Title: To George Washington from John Lowrey, 7 April 1792
From: Lowrey, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 7th 1792

I feal a degree of defidence, in troubling your Excellency—but beg that your impartial candor Will pardon the following observations.
When a requisition from the general government to Raise troops for the protection of our fronteer brethren At the westward, my fealings being effected with their Unhappy sittuation, felt that impulse to leave my Private walks of life and step forth agreeable to The requisitions afore cited, in the capasity of a Quarter Master, in the Jersey Battallean of levies—in which I endeavoured to discharg the duties of my station with fidelity to the publick and to the satisfaction of the Individuals of the Corps—but the Operations of the Campaign was in a degree unfortunate—by which my private business being deranged, and I still wishing to Contobute my exertion in another trial of the fortune of War—did on my return from the westward signify to the secretary at war my wishes to be appointed again in the troops to be raised for that purpose.

I therefore would wish to signify to your Excellency if you can conveniently indulge me with an appointment in said troops agreeable to the recommendations of those Gentlemen who solicited in my favour. I am your Excellencys most obedient and very humble servant

John Lowrey


Title: To George Washington from Arthur St. Clair, 7 April 1792
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 7th 1792

I have had the honor to receive your Letter of the fourth instant.
Although I was very desirous Sir, to hold my Commission of Major General until the Enquiry by the Committee of the House of Representatives should be over, for the Reasons which I assigned, and which you are pleased to think have some Weight, yet the evident necessity of the Officers being appointed who is to command the Troops, in order to his repairing to the Frontiers, is certainly pressing, and ought to silence, with me, every Wish of a mere personal Nature; I do therefor Sir, now formally resign the Appointment of Major General.
I have never Sir, entertained a Doubt that an Enquiry into the Causes of the failure of the late Expedition, whether directed particularly to my Conduct, or to that Connected with other Causes that may have operated, in whatever way it might be conducted, would not prove honorable to me and satisfactory to the public, as far as I was connected with it; but setting, as I do, a due value upon the public Opinion, and desirous not to lose that Place in the Esteem of the virtuous and intelligent of my fellow Citizens which I have long held, You will not wonder that, under existing Circumstances, a Degree of Anxiety, not only that an Enquiry should be made, but that every thing, capable of being

miscontrued, should be avoided on my Part. I will Own to You Sir, that the Desire of honest Fame has ever been the strongest Passion in my Breast—I have thought that I had merited it—and it is all I have to compensate me for the Sacrifice of a very independant Situation, and the best Years of my Life devoted to the public Service, and the faithful Application of my Talents, such as they were, in every Situation in which I have been placed, with a Zeal bordering upon Enthusiasm. I trust Sir, I shall yet enjoy it, while those who have attempted to disturb it will be forgotten, or remembered with Indignation, and in their Bosoms, if they have feeling, Sensations may arise something similar to what Milton has described to have seized upon Satan when he discovered our first Parents in Paradise. With every Sentiment of Respect and Duty I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient Servant

Ar. St Clair


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 8 April 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
Philad. April 8th 1792.

The letter from the Commissioners to Mr Jefferson of the  has been laid before me, and I have desired him to approve the Contract respecting the bridge over Rock-Creek: but in future, it would be more agreeable to me, after a plan, or the principles leading to the measure, is approved, not to have the details or the execution suspended for a reference to me. Because, to judge properly of the matter must (in many instances) depend upon calculation; upon accustomed modes; established prices, and usages of different places; none of which my time and avocations will allow me to investigate with promptness; consequently the business must be delayed (if I take time for examination) or I must decide in the dark, if I do not.
This has actually been the case with respect to the Bridge above mentioned; for if I had been called upon to say what such a bridge wou’d cost, I should have guessed less than the contract price. And though the Items which form the aggregate, may contain no more materials than are indispensably necessary; and the prices of them, and rates of work, not more than usual; yet, from a want of knowledge in these matters, both appear high to me.
Not for this reason, but because you have jealous and ill-disposed people about you, my advice to you, is to act with caution in all your contracts: and I give it with the freedom of friendship, because it has been insinuated, before the contract was made, that sufficient notice had not been given; and of course you would have no competitors for the undertaking of the Bridge.
Did Major L’Enfant assign any reason for his rejection of the compensation which had been offered him? Has any person applied for the Office of Superintendant? A Mr Blodget has been recommended by some of the Proprietors; but except being pretty deeply interested in the City—having been a pretty considerable traveller in European Countries—and an observant man with some taste—it is said—I can say nothing of his qualifications for such a trust. How far he is a man of industry—arrangement, and integrity I know not—having a very slight acquaintance with him personally, and less knowledge of his abilities.

There is such an intimate connection in political and pecuniary considerations between the federal district and the inland navigation of the Potowmac, that no exertions, in my opinion, shou’d be dispensed with to accomplish the latter. For, in proportion as this advances, the City will be benefited. Public and private motives therefore combine to hasten this work. My best wishes to Mrs Stuart and the family. I am your affte hble Servant,

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 8 April 1792 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Augustine

Letter not found: to George Augustine Washington, 8 April 1792. In his letter to GW of 15–16 April, G. A. Washington informed his uncle: “I have received Your favor of the 8th.”


Title: To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 8–9 April 1792
From: Washington, George Augustine
To: Washington, George

Honor’d Uncle
Mount Vernon April 8[–9]th 1792

Your favor of the 1st Inst. came to hand at the usual time. just as I had seated myself late in the evening—(Sunday) and was about informing You that the Trees seeds &c. had not arrived, Capt. Cahart sent his Boat on shore with a part of the things You advised me of having shiped on bord his Vessel; the rest the Mate who came on shore (for the Vessel did not come to anchor) informed were stowed away so that they could not be come at untill they arrived at Alexandria, and that they would be sent down but on reflection not chusing to depend on it shall if the weather will permit send up in the morning a Boat if not will have them carefully brought down in a Cart—what I have received is a Box containing the cutings—2 Tubs with trees from Batrams a small Box with seeds from Governor Pinckney—the

Bundle of Mulberry trees & 3 fowl’s—they appear to be in good order tho’ I have not yet overhaul’d them—the Gardner will begin grafting in the morning tho’ tomorrow is a holiday (Easter), as it is now very late and he fears too late for this business as the Scion on which he is to graft are very forward many of them almost in full leaf however as I am persuaded he is very judicious I do not dispair of many of them being propigated I shall delay no time in geting the trees &c. Planted and hope as I shall be very careful to dispose of them in a manner that will be satisfactory—the Ovals tho’ they may be larger than it was Your intention they should be, yet I flatter myself You will not condemn me, as I have not exceed’d the lines You directed me to draw, which was from the Chesnut to where the Walnut stood, and from thence to the Willow on the mound, in the formation of those Ovals as all such improvements are to please the eye I thought it proper and hope you will also be of the same opinion that the space and form of the Ground should in a great degree be the government.
There was as I apprehend, a mistake about the wine which I told the Capt. at the time of his landing it I was satisfied was the case, as no mention was made of it by Mr Newton in his Letter to me I had it put away carefully—it was intended for Mr Norton of Winchester as I have been informed by Thompson of Alexandria to whose care it had been sent.
I had curings of the weeping willow planted some time ago on the Mill race from the Mill untill the race enters the woods below where it is intended to take the water out of the old or present race by a new one and had last week willows planted on the cross ditch in Mill meadow on which the post and rail fence is and also had curings of the willow and Lombardy poplar planted alternately a post a part on the Bank, which the fence is upon that divides the meadow at the Ferry from field No. 2 in which the Barn is—I wish the ditch You speak of ranging with the fence dividing field No. 1 from fields No. 2 & 3. at D: Run could have been done but there being so much business of that kind in the swamps that it could not be done in the fall and the severity of the winter prevented all business of that kind—as I purpose Banking with the Plows for this fence it will be quickly done—this method I am satisfied You will give a decided preference to, in all except swamp grounds that require absolutely ditching to

discharge the water. Banking is done with great dispatch as the principal labor is performed by the plow—and ditching I am well satisfied will prevent the raising of hedges, as the bank is formed of such poor earth being taken from such a depth, that nothing will grow in it—but in Banking, the earth which forms it is collected from both sides and so near the surface that it is formed of a much better soil; and another advantage I can clearly discover that it will become much more speedily turfed over which secures the Bank from decay.
Mr Whiting seems to be more and more an enthusiast in favor of Cedar for hedges, he not only thinks they will form a secure and formidable fence, but that they will succe’d better and be less subject to injury from stock than any thing else.
We shall be in readiness and purpose begining to plant Corn as I mentioned in my last on Monday week the 16th Inst. but for some time past we have had as much cause to complain of too much rain as we had last spring of too little. the ground was very wet before and on Friday night we had a powerful rain which put the ground in such a situation that on Saturday in many places the Horses as they were plowing appeared to be almost up to their knees, and nothing but the season being so advanced coud justify plowing when the ground is in such a state—being anxious to get in the Buckwheat designed for manure in No. 7 at Dogue Run I frequently examin the field and did shortly before this heavy rain and found it so wet that I could with difficulty ride through it and on Saturday many parts of it was entirely coverd with water, it will not, admiting that there is no more rain be in order for some time, not untill we begin Planting Corn when it will be a great interuption to the Plows as it will require 28 plows 3 days to put in the seed or rather to plow the ground as it will be harrow’d in. Mr Whiting prefers replanting when it is too late to replant with Common Corn to use the early Corn, in preference to potatoes as they do not come of[f] soon enough for sowing wheat, when so late planted, and it is inconvenient geting them from the ground so dispersed as they must be—I have directed and shall see that Your directions respecting the Planting of the Corn & Potatoes at D: Run in No. 2 is done in the way You wish in this field the Plows are now listing.
The spring being wet has operated powerfully on vegitation for 10 days past it has been as rapid and moreso I think than I

ever saw it—the Grass sown last fall at Dogue Run is very promising the bare spots which was in the Clover near the Overseers house and adjoining the New Ground was resown last fall and this spring again—the Timothy in the swamp part of the same ground promises to grow as much as can well grow upon the ground—the Timothy in the Mill meadow will be good except in some poor spots indeed I do not think much of that ground very strong—the New Clover Lot at the Mansion House is coming on much better than I expected and think it now promis’s to yield a good burthen—I do not discover much of the seed that was sown on the Snow but this weather will I expect bring it on so that I shall be able to give some account of it shortly.
The New Quarter will I have no doubt be fully adequate to accomodate conveniently all the Negro’s that You would wish or find necessary to be kept at the Mansion House for untill they are all brought together and under proper regulations it is in vain to attempt or at least to protect improvements.
I have been promised to have a skillful well diger sent to me that I may have his opinion on the situation for a well and if his reasons are plausible and such as I think can be relied on and favor the probability of coming at water in any reasonable distance—the situation opposite the center of the Green House will certainly be much preferable to any other.
I will enclose the Stercorary in the Manner You direct—I have left Bars at the lower end of the fence runing from the Stercorary for the purpose of geting in timber to the house where the Carpenters work while it remains there which will answer to let in Horses when it is necessary to the spring, but this I think will seldom be necessary as water may be generally had near the lime kiln from a little stream that runs down that vall’y—and as the situation of the present Ice House is a very unfavorable one, and it will require so much repair that You will build a new one which in the way they are generally done will require as little expence and by removing it nearer the river much labor will be dispensed with in filling it.
I was so sure that you would approve of sowing the Lucern in broad Cast that I engaged 15 lb. of a Man near Alexa. who is in the Botanical line and wished to have got double the quantity but he had it not at this time—he says he expects from France in the course of the summer 2 or 300 wt but as it is

not certain could wish to get abt 15 or 20 lb. more in time to sow in Augt.
You clearly understand the acct I have given respecting the two Whitings and least I should have erred in my representation of the business I read to Mr Washington the report I made you, and which was repeated in Your last letter, which he says was agreeable to his representation and that in his surrender of the Papers to Colo. Mercer his acct was credited for the full amount both of principal and interest of Mathew Whitings Bond of Berkley which bond was not given up to said Whiting because no part of the money was or ever has been pd and that the Bond is now in suit—I see that this Bond amounted by the copy of a list surrenderd to £47.15. with 5 Years Interest £11.18.9. Total £59.13. 9d.
I mention’d about three or four weeks ago my intention of going up for Harriet the next day which I did and brought her down.
We have not as yet had much success in fishing no herrings of any consequence have been caught but we are daily expecting them the weather having been very precarious has I imagine delayed their coming up.
The report mentions the death of Billy at Muddy hole his death I much regreted because he was a promising Boy he was taken and died in 7 days he was quite well as they inform me and was suddenly taken with a pain in his back but was not ill for 2 or three days he then became senseless and speachless—I sent for the Doctr who came immediately to him but seemed to have no hopes of him but tried every thing he thought advisable—he stayed all night and visited him the next day—I was with him on Saturday and Whiting thought that he discoverd more sensibility than he had done but he could not be got to recieve any nourishment nor had not for several days—I sent up to the Doctr to inform him his situation but he died before the Messenger returned.
I hope when the weather gets settled that I shall experience less of my complaints. I beg my Aunt to be assured that She and the Children always have my sincerest good wishes for their health and happiness—and that You will believe me to be with the most unbounded attachment Your truely affectionate Nephew

Go. A. Washington

P.S.—Monday—there fell last night a great deal of rain and the appearance of the weather to day is very unsetled.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 9 April 1792
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
United States [Philadelphia]April the 9th 1792.

I nominate the following persons for Appointments and Promotions in the Army of the United States.

Major General
Anthony Wayne
vice Arthur St Clair, who has resigned.

Brigadier General
Daniel Morgan
Virginia.

Brigadier General
Marinus Willet
New York.

Brigadier General
John Brooks
Massachusetts

Brigadier General
James Wilkinson
Kentucky.

Adjutant General and Inspector
Winthrop Sargent
North Westn Territory

Deputy Quarter Master General
John Belli
Kentucky.

Appointment of six Majors, for the proposed third and fourth legionary Corps, three to each.

✻Thomas Butler
Pennsylvania

✻Henry Gaither
Maryland

✻John Clark
Pennsylvania

✻Henry Bedinger
Virginia

Alexander Trueman
Maryland from Captn in the 1st Regt

William McMahon
Virginia

The Arrangements, Promotions and Appointments of Surgeons and Mates.
Richard Allison, promoted from the first Regiment, to be Surgeon on the General Staff.

For the four proposed legionary Corps.

Surgeons

John Elliott (already appointed)

John Scott, promoted from Surgeon’s mate.

John F. Carmichael
ditto

Nathan Hayward
ditto

Surgeon’s Mates

Elijah Tisdale (already appointed)

✻Charles Brown
Pennsylvania.

✻James Woodhouse
ditto

✻Joseph Philips
New Jersey

✻William McCloskey
Pennsylvania

Frederick Dalcho
Maryland

James Mease
Pennsylvania

Theophilus Elmer
New Jersey

And for Garrisons on the Western and Southern frontiers, and for extra service.

William A. McCrea
Delaware.

Thomas Hutchens
Pennsylvania.

John Sellman
Maryland

George Balfour
Virginia

James Clayton
Delaware.

Thomas Farley
Massachusetts.

Promotions in the First Regiment of Infantry.

Major

Erkuries Beatty
vice Zeigler resigned 5th March 1792.

Captains

William Peters
vice Strong promoted November 4th 1791.

Jacob Kingsbury
vice Smith promoted December 28th 1791.

Ebenezer Denny
vice Ashton promoted December 29th 1791.

Thomas Martin
vice Rudulph promoted March 5th 1792.

Thomas Pasteur
vice Beatty promoted March 5th 1792.

Mark McPherson
vice Truman promoted March 5th 1792.

Lieutenants

vice Peters promoted November 4th 1791.

James Clay
vice Kingsbury promoted December 28th 1791.

Daniel Britt
vice Denny promoted December 29th 1791.

Hamilton Armstrong
vice Thompson resigned January 10th 1792.

Bartholomew Schomberg
vice Martin promoted March 5th 1792.

Bernard Gains
vice Pasteur promoted March 5: 1792.

John Wade
vice McPherson promoted March 5th 1792.

Promotions in the Second Regiment of Infantry.

Majors

David Strong
vice Heart killed November 4th 1791.

John Smith
vice Trescott resigned, December 28th 1791.

Joseph Ashton
vice Burnham, resigned, December 29th 1791.

Captains

Bazaleel Howe
vice Kirkwood, killed November 4th 1791.

Daniel Bradley
vice Phelon killed, November 4th 1791.

John Platt
vice Newman killed November 4th 1791.

Lieutenants

John Tillinghast
vice Howe promoted November 4th 1791.

Daniel Tilton Junr
vice Bradley promoted November 4th 1791.

Samuel Andrews
vice Platt promoted November 4th 1791.

John Bird
vice Warren, killed, November 4th 1791.

Micah McDonough
vice Heth, promoted March 5th 1792.

Appointments of Ensigns to fill the Vacancies in the First and Second Regiments of Infantry.

Andrew McClary
New Hampshire

Samuel Drake
Connecticut

Daniel Bissell
ditto

✻John Marschalk
New Jersey

✻William Marts
ditto

✻Lewis Bond
ditto

✻John Lowrey
ditto

Robert Hunter
ditto

Peter Shoemaker
Pennsylvania

William Marcus Mills
ditto

Jacob Kreemer
ditto

John Michael
ditto

✻Felix Long
ditto

✻Samuel B. Turner
Maryland

✻John Whistler
ditto

Isaac Younghusband
Virginia

Henry Montfort
Georgia

William Temple Payne,
late of North Carolina.

Captains

✻William Powers
Pennsylvania vice Guthrie, appointed 8th March 1792, and who declines.

William Lowder
Virginia vice Biggs, appointed 8th March 1792, and who declines.

Ensign

Hartman Leitheizer
Pennsylvania vice Kelso, appointed 8th March 1792, and who declines.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Hannah Fairfax Washington, 9 April 1792
From: Washington, Hannah Fairfax
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Virginia Fairfield Apr: 9th 1792:

As soon as I receiv’d the honor of Your Letter, I search’d over every old paper in my possession, but cou’d find nothing that cou’d give any information relative to the subject required, further than the Will of Laurence Washington (Your grand father; also the grand father of my deceas’d Husband) the abstracts of

which You inclos’d me. I found the Will of Mrs Warner, Your great grand mother, but as that did not relate to the family otherwise than the marriage of the said Laurence to Mildred Warner, her Daughter, I shall not inclose it.
I was not willing to give over my enquiries so soon, which was the reason I did not answer Your favor last Week, but was waiting for information from an Old acquaintance of the familys, when my grand Son War: Wash: call’d at Mr Herberts in his way to Philada & mention’d Your request to me, when that Gent: recollected an old Book written by Your Brother Laurence (now in his possession) from which, He took several memorandoms, & inclosed them to me, which I have copied & sent You. It plainly appears from those accounts, that John, was the name of Your great, grand father, that He, & his Brother Laurence, were the two first of the Name ever in Virginia. The inclos’d do not mention any where the Marriage of the first Laurence, but He certainly did marry & had a Son, (if no more) by the name of John, who was cousin German to Laurence, Yr grand Father; & twice mention’d in his Will, by the name of his Cousin John, Senior, of Stafford County. I suppose Yr Brother thought it immaterial to mention the Marriages of any of the family, but the direct descendents of his grt grand Father, but You might find out from the Old records, & Wills, deposited in Westmoreland or Cumberland County, if You wish to know who He married.
Present my Affect: Compts & best regards, to my dear, & valuable old friend, Mrs Washington, & accept the sincere good wishes, & ardent prayers, for Your health & happiness, of Dear Sir Your most Affect: & oblig’d Hble Serv:

H: Washington

Please to return me the old will when perus’d.


Title: To George Washington from Bartholomew von Heer, 10 April 1792
From: Heer, Bartholomew von
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia April 10th 1792.

The Memorial of Bartholomew Van Heer, formerly Captain of an independent Corps of Light Dragoons
Most respectfully sheweth
That Your Memorialist, about a Year ago, took the Liberty, to apply to Your Excellency for a Captain’s Commission in the light Dragoons, if any should be raised; which was not done at that time: That some time ago, when Your Memorialist understood, that some Companies of light Dragoons were to be raised, he again presented a Memorial to the Honorable the Secretary of War, in which application he hath not been, as yet, successful.

Having now been informed, that some of the Gentlemen, who have been appointed Captains of the Cavalry, now to be raised for the Service of the United States, have declined or are about to decline, he humbly begs Leave to renew his Application to Your Excellency under whose eyes he hath had the honor to command an independent Troop of light Dragoons, during the late War; and where, as he flatters himself, he has done his Duty as a brave and faithful Officer. He has no Calling, no Trade, whereby he could maintain himself having been brought up solely to the Use of Arms, and he hath met with various Misfortunes, which have reduced his Situation in Life: But he flatters himself to have it yet in his Power to be useful to his Country, if he should be so happy as to be employed in the Service thereof, and therefore humbly prayeth:
That Your Excellency will be pleased to take his Case into Consideration, and, in Case the before mentioned Vacancies should take Place, to appoint him to the Command of one of the Companies of Cavalry, to be raised for the Service of the United States. And Your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray &ca

Bartholomew Von Heer


Title: Thomas Jefferson’s Memorandum on a Treaty with Algiers, 10 April 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Apr. 10. 1792.

If the President should enter into a Provisional convention with the government of Algiers for a sum not exceeding 40,000 dollars, will the Senate advise & consent to it’s ratification, the government of Algiers being made clearly to understand that we are not to be bound by the treaty until it shall be ratified?
If this sum appears too high, what lower limit would the Senate approve?
If the President should enter into a Provisional treaty of peace with the government of Algiers at an expence not exceeding

 dollars to be paid on the ratification, &  dollars payable annually afterwards, during it’s continuance, will the Senate advise & consent to the ratification, the government of Algiers being made clearly to understand that we are not to be bound by the treaty until it shall be ratified?
If these sums appear too high, what lower limits would the Senate approve.


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 10 April 1792
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

My dear sir,
London 10 April 1792

There is an Idea in your Letter of the Twenty eighth of January which upon second thought I find it my Duty to examine because altho it cannot now affect me yet it may perhaps have some Influence on Mr Pinckney’s Mission. At any Rate I wish you to be perfectly well acquainted with the leading Features of the british Administration. The Thing I allude to is the Cause which has been assigned for the Reserve I experienced in Negotiating with this Court. One leading Point I cannot investigate because the Death of my friend Monsieur de la luzerne has seald his Lips forever. But I very seriously doubt whether he repeated what I said to him and this for the plainest Reason on Earth. He was very apprehensive lest in the derang’d State of french Affairs We should call on his Court to support our application. He had made himself perfectly Master of their Sentiments respecting the Treaty and therefore told me at once that they would not give up the Posts. Knowing this therefore, it was clearly his Interest to appear unacquainted with the Demand and as to a Treaty of Commerce he knew not one syllable on the Subject. As to the Allegation of Intimacy with the opposition it is totally false. I saw none of them except Mr Fox and him but twice in my Life and one of those Times at a Ball. In fact knowing a little of the suspicious Disposition by confidential Communications which the french Embassador made to me respecting his own Situation and Transactions I purposely avoided the Oppositionists and went but rarely to see even Mr & Mrs Church from that Cause. As to the Hauteur I beleive the Complaint to be in one Sense founded. You know Sir that it was not necessary to insist that they should actually appoint a Minister before we did. Time however has shewn that in this Instance at least I judged rightly. If I would have listen’d to Overtures derogatory to the Honor and Interest of my Country I should have been held very highly. And the mortal Sin was that I did not listen to such Overtures. You will recollect Sir that the Duke of Leeds offered to make his Communications

to you thro me when I last saw him which I declin’d. At that Moment therefore their Reserve had not proceeded from the Causes now assign’d. Mr Burgess repeated this Offer in the End of December. At a subsequent Period they form’d the Plan of getting a Minister from America whom they supposd they would gain by their Attentions and they hop’d to make the stronger Impression on him by shewing that they were the Causes of his Elevation and my Depression. You have disappointed them and that will operate well.
I have already taken up more of your Time than I expected but this Subject is important and I must pursue it. During the Armament against Spain the Marquis del Campo who valued his Place very highly and was desirous of holding it if possible preserv’d a most profound Silence to every Body but this Court and we know the ridiculous Event of his Negotiations which must have been more successful if he had acted with the Sense and Spirit which the Occasion call’d for. He is a great Favorite at this Court. The next Armament which Mr Pitt engaged in was against the Empress and every Art was used to coax Count Woranzow into a Conduct which might subserve Mr Pitts Views. But the firm Russian was too wise and too honest to become either Creature or Dupe. They then attempted to bully him as well as his Mistress and he treated both with Contempt. The Consequence of his Conduct was the compleat Success of his Sovereign and Mr Pitt finding him too well fix’d at his own Court to be shaken by his Intrigues has again had Recourse to a complimentary and apologetical Conduct. During the Course of that Armament the enclos’d Pamphlet was publish’d under the Counts Inspection and Direction. You will collect from it some useful Information. The british Ministry knowing the truth of what is therein asserted, and still more of what is insinuated, shrunk from the Controversy. By the bye I was astonish’d to find that they had strongly supported the King of Prussia’s attempt to possess himself of Dantzig. I was not so much surprizd the other Day to find that Mr Pitt had asserted roundly in the House of Commons that he had not stimulated the Turk to War. There is not a Cabinet in Europe but what knows the contrary and many of his Hearers too. I am ever yours

Gouvr Morris


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Allyne Otis, 10 April 1792
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia April 10th 1792

As my present employment is laborious in addition to the disagreeable circumstance of responsibility to numbers instead of one, I, by the advice of some friends take the liberty of soliciting the appointment to be Treasurer of the Mint; and if you think it expedient, the honor of your nomination to that office. I am Sir With profund respect Your most humble Servt

Sam. A. Otis


Title: Enclosure: Extracts of the Minutes of the United States Circuit Court for New York, 5 April 1792
From: United States Circuit Court Judges for New York
To: Washington, George

At a stated Circuit Court of the United States held for the District of New York at the City of New York on Thursday the fifth day of April One thousand seven hundred and ninety two, at ten of the Clock Ante Meridiem.
Present The Honorable John Jay Esquire Chief Justice of the United States. The Honorable William Cushing Esquire One of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.

The Honorable James Duane Esquire Judge of the District of New York.
The Court proceeded to take into consideration the following Act of the Congress of the United States—Vizt
“An Act to provide for the settlement of the claims of Widows and Orphans barred by the limitations heretofore established, and to regulate the claims to Invalid Pensions.”
(Here follows the Act, verbatim.)
The Court was thereupon unanimously of opinion and agreed
That by the Constitution of the United States the Government thereof is divided into three distinct and independent branches, and that it is the duty of each to abstain from, and to oppose encroachments on either.
That neither the legislative nor the executive branches, can constitutionally assign to the judicial any duties but such as are properly judicial, and to be performed in a judicial manner.
That the duties assigned to the Circuit Courts by this Act, are not of that description, and that the Act itself does not appear to contemplate them as such; inasmuch as it subjects the decisions of these Courts made pursuant to those duties, first to the consideration and suspension of the Secretary of War, and then to the revision of the Legislature; Whereas by the Constitution neither the Secretary at War nor any other executive Officer, nor even the Legislature are authorized to sit as a Court of Errors on the Judicial Acts or opinions of this Court.
As therefore the business assigned to this Court by the Act, is not judicial, nor directed to be performed judicially, the Act can only be considered as appointing Commissioners for the purposes mentioned in it, by Official instead of personal descriptions.
That the Judges of this Court regard themselves as being the Commissioners designated by the Act, and therefore as being at liberty to accept or to decline that Office.
That as the Objects of this Act are exceedingly benevolent, and do real honor to the humanity and justice of Congress; And as the Judges desire to manifest on all proper occasions, and in every proper manner their high respect for the national Legislature, they will execute this Act in the capacity of Commissioners.
That as the legislature have a right to extend the Session of this Court for any term which they might think proper by law to

assign, the term of five days as directed by this act ought to be punctually observed.
That the Judges of this Court will as usual during the Session thereof adjourn the Court from day to day or other short periods, as circumstances may render proper, and that they will regularly between the Adjournments proceed as Commissioners to execute the business of this Act, in the same Court Room or Chamber.

A true extract from the minutesRobt Troup, Clerk


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 11 April 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] April 11th 1792.

Mr Hamilton presents his respects to the President. Herewith are testimonials in favor of two Candidates for the Office of Treasurer of the Mint, Wm A. McCrea who has been mentioned by Mr Foster of the Senate, and James Abercrombie who is recommended by a number of respectable characters.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 11 April 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Thursday Apr. 11. [1792] Th: Jefferson has the honor to send for the perusel of the President some letters from mister Barclay received yesterday. he has received no letter from mister Short, nor any other person in France.


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 12 April 1792
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
St Neots [England] April 12. 1792.

Though I rejoice whenever I receive a letter from You, & think myself highly honored by it; yet I would by no means call off your attention from the important business of the United States. Your excellency’s safe return from the southern tour was matter of thankfulness, especially considering the danger you was once in upon the water.
Not considering the distance & other circumstances, I viewed your letter of March as being in answer to mine of Jany, whereas I now perceive that mine was not rec’d at the time of your writing. The bill you forwarded was duly paid, & the account balanced. My good wishes & prayers, for present & future happiness, you will always have, unless the decays of nature destroy my retentive faculties. There is not a day passes, but what I remember you.
The only intelligence I can probably communicate, is, that the methods pursuing by parliament in lowering the bounties on the shipping engaged in the whale fishery, will I apprehend prove highly injurious to that fishery, wherein it does not comprehend

the spermaceti fishery. A particular friend of mine, who was once in the Virginia trade, & who knows you personally, you having been on board his vessel a long while back, for he has left off the sea near upon thirty years, & who is at present concerned in the whale fishery with success, & has a vessel out upon a years voyage in the spermaceti employ, commanded by an American, & navigated much upon American conditions; assured me, that tho’ he & some others had succeeded yet the trade for the capture of the common-whale had not answered at large, & that if the bounty was diminished, the trade must necessarily decline, for that it could be no other than a losing one, considered in the aggregate. I can rely upon his integrity & capacity. In looking over the terms & conditions you had declared for regulating the buildings in the city of Washington I observed that the wall of no house was to be higher than forty feet to the roof—& that the eves of the houses were allowed to project over the wall into the street. It reminded me, of what was done in many of the new buildings in G. Britain. The partition wall was carried about 18 inches above the roofs on each side, that so in case of fire, the communication of it from roof to roof might be hindered. The front wall was carried about the same height above the bottom of the roof, by which means in case of fire in the lower rooms, a person might escape out of the garret window & remain in safety, by means of the wall, till a ladder could be raised to assist his coming down: or if there were houses adjoining might escape with ease into one or other of them. The wall above the eves afforded the opportunity of conveying the water off, by the aid of gutters & so down spouts, without incommoding passengers.
You will admit the goodness of my intention as an excuse for my mentioning these particulars. Mrs Gordon joins in most fervent regards to Self & Mrs Washington with Your Excellency’s sincere & affectionate friend

William Gordon


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 12 April 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] 12th April 1792.

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to communicate to the President a resolution of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund as of this morning. A particular piece of urgent business prevents personally waiting on the President with it. It is very much to be desired that the resolution may receive the immediate decision of the President. It is upon the same principles with the last.


Title: To George Washington from William Hull, 12 April 1792
From: Hull, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 12th 1792.

If Genl Brooks should accept, as he doubtless will, the Appointment of Brigadier General, the Office of Marshall in the

district of Massachusetts will become vacant—In that case, I take the liberty to express my wish for that Appointment—I am, with the highest respect, your most obedt Servt

William Hull


Title: To George Washington from St. Hilaire, 12 April 1792
From: St. Hilaire, Lerpaud-Tencin de
To: Washington, George

Mr President,
12 [April] 1792

I have made a voyage to Philadelphia expressly to have the honor of seeing you; but having learned that I cannot have an audience before tuesday, I have thought it my duty to send you a letter with which I have been charged for you. Shall I presume to beg your Excellency to have regard to the recommendation of the sister of the unfortunate Mauduit? I have not perhaps the talents which you knew in him; but I am certain I shall have the same zeal for the service of the United States if I should have the honor of being employed by them. If your Excelleny will deign to cast a favourable regard on my request, and speak a word in my favor to Mr Morris, my acknowledgement will end only with the profound respect with which I am, your Excellency’s most humble & Obedt Servt

L: D. st hilaireformerly Captain in the Regiment ofBesançon, of the Corps of Royal Artillery.


Title: To George Washington from James Seagrove, 12 April 1792 [letter not found]
From: Seagrove, James
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from James Seagrove, 12 April 1792. On 21 April, Seagrove wrote to GW from Rock Landing, Ga.: “My last letter to you was from Savannah under date of the 12th Inst.”


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Apr. 13. 1792.

I have the honor to lay before you a communication from Mr Hammond Minister Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majesty covering a clause of a statute of that country relative to it’s commerce with this, and notifying a determination to carry it into execution henceforward. Conceiving that the determination announced could not be really meant as extensively as the words import, I asked and received an explanation from the Minister, as expressed in the letter & answer herein inclosed: and, on consideration of all circumstances, I cannot but confide in the opinion expressed by him, that it’s sole object is to exclude foreign vessels from the islands of Jersey & Guernsey. the want of proportion between the motives expressed & the measure, it’s magnitude & consequences, total silence as to the Proclamation on which the intercourse between the two countries has hitherto hung, & of which, in this broad sense, it would be a revocation, & the recent manifestations of the disposition of that government to concur with this in mutual offices of friendship & goodwill, support his construction. the Minister moreover assured me verbelly that he would immediately write to his court for an explanation & in the mean time is of opinion that the usual intercourse of commerce between the two countries (Jersey & Guernsey excepted) need not be suspended. I have the honor to be with sentiments of the most profound respect & attachment, Sir, your most obedient & most humble servant

Th: Jefferson


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 13 April 1792
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
United States [Philadelphia]April 13th 1792.

I nominate David Rittenhouse, of Pennsylvania, to be Director of the Mint.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 13 April 1792
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

[Philadelphia] April 13. 1792.
Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:

I have thought it proper to lay before you a communication of the 11th instant from the Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain, to the Secretary of State relative to the commerce of the two Countries, together with their explanatory correspondence, and the Secretary of State’s letter to me on the subject.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Voigt, 13 April 1792
From: Voigt, Henry
To: Washington, George

Philadia April 13th 1792.

The Petition of Henry Voigt of the City of Philadelphia Clock and Watchmaker Humbly sheweth
Your Petitioner begs leave to represent to Your Excellency that he is well acquainted with all the different parts for Coining of Money—that he in his Younger days for several Years worked in the Mint of Saxe Gotha in Germany and has gone through all the various Branches belonging to the same—that he not only knows how to use every Engine belonging to a Mint, but is able to make every one himself in all its parts Compleat (except engraving the Dies)—and even has made some Improvements in the Machinery whereby a Considerable Expence was saved.
Your Petitioner further begs leave to represent that in the late Revolution from a Zeal to serve his Country in her distress, he manufactored Gears and Gunlocks for the Army of the United States—and erected and Carried on a Wire Manufactory to accomodate his Country with that Article for making Wool and Cotton Cards—and introducing several useful Machines for the purpose of expediting manufactoring of Cards—but that when Importation took place Your petitioner’s Manufactory was ruined

and reduced him to straightened Circumstances from a state of Contentment and easy living.
These Circumstances have emboldened Your Petitioner hereby to solicit Your Excellency to appoint him to an Office in the Mint of the United States.
Your Petitioner from a Conviction of giving Satisfaction humbly solicits Your Excellency to appoint him Chief Coiner of the Mint of the United States. And as in Duty bound will ever pray &ca

Henry Voigt


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Baldwin, 14 April 1792
From: Baldwin, Abraham
To: Washington, George

sir
Philadelphia 14th April 1792

Among the candidates who may be offered to your notice as proper persons to be nominated to the office of Treasurer of the mint, I take the liberty of recommending Mr Joel Barlow.
By a letter which I have just received from him dated in London on the 13th of Jany, I am informed that he would be on his return to this country by the last of March. There can be little doubt of his arrival here in the course of a few weeks. An early and intimate acquaintance with him have given me such knowledge

of his principles and integrity, that I wish to [be] considered as giving assurance of them which can be received from me with the greatest respect. I have the honour to be, sir your most Obedient humble servant

Abr. Baldwin


Title: To George Washington from William Hull, 14 April 1792
From: Hull, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia April 14th 1792.

Pursuant to the directions of the Officers of the Massachusetts line of the late American Army, I enclosed for your information all the papers which had any relation to the object of my Agency, to Congress.
I feel it now a duty incumbent upon me to transmit a Copy of a circular address to the Officers of the different [states], which will explain the motives which have induced me, not to attempt a Consideration of the subject the present Session, and the further Measures, which I have proposed for the Attainment of the Object of our reasonable Wishes.
It will be a peculiar happiness to the Officers of Massachusetts, if the Measures they are pursuing should meet with the Approbation of him, who was their illustrious leader in War, and is their great exemplar in peace. I have the honor to be with the highest respect, your most obedt and very humble Servt

William Hull


Title: To George Washington from Marinus Willett, 14 April 1792
From: Willett, Marinus
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 14th April 1792

A report has reached me in a way I cannot doubt that I am on a nomination for Brigadier General. I feel myself truly sensible of the honor of this nomination. It is a fresh Instance of the estimation in which I stand with you and of course very flattering to me. The repeated Instances I have experienced of your regarde are convincing evidences of your readiness to promote my welfare. It is therefore with regret I observe myself named for an office which as things are at present circumstanced would in all probability opperate to my disadvantage. The same desire to

serve my Country which early took place in my breast still remains there. Yet when I reflect on the situation I am in and the kind of service this appointment would require from me I am led to decline engaging in it and flatter myself this measure will not be disproved of by you.
I am at present in the enjoyment of an office which while it lasts will be eaqual to all my wants—On account of its being limited if any thing more permanent which would not detach me too much from my famaly presented itself I should be happy in the receipt of it—The present offer would Introduce me into a business of a disagreeable nature. It has been my uniform opinion that the United States ought to avoid an Indian war. I have generally conceived this to be our proper virtuous and wisest pollicy—The reasons assigned for the necessaty of the present Indian war have never brought conviction to my mind. From my knowledge and experience of these people I am clear it is not a difficult thing to preserve peace with them—That there are bad people among them there is no doubt and that those bad men will at times do acts which deserve punishment is very clear, But I hold that to go to war is not the right and proper way to punish them.
Most of the Indians I have had knowledge of are conceited and vain, by feeding their vanity you create their good opinion. This in time procures their esteem and affection, when this becomes the case they are susseptable of almost any impressions—They are Credulous yet susspicious—They think a great deal and have in general good notions of right and wrong—They frequently exhibit proofs of greatfull minds—Yet they are very revengfull and tho they are not free from Chicane—and Intrigue—If their vanity is properly humored and they are dealt Justly by it is not a difficult matter to keep them in their rational Capacities straight; and by degrees encompass every reasonably measure with them.
The kind of Intercourse I have had with those people, The treatment I have myself and known others to receive from them has produced in me an advocate for them.
To fight with them would be the last choise of my mind, and yet Sir, I declare from the experience I have had, I view them a people easy to beat when brought to action—When in small parties they scatter themselves along a frontier they have always

been found exceeding Injurious troublesome and Dangerous—This kind of warfare is thus fast and in it they become truly tremendious—But when they attempt any thing in large bodies I have found it notwithstanding their great dexterity in the wilderness and the advantage they usually have in taking positions they are easily beat.
In wood marches where troops are exposed to attacks from Indians much circumspection is requisite as well with respect to the mode and line of march of the troops at large—as in having small parties and single men extended far on the flanks, in front and in rear—But when ever a serious attack is made which usually is furious and generally severe, An Instuntanious charge with Huzaing sufficient to overcome the noise the Indians make will never fail to repell them—And this stroke repeated and pursued will I am well convinced ever effect a victory, And yet victories over Indians are generally paid for, But Defeats are terrible.
The honor however of fighting and beating Indians is what I do not asspire after—If in anyways I could be instrumental in effecting and maintaining peace with them, it would be to me an immence gratification—With sentiments of the purest veneration and respect—I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedient and very humble Servant

Marinus Willett


Title: To George Washington from Friderici, 15 April 1792
From: Friderici, Juriaen François de
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Surinan 15th April 1792

The Sieur David Nassy, a native of this place, of a family whose Ancestry were the first settlers of one part of the Colony, a man well informed, and a man who has no fault, except that of being unfortunate, if that can be called one, has begged me to have the honor of remitting by him these lines to your Excellency.
Reiterated disappointments which he has not deserved—infirm health, and the desire of living in a Country where, without

regarding the difference of Religion in Individuals, personal merit is attended to, have led him to a determination of going to reside in the United States under the government of your Excellency. If he can there find himself happy, it will give me great pleasure on account of the Interest which I take in him, and more particularly if this should be the means of obtaining the p[r]otection of your Excellency by drawing your Attention. It is at least a subject worthy of his regard that I have the honor to recommend him. I have the honor to be with as much respect as veneration Sir Your Excellency’s most Obedt & humble Servant

[Friderici]


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Bloomfield, 16 April 1792
From: Bloomfield, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Burlington [N.J.] April 16: 1792.

I take the liberty of Offering myself to Your notice as a candidate for the Office of Treasurer of the mint.
Whether in the course of my services in the army, I was so fortunate as to be known, and shall now be so happy as to be recollected by You Sir, I do not know, but those services will at least be proofs of my zeal for the American cause and revolution.
The appointment of Attorney-General for New-Jersey where I reside, which I at this time hold, and have held for Nine Years, is in some degree an evidence of the confidence which is reposed in me by the legislature of the state. The very severe drudgery attendant upon the duties of that Office, and upon my professional pursuits, has reconciled me to the determination of relinquishing both.
The Members in Congress from New-Jersey, are, I presume, for the most part Acquainted with my situation, my circumstances and more particularly with my character in those respects which more immediately qualify the person for a trust of such a nature as the one in question. I have the honor to be Sir, with the most perfect respect Your most Obedt servt

Joseph Bloomfield.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 April 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir.
War-department, April 16th 1792.

I have the honor to submit you a private letter from General Wilkinson, to Colonel Biddle with a view to exhibit the opinion he entertains of Hodgdon—The more I reflect on the state of the quarter master’s department, the more anxious I am, that a successor to Hodgdon should be immediately appointed. After the most diligent search, in quest of a suitable person for the office who is acquainted with the characters and resources of the western country together with other proper qualifications, I cannot find any one so competent in my judgment on the whole as James O’Hara. I have the honor to be, Sir, with the highest respect, Your very humble Servt

H. Knoxsecy of War


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 16 April 1792
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

 Richmond, 16 April 1792. Transmits a “copy of a letter sent to me by Colonel Arthur Campbell of the county of Washington as it may perhaps convey information useful to you.”


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 17 April 1792
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
United States [Philadelphia]April 17th 1792.

I nominate James O Hara, of Pennsylvania, to be Quarter Master General of the Army of the United States, vice Samuel Hodgdon.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 April 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Philadelphia] 18. April 1792

I respectfully submit to you the speeches delivered to Colo. Pickering yesterday, which he has just sent me—by which it woud appear that further hopes of obtaining (by general consent) any of their number to go to the Miami Village would be delusive—Capt. Hendricks would go almost alone but one or two others of no great Importance may be persuaded to go with him. If Colo. Willet will go, Hendricks and the others may accompany him. I submit the enclosed letter to Willet—If he still declines he will be silenced forever—If you should please to approve I will transmit it—I am Sir most respectfully yr hble Servt

H. Knox


Title: Tobias Lear to John Rutherfurd, 18 April 1792
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Rutherfurd, John

Sir,
Philadelphia April 18th 1792.

I had the honor to lay before the President the letter which you left with me yesterday for that purpose, and to communicate to him the ideas which you expressed respecting the deed for a certain tract of land formerly purchased by Edward Snickers—and have now the pleasure to convey to you the President’s observations on the subject.
When Colo. George Mercer (not James, as mentioned in the letter left with me) was in England he took up money there from two persons, for which he mortgaged his estate in Virginia. His brother James Mercer, having been left by George in charge of his estate, with a full power of Attorney as James supposed respecting the management of it, found it necessary, to answer some purposes relative thereto, to give a Mortgage also on the estate, not knowing what his brother had done in England.
The Mortgagees in England pressing him for their money—George Mercer sent a power of Attorney to George Mason, George Washington and John Tayloe to sell his estate; but when it was found that there were three mortgages upon the estate, and a dispute arose whether the last that was made in England, or that made by James should have the preference, it was at length determined by consent of parties, and was so decreed by

the High Court of Chancery, that Washington & Tayloe (Mason having refused to act) should sell the Estate, and the money arising therefrom be made liable to the further order of the Court to be paid to those claims which might in the issue be found to have the preference, or to discharge all of them if the estate should produce enough for that purpose. The President (then Colo. Washington) and Colo. Tayloe, the Attornies of George Mercer, were authorized by the Court, as they before had been by George Mercer and his Mortgagees to sell the estate on twelve months credit. The land in Frederick County (relative to which you wish information) was divided into lots and advertised for sale in November 1774, on the Credit aforesaid, to the highest bidders, giving bond and good security. James Mercer, alledging that he was a Creditor of his brother’s, became a purchaser of some of the lots by way of securing himself, and Edward Snickers (the President beleives) was likewise a purchaser. But Snickers, if he did purchase any, did not purchase from the Attornies the whole of the land mentioned in the letter left with me. James Mercer afterwards sold to Snickers some of the lots which he had purchased, which, with Snickers’ purchase (if he made any in his own name) at the public sale, made up the whole quantity held by Snickers.
According to the conditions of the sale the money was to be paid in November 1775—and in cases where bond and approved security were not given at the sale deeds were withheld.
In may 1775 the President went to Philadelphia as a Delegate to Congress from Virginia—from whence he went to Cambridge and took the command of the Army which it is well known so occupied his time as to leave no room for private business. He therefore wrote to Colo. Tayloe, and requested that he would take the sole management of Colo. Mercer’s affairs upon himself, for situated as he was it was impossible for him to pay any further attention to them, nor would he be any longer responsible. Having thus put the management of the business altogether out of his hands, he declined, before every application that was made to him, having any agency in it. Colo. Tayloe dying, and the President not being able or willing to renew his agency in this business, a decree of the High Court of Chancery was obtained to put all the papers & matters relating to Colo. George Mercer’s Estate into the hands of his brother John Mercer,

(at present a Representative in Congress from Maryland) he giving Bonds to do & perform all those things which had been required by the former decree to be done by the Attornies aforementioned. Colo. John Mercer will, therefore be able to give any information that may be wanting relative to the business, as he has all the papers in his hands.
The President’s memory will not permit him to say with certainty, what quantity of the land Snickers bought from the attornies, if any; or what from James Mercer. But the President recollects his having applied to him, he thinks in the year 1778 at Camp, in order to obtain deeds; but as he had long before given up the whole business to Colo. Tayloe, he declined doing any thing in it.
The President further adds, that, so far as his memory serves him, he does not think that Snickers ever had deeds for any part of that land. And under the present circumstances of the case, and considering the length of time since he has had any agency in the business, the President declines doing anything in this matter, unless it shall appear absolutely necessary for him to ⟨illegible⟩, and, in the opinion of the best judges, that he shall not be liable to any inconvenience therefrom hereafter. Should these two points be established, the President will chearfully and with pleasure comply with your wishes.
I have thought it necessary to enter thus fully into the matter that you might have all the information relative to it that the President possesses. You will therefore pardon the length of this letter. I have the honor to be, with great respect & esteem, Sir, Your most Obedt Servt

Tobias Lear.

P.S. The letter which you left with me is enclosed herewith.


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 18 April 1792
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Hope Park [Fairfax County, Va.] 18th April 1792

Your favor of the 8th instant, I recieved during our meeting at G:etown last week: but the affairs of the Fœderal City, and Potomac Company made it so busy a week, that I had really no leasure before now, to answer it. I shall allways think myself highly honored by your friendly observations, and endeavour to profit from them—Perhaps, we may have carried our caution too far, in thinking it necessary to obtain your sanction to the contract for a bridge over Rock creek. But, we were not singular in the doubts we entertained, respecting our right to dispose of the money entrusted to us, to any purposes without the limits of the City. Several of the Proprietors suggested the same to us; and it is probable, if it was not known, that you had been consulted on the subject, you would have recieved a regular complaint respecting our conduct—It is certain, that even now, those whose interests lie towards the Eastern branch are much dissatisfyed with the marked preference shewn to G:etown, by the bridge & causeway. We have allways, before we entered into any contracts, made it a point to consult those who were well acquainted with the business; for which we were about to contract. In considering the costs of the bridge, you must observe, that the Undertaker is subject to frequent interruptions in the prosecution of his work, from high & unusual tides—to even great risque of having his work injured, before he is properly prepared against accidents—The notice was however shorter, than could have been wished. But still, Mr Herbaugh was not without two active competitors, who were anxious to have undertaken the bridge, but were discouraged by the low estimate he sent in as it appeared to them.
Inclosed is a copy of Major L’Enfant’s letter to us, declining our offers. The only application yet made to us, for the office of Superintendant, has been, by Mr Clarke of Annapolis—His terms were ten pr Cent on the expenditures—We declined his offer without entering into any explanation with him, concerning such extraordinary wages. Will it not be best, to wait till the plans of the buildings are exhibited, before we make any engagement with anyone? Mr Blodget appeared to me from my short acquaintance with him last Fall, to be an ingenious sensible

man. He is I believe a man of taste and observation too, but I think the office of Superintendant requires something more than taste, and a general superficial knowledge of architecture. Mr Blodget cannot I expect pretend to more than this—Whether he is even so far qualified as this, or not, was I will venture to say, no consideration with the Proprietors who recommended him. A great part of these gentlemen have lately speculated much in Purchases of lands in the City—Their situation will not permit them to hold these long in their possession. They bought with the professed intention of selling out in a short time, for a high price, and very fiew of them look so far forward, as the ultimate success of the City, for the establishment of their fortunes. Mr Blodget being celebrated as a great Speculator, and having great acquaintance with this class of people, would answer well their selfish and temporary views—Tho’ he may be very well qualified in every respect, I think this is the only point of view in which those who recommended him, have considered him. My conjecture is much confirmed by an extraordinary confession of Mr Stoddert’s to Mr Carroll & myself—Speaking of L’Enfant’s dismission, he said, his only reason for wishing him to be continued a little longer, was, that he had speculated a good deal in the City, and wished to sell out to advantage—that the high opinion concieved of L’Enfant might enable him to do it—that afterwards, he should have been well enough pleased with his dismission, having never considered him as well fitted for the execution of the business—I think he must have been off his guard, in giving such an explanation of his motives, for wishing to retain L’Enfant. He and his Partners, (tho’ they may not allways appear) may be considered, as the prime movers of every thing which is so far matured, as to reach you. I cannot upon the whole, help thinking, that there are fiew of the Proprietors whose opinions deserve to be noticed; being the chief of them, most intent on such measures which may ensure present gain, without any consideration of their future tendency.
The completion of the navigation of the Potomac, is certainly a most important object. We gave directions at our late meeting, for a very considerable increase of lands. A good part of the canal at the lower Falls is walled, and Coll Gilpin thinks the whole may be done by the last of August. A call of eight pr Cent is made, to enable us to proceed with vigor. Matarials are ordered

to be preparing for the locks. The river between the two falls, as soon as the waters have fallen sufficiently, will be attacked. It is our wish that Smith should visit the James river locks—we have accordingly written to him on the subject, requesting he would—I think a full meeting of the Company in August, would be desirable; when I think it would be well to make another call for money.
At our Election on monday last, for members to the Assembly, Coll Mason was present, and appeared quite transported at your having rejected the Representation bill. He seems now to think, every thing will go on well; and prophecies the happiest effects from this salutary check—It gives equal satisfaction to all I have yet heard mention it. I am Dr Sir, with the greatest respect Your Affectionate Servt

Dd Stuart.


Title: To George Washington from Otho Holland Williams, 18 April 1792
From: Williams, Otho Holland
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Baltimore 18th April 1792

If my letter, of the 22d ultimo, has been the cause of the least displeasure to you it will prove a source of lasting regret to me. A regret which I shall feel the more sensibly as the object of my proposal was, in my own estimation, too inconsiderable to have induced the smallest risque of your disapprobation.
Your silence, My Dear Sir, and my own reflections induce the apprehension that some impropriety may have appeared to you of which I was unconscious.

If my apprehension is not founded in error I wish, not that you would give yourself The trouble, or me the pain, of shewing me my fault; but that you would have the goodness to cancel the letter, and obliterate from your memory every trace of an incident which, whatever it may be, while it is remembered by you will not fail to inflict on me the severest regret and mortification.
With the most reverential respect and Esteem, and allow me to add, with the sincerest affection, I am, Dear Sir Your most Obedient, and Most Humble Servant

O. H. Williams


Title: To George Washington from John Hall, 19 April 1792
From: Hall, John
To: Washington, George

May it please the President
Philada 19 April 1792.

By the Law for establishing a Mint of The United States I find a Treasurer will be requisite.
I am encouraged by Several of my friends to apply to your Excellency for that appointment and would beg leave to refer to their recommendations for my sufficiency to fullfil the duties of the office. For myself I can only promise my best exertions, diligence & fidelity, should I be so happy as to be honoured with the appointment, and am with the greatest respect, Yr Excellency’s Mo. Obt hble Servt

Jno. Hall.


Title: To George Washington from Abijah Hart, 21 April 1792
From: Hart, Abijah
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New Haven 21st April 1792

The establishment of a national Mint presents me an opportunity of petitioning your Excellency for the Office of Treasurer in that Department—Being disengaged from other Business, my wish will be to serve my Country, in that way, by faithfully discharging the Duties of my Station, so long as I may preserve the Confidence of the Public. My Character I submit to my friend the Hon. J. Hillhouse Esq. & shall gratefully acknowledge every public Favour. I am Sir, with the most perfect esteem your obedient and most humble Servant

Abijah Hart


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 21 April 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Philadelphia] Saturday 4 oClock P.M. 21 April [1792]

I have the honor respectfully to submit a draft of a proposed letter to Governor Blount, of which, the clerk has just finished a copy.
Genl Putnam left this City, this Morning, to return early in the next week. I am Sir Most respectfully Your obedient Servant

H. Knox

Dr Allen will be in readiness to return on Monday. He is getting Clothes made and his accounts are to be settled.


Title: To George Washington from Leonard Marbury, 21 April 1792
From: Marbury, Leonard
To: Washington, George

Sir
Frederica [Saint Simons Island, Ga.] April 21st 1792

Mr Hamilton whom I sent to the upper Creeks in Jany last, has Just return’d with the pleasing Accts of the friendly disposition of that Nation, and their intention to have set out the 15th Instant

in order to run the Line, he also brings us the Certainty & Particulrs of the taking of Bowles, by the Spaniards at St Marks, I have desired him to wait on your Excellency, and give the Particulars, he is a young Man of Truth, and may be depended on.
I take the liberty of droping a few hints, relative to the mode of managing the Southern Tribes, in Order to preserve a Peace on which in a great measure depends the existence of this State. If they should meet your Excellency’s approbation, and be found useful I shall feel myself happy.
First I conceive, the most essential means of Securing their Friendship, is by securing their Trade, and if Possible Wresting it out of the Hands of Pan ton Leslie & Co. who has for many Years supply’d them, and has ever been invetirate Enemies to Our States, and has to my knowledge been in a great Measure the Cause of keeping the Indians at War with us, and indeed the little Trade at this time Carried on from Georgia is rather injurious, as the small Stores on our Frontiers are generally Calculated to draw down a few Hunters, which are induced to sell their Skins & Horses, they then get intoxicated and Quarrel with the Whites, and on leaving the settlements are almost sure to Steal Horses in order to Carry home whatever they may Purchase, they are generally follow’d by Parties of the Whites, little, if any better than themselves, and are in Turn rob’d of all they have, and indeed our People frequently begin by Stealing their Horses, in which case they are sure to make reprisals. This being the Case I think it would be better to keep the Indians and Whites as far seperate as Possible.
When the Trade of those Nations were Carried on entirely from this Country, the Merchant supply’d the Trader, who had, by giving Bond & Security for his Conduct, a Licence for a Particular Town, and dare not under a heavy Penalty Trade in any other, or buy a single skin in the Woods, or any where out of his Town, or dare a Mercht buy any thing of an Indian unless in a Town for which he had Licence, then the Indian was obliged to return to his home before he could dispose of his Hunt, or Horse, and of Course had no inducement to go into the settlement unless with an Intention of Stealing, which put the Inhabitans on their Guard, and any Inhabitant Trading with an Indian otherways than by a Licence as above; was subject to the Penalty of One Hundred Pounds sterling for every offence.
It might be good Policy to grant a priviledge to some Person

to import Goods for that Trade, clear of duty, as no beginner can stand in Competition with a House so ever establish’d, as that of Panton Leslie & Co. unless they can import on equal Ground with them; but I conceive it woud be the Int. of the Public to take the whole into their own Hands and Confine the Trade to themselves; fit out a Trader to each Town, who shall be accountable for his Conduct. And when an Indian does any Mischief, and on demandg, Satisfaction is refus’d, Stop the Trade of the Town he belongs to, untill satisfaction is given. Or if hereafter the Creeks appear inclin’d for War, I make no doubt, but the Chocktaws, and Chickasaws, May be induced to fall on them, which wd effectually secure us.
As there are a Number of White Men among the Indians of Infamous Characters, such as cannot be reclaimd & brot over to our Intt ought to be remov’d by some means or other, as they are either Stealing themselves, or encouraging the Indians to Steal from Georgia & Cumberland and sending the Stolen property to West Florida. I am with due esteem your Excellencys most Humble Servant

Leod Marbury.


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Willing Powel, 21 April 1792
From: Powel, Elizabeth Willing
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
[Philadelphia] April 21st 1792

I have taken the Liberty to send you a Pamphlet which is, at this Time, a Subject of much public Animadversion, and I have done it under the Impression that, from a Consciousness of the Rectitude of your own Conduct, you will read it without Emotion, and that you wish to collect the Sentiments of Mankind with Respect to our public Measures & public Men; and, further, as I have ever thought the highest Compliment that cou’d be paid to the Magnanimity of a great & good Man by a Friend was to treat him with Candor, which, according to my Ideas, cannot be done if his Friend conceals from him Strictures that, however remotely, may affect him.
This Pamphlet appears to have been written either by an imprudent Friend of Mr H. or by an Enemy to the Government who wishes to create Disgust between the Heads of the great Departments. If you have already perused it be so good as to return me the Pamphlet if not keep it as long as you wish. I am Sir with Sentiments of Respect & Esteem Your affectionate Friend

Eliza. Powel


Title: To George Washington from Archibald Robertson, 21 April 1792
From: Robertson, Archibald
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York April 21st 1792
Mr James Renwicks No. 92 William Street

Agreeable to your desire, I have the honor to intimate that the picture for the Earl Buchan being finished, I mean to take the

opportunity of a Ship that sails from this soon for Scotland to transmit it to his Lordship, any commands you may have for his Lordship, I shall be happy to have the honor to forward. I remain Sir with the highest respect Your Most Obdt Hble Servt

Archibald Robertson


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 21 April 1792
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

United States [Philadelphia] April 21st 1792.
Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives,

I lay before you the Copy of a Letter which I have received from the Judges of the Circuit Court of the United States held for the Pennsylvania District, relatively to the “Act to provide for the settlement of the Claims of Widows and Orphans barred by the limitations heretofore established, and to regulate the claims to Invalid Pensions.”

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 22 April 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

 [Philadelphia, 22 April 1792]. Submits “Doctor Allens report, Brandts Letter to Kirkland, and a recommendation of Genl Chapin handed to me by Mr Elsworth.”


Title: To George Washington from Gabriel Peterson Van Horne, 22 April 1792
From: Van Horne, Gabriel Peterson
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Baltimore 22nd April 1792

Sensable of the important Conerns, which Surround the President, I feel a diffidence in Offering this Address; But impression which Arise, from a regard for the General welfare, are the motives which dictate, And will I trust, plead an Appology.
Facility, and dispatch of Public intelligence, being an Object of Considerable importance; I beg leave To Suggest the propriety of such Arrangements, as will at least Effect a more speedy, and Competant establishment On the Great soarce of Communication, between the City of Philadelphia, and Richmond.
The System now in practice require 5 days to Compleat a Tour—the Same returning Admitts of 10 Days for Answering Letters, or dispatches—Enclosd therefore, is Submitted, principles perfectly practicable, which will Accomplish the Distance in 4 Days—Answers in Eight.
Objections may Arise from the habits of indulgence with The Citizens of Philadelphia—the detention of the Public Mails In that City Twenty One Hours, (and confind to a late Hour in the Morning) greatly Embarrass Expedition—This Circumstance of Detention, admits Expresses to Anticipate, the intelligence of the Public Mails, to the Disadvantage of the Community; & the Injury of the Revanue, and its requisite recoursces. Permit me Sir, to Subscribe myself, Your Most Obedient, and Obliged Servt

Gabriel P. Van Horne


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 23 April 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

 [Philadelphia] 23 April 1792. Submits “the enclosed communications respecting an instance of misconduct in the Collector of Newbury Port.”


Title: From George Washington to Elizabeth Willing Powel, 23 April 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Powel, Elizabeth Willing

Dear Madam,
Philadelphia April 23d 1792.

I pray you to accept my Compliments and thanks for having favored me with the perusal of the enclosed “Strictures &ca”—

And an assurance that the sentiments and charges therein contained, have not given me a moments painful sensation.
It is to be regretted, however, that the Author, if his object was to convey accurate information to the public mind had not devoted a little of the time and pains he appears to have employed in writing this Pamphlet in the investigation of facts. Had he done this, he would, or might have found, many of his Charges as unsupported as the “baseless fabric of a Vision.” With very great esteem, regard & Affection I have the honr to be Dear Madam Your Obedt & obliged

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Darke, 25 April 1792
From: Darke, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Tavern 23 Miles from Phild. on the Lancaster Road[c.25 April 1792]

I wanted much to have Seen you before I left the City but Judging you were much ingaged in business of Grate importance,

did not wish to intrude I wanted to know who would Command the Army the ensuing Campain—as I am informed Genl St Clear has Resigned and in Cause Judg Some other will Soon be apointed—I writ to you from fort Washington about the 8th of Novr in which Letter I mentioned Captain Snoden not being Calculated for the army, I had bean informed by Some officers that his behaviour in the action, was Not as Good as was expected, and as I did not Se him during the time of the action, had Some doubts myself I have Since bean inform by Several officers that he behaved Like a Soldier and that his Refusing to Let any wounded officer Rides his horse on the Retreat, was excuseable as he Could not walk on account of a wound he had Receiv’d in the Service Last war with the birtish, in Concequence of which wound he Cannot Travle on foot, but would be Glad of an apointment in the Horse. Ensign Turner who was taken by the Indions the 4th Novr is desierous of Serving in the army, I Should think his father would much Rather he Stai’d at home I would be Glad to Serve the young man but perhaps it would Serve him best to Send him to his parents, who I am informed are Rich and have no other Son So that I know not what to Say for him—Should you think me worthy of any apointment in the army I should want To know who I was to be Commanded by. Have the Honor to be your obt hume Servt

Wm Darke


Title: Message to the Five Nations, 25 April 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Five Nations

[Philadelphia, 25 April 1792]
My Children of the Five Nations—

You were invited here at my request, in order that measures should be concerted with you, to impart such of the blessings of civilization, as may at present suit your condition, and give further desires to improve your own happiness.
Colonel Pickering has made the particular arrangements with you, to carry into execution these objects, all of which I hereby approve and confirm.
And in order that the money necessary to defray the annual expences of the arrangements which have been made should be provided, permanently, I now ratify an article which will secure the yearly appropriation of the sum of one thousand five hundred dollars: for the use and benefit of the five nations, the Stockbridge Indians included.
The United States having received and provided for you as for a part of themselves will I am persuaded be strongly and gratefully impressed on your minds, and those of all your tribes.
Let it be spread abroad, among all your villages and throughout your Land that the United States are desireous, not only of a general peace with all the Indian Tribes, but of being their friends and protectors.
It has been my direction, and I hope it has been executed to your satisfaction, That during your residence here you should be well fed, well lodged, and well cloathed, and that presents should be furnished for your wives and Families.
I partake of your sorrow on account that it has pleased the great Spirit, to take from you two of your number by death, since your residence in this City. I have ordered that your tears should be wiped away according to your custom and that presents should be sent to the relations of the deceased.
Our Lives are all in the hands of our Maker, and we must part with them whenever he shall demand them, and the survivors must submit to events they cannot prevent.
Having happily settled all your business and being about to return to your own Country I wish you a pleasant journey, and that you may safely return to your families after so long a journey,

and find them all in good Health. Given under my hand at the City of Philadelphia this twenty fifth day of April 1792.

Go. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from John Francis Mercer, 25 April 1792
From: Mercer, John Francis
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Apl 25. 1792.

 I take the liberty of presenting to your notice for an appointment which I understand is not yet filled—Treasurer of the Mint—Mr Andrew Skinner Ennals, Merchant of Baltimore Town—a long course of years passed in the active scenes of mercantile life have established this Gentlemans reputation for exactitude & punctuality in a very uncommon degree—his respectability in business is equalled by the extent of personal friendships which his merits have secur’d him & a very numerous family connexion which woud give weight to most appointments that coud be confered on him, Mr Henry particularly—Mr Carrol & all the Maryland Delegation & Mr Basset from Delaware will all I am persuaded feel pleasure in coroborating the representation I have made of this Gentlemans merit. with

every Sentiment of respect & attachment I am Sir Yr mo: Obt hble

John F. Mercer


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Chace, 26 April 1792
From: Chace, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Most Dear and Respectable Sire
Providence April 26. 1792

Pray permit the address of your Servant who wishes every happiness to your Excellency. I Samuel Chace father in law to Majr William Blodget Son of John Chace Esqr. a Gentleman native of Barbadoes who married Honorably in Newport Anno 1713 and was a magistrate there much respected many years. A Church warden With Godfrey Malbone Esqr. the elder—They together with greatest zeal and exertion had built that noble edifice the Episcopal Church in that Town. Being left at my Hon’d Fathers death Anno 1738 I was kindly taken care of by my hond Uncle Danl Updike Esqr. King’s attorney or attorney General for the then Colony till Anno 1742: then being twenty years old he Kindly assisted me to Credit in a good Store of goods in which being attentive I soon paid for them and went into navigation with Governor Hopkins Judge Jenckes and other respectable Characters here—were concerned in upwards twenty sail of vessels, but in the French and Spanish war by various ways and means lost my property.
When prosperous I entertained gratis all Gentlemen travellers passing thro’ Providence—In Anno 1754 I went to Philadelphia on a party of pleasure and was by good letters To Mr Franklin an invited guest at his house to dine with other Gentlemen, and I was his Deputy Post Master near ten years, and had the honor of his company to dine at my house. I have been honor’d in acquaintance in New York with many first Characters there and in Boston with Governors Shirley—Pownall—and Hutchinson,

and with them dined by invitation—as also with very many first Merchants there where I was in good credit and trade for upwards thirty years—and have dined at sixteen different Gentlemens tables in Sixteen days there—Also at Portsmouth dined with the Elder Govr Wentworth and afterwards for a week with the principal Gentlemen of that Town—Sed Tempora Mutantur nos mutamur in illis.
In Anno 1774 I was obliged to open house for boarding and had the pleasure of seeing at that time your excellency Genl of our armies at our house by invitation of Mr Blodget, and I then lodged all your life guard with pleasure gratis. When Genl Sullivan commanded here and we a garrison’d Town the Marquis Fayette visited him and us often upon business of importance, and we had as visitors and many of them lodgers—Genls Lee—Gates—Steuben—Lyncoln—How—Bailey—and Spensor—with Brigadiers Huntingdon Douglas—Glover—The Duke de Lauson—Starke—Varnum and Cornal.
I was honor’d in my early days in our Episcopal Church here—made a Warden anno 1743—and so—many times after, and ever since one of the Vestry and as a psalmodist to this day, in which I serve gratis. Mr Blodget served on our Organ for some years—my son Doctr John Chace succeeded him and served gratis near twenty years—he is very lately deceased to my great discomfort. When he married about 13 years since, I had with him and wife then attending the ceremony Twelve children reckoning my own and sons and daughters in law all men and women in full health rejoicing on the occasion—It has pleased God to take them almost all away since save only one daughter—one daughter in law—with Blodget and Malcolms 2 sons in Law—I have served this Colony and state as a justice of the peace from Anno 1754 to this year 1792—and held Commissions under nine different Governors—Being the eldest I’ve served as Coroner twenty three years—and as Notary Public twenty years past.
My house which has covered us near fifty years having suffered in trade, I was obliged to mortgage and that is now call’d for, so must I be deprived of not only a covering, but being no longer a free holder must of course lose the little offices also—Alas who is sufficient for such trials without the interposition of Gods great and peculiar mercy and grace!
May I not with the great Chaldean Job cry out pity me Oh

my friends, for the heavy hand of affliction by Gods permission is upon me. My children as many as his and my property all gone—what can I do without some friendly assistance at seventy years of age—Oh the ways of God are unsearchable and past finding out—I see no way to keep up my spirits—my dignity—my power of doing good of which I have been formerly possessed.
Could I be so happy as to meet your excellencys pity and compassion under these my distressed circumstances how happy should I be—Oh! I beg your blessing as Esau of old begged of his father Jacob—saying hast thou not reserved a blessing for me—Bless me even me also O my father—With prayers for Gods blessing upon your most important Person, I rest your humble faithful Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Betty Washington Lewis and Sarah Carlyle Herbert, 26 April 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Betty Washington,Herbert, Sarah Carlyle

Dear Sister & Dear Madam,
Philad. April 26th 1792.

Mr James Robardet, who has taught my two Grand children dancing, proposes going into your part of the Country to establish a School, if he should meet with sufficient encouragement, and has requested that I would give him a line of recommendation to some of my friends. Mr Robardet’s attention to my grand children, and the progress which they have made under his instruction, induce me to recommend him on these accounts from my own knowledge: He has likewise kept a dancing School in this City the winter past—in which I am informed he has given much satisfaction, and his conduct has been marked with decency & propriety, so far as I have heard.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Otho Holland Williams, 26 April 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Williams, Otho Holland

(Private)
Dear Sir,Philadelphia April 26th 1792
Your letter of the 18th Instt came duly to hand, as did the one to which it alludes. To the latter I could make no reply for reasons which will (perhaps have) occurred to you. Sensible however, if you had not assured me of it, that you meant not to give me pain by the proposition therein contained, I can assure you that I feel none, and that, with the same esteem & regard I always professed to have for you, I remain Dear Sir Your Most Obedient and Affectionate Servant

Go: Washington


Title: Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 27 April 1792
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

 United States [Philadelphia] 27 April 1792. Transmits by GW’s command a letter from the supervisor of the District of South Carolina requesting a three-month leave of absence from his office. “The President refers this request to the Secretary of the Treasury whose knowledge of the duties to be performed by the Supervisor will enable him to say whether it can be granted consistent with the good of the public service. If it can, the President observes, that he can have no objection to indulging the Supervisor.”


Title: To George Washington from Andrew Lewis, Jr., 27 April 1792
From: Lewis, Andrew Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Russel County [Va.] April 27th 1792

I see amongst the appointments for the Companys of Rifflemen to be raised on the Frontiers of Virginia that my Brother Wm Lewis is appointed to the command of a Company, and am heartily Sorry that his Situation would not allow him to accept the appointment he some time past was left a Widower with two

small Children—and was a few Days prior to his receiving his Instructions Married no Doubt but the long Friendship that Subsisted between your Excellency and our Deceased Father was the occasion of his meeting with the appointment—I have heard of Severals refusing to take their appointments amongst whom is Mr Hawkins now in Actual Service as Lieutt in my Company rais’d for the Defence Frontiers of this State that with his bad State of Health obliges him to refuse—if in there rooms others are appointed I would take the Liberty of recommending Mr James Bryan of Montgomery County as Ensign a young man of an exceeding good Character & I would be answerable for his conduct as an Officer and well used to that of useing a Riffle if appointed will assure his Serving & will forever acknowledge it as a Singular Favour confered on myself, I should have been happy to have Served on that Expedition if I could have been in the Horse Service. I have Sir the Honor to be your Excellency’s mo. Obedt Servt

Andrw Lewis


Title: To George Washington from Elihu Palmer, 27 April 1792
From: Palmer, Elihu
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 27th 1792. Cherry Alley No. 13

A person unknown to you respectfully presumes to ask your attention to what follows: In addressing a character of such known & distinguished merit, I feel a diffidence suited to my humble situation; but still I hope you will condescend to hear my prayer. Possibly you may have heard of me thro’ the channel of those religious prejudices, which a disclosure of opinions has excited in this city. Be this as it may, I beg leave to observe, that by a variety of circumstances, I am now in a state of poverty & distress;

and this, not by any fault of mine; but the effect of unavoidable events. I have a wife & one child to take care of. My object is to go into the practice of the Law in this state; but I must perish with want, if cannot obtain pecuniary assistance to support me for three or four months till I can obtain business. It is therefore with the utmost respect, that I presume upon your goodness to lay me under obligations of this kind. I do not suppose, that the extension of your beneficence to a private individual can add to the greatness of your character already established in the minds of a free & enlightened people; but the gratitude of my heart, the only compensation which I could give, would perpetuate the charitable deed. As you, Sir, are unacquainted with me, I send you enclosed my admission at the bar in Georgia, together with Judge Walton’s recommendation. I am, Sir, with the greatest esteem your very humble Servt

Elihu Palmer


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 April 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia] Saturday ’forenoon 28th April 1792

In strict confidence the President of the U.S. sends the enclosed letter for the perusal of the Secretary of State. No other person has seen, or been made acquainted with the contents. It is necessary the Secretary should be informed of the circumstances related in the letter—’Tis possible, these politics may

have contributed to the change in the Spanish Ministry. I wish Mr Short was, or soon would be, at that Court. I think also Mr Morris should be urged to embrace every favourable moment to relieve this Country from the impositions laid by France on our (Tobacco) trade &ca.


Title: To George Washington from Anonymous, 30 April 1792
From: Anonymous
To: Washington, George

General Washington, Sir,
Monday ½ past 9 Oclock[30 April 1792]

Amid’st the more important objects which call your Philanthophy into action on a general scale, may not an individual intrude with his embarrassments stated.
I have found it in vain to complain to trees, and to pour out where there is either a want of sentiment or ability, is equally fruitless: therefore I have resolved (perhaps improperly) to apply where there is both ability and benevolence; and if I am solicting it in a channel over confined I must put up with the disappointment. Its the first instance I ever knew in my time or by tradition of one of our family’s ever solicting the aid of any Man of Station although they came as early as 1653 into this Country, and indeed its as painful to me as your Excellency may think it improper; but as the trains who depend solely (and in the supreme being) on my success in life are both numerous and helpless that silences all my pride, and further I can scarcely believe that the Author of all good, can intend that where he has implanted so great a prepenity to administer good as I have always felt that he intends I should yield to these miserable prospects which now lays before me, and are inevitable without speedy aid from some powerful Patron; miserable not on my own

account for I had rather dig for life and ask only one blessing from heaven that is health; than to ask a favor from mortal, but when I consider how many must be made miserable by my fall I can do any thing to prevent ruin which Justice will Warrant; and did you know how dear those where to me who will be most effected (I am confident you would pardon any improper application, for inde[e]d it would take up many sheets to point out one half the miseries which would attend my Ruin, which I fear is too certain without pecuniary aid; and on procuring some Stock, which I have not a right to make an absolute sale of, I though[t] all difficulty was over in raising money: however I am much disappointed; for the Na. Bank will not loan a shilling as I have no paper already in; nor can I find a single person here nor in N. York that will do it: so being almost brought to dispair I have taken this great liberty of troubling your Excellency with the application of effecting a loan on a deposit of Stock; and if you choose to treat it with neglect as being an unbecoming freedom, you will please to commit this Scrawl to the flames; but if there is any disposition to aid me, I can in this City get a certificate shewing how far my Relations may be credited, in case there should be a disposition to honor me with an interview: however as treating this application with entire silence may perhaps be in your Excellencey’s opinion the contempt it merits, from the improper nature of it; so it will perhaps save a mortification to the person, who had the enthusuism and folly & perhaps it may not be amiss to say, the unparrelled impudence, to send a Scrawl near two Years ago, addressed to the same person, on a like subject.

P.S. If any attention is though[t] due, to this line; you will please to send out a line to your porter, and the bearer will call in about 20 minutes; please to direct what hour I shall wait on your Excellency to have any chat on the business in case application is not thought all together improper.