to him; unless he has received money from Mr
            Whiting of which, if the fact is so, he unquestionably knows, and will tell. Crows & McKoys wages are also due, & must be paid. If you have
            not money, nor a prospect of raising it from the midlings & Ship stuff in time for
            these purposes, let me know it, and I will send it from hence.
          I have nothing to add at present but to beg you will make my people (about the Mansion
            house) be careful of the fire, for it is no uncommon thing for them to be running from
            one house to another in cold windy nights with sparks of fire flying, & dropping as
            they go along, without paying the least attention to the consequences.
          You will remember in time that my house in Alexandria is got in order for Mrs Fanny
            Washington; as I have promised to do this by the time mentioned to you in former
              letters. If my Carpenters could be prevailed upon to go on
            with their work as they ought to do, I intended to build Daries both at Union and Dogue
            run farm; to see if the Milk at each could not be turned to some account; but the lower
            part I should build of Brick like that in the Neck, where Stuart lives. I remain Your friend &ca

            Go: Washington

            P.S. If upon tryal, the Clover Seed you have is found to be
              good, it would be well to sow what you have upon the first Snow that covers the ground
              after this letter reaches you. What I have here shall go by the first Vessel, for
              Alexandria; but when this may happen is impossible to say, as the Navigation of the
              Delaware is interrupted by Ice. Yrs &ca

            G.W.


Title: From George Washington to William Washington, 9 February 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William

            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia Feb. 9th 1794.

          Your Letter of the 6th Ulto by way of New York, has been lately received; That you
            should be without any of my letters in answer to your former favors, is matter of
            extreme surprize to me, as the receipt of them had been regularly acknowledged.
          The Bill on Mr Bell of this City for six hundred and seventy eight dollars and 64/100
            came safe to my hands, and was punctually paid. Of this I wrote you, altho’ the letter
            has never it seems been received.
          Previous thereto, I had informed you (about this time twelve month, if I recollect
            rightly) that as it was improper to travel the Jack in the winter season, and moreover,
            as he could not be got to Mount Vernon in time nor in order for covering the ensuing spring, I
            requested you to keep him in So. Carolina and do for me in the case as if you were
            acting for yourself, until he could be removed more advantageously: and now, in answer to your last letter of the 6th of Jany, requesting to
            know if those who have sent Mares a second time to Royal Gift with no better success
            than they met with the first time shou’d pay for those wch do not bring foal? I shall,
            under my present view of the subject answer No provided you are
            satisfied they have not cast them because in that case the failure is not in the
            Jack—But in this, as in every thing else which relates to the Jack—do (as I have before
            requested) the same for me as you would for yourself and I shall be perfectly
            satisfied.
          His covering, while he stood at Mount Vernon was very sure; for no mare that went to
            him, scarcely ever missed; nor was he ever lame before he left that place; but from
            accounts which I have received from some Gentlemen in Virginia he was most abominably
            treated on the Journey by the man to whom he was entrusted; for instead of moving him
            slowly and steadily along as he ought, he was prancing (with the Jack) from one public
            meeting, or place to another in a gate which could not but prove injurious to an animal
            who had hardly ever been out of a walk before—and afterwards, I presume, (in order to
            recover lost time) pushed him beyond what he was able to bear all the remainder of the
            Journey—However, there is no remedy now for what has happened, but if he should get over
            his present disorder, and recover his flesh again, he may yet be a useful & valuable
            animal as he will not (if he live) be past his prime these fifteen or twenty years yet
            such is their longevity of this species of animal. I was glad to
            hear from Mr Izard that he had got one very fine mule from two mares which he had sent
            to Royal Gift—from thence I entertained a hope that he might be
            growing better—be this however as it may, I would thank you for giving me advice from
            time to time of his condition, that I may be enabled thereby to take measures
            accordingly. In the mean while, I entreat you to derive all the advantages you can from
            him to your own mares, without entertaining an idea of making compensation for it.
          Offer, if you please my best respects to Mrs Washington; and be
            assured of the sincere esteem and regard with which I am—Dear Sir Yr affect. Hble
            Servt

            G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 10 February 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Treasury Departt 10 Feby 1794

          The enclosed letter of the 27 of last month from the Collector of Tappahannock, relates
            to a subject equally delicate & disagreeable. It is my duty
            to add, that bills have returned protested to the amount of 3000 Dollars.
          This conduct, though I trust proceeding from no ill motive in the Collector, is of a
            nature so fatal to the punctual collection of the revenue, and at the same time so
            vitally injurious to the public credit, that I cannot forbear to submit it as my opinion
            that the public good requires the superceding of the officer.
            With perfect respect &c. &c.

            Alexander Hamilton.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 10 February 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia february 10. 1794

          The bill, drawn by Edward Church on the Secretary of State and accepted by me, amounts
            to one hundred and fifty pounds sterling. The
            Secretary of the Treasury is disinclined to pay it out of the monies in his hands. I
            must therefore request you to give an order for the payment, out of the contingent fund
            at your disposal. The form of the Order may be somewhat in this
            shape. “The President of the U.S. desires the Secretary of the Treasury to cause a bill
            of exchange, drawn at Lisbon, on the 19th of October 1793 for one hundred and fifty
            pounds sterling, by Edward Church in favor of Jacob Dohrman & comp.; and accepted by
            the secretary of State in behalf of his department on the 10th of January 1794, to be
            adjusted and paid out of the contingent fund at his disposal. If the forms of the
            Treasury department require any further document from the President, he wishes it to be
            prepared and sent to him for his signature.” I have the honor,
            sir, to be with the highest respect yr mo. ob. serv.

            Edm: Randolph


Title: To George Washington from Karl August Freiherr von Wangenheim, 10 February 1794
From: Wangenheim, Karl August Freiherr von
To: Washington, George

            Sir!
            Erlang[en, Germany] 10th February 1794.

          To receive a letter from the other part of the world, and written by a youth, who has
            nothing yet done in the world to be known by, You, Sir! You will perhaps be very wonderd
            at. But I believe it is enough to be excused to send You a letter, being a man like You
            form’d by the same Creator and having the design to be usefull to You, Sir, and Your
            Country, and if it was possible to all mankind. Without preface, excepted this, that
            all, what I’ll make, is founded in the convictiveness, You are a
            great and very honourable man, I shall tell You, Sir! what is the design of this letter.
            Since some years it is a speculation of many betrayers, to give out themselves as
            Emissarys, sent by the united States of North-Amerika. They persuaded many peopel by
            very splendid conditions, to go with their littel fortune to Amerika. Commonly they
            bring them till Tuchland, and after this, it is known, that the pretended emissarys,
            partly rob’d them of the last reste of a very littel fortune, who did believe to be very
            near Amerika, and the end of their misfortunes, partly not content to have stolen, this
            poor men, did bring them yet in the hands of So⟨u⟩l-Sellers at Tuchland. You will know
            Yourself, Sir! how prejudicial such tricks can become for the good name of the united
            States and their politicks. It is very naturally, that by such trifly cases, likewise
            the true and usefull proposals, concerning good conditions for such persons, being
            willg, to till some yet uncultivated places of the united States, shall not be accepted,
            because every body fears to be betray’d. From this motive, I believe it will not be
            disagreeable to You, Sir! that I tell You with all particulars the history of such a
            trick in the paper adjoyned, if this matter, to discover the tricks of such raskels and
            to give to Your Emissarys or avertissements, more infallibel signs, which could not be
            obnoxious to errour, seems You worthy to take care of it.
          This, Sir! is the first and most uninterrested motive of this letter, but I have yet an
            other, what is not so without all interest for my own person.
          You will read in the description of the trick of the pretended Colonel Pearce, that I
            myself would go in the service of the united States of North-Amerika. Now this Colonel
            is escaped, but my wishes to set out from Europe and to live in a free Country, has
            settled itself in my mind. If You, believe, Sir! that a good natured Youth, who has some
            parts and the best will to become usefull to the Republick, can receive the permission
            to go in the service of the united States, I offer You myself to such a one. I am not an
            adventurer, who is in need to leave his fathers Country; I am not without fortune, and
            without all views to become forward at Europe, no, Sir! I have many favourabel views for
            it; I have a father, who is in the service of a good prince; I am a noble-man
            (Gentilhomme. You do perhaps not know in Your happy country, this word) and this is at
            Germany a prerogative which procures many advantages, but all this my
            circumstances to my fortune at Europe, I despise. I can not be happy, if I do not
            become, what perhaps I would become once, by myself and my own few merits. Concerning my
            principles of Moral I can not sell my parts and my life to a prince, because I should do
            after this, not what I shall do by the laws of my reason, but what my prince did command
            me for. I know very well that no body should speak too much from himself, but now I am
            indeed in the case, to begin with speaking of myself because necessary I must be known
            by You, Sir! I am the eldest Son of Charles Wangenheim, who is Major in the service of
            the Duke of Saxe-Gotha. Three of my brothers are in the service of the King of
              Borussia. I could likewise have a military place in the same
            service, but I did not like to fight against the French people, from whom I believe they
            are in the right. I prefer also the proposal of my father, to become a Lawyer. But,
            dearest Sir! the justice is blind at Europe, and I like very much to see with open eyes.
            Since half a Year, therefore I did more cultivate, the english and french languages,
            Mathematics and Philosophy, than the old Roman laws, which however I did not neglect.
            That are allready my bussiness at the University at Erlang near Nurnberg in Franconie,
            and I will yet stay a year longer. I can not pretend, that You, Sir! shall believe me
            upon my word, but certainly You do know some person at Germany, from whom You are
            persuaded, that he is a honourable man. Let me be put on the proof Sir! by such a one,
            and if he finds, that I could be usefull to You and the Republick, give me a place, and
            with it the happyness to live in a free State, and to have nothing other heads, than
            virtue and my duty. Procure me, Sir! the place of a Lieutnant, that I have some fixt
            views, tell me, what I should learn the first, and if You believe that it should be
            better, I remain yet, upon my own expences, a year at Europe, for learning all, what You
            believe usefull and necessary. Should You find after this, that I could be more usefull
            to the Republick in a other place than a military function, I shall surely all do, what
            You proved that it is the best.
          If You can not procure me a settlement in the free State, at least be so kind to give
            me in a few words an answer, that You will not be offended by my good will. With the esteem, I have every time for a virtuous man, I shall remain
            for ever Sir! Your’s

            Charles Wangenheim


Title: To George Washington from Uriah Forrest, 11 February 1794
From: Forrest, Uriah
To: Washington, George

            [Philadelphia] 11th Feb. 1794.

          The only apology I have to offer for obtruding the within paper, is, that, the author
            has particularly requested me, to present it to you, in the hope & expectation it
            will be sanctioned, with your Signature. I have the honor to be
            with all Possible respect, Your most obedient humble Servt

            Uriah fforrest


Title: Henry Knox to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 11 February 1794
From: Knox, Henry
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

            Sir.
            War Department February 11th 1794

          Please to Submit the enclosed letters from Governor Shelby and
            Genl A. Campbell to the President of the United States. yours
            Sincerely

            H. Knox


Title: Henry Knox to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 11 February 1794
From: Knox, Henry
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

            Sir,
            War Department, Feby: 11th 1794.

          Please to submit to the President of the United States, the Letter from the Governor of
            Virginia and the proposed Answer thereto—The idea of the firing
            of the Dedalus has been communicated by the Secretary of State.
            Yours sincerely

            H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 11 February 1794
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Philadelphia, 11th Feby 1794.

          In order to enable me to carry into effect your instructions for preserving the peace
            and neutrality of the United States, within the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, I was
            under the necessity of establishing a Fort at Mud-Island, agreeably
            to the intimation, which I gave you, in my letter of the Eighth day of July last. and, as the object of that establishment still requires my
            attention, I have recommended it to the General Assembly, to make a legislative
            provision, not only with respect to what has been done, but with respect to what it may,
            in future, be necessary to do, in aid of those measures of the General Government, which
            are referred to the agency of the Executive Magistrate of the State.
          The exposed situation of the Western frontiers of Pennsylvania has, likewise, claimed
            the interposition of the Legislature; and, it is probable, that, as an auxilary to the
            force of the United States, three companies drafted from the militia will be stationed,
            during the ensuing summer, in the frontier counties for the purposes of protection and
              defence.
          I have thought it proper, Sir, to make this communication; as well for the general
            purpose of information⟨,⟩ as to obtain your sentiments on the subject. For, the
            Legislature in adopting, as well as I, in recommending, the proposed arrangments,
            certainly contemplate a re-imbursement of the expence which they occasion, from the
            Treasury of the Union: and on this, and on every official transaction connected with the
            General Government, it will give me sincere pleasure, to be honored with your
            concurrence and approbation. I am, with perfect respect, Sir,
            Your most obed: hble serv:

            Tho. Mifflin