Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 25 September 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia September 25th 1791.

Mr Dandridge’s letter of the 21st gave us the pleasing information of your safe arrival at Mount Vernon on Tuesday last. Mr Page assures me his carriage shall be at George town on the evening of the 17th, or early in the day of the 18th of next month.
Mr Fisher called on me on thursday evening, and informed me, that it was determined your rent should be considered as commencing on the first day of October 1790—the amound five hundred pounds currency—and the payment to be made

into the hands of th[e] Treasurer of the Corporation. This I shall execute on the first day of October ensuing. The reason for commencing the rent on the day above mentioned (which is 16 days sooner than you occupied the house) is, that Mr Morris began to remove about the middle of September, and altho’ he did not quit the house till the 15th of October; yet being in an unsettled state on account of removing, for that space of time, it was thought proper that rent should be allowed for part of that time. I told Mr Fisher I was sure you would be perfectly satisfied with this arrangement, and that I should make the payment accordingly. He then took occasion to introduce the subject of building a House for the President of the United States—and observed that he had that day attended the debates of the Senate, when this matter was again brought up; and a Gentleman, (Mr Smilie I understood him) said, that you had not only expressed a disapprobation of building a house, but had given it as your opinion that the Legislature would expend their money very foolishly if they did it. I asked Mr Fisher if Mr Powel was present at that time. He said he was, but made no reply to this observation of Mr Smilie’s. I then told Mr Fisher the conversation wch I had had with Mr Powel on the subject—and in order to prevent any misapprehension or misconstruction of what I had expressed to him, I had afterwards communicated in a letter to him what you had observed to me respecting the matter. Mr Fisher requested to see a copy of the letter, which I shewed him. He observed that the contents of that letter corresponded exactly with what I had related to him when he made some inquiries respecting your present accommodations—building a house &ca.—But was very far from warranting any thing like the observation which fell from Mr Smilie. Mr Fisher beged if there was no impropriety in the thing, that he might have a copy of the letter which I had written to Mr Powel. As I saw no objection to granting his request, I sent him a copy the next morning. Mr Fisher further remarked on the observation of Mr Smilie, that every one who heard it was struck with the improbability of such an opinion having ever been expressed by you, and concluded, therefore, that he must have given it out to answer his own ends & defeat the bill. Upon revolving the matter in my mind after Mr Fisher’s departure, it struck me as very strange that Mr Powel should have suffered Mr Smilie’s observation to

have passed unnoticed, when he had it so completely in his power to contradict it with propriety. I could put no other construction upon it than this—that if the observation of your having expressed an opinion, that the Legislature would expend their money very foolishly in building a house, was disbeleived, it might lead to a disbelief of your having expressed anything with respect to your present accommodations &ca.—and if Mr P. had contradicted it by saying what sentiments you had expressed on the subject, it would have then brought clearly to view, what a party have anxiously endeavoured to keep out of sight.
In the course of conversation with Mr Fisher he made a remark—or rather gave me a piece of information which I was a little surprized at his communicating to me, altho’ he observed that it was done in confidence. But he came in here from Mr Morris’s, where he had been dining with a large company, and did not appear much guarded in his conversation. The information was that the principal view which the citizens of Philadelphia & those who advocated their measure, had in erecting a house for the President of the United States, was to obtain such a building, the property of the State, in the city of Philadelphia, as might at some time or other, serve to accommodate the Governor of the State, and be a strong inducement for continuing the seat of the State Government in Philadelphia, if attempts should be made (of which there was little doubt) to remove it to some other place—and that the only prospect which they had of accomplishing this, was to do it by erecting a house for the accommodation of the President of the United States—or rather for General Washington; for he did not beleive, putting you personally out of the case, that it would be possible to obtain a vote of the Legislature for building a House for the President of the United States. The friends of the measure were therefore under a kind of necessity of resting the matter much on your accommodation. I told Mr Fisher I did not know how this might strike you, if it should come to your knowledge; but it appeared to me that altho’ it might be expressive of great personal respect towards you, to build a house for your accommodation, when it would not be done for any other President, yet I did not conceive it was paying you any great compliment on the part of those who wished it built to answer their local purposes; and that if any respect was shewn to you on the occasion, it would certainly be most strongly

marked on the part of those who might vote for it from pure motives of personal respect, independent of any other views. I did not tell Mr Fisher that I should communicate this to you, but I am sure he had no right to expect that I should conceal it from you. The confidence in which he communicated it seemed only to extend to the party which would be opposed to building it with a view to keeping the seat of the State Government here; for he observed, that if they should obtain a knowledge of this view, no consideration whatever would induce a man of them to vote for a house to accommodate the President.
It is with reluctance, Sir, that I give you the trouble of reading the teadious detail of this matter; but as the circumstances of the case seem to have drawn me unavoidably thus far in the business, I have thought it a point of duty in me to communicate to you every particular that has come to my knowledge respecting it.
The University and the College in this place have petitioned the Assembly to have the two seminaries incorporated in one, and a bill is now before the Legislature for that purpose, which will be carried into effect. By a judicious management after this junction, a very eligible and useful seminary may be formed. It is said that Dr Smith will receive a consideration and quit the Presidency; which will be bestowed on Dr Ewing—And it is further said, that Dr Smith is already making interest to be put in nomination for the Senatorship to Congress and should he be unsuccessful in this attempt, that he will offer himself a candidate for Representative to Congress in some district of the State; for that he seems bent on entering into political life. As these things, however, are mere report I can only give them as such.
An event has taken place in the family which will be painful to John the Coachman. His child died yesterday noon. It was taken with convulsion fits about 7 O’clock on friday evening, when the Doctor was called, and every thing done that could afford a prospect of relief to the Child; but every effort was vain. It continued in the convulsed state ’till about one o’clock yesterday noon, when it expired. This is a disorder said to prevail much among children of that age, at this season, in the city. The rest of the family are well.
Nothing important of a public nature has transpired since I had the honor of writing to you on the 21st inst. except the pleasing intelligence of the state of things in France, mentioned in

the paper of last evening—brought by Mr Barrett Consul at Rouen. It was reported last evening that the troubles in Hispaniola, occasioned by the insurrection of the Negroes, had subsided. But as I could not learn how the information came—nor any particulars of it, there is reason to doubt the fact—and more especially as the accounts of the insurrection were of too serious a complexion to expect so speedy a termination of their troubles.
In expressing my dutiful respects to Mrs Washington & youself—love to the Children and best wishes to the family I am sincerely joined by Mrs Lear⟨.⟩ Major Jackson likewise desires his best respects may be presented. I have the honor to be with sentiments of sincere respect gratitude & attachment Sir, Your Obliged & Obedt Servt

Tobias Lear.


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 27 September 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia September 27th 1791

By the Post of this day I have been honored with your letter of the 23d instant; and agreeably to the directions therein contained, I shall transmit the papers, and write by every Wednesday’s and friday’s post, as well as monday’s.
In my last I mentioned Mr Page’s promise to have his carriage in George Town either on the evening of the 17th, or early in the day of the 18th of October.
I have measured the walls of the house, in conformity to your desire—and find them to be in the front of the house, forty one feet six inches—and back, thirty nine feet six inches—the difference owing to the ground being higher in the Yard than in the Street; so that forty feet may be considered as the true hight.
The mensuration was taken by a piece of line—one end of which was held up to the edge of the cornice, directly under the ends of the Shingles which project at the eaves—and falling to the pavement was drawn tolerably tight by a person beneath, and cut off at the point which touched the pavement. The line was then extended horizontally, and held by a person at each end with the same degree of tension that it was drawn down from the eaves with. In this state I measured it myself—and found the hight of the front & back walls to be as before stated.
Two vessels have arrived here this day—one from London, and the Other from Bristol—They bring accounts down to the 9th of August—all of which, that are of any importance, so far as I can learn, are contained in the enclosed papers. We have no other intelligence from the West Indies than what is likewise to be found in these papers.
The marriage of Colo. Lawrence & Mrs Allen is at length avowed by the parties—and this week She received her Company in form. Colo. L. has brought all his Children from New York to live with him, and the Misses Allens have taken up their residence with their Grand mother.

A Mr Hammond is said (and there seems to be but little doubt of the fact) to be appointed Minister to this Country by the Court of Great Britain.
Mr Campbell, who has been spoken of as the minister elect from Denmark to this Country, has purchased the house of Hunters occupied by Mr Smith, and has, I am informed, given out, that he expects to occupy it shortly in his proper Character. But yesterday I heard it mentioned, as coming from him, that he did not now expect to appear in the principal diplomatic Character from Denmark—Another person, whose name I did not learn, (a Danish Count) it was said would be sent as principal—and Campbell expected a secondary place.
The family are all well—Mrs Lear & Major Jackson unite with me in offering best respects to Mrs Washington—yourself—Mrs Stuart & Mrs F. Washington—love to the Children & kindest regards to Major Washington & Mr Dandridge. I have the honor to be, with every sentiment of respect, gratitude & attachment, Sir, Your obliged & Obedt Sert

Tobias Lear.

P.S. I saw Colo. Lowrey this forenoon, who informed me that not having an opportunity of sending the mar⟨e⟩ which he promised you, before your departure for Mount Vernon, he has declined doing it since from an idea that there might be no persons here who would take proper care of her—and wishing she might be put into the hands of John the Coachman to manage in the first instance, as he knows of his skill in training h⟨orses⟩—But he shall not fail to send her about the time of your return to this place.

T.L.


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 30 September 1791
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Paris 30 September 1791

Mr Short has delivered to me within these few Days your favor of the twenty eighth of July. I cannot express to you what I felt on reading it. The View which it gives of our prosperity as a Nation swelled my Bosom with Emotions which none can know but those who have experienced them. The wonderful Change which has been effected in our Affairs by the Operation of the general Government has exceeded the predictions of its warmest friends. How great a Source of Joy is this to those who

have been at all instrumental in its formation and Establishment, those especially to whom providence in his Bounty has imparted a sincere Affection for their fellow Men. Yes my dear Sir, Man is not meerly a selfish nor a material Being & I attest your Heart to witness that Truth from the Conviction of it’s own feelings.
The King has at length, as you will have seen, accepted the new Constitution and been in Consequence liberated from his Arrest. It is a general and almost universal Conviction that this Constitution is inexecutable. The Makers, to a Man, condemn it. Judge what must be the Opinion of others. Mr Short will doubtless forward all the public Documents respecting it, and therefore I shall not trouble you with any of them. His Majesty is to go in about an Hour hence to close the Session of the national Assembly and then to leave the field to their Successors. His present Business is to make himself popular; indeed his Life and Crown depend upon it, for the Constitution is such that he must soon be more or less than he is at present, and fortunately he begins to think so, but unfortunately his Advisors have neither the Sense nor the Spirit which the Occasion calls for. The new Assembly as far as can at present be determined is deeply imbued with republican or rather democratical Principles. The Southern Part of the Kingdom is in the same Disposition. The northern is ecclesiastical in its Temper. The eastern is attached to Germany and would gladly be reunited to the Empire. Normandy is aristocratical and so is a Part of Brittainy. The interior Part of the Kingdom is monarchical. This Map is (you may rely on it) just, for it is the Result of great and expensive Investigation made by Government; And I think you will be able by the Help of it and of the few Observations which precede it, fully to understand many things which would not otherwise perhaps be so easily unriddled. You doubtless recollect that the now-expiring Assembly was convened to arrange the finances, and you will perhaps be surprized to learn that after consuming Church Property to the Amount of one hundred Millions Sterling they leave their Department much worse than they found it. Such however is the fact, and the Chance now is (in my opinion) rather for than against a Bankruptcy.
The Aristocrats who are gone and going in great Numbers to join the Refugee Princes beleive seriously in a Coalition of the

Powers of Europe to reinstate their Sovereign in his antient Authorities, but I beleive they are very much mistaken. Nothing of Consequence can be attempted this Year and many things may happen before the Month of June next, were the several Potentates in earnest. I am led to imagine that their Views are very different from those which are now assigned to them, and it is very far from impossible that the Attempt (if any) will so far as France is concerned be confined to a Dismemberment. The weak Side of this Kingdom as Matters now Stand is Flanders, but were the Provinces of Alsace Lorraine French Flanders, and artois rent away the Capital would be constantly exposed to the Visits of an Enemy. Those Provinces were you know acquired at an immense Expence of Blood and Treasure and if Louis the fourteenth could have succeeded in making the Rhine his Boundary, from Switzerland to the Ocean, he would have obtained the Advantages almost of an insular Position. Indeed it is difficult to abstain from the Wish that the Countries included within that Boundary were united under a free efficient Government, since it would in all human Probability be the Means of dispersing the Blessings of Freedom in no distant Period to all Europe. But on this Subject it is now permitted to a rational Being to form rather Wishes than Hopes, much less Expectations. I will inclose herein a Note just now received of the latest Intelligence from Coblentz it is written by the Prince de Conde to his confidential Friend here and is accompanied by the Request that all french Gentlemen capable of actual Service will immediately repair to the Standard of Royalty beyond the Rhine or rather on the Banks of that River. To the Troops mentioned in this Note are added by the Counter Revolutionists here 15000 Hessians and 16000 French Refugees So that exclusively of what the Emperor may bring forward they muster an Army on paper of 100000 Men. The Emperor has about 50000 Men in the low Countries. But all these Appearances and the proposed Congress of Embassadors at Aix la Chapelle do not in the least change my opinion that nothing serious will be attempted this Year of our Lord.
Mr de Montmorin has resigned and the Count de Moustiers is named as his Successor, but whether he will accept seems to be very doubtful. He is now at Berlin, and as he is an intimate of Monsieur de Calonne, who is one main Spring of the Counter

Revolution he is I presume in the Secret of what may be really in Agitation. This on one Side, and on the other an Office the Power and Authority of which is just nothing at all; for you will observe that by the new Constitution every Treaty and Convention whatsoever must be submitted to the Investigation of the Assembly to be by them accepted or rejected.
You will have seen I suppose, ere this arrives, what has been done here respecting the Colonies. It is supposed that they will be perfectly satisfied because their internal Legislation is left to themselves; but I much doubt of this, for their Commerce, which involves their Existence, is left entirely at the Mercy of the Assembly which will not be over attentive to their Interests when they fall into Competition with those of the Mother Country, or rather of the Merchants of that Country. I send out to Mr Morris a Bundle of Pamphlets written here by a Mr de Cormeré according to Hints and Observations which I furnished to him. Mr Morris will give you one, and you will see that it was calculated to produce a liberal System of Colonial Government beneficial to them and to us. In Order to bring it about, it was proposed that Commissioners should be sent out with full Powers to treat with the Colonial Assemblies, And could that have been carried this Pamphlet would have been the Ground Work of the Instructions to the Commissioners. The Proposition was rejected; but as it is more than probable that the Colonies will have had a full Taste of the Sweets of free trade before the Troubles are composed, and as they will have learnt that Fear can produce what Reason could not I do expect that at length this Government must come into some such Measure, and thereby not only the Stumbling Block will be taken out of the Way to useful Treaty between France and the United States, but at the same Time and by the same Means the Road will be laid open for solid Connection with Great Britain. In all Cases We have this Consolation, that if the Powers of Europe by their excluding Principles deprive us of the needful Vent for our Produce, which becomes daily more and more abundant; We shall from the Cheapness of living and of raw Materials which result from that Circumstance make great and rapid Progress in useful Manufactures. This alone is wanting to compleat our Independence. We shall then be as it were a World by ourselves, and far from the

Jaws and Wars of Europe, their various Revolutions will serve merely to instruct and amuse. Like the roaring of a tempestuous Sea, which at a certain Distance becomes a pleasing Sound. Farewell my dear Sir, may you be well and happy is the sincere Wish of yours

Gouvr Morris


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 1 October 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir,
War Department [Philadelphia], 1st October 1791.

Yesterday I received a Letter from Major General St Clair, dated at Lexington in Kentucky the 4th ultimo. He had repaired to that place in order to meet the County Lieutenants of the district, for the purpose of obtaining such a number of militia as he judged would be necessary to enable the Army to accomplish the objects which had been directed. He agreed with the County Lieutenants, that Eleven hundred and fifty non-commissioned and privates should be drafted, although he says he neither expects or desires more than Seven hundred and fifty—They are to be at Fort Washington on the 25 ultimo—He, upon a full consideration and consultation with the County Lieutenants, decided that the Militia to be called out should not be Volunteers but to act as Infantry, and to serve for three months if necessary—The County Lieutenants were unanimous and cordial in their promises.
In the mean time he had ordered the first division of the troops already assembled at and near Fort Washington, to move to the Miami river on the 2d ulto—about 35 miles from Fort Washington—and Colonel Darke with the second division to follow as soon as possible—This would be the first post of communication—and as soon as it should be finished, which he expects will be in ten days after its commencement, he would move forward to establish a second post, and there he shall expect to be joined by Genl Butler and the Militia from Kentucky—He seems to think it imprudent to move farther than a second, until his whole force should be collected.

He supposes from his information, that it is possible to assemble twelve or fifteen hundred hostile Indians—but, that they cannot subsist long together, as the country is very far from being stocked with Game.
I am persuaded that General Butler must have joined with the rear about the 12th Ulto.
General St Clair, says—“I beg you to assure the President, that nothing can exceed the anxiety I feel to have the operations of the Campaign begun, and it is a point on which, for some time past, I have been uneasy to a great degree—to forward the preparations nothing has been left undone early and late, with the few men under my command.”
Indeed, judging from the very full communications of General St Clair, which I have forborne troubling you with at present in the detail, it would appear that he has exerted himself in the highest degree—The distance of his second post will be probably about 70 miles from Fort Washington, and about 50 from the Miami Village. He will have all his regular force before he leaves his first post of communication—and it will probably be superior to all possible combinations which may be brought against him.
But although his regular force may appear to be sufficient at this distance, yet confiding in his judgment, his call of the Militia will, in all human probability give the greatest certainty to his operations, and which I flatter myself will be entirely efficacious and honorable to the government.
Had the operations commenced two months earlier, it would have been more comfortable to the troops, and have given greater time to have improved all advantages—But the extensive field from which the troops have been collected, the lowness of waters on the Ohio, and the tedious delays of some of the Agents in the business, have rendered an earlier Campaign impracticable. I have the honor to be With the highest respect Sir, Your most Obedient hume servant

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Moultrie, 1 October 1791 [letter not found]
From: Moultrie, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Alexander Moultrie, 1 Oct. 1791. GW wrote Moultrie on 7 Nov., acknowledging “Your letter of the 1st of October.”


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 1 October 1791 [letter not found]
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 1 Oct. 1791. On 10 Oct. GW informed Randolph: “I received your communications of the 1st instant.”


Title: From George Washington to John Dandridge, 2 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Dandridge, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon October 2. 1791.

Your letter of the 6th ultimo found me at this place—but not until it had travelled to Philadelphia and back again.
As I never entertained a suspicion of your having any intention to impose upon me by a misrepresentation of the assets of your Father’s estate—So you and your good Mother may rest assured that I have no disposition to contribute to her distresses by withdrawing from her the use of those negroes which were purchased on my account (under the friendly judgment which had been obtained at your desire in my behalf) and left in her possession—When I want the negroes she shall have such timely notice of it as will prevent inconvenience.

All I require at present is that the property in them may stand upon such clear and unequivocal ground as to admit of no dispute hereafter.
Your Aunt and all the family (except my nephew Major Washington) are well, and join me in every good wish for yourself and Mother, and the rest of the family. With great esteem and sincere regard, I am dear Sir, your &ca

G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 2 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
Mount Vernon 2d Octor 1791.

Your letter of the 24th ulto, (enclosing a letter from Govr St Clair, and sundry papers relating to the subject of the settlements which have been made under purchases from Judge Symmes) I have duly received. The Secretary of State, as well as I recollect, has already written to both Govr. St Clair & Judge Symmes on this subject; but whether he has or has not, it can make no material difference to let the matter rest until my return to Philada when I shall pay the necessary attention to it. I am, Sir, Yr most hble Servt

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 2 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

Sir,
Mount Vernon 2d Oct. [17]91.

Nothing at present occurs to me of which I have to inform you, except that since the rect of your letter of the 22d ulto respecting the situation of affairs in the French Island of Hispaniola—your other letter of the 22d & that of the 24th of the same month, one giving an Accot of the Expedition under Gl Wilkinson—the other enclosing a Statemt of the Troops now on our frontiers, having been duly received.
I hope however, that all papers, in your Departt, respecting the Western Expedition & other Matters, which will come before

Congress, will be in readiness by the time of their meeting. I am, Sir yr hble Servt

G. W——


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 2 October 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia October 2nd 1791

The Attorney General of the United States having received from the Attorney of the District of New York, the necessary documents relative to Samuel Dodge’s case, he called upon me yesterday with the draft of a pardon for said Dodge, which I inserted on the paper which you left in my hands for that purpose; and after having the seal of the United States affixed thereto, I delivered the same into the hands of the Attorney General to transmit to Mr Harrison, the Attorney of the New York District. At the same time that the Attorney General put the draft of the pardon into my hands, he left with me an attested copy of the proceedings of the Circuit Court in Dodge’s case, in order that it might be filed with your papers to shew the ground upon which the said pardon was granted.
Yesterday being the day on which the first year’s rent of your house became due, according to the time fixed by the Corporation, I paid into the hands of Colo. John Shee, the Treasurer of the corporation, five hundred pounds, which was the annual rent fixed by the corporation, and received his receipt for the same, a copy of which I have the honor to enclose.
I have heard nothing more respecting the house to be erected for the President of the United States, since I had the honor of writing to you on the subject; except that it is not probable they will commence the building until next spring.
Upon examining the state of the paint on the front dining room and the yallow drawing Room, it is found to be so much dirted by the flies, that an attempt to wash it in such a manner as would effectually clean it, must tarnish & injure the paint to such a degree as would make it very unsightly; and indeed the carved work in the dining room cannot be made decent by washing, without the greatest risque, and almost certain of breaking off all

the finer parts. I therefore thought upon the whole that it might be best to have these two rooms gone over with a coat of paint, provided it could be done upon reasonable terms. I accordingly sent for a painter, who, after some altercation respecting the terms, agreed to do them for Six pence per square yard, and engages they should look much better than they did last fall. He will go to work tomorrow and is to finish both rooms in two days. The paint of the upper & lower passages appears to be in the Same state with the before mentioned rooms; and if it should be found that it cannot be made decent by washing, and in some degree uniformable to the Rooms after they are painted, I shall have them painted also—I shall, however, take care that whatever painting is done, shall be finished by the 8th of the Month at all events, in order that it may be perfectly dry before your arrival. Your Room will be papered tomorrow. Every thing in the way of cleaning &c. has been delayed ’till that time, that as little injury as possible might be done by the flies, after it should be finished.
I had procured, before you left this place, 15 tons of the best hay (clover & timothy), and shall have laid in before your return, 1000 bushels of Oats—which for 12 horses, at the rate of 12 quarts per day for each horse will last upwards of seven months—so that there will be ample provision for them through the winter; and indeed it is much to be wished that we had room to accommodate all the horses which you have occasion for here; for keeping them at livery at Mr Hiltzeimer’s, is at least double the expense that it is to keep them in your own stable. A few days ago Mr Hiltzeimer sent in his Acct for keeping the horses in his stable from the time of your arrival from the Southward to the 15th of Septr in which he charged 3/ per day for each horse during the whole time of their standing. I thought the Acct very extravagent, and before I paid it, made inquiry of Page & others who keep livery Stables, of the terms upon which they take horses; and was told by them, that they charge £33 per year, if a horse stands through the year, and in that proportion if he stands three months or upwards; but if he stands less than three months they then charge so much per week or per day—the price depending on the season of the year; but never more that 17/ per week. The livery feed being 8 quarts of Oats per day, with plenty of the best hay. Your horses at Mr Hiltzeimer’s had

12 quarts per day; but the additional 4 quarts would not account for the extra price—When I called upon Mr Hiltzeimer to pay his Acct I mentioned these circumstances to him, and in consequence thereof he put each horse @ 2/9 per day; but observed, that he neither would or could reduce his price to the standard of others; for he kept the horses under his care in so much better order than they were kept at any other livery stable, that he always had his stables full at his own price. And further observed, that he had told the person who spoke to him about taking the horses that his price was 3/ per day. Of this, however I knew nothing, having never exchanged a word with him on the subject, nor heard a syllable about it. I asked Major Jackson if he had mentioned the terms to him when he went to him about taking the horses, and he assures me he never mentioned them to him. I paid his Acct @ 2/9 per day for each horse.
The french Minister called upon me last evening and in the course of conversation observed, that he was apprehensive he should not be able to visit the spot intended for the federal City this month as he expected; for the situation of affairs in St Domingo were such as might call for his Attention pretty constantly until they were in a better train than at present, and that he could not justify to himself an absence from the seat of government at this critical moment when his aid might be wanted, and every thing for him would naturally be directed here. He however felt so very desireous of seeing the spot and of procuring a lot there, that if between this & the 12th or 14th of the month he could see his way clear to be absent for a short time, he would endeavour to be in George Town by the 7th. In speaking of the Affairs of France, the Minister expressed great confidence in the acquiescence of the Nation in the decree of the Assembly respecting the King’s inviolability. He had no doubt, from every information, but that the determination would be pleasing to the Nation at large, how ever much opposed the Parisian mob might be to it, through the instigation of wicked or designing men. He had no apprehension from any foreign invasion; for he was well assured that the Nation was never so well prepared to repel an attack of that kind, as at this moment—and he was equally well assured that, in the event of an invasion, any parties which might exist among the friends of the Revolution, would be forgotten in their attempt to expel it. Upon the whole, he

appeared to be sanguine in the idea, that tranquility & good order would be effected throughout the nation in less time and with less evil than was generally imagined.
While I am writing Mr Anderson has called upon me to inform me that he has brought his thrashing machine to as great a degree of perfection as he ever expected in his first attempt. He says he has completely overcome the difficulties which occurred when you saw its operation, and that he is perfectly gratified in every point but one, (an important one to be sure) which is the quantity of grain which it will thrash & clean in a day. His calculations on this head have heretofore been extravagent. He says he finds, from repeated experiments, that his present machine (which is the same you saw) with one horse, will thrash & clean, fit for the mill, sixty bushels per day. He observes, that this machine having been altered & amended so often, cannot be expected to perform so well as one made off-hand, without being taken to pieces & put together as this has been. And, moreover, that the size of this is not adapted to performing the most service to be expected from one of these Machines; for it is rather too large for one horse & not large enough for two. He has allotted tomorrow for exhibiting its operation to a number of Gentlemen, and called to request me to attend also—which I shall not fail to do. The Cost of one of the Machines for two horses (including the Patent right) will be, he says, seventy pounds. He shall not think of offering the present one to you; but when its utility is put beyond a doubt; he shall, with your permission, build one for you to go with two horses.
The family are well. Mrs Lear & Major Jackson join with me in sentiments of respectful attachment & sincere regard for yourself, Mrs Washington and all the family. I have the honor to be, with the highest respect & warmest gratitude Sir, Your obliged & Obedt Servt

Tobias Lear.


Title: From George Washington to Ternant, 2 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Ternant, Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de

(Private)
Sir,Mount Vernon October 2nd 1791.
The details with which you have been pleased to favor me (under date of 24th ult.) of the unfortunate insurrection of the negroes in Hispaniola, came duly to hand; and I pray you to accept my best thanks for the trouble you have taken to give them. What the final issue of this affair may be is difficult at this distance, and with the imperfect information we have to foretell; but certain it is the commencement has been both daring and alarming. Let us, however, hope for the best. I would fain hope that this, and

your other business may be so arranged as to give me the pleasure of welcoming you to this seat of retirement before I leave it, which by appointment is to happen on the 16th instant.
I shall add no more than assurances of the sincere esteem and regard with which I am Sir, your most obedient and very humble Servant

G. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 6 October 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 6th Octor 1791.

Mr Chew having confirmed the character received by you, of Mr Barratt, I have written to Mr Vining requesting him to ascertain whether the appointment will be acceptable to him.
Mr Houston of Georgia declines the offer made to him, on the score of want of a familiar acquaintance with figures, and its being inconsistent with the State of his affairs, to translate himself wholly to the seat of Government. I beg leave to remind you of Mr Pleasants, if an opportunity of enquiry concerning him should present itself. Mr McComb, the present Auditor of the State of Delaware, has offered him self as a Candidate—& Mr

Stoddard of Maryland has been mentioned as a proper person, if he would accept. I as yet know not enough of either of these characters to hazard an opinion.
The Packet has brought me a letter of the 2d of August from Mr Church which contains the following paragraph—“I fear there is no disposition at present in our Ministers to treat properly with America. Lord Hawkesbury is lately admitted into the Cabinet, & his prejudices are strong against you, & the enthusiasm for maintaining the navigation Act is such that there is not a shadow of probability they will in any shape relax. I have heard nothing since my last of Mr Hammond’s appointment to America, but I believe he is certainly to be sent out.” With the most respectful attachment, I have the honor &ca

A: Hamilton

P. S. I have this day the honor of your letter of the 2d.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Pinckney, 6 October 1791
From: Pinckney, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
October 6th 1791 In CharLeston

I wrote you lately on the subject of the unfortunate situation of St Domingo & the application they made to me with my answer, which with the inclosures I hope you have recieved—The object of this Line is merely to introduce to your acquaintance Mr Barnwell one of our newly elected members of the house of Representatives & who I think will do much credit to his

appointment—He will deliver you from me a Sketch of the large american Aloe or Agave which you saw in my Garden & which was not in the Bloom represented in the draught until July—As you said you had never seen one & expressed a wish that you could see one in Bloom I thought this the best way of enabling you to form a judgement of it in that State—I am with regard & esteem Dear Sir yours truly

Charles Pinckney

The stalk or pole of the Aloe was erected in less than six weeks—So the plant was in the bloom represented in the draught in about ten weeks.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Hartley, 7 October 1791
From: Hartley, Thomas
To: Washington, George

  Sunbury, [Pa.,] 7 Oct. 1791. Recommends Maj. John Clark, whose military service you are familiar with, as “certainly a very good accountant” who “would be capable of filling an office where such Abilities were necessary—He has read Law with some Attention but has not been very successful in his Profession. Under present Circumstances any respectable Appointment would be convenient to him and his Family,” especially one in the Treasury Department.


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 7 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

⟨De⟩ar Sir,
Mount Vernon Octr 7th 1791

Your letter of the 30th Ulto came duly to hand, with the enclosures.
I have had Samples of the Alexandria Blankets sent me—the quality of them is not good; inferior to those I had from Watson—& far, very far indeed, inferior to those which I used to import myself. The prices, length & breadth of three kinds, are enclosed.
Messrs Sitgreaves, give no length to their Blankets—and if Colo. Biddle has been accurate in his account, and I understd him, the Blankets he has had offered to him, however good in other respects, are intolerably narrow. Under this view of matters I am perplexed. I by no means like the prices, or quality, of the Blankets in Alexandria; and scarcely know what Judgment to form of those in Philadelphia; but if whilst hesitating between the two I should miss both, it would be bad indeed, as my people would in that case be in great distress the ensuing Winter. Upon the whole, I have resolved to refer the matter once more to you, with the Alexandria prices and sizes (the quality you can only form an opinion of from the discription I have already given) of the Blankets in that place; and to request that you & Colo. Biddle will endeavor to procure me the quantity wanting—viz.—200; if upon comparison you shall conceive I may be benifited thereby. One hundred of the largest size, and best quality is required; the other hundred may be of the middle size, but good in quality. But in truth, if I am to form an opinion of the sizes by the Accts sent, the largest of them scarcely comes up to my ideas of a middle sized Blanket. At all events let me know by the Wednesday’s Post after you receive this (and which will reach me only the day before I leave home) what I have to trust to, as I shd regret a disappointment exceedingly.
I recollect asking you, if among my Pamphlets you had seen the Journal of my tour to the French on Labeauf in the year 1753? I understood you No; but Mrs Washington thinks you said yes. I have searched in vain for it here. Pray decide this point between us.
As I shall have but little time between my return to Philadelphia

and the meeting of Congress to arrange matters for the Communications I shall have to make at the opening of the Sessions, I desire you will (for my time is so much occupied here by company, & the necessary attention to my domestic concerns, as not to allow me time to do it) examine my Speeches at the opening of the three last Sessions of Congress, and compare the several matters recommended in them with the Laws that have passed; noting the things recommended, and not acted upon at all—as also the measures recommended & taken up by Congress but not finished; such as the Militia Law &ca—that I may, by seeing the State of the business, decide on the propriety (as I am about to meet a new House of Representatives) of bringing the same matters before Congress again. It will do, if this enquiry is compleated against my arrival, and I pray you to be correct in it. The Journals, or Mr Beckley, can inform you of those cases which have been taken up, but never finished; & I wish you to ask at the Secretary of States Office what has been the result of the enquiries which have issued from thence in consequence of the resolve of Congress to ascertain the quantity, and State of the Lands ceded by No. Carolina.
I ought, when speaking of the Blankets, to have desired, if you make the purchase in Philadelphia, to forward them by the first vessel which is bound to Alexandria as my Negros are all teazing me for them, and the season will soon make them necessary.
What progress does Mr West make? and has he learnt to write with more facility and ease than when I left him?
Mrs Washington requests you to get her Six pieces of Ginghams according to the inclosed Memm & to send them along with the Blankets—She and all here join in best wishes for you &ca—and I am ever Yr Affecte fd &ca

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Henley, 10 October 1791
From: Henley, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Charlestown [Mass.] October 10. 1791

It is with reluctance that I trespass a moment on that time which is devoted to the most important national concerns, Nor would I now do it were I not urged by the most pressing necessity. This is my only Apology; (& may I not hope that your Excellency will deem it a sufficient one) for renewing my Application for some Appointment under the foederal Government.
I am perswaded that the Arrangements your Excellency has made in the Excise department in Massachusetts, are altogether

proper & necessary. Yet they have operated in a peculiar manner to distress me, for ten years, (commencing in 1781 & ending last year,) I administered the Office of Collector of Excise in the County of Middlesex, & as an evidence to your Excellency that my services were acceptable, permit me to mention, that the Vote in the House of Representatives for continuing me in Office, was, the last year, unanimous. Such have been my multiplied misfortunes that I have been compelled to place dependance on this Office under the foederal Government for my subsistance.
Previous to the late distressing War, I possessed under Providence a handsome property of about £5000 Sterling in one of the largest Distilleries in this State, & in a Tallow Chandlery, which afforded me an Annual income of between seven & eight hundred pounds, These with all my other buildings were consumed in the burning of Charlestown, & reduced me from Affluence to such distressing circumstances as are more easily conceived than expressed. An agravation of my misfortunes was the debts due me, which were not inconsiderable, were paid in to me in a depreciated Paper Currency, & almost sunk. But what most of all embitters my distresses is the loss of three desirable Sons, by the War, One of whom was slain in battle, fighting for his Country—Another, a Physician, died on board a ship of War, the other was unfortunately drowned, Thus am I bereaved of my Children, & deprived of that comfort & support which I might reasonably have expected they would have afforded me, in my distress, & advanced age, had they not exposed & lost their lives in their country’s cause, in laying the foundation of the excellent Government, under which, as a nation, we enjoy so much happiness & prosperity.
It is indeed painfull to me to reflect on the days of my prosperity, & to recapitulate to your Excellency, the train of misfortunes which, under a wise, overriding Providence, have plunged me, & a large & beloved family who have seen better days, into aggravating poverty & distress.
I am now advancing towards the close of life, unable to originate & prosecute new plans of business for a support. These considerations, & the inexpressible sollicitude I feel for the present & future comfort & welfare of my afflicted family, oblidge me, & your wonted benevolence & Compassion towards the unhappy

sufferers in the late war, encourage me, to renew my request, that your Excellency, when an opportunity offers, would appoint me to some suitable office under the foederall government, which will enable me to maintain my family with decency & reputation. With great respect, I am your Excellencys most Obedient & very humble servant

Sam. Henley


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 10 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

Sir,
Mount Vernon 10th Octo: 1791.

Your letter of the 1st inst: I have duly recd—likewise one of the 4th, covering a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury together with some communications from Lt Colo. Beckwith.
I herewith transmit you an Address & Memorial of the Officers, Civil & Military, of the District of Miro, which was sent to me by Govr Blount—I wish you to take the same into your consideration, & make a Report thereon at my return to Phila. I am Sir Yr hble Servant.


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 10 October 1791 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

Letter not found: to James Madison, 10 Oct. 1791. Sold by Stan V. Henkels, 1892, catalog 694, item 63.


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 10 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

Sir
Mount Vernon Octor 10th 1791.

By the Post of Friday, I received your communications of the first instant; and from the character of Mr Campbell am glad to hear he is disposed to act as Attorney for the District of Virginia; & that you had forwarded the Commission to him for that purpose. Also, that a pardon had been sent to Saml Dodge as it appears that his errors were unintentional.
It is my wish & desire that you would examine the Laws of the General Government which have relation to Indian Affairs—that is—for the purpose of securing their lands to them—Restraining States—or Individuals from purchasing their lands—and forbidding unauthorized intercourse in their dealing with them. And moreover, that you would suggest such auxiliary Laws

as will supply the defects of those which are in being—thereby enabling the Executive to enforce obedience.
If Congress expect to live in Peace with the neighbouring Indians and to avoid the expences & horrors of continual hostilities, such a measure will be found indispensably necessary; for unless adequate penalties are provided, that will check the spirit of speculation in lands & will enable the Executive to carry them into effect, this Country will be constantly embroiled with, & appear faithless in the eyes not only of the Indians but of the neighbouring powers also. For Notwithstanding the existing laws—solemn Treaties—and Proclamations which have been issued to enforce a compliance with both—and some attempts of the Government So. Wt of the Ohio to restrain their proceedings, the agents for the Tennessee company are at this moment by public advertisements under the signature of a Zachariah Cox encouraging by offers of land, & other inducements, a settlement at the Mussle-Shoals, & is likely to obtain Emigrants for that purpose altho there is good evidence that the Measure is disapproved by the Crks & Cherokees—and it is presumed is so likewise by the Chicasaws & Choctaws, unless they have been imposed upon by assurances that trade is the only object they have in view by the Establishmt. I am Sir Yr most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 11 October 1791
From: Lutterloh, Henry Emanuel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fayette Ville No. Carolina 11th Oct. 1791

The favorable attention I have formerly received from your Excellency, induces me to take the liberty of mentioning my present situation.
Since the War in which I had the honor of serving under your Excellency, and for the most part under your personal inspection; a variety of misfortunes have reduced me in a strange Country to extreme distress.
During this situation I have made repeated applications for settlement of my accounts with the proper Office, which I have not yet obtained, by reason as it is said, of my immediate principals not having settled, and to this I am informed is in a great measure to be ascribed the failure of my application to Congress on two Petitions praying the Commutation & Lands allowed to Colonels in the line, as also any Travelling expences which were usually allowed to foreign Officers, embarking in the Americam cause.
I am neither unacquainted with the rule laid down by your Excellency as to personal correspondence, nor with your engagements in public services, to which your time is so much devoted as to prevent private communications, on the private affairs of an individual of such small moment as myself; but the Soldier who in a public cause hath experienced public neglect, will for a moment be permitted to arreast your Excellency’s attention whilst he offers to your perusal his present and former Petitions as the grounds of his application for relief, in that situation to which he hath been reduced from much brighter prospects.
Permit me Sir to conceive the subject of which they treat, having been necessarily mixed with the greater transactions under your direction of the War, they may without impropriety become the subject of reference to You, in which event I submit to such

mention of my services as they from Your Excellency’s knowledge may seem to merit.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect and regard. Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servant

Henry Emanuel Lutterloh


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 13 October 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

  War Department [Philadelphia], 13 Oct. 1791. Submits copies of letters received from Arthur St. Clair and Richard Butler, both dated 18 Sept.: “I would not unnecessarily occupy your time at present—but, knowing

your anxiety for the success of the operations, as they approach to a crisis, I have conceived it proper for your satisfaction to enclose these letters.”


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 14 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

(Private)
My dear Sir,Mount Vernon Octr 14th 1791
When I addressed a private letter to you a few days ago I had no more idea that monday the 24th instt was the day appointed

for the meetings of Congress, than I had of its being dooms-day until it was mentioned to me in a letter which I have just received from Mr Lear (who was under the like mistake). It had taken such deep root in my mind that the last monday in the month was the time that I never consulted the Law or made any enquiry about it—and meant to move leizurely on in the course of next week for Philadelphia & for that purpose had directed Page to send off his Stage Coach so as to be at George-Town on tuesday the 18th. This discovery, however, will oblige me, as soon as I am provided with the means, to accelerate my Journey—and it induces me at the same time to urge you more earnestly to be prepared against my arrival with what my last requested.
How far, in addition to the several matters mentioned in that letter, would there be propriety do you conceive, in suggesting the policy of encouraging the growth of Cotton, & Hemp in such parts of the United States as are adapted to the culture of these articles? The advantages which would result to this Country from the produce of articles which ought to be manufactured at home is apparent but how far bounties on them come within the Powers of the Genl Government or it might comport with the temper of the times to expend money for such purposes is necessary to be considered and without a bounty is given I know of no means by which the growth of them can be effectually encouraged.
The establishment of Arsenals in convenient & proper places is, in my opinion, a measure of high national importance meriting the serious attention of Congress; and is one of those measures which ought to be brought to their view.
Yesterday I received the resignation of John Spotswood Moore Surveyor of West Point in this State. I mention it now, that if opportunities should present, you may make the necessary enquiries into the fitness of Alexr Moore, his Brother whom he recommends as a Successor. With affectionate regard I am ever Yours

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hanson (of Samuel), 14 October 1791
From: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria, 14th October, 1791

It is with great reluctance I am induced to trouble you upon a disagreeable subject, which at the same time, I conceive you ought to have been made acquainted with long ago, tho’ I hoped the information would go from some other Quarter.
It is the Conduct of Mr Lee, as Collector of this District. I beg leave to premise that, as soon as I had formed the resolution of exhibiting charges agt Mr Lee, I determined, in order to prevent the suspicion of any interested motive, to decline any benefit that could possibly flow from their establishment: and as to malice, I am so far from being actuated by it, that this Gentleman and myself are, and have always been, upon good terms, never interrupted by the smallest disagreement.
It is a fact, well-known in this place, that Mr Lee, since his appointment, has been out of Town at least three fourths of the time. If I admit that he has been here three months in twelve, it is an allowance to which he is not strictly entitled; since he is at those times so entirely engrossed by the practice or business of the law, that he might, as to his public duty, still be considered as absent.
In confirmation of this I need only mention that all the documents coming from his Office are signed by his Deputy, tho’ the Principal be present; a practice expressly prohibited by Law. The acting, indeed, by Deputy, at all, being allowable only “in cases of occasional and necessary absence, or of Sickness” I presume the acts of a Deputy, in any other, not to be of legal validity. When you are informed that Mr Lee’s Deputy, so far from being competent to fill the place of his Principal (to whom the Law

directs the subordinate Officers for the solution of any difficulties that may arise in the way of their duty) is a very young Man, extremely illiterate, and, I may add, not even possessing the accuracy of a common clerk, you will conclude that the public service necessarily suffers from Mr Lee’s absence, and inattention. I aver that it does so; and I am ready to cite the instances.
  Sir, I have long expected that an acct of Mr Lee’s conduct would have been communicated to You through a different Channel. The Merchants of this place frequently remark upon his frequent and long absences, and scruple not to say that he makes his office a perfect Sine-Cure. But when it is considered that these Gentlemen, instead of suffering by a remissness in his duty, may find their account ⟨illegible⟩, it is not surprising that they have preferred no Complaints. But tho’ they have been silent upon this Head, they are very free, and general in expressing their dissatisfaction at one of his arrangements, by which they suffer great inconvenience. This is, his fixing his office at the most improper place in the Town—a remote Corner of it—(near Mr [Philip Richard] Fendall’s) at a great distance from the Scene of business, and very difficult of access in the winter Season through our muddy Streets. This regulation is the most unfavourable that can be, both to the Merchants, masters of Vessels, and others who have business at the Custom-House, and also to the inferior Officers, between whom & the Collector there ought to be the readiest Communication.
Thus, Sir, I have discharged what I feel to be my duty upon this point. Any further information that may be required, I am ready to give. In the meantime, I could wish, if it may consist with propriety, that my name in this business may not appear, not because there is the smallest difficulty in supporting these charges, but for the sake of peace, & the fear that unworthy motives may be imputed where none exist. With perfect respect & Esteem, I remain Sir your much-obliged and grateful Servant

S. Hanson of Saml


Title: From George Washington to William Jackson, 14 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Jackson, William

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon Octr 14th 1791

With pleasure I received your letter of the 9th, and am obliged by the communications therein contained.1 have written regularly to Mr Lear once a week, some times oftener, on business; but can do little more than drop him or you a line by this Post, as the unexpected discovery that the 24th, instead of the 31st instt is the day appointed for the meeting of Congress, obliges me to bestow every attention in my power to the things I conceive necessary to communicate, & recommend to that body. I allowed, as I conceived, a whole week to digest these matters after I should have arrived in Philadelphia, instead of which (as my movements depend upon Page’s Coach) I shall scarcely have two days after that arrival, to prepare myself for Congress.
Unless Lord Wycombe should arrive here as this day or tomorrow I shall not have it in my power to shew him the civilities I could wish either at Mount Vernon or in Philadelphia (if he does not return to the latter place again)—a circumstance I shall regret. My present hurry will not allow me to add more than the good wishes of all this family, which, at present is numerous; and assurances of the sincere friendship and regard of Your Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Jackson, 14 October 1791
From: Jackson, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia, October 14. 1791.

Mr Archibald McCall of this city, who is, I believe, employed to procure a house for the british Minister, appointed to the United States, says that Mr Hammond may be expected to arrive here within a fortnight or three weeks.
This information may be depended on—it was given privately

to a Gentleman of this place, last evening, by Mr McCall himself.
The news papers, which go by this post, detail the intelligence received by the last Vessels from Europe—they also state the issue of the elections in Pennsylvania, as far as they are yet known. Young Mr Shippen was a very unsuccessful candidate.
I beg to be most respectfully remembered to Mrs Washington—and I am, with grateful and inviolable attachment, Sir, Your respectful and affectionate Servant

W.Jackson.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

(Private)
My dear Sir,Mount Vernon Octr 14th 1791.
I have been under a strange mistake with respect to the time appointed for the meeting of Congress, and a distressing one; inasmuch as I shall have but little time after my arrival in Philadelphia to receive, & digest the thoughts which may have occurred to the heads of Departments, with those of my own, into proper form for communication, or recommendation.
So strongly was it fixed in my mind that the last instead of the fourth monday in this month was the day appointed for the meeting, that, as my return depended on Pages Stage Coach it was not ordered to be at George Town until the 18th instt; nor should I (unless by accident) have discovered my mistake, had not Mr Lear in a letter I received from him yesterday (being under the like himself) informed me of it.
This being the case (tho’ it is not probable it has happened to you) I must request you to be prepared, according to the desires made known to you before I left the City, against my return to it—which will be without a moments delay that I can avoid after the means are in my power to proceed. Being much hurried I have hardly time to look back on what I have written but if you

understand my meaning it is enough. Sincerely & Affectionately I am ever Yrs

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 14 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Oct. 14th 1791.

Your letter of the 9th was forwarded to me yesterday morning by the Post-Master in Alexandria (having sent no person to that place the evening before).
I am glad of the intimation given of the intentions of the Minister of France; and pleased, tho’ distressed at the same time, at the information that, the 24th instt is the day fixed on for the meeting of Congress. I had no more idea of this than I had of its being dooms-day. Supposing the 31st to be the day, I meant to have spent Monday, and possibly Tuesday, at George-Town; and then to have proceeded leizurely on; but as the case is I shall endeavor to reach Bladensburgh at least, the first night (that is Monday) and delay no time on the Road afterwards that can be avoided; as I shall have scarce any time to prepare my communications for the opening of the Session on the 24th if there should be punctuality in the Members.
This unexpected event makes it more essentially necessary to look, without delay, & with accuracy, into the Speeches & Laws (at the past Sessions) agreeably to my former directions; that, among other matters, they may be considered of when I arrive. If any thing else should have occurred to you, fit for recommendation, or communication in the Speech, note it, that, in case it shd not be among my memorandums, it may be ready for consideration.
There is a mistery attending the Engraving of the Federal City which I do not comprehend. It appears somewhat singular, that the incorrectness of the Plan should not have been discovered till now, when Major L’Enfant was detained many days in Philadelphia to prepare & fit it for the purpose.
If the Memorial of Messrs Triol Roux & Co. has not already been sent it may await my arrival in Philadelphia as I shall have

no leizure to give it a consideration until after my Communications have been prepared for Congress. Being much hurried I have only time to wish you & Mrs Lear well, & to assure you of the sincere esteem and regard of Yrs Affectly

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 14 October 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia October 14th 1791

By the Post of yesterday I had the honor to receive your favor of the 10th instant, in which was enclosed a letter for Major Jackson, to whom I delivered it.
The enclosed papers will give the accounts which have been received by the late arrivals from Europe. Peace seems to be the predominant feature in these accts. And there do not appear any strong marks of a disposition to invade France, and effect a counter-Revolution as has been so much talked of.
I have the honor to enclose a general statement of the Lands granted or appropriated by the State of North Carolina within the Territory ceded by that state to the United States. This quantity deducted from the whole amount ceded, will ascertain the estimate required by Congress, unless there should be claims of the Indians to some part of it, which, if there are, must be stated in a large book transmitted by the Secretary of the State, of North Carolina to the Secretary of State from which the enclosed is taken. This book contains the name of each person to whom land has been granted or appropriated, with the quantity & situation. The letter which accompanied it has been transmitted to Mr Jefferson.
There is no vessel at this time bound to Alexanda but one is hourly expected from thence, which returns immediately, and by which the Blankets will be sent, with 6 pieces of Ginghams which I have procured. They are not of the clouded kind which Mrs Washington wished, none of them could be found; but they are of the same quality, length &c. they are striped. A Vessel is

advertised for Norfolk & Alexa. but on inquiry I find it is not likely she will go to the lastmentioned port.
The family continues in good health. Mrs Lear & Major Jackson unite with me in tendering best respects, love & regards to Mrs Washington, Yourself, the Children, and all the family at Mount Vernon as they are respectively due. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, gratitude & attachment, Sir, Your most Obliged & Obedt Sert

Tobias Lear.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 15 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Robert

Dear Sir,
Mount-Vernon, October 15th 1791.

Enclosed is a letter for Mr Muse, requesting him to put my papers into your hands, and to give you such information with

respect to the business, as is necessary to bring you acquainted with the present state of it—After you have read the letter, and noticed the contents, seal and deliver it to him.
Receive from Mr Muse all the blank leases with which I have furnished him, as well as those which have been filled up and executed—It will be indispensably necessary for you to get the precise state of the rents, which are due on each tenement—the ability of the tenants, and the prospect of receiving the rents. Make yourself Master also of the disputes—if any there be—to which the Tenements are subject.
From long experience I have laid it down as an unerring maxim that to exact rents with punctuality is not only the right of the Landlord, but that it is also for the benefit of the Tenant, that it should be so—unless by uncontroulable events, and providential strokes the latter is rendered unable to pay them—in such cases he should not only meet with indulgence, but, in some instances with a remittal of the rent. But, in the ordinary course of these transactions, the rents ought to be collected with the most rigid exactness, especially from my Tenants who do not, for most of the farms, pay a fourth of what the tenements would let for if they were now in my possession—If it is found difficult for a Tenant to pay one rent, it is more difficult for him to pay two—when three are due he despairs, or cares little about them—and if it runs to a greater number it is highly [probable] that to avoid paying any he leaves you the bag to hold. For these reasons, except under the circumstances before mentioned, it is my desire that you will give all the Tenants timely notice that you will give no indulgences beyond those allowed by the covenants in the leases—If they find you strict, they will be punctual—if otherwise, your trouble will be quadrupled, and I can have no dependence upon my rents which are now my principal support, since by the diligence of Mr Muse the Tenants are brought into a proper way of thinking and acting respecting them; and my crops are almost continually failing me.
As there have been many transfers, and some without any privity of mine, altho’ it is contrary to a covenant in the Leases, it is a matter which will claim your particular attention—and, as I have already observed, as the leases of old date are given for less than one fourth of their present value, it is my particular request that you will endeavor to investigate, with great accuracy, and

inform me of the result what lives still remain in each lease throwing the proof (unless you are advised by able Counsel that it cannot be done) where the Lessees are not to be produced, upon the Tenant to shew that they are actually in existence.
As all the rents become due on or before the first day of January in every year, and distrainable at the expiration of a certain number of days thereafter I shall expect that in some short and reasonable time after the days of grace expire the amount of your collection will be paid into the hands of Major Geo: A. Washington, my present Attorney, or whosoever hereafter may have the superintendence of my business in this State during my absence in the service of the public.
Although I flatter myself there is no occasion for the admonition, yet I will accompany this appointment with suggesting to you, that business is rarely well executed that is not diligently pursued—and that the same consequences of neglect will happen to you that would to any idle, inattentive, or defective Collector; if any of these should appear in your conduct—and the more so as it is owing to the attentive and close watchings of Muse that this resource has been productive and useful to me, and that many rents have been recovered, which appeared to be desperate, by his activity and perseverance.
If they are admitted in the first instances, you will have a thousand pleas to forbearance; but considering the low and easy rents, at which my Tenants stand, I know of none which ought to be admitted except losses by fire—by storms—or such droughts, as are apparent and well attested; for bad crops proceeding from idleness, may, and will be a constant plea as they ought to be inadmissable.
It is of essential consequence that you should examine accurately whether the covenants in the leases, with respect to the buildings to be erected—Orchards to be planted—meadows to be made—and woods to be preserved, have been complied with.
These were important objects with me at the time the leases were granted—and are so still—well knowing how much they would contribute to enhance the value of the lots at the expiration of the term for which the leases were given. My best wishes attend Mrs Lewis and yourself and I remain Your affectionate Uncle.

G. Washington.

P.S. If, as I have heard, you should not conceive the collection of my rents to be an object sufficient to engage your attention, the letter for Mr Muse is not to be given to him.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from James Vaughan, 15 October 1791
From: Vaughan, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond Virginia 15th Octr 1791.

The Distressing Circumstances of my Presant Situation, Induce me to take the Liberty of troubling your Excellency with this Address, and I am persuaded that your Generous mind will incline you to Look With a favourable Eye on the Petition of an Old man who has suffered Considerable Losses during the Late War and whose Activity in the Cause of his Country Was well known to many of the Inhabitents of Virginia as will Appear from my Recommendation, which has been Presented your Honour by Saml Griffin Esqr. the Respectable Characters who have signed that, and who have Known me Many Years may

Remember that I was the first Person in this state who Manufactured Salt Petre at a time, when it was in such great Demand in America—Previous to which I took a Comision & gott many People to inlist in that Glorious Cause of Liberty—My Personal Presence was Required before the Committee of Safety, who were pleased to Request me to Use my best Endeavours to provide that Necessary Article for the Benefit of our Country, which I Chearfully Undertook & had five Persons imployed by me for fifteen Months in the Warehouses in the Town of Petersburg—I Likewise Distributed a Number of Receipts through the Differrent Parts of the Goverment, also in Carolina, in Order to Render the Prosess as Diffusively known as it was in my Power to do I Likewise prepared Salt Petre beds, which Answered Exceeding well—if these Circumstances, which I Presume your Excellency will find well Attested should be Sufficiant to Recommend me to your Notice, I would humbly ask Your Patronage in procuring for me the Appointment as keeper & Manager of the Light house now Erecting on Cape Henry—Should I be so happy as to Succeed to my Wishes in this Application, No Exertions shall be Wanting in my Power to Give General Sattisfaction in the Employment—The Salary whatever it may be, will be an object to me, Who have a Large Famely to support, and Who have Experianced a Train of Misfortunes since the Days of my Prosperity, if Your Excellency Can serve me, You will Confer a Lasting Obligation On Your Humble and Obediant Servant

Jas Vaughan

N.B. sent a Letter to yr Excelency the 11th Decr 1789. much to the same Purpose, but Expect, did not Come to your hands, as have Understood my Recommendation did not till the Last Year.

Js V.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 16 October 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 16th Octob: 1791.

I have the honor of your letter of the 10th instant.
Mine to you of the 6th, which was sent by duplicates, will have informed you of the then state of the business of the Supervisorship of the District of Delaware. I have, within two days, received a letter from Mr Vining stating that an absence from home had delayed the receipt of my letter, & the ascertaining of Mr Barratt’s inclination in regard to the office; but at the same time expressing his conviction that it would be accepted. As a further explanation is to be expected, I conclude to defer applying for the Commission; especially as the late Supervisor continues to act, & the public service will not, I presume, suffer.
Governor Clayton’s application, thro’ me, in favor of his son, was communicated to you on the day it was received, which was two days before your departure from this place. You reserved the matter for enquiry in the course of your passage thro’ the State; & when you wrote to me respecting Mr Barratt, I concluded that the appointment of young Mr Clayton had appeared to you inexpedient. He was represented to me as a very young man who had had slender opportunities of being acquainted with business. With the most respectful & truest attachment, I have the honor to be &c.

A: Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 16 October 1791
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia October 16th 1791.

Considering the little time you would have after your arrival in this place before the meeting of Congress, I thought it could not be amiss to prepare this letter to meet you at Baltimore, enclosing the information which you directed me to obtain upon the points recommended in yours Speeches at the opening of the three last Sessions of Congress.

I went carefully through the three speeches, and noted down, as you will perceive, on one margin of the page, every matter which you had recommended to the Attention of Congress—and opposite to each point I have noted what has been done upon it. In those matters where laws had passed in conformity to the recommendation, I have mentioned them in that manner. In those cases where the subject had been taken up, and not finished, I did not find the Journals satisfactory, and therefore applied to Mr Beckley for information respecting what had been done about them, and from him I obtained the satisfactory information annexed to these cases. I thought it best to note down every matter which had been recommended, whether it had been acted upon & finished or not, in order that every thing might be brought into one view—and every chance of omission avoided. I flatter myself it will be found accurate, and I shall be much pleased if it proves such as you wished.
I have the honor likewise to enclose a translation of the Memorial enclosed in the letter of Messrs Tirol Roux & Co. I received it from the Secretary of the Treasury this morning only, which is the cause of its not having been transmitted before. The original of the memorial I keep here lest any thing should prevent this letter’s meeting you. A Copy of the Notes from the Speeches &ca. I have likewise preserved.
A Memorandum of the Blankets which I have purchased is enclosed for your inspection. A Vessel sails about middle of the week for Alexandria, on board which they will be shipped.
The Mortality among the Judicial Officers of the United States has extended to New Hampshire. Mr Parker, the Marshal of that District, is dead, and Genl Sullivan the Judge, is in a situation that it is said he cannot long exist.
Mr Gore, the Attorney of the Massachusetts district, is in this city with his Lady. In a conversation which I had with him yesterday respecting the Federal City, he observed, that he was well assured it was A thing much desired by the people of Massachusetts, that every facility should be given towards preparing that city for the reception of the Government of the United States, and that they were fully impressed with the necessity of carrying the law respecting it into full effect. If the Representatives from Massachusetts did not speak this language, he said they would not express the sentiments of their constituents in general.

Mr Langdon, the Senator, arrived in town last evening, and a large proportion of the Gentlemen from the Eastward are said to be on the way hither. A considerable number of persons from New York & Massachusetts are expected in town in the course of the week, to be present at the meeting of the Stockholders of the Bank of the United States. In the choice of directors it is thought there will be some altercation. And it is said disputes may arise respecting persons entitled to vote for directors &ca. upon the point, whether those only who were original subscribers, or persons authorized by proper power for that purpose from them, shall vote; or whether the mere holding the Scrip, as it is called, shall entitle a person to vote whether he obtained it by subscription, purchase or other ways. The Secretary of the Treasury has requested the opinion of the Attorney General on the point.
The family are well. Mrs Lear & Majr Jackson unite with me in every respectful & affectionate sentiment for Yourself Mrs Washington & those with you, and sincerely wish you a safe & pleasant Journey to this City. I have the honor to be, with true respect, gratitude & attachment, Sir, Your most Obliged & Obedt Servt

Tobias Lear.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 17 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My dear Sir,
George-Town [Md.], Octo. 17th 1791.

I am thus far on my way to Philadelphia, and if the disagreeableness of the weather (for it is now raining) does not prevent

it, shall proceed to Bladensburgh at least to night; but be my dispatch what it probably may, the mail which leaves this tomorrow, will arrive in Phialdelphia before me.
This being the case, and time pressing, I forward the enclosed suggestions of Mr Jefferson and Mr Madison, who are both at this place and from whom I requested information of the several matters that had occurred to them, proper for communication. Iam always sincerely Yours

G. W——n


Title: Henry Knox’s Minutes for the President’s Speech, 18 October 1791
From: Knox, Henry
To:

[Philadelphia, c.18 Oct. 1791]

In pursuance of the powers vested in me by law, I have directed such measures for re-establishing the tranquillity of the western frontiers, as appeared adequate and proper for that purpose.
At the same time that treaties were held, and other just means used, to attach the wavering, and to confirm the well disposed tribes of Indians in their friendship to the United States, offers of pacification were held forth to the hostile tribes upon terms of moderation and Justice.
But these offers, having had no effect, it became necessary to convince the refractory, of the power of the United States to restrain and punish their depredations[.] Accordingly offensive operations were directed, to be conducted, however, as consistently as possible with humanity. Some of these operations have been crownd with full success, and the others are yet undecided.
The offers of peace are still continued to the deluded tribes, and [a] considerable number of individuals belonging to them, have lately renounced all further opposition, removed from their former situations, and placed themselves under the protection of the United States.
It is sincerely to be desired that in future Coercion may not be necssary and that an intimate intercourse may be effected, tending to advance the happiness of the Indians, and to attach them firmly to the United States.
To effect these desireable objects it seems necessary that the Indians should experience the benefits of an impartial administration of Justice.
That the mode of alienating their lands, the main source of discontent and war, should be defined and regulated by such principles, as to prevent all controversy.
That the advantages of commerce should be extended to them, and such rational experiments made for imparting to

them the blessings of civilization, as may from time to time be suitable to their conditions.
And that proper penalties should be provided for such lawless persons as shall violate the treaties which have [been] m[ade] in g[ood] faith with the indian tribes.
A system producing the free operatn of the mild principles of religion and benevolence towards an unenlightned race of men whose happiness materially depends on the conduct of the U.S., would at once be highly oeconomical, and honorable to the national character.
The importance of the subject will justify me in recommending [to] your serious considerat⟨ion⟩ the necessity and propriety of establishg a system for the National defense—A system to embrace the organizatn of a general militia [and] The establishing of magaznes and arsenals.
It would be more consonant to the wisdom and dignity of the United Staes that our national security shoud rest under the protection of divine providene upon the basis of solid arrangemts than on a fortuitous assemblage of circumstans.


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 18 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Bladensburgh [Md.] Oct. 18th 1791
Dear Sir,half past 5 Oclock A. M.
I pray you to drop me a line by the Mail of to morrow (which closes in the evening) informing me of the number of Lots sold, and the amount of them. When the business of the meeting is ended I shall be obliged to you for some acct of the final issue of the Sales &ca.
I am now writing by Candle light, and this is the only piece of paper the Landlord is able to procure for me. We shall, bad as the weather is set out in less than half an hour. With wishes for successful labour in the work you are engaged in I remain Your Affecte

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 19 October 1791
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Ge. town [Md.] 19th Ocr-[1]79[1]

I have just recieved your letter, and have barely time to get the inclosed amount of our sales made out in time—I have to observe that the general opinion is that the Lots have gone too high—The chief purchasers yesterday, and the day before were from the Eastward—I was happy to find today that they were intermixed with purchasers from Carolina and Norfolk—You will understand that they are all actual sales excepting about four among the lowest. The weather has been much against us—Could we have been on the ground, and exhibited a general

plan; I believe it would have aided the sale considerably—We have thought proper as the business seemed to flagg a little today, to discontinue the sale; but with notice, that if any Gentlemen wished to purchase, we should still be ready to recieve their offers. I am Dear Sir, with the greatest respect Your Obt Servt

Dd Stuart

P.S. the squares on which sales are made are some distance from the Presidents house.


Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 21 October 1791
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

Sir.
New York October 21st 1791.

The arrival of Mr Hammond and the Objects of his Visit to America, will doubtless be made Known and explained to The President, previous to the receipt of this Letter. I cannot refrain from expressing my satisfaction on this Subject, as it fully proves the solidity of some points which I had the honor of stating in my Letter of the 6th of June last—If I can without presumption claim any merit as a private Citizen, in contributing to this amicable advance of The British Court to The President, and thereby furnishing the respective Nations with an opportunity of examining in a friendly manner the points of difference between them, it must afford me no small satisfaction—And if I Should have been so fortunate as to have excited in the mind of The President an Idea of my being capable of promoting the views and Interest of my Country at the Court of London, the solicitude I nourish on these subjects, and the ambition to serve and promote the wishes of The President, Induce me to offer myself as a Candidate for the station—In full confidences that notwithstanding the numberless marks of favour I have already experienced, that The President will not consider this application as

too great a pressure on his Goodness. I have the honor to be—The Presidents most Obliged Humble Servt

W. S. Smith


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 23 October 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Octob. 23. 1791.

Th: Jefferson has the honour to subjoin the alteration he suggested in the last paragraph of the President’s speech.
Having read Colo. Humphreys’ letters after mister Short’s he had been led into an erroneous arrangements of the facts they state. Colo. Humphreys’ letter mentioning the king’s refusal of the constitution is of Aug. 22. while it appears by mister Short’s letter of Aug. 30. that it had not yet been presented to him, & that it was believed he would ratify it.
A provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United states is particularly urged by the important considerations that they are pledged as a fund for reimbursing the public debt; that, if timely and judiciously applied, they may save the necessity of burthening our citizens with new taxes for the extinguishment of the principal; and that being free to pay annually but a limited proportion of that principal, time lost in beginning the payments cannot be recovered however productive the resource may prove in event.


Title: Conversation with Ralph Izard, Pierce Butler, and Aaron Burr, 24 October 1791
From: Washington, George
To:

[Philadelphia, 24 October 1791]

Mr Izard, Mr Butler and Mr Burr, three members of the Senate, waited upon the President at six o’clock in the evening of this day, in order to request his opinion upon the etiquette which might be proper to be established between the Senators of the United States and foreign Ministers in respect to visiting each other—viz.—whether it would be proper for the Senators to pay the first visit to foreign diplomatic Characters, or expect it from them. These Gentlemen informed the President that they did not wait upon him as a formal committee from the Senate; but that the point having been discussed by the Senate, in the Senate Chamber, after the public business was ended, and a wish expressed that the President’s opinion might be obtained in the matter, they had been desired, by that body, to call upon him, in an informal manner, to state the subject and receive his opinion, if he should think proper to give it.
In reply, the President informed those Gentlemen, that the subject stated being a matter to which he had not turned his thoughts, and as it was about establishing a precedent it might be considered as of importance, he would, therefore, beg to decline expressing an opinion upon it for the present; but that he would revolve the thing in his mind, and would answer the Gentlemen as soon as he should have made his communications to Congress tomorrow (being hurried in preparing them) and would let them know at what hour it might be received. Although, at the same time, the President observed, that he was not certain, whether, upon due consideration of the matter, he should think it proper for him to give an opinion in it or not.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Powel, 24 October 1791
From: Powel, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia October 24. 179[1]

Agreeably to your Request, I have now the Pleasure to send you an Extract from my Letter to Arthur Young Esquire, relative to the Prices of the following Articles in Pennsylvania, vizt

            Wheat ⅌ Bushell
            6/ to 6/4

            Rye
            3/9 to 4/

            Indian Corn
            2/6

            Oats
            1/8

            Barley
            4/

            Clover Hay ⅌ Ton
            £4.10

            Beef ⅌ cwt
            1.5

            Pork ⅌ Do
            1.7.6

            A good working Horse
            £20

            A pair of good working Oxen 9 Cwt each
            20 to £24

            A Milch Cow & Calf
            5 to 6

            Store Sheep by the Flock
            10/ to 15/

            Wool

            dressed Flax

            Bricks ⅌ Thousand
            22/6

            Stone Lime ⅌ Bushell
            11d. to 12d.

Cultivated Farms of good Land, in the Old Counties not within Twenty Miles of Philadelphia, extremely various. The average at Random, perhaps £5 ⅌ Ac. The Par of Exchange with Great Britain 166 An english Guinea passes current at 35/″. With Respect to Taxes, the second Object of Enquiry, my Information is as follows, and I believe it may be relied on

            Acres oneach Farm
            PoorTax
            CountyTax
            RoadTax

            Franklin County
           360
           none
           40/
           35/
            last Yr

            York County
            500
            none
            40/
            30/

            Northumberland
            300
            none
            10/
            30/
            highest in County

            Fayette County
            364
            15/
            10/
            —

            Cumberland Co.
            750
            2/6
            60/
            27/

            Chester County
            500
            35/
            70/
            35/

            Delaware County
            450
            30/
            60/
            60/

            Washington County
            300
            none
            20/
            12/
            highest in County

            Philadelphia County
            80
            16/10
             22/5
             15/2
            for 179⟨o⟩

The foregoing are the Taxes on the Farms, containing the Number of Acres mentioned in the List in the Different Counties. The respective Sums make the aggregate of the Taxes upon each Farm in the respective Counties.
It is here to be observed that there are Farms in the oldest as well as in the newest Counties set down in the List, If the Information appears to you in any Respect, deficient, I will endeavor to procure such as may be more satisfactory. Tho’ I think what is herein contained must convince Mr Y. that our present Taxes are very moderate. If on this, or any other subject, I can be of any Use to you, I beg that you will freely lay your Commands on dear Sir Your affectionate & obliged humble Servt

Samuel Powel


Title: To George Washington from John Stadler, 25 October 1791
From: Stadler, John
To: Washington, George

Please Your Excellency
Fredericksburg [Va.]October the 25th 1791.

The inclosed is a Copy of a Letter to the Honourable James Madison, as I have been directed to apply tog. with an account against the State of Virginia attested by Patrick Henry, then Gouvernor, and with a Certificate of the Notary publick of Fredericksburg

for two Commissions inclosed, one a Continental one, and the other of the State of Virginia. I had the Honour to wait last May in this Town on the Honourable Col. Munroe, one of our Senators, who was an Eye-witness ⟨mutilated⟩ I carried on in Gloucester County against Lord Dunmore, showed him a ⟨mutilated⟩ this Letter; but did not seem to pleased with it, by asking me: If I thought ⟨mutilated⟩ would pay me the Money, which the State of Virginia owed me? I told him ⟨mutilated⟩t expect such a thing, but expected that Congress could compell Virginia ⟨mutilated⟩e. With the greatest Respect to Your Lady, I have the Honour to be ⟨mutilated⟩ Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

John Stadler.