Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 1 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My Dr Marqs,
Mount Vernon 1st Septr 1785.

Since my last to you, I have been favored with your letters of the 11th & 13th of May by young Mr Adams, who brought them to New York, from whence they came safely to this place by the

Post: the first is in Cypher; & for the communications therein contained I thank you: My best wishes will always accompany your undertakings; but remember my dear friend it is a part of the military art to reconnoitre & feel your way, before you engage too deeply—More is oftentimes effected by regular approaches, than by an open assault; from the first too, you may make a good retreat—from the latter (in case of repulse) it rarely happens.
It is to be hoped that Mr Adams will bring the British Ministry to some explanation respecting the Western Posts. Nothing else can, I conceive, disturb the tranquillity of these States; but if I am mistaken in this conjecture, you know my sentiments of, & friendship for you too well to doubt my inclination to serve you to the utmost of your wishes, & my powers.
It gives me very singular pleasure to find the Court of France relaxing in their demand of Longchamps; to have persisted in it would have been a very embarrassing measure to this Country under the Laws & Constitution of the Fœderal Government, & those of the several parts which compose it.
The Hounds which you were so obliging as to send me arrived safe, & are of promising appearance: to Monsieur le Compte Doilliamson; (if I miscall him, your hand writing is to blame, & in honor you are bound to rectify the error), & in an especial manner to his fair Competesse, my thanks are due for this favor: the enclosed letter which I give you the trouble of forwarding contains my acknowledgement of their obliging attention to me on this occasion.
If I recollect right, the letter which was written by the Marquis de St Simon was on the business of the Cincinnati, and was laid before the general Meeting at Philada in May 1784; consequently, the answer must have proceeded from the Society either specially to him, or generally, thro’ the Counts de Estaing & Rochambeau, who were written to as the heads of the Naval & military members of that Society in France; but as all the papers relative to the business of the Society were deposited in the care of the Secretary General, Knox—or the Assistant Secretary, Williams—I have them not to refer to; but will make enquiry & inform you or the Marqs de St Simon more particularly of the result.
Your constant attention, and unwearied endeavors to serve

the interests of these United States, cannot fail to keep alive in them a grateful sensibility of it; & the affectionate regard of all their Citizens for you. The footing on which you have established a Market for whale Oil must be equally pleasing & advantageous to the States which are more immediately engaged in that Commerce.
Having heard nothing further of the Jacks which were to be sent to me from Spain, & which by Mr Carmichael’s letter (enclosing one from the Count de Florida Blanca) of the 3d Decr were actually purchased for me at that date, I am at a loss to account for the delay, & am apprehensive of some accident. Be this as it may, if you could my Dr Marquis, thro’ the medium of Admiral Suffrein, or by any other means that would not be troublesome, procure me a Male & female, or one of the former & two of the latter, upon the terms mentioned in your letter of the 3d of May, I should think it a very fortunate event & shou’d feel myself greatly indebted to your friendship. The Mules which proceed from the mixture of these Animals with the horse, are so much more valuable under the care which is usually bestowed on draught cattle by our Negroes, that I am daily more anxious to obtain the means for propagating them.
When George returns from the Springs & gets a little fixed, I will set him about copying your letters to me, which will be better than to hazard the originals at Sea, where an accident might occasion the loss of them to both of us. In my last I informed you of his intended marriage, which I suppose will take place in the early part of next month.
I should have given an earlier acknowledgment of your letters of the 11th & 13th of May aforementioned, had I been at home when they came to this place; but at that time I was on a tour up this river with the Directors (Johnson, Lee, Fitzgerald & Gilpin) to examine the obstructions, & to fix upon a plan of operation; which having done, we commenced our labours on the 5th of last month, under a full persuasion that the work will not prove more arduous than we had conceived before the difficulties were explored. The James river Company, by my last Accounts from Richmond, is formed; a meeting of the members was summoned to be held on the 20th of last month, but what the determinations of it were, I have not yet heard; Nor (so barren are the times) have I a tittle of news to communicate to you;

the several assemblies are in their recesses but will be addressed I presume at their Autumnal meetings by the Commercial interests of the United States to vest Powers in Congress to regulate the Trad[e] of the Union which they see clearly must be directed by one head in order to obtain consistency & respectability at home & abroad. I am My Dr Marqs &c. &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company, 1 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company

Gentn
Mount Vernon 1st Septr 1785.

I am honored with your favor of the 22d of June. As I have been very unlucky hitherto, in the transportation of Wine (in the common Craft of the Country) from one port, or one from one river to another; I had rather the old Madeira ordered by

Mr Hill for my use should remain with you (as I am not in immedate want) until a conveyance may offer directly to Alexandria. But if this is not likely to happen soon, & you should think it safe to Ship it to the address of Doctr Taylor of Norfolk; I should be glad in that case, to have it well secured against adulteration; for I had rather lose the whole, than to have part taken out & the deficiency supplied with water—which is too common a practice with the river Skippers. Or if neither of these is done, I would next pray that Doctr Taylor may be requested to detain the Wine in his cellar until a conveyance; on which he can rely, may offer to Alexandria, or to my house which is nine miles below on the bank of the River. I am Gentlemen Your most Obt Servt

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2 September 1785
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Richmond Sepr 2. 1785.

I accomplished my purpose of being present at the meeting of the subscribers to the James river company. Those books alone, which were opened here, were laid before us. By them it appeared, that the whole number of shares was nearly compleated; but it was thought adviseable to postpone the admission of other subscribers, until the success of the upper books should be known. This step was very fortunate; as one of the managers above the falls came to town soon after we rose, and gave us an account of subscriptions, which will probably overrun the capital sum.
The president and directors are instructed to obtain a definition of these terms in the law, “the highest point practicable.” They are first to attempt to prevail on the assembly to give the company a power to fix this point by their own vote. This, if impracticable, is to be followed by a petition to the legislature to fix it.
They are also instructed to prepare and report to the next meeting, such amendments as the law seems to require.
I endeavoured to deliver you from the appointment to the office of president. But the universal suffrage called you to the post; without an expectation, however, that you should undergo more of the business, than your own convenience may reconcile to you. Messrs John Harvie, David Ross, and William Cabell and myself are directors.
Will you do me the favor of directing a copy of the Potomack proceedings to be forwarded to me, if not too lengthy or secret in their nature? I am induced to make this request from an earnest desire to fulfil the work, assigned to us, and to lose no opportunity of procuring of every possible light—Any hint, which you may think proper to suggest, will be very grateful to us.
I have proposed a meeting of the directors at Richmond on the 26th day of this month.
As to the order of council, which you mention in your favor of the 13th Ulto, it cannot be procured. I am sorry for the loss of the records; but I cannot help thinking, that the title, which you can shew, is sufficient to evidence the fact, which you wished

to prove by that order. I am Dear sir yr much obliged and affectionate friend

Edm: Randolph


Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 3 September 1785
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Vienna September the 3d 1785

This letter Has been Requested of me as an Introduction for Mr André Michaux whom for Many Reasons I am Very Happy to present—in the first place I Know you will Be Glad to Know a Man whose Genius Has Raised Him Among the Scientifick people, and who, as a Botanist, Has at His own Expense travelled through Countries very little Known—He Now is Sent By the King to America, in order to Know the trees, the Seeds, and Every Kind of Natural production Whose growth May be either Curious, or Useful, and for them the King Will set up a Nursery at a Country Seat of His which He is Very fond of—I am the More pleased with the plan as it oppens a New channel of intercourse and Mutual farming good offices Between the two Nations—I Beg, My dear general, You will patronize this Gentlemen, and I much Want it to Be Said in france that He Has Been Satisfied with His Reception in America.
I Have Been Visiting the prussian army, and Now am in the Austrian Capital—I Had But an Hour ago a long Conversation

with the emperor about the United states and American trade, in which I took Care properly to Answer His Questions—Where ever I go I Enjoy the Unspeackable pleasure to Hear My Beloved General Spoken of with that Respect He So well deserves. Adieu, My dear General, My Best Respects Wait on Mrs Washington, Remember me to the Young ones. Most Respectfully and affectionately Your

Lafayette


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Newton, Jr., 3 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Newton, Thomas Jr.

Sir,
Mount Vernon 3d Sept. 1785.

I am now about to inform you of the reason why I have suffered your letter of the 27th of April, with its enclosures, to remain so long unacknowledged.

In an absence of almost nine years from home, my private concerns had got so much deranged, and my accounts & papers, by the frequent hasty removal of the latter to get them out of the reach of the enemy when their shipping appeared, had got into such a jumble & confusion that it was next to impossibility for me, without spending much time, to adjust the former: I still hoped however that after a while I should have been able to accomplish it, & that long ’ere this I should have sent you a statement of the account as it stands between us. But reckoning without my host, I have been obliged to hire a Clerk to settle all my accounts, & to take this business off my hands; as from a variety of circumstances I found it impracticable for me to attend to it myself.
Inclosed is his statement of the account between you & me, made out from my books & your return of Sales. The balance from his accot differs widely from yours; arising first, from the charge of Jacob Williams’s payment of £178.9.8. to James Hill; whereas £50—only of that sum, according to Lund Washington’s accot (who superintended my business) was received from Williams. Secondly, from £123.7.4½ charged me, as paid by Mr Wm Holt, of which I have no account. Thirdly, between £174, charged me as paid to Colo. Lewis, & my credit of £170 only which was received from him; & lastly, from the Debts yet due; amounting pr your List to £175.16.2. The three first of these you will please to enquire into; & the last, to use the most speedy, and which to you may seem the most effectual means of obtaining them.
The sum which is in your hands, I could wish to have remitted, or an order given me on some Gentleman in Alexandria: Or, which in part would answer my purpose equally, I wou’d take one hundred pair of large, strong & well made Negro Shoes, provided I could have them at a reasonable price & by the 20th of October; formerly I know these were to be had at Norfolk readily; & it is essential for me to know immediately, whether, I may depend upon you for them or not.
The Drought has been so severe in these parts, that my Mill was entirely stopped: the rain which has fallen within these ten days, has done no more than to enable her to grind for my own consumption—when I begin to manufacture I will consign you a parcel of superfine flour, as well to try the Norfolk Market, as

to prove a new Miller whom I have lately got, & who comes well recommended to me from some of the best Judges in Pennsylvania.
If you should be able at any time to put me in a way of securing the Debt due to me from Balfour & Baraud, it would be rendering me a very acceptable service: without this, or unless some proof could be had (as I believe the fact undoubtedly is) of the partnership of these Gentlemen or connexion in this business with Messrs Hanburys of London, I must loose upwards of £2000 by my sale of Flour to them. With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to David Henley, 5 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Henley, David

Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Septr 1785.

I am sorry the enclosed account should be brought against me in my private character: It is a fact which I thought had been well known to all the public Departments, & to those employed by the public, that expences of the nature of Otis & Henley’s Accots (which is for clothing for the servants I was obliged to employ in my public character) were paid from the public funds.
If I mistake not Otis & Henley were Agents for the purpose of supplying clothing (or materials for it) for the Army: to them in this character I apply’d; & never, until the enclosed account was presented, had I any other idea of the matter, than that the amount had been settled for by them in their public accounts. As this is not the case, had it been presented to me whilst I had authority to do so, I should have ordered the paymaster to have discharged it, but as the matter now stands, I can do no more than certify that the Goods were receiv’d on public Account for

my use; for I really cannot pay for them out of my private purse. It is to be regretted that the matter has lain over so long. I am Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to La Luzerne, 5 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

Sir,
Mt Vernon 5th Septr 1785.

I am indebted to you for your several favors of the 20th of Decr introductory of Mr de Chateaufort—of the 15th of Feby & 25th of March, which I should not have suffered to have remained so long unacknowledged, if anything had occurred, the relation of which could have compensated for the trouble of reading my letter.
Long as I have waited for such an event, nothing has yet happen’d of much importance in our political movements, & the Assemblies of the different States being now in their recesses, nothing probably will occur ’till they have met. In the meanwhile the mercantile interest feeling the necessity of giving a controuling power to Congress to regulate the trade of this Country, have prepared, & are now preparing Addresses to their respective Assemblies for this purpose. They are now clearly convinced that this power cannot be exercised with propriety unless one system pervades the whole Union, & is made competent to the

ends. It has happened in this instance as in the revolution itself, that the means which G: B. pursues to obtain advantages, defeat her own ends; for I am certain, that if she had forborne to tax our trade with those restrictions &, imposts, which are laid on it by Acts of Parliament, or Orders of the King in Council; that half a century would not have produced those powers in Congress, which, more than probably will be given to them in a few Months, & by which equal restrictions & duties may be laid; and in the interim, sorry I am to add, she would have monopolized in a very great degree, the commerce of the United States.
At length Congress have adopted a mode for disposing of the western Lands; but I confess it does not strike me as a very eligible one: however mine is only an opinion, & I wish to be mistaken in it, as the fund wou’d be very productive & afford great relief to the public creditors if the Lands meet with a ready sale.
Treaty has been holden with the Western Indians at Fort McIntosh on the Ohio, (twenty five miles below Pittsburgh) & advantageous terms entered into with those who met, for they ceded without any compensation as large a District, North west of that river, as we have any occasion for at present: but it should seem that others of their respective Tribes are dissatisfied, & keep the settlers of the Western Territory in a state of disquietude. This I am persuaded will be the case whilst the British retain the Posts within the American lines—& when they will be surrendered, is not for me to decide.
Congress have had also under contemplation a Mint for the coinage of Gold, Silver & Copper; a committee has reported in favor of the measure, but I believe no ultimate decision is yet come to on the subject, by that Hon[orabl]e Body.
From the last European accounts we have reason to hope that the clouds which seemed to be gathering in your hemisphere, will yield to a tranquil sky; & Peace, with all its blessings will spread its mantle over the threatened Lands. My first wish is to see the sons & Daughters of the World mixing as one family, enjoying the sweets of social intercourse, & reciprocal advantages: the Earth certainly is sufficient to contain us all, & affords every thing necessary to our wants; if we would be friendly & endeavour to accommodate one another. Why then should we wrangle, & why should we attempt to infringe the rights & properties of our Neighbours? But lest you shou’d suppose that I am

about to turn preacher, I will only add that, with the highest esteem & consideration, I have the honor to be &c.

G: Washington

P.S: I had not the pleasure of seeing Mr de Chateaufort: upon the receipt of your letter of the 20th of December, enclosed to me by that Gentleman from Philada; I wrote to him praying that I might be honored with his company on his way to Carolina; but he found it more convenient at that hot season to go thither by Sea in the Packett. G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 7 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Sepr 7th 1785.

The man who at present lives with me in the capacity of a Housekeeper, or Household Steward, will leave me in a day or two; which (until his place can be supplied) will throw a great additional weight on Mrs Washington. I therefore beg, if you, or Mr Moyston, should have met with a person whom you think would answer my purposes (as described in my former letters) that you would engage him (or her) absolutely, instead of conditionally, and send him on the Stage. In the meanwhile, if one should offer to my liking here, my engagement shall be conditional. No disappontmt therefore can happen to the person engaged by you.
Inclosed is a letter to Mr Frauncis (als black Sam) late of New York, now of some place in the Jerseys. I leave it open for your perusal, to be forwarded, or destroyed, as circumstances may require. If you should have succeeded at Philadelphia, or are in the way of doing so, the latter will take place; if not, the sooner it can be got to his hands, the better. My best respects, in which Mrs Washington joins, are offered to Mrs Biddle. I am—Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Ridout, 7 September 1785
From: Ridout, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bordeaux. 7. September 1785.

The letter on the other side is Copy of that I had the Honor to write your Excellency the 31 of last Month—by way of L’orient; this goes by the Brig, Peggy Capt. Cunynghame bound to Charles Town So. Carolina & to Baltimore on board of whom I have shipped a bale directed to you from the Marquis de la Fayette, with orders to be delivered to Colo. Tench Tilghman at Baltimore to whom I have written & sent the bill of lading—Wishing you May receive it in good Condition, I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient servant

Thos Ridout


Title: From George Washington to Rochambeau, 7 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

My dear Count,
Mount Vernon Sepr 7th 1785

Since I had the honor to address you last, I have been favored with your letters of the 9th of Septr and 24th of Feby. The first enclosing a list of the new promotions, and the additional members of the Society of the Cincinnati as consented by the King; for which I thank you, as it will enable me to give answers to those Gentlemen who, unacquainted I presume, with his Majesty’s pleasure, are still offering to me their pretensions to be admitted into this Order.
Every occasion that assures me of your health, encreases my happiness, as I have a sincere respect, and affectionate regard for you. My time now, as the Marquis de la Fayette has informed you, is spent in rural employments, and in contemplation of those friendships which the revolution enabled me to form with so many worthy characters of your Nation, through whose assistance I can now sit down in my calm retreat, and under my own vine, and my own fig tree, enjoy those pleasures which are rarely to be found in the more active pursuits of life, in a larger theatre.

I hope the storms which rumbled about you all the Winter, and wch seemed to portend so much mischief, are dispersed; and that a tranquil sky has succeeded. Although it is against the profession of Arms, I wish to see all the world in Peace. How long this blessing may be dispensed to us, I know not, the British still hold the Posts upon the Lakes, within the Territory of the United States; and discover no inclination (that has come to my knowledge) of giving them up. With respect to the Spaniards, I do not think the Navigation of the Mississipi is an object of great importance at present—when it becomes so—when the Banks of the Ohio are thick settled—and when the fertile plains of that Western Country are covered with people, they will not be deprived of natural advantages.
I am very thankful for the polite attentions of Madame de Rochambeau, to whom I pray you to present my best respects—and to any of our worthy compatriots in the late War. Mrs Washington, sensible of your kind remembrance of her, begs you to accept her Compliments. With sincere friendship and perfect attachment I am—My dear Count Yr Most Obedt and Very Hble Servt

Go: Washington

I take the liberty of putting the enclosed letter under your cover as it contains original papers wch might be a loss to Captn de Pusignan.


Title: From George Washington to Jean de Neufville, 8 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Neufville, Jean (John) de

Sir,
Mount Vernon Septr 8th 1785.

I have lately been honored with your favors of the 10th & 15th of March. Until the latter explained the mistake of the former, I was puzzled to get at the meaning of it; because, I did not recollect that I had ever made application to your Son for the loan of any money; but since the subject has been started, I will take the liberty of pursuing it.
I am a member of a company in this State, who associated many years ago for the purpose of reclaiming what is called the

Great dismal Swamp near Norfolk. The War gave considerable interruption, indeed almost put an entire stop to the progress of the business; but in May last the members (for the first time since the war) had a meeting, & resolved to prosecute the work with vigour: for this purpose they are inclined to borrow money on interest; & to import, if they can do it upon advantageous terms, a number of Hollanders, or Germans, as being best acquainted with the nature of the work; which is to drain & bank level, low & wet Land, which would from its situation, & the quality of its soil, be invaluable if accomplished.
Individually, the members possess considerable property—as a company they have little money at command; but would I believe, bind themselves jointly & severally for the repayment of the principal sum borrowed, in a given number of years; & for such interest as may be agreed upon, annually; & as a collateral security they would moreover, I imagine, mortgage the Estate which they are about to improve.
Under this statement of the matter, permit me to ask you frankly, if four or five thousand pounds could be borrowed in Amsterdam; at what interest & for how long a term? And wether it is a matter which could be easily accomplished, to import about three hundred labourers (a few women among them would be no objection)—for what time they might be engaged & upon what wages? And what expence would attend the importation?
Since my last to you I have had the pleasure of your son’s company at this place; he appeared at the time to be in good health, and I hope has been able to put your business in this Country on a more favourable footing, than your letter of the 15th of June last year indicated; in a word, I hope it is placed on as good a footing as the nature of the case will admit. I have the honor to be &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Page, 9 September 1785
From: Page, John
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Rosewell [Gloucester County]Sept. 9th 1785

A thousand Accidents have happened which prevented my writing to you since I had the Pleasure of seeing you at Richmond—for some Time I comforted myself with the Hope of being able to wait on you: & when I was appointed by the Convention one of their Deputies to the gen’l Convention to be held at Philada I then determined to wait on you in my Way—but the Situation of my Affairs has detained me at Home, & Mrs Page’s State of Health, who is advised to accompany me to Philada requires that she should go a great Part of the Way by Water so that I can only now send you this late Apology for a long seeming Neglect—When I saw you I told you how unfortunately I missed seeing you when I went to wait upon you at York, & how totally the public Business in which I had been engaged since your Return from the Army to the Northward, had engrossed my Time & Attention; & as to not writing to you, I thought it was better, that you should suppose for some Time I had neglected you; than that I should be one amongst the thousands who I was certain were troubling you with Letters, so as to be sufficient to make you wish some of them had forgotten you. As I think you may by this Time have a little Leisure to receive my Apology, I beg you will accept this Letter as one; & you may be assured that a sincere Regard for you occasioned my refraining from troubling you with an Address so early as I could have wished—As no Man is more truly sensible of the Obligations our Country is under to you for your great & glorious Exertions in her Support than I am; so I may venture to say, no one was ever more deeply affected with Gratitude & Esteem; or more eager to shew it than I have been—I admired, & highly esteemed you before the late War; you may easily judge then, how much I must admire & venerate you now—Although I know your Delicacy, I could not my dear Sir refrain from saying what I have: I

could no longer restrain the Feelings of my Heart; nor need I, for Praise much higher than I can give, is your peculiar due; & Flattery can never be charged on any one who praises you—Mrs Page unites with me in presenting our Compts & best wishes to yourself & Lady—I am my dear Sir with every Sentiment of the most perfect Respect & Esteem yr most obedt hbe Servt

J. Page

PS. I expect to be at Philada about the 25th inst. & shall be proud to execute your Commands—If you have not yet applied to any one in that City to procure Emigrants or Redemptioners for the Use of the Dismal Compy I will do anything you shall be pleased to recommend respecting that Business—The Managers have not met since I was appointed one of them—I have pressed Mr Jameson & Mr N. Nelson to go down & look into the Affairs of the Co. on the Spot & see what the Carolina Co. will be willing to do towards opening the Canals & am in Hopes they will go down.


Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 10 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, Patrick

Dear Sir,
Mt Vernon 10th Septr 1785.

The enclosed was put into my hands yesterday; & I take the liberty of forwarding it by the post to day, hoping, if no person is appointed in the place of Mr Massey, that your Excellency for the reason assigned by the Maryland Commrs, & on account of the advanced season, will cause it to be done as soon as convenient. With very great esteem & respect I have the honor to be &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson and Thomas Sim Lee, 10 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas,Lee, Thomas Sim

Gentn
Mount Vernon 10th Septr 1785.

Your favor of the 30th ulto did not reach me until the 8th instant; I went the next day to Alexandria & laid it before Colos. Fitzgerald and Gilpin, who with myself, acceded fully to the propriety of your proposal of buying servants. Of this, the Secretary was directed to inform you; also of our sentiments respecting the hire of Negroes by the year, & to ask your opinion of the number necessary, & of the terms on which to employ them.
Colo. Gilpin has lately seen Mr Stuart, who informed him that fifty hands were then employed at Seneca, & in his opinion going on very well until the waters were swelled by the late rains. He & I, (if I am not prevented by company which I have some reason to expect about that time) intend to be at Seneca on Wednesday the 21st—& at the Great Fall at Eight o’clock next morning; where we are to meet Colo. Fitzgerald for the purpose of viewing for our private satisfaction, the place talked of fer the Canal; & the water between the Great & little falls. Mr Stuart informed Colo. Gilpin that he had never seen the Butcher from

Fredk town; nor had he received an ounce of provisions from him.
I am sorry to receive so unfavourable a report from Shenandoah as your letter contains; I hope it will mend, or the cause must be removed. If the health of Mr Johnson, and the circumstances of Mr Lee would permit them to visit that place now & then; it would, I am persuaded, have a happy effect: the eye of a Director will be of service to the Conductors. With very great esteem & regard I am Gentn &c. &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Hartshorne, 14 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Hartshorne, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon 14th Septr 1785.

Colo. Wm Fitzhugh of Maryland has this day requested me, to enter his name for one share of the Potomac navigation; of which I give you this information: he has also deposited in my hands ten pounds for the first & second advances thereon; which I will pay you when I come next to town, or to your order at any time.
I should take it very kind of you to forward the enclosed letter by the first safe conveyance: it contains a summons of some consequence to me. I am Sir &c.

G; Washington


Title: From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 14 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Tilghman, Tench

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 14th Sepr 1785

Mr Rawlins brought me your letter of the 31st Ulto, and I thank you for sending him. He is to furnish me with a design for my Room, and an estimate of the cost; after which I shall be better able to make an estimate of his conscience.
When Mr O’Donnell has determined on his plan, I shall expect to hear from you.
Enclosed is the Packet mentioned in my last for Mr Smith of Carlisle, wch I pray you to send by a safe, rather than the first opportunity which may offer to that place. With great truth I am—Dear Sir Yr Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Since writing the above, Mr W. Fitzhugh of your state, has informed Mrs W. that there is, or was, very fine and pritty Dimety Muslin selling on board the India ship at half a dollar pr yard—If this is yet the case, she desires me to tell you, that she should be much obliged to you for getting her two or three pieces.


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 16 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 16th Septr 1785.

It was not in my power to obtain the enclosed in time, to forward them by the last Mail; but they will, I hope, reach you seasonably for your intended meeting on the 26th—by the present mail.
I feel very sensibly, the honor and confidence which has been reposed in me by the James river Company; & regret that it will not be in my power to discharge the duties of the office of President of the Board of Directors, with that punctuallity & attention with the trust requires. Every service however that I can render, compatible with my other avocations, shall be afforded with pleasure; & I am happy in being associated in the business with Gentlemen so competent to the purposes of their appointment—and from what I have heard of the navigation, & seen of the Falls, I think your work may be soon & easily accomplished—& that it will be of great public utility, as well as private emolument to the Subscribers when done: for the advantage of both, tho’ I believe the business lies in another line, I would earnestly recommend it to you to press the execution of the Survey between James river & the navigable waters of the Kanhawa, & a proper investigation of the latter. It will be a source of great commerce with the Capitol, & in my opinion will be productive of great political consequences to this Country: the business of a similar nature, as it respects this river, is at an entire stand. Mr Massey, who was first appointed on the part of this State, having declined acting; the Maryland Commissioner knows of no other in his room, & is unable, tho’ ready to proceed.
Besides what appears in the minutes which are enclosed, it is in contemplation by the Board of Directors of the Navigation of this river, to endeavor to hire a number of Slaves next year as labourers therein: and as the Great Falls are tremendous, & the navigation thereof, in whatever manner it is attempted, will require much skill & practical knowledge in the execution; we propose, before this is undertaken, to invite a proper person from Europe, who has been employed in works of this kind, as a superintendant of it: With respect to the other parts of the river, tho’ what are called the Shanondoah Falls are as difficult

in my opinion as the Falls of James river, at Westham, we seem to have confidence enough in ourselves to undertake them; & mean so to do without having recourse to either Canals or Locks. Thro’ all the Falls & rapids above the Great falls, we mean to attempt nothing more than to open a strait passage to avoid, as much as possible, Currents; giving sufficient depth, & as much smoothness as may be to the surface; and if Rumseys project fails (of which he has not the smallest apprehension) to pull the Boats up by chains floated by buoys; the latter, when Ice begins to form may be slipped & thereby saved; whilst the former riveted to rocks at bottom, may remain during the intemperate season undisturbed & without injury.
Upon an estimate of the expence of these Chains & Buoys, we (that is, the Directors of the Potomac navigation & myself) are of opinion, without having an eye to the probable advantages which are expected to be derived from Rumseys mechanical discovery, that it will be infinitely less than what must arise from cutting canals, building Locks, making track paths &ca, as was the design of Ballendine & others; and will have this advantage over them, that when once done, that is when the passage is opened in a straight direction in the natural bed of the river, it is done as it were forever; whereas Canals & Locks, besides the natural decay of them, are exposed to much injury from Ice, drift-wood, & even the common freshes; in a word, are never safe where there are such sudden inundations & violent torrents, as the rivers in this Country are subject to.
It has so happened that Thursday the 22d inst: is a day of my own appointing to meet the Directors at the Great Falls of this river, for the purpose of examining the place proposed for a Canal; & the river & ground from thence to tide water, on which business I expect to be employed (at least to be from home) four or five days.
Altho’ I see no impropriety myself in laying the Proceedings of the Potomac Company before the Board of Directors of the James river navigation, it being my wish that every intelligence which one can give to the other should be mutually afforded; yet it is my desire that the Act may be considered as transmitted for the private information (if it shou’d convey any light) of yourself & the Directors.
We are endeavouring to engage our Miners to bore by the

foot, rather than by the day; but as yet have not agreed with any in this way: they ask a shilling, which we think is too much—to common labourers we pay 40/ per month; and we find paying the workmen every fortnight, rather troublesome—once a month would do better: as they will be frequently moving, we have provided Tents as most convenient & least expensive, for their accommodation.
I find I have been under a mistake with respect to the subscriptions for the James river navigation; I conceived the Books were to lie open ’till the general meeting appointed (as that for this river was) by Law; & if the aggregate amounted to more than the sum required by the act, at such Meeting—they were then to be reduced in the manner therein directed.
The expression of the Law, “the highest point practicable”—is certainly too indifinite; & in the hurry which the Act passed, the import of it was not sufficiently adverted to: but how far it may be politic for the Potomac Company to meddle in the matter, I will not at this moment undertake to decide; as the concurrence of two States to effect the alteration, & as one of them it is said by those who are unfriendly to the measure, has been surprized into it.
If it would not be too troublesome for your Secretary, it would be a satisfaction to me to receive a copy of your proceedings. With great esteem & sincere friendship I am Dr Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Mademoiselles Chavexult, 17 September 1785
From: Chavexult, —— (Mademoiselles)
To: Washington, George

Sir
17th Septr 1785.

Two French Ladies, who have always Admired your Virtues, find themselves, by an Unlucky accident, in great Distress, & we take the liberty of Addressing you, as to a feeling, & Compassionate Heart, (with the Same Confidence, that all the World

have[)]. Adieu. 3000 Ml. Livres in a Purse, will be of Great Service to us, we have the Honour to be with Respect Sir Your Hble & Obedt servt

Chavexult

My Adress is at Saulieu en Bourgonie, This is the third letter, we had the Honour to write you.


Title: Lists of Tenants, 18 September 1785
From: Washington, George,Shaw, William
To:

[Mount Vernon, 18 September 1785]

List of Ballances due His Excelly—Genl Washington by his Tennants in Berkely County, to Date 25th Decr 1784—

                  [Lot] Nos.
                  18th Septr 1785

                  1
                  Mr John Reiley

                  £ 30.

                  2
                  Mr Moses Collett

                  30.

                  3
                  Mr Abram Swanger not Entd

                  4
                  Mr Joseph Kersins

                  36.

                  5
                  Mr William Bartless not Entd

                  ⟨6⟩
                  Mr Anthony Gholston

                  26.

                  7
                  Mr Saml Scratchfield leas’d David Rankin Examine Scratchfield acct ⟨illegible⟩ 26

                  22.

                  ⟨8⟩
                  Mr Saml Bailley not Entd

                  ⟨9⟩
                  Mr Francis Whiting Esqr.

                  199. 8

                  List of Ballances due His Excelly Genl Washington by his Tennants in Fauquier & Loudon, to Date 25th Decr 1784

                  Lott Nos.
                  June 18th 1785

                  1
                  Mr Peter Romine

                  £ 44.

                  2
                  Mr Jas Dinson

                  78.

                  3
                  Mr Michael Henry, Leas’d Israel Morris

                  57.

                  4
                  Mr Jas Ballinger

                  52.

                  5
                  Mr Thos Slater, Leas’d Francis Ballinger

                  52.

                  6
                  Mr David Keas, Held by Saml Taylor

                  25.

                  7
                  Mr John Oliphant, Leas’d to William Thomson & Bot of John Dyers

                  16.⟨mutilated⟩

                  8
                  Mr Richd Watts, Leas’d to Geo. Russell

                  2⟨7.mutilated⟩

                  9
                  Leas’d Mr Edwd Wisely but not Entd

                  10
                  Mr Lewis Lamart, His rect Inclosed

                  11 & 12
                  Mr Thos West, for One Halfe, Leas’d to William Wood
                  }
                  17.⟨mutilated⟩

                  11 & 12
                  Mr Jos. Milnor, for One Half, Leas’d William Wood, & by West to Do
                  }
                  54.⟨mutilated⟩

                  13 & 14
                  Mr Ezekiel Phillips, Leas’d John Dyers

                  16
                  Mr Ezekiel Phillips, Leas’d Abram Morgan

                  20.

                  15
                  Mr William Donaldson

                  28.

                  17
                  Mr Jas Deermont, Leas’d to Thos Loyd

                  31.17.7

                  18
                  Vacant, or not Leas’d

                  19
                  Mr Deel Clymans

                  47.18.4

                  20
                  Leas’d Mr Isaac Milnor, but not Entd

                  16
                  Mr Abram Morgan, that Leas’d it of John Glascock, owes a Ball.
                  }
                  58.4 ⟨mutilated⟩


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 19 September 1785
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
Boston Sepr 19. 1785

Have ⟨just reed⟩ your letter with the Contents written by Mr Mc⟨Henry⟩, & shall attend to your obliging hints, will be more full in my next. Was alarmed at the black seal, & find no particular mention of the occasion. Wish your Lady better health, in which Mrs Gordon would join me & in best respects to yourself, did she know of my writing. Your sincere friend & humble servant

William Gordon


Title: To George Washington from William Temple Franklin, 20 September 1785
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philad[elphi]a 20th Septr 1785.

Not knowing when I shall have an Opportunity of paying my Respects to your Excellency, an honor which I have long ambitioned, I take the Liberty of forwarding pr Post the Letters committed to my Care. Among these is one from the Marquis de la Fayette, who is well acquainted with my Reverence for your exalted Character and eminent Services, and of which he promised me to acquaint your Exy; but should he have neglected it, I hope you will not be less persuaded of the sincerity thereof, as well as of the Regret I have, in not being at present able to assure you personally of the same. With great Respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedt & most humble Servant

W.T. Franklin


Title: To George Washington from Uzal Ogden, 20 September 1785
From: Ogden, Uzal
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
State of Jersey, Newark 20 Sep. 1785.

Though late, permit me to congratulate you on the Establishment of Peace and Independence to these States, and to mention that I feel Sensations of Gratitude to those, who, under Providence, have been instrumental in obtaining these invaluable Blessings.
May they, by our Virtue and Wisdom, ever be secured to us, with the Enjoyment of each earthly Good!
I have taken the Liberty to inclose two Pamphlets, which I beg your Acceptance of, and am, with affectionate Regards to Mrs Washington, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and very humble Servant

Uzal Ogden


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 21 September 1785
From: Johnson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Fred[eric]k [Md.] 21 Septr 1785.

I received your Letter of the 10th Inst, five days after it’s Date and the next Day had an Opportunity of shewing it to Mr Lee he had very lately been to see Mr Rumsay and was Spectator of several successful Blasts—Rumsay had discharged several disorderly Fellows and had but one left that he was any way desirous of getting rid of he had then about twenty Hands. Mr Lee says the Men seemed to work with Spirit and the Difficulties appear less in the progress of the Work than were expected it seems they only want more Strength.

We both think it desirable to hire Negroes as well as purchase Servants but imagine very few can be got in this State perhaps indeed they cannot be removed from hence on the Virginia Side of the Great Falls with propriety[.] we think your supply must be altogether from Virga and we are altogether unacquainted with the common Terms[.] we both must and are willing to submit this Point to yourself and the other Gent. as you are so much better informed than we are—we think their Labour will be more valuable than that of common white Hirelings—As to the Number there’s no other check as we see but Employment for them in Winter—your and the other Gents. View of the Great Falls will have enabled you to fall in with my Ideas as to beginning the Cut there or induce you to correct my Guesses[.] if we should go on I imagine we might find Employmt for 100 Hands perhaps more[.] amongst the Servants I think it would be well to have four Smiths some Carpenters and a wheel right or two—As the Season is fast approaching in which we must resolve whether to do any Thing this Winter or not I had determined to meet you at Seneca today and to have gone with you to the Great Falls Tomorrow but last Night I received a pressing Message to go to Annapolis I therefore gave up so much of my Design as to seeing the Great Falls and a very rainy Day prevents my Meeting you at Seneca to remedy it[.] as far as my Situation will allow though I would prefer half an Hours Conversation on the Subject to all I can write aday I have amused myself with writing my Ideas on the Canal and Locks in detail and making Calculations of the Expence which indeed surprizes me for it’s smallness in the Amount though I do not see where to add to bring it nearer my former Conjectures—I inclose them to you my Intention must be their Recommendation—I propose to myself the pleasure of seeing you before long.
The Butcher who was to have supplied Mr Stewards party would not enter into the Contract on my Return without being ascertained there should be 50 Rations issued I told him there was a probability of more instead of less and prevailed on him to take a Letter from me to Mr Steward[.] he set off with it but came back without going near Steward or coming to me on his Return[.] I was unwell and knew nothing of his Beh[avio]r for a Week or ten days afterwards—I fear Mr Steward has been equally disappointed about Boats Colo. Clapham has been ill

and as has been common with us this Season has had a great proportion of his people sick—he has been obliged to take his own People out of his Crop for he could not hire Hands I dare say he is as much chagrined at the delay as Mr Steward for no Body is more friendly to the Success of the Work than he is. I am Sir Your most obedt Servant

Th: Johnson


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Freeman, 22 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Freeman, Thomas

Sir,
[Mount Vernon] 22d Septr 1785.

If Mr Jonathan Johnson will give one hundred Dollars per ann: for my tract at the Great Meadows, he may have a Lease therefor, for the term of ten years without any other conditions annexed than those of reclaiming the Meadow & putting the whole under a good fence—leaving it to himself to place such buildings on the premises as his own inclination may prompt him to.
Or, if he will build a dwelling House 36 feet by 24; with three rooms below & four above—with two stone chimneys, & fire places in each room—the House to be of hewed Logs or framed work, with glass windows. A Kitchen 16 by 20 feet, of the same kind of work with one stone chimney; And a Stable sufficient to contain twelve horses conveniently—I will allow him two years of the ten, exempt from rent. I am &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jean Louis Le Barbier, 25 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Le Barbier, Jean Louis (the younger)

Sir,
Mount Vernon 25th Septr 1785.

I have been honored with the receipt of your letter dated at Paris the 4th of March; & pray you to accept my thanks for those

copies of your Dramatic performance which you had the goodness to send me; & in which you have made such honorable & flattering mention of my name.
I lament Sir, that my merits are not equal to your praises—& regret exceedingly that my deficiency in the knowledge of the French language does not allow me to become master of the Drama, & of those sentiments which I am told are beautifully expressed in it by the author. Upon my gratitude you have a large claim for those expressions of esteem with which your letter is replete, & which, from a Gentlemen who professes not to compliment, are the more to be valued. I have the honor to be &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Pusignan, 25 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Pusignan, Alexandre-César de Genevy de

Sir,
Mount Vernon 25th Septr 1785.

It is not fourteen days since I was honored with your letter of the 16th of last Octr; to what cause the delay is to be ascribed I am unable to inform you; but lest this answer with the inclosure should meet with any accident, I dispatch it under cover to Count de Rochambeau at Paris.
I am sorry Sir, it is not in my power to comply with your wishes in regard to the Order of the Cincinnati. The institution itself points out the different grades of Officers who are to be admitted into this Society; and at its last General Meeting, the members thereof in France, of which the Counts de Rochambeau & de Estaing were placed at the head; one in the Military, the other in the naval Line, were empowered to hold meetings & to decide upon the Claims of Officers belonging to either department in that Country.
It is there Sir, your pretensions must be offered; & if they are not precluded by the determination of your Sovereign, will I doubt not, meet with the liberal & favourable interpretation to which your merit entitles you. I have the honor to be &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Vaughan, 25 September 1785 [letter not found]
From: Vaughan, Charles
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Charles Vaughan, 25 Sept. 1785. GW wrote Vaughan on 18 Nov.: “I have had the honor to receive your favor of the 25th of Septr.”


Title: From George Washington to Otho Holland Williams, 25 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Williams, Otho Holland

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 25th Sepr 1785.

Your letter of the 15th of Augt from Bath, only got to my hands on Sunday last. The one alluded to, of April, as giving an acct of the miscarriage of the Diplomas, & the best information you could obtain respecting them, nor any other since that which accompanied the Parchments, and wch received an immediate acknowledgement, have reached me at all.
In a word, I never had the least intimation; or knowledge of the accident until Major Jacksons Letter (copy of which I sent you) was delivered to me.
I have since enquired of Colo. Fitzgerald if he could recollect in whose care they were placed—his memory he says does not serve him on this occasion, but he is sure they were entrusted to safe hands, or such as appeared to him at the time to be so—It is a little extraordinary therefore that this person, whoever he may be, should not have given notice of the loss either to him, from whom the parcel was received, or to you, to whom it was intended.
It is to be feared, under these circumstances, that neither the Diploma’s, or the money advanced for them, will ever be recovered. however, if you conceive that an Advertisement will effect any valuable purpose—or be satisfactory to the Gentlemen for whose benefit they were designed, you can, as Secretary, recite the event and request information from any who may have it in their power to give it. With great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 26 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 26th Septr 1785.

I had just written, & was about to put into the hands of Mr Taylor, (a Gentleman in the Department of the Secretary for foreign Affairs) the enclosed Letter, when I had the honor to receive by Post your favor of the 20th inst.
I have a grateful sense of the partiality of the French nation towards me; & feel very sensibly the indulgent expression of your letter which does me great honor.
When it suits Mr Houdon to come hither, I will accommodate him in the best manner I am able, & shall endeavour to render his stay as agreeable as I can.
It would give me infinite pleasure to see you: at this place I dare not look for it; tho’ to entertain you under my own roof would be doubly gratifying. When, or whether ever I shall have the satisfaction of seeing you at Philada is uncertain; as retirement from the public walks of life has not been so productive of the leisure & ease as might have been expected. With very great esteem & respect, I am Dr Sir, Your most obt &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Temple Franklin, 26 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, William Temple

Sir,
Mount Vernon 26th Septr 1785.

The last post gave me the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 20th inst: covering, among others, a letter from the Marquis de la Fayette, who speaks of you to me in very advantageous terms. but your own merit Sir, of which I have heard frequent

mention, is alone sufficient to impress me with very favourable sentiments of you; of which I should be happy to give you personal assurances at this place—if inclination, or business should induce you to visit this part of the United States. I am Sir, &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 26 September 1785
From: Henry, Patrick
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Richmond Sept. 26th 1785

Your Favor covering Mr Deakins’s Letter I received this Morning. As soon as Mr Massey’s Resignation was handed to me, the Appointment of Mr Neville was made & sent out to him with a Copy of the Resolution of Assembly. But for Fear they may have miscarry’d I inclose you a Copy, which I must beg you to put in a Way of being forwarded. With the highest Esteem & Regard I am dear Sir Your most obedient Servant

P. Henry


Title: From George Washington to Jean Antoine Houdon, 26 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Houdon, Jean Antoine

Sir,
Mt Vernon 26th Septr 1785.

By a letter which I have lately had the honor to receive from Dr Franklin at Philada, I am informed of your arrival at that place; many letters from very respectable characters in France, as well as the Doctors, inform me of the occasion—for which, tho’ the cause is not of my seeking, I feel the most agreeable & grateful sensations. I wish the object of your mission had been more worthy of the masterly strokes of the first Statuary in Europe; for thus you are represented to me.
It will give me pleasure Sir, to welcome you to this seat of my retirement: and whatever I have, or can procure that is necessary to your purposes, or convenient & agreeable to your wishes; you must freely command—as inclination to oblige you, will be among the last things in which I shall be found deficient, either on your arrival, or during your stay. With sentiments of esteem, I am Sir &ca

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 26th Septr 1785

I have had the honor to receive your favors of the 10th & 17th of July which were committed to the care of Mr Houdon; but I have not yet had the pleasure to see that Gentleman. His Instruments and materials (Doctr Franklin informs me) not being arrived at Havre when they Sailed, he was obliged to leave them; & is now employed in providing others at Philadelphia, with which he will proceed to this place as soon as they are ready. I shall take great pleasure in shewing Mr Houdon every civility, & attention in my power during his stay in this Country, as I feel my self under personal obligations to you & Doctr Franklin (as the State of Virginia have done me the honor to direct a Statue to be erected to my Memory) for havg entrusted

the execution of it to so eminent an Artist, & so worthy a character.
I have the pleasure to inform you, that the subscriptions to the inland Navigations of the Rivers Potomack & James require no aid from Foreigners. the product of the first when the Books were exhibited at the General Meeting in May last, amounted to £40,300 Sterling, and is since nearly compleated to the full Sum required by Law. That of the latter, of the General Meeting in August, were superabundant. The work of the former began the first of August, & is progressing very well—the latter I am persuaded will do more than keep pace with it, as the difficulties are much less.
I have the further pleasure to inform you (& I should have done it long since, had I not supposed that your information would have been more full & perfect from some of your friends in the Assembly) that a resolution authorizing the Executive to appoint Commissioners to explore & report the best communication between the Waters of Elizabeth River & those of Albemarle passed last Session—That the Commrs have proceeded to the Survey—and have reported in favor of that which will pass through Drummonds pond to the Pasquetank; but what will be the result I am unable to inform you, as I find by some of the principal characters of No. Carolina (Members of Congress) who have called here, that jealousies prevail, & a powerful opposition will be given to any Water Communication between the two States, lest Virginia should derive the benefits arising from their Exports &ca.
I am very happy to find that your sentiments respecting the interest the Assembly was pleased to give me in the two navigations of Potomack & James River, coincide so well with my own. I never, for a moment, entertained an idea of accepting—the difficulty which laboured in my Mind was how to refuse without giving offence. Ultimately I have it in contemplation to apply the profits arising from the Tolls to some public use—In this, if I knew how, I would meet the wishes of the Assembly; but if I am not able to get at these, my own inclination leads me to apply them to the establishment of two charity Schools, one on each river, for the Education & support of poor Children; especially the descendants of those who have fallen in defence of their Country.

I can say nothing decis[iv]ely respecting the Western Settlement of this State. The Inhabitants of Kentucke have held several Conventions, and have resolved to apply for a Seperation. But what may be the final issue of it, is not for me, at this time, to inform you—Opinions, as far as they have come to my knowledge, are diverse. I have uniformly given it as mine, to meet them upon their own ground—draw the best line, & best terms we can of seperation and part good friends. After the next Session of our Assembly more may be discovered, and communicated, and if you should not receive it through a better channel, I will have the honor to inform you.
I am sorry I cannot give you full information respecting Captn Bushnals projects for the destruction of Shipping. No interesting experiment having been made, and my memory being treacherous, I may, in some measure, be mistaken in what I am about to relate.
Bushnel is a Man of great Mechanical powers—fertile of invention—and a master in execution—He came to me in 1776 recommended by Governor Trumbull (now dead) and other respectable characters who were proselites to his plan. Although I wanted faith myself, I furnished him with money, and other aids to carry it into execution. He laboured for sometime ineffectually, & though the advocates for his scheme continued sanguine he never did succeed. One accident or another was always intervening. I then thought, and still think, that it was an effort of genius; but that a combination of too many things were requisite, to expect much Success from the enterprise against an enemy, who are always upon guard. That he had a Machine which was so contrived as to carry a man under water at any depth he chose, and for a considerable time & distance, with an apparatus charged with Powder which he could fasten to a Ships bottom or side & give fire to in any given time (Sufft for him to retire) by means whereof a ship could be blown up, or Sunk, are facts which I believe admit of little doubt—but then, where it was to operate against an enemy, it is no easy matter to get a person hardy enough to encounter the variety of dangers to which he must be exposed. 1[.] from the novelty 2[.] from the difficulty of conducting the Machine, and governing it under Water on Acct of the Currents &ca 3[.] the consequent uncertainty of hitting the object of destination, without rising frequently above water

for fresh observation, wch when near the Vessel, would expose the Adventurer to a discovery, & almost to certain death—To these causes I always ascribed the non-performance of his plan, as he wanted nothing that I could furnish to secure the success of it. This to the best of my recollection is a true state of the case—But Humphreys, if I mistake not, being one of the proselites, will be able to give you a more perfect Acct of it than I have done. With the most perfect esteem & regard I have the honor to be Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 27 September 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 27th Sepr 1785

Mr Taylor presented me the honor of your favor of the 25th Ulto—and gave me the pleasure of hearing that Mrs Jay & yourself were well, when he left New York.
Upon your safe return to your native Country, after a long absence, & the important services you have rendered it—in many interesting negotiations—I very sincerely congratulate you, and your Lady.
It gave me great pleasure to hear of your late appointment as Secretary of the United States for the Department of Foreign Affairs—a happier choice, in my opinion, could not have been made—and I shall always rejoice at any circumstance that will contribute either to your honor, Interest, or convenience.
Mr Taylor having accomplished his mission, returns to you with the proceedings and report of the Commissioners, who

were sent into New York to inspect the embarkations; which, by the by, was little more than a farce as they inspected no more property than the British chose they should be witness to the embarkation of. It will always give me pleasure to hear from you—Mrs Washington joins me in respectful compliments to, and best wishes for Mrs Jay & Yourself. I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Arthur Donaldson, 1 October 1785
From: Donaldson, Arthur
To: Washington, George

Worthy Sir
Philadelphia Octr the 1st 1785

I Esteem my Self highly honourd by your Excelencys faivour to Mr Hollingsworth and Shall Imbrace the Opertunity of Serving you with the greatest freedom Theirfore in the first place hope to remove your doubts of the Hippopomos being Applicable to your purpose by Viewing the Inclosd draught & discription which was publishd in the Pennsylvania Magazine for May 1775 but on Account of the War was not put into practice untill this Sumer having the Small Alteration of bringing the hoisting rope Over the horses back & Inverting the Capston. My Maner of useing this Machine is by having Severall large lighters to Carry off the mud &c. to the most Convenient place whilst the Machine is fully Imployd in raiseing it Another Methood may probably be more Convenient for your purpose I would recomend a Vesell about 50 ft long 20 ft broad & about 4 ft deep So as to load the mud in the Same vesell that has the machine in lett hir be Intirely flatt at botom She will lay Stedy on the water & Contain 40 or 50 Cart loads & not Exceed the draught of 3 ft water when loaded She may be dischargd Again by the Griples the Contents thrown in to wagons or on a Shore that is Convenient with A border of a wharf when it may be too Soft to Shovel with Conveniency their it can lay a few days to dry hard enough to move with more ease this will Save a consider expence in equiping & working difrent vesells as well as Shoveling &c. but is not applicable here as Such a Vesell Could not work in many docks whare most wanted & other reasons which may not accur with you In adopting this alteration it will be necessary to Consider the Situation of your ground & Safety of harbour if your Shore is Clear of Stones the botom near levell it will be the better

but will require a Safe harbour in rough weather twoo or three men with a horse may load this vesell in a few howers & by takeing advantage of the tide Come on Shore whare She may Ground safely untill dischargd as above I flatter my Self this mode will be Equell to your Excellencys wish and will not add above one third to the Expence of the within discribed vesell but in Case more dispatch is required then this mode will Admitt of you Can adopt the difrent Vesells in Either Case the Expence of Machinery will be much the Same the whole of which will add about one hundred pound to the price of the vesell & horse to work with.
If After this Information youl think proper to go into the buisness by Either methood and will honour me with your directions I Shall proceed Accordingly if you wish to have a Good workman Sent to Conduct the building a Sutable vesell Shall endeavour to procure one to whome I Can give particular directions it may be best to gett the Prin[c]iple Ironwork don here by the hand that did mine whoes Experience may be Improv’d and on whome I Can readily Attend & when ready have them Conveyd round by wa⟨ter⟩ If you wish to hurrey the work (as I Conceive the winter frost us⟨e⟩full to pulverize the manure) I Shall make free to recomend the procureing 1500 or 2000 ft of 2 & ½ Inch Oake plank & the Same Quantity of 2 In. d[itt]o which may probably require time the other Stuff can undoubtedly be got on Short notice Such as the large Vesell would Cost about £300 in this place but Expect your plenty of timber will greatly reduce the price as to the other methood you Can be better informd the Cost of lighters by your neighbours If you wish to Imploy a Carpenter in your neighbour hood to direct the building I will Send you a Sutable Draught or modell for him to work by if required of Either Sort you Chuse—In Case you proceed I will do my Self the pleasure of an Excurtion into your neighbourhood a few weeks to See the works put together when prepared for beliv⟨e⟩ me Sir it will give me great pleasure to have it in my power to Convay Any usefull Information to mankind More Especially in So usefull an Obiect as the reinstating the firtilety of so valuable a part of your first Setlements under the patronage of the first Charactor to whome the united States are Indebted theirfore heartily desire your Excelency to use the freedom of nameing Any thing I have in my power to

Serve you in without entertaneing the Idea of trouble to me I will not for the present tire your patience with more particulars but to Inquire if you think to Imploy the griples in any thing but Soft Mud as difrent Shapes are necessary for difrent purposes I have twoo pair one without teeth for Soft Mudd and Sand (which I raise for morter) the others have Circular lips with Strong teeth for hard dirt gravell Stones &c. the former supose to be most Sutable for your purpose. I have the honour to be with submition your Excelencys Most Obligd H. Sert

Ar. Donaldson


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 1 October 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Jr.

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Oct. 1st 1785.

It has so happened, that your letter of the first of last Month did not reach me until Saturdays Post.
You know, too well, the sincere respect & regard I entertained for your venerable fathers public and private character, to require assurances of the concern I felt for his death—or of that sympathy in your feelings for the loss of him, which is prompted by friendship. Under this loss however, great as your pangs may have been at the first shock, you have every thing to console you.
A long, & well spent life in the Service of his Country, placed Govr Trumbull amongst the first of Patriots. In the social duties he yielded to none—and his Lamp, from the common course of Nature, being nearly extinguished—worn down with age & cares, but retaining his mental faculties in perfection, are blessings which rarely attend advanced life. All these combining, have secured to his memory universal respect & love here, and no doubt immeasurable happiness hereafter.
I am sensible that none of these observations can have escaped you—that I can offer nothing which your own reason has not already suggested upon this occasion—& being of Sterne’s opinion, that “Before an affliction is digested, consolation comes too soon—and after it is digested—it comes too late: there is but a mark between these two, as fine almost as a hair for a comforter

to take aim at.” I rarely attempt it, nor shall I add more on this subject to you, as it would only be a renewal of sorrow by recalling afresh to your remembrance things which had better be forgotten.
My principal pursuits are of a rural nature, in which I have great delight, especially as I am blessed with the enjoyment of good health—Mrs Washington on the contrary is hardly ever well, but thankful for your kind remembrance of her, and joins me in every good wish for you, Mrs Trumbull & your family. Be assured that with sentiments of the purest esteem & regard I am, Dear Sir Yr Affecte friend and Obedient Servant

⟨Go: Washington⟩


Title: To George Washington from George Mason, 2 October 1785
From: Mason, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Gunston-Hall [Fairfax County] Octor 2d 1785

I take the Liberty of inclosing You a Memorial and Remonstrance to the General Assembly, confided to me by a particular Freind, whose Name I am not at Liberty to mention; and as the Principles it avows entirely accord with my Sentiments on the Subject (which is a very important one) I have been at the Charge of printing several Copys, to disperse in the different parts of the Country. You will easily perceive that all Manner of Declamation, & Address to the passions, have been avoided, as unfair in themselves, & improper for such a Subject, and altho’ the Remonstrance is long, that Brevity has been aimed at; but the Field is extensive.
If upon Consideration, You approve the Arguments, & the principles upon which they are founded, Your Signature will both give the Remonstrance weight, and do it Honour. I wou’d have waited on you personally, upon this Occasion; but have been so shattered by a late violent Fit of the convulsive Cholic, complicated with the Gout in my Stomach, that I am hardly able to walk across the Floor.
The Bearer will deliver you a packet, inclosing another Copy for my Friend Dr Stuart. I am in Hopes He, & his Colleague,

will endeavour to forward the Subscriptions in this County. Mrs Mason, & the Family here, present their Compliments to You, Your Lady, & Miss Bassett, with Dear Sir Your affecte & obdt Sert

G. Mason


Title: To George Washington from William Grayson, 3 October 1785
From: Grayson, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York Octob. 3rd 1785

The requisition is at length finished, & which I have now the honor of inclosing; the article of 30,000 dollars for fœderal buildings at Trenton is expunged; & I think the opposition to that measure is gaining strength. Some of the Southern States begin to view it in a different light.
Congress have passed a resolution authorizing the Post Master general under the direction of the Board of Treasury to contract with the Owners of the Stage coaches for the transportation of the Mail; it is expected the contracts will be formed in the course of the next month: after which there will be three mails a week through the Southern States. A new Ordinance for the Post Office is ready to be reported in which there are clauses for cross posts from Alexandria to Fort Pitt, & from Albany to the limits of Canada, but it is doubtful whether in this present Congress either will take effect.
Mr Payne has a memorial before Congress, to be allowed a sum of money for his services, to which there is a favorable report from a Commee but I am fearful that nothing of consequence will take effect. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Yr Affect, fd & Most Obedt Serv.

Willm Grayson


Title: From George Washington to Lucretia Wilhelmina van Winter, 5 October 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Van Winter, Lucretia Wilhelmina

Madame,
Mount Vernon 5th Octr 1785.

To find that the letter which I had the honor of writing to you on the 30th of March last, in acknowledgement of the Poem you

had the goodness to send me through the hands of Mr Vogels, has never reached you, gives me pain. I now enclose a copy of it, presuming that the original must have miscarried from my having addressed it to the care of that Gentleman at Philadelphia when, possibly, he might not have been in this Country.
I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 10th of April, with the duplicate of the above Poem for which I thank you, and can only repeat to you my wish, that the subject of it was more deserving of your lays. I pray you, Madame, to have the goodness to offer my Compliments to Mr Van Winter, and to be assured of the respect & esteem with which I have the honor to be Your Most obedt & Most Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Brown, 7 October 1785 [letter not found]
From: Brown, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Brown, 7 Oct. 1785. GW wrote Brown on 24 Nov.: “I am really ashamed, at this late hour to have the receipt of your favor of the 7th of Octor, to acknowledge.”


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Blackburn, 10 October 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Blackburn, Thomas

Monday 10th Octor 1785

Genl & Mrs Washington present their compliments to Colo. & Mrs Blackburne; are much obliged to them for their kind invitation to the Wedding on Thursday. They would attend with pleasure, but for the indisposition of the latter; & the particular engagements of the former which confine him at home this week, & oblige him to attend the Board of Directors at George town, the Great Falls &c. the beginning of next.
The Genl & Mrs Washington will always be happy to see the young couple at Mount Vernon.


Title: To George Washington from Lawrence Kortright, 10 October 1785
From: Kortright, Lawrence
To: Washington, George

Good Sir
New York 10th Octor 1785

Give me leave to address myself to your Excellency, in order to put in my power to get settled my Acct against the United States, in regard to my Sloop Hester, wch Capt Randall, at perticular request of your Excellency, had in the Service for an Arm’d Vessell, wch was taken into pay the 8th April 1776 & discharg’d the 23d August, wch has been Valued And apprais’d by the Wardens of this port wch will undoubtedly be paid. on my Sloop Hester being discharg’d, it was thought proper to dispose of her, w[it]h her warlike stores, for fear of her falling into the hands of the British. Accordingly She was apprais’d for Twenty Eight

   Hundred pounds, wch Mr Isaac Sears took at the appraisement, & says he gave Col. Moiland his obligation for the Same; payable to your Excellency, Col. Moiland Says, if so, it must have been lost w[it]h the papers he sent to Brunswick. The Wardens of this port have valued my Sloop w[it]h [t]he Tackel, at Eleven Hundred & Eighty one pounds, so that a Ballance of Sixteen Hundred & Nineteen pounds is in Favor of the States, w[it]h Interest. I shall esteem it a particular kindness done me; if your Excellency will be kind enough to order, in w[ha]t way I shall get payment for my Vessell. Your Goodness in this, will much Oblige your Excellency’s Very Humble Sert

Lawrence Kortright


Title: To George Washington from Richard Graham, 12 October 1785
From: Graham, Richard
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Dumfries October 12, 1785

I received your packet by last post directed to Mr Henderson enclosing the Surveys of the Great Kanhawa Lands—& the courses of the Lands on the Little Kanhawa for which your Excellency will please accept our thanks. I have taken a Copy of the Surveys & now return them. I must make out a plott of the Little Kanhawa Lands including these Surveys that we may See what Land is left out on the dividing Ridge where Col. Crawford has entered between 40 & 50,000 Acres for Mr Henderson & myself—& we are likely to meet with some difficulty in finding them out—We have the first fifty seven enterys that were made on Mr Maddisons Books Surveyor at that time, of Monongalia County—I have taken the liberty to Send you a sketch of the Enterys—As you probably may be able, from your knowledge of that Country to give us Some usefull hints—I have the honor to be with the highest esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

Richd Graham


Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 14 October 1785
From: Henry, Patrick
To: Washington, George

Dear sir.
Richmond October 14th 1785

I beg Leave to introduce to your Acquaintance the Bearer Capt. Lewis Littlepage who wishes for the Honor of being known to you. I have no Doubt but the Merits of this young Gentleman will render him agreable to you. I have spent some little Time in his Company very happily, & feel myself interested in his future Welfare.
As soon as the Report concerning the intended Water communication with Carolina is made, I shall certainly communicate it to you. I expect it now daily. With the highest Regard & Esteem I am dear sir your very obedient Servant

P. Henry


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Freeman, 16 October 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Freeman, Thomas

Sir,
Mt Vernon 16th Octr 1785.

It is sometime since I wrote in very great haste an answer, or rather an acknowledgement of your letter of the 9th of June. I will now by Mr Craig, endeavour to be more explicit than I was, or could be at that time.
With regard to my Lands on the Ohio & Great Kanhawa, I am not yet inclined to relax from the terms of my printed Advertisement, with a copy of which I furnished you: When I see cause to do it, you shall be duly advertised of the change: in the mean time, if you could discover the most advantageous terms which could be obtained, & would advise me thereof, I should be obliged to you. As to the Great Meadow tract, you may rent it on the best terms you can, not exceeding ten years from the first day of January next. My sentiments with respect to the Mill were so fully given to you in my last (by Dr Knight) that it is unnecessary to add aught on that score now. It has cost me too much already (without any return) to undergo a repetition of the like expence. If you cannot rent or sell her as there directed, let her return to dust—the first loss may be best.
I informed you in my last, & I presume you were well convinced of it before, that I made no agreement with the Tenants on the tract near you, which could exonerate them from paying the rents which were then due; consequently they must be made to pay them; otherwise the most deserving of favor (by having paid) are on a worse footing, than the least deserving who ought to have paid before I went into the Country & explained the terms on which I had directed them to be let.
With respect to Mr Simpsons quitting the Tenement—I observed to you in my last; that when I make a bargain I consider it, to all intents & purposes, as binding on me; consequently that it is so on the person with whom it is made. He may well remember, that upon his expressing an idea that he would try the place one year on the rent it now goes at, I told him explicitly he must take it for the period on which it was offered, or not at all; as I did not intend to go thro’ the same trouble every year by making an annual bargain for it; & that he acquiesced thereto. It behooves him therefore, & the Tenant likewise, to consider what they are about—as one or the other will be liable to me for the

rent, agreeably to the tenure of the Lease. I informed you in my last what had been done with the Accounts which were put into my hands by him & Mr John Jones, & requested him to assign the Certificate which I then enclosed, & to return it to me; but have heard nothing from him since on the subject—which is a little surprizing.
I hope the Hay, Corn & other articles have been sold ‘ere this, & that you have received the Cash for them, or good security for the payment of the amount of them.
If Mr Simpson, contrary to his agreement and good faith, should have moved off my Land; I am at a loss to decide what had best be done with my Negroes. It was in consideration of his taking the Plantation, that I agreed to let him have the negroes so cheap: If he is gone, or going from it, he shall hold them no longer on the same terms he has them this year—but my wish would be that you could send them to me at this place, if the measure can be reconciled to them. Simon’s countrymen, & Nancy’s relations are all here, & would be glad to see them; I would make a Carpenter of Simon, to work along with his shipmate Jambo. At any rate I will not suffer them to go down the river, or to any distance where you can not have an eye over them.
What Capt: Crawford did upon my Land on Shirtee in order to save it, must, undoubtedly be well known to those who were most intimately connected with him & his movements at that period. Mr Chas Morgan is as likely to possess this knowledge as any other; but certainly there must be more, & it may be essential to find them out & to call upon them as evidences in the cause.
In a former Letter I informed you that I had obtained a Patent for the round Bottom; & that it might be rented on the same terms with my other Lands on the Ohio & Great Kanhawa; & I repeat it in this, lest a miscarriage should have happened.
When I was out last fall, I left all my Baggage at Mr Simpson’s—viz.—Tents—Bed—Bedding & many other things; of which I hope proper care has & will be taken, if he has, or is about to leave the place. Among other Articles there were two, eight gallon Kegs of West India rum—one of them of the first quality. As this is a commodity which is subject to a variety of accidents &

misfortunes, I request it may be sold: I will take my chance to procure more when I may come into that Country; which, at present, is uncertain. If the Tents & bedding should get wet, & are not dryed, they will be ruined; I therefore pray that particular attention may be paid to them, my Canteens, travelling Trunk &c. &c.
If you have received & paid anything on my account since I was out; it may be well to render a statement of it by Mr Craig, who will offer a safe & good opportunity to remit what Cash may be in your hands consequent of the sales of last fall or by other means, after you have deducted your commissions. If the Bonds which were taken at that time are not paid agreeably to the terms of them—delay no time to recover the money as soon as you can; as I am not inclined to be put off with unmeaning promises, & obliged to sue at last.
If my Negros are to come down, the sooner it could happen the better for the young ones: & a careful person should be hired to take care of them. In this case I would wish to have my Baggage (except the Liquor) sent to me at the same time—one trouble & expence would serve both purposes. I am &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Taylor, Jr., 17 October 1785
From: Taylor, George Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York 17th October 1785

From a desire to give some information respecting my Success in Executing the Commands I had the Honor of receiving from, I have ‘till now delayed writing to Your Excellency, nor can I at present give any satisfactory account with respect to a conveyance for the Apples; not a Vessel at present, that I can find, being advertised to Sail for Virginia: But as your Excellency may wish to be informed of the manner in which I have disposed of the Letters committed to my Care, I have the Honor to give you the following account, Vizt.
On my arrival in Philadelphia I waited on the Honorable Doctor Franklin, to whom I delivered the Letter addressed to him—The one enclosed for his Grandson, he requested I would bring on with me, he having left Philadelphia for this Place a few days before, which I accordingly did, and delivered it to Mr

Franklin at the Office. The Letter for Mr Jay I also delivered on my arrival here, I enquired of him, agreeably to your Excellency’s desire, whether the Postage of Letters, by the Packet for Europe, was paid here, and was informed that it was not paid until their arrival in Europe. Your Excellency’s Letters for Paris will be forwarded with Mr Jay’s dispatches by the Packet, which I am told will Sail in three or four Days from this.
When in Philadelphia I made inquiry for Mr De Neufville and was told that he had come on to this Place; but on my repeating it here, I found that he had returned. I therefore took the Liberty of Lodging your Excellency’s Letter for that Gentleman with the Dutch Embassador, supposing, that it would have a much more direct and safe conveyance from him, than I could possibly give it.
I did myself the Honor to call on His Excellency the Governor and make your Excellency’s and Mrs Washington’s compliments to Mrs Clinton and himself—the former was then indisposed and has since been blessed with a Daughter.
Agreeable to your Excellency’s desire, I made the Governor acquainted with your Reason for not writing him by me—His Excelly told me that Business had prevented him from writing your Excellency the long Letter he promised on his return from the northward.
I shall delay the purchase of the Apples until I find a Conveyance, which I am informed is very uncertain at this Season—Your Excellency may rely, however, on their being sent, should a seasonable one offer.
Mr Hardy, late a Delegate in Congress from Virginia, died this Morning—He has not been confined to his bed, but I am informed he has long been in a weakly state of Health.
I do myself the Honor to enclose herewith, for your Excelly’s perusal, some late News Papers which contain all the News we have here. Permit me to present my most respectful compliments to Mrs Washington. I have the Honor to be, with every Sentiment of Respect, Your Excellency’s, Most obedient and Very humble servant,

Geo: Taylor, Junr


Title: To George Washington from Grouchet, 20 October 1785
From: Grouchet, comte de
To: Washington, George

My General
Paris 20th Octr 1785

Desirous of that which leads to Glory, & the Protection of those, who Commands, I aspire to that of your Excellency, in Demanding to be admitted into the Military Order of Cincinnatus, the Marechall de Richelieu whose Lieutenant I am, & who will be Answerable for me, as he has been a Witness of my first Campaigne at Port Mahon, in the Electorate of Hanover; The Orders of My King, having Oblig’d me to America, whc. I have done my Endeavours to Shew you, by the Writing & Cerficate; that I have now the Honour to Inclose you. If Mr Suffren, whose Relation I am, had been at Paris, he would have Join’d his Supplication to mine, having told me the last year, to ask this favour of your Excy, Emulous of your Esteem my General, Certain of your Justice, I Conjure you beforehand, the Profound Respect, for your Goodness, & the Gratitude, that a Heart like mine owes to the Kindnesses, of a Great Soul like yours, whc. does So much honour, to Humanity I am with the most Profound Respect My General your Excys most Obed. H. S.

Grouchet

to Mr le Cte de Grouchet lieut. of the Marechl of France at Dept of St Germain en Paye ches le Marechall de Richelieu in his Hotel at Paris.


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 20 October 1785 [letter not found]
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from James Madison, 20 Oct. 1785. On 29 Oct. GW wrote Madison: “Receive my thanks for your obliging favor of the 20th.”


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 22 October 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon Oct 22nd 1785

I thank you for the perusal of the enclosed reports—Mr Jay seems to have laboured the point respecting the Convention.
If any thing should occur that is interesting, & your leizure will permit it, I should be glad to hear from you on the subject;


Title: To George Washington from Caleb Gibbs, 24 October 1785
From: Gibbs, Caleb
To: Washington, George

My Dear General
Boston Octobr 24th 1785.

The uneaqual distribution of this worlds goods amongst mankind make it necessary for those in a dependent Line to look

seriously about them for the mere comforts and necessaries of life, and more particularly when necessity spurs on the subject.
Weavering fortune some times smiles on those (perhaps) lest deserving, in consequence of which makes them happy in this life, with a competency sufficient, to set themselves down in the lap of ease and Independence, while others is carried away with the current of shagreen and disappointment.
This is the case with many of my worthy Brother Officers who have left service, and I will candidly confess, I feel the force of the argument myself, for when thinking to retire from the Feild of Glory after having been instrumental in the establishment, of the Liberties, and Independence of my Country, to be obliged to part with my notes at two shillings in the pound (which is the current price they sell for here & which I have received from the public as silver and Gold) makes my blood thrill thro my veins.
This necessity obliges me to live œconomical in every instance, and to part with no more of my securities than my wants immediately call for, yet trusting, if possible to survive a few years longer, that this Country cannot but make good the money paid to their Army.
Since the dissolution of the Regiment Commanded by Genl Jackson (in which I had the honor to be arranged) I have been floating about from Philadelphia to New Hampshire, negociating a little business partly on Commission, and have never determined to fix muself till within these few months. The unsettled state in which I have lived has occasioned my being totally seperated from my baggage, and since I have collected it, in perusing my papers I find a ballance due me from the United States of 1603 continental dollars, which I borrowed, and lent principally in the month of Octobr 1780, for the use of the Commander in Chiefs family. This your Excellency will easily find by stating the foot of the Account of Expences at the time I left your family, with the monies drawn and received by me; No monies could be obtained from the Pay Master General in all the month of Octobr and in fact none from the public, except of Colo. Pickering of whom on the 15th of Novembr I received 1,000 dollars which was the last sum I received from the public. On the 28th of Novr we went into winter quarters, On the 15th of Decr I went on furlough and returned to Head Quarters, On the 21st

of April following and Joined my Regiment the 23d of the same month the day which I gave your Excellency the Books and papers.
Those papers alluded too I have never seen from the time I Joined my regiment till with these few months past, and altho the ballance is intrinsickly small, yet it will be of great service to me, and if any person who has been a Creditor of the United States and can call on them for any ballance no one can do it with more propriety than the American Officers and Soldiers.
If your Excellency agrees with me as I am fully persuaded you will, I will thank you to transmit me a Certificate by an early conveyance, that it may be presented the board of Treasury for payment after they have liquidated the sum agreable to the scale of depreciation between the 4th and 28th of Octobr 1780. If your Excellency directs to me at this place your Letter will find me here, as I shall not leave this Capital but for a few days this winter.
My Love and regard for you and Mrs Washington has several times prompt me the last season to undertake a visit to Mount Vernon but on reconnoitreing my finances I have found it impossible to attempt the march. Therefore I could only offer you to heaven for the best of protections in this life, and the full enjoyment and fruition of Happiness in that which is to come.
Continental as well as State bodies too soon forget their esteem for those they expressed freindship for when in hour of danger, particularly this State, not one Officer since the dissolution of the American Army has been appointed to any post of profit and I beleive with propriety I may venture to assert will not be till they totally eradicate the Idea of his ever being a Continental Officer.
Congress in like manner soon forgot their promise to your Excellency at the time you took leave of them when they told you that those Gentlemen who had been nigh your person thro’ the principal dangers of the War should be remembered on some future day (or in words to this effect) that day is far distant for some I fear and which is honesty to confess is somewhat mortifying more especially when we see those who were only Soldiers of a day filling posts of honor and profit.
I beg your Excellency to offer me in most respectful terms to Mrs Washington and family, and all those who ever ask after me.

I have the honor to be With the most profound respect And Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and most humble Servant

C. Gibbs