Title: To George Washington from Wakelin Welch & Son, 22 June 1790
From: Wakelin Welch & Son
To: Washington, George

Sir
London 22d June 1790

Inclosed is copy of the last which we took the Honor of forwarding to your Excellency by the New York Packet.
Since which Mr Morris drew on us for £91. which is all he says that he may want The Balance remaining of £4.16 we suppose will be sufficient to repay Mr Young for any charge he might have been at in sending the Books. We most Respectfully are Your Excellency’s Much Hond and Obliged Servts

Wak. Welch & son


Title: Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 23 June 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Wednesday June 23d 1790

By the command of the President of the United States T. Lear has the honor to enclose for Mr Jefferson perusal a Letter from the Count de Estaing to the President which was alluded to by Mr Short in the letter which Mr Jefferson laid before the president at the time when he delivered the above letter from the Ct de Estaing. Likewise two letters a Memorial & a treatise upon establishing a uniformity of Weights & Measures throughout the U.S.—which were written & tran[s]mitted to the President by M. Collignon.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 23 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

United States [New York]
Gentlemen of the Senate,June 23d 1790
In my nomination of persons for Consular appointments on the 4th of the present month, the name of James instead of Joseph Fenwick was by mistake laid before you to be Consul for the port of Bourdeaux.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Jenifer Adams, 25 June 1790
From: Adams, Daniel Jenifer
To: Washington, George

Sir
Delaware State Wilmington June 25th 1790

With very great diffidence, I beg leave to address your Excellency, on a subject to which I am moved, more from necessity, than either from real inclination, or ambition.
Your Excellency I presume, is not unacquainted, that after near five years perilous & hard Service under your Command (in which I hope I merited your good opinion, in the station I held) I was one of those unfortunate Officers, that laid down my Commission, more for the want of Money to support my rank in the Army, than any other cause; tho’ the reasons I assigned to your Excellency, in my resignation, I thought cogent, and perhaps wou’d have acted forcibly with most officers of the Army; yet, the Strong attachment I had to my Country’s cause, and the reluctance with which I left its Service, were such strong incentives, that the latter might have been got over, if I had seen a prospect of future support of the former. By a resolution of Congress, which took place about the time of my resignation, excluding officers, who resigned previous to such a date, from any future emoluments arising on their Commissions, which were the only compensations (of any consequence) they were entitled to, for their Services; I was One of those who suffered

by this resolution, and I can very safely say, that all the Money I ever rec’d for my Services, was not sufficient to pay my pocket expences whilst I was in the Army.
After ten years close application to business, in which I have been but unfortunate, I have acquired some little property, tho’ very inadequate to the support of a large & rising family of Children—I am now advanced to the middle stage of life, with a shattered Constitution, owing to the ⟨heats⟩ & colds, I underwent whilst I was in the Army, which renders me inc⟨a⟩pable of the more rugged, and fatigueing scenes of life, for the better support of my family.
Under a serious impression, of these circumstances, permit me sir, to solicit your Excellency’s patronage, and fav’or, to the appointment of such office under the Federal Government, as your Excellency may think suitable to my capacity, and situation—and as it is probable, that a Law will shortly take place in Congress, for Settling the Accompts of the United States, with the individual States, and Commissionors, be appointed for that purpose; shoud your Excellency be pleased to fav’or me, with one of those appointments, I flatter myself, my attention, and fidelity to the trust, will make compensation for the hon’or and fav’or done me, and shou’d it be necessary, f trust, I can come before your Excellency, with such letters of recom⟨me⟩ndation, as will prove satisfactory. With every sence of respect & duty, I have the hon’or to be, Your Excellency’s Most Obt & very Hum: Servt

Danl J. Adams


Title: From George Washington to John Canon, 25 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Canon (Cannon), John

Sir,
New-York, June 25th 1790.

Your letter of the 2. instant has reached my hands and in consequence thereof I have applied to Mr Scott for fifty pounds as

you desired, who informs me that he did not expect a draught to exceed £15. or £20. and therefore had not made his arrangements for 50. however he says he will pay it if he can make it convenient.
As the rents of my lands under your care were to be paid in wheat, and the demand for, and high price of that article having been very extraordinary the year past, I did not conceive there could have been any difficulty in making payments or in obtaining cash and a good price for the wheat after it was deposited in your hands, for I presume the payment is not commuted from wheat to cash at the customary price, when it would fetch more than double what it does in common years; This would be hardly doing justice to the Landlord, and I always wish for his, and the tenants’ interest to be reciprocal.
By a letter which I received from you before I left Mount Vernon, if I recollect the substance of it, the Tenants then upon my lands were to furnish a certain number of rails besides a stipulated quantity of wheat for their rent—and, from that circumstance I thought there might be but little deduction in future on that account—however, I find by your last letter that you expect a considerable portion of the rents will be deducted on that account for the present year—I should wish to have the matter of fences, repairs &ca finished and done away that I might know what net proceeds to calculate upon, which can never be done so long as these annual and uncertain deductions are to be made. I am Sir, with great regard, your most obedient servant

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Clendinen, 25 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Clendinen, George

Sir,
New York, June 25th 1790.

I have upon the great Kanawa and Ohio river, between the two Kanawas several large and valuable tracts of land, which I have been long endeavoring to settle, but without effect. Some three or four years ago I wrote to Colonel Thomas Lewis, who lives in that neighbourhood, requesting his assistance or agency in this business, transmitting to him at the same time instructions expressive of my wishes as to the mode or terms of settlement together with such other papers respecting the lands as were necessary for his information[.]
After a considerable lapse of time Colonel Lewis returned the instructions and papers declining any agency in the business, lest he should not be able to transact it to my satisfaction, as he had lands of his own to settle in that neighbourhood, which might cause a clashing or interfering of interests that would be disagreeable or inconvenient to him. I however returned the same papers to him requesting that he would accept the trust, and at the same time put the matter upon such a footing as I conceived would do away the objections which he had stated.
It is now almost two years since the papers were last deposited in Colonel Lewis’s hands, and I have not heard a syllable from him upon the subject, which leads me to believe that he still wishes to decline the trust.
It is therefore necessary for me to place this business in other hands, and your residence in that vicinity with the knowledge which you must have of the Country and the very favorable representations

I have received of your character have induced me to request, Sir, that you would assist me in the settlement of these lands, which, if you incline to do, I have requested Colonel Lewis (in the enclosed letter, left open for your perusal, and which, if you accept the trust, you will please to seal and forward to him) to deliver into your hands or to your order, the instructions and other papers respecting my lands which he received from me—These will shew you my general ideas on this subject, and give you better information respecting it than I am able to do here, as all my land papers &ca are at Mount Vernon.
I must however add that altho’ I may, in my instructions to Colonel Lewis, have mentioned some particular terms upon which I wished to have the lands rented, yet in my letters to him, if my recollection serves me, I desired him to be governed by the custom of the country in this business rather than by my instructions, and to get them settled on the best terms he could, provided the leases were not given for too long a period, and the taxes were paid by the Tenant—This I would repeat to you for my great object at present is to have the lands settled, and be exonerated from the Taxes[.]
I do not expect they will yield me an immediate profit—I would not however wish to have the lands incumbered with long leases—for it is my opinion that property in that country will fast increase in value, and, in that case, long leases upon the terms which they will probably be given to first settlers will be much against the landlord—and they are always considered as an obstacle to the sale of lands.
I will thank you, Sir, for an answer to this letter as soon as it gets to your hands, that I may know upon what ground I stand as to my property in that country. I am Sir, with great esteem, Your most obedient Servant

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Lewis, 25 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Thomas

Sir,
New York, June 25th 1790.

When I returned to your hands the instructions and papers respecting my lands in your neighbourhood, I thought I had sufficiently obviated the reasons which first induced you to decline any agency in that business, by putting it on a footing which might render it perfectly compatible with your own interest and convenience, and I was in a measure confirmed in the opinion that you had accepted the trust, and would comply with my wishes by your not having again returned the papers to me. But near two years have elapsed since that time, and I have not received a line from you, nor heard a syllable respecting the matter. This leads me to believe that it is not convenient for you to serve me in this business—and, as it is necessary for my interest that some person in that country should superintend my lands there, and promote the settlement of them in some way or another I have requested Colonel George Clandenen of Kanawa-county to undertake it, and, if he inclines to do it, he will call upon you for the instructions and papers, which are in your hands, respecting this business, and which I request may be delivered to him or to his order. I am Sir, your most obedient Servant

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 25 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir
New York June 25th 1790

According to promise, you ought to have received the enclosed at an earlier period; but no inconvenience, I apprehend, will arise from my omitting to do it before now. Our best wishes attend you all and I am—Dear Sir Your Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Theodore Foster, 26 June 1790
From: Foster, Theodore
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York June 26th 1790

I have the Honor to inform your Excellency that on the Twelfth Day of the present Month, I was appointed by the Legislature

of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations One of the Senators to represent that State, in the National Government. That on the Evening before last I arrived in this City and yesterday had the Honor of being admitted and sworn as a Member of the Senate of the United States.
Be pleased, Sir, to permit Me on the present Occasion to assure you of my most sincere Disposition to promote your personal Honor and private Happiness and to establish the Credit Glory and Prosperity of the Nation at large over which you preside. Your Excellency will ever find Me anxious to render you all the Aid and Support due to the Chief Magistrate in the Administration of the National Government.
Accept my most Sincere Thanks for your Goodness in my Appointment to the Naval office in the District of Providence. At the Time I took the Liberty to write to Your Excellency respecting that office I had no Expectation of the Senatorial Trust I now hold. I undertook the latter not knowing that the former would be confided to Me. As they are incompatible if it would not be deemed presumptuous I would beg leave to request that the Honble Ebenezer Thompson Esqr. of Providence may be appointed to that office. I will pledge myself for his Abilities, his Integrity and for his Fidelity in the Discharge of the Duties of the Office, and I am well assured that his Appointment will give more general Satisfaction to all Parties in the State than that of any other Person.
The Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers consisting of about Two Hundred of the Reputable Citizens of that Town have honored Me with the Care of an Address to your Excellency from their Corporation, a Copy of which I herewith inclose. If it be agreeable to your Excellency to receive it I will do myself the Honor to present it, at such Time as you will be pleased to appoint.
The Honorable Joseph Stanton Esqr. is my Colleague in the Senatorial Representation of Rhode Island. He has Communications which he wishes to make. If your Excellency will be pleased to admit us to an Interview we will wait on you to make our personal Respects, and gratefully acknowledge the Honor done us. I have the Honor to be very respectfully Your Excellency’s most obedient and humble Servant.

Theodore Foster.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander White, 26 June 1790
From: White, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 26th June 1790

It is with great diffidence I offer the enclosed but having taken that liberty will not add to your trouble by Apologies, I will only state such Facts as may enable you to judge whether th⟨is⟩ institution is like to be useful—the nature of the Country in general, its salubrity and fertility you are well acquainted with—The Academy has been supported several years by private Donations, and the monies arising from Tuition, notwithstanding another Gramm⟨a⟩r School and a number of English and Dutch Schools have been kept up in the Town by private subscriptions—The Assembly of Virginia at their last Session granted to the Trustees a Lot in Winchester, and two Tracts of Land—One on Cedar Creek containing 200 acres the other on Back Creek containing 900 acres—it is proposed to erect the Buildings on the Lot and to rent the Lands, which in the present State of their improvements, may not yield much, but will be very valuable in future—If you think this infant Seminary deserving of any share of your Patronage you will signify it in the manner most agreeable to yourself—I am with the greatest regard and respect Sir Your most Obt Servt

Alex. White


Title: To George Washington from Charles Willson Peale, 27 June 1790
From: Peale, Charles Willson
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Philad[elphi]a—June 27 [17]90

I wish to be settled near Congress, and my Museum under their Patronage, having just heard that the office of Post master

General is Vacant, if my abilities may be thought sufficient to do justice to such an appointment, I would use my best endeavours to be a faithful servant.
Excuse me if I have made an improper tender of my service to fill such an office. I would not in the smallest matter be troublesome to you, and I wish also to be grateful for past favors. I will only add that my business in the Portrait line in this City, is not sufficient support for my family. I am obliged now to make journeys into Maryland to seek employment, and the thought of an office which would enable me to ⟨i⟩ncrease the Museum to a National Magnitude, by the many opportunities of obtaining articles of Cur[i]osity from every quarter, without the least expence to Congress would I flatter myself be a public benefit.
The fear of trespassing on your time makes me forbear to say many things that croud on my mind on this subject. My Duty to my family sugested this hasty Petition, but whatever is your pleasure shall be agreable to obliged friend

C.W. Peale


Title: To George Washington from John Rutherfurd, 28 June 1790
From: Rutherfurd, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Morrisania [N.Y.] June 28th 1790

Being informed that a law will shortly pass for appointing two additional commissioners to settle the accounts between the United States and the individual states, and having heard it suggested that one of the commissioners will probably be appointed from New Jersey I take the liberty to intimate to your Excellency that I will be very happy to serve in that capacity, if you should think proper to appoint a person from that state. I have the honor to be with sincere regard and attachment your Excellency’s most obedient and devoted humble Servant

John Rutherfurd


Title: To George Washington from John Wilson, 28 June 1790
From: Wilson, John
To: Washington, George

Sire
New York June 28th 1790.

I should be far from troubling you in this occasion, with a detail of my services, & sufferings, but that I have reason to believe myself neglected by my Country, which I served and suffered for, at the time of her adversity. On this day twelve years I had the misfortune to be wounded by a Ball which went thro’ my right arm on the plains of Monmouth.
At the time of my being wounded I had the honor of being a Sergeant in your Excellency’s Guards, under Capt. Gibbs, I had been in the Capacity from the first raising that Corps at Cambridge in the year 1776. I had the honor also of attending frequently in your Excellency’s Family for some time and at may different times previous to my being wounded, and altho’ it is a long time since I have no doubt but your Excellency would recognize me, in your Excellencies presence. On being wounded instead of applying for the benefit of an Hospital I went to my Friends and remained among them procuring nourishments that were extraordinary at my own Expense. On being examined

by Doctr Shippen Surgeon Genl I was pronounced Incurable by him, I had a Certificate from him to that effect, rendering me Incapable of any longer serving in the Army. In this situation I went to live with my Father in the Northern Country (called Vermont) with him I resided ever since unable to procure an Independant living, being deprived of the use of my right arm so as to prevent me from manual Labour or Husbandry, the mode of business in which I was accustomed previous to my entering into the service of my Country. My Parents being in, but indifferent Circumstances, I conceived it in some measure unreasonable to be dependant on them at my time of Life, and hearing that Pensions were granted to persons of the late Army whose services & Losses entitle them thereto. with the assistance of my Friends I acquired as much as paid my expences to this City, where I arrived about three Months past. I was here some weeks making application for the bounty of my Country to Individuals, but all in vain, being told that I was too late however I was at length advised to Petition the Hon’ble House of Representatives in Congress, which I accordingly did in terms the most humble & supplicating, accompanied by a number of the most unexceptionable Vouchers of my Conduct Fidelity & present situation & circumstances. In that same uncertain situation as when I appealed I am at present. and in a state of suspence the most disagreable to the human mind merely because I have been absent for so long a time & have but few or no Friends in this City to forward & recommend Petition, and I much fear it will be thrown out altogether, or neglected, so as to render my best & most honest endeavours ineffectual. Under these circumstances I am reduced to the necessity of applying to your Excellency, humbly to sollicit the favor of some ordinary, or dependent, Public Employment, or that your Excellency would Patronize & recommend me to some of the Public Officers for an Employment that may be suited to my Capacity & Abilities—for I will candidly acknowledge that I was able to obtain my Livelihood by manual Labour I should be the last that would trouble your Excellency on such an occasion. I shall humbly hope for the countenance & favor of your Excellency, conscious that my services & sufferings merit the encouragement & support of my Country, under this hope I have the honour to be with the most respectfull gratitude, Your ever devoted servant

John Wilson

P.S. As I shall hope for the patronage of your Excelly I must beg leave to say that my present residence is at Mr James Reeds the corner of Moore street in Little Water street.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Stanton and Theodore Foster, 29 June 1790
From: Stanton, Joseph,Foster, Theodore
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York June 29th 1790.

It being necessary that the Vacancy, in the Naval Office, in the District of Providence, in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations should be filled soon, we beg leave to recommend and request that Ebenezer Thompson Esqr. of Providence may be appointed to that Office. He was educated in the Mercantile Business which he followed till the late War. He is a Good Accountant and well acquainted with Book-Keeping. His Moral Character and his Integrity are every way unimpeachable. He has been intrusted with various public Offices which he has discharged to General Satisfaction. He has been a Representative for the Town of Providence and a Member of the upper House, in the Legislature of that State. He is much esteemed and respected, in the Town of Providence being now the President of the Town Council there, who by the Laws of that State transact the Business of the Probate Courts in the other States. He is not now concerned in Navigation or Mercantile Business, or likely to be under the undue Influence of any Gentlemen in that Line, a Recommendation which every Candidate ought to have. His Firmness of Character, his Integrity, and his Abilities entitle him to the Confidence of the Public. Recommendations in his Behalf could be procured from respectable Characters of all Parties in Rhode Island and we believe his Appointment would tend to compose and reconcile the Spirit of Party in that State. And we are satisfied that it is the General Wish and hope of the People in the Town of Providence as well as throughout the District that he may be appointed, his Conduct as late Collector for the State having given very general Satisfaction.

We assure you, Sir, that we have no private Veiws to answer in this Recommendation which is made purely from a conviction that the Appointment of Mr Thompson as Naval Officer, in that District will Subserve and promote the Public Good more than that of any other Who we heard has made application for the office. We have the Honor to be, Sir, with the highest Sentiments of Regard and Respect, Your most Obedient and humble Servants

Jos. Stanton Jr
}
SenatorsofRhode Island

Theodore Foster

We also beg leave to mention the Names of the following Persons as Surveyors, Viz.,
Zachariah Rhodes for the Port of Pawtuxet, in the District of Providence.
Job Comstock for the Port of East Greenwich in the District of Newport.
Bowen Card for the Port of North Kingstown, in the same District.
George Stillman for Pawcatuck River in the same District.
Nathaniel Phillips for Warren and Barrington in the same District.


Title: From George Washington to the Earl of Buchan, 30 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Buchan, eleventh earl of (David Stuart Erskine; 1742-1829)

My Lord.
New York June 30th 1790.

I received a few days ago, the letter which your Lordship did me the honour to write to me on the 27th of March last; accompanied with a view of Dr Anderson’s proposed periodical publication.
Dr Anderson’s plan appears judicious, and if the execution

shall equal the design in goodness (as from your account of the Author we have reason to expect) there can be no doubt but his Journal will be of great utility wherever it may be circulated. For the purpose of promoting the circulation, by bringing its object & importance more generally into notice, some account of this literary undertaking will be published in the Gazette of the United States: a paper which is read extensively in America.
From the multiplicity of business, of different kinds, in which I am involved, I have myself less leisure than I could wish for attending to new publications. I shall, however, be glad to give all the encouragement in my power to the work in question, as well on account of its own merits, as to demonstrate the real respect and esteem, with which I have the honour, to be Your Lordship’s Most obedient & very humble Servant


Title: From George Washington to Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 30 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Sir,
New York June 30th 1790

This late acknowledgement of the receipt of your letter of the 6th of November 1789, and the little box which accompanied it, might require some particular apology had I only my own private concerns to attend to; but when important public duties require my constant attention every allowance must be made for the want of punctuality in those things which regard me individually.
I beg, Sir, that you will accept my best thanks for the polite manner in which you have transmitted to me the poems & epistles which the Society of Leyden for the encouragement of the liberal arts in Holland have done me the honor to send to me; and at the same time, I must ask the favor of you to forward the enclosed letter to that Society which is expressive of the sense I entertain of their polite attention to me. I am Sir, Your most Obedt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Mandrillon, 30 June 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Mandrillon, Joseph

Sir,
New York June 30th 1790.

In replying to your several letters of the 15th of June and 4th of December 1789, and the 10th of January 1790, I must request you to accept my acknowledgements for the very polite terms in which you express your attachment to me—and my best thanks for the several enclosures which accompanied your letters.
The unremitting attention which my public duties require, will, I am persuaded, sufficiently apologize to you, Sir, for the

want of punctuallity in my private correspondencies—or for not replying so particularly to the favors of my friends as my inclinations might lead me to do. I am, Sir, Yr most Obedt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Catharine Sawbridge Macaulay Graham, June 1790
From: Graham, Catharine Sawbridge Macaulay
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bracknal; Berks. [England] June 1790

The sentiments yr Excellency expressed in yr Letter of the 9th of January are worthy of yr exalted character; and must be pleasing to all those who are friends to the happiness of man kind, For when by the success of yr arms, you afforded America the option of a free government; yr task was not so difficult, or more important, than yr present station; as her first Chief Majestrate.
The present system of American Government, contains all those principles which have been regarded as capable of resisting every hostile influence arising either from force or seduction. I once thought that such a system of government would be invulnerable; as yr Excellency must have perceived if you have ever read a political tract of mine adressed to Paoli the Corsican General. It is true that in that sketch of a Democratical Government, I endeavored to keep out corruption by enforcing a general Rotation; but I must acknowledge to you that the corruptions which have crept into our Legislature since the revolution, with the wise caution used by the french patriots in the rules to which they have subjected their National Assembly, have led me to alter my opinion; and this alteration of opinion, incline⟨s⟩ me to fear, that ill consequences may arise from vesting the Legislative body with the power of establishing Offices, of regulating the quantum of their salaries, and of enjoying themselves the emoluments arising from such establishments. I should have thought it safer to have made them incapable of holding at least any Civil Office whilst they were Members of the Legislature. Th⟨ose⟩ who have studied mankind with the greatest attention, find, that there is no depending on their virtue; except where all corrupting motives are put out of their way.
I see also that you have followed the example of the Parent State in dividing yr Legislature into an Upper and a Lower House. I once thought that this was the only method of obtaining the result of deliberate Counsels; but I at present am of opinion that the French have effectualy secured themselves from the return of Aristocracy in their government, by confining the Legislature to one equal Assembly; and committing the office of approving laws to the King and the people. May not yr

Upper House in length of time, acquire some distinctions which may lay the grounds for political inequality among you? a circumstance which never ought to take place in a Society of free men. The Americans free from every part of the feudal tenure and the unjust distinctions of primo geniture; found it easy when they had shaken of the yoke of England, to form and regulate a popular government; but from the c⟨ir⟩cumstance of always having been exempt from the evils of Aristocracy, they may not have the principle of averssion to such pretenssions planted in their minds, as now happily exist among the French. They may also have regarded wi⟨th⟩ admiration instead of disgust, the splendor of European Society; and mistaken the insolence and ostentation of a few citizens, for National dignity.
But, besides these causes, which appear to form a very important difference in the relative state of things in the two Empires, of France and ⟨of⟩ America; the former Nation has undergone the fiery trial of temptation and come out purified; she has sat an example hitherto unparralled in the annals of humanity, that of emmerging from the depths of frivolous dissipation to the most exalted heigth of National conduct. But as the difficulties which the Americans have to strugle with in the settling a new country, and that mediocrity of wealth which must naturally have attended such difficulties; a good deal enforced a sobriety of manners among them, it is impossible to tell what may be the effects of a change in the internal prosperity of the Country. When the E’ra now so ardently desired by the Americans shall arrive, that commerce pours in wealth on every side, and when they will by this means have it in their power to import all the l⟨uxur⟩ies and copy all the excesses of the Mother Country, and to vye with her Citizens in all the deceitful pleasures of a vicious dissipation; it is more than possible, that the novelty of such seductive enjoyments will overturn all the virtue which at present exists in the Country. That an inattention to public interest will prevail, and nothing be pursued but private gratification and emolument. These do not appear as groundless fears; for the Americans have shewn a greater inclination to the fripperies of Europe, th⟨an⟩ to Classic simplicity.
That these evils may only exist in the imagination of those who like me am tremblingly alive on the subject of human liberty, I most sincerely hope; as also that the future Chief Majestrates

of the United States, may in some measure partake of the wisdom, and virtue, of her first Chief Majestrate.
If I have transgressed on yr Excellencies patience by so long a letter; I have been led to it by your condescenssion in giving me some of yr senti⟨me⟩nts and observations, on the present state of things in America; and I hope yr goodness will excuse it.
I have done my self the honor to send yr Excellency a copy of a work I have lately published on education.
Mr Graham joins me in respectful compliments as due, And I am Sir yr Excellency’s Most Obliged And Obedt Servt

Cath: Macaulay Graham.

I beg my thanks to Mrs Washington, for the favor of her remembrance.


Title: From George Washington to the Georgia Legislature, 18 March 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Georgia Legislature

Gentlemen,
[18 March 1790]

The congratulations presented to me by the different branches of the Legislature of the State of Georgia, upon my having been elected with unanimity to the Presidency of the United States, affect my mind with the most pleasing sensations, and demand my best acknowledgements.
From the observation that “in the great concerns of mankind, success has not always been attendant on the performance of duty, and that, where it has, the sanction of public approbation has frequently been with held” I am naturally led to reflect on the unlimited gratitude which we owe, as a nation, to the supreme Arbiter of human events for his interposition in our favor—as well as on the singular obligations which are due from me as an individual, for the indulgent sentiments which my fellow-citizens have always had the goodness to entertain of my conduct.
Raised, as I am, to the head of a Government pervading so vast a territory—and possessing, as I flatter myself I do, the confidence of the people in regard to my dispositions—I assure you, Gentlemen, that nothing could be more consonant to my wishes than to be favored with such facts and opinions respecting the condition of the States as may appear proper and necessary—for I am duly sensible that many errors which would result from want of information may be obviated by timely and just representations.
I am not ignorant how much the local situation of your State exposed its inhabitants to suffer the distresses of the late war in a severe manner; nor how manfully they exerted themselves in the common cause during the struggle which established our independence. Wasted as your country was at the return of peace, and exposed as your frontiers have since been to the ravages of the Indians; I cannot but flatter myself that you will ere long realise the blessings which were to be expected from your natural resources, and find a compensation for your sufferings in the benefits of an efficient general government.
It will not be expected I presume, on this occasion, that I should enter into the merits of the delicate subject to which you allude. It may be sufficient to say, that, while I regret extremely the failure of the late negociation for peace with the Creek-Indians: I am satisfied that the explanations which have been received through authentic channels will be of eminent service. I am also convinced that nothing will be wanting on your part to concur in the accomplishment of a pacification: and I still hope that under the influence of the general Government that desireable object may be effected—with respect to this subject in general, as well as to the other calamity which you mention as resulting from your being the south frontier of the union, I request you will be persuaded that I shall make such use of the powers vested in me by the constitution as may appear to me best calculated to promote the public good.
I am much pleased, Gentlemen, with the frankness which you have manifested in regard to myself—and return you my hearty thanks for the good wishes you have expressed for my health and happiness, with a sincere prayer that the same blessings may be extended to you and your constituents.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Diego de Gardoqui, 1 July 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Gardoqui, Diego Maria de

Sir,
New York July 1st 1790

I have had the pleasure to receive the two letters which you wrote to me on the 21st of December last from Bilboa, giving information of your safe arrival at that place after a passage rendered peculiarly tedious by the weather & your indisposition. As impressions made by bad weather at sea seldom continue long after we get on shore—and your indisposition was almost removed at the time of your writing, I flatter myself that before this you enjoy your usual tranquillity & good health.
I thank you, Sir, for the interest you take in my welfare & personal happiness, and it is with pleasure I can inform you that I now enjoy a tolerable share of health after several weeks of severe illness which had nearly terminated my existance.
It is unnecessary for me to touch upon the political occurrences at this place as they are undoubtedly handed to you from time to time by Mr Viar.
The accession of the State of Rhode Island to the Constitution of the United States—has complet’d our union under the general Government; and if we should be so happy as to see you again among us, I trust you will find harmony in our councils & respectability in our political concerns.
Mrs Washington thanks you for your polite remembrance of herself & grand-children & requests her compliments may be given to you. With great esteem I am, Sir Yr most Obedt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Ségur, 1 July 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Ségur, Louis-Philippe, comte de

Sir,
New York July 1st 1790

I have had the honor to receive your Excellency’s letter of the 24th of August last; and I beg you will be persuaded that I have a grateful heart for the congratulations which you offer upon the organization of our new government, as well as for the warm expressions of personal attachment & good wishes for my happiness which your letter contained.
It is with singular pleasure I can inform your Excellency that the Union of the States is now complete under the new Government, by the late accession of Rhode Island to the Constitution. This event will enable us to make a fair experiment of a Constitution which was framed solely with a view to promote the happiness of a people. Its effects hitherto have equalled the expectations of its most sanguine friends; and there can remain no reasonable doubt of its producing those consequences which were expected from an equal & efficient Government.
Should the conduct of the Americans, while promoting their own happiness, influence the feelings of other nations, and thereby render a service to mankind they will receive a double pleasure, in which no one will rejoice more than he who has the honor to subscribe himself Yr Excellencys most Obedt Hbe Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 3 July 1790
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

Duplicate
Sir,London 3 July 1790
This Letter will accompany Copies of what I had the Honor to write on the first and twenty ninth of May. I have heard nothing since from the Duke of Leeds. On the tenth of June the King prorogued the Parliament, which was dissolved on the eleventh. The Elections will be compleated in about ten Days, and then the Ministers will feel themselves more at Liberty to avow their Intentions than they are at present. They will have a great Majority tho perhaps weaker by half a dozen than in the last House, but the immense patronage which must result from a War will soon overbalance that Difference. I was told on the tenth that the Duke of Leeds is to remove from the Office of Secretary of foreign Affairs & is to be succeeded by Lord Hawksbury formerly

Charles Jenkinson. He is an able Man, strongly opposed to America & it is said from Inclination, but perhaps it is from the Desire to please his royal Master. Such an Appointment would look like a Bar to any friendly Communication with us, but I incline to think otherwise. He will a least be an efficient Minister, and whatever he agrees to will go smoothly thro the Cabinet, whereas the present Man is evidently afraid of committing himself by saying or doing any Thing positive. On the seventeenth of June I learnt a Conversation which had recently passed with Mr Grenville about the Posts, from the Complection of which I conclude that they are nearly determined to give them up. In the Course of that Conversation (in which the Minister was collecting Information from a Gentleman acquainted with the Country and its Trade) he said, that the Americans had made some Overtures for a commercial Treaty which might perhaps take Place and that he wished to be prepared in Case that Matter should be brought forward which appeared however to be uncertain. He mentioned at the same Time but meerly as Matter of common Report, that the Spaniards had agreed to give us the Navigation of the Mississippi—I am therefore confirmed in my Opinion that if they get engaged in a War they will be glad to form a friendly Connection with us. And as to the Contingency of War, I was informed on the twenty first of June that about three Weeks before that Period they had sent an Express over Land to India probably with Instructions to prepare for if not to commence Hostilities. This added to many other Circumstances leaves but little Room to doubt of their Intentions. Prussia has been arming and negotiating and seems as if desirous to gain Time till this Country can act.
The Fleet which lay at Spithead had sailed some Days since for Torbay, and is to be joined, it is said, by a Dutch Squadron who came forward in the Quality of Allies to great Britain. The Idea of calling upon an Ally to assist a British against a Spanish Fleet seems to be a little extraordinary. But it would not be extraordinary that a Dutch Squadron should go into the Baltic and assist the Swedes against Russia.
We are now so near the Moment when the Curtain is to be drawn up that I will not trouble you with my Conjectures about the Scenes which are to be displayed. France I am persuaded

will not remain an idle Spectator. I am with perfect Respect Sir your most obedient & humble Servant

Gouv. Morris


Title: To George Washington from Hugh Nelson, 3 July 1790
From: Nelson, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Yorktown, Va., 3 July 1790. Applies for the imminent opening of federal commissioner of loans for Virginia.


Title: To George Washington from Martha Dangerfield Bland, 4 July 1790
From: Bland, Martha Dangerfield
To: Washington, George

Cawson [Prince George Co., Va.] July 4th 1790

I do not Sir write to you in your official character⟨.⟩ I write to you as the friend of Colonel Bland, and (will you permit me to say) my friend! Were it known that I address you it woud be thought obtrusive & arrogant, but I have tryd, to disunite for a moment, your domestic character from your high Station.
  When Colonel Bland was by your orders on duty near Brunswick, Immediately upon the British Evacuating that place, he with one of his light horse men took possession of a boat laden’d with Negroes & Merchandize going down the river to New York, which boat he deliverd into the hands of an officer, who deliverd it over to the Quarter Master Genl—and it was Vallued at £41.810—he often declared that he woud Never Make a demand upon the United States for his right, while he lived but desired me if I survived him to endeavour to get your Influence in the recovery of what was his right & put the enclosed papers into My hands for that purpose, tis therefore Sir, that I ask of you, that friendship, & protection, which I have no doubt you will shew Me upon this occasion and if I have your influence what More Can I wish or desire⟨,⟩
I have another favour to ask of you Sir as a friend—amongst the papers transmited to me from N. York, is a letter from Mr Evelyn to Colonel Blan⟨d⟩ requesting returns for a Number of dollars put into his hands (I suppose) for the purchasing of horses to recruit the Cavalry of the United States, you know Sir⟨!⟩ that it was by your orders he undertook that business and the Number of Horses he sent on to Camp. There were several officers of his regt appointed to assist him in the business—I am totally Ignorant of these matters, or whether he Made up his Accounts, or for what other purpose he Might have public Money put into his hands his Character as a Man of punctuality

and the Strictest Honor Must insure his having layd out all public Moneys, to the best advantage for his Country—our house was plunderd of Every article during Arnolds invasion while Colo. Bland was in Congress all his papers, both public and private were scatterd over the Country his books of accounts to of a large sum of Money intirely lossd and only a few detachd leaves & papers ever found—Surely Sir! if there Can be No receipts or Vouchers found—his Country will Not—can not think of making his Estate liable for the failure—I am unused to ask favors, this is the first that ever fell from My lips, or my pen, and surely it will be the last—shall I then Meet with the Mortification of being regected? No Sir! I trust in your goodness, and almost feel My self afrared that you will be My protector my friend!—but alas! What is there Certain in this Sublunary World⟨?⟩ I am left alone to Conduct all his private affairs with his Whole fortune perfectly independent and large enough for every rational wish, but if that fortune inherited intirely from our parents Shoud be Embarrass’d by public Matters what a dreadful Circumstance it woud be to me if you will not interfere ⟨on⟩ My behalf in these Matters do not Sir⟨,⟩ treat me with Silent Contempt but in a line writen by your own hand tell me you will not be My friend—and burn this letter—if I wrote less Confidential I woud beg you to present My affectionate regards to Mrs Washington. Adieu Sir May Every Felicity attend you

Martha Bland


Title: To George Washington from James Mercer, 4 July 1790
From: Mercer, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Virginia Richmond July 4th 1790

The Honble Mr Dawson one of the Council of this State, expressing a desire of obtaining the office of a Commissioner, under the expressed Act of Congress for settling the Accounts of the United States with the individual States: and supposing himself not so well known to your Excellency as to possess that Confidence he merits, has applyed to me a long & very intimate acquaintance to supply that object, so far as your Excellency’s knowledge of my integrity may extend.
Upon these Grounds I do myself the honour to assure your Excellency that from a long and very intimate acquaintance with Mr Dawson, I can aver that he is more than sufficiently qualifyed for such an Office, by his knowledge of Figures & writing—his attention to business is not surpassed by any—and as to Honour & Integrity, it would be impertinent in me to recommend a Gentleman who has been in public office for several years in the House of Delegates, the late Congress & the present Council.
Permit me to advert to this memorable Day & to add to those of America, the prayers of an humble Citizen for your Excellency’s Health & Happiness and to subscribe myself With the sincerest graditude & Respect Yr Excellency’s Most obedient, respectfull & very huble Servant.

Js Mercer


Title: To George Washington from Charles Pinckney, 4 July 1790
From: Pinckney, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Charleston [S.C.] July 4: 1790

I had the honour of writing you by the Maria some weeks ago—since which I have heard that Colonel Willett had proceeded by Land, with Mr McGillivray & a number of the Creek Chiefs on a Visit to New York. As this confidence in them in consenting to travel through the Country has induced the inhabitants of our frontiers to suppose that every thing either is accommodated or in a fair way of being so, I will be much obliged to you for the earliest information of a peace being concluded with the terms they may have agreed to, that I may have the pleasing opportunity of removing the anxieties of a number of very deserving men who live in their neighbourhood.
This will be delivered to you by Mr Chesnut a very worthy man who resides in our interior Country & who is on a Visit to the Northern States—he proposes to return in October & will with pleasure forward any dispatches you may commit to his Care.
I am pleased to find that you are perfectly recovered from

your late indisposition & with requesting your goodness to excuse the trouble I am sometimes obliged to give you I remain with the highest Regard and Esteem Dear Sir much obliged yours truly

Charles Pinckney


Title: From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 4 July 1790 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Augustine

Letter not found: to George Augustine Washington, 4 July 1790. On 16 July 1790 George Augustine Washington wrote to GW: “Your favor of the 4th Inst, gave me much satisfaction as it contained information of your health being well restored.”


Title: From George Washington to the People of South Carolina, 5 July 1790
From: Washington, George
To: People of South Carolina

Fellow-Citizens,
[c.5 July 1790]

The congratulatory address of the People of the State of South-Carolina on my election to the office of President of the United States, expressed in such forcible and endearing terms affects me with the liveliest emotions of satisfaction, and induces me to request their acceptance of my sincerest acknowledgements.
Flattering as it may be to find the extraordinary unanimity of the People of the United States in placing me at the head of their federal Republic; I am still more pleased with a recollection of the manly conduct on their part, which in the issue of an arduous struggle, put them in a condition to enjoy the blessings of a free government. It was owing to their steady and strenuous support, with the smiles of a gracious providence, that I did not sink under the oppression I felt from a diffidence in my abilities to conduct their military operations. It was a distressing consideration that so good a cause might be endangered by a single false step on the part of their General. But in such a cause although surrounded with difficulties and dangers on every side, and in the midst of dark and gloomy prospects, it would have argued the most infamous pusillanimity to have despaired of the Commonwealth. Seconded by such a body of yeomanry as repaired to the standard of liberty, fighting in their own native land, fighting for all that freemen hold dear, and whose docility soon supplied the place of discipline, it was scarcely in human nature, under its worst character, to have abandoned them in their misfortunes: nor is it for me to claim any singular title to merit, for having shared in a common danger, and triumphed with them, after a series of the severest toil and most accumulated distress, over a formidable foe.
The value of liberty was thus enhanced in our estimation by the difficulty of its attainment, and the worth of characters appreciated by the trial of adversity. The tempest of war having at length been succeeded by the sunshine of peace; our citizen-soldiers impressed an useful lesson of patriotism on mankind, by nobly returning with impaired constitutions and unsatisfied claims, after such long sufferings and severe disappointments, to their former occupations. Posterity as well as the present age

will doubtless regard with admiration and gratitude the patience, perseverance, and valour, which atchieved our revolution: they will cherish the remembrance of virtues which had but few parallels in former times, and which will add new lustre to the most splendid page of history.
If there be for me any peculiarly just subject of exaltation, and with an honest pride I avow the fact, it is in being the citizen of a country, whose inhabitants were so enlightened and disinterested as to sacrifice local prejudices and temporary systems for the sake of rendering secure and permanent that Independency, which had been the price of so much treasure and blood. Animated with the hope of transmitting to Posterity the spirit of a free constitution in its native purity; they have, since the conclusion of the war evinced the rectitude of their principles, as well as proved themselves by their practice worthy of their successes.
For myself, notwithstanding my former intentions and declarations, I could not hesitate to return to public life, when from all the circumstances within my knowledge I had collected it to be my duty: because it was apparently the wish of a whole nation. Nor shall I regret the loss of that tranquillity in retirement, which my time of life and state of health seemed in some measure to authorise and require, if I may still be an instrument of any good to that country which has continued to assist my administration with such generous and unlimited confidence.
I pray you to be persuaded, that, while I receive with great sensibility such repeated proofs of the partiality of my fellow-citizens in my favor, I feel encreasing obligations to devote my labours unremittingly to the public service, and with the benediction of the great Father of the universe on our councils, to use my best endeavours that the American people who have of right assumed an independent station amongst the nations of the earth should for ever remain a great, respectable, and happy nation.

G. Washington


Title: Clement Biddle to Tobias Lear, 6 July 1790
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir,
[c.6 July 1790]

Mr Heineken, Consul from the United Netherlands called on me last evening to request I would ask you if it would be convenient & proper for him to wait on the president, at any time and at what hour tomorrow, to introduce some gentlemen lately arrived & recommended to him from Holland one of whom is a gentleman of fortune, & bein in public offices of respectability there as they leave town on tuesday morning.


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 6 July 1790
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
London 6 July 1790

I have received your favor of the fifteenth of April and also a Copy of it. In the Close of that Letter you mention my not having acknowleged the Receipt of your public Letter of the thirteenth of October. I have received the original Duplicate and triplicate of that Letter. I had the Honor to acknowledge the Receipt by mine of the twenty second of January with which I sent a private Letter of the same Date containing some particular Information. The Letter of the twenty fourth of January which accompanied the Plateaux &ca was written in a very short and dry Style because I had great Reason to fear that it might be opened on it’s Way to you, but on the same twenty fourth of January I wrote you a very long Letter containing some Account of the french Court national Assembly &ca &ca. This with my Letters of the twenty second and a Package of Seeds were transmitted by a Mr LeCouteulx who arrived safely and did I hope deliver them for I should be very sorry that they had miscarried.
Respecting the object of your public Letter I have had the Honor to write the following public Letters 7 April 13 April 1 May & 29 May beside one of the 3d Instant which goes by this Conveyance. I have written also in Addition thereto two private Letters one of the 13 April and one of the 2d May.

On the twelfth April I mentioned the orders given for your plated Coolers which were to have been finished by the Begining of June but they were not done time enough to go by this Conveyance. They are now finished and are to be packed up so as to go in a Vessel which is to sail this Month. Your Correspondent Mr Welsh seemed to be disinclined to pay any thing beyond the Ballance of your account. Perhaps he did not fully understand your Letters however I told him that I would send for the Amount expended for you in France being ninety one Pounds Sterling and that for the other things I should not trouble him. I will transmit you the Account which I shall pay and you can repay it to Messrs William Constable and Company.
I cannot conclude this Letter without mentioning the great Pleasure we have all received on learning that you was recovering from a late severe Illness. I sincerely hope that you may long enjoy good Health so necessary to a Station like yours and that by Means of it your Life may continue to be as pleasant to yourself as it is useful to others. With sincere Esteem I am my dear Sir your most obedt Servant

Gouv. Morris


Title: Franco Petrus Van Berckel to Tobias Lear, 6 July 1790
From: Van Berckel, Franco Petrus
To: Lear, Tobias

Sir,
Hanover Sq. [New York] July 6th 1790

Coming to Town last Evening in my Phaeton I overtook one of the Presidents Carriages, which as I was about to pass (not Conceiving any impropriety in doing so) the Presidents Postilion

drove his horses intentionaly across the road, so as to prevent my passing, altho’ he might have facilitated it, without any inconvenience to himself; & where by taking a different road from the other Carriages, I happen’d afterwards to have the lead, this same Carriage Came up with me, & drove so furiously against my horses, as to bring me in an iminent danger, altho’ the road was fully wide enough (it being in the Fields) to admit of its passing without pushing me out of the road, which the Postillion actually did notwithstanding what I understood, he was ordered to the Contrary by some person in the Carriage. This behavior of the Presidents servant discovering a premeditated design to bring me into danger. I have thought it my duty to make the President acquainted with ⟨this⟩ Circumstance, as I request you will do, lest His servants presuming on the respect paid to the Livery they wear should suppose themselves warranted in their rude Conduct which might lead to disagreable and dangerous Consequences. I have the honor to be very respectfully, Sir, Your most humble & very Obedt Servant

F.P. Van Berckel


Title: From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 7 July 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Gouverneur

Dear Sir,
New York, July 7th 1790.

This letter will be short—The intention of it being little more than to acknowledge the receipt of your several favors from London, dated the 7 and 13 of April and 1 and 2 of May, on the business which had been entrusted to you of a public nature; and of your other letters of the 12. of April and 3 of May, which more immediately related to my private concerns. Permit me to thank you, my good Sir, for the attention you have paid to the

latter; and as far as your intercourse with the british Ministry had then gone to assure you of my entire approbation of your conduct with respect to the former.
I shall await the answer which your address of the 30 of April will extort from the Duke of Leeds (if he does not mean to be silent) before I shall write to you more fully on that head.
If the Artizan in France can recollect the form of the surtout which you sent to me, it will be convenient for me, notwithstanding my late countermand, to be furnished with two more plateaux—Those I already have are found upon trial insufficient for my present table, and are besides too short to receive the ornaments which accompanied, and were designed for them without being crouded—That he may have some data for his government I will add that the Plateaux [(]which have been sent me) are two feet in dimensions across way the table and eighteen inches in the other direction from edge to edge, where they join, English measure. I am dear Sir, &ca

G. Washington


Title: David Humphreys to John Adams, 8 July 1790
From: Humphreys, David
To: Adams, John

Sir
New York July 8th 1790.

On Saturday next, the President proposes to go, with Mrs Washington and his family, to view the remains of the the old fortifications near Kingsbridge. He has understood from Mrs Washington that Mrs Adams was desirous of gratifying her curiosity on the same subject. If you should find it convenient to make the ride, with Mrs Adams and your family, he will be happy in the pleasure of all your Company at dinner at the White House (i.e. the House which was Colo. Morris’s) where

he has already ordered provision to be made for a small party. The President intends setting off from his House, at a little after nine in the morning.
I shall be much obliged by being honored with information whether it will be convenient for you to be of the party. With sentiments of perfect respect I have the honor to be Sir Your Most obedt & Most humble Servant

D. Humphreys


Title: From George Washington to Charles Pinckney, 8 July 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Pinckney, Charles

Dear Sir,
New York July 8th 1790.

I have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 14th of June and a few days after a duplicate of the same each in closing a copy of the Constitution lately formed for your State. The address of the Convention, which you mentioned in your letter,

has been presented by the Gentlemen in Congress from South Carolina; and I have endeavoured to express, in my answer thereto, the grateful sense which I have of the favourable opinion entertained of me by the people of that State.
I sincerely wish that the citizens of South Carolina may experience, under their new form of Government, every species of political happiness that can result from equal & just laws wisely executed.
I thank you, my dear Sir, for the friendly anxiety which you express for my health, and have the pleasure to inform you that it is now pretty well established. Mrs Washington thanks you for your polite remembranc[e] of her & desires her compliments may be presented to you. With sentiments of esteem, I am Dear Sir, Your most Obedt Sert.

P.S. In consequence of measures which I have taken for that purpose; and the agency of a person sent into the Creek nation with that express view, I have received certain information that Mr McGillivray & a number of the Head men of the Creeks are now on their way to this Place.


Title: To George Washington from James Wood, 8 July 1790
From: Wood, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond [Va.] 8th July 1790.

I have been Honor’d with your Letter of the 22d Ultimo. I find in the Registers Office the Original Plat of 400 acres Surveyed for Thomas Mullins in the year 1752. This Plat was filed in the Proprietors Office, in a Bundle Marked “Forfeited, the Rules of the Office not Complied with;” but from a Strict Examination of the late Proprietors Office it does not appear that a Caveat was Entered. I have had recourse to the different Land Laws, and have Consulted the Register. It seems to me, that a warrant may be Obtained in your Own, or any Other name, for this Land upon Paying the State Price which is £25 ⅌C: in Certificates, by which a Title may be Acquired, which wou’d be good against all Persons except Mullins or his representatives, who it is Supposed has an Equitable Title, until the time Expires, which has been Allowed by a late Act of Assembly, to the person first entering, to Comply with the Law, by Paying the Composition and Office fees. The time will expire the 1st of December Next. I am told that Mullins has not been heard of since he went Off, but still there wou’d be a risque, as his Heirs at a future day, might set up a Claim if the land shou’d be Re entered before the Experation of the time limited by Law. The Register has given me the enclosed, as a State of the whole Expence Attending the Purchase, and Other Charges which will Accrue in

obtaining a Patent. If I can Serve you in the Business, I beg you will Command me.
I have lately understood that some of the Gentlemen appointed to the Battalion to be raised, mean to Decline their Appointments. I hope you will not think it presuming in me, to mention Mr John Heth to you—he served in the Army from 1777 ’till the end of the war with reputation—after the Discharge of the Army he was appointed by the Executive, a Lieutenant of One of the Armed Boats belonging to the State, where he Continued to Act much to the Satisfaction of the Board, until the Adoption of the Present Government, when he was again Disbanded.
Colonel Willet Arrived here a few Days ago Accompanied by McGillivray and a Number of the Chiefs of the Creek Nation on their way to New York. They were Entertained yesterday by a Public Dinner, by order of the Executive at the Expence of the State—they Conducted themselves with great Propriety—every Attention has been paid to Colo. Willet by the Governor and Officers of Government—⟨with⟩ sentiments of the most perfect respect I have the Honor to be Sir Yr Mo. Obt Servant

James Wood


Title: To George Washington from Anonymous, 9 July 1790
From: Anonymous
To: Washington, George

Friday mor. 8. O.C. July 9th 90

The first request of General Washington is that he will burn this line after reading it, as it comes from a man who on his own account (unconnected with those who have the strongest ties on him) would not trouble any mortal with the request of a favor: therefore in case your more important duties obliges you to spurn at my intrusion, let it become impossible for any person by my hand writing or any other way to find me out. I mett with the misfortune to lose my father at two years old and although I have always had many who wished me well, yet I never have had a true Patron and came into life with as little experience as ever man did who was not deficient in point of common understanding, and all my fathers brothers being gone before I arrived to an age to truly want their consels; and having naturally a warm heart and considering that a little aff[l]uence had no true charm; but that of enabling me to do good; this turn and some imprudent risques in business drawn into by the artful and designing, has with the times of great scarcity of Money to the Southward so emabarrased me, that fall I must with out some speedy aid; raise from the distress of others is the most painful thought, as they are persons who have had their lives much imbitered already, and their prospects changed intirely by my indulgence; and still so situated that if I hurry I ruin them; and destroy the darling hopes of their friends, who has experence large proportions of bitterness: indeed these have been, heretofore, the only Characters who were truly interesting to me; your goodness will excuse any thing which looks like self applause; indeed the turn of mind which I have had without more experience & discretion ⟨illegible⟩; for indeed I have this pang that unless I can raise money immediately; in the close of my affairs it will prove that I have been doing the greatest injustice to those more nearly connected with me; however I will hope for the best as I can alter the complection of my affairs very considerably by a sum of money not exceeding what the certificates which I hold

  at present will secure the partial payment of; but in vain have I applyed to every man in this place on the common interest; indeed numbers appeared very willing to oblige me; but then on such terms as would distress me in the end; they asked so high an interest, one excepted who said he was contented with the lawful interest; but such & such articles of Merchandize must go with the money, which in fact a mounted to nearly the same thing. Now Sir so forceably has the impropriety of my applycation to you struck me, that I have been several times by, and indeed at, your door and declined it; twice I have returned to Jersey and totally declined it, after puting it off day after day; but Sir distress is daring and on my return home, I had another tie a daughter born which makes up three children the oldest about three years old, I have a sister the widow of a man, who after subjecting her to misery, in almost every shape, ended it by commiting suicide right before her face, and in the house where he had two little infants, and a third boy she had a few weeks after, these intirely depending on my success in life, besides an aged Mother, I have another sister with eight Children, and although her husband is living; yet their fall is the inevitable consequence of mine, indeed no man’s fall can be attended with more misery; unless his prosperity is much more extensive; so on the other hand my recovering to my former state of indepence, will in its consequences difuse as much happiness as any man’s in America unless his property far exceeds mine; and this darling hope can be rationally encouraged by a timely supply of cash to carry on my business to the best advantage which is Milling & farming; Now Good Sir Please to give me an answer by 12 O Clock to day to these questions in Case I call and give you a certificate shewing who I am ⟨&⟩ a person of allowed integrity, although the Certificate is not addressed to you Excellency; but still being from such authority that you need have no doubt about my Character; I say in Case I do Present such credentials, will the favor be granted of an interview; without the knowledge of any of your families, or rather of their knowing of my business; and whether you can think of giving any encouragement to me of the favor of any cash on these certificates and security; and further whether any encouragement of ⟨what once I portend it⟩ on your being made entirely secured.

P.S. I beg the favor of an answer by 12. O.C.; but if the General will be good enough to give an answer of one line, in half an hour after delivery of this I would esteem it a particular favor; only whether he will grant me an interview and at what time; or in case your important duties will not admit of my interruption; then I want to go out of town immediately. from Your Humble Serv.


Title: To George Washington from William Temple Franklin, 9 July 1790
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York, 9th July 1790

In addition to the favorable Testimonials of my Conduct in Europe, which I had the honor to lay before your Excellency, allow me to add the inclosed, which I have just procured from the Office for Foreign Affairs, by the friendly Intervention of the Secretary of State.
Permit me also to inform your Excellency, that my desire of being employ’d in Europe, is in no way diminished by a late melancholly Event; but that on the contrary, some particular Circumstances render me still more anxious for such an Appointment. Should your Excellency deem my Pretensions on this head well founded, and be disposed to favor my Views, you may rely on my most diligent & faithful Services: and that my Gratitude will be equal to the Respect, with which, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & devoted humble Servant

W.T. Franklin


Title: Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 11 July 1790
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
New York July 11th 1790

I have to acknowledge your favors of the 24th of June and the 4th & 8th of the present month; the former enclosing the Account of coach hire &c. paid by you—and the latter covering Mr Hare’s bill & rect for Porter sent to Mount Vernon.
The President will thank you to inform me if plated waiters, suitable for carrying tea round to company, can be had with you—their sizes & cost—There are some with Japanned bottoms

& a silver or plated rim of openwork round them—can any of these be had in Philada? And will you be so good as to inform me the price per oz. for silver waiters of the above size made with you? In great haste, I am dear Sir, with sincere respt & esteem Yr most Obedt Servt

Tobias Lear.

P.S. Have those vessels from India brought any very fine muslins & cheap?


Title: To George Washington from Robert Denny, 12 July 1790
From: Denny, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Annapolis, [Md.] July 12th 1790

Permit me Sir thro the recommendation transmitted by Governor Howard, to Solicit your Excellency to be nominated Commissioner of the loan Office in this State, should the Act which is now before Congress be carried into execution. I make this Application with some reluctance as I can easily conceive the vast number that are presented to you on the same subject, and it can be no very pleasing task to your Excellency to reject urgent & pressing solicitations, which must consequently happen, for out of the many applicants there can be but one successfull candidate—The public Delinquency has rendered this measure expedient, from which circumstances I presume with more confidence to claim the attention of its Justice and generosity. The Office of Auditor General of this State which I now hold, I think its probable next Session of Assembly will be Abolished, and I would look forward for the support of a family, which I wish to be enabled to effect with as much credit as possible, its an object superior to every other and I hope will be an Apology for my addressing your Excellency at this time. the duty of Commissioner I am persuaded I could fully execute agreeable to the intentions of the legislature, which will always be my greatest wish. I am with respect your Excellencys Most Obedt & Hble Servt

Robt Denny


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1790
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Paris July 12. 1790.

(Translation.)
Means which the Congress may make use of in order to force the Regencies of Barbary to make Peace with them.
The Flag of the United States cannot be displayed ’till after the Congress shall have made peace with the Regencies of Barbary. The consideration of the advantages which the anglo-americans would derive from this navigation, have already induced the Congress to attempt negotiations with this haughty Regency, which dictates to the other two the conduct they are to pursue; but these advances have been rejected, because the Algierines who renounce a War ordered by Islamisme, and their particular statutes against Christians, only from fear or the convenience of a majority, are at the present moment very far from contracting new alliances.
The Congress can then flatter themselves by force only, to obtain peace with them, & now is the time to make use of it; for if the Portuguese should cease to guard the straight of Gibraltar with the same care and success, the Vessels of the United States could not without great danger even approach the coasts of Europe.
But what is the plan which the Congress can follow to bring about an accomodation? The States are so far distant that it is impossible to think of a bombardment. Since the inexcusable errors commited by the Spaniards before Algiers, the bombardment of this place requires double the precautions & forces that were formerly requisite. In all the attacks, badly conceived &

still worse executed, the Algierines have learned to fortify the weak parts of their Cities, and have provided themselves with one hundred Sloops, gunners & bombadiers, against whom it will be proper to guard.
Nor is it even very certain that a cruise pursued with rigour, would render the pirates of Barbary more docile to receive propositions for Peace. Besides, the support of the naval forces destined to pursue them, would occasion to Congress a very great annual expence, for which all the return wou’d be the doubtful hope of a remote accomodation.
Naples for some years has always had at Sea, frigates and Chebecks to protect commerce and cruise against the Barbarians. The efforts of all these armaments have hitherto been unsuccessful; but I conceive that more experience & more information in the conduct of the Officers who commanded these Vessels, would eventually secure more success. I am not less certain that neither Algiers nor Tunis think of making peace with that Power, as long as these means are pursued.
However, the Congress have no other measures left, but there exists between them & Naples this essential difference; that is to say, the cruise which can only be an expence to Naples, may become a very Lucrative & advantageous object for the United States: their position and distance enable them in making War on the Barbarians, to attack an enemy possessed of a rich booty, without fearing resentment or any reprisal from him; and it is probable that the damages which they may do, will determine him in a little time to solicit an accomodation, which will be so much the more binding as his own interest will have sealed the condition.
Algiers, Tunis & Tripoli are only provinces of the Ottoman Empire, and altho’ the Porte has for a long time ceased to send Pachas there, the Sultan of Constantinople is always considered by them as the sovereign Lord: his will is there respected—his orders executed. He gives the title of Pacha to two of the train of Chiefs which are at the head of the Regencies every two years. He sends an officer to them with an honorary Vest as a sign of confirmation of the dignities & power with which he has invested them. This ceremony which keeps alive the remembrance that they are only his subjects, is considered as an augmentation of pay for the Militia, who from duty as well as

interest are entirely devoted to him. The money in these three States is struck in his name. Every Friday they have public prayers in the Mosques for his prosperity. In a word, every disobedience to his orders would be there regarded as a rebellious act, pregnant with the most serious consequences.
It is above all in the Regency the most formidable for Christianity—in the Kingdom, where the Militia is the most numerous, and the grand Seignor has the most power; because the Turks, of which that Militia is composed, ever look upon themselves as subjects of the Empire, and preserve for their sovereign the greatest respect and most profound devotion.
The connexions of the Barbarian Regencies with the Porte, are not confined to simple respect and deference. On the accession of a new Sultan they are bound to send him an Embassy with rich presents & slaves. Constantinople on her part gives them from time to time, Vessels proper for cruising & warlike Stores. She permits them to recruit throughout her provinces, and if the metropolis is at War, the Regencies must take part in the quarrel, & send to her succour all their maritime force.
The Ottoman Porte has probably withdrawn it’s Pachas from Barbary, only to be able to alledge to the complaints of her allies, the pretext of her inability to suppress excesses, which she applauded in secret and artfully encouraged. But Russia has known how to develope the dark springs of this policy—and at the time of her last treaty of Peace of Cainardy, she stipulated that the Grand Seignior should be responsible for the injuries & damages that her subjects might suffer from the Regencies of Barbary.
The Emperor from this example obtained the same conditions. A capija Bacha sent by the Porte with a Khat-i-cherif, caused all the Vessels & slaves to be restored, which the corsairs had taken under the Austrian flag. The Emperor without making a particular treaty of peace with the Regencies of Barbary—without even the expence of supporting a Consul with them, finds his merchant-men more respected than those of more formidable maritime Powers.
At the peace which will follow the present War, the Heir of the Austrian States, and the Empress of Russia will without doubt exact the same advantages; and it is pretended that the King of Prussia, in gratitude for the efforts he made to prevent the ruin

of the Turkish Empire, has already obtained the safety of his Flag in the Mediterranean.
Hence it follows that Algiers and Tripoli are always part of the Ottoman Empire, and that Congress should not make any scruple in reimbursing themselves on all the subjects of the Grand Seignior for the unprofitable cruises which their Vessels shall make on the coasts of Barbary. The Turks & the Greeks have many coasting vessels in the Archipelago. It is also probable that this navigation will be much encouraged in the issue of the present War, & the numerous prizes which the United States may take from them, will not only largely pay the expences of the armaments, but make the Porte feel that it is important for her to cause a cessation of hostilities, against which she has no means of reprisal. Congress with regard to Turkey will find themselves in a much more advantageous situation, than that of the States of Barbary with regard to the commercial powers of Europe, as the latter are not sheltered from bombardments, & on the contrary the enemies of Congress have not even an idea of the route to the States.
In commencing hostilities it is of importance to strike a great blow, and as, in order to succeed, the destination of the armaments must be kept secret, it is proper that Congress should defray the expences the two first years. They might afterwards abandon this advantageous cruise to mercantile speculation, & the following is the plan they may pursue.
A Frigate of 40 guns, and two others of less force should be armed, prefering, in the choice of these Vessels, the fastest sailers, that they might on occasion avoid a too unequal Combat. It appears to me that these are sufficient, either to destroy the Barbary corsairs, or to cruise in the Levant. They should sail from the American Continent soon enough to arrive at Lisbon about the vernal equinox. There the armaments should take in such refreshments as they may stand in need of, & might announce, without affectation, that they are bound on a cruise against the Barbarians. The Commandant alone should be informed of the real design.
From the Vernal equinox to the end of June the three Frigates should keep on the coasts of Spain, Provence, Italy or Barbary according to the information they may have of the cruise of the Pirates who then make their first appearance. If they possess

themselves of any of their chebecs, they could send them to Malta to sell the slaves.
About the first of July they go to Malta to repair & take in refreshments & pilots acquainted with the Mediterranean & Levant. They also there reinforce their crews, for the purpose of manning, without weakening themselves, the important prizes which they may make. According to the richness of the cargoes Malta, Leghorn & Genoa are the places to which they should be sent. If the commandant should find a good Galliot to be sold at Malta, it would be well to purchase it, as well for the purpose of chase, as to take the Turkish and Grecian batteaux which ply along the coasts. This Galliot might be armed in the Maltese mode, which is well constructed for embarkation. From Malta, without having divulged his project, the Commandant might go directly into the road of Damietta, bearing in his route English colours. He would there find two caravels of the Grand Seignior, taking in rice & linen for the coast of Syria. (I suppose the Turkish war will then be terminated.) These caravels have half their crews on Shore four leagues distant from their Vessels, and their lower batteries out of order. The three American frigates would then be able to carry them off.
If when the Commandant shall arrive in the road of Damietta, the two caravels should have already sailed, he might pursue them on the coast of Syria, and find them in the road of Caiphe, or Seyde, or Baruthe or Tripoli, and always anchor’d so far from the land that the forts cannot protect them.
In case he should have the good luck to take them, he could conduct them to Malta or Cagliari, and from thence, with the approbation of Congress, find one of the Turkish Officers of the Vessels with a Letter, in which he should propose to the Porte the restitution of these caravels on the following conditions.
1st That the Grand Seignior shall make peace with Congress without requiring any present.
2. That he oblige Algiers to restore to the United States, the Anglo-americans which they hold in bondage, and to pay the value of the Vessels & Cargoes which they have taken from them.
3. That he compel the Regencies of Barbary to respect for the time to come the Flag of the United States.
It is beyond a doubt that the Porte, who never piques herself

on honor except when her interest is in question, would accept with resignation such generous offers.
But in case the two Caravels should not be taken, then the armaments of Congress might fix their cruise on the route of Alexandria, & paying due respect to European Vessels which form caravans, should confine themselves to stopping all the Turkish & Grecian Vessels they came across. In a little time they would acquire booty sufficient to compensate Congress amply for the expence of the expedition, independent of the share of the Crews. The Grecian seamen should be landed at the first Island, and the Turks guarded in order to be sold at Malta, which is destitute of slaves since the redemption by the late Emperor of Morocco. A common man now sells there for 100 Louis d’or.
The armaments of Congress will recollect that it would be imprudent to enter the straights of Rhodes, Slancho & Chios, where the Ottoman fleet resort during the fine weather. On the approach of Winter there is no other danger in the Archipelago than the shoals & winds, the fleet having then returned to Constantinople. From towards the first of October until the begining of December, the Commandant of the Naval forces of the United States must endeavour to be on the coasts of Barbary in order to pursue the corsairs, which during that period make their second sally. In calm seasons, the Vessels which the Regencies of Algiers & Tunis send to Sea consist of Galliots or other rowing vessels.
The person who gives these ideas with the sole motive of being useful to a wise & enlightened Nation, has requested the Minister of the United States residing at Paris not to mention his name; but if this project be adopted—if every thing succeeds agreeable to his wishes—if, in fine, the success of the armaments recommended lead near to a peace, the only end which a friend of humanity has in view, then he shall be very glad to be known, because from the knowledge he has of the Eastern Languages he may still be useful in the formation of treaties.
He requests Congress to be well assured, that no person will labour for their interests with more zeal and disinterestedness than himself.

N.B. The present existing Marine of Algiers is composed of,
1. Corvette of 30 guns, 6 pounders, given by France.
5. Chebecs, one of which of 30 guns in the actual service of the Gd Seignior in the Archipelago.
1. small new chebec, built at Bougie.
2. Galliots, which go out in calm weather, &
1. Frigate of 40 guns of 18 pounders wch will be finished in September.
The Naval forces go out together from the Porte of Algiers & afterwards separate.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1790
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

July 12. 1790.

Th. Jefferson had a conference yesterday with mister Madison on the subject recommended by the President. he has the honor of inclosing him some considerations thereon, in all of which he believes mister Madison concurred. he has sketched the heads only, as the President’s mind will readily furnish the developement of each. he will wait on the president at one aclock on some other business, and then and at all other times be ready to enter more into the details of any part of the subject the president may chuse.


Title: Enclosure: Jefferson’s Opinion of American Conduct in an Anglo-Spanish War, 12 July 1790
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

July. 12. 1790.

Heads of consideration on the conduct we are to observein the war between Spain & Gr. Britain and particularlyshould the latter attempt the conquest of Louisiana & the Floridas.
The dangers to us, should Great Britain possess herself of those countries.
she will possess a territory equal to half ours, beyond the Missisipi
she will seduce that half of ours which is on this side the Missisipi
by  her language, laws, religion, manners, government, commerce, capital.
by  the possession of N. Orleans, which draws to it the dependance of all the waters of Mississippi
by  the markets she can offer them in the gulph of Mexico & elsewhere.
she will take from the remaining part of our States the markets they now have for their produce by furnishing those markets cheaper, with the same articles, tobacco. rice. indigo. bread. lumber. naval stores. furs.
she will have then possessions double the size of ours, as good in soil & climate.
she will encircle us compleatly, by these possessions on our land-board, & her fleets on our sea-board.
instead of two neighbors balancing each other, we shall have one, with more than the strength of both.

Would the prevention of this be worth a war?
consider our abilities to take part in a war.
our operations would be by land only.
how many men should we need to employ? their cost?
our resources of taxation & credit equal to this.
weigh the evil of this new accumulation of debt against the loss of markets, & eternal expence & danger from so overgrown a neighbor.
But this is on supposition that France as well as Spain shall be engaged in the war.
for with Spain alone, the war would be unsuccessful, & our situation rendered worse.
No need to take a part in the war as yet. we may chuse our own time.
Delay gives us many chances to avoid it altogether.
In such a choice of objects, Gr. Britain may not single out, Louisiana & the Floridas.
she may fail in her attempt on them.
France and Spain may recover them.
if all these chances fail, we should have to re-take them.
the difference between retaking, & preventing, overbalanced by the benefits of delay.
Delay enables us to be better prepared:
    to obtain from the allies a price for our assistance.
Suppose these our ultimate views, What is to be done at this time?
1. as to Spain?
if she be as sensible as we are that she cannot save Louisiana & the Floridas,
might she not prefer their Independance to their Subjection to Grt Britain?
does not the proposition of the Ct d’Estaing furnish us an opening to communicate our ideas on this subject to the court of France, & thro them to that of Madrid? and our readiness to join them in guaranteeing the independance of those countries?
this might save us from a war, if Gr. Britain respects our weight in a war.
and if she does not. the object would place the war on popular ground with us.

2. as to England? say to Beckwith
that as to a Treaty of commerce, we would prefer amicable, to adversary arrangements, tho the latter would be infallible, and in our own power:
that our ideas are that such a treaty should be founded in perfect reciprocity; & wd therefore be it’s own price:
that as to an Alliance, we can say nothing till it’s object be shewn, & that it is not to be inconsistent with existing engagements:
that in the event of a war between Gr. Brit. & Spain we are disposed to be strictly neutral:
that however we should view with extreme uneasiness any attempts of either power to seize the possessions of the other on our frontier, as we consider our own safety interested in a due balance between our neighbors? [it might be advantageous to express this latter sentiment, because if there be any difference of opinion in their councils, whether to bend their force against North or South America, or the islands, (and certainly there is room for difference) and if these opinions be nearly balanced, that balance might be determined by the prospect of having an enemy the more, or less, according to the object they should select.]