Title: To George Washington from John White, 28 May 1789
From: White, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York May 28th 1789

I take the liberty of laying before your Excellency the inclosed letter.
Having been employed several Years in the adjustment of the public accounts in various departments, & of those of several of the States against the Union, it has rendered the public service habitual and detached me from other pursuits for the support of a growing family, It is this consideration that has induced me to offer myself as a candidate for employment under the new Government.
I would not presume to ⟨s⟩ay any thing of myself further than to observe to Your Excellency that the commencement of my service in the public accounts was in the spring of the Year 1779 in the Auditors office at Camp, where I continued between two and three Years, after which I was employed by the late Mr Pierce Paymaster General, from whom I received an appointment to proceed to Maryland and settle the accounts of the Continental troops belonging to the line of that State, when this business closed I was Commissioned to settle the accounts of Maryland and the individuals thereof against the Union—a new system having been adopted in 1786 by which the accounts were directed to be settled by a Board consisting of three persons, the Legislature of Maryland appointed me their Agent to attend the said Board on her behalf, but the mode of settling the accounts of the States against the Union being again alter’d in May 1787, the continent was divided into five districts, and I was appointed Commissioner for the district of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, for the purpose of receiveing and Stating

their respective claims against the United States, this Commission being limited to fifteen months Expir’d last September.
My character and conduct in the several offices I have held is pretty well known to a number of gentlemen now in Congress, particularly those from the State of Maryland, and also to the Commissioners of the Board of Treasury.
As the foregoing circumstances are those only on which I can Expect to merit the confidence of Your Excellency, and the public, I hope they will be permitted to plead my apology for intruding thus particularly upon You. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellency⟨s⟩ obedient & huble Sert

John White


Title: From George Washington to Mathew Carey, 29 May 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Carey, Mathew

Sir,
New York, 29th May 1789.

In the course of my whole existence, I never have before been made the subject of such extraordinary conduct as that which I have been obliged to suffer by your sending to me unsealed, through a public conveyance, my letter of the 22nd and yours of the 27th of this month.
After the candid, and my heart witnessed for me not unfriendly part I had always acted towards you, I hoped, for the credit of human nature, at least to have escaped an intentional insult. I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Halsted, 29 May 1789
From: Halsted, John
To: Washington, George

New York May 29th 1789

The Memorial and Petition of John Halsted Humbly Shewith
That your Petitioner a Native of New Jersey had resided Eleven years in Quebec previous to the late war with Great Brittan and at the Commencement of the war possessed a Considerable Property real & Personal there and was at that time engaged in the most profitable business in that Country.
That your petitioner then in Quebec feeling himself deeply interested in the cause of his Country & anxiously wishing to

give it every assistance in his power, was at first viewed with a very jealous eye & at length became very Obnoxious to the Officers of the Brittish Government. That as soon as it was known that a detachment from the American Army before Boston was on its march against Quebec, your Petitioner removed his Family into the Country (leaving the most of his property in Quebec) and privately withdrew himself to Point Levy where the Canadians well disposed to America kept a Guard for their own protection; their Canoes and other water craft having been just destroyed by the Brittish and they in Apprehension for the safety of their persons & houses. your petitioner remained five days under Canadian protection untill the Arrival of the American Troops when he joined them and gave every information and assistance in his power, the extent & importance of which he leaves to others to determine and declare. on the Arrival of General Montgomery before Quebec your Petitioner being well acquainted with the Country & personally known to very many of the Canadians was requested by the Genl to act as Commissary to the Army which Office he undertook in the beginning of December 1775 and was greatly exposed through the winter in purchasing Provisions for the troops—the difficulty was rendered the greater by the want of Specie & the unwillingness of the Canadians to take our paper Currency, which Oblig’d your petitioner after exhausting his small savings from Quebec, to purchase on his own Credit of the Canadians, for which some of them are still unpaid. The following declaration in his favor made by a General Officer vizt “That to his Credit and exertions it was Owing that the Army were not starved or Oblig’d to leave Canada, at a time when they had not publick Money or Credit sufficient to purchase supplies,” is, he conceives very clear evidence of the important light, in which his services were regarded.
That you[r] petitioner when the seige was raised in May 1776 with a Numerous Family followed the fortunes of the Army abandoning his property in Canada, and returned into New Jersey where with the Assistance of his Friends he has with difficulty supported his Family. Soon after the War was ended he went to Quebec to see after the property he had left there and learned to his utter grief and disappointment that as soon as it was known that he had joined the American Arms his House &

Store was broken open by public Authority and filled with the adherents to the army, great part of his property, in Merchandise & furniture plundered, & his real Estate taken possession of by the Officers of the British Government for publick use, which is still held by them, under the plea of want of Instructions.
That your petitioner since he left Canada hath been in no publick Employment, and by means of various delays hath received but a part, & that in small sums, of the Money he advanced for the American Army in Canada, owing to which, he hath not been able to enter into a business whereby he can give that decent support he had heretofore done to his Family. The inconveniences to which your petitioner has been subjected in consequence of his attachment to the cause of his Country his want of public Employment since, and of the money he expended for the publick service, may be better conceived by the feeling mind ⟨illegible⟩ expressed by your petitioner, but distressing as such a situation must be to any one, to your petitioner it was the more poignant on Account of his large Family; for whose support under the greatest disadvantages he has been obliged at an advanced season in life to have recourse to Agriculture, with which he is very imperfectly acquainted, from all which Considerations, your petitioner is constrained to Apply to You Sir, with whom the Constitution hath wisely vested the power, for some appointment under the Government, that may assist him in the support of his Family untill by obtaining his property in Canada he shall be otherwise enabled to provide for them.
Your petitioner considering the impost Bill now before the Congress of the United States, as a Measure which will soon be carried into effect, and that Perth Amboy where your petitioner resides from its being the best Seaport in the State of New Jersey, is the most eligible situation for the residence of Collector of Impost begs leave to solicit an Appointment to that Office, or to such other as to you in your wisdom and discretion shall seem meet. A recommendation from the Governor of the State & from other gentlemen who were with the Army in Canada accompanies this, And your petitioner begs leave to suggest that he conceives it will be fully in his power to produce if necessary, other ample Testimonials of his Character for Honesty Integrity

& ability, and to give adequate security in any case where the nature of the Office shall render it requisite. your petitioner relying on the Justice of the Rulers of the Continent as in duty bound shall ever pray &c.

John Halsted


Title: From George Washington to the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 29 May 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Gentlemen.
[29 May] 1789

I return to you individually, and (through you) to your Society collectively in the United States my thanks for the demonstrations of affections, and the expressions of joy, offered in their behalf, on my late appointment. It shall still be my endeavor to manifest, by overt acts, the purity of my inclinations for promoting the happiness of mankind, as well as the sincerity of my desires to contribute whatever may be in my power towards the preservation of the civil and religious liberties of

the American People. In pursuing this line of conduct, I hope, by the assistance of divine providence, not altogether to disappoint the confidence which you have been pleased to repose in me.
It always affords me satisfaction, when I find a concurrence in sentiment and practice between all conscientious men in acknowledgements of homage to the great Governor of the Universe, and in professions of support to a just civil government. After mentioning that I trust the people of every denomination, who demean themselves as good citizens, will have occasion to be convinced that I shall always strive to prove a faithful and impartial Patron of genuine, vital religion: I must assure you in particular that I take in the kindest part the promise you make of presenting your prayers at the Throne of Grace for me, and that I likewise implore the divine benedictions on yourselves and your religious community.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Andrew Morhouse, 29 May 1789
From: Morhouse, Andrew
To: Washington, George

Dover Dutchess County May 29th 1789

I hope the mournfull and Unfortunate occasion of this Traduction will be a sufficient apology to your Excellency for the Trouble I give you in perusing this address—Your Excellency during the course of the war often deign’d to call upon me at my own mansion in Dover which gave me an opportunity of being an eye witness of them exalted Virtues which has rendered your Excellcy so serviceable to your Country, the Darling of manki[n]d and secured to your memory Immortal Honour—But oh! most Excellent President, once think what Anxious Tortures tears my Aged breast and brings me with the most Excruciating sorrow to the brink of the Grave. my youngest son, a promising youth of twenty three now lies under the sentence of Death in the City of Newyork & will be Executed in the 5th of June unless mercy can be extended, he was convicted of a Certain forgery, and many people thinks unjustly but whether that is the case or not, I do not know, but Your Excellency must be sensible that Guilty or Inocent his dying so shamefull a death must bring an Irreparable disgrace upon me and my family[.] I should have visited your Excellency in person but my Ill state of health will not permit it[.] I therefore send my son with this to humbly implore Your Excellency to consider my Age and the unblemishd Character that myself and family have heretofore sustaind the services I have rendered my Country the losses I have sustaind in doing it, and the deep distress we are all involved in on this unhappy Occasion, And through that humanity and Tenderness for which your Excellency was ever noted be pleas’d to recommend the unfortunte case of my son to his Excellency the Governers mercy, that he may obtain mercy and not die an Ignominious death, and di[s]grace his family & connexions—Your Excellencys favour will procure you the most fervent prayers of a numerous family and the sincere Blessings of your most Devoted and Very Humbe Servt

Andrew Morhouse


Title: From George Washington to George Walton, 29 May 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Walton, George

Sir
(Public Service) New York May 29th 1789

I have received by Colonel Gunn your honors letters of the 11th and 15th of March, and the enclosures therein contained respecting the conduct of Joseph Martin Esqr. late agent of the United States to the Cherokee and Chickasaw nations of Indians.
It appears by the Resolve of Congress of the 19th of June 1788 that the said Joseph Martin was appointed an agent for the Cherokee nation of Indians to continue in office six months, and that on the 20th of August following his agency was extended to the Chickasaw nation of Indians with the powers described in the act of the 19th of June.
The period of his service therefore must be considered as having expired on the 19th day of December last.
His conduct will most probably operate to prevent any future confidence in him, or employment in the service of the United States—What further measures it may be proper to take respecting him will be a subject of consideration.
The unhappy situation of affairs between the State of Georgia and the Creeks will soon be a subject of deliberation, and I am persuaded will receive all that dispatch that the nature of the case may require, and the circumstances of the Government admit. I have the honor to be Sir with great respect Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Gilliland, 31 May 1789
From: Gilliland, James
To: Washington, George

New York May 31st 1789

The Petition of James Gilliland one of the Sworn Gaugers of the City of New York Humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioner had the Honor of bearing a Commission under your Command during the course of the late war, at the Conclusion of which he had the honor to be appointed in this City a Custom-House and City Gauger, the duties of which Office he has executed with propriety diligence & Integrity.
That your Petitioner humbly begs leave to inform, that he has a large Family to support therefore prays to be continued in the

same Office under the Federal Government, Or be appointed one of the land or Tide Waiters whereby he may be enabled to maintain his Wife and eleven Children, most of whom are helpless. And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c.

Jas Gilliland


Title: From George Washington to Lambert, 31 May 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Lambert, ——

Sir,
New York May 31st 1789.

I have received your letter of the 26th—and must inform you, that however desireous I may be to releive the wants of those who have served this country in a military or civil line—Yet the multiplicity of these applications would put it beyond the reach of my private fortune to gratify them—and as I receive no emoluments for my public services—and the expences which I have necessarily incurred by my late engagements in public life being all advanced by myself, you will readily perceive that it is not in my power to comply with your request. I am Sir &ca


Title: From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 31 May 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir,
New York May 31st 1789

The new and busy scenes in which I have been constantly engaged since my arrival in this place, and which will not allow me to pay that pointed attention to the favors of my friends that my inclination would lead me to do, will, I trust apologize for this late acknowledgment of your letter of the 15th instant.
To you, Sir, and others who know me, I believe it is unnecessary for me to say, that when I accepted of the important trust committed to my charge by my Country, I gave up every idea of personal gratification that I did not think was compatable with the public good. Under this impression I plainly foresaw that that part of my duty which obliged me to nominate persons to offices, would, in many instances, be the most irksome and unpleasing; for however strong my personal attachment might be to any one—however desirous I might be of giving a proof of my friendship—and whatever might be his expectations, grounded upon the amity which had subsisted between us, I was fully determined to keep myself free from every engagement that could embarrass me in discharging this part of my administration. I have therefore, uniformly declined giving any decisive answer to the numerous applications which have been made to me; being resolved, whenever I am called upon to nominate persons for those offices which may be created, that I will do it with a sole view to the public good—and shall bring forward those who, upon every consideration, and from the best information I can obtain, will in my judgment be most likely to answer that great end.
The delicacy with which your letter was written, and your wishes insinuated, did not require me to be thus explicit on this head with you; but the desire which I have that those persons whose good opinion I value shd know the principles on which I mean to act in this business has led me to this full declaration; and I trust, that the truly worthy and respectable characters in this Country will do justice to the motives by which I am actuated in all my public transactions. I have the honor to be with due consideratn & very great esteem—Sir Your Most Obedt & Very Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Gabriel Peterson Van Horne, 31 May 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Van Horne, Gabriel Peterson

Sir,
New York, May 31. 1789.

The particular care which you have taken in furnishing horses to bring Mrs Washington from Virginia to this place—and more especially the very polite attention which you were so good as to pay her personally through the most dangerous and difficult part of the journey, has made a grateful impression upon her—and she desires you will please to accept of her warmest acknowledgments and best thanks, to which I must beg leave to join mine, and assure you that I am with very great esteem, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant

G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to the United Baptist Churches of Virginia, May 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United Baptist Churches of Virginia

Gentlemen,
[New York, May 1789]

I request that you will accept my best acknowledgments for your congratulation on my appointment to the first office in the nation. The kind manner in which you mention my past conduct equally claims the expression of my gratitude.
After we had, by the smiles of Heaven on our exertions, obtained the object for which we contended, I retired at the conclusion of the war, with an idea that my country could have no farther occasion for my services, and with the intention of never entering again into public life: But when the exigence of my country seemed to require me once more to engage in public affairs, an honest conviction of duty superseded my former

resolution, and became my apology for deviating from the happy plan which I had adopted.
If I could have entertained the slightest apprehension that the Constitution framed in the Convention, where I had the honor to preside, might possibly endanger the religious rights of any ecclesiastical Society, certainly I would never have placed my signature to it; and if I could now conceive that the general Government might ever be so administered as to render the liberty of conscience insecure, I beg you will be persuaded that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny, and every species of religious persecution—For you, doubtless, remember that I have often expressed my sentiment, that every man, conducting himself as a good citizen, and being accountable to God alone for his religious opinions, ought to be protected in worshipping the Deity according to the dictates of his own conscience.
While I recollect with satisfaction that the religious Society of which you are Members, have been, throughout America, uniformly, and almost unanimously, the firm friends to civil liberty, and the persevering Promoters of our glorious revolution; I cannot hesitate to believe that they will be the faithful Supporters of a free, yet efficient general Government. Under this pleasing expectation I rejoice to assure them that they may rely on my best wishes and endeavors to advance their prosperity.
In the meantime be assured, Gentlemen, that I entertain a proper sense of your fervent supplications to God for my temporal and eternal happiness.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Furnival, 1 June 1789
From: Furnival, Alexander
To: Washington, George

New York June 1st 1789.

The Representation of Alexander Furnival, Most respectfully Sheweth,
That having served the State of Maryland as an Officer in their Artillery almost during the War, and on every occasion Testified his attachment to his Country & the glorious cause of liberty from the earliest period of the late contest, he is induced with every sentiment of respect and veneration to represent to your Excellency, his present situation in life and to express his desire of being thought deserving an appointment in the Customs of the Said state.
Your Representer begs leave to Observe, that his pay as an officer being inadequate to the support of his Family; was induced to Venture considerable property at Sea which fell into the hands of the Enemy[.] The fall of property in Baltimore, the depreciation of paper Currency, together with other unforeseen & unavoidable Misfortunes in Trade, added to the sad change of times, hath so straightened his circumstances and distressed his Family, that he humbly hopes Your Excellency will take his case into consideration and grant him the Office of Collector of the Customs for the Port of Baltimore, or any other appointment to which your Excellency may think him adiquate—Having served his Country (he trusts) with credit and reputation and demeaned himself as a good Citizen of the Confederated States; he flatters himself he will not be thought undeserving your Excellency’s favour, should he be honoured with a compliance to his request the obligation will ever be most gratefully remembered. And your Excellency will have the heart felt satisfaction of communicating happiness to a Family who have merited and seen better times. Whose duty it shall be to pray, that God will long preserve Your Excellency’s most Valuable Life.

Alexander Furnival


Title: To George Washington from John Courts Jones, 1 June 1789
From: Jones, John Courts
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Maryland June 1st 1789.

At a very early period of Life I obtained a Commission in the Army, and continued ’till the Conclusion of the War, in which time I was promoted to the rank of Major—On the return of Peace, finding my Finances a good deal exhausted, I was induced to solicit an employment in the civil Department, and rejoiced to find my application attended to—soon after, the Governor and Council in Consequence of a vacancy happening, appointed me Naval Officer of North Potomack first District—In that employment I am now engaged, and wish to be continued if your Excellency should consider me to be equally entitled with any other who may apply. I am very Respectfully Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

John C.Jones


Title: To George Washington from Moustier, 1 June 1789 [letter not found]
From: Moustier, Eléanor-François-Elie, comte de
To: Washington, George

  Letter not found: from Moustier, 1 June 1789. On 2 June GW wrote to Moustier: “The sentiments expressed in your letter of yesterday. . . .”


Title: To George Washington from Beverley Randolph, 1 June 1789
From: Randolph, Beverley
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Richmond June 1st 1789

I have had the honour to receive your favour of the 16th of May. In consequence of the treaties lately entered into with the different tribes of Indians on the western frontier and of the measures which have been taken by the general Government for the protection of the inhabitants of those districts; the Executive have withdrawn the force employed in that service by this State, except such as guarded the frontiers of the counties of Washington, Montgomery & Russel. We have been induced to retain in service the rangers in those counties in consideration of the great distance which they lie from any continental Post. Permit me, sir, to express a hope that we may be shortly relieved from this burthen, which has been for some years past very oppressive to the revenue of this state.
Your letter has been communicated to the Lieutenants of the different counties on the western waters with instructions in case of any future depredations to give as early information as possible to the nearest continental Post on the Ohio. I have &c.

B. R.


Title: From George Washington to Moustier, 2 June 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Moustier, Eléanor-François-Elie, comte de

Sir, (Confidential)
New York June 2nd 1789.

The sentiments expressed in your letter of yesterday are perfectly consonant to my ideas of propriety. I never doubted that you was animated by motives of the purest regard for my Country & myself. On the other part, you may rest assured, I shall always be happy in occasions of demonstrating the sincerity of friendship for your Sovereign & Nation: being with sentiments of real consideration and esteem, Sir, Your Most Obedient & very humble Servant.


Title: To George Washington from George Morgan White Eyes, 2 June 1789
From: White Eyes, George Morgan
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York June 2d 1789.

I am reduced at last to the disagreeable Necessity of applying for relief to your Excellency, my Situation at present being painful to the greatest Degree, better had Congress a Body for whom I have the highest Veneration left me to wander in the Wilds of my native Country than I to experience the heart breaking Sensations I now feel—Without Friends, without one I dare unbosom myself to, am I left, & in this Situation throw myself at the Feet of your well known Goodness & beg leave to relate all the Circumstances that lead to my present Situation.
Circumstances relative to the Murder of a tender Parent & Friend to his Country induced Congress to condescend to take me as their own, & from the Age of seven Years have I been under their Protection, but this ’till now I never knew—I was placed at Princeton under the Care of Colonel Morgan & continued until last September—I never knew who maintained me & was taught to look upon myself as a poor Outcast, & depending for Food & Raiment &c. on the Goodness of that Gentleman.
Tis true I was kept at College & there were my happiest moments spent, but when at his House the severest reflection & often cruel Usage have I experienced. Of this enough—I was not without Faults I acknowledge, but they were in my boyish days, & they not greater than what I see committed by Children of many Parents—In me they could not be overlooked—Many a time I reflect on the happy Situation of Children who have Parents tenderly to advise them—I was deprived of that Blessing. I do not murmur but submit to the divine Will—the almighty Protector of the Fatherless I trust will not let me suffer long.
Colonel Morgan having Business in the Western Country sent me to this City in September last & gave me a Letter to the Commissioners recommending me to their Care until Congress

should be pleas’d to give further directions, & under whose Care I now am.
When I came I expected to have gone to College in this City & finished my Education agreeably to an Act of my kind Protectors dated the 21 September 1787, but I remained at Board, without even a sufficient Change of Cloaths, having left the chief at Mrs Morgan I applied to the Board who gave me a very few Articles not half enough to keep me comfortable throughout the Winter—After repeated applications I found it vain to attempt any more, so proceded on Foot to Princeton in hopes of getting those left behind, but Mrs Morgan denied them & I am informed her Son a Lad about my Age had worn them out—but that is nothing new for he always wore my Cloaths when he thought proper—I do not mention this from any Animosity or pique against Mr or Mrs Morgan but only answer to their Charge against me, Vizt that I had sold them, which is altogether erroneous.
The Error I committed in going to Princeton witho⟨ut⟩ Permission of the Board, I will always blame myself, but still, when I came to acknowledge my Faults, & promised faithfully to submit to their Will—they would not hear me—but I deserved it.
However nothing that can happen, not the severest Want shall make me return to my native Country—Tis thought from the Behaviour of my Colleagues while at Princeton that I will follow their Example—but never—I shall say but little but I trust my heart is fixed, & the time may come that this now feeble Arm, may be stretched out in the Service of America; & render the United or Individual States essential Service.
My humble request is & has this some Months past, that if the Burthen is too great on the United States that some kind of Employment may be pointed in order that I thereby may obtain a Living a⟨long⟩ the Line that Congress probably first intended—That is agreeably to the Education they have been pleased to bestow upon me—I care not what [it] is I am willing to do what I am able, & you should think necessary to my future Welfare—Intreating your Excellency’s kind Patronage on this Occasion I have the Honor to remain With the most perfect Respect, Sir, Your most Obedient & most devoted Servant

George M: White Eyes


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Franklin, 3 June 1789
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia, 3 June, 1789.

I have made a rule to myself that your Excellency should not be troubled with any solicitations from me for favors to any even of my nearest connections, but here is a matter of justice in which the honor of our country is concerned, and therefore I cannot refuse giving this line for your information. Mr. Le Ray de Chaumont, father of the young gentleman who will have the honor of waiting on you with this, was the first in France who gave us credit, and before the Court showed us any countenance trusted us with 2000 barrels of gunpowder, and from time to time afterwards exerted himself to furnish the Congress with supplies of various kinds, which, for want of due returns, they being of great amount, has finally much distressed him in circumstances. Young Mr. Chaumont has now been here near four years, soliciting a settlement of the accounts merely, and though the payment of the balance, to be sure, would be acceptable, yet proposing to refer that to the time when it shall better suit the convenience of our Government.
This settlement, if the father had it to show, would tend to quiet his creditors, and might be made use of for that purpose; but his son has not hitherto been able to obtain it, and is detained in this country at an expense that answered no end. He

hopes, however, now, that your Excellency may prevail to have some settlement made of those accounts, that he may carry home to his father the statement of them; and I the rather hope this likewise, that we may thereby be freed from the imputation of adding ingratitude to injustice.


Title: To George Washington from Andrew G. Fraunces, 3 June 1789
From: Fraunces, Andrew G.
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York June 3d 1789.

I take the liberty of addressing you on a subject of much importance to myself and a young family that daily look up to me

for support—this last together with the experience of your extreme goodness with respect to my father will I hope plead an excuse.
It is near four years since my appointment as Clerk to the Honorable Board of Treasury which Office I still fill and I hope with satisfaction to my employers.
The chief object of this letter is most humbly to request a continuance in the Department should a new Arrangement take place. It perhaps may be probable that an Assistant Secretary may be wanted to the Head or Heads of the Department; if it should be the case, I most humbly and earnestly intreat your Excellency’s kind patronage; having obtained a knowledge of the Business, and of the situation of the Records &c. I have nothing to offer in my behalf but a solemn promise of the strictest attention to the Duties of whatever station I have the honor to be placed on. Leaving all my hopes of preferment in the breast of your Excellency, I remain with every sentiment of gratitude and respect, Your most Obedient and devoted Humble Servant

Andw G. Fraunces.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Hardy, 3 June 1789
From: Hardy, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York June 3d 1789.

The Bill for Organising the Department of the Treasury having amongst other provisions declared that an Auditor should be appointed to Examine and Adjust Accounts, I beg leave with great humility, to offer myself a Candidate for that Office.
The duties of the Station I am at present employed in, as Accomptant of the Treasury, are similar to those of the Office I

now sollicit; although in some respects more extensive: For the manner in which I have discharged it, I beg leave to refer to the Honorable Commissioners of the present Board of Treasury, under whose immediate cognisance I have acted.
If long and early Services in the cause of this Country during the War, an experience of Six Years in the Accounts of the Treasury, the wants of two Sisters whose support I have long been, am a character (as I trust) free from reproach, can give weight to my sollicitation, I flatter myself my present application, will meet with a favorable consideration. I have the honor to be with highest respect, Sir, Your most Obedient and devoted Humble Servant,

J: Hardy


Title: To George Washington from Turpin Holroyd, 3 June 1789
From: Holroyd, Turpin
To: Washington, George

New York June 3d 1789

The Memorial of Turpin Holroyd of the City of New York mariner.
Humbly sheweth—
That your Memorialist understanding a new arrangement will shortly take place for the Customs of the United States

is induced to this his humble request of solliciting a Birth as Tide waiter or any other Capacity your Excellency may deem Expedient.
Your Memorialist at the first Commencement of the late Revolution with Great Britain Embark’d in the maritime line the Major Part of which was in the Service of the United States and near the Conclusion in the Employ of the State of So. Carolina during which Period your Memorialist Encounter’d a multiplicity of Difficulties—arrising from the frequent times of his being Captured by the Enemy, which he can Certify by unquestionable Proof.
Your Memorialist with humble Submission to your Excellency trusts that the Prayer of his Memorial may be Consider’d and Plant him in such a Line, as may seem fit—which his Breast will ever retain with marks of Gratitude and the End or accomplishment of it will enable him to Procure a Subsistence for an Extensive family &ca. And your memorialist will Ever Pray

Turpin Holroyd


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Beebee, 4 June 1789
From: Beebee, Samuel
To: Washington, George

New York June 4th 1789

The petition of Samuel Beebee of the City of New York humbly sheweth

That your Petitioner being early attached to the Independance of America and haveing suffered considerable losses by this attachment, from fire and being twice plundered by the Enemy; and by losses at Sea in the time of the War, risking his property for the good of his Country; and since the peace by accidental misfortunes is reduced to necessitous circumstances and cut off from a present prospect of supporting his family with the necessaries of life; which induces him to prefer this Petition to you Sir: requesting that you will nominate him as Clerk to some of the Public Offices that is now to be constituted under the new Government that he may be enabled to supply the necessitous wants of his family.
Your petitioner views the President in the light of a Parent to this country who in distributing favours will have respect to the wants of his children especially where merit is equal—and under these impressions shall, Ever pray

Samuel Beebee


Title: To George Washington from Leonard Bleecker, 4 June 1789
From: Bleecker, Leonard
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York June 4th 1789

When I address myself to your Excely in the Character of a Citizen, I feel myself (in my present Situation) at so great a remove from your personal attention, that I am considerably embarassed when I attempt it. However Sir, when I take a retrospect of your affectionate Care, and repeated declarations of regard for the Individuals who have served with fidelity under your Auspices through the late arduous and Successful Struggle for the Liberties of our Country; I feel animated with the hopes that a Representation of my Situation will not probably be unnoticed by your Excellency.
I had the honor Sir, to receive a 2d Lieuts. Commission on the 28th of June 1775 in the 1st New York Regt of Continental Troops and served that Campaign under Genl Montgomery in Canada, and through all the different reforms in the Army, I was continued untill its dissolution in November 1783—How far I conducted myself with Propriety in the various Commissions I held, is well known to the officers of the New York Line, and perhaps my conduct during this Period, has in some Instances come within your Excellencys personal observation; On this Subject however, I shall be Silent.
Permit me Sir to inform you, that since the Peace, I have industriously employed myself in this City in the Use of all the means in my Power, to obtain a decent, and honorable Support for myself & family, thro various Events in Divine Providence, (unforeseen & inevitable) my pursuits have been in a great measure frustrated, and I am at length become really necessitous.
For the Rectitude & Uniformity of my Conduct in private Life, I can with confidence appeal to my fellow Citizens in General; But for your Excellencys better Satisfaction, beg leave to particularize a few principal Characters, the most of which, I trust are well known to your Excellency, vizt—To Colls Hamilton, Willett, & Platt, Genl Webb, Commodore Nicholson, his

worship the Mayor of this City, Judge Morris, Judge Hobart, the Reverend Doctors, Rodgers, Mason, and Livingston.
If then Sir, my past conduct in the Army? If my well established reputation since the Peace? If the prospect of increasing distresses with a growing family, may claim your Excellency’s attention; permit me Sir to supplicate an appointment to such an Office, as in your wisdom I shall be thought qualified to fill, and the Obligation shall ever be held in gratefull remembrance By your Excellency’s most devoted humble Servant

Leond Bleecker


Title: To George Washington from Mathew Carey, 4 June 1789
From: Carey, Mathew
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia, June 4, 1789.

In the bitterness and anguish of my soul, I sit down to exculpate myself from the charge contained in your excellency’s letter of the 31st ult.
Though I have read it several times over, I cannot, owing to some ambiguity in the expression, tell whether you were offended with my returning your letter—with the contents of mine—or whether the latter was not broken open, and handed to your excellency unsealed, though to the best of my recollection, I sealed it with a wafer and wax, on the latter of which I impressed my cypher.
If your excellency’s dissatisfaction arose from the first mentioned cause, I beg to observe that it does not appear sufficiently founded. In that I followed your own example, and conceived it wd have been the most satisfactory mode of disposing of the letter. On a former occasion, I wished the contents of a letter, of mine to remain an entire secret to every person but your excellency. In consequence, you kindly condescended to return it to me, and I committed it to the flames. With an imprudent earnestness, for which no exc⟨use⟩ can be pleaded, but my peculi⟨ar⟩ situation, if even that itself can extenu⟨at⟩e it, I unfortunately extorted from your excellency a secret of some importance. To guard it effectually, you desired I wd immediately commit your letter to the fire, after perusal. I thought it wd be more satisfactory to you to do that yourself, and therefore, to remove all doubt from your mind, I returned it.
It is barely possible that I forgot to seal my letter. If that was the case—to inadvertence alone—not to design—is it chargeable.

If it was unfortunately broken open, & the contents of it and yours exposed to the prying eyes of impertinent curiosity, I can only assure your excellency that such an event is rather more disagreeable to me than it can possibly be to your excellency. For no one circumstance of my life would I be so unwilling to have canvassed as the subject of those letters.
If the contents of my letter were offensive, I am sincerely sorry I was not more guarded in my expressions; however, I do not recollect to have used a single one derogat⟨o⟩ry to your character, or expressive of ⟨o⟩ther than marked respect.
To that divin⟨mutilated⟩ alone can scrutinize the inmost recesses of the human ⟨mutilated⟩ I appeal for the truth of this declaration, that nothing could be farther from my mind, than the idea of offering your excellency “an intentional insult.” I should hate—nay I should despise myself, were I capable of such an outrage. If I have been so unhappy as to offer “an insult,” be assured, sir, it has been an unintentional one.
The ambiguity of expression above mentioned, is in the following words: “sending me unsealed, through a public conveyance, my letter of the 22d and yours of the 27th of this month”—The word “unsealed” may or may not be connected with “yours.”
As I hope the explanation herein, will be satisfactory that no error of “intention” existed—and you are above regarding any other, I wish as a most singular favour two or three lines, informing whether my letter was or not sealed—and whether your excellency is disposed to place me once more on the former footing, wh you have been pleased to ⟨mutilated⟩ not an “unfriendly” one. ⟨I rem⟩ain, with all due respect, ⟨mutilated⟩ your excellency’s obliged hble servt

M. Carey.


Title: To George Washington from John Guarenau, 4 June 1789
From: Guarenau, John
To: Washington, George

City of New York June 4th 1789

The humble petition of John Guarenau of the Yonkers, in the County of Westchester and State of New York, Humbly sheweth.
That your petition[er] being reduced to an indigent situation by the late War, having lost all, save some Cloathing and two Beds, my Buildings and property that I left behind were destroyed by the Enemy.
That your Petition[e]r, his House being Head Quarters for his honor General Lee, until the Time of our retreat with the Brigade and Army which happened on the twenty fourth day of October, in the Year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six: at that Time having supplied his honor General Lee, with every necessary he required to the Amount of One hundred and seventy six pounds nineteen shillings, the chiefest part of which your Petitioner stands responsible to a principal Gentleman in this State.
That your Petitioner being induced from your Honor’s clemencey: for your kind interposition and benevolence, to the relief of your petitioner and Family: as your Petitioner being at an advanced state of Life: unable to undergo the fatigues and toils of life adequate to those of younger years.
That your Petitioner, would incline with pleasure to serve in any Office in the states: suitable to the Capacity of your Petitioner: if your honor should be pleased to use his influence. Your Petitioner prays that he may be admitted into your honors favor and regard; respecting your Petitioner’s Prayer. And your Petitioner shall ever pray

John Guarenau


Title: To George Washington from Beverley Randolph, 5 June 1789
From: Randolph, Beverley
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Richmond June 5th 1789

The inclosed letters contain the latest intelligence received from our southwestern frontier. I did myself the honour to inform you on the first of the present month, that the state of Virginia retained in service the troops employed in the defence of the counties of Washington, Montgomery and Russel. This force consists of fifty rangers and four Scouts which were directed to be raised in the county of Russel. Russel has lately been taken from the frontiers of Washington it was therefore supposed, that it would be unnecessary to keep any body of men together in the latter county as its inhabitants would be effectually protected by those which would be raised in the former. Having received no information from the County Lieutenant of Russel we are unable to inform you whether the rangers have been raised at all or in what manner they are employed. I have &c.

B. R.


Title: To George Washington from Louis XVI, 7 June 1789
From: Louis XVI (of France)
To: Washington, George

At Versailles 7th June 1789
Very dear great Friends & Allies,

It is with great grief that We inform you of the death of the Dauphin our very dear son. This Prince fell a victim to a long & painful disorder; We are the more affected with his loss as we had reason to form the greatest hopes from the qualifications of his heart & mind which he had already manifested. We make no doubt but that you will participate in our sincere affliction. I expect this testimony from you with a confidence equal to that, you may place in My disposition, to prove the interest I take in your Prosperity—And we pray God that he will have you, Very dear great Friends & Allies in his holy & worthy protection. Your Good Friend & Ally

Louis


Title: To George Washington from Henry Bicker, 8 June 1789
From: Bicker, Henry
To: Washington, George

City of New York June 8th 1789

The Memorial of Henry Bicker of the City and State of New York. Humbly Sheweth,
That your Memorialist in the Year One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy four, was an Officer of the Customs in the City of Philadelphia; in which business or Capacity he continued until some time in the Year One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy five; when the Militia being ordered out to learn discipline, and as no person was to be found in the City of Philadelphia competent, or willing to instruct them; or who came forward for this purpose; Your Memorialist waited on Generals Mifflin & Cadwallader, and informed them, that he had two Sons in the City of New York; who might be of Service if they could be prevailed on to undertake the Task. That your Memorialist being desired by those Gentlemen to use his influence to procure their Attendance on that important occasion, immediately complied with the request: and prevailed with his Sons to quit the Business they were then engaged in, to come to Philadelphia, and undertake the business or duty propos’d, to which he himself (though an Officer under the British Government) contributed all in his power.
That your Memorialist about this period was earnestly Solicited by Governor Skeene, (who was a British Officer & Prisoner on Parole in Philadelphia, and with whom he was intimately acquainted, having served together in the British Army:) to go to New York and join the British Troops, with promises from him of a regiment of New Levies, and a Thousand Acres of Land out of his Estate at Fort Ann: which proposals your memorialist rejected preferring to afford his services to his Country, and your memorialist therefore applied to Mr Robert Morris for a Commission in the American Service and early in the Year One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy six, was honored with a Majority in Colonel Shea’s Regiment, in which Corps two of his

Sons were also officers, and were taken Prisoners at Fort Washington in which situation they suffered for the space of Twenty months.
That your Memorialist in the year One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy eight, had the command of the Second Pensylvania Regiment; and continued in that station until a new arrangement took place in the army: which displac’d him from his command, and he was constrained for the general good to retire from service with many deserving Officers.
If these the past Services of your Memorialist merit the attention of the President of the United States of America your memorialist prays he may be continued in his present Office of Land & Tide Waiter, for the Port of New York, unless your Excellency whose attention to him he most respectfully Solicits should think his Character and Services merit a better appointment, for which he will be for ever grateful and as in Duty bound will ever pray &ca.

Henry Bicker


Title: To George Washington from Count d’Estaing, 8 June 1789
From: Estaing, Charles-Hector Théodat, comte d’
To: Washington, George

Monsieur.
a Paris Ce 8 Juin 1789.

Le Pere de la Patrie l’est aussi de tous ceux qui ont fait des éfforts pour lui être utile. Votre Excellence la prouvé aux Marins françois en obtenant de la société de Cincinnatus qu’ils Seroient traittés comme les Officiers de L’armée de terre. il m’a fallu resister au désir de ceux des deux Services qui ont été particuliérement mes Camarades. J’ai Voullu n’adresser qu’une listte pour chaque service, affin de moins importuner la Société, En S.E. le Général Knox, il m’a paru convenable que la marine fut traittée comme L’armée de terre et j’ai cru ne pas pouvoir envoyer une Listte avant L’autre—l’activité de notre marine a

rendu longues les diversses decisions du Roy par lesquelles Sa Majesté d’après les grades et les preuves des services distingués, acompagnes d’actions éclatantes, et de blessures, m’a ordonné d’autoriser, enconséquence du Resolved de la Société, et succéssivement, ceux des officiers de sa Marine qu’elle en a jugé digne, a porter L’aigle Americaine.
Des marins qui font le tour du Monde avec Mr Le Comte de la Pérouse n’ont pu même encore prouver leurs droits, et les faires Valloir, mais il m’est impossible de me refuser d’avantage a la Juste impatience que les officiers déja décores des marques de la Société on d’en recevoir les Diplômes.
Votre Excellence a demontré a l’univers, a la postérité et particulierement a mon Coeur, que les plus grandes Affaires, dans les circonstances même les plus impératives, ne l’empèschoient jamais de S’occuper de ce qui est juste, et de ses amis. Je ne crains done pas de la suplier de s’interesser a L’expédition des Diplosmes dont Jai L’honneur de lui envoyer les listtes. Les families dont les parents ont portté avant de mourir Les marques de la société Souhaittent d’obtenir des diplosmes qui seront pour elles un tittre d’honneur consolant—les noms de Baptême n’ont pu être mis ainsi que cela m’avoit eté present avant tous les noms de famille, L’eloignement de beaucoup d’officiers la rendu impossible, mais leurs Lettres et leurs grades empècheront les méprises, et Je pense que les Diplosmes du service de terre devroient être addressés directement a Mr Le Comte de Puy segur, Ministre de la Guêrre, ainsi que tous les Diplosmes du Service de la Marine a Mr Le Comte de la Luzerne Ministre de ce département. J’ai l’honneur d’en écrire a Mr Le Comte de Moustier par qui ce paquet Vous parviendra. Mr Rutledge est arrivé depuis peu D’Italie par toulon en très bonne Santé. Ce Jeune homme annonce touttes les qualités qui le rendent digne de l’interêst que Votre Excellence prend alui, il merite par ses sentiments, par Sa Conduitte, et par les connoîssances qu’il acquere dans Ses voyages d’être le fils de l’honnorable Ancien Gouverneur de la Caroline: Je me trompe fort ou il Sera l’honneur de sa Patrie, et il ⟨le⟩ fera bonheur de ses parents, Jai L’honneur de Vous remercier de me l’avoir fait connoître.
L’Amerique en daignant m’honnorer dans la Géorgie du

nom d’un des enfants adoptifs m’a donné le droit heureux de me rejouir avec elle. Le grand homme qui l’a fondée les armes a la main est devenu dans la paix le dépositaire de Sa gloire, et le chef fœdératif, qui en Présidant a Son bonheur, et a Sa puissance, va augmenter L’un et L’autre; et rendre ajamais inébranlable le grand euvre que Lui Seul arendu possible—Cette simplicité, qui est une de vos Premieres Vertus ne me pardonnera de vous dire qu’aucun mortel n’a fait autant que par ce que vous Sçavez que Je suis, S’il est possible, encore plus attaché a Votre Vous même, qu’au grand homme d’Etat, et au Heros. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec Respect Monsieur de Votre Excéllence Le tres humble et très obeissant Serviteur

Estaing


Title: From George Washington to Ebenezer Hazard, 8 June 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Hazard, Ebenezer

Sir,
New York June 8th 1789

As I have (without doing it officially) requested from the heads of the several Executive Departments such information as might be requisite to bring me acquainted with the business and duties of the Departments; I have thought fit to ask, in the same informal manner, for specific information, in writing, relative to the past and present state of the Post Office. I must, therefore, request you will advise me of the general State of the establishment—of the annual expences of conducting the whole business, for every year, since you have been at the head of it—and of the annual income, for every year, during the same period—by which the exact deficiency, or profits of the Post office, yearly, will be seen at a single glance. I presume the Department has been managed in so methodical a manner, that there can be little trouble or delay in making the necessary Report and Abstracts. I am, With due consideration, Sir, Your Most Obedient Servt

George Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 8 June 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

Sir,
New York [8] June 1789

Although, in the present unsettled state of the Executive Departments under the Government of the Union, I do not conceive it expedient to call upon you for information officially; yet I have supposed that some informal communications from the Office of Secretary for Foreign Affairs might neither be improper or unprofitable. For finding myself, at this moment, less occupied with the duties of my Office, than I shall probably be at almost any time hereafter; I am desirous of employing myself in obtaining an acquaintance with the real situation of the several great Departments, at the period of my acceding to the Administration of the general Government. For this purpose, I wish to receive in writing such a clear account of the Department at the head of which you have been, as may be sufficient (without overburdening or confusing a mind which has very many objects to claim its attention at the same instant) to impress me with a full, precise & distinct general idea of the United States, so far as they are comprehended in, or connected with that Department.
As I am now at leisure to inspect such Papers & Documents, as may be necessary to be acted upon hereafter, or as may be calculated to give me an insight into the business & duties of that Department, I have thought fit to address this notification to you accordingly. I am with due consideration Sir Your Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Lyles, 8 June 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Lyles, William

Sir,
New York, June 8th 1789.

Enclosed is the draft which I received of you in Virginia on Mr William Hunter junior for three hundred pounds Virginia money.
Two hundred pounds have been paid by Mr Hunter as you will see noted on the back of the draft, and, as it was not convenient for him to pay the whole here, I have remitted it to you, having received it upon the condition that I should be put to no trouble in the business if it was not paid readily. I am Sir with great esteem your most obedient, humble Servant

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Board of Treasury, 9 June 1789
From: Board of Treasury
To: Washington, George

Sir
Board of Treasury [N. Y.] June 9th 1789.

We are honored with your letter of yesterday expressing your desire of being furnished with such an account of this Department, as will enable you to form a full, precise and distinct Idea of the various transactions arising under it. It will require some days to make out the necessary Documents, to which such an account must necessarily refer; these are now preparing, and shall, from time to time, be transmitted under their distinct heads, in order that the statement may be more clearly understood. We have the honor to be, with high respect, Sir, Your most Obedient Humble Servants.

Samuel Osgood
Walter Livingston
Arthur Lee


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 June 1789
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office June 9th 1789

In obedience to the desire expressed in your letter of yesterday, I shall immediately proceed to make out a general statement

of the present situation of the war department, conformably to the principles you were pleased to suggest, and submit the same to your consideration. I have the honor to be sir with the highest respect Your most obedient and humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to Mathew Carey, 10 June 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Carey, Mathew

Sir,
New York, June, 10th 1789.

Your letter to me of the 27 and mine to you of the 22 ultimo came open to my hand as I informed you in my last. The first never had received a seal, nor a fold that would have enclosed (agreeably to the expression of your letter) the latter. Both of them were wrapped in an open cover of brown paper, and exposed to the inspection of every curious person through whose hands they passed.
As you say it was not your intention to expose them I am satisfied with the apology, but wish more circumspection had been observed in the correspondence. I am Sir, &ca

G. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from James Mease McRea, 10 June 1789
From: McRea, James Mease
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria 10th June 1789

The time being close at hand when the officers of the Customs are to be appointed under the new Government, I take the liberty to address you in this way, to inform you that I have for two years past, acted as a Searcher at this port, under the Government of Virginia, my duty being to receive the Entrys of vessells, to attend to their unlading and to execute the laws where they have not been comply’d with. And as my present commission must cease on the appointment of new officers, I take the liberty to solicit a reappointment under the new Government, in the same, or in a Similar port to that which I have filled.
I had intended an application to you previous to your departure, when you cou’d have been fully inform’d how far I was deserving, but supposed such an application wou’d have been premature. I have also been prevented from applying heretofore from the general oppinion that those persons in office, wou’d be generally reappointed where they had acted with propriety—I have seen a bill prepar’d for the collection of the Impost from which it appears that there will be a considerable change from our present customs and officers, and this has induced me to make the present application which I hope will be sufficient, to prevent my being omitted in the number of applications, as a personal application wou’d be attended with considerabl expence. Agreeable to the bill which I have seen the duty as describ’d for the Surveyor appears Similar to the duties of my present office. I shou’d have accompanied this letter with some recommendations had I thought it necessary and which I can easily obtain from the most respectable Merchants and others of this Town, having had my present appointment from the particular recommendation of Doctr Stewart and Colo. Fitzgerald, I have the honor to be respectfully Your Excellencys Mo: Ob. And very Hume Servant

Jas M. McRea


Title: To George Washington from Joshua Mersereau, 10 June 1789
From: Mersereau, Joshua
To: Washington, George

May it Please your Excellency,
Morning Star Staten Island [N.Y.] June 10. 1789

To Accept of My best wishes, Boath, for your Temporal, and Spiritual Felicity—May kind Providence, Still preside within the walls of your Tabernacle; and guardian Angels Ever encumpass them; May the ardious task you have been pleasd to accept, be Made Lite; and your Presiding here, be a blessing, to the People.
Then Will your Doings be, as the Balm of Gilliad, and your Name never Can be araisd to Endless Ages.
Should your Excellency be pleasd to accept of this, as an Acknowledgement; of My Gratitude; for your once More attending, to the Call, of the People—It Will give me pleasure, and Cause My heart to Gloo, With ardour When I reflect, on Past Events.
The Day is Coming, When you and I Shall be no More—tho Unborn Children, Shall yet resound thy Sacred Name.
O War, Thou hast been My Sting, and Peace is to Me no Victory.

I Expect Soon to Depart from this, (once Thought) My little Paridice, To the Dreery Banks of the Unidilla, With My little Flock to avoid the reproaches, of Why Did You not Stay as We Did—but Sir, previous to My Departure, by your Exceys Permission, Shall take the Liberty of paying My respects in Person, to your Excellency. I am Sr With the Greatest Veneration, and Esteem; your Obedt Hum: Servt

Joshua Mersereau


Title: To George Washington from the Board of Treasury, 11 June 1789
From: Board of Treasury
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Board of Treasury June 11th 1789.

The enclosed paper No. 2, which we have the honor of transmitting, will, with its annexed documents, complete our view of the Constitution, duties and general forms of business of the Board of Treasury and of the offices more immediately connected with it.
Were we to pursue strictly our own ideas of order, we should proceed, in the same manner, with the subordinate officers and departments under our Superintendance; but as we presume, Sir, the present state of public affairs may awaken in you an anxiety to know, with all the dispatch possible, the present state of the public debt, and the general Treasury, we shall in our next proceed on that subject; reserving what we have now deferred and other matters of less pressing importance to future communications. We have the honor to be with high Respt Sir, Your most Obedt Humble Servants

Samuel Osgood
Walter Livingston
Arthur Lee


Title: Enclosure: From the Board of Treasury, 11 June 1789
From: Board of Treasury
To: Washington, George

[11 June 1789]

Officers immediately annexed to, or connected with the administration of the Board of Treasury, in paying and receiving public Monies, and passing accounts: and forms of doing business by such officers.
The principal Officers under the first description are as follows.
A Secretary—whose duty it is to aid the Board of Treasury in such matters, as they may judge requisite for the proper Administration of their Commission.
An Accountant—whose duty it is to report for the consideration of the Board, Forms for keeping and rendering the public accounts. To revise accounts after they have been examined and stated by the Clerks. To determine on objections made against them, after hearing the party exhibiting the same, and the examining Clerk, and to transmit the statement if approved, to the Board for their final decision; and to issue his Certificate (if any balance be found due thereon) agreeably to the forms A and B.
On the Certificate A, being issued (being for a payment in Specie) a Warrant is drawn for the amount on the Treasurer, agreeably to the form B—And on the warrant C being issued (being for a balance due, and considered as part of the public Debt) a certificate is issued for the amount by the Register of the Treasury, agreeably to the form D.
The Warrant on the Treasurer and the Certificate last mentioned are both entered on record, by the Register of the Treasury before they are delivered to the party. It is to be observed that the present duties of the Accountant consist of such as were formerly exercised by the Auditor of the Treasury, and partly of those which were heretofore vested in the Comptroller

of the Treasury. The principal duties of this last Office, as prescribed by the Ordinance of the 11th of September 1781—have, by an Act of Congress of the 21st of September 1787, been vested in, and exercised by this Board.
A Register—whose duty it is to keep all the public accounts both of Receipts and Expenditures; and to register all warrants on the Treasurer or others, before the same are paid.
A Treasurer—whose duty it is to receive and keep all monies of the United States, and to issue them on Warrants drawn by the Board and registered by the Register.
The Officers of the second description are as follows.
The Commissioners of the Loan Office in the several States.
The principal duties of these Officers are prescribed by the Act of Congress of the 30th of September 1787, as follows—
To receive and keep the monies arising from taxes in the several States, subject to the order of Congress or the Board of Treasury.
To pay the Interest due from the United States in the said States respectively.
To make weekly returns to the Treasury, agreeably to prescribed forms, of Monies received, or certificates issued for payment of Interest on the domestic Debt.
To form estimates when required of the Interest falling due in the respective States; and to keep accurate and distinct registers of the principal Sums, on which such Interest is paid.
To make no appropriation, except for the payment of Interest, without the express order of the Board of Treasury; to govern themselves in all their transactions by the Acts and Resolves of Congress, and the order of the Board of Treasury not repugnant thereto; and to transmit to the treasury quarterly, a state of their accounts for examination and allowance.
These Officers enter into bonds with two or more Sureties for the faithful discharge of their Trust. The Principals in a sum not exceeding 50,000 or less than 10,000 dollars, and the Surety or Sureties in a like sum; regard being had to the magnitude of their respective Trusts.
The Treasurers of the respective States, specify at the foot of their quarterly account current, the payments received from

the States, distinguishing the dates and amounts of the respective Sums, and the payments in actual specie, from those in Interest certificates.
The names and annual Salary of the above Officers are as follows

            Nathaniel Gilman
            New hampshire
            650
            Dollars.

            Nathaniel Appleton
            Massachusetts
            1,500

            William Ellery
            Rhode Island
            600

            William Imlay
            Connecticut
            1,000

            John Cochran
            New York
            1,000

            James Ewing
            New Jersey
            700

            Thomas Smith
            Pennsylvania
            1,500

            James Tilton
            Delaware
            600

            Thomas Harwood
            Maryland
            1,000

            John Hopkins
            Virginia
            1,500

            William Skinner
            No. Carolina
            1,000

            John Neufville
            So. Carolina
            800

            Richard Wylly
            Georgia
            600

The above Salaries are in full for all services and duties which are or may be annexed to their respective Offices, and also in full for Office-Rent, Clerks and every other charge except that of Stationary.
Exclusive of the Documents above referred to the form marked A.a. shews how monies are received into the public Treasury either from taxes or other sources.

A.a.
To ____________________ Esquire Receiver of the Continental Taxes for the State of ____________________
At Sight pay to ____________________ Esquire Treasurer of the United States or Order for the use of the said States the sum of ____________________

For which this shall be your warrant.

Given under our Hands and the Seal of the Treasury this ______ day of ______ in the ______ year of the Independence of the United States and of our Lord 178______
Dollars ______
Entered in the Register’s Office the ______ day of ______
Signed
Joseph Nourse Regr
A.
Form of a Certificate issued by the Accountant of the Treasury, previous to a Warrant being drawn on the Treasurer for the payment in Specie.
_______________
To the Board of Treasury of the United States.
These are to certify, that an Account commencing the ______ day of ______ and ending the ______ day of ______ between the United States and

is adjusted, as per Statement herewith; by which a balance appears to be due to ____________________ of the sum of

Accountant’s Office.
____________________ (signed),
J. Hardy Accpt.
B.
Form of the Warrant drawn on the Treasurer.
_______________
To ____________________ EsquireTreasurer of the United States ofAmerica  Greeting ______
Pay to ____________________ or Order, the sum of ____________________

  within this blank is inserted the purpose for which the money is paid or advanced. _______

for so doing this shall be your Warrant.

Given under our hands and the Seal of the Treasury, this ______ day of ______ in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and eighty ______ and of Independence the ______
Dollars ______
Entered in the Register’s Office the ______ day of ______ 178 ______
(Signed)
Joseph Nourse Regr
C.
Form of a warrant directed to the Register of the Treasury, authorizing the issue of the Certificate D. for a debt due from the United States.
_______________
Dollars ______
Board of Treasury
______ 178______
By a Certificate from the Accountant it appears that there is due to _________________

exhibited by ______ as per account and vouchers herewith transmitted, the sum of ______

You are therefore to certify the above debt as due from the United States, with interest at six per Cent, from the ______ day of ______ for so doing this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
To the Register of the Treasury.
Commers
D.
Evidence of a Debt due from the United States as entered on the Books of the Treasury.
_______________
Treasury of the United States.
Register’s Office ______ day of ______ 17______
By Virtue of a Warrant from the Board of Treasury of the United States, unto me directed, I do hereby Certify to all whom it may concern, that there is due by the United States to

the sum of ____________________

bearing Interest at six per Cent per annum, from the ______, which debt is duly recorded in the Books of the Treasury, and transferable there only by personal appearance, or by legal attorney; according to the Rules and forms in that behalf made.
(signed)
Joseph Nourse Regr
Annexed are the Instructions transmitted by the Board to the Loan Officers for keeping and rendering their Quarterly accounts referring to sundry documents accompanying this Report. We trust on a mature investigation the Checks established for securing the public Interest will be found not only effectual, but as simple as so complicated an operation as the present mode of paying the Domestic Interest, will possibly admit of.
Samuel Osgood
(Signed) Walter Livingston
Arthur Lee.

Extract from the Instructions of the late Comptroller of the Treasury to the Loan Offices for stating and rendering their Cash Accounts to the Treasury.
No. 1. Is a form of a weekly return of Monies received and paid on account of Taxes or otherwise; it is so simple as to require no explanation. I need hardly observe, that when no balance formerly remained on hand, the first line becomes unnecessary.
No. 4. Form of a General Account current of Monies received and paid &c. to be rendered quarterly for examination and allowance at the Treasury. The year being divided into four quarters of three Calender Months each, your quarterly Accounts will necessarily begin with the first days of January, April, July and October, and end with the last days of March, June, September and December; and at whatever period of a quarter your Account may commence, it must be closed and rendered in at the end of the quarter in which it did commence, so that the transactions of one quarter may be distinct from those of another. Although the Ordinance requires, that the State Treasurer

shall transmit Monthly returns of the Monies paid to the Loan Officer, yet as that measure is calculated for temporary purposes, and the Returns may probably remain on the files of the Board of Treasury for their own satisfaction, it will be of great utility in expediting the settlement of your accounts, that a certificate signed by the State Treasurer, or other proper and competent Officers, of the monies paid by the State during the Quarter, should be annexed to each quarterly Account of the same tenor as that subjoined to the form. As it is absolutely necessary that these accounts should be examined and entered of record in the Treasury Books as fast as they come to hand, it is hoped no pains will be spared to render them complete, and that nothing will be omitted that can tend to prevent or delay so desireable an object. You will observe that your Contingencies will be entered in one line of the Quarterly Account, but it must be accompanied with an account of particulars, and that supported by sufficient vouchers. In the third Column of the Dr. side of the quarterly Account will be inserted the numbers of the vouchers to correspond with the numbers to be endorsed on those now to be mentioned in course—viz.—
No. 5. Form of a receipt for monies paid on warrants or orders, one of the duplicates of which to be transmitted with, and in support of the Quarterly Account No. 4—the numbers to correspond with those in the third Column of that Account as above mentioned.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 11 June 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
New York, June 11th 1789.

A Convention between his most Christian Majesty and the United States for the purposes of determining and fixing the functions and prerogatives of their respective Consuls, Vice Consuls, Agents and Commissaries, was signed by their respective Plenipotentiaries on the 29th of July 1784.
It appearing to the late Congress that certain alterations in that Convention ought to be made, they instructed their Minister at the Court of France to endeavour to obtain them.

It has accordingly been altered in several respects, and as amended was signed by the Plenipotentiaries of the contracting powers on the 14th of November 1788.
The 16th article provides, that it shall be in force during the term of 12 years, to be counted from the day of the exchange of Ratifications, which shall be given in proper form, and exchanged on both sides within the space of one year, or sooner if possible.
I now lay before you the original, by the hands of Mr Jay, for your consideration and advice. The Papers relative to this negociation are in his custody, and he has my orders to communicate to you whatever official Papers and Information on the subject, he may possess and you may require.

Go: WashingtonPresidt U.S.


Title: To George Washington from Emmanuel Joseph Desnoyers, 12 June 1789
From: Desnoyers, Emmanuel Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Basse Terre—Gaudeloupe 12th June 1789

One knows not which to admire most—the wisdom of the United States in trusting to you the administration of their affairs—or the generous sacrifice which you have made of your prevailing taste for private life, in accepting the Presidency. I seize with heartfelt pleasure, this opportunity of paying you that Homage which is due to you from mankind; and to beseech your Excellency to take into consideration the Memorial accompanying this, which I have the honor to address to you, which will serve to convince you how anxious I am to obtain a mark of favor & protection from that Nation in whose cause I have spilt my blood.
I ought to do myself the honor to observe to your Excellency that I have addressed several memorials to General Lincoln, since the 20th of July last, His silence leads me to suppose that none of these memorials ever reached his hands. I hope this will have a better fate, and that it will gain your protection. I shall take no other steps to prove my gratitude to you than by assuring you I shall inspire my Sons with the sentiments, zeal and attachment which I have for your Country. I am, with respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most Obedt & He Ser.

Desnoyers


Title: To George Washington from Henry Beekman Livingston, 12 June 1789
From: Livingston, Henry Beekman
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Rhinebeck [N.Y.] 12th June A.D. 1789

May it please your Excellency
The Confidence with which I have presumed to address you I hope will not be displeasing as it arrises in some measure from the Gracious Reception You have been pleased to give me on every Reasonable application I have had the Honour to make you.
My Confidence in America when strugling for Freedom, has reduced me to Poverty, and distress, and from this Circumstance alone I humbly conceive myself intituled to some Compensation for my Services and Losses and I Apply now to your Excellency with more Freedom because in the arrangement of Offices ample Compensation may be made me and my future Services will repay my Country.
When I embraced the Profession of Arms little did I think necessity would ever oblige me to solicit an office for a genteel Subsistance. My Father haveing made ample Provision for me but this Vanished with the Continental Currency—In the year A.D. 1780 I had due to me in that money at three Installments of three, Six, and Nine Months distance £218,000, Pensilvania Currency arrissing from the Sale of 36,400 Acrees of Land in this State which I inherritted, most of which Lands have since been sold at two & three Dollars the Acree by the Person who purchased of me part of this Money with the proceeds of some successfull Privateers Amounting to £20,000 more I had on hand at the time Congress passed their Resolution makeing one Hard Dollar equal to 40 by the depreciation in Consequence of

this act I lost near half of my property & the Rapidity with which it declined aftur this is well known to your Excellency. About twenty thousand Pounds Lawfull Money of Masachusets I had an Opportunity advantageously to dispose of the Proceeds of which together with a Small Farm my Mother presented me with alone has kept me from extreem Indigence, the Payments ariseing from the Sale of my Lands being worth little or nothing when they became receivable. Previous to the late great and Happy Revolution in american Affairs—I intended to have endeavourd to better my Situation by removeing into the Spanish Claim upon the River Missicipi haveing had some Communications and incouragement from Mr Gardoqui the Spanish Ambassador on the Subject But am at present Restrained by the undecided Claims of two Powers to that Country and more especially by Your Excellencies Happy Accession to the Government of the United States hopeing that as the Father and protector of your People your Clemency will be extended to one who from his Misfortunes only Claims the Priviledge of Addressing you. I have the Honour Resspectfully to subscribe myself your Excellencies most obdient and very Humble Servant

Henry B. Livingston


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 12 June 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

Friday Morng [New York, 12 June 1789]

As the Communications herewith enclosed will not take much time to read; As there are matters related which to me are new; and as the information respecting land transactions, and other things in the Western Country will require to be noticed & acted upon in some way or another, I send them to you together with a Gazette with a marked paragraph containing some suggestions that have not, I believe, been touched upon in any of the Papers I gave you yesterday—but are handed to you for the same purpose that they were—i.e. merely for Consideration.


Title: To George Washington from Uzal Ogden, 12 June 1789
From: Ogden, Uzal
To: Washington, George

Newark [N.J.] 12th June 1789
May it please your Excellency;

I take the Liberty to inclose the first Number of a periodical Publication. If amidst the numerous and important Concerns of State, your Excellency shall find Leisure to peruse it, and if it shall be honored with your Excellency’s Approbation, it will be esteemed a Favor (if the Request is not improper) if your Excellency shall condescend, in a few Lines, by the Post, to signify

your Approbation of the Work, to be published, with the Testimonie of some eminent Characters, in the second Number. I have the Honor to be, with great Esteem and Respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and very humble Servant

Uzal Ogden


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Duff, 13 June 1789
From: Duff, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Newport June 13th 1789. N.C. County Delaware State
Honoured Sir

With the greatest deference & submission I take the liberty to Address you though I am afraid in the midst of business of the greatest magnitude and importance.
On your passage Sir, through the Delaware State, knowing that a number of Solicitations were made to you for Offices by sundry persons, I desisted my application at that time, but I hope your Excellency will excuse the liberty I take in requesting your favourable interposition on behalf of one who has the greatest desire of being useful to his Country, and shall be most happy to Join his aid in carrying into Execution the Glorious Federal Government.
In the various arangement of Office, if I should have the honor to be thought of by your Excellency, and a recommendation needfull I flatter myself that I have it in my power to ample Satisfaction.

I have the honor to be Sir, with prayers for your good health and prosperity and length of days to proside over the United States of America. Your Excellencys most Obedient and humble Servant

Thomas Duff


Title: To George Washington from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 13 June 1789
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Washington, George

Sir,
at the Hague 13th June 1789.

It is impossible for the oldest Diplomatic Servant of the United States to suppress the joy which he feels at the happy news of the eminent dignity which has been conferred on Your Excellency by the unanimous voice of the Sages appointed for that purpose by the freest People on Earth, without highly participating in it with this noble People, and with them paying to your Excellency the justest homage, and with them beseeching God to bless you as this People will be blessed under the most virtuous and paternal direction that exists.
How sincerelly do I share in the filial love which they bear, and which they ought to bear, towards your Excellency! It flows, throughout my family, from a pure source, and from those immutable principles which have guided me, with so much success in the service of the United States, to the good graces of their friends, and which have incurrred for me the implacable hatred of their enemies.
The honorable Congress are informed thereof by my dispatches, and especially by those since the month of September last, and by others annexed, and they are informed of the letter which I wrote to the Secretary of their High Mightinesses of the 14th Septr and of the resolution taken thereon, they are informed by my Postscripts of the 9th and 21st of October.
I have taken the liberty to suggest to the honorable Congress, as the best advice, the means to manage those here, and yet to continue me under the protection of the laws of Nations, in this

country, to wit to give me a credence at the Court of Brussells, and to make me Bearer of the letters of Congress, as well to that Court as to that of Vienna, to make them directly and immediately acquainted with the Majesty of the Congress of the United States under its’ new form, and charging me to minute a treaty of friendship and commerce, provisionally, with the Austrian Netherlands, which would be good and useful at all times, but above all in the situation which is very apparent since the last engagements of this Republic, by which she is drawn into the quarrels of the Northern Powers.
Their Excellencies Messrs Adams, Jay, Jefferson, and Mr R. Morris will be so good as to make known to your Excellency my disagreeable situation, and the urgent need there is that something should be done on my subject, that will convince the Public that if I am not agreeable to the ruling-Party here at this day, I do not the less enjoy the favor and protection of the August Congress, and of your Excellency—for whom I am with the most profound respect, the most humble & most obedient

C. f. Dumas.


Title: To George Washington from Gabriel Peterson Van Horne, 13 June 1789
From: Van Horne, Gabriel Peterson
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Harford Town (Maryland) June 13 1789

Permit me, with Sentiments of the Sincerest Respect, to Express the grateful Sence I have, Of the Honour confer’d on Me by Your Excellencys generous, and Obliging Letter—If my little Services, were in any Degree instrumental, in promoting the Ease, and Convenience of Lady Washington, I am Amply rewarded, by her Gracious Acceptance, And Acknowledgment of them.
Let me, Assure Your Excellency, I assume no merit in Obeying the impulse of a Heart deeply impressd, with the highest Veneration for a Character, illustrious from intrinsic Merit, as well, as reflected Dignity, from her tenderest Relative Connections—In the moments of Separation, Unaided by Your Comforting presence, ’twas my Duty to releave (if possible) those Emotions; which too Freequently gain, an Assendancy Over the Human Heart.
I beg leave Sir, to Offer Your Amiable Lady, my humble respects, and to Assure You, that I am, with the greatest Deference, Your Excellencys much Obligd, And most Obedt Servt

Gabriel P. Van Horne


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Baldwin, 15 June 1789
From: Baldwin, Daniel
To: Washington, George

New York June 15th 1789

The petition of Daniel Baldwin late a Captain in the line of the Continental Army of the State of New Jersey—most respectfully sheweth—
That your petitioner in the action of Germantown had the misfortune of losing his Leg by a wound from a musket Ball, in the attack of Chew’s House, by which means, he has been depriv’d from making that provision for his family which is necessary for their comfort and assistance; that since the peace, they having considerably increas’d he has with the greatest difficulty been able to support them—And though your petitioner is fully persuaded that numerous applications are dayly made to

your Excellency for Offices under the new Constitution, and notwithstanding he has the fullest confidence that those who have served under your immediate command, are ever held by you in remembrance, yet such are his necessities and so pressing his wants, that Duty, (too powerful for inclination,) compels him to present himself to your Excellency for protection and support, in the character of a reduced, distressed and crippled Officer, (with a Wife and Children unprovided for except by a small pension, which is inadequate to their support) ready and willing to execute such Trust and perform such Duty, as on enquiry, your Excellency may think him capable of discharging—Your petitioner is a native of New Jersey, though now residing in New York; He claims no preference, but what his merit and services may entitle him to—To General Dayton he begs leave to refer your Excellency for both; And to your own benevolence⟨,⟩ care and humanity, he leaves the future fortune of himself and family, while your petitioner with them will ever join in fervent prayers to Heaven for your health and happiness.

Daniel Baldwin


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 June 1789
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office June 15th 1789

The time it will require to complete a full statement of the department of War, induces me to submit to your view in a series

of numbers such parts thereof as seem to claim an immediate attention.
As most of the nations of indians within the limits of the United States are at present discontented some of them turbulent, I have concieved it proper to commence by a statement of the indian department—In the performance of this business I have not barely confined myself to facts, but I have taken the liberty of suggesting such measures as appear to my mind to be necessary for the happiness and reputation of the public.
By the ordinance of Congress of the 7th of August 1786 for the regulation of indian affairs, which is herewith submitted, the department is divided into the northern and southern districts.
The report on the treaties of Fort Harmar submitted the 23d of May last will shew the situation of those tribes with whom the United States have formed treaties since the conclusion of the war with Great Britain. I have now the honor to transmit a paper number 1 relative to the Wabash-Indians—Were the subsisting disorders with these Indians quieted, and they attached to the interests of the United States, it is not probable that any further troubles with the more distant indians would soon arise.
Number 2 which will be submitted shortly will shew the situation of the southern indians, and contain some observations on the difficulties subsisting between them and the frontier people of the States of Georgia and North-Carolina. I have the honor to be With the highest respect Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

H. Knox