Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 3 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Whitting, Anthony

Mr Whiting,
Philadelphia Feby 3d 1793.

Your letter of the 25th of Jany came duly to hand; but the usual one, containing the Reports, is not yet arrived; detained, as is supposed with the Mail, by Ice in the Susquehanna.
Under cover with this letter you will receive some Lima Beans which Mrs Washington desires may be given to the Gardener;

also Panicum or Guinea Corn, from the Island of Jamaica, which may be planted merely to see the uses it can be applied to; & the white bent grass with the description of it by Mr Hawkin’s (one of the Senators, who had it from Mr Bassett of Delaware State, another of the Senator). If the Acct of it be just, it must be a valuable grass; I therefore desire it may be sowed in drills, & to the best advantage for the purpose of Seed. These things which are intended for experiments, or to raise as much Seed from, as can be; shd never be put in fields, or meadows; for there, (if not forgot) they are neglected; or swallowed up in the fate of all things within the Inclosures that contain them. This has been the case of the Chicorium (from Mr Young) & a grass which sold for two Guineas a quart in England and presented to me—And the same, or some other fate equally as bad has attended a great many curious seeds which have been given to, & sent home by me at different times—but of which I have heard nothing more; either from the inattention which was given to them in the first instance; neglect in the cultivation; or not watching the period of their seeding, and gathering them without waste. The intention of the little garden by the Salt house &ca, was to receive such things as required but a small space for their cultivation. And what is called the Vineyard Inclosure, was designed for other articles of experiment, or for seed which required still greater Space before they were adopted upon a large scale; yet, the plants which are deposited there are, generally, so over-run with grass & Weeds as to be destroyed before a judgment can be formed of their utility. This, I know, has absolutely been the case with many things which have been given to me as curiosities, or for their value. From the fancy grass (of which I have (being told that both horses & cattle are fond of it) a high opinion) I have been urging for years (it being more than five since I sowed it my self) the saving of Seed; yet, it is almost in Statu quo; because the necessary measures have not been taken to propagate & save the Seed, & because it will not, I believe, be overcome by any thing else—whilst other things not so hardy have been eradicated by the grass & weeds. I now desire that all these things may be attended to by the Gardener & those who are with him—aided, if necessary, by the house gang. I will enquire if Orchard grass Seed is to be had here & will send some; but I must entreat you to save me, as much as possible from the necessity of purchasing

seeds; for the doing it is an intolerable expence. I once was in the habit of saving a great deal of this & other Seeds annually; and this habit might easily have been continued, if measures had been taken in time for it.
I am sorry to hear that you have so sick a family. In all cases that require it, let the Doctor be sent for in time. As I do not know what boy (before I get home) would be best to send to the Mill, the measure may be suspended until I arrive. If the Miller would be attentive (in time) to the wants of the Mill, there is certainly intercourse enough between the Mansion house and it, to obtain supplies witho⟨ut⟩ special messengers; & I know no Right he has to be sending my people on any other business.
I have no doubt at all, of Wheat & flours bearing a good price this Spring; the causes that occasioned the rise in these articles still exist, & in a greater degree; but, that I may know when the price offered, comes up to my ideas, keep me regularly advised of the Alexandria Rates, the prices here of Superfine flour is 42/ & that of Fine 39/ pr Barrl of 196 lbs. Wheat 8/6 pr Bushl.
It appears to me, that it is scarcely necessary to put Tom Davis to the Saw so late in the season; the time is not far off when Brick laying—preparing the foundation—&ca must necessarily take him from it. Therefore, as he is better acquainted with the business than any of my people I should conceive he had better employ the interval in finishing the painting, unless you think (house) Frank could do it equally well. In that case, as it will probably be the last of March before I shall be at home—for a few days—he might be as advantageously occupied in that business as in any other.
Speaking of laying bricks (by which I mean the foundation for the Barn at Dogue run) it reminds me of asking again if the Bricks at that place have been assorted & counted; that the deficiency of the wanted number, if any, might have had the earth thrown up, from the foundation of the bu⟨ild⟩ing, in time to be ameliorated by the fr⟨ost⟩s of the Winter. Directions will forever escape you, unless you keep a pocket memorandum book to refresh the memory; and questions asked (in my letters) will often go unanswered unless, when you are about to write, the letter is then, not only read over, but all the parts, as you read on, is noted, either on a piece of waste paper, or a Slate which require to be touched upon in your answr.

I hope the delivery to and the application of Nails, by the Carpenters, will undergo a pretty Strict comparative scrutiny, without expressing any suspicion, unless cause shall be given for it. I cannot conceive how it is possible that 6000 twelve penny nails could be used in the Corn house at River Plantn but of one thing I have no great doubt and that is—if they can be applied to other uses—or converted into cash, Rum, or other things, there will be no scruple in doing it.
I can conceive no latch (sufficient to answer the purpose, & not always out of sorts) more simple or cheaper than those to the white gates, unornimented, which is unnecessary. a thin plate of Iron, kept in place by an old Iron hoop (of which I presume hundreds could be got in Alexandria for a mere song) & staple for it to catch in, is, in my opinion, as cheap as any thing that (will not always be a plague) can be devised. The advantage of this latch is, that let the Gate Swag as it may, it always catches. The top of the flat Iron ought to shew, that strangers may know how to open it on either side but there is not the least occasion for the round like that at the Gumspring—nor of the Curl like those at the White Gates; nor is there any occasion to make the flat part longer, or stiffer than is necessary for the spring. Most other kind of latches after the gates settle are not only insecure but exceedingly troublesome; instance that at the ferry, which was vexing to every one who went in—I was obliged always to dismount either to open or shut it. However, if you know of any other kind more simple than the above—equally secure—and which will not be troublesome to open, I have no objectn to the adoption.
It would be proper, I conceive, as the house people are under the care of Mr Butler, to entrust Will (Overseer as he is called) in preference to Davis, with the Command of the Boat, & such other out of sight Jobs, as may occur, and require confidence; and, as they do not agree, to let them interfere as little as can be avoided, with each other. The latter is high spirited, and in the instance you mention was disobedient to the other, whom he ought to have respected on two accts—namely—being his uncle, & having been an Overseer—The former (Will) unless he feels hurt in being superceded in his Overseership, is entilled to more confidence; though, I believe, both of them will drink.
Sarah Flatfoot (you call her Lightfoot) has been accustomed

to receive a pair of Shoes, Stockings, a Country cloth Petticoat, & an Oznabrig shift, all ready made annually, & it is not meant to discontinue them: you will therefore furnish them to her.
As the matter has been mentioned to Mr Chichester, I now wish you would see him yourself on the Subject of Major Harrisons land; and find out, if you can from him, the circumstances under which it is—whether he seems to have any inclination to become the purchaser of it. At what price pr Acre, or otherwise, it was offered to him; and for what he thinks it could be bought; Intimating what you conceive to be my motives for making it—if made at all by me.
If the Mail should arrive before this letter is closed, and I have time, I will acknowledge the receipt of it; if not, and nothing requires to be noticed sooner, I shall delay writing until this day week as usual. I am Your friend &ca

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 5 February 1793 [letter not found]
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 5 Feb. 1793. In his letter to Whitting of 17 Feb., GW acknowledged that “your letter of the 5th instt, covering the Reports of the week preceeding that, is at hand.”


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 6 February 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir
[Philadelphia] 6 [February] 1793

Please to submit the enclosed letters from Governors Moultrie and Blount to the President of the United States. Yours sincerely

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to James Keith, 7 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Keith, James

Sir,
Philada feby 7th 1793

The enclosed letter from Colo. Hooe, with a statement of Mr Bennett’s claim against Colo. Colville’s estate, will shew you how anxious he is to have that matter settled—and you well know how extremely anxious I am to have all the business relative

to that estate closed as soon as it can possibly be done. I must therefore beg, Sir, that no time m[a]y be lost in settling the matter with the assignees of Mr Semple, in conformity with the Judgement obtained against them, if an injunction has not issued to stay execution, which I was informed they would endeavour to obtain. Should an injunction have issued, the event of another suit must be awaited before there can be a settlement of Mr Bennett’s Acot. And at any rate, it will be proper to investigate the particulars of Mr Bennett’s Acot and compare them with the documents in your possession relative to Colo. Colville’s estate; for I cannot trust to my memory enough to enable me to form an opinion of the particulars of it but do confess that it assumes a shape very different from the idea I retain of the legacy that was left him in the Will by the Testator.
I have referred Colo. Hooe to you for information as to the state of the business with Mr Semple’s assignees. And, at the same time, I must beg you will let me know as early as possible the situation of that matter, and inform me of the fees that have been paid or are due to the Lawyers who were engaged in that suit on the part of the Executors, with the other expenses incurred in that business that the whole may be laid before the Court & a final settlemt take place.
I cannot close this letter, without repeating to you the anxiety I feel to have a final settlement of all matters relative to this estate, and the reliance I have on your attention & industry to leave nothing undone within your power to bring them to a speedy close. With esteem I am Sir &c.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Parker, 7 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Parker, Thomas

Sir,
Philada Feby 7th 1793.

I have received your letter of the 17th of January, desiring to know the terms upon which I would dispose of a tract of land which I have in Glocester County: And in reply thereto, I can only inform you, that I received it on the 1st of October 1789 at a valuation of £800 Virga Currency, in part payment of a bond due to me, and that I am willing to dispose of it for the same sum, with interest from the said first day of Oct. 1789.
If this price should be agreeable to you, and the time of payment made convenient to me, the bargain may soon be closed. It would suit me to receive the money immediately on giving possession of the land; but if that should not comport with the convenience of the purchaser, the matter may possibly be accommodated by allowing a short time for the payment, letting the debt stand upon good security & with interest.
Should you on this view of the matter incline to purchase the abovementioned land, you will be so good as to let me know your determination without delay, and the time in which you would propose to make payment. I am, Sir Your most Obedt Sert.


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 8 February 1793
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

Sir
Washington 8th Feby 1793

We have received your favour of 31st January on the subject of the Compensation necessary to be made us for our part and future services as Commissioners, and requiring a candid communication of our Sentiments thereupon—As it is both Interesting and delicate and withall one in which we are jointly concerned we hope it will be a sufficient apology for our not entering on it at present, that Mr Johnson is not with us, owing to indisposition—From a letter just received from him, we expect him before we can possibly rise, when we shall give it very candidly.
The continuance of Mr Ellicott’s ill humor with us on account of the opinion which his letter necessarily extracted from us at our last meeting has made the present a very disagreeable one to us—We have done every thing in our power to pr[e]serve a good agreement for the time he is with us but in vain—He refuses to give us any Account of the business of his department till he has finished in May[.] If he should persist in this opinion after reflection, it will be impossible for us to continue him even to that time As such an example cannot fail extending its influence to all others under our direction—As the season is fast aproaching for commencing operations and we feel strongly the necessity of using every exertion in our power to inspire confidence which a spirited prosicution of the several objects of our

employment in the course of the Summer can give, we have to lament that only ten thousand Dollars have been yet received from Virginia on your second Draft—We have written to the executive of that State requesting a payment of the ballance—For fear we should not meet with sucess would it not be advisable to send your Draft on the Maryland treasury for the third Installment of that State. Our embarrassment will be very great if we cannot soon obtain money either from the one or the other. We are &c.

Dd Stuart
Danl Carroll


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 8 February 1793
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
St Neots Huntingdonshire [England]Feby 8. 1793.

I write, to testify the continuance of my affection; & to express my hopes, that before the receipt of this You will happily have entered into the 62d year of your age. I doubt not your having been re-elected to the Presidentship, & I most sincerely wish you may fill it the next four years with equal reputation, ease, & success: & if you are assisted with the joint abilities of the same vice-president, secretary of state, & secretary of the treasury, you will go near to do it, if health & strength are granted from Heaven, which I pray God may be the case. The flames of war are spreading in Europe. May they issue in the overthrow of civil & ecclesiastic tyranny, & in bestowing upon the inhabitants the liberties to which they are justly entitled, without destroying subordination! May the United States enjoy peace during the contest; & be thereby at liberty to supply their friends with provision &c! I suspect that Demourier is making forced marches for Amsterdam. Should he succeed, & possess himself of the naval stores &c. of the Dutch, it may produce a revolution in Holland, & introduce a form of government more favorable to the rights of all orders, than what has been for many past years. The present British war I consider as having in principles a great affinity to the last, & as entered into upon the like presumptuous hopes of being soon ended, from a confidence in the amazing power of the confederates. But the conquering event is not always to the strong. May it issue as the former, in liberating the human race from despotism! We shall rejoice in the reception of a few lines assuring us of your & your Lady’s health. That the best of blessings may attend

you thro’ life, & terminate in everlasting blessedness, is the earnest prayer of Mrs Gordon, & Your Excellency’s most sincere & affectionate friend

William Gordon


Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 8 February 1793
From: Humphreys, David
To: Washington, George

(Private & confidential)
My dear Sir.Gibralter Feby 8th 1793.
An easterly wind having suddenly sprung up, I am obliged to leave this in an hour for the Port of Lagos, (not very distant from Lisbon) or run the risque of being detained here several weeks, or even perhaps Months. For information, I beg leave to refer you to my two last public letters, of equal date, to the Secretary State.
My design in writing this is only to suggest two hints, to be taken into consideration or laid aside without ceremony, as occasion may require. The first is whether you would chuse to make use of Mr Church (who is certainly on his way from Bourdeaux to Lisbon) in the Morocco business. This is merely in confidence, & lest no Person should occur.
The second suggestion is, that (if you can find no other person but myself to undertake the affair which was first committed

to Admiral Jones & eventually to Mr Barclay) I will attempt the execution of the temporary Commission. And this upon the condition of having all the expences merely borne by the Public, and of having some Person sent by you or employed by me to do the writing & keep the accounts. For I had rather not accept, or even resign any appointment than be obliged to have public monies & perplexed accounts in my hands. I am determined never to be reproached for having in my possession public monies unaccounted for.
I speak of the expences of the voyage &c. being defrayed, because I should be obliged to be at nearly the same expence at Lisbon for House Horses & Servants as if I remained there. You know me sufficiently to be persuaded, that I should not be profuse in the expenditure. And I now wish it to be understood, that I should only expect some trifling acknowledgement of the extra Service, by way of honorary Present, in case of success.
After all, I declare, in the sincerity of my Soul, I propose myself not from a desire to be employed, but as a last expedient in case you should find no other Person ready to attempt the execution of this business. In the greatest possible haste I have the honour to be My dear Sir Your Affe friend & humble Servant

D. Humphreys

P.S. I pray you will have the goodness to present my best respects to Mrs Washington, & my Compliments to my friends with you.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 8 February 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Feb. 8. 1793.

Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose to the President a communication from mister Ternant with it’s translation. he will have that of waiting on him on the subject tomorrow.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 8 February 1793
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Feby 8. 1793.

I send you the best Answers I can make to Sr J. St. Clair’s Queries. Had I supposed you wished them sooner I should have paid earlier Attention to them. I return the Book which I have not had Leisure enough to read with the Care it appears to merit. I have the Honour to be with the most respectful Esteem Your very obedt Servt

Richard Peters


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 8 February 1793 [letter not found]
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from David Stuart, 8 Feb. 1793. In his letter of 3 Mar. to Stuart, GW mentioned “your private letter” written “the 8th of last Month.”


Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 8 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

Dear Bushrod,
Philadelphia Feby 8th 1793.

I am sorry to think I have cause to accuse you of inattention to my requests. When you were at Mount Vernon last, I told you I had been informed that, the Assignees of Semple, against whom

I, as the Surviving Exr of Colo. Thos Colvill had obtained judgment on a Bond, either had thrown, or was about to throw the matter into Chancery; and I desired if this was, or should be the case that you would unite with Mr Chs Lee to bring the matter to issue as soon as possible: and at any rate, that you wd let me know the true state of the case. This you promised to do immediately upon your arrival in Richmond—since which I have not heard a word from you.
The Affairs of this Estate have been a source of extreme trouble & vexation to me, and I am very anxious indeed, to have them brought to a close as soon as possible.
My love, in which Mrs Washington joins me, is offered to Nancy—and I am always Your Affectionate Uncle

Go: Washington


Title: Conversation with a Joint Committee of Congress, 9 February 1793
From: Unknown
To:

[Philadelphia] Saturday February 9th: 1793

Mr King & Mr Smith, members of a joint committee of Congress appointed to report a mode of examining the votes for President & Vice-President, and of notifying the persons who shall be elected, of their election—and for regulating the time, place & manner of administering the Oath of Office to the President, called to advise, informally, with the President on the occasion, as some of the Committee had doubts of the propriety of the Oath being administered before the close of the President’s present term. The President answered, that he had never bestowed any thoughts on the subject—that being the first instance of the kind, a precedent ought to be established that would be proper—that the President, as to himself, shd be satisfied with whatever was resolved on; but if anything shd occur to him he would inform them of it.


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 9 February 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir.
War department February 9th 1793.

Please to submit to the President of the United States, the enclosed proposed draft of a letter to Governor Blount. I am Sir Your humble servant

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to William Moultrie, 10 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Moultrie, William

Sir
Philadelphia Feby 10th 1793.

I have been honored with your Excellency’s letter & duplicate of the 8th ultimo, enclosing the deposition of Benjamin Cleveland respecting the murder of some Cherokee Indians, which was transmitted to me Agreeably to a Resolve of the Legislature of South Carolina.
I cannot, on this occasion, forbear expressing to Your Excellency the extreme regret with which I learn that so cruel & unprovoked a murder has been committed by the white people, and particularly at this juncture. In vain may we expect peace with the Indians on our frontiers, so long as a lawless set of unprincipled

wretches can violate the rights of hospitality or infringe the most solemn treaties, without receiving the punishment they so justly merit.
So deeply is the safety & happiness of every good citizen & industrious settler on our frontiers involved in these attrocious Acts, that unless they will exert themselves to prevent such outrages or to bring the perpetrators of them to condeign punishment, no treaties can secure them, neither will it be in the power of the Government of the U.S. to protect their persons or property from the depredations of the Indians. With sentiments of respect & great esteem I have the honor to be Yr Excellency’s most Obed. St.


Title: To George Washington from James Gunn, 11 February 1793
From: Gunn, James
To: Washington, George

Sir.
[Philadelphia] February 11th 1793

At the time, that Mr John Rutledge Was appointed Chief Justice of the State of South Carolina, I did myself the honor to address you on the Subject of filling his Vacancy, and I took the liberty of mentioning Mr John Houstoun, as a Gentleman whose Professional abilities warranted my recommending him for an Appointment in the Federal Judiciary; at that time, I did not know Mr Houstouns sentiments respecting a Federal Appointment;

But I have since Conversed with him, and find him Solicitous to fill an Appointment in the Judiciary; and I will add, that his declining to come forward as a Senator from the State of Georgia, was owing to a Wish of being Employed in the department suitable to his Profession: Being Informed of the Resignation of Judge Johnson, it is my duty, to repeat the Application, and as the President have seen Mr Houstoun, since my first, he will Judge of the Propriety of the present. I have the honor to be With the highest respect sir, Your Very Obedt servt

James Gunn


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 11 February 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir
[Philadelphia] Monday 11 Feby 1793

Colonel Louis of the Cagnahwagnas has come to town, he says with some information from Canada, which he is to let me know today. Shall I ask him to dine with the senecas, at the Presidents to day? Yours

H. Knox

I have just recd yours, and the speech shall be submitted.


Title: To George Washington from David Burnes, 12 February 1793
From: Burnes, David
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Feby 12th 1793

I Presume to Address you a second time on a Subject which materially concerns me and my famely—I have applied to your Commissioners for redress to no purpose—You informed my Son the Commissioners would do every thing that was right if they had done right in my opinion they would have paid me for the Presidents Square Octr 1st 1791 when they began Occupying the above mentioned Square and I deprived of the use of the Ground. The Sales have taken place pretty generally on my Ground, I therefore expect payment Immediately, for all the appropriated ground, otherwise I must bring Suit against the Commissioners in order to make them do Justice—Mine is a peculiar case and requires Immediate redress—I possess no other Lands than those in the Center of the City All cut up and rendered useless for farming—I hope to be redressed through your interference and Procure from the Commissioners of the Federal City such assistance as the nature of the Original agreement and my exigencies render absolutely requisite. I have the Honour to be with great respect Your Obt & Hble Sert

David Burnes

P.S. I came to this City in order to Sell Lots but received no encouragement whatever I am Sir yr Hbl. Ser.

D. Burnes


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
[Philadelphia] Feby 12th 1793

Taking it for granted that the several matters enumerated in the Report, herewith returned, are supported by authenticated facts—thoroughly investigated—the statement of them, and the observations thereupon, accord with the sentiments of Dear Sir Yours &ca

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Sir,
Philadelphia Feb. 13th 1793.

Arrangements may be made with the Secretary of the Treasury for the immediate payment of One hundred thousand dollars on account of the debt due from the United States to France.
The statement of the Account between these Countries will, it is expected, be compleated tomorrow; and the bal[anc]e up to

the last of December be ascertained; when the propriety of further, and to what extent advances shall be made will be the subject of further consideration.
The Secretary of the Treasury knows of no settlement between Mr Jay & Mr Otto in the year 1789; and conceives if such did take place the document respecting it must be in the Secretary of States Office.

Go: Washington


Title: George and Martha Washington to Samuel and Elizabeth Willing Powel, 13 February 1793
From: Washington, George,Washington, Martha
To: Powel, Samuel,Powel, Elizabeth Willing

[Philadelphia] Wednesday 13th Feby [1793]

Genl & Mrs Washington return Complimts to Mr & Mrs Powell, & beg leave to inform them, that they are engaged to Dine with Mr Jacob Morris on Saturday next—where, in conformity to custom, they will be obliged to drink Tea, and consequently must be deprived of the pleasure intended them by Mr & Mrs Powell.


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 13 February 1793 [letter not found]
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 13 Feb. 1793. On 24 Feb., GW wrote Whitting, “Your letters of the 13th & 17th Instt have come duly to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 14 February 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Feb. 14. 93.

Th: Jefferson with his respects to the President sends him a letter from Mr Short.

Also a circular letter he has written to the foreign ministers at Philadelphia, in order to place his Report on commerce on safe ground as to them.
Also a copy of the statement of the French debt as furnished me by mister Ternant.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 14 February 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Feb. 14. 93.

Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President & returns him the letters from the Commissioners. he does not recollect whether he shewed him his letter to Ellicot the only one he has written to him since last Summer. lest he should not have done it he now incloses it. he thinks it impossible that any thing in that could have produced ill humour in Ellicot towards the Commissioners & if the President should be of the same opinion, & could recollect it in answering Dr Stewart, he would be glad he should be informed so.
Th: J. having a petition referred to him by the House of Representatives which renders it necessary for him to examine a little the extent of the claims of the 6. nations Southwardly, in former times, he will thank the President for an hour’s use of Evans’s analysis.


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 14 February 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir
War department February 14th 1793

As every thing explanatory of the disposition of the Northern and Western Indians is of importance at this moment, I submit to the President Colonel Louis’s speech, and also Hendricks information to Colonel Pickering and the opinion of the Colonel thereon.
I also submit to the President Brigadier General Putnams resignation. I am Dear Sir Your humble servant

H. Knoxsecy of War.


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 14 February 1793
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

private
My dear SirParis 14 Feby 1793
I have receivd yours of the twentieth of October which was very long on its Way. You will find that Events have blackened more and more in this Country. Her present Prospects are dreadful. It is not so much perhaps the external Force, great as that may be, for there are always Means of Defence in so vast a Nation. The exhausted State of Resources might also be borne with, if not remedied. But the Disorganized State of the Government appears to be irremediable. The Venality is such that if there be no Traitors it is because The Enemy has not Common Sense.

Without the Aid of Venality there are not a few who from mistaken Zeal and from Ignorance contribute to the Success of those Powers who are leagued against France. Many also under the Garb of Patriotism conceal their Attachment to the former Government[.] in Short the Fabrick of the present System is erected on a quagmire. The new Constitution has not yet made it’s Appearance but it is easy to conjecture what it will not be. In the mean Time I learn that the Ministers of War and Marine declare it impossible for them to go on. How all this will end God only knows but I fear it will end badly.
I will not speak of my own Situation. You will judge that it is far from pleasant. I could be popular but that would be wrong. The different Parties pass away like the Shadows in a Magic Lanthorn, & to be well with any one of them would in a short Period become Cause of unquencheable Hatred with the others. Happy Happy America governd by Reason, by Law, by the Man whom she loves, whom she almost adores. It is the Pride of my Life to consider that Man as my Friend and I hope long to be honor’d with that Title. God bless you my dear Sir and keep and preserve you. Your cool and steady Temper is now of infinite Consequence to our Country. As soon as I can see the Way open to any Thing decisive I shall inform you of it. At present I weary myself with unavailing Reflection Meditation and Conjecture. A Partition seems the most probable Event at present—Adieu. I am truly yours

Gouv. Morris


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 14 February 1793
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia february 14. 1793.

I have revolved with great attention the matter of the letter, which you yesterday did me the honor of confiding to my perusal.
Convulsed as we are, I cannot but believe, that there is scarcely a man in the government, whom party will not sooner or later destine for an attack. A communication therefore, which seems even to be tinctured with particular objects, will naturally excite caution. I hope, however, that I shall not be understood to insinuate the most distant suspicion of that affectionate attachment, which is professed; for I am truly persuaded of it. I mean no more, than that kind of caution, which would prevent you from hastily acceding to, or rejecting propositions, so delicate in themselves.
What is due to the French nation, up to the close of 1792, ought, if practicable, to be paid to the existing authorities of France. This can never be questioned, as to its validity, or propriety, let the shape of their government be what it will; nor can it give just umbrage to any member of the hostile confederacy.
But as this sum is probably far below the wishes of the French minister, it will be asked, whether the large advance of 3,000,000 tournois can be made; or if it can, ought it to be made?
You informed me, sir, that the ability of the treasury, to accomplish this, depended upon the success of a bill, now on its passage through the legislature. Of course the United States are not yet in a capacity of advancing, unless the other advice be followed, of scrutinizing the treasury-department, and thence discovering funds; or of instituting a new loan. The former is in a train of being executed, and could not now be quickened. Should the execution at this moment Originate a similar investigation, it might look like something more, than a neutrality between the parties. Possibly at a future day, when the result of the congressional inquiry shall be known, if it should not be satisfactory to you, you may deem it expedient to impart the nature of the information, referred to in the letter, to the secretary of the treasury—In the meantime, while congress are still in motion of the subject of finance, I presume, that the proposed alternative of a loan must be suspended.
Let me next suppose, that money, adequate to the advance,

was now in hand. Even then the situation of France with respect to other powers is serious and important. A voluntary payment of what is not yet due, carries with causes of jealousy. On the opposite side, the threatened famine will, if not attempted to be averted, rouse the zealous partizans of French politics in America. Perhaps too it may deserve consideration, how far the opportunity of forming a close connection with the French republic may be lost or weakened, by refusing to gratify it and how far it may spread a favorable impression of the fœderal administration throughout the United States—Again, should the advance be approved; the allied nations can well be told, if they remonstrate, that the danger of a famine was a leading motive. Should it be disapproved, the French will be conscious, that they have no right to demand it; and that money cannot be furnished in republics, at will, or in the same profusion, as in monarchies—Upon the whole, I should be inclined to the advance, if it was easily within our reach. But I see no reason, nor a state of things, sufficiently ripe, for deciding the question at this instant.
I take the liberty therefore of suggesting, whether Mr Ternant may not be informed, that the balance up to the end of 1792 shall be paid, and that a definitive answer as to the residue of the requisition will be given, as soon as the fiscal arrangements of congress shall be finished. Then and not ’till then, will you be possessed of the facts, necessary in such a case; then and not ’till then, will you be able to avoid the appearance of sheltering one officer, or of countenancing his adversary. Mr Ternant cannot but acquiesce in the fitness of the measure; and it will be seen by the gentleman, who wrote the letter, that while you will not precipitate yourself into the steps recommended, you have marked out in your own mind, a day, reasonably distant, for again calling the subject into view. I have the honor, sir, to be with the highest respect yr mo. ob. serv.

Edm: Randolph


Title: John Stagg, Jr., to Tobias Lear, 14 February 1793
From: Stagg, John Jr.
To: Lear, Tobias

Sir.
[Philadelphia] Feb: 14th 1793.

The Secretary of War requests that you will please to submit to the President of the United States, the enclosed letter, received, yesterday, from Brigadier Wilkinson, dated 29th December 1792. I am, Sir, respectfully, Your obedt Serv⟨t⟩

John Stagg Junr


Title: To George Washington from Ephraim Blaine, 15 February 1793
From: Blaine, Ephraim
To: Washington, George

Much Respected sir
Philada 15th Febry 1793a

I take the Liberty of Adressing your Excellency and beging your influence in favor of a Young man who wishes to enter into the Army—his name is John Connolly he is about 22 Years of age has some millitary Knowledge and is a handsome young fellow—his father you Know by Character (if not Personally) which is not in favour of the Young man—but I will Pledge my self for the

Sincearity of his Attachment to our Country—if Vacancies and Consistant, would wish him Recommended for a Lieutennant, if Otherwise, an Ensign in the first Regiment, if Successful I hope he will do honour to the Appointment, I am with Perfect Respect, Your Excellencys Most Obdt Hble Servt

Eph: Blaine


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 15 February 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Friday 15th feby 1793.

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to communicate, for the perusal of the President, a copy of his second Letter to the H: of Representatives; which he will be obliged, if not inconvenient, to the President, to have returned on Monday morning, to be then sent to the Senate.


Title: To George Washington from William Moultrie, 15 February 1793
From: Moultrie, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Charleston [S.C.] 15th February 1793.

A spirit of emulation seems to be taking place rapidly among the Militia of this State, by forming themselves into Voluntier companies under respectable officers, & in neat uniforms, several of which are Artillery.

Willing to promote a Spirit in itself so laudable, I beg leave to be indulged in the request of six brass three pounders from the Arsenal of the United States, this State becoming answerable for them, or to return them when required. I am Sir, with the greatest respect your most obedient & very humble Servant

Willm Moultrie


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 16 February 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Saturday 16th feby 93.

The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President, and has the honor to enclose the statement respecting the

French Debt. He hopes to be able to wait upon the President on Monday, when he will give a further explanation.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Feb. 16. 93.

Th: Jefferson has the honor to send to the President the copy of a Report he proposes to give in to the H. of Representatives on Monday on the subject of a Petition of John Rogers referred to him.
The President will see by mister Hammond’s letter now inclosed, that he has kindled at the facts stated in Th: J’s report on commerce. Th: J. adds the draught of an answer to him, if the President should think that any answer should be given. it is sometimes difficult to decide whether indiscretions of this kind had better be treated with silence, or due notice. the former perhaps would be best, if it were not that his letter would go unanswered to his court, who might not give themselves the trouble of seeing that he was in the wrong. Th: J. will wait on the President immed⟨iately⟩.


Title: To George Washington from Brown & Francis, 17 February 1793
From: Brown & Francis
To: Washington, George

dear Sir
Providence [R.I.] Feby 17. 93

Envelloped as you are at all times with public business, we would have avoided troubling you in the present instance, did not necessity oblige us to sollicit from you a protection of our property abroad which is so circumstanced that the Officers of the customs are not authorized by the laws of the U. States to furnish the requisite papers.
Cap: Tingey will have the honor of delivring this and will explain the particular manner in which we became sole owners of the Ship Eutrusco now Illustrious President in part pay for our Ship the President Washington of about 1000 Tons.
Mr. T. W. Francis sold the latter and purchased the former in Calcutta from whence she has sailed for Ostend without any American papers—And as it is our intention to order her from thence to china and back to these States we deem it necessary she should be furnished with such papers as will authorize her wearing the American Flag, and protect her on the Seas and in port from insult and impositions.
We beleive all commercial nations except ours have provided for the security of the property of their Citizens when situated as ours is, we therefore are confident you will cheerfully afford us that assistance you have the power of granting in a case where the laws have been silent, we apprehend from want of recollection at the time they were made.
Intreating your forgiveness for thus intruding on your time,

We have the honor of subscribing ourselves Dear Sir Your Most Obedt & Very Humle Servants

Brown & Francis


Title: To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 17 February 1793
From: Fairfax, Bryan
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Mount Eagle [Va.] February the 17th 1793.

As I have always experienced the Sincerity of your Friendship and as on that Account I lay myself open to You more than to any man I now make a little Apology to you in order to make my Mind at ease in regard to a little Incident I am about to mention.
Such is my Regard that I have some times been uneasy lest you should be displeased with me. And I remember in particular about 10 or 12 years ago I was very much so; and as I believe that the Lord does sometimes make things known by a Dream, I am strongly inclined to believe that at that time I was in that manner relieved from the Uneasiness I was then under by a Dream, in which You appeared to be no ways displeased. But the Subject of this Letter is this. When You last departed from Mt Vernon You were so kind as to inform me of it by Your Servant, And as I am always slow in apprehending a thing suddenly, I did not perhaps take it right, when I concluded that You were then gone or going by; whereas You might have intended that I should have met You at the Road, which I thought afterwards when I considered the Message might have been the Case (for I could not, considering Your Station, notwithstanding Yr Friendship, suppose You would call at my House). This has made me a little uneasy at times, lest there should be the smallest Appearance of a Slight on my Part. And I mention it for my own Satisfaction, Hoping that You will not give Yrself the trouble even to write that You accept the Apology, because I am persuaded You will; being perfectly assured that You believe what I say.
I sincerely condole with You on the death of Major Washington which I heard of yesterday—For as I admired him, it must be an afflictive Loss to You.

My Respects to Mrs Washington, and I am with much Respect & Regard, Your obliged & Obedt Servt

Bryan Fairfax.


Title: Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1793
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia] Sunday February 17t: 1793

The President of the United States requests that the Secretary of State will write to the Governor of New York, by the post of tomorrow, for authenticated Copies, under Seal, of the several treaties between the Six Nations and the Governors of New York from the year 1683; and especially those with Colo. Dongan. They were preserved under the old Government of New York, in the Office of the Secretary for Indian Affairs.
The Attorney General of the United States having been directed by the President to go into an examination of the several treaties which have been made with the Northern & Western Indians, from the earliest period that they can be obtained, has desired that the foregoing application may be made to obtain a copy of those which are preserved in New York—and the President conceiving it proper that the application should be made through the Secretary of State, has therefore sent him this request; and wishes that the Copies may be had as early as possible, that all arrangements necessary for the Commissioners should be made, if possible, before the Close of the present Session of Congress.
If, in the Secretary’s opinion, the expense of taking said Copies should be paid in the U.S. he will let the Governor know that it will be done by them, that no delay or difficulty may arise from that source.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Feb. 17. 1793.

Th: Jefferson has the honor with his respects to the President to communicate the answers he has received from the Representatives of France & Spain with his replies.


Title: From George Washington to William McWhir, 17 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: McWhir, William

Sir,
Philadelphia 17th February 1793

Until I received your letter of the 5th Inst. it had not occurred to me that the absence of my Nephew would cause an infringement on the punctuality which has heretofore been observed in mak[in]g my annual payment for the support of the Poor School in the Alexandria Academy; and I thank you for reminding me of it. As it has been usual to make this payment to the President or Treasurer of the Board of Trustees for the Academy, I shall be obliged by your requesting one or the other of these Officers to draw upon Mr Lear, at sight, for the fifty pounds, (specifying in the draft the purpose for which it is made) as this mode will be safer & perhaps more convenient than to transmit the amount in Bank Bills, and especially as I should not know to whom to make the remittance, which is the reason for giving you this trouble.
It is with reluctance, Sir, that I decline a compliance with your wishes to give you letters to certain Gentlemen in Georgia. But I am persuaded, that when you recollect that I have had no opportunities of obtaining a personal knowl[e]dge of your talents & qualifications as a teacher, you will readily see the impropriety there would be in my undertaking to recommend upon these points where I am not qualified to judge, and will therefore impute my declining to comply with your request to its just cause. Wishing you success in your undertaking & a continuanc[e] of health I am Sir, Your most Obet. Set.


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 17 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Whitting, Anthony

Mr Whiting,
Philadelphia Feb: 17th 1793.

It has again happened that, the Mail which ought to have been in yesterday from the Southward, and wch will (it is presumed) bring a letter from you with the Reports of the last week, is not yet arrived; but your letter of the 5th instt, covering the Reports of the week preceeding that, is at hand.
As I see no great prospect of procuring Orchard grass Seeds in this place, if you cannot obtain it in your own Neighbourhood, Sow the ground whenever it is in order, & the Season fit, (below the Lucern lot) with such other Seeds as you shall think best; and I shall be satisfied therewith. or cultivate it if better.
With respect to lime, I scarcely know what to say to you on the subject; & yet no time is to be lost in having the matter ascertained. Enquire on what terms the builders in Alexandria obtain it? from whence? and the cost by the quantity? for it will never do to purchase at the rate you have given for this article in retail. Nor indeed will it do to suffer Davis, & his attendance, to use it in the lavish manner he practices; 1st in proportioning of it to the sand; and 2d in the thickness of the Mortar joints. He has been accustomed to use Shell lime, & will not make the proper allowance for the difference in strength, between that & stone lime. Before he enters upon the business of Bricklaying next Spring, I wish you would learn from some skilful & candid workman

in Alexandria, the proportions of Sand & lime he uses for different kinds of work; and whether a thick, thin, or midling joint of morter is best. In this place, the modern buildings have a thin joint. I shall by this days Post, write to Colo. Washington of Westmoreland County, reminding him of his promise to use his endeavors to have shells sent up to me; & to know what prospect there is of his success. I will also enquire on what terms it could be sent from Rhode Island, or Boston; But do not let this slacken your enquiries; nor prevent your giving me the result of them, as soon as possibly you can.
I readily consent to the lot (in the River Farm) being first Seeded with Turnips, and folded with Sheep after the English method, before it is laid down in Clover. And I beg that fields No. 4 & 5 at that place, may, (as you have promised to do) have every possible attention paid to them; 1st to recover them, as far as it is in your power, from their present gullied state; and 2dly so to lay them down, as to prevent this evil, in future.
I know nothing of Mr Hampsons Acct (which is herewith returned) but if the Major acknowledged it to be just—or you have any reason to believe it is so—it must be paid as soon as you are in Cash (from the sales of the Ship-stuff, or otherwise) to pay it. The Shingles sent by Mr Newton to Mount Vernon have long since been paid for at this place, to the order of Mr Cowper, of whom they were had.
I am sorry to hear that the Itch is among the Negros in the Neck; & hope you have provided a remedy ’ere this. If it was caught in the way you describe, and justice could be done, Garner ought to pay for it. I am not less concerned to hear that a disorder has got among the Sheep at Union Farm. I hope every endeavor will be used to put a stop to it; as I really loose a great many of this valuable Species of Stock. I wish you would give each Overseer positive Orders to report every lamb that falls, and every one that dies; that I may be able to form a just opinion of the care & attention they pay to this business. The custom of striking a balance between the number yeaned and deceased in the week will not satisfy me. By this mode of reporting, there may appear an encrease of one lamb only in a week, when 20 have fallen; if 19 of those twenty have died. True it is that such a report shews the actual increase or decrease—but it gives no idea of what ought to be either. and seems calculated for the express

purpose of concealing their own want of care in the preservation of the Lambs.
It would, I conceive, have been better to have entrusted the cutting out of the Linnen to the Gardeners wife than to Caroline; who, was never celebrated for her honesty; and who, it is believed, would not be restrained by scruples of conscience, from taking a large toll, if she thought it could be done with impunity.
A very heavy fall of Snow happened at this place on Monday night last; but the constant rain of last night & this day will, it is feared, carry it all off; under the unfavorable circumstances of high freshes & gullied fields, by the Sudden dissolution thereof. Wishing you well I remain Your friend

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 17 February 1793 [letter not found]
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 17 Feb. 1793. On 24 Feb., GW wrote Whitting, “Your letters of the 13th & 17th Instt have come duly to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from Burwell Bassett, 18 February 1793 [letter not found]
From: Bassett, Burwell Jr.
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Burwell Bassett, Jr., 18 Feb. 1793. GW wrote Bassett on 4 Mar., “Your letter of the 18th Ulto, & its enclosure, came duly to hand.”


Title: Enclosure: From Thomas Jefferson to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 18 February 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

Sir,
Philadelphia February 18th 1793.

The Commissioners of the Territory of the United States on the Potomac having, according to law, had the said Territory surveyed and defined by proper metes and bounds, and transmitted their report with a plat of the boundary, I have now the honor to lay them before you. As this work has been executed under the authority of the Legislature, I presume it would be proper to communicate the Report to them, and to submit the Plat also to their inspection, that they may be duly informed of the progress of the work.
I have to add that these papers, being original, are again to be deposited with the Records in the Office of the Department of State. I have the honor to be, with Sentiments of the most perfect

esteem and attachment, Sir, Your most obedient and Most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 February 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir,
War department February 18th 1793

In considering the subject of promotion in the Legion of the United States the following previous questions arise.
First. Shall the Sub Legions be commanded by Brigadiers General or Lieutenant Colonels Commandant?
Secondly. If the latter shall the Lieutenant Colonels be taken from the line of Majors now in service?
Thirdly—If this be decided in the affirmative shall a Brigadier General be appointed in the place of General Putnam and sought for among the Officers of the late army not now in service? or shall he be taken from the Officers at present in service?
In filling up the vacancies in the Legion the following cases occur.
First. Several derangements of Officers took place during the late War, and by the act of Congress of the 7th of August 1782 the officers retiring under that resolution were if again called into service to possess their former rank. the question arises in arranging the relative rank of such Officers with others of the same grade now in service but who continued until they were discharged at the end of the War whether the relative rank which existed at the time of the derangement during the War shall govern?

The decision of this question affects a Major and Captain in the legion of the United States who were deranged the 31. December 1780 under the acts of Congress of the 3d and 21st October 1780.
Another question occurs Is it proper to promote an Officer while under suspension for a given period by a sentence of a Court Martial, or while under an arrest for alledged misdemeanors or Crimes?
If the promotions take place will it be proper to fill all the vacant Ensigncies.
The principles of promotion delivered to the Commanding General on the thirteenth day of July last—are herewith submitted together with the formation of the Legion.
But it appears on experience that it will produce some confusion in the promotion if two Companies shall be transferred from the first and second sub Legions in order to make Room for two Rifle Companies—It is therefore submitted that four Companies in said SubLegions be armed, accoutred, and disciplined as Rifle Companies and that a proportional reduction be made of those intended as Rifle companies; four of whom are to be armed with Muskets. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your most obedt servant

H. Knoxsecy of war


Title: Memorandum for Henry Lee, 18 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry

Philadelphia February 18th 1793

Memorandum for Govr Lee.
G. Washington is one of a Company who took up, in or about the year 1762, all the ungranted land lying in the Great dismal Swamp; in the vicinity of Norfolk, Portsmouth & Suffolk; and holds two twenty one parts of the Interest therein.
Forty thousand Acres of the interior and richest part of this Swamp has been (as the Subscriber is informed) patented in the names of the Members of said Company; and probably, is all they will ever obtain, altho’ it is far short of what they expected.
This swamp, in fertility of Soil, cannot be exceeded. It is covered with the finest Cyprus & Juniper, & other lofty Wood. Its undergrowth is luxurient Canes.
In the opinion of the Subscriber it may be easily drained; & when drained is equal to the richest Rice land of So. Carolina, which, in its unreclaimed State, sells from ten to fifteen pounds Sterling pr Acre; and from thirty to fifty when Reduced, and in order for cultivation.
Its vicinity to the places abovementioned, & its contiguity to the fine Rivers of Nansemond & Elizabeth on which these places are, gives this tract advantages over almost any other of equal quantity in the United States; & the Canal which is now opening from Elizabeth River to Pasquetanck, a River of Albemarle Land, passing through the same, adds infinitely to its worth—To describe all its advantages, would require more time than my hurry, & the few minutes you allow me, will enable me to do.
The Company have a Plantation, marked on the plat herewith, Dismal Plantation; which is seperate and distinct from the 40,000 Acres. On this there are, or were a number of Negros, as may be seen by the Agents (Mr Jameisons) letter to me—besides some money in hand, or in the loan Office. the quantum I know not.
For the whole of this Interest, be it little or much, and it cannot

be less than 2/21, parts of 40,000 Acres, I will take Five thousand pounds Virginia Currency; estimating dollars at Six Shillings, and other Silver & gold in that proportion, provided the bargain is now struck; but shall not think myself bound by this offer if it is not.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Munson, 18 February 1793
From: Munson, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
New Haven [Conn.] February 18—1793

I have Inclosed recommendations from a Number of Very respectable Characters Recommending me as a Candidate for the office of Surveyor of the Customs in this District.
The arrival of a number of Vessels in this port rendered it Necessary for me to attend to the Duty of my office as Inspector of the Customs prevented me from forwarding those papers Sooner and the Whole of them at the Same time.
My Earnest Desire of procureing the appointment I hope will be a Sufficient appology for troubleing the President of the United States on this Subject. I am most respectfully the Presidents most Obedient and Very Humble Serveant

William Munson


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 18 February 1793
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Feby 18. 1793.

I have made the inquiries, which you suggested this morning, from men, well-acquainted with the three characters.
Mr Cook appears to possess integrity, industry, punctuality, and the qualities, suited to a collecting lawyer. Upon the scale of eminence, he has no just pretensions; altho’ his vanity occasions him frequently to discover, that he conceives himself inferior to none of any bar.
Mr J. Chase has the reputation of being upright, laborious, of a sound judgment, but of indifferent elocution. His acquired knowledge in law, or other walks of literature, scarcely places him on the roll of real fame.

Mr Houston is not so absolutely within the scope of my researches. But if he exceeds the rank of a good county-court lawyer, I have been greatly misinformed.
Perhaps then, the competition is reduced to Governor Paterson and Mr Potts. To the former, not a point can be objected, but his position, and the uncertainty of his connection with the land-companies, which are now in motion against particular states. The latter is known, but little in detail, altho’ he carries with him universal esteem, as a valuable man, and a much approved practitioner.
But suffer me, sir, to submit to your view, what lies near to my heart. When I consider, how many decisions must be very grating to the states; I am afraid, that the dissatisfaction will be increased by a distrust of the abilities of some of our judges; nay I do not hold it impossible, that some of them may excite sentiments of a degrading Kind. If such an idea gains ground, the state judiciaries will inevitably make a stand against the fœderal Bench. This temper has already broke forth; and can never be subdued but by preeminent talents.
Upon the other subject, of a private nature, this has been the course of my reflection. To yield, what is useful in the discharge of your public functions, merely because they may be exhibited in print, in an uncomely attitude, is, I am sure, as little expected by the world, as it is repugnant to your sense of duty. To refuse to accept acts of compliment, as being capable of perversion, do probably & depend wholly on the disposition of the person, to whom they are offered. However, there may be situations, in which the forms of this city demand an abstinence from unnecessary crouds, and which, if not attended to, may be egregiously misinterpreted into a countenance of what you only acquiesce in, but do not approve. I may add, that if at a future day, you should think proper to repel this species of civility, the present circumstances produce an adequate opportunity of commencing a retreat from it. I have the honor, sir, to be with the highest respect yr mo. ob. serv.

Edm: Randolph


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 18 February 1793
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Hope Park [Va.] 18th Feby 1793

Agreeable to the promise I made in my last, I now sit down to write you more fully on what I touched on at the conclusion of my letter: The information there alluded to, as it concerned Mr Ellicott, was recieved from our Secretary Mr Gantt. Mr Dermott it seems furnished him with the numbers of several squares, which have been divided with the Proprietors, and which he asserts

will be found erroneous, and to be laid out and divided on a larger scale than the ground will admit. This if true, would certainly be very serious, as it would render our sales uncertain and disputable. But I must observe, that Dermott and Ellicott have had a disagreement, so that there is no knowing at present, what credit to give to the information. I hope it will be found erroneous. But the jealousy Mr Ellicott has discovered towards him for some time, and his fears of his having too much communication with us, seem to justify some apprehension. You will see this jealousy fully displayed in a late attack upon us generally, and me more particularly, in a Ge: town paper. The general conjecture is, that he at least furnished the materials, tho’ he thinks himself perfectly secure from all suspicion, from his strong declarations of his innocence. Feeling myself much hurt at the insinuations against me, I gave him my opinion of the Author and his Co-adjutors in the strongest terms. Among other reasons we had for not being dragged into a Public dispute with him, one was, that besides lasiness, we should probably have been led to prove from many instances, that he had not much regard to truth—From the explanations between us at his departure, it would appear, that we had entirely mistaken each other in our several correspondences: but, I confess I am not sensible of any on our part.
It may be well as he is on the spot, to inform you, that Mr Young has renewed his application to us, to have the appropriations at his point on the Eastern branch, and at his cluster of quarters lessened—He states as a reason for it, that they have been lessened in other places, from what they were originally designed; particularly at the mall, and the fort at Hamburg. The first he mentions to the best of my remembrance will include near 90 acres, and the second ab⟨out⟩ 50, from a survey he has lately had made. They certainly appear to be large, and if they could be lessened without injury to the plan, would be a public saving. I expect his letter will be sent to you at the next meeting.
I cannot conclude without observing, that I feel myself innocent of all the charges brought against me, by the writer in the Ge: town papers, and that I attribute the more pointed attack against me, partly to the well-grounded suspicion Mr E: entertains, that he is indebted for the letter he recieved from Mr Jefferson, to an opinion I might have given you of him; an opinion

which he has found equally entertained by my Collegues, and to which all the Proprietors with whom I have conversed, will subscribe: and partly to my having engaged Dermott last Spring, in consequence of a letter from him, informing us that his Brothers would leave him, and wishing us if any one offered, that he might be engaged. I had never seen Dermott before, and have had litde or no communication with him since. By the Commissioners, he has never once been consulted on any subject whatever. That he is better qualifyed than anyone he has yet had under him, I have no doubt: and Mr E: has himself often mentioned him, as one of the best calculators he had ever met with. Notwithstanding this, there were circumstances in his character which would ever have rendered him in my opinion unfit to have been at the head of the department: and that we had no such prepossession in his favor as is represented, appears from our not making the smallest opposition to his dismission. I am with the greatest respect Your Affecte Serv:

Dd Stuart.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 18 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate.
United States [Philadelphia]February 18th 1793

I nominate
Samuel Tredwell, to be Collector and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Edenton, in North Carolina, and Inspector of Survey No. 2. in the District of North Carolina; vice, Thomas Benbury, deceased.

William Munson, to be Surveyor of the Port of New Haven, in Connecticut, vice, Hezekiah Rogers, resigned—and to be Inspector of the Revenue for the same; vice, Jonathan Fitch (the Collector) who was, through a mistake in transcribing the names, nominated and appointed Inspector, in the last Session of the Senate.
Edward Weyman, to be Surveyor and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Charleston, in South Carolina, vice, Edward Weyman Senr—deceased.
George Nicholas, to be Attorney for the United States in the Kentucky District; vice William Murray, resigned.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 18 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives.
⟨United States [Philadelphia] February 18th—1793.⟩

I now lay before you a Report, and Plat of the Territory of the United States, on the Potomac, as given in by the Commissioners of that Territory, together with a letter from the Secretary of State which accompanied them. These papers being original, are to be again deposited with the Records of the Department of State, after having answered the purpose of your information.

⟨Geo: Washington⟩


Title: To George Washington from Peregrine Fitzhugh, 19 February 1793
From: Fitzhugh, Peregrine
To: Washington, George

Sir
Indian Queen [Tavern, Philadelphia] Feby 19th 1793

From the Friendship with which you have been pleased to honor me, and your well known regard for my Father and his Family, I should think myself unpardonable not to make an early and candid communication to your Excellency of the business which has been the occasion of my visit to this City—You are Sir sufficiently acquainted with the circumstance of my having (shortly after parting with your Excellency at the seige of York) intermarried with a Daughter of the late Colo. Saml Chew of Maryland—Not long after this period, at the particular instance of my Father in Law, and under assurances of every requisite support, which I have been deprived of by his sudden and unexpected death, I was induced to enter into a contract which has embarrass’d me extreemely and which has ever since kept me in a state of painful and distressing anxiety—I have now adopted an expedient for my relief, which I am endeavoring to execute, and the success of which so far has exceeded my most sanguine expectations—To bring myself to this, I have had to struggle for several years with what your Excellency would probably call false pride or false delicacy; be this as it may, it has at length yielded to necessity & I have with candor, and without the suppression of a single fact, made known my real situation to my Friends and the public. Their returns have been flattering, and if in the commencement of the business my feelings were in some degree hurt at the necessity of adopting such an alternative, the consolation which I derive from a discovery of so many active and zealous Friends has made me most ample amends—Their goodness has been unbounded, and the facility with which by far the greatest part of my Tickets have been disposed of, cannot but be evincive of a friendship which is as honorable as it is gratifying to me—A list enclosed will shew the Gentlemen who patronized my Lottery at the City of Annapolis the first & second days after its appearance—I sent to Baltimore Town 500 Tickets, which Major Swan informed me were all disposed of in less than three weeks after their arrival—A Scheme of the Lottery is also covered to shew your Excellency the footing upon which I have placed the business and a Copy of a Letter which I addressed to my Friends in the different Counties of Maryland from whence I

have received every satisfaction to be expected in so short a time or even desired—In a consultation with my honored Parent on the above business he observed that honesty would ever be found the best policy & that a candor and unreservedness with my Friends would at least be received kindly by them—this advice I have endeavored implicitly to follow—I have taken the Liberty Sir to make the above communications because I thought it my duty for the reasons stated in the beginning of my Letter. I beg your Excellency’s excuse for troubling you & have the honor to be with every possible respect Your most affectionate and obliged Servant

Peregne Fitzhugh


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 19 February 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir.
War-department, Feb: 19–1793.

Colonel Louis, the Cagnawagna Chief, conceives himself entitled to some reward for his services last summer—I have conceived it proper to give him one hundred dollars in full, which, if you approve the measure, will be satisfactory to him. I have the honor to be Sir, with great respect, Your obedt Servt

H. Knoxsecy of War


Title: To George Washington from Richard Morris, 19 February 1793
From: Morris, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York Feby 19th 1793

  With the greatest Respect I take the Lyberty to inform you that on the Eighteenth of the Next month I shall perfect a year as Supervisor of the District of New York, and to Assure you I have the most gratefull Sence of the favour done me in Calling me to that Appointment (when I had not only been Neglected but Ungratefully treated by my own State) yet Sir the Emoluments Appointed to that Office tho Amply Sufficient at first View, After the deductions to pay Necessary Clerks, Office Keeper and Stamper of Certificates, Office Rent, fuel & &. leaves a Recompence Altogether unequal to the trouble, and Attendance, without any Recompence, for the Responsibility or for the Neglect, of my farm, and Mills, in the Country—from this Consideration only, I am induced to Resign the Office, and to begg Such Arrangements may be taken, that I may on the first of April next which is a Quarter day deliver over to my Successor the Books & &: pertaining to the Office.
I take the lyberty to send Inclosed, a State of my Receipts, and Expenditures Officially, for the two first Quarters I was Employd,

to Enable you, to Judge of the Suffcy of the Recompence. I am Sir—with the Greatest Deference and Respect your Most Obedient Humble Servant

Rid Morris


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 19 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To:

Gentlemen of the Senate,
United States [Philadelphia]February the 19th 1793.

I nominate the following persons to be Consuls for the United States of America, at the places affixed to their names respectively.
Nathaniel Cutting, of Massachusetts, to be Consul of the United States of America, for the Port of Havre de Grace in France; and for such other parts of that Country as shall be nearer to the said Port than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice Consul of the United States, within the same allegiance.
Edward Fox, native of Great Britain, to be Consul of the United States of America for the Port of Falmouth, in the Kingdom of Great Britain, and for such other parts of the said Kingdom as shall be nearer to the said Port than to the residence of any other Consul or vice-Consul of the United States, in the same Kingdom.
Joseph Yznardi, native of Spain, to be Consul of the United States of America for the Port of Cadiz, in the Kingdom of Spain, and for such other parts of the said Kingdom, as shall be nearer to the said Port, than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice Consul of the United States, within the same allegiance.
Robert Montgomery, of Alicant, to be Consul of the United States of America, for the Port of Alicant in the Kingdom of Spain, & for such other parts of the said Kingdom as shall be nearer to the said Port than to the Residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States, within the same allegiance.
John Parish, native of Great Britain, to be Consul of the United States of America for the Port of Hamburg, and for all other places within the same allegiance.
Henry Cooper, of Pennsylvania, to be Consul of the United States of America, for the Island of Santa Cruz, & for all other places under the same allegiance in America as shall be nearer to the said Island of Santa Cruz than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States within the same allegiance; vice James Yard resigned.
David Matthew Clarkson of Pennsylvania, to be Consul of the United States of America for the Island of Saint Eustatius, & for

all other places under the same allegiance in America which shall be nearer to the said Island of Saint Eustatius than to the residence of any other Consul or vice-consul of the United States, within the same allegiance.
Benjamin Hamnell Philips of Pennsylvania, to be Consul for the United States of America in the Island of Curaçoa, and for all other places under the same allegiance in America, which shall be nearer to the said Island of Curaçoa than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-Consul of the United States, within the same allegiance.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 20 February 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Feb. 20. 1793.

Th: Jefferson, with his respects to the President, has the honor of inclosing him a letter he proposes to send to the Speaker today, if approved by the President: also the translation of some papers

given him by mister Ternant three or four days ago, which he has not before had time to prepare: also extract of a private letter from mister Short. Th: J. will have the honor of waiting on the President at one aclock on these subjects.


Title: Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on a Conversation with Washington, 20 February 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To:

[Philadelphia] Feb. 20. 1793.

I had 5. or 6. days ago received from Ternant extracts from the lettres of his ministers, complaing of both G. Morris & mister

Short. I sent them this day to the Presidt with an extract from a private lettre of mister Short’s justifying himself, & I called this eveng on the Presidt. he said he considd the extracts from Ternant as very serious, in short as decisive: that he saw that G. Morris cd be no longer contind there consistent with the public good, that the moment was critical in our favor & ought not to be lost: that he was extremely at a loss what arrangemt to make. I asked him whether G. Morris & Pinckney m[igh]t not change places. He sd that wd be a sort of remedy, but not a radical one. that if the French ministry conceved G. M. to be hostile to them, if they hd bn jealous merely on his proposing to visit London, they wd nevr be satisfd with us at placing him at London permanently. he then observed that tho’ I had unfixed the day on which I had intendd to resign, yet I appeared fixed in doing it at no great distance of time: that in this case, he cd not but wish that I wd go to Paris, that the moment was important, I possessed the confidence of both sides & might do great good; that he wished I could do it were it only to stay there a year or two. I told him that my mind was so bent on retirement that I could not think of launching forth again in a new business, that I could never again cross the Atlantic: and that as to the opportunity of doing good, this was likely to be the scene of action, as Genet was bringing powers to do the business here, but that I could not think of going abroad, he replied that I had pressed him to a continuance in public service & refused to do the same myself. I said the case was very different; he united the confidce of all America, & was the only person who did so: his services therefore were of the last importance: but for myself my going out would not be noted or known, a thousand others could supply my place to equal advantage. therefore I felt myself free: and that as to the mission to France I thought Pinckney perfectly proper. he desired me then to consider maturely what arrangemt shd be made.


Title: David Sewall to Tobias Lear, 20 February 1793
From: Sewall, David
To: Lear, Tobias

Sir
york in the district of Maine Feby 20th 1793

From some News paper publications, and which in this instance are probably true, Henry Dearbourn Esqr., the Marshall of this district, is Elected a Member of Congress, and should he accept, as there is no great doubt he will, if he is chose, That office will become vacant. The office is by no means lucrative: yet when offices of almost any kind are vacant, there are generally Persons enough seeking after them. And earnest seekers are not always the most suitable. I would mention Capt. John Hobby of Portland, as suitable to supply the place as any that has occurred to me. He is the principal deputy mr Dearbourne has; And has some acquaintance with the duties of the office—is conveniently situated—and is a Person of that activity, age, respe[c]tability &c. such a situation seems to require. Mr Dearbourne has performed the duties unexceptionably—And this Communication is by no means intended, to militate with his reappointment at the expiration of the four years (which expires about Septemr next) should it be compatible with the constitution. All that is intended or Wished for, is, that in case of a Vacancy, Capt. Hobby may be brought into the Presidents recollection on the Occision. I am Sir your obedient Humble Servant

David Sewall


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 20 February 1793
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Honrd Sir
Mount Vernon Feb. 20th 1793

Your Letter of the 10th reach’d Alexandria on Sunday last came to hand by Peter on Monday. Was I imagine detain’d from the waters being impassable I never saw the Land so wett as at present it raind the Whole Day Yesterday & last night or rather this Morning about two oClock we had the hardest rain I ever saw The Mill race is again broke The Roads allmost impassable The Whole surface where the Lands are flat covered with water in every field. I have not yet seen Tayler but shall the first Oppertunity & inform him what is mentioned in Your Excells. Letter, I believe him to be a man little to be confided in, for when a man will take advantages such as he has in keeping a horse since the absence of the Poor Major—he only want oppertunities to take others of more Magnitude The Mill has not yet wanted Wheat 191½ was sent from Union farm which will be seen in the reports last Reced & we are now delivering Wheat from the same place but such roads was hardly I believe ever seen—I shall endeavour to Straighten the fence from Manleys Bridge towards the Mill as well as in my power without the inconvenience mentioned in Your Letter which I shall avoid as much as possible—The Snow is pretty well Gone except by the fences being there drifted by the wind & is now at many places 3 feet thick but from the constant rains is Going fast—It is now Clearing away wind N.W. The Snow Which fell on the 30th of Jan. begun to Go of on Saturday the 2d inst. was all Gone on Wednesday following it being a wet Day no frost happened to injure the Wheat after it And on Monday Evening the 11th it again began to Snow & Continued

the Whole Day on Tuesday—it began to rain on Saturday last about Noon Raind most part of Sunday and all day Yesterday so that the last Snow is now all Gone & no injury as Yet to the Wheat which looks as well as it did before Christmas but the Ground being so remarkably full of Water if a frost Should now happen (which I hope will not) it will be a General covering of Ice. Very little work was done last Week feeding Cattle Getting wood &c. was the greatest part except those that could thrash The fencing is kept back & I shall not be able to Get the Gates hung which I wishd to do as soon as possible, putting them up While the Ground is so very Wet the posts cannot be made fast Tom Davis is now begining to work but cannot yet paint the buildings being so very Wett he has been mixing & preparing paint & I intend putting Frank with him to forward the work—I will let Green have Corn agreable to Your Excells. request—When Mr Burrel Basset was at Mount Vernon we was speaking of the poor Majors building he desired me not to Go on with it as he said Mrs Washington he expected would not Go to house keeping If I have not mentioned this before (which I really forget) should be Glad to be informd by Your Excelly your Opinion respecting it—Two Ships are just passed up which I was very Glad to see As they will I expect take some flour from Alexa. I am Honrd Sir Your Obdt Servt

A. Whitting

P.S. Charles Toe is again Swelld & he very lame I sent for Dr Craik to come down as soon as the roads Get better for I am fearfull it will yet be to be taken off The bone was very Much Cut & I expect rotten.
In the Sewers reports Caroline will be seen Making a Shift this was for Sarah Flatfoot & two pr of Sheets which I was forced to Cut out of the Oznabuergh Linnen there being Only two pr & them allmost worn out & since Mr Butler has been here one of the two pr has been Given him So that there is no Change while they are Washing.


Title: George and Martha Washington to Elizabeth Willing Powel, 21 February 1793
From: Washington, George,Washington, Martha
To: Powel, Elizabeth Willing

[Philadelphia] Wednesday 21st February 1793.

The President and Mrs Washington offer the Compliments of the day to Mrs Powell. They sincerely wish her the return of many anniversaries of it. that with each her happiness may increase—& the satisfaction of her friends thereby promoted.
The President and Mrs Washington would, with pleasure, have been of Mrs Powell’s party on the present occasion, this evening, had it not been for the late event which has happened in their family.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 22 February 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia, 22 February 1793]

Th: Jefferson with his respects to the President, incloses him a letter he received from Mr Short yesterday, by which he expected to leave the Hague on the 12th of December: also the answers he has prepared to the two petitions from Post Vincennes.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 22 February 1793
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia february 22. 1793

I do myself the honor of presenting to you some of those views, which the very delicate affair of the removal affords, and the result of a provisional inquiry, which I set on foot.
1. The charges have come in an ambiguous form; half-private, half-public; and it must be uncertain, until the arrival of the new-minister from France, to what extent those charges are to be pressed. To seize so imperfect an opportunity for dismission, might argue an eagerness to get rid of the officer; and before such a stroke is given to the reputation of any man, ought he not to be heard?
2. I understand, however, that a middle ground has been recommended; by exchanging the gentleman in question for another diplomatic resident. At first sight, this expedient has the advantage of being conciliatory; altho’ even in this particular it may possibly fail. But what will be the reason, given out to the world, for such an alteration? I here take it for granted, that if

on any such occasion the cabinet can conceal the genuine motive; on this, it will be notorious. It will be known, in France, and throughout the United States, that the disgust of the French ministry at the hostility of our officer’s politics was the leading cause of the decisive step. The people of the United States will immediately say, that he is not only protected in his misconduct; but that a partiality is discovered for his ideas on government, Against which they are eminently inveterate, from their real sympathy with the revolution of France. Again; it will be difficult to satisfy the people of France, that it was consistent with an affectionate regard for their welfare, to send a minister thus prejudiced against them, whom they assert to be “dangerous from his talents,” to the court of London, which has now probably become an avowed enemy to them.
3. I doubt therefore exceedingly, whether any determination ought yet to be made; especially as during the recess of the senate you may remove, if you think proper. But I can scarcely doubt on the impropriety of the substitute proposed, considered relatively to the present time; altho’ after-circumstances may perhaps require these sentiments to be revised.
4. Supposing the ultimate possibility of a dismission, I have laboured (provisionally) to bring about the other arrangement. But I find this to be impracticable; the one gentleman being immoveable in the resolution which he expressed to you the other day; and the other gentleman being very explicit, that it is absolutely inadmissible in his mind to enter into the administration, under either of the aspects contemplated, or indeed under any other. I have the honor, sir, to be with the highest respect yr mo. ob. serv.

Edm: Randolph


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 22 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate.
United States [Philadelphia]February 22d 1793

The nomination of the following persons to fill up the existing vacancies of Ensigns are made provisionally, to be employed, or not, as the prospect of peace, by the proposed treaty, may render it expedient.
If upon a further view of the subject, it should appear probable, that the proposed treaty would issue in a peace the services of these provisional Ensigns would not be required, and of consequence the expences attending their employment would be saved—But, if the war must progress, their services may be necessary, at a time when the Senate may not be in session, to advise and consent to their appointment; under these circumstances, I nominate the following persons to be Ensigns.

            Levi House
            Vermont.

            John Lamson
            New Hampshire.

            Warham Woodward
            Massachusetts.

            Aaron Catlin
            Connecticut.

            Francis Johnson
            New York

            Garret Voorhees
            New Jersey

            John Wallington
            Pennsylvania.

            George Baynton
            do

            Jesse Lukens
            do

            Charles Lewis
            do Some of these

            Levi McLane
            do acting as

            Richard Butler
            do Cadets.

            William Davidson
            Maryland.

            Ferdinand Leigh Claiborne
            Virginia.

            Charles Turner
            ditto

            Charles Harrison
            ditto

            George Lee Davidson
            North Carolina.

            Howell Cobb
            Georgia.

            Edmund Taylor
            Kentucky

            John Bradshaw
            Acting as

            Elijah Strong
            Cadets.

            John Brick
            Serjeant Major: 1st Sub Legion.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Powell, 23 February 1793
From: Powell, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Febry 23rd 1793

I beg leave to apologize for thus Introducing myself to your Notice.
Having solicited the appointment to the Surveyors Office in the District, of New Haven, in the State of Connecticut, lately vacated by the resignation of Hezek. Rogers Esqr. and having faithfully performed the Duties of it for upwards of two Years, I have to lament the production of those further honorable testimonials, I had obtained in my favor from New Haven, too late for their use, I now beg leave to present them to you, to evince, my application for that Office had a respectable support, from men of the first abilities & of bussiness in that City—and as my duty leads me shall endeavour to deserve that confidence. I am with the highest esteem and Respect Sir Your most humble and obedient Servant

Wm Powell


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia] Sunday 24th Feb. 1793.

Enclosed is a letter from poor Madam La Fayette! How desirable it would be, if something could be done to relieve that family from their present unhappy Situation.
Colo. Smith, yesterday, gave me the enclosed extract of a Letter from the House of Warder & Co. to one of the Partners in this City. Whether it is founded in fact, or with design to affect the prices of provision in this Count[r]y—I know not. Nor whether it was a Comm[unicatio]n for public or private information to myself, I am equally uncertai⟨n⟩.


Title: Tobias Lear to the Cabinet, 24 February 1793
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Cabinet

United States [Philadelphia] February 24th 1793

The President of the United States requests the attendance of the Secretary of State, at nine O’clock tomorrow morning, at the President’s House, on the subject of the note sent to the Secretary from the President, on the 17th Inst. and that the Secretary will bring with him such remarks as he may have committed to writing in pursuance of said note.
At the same time the President will lay before the heads of the Departments some communications which he has just received from General Hull.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 24 February 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Philadelphia] 24[t]h Feby 1793

I submit to your view a letter from General Hull dated at Niagara on the 6th instant together with certain enclosures relatively to the Western Indians.
The idea contained in the proceedings of the hostile indians, “that the demolition of our posts should be a previous step to the proposed treaty” has also been conveyed by Capt. Hendricks. I have the honor to be sir with perfect respect Your humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 24 February 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir
[Philadelphia] 24 Feby 1793

I will wait upon the President as directed. I now enclose a letter and its enclosure, from Genl Wayne dated the 16th instant, which has been just received. Yours sincerely

H. Knox


Title: Cabinet Opinion on a Proposed Treaty at Lower Sandusky, 25 February 1793
From: Cabinet
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia, 25 February 1793]

The President having required the attendance of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney general at his house

on Monday the 25th of Feb. 1793. the following questions were proposed and answers given.
1. The Governor of Canada having refused to let us obtain provisions from that province or to pass them along the water communication to the place of treaty with the Indians, and the Indians having refused to let them pass peaceably along what they call the bloody path, the Governor of Canada at the same time proposing to furnish the whole provisions necessary, Ought the treaty to proceed?
Answer unanimously, it ought to proceed.
2. Have the Executive, or the Executive & Senate together authority to relinquish to the Indians the right of soil of any part of the lands North of the Ohio, which has been validly obtained by former treaties?
The Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary at war & Attorney general are of opinion that the Executive & Senate have such authority, provided that no grants to individuals nor reservations to states be thereby infringed. the Secretary of state is of opinion they have no such authority to relinquish.
3. Will it be expedient to make any such relinquishment to the Indians if essential to peace?
The Secretaries of the Treasury & War & the Attorney general are of opinion it will be expedient to make such relinquishment, if essential to peace, provided it do not include any lands sold or reserved for special purposes (the reservations for trading places excepted) The Secretary of state is of opinion that the Executive and Senate have authority to stipulate with the Indians and that if essential to peace it will be expedient to stipulate that we will not settle any lands between those already sold or reserved for special purposes, and the lines heretofore validly established with the Indians.
Whether the Senate shall be previously consulted on this point?
The Opinion unanimously is that it will be better not to consult them previously.

Th: Jefferson
Alexandr Hamilton
H. Knox
Edm: Randolph.


Title: Cabinet Opinion on the United States Debt to France, 25 February 1793
From: Cabinet
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Feb. 25. 1793.

The President desires the opinions of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney General on the following question, to wit.
Mr Ternant having applied for money equivalent to three millions of livres to be furnished on account of our debt to France

at the request of the Executive of that country, which sum is to be laid out in provisions within the U.S. to be sent to France, Shall the money be furnished?
The Secretary of the Treasury stated it as his opinion that making a liberal allowance for the depreciation of assignats, (no rule of liquidation having been yet fixed) a sum of about 318,000 Dollars may not exceed the arrearages equitably due to France to the end of 1792. and that the whole sum asked for may be furnished, within periods capable of answering the purpose of mister Ternant’s application, without a derangement of the Treasury.
Whereupon the Secretaries of State & War & the Attorney General are of opinion that the whole sum asked for by mister Ternant ought to be furnished: the Secretary of the Treasury is of opinion that the supply ought not to exceed the abovementioned sum of 318,000. Dollars.

Th: Jefferson
Alexandr Hamilton
H. Knox
Edm: Randolph.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 25 February 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Feb. 25. 93.

Th: Jefferson, with his respects to the President has the honor to inclose him

1. letters from mister Barclay.
2. a letter from the Govr of N. York & an act of that legislature ceding certain lands on Montack point.
3. Dr Smith’s letter, against whom one of the Indians, in a peice read today, has entered a Caveat under the description of a Land-monger.