Title: From George Washington to the Citizens of Baltimore, 17 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Citizens of Baltimore

Gentlemen,
[Baltimore, 17 April 1789]

The tokens of regard and affection, which I have often received from the Citizens of this Town, were always acceptable; because, I believed them, always sincere. Be pleased to receive my best acknowledgments for the renewal of them, on the present occasion.
If the affectionate partiality of my fellow Citizens has prompted them to ascribe greater effects to my conduct & character, than were justly due; I trust, the indulgent sentiment on their part, will not produce an overweening presumption on mine.
I cannot now, Gentlemen, resist my feelings so much, as to withhold the communication of my ideas, respecting the actual situation and prospect of our national affairs. It appears to me, that little more than common sense and common honesty, in the transactions of the community at large, would be necessary to make us a great and a happy Nation. For if the general Government, lately adopted, shall be arranged & administered in such a manner as to acquire the full confidence of the American People, I sincerely believe, they will have greater advantages, from their Natural, moral & political circumstances, for public felicity, than any other People ever possessed.
In the contemplation of those advantages, now soon to be realized, I have reconciled myself to the sacrafice of my fondest wishes, so far as to enter again upon the stage of Public life. I know the delicate nature of the duties incident to the part which I am called to perform; and I feel my incompetence, without the singular assistance of Providence to discharge them in a satisfactory manner. But having undertaken the task, from a sense of duty, no fear of encountering difficulties and no dread of losing popularity, shall ever deter me from pursuing what I conceive to be the true interests of my Country. Yet after a consciousness of having been actuated by the purest motives alone, and after having made use of the most persevering endeavors in my power to advance the public weal, I shall consider it as next to a miracle, if I may be so fortunate as to go out of office with a reputation as unsullied by the breath of obloquy, as that which I flatter myself I have hitherto maintained. In all

contingencies you will remember, Gentlemen, when I was entering on the chief magistracy I told you “that it would be no unprecedated thing, if the close of a life, (mostly consumed in public cares) should be embittered by some ungrateful event[.]” But in the present instance, that circumstance would be accounted by me of little moment, provided, in the mean time, I shall have been in the smallest degree instrumental in securing the liberties and promoting the happiness of the American People.”

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Committee of Congress, 17 April 1789
From: Committee of Congress
To: Washington, George

New York April 17th 1789

The Committee appointed in consequence of the Resolutions of both Houses of Congress, and which accompany this Note most respectfully communicate their appointment to the President of the United States, with a request that he will please to have it signified to them when they shall attend, with a Barge which has been prepared for that purpose, to receive him at Elizabeth Town or at such other place as he shall chose to embark from New-Jersey for this City.

John Langdon
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Wm Samuel Johnson
Elias Boudinot
Theodorick Bland
Thos Tudr Tucker
Egbt Benson
John Lawrance


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 17 April 1789
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir,
Baltimore April 17th 1789

I called at Mr Moncrieff’s with the enclosed bill, and was informed that he went over to the Eastern Shore some time last week, and was not expected home for several days. I could find no person who transacted his business in his absence from whom I might have gained some information respecting the payment of the bill. I have therefore left it that you may do with

it as you think best. Perhaps it might be well to leave it in the hands of some Gentleman here who will receive payment of it when Mr Moncrieff returns, and remit the money to New York.
Mr Curson informed me that he had shipped the seeds on board a vessel bound to Alexandria, which had sailed yesterday morning—and that he had charged the Captain to land them at Mount Vernon on his way up the River.
With my best wishes for a pleasant Journey—and in expectation of the happiness of seeing you shortly. I am, my dear Sir, Very respectfully & sincerely Your affectionate & Obedt Servt

Tobias Lear


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 17 April 1789
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Baltimore, 17 April 1789. Recommends for office Robert Purviance, Joshua Barney, and Robert Ballard. “Should these persons be found acceptable I can assure you that it will give great joy to the federalists of this town. The cause in this place owes much to them and their friends. I have one other memorandum which I beg to deposit with you. When the inferior federal courts are organised I shall esteem it a favor done to myself, if you will consider a Mr John Caldwell, a lawyer, and my brother in law, as a candidate for the United States attorney to the Inferior federal court for this State. I view this office as more honorable than pecuniary, and pledge myself for his talents, prudence, and integrity. May god long preserve you, and continue you a blessing to the people and the honor of human nature. If I have any wish for myself, it is that you will sometimes condescend to remember one who is most affectionately and sincerely devoted to you.”


Title: To George Washington from Peter Jaquett, 18 April 1789
From: Jaquett, Peter
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Wilmington [Del.] 18th April 1789

A series of misfortune since the conclusion of the late War oblidges me to trouble your Excellency with this application—After having served to the end of the War, I returned to my farm in expectation of a convenient subsistance at least, but the winds and the waters have conspired to overwhelm my little Plantation, and the unrightious Government of Delaware has deprived me of the only fund, by which I could have fortified against these furious Elements. In short sir, the small parcel of Land which I hold, consists chiefly of the low grounds and meadows near Wilmington, which by the breaking of the Banks, have been constantly overflowed for several years, and I have not the means of repairing the Banks and reclaiming the marshes; those aids, which might have been expected from our publick securities, we have been deprived of, by the prevailing Politic’s of this State.
This short history may serve to inform Your Excellency, that I am in a situation not very easy or happy, and will Appologize I hope for troubling you with an Application for some Appointment under the new Government.
I confess to your Excellency, that the Naval Office and Collectorship of Wilmington, would be most agreeable to me, But, if I should not be so happy as to obtain either of them, a militery appointment would oblidge me much, And I flatter myself Sir, that there is yet in your Excellencys Breast, an Advocate in favour of those Officers of your Army who served through a Doubtfull War as good soldiers, and have lived since the Peace as honest and peaceable Citizens, And as I am the only Officer

who has served in the Line of the Delaware State that will make application to your Excellency at present, I flatter myself with success.
When I recollect how accurately your Excellency used to recognize and discriminate each and every officer of your Army, I cannot but flatter myself that I am not entirely unknown as a soldier, notwithstanding the three last years of my service I was detached from your Excellency, under the more immediate Command of that verry excellent and respectable Officer Major General Green. I shall rely upon these recommendations to obtain Your Excellency’s favour and Patronage, rather than on the influence of the great. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Affection, Your Excellencys, most Obt Humb. servt

Peter Jaquett


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 18 April 1789
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Boston April 18th 1789

I had the pleasure a few days since of receiving your Excellencys very kind favor of the 11 Ulto—My letter to which you refer was of such a nature that I did not expect an answer for I was confident that there had been a great number of applications and that the line of conduct which your Excellency adopted was the one which you would pursue—I expected no more than to be on the roll of those who would take a part in the administration of the general government if asked. I wish it success; and with all the partiality I have for my self, I do not nourish a desire of an appointment, which shall not be embraced by that equitable rule which you have so wisely chalked out for your self Sir that in all your nominations you would “act with a sole reference to justice and the public good[.]” Your Excellencys assurances of friendship and of a disposition to serve me merit my most cordial thanks and I should have met you at New York and personally have presented them and my best regards did there not at this moment circumstances exist which involve the matter in peculear delicacy. New York is now filled with a croud of applicants my taking this opportunity therefore to wait upon your Excellency would be considered as increasing the number and it might excite observations unpleasing if not unkind[.] Should there be a moment when I can go on with propriety I shall gladly embrace it.
I am a little anxious lest failing in the first instance to change the nature of the constitution some will endeavour to establish an influence in the several States which shall controul, eventually, the general government and make it subservient to their views—To effect this purpose they will not leave any measures untried. They begin already to suggest that the different States must be consulted and that Congress must not adopt measures which are unpopular with them. That the supream executive of each State must be consulted and have the naming of all officers to be appointed by Congress to act in the States respectively. A measure of this kind would effectually destroy the influence of the President and the general government which would have but little check upon officers so appointed their great concern would be to maintain their influence in that body in which their

appointment oreginated. Congress has great points to carry they must progress slowly and with the utmost caution but I hope and trust that they will consider the absolute importance of Progressing for the moment they make one retrogade motion for the sake of a compromise with any State they will be laying the ax at the root of the constitution by which it will soon be hewen down should that be the case things will fall back into a state tenfold more perplexing than ever may Heaven avert the sad event. With sentiments of the highest esteem I have the honour of being My dear General Your Excellencys most humble servant

B. Lincoln

P.S. I know that the public concerns must engross every moment of your Excellences time I must therefore deny my self the pleasure of writing unless you will dispence as it relates to me, with your exact rule of answering all letters I know you cannot have time to do it.
I have been requested to mention to your Excellency Majr Sewall Colo. Ward has given his character so fully and I believe justly that I have taken this Liberty to inclose his letter to me which will fully explain the Majors wishes.


Title: To George Washington from Otho Holland Williams, 18 April 1789
From: Williams, Otho Holland
To: Washington, George

Sir
Baltimore 18th April 1789.

The honor of being known to your Excellency will, I trust, excuse my omiting to mention the circumstances which have rendered me, in some degree, dependant upon Government for employment, and for support.
Your Excellency has been informed that my public Services have been acknowledged by an appointment, in this state, to the most considerable office in the llection of the Imposts. As

that appointment will be superceeded by the powers vested in the new federal Government, I write to solicit your Excellency’s gracious attention to my hopes of being continued.
Conscious that the Interest, and the Dignity, of Government will not admit of the influence of private friendship in public appointments I rest my hopes of your Excellency’s approbation entirely upon my experience, and knowledge of the business, and upon a character for assiduity, and Integrity which, I flatter myself, I have been fortunate enough to establish. I have the honor to be Your Excellency⟨’s⟩ most Obedient and Most Humble Servant

O.H. Williams


Title: To George Washington from Charles Croxall, 19 April 1789
From: Croxall, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
Eden Park near Wilmington [Del.] 19 April 1789

It was my intention to have done myself the honor of waiting on your Excellency in person but finding you so crouded with applications on the same head, that it would be takeing too great a Liberty with your time.
your Excellency may recollect the addition of men I made to Colel Thomas Hartleys Redgt of Contanental Troops, and he can testify my activity both in and out of the Feild dureing the Campaign of 1777 untill the day of my being wounded and made a prisoner of war—near four years expence, and irreparable injury, to my small private fortune, in Captivity and being dureing that period neglected or unjustly deranged, so as to Bar against my final Settlement certificatees, as oth⟨ers⟩ more fortunate in not being made Captives of injoyed—misfortunes in Commerce since the year 1783 is the leading necessaty to my asking the honor of your Excellencies appointment in this State to the Collectors office of impost—my being a Contanental officer and not in the service of one State more than an other, will I

hope put me on a par with any State applicant—my Connection with the Hon. Mr R. Morris, whose friendship for me will I hope, answer any further Satisfaction or Satisfactory inquirery you Sir may please to make, and to him I beg your Excellencies refering, for my conduct and character, should it be Sir your pleasure to notice this application. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr Most Humble & Obbdt Sert

Charles Croxall


Title: To George Washington from William Jackson, 19 April 1789
From: Jackson, William
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia April 19th 1789.

Amidst the important cares which engage his attention, will my dear General permit the respectful intrusion of a private request on his goodness? it is the result of an implicit confidence in that goodness, dictated by necessity and declared with candor.
Having resolved to refer my wishes entirely to the graciousness of Your Excellency’s disposition towards me, and to the knowledge which observation may have afforded you of my character and conduct, I shall employ no other advocation than the enclosed letter—nor will I presume to trespass farther on your leisure than briefly to state the circumstances which have led to my present situation in life, and most respectfully to offer the reasons why I am solicitous to profit from the favorable sentiments which your Excellency has been pleased to express in my behalf—I cannot doubt that you will pardon this freedom; and I fondly hope to experience the heartfelt satisfaction of receiving

your patronage, which is the first wish of my mind, either as it concerns my happiness or interests my ambition.
Entering into the Army, at the early age of sixteen, it was my lot to pass eight years, the most interesting of my life, in the service of my country—The expence, necessarily induced, to support the character of an officer nearly exhausted my patrimonial pittance, and left me no other consolation, at the close of the war, than the consciousness of having faithfully done my duty. Collecting the remnant of my property I embarked in commerce, which, being neither congenial to my temper, nor favorable to my fortune, I was forced to abandon. Pursuing the advice of my particular friends I then entered upon the study of the law; which profession I have prosecuted to admission into the inferior Courts: but, the rules requiring a longer term of two years probation before I can practice in the supreme-Court (to which a late act of the Legislature has nearly transferred all process) I find myself denied the opportunity of employing any talents I may possess, or of excercising that industry, which a slender fortune, spent in public employ, has left as my sole resource against indigence and unmerited misfortune.
Under these circumstances I have determined, my dear General, to resort to your friendship—flattering myself that you will be equal⟨ly⟩ at liberty to exercise it consistently with your opinions ⟨of⟩ public propriety and private regard. To say that ⟨I⟩ cast myself entirely on your goodness, is but faintly to declare the confidence which my belief of your generous sentiments has inspired—To go farther, and without the previous interference of a single friend, to express my anxious wish of being employed under your immediate and personal direction is indeed presumptious: but, as it engages every solicitude of my mind, I cannot resist the impulse of honorable ambition, which prompts the presumption.
I should not, my dear General, have troubled you to peruse the enclosed letter, had not my station, in the southern department, denied me the honor of exercising my military functions under your immediate observance—They were executed (I trust the declaration partakes not of vanity) in such manner as to obtain the approbation of my General, and to procure for

me the inestimable friendship of my beloved Laurens. should they be crowned with the distinguished favor of Your Excellency’s regard, I shall never regret that I have toiled, bled, and been impoverished, in the service of my country—and the affliction that has followed the loss of my much lamented Friend will receive the grateful alleviation that Your Excellency’s remembrance of his worth has conducted me to happiness and honor.
My endeavors to be useful to that best of friends in his special mission to the Court of Versailles—and my subsequent agency in forwarding the supplies from Holland, are I believe known to Your Excellency—should they, or any other of my services contribute to obtain a gracious acceptance of this address, I shall hope the honor of a short interview, in which I fondly and anxiously trust it will be my happiness to receive your commands. No consideration can enhance the respectful affection, with which I am, Your Excellency’s obliged, faithful, and devoted Servant

W.Jackson


Title: To George Washington from William Lyles, 19 April 1789
From: Lyles, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Shuters Hill 19th April 1789

This will be forwarded to your Excellency by Robert Young Esqr. of Nottingham, in Maryland, who has in view the appointment of the naval officers birth on patuxent river, his Situation and Knowledge of commercial transactions in every point of view, cannot fail to make him competent to such an appointment—Permit me therefore to assure your Excellency, that from a long acquaintance with Mr Young, I beleive him to be a man, of the strictest probity and integrity, and who I am well persuaded, would afford as much Satisfaction in that office, as any person that could be appointed. with assurances of the highest respect, I have the honor to be, your Excellencies most obt Servt

Wm Lyles


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Smith, 19 April 1789 [letter not found]
From: Smith, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Smith, 19 April 1789. On 23 Sept. 1789 GW wrote to Smith: “I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the . . . 19th of April last.”


Title: From George Washington to the Officials of Wilmington, Delaware, 19–20 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Officials of Wilmington, Delaware

Gentlemen,
[Wilmington, Del., 19–20 April 1789]

In the respectful address of the Burgesses and common council of the Borough of Wilmington, I recognise the friendly dispositions towards myself, and the patriotic sentiments for the Community at large which have always distinguished the Citizens of Delaware.
When on a former occasion you intimated to me your expectation, that, if any event should again render my services necessary, I would not withhold them from the public, I did not conceive that such an event could exist. I have however been persuaded of the expediency of once more entering on the stage of public affairs. Heaven and my own heart are witnesses for me with how much reluctance I have yielded to that persuasion: But a sense of duty, in my conception, ought to supersede every personal consideration—and the promises of support which I am daily receiving from my fellow-citizens, together with a reliance upon that gracious Providence, which sustained us through our struggle for Liberty, encourage me, (notwithstanding a diffidence in my own abilities) to hope for a happy issue from my present arduous undertaking.
In the meantime, I am extremely obliged to you, Gentlemen, for your kind wishes respecting my individual felicity, as well as for your fervent supplications in behalf of the public prosperity.

G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to the Delaware Society for Promoting Domestic Manufacturers, 19–20 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Delaware Society for Promoting Domestic Manufacturers

Gentlemen,
[Wilmington, Del., 19–20 April 1789]

I return you my sincere thanks for your congratulations and good wishes on my appointment to the Presidency of the United States.
Convinced that the happy effects which may be derived from our government, must depend, in a considerable degree, on the determinations of the people to support the person entrusted with the administration; I shall rejoice to find that my acceptance has met with their approbation.
The promotion of domestic manufactures will, in my conception, be among the first consequences which may naturally be expected to flow from an energetic government—For myself having an equal regard for the prosperity of the farming, trading, and manufacturing interests, I will only observe that I cannot conceive the extension of the latter (so far as it may afford employment to a great number of hands which would be otherwise in a manner idle) can be detrimental to the former—On the contrary the concurrence of virtuous individuals and the combination of œconomical Societies to rely as much as possible on the resources of our own country, may be productive of great national advantages, by establishing the habits of industry

and œconomy. The objects of your Institution are therefore, in my opinion, highly commendable—and you will permit me to add, Gentlemen, that I propose to demonstrate the sincerity of my opinion on this subject, by the uniformity of my practice, in giving a decided preference to the produce and fabrics of America, whensoever it may be done without involving unreasonable expences, or very great inconveniences.

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Committee of Congress, 20 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Committee of Congress

Gentlemen
Philadelphia April 20th 1789

Upon my alighting in this City I received your communication of the 17th with the resolutions of the two Houses which accompanied it and in answer thereto beg leave to inform you that knowing how anxious both houses must be to proceed to business I shall continue my journey with as much dispatch as possible. Tomorrow evening I propose to be at Trenton—the night following at Brunswick and hope to have the pleasure of meeting you at Elizabeth town point on Thursday at 12 Oclock. With the greatest respect & considn I have the Honr to be Gentn yr Most Obedt Hble ser⟨vant⟩

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati, 20 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati

Gentlemen,
[Philadelphia, 20 April 1789]

The Congratulations of my fellow Soldiers & faithful followers in the Military line of this State, on my Election to the Chief Magistracy of the Union, cannot but be exceedingly flattering and pleasing to me; For my mind has been so deeply affected with a grateful sense of the attachment and aid which I have experienced from them, during the Course of our arduous Struggle for Liberty, that the impression will never be effaced.
Heaven alone can foretell whether any, or what, advantages are to be derived by my Countrymen from my holding the Office; which they have done me the Honor of Conferring upon me; not only without my Solicitations, but even Contrary to my inclinations.
I promise nothing but an unremitted attention to the duties of the Office. If by that attention I may be so fortunate as still to Continue to possess the Affectionate regard of my fellow Citizens, and particularly of that Body of which you are the Representatives, it will be no small addition to my happiness. The

Support which they and you have promised cannot fail, under the smiles of Providence, to contribute largely to the Accomplishment of my wishes, by promoting the prosperity of our Common Country. In the meantime, I thank you, Gentlemen, for the interest you so kindly take in my personal Comfort and Honor, as well as in the prosperity and Glory of the General Government

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 20 April 1789
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 20th 1789.

Inclosed you will receive Addresses from the Trustees and Faculty of the University of the State of Pennsylvania, The Judges of the Supreme court, and the standing Committee of the State Society of Cincinnati.
These several Bodies request that you will be pleased to inform me when and where they may have the honor of waiting upon your Excellency with their respective Addresses aforesaid. I am, Sir, with the utmost attachment & regard, Your Excellency’s, Most obedient and most humble servant

Thos McKean


Title: From George Washington to the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council of Philadelphia, 20 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council of Philadelphia

[Philadelphia, 20 April 1789]

I consider myself particularly obliged to you, Gentlemen, for your congratulatory address on my appointment to the Station of President of the United States.
Accustomed as I have been to pay a respectful regard to the Opinion of my Countrymen, I did not think myself at liberty to decline the Acceptance of the high Office, to which I had been called by their United suffrage—When I contemplate the Interposition of Providence, as it was visibly Manifested, in guiding us thro’ the Revolution in preparing us for the Reception of a General Government, and in conciliating the Good will of the People of America, towards one another after its Adoption, I feel myself oppressed and almost overwhelmed with a sence of the Divine Munificence—I feel that nothing is due to my personal agency in all these complicated and wonderful Events, except what can simply be attributed to the exertions of an honest Zeal for the Good of my Country.
I thank you sincerely for your kind wishes that my Administration may be honorable and happy to myself and Country.
I Pray you Gentlemen, will accept on your own behalf, as well as that of the Citizens you represent, my heartfelt acknowledgments for the polite welcome I have received upon my arrival in your City; In tendering these acknowledgments I must also desire it may be fully understood: that I entertain the same reciprocal Sensations of Attachment for the Good People of Philadelphia which they have on all occasions evinced in my favor.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the President and Faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, 20 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: President and Faculty of the University of Pennsylvania

Gentlemen,
[Philadelphia, 20 April 1789]

I accept with peculiar pleasure the address of the university of the State of Pennsylvania upon my appointment to the first office in the union.
Notwithstanding I had most seriously determined never more to take any part in transactions of a public nature; yet a conviction of duty would not suffer me, on the present occasion, to refuse a compliance with the unanimous call of my country—nor could I remain insensible to the honor that was conferred upon me by this fresh and distinguished proof of it’s approbation.
Probably my fellow-citizens anticipate too many and too great advantages from the appointment—It will however be an object, indeed near to my heart, to verify as far as may be in my power, those favorable presentiments, by endeavoring to secure the liberty and promote the happiness of the american People.
I am not a little flattered by being considered by the Patrons of literature as one in their number—Fully apprized of the influence which sound learning has on religion and manners, on government, liberty, and laws, I shall only lament my want of abilities to make it still more extensive. I conceive hopes, however, that we are at the eve of a very enlightened Era. The same unremitting exertions, which, under all the blasting storms of war, caused the arts and sciences to flourish in America, will doubtless bring them nearer to maturity, when they shall have been sufficiently invigorated by the milder rays of peace.

I return you my hearty thanks for your devout intercession at the Throne of Grace for my felicity both here and hereafter.
May you also, Gentlemen, after having been the happy instruments of diffusing the blessings of literature and the comforts of religion, receive the just compensation for your virtuous deeds.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Isaac Sherman, 20 April 1789
From: Sherman, Isaac
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New Haven [Conn.] 20th April 1789.

Nearly eleven years of the prime of life I have appropriated to the service of the public; eight years in the armies of the united states, and part of three years in the surveying department. Nearly the whole of the savings of eight years of uninterrupted military services I have expended in order to carry into effect the land ordinance of Congress—This I did from an order to promote the public good, and from an expectation that my exertions would have been ultimately rewarded: but the reverse of this has happened. From these considerations I have been lead to hope; and from a desire to render my country every service in my power, I am induced to ask for an appointment under the new government. I have no particular office in view to solicit, for I do not know what appointments will be made. That your Excellency will not be unmindfull of me among the numerous applications for offices is my most sincere

wish. With every sentiment of Esteem and respect, I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most humble Servant,

Isaac Sherman.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Bache, 21 April 1789
From: Bache, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia April 21st 1789.

I take the liberty to submit to Your Excellency’s consideration & patronage, the inclosed Memorial.
As I propose shortly (if permitted) to pay my personal respects to Your Excellency at Newyork, I have only to add, that I have the honor to be, with the greatest Defference & respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & very Humbe Servant

Rich. Bache

April 21st 1789

The Petition of Richard Bache respectfully sheweth
That in the year 1775 when the Honorable the Congress of the United Colonies (as they were then stiled) directed the Establishment of Post Offices throughout the Continent, and appointed Benjamin Franklin Esquire his Father in-law, Postmaster General. Your Petitioner was by him appointed Comptroller of the Post Offices, and deputy Postmaster of the Office

then established in the City of Philadelphia—That your Petitioner continued in that station, untill Dr Franklin was by Congress, in the latter end of the year 1776 sent over to France as one of their Commissioners, when your Petitioner had the honor of being appointed Postmaster General in his stead, with a salary of one thousand Dollars a year. That your Petitioner continued to enjoy this Office until the begining of the year 1782. during which time, he with great application & industry improved the system of the Posts, so as to make them more productive, as well as to give greater Facility, Quickness & Extent to correspondence, when to his no small mortification, and without his ever knowing the cause, he was superseded, and one of his deputies put in his place, with additional emoluments of Office. Your Petitioner takes the liberty likewise to submit to Your Excellency’s and the Honorable the Senate’s consideration, the extreme difficulties & troubles, in addition to the common duties of office in the time of war, which naturally accrued to the Post Office department, whilst the Enemy were making frequent inroads into the Country; of these, as the head of the Department, your Petitioner had his share to struggle with; but as soon as the prospect to this Country began to brighten, and the War draw near to a conclusion, he was dismissed; and now stands upon the Records of Congress, a single Instance (he believes) of their exercising their power to the prejudice of an Individual, without a charge or even the colour of a charge of Malpractice, Misconduct, Neglect, or Incapacity—Your Petitioner relying on the Justice, which he trusts & hopes will perpetually prevail, in the execution of our new Form of Government, respectfully submits the Premises to the consideration of those, now appointed to execute it—And pray that he may be reinstated in his former office.

Rich. Bache


Title: To George Washington from John Bayard, 21 April 1789
From: Bayard, John Bubenheim
To: Washington, George

Brunswick [N.J.] 21st April 1789

Amidst the general joy that is diffused through the United states on your Excellency’s unanimous election as President General, permit me to present you my most sincere & respectful compliments of congratulation.
At the same time, from my peculiar situation & by the advice of my friends both in Philada & New York I take the liberty to offer myself to your Excellency for your nomination to the Office of Collector of the Customs for the State of Pennsylvania.
My long residence in Philadelphia, near thirty years, in the mercantile line, the part I took in our late important contest, the various Offices of honor & confidence confer’d on me by my fellow Citizens during that period & my having at the beginning of the War loaned almost the whole of my estate to the United States which still continues in their funds, are amongst the reasons that lead me to apply to your Excellency for this appointment.
A letter which I received from the Chief Justice with a certificate from the Judges of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania accompany this letter.
If I am approved, I hope to discharge the duties of the Office with fidelity & am with the utmost respect Your Excellency’s most obedt & very hmble Servant

John Bayard


Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 21 April 1789
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York April 21st 1789

The Committee have just receiv’d your Excellency’s Letter of the 20th and will be at Elizabeth Town on Thursday Morning.
I must beg your Excellency will alight at my House where the Committee will attend and where it will give me (in a particular manner) the utmost pleasure to receive you. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect Sir, Your most obedient & very humble Servant

Elias Boudinot


Title: To George Washington from Mathew Carey, 21 April 1789
From: Carey, Mathew
To: Washington, George

May it please your excellency,
Philadelphia, April 21, 1789

In the prosecution of the American Museum—a work which your excellency has honoured with the most flattering approbation—I have begun & mean to continue a series of documents & public papers, respecting the most interesting circumstances, skirmishes, and battles of the revolution. For want of better resources, I am obliged at present frequently to recur to that corrupted publication, the Remembrancer. If your excellency’s numerous avocations allowed to select from your papers those most interesting to the public, it would be of general benefit, besides conferring a particular favour on Your excellency’s obliged hble servt

Mathew Carey.

P.S. They shall be returned, if necessary.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 21 April 1789
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dr Sr
Richmond 21st Apr. 1789.

Understanding your election to the office of President of the united States has been announced to you by the proper authority and that you had set out for New York, I take the liberty of expressing to you the great satisfaction I feel in your being called to and accepting the important trust—The establishment of order and good government is so much the wish and desire

of every good citizin that I do not wonder you have once more embarked in the troublesome and busy scenes of public life, in the hope that under a wise and prudent administration of the government, those blessings may be attained and the fruits expected to be gathered from the glorious termination of the late war, not lost to America. The organizing, and forming a code of laws to put the government in motion, is an arduous undertaking when various interests and local prejudices prevail, but no doubt may be effected under the influence of the spirit of accommodation, which was found so essentially necessary in the late general convention and which will be found equally necessary in the New Congress, especially when it is considered that the new system is calculated to compromise and assimilate the various interests and remove the local prejudices of the Union. I sincerely wish your labours may be crowned with success, and that they may Give as universal satisfaction as your exertions in the military line produced.
You will no doubt be applied to by Mr Lindsay or some of his friends to be continued in the office to which he was lately appointed by the Executive here—I can truly say of him that I believe he is an upright, honest man—that he has a growing family and but a small fortune to provide for them, I think, too, he is qualified to discharge the duties of a naval officer—His merit as an officer in the late War you are the best judge of yourself—with great respect I am Dr Sr yr afft. hume Sert

Jos: Jones


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Mifflin, 21 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Mifflin, Thomas

City-Tavern [Philadelphia]Tuesday morning April 21st 1789.

General Washington presents his compliments to the President of the State, and requests his Excellency to communicate the General’s best thanks to the Officers and Gentlemen of the several Corps who did him the honor to form his escort to Philadelphia—General Washington having made his arrangements to be at the place of embarkation for New York, at a particular

hour, will find himself under the necessity of leaving this City about ten o’clock—But, as the weather is likely to prove unfavorable, he must absolutely insist that the military Gentlemen of Philadelphia will not attend him in the manner they had proposed—He is so perfectly satisfied with their good intentions, that it will be impossible for them, by taking any unnecessary trouble, to make any addition to the proofs of their attachment, or the motives of his gratitude.


Title: From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Legislature, 21 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Pennsylvania Legislature

Gentlemen,
[Philadelphia, 21 April 1789]

I receive with great satisfaction the affectionate congratulations of the President and Supreme Executive council of Pennsylvania on my appointment to the Presidency of the United States.
If under favor of the divine Providence, and with the assistance of my fellow-citizens it was my fortune to have been in any degree instrumental in vindicating the liberty and confirming the independence of my country, I now find a full compensation for my services in a belief that those blessings will be permanently secured by the establishment of a free and efficient government. And you will permit me to say on this occasion, that as nothing could add to the evidence I have formerly received of the invariable attachment of your commonwealth to the interests and honor of the Union, so nothing could have been more agreeable to me at this time, than the assurances you have given me of the zealous cooperation of it’s Executive Authority, in facilitating the accomplishment of the great objects which are committed to my charge.
While I feel my sensibility strongly excited by the expressions of affection and promises of support, which I every where meet with from my Countrymen, I entertain a consolatory hope that the purity of my intentions, and the perseverance of my endeavors to promote the happiness of my country will atone for any of the slighter defects which may be discovered in my administration—

For whatever may be the issue of our public measures, or however I may err in opinion, I trust it will be believed that I could not have been actuated by any interests separate from those of my country.
Suffer me, Gentlemen, to conclude by assuring you that I am well pleased with the justice you have done to the motives from which I have acted, and by thanking you for the tender concern you have been pleased to manifest for my personal felicity.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Poole, 21 April 1789
From: Poole, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Wilmington on Delaware April 21st 1789

Permit me Sir to Join in the congratulations of my fellow Citizens on seeing your Excellency appointed to the first station in the Government of the United States by the sufrages of a large majority of their virtuous Inhabitants who all ardently wish to see a permanent Government carried into execution under your mild administration when faith and confidence shall once more be restord to this long divided Country and the Arts Sciences Agriculture and Comerce shall combine to make us a great and happy People.
As it is probable that the Revenue of the United States will early come under the consideration of the fedral Government and such arrangements take place as will make it necessary to establish a Custom House in this State where are present there is not Legal regulation and the Office of Collector of the Customs having been heretofore held by a non residenter has alway been considred as a grievance by the Merchants of this Place there being no Foreign Trade from any other Port in the State—with every sentiment of respect and duty I beg leave to solicit your Excellency for the appointment of Collector of the Customs for this Port and its dependencies whenever such appointment shall take place.
I have nothing to expect from your Excellencys personal knowledge of me having been brought up to the Sea—But being an American a Native of this Place and a steady friend to the revolution for the success of which my small abilities have been constantly exerted I am induced to make this application to your Excellency—and that you may live to participate largely

in the blessings you have been so instrumental in confering on a gratefull People is the sincere prayer of Your Excellencys most Obedient & most humble Servant

Joseph Poole


Title: From George Washington to the Ladies of Trenton, 21 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Ladies of Trenton

Trenton April 21st 1789

General Washington cannot leave this place without expressing his acknowledgments, to the Matrons and Young Ladies who received him in so novel & grateful a manner at the Triumphal Arch in Trenton, for the exquisite sensation he experienced in that affecting moment. The astonishing contrast between his former and actual situation at the same spot—The elegant taste with which it was adorned for the present occasion—and the innocent appearance of the white-robed Choir who met him with the gratulatory song, have made such impressions on his remembrance, as, he assures them, will never be effaced.


Title: From George Washington to the President and Faculty of Princeton College and the Inhabitants of Princeton, 21–22 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: President and Faculty of Princeton College and the Inhabitants of Princeton

Gentlemen,
[Princeton, N.J., 21–22 April 1789]

As your truly affectionate and solemn address to me on my late appointment merits, so it receives, the genuine acknowledgements of a grateful heart.
Upon perceiving the unanimous voice of my countrymen had called me to occupy the first office in confederated America, I could not hesitate to determine that it was my duty to obey that call: notwithstanding I had at the close of the war, most seriously resolved to pass the evening of my days in peaceful retirement free from the toils and cares of public life—If the sacrifice has been great, the occasion was still greater. After thanking you, Gentlemen, for the repeated testimonies I have, at different times, received of your affection, I pray that Almighty God will have you all in his holy keeping.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Citizens of Elizabeth, New Jersey, 22 April 1789
From: Citizens of Elizabeth, New Jersey
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Elizabeth Town [N.J.] April 22nd 1789

The citizens of Elizabeth desirous of evincing by every possible means the very great respect and affection which they entertain for your Excellency’s person and character, have directed that a cold collation be prepared for the refreshment of your Excellency & suite on your arrival here, of which we as a Committee of arrangement are requested to give the information.
If your Excellency will be pleased to communicate to us by the bearer, who waits for the purpose, your determination as to the time of leaving New Brunswick tomorrow morning, it would aid us in the preparations it may be proper to make for your Excellency’s reception & accommodation.
The Committee of Congress deputed to meet your Excellency

at this place, are also invited & expected to partake of the collation. We have the honor to be with the highest respect your Excellency’s hum. servt

Jona: Dayton
Aaron Ogden
Jonathan H. Lawrence


Title: To George Washington from John Lyle, 22 April 1789
From: Lyle, John
To: Washington, George

May it Please Your Excellency,
New Brunswick [N.J.] the 22d April 1789

Under an assurance that You will deign to read this address, and thereby be led to consider wether I am of sufficient amount in Your estimation to Make enquiry about.
I presume to Make an offer of My service to Your Excellency and solicit such employ as You May after hearing My Character think proper to intrust Me with.
I refer You to Colonel John Neilson, William Paterson Esqr., Colo. John Bayard, Colo. John Taylor, Doctr W. Scott & Doctr L. Dunham, of this place, all Gentlemen with whom Your excellency I believe is acquainted, a Number of other Gentlemen of this town I Might Mention equally well acquainted with My Character but probably strangers to Your Excellency.
The Gentlemen above Named (or some of them) will No doubt pay their respects to You when here, who You Can if expedient question with respect to My Character.
My origin and situation I beg leave to inform Your Excellency of—I was born of respectable parents My Grandfather (Yet living) lost his estate, Except a little fast Property which he occupied in the Continental Depreciation. People to whom he had loaned Money Made tenders of payment which he receiv’d without hesitation. My father his only Son was effected by such imposition which, added to his own loss, during the late war, has renderd him Unable to give Me the assistance I at present Need, & he would with pleasure give, was it in his power.
My Condition is Just this I am a Young Man, at present, destitute of employ, which is a dangerous situation to escape which I

solicit employ Under Your excellencies immediate inspection, Wishing thereby to be preserv’d from ruin which is the Consequence of Idleness.
Should Your Excellency incline to speak with Me, I will wait on You with Pleasure, & If I Am so fortunate as to Meet with the employment, I do ardently wish, I will remember with gratitude the favor Confer’d on Me, and by a Constant attention to the business which May be intrusted to My Care, endeavour to Merit the Confidence Your Excellency May place in Me—I have the Honor to be, with all dutiful respect Your Excellencie’s Most obedient servant,

John Lyle tertius


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Seely, 22 April 1789
From: Seely, Samuel
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellancey
Chatham New Jersey April the 22nd 1789

It gives me no small pleasure to see your Excellanacy once more place’d in the first office in this country, well knowing it is the just reward of a virtious life mainly spent in its service and defence.
At the same time your excellancey will permit an Old Soldier, (although a young man) to look up to you as his pattron As he is sensible, that it will ever be pleaseing to a heart of sensibillity, to provide for the necessetious L——r—.
Your excellancy will be please’d, to suffer me to inform you that at an early period of life I entred into the Army where I had the honor to serve under your Excellancy’s command, in the first Jersey Regiment during the whole war—in the charrector of a Lieut.
Having no fortune to support me (at the same time wishing to appear in the charrector of an Officer) I made some contracts under those necesseties, Which I have been Oblige’d to fulfill Since peace—Willing to act like a man of honor, in those contracts, at the conclusion of the war, I was oblig’ed to Sell the paper I had received from the publick at the low rate of two shillings and six pence in the pound—I then attempted trade,

as I suppos’d industry was my only remudy—unfortunate in that I am reduce’d to the utmost Necessety.
This would easily be borne with, had I not an agreeable Laydy to share my distresses together with three little pledge’s of our affections.
The favour I have to ask of your Excellancy is—that should you think me worthy your attention—I may have some appointment in the service of the public, Whereby I may receive a small Sallary—and at the Same time may have it in my powe’r to render Services addequate to the subsistance.
Should it be writeing in some of the public Offuce’s—Or collector of the imposts, in any of the United States—Necessity has drove me to troble your excellancy, on this buisness—and at this early period.
Should your Excellancy diegn in your multiplicity of buisness to remembor me—I shall be in duty bound to hold in greatfull remembrance your favours For my sobriety and industry, I can refer your Excellancy to Mr [Elias] Buddenot, chief Justice Brairly [David Brearley], Genl [Elias] Dayton, Col. [Aaron] Ogden, Captn [Jonathan] Dayton, and Col. [Thomas] Hartly, this last Gentleman as well as, Mr Buddenot are now in New York.
I shall forward to New York as soon as I can my charractor certifide by the above Gentlemen—Untill then I remain your Excellancys Most Obedient Humle Sarvt

Samuel Seely

N.B. I should have done myself the pleasure to have waited on your exellancy passing through Elzthtown but am indisposed.


Title: To George Washington from James Booth, 23 April 1789
From: Booth, James
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Newcastle, State of Delaware, April 23. 1789.

Having been informed, that all applications for Offices under the Federal Government, must be made immediately to your Excellency, I beg leave to address you on that Subject.

I hold under the Authority of the State, the Naval-Office of this County, to which I was appointed early in the Year 1777, and which has been regularly continued to me by several Re-Appointments. But as I conceive, that upon the Adoption of a System of Commercial Regulation and Impost by The United States, the State-Appointments in that Department will cease; I beg Permission to sollicit your Excellency for a Continuance in the Office I hold, and that I may be honoured with a Commission for the same, under the Executive Authority of the Union.
During the Time I have exercised the Duties of that Office, I am persuaded, neither want of Attention, nor want of Fidelity will be imputed to me; and I flatter myself, that the Candour and Justice of the Senators from this State, will afford me a favourable Testimonial to your Excellency. With Sentiments of the utmost Deference & Respect, I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant,

Jas Booth


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 23 April 1789
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
New York 23d April 1789

I have been honored with your Letter of the 25th of last Month—I begg leave to assure your Excellency that had you found it convenient to have given us your Company at my House, instead of being Burdensome, it would have afforded my Familly the highest Pleasure and Sattisfaction. We must however acquiese in your Determination, and I do it with the

less Reluctance as I observe the Arrangments made by the Senate & Representatives for your Reception appear to correspond with the Sentiments expressed by your Excellency.
Permit me however Sir now to sollicit the Honor of the Company of your Excellency and Suite at Dinner on the Day of your Arrival in this City, and to request that you will take a Bed at my House that Night—I flatter myself this will not be denied me as I presume it cannot interfere with any other Arrangment. I have the Honor to be with Sincere Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servant

Geo. Clinton


Title: To George Washington from John Conway, 23 April 1789
From: Conway, John
To: Washington, George

Woodbridge [N.J.] Apl 23d 1789.

Colo. Conway Begs leave to Congratulate his Excellency General Washington on his appointment to the Presidency of the United States, and respectfully offers himself a Candidate for employment by the Honorable Congress, either as Collector of the Customs for New-Jersey, or any appointment to which he may be thought competent. Enclosed are Recommendations and Vouchers for the inspection of the President, if he will condscend to read them.

John Conway.


Title: To George Washington from William Heth, 23 April 1789
From: Heth, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 23rd April 1789

I leave this, to be presented to you at a proper season.
Unaccustomed to solicit employment, and wishing, always to be governed by the strictest propriety and delicacy, so, I shall now, avoid becoming a Supplicant for Office, under the common acceptation of the word, Yet, that duty, which I owe to myself and a growing family, impells me to signify to you, Sir, my willingness, & my wish, to serve the United States in such department or office—if any should be created peculiar to the different States—as I may have talents to fill. My birth, & education; my pursuits, and conduct in life, are not unknown to you. Of the first I can boast nothing; nor has the other been markd with any thing conspicuous or extraordinary. Still—I am vain enough to believe, that the part which I have borne in the revolution of my Native Country, from the hour of its commencement, to that, which gave Independence to America, has met with your approbation. Yet Sir—I presume nothing upon this consideration, nor will I count any thing upon those marks of personal attention & respect with which you have been pleased to honor me for many years past; being well persuaded, they will have no influence with you, unless you should be well assured, that I also possess talants for business, in every respect equal to any person who may be proposed for the same office, & who may not have equal pretensions to the patronage of their Country. For information on the score of my capacity for public employment, permit me to refer you to the inclosed papers—to Colonel [William] Grayson—[Theodorick] Bland & [Josiah]

Parker, Messrs Madison—[John] Page & [Alexander] White, & the other gentlemen representing Virginia.
That you may enjoy Health—happiness & every possible comfort in your present exalted and arduous Station—and that you may continue to possess the confidence and warmest affections of your Country, are among the most ardent prayers of Sir Your Most Obedient & Affectionate Servant

Will. Heth


Title: To George Washington from Robert French, 24 April 1789
From: French, Robert
To: Washington, George

St Croix 24t Apl 1789

Heads of a Petition from Rt French, Mariner of Philadelphia Confin’d in the Fort, Island St Croix
To his Excellency the President and To The Right Honourable the senate and Congress of the United States the humble petition of Rt French respectfully Sheweth, that Your humble petitioner has a truly distress’d Family of a Wife and two Children in Philadelphia, that he has been a true and faithful Subject

of the United States since the Year 1778 the period when he arriv’d there, from which period ’till his present Misfortune he has supported an irreproachable Character in every Capacity that a Mariner can serve on board, a Merchantman, and in all according to the Laws of Commerce—your humble petitioner, hopes from a consideration of those Facts, and the following, that Your honours will cause him to be demanded from the Danish Government, to be sent for to Philadelphia there to be tried by the Laws of his Country.
The Cause of Your humble petitioners request is as follows—In the Month June Last 88 I commanded a Sloop of Mr Jno. Wilcocks to this Island (Your humble Petitioner Previous to this Command had been involv’d in Debt by the failure of a Mr Geo. Henry a Ship of whose he Commanded) in the Latter of sd Month being ready for Sea, I receiv’d from Mr Wilcocks the Sum of 96 half Joannes’s to be delivered here to Messrs Wm & Saml Newton Unexpected Demands coming on me the very Day I sail’d from Philadelphia I Made Use of part of this Money, being well Assured I had Venture on board more than sufficient to reimburse the Money. I Navigated the Vessel & took Care of her & Cargo to the best of my Knowledge, And arriv’d safe in this port, both Vessel and Cargo in good order, Notwithstanding the very severe Gales Wind we had and the Quantity of Water the Vessel made, which I think wou’d have Justified me in putting in to any other port, where, had my intentions been to Defraud, I might have left the Vessel, immediately on my Arrival here I acquainted the Mr Newtons with the Sum I had received Delivered their Letters with Bill of Lading inclos’d; I us’d every Effort to dispose of my Venture in order to make up the Money but it all prov’d ineffectual, three Days after my Arrival here I went to St Thomas a Danish Island 8 Leagues Dist. from St Croix in order to dispose of a few Articles which I compleated & was on the point of my return the Afternoon of the same Day I left this Island, when a Kings Sloop arriv’d with Orders from his Exellency the General of those Islands to apprehend me, in Vain did I beg to be sent over to this Island to deliver up the Effects I had for the Benefit of Mr Wilcocks. I was carried to the Fort and close Confin’d in a most miserable Room the description of which wou’d strike terror into the breast of any Human being. I was continued there for 10 Days

then brought over here and lodg’d in close Confinement no person being Admitted to See me. I was carried after some time under a Strong Guard to Court, where I acknowledg’d the receipt of the Money Told the Necessities that Urdg’d me to lay it out, & the Means I had of reimbursing it, inform’d the Court that I appeal’d to the laws of my Country for there, and against them I had transgress’d and that not intentionally, after the expiration of 3 Months Judgment came out of the lower Court wherein it was declar’d that nothing Criminal was in my Case, and that it did not come Under the Danish Law. his Excellency the General at whose option it lies whether to Ratify a Judgment or not, and at the Same time was my prosecutor, appeal’d it to the upper Court here, after the expiration of three Months without ever been call’d to Court, to Defend myself, there was a most Dreadful Sentance read off to me.
It is that I am to pay the Sum in the Bill Lading Viz. 96 Joes Double that to the King as fine, to be Whipt and Branded under the Gallows all my Effects to be forfeited to the King, then put in Irons & there to remain during Life.
Oh Merciful God to thee & the Laws of my Country I appeal for Mercy.
I have appeal’d to the Supreme Court in Copenhagen in order to gain time to lay my dreadful Situation before Your honours & most Humbly begs & prays for your humane interpositions, as I have never in the smallest matter Transgress’d Against the Laws of Denmark. I will chearfully Submit to the Laws of my Country, and with a Christian like resignation receive the Judgt my unhappy Case may be deem’d deserving of[.] I Humbly beg & pray that your Honours will be pleas’d to take my Case into Consideration, that I may have the Benefit of those Laws, that I have Fought for & Bled to Support And in Duty I shall for Ever pray

Rt French


Title: To George Washington from Moses Hazen, 24 April 1789
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Friday April 24. 1789

General Hazens most respectful Compliments to His Excellency General Washington begs to Inform him,
That on the 27th of April 1786, he was taken with a Violent fit of the Appoplexy, perhaps the Quantity of Blood the Doctors took from him saved his life, And terminated the Disorder

into a palsey, The first Year he got a Good deal better but the two latter he seams to be at a stand.
Genl Hazen lodges in Great Dock street No. 28—he will probably leave Town in the Course of Next Week.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Martin, 24 April 1789
From: Martin, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bechmans Tavern N. York April 24th 1789

I had the honor of being introduced to your acquaintance by Col. Hamilton in 79 at middlebrook. I then came from the W. Indies joined the Army and continued during the War. This is to request your Excellency to appoint me to some Office—Nothing, Except being reduced to the lowest ebb coud induce me to this—Col. Hamilton can inform you who I am. I have the Honor to be &c. &c. &c.

Robt Martin


Title: To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 24 April 1789
From: Thomson, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York April 24. 1789

I intended to have waited upon you in person and submited to your inspection the enclosed report which I have prepared to send to the Senate but by the interruption of visits I was not able to finish it until it was your time of receiving visits. I meant to have submitted to your consideration whither the words “however that” in the answer with which you were pleased to honor me might not be omitted.
If your Excellency should see any part of the report which is exceptionable or which you would wish altered & will permit me to visit you privately I will wait upon you at any time you will be pleased to fix.

In the mean time hoping your Excellency is recovered from the fatigues of your journey I have the honor to be with the most sincere Esteem and respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient and Most humble Servt

Chas Thomson


Title: To George Washington from James Tilton, 25 April 1789
From: Tilton, James
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Dover [Del.] 25 April 1789.

However unexceptionably I may have conducted the business of the continental loan-office of Delaware, I have reason to think I shall not be without a competitor in the appointments to be made under the new constitution of the United States. It is not surprising, indeed, amidst the present rage for office, that the modification necessary under the new government, should afford a pretext for a change of the officer, although the duties of the office may be substantially the same. As I believe & am confident, Sir, that you will act without favour, affection or partiality, in this important business; that your view in appointments will constantly be directed to the public good; with an eye to the encouragement of virtue & the suppression of vice; and that talents & integrity are the qualifications you will especially insist upon; I have only to intreat your Excellency, to give so much attention to my case, as to examine & determine for yourself; whether my past conduct shews me deserving of a continuance in my office, however modified hereafter.
I believe the Honble Commissioners of the Treasury have been well satisfied with my past transactions; and I trust, they would not recommend a change. The Honble Robert Morris, while Financier, was pleased to express his good opinion of me, both as to talents & Integrity; I hope nothing has happened to change his Judgment of me, in one respect or another. The officers of the late Delaware Regiment, who are more interested

in the appointment of a Loan officer, than any other class of citizens, I am persuaded would be unanimous for my reappointment. And I believe, that every disinterested untainted revolutionist in the state would favour the expectations I have of continuing in office. When through these channels it shall appear, that I am not unworthy of trust, & confidence, I shall hope for Your Excellency’s nomination to the office I now hold, and that I shall not be rejected by the Senate.
It may be observed, that I do not refer your Excellency to the Delegates of Delaware; and I hope the reasons are obvious: for even in your private retreat, I am persuaded your fatherly regard for the common good & interest of America, has penetrated the continent, and that your patriotic attentions have extended to the politics of little Delaware, as well as the more important states. With the greatest respect, I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s most obt Servt

James Tilton.


Title: To George Washington from Augustin-Gabriel des Hayes de La Radière, 26 April 1789
From: La Radière, Augustin-Gabriel des Hayes de
To: Washington, George

Sir
Orbec in Normandy 26. April 1789.

Colonel Brillent de la Radiere, my Brother, died in 1779, in

the service of the United Colonies—Congress was then indebted to him a depreciation, for which they are bound to me, his Heir, by a contract in the sum of 14800 and odd livres, bearing interest at the rate of 6⅌cent payable in Paris at the House of Mr Grand, Banker.
Mr Grand, when I have called upon him, has always answered that he had no funds for this object—The interest added to the principal makes at this day an amount of more then 20,000 livres. I will say nothing of the importance which such a succour would be to my moderate fortune: but, Sir, my country is in want of corn: The People are suffering, and they suffer much—The scarcity of this article has occasioned an excessive rise in the price—It abounds in the United Provinces, so that it would be very easy for Congress to acquit itself towards me, by ordering, for that purpose, a cargo of corn to be shipped for me to Havre to the address of Messrs Le Prevost, La Coudraie, Baudry & Co. Factors at Havre. This acquittance would be an act of beneficence, a solace to my district, an homage to the memory of the brave and generous Colonel la Radiere, and a slight consolation for his loss.
I would then remit agreeably to your orders the claim which I have—and it would be for me a real enjoyment to offer to Congress the tribute of my gratitude and that of my country—together with the profound respect with which I shall always be, Sir, their admirer, and the most humble, and most obedient of your Servants

La Vadiere


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 27 April 1789
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Philad. April 27. 1789

I have frequently called to see Billy he continues too bad to remove—Doctor Smith was uneasy without some other experienc’d Surgeon or Physician to look at his knee, and I called on Doctor Hutchinson They are of opinion that the present Sore reaches to the joint and that it would be very improper to remove him at least for a week or two, by which time he probably may be fit to send on by the Way of Bordentown but at present that he ought to be kept as still as possible And this prevents his being put to a private House, but you may depend on my care of, and attention to him, and that he shall be sent on without delay when his Surgeons think it safe.
I have bespoke the Scythes and Spades and Shovels, which will be ready by the arrival of a Vessel which is expected this week from Alexandria, and returns there immediately, by which Opportunity they shall be Shipped—Will you have the News papers continued to Mount Vernon or sent to you at Newyork—with the greatest respect I have the Honor to be your excellency’s Most Obed. sert

Clement Biddle


Title: To George Washington from James Cebra, 27 April 1789
From: Cebra, James
To: Washington, George

[New York] April 27th 1789

The Petition of James Cebra of the City of New York humbly Sheweth.
That your Petitioner is a Native of this City, in which he has formerly sustained the Character of a reputable Merchant, to which Business he was regularly bred: that he lived untill the late War, reputably and comfortably, but from its Effects, has become at the age of Fifty Nine, unable to support a Wife and small infirm Family.
For Proof of your Petitioners stedfast Attachment to his Country, and that his Misfortunes have not arisen from want of Industry,

and Prudence, he can chearfully appeal to the general Voice of his Fellow Citizens: as well as that he is fit to be entrusted with, and capable of serving his Country in the Office of a Tide Waiter in the Customs, which Employment he most humbly solicits, and Your Petitioner shall ever pray

James Cebra


Title: To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 27 April 1789
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 27th 1789

I have an ambition to take a share in Your Excellency’s administration, and know of no line in which I can render so good service as in the judicial department. Having expressed this, it will, I trust, not be deemed indelicate in me to give a short account of myself & my studies.
I was born in Chester county in this State, and having been instructed for seven years in the latin and greek languages, and the arts & sciences usually taught in the schools, I commenced the study of the law at the age of sixteen in Newcastle; at the age of twenty I was admitted to the bar in the courts of common pleas and also in the supreme court of Delaware and soon after in the supreme courts of Pennsylvania & New Jersey. From that time to the present, the law has been my principal study and my only profession. It is true I have gone thro’ the rotine of office, have been annually elected for seventeen years a member of Assembly for Newcastle county; was a member of Congress, first at New-York in 1765, and from 1774 until the day I had assurance that the preliminaries of peace were signed: But these employments added to and enlarged my legal knowledge.
Among the learned, I early in life received the degree of Master of Arts from the College of Philadelphia, and have since been honored with the degree of Doctor of Laws by two other Colleges & one University. I am also a Trustee of three incorporated

seminaries of learning, and a member of several societies for the promoting the arts & useful knowledge.
My official rank may probably be known to you, I shall therefore only mention, that I have been Speaker of the Delaware Assembly both before and since the Revolution, and sometime President of Congress: In 1766 I first took a seat on the Bench at Newcastle, having before been in the commission of the peace & a Justice of the common pleas for that county, and had influence enough to have justice administered upon unstamped paper. When the Stamp-Act was repealed I returned to the Bar, & there remained until 1777, when I was appointed Chief Justice of the supreme court of Pennsylvania; which station I have now held near twelve years, having been twice chosen by an unanimous ballot. These honors & offices were confered unsollicited by me, and most of them without my previous knowledge.
My character must be left to the World. I have lived in troublesome times, in an unsettled & tumultuous government: A good Judge cannot be very popular; but I believe, that my integrity has never been called in question, and it is certain, that no judgment of the supreme court of Pennsylvania since the Revolution has been reversed, or altered in a single Iotta. A book of reports, by Counsellor Dallas, is now in the press here and will be abroad in about two months, from which some judgment may be formed in the other States of our decisions. I will only add, that I am by habit and inclination the man of business.
Your Excellency will be pleased to excuse this particular self-detail, when it shall be considered, that if you think fit to advance me to this station, my reputation will become in a degree your interest, and my pretensions should be known.
Having lost by depreciated Congress-money upwards of six thousand pounds of my own acquiring (for I have been the maker of my own fortune) I have a wish to recover in some honorable way at least a part of it, for the sake of eight promising children; however, tho’ not affluent I am still above the fear of want, and I owe no man anything but good-will.
This having been a sudden resolution, I have not dropped the least hint of it to any person whomsoever. With respect to the Senators, I am personally known to most of them, and flatter myself not to my disadvantage; but in this opinion I may be

mistaken, for the politics of some of them did not co-incide with mine. However I mean not to trouble them.
For this freedom I must trust to Your great goodness. It is (tho’ I am not three years younger than Your Excellency) my first essay of the kind. If you shall approve of this overture, I promise you to execute the Trust with assiduity & fidelity and according to the best of my abilities; the only return that I can make, and that, I know, you wish for. There is but one thing more I have to say, and that is, if you should make a single Enemy, or loose a single friend by gratifying my desire, I most sincerely beg you will never spend a thought on the subject; for I profess myself to be, with the utmost attachment and regard, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble servt

Thos M: Kean


Title: To George Washington from William Macpherson, 27 April 1789
From: Macpherson, William
To: Washington, George

April 27th 1789

I hope your Excellency will pardon my troubling you at this important moment, on a subject which relates solely to my

self—but necessity, and a reliance on the benevolence of your Excellencys disposition, induce me to use the liberty.
Having after the conclusion of the War connected my self in Life, I now find my self under very embarrassed circumstances, owing to causes a detail of which I shall not presume to trouble your Excellency with—surrounded by large and increasing family, with the painfull reflection, of not being able to contribute to their support and advancement, owing to my never having been bred to any business—I am therefore, urged by the advice of many of my friends, seconded by my own inclination, induced to offer my self a Candidate for some employment under the Government, which has now happily commenced its operation—and understanding its probable, a System for the collection of the Revenue, some what similar to that which is now in operation in England, may perhaps be adopted, in which case—in the Port of Philadelphia, a Comptroller, a Collector, and a Surveyor will be necessary; I hope I may be pardoned for offering my self for the last mentioned office, the duties of which do not require a knowledge of business; Integrity, attention, and activity, being the only requisites—and which I trust I shall not deserve the imputation of vanity when I say I possess.
Tho I have used the freedom of mentioning this particular Office, which may perhaps never be created, shoud there be any other, among the numerous appointments that necessarily will be made, to the duties of which your Excellency may be pleased to think me competent, I hope your Excellency will pardon my hopeing I may be rememberd.
I beg your Excellency will be pleased to pardon the presumption I am now guilty of, and that your Excellency will believe me to be with the most profound respect, your Excellencies most hble servant

W. Macpherson


Title: To George Washington from James Milligan, 27 April 1789
From: Milligan, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia April 27th 1789

It is with much diffidence and hesitation, that, I presume to address your Excellency at a period, when business and applications must croud upon your time and patience; But urged by some of my friends, and relying on Your Excellency’s well known goodness, I am encouraged, with all possible deference and respect, briefly to put you in mind of an old and, I hope, not an unworthy Servant of the Public. Suffer me just to mention that, from July 1776 to November 1787, a period of more than Eleven years of the prime of my life, I had the honor of filling Confidential and respectable Offices, and, it is probable, might have continued to this time, had it not been thought proper to abolish that I last held, merely on a principle of Economy, Whether that economy was true or false, does not become me to say. At any rate, it was the Office that was objected to, not the officer. Should these, or other reasons, induce Your Excellency to think me worthy of a Suitable employment under the New Government, You would lay me under the Strongest obligations of duty to you, and to the Public. As I know not what Departments are to be formed, or Arrangements are to take place, I cannot Solicit anything in particular, but, durst I indulge a wish, my situation, connections, and habits, would lead me to prefer living in Philadelphia, could my Services there be useful and Acceptable; But this I venture, merely as a wish, and should it be impracticable, I would, as heretofore, follow where duty required.
Lest I should not be Sufficiently known to Your Excellency, I take the liberty of mentioning the Names of the Honble Robert Morris and Charles Thomson Esquires, who have had many years Official knowledge of me. More might be mentioned, but

I hope these, with Such others as may occur to Your Excellency, may be deemed Sufficient for information.
Whatever may be the fate of this first application I ever made, Suffer me to assure you Sir, I shall continue, as at all times heretofore, to respect your person, and to venerate your Virtues. I have the Honor to be with the greates[t] veneration Sir Your Excellencys Most devoted humble Servant

Jas Milligan


Title: To George Washington from John Beatty, 28 April 1789
From: Beatty, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Princeton [N.J.] 28th April 1789

Having been honoured, by the State of New Jersey, in the appointment, to several public Employments, and which I am flattered by my Friends, as having discharged with Fidelity and attention; I am induced, thro their Solicitation, to offer myself as a Candidate for public favor, Under Your Excellys Administration and to Entreat you, to place my name on the List of Nomination, for the Collectors Office in this State. In asking this indulgence, it is proper I should apologize to Your Excelly for the want of those Testimonials, which usually accompany applications of this kind; and which probably would have been obtained; had time permitted, since I had taken the resolution of soliciting the public patronage; but on this occasion, I am happy in having it in my power, to refer Your Excelly, for Every necessary Information to the worthy Gentlemen, who represent this State in the Senate of the United States: And I have only further, with the Utmost deference to suggest, that from the difusive State of Commerce in New Jersey and its Extensive Sea Coast; Vigilance and Activity, seems to be more peculiarly requisite: in these respects, my Central Situation in the State, and where the Earliest & daily information may be obtained from almost every part of the State & from the great trading Cities of New York & Philada, promise to be an advantage. With sentiments of the greatest Respect I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys most obededient Servt

John Beatty


Title: To George Washington from James B. Nickolls, 28 April 1789
From: Nickolls, James B.
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York, April 28th 1789.

Amongst the numerous applicants for appointments to office, I beg leave to offer myself a Candidate for that of Collector of the Customs at the Port of Norfolk & Portsmouth in Virginia, the latter has been my residence for four Years past in which I have real property, & I flatter myself I possess so much the good will of the People, there, as to be perfectly agreeable to them in the Office I solicit.
  For my Character, I beg leave to referr You to the Honble Robt Morris Esqr. Senator for the State of Pensa Thos Fitzsimons Esqr. representative for the same & Josa Parker Esqr. representative for Virginia. This mode of application, which involves the trouble of inquiry on your part, is Such, I am informd, as you desire to recieve in preferrance to letters of recommendation in favor of the persons applying. For this publick favour I acknowledge I have no further pretensions, than a Confidence in my ability to discharge the duties of the Office, & a Consciousness of my integrity, of which you will be more fully informd by the Gentlemen allready referr’d to.
I have only to add that the Security you may please to require from me, shall be given at any time you may think proper. With real respect I have the honor to remain Sir Yr Mo. Obedt & very Humble Servant

Jas B. Nickolls


Title: To George Washington from George Walker, 28 April 1789
From: Walker, George
To: Washington, George

New York April 28th 1789

No Doubt but you will be surprised to Receve a Letter of this sort from a stranger. The more so when you perseve the Author to be a soldier, but hope my Sittuation will Pleade an excuse. To be short, I’m a Discharged Soldier from the Ohio, that I Receved sevon months ago; without, one Farthing, almost Naked, altho I had a Years Clothing Due, and a Journey of six hundred miles to New-York. I Have braved a sevear Winter, and began a Journey cross the Mountains from Pitts-Burgh in the Depth of Winter, without money, Depending upon the Humain Inhabitants, for a Subsistance all this I Bore with Pattience, expecting the Reward on my arival in York, but could only get three Months pay. A Number of my fellow suffrers have been Reduced to the Necessity of Selling their pay at half its amount. I have Mine Yet But my Financess are Nigh exhausted. My Request is Information when and how we are to be paid, then I shall know whether I shall Enjoy the Fruts of my Labour, or by Selling it Enrich some enervated Citizen who Lived Emmers’d in Luxrey, while I Lay in a Hooling Wilderness Gnawing my scantey Pound, perhaps half Bone Deprived of the Last of Comfort Sleep, apprehencive of the Savage Foe. I Hope the Great Fredom will be excused taken by your Excellencys most Humble and obedient Servant

George Walker

N.B. I Brought my Comerads Discharge and an order to Receve his pay, But Could not gett one Coper upon it, while the Man, that Came with me, with Exactley the same order for his Comerads pay has Receved the Whole of it Through the Intersession of a Delegate in Congress. But He is a Native of America I a Europian an alien and Strainger in this Countrey, and Need Expect no such Friendship unless Your Excellency Prove my Friend and Benefactor.


Title: To George Washington from George Biscoe, 29 April 1789
From: Biscoe, George
To: Washington, George

Respected Sir
Maryland April 29th 1789.

Before the late revolution I was for several years employed in three different Naval Departments, and since the Government was new modell’d had the honor of the appointment by the Executive of this State to the Trust of Naval Officer for the District of Patuxent & presuming that an Appointment of the Several Naval Officers to the different Districts of the United States will under the Fœderal Goverment to be regulated by you. Permit me to offer you a respectfull tender of my Services and to assure you, (if accepted) that I will by unwearied diligence & a strict attention to the Trust merit your confidence. I have the Honor to be Your most Obedient & very Humble Servant

Geo: Biscoe


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Baldwin, 30 April 1789
From: Baldwin, Abraham
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 30th April 1789

An appointment from the State of Georgia as one of their representatives in congress lays me under the necessity of resigning my seat at the general board of commissioners for finally

adjusting all accounts between the United States and the individual States. With the greatest possible respect I have the honour to be your most devoted humble Servant

Abr. Baldwin


Title: To George Washington from William Lindsay, 30 April 1789
From: Lindsay, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York April 30th 1789

If you are not already fatigued with the Numerous similar Applications that have already been made, I will with Permission make known to you it is my wish to be continued Naval Officer of Norfolk. for circumstances, I refur you to Col. Parker, who was present at my Appointment. having served in the Army—the Executive thought my pretentions equal to any that offer’d. Should you think that my past services, merit the attention of your Excellency, I will faithfully devote my best ability & endeavors to the public Service. I have the honor to be with every sentiment of gratitude & Respect Your Excellencys most Obt & very Humbe Servt

Wm Lindsay


Title: To George Washington from Reuben Wilkinson, 30 April 1789
From: Wilkinson, Reuben
To: Washington, George

Sir
New york the 30th of April 1789

Having had the honor of being annually appointed Collector of the Port of Savannah for two years by a very respectable majority of the Legislature of the State of Georgia—
my desire of continuing in that situation induces me to trouble you on the subject of my reappointment; this trouble has been rendered necessary in as much as the Constitution of the United States has taken that power out of the State Legislature, and placed it in the President who by and with the advice of the Senate are to appoint revenue Officers. Therefore as a Candidate for the Office of Collector of the Port of Savannah I beg you to make the nomination in my favor; that you may be enabled to do this with the greater degree of Propriety I refer to the Senators from Georgia to assertain my conduct in that Office—trusting if you find it agreeable you will comply with my request and confer in addition to the many oblga[tions] which in common with my other fellow Citizens I am under to your goodness, a favor that will ever be greatfully remembered, assureing

you at the same that no exertion on my part shall be wanting to discharge my duty with promptitude fidelity and punctuallity. I am Sir respectfully your Honors Obt Hble Sert

R. Wilkinson


Title: Editorial Note
From:
To:

Editorial Note
  [New York, 30 April 1789]
  By early 1789 GW reluctantly accepted the inevitability of his election as president, and as early as January he began consideration of the remarks to Congress that would serve as his first inaugural address. Evidently he requested David Humphreys, at this time in residence at Mount Vernon, to draft for him remarks that could be delivered to Congress in the event of his election to the presidency. Sometime before early January, Humphreys apparently produced a lengthy document for GW’s use. On 2 Jan. GW wrote to James Madison that he wanted to send him by a safe conveyance “a private & confidential letter” for his consideration, and on 14 Jan. Madison suggested that GW send the letter through Fontaine Maury, the postmaster at Fredericksburg. Madison’s notations on the 2 Jan. letter indicate that the proposed “confidential” letter dealt with GW’s inaugural address; apparently GW forwarded the draft to Madison in another letter that on GW’s retained copy was dated simply “January.” This letter is now missing but it is described in later correspondence between Madison and Jared Sparks, the nineteenth-century editor of GW’s writings. In the late 1820s when Sparks was collecting manuscripts for his edition, he came across the January letter among GW’s papers at Mount Vernon. Already in touch with Madison concerning Madison’s correspondence with GW, Sparks wrote to him on 22 May 1827: “The letter dated Jany 1789, related to the Message to the first congress, and there is preserved with it the copy of a message, or as he calls it, a speech, in his own hand, which I presume is the same that was sent to you for your revision, according to the request in his letter. The person to whom he alludes as the author of it, and whom he designates as a ‘gentleman under this roof,’ I suppose to be Colonel Humphreys. The Speech, as copied by Washington, extends to seventy three pages,

in which is included a short space for a prayer, that was to be introduced after the first paragraph. It is certainly an extraordinary production for a message to Congress, and it is happy, that Washington took counsel of his own understanding, and of his other friends, before he made use of this document. No part of it seems to have been formally introduced in the real message.” Madison replied on 30 May that he concurred “without hesitation, in your remarks on the speech of 73 pages, and in the expediency of not including it among the papers selected for the press. Nothing but an extreme delicacy towards the author of the Draft, who no doubt, was Col: Humphreys, can account for the respect shown to so strange a production.” Several months later Sparks again brought up the January letter in discussing with Madison letters copied into GW’s letter books: “The letter to you of Jany, 1789, is the first draft, not recorded in the books, and is in some respects curious. It is in the highest degree confidential, and is not such a letter as I should think of printing, yet it gives me a clue to some important facts, that will be useful to me.” Madison noted at the bottom of GW’s letter to him of 2 Jan. that “the letter being peculiarly confidential was returned or rather left with its enclosure, at Mt Vernon on my way to N. York. The return tho not asked nor probably expected, was suggested by a motive of delicacy.” Nor, as Madison noted, was any copy of his comments on the enclosure retained.
Sparks, who was permitted by Judge Bushrod Washington to move much of GW’s correpondence from Mount Vernon to his offices in Boston, began work on his edition of GW’s writings in 1829. He was, of course, correct in his assertion that little or nothing of the draft was finally used in GW’s inaugural address to Congress, and he concluded there was little merit in retaining the draft among the papers. Besieged by autograph seekers, Sparks cut the address in snippets of varying size and distributed them to those seeking a fragment of GW’s writing. The surviving fragments are frequently accompanied by a notation by Sparks that they are genuine examples of GW’s writing. It remains uncertain whether the document sent to Madison with GW’s January letter was Humphreys’s original draft, which has not been found, or the version in GW’s writing, which exists only in fragmentary form. It is equally uncertain how closely the version copied by GW corresponds to the Humphreys draft and to what extent GW may have altered or amended it in his copy. Those fragments of the address that have been recovered are in as logical an order as possible, although some are too fragmentary to place and clearly much of the original document has not been recovered. GW enlisted Madison’s aid in drafting other messages to Congress in early May, and he may well have asked his assistance in formulating a new

address. Alternatively, he may have requested a new draft from David Humphreys and in either case made his own alterations. Only GW’s draft of the address in the version actually delivered to both houses of Congress on 30 April seems to have survived.
By the last days of April Congress was well on its way to making the final arrangements for administering the oath of office to the new president. On 25 April the Senate committee appointed to consider “the time, place, and manner in which, and of the person by whom the oath prescribed by the Constitution shall be administered to the President of the United States” reported that GW had indicated that he would agree with any arrangements by Congress for the ceremonies. After consultation among the committee members, both houses agreed that the oath should be administered by Robert R. Livingston, chancellor of the state of New York, in the gallery outside the Senate chamber and that “after the oath shall have been administered to the President, he, attended by the Vice President and the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, proceed to St. Paul’s Chapel, to hear Divine Service, to be performed by the Chaplain of Congress already appointed.”
Crowds began to gather in front of the presidential mansion early on the morning of 30 April, the day designated for the inaugural, and, according to Tobias Lear’s diary entry for the day, GW’s “morning was employed in making such arrangements as were necessary for the ceremonies of the day. At nine o’clock all the churches in the city were opened, and prayers offered up to the Great Ruler of the universe for the preservation of the President. At twelve the troops of the city paraded before our door, and, soon after, the committees of Congress and heads of departments came in their carriages to wait upon the President to the Federal Hall. At half past twelve the procession moved forward, the troops marching in front with all the ensigns of military parade. Next came the committees and heads of departments in their carriages. Next the President in the state coach, and Colonel Humphreys and myself in the President’s own carriage. The foreign ministers and a long train of citizens brought up the rear.
“About two hundred yards before we reached the hall, we descended from our carriages, and passed through the troops, who were drawn up on each side, into the Hall and Senate-chamber, where we found the Vice-President, the Senate, and House of Representatives assembled. They received the President in the most respectful manner, and the Vice-President conducted him to a spacious and elevated seat at the head of the room. A solemn silence prevailed. The Vice-President soon arose and informed the President, that all things were prepared to administer the oath whenever he should see fit to proceed

to the balcony and receive it. He immediately descended from his seat, and advanced through the middle door of the Hall to the balcony. The others passed through the doors on each side. The oath was administered in public by Chancellor Livingston; and, the moment the chancellor proclaimed him President of the United States, the air was rent by repeated shouts and huzzas,—‘God bless our Washington! Long live our beloved President!”’ One observer noted that in the center of the balcony was placed “a table with a rich covering of red velvet; and upon this was a crimson velvet cushion, on which lay a large and elegant Bible.” GW’s appearance on the balcony “was announced by universal shouts of joy and welcome. He was dressed in a suit of black velvet, and his appearance was most dignified and solemn. Advancing to the front of the balcony, he laid his hand on his heart, and bowed several times, and then retreated to an arm-chair near the table.” The oath was taken around one o’clock in the afternoon. The company then returned to the Senate chamber where GW delivered his inaugural address. “It was a very touching scene,” Fisher Ames wrote, “and quite of the solemn kind. His aspect grave, almost to sadness; his modesty, actually shaking; his voice deep, a little tremulous, and so low as to call for close attention.”
Opinions as to the effectiveness of GW’s address varied from Ames, who “sat entranced,” to William Maclay’s less charitable account: “This great man was agitated and embarrassed more than ever he was by the leveled cannon or pointed musket. He trembled, and several times could scarce make out to read, though it must be supposed he had often read it before. . . . When he came to the words all the world, he made a flourish with his right hand, which left rather an ungainly impression. I sincerely, for my part, wished all set ceremony in the hands of the dancing-masters, and that this first of men had read off his address in the plainest manner . . . for I felt hurt that he was not first in everything.” Following the address the president and the members of the House and Senate walked about seven hundred yards to St. Paul’s Chapel to attend services conducted by the Rev. Dr. Samuel Provoost, bishop of the Episcopal church of New York and rector of Trinity Church. Prayers were offered and a Te Deum sung, and after the services GW retired to the presidential mansion. He apparently dined quietly at home; then as Lear noted in his diary, “the President, Colonel Humphreys, and myself went in the beginning of the evening in the carriages to Chancellor Livingston’s and General Knox’s, where we had a full view of the fire-works.”
The celebration in the evening was, as Col. John May put it in his journal, “more supurb than the day if possable the fire works display’d, at Bowelling Green magnificent beyond Discription.” Many

residences and places of business were illuminated. Don Diego de Gardoqui had, he reported to the Spanish minister of state, decorated the front of his house “with two magnificent transparent gardens, adorned with statues, natural size, imitating marble. . . . There were also various flower-pots, different arches with foliage and columns of imitation marble, and on the sky of these gardens were placed thirteen stars, representing the United States of America—two of which stars showed opaque, to designate the two States which had not adopted the Constitution.” After viewing the fireworks, GW and his party returned to the presidential residence about ten o’clock in the evening, traveling on foot because the crowds thronging the streets were too great to permit the passage of carriages.