Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 16–17 July 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

        private.

          Sir.
          Philad. 16[–17] July 1796.

        I have just reced your private letter of the 13th inst.
        I am sorry and vexed, that what I said in my letter of the 7th should have conveyed an idea that the least avoidable delay had taken place in the arrangements for the Algiers frigate; nothing like which was intended.
        But the inclosed papers will shew you that every thing has been done which the case required.
        You will see by Mr Pickerings letter to me, July 8th, No. 3, in answer to my note of the same date No. 2, which was written immediately after the receipt of letter No. 1. that the draught of the vessel was begun on the 29th Ulto. And you will perceive, by sketch A, digested by Mr Fox (the only clerk I have, who knows any thing of naval matters) that it required both thought and time to prepare it. The Sketch was not, consequently finished till the 8th inst., the day Mr Pickering mentioned to me (letter No. 1.) the necessity of sending Mr Fox on monday.
        So far the business had been conducted by the Secry of State, to whom it belonged to furnish the dimensions of the frigate &c., agreeably to stipulations with the Dey; without which nothing could be by the department of war relative to her construction.
        It now came before me on the 8th (letter No. 1). Accordingly, I framed instructions for Mr Fox (the same which I have transmitted you) and sent them the day following to Mr Wolcott for his perusal and correction, with a request to him to send them to Mr Pickering for the same purpose. Mr Pickering returned them to me on tuesday the 12, and on the 13th Mr Fox left this on his mission. I could have wished to have employed another

person, and had requested Mr Pickering to look out for a substitute, which he informed me in his letter of the 8th No. 1. was not to be obtained.
        This detail will shew you, that the object has met with due attention from all parties, and, that what depended particularly on the department of war, was promptly attended to and executed.
        Mr Fox’s absence is a real loss to me. I have naval questions frequently to consider. I cannot draw Mr Humphreys from his duties to aid me. I work also with two clerks less than any of my predecessors, and am besides without the assistance of my chief Clerk, Mr Stagg, who is on a tour for the recovery of his health.
        Notwithstanding this, I hope the business will not suffer. I mention too, because, as a child of your own, you must feel an interest in the course of my conduct, that I have endeavoured to follow the maxim you have laid down, which you have always, and so successfully practiced upon yourself; and that in consequence thereof I have subdued the business of the office; and am now able to meet the daily calls, and spare a little time occasionally to an examination of the permanent objects of the department.
        I find the Indian department wants revisal; that new regulations in it are become necessary for the agents; and that the department of military stores, as it regards their safe keeping and distribution, has never been arranged or subjected to the rules which were devised when Mr Hamilton was in office, the principal of which appear to me extremely important. I am engaged in these considerations and inquiries, and as I complete the system for each shall lay it before you.

          Sunday 17.
          I called on Mr Adet yesterday. He had intended to have made you a visit, as he said, and is very much disappointed at not being able to accomplish it. He will have to go to New-London respecting masts for the West Indies, and has besides such an increase of West India business on hand as to shut out the hope of seeing you at Mount Vernon. I expressed to him; what I was sure would be your regret, on hearing that you could not see him with the other ministers; and added such other things as comported with your ideas on the subject.
          I understand that Mr Adets reply to the Secy of States letter is evasive. I do not think however that the republic means to

quarrel with the U.S.; or that she has issued orders to capture their merchantmen.
          The case of the mount vernon is at least equivocal, and by very recent arrivals from the west Indies it would appear, that our trade there remained on the same footing as heretofore.
          Had positive orders to capture or carry in for examination issued from the Directory, they would before this time have been in operation in the west Indies and upon this coast. You would moreover have been favoured with information from Mr Monroe, because to have given secrets would have quadrated with the system of opposition.
          I consider, consequently, the information to Mr Hamilton, by a french client of his, which he communicated to you, as another Gallic trick, played upon him, that it might reach you, under the impression of his having credited it.
          I have had nothing since my last communication to you from the West-ward. Volney it se[e]ms, is gone to watch the course of the winds. I hope we shall be able to know the result of his discoveries, before their transmission to the national institution. With the sincerest respect & attachment I am Sir your most obt hble

            James McHenry


Title: From George Washington to James Keith, 17 July 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Keith, James

          Dear Sir,
          Mount Vernon 17th July 1796

        You will perceive by the enclosed letter from Mr Bushrod Washington to me, what is enjoined by the High Court of Chancery of this Commonwealth.
        By Mr George W. Craik, I send in Bank Notes of the United States—the Sum required to be deposited in the Bank of Alexandria, by the decree. Had I known of this decree before I left Philadelphia I could, & would have drawn the Specie for this purpose; and I think to avoid any caval hereafter, the receipt from the Bank of Alexandria ought to be expressed in such a manner as to imply this—or rather not to imply the contrary; and this it may well do, for the presumption is, that this Sum will remain there long before the proper claimants are ascertained.
        As Mr Craik is young in business, you would do me a favor by accompanying him to the Bank (in Alexandria) for the purpose of arranging this matter properly, at that place; thereby placing me on secure ground. I have directed Mr Craik to take a copy of the Decree; on the back of which it may be best, perhaps, to take the receipt from the Bank.
        Not having the Will of Colo. Thos Colville by me; nor

recollecting distinctly where the relations of his Mother were said to reside; and being unacquainted with characters in Alexandria who would have it most in their power to cause the notification required by the Decree, to be inserted in “Some public paper in the Kingdom of Great Britain for two Months” thereby serving the parties, and fulfilling the intention of the Court; let me ask the favor of you to ingage, if you can hit upon a suitable person for this purpose, the doing it. Mr Hodgden some years ago, presented claims in behalf of some who conceived themselves entitled under the Will of Colo. Thos Colvill: and if in Alexandria, may be as eligible a character to apply to as any. With very great esteem and regard I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt and obliged Servant.

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Harriot Washington Parks, 17 July 1796
From: Parks, Harriot Washington
To: Washington, George

          Mill-Brook [Va.] July 17 [17]96

        Aunt Lewis received a letter from my dear & Honor’d Uncle a few days ago wherein he was pleas’d to send me thirty pound also a great deal of good advice which I am extremely obleiged to you for and intend adhereing most strictly to it.
        Beleive me my dear Uncle my heart will ever with the liveliest gratitude most gratefully acknowledge and remember your’s & Aunt Washington’s great goodness and attention to me and if my Uncle will only answer my letter and say he is not offend’d at my Union (which took place yesterday Aunt Lewis’s going immediately to Berkley to stay untill the fall & finding it not convenient to carry me with her wish’d us married before she went) I shall be happy for after my dear Uncle’s protection and kindness toward’s me I should be a most miserable being to reflect that I had displeas’d my greatest freind.
        I shall take the liberty of troubleing my Uncle to return my thank’s to Aunt Washington for the earings she sent me from Philadelphia which I received but a week ago from Berkley—Aunt Lewis is much mend’d & intend’s answering your letter by the next post Aunt Lewis join’s me in love to you and Aunt Washington. I am my dear @ Honor’d Uncle your affectionate Neice

          Harriot Parks


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 18 July 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          War office 18 July 1796.

        The annexed packets contain the most essential letters received since my last.
        No. 1. Gen. Wilkinsons letters of the 11th, 16, 17th ulto. I have not thought it necessary to send the continuation of his charges which came by the same mail.
        No. 2. Is copy of a letter to Major Gen. Wayne resulting from Gen. Wilkinsons information relative to Fort Miamis.
        No. 3. A dispatch from Mr Seagrove and extracts of letters to Mr Habersham.
        No. 4. A letter from Capn Bruff.
        With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, Sir your most ob. st

          James McHenry


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 18 July 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

        Private

          Dear Sir,
          Mount Vernon 18th July 1796.

        If there be any thing yet to do, which can with propriety be done, towards fulfilling the several Treaties which the United States have entered into (without specifically naming them) it is my desire that there may be no delay in the execution: and if upon examining of them carefully, any matters should be found therein requiring the attention of either of the other Departments, that these sentiments may be conveyed to the Secretaries thereof, as proceeding immediately from myself.
        The new requisition of the Dey of Algiers, which has been yielded, will require to be laid before the Senate for its ratification; together with such Papers as are necessary to explain, and account for the measure. It might be well therefore to revise, and to prepare them accordingly, in time.
        The continual attacks which have been, and are still making on the Administration in Bache’s, and other Papers of that complexion (indecent as they are void of truth and fairness) under different signatures, and at present exhibited under that of Paulding; charging it not only with unfriendly, but even with unjust views towards France; and to prove it, resort to misrepresentation & mutilated authorities; and oftentimes to unfounded, but round assertions; or to assertions founded on principles which apply to all the Belligerent Powers, but which, by them are represented as aimed at France alone. Under these circumstances, it were to be wished that the enlightened public could have a clear & comprehensive view of facts—But how to give it, lies the difficulty; and I see no method at present, however desirable the measure, that is not liable to objections; unless the predicted, & threatned conduct of France towds this country (under the pretext of our Treaty with G: Britain)—or its demand, that the Guarantee of their West India Islands, agreeably to the Treaty of Paris, should be fulfilled, presents the occasion.
        Whether either of these will, or will not happen; or whether any other mode may occur which, after mature consideration shall appear expedient or not, I wish that in your moments of leisure (if such you have) you would go most carefully & critically over the whole of the correspondence between the different

Secretaries of State & the French Minister in this Country; & with our own Minister at Paris, from the Period matters began to change from the antient habits, & to assume their new form, in that country. If circumstances should render explanations of this sort expedient & necessary for Congress, a previous examination of the Papers with notes & remarks, will be essential. If they should not, the measure nevertheless will be satisfactory & useful. I would have the whole of the transactions, in all its direct, & collateral relations, examined with as critical an eye as Mr Bache, or any of his numerous correspondents or communicants would do; that if there is any thing in them (not recollected by me) that can be tortured into an unfriendly disposition towds France, & not required by the Neutral policy adopted by the Executive; approved by the People; and sanctioned by the Legislature: or which the Peace, honor & safety of this Country did not require, that I may be apprised of it, as my conviction of the contrary is strong.
        I request also, that you would begin to note down all the subjects as they may occur, which may be proper to communicate to Congress at their next meeting; either at the opening of the Session, or by seperate messages in the course of it. Many things are forgot when the recollection of them are postponed until the period at which they are wanting. Minute details will not be amiss, because a selection will, at any time, be easier than a collection to make.
        Your letter of the 8th instt did not reach my hands until the 13th—nor did that of the 11th until the 15th. I mention these facts that you may know whether the delay has been occasioned by their not getting to the Post Office in time, or were detained at it. Other letters from Philadelphia of the same dates, came to hand two days sooner in both instances. With very great esteem & regard—I am—Dear Sir Yours—always

          Go: Washington

          P.S. I am frequently receiving letters from Philp Wilson, similar to the one I now enclose. Let me request therefore, if his case admits of redress, that an attempt may be made to obtain it. If it does not, that he may be so informed, in explicit terms.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 18 July 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Department of State July 18. 1796.

        As soon as you had decided on the expediency of substituting a consul in the place of Mr Parrish at Hamburg, I requested Mr FitzSimons at Philadelphia, and Mr King at New-York, to enquire for a suitable person to succeed him. I also wrote to Mr Cabot at Boston making the same request. The two former gentlemen informed me that they found no fit character in Philadelphia or New-York. Last Friday I received the inclosed letter from Mr Cabot, strongly recommending Samuel Williams of Salem. His name did not occur to me, and if it had occurred, I should have hesitated to have originally presented it to you; tho’ merely because Mr Williams is my nephew; for a man more trust-worthy or more able to execute the office of consul will not often be found. He is about six & thirty years old, was liberally educated, as soon as he left college engaged in mercantile business with his father, and ever since has pursued that course of life. He has been in Europe about three years, in France, in England, & I think at Hamburg. It seemed to me so very desirable to substitute an American Citizen to Mr Parrish, under the circumstances of his removal, that I feel myself happy in recommending a successor for the propriety of whose conduct I can undertake to be responsible. With the highest respect I am, sir, your most obt servant

          Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from John William Bronaugh, 19 July 1796
From: Bronaugh, John William
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Aquia [Va.] 19th July 1796.

        I am anxious to make sale of some Lands given me by my Father on the great Kanhawa River, and having understood that you have lately had an offer of five dollars ⅌ Acre for all your Lands in that country, have taken the liberty to enquire of you from whom this offer was made, I trust and hope if you have it in your power to give me any information by which I can effect a sale at the price above mentioned you will do it.
        My Father wishes very much to take in his bond given you some years ago, he mentioned this to you in a letter last Fall, but as you were then at Philadelphia you mentioned you cou’d not send it unless you were at Mount Vernon if it is not too much trouble, to come at this bond, will thank you to enclose it by the bearer. I am Sir, Yr mo. obt hume Servt

          John W. Bronaugh


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 July 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

        (private)

          Sir,
          Department of State July 19. 1796.

        I was honored with your confidential letter of the 13th and showed it to the other two secretaries. Last Friday Mr Dawson called on the Secretary of War, and mentioned his being on a journey to the eastward, to contract for the manufacturing of five thousand stand of arms for the State of Virginia; and requested his information where he might apply without interfering with any contracts or operations of the U. States. The

Secretary of War answered, that his acquaintance at the eastward was too imperfect to give him the information requested; but referred him to Mr Hodgdon (giving a note where to find him) who could amply satisfy him on that subject. Yesterday I asked Mr Hodgdon if any gentleman had been with him to get the information referred to: he answered, that no person had called upon him for such a purpose: but that a Mr Annely, a gunsmith of Philadelphia, had for three months past been making guns of a particular kind (smaller than the common musket) for the state of Virginia.
        For the manufacture of arms, Pennsylvania has long been more celebrated than any state in the Union; & since the peace I have heard of no manufactory of arms in New-England, except at the public works at Springfield; and there, I recollect, the superintendant had to instruct the workmen, at the outset. The journey eastward (if Mr D. is gone eastward) is for some other purpose than that mentioned to the Secretary of war. I should not suppose Mr Dawson was going to France; at least not immediately: for the same day on which I received your letter, I received one from Joseph Jones Esqr. covering one for Mr Monroe, to be forwarded agreeably to a former request; it having been the practice in this office so to transmit Mr Jones’s letters to Mr Monroe.
        The Secretary of War told me that he wrote you yesterday, that he had seen the French minister, who said his business was so increased by the operations in the West Indies, that he should not have it in his power to visit you at Mount Vernon. With the highest respect, I am sir, your obt servant

          Timothy Pickering

          P.S. To-day I received a letter from Mr Monroe dated the 8th of April. He has obtained from the Directory permission for a Mr La-Motte, a Cannon Founder selected last autumn by Colo. Vincent, to come to the United-States. Mr Lamotte is making arrangements with Mr Monroe to come to the United States with his family. I shall hand the letter to the Secretary of War. The letter also informs that Colo. Vincent suggested that Engineers would be wanted, to construct works and to instruct our officers; “if such are wanted, two of the first eminence may now be

had: one called [ ] has long been at the head of the French Academy for that science, in this city, and by his lectures laid the foundation of the education of many of those who are now distinguished in the field.” These are Mr Monroe’s words. The other gentleman is a Mr Sonolet, represented as a man of superior merit in that branch. Different views may be entertained of this very ready compliance on the part of the French government to furnish a cannon-founder agreeably to our request—with the addition of two of their ablest engineers. In one, it may be considered as extremely friendly—In the other as designed “to draw closer the ties of fraternity” between the two Republics, in the modern and democratic sense of the phrase; & particularly to promote the French interest on the secret plan of Mr ——.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 July 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

        (private)

          Sir,
          Department of State July 19. 1796.

        This morning I received the inclosed letter from Mr Dayton, expressing fully his opinion of Mr Israel Ludlow, whose application for the office of Surveyor General I had the honor lately to transmit to you. While it must be acknowledged that Mr Dayton is perfectly competent to pronounce accurately on the character of a man so well known to him as Mr Ludlow must be, it is proper for me to mention, that I have understood that he & Mr Ludlow have been closely connected in land affairs in the northwestern territory, where I believe Mr Dayton has speculated largely. In this very service Mr Dayton may have experienced Mr Ludlow’s skill & fidelity to their common interest. This common interest may be further extensively promoted by the appointment of Mr Ludlow to the office of Surveyor General. This suggestion I respectfully submit to your consideration. At the same it may be doubted whether any very competent person for surveyor general can be found, who will not improve the opportunity presented by his station, of making or advancing his fortune in lands over the Ohio. If Congress intended to exclude the Surveyor General from any land ⟨illegible⟩, his pay should have been so increased as to induce a proper character to submit to the restriction. The defect of compensation was a principal reason of Mr DeWitt’s declining the office. I also recd to-day the inclosed letter from Robert Morris Esqr. the Judge of the District Court of New-Jersey, on the same subject. With the highest respect, I am, sir, Your obt servant

          T. Pickering.


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 20 July 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

          Sir,
          Mount Vernon 20th July 1796.

        Your letters of the 12th & 13th instant, with their enclosures, were received by Mondays Mail, the 18th.
        The duplicate Commission for John Trumbull; the blank Commissions for the Revenue Officers; and the Patents passed by the Attorney General; are all signed & returned under cover with this letter.
        The want of funds to carry on Commerce with the Indian

Tribes (agreeably to a late Act of Congress) is an unanswerable objection to the appointment of Agents, at this time, for that purpose. And in addition to the reasons you have assigned for not appointing a Superintendent of Indian Affairs, in place of Governor Blount; and for Postponing running & marking the line between the United States and the Cherokee Nation of Indians, the want of Power—in the President—to appoint Commissioners to attend the Survey; and a successor to the other, would, I conceive, appear upon investigation; as the first would be an original appointment—and the latter, did not take place in the recess of the Senate. It follows then of course, that these measures must stand suspended, and the best temporary uses made of the present situations, and Services of Colo. Henly and Mr Dinsmore that the nature of things will admit.
        Not knowing myself, the purport of the German letter herewith enclosed, and having no body about me that can translate it, I send it to you for this purpose; in order that I may know what attention to give it.

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 July 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

        (private)

          Sir,
          Department of State July 20. 1796.

        Last evening, about nine o’clock, when sitting in my office, the Messenger brought me a letter from Mr Monroe. When going to open it, I found it had already been broken open, but the broken edges of the paper had been slightly fastened again by introducing some pieces of wafer. The original sealing, as usual with Colo. Monroe’s letters, was with wax. The wife of the Messenger went to the door and received the letter. The bearer of it asked if I lived here; she answered that I did not, but was then in the office, and asked if he wished to see me. He said it was no matter, if the letter was safely delivered to me. She took the letter, returned to her room, gave it to her husband who immediately brought it to me.
        Upon my enquiries she informs me that the man who brought the letter was 30 or 40 years old, appeared sun-burnt as if he had just come off a journey, and his cloaths, particularly his linen, looked dirty, as seemed common in such case. His speech was plainly English, like that of a Virginian, philadelphian or New Englandman, without any semblance of French or any other foreign language. She had a light in her hand, and saw nothing in the man’s countenance or deportment that indicated any concern, like what might be imagined to result from a consciousness of guilt or impropriety of conduct.
        The letter is dated the 2d of May, and the cover had on it, in the usual place of franking, the name of Mr Monroe, written with his own hand. The superscription was in the same

handwriting with the letter of the 8th of April, mentioned in the postscript to one of my letters accompanying this. That letter of April 8th has on it the post office mark of Alexandria—thus “Alex. 15 July.”
        No part of the letter of May 2d is in cypher. It is on the subject of the explanation which was to take place between Mr Monroe and the Minister of foreign affairs, agreeably to the orders of the directory; and is accompanied by the complaints of the latter (in French) & Mr Monroe’s answer. The French shall be translated, and I will do myself the honor to transmit the packet by the next post. The complaints are not of the formidable nature to have been expected after all the solemn advices concerning them which have been received from Mr Monroe. In short, I should be disposed to apply to this affair the trite fable of the mountains being in labour and bringing forth a mouse. Most respectfully your obt servt

          Timothy Pickering


Title: From George Washington to John William Bronaugh, 21 July 1796 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Bronaugh, John William

        Letter not found: to John William Bronaugh, 21 July 1796. Bronaugh wrote GW on 9 Aug.: “Yours of the 21st July I have received” (see Bronaugh to GW, 19 July, n.2).


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 July 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

        (Private)

          Sir
          Department of State July 21. 1796.

        I received this morning your favour of the 18th. The subjects of it shall have all the attention of which I am capable. De la Croix exhibition of the causes of complaint from the French

Republic against the “government” of the U. States (which you will receive with Colo. Monroe’s answer in my public letter of this date) will place you at ease with respect to that country. The statement is as feeble as could have been desired; and serves to confirm the suspicions some months since entertained, that the ominous letters of Mr Monroe composed a part of a solemn farce to answer certain party purposes in the U. States. The fifteen sail of the line (as announced in the anonymous letters) and an envoy extraordinary, just to shew himself, make a declaration and return, were to begin the second act. The defeat of the British treaty, and perhaps a change in our own administration, & possibly a war, were to make up the catastrophe.
        The delay of the letters you refer to I suppose to be in getting to the post office, owing probably to a difference in the clocks. A letter which I wrote on Monday last, & sent off a quarter before ten, will also be delayed. In future I will (as I do now) take the precaution of writing the day preceeding, when it shall be practicable. I am most respectfully sir your obt servt

          Timothy Pickering.


Title: Enclosure: Statement from the French Republic, 9 March 1796
From:
To:

            Paris the 19th ventose 4th year of thefrench Republic; one and indivisible(=9 march 1796)

          Summary statement of the complaints of the French
          Republic, against the Government of the United States.
          1st Complaint.

            The inexecution of the Treaties.
            1. The courts of Justice of the United States have taken cognisance and still take cognisance of the prizes which our privateers conduct into their ports, notwithstanding the express

clause of the Treaty against it. Our ministers have proposed various arrangements for limiting these usurpations. The federal Government had itself proposed measures on this subject—the first propositions were not accepted, and the latter measures fell into disuse. The disgusts, the delays, the losses resulting to our seamen from such a State of things, are palpable. They almost entirely deprive the Republic of the advantages which it should expect from this article of the Treaty.
            2. The admission of English ships of war, even in cases where they are excluded by the 17th article of the Treaty, that is, when they have made prizes on the Republic or on its citizens. The weakness with which the federal Government conceded this point in the first instance has increased the pretentions of Great Britain, and now the ports of the United States have become a station for the squadron of Admiral Murray, who for two years past has there victualled his Ships, in order to cruize on the american Commerce, and to pillage our property. This division carries its audacity even to the conducting thither its prizes.
            3. The Consular Convention, forming a part of our treaties, is equally unexecuted in its two most important clauses. The first granting to our Consuls the right of judging exclusively in disputes arising between frenchmen, is become illusory, for the want of laws giving to the Consuls the means of having their decisions executed. The consequence of this inability tends to annihilate the prerogative of our Consuls, and materially to injure the interest of our merchants. The second gives to our consuls the right of causing our mariners who desert to be arrested. The inexecution of this part of the Convention affects beyond all expression, our maritime service, during the stay of our vessels in the american ports. The Judges charged by the laws with issuing the mandates of arrest, have lately required the presentation of the original Roll of the Crew, in contempt of the 5th article, admitting in the Tribunals of both powers copies certified by the Consul. Local circumstances in a thousand instances oppose the production of the original Roll—and then the seamen are not liable to be apprehended.
            4th The arrestation in the port of Philadelphia, in the month of August 1795, of the Captain of the Corvette the Cassius, for acts committed by him on the high Seas. This is contrary to the 19. article of the treaty of commerce, which stipulates “That the

Commanders of public, and of private vessels shall not be detained in any manner.” Besides it violates the most obvious law of nations, which places the Officers of public vessels under the safeguard of their Flag. The United States have had sufficient proofs of deference on the part of the Republic, to count upon its Justice in this instance. The Captain was imprisoned, notwithstanding the Consul of the Republic produced bail. Scarcely was he set at liberty, when the Corvette, altho’ very regularly armed at the Cape, by General Lavaux, was arrested (and it appears she is still so) under pretext, that, eight months before, she sailed from Philadelphia, suspected of having armed in that port.
            2d Complaint. The impunity of the outrage committed on the Republic in the person of its minister, the Citizen Fauchet by the English ship (Africa) in concert with the vice Consul of that nation.
            The arrestation in the waters of the United States of the Packet boat having Citizen Fauchet on board, the search made in the Trunks of that minister, with the avowed object of seizing his person and papers, merited an example. The insult was committed on the first of august 1795 (old style) the Ship all the rest of the month blocked up the medusa frigate belonging to the Republic at newport, and did not receive orders to depart till after the sailing of that vessel. For a new outrage on the United States by a menacing letter, the Exequatur was withdrawn from the Consul merely for having taken a part in the latter insult.
            3rd Complaint—The Treaty concluded in November 1794 between the United States and Great Britain. It will be easy to prove that the United States in this treaty have knowingly and evidently sacrificed their Connections with the Republic and the most essential and least contested prerogatives of neutrality.
            1st The United States, besides having departed from the principles established by the armed neutrality during the war for their independence, have given to England, to the detriment of their first allies, the most stirling mark of an unbounded condescension, by abandoning the limit given to contraband by the law of nations, by their treaties with all other nations, and even by those of England with the greater part of the maritime powers. Is it not evidently straying from the principles of neutrality to sacrifice exclusively to that power, the objects proper for the equipment and construction of vessels?

            2. They have gone still further. They have consented to extend the denomination of contraband even to Provisions. Instead of pointing out particularly, as all treaties do, the cases of the effective blockade of a place, as alone forming an exception to the freedom of this article—they have tacitly acknowledged the pretentions raised by England to create blockades in our Colonies and even in france by the force of a bare proclamation.
            This abandonment of the independence of their commerce, is incompatible with their neutrality. Mr Jefferson has himself acknowledged it in his letter of 7th September to the minister plenipotentiary of the United States at London, on the subject of the order of the 8th of June 1793. From this confession—especially from all the tyranical Edicts of the King of Great Britain, from which the commerce of the United States as well as their national honor have suffered so much, a result quite different was hoped from Mr Jay’s negotiation. It is evident by the clause of the treaty limiting the existence of this desertion from neutrality to the duration of the present war, that Mr Jay did not hesitate to sacrifice our Colonies to Great Britain, during the remaining hostilities which should decide their fate. Mr Monroe is left to judge how far these concessions accord with the obligation contracted by the United States to defend our Colonial possessions, and with the no less sacred duties imposed on them by the immense and invaluable benefits, which they draw from their commerce with them.

              The minister for foreign affairsCh. De la CroixFaithfully translated from the original byGeo: Taylor Jr


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 July 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Department of State July 21. 1796.

        On the receipt of your letter directing the mode suggested by the attorney general, of obtaining passports by American seamen, to be carried into effect, I communicated the same to the Secretary of the Treasury. We were both of opinion that the circular letter of instructions to the Collectors of the Customs would more properly be signed & transmitted by him than by me; the collectors being officers under the immediate

superintendance of the Secretary of the Treasury; who was moreover required, by the act for the relief & protection of American seamen, to transmit it to the collectors. We believed the attorney general did not advert to this established arrangement; and persuaded that the adoption of the prescribed mode of executing the law, and not the medium of conveying your directions to the collectors, was the object of your solicitude, it was concluded that the signing & transmitting of the circular letter, containing those directions, should devolve on the Secretary of the Treasury. Were this to be done by the department of State, much inconvenience would result: for doubts will arise, in the progress of the business, & explanations be sought for: which will require an extended correspondence with a numerous set of officers between whom & the Secretary of State there is no relation. For these reasons we trust the course we have pursued will meet your approbation. With the highest respect I am, sir, your obt servt

          Timothy Pickering


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 22 July 1796
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

        (private)

          Dr Sir,
          Mount Vernon 22d July 1796.

        Your private letter of the 16 came to my hands at the same time that your official one did of the 18th.
        From what is there said it appears by the enclosures, I am satisfied no unnecessary delay respecting the Algierine frigate has taken place. From a former one, & perhaps from a solicitude to execute promptly whatever is entrusted to me, I had conceived otherwise.
        As I have Mr Liston here, & the house full of other company, I shall only add that I am, what you will always find, Yr &c.

          G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Wilhelm Louis Wernecke, 24 July 1796
From: Wernecke, Wilhelm Louis
To: Washington, George

          at Mrs HickingbottomNo. 116. North front StreetPhiladelphia July 24th 1796
          Sir

        I take the Liberty to Address your Excelence Concerning the affair that I waited on your Excelence four weeks ago with Mr Graff as my Nominated Gaurdian, and Mr Erdman as Interpreter, at which time your Excelence was pleased to promise

Asistance in geting the Estate of my Uncle Col. Wernecke, deceased in Posession according to your Excelence Direction.
        I waited on Mr Nottnagle in order that he might Assist me, but during your Excelence absence Mr Nottnagle turned his Back on me and even left the Sity, it is said he is gone to Long-Island for his Health, I am at present in A very poor Situation I have neither Money nor friends, Mr Graff holds the Writings Still, I cannot get them, He lives high upon my Property in German Town, while I am in want of Bread And have been Obliged to serve A Farmer on the Ridge road for Subsistance, I should be very happy if I could have an Oppertunity once more of Speaking to your Excelence, as I am of Opinion that Mr Graff & Mr Nottnagle are United in keeping me out of my right, I have here Inclosed the Copy of A Letter from Ebenezer Stott, to Mr Nottnagle as A clearer Explanation of the Affairs, upon which I Ernest Intreat your Excelence advice how to proceed in the Affair, Which shall be greatfully Acknowledged by Your Excelence most Humble servant

          Wilhelm Louis Wernecke


Title: To George Washington from de Beaulieu, 25 July 1796
From: Beaulieu, de
To: Washington, George

            My General

              July 25th 1796

          As I know your kind heart, I put myself into your hands, I like better to address myself to God than to his Saints. My Wife is taken away from me as a second Penelope indeed with some modifications, for it is because we have been under an obligation all last Winter till now, that She is tore from my Arms: great Gods! Such are the virtuous men of our age! If I was born of low conditioned Parents, I would be used to hard labors and I could make out for myself or at least I should know a trade which I would make use of. but having been only a Cultivator in the Colonies, and deprived of every thing which I possessed, I am in extreme want, and I address myself to your good heart. I cannot go back to my home, because the flag Vessels carry over only Women and old Men. perhaps some new sacrifice will be made of them: as it happened at the last disturbances of the Cape. I was not here when you had shared the World: and in consequence I have not an Inch of ground. if some pieces of land were remaining uncultivated near some City I should bless you all the moments of my life if you would do me the honor of admitting me amongst those who have the happiness to live under Your laws: for I possess nothing at all but tenderness for

my Wife, who expresses to me her satisfaction of joining again with me, if I could procure her an easy existence.
          I make vows for the conservation of Your precious days and I am—very great and mighty General, president & Dictator with very great respect Your very humble obedient Servant

            (signed) debeaulieu

          living at Baltimore on the road of the point in a Wooden house.


Title: To George Washington from La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt, 25 July 1796
From: La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt, François-Alexandre-Frédéric, duc de
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Phil. 25 July 1796

        I should ought apologise for my Liberty in writing to you, when I am deprived from the advantage to be known of you, and when political considerations have made you thinking, I should not to be introduced to you, at my arrival in this country. but my apology for that liberty, shall be found in the motive of this Letter.
        Unfortunate La fayette’s friends & relations send to me those two enclosed Letters, which he wished should be Communicated to me, & which I receive only now at my returning from the Southern States. those friends are wishing, I should present them to you; they wish I could converse with you about the ways to make end to the long and cruel captivity of that honest man. I know some persons, & namely generous dr Bolman, have discoursed with you on that subject. I know also, that, should La fayette’s name have not been pronounced to you by any, invariable constanc⟨y⟩ of your friendship to him, should never Let you forgetting his dreadful situation, and without thinking for the most proper way of being serviceable to the friend, whose you appreciate the merits, & whose you know the misery. However,

so superflous it may be, I call your attention upon him, you will judge, that dut⟨y⟩ being prescribed to be, it should be a fault to me if I was to not acquit my self of it. and if my particular affection to La fayette, makes me looking at that duty as a more imperious one, you’ll excuse me for it. besides my Letter to you being yet unknown at every one, its inconveniency is limitated to the trouble youll have in reading of it. by Mrs Lafayettes Letter to gnl ferrary, youll see how barbarous is the rigor of the treatement she receives, ⟨mutilated⟩ treatement she received in robespierres prisons, during sixteen months, seems mild to her remembrance. you are, certainly acquainted, with the audience granted by the Emperor to Mrs de lafayette on her passage in Vienna. & you know, when she implored of him her husbands liberation Emperor answered to her, his own hands were tied up on that subject, and Mr De Lafs. liberation being out of his own power. you know Emperors ministers, less reserved a little, than their master had been, did pronounce to her that if His Imp. Maj. should be to grant Mr delaf.’ liberation even if the watch upon him to prevent his escape were Less rigourous, Emperor should then became object of diffidence to his own ally, the King of England: and you have, Sir, unquestionably concluded, with all of those who are acquainted with those authentical answers, that, the part of Lafy. conduct by which, his fetters have been forged, & are now daily rivetted, is not his participation to the french revolution, but only his participation to the American revolution, his unbounded devotion to the Cause of Liberty & independency of the United States. that is the very real crime never to be forgotten, by the King of England, and on account of which only la fayette is plunged in a dungeon.
        youll read, sir in Laf.’ Letter to Mr bolman & huger how, Confident as he is in your friendship and in the kindness of american nation, he relys upon his title of american Citizen. youll read how, being by the circumstances deprived as he is from the ⟨illegible⟩ country, he depends firmly upon his right to be claimed by that to the Cause of which he ⟨had de⟩voted his youth, and which he has served with all his heart & means, and youll observe, Sir Laf. being ignorant, when he wrote that Letter, that a so honorable employment of his first years, is the ⟨unic⟩ motive of his actual Captivity, by which; if longer, his Life even shall be Lost. youll find, also, by that Letter how Confident he is in dr bolman’s

active mind, & courageous generosity, proper, as he thinks, to help ⟨usefully⟩ your good ⟨sensations⟩ to him, and the interest of his fellow citizens.
        I should look at myself, as acting improperly, ⟨mutilated⟩ even hurting your feellings, if I was to urge you, Sir, either in the name of Lafes friends & relations, even as in his own to employ all the means you can, for ⟨mutilated⟩ his liberty and Life. the man, whom you have seen, embracing with a so compleat devotion, as your⟨self⟩, the Cause which places you among the greatest men, the man who should have expose his life, to make your safe, & to contribute to your glory, the man, whom you have judged deserving the title of your friends and to whom that honorable title seems the more precious ornament; the man whose the Son receives from you the proofs of a paternal affection, such man can not be unfortunate and you without employing youself very ⟨mutilated⟩ for making his misery to be terminated. and if political considerations, (which deepness I can not be judge of,) are to stop you, in the ⟨public⟩ proceedings, you & american nation who has adopted La fayette, could do with a so great ability in his favor, you are ⟨mutilated⟩ so miserable, as he is himself. I will per⟨mit myself⟩ only to repeat once more, that Lafes life, shall not resist to his captivity, if it is to be Longer and also that, if his cherissed wife, & childrens’ Company, are of great comfort to him in his gaol, the wiew of inhum⟨ane⟩ treatement they received for their devotion to him, is a continual subject of sorrow and despair to your frien⟨d⟩ Some words I have exchanged with Mr bolman on the berckley County’s road, Let me suspecting, those two Lett⟨ers⟩ could have been presented to you already: but I am n⟨ot⟩ sure enough of it, to ⟨illegible⟩ not risk to send you them on⟨ce⟩ more.
        you should have yet read in the public papers, Mrs Laf. Letter printed. I should blame ⟨dissimulation⟩ by which I should ⟨illegible⟩ be prevented to ⟨Confess⟩ you, I did myself make that Letter published. in all parts of america, where I have travelled and I have been almost in all State of the Union, I heard Mr de Laf. name pronounced every where almost with so much of ⟨mutilated⟩ friendship & interest, as I heard your own pronounced with respect, admiration confidence & affection. that Letter’s publication seemed to me proper to keep alive the deserved disposition. and I did not see any inconveniency in it. very strange

⟨illegible⟩ both by my situation and mental disposition, from any political Circumstance, I am & never shall be so, stra nge to the duties of friendship. and should I be Less friend of Laf. than I am, I should look at me as obliged only by the duties of Humanity to ressemble all means in my power to alleviate his misery.
        Sollicited to ⟨mutilated⟩ those Letters, I send them to his direction, without Letting him know I have the honor to write to you. I am Sir with the greatest respect for your eminent qualities your most humble & most obt ⟨servant⟩

          La Roche⟨foucauld⟩ Liancourt


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 25 July 1796
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

          Sir,
          Mount Vernon 25th July 1796

        The enclosed letter from Mr Landais, transmitting one from you to him, was received by the last Post.
        Filling the vacancies in the Corps of Artillery, before the adjournment of the Senate, was suggested; but why, as it was not proposed by the military Act, that it should undergo any diminution, it was not done, my memory does not serve me.
        If there are more Cadets in that Regiment than Mr Landais, and there are not some distinguishing circumstances between his case & theirs, no discrimination, even if the authority in the recess of the Senate was competent, can be made in his favor notwithstanding his desires and the peculiarities which are detailed in his letter. I send it however that you may consider the case & report thereon.

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 25 July 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          War office 25 July 1796

        I here inclose a dispatch received on saturday from the Southward, containing a letter of the 27th ulto from James Seagrove; one of the 30th from Benjn Hawkins; and one of the 1st instant from the commissioners for treating with the Creeks, with a copy of the treaty concluded at Coleraine on the 29th of June ulto and a protest by the Georgia commissioners.
        I shall on the papers being returned give them due consideration, and report to you such measures as may appear necessary to be taken relative to their objects. With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be Sir your most ob. st

          James McHenry


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 25 July 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

        Private

          Dear Sir,
          Mount Vernon 25th July 1796

        Your private letters of the 19th 19th, and 20th instant have been duly received.
        The request of Mr J. Jones, to forward his letter to Colo. Monroe, is opposed to the speedy departure of Mr D—— for France; and yet the Gentleman who gave me the information spoke of it as a matter not doubtful: but added indeed (a circumstance I did not mention in my former letter) that it was on Mr Swan he leaned for money; and possibly, if that Gentleman is at Boston, this may be the occasion of Mr D——’s journey to that place; under the pretext of contracting for Arms.
        Was Colo. Monroe requested to engage a Cannon founder on behalf of the United States? If so, on what terms? To remove a Person with his family, will be attended with considerable expence; and unless with condition to secure his services, it will be done under great uncertainty. With respect to the Engineers, policy requires a further developement of the unfavorable disposition with which we are threatned, before any encouragement ought to be given to the measure. But even if that objection was fully removed, there are no funds (within my recollection) that

would enable the Executive to incur the Expence. therefore, as a Law must precede, in this case, any Executive Act, the answer to the quere is quite easy & plain.
        I am continuing, and extending my enquiries for a fit character to fill the Office of Surveyor General, without any great prospect of doing it to my satisfaction. Mr Ludlow, besides what is mentioned in your letter (which requires attention) has not, according to my ideas of him, celebrity of character; and is of too short standing in the Community to fill an Office of so much importance from its trusts, and the abilities and integrity which is required, tho’ deficient in compensation; unless by means which ought to be prevented.
        It is much to be regretted that you did not discover the broken seal of Mr Monroe’s letter, to you, before the departure of the bearer of it; that an attempt—at least—might have been made to trace the channel thro’ which it had passed; and thereby (if proofs could not have been obtained) to have found ground for just suspicion. You confine the Post mark of Alexandria to his letter of the 8th of April; had you included that also of the 2d of May, I would have caused enquiry to have been made at that Office with respect to the appearance of the letters when they went from thence.
        I am glad to find that more smoke than fire is likely to result from the representation of French discontents, on account of our Treaty with Great Britain. Had the case been otherwise, there would have been no difficulty in tracing the effect to the cause. And it is far from being impossible, that the whole may have originated in a contrivance of the opposers of the Government, to see what effect such threats would Work; and finding none that would answer their purpose, and no safe ground to stand on, if they pushed matters to extremity, the matter may terminate in gasconade. Be this as it may, the Executive have a plain road to pursue; namely, to fulfil all the engagements which his duty requires. Be influenced, beyond this, by none of the contending Parties; maintain a strict neutrality, unless obliged by imperious circumstances to depart from it; Do justice to all; and never forget that we are Americans; the remembrance of which will convince us, that we ought not to be French or English. With great esteem & regard, I am always and Sincerely Yours

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 26 July 1796
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          War office 26 July 1796.

        The agent of the department of war in Tenessee having requested that the vacant office of deputy paymaster and store keeper might be filled up; and it appearing, that Mr Henley the agent cannot go through the business himself; and if he could,

that it would be improper, inasmuch as it would center in one person, 1st. the keeping and distribution of stores, and 2dly the power to determine the sum due upon a claim, and to pay it.
        I inclose you therefore a rough draught of instructions for the deputy pay master and store keeper; a draught of a letter to the agent of the department of war; and copy of the instructions of 1793 to the deputy pay master and store keeper when the office was instituted.
        You will perceive wherein these instructions vary from those of 93; and the reasons (without my suggesting them) which have induced to the creation of further checks upon both the Principal & Deputy.
        I have thought of a Mr Hillis for Deputy who writes in the accountants office. As he has been employed there in the settlement of Col. Henley’s accounts, he understands of course the train of business in that quarter and the general objects of expence; and besides is very well recommended. If you should approve of him to fill the office (on looking over his recommendations) you will be pleased to mention it; and to return the draught of instructions, and letter designed for the agent, with such alterations as you may think proper.
        I have this moment received your letters of the 22d inst.
        Mondays mail carried you the result of the meeting of the Creeks at Coleraine. Considering the aspect of things in that quarter, perhaps you may conceive it expedient that one of the companies of dragoons should be directed to join Col. Gaither. In the mean while, and that no time may be lost, should you so determine, I shall write to Gen. Wayne to hold one of the companies in readiness to march thither at the shortest notice.
        I should expect, that the presence of this company on the frontiers of Georgia would render it unnecessary to employ the one hundred militia dragoons which are kept up at the Expence of the U.S.
        I have also received this morning the inclosed letter, and representation from the officers at West-point, praying that Lt Geddis may be released from his arrest.
        On this subject I would observe, That the act passed last session of Congress fixing the military establishment of the U.S. contains the following section.
        Sect. 18. “And be it further enacted that the sentences of

general courts-martial, in time of peace, extending to the loss of life, the dismission of a commissioned officer; or which shall, either in time of peace or war, respect a general officer, shall with the whole of the proceedings in such cases, respectively, be laid before the President of the U.S.; who is hereby authorised to direct the same to be carried into execution or otherwise as he shall judge proper.”
        This clause was incorporated into the act in order to remove some doubts heretofore started respecting the power of the President to pardon certain military offences in time of peace.
        For my own part, I have no doubt, that independent of this act, the President possesses the power to remit sentences of courts martial extending to the loss of life or dismission of a commissioned officer I consider that part of the act therefore as surplusage.
        If however it was to serve as authority it would not apply to the present case; inasmuch as it has had no retroactive effect given to it. The sentence on Geddis was pronounced on the 16th of May; and the act in question passed on the 30th.
        I look to a higher authority for the power of the President to remit sentences of courts-martial.
        The constitution art. II. sect. 2. constitutes the President [“]commander in chief of the army and navy of the U.S.” and vests him with “power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the U.S., except in cases of impeachment.”
        Congress cannot pass any regulations for the government of the land and naval forces which may intrench upon, invalidate or nullify this power to pardon offences against the United States.
        If this is a true exposition of the constitution, the President may if he should think proper comply with the request in favour of Lt Geddis. With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be Sir Your most ob. st

          James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 26 July 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Department of State July 26. 1796

        In the letter with which you honored me, bearing date the 27th of June, your expressed your approbation of John Davis, the late Comptroller, to be appointed to the office of District Attorney of Massachusetts, provided his professional knowledge (of which you had no correct information) should be deemed adequate to the discharge of its duties, and he would place himself in a situation to render them conveniently to the public.
        I was hence induced to write to Stephen Higginson, Esqr. of

Boston, a private letter, requesting him, by enquiring among gentlemen of law-knowledge, to ascertain Mr Davis’s professional talents. Mr Higginson’s answer I received yesterday, and have now the honor to inclose. I also wrote to a nephew of mine in Boston for the same information; and his answer corresponds with Mr Higginson’s. Both being so decidedly in favour of Mr Davis, I have this day transmitted to him his commission; it appearing to the Secretary of the Treasury & to me, upon comparing your letters to us, that you desired no delay in the commissioning of Mr Davis, when we should be satisfied of his professional abilities. With the highest respect I am, sir, your most obt servant

          Timothy Pickering


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 27 July 1796
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

          Sir,
          Mount Vernon 27th July 1796

        Your two letters—both bearing date the 21st instant—with their enclosures, were received by the last Mail to Alexandria.
        It would have been unfortunate, and much indeed to have been regretted, if the French government had had as great cause of complaint against the conduct of the United States, as they

have shewn a disposition to complain. It was natural to expect, tho’ it was not easy to conceive on what ground, the French discontents, which had been so often announced—accompanied with such terrific threatnings—chiefly by anonymous writers, that the formal exhibition of them under the authority of the Directory, by their Minister of Foreign Affairs, would have had something serious, formidable, and embarrassing in their appearance; instead of which, most, if not all the charges seem to have originated either in a misinterpretation, or from want of attention, to Treaties and the Law of Nations; or to the want of a just, and timely representation of facts, with accompanying explanations; which our Minister near the French government had it in his power, and was directed to make.
        Presuming that Mr Polanen is regularly accredited by the proper authority of the existing government of the United Netherlands, I see no cause—accordant with the principles which have actuated the government of the United States—why, when I return to Philadelphia he should not be received as the Minister Resident of that Country. And if no objection (unknown to me) should occur to you, Mr Polanen may be so informed. My arrival there will be by the first of September.
        Instructions from the Treasury department to the Collectors, relative to the mode of obtaining Passports by American Seamen, will certainly be as effectual, and probably is as proper, as if they had issued from the Department of State; and this was my opinion to the Attorney-General: But he observed, first, that it was not in any respect connected with the Revenue of the Country. And 2dly that there were some other Provisions in the Law (I do not now recollect of what nature) that required the Agency of the Department of State. I am satisfied, however, with the Circular which has been adopted; as the design will be equally well answered by it.
        The original papers, forwarded with your last dispatches, are herewith returned.

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 27 July 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Department of State July 27. 1796.

        On the 25th I received letters from Colo. Humphreys dated April 30. May 30. & June 1. accompanied by a large packet from Mr Barlow at Algiers. The substance of the information respecting the pending treaty with Algiers is, That Mr Donaldson had gone to Leghorn, with orders from Mr Barlow to transmit two hundred thousand dollars to Algiers, which would procure the redemption of our captive citizens—That Mr Humphreys had sent to Mr Donaldson at Leghorn a letter of credit for 400,000 dollars; and in case he failed of obtaining the half of that sum, Colo. Humphreys authorized Mr Barlow to draw on Bulkeley & Son at Lisbon for 200,000 dollars payable at sight, so as to ensure the liberation of our prisoners within the three months allowed by the Dey; but with his explicit opinion that no part of it should be paid unless the captives were released. From these arrangements, it seems to me highly probable that our fellow citizens will now recover their liberty; & that the payment of the gross sum of 200,000 dollars will so far soothe the Dey as to prolong his patience until the original stipulations and the new one for the frigate can be accomplished.
        Altho’ the Dey’s disappointment in not receiving the stipulated sums, on Mr Barlow’s arrival, put him into so violent a rage as to render all applications fruitless, yet after some days he sent notice to Mr Barlow that he was willing to receive him as the Consul of the U. States, & desired him to bring his Consular presents. Mr Barlow readily complied. The presents were distributed to the Dey & his grandees. The Dey in return presented Mr Barlow with a fine Barbary stallion. Cathcart writes that Mr Barlow gives great satisfaction, & is respected by every one who knows him. This admission of Mr Barlow as Consul, with the distribution of the Consular presents, cannot fail to have a favourable influence on the affairs of the United States at Algiers. And from his information of the customary and periodical delivery

of Consular presents, it does not appear that it will occasion any material extra expence to the U.S.
        Mr Barlow’s packet contains long and interesting details of the nature of the algerine government, whence results the fickleness of its measures, and its frequent breaches of peace with the Christian states, on the most trifling and unreasonable pretexts. Because the armed vessels of the King of Naples carried into his port a Danish vessel having on board 320 Turkish soldiers bound from the Levant to Algiers, the Dey ordered his cruisers immediately to bring in all the Danish vessels they could meet with. In a few days about a dozen were captured & brought in; and their fate remained undecided. Mr Barlow details divers instances of breaches with other powers: whence he concludes that on an average we might count on a renewal of hostilities with ourselves once in six years. But the expences of renewing thus after our treaties with that regency, may be willingly incurred, when the commercial profits of the Mediterranean trade are taken into view. Of one and the other Mr Barlow has given estimates, which, with his observations on the commerce of that part of the world, manifest much information and that good sense for which he is distinguished.
        Mr Barlow describes the policy and utility of forming commercial & friendly relations with the Italian States, with Austria on account of her great trading port of Trieste, and with the Grand Seignior. Colo. Humphreys concurring in these ideas (so far as respects the Grand Seignior he has formerly expressed the same) strongly recommends Mr Barlow as the fittest person for the negociator; particularly with the Turk, under the countenance of France; Mr B. being a French as well as American Citizen. Mr Barlow would cheerfully engage in these enterprizes; and I am now inclined to think it would not be easy to find another person equally qualified for these negociations.
        As these matters do not demand an immediate decision, I imagined it would be acceptable to you to receive this general account of the contents of the dispatches from Colo. Humphreys, & that the perusal of these would be more agreeable to you on your return to philadelphia. I have the honor to be, with the highest respect sir, your most obt servant

          Timothy Pickering.

          P.S. Colo. Talbot expected to sail yesterday or the day before for the West Indies.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 27 July 1796
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sr
          Charleston [S.C.] July 27th 1796

        Duplicates of your two favours of the 8th of July I received this morning; the originals are not yet arrived. Tho’ my affairs have not hitherto been arranged as I could wish them, the manner in which you state our political situation, & the Interests of this Country as they relate to France, obliges me to accept your appointment without hesitation. I am only apprehensive that your friendship has been too partial to the little merit I may possess, & that the matters intrusted to me may fail through my want of ability. You may however depend that what talent I have, shall be diligently exercised in performing the objects of my mission, & promoting, as far as I can, the honour & interest of our Country. I will endeavour to arrange my affairs in a fortnight or three weeks, & shall then proceed with Mrs Pinckney by the first Vessel for Philadelphia, where I hope to return you thanks in person for all your kindness to me, & to assure you that I always am with the sincerest regard & the highest veneration, Esteem, & attachment Your affectionate & obliged Sevt

          Charles Cotesworth Pinckney


Title: To George Washington from John Churchman, 29 July 1796
From: Churchman, John
To: Washington, George

          Union Street PhiladelphiaNo. 31
            July 29th 1796

        With pleasure do I acknowledge to have received from the President of the United States the honour of a Letter dated 10th September 1792. enclosing two other introductory ones to the American Ministers at the courts of Paris & London.
        I take the Liberty to say that my new universal work on the Variation of the Compass being presented to the National Convention in France, they sent the same to the committee of public Instruction, who referred it to the Bureau des Longitudes, & altho both of these Bodies have made flattering reports on the project, I hardly expect the Nation will explore the places of the two magnetic points untill the conclusion of peace, & I have to lament that the war which broke out between two great maritime powers soon after my departure from my native country has continued ever since. Nevertheless I rejoice to have had an opportunity to make a multitude of observations, at Sea & Land, & I hope these will serve to prove how near the principles may be reduced to practice.
        Having spent some time & money in an affair which I still suppose will be highly useful to mankind, I now apprehend it may not be amiss to apply myself to some kind of Business, & I must confess that Business connected with my favourite pursuits would be the most agreeable.
        Understanding that an Act has passed providing for the sale of Lands of the United States in the Territory North West of the River Ohio, & above the mouth of Kentucky River, & several

other laws that may require actual surveys, It would give me pleasure to render some service to my country & myself in some way or other, & I hope to be excused when I hint at the diffidence which I can not help feeling when I introduce this subject. this is a task I could not have attempted at present had I not yesterday understood that the Surveyor general had resigned. With the greatest sentiments of respect, I hope to be permitted to make an offering of my service & esteem

          J. Churchman


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 29 July 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

        (private)

          Sir,
          Department of State July 29. 1796.

        About noon to-day Mr John Churchman, who has been these two or three years in Europe, on account of his supposed discoveries relative to the variation of the Magnetic Needle, called at the office. He came last from Bourdeaux, and was the bearer of Mr Monroe’s letter of the 2d of May. I told him it had been broken open; & after a few questions, asked him to give me a certificate of the circumstances which attended his receipt of it; and offered him pen, ink & paper to write it; unless he chose to do it at home. He said he would go home, and call himself at five in the afternoon (if that hour was convenient to me) as the matter required some consideration. He called at five accordingly; and then told me (with some emotion) that he thought it best to be candid; for he could not think of giving a certificate that might excite suspicions of innocent people—He had himself broken the seal, tho’ by mere accident; and as soon as he discovered his mistake, closed the letter again without reading it. He handed me a letter from his friend in London (a quaker) inclosing the copy of a diploma, in Latin, given him by order of the Empress of Russia, declaring him a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. This letter he recd thro’ Mr Monroe; and by the same channel expected to receive the diploma itself. When therefore, at the point of his embarkation at Bourdeaux for America, he received a letter from Mr Monroe addressed to him, and within the cover, another of a size likely to contain the diploma, without looking at the superscription, he broke the seal. He hoped this inadvertence would be excused; and especially as he was careful to deliver the letter with his own hand: it was he who called & delivered it in the evening, as mentioned in my former letter. This account having all the marks of truth & candour, I begged him to give himself no further uneasiness about it; promising to communicate the explanation to you.
        I then entered into conversation with him about his travels in

France, and the sentiments of the French people towards America, & particularly the government; and as he had been so long in France, whether he had observed any material change of sentiment, especially on account of the treaty with Great-Britain. He answered, That he had observed no material change; that very little was said by Frenchmen about the treaty—tho’ much was said against it by the American Citizens in Paris. With the highest respect I am sir, your most obt servt

          Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 29 July 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Department of State July 29 1796.

        I was yesterday honoured with your letter of the 25th and agreeably to your directions have had a commission made out for Samuel Williams to be Consul of the U. States at Hamburg, & now inclose it for your signature. I will take care to advise Mr Monroe of the appointment.
        The untoward situation of the Cannon foundaries last year, excited apprehensions that the Contractors might fail of furnishing such as were fit for our frigates. Numerous essays had been made at both furnaces, and with little success. On my representing this to you, and the probability of obtaining a capital founder from France, you gave your approbation of the measure. It will certainly be the interest of this country to secure by liberal pay the services of such a man as Mr La Motte is represented to be; and his intention to come with his family I think a favourable circumstance, as it looks towards a permanent residence here as his future country. I supposed that a cannon foundary would compose an important part of our arsenal establishment; and that the presence of an accomplished founder would be essential to its most perfect construction.

        I will inform Mr Monroe, that already possessing some engineers which are competent to our present undertakings, and there being no legal provision for others, we cannot invite any gentlemen of that profession from France. With the highest respect I am sir your most obt servt

          Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 30 July 1796
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          New York July 30. 1796

        I have the pleasure to send you herewith a certan draft which I have endeavoured to make as perfect as my time and engagements would permit—It has been my object to render this act importantly and lastingly useful, and avoiding all just cause of present exception, to embrace such reflections and sentiments as will wear well, progress in approbation with time, & redound to future reputation—How far I have succeeded you will judge.
        I have begun the second part of the task—the digesting the supplementary remarks to the first address which in a fortnight I hope also to send you—yet I confess the more I have considered

the matter the less eligible this plan has appeared to me—There seems to me to be a certain awkwardness in the thing—and it seems to imply that there is a doubt whether the assurance without the evidence would be believed—Besides that I think that there are some ideas which will not wear well in the former address, & I do not see how any part can be omitted, if it is to be given as the thing formerly prepared. Neverthe[le]ss when you have both before you you can better judge.
        If you should incline to take the draft now sent—and after perusing and noting any thing that you wish changed & will send it to me I will with pleasure shape it as you desire. This may also put it in my power to improve the expression & perhaps in some instances condense.
        I rejoice that certain clouds have not lately thickened & that there is a prospect of a brighter horison. With affectionate & respectful attachment I have the honor to be Sir Yr very Obed. Serv.

          A. Hamilton