Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 30 September 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

Dear Bushrod,
Mount Vernon 30th Sepr 86.

I was from home when your Servant arrived, found him in a hurry to be gone when I returned, have company in the house, and am on the eve of a journey up the river, to meet the Directors of the Potomack Company. These things combining, will not allow me time to give any explicit answer to the question you have propounded.
Generally speaking, I have seen as much evil as good result from such societies as you describe the constitution of yours to be—they are a kind of emperium emperio, and as often clog, as facilitate public measures. I am no friend to instructions, except in local matters which are wholly or in a great measure confined to the County of the Delegate. To me, it appears a much wiser, & more politic conduct, to chuse able & honest representatives, & leave them in all national questions to determine from the evidence of reason, and the facts which shall be adduced, when internal & external information is given to them in a collective sta⟨te⟩. What certainty is there that societies in a corner, or remote part of a state, can possess all that knowledge which is necessary for them to decide on many important questions which may come before an Assembly? What reason is there to expect that the Society itself may be accordant in opinion on such subjects? May not a few members of this society (more sagacious & designing than the rest) direct the measures of it to private views of their own? May not this embarrass an honest, able Delegate who hears the voice of his Country from all quarters, and thwart public measures?
These are first thoughts, but I give no decided opinion. Societies nearly similar to such as you speak of, have lately been formed in Massachusetts-bay. What has been the consequence? Why they have declared the Senate useless—many other parts of the Constution unnecessary. Saleries of public Officers burthensome &ca—To point out the defects of the Constitution in a decent way (if any existed) was proper enough—but they have done more. They first vote the Courts of Justice in the present circumstances of the State oppressive. And next, by violence, stop them. Which has occasioned a very solemn proclamation & appeal from the Governor to the people. You may say that no

such matters are in contemplation by your Society. Granted. A snow ball gathers by rolling. Possibly a line may be drawn between occasional meetings for special purposes, & a standing Society to direct with local views & partial information, the affairs of the nation, which cannot be well understood but by a large & comparative view of circumstances. Where is this so likely to enter as in the general Assembly of the people? What figure then must a delegate make who comes there with his hands tied, & his judgment forestalled? His very instructors perhaps (if they had nothing sinister in view) were they present at all the information & arguments which would come forward, might be the first to change sentiments.
Hurried as this letter is, I am sensible I am writing to you upon a very important subject. I have no time to copy, correct, or even to peruse it; for which reason I could wish to have it, or a copy returned to me. George & his wife set off yesterday for the Races at Fredericksburgh. The rest of the family are well & join in love & good wishes for all at Bushfield with Dear Bushrod Yr Affecte

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 30 September 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Augustine

Dear George,
Mount Vernon 30th Sep. 17[86]

Giles bringing the enclosed from Alexandria & presuming it was on the business he was sent about, I opened it before I discovered the mistake.
Endeavor among other things you were to have enquired after, to engage me some Pompion (Pumpkin) seed. and ask if a good kind of sweet Potatoe seed can be had in case I should not be able to get enough in this part of the Country to plant an Acre of ground next Spring—this may properly be introduced into my course of experiments next season. We remain as you left us & join in best wishes for you & Fanny; & Compliments to all friends. I am Yrs Affectionately

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 1 October 1786
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Hartford [Conn.] October 1. 1786

Finding among General Greens letters one to you which has some expressions that are desponding and hearing that reports are circulated that his death was ocasioned by his troubles, I have taken the liberty to write you on the subject. the report which was circulated respecting Mrs Greene which gave so much pain to the Generals, & her friends: I believe never reachd his Ears: if it did he certainly never gave the least credit to it—as imedeately after it was circulated and believed here (that they had parted), they came together to my House and I never saw more unaffected fondness and attachment than existed between

them at that time. I soon after spent a Week with them at New Port where thier was the same appearance and as I have been minutely informed of all General Greens other concerns and consulted by him respecting the affairs of Banks and all his other embarrasments—I am persuaded no person on Earth better knew his inmost thoughts than I did I am persuaded he was just before his death, or rather before he fell sick—in better Spirits than he had ever been before, since his arriveing with his family in Georgia—as he had good prospects of geting clear of his troubles with the crediters of Banks & Co. and a Contract with the French Nation for Timber was so nearly compleated as to promise him sufficient funds for all his other purposes. Mr Miller a Young Gentleman who went with him to Georgia & lived on terms of intimacy & confidence with him assures me the General was in good Spirits and that he is persuaded he died of a fever in the Head which might have been removed if the Physicians had understood his disorder he had for some time before had an inflamation in one Eye—which was almost done away, when he was Sezed at table with a Violent pain in his Eye & Head which forced him to retire, a fever ensued the Symptoms increased and a few days put an end to his existance. I am my selfe persuaded that something of the apperplectick kind was the cause of his death as I was informed that the day after one of the important actions to the Southward he was taken suddenly with a disorder in the head which deprived him of sence & motion for some time and those about him best Skilled in the healing art—pronounced it an appoplexy—Col. Humphreys informs me you did not know that the General had received your answer to his letter respecting Capt. Gun[.] I find it among his private letters and am not a little pleased to find your sentiments on that subject corresponding with my own, communicated about the same time, in answer to his letter to me on that subject. Mrs Greene & her Children are at present at New Port—Mrs Greene Mr E. Rutledge & my selfe are his Executors if we get clear of his obligations for Banks & Cos. their will be a competency for her & the Children if not their situation will be very disagreeable as I am on this subject it may be proper to mention to you the cause of the Generals being so involved for those people, as I find he has been calumniated on that account—After his contract with Banks & Co. to feed the troops

under his command made with all the precautions possible having first advised with the ruleing powers of the State & knowing that he had been censured before, respecting a bargain made (or said to be made) by his permission—and the Army having been some time fed on this Contract the Contractors were found to be greatly indebted & oblidged to Stop unless the Genl woud secure their Creditors This he consented to do on condition they sent a Man to receive the Monies to be paid to the Contractors for their Supplies at Phila which they agreeing to he became bound with the Contractors for large Sums—Banks the principal contractor & executive Man of the Company had the Address to draw all the Money but a trifle and apply it to other purposes—whereby the General was left liable—by various discoveries since made it appears their was much p[r]emeditated Villany and I am sorry to find among some of the actors or consentors to this sceme of fraud & Villany, some whose obligations were great to Gen. Greene—I am almost persuaded that to be serviceable to mankind has something creminal in it—as I find—no instance of any Mans being greatly serviceable to his Country who is rewarded even with sincere thanks—& few where some punishment is not inflicted, private gratitude may possibly be in existance among the human Race but is rare indeed—I beg pardon for troubling You with this long letter—but I am persuaded you will forgive me as my intentions are to rescue the character of my deceased friend from any unjust reproach. I am dear Sir with sentiments of the greatest Esteem your most obedent & most Humle Servant

Jere. Wadsworth

⟨Inte⟩nded to have copied this letter in a fairer hand but want of time forbids I hope your Exey will be able to decypher it.


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 1 October 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

Dear Brother,
Mount Vernon Octr 1st 1786

If you receive this letter at this place before I return home, it is to observe how singular it is that I should always be from home or upon the eve of leaving it, when you come here.
An appointment which cannot be dispensed with (and which was made by myself before I had any intimation of your intention of taking this on your way down) obliges me to the Great, & perhaps the little Falls to a meeting of the Board of Directors. That (besides doing matters of smaller moment) we may fix a plan for the Winter operation & labour of our hands—determine the nature & ⟨mutilated⟩ Great Falls ⟨mutilated⟩ four Directors presented. A pointed summons is gone out for the present meeting which cannot be delayed without doing injury to the interest of the Company.
I wished to see you on many Accts. One, to know what report is made respecting the Hites claim of the Land on which Thornton Washington lives—& thence up to the head spring. I sent Thornton all my papers respecting this business, and have written to him three or four times on the subject; but he has not vouchsafed to give me an answer or even to have acknowledged the receipt of my Papers on which the title depends. Such is the inattention, and remissness of persons unaccustomed to regularity in business. If you can give me any information of what the Hites, or the Commissioner, have done in this case it will enable ⟨mutilated en⟩closed. It relates to some of your Land, or the Lands of Saml or Charles. Of what use it may be to either of you I know not. To me it is of none.
I do not think it probable that I shall be returned before

thursday—possibly (according to the business which may come before the Directors) it may be longer. Very affectionately—I remain Yrs

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Francis Mercer, 4 October 1786 [letter not found]
From: Mercer, John Francis
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Francis Mercer, 4 Oct. 1786. On 6 Nov. GW wrote Mercer about receiving “your letter of the 4th Ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from Rawleigh Colston, 5 October 1786 [letter not found]
From: Colston, Rawleigh
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Rawleigh Colston, 5 Oct. 1786. On 10 Nov. Colston wrote GW: “I had the honour of writing your Excellency on the 5th of October last.”


Title: To George Washington from William Hickman, 5 October 1786
From: Hickman, William
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Frederick County October 5th 1786

In consequence of my being Assured by Mr Rawleigh Coulston that the right of a Judgment Obtained against Mr William Ireland Junr in the General Court of Maryland in May last, as my Security in a Bond granted to your Excellency in November 1774 for two Tracts of Land I purchased at the sale of the Estate of George Mercer Esquire; I have sold to that Gentleman, among other property one of those Tracts, known and discribed in the plott by No. 7 I therefore request your Excellency will make a Deed for the same to Mr Coulston which when Executed

you will please lodge in the Hands of Mr James Keith or some other Gentleman in Alexandria—with Instructions to hold the same until such time as Mr Coulston may be able to produce satisfactory vouchers to evince his being Intitled to receive the money due on the above Judgment; the Races happening Next week will offer I presume an Opportunity of procuring a Sufficient number of Gentlemen from this & Berkeley County to witness the Deeds, which I believe will be more agreeable to Mr Coulston, as he would wish the Deed Recorded in this County in which the land lay & himself resides: or If a Deed for Land lying in another County can with propriety be Recorded in Fairfax, Your Excellency will please procure such Witnesses as may with most convenience be called upon in that Court for proof: Mr Ireland who has an Assignment of your Bond for conveyance of those Lands will deliver it up, on Your Excellencys makeing the Deed to Mr Coulston for No. 7 & a Deed to me for the Lott called No. 1 which you will be pleased to do in the same manner with respect to the witnesses. I am Sir With the Greatest Respect Your Obedient Hbe Servt

William Hickman

Sir. Since closeing the foregoing, Mr Ireland has thought it Imprudent to give up the Assignment of your Bond of Conveyance for the Lott No. 1 which was made him for his security in case Judgment should go against him, you will therefore be pleased to Renew your Bond for the Conveyance of that Lott to me, or take such writings from him as will, exonerate you from the Obligation of makeing a Title for the Lott No. 7 & let the old Bond remain as it is (which I think will be mo⟨mutilated⟩) as by renewal, it would divest me of any right. I am Sorry to give your Excellency so much trouble in this matter, but as my Long Infirmity, Mr Irelands particular & distressed Situation, & the Channel in which the business have been conducted seems to constrain us to intrude on your Excellencys Good nature, I hope you will excuse the freedom of my request. With Due respect William Hickman


Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 8 October 1786
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

My dear General.
Paris October the 8th [1786]

This Will Be presented By Mr le Coulteux a Relation to the Respectable House of french Merchants By that Name who is Going to Settle in America—I Beg You to Honour Him With Your patronage and Advices.
Not Knowing when this Will Reach You I only add My Respects Most Affectionate to Mrs Washington—Remember me to George, to the Young ones, to all friends.
A treaty of Commerce is Signed Between france and England Who are to treat Each other like the Most favoured European Nation—Which Will not interfere With the Views of the United States. With those Sentiments of Respect and love which My dear general Knows to Be So deeply Rooted in my filial Heart I Have the Honour to be Your Most affectionate friend

Lafayette


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Freeman, 9 October 1786 [letter not found]
From: Freeman, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Freeman, 9 Oct. 1786. On 18 Dec. Freeman wrote GW: “I imagine you did not receive mine of the 9th October.”


Title: To George Washington from Catharine Sawbridge Macaulay Graham, 10 October 1786
From: Graham, Catharine Sawbridge Macaulay
To: Washington, George

Sir
Knightsbridge near London Octbr 10. [17]86

By some of those unlucky incidents which attend the passage cross the Atlantic the letter with which you honored me dated Jan. 10 did not reach me till the latter end of June last.
There are few persons in Europe who would not be highly flattered by a correspondence with General Washington but when this gratification which from the consideration of popular eminence must be felt by every vulgar mind is enlarged by a Genuine taste for moral excelence it raises the most lively Sentiments of self complacency and gratitude.
When I returned from Mount Vernon to Philadelphia I had the pleasure of seeing a Portrait which bore the strongest resemblance to the original of any I had seen, if you favor me with another letter you will do me great pleasure if you will inform me whether Mr Pine is much advanced in his grand designs of pourtraying the Capital events of the civil wars and whether he is likely to succeed in his attempt.
Give me leave Sir to return you our thanks for those obliging and benevolent sentiments with which your letter is replete.
We present our best respects to Mrs Washington our best compliments and good wishes to the aimable pair who have united their fortunes since our departure from America and our love to the little people whom we sincerely hope will both in their different characters afford an ample recompense for the benevolent care and culture they have received. I have the honor to be Sir with those sentiments which your virtues and goodness are so well calculated to inspire Your Most Obednt And Most Obliged Humble Servnt

Cath: Macaulay Graham


Title: To George Washington from Fielding Lewis, Jr., 11 October 1786
From: Lewis, Fielding Jr.
To: Washington, George

Deare Uncle
Bloomsbery Fredarick [County]Octbr 11th [17]86

Haveing made a purchase of a lot in Rectortown Fauquair County, and am desierous of building thareon on as good tirms a possable—made me petition you for a little timber, as your land lyes near the Town and your Tennents are willing I Should have it with your Approbation—your Answer—with Complyance will Grately Oblige your Affectionate Nephiw

Fielding Lewis

N.B. My Kindest Respects to my Aunt. F.L.


Title: To George Washington from James Manning, 11 October 1786
From: Manning, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 11th Octr 1786

I beg leave to introduce to your notice the Bearer, Mr Joseph Jenckes of Providence in the State of Rhode Island. He is son of Mr John Jenckes of that Town, of a good family. He was educated under me, and I have ever considered him as a young Gentleman of real worth, as a man of principle. With mercantile views he has removed to the State of Virginia. As a stranger it may be of advantage to him to have his character known to your Excellency, whose known goodness prompts you to serve & encourage real merit. I beg pardon for intruding upon your Excellency, and have the honour to be Sir Your very Humble Servt

James Manning


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 12 October 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

Dr Sir,
[c.12 October 1786]

By Doctr Stuart I return the books you were so obliging as to allow me the reading of: by him also I send you the Travels of the Marqs de Chastellux, for your perusal.
I felt for your disappointment the day you left this, & hope no accidents intervened afterwards to give further interruption to your journey. Unknowing of the quantity of rain which had fallen in the course of the night, I was never more surprized than in a ride I took to some of my plantations an hour or two after you went away, to find every place deluged.
I


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 17 October 1786
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

My dear Genl
New York 17th oct. [17]86

In my last letter I detailed the eastern commotions and communicated my apprehensions of their objects & issue.
G. Knox has just returned from thence and his report grounded on his own knowledge is replete with melancholy information—a majority of the people of Massachusetts are in opposition to the government, some of their leaders avow the subversion of it to be their object together with the abolition of debts, the division of property and re-union with G. Britain—In all the eastern states the same temper prevails more or less, and will certainly break forth whenever the opportune moment may arrive—the mal-contents are in close connexion with Vermont—& that district it is beleived is in negotiation with the Governor of Canada—In one word my dear Genl we are all in dire apprehension that a beginning of anarchy with all its calamitys has approached, & have no means to stop the dreadful work. Individuals suggest the propriety of inviting you from Congress to pay us a visit, knowing your unbounded influence & beleiving that your appearance among the seditious might bring them back to peace & reconciliation—This is only a surmise & I take the liberty to mention it to you that should the conjuncture of affairs Induce Congress to make this request you

may have some previous time to make up your mind—In great hurry & real distress I am yours affecy

H: Lee Junr


Title: To George Washington from John Francis Mercer, 21 October 1786 [letter not found]
From: Mercer, John Francis
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Francis Mercer, 21 Oct. 1786. On 6 Nov. GW wrote Mercer of the delivery of “Your letter of 21st Ulto.”


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Peters, 21 October 1786 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Thomas

Letter not found: to Thomas Peters, 21 Oct. 1786. On 18 Nov. 1786 Peters wrote GW: “I have the pleasure of recieving your favour of the 21 of Oct.”


Title: From George Washington to David Humphreys, 22 October 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Humphreys, David

My dear Humphreys
Mount Vernon 22d Octr 1786

Your favor of the 24th ulto came to my hands about the middle of this month. For the enclosures it containd I pray you to receive my warmest acknowledgements and thanks. The poem, tho’ I profess not to be a connoisseur in these kind of writings, appears pretty in my eye, and has sentiment and elegance which must, I think, render it pleasing to others.
With respect to the circular letter, I see not cause for suppressing or altering any part, except as to the place of meeting. Philadelphia, in my opinion, has the advantage of New York on three accts 1st as being more central—2d because there are passage boats which ply regularly, and are well fitted between the more Southern States and the former, by which the Delegates, if they chuse that mode of travelling, may be accomodated, and 3d it would seem to me that this body & Congress sitting in the same place, at the same time, will not be very pleasing. ⟨When you have digested your Thoughts for publication, in the case of Captn Asgill, I would thank you for a copy of them; having arrested the account I had furnished Mr Tilghman, with an assurance of a more authentic one for his friend in England.⟩
I am pleased with the choice of delegates which were made at your State meeting, and wish the representatives of all the State Societies may appear at the General meeting with as good dispositions

as I persuade myself they will. It gives me pleasure also to hear that so many officers are sent to your Assembly. I am persuaded they will carry with them more liberality of sentiment than is to be found among any other class of citizens.
The speech of our friend Cobb was noble, worthy of a patriot, & himself, as was the conduct of Gen. Sullivan. But for Gods sake tell me, what is the cause of all these commotions? Do they proceed from licenciousness, British influence disseminated by the Tories, or real grievances which admit of redress? If the latter, why has the remedy been delayed till the public mind had become so much agitated, & why yet postponed? If the former, why are not the powers of government tried at once? It is as well to be without them, as not to live under their exercise. ⟨Commotions of this sort, like snow-balls, gather strength as they roll, if there is no opposition in the way to divide & crumble them.
Do write me fully, I beseech you, on these matters; not only with respect to facts, but as to opinions of their tendency & issues.⟩ I am really mortified beyond expression that in the moment of our Acknowledged Independence we should, by our conduct, verify the predictions of our transatlantic foe, & render ourselves ridiculous & contemptible in the eyes of all Europe. ⟨My health (I thank you for the enquiry) is restored to me; & all under this roof join me in most affectionate regards, & regretting that your letter has held out no idea of visiting it again this winter—as you gave us hope of doing when you left us.
To all the gentn of my acquaintance who may happen to be in your circle, I beg to be remembered with sincere regard. To assure you of the sincerity of my friendship for you, would be unnecessary; as you must I think be perfectly satisfied of the high esteem and affection with which, I am &c. &c.

G: Washington⟩


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 October 1786
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear sir.
New York 23 October 1786

I have long intended myself the pleasure of visiting you at Mount Vernon, and although, I have not given up that hope, and shall probably gratify it in the Course of next month, yet I cannot longer delay presenting myself to the remembrance of my truly respected and beloved general, whose friendship I shall ever esteem among the most valuable circumstances of my existence.
Conscious of affection, and beleiving it to be reciprocal in your breast, I have had no apprehensions of my silence being misconstrued. I know the perplexity occasioned by your numerous correspondents and was unwilling to add to it. Besides which, I have lately been once far eastward of Boston, on private business, and was no sooner returned here, than the commotions in Massachusetts hurried me back to Boston on a public account.
Our political machine constituted of thirteen independent sovereignties, have been constantly operating against each other, and against the federal head, ever since the peace—The powers of Congress are utterly inadequate to preserve the balance between the respective States, and oblige them to do those things which are essential to their own welfare, and for the general good. The human mind in the local legislatures seems to be exerted, to prevent the federal constitution from having any beneficial effects. The machine works inversly to the public good in all its parts. Not only is State, against State, and all against the federal head, but the States within themselves possess the name only without having the essential concomitant of government, the power of preserving the peace; the protection of the liberty and property of the citizens.

On the first impression of Faction and licentiousness the fine theoretic government of Massachusetts has given way, and its laws arrested and trampled under foot. Men at a distance, who have admired our systems of government, unfounded in nature, are apt to accuse the rulers, and say that taxes have been assessed too high and collected too rigidly—This is a deception equal to any that has hitherto been entertained. It is indeed a fact, that high taxes are the ostensible cause of the commotions, but that they are the real cause is as far remote from truth as light from darkness. The people who are the insurgents have never paid any, or but very little taxes—But they see the weakness of government; They feel at once their own poverty, compared with the opulent, and their own force, and they are determined to make use of the latter, in order to remedy the former. Their creed is “That the property of the United States has been protected from the confiscations of Britain by the joint exertions of all, and therefore ought to be the common property of all. And he that attempts opposition to this creed is an enemy to equity and justice, and ought to be swept from off the face of the earth.” In a word they are determined to annihilate all debts public and private and have agrarian Laws which are easily effected by the means of unfunded paper money which shall be a tender in all cases whatever.
The numbers of these people may amount in massachusetts to about one fifth part of several populous counties, and to them may be collected, people of similar sentiments, from the States of Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire so as to constitute a body of 12 or 15000 desperate & unprincipled men—They are cheiffly of the Young and active part of the community, more easily collected than perhaps Kept together afterwards—But they will probably commit overt acts of treason which will compell them to embody for their own safety—once embodied they will be constrained to submit to discipline for the same reason. Having proceeded to this length for which they are now ripe, we shall have a formidable rebellion against reason, the principles of all government, and the very name of liberty. This dreadful situation has alarmed every man of principle and property in New England—They start as from a dream, and ask what has been the Cause of our delusion? What is to afford us security against the violence of lawless men? Our government

must be braced, changed, or altered to secure our lives and property. We imagined that the mildness of our government and the virtue of the people were so correspondent, that we were not as other nations requiring brutal force to support the laws—But we find that we are men, actual men, possessing all the turbulent passions belonging to that animal and that we must have a government proper and adequate to him—The people of Massachusetts for instance, are far advanced in this doctrine, and the men of reflection, & principle, are determined to endevor to establish a government which shall have the power to protect them in their lawful pursuits, and which will be efficient in all cases of internal commotions or foreign invasions—They mean that liberty shall be the basis, a liberty resulting from the equal and firm administration of the laws. They wish for a general government of unity as they see the local legislatures, must naturally and necessarily tend to retard and frustrate all general government.
We have arrived at that point of time in which we are forced to see our national humiliation, and that a progression in this line, cannot be productive of happiness either public or private—something is wanting and something must be done or we shall be involved in all the horror of faction and civil war without a prospect of its termination—Every tried friend to the liberties of his country is bound to reflect, and to step forward to prevent the dreadful consequences which will result from a government of events—Unless this is done we shall be liable to be ruled by an Arbritary and Capricious armed tyranny, whose word and will must be law.
The indians on the frontiers are giving indisputable evidence of their hostile dispositions. Congress anxiously desirous of averting the evils on the frontiers, have unanimously agreed to augment the troops now in service to a legionary Corps of 2040 Men. The additionals are to be raised as follows

                  Connecticut
                  180

                  R. Island
                  120

                  Infantry and artilly
                  Massachusetts
                  660

                  New Hampshire
                  260

                  Cavalry
                  Maryland
                  60

                  Virginia
                  60

                  1340

This measure is important, and will tend to strengthning the principle of government as well as to defend the frontiers—I mention the idea of strengthning government confidentially but the State of Massachusetts requires the greatest assistance, & Congress are fully impressed with the importance supporting her with great exertions.
I received your favor respecting Desdevans who has been teizing congress for a number of years—He is now at lake champlain—I never have been convinced of his services for the Union, although he has received considerable emoluments therefrom.
The death of our common & invaluable friend genl Greene, has been too melancholy and affecting a theme to write upon.
Mrs Knox has lately presented me with another daughter, who with its mother are in good health—She unites with me in presenting to Mrs Washington and yourself the most affectionate respects. I am my dear Sir with ardent wishes for your permanent and perfect felicity Your sincere friend, and much obliged humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Mandrillon, 24 October 1786
From: Mandrillon, Joseph
To: Washington, George

General
Amsterdam [Holland] 24th Octr 1786.

Your Excellency gave me reason to hope in your last letter, that if the Statutes of the Cincinnati permitted it, you would do me the pleasure, Sir, to propose me in the next Assembly of 1787.
Permit me to repeat to your Excellency how much I shall feel myself flattered by being connected, by a new bond, to a Count[r]y & to Citizens who have had so much of my devotion & admiration. In consequence, I take the liberty, Mr President, to send you my address to that illustrious Assembly. It will be peculiarly agreeable to me to appear there under Aspices so respectable as those of your Excellency. If I am so happy as to

obtain this favour, it will be equally agreeable to me to announce it to the Marquis de la Fayette, who will be charmed at my adoption.
I understand that each member contributes something towards establishing a fund for the releif of the Widows & families of those who perished in the defence of their County. Think, Sir, how happy I shall be in taking a part in that humane & patriotic Contribution!
I have lately had a visit from Colo. Vernon, who travels with Milady Hamilton & returned to England. We conversed much upon American affairs & particularly about your Excellency whose Virtues he admires as much as myself—What pleasure did I feel in conversing with a person who was so well acquainted with America & her Liberator!
Accept (with the enclosed Verses) the Assurances of profound respect with which I shall never cease to have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Hble & most Obedt Servt

Mandrillon

I recommend to your care the list of the Members which I have made mention of in my Memorial. Accept, I beseech you, before hand, of my Gratitude for it. I wait only for that to publish a new Edition of my work.


Title: To George Washington from John Henry, 25 October 1786
From: Henry, John
To: Washington, George

Octobr 25th 1786.

A submission to intrusion is a tribute which exalted Characters must expect will be exacted from them, and that often founded in Ignorance, or Impudence, yet sometimes from admiration of the Character address’d. to this last, I shall rely on your Excellencys known Philanthropy to attribute the freedom of the person that now presumes to approach you, who flatters himself his mite of Respect, will not be the less welcome because cloathed in the garb of Humility.
Doctor Stewart, who does me the favour to take charge of this, will deliver to your Excelly in the shape of a Salt Cellar, a peice of antiquity; thought to be so, by the once possessor Oliver Cromwell; a great, but not a good man—happy he who unites both Characters, in the sweetest of all retribution, that which arises from within.
I request your Excellencys acceptance of it, and trust to your gracious feelings to excuse this intrusion; Reverence and Respect guide the Pen, and your generous heart will let those plead my pardon—I shall have, I hope, the Pride to hand down to my Childrens Children, the Happiness of boasting when they open the Page of History, where this glorious revolution shall be recorded, that the amiable founder of it, amidst the applause of

surrounding Millions, condescended to accept a trifle from their Humble Progenitor.
May the Almighty bless and preserve you and yours, may you live long and Happy, and when called from hence, may you enjoy an eternal seat in those mansions of the Good where reigns silence and peace for evermore, prays, with the warmest zeal, Your Excellencys devoted Hble Servt

John Henry


Title: To George Washington from William Hull, 25 October 1786
From: Hull, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Newton [Mass.] 25th October 1786

At the Request of a Number of Gentlemen in this State, & many of them Officers in the late American Army, I take the Liberty of addressing your Excellency on a Subject, which they conceive of very great Importance to them—Your Excellency has doubtless seen the Articles of Association formed in this State for the purpose of making a Settlement in the Western Country on the Ohio—A very considerable Number have subscribed to that Association and it is their Intention to carry it into Effect next Summer—As your Excellency has a perfect Knowledge of that Country, and we are persuaded, a Disposition to oblige those who were your Companions during the War, they have

requested me to solicit your Advice with respect to the best Mode of effecting their Plan—Any Communications which I shall have the Honor to receive, will be laid before those who intend to be adventurers, at their next meeting, which will soon take place—As there are many Persons possessing considerable Property, whose Intention it is to transfer that Property and remove their Families to that Country, they wish to do it in such a Way as will conduce most to their Interest. Cows particularly will be very necessary, & driving them such a distance will be injurious to them & attended with considerable Expence—They wish to know whether it would not be more eligible to ship them in some part of Connecticutt and land them at Alexandria or some other place at the Southward, & from there drive them by Land—If so they would wish to know the particular place where it would be most convenient to land them, the Distance from that place to Fort-Pitt, the Situation of the Roads, & a variety of other Circumstances which will occur to your Excellency—They likewise wish to know whether there is a Furnace at Fort Pitt, or in that Country, where they can procure Iron Ware, & indeed whether they can purchase such Articles as will be necessary for their comfortable Existance, or whether it will be best for them to carry them from N. England. Any general Hints, which your Excellency will please to give on the Subject will be very gratefully received by those who feel the strongest Affection to your Person, & the sincerest Wishes for your Happiness, & still place Confidence in that Friendship which was so eminently distinguished during the War As an apology for this Letter, perhaps it may not be amiss to mention, that at the last Meeting, they appointed me one of their Committee to conduct the Business—With my sincerest Wishes for the Health & Happiness of Mrs Washington, permit me to rank myself among those who feel the warmest Attachment to your Excellency, & to subscribe myself your most affectionate Friend

William Hull


Title: From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 25 October 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Augustine

Dear George,
Mount Vernon 25th Octor 1786.

It is natural for young married people, who are launching into life, to look forward to a permanent establishment. If they are prudent, they will be reasonably sollicitous to provide for those who come after, & have a right to look to them for support.
It is also natural for those who have passed the meridian of life, & are descending into the shades of darkness, to make arrangements for the disposal of the property of which they are possessed. The first of these observations will apply to you; & the second to myself. I have no doubt but that you & Fanny are

as happy & contented in this family as circumstances will admit. Yet, something is still wanting to make that situation more stable & pleasing.
It is well known that the expensive manner in which I am as it were involuntarily compelled to live, will admit of no diminution of my income, nor could it be expected if I now had, or ever should have descendants, that I either would, or ought in justice to deprive them of what the laws of nature & the laws of the land, if left to themselves, have declared to be their inheritance. The first however is not the case at present; and the second, not likely to be so hereafter.
Under this statement then, I may add that it is my present intention to give you at my death, my landed property in the neck, containing by estimation between two & three thousand acres, by purchases from Wm Clifton and George Brent, and that the reasons why I communicate this matter to you at this time, are that you may, if you chuse it, seat the negroes which Colo. Bassett has promised you upon that part of the cleared land, on which Saml Johnson formerly lived; And under this expectation & prospect, that you may, when it perfectly suits your inclination & convenience, be preparing for, and building thereon by degrees.
You may say, or think perhaps, that as there is a contingency tacked to this intimation, the offer is too precarious to hazard the expence of building; but if Mrs Washington should survive me, there is a moral certainty of my dying without issue; & should I be the longest liver, the matter in my opinion, is hardly less certain; for while I retain the faculty of reasoning, I shall never marry a girl; & it is not probable that I should have children by a woman of an age suitable to my own, should I be disposed to enter into a second marriage. However, that there may be no possibility of your sustaining a loss, the matter may rest on the footing of compensation. I do therefore hereby declare it to be, & it is my express meaning, that, if by the event before alluded to, or any other by which you may be deprived of the fee-simple in the lands herein mentioned, (unless a full equivalent is given in lieu thereof) that I will pay the cost of any buildings which you may erect on the premises. The use of the Plantation, it is presumed, will be adequate for the fences with

which it may be enclosed, & for the labour arising from the cultivation—nothing therefore need be said on that head.
Here then, the prospect of a permanent inheritance is placed in the opposite scale of possible disappointment, & you are to judge for yourself.
I have been thus particular, because I would be clearly understood; because it is not my wish to deceive, & because I would not raise an expectation not warranted from the premises, by fair deduction.
Johnson’s plantation, as I believe, yes know, is destitute of fencing, but there is timber at hand. The cleared land, whatever may have been the original quality of it, now is, by use, & more so by abuse, much gullied & in bad condition; but as there is a sufficiency of it for the hands you will get, it may soon by care, good management, & a proper course of cropping, be recovered.
One thing more & I will close this letter. Do not infer from my proposing it to you to build, that I meant it as a hint for you to prepare another home—I had no such idea. To point you to a settlement which you might make at leizure, & with convenience was all I had in view. More than once, I have informed you that in proportion as age & its concomitants encrease upon me, I shall stand in need of some person in whose industry & integrity I can confide for assistance. The double ties by which you are connected with this family (to say nothing of the favourable opinion we have of you) by marriage union, have placed you differently from any other of my relations for this purpose; because no other married couple could give, or probably would receive the same satisfaction by living in it that you and Fanny do. But whether you remain in the same house, or at a future day may remove to the place proposed, your services will be convenient & essential to me; because with your aid I shall be able to manage my concerns without having recourse to a Steward, which comports neither with my interest nor inclination to employ. With very affectionate regard I am—Yrs

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 25 October 1786
From: Washington, George Augustine
To: Washington, George

Honor’d Uncle
Mount Vernon Octr 25th 1786

I find it impossible to give expression to my feelings adequate to the warmth of gratitude which Your favor of this morning has excited. I know however it is not Your wish to receive laboured acknowledgements, and I will endeavour to offer no more (in this way) than will shew my deep sence of a new and extraordinary instance of regrard, in addition to the weighty obligations of being advanced in early life by Your patronage—supported in my circumstances, and placed in the happy situation of improvement from Your example and advice. I shall be sunk to worthless depravity e’er any one of these are blot’ed from my memory, or e’er a day passes that the remembrance of them does not induce fervent prayers for Your happiness and for Your being long spared to me and humanity—Both Fanny and myself are happier in this family than we could be in any other or I am persuaded in a house of our own, yet the prospect of those helpless dependants whom nature and duty teaches us to be solicitous for, renders it prudent to make arrangements for obviating the inconvenience that may arise from an increase to Your family. The Negroes Colo. Bassett will give me, cannot I am persuaded be so advantageously disposed of as in the way You so generously and kindly offer. To know that my services contribute in the smallest degree to Your satisfaction, or ease, is a circumstance highly pleasing, and a strict obedience to Your wishes will ever be a governing principal with Your truely affectionate Nephew

Geo: A. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 26 October 1786
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Paris October the 26th 1786

To one who So tenderly loves You, who So Happily Enjoyed the times We Have past together, and Who Never, on any part of the Globe, Even in His own House, Could feel Himself so Perfectly at Home, as in Your family, it Must Be Confessed that an irregular lengthty Correspondance is far insufficient—I Beseech You in the Name of our friendship, of that Paternal Concern of Yours for My Happiness, Not to Miss Any Opportunity to let me Hear from My dear General.
I Have Been travelling through Some Garrison towns, in order to preserve the Habit of Seeing troops and their tactics—Now am Mostly at fontainebleau where the Court is Residing for a few weecks—The inclosed letter from the Minister to Mr jefferson will, I Hope, prove Agreable to the United States—our Committees will Go on this Winter, and I will Endeavour to propose Such Measures as May be thought Advantageous—Mr jefferson is a Most able and Respected Representative, and Such a Man as Makes me Happy to Be His Aid de Camp—Congress Have Made a choice Very favourable to their affairs.
The treaty of Commerce betwen france and England is Made But not Yet Ratified—they are to treat each other like the Most favoured European Nation—So that America is Safe—Newspapers Will Acquaint You With the dutch Quarrels—it is Strange to See So Many people, So Angry, on So Small a Spot, without Bloodshed—But Parties are At the Same time Supported in their Claims, and Cramped in their Motions By the Neighbouring powers—france Sides with the Patriots—the New King of prussia interest Himself in Behalf of the Stat Holder His Brother in law—and So does England Under Hand—But the Republicans are So Strong, and the State Holder is Such a Block Head, that it will turn out to the Advantage of the former—No Present Appearance of a War in Germany—The Russians and turks are Quarrelling, But will not So Soon Make a War—the Empress is Going to Krimée, where it is Said She will Meet the Emperor—She Had Givin Me polite Hints that I Should go to Pete[r]sburg—I Have Answered With a demand of a Permission to Go to Krimée Which Has Been Granted—So that, (if the affair of the forts, Which I think Must be taken does not More

Agreably employ me) I will Set out the last days of february for Krimée, and Return by Constantinople and the Archipelago—I will Refer to the Hints Given in a former letter about those forts which, if timely Advertised, Would Carry me Quite a different, and Much More pleasing Course.
I Have Been So Much Affected, My dear General, and So deeply Mourning for the Heavy loss which the United States, and ourselves particularly Have Had to Support, While Our Great and Good friend Gal Greene Has be Snatched from a Country to Which He Was an Honour; that I feel a Confort in Condoling With one Who Knew So well His Value, and Will of Course So much Have lamented the loss[.] There is Between Mr jefferson and Mr Adams a diversity of Opinion Respecting the Algerines Adams thinks a peace Should Be purchased from them—Mr jefferson finds it as cheap and More Honourable to Cruize Against them—I incline to the later opinion, and think it possible to form an Alliance Betwen the United States, Naples, Rome, Venice, Portugal and Some other powers—Each Giving a Sum of Monney Not Very large—Whereby a Common Armament May distress the Algerines into Any terms—Congress ought to Give Mr jefferson and Adams Ample powers to Stipulate in their Names for Such a Confederacy.
You will Be pleased to Hear that I Have Great Hopes to See the affairs of the Protestants in this Kingdom put on a Better footing—not Such by far as it ought to Be—But Much Mended from the Absurd, and Cruel laws of lewis the fourteenth.
I Hope Your jack Ass, with two females, and a few pheasants and Red partridges have Arrived Safe.
Adieu, My dear general, My Best and tenderest Respects wait on Mrs Washington—Remember me to the one who was formerly Master tub, and Now Must Be a Big Boy, and also to the Young ladies—Be pleased to Pay My Affectionate Compliments to George and His lady, to doctor and Mrs Stuart, doctor Craig, doctor Griffith, Your Brothers, Mrs Lewis, to Your Venerable Mother, to all our friends, and often think of Your Most devoted friend, Your Adoptive Son who with all the affection and Respect Which You know are so deeply Rooted in His Heart Has the Honour to Be My dear General, Yours

Lafayette

A New instance of the Goodness of the State of Virginia Has Been Given me, by the placing of My Bust at the Hôtel de ville of this City—the Situation of the other Bust will Be the More pleasing to Me as While it places me within the Capitol of the State, I will Be eternally By the Side of, and paying an Everlasting Homage to the Statue of My Beloved General.
I Have Received the Hams, and am much obliged to that kind attention of Mrs Washington—the first was introduced three days ago at a dinner Composed of Americans, Where our friend Chattelux Had Been invited—They Arrived in the Best order—Mde delafayette and the little family Beg their Best Respects to Mrs Washington and Yourself.


Title: To George Washington from John Leigh, 30 October 1786
From: Leigh, John
To: Washington, George

Norfolk Octr 30th 1786

I trust that your Excellency will pardon the liberty which I have taken with your Name, when the Circumstances are made known to you which induc’d me thus to conduct myself.

While I was engag’d in the Study of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, the Professors offer’d a premium to any Student there, who shou’d write the best Dissertation on Opium; I enter’d immediately the List of Competitors, and was so fortunate as to gain the premium—Having effected this, my Friends advisd me to publish my Work, as the Subject was new, and containd many Experiments never before made. Sensible of the great benefits which every infant Production must experience by having a Protector, whose Name is sufficient to claim for it the Attention and favour of the World, and sensible also that there was no One on the Continent so well calculated to effect this as your Excellency—I was led to take the liberty of Dedicating my Work to you, a Copy of which will now accompany this Letter, begging for your Excellency’s Patronage and support. I have the Honor to subscribe myself, Your Excellency’s most Obd. and very Hble Servt

J. Leigh


Title: To George Washington from George McCarmick, 30 October 1786
From: McCarmick, George
To: Washington, George

[c.30 October 1786]

I take Pleasure to wright to your Exallecy that you have Gaind all your land on millers Run—the persons who lives on the land are Determined to Go off amadetely. and will not lye—it wood be well a nuff not to Destress them any more—I do not think the land Can be Sold yet. money is So Scares here—Charles

Morgan is to meet me On the land Next friday to Runrou[n]d it and mark the lines plane—if the men Should move off, it wood be Nessery to Git Sombody to live on the lands to keep the fence and plantations in Good order. and to Rent them, till the[y] Can be Sold. I think the best way to Sell them, wood be to Sell them in 2 [,] 3 or 4 hundred Acres lotts—the[y] wood Sell better and for more—how Ever I leve that to your own good Judgment I have Shown them your Advertisement before the tryall which the[y] laft at but have Cryed Sence—the Sooner the land Could be taken Care off it would be the better, to appoint Som body to take Care for you—I Expect a Number of men this winter from the Jarseys to by lands—here I have Sold my land to Sum Jarsey men nere your lands at 16/3 d. pr acre one half Down and the other to be paid in Six months, but the land is not as Good as yours I Dont think you Can Get more than twenty Shillings pr acre—to Get Good pay—I will do any thing I can to oblidge you in the land—I can do nothing in Mr Lund Washington Land before Next fall; there is no dought but he will Get his land then, the people who lives on his land will not Give up—which I wish you to inform him—the Judges paid the Strictest Regards to our Virginia Rights—and any persons who has any Just Clame under Virginia wright there is not the lest Dought but he will have his lands Secured to him. this Judgments of the Judges has fritened all the Cohees from Steelling of Lands.


Title: From George Washington to the Society of the Cincinnati, 31 October 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Society of the Cincinnati

Sir,
Mount Vernon in Virginia 31st Octo. 1786

I take this early opportunity, in my character of President of the Cincinnati, of announcing to you, that the triennial General Meeting of the Society is to be convened at the City of Philadelphia on the first Monday of May in the year 1787.
As it will not be in my power (for reasons which I shall have the honor of immediately communicating) to attend the next General Meeting; and as it may become more and more inconvenient for me to be absent from my Farms, or to receive appointments which will divert me from my private affairs; I think it proper also to acquaint you, for the information of your Delegates to the General Meeting, that it is my desire not to be reelected to the Presidency, since I should find myself under the necessity of declining the acceptance of it.
The numerous applications for information, advice, or assistance which are made to me in consequence of my military command; the multiplicity of my correspondencies in this Country as well as in many parts of Europe; the variety & perplexity of my own private concerns, which, having been much deranged by my absence through the war, demand my entire & unremitting attention; the arduousness of the task, in which I have been as it were unavoidably engaged, of superintending the opening the navigation of the great rivers in this State; the natural desire of tranquility and relaxation from business, which almost every one experiences at my time of life, particularly after having acted (during a considerable period) as no idle spectator in uncommonly busy & important scenes; and the present imbecility of my health, occasioned by a violent attack of the fever & ague, succeeded by rheumatick pains (to which till of late I have been an entire stranger); will, I doubt not, be considered as reasons of sufficient validity to justify my conduct in the present instance.
Although the whole of these reasons could not have before operated; yet, in conformity to my determination of passing the remainder of my days in a state of retirement, I should certainly have refused to accept the office of President with which I was honored in 1784, but from an apprehension that my refusal, at that time, might have been misrepresented as a kind of dereliction

of the Society on my part, or imputed to a disapprobation of the principles on which it was then established. To convince the opposers of the Institution, should any such remain, that this was not the fact; and to give no colourable pretext for unreasonable attacks; I prevailed upon myself to accept the appointment with a view of holding it only until the next election:before which time I expected the jealousy that had been excited, would subside—and this, I am happy to be informed, has universally taken place.
Highly approving as I do, the principles on which the Society is now constituted; and pleased to find, so far as I have been able to learn from reiterated enquiries, that is is acceptable to the good people of the United States in general; it only remains for me to express the sense I entertain of the honor conferred by the last General Meeting in electing me their President, and to implore in future the benediction of Heaven on the virtuous Associates in this illustrious Institution.
During the residue of my continuance in Office, I shall be constantly ready to sign such Diplomas as may be requisite for the members of your State Society, being sincerely desirous of giving every possible proof of attachment, esteem, & affection for them; as well as of demonstrating the sentiments of perfect consideration & respect with which I have the honor to be Sir Yr most Obedt and most Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I have thought it expedient to forward a transcript of this circular address to Majr Genl Gates, Vice President of the Society: In order that the General Meeting may suffer no embarrassment for want of an official character to preside at the opening of it. G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 31 October 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 31st October 1786.

I am indebted to you for your several favors of the 1st 11th & 17th instt, and shall reply to them in the order of their dates:But first let me thank you for the interesting communications imparted in them.
The picture which you have drawn, & the accts which are published, of the commotions & temper of numerous bodies in the Eastern States, are equally to be lamented and deprecated. They exhibit a melancholy proof of what our trans atlantic foe have predicted; and of another thing perhaps, which is still more to be regretted, and is yet more unaccountable; that mankind left to themselves are unfit for their own government. I am mortified beyond expression whenever I view the clouds which have spread over the brightest morn that ever dawned upon any Country. In a word, I am lost in amazement, when I behold what intriegueing; the interested views of desperate characters; Jealousy; & ignorance of the Minor part, are capable of effecting as a scurge on the major part of our fellow citizens of the Union:for it is hardly to be imagined that the great body of the people tho’ they will not act can be so enveloped in darkness, or short sighted as not to see the rays of a distant sun through all this mist of intoxication & folly.

You talk, my good Sir, of employing influence to appease the tumults in Massachusetts—I know not where that influence is to be found; and if attainable, that it would be a proper remedy for the disorders. Influence is no government. Let us have one by which our lives, liberties, and properties will be secured, or let us know the worst at once. Under these impressions, my humble opinion is, that there is a call for decision. Know precisely what the Insurgents aim at. If they have real grievances, redress them, if possible, or acknowledge the justice of their complaints and your inability of doing it, in the present moment. If they have not, employ the force of government against them at once. If this is inadequate, all will be convinced that the superstructure is bad, or wants support. To be more exposed in the eyes of the world & more contemptible than we already are, is hardly possible. To delay one of the other of these, is to exasperate in one case, and to give confidence in the other; and will add to their numbers; for like Snow-balls, such bodies encrease by every movement, unless there is something in the way to obstruct, & crumble them before the weight is too great & irrisistable.
These are my sentiments. Precedents are dangerous things. Let the reins of government then be braced in time & held with a steady hand; & every violation of the constitution be reprehended. If defective, let it be amended, but not suffered to be trampled on whilst it has an existence.
With respect to the navigation of the Mississipi, you already know my sentiments thereon. They have been uniformly the same, and as I have observed to you in a former letter, are controverted by one consideration only of weight; and that is the operation the occlusion of it may have on the minds of the Western Settlers; who will not consider the subject in a relative point of view, or on a comprehensive scale; and may be influenced by the demagagues of the Country to acts of extravagence & desperation, under a popular declamation that their interests are sacraficed. Colonel Mason is at present in a fit of the Gout, what his sentiments on the subject are, I know not, nor whether he will be able to attend the Assembly during the present Session. For some reasons (unnecessary to mention) I am inclined to believe he will advocate the navigation of that river. But in all matters of great national moment the only true line of conduct—

in my opinion—is dispassionately to compare the advantages & disadvantages of the measure proposed, and decide from the ponderancy. The lesser evil (where there is a choice of them) should always yield to the greater. What benefits (more than we now enjoy) are to be derived from such a Treaty as you have delineated with Spain, I am not enough of a Commercial man to give any opinion on.
The China came to hand without much damage; and I thank you for your attention in procuring & forwarding of it to me. Mrs Washington joins me in best wishes for Mrs Lee and yourself and I am very affectionately Dear Sir Yr most Obedt & Obliged Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George McCarmick, 31 October 1786
From: McCarmick, George
To: Washington, George

Sir
Octbr 31th 1786

I here inform you of the two Expedition against the Indians. the Seventeenth of Sept. Genl Clark Crossed the ohio River at the falls, to Go up the wawbash River, with aleven hundred and Eighty men and artilrey. the artilarey went up the wawbash and the men and Cattle and baggage went by land—Colo. lowgan Crossed the ohio, the first Day of Octobr with Eight hundred and Seventy men at the Mought of limestone, to Go to the Shawneys towns. brice Virgan was present when the Started—there

is no accounts arived here yit what Sucksess the have had—my Son John McCarmick, on his way from Detroyet ther Come with Simon Gurty and Colo. Brant to the upper Sunduskey on there way to the Grat Shawney town to a Grat Counsell, which was to be the fifteenth of Octbr he parted with them the tenth, which we all Expect that Colo. Lowgan, will take them in there Counsell; there is but ⟨a majr⟩ and Sixty men of the british, at Detroyet—my Son went there with a Drove of Cattle and was there about two weeks—I ashoure you that these accounts Can be Relyed on And beg leve to Subscribe my Self your freend and Most hum. Sart

Go: McCarmick

N.B. I hope you will Excuse me for feeing of Mr Ross for you he is the first Loyer in this part of the world, and was the Most Ablest Loyer at your tryall—and laid Down Sulch points of law that Could no be Got Over. G.M.


Title: From George Washington to William Moultrie, 31 October 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Moultrie, William

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 31st Octor 1786.

As soon as your Excellency’s favor of the 7th of Augt, came to my hands, I forwarded the enclosure therein, to Mr Brindley, under cover to Saml Hughes Esqr. Herewith you will receive their answers.
Presuming that your Excelly is President of the Society of the

Cincinnati in the State of South Carolina, I have the honor of addressing the enclosed circular letter to you. If I am mistaken, I pray you to forward it to the right person. Mrs Washington joins me in every good wish for Mrs Moultree & yourself, & with sentiments of great regard & respect, I have the honor to be &c.

G: Washington

P.S. Permit me to request the favor of you to direct the blank cover herewith sent, to the President of the Georgia Society of the Cincinnati, & cause it to be forwarded by the first safe conveyance that may offer. G: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 31 October 1786
From: Washington, Bushrod
To: Washington, George

[31 October 1786]

The motives which gave birth to the Society, were these. We conceived, that in a government where the voice and sentiments of the people are delivered by representation, the few who are elected to speak these sentiments are the servants of the electors; that in grand points of national concern, the people are the best judges of their wants, their own interests, and can more sensibly feel those evils, which they wish to be corrected; that upon these two principles they have a right to instruct their delegates; and that silence at a time when they had reason to apprehend a conduct in these servants contrary to their wishes would be highly criminal. We thought that an appearance of corruption was discoverable in the mass of the people, or, what is as bad, a total insensibility to their public interest. Persuaded of this, and equally convinced that this inattention proceeded more from the want of information than from want of real virtue, a number of the principal gentlemen in these four counties determined to assemble, for the purpose of inquiring and deliberating upon such subjects as were of the most interesting consequence, and to communicate their sentiments to the people in the form of instructions; which, if approved by them, are signed and sent to their delegates; if otherwise, they continue only the opinion of a few, and can have no weight.

The people’s attention being thus awakened to their public concerns, they are led to investigate the causes of those evils which oppress them, and to endeavor by some method to relieve them. The most uninquiring mind must, when put in action, perceive that the defect is either in the manners of the people, or in the misconduct of those, who, being intrusted to form salutary laws, have adopted the most destructive measures. The evil when seen may easily be removed; and unless the majority of the people are vitiated, which can hardly be the case, they would certainly be led to apply the only two possible remedies; the one, to exert more zeal in making a judicious choice of delegates; the other, to reform their manners. I am fully convinced that nothing could be more effective of the prosperity of this country, than the method you have pointed out of electing honest and able representatives. To recommend this to the attention of the people is a principal object with this Society.
Thus you will perceive, that this institution assumes no other power, than that of recommending to the people an attention to their own interests, and of furnishing them with the sentiments and opinions of a few, which they may either reject or adopt. It is true, that a few designing men might creep into these societies; but I should hope that a majority will be virtuous. If this should be the case, their recommendation may have happy consequences; if the majority should unhappily be vicious, they are but the opinions of a few expressed collectively. In this, however, I am resolved, that as soon as I perceive that other motives than those of the public good influence their conduct, I will quit them.


Title: To George Washington from John Brown, 1 November 1786
From: Brown, John
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Providence [R.I.] 1st Novemr 1786

Tho’ its a long time since I have had the pleasure of seeing or hearing from you, my continued esteem for your Person &

Character prompts me to address you in favour of a Mr Joseph Jenckes a young Gentleman of about 22 years of age who went from this place to Alexandria in September last with Intention to set down in Business there in the mercantile Line under the Firm of Jenckes Winsor & Co. provided he liked the Country and found due encouragement, his Father being one of the first Families in this State wishes his Son might be indulged with your smiles, and I do assure you from the small acquaintance I have had with the young Gentleman I can with propriety & do recommend him as a substantial and deserving young Gentleman, any little notice you may make it convenient to show him will be gratefully acknowleged by him, his Friends & your Obt Humble Servt

John Brown

P.S. Dr Sr As I have ever had sanguine expections of your success in the promotion & utility of the canal you have so laudably undertaken I shall be exceedingly obliged, if not too much Trouble, you’ll please to advise me how far you have succeeded, what number of men are employed on the work &c. &c. &c.


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 1 November 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond Novr 1. 1786

I have been here too short a time as yet to have collected fully the politics of the Session. In general appearances are favorable. On the question for a paper emission the measure was this day rejected in emphatical terms by a majority of 84 vs 17. The affair of the Missisippi is but imperfectly known. I find that its influence on the federal spirit will not be less than was apprehended. The Western members will not be long silent on the subject. I inculcate a hope that the views of Congress may yet be changed, and that it would be rash to suffer the alarm to interfere with the policy of amending the Confederacy. The sense of the House has not yet been tried on the latter point. The Report from the Deputies to Annapolis lies on the Table, and I hope will be called for before the business of the Mississippi begins to ferment. Mr Henry has signified his wish not to be reelected, but will not be in the Assembly. The Attorney & R. H. Lee are in nomination for his successor. The former will probably be appointed, in which case the contest for that vacancy will lie between Col. Innis & Mr Marshal. The nominations for Cong[res]s are as usual numerous. There being no Senate yet it is uncertain when any of these appointments will take place. With the sincerest affection & the highest esteem I am Dear Sir Yr Obedt & humble Servt

Js Madison Jr


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 3 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon 3d Novr 1786

The letter, of which I have the honor to enclose your Excellency an extract, & the Addresses, came to my hands a few days since. Whether the latter are originals or copies, & whether any steps have been taken in compliance with Sir Edwd Newenham’s wishes, you can better decide than I. Also, if there has not, what is best to be done with the application.
If I mistake not, this case militates with a resolve of Congress, which declares that none but Citizens of these United States shall hold Consular appointments under it; but how far the singularity of the application, from such a character, & under such an enumeration of circumstances; may occasion a departure therefrom (if my belief is founded) is not for me to determine.
This letter to you, My good Sir, is the first move I have made in this business; & I will await your sentiments before I make another. I am, as I hope you will always believe me to be, with the greatest respect & regard, Dr Sir, &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Theodorick Bland, 4 November 1786 [letter not found]
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Theodorick Bland, 4 Nov. 1786. On 18 Nov. GW wrote Bland of “the receipt of your obliging favors of the 4th & 9th inst.”


Title: To George Washington from Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company, 4 November 1786
From: Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company
To: Washington, George

Sir
Madeira 4 Novr 1786

We have been favoured with your’s of the 3d of last August, and have to return you our best thanks for your polite attention to our sundry letters. Mr Hill acknowledges to us the receipt of your bill upon Wakelin Welch Esqre for £43.12.4 stg.
We observe with infinite concern what you have mentioned in regard to the high cost of your pipe of wine, and as to an old correspondent, are desirous of giving you every satisfaction in this respect in our power.
You will permit us therefore to remark Sir, that the shipping prices of the different denominations of wine are annually fixed upon at a meeting of the Consul and factory, at a season of the year, namely the last day of December, when the new wines are already clear, and a competent judgement can be formed of their quality and quantity; upon which two circumstances the shipping prices are principally dependent.
To these prices every member of the British factory subscribes, and from these they cannot deviate without a manifest breach of promise. It has been moreover the long established custom of all the houses here to charge twenty shillings sterling per annum for every year’s additional age a pipe of wine acquires in our lodges—a charge infinitely inadequate to the expence incurred by leakage and frequent racking of the wine.
During the years 1782, 3, & 4 the shipping price of particular wine was £31 stlg per pipe of 110 gallons, which is the Common gauge of a Madeira pipe. In December, 84, the vintage having proved extremely short, and the quality of the wines not very generally good, it was deemed necessary by the Factory to raise the price of our first quality from the above price to £34 stlg: at which it still continues. The pipe we had the pleasure of shipping you last December, was of the age of 3 years, and of the large or Barbadoes gauge, that is instead of holding 110 gallons, contained 120; the difference of which measure is always calculated at 10 per cent—These charges, together with the insurance thereon, and the additional cost of the case, were all specifically mentioned in the letter we had on that occasion the honour of addressing to you, and to which ⟨we⟩ take the liberty of referring you. The difference between the shipping price in

the year 83, and 85, is too obvious to be insisted on—We shall be sincerely happy Sir if this statement of the case will clear us from having acted with impropriety in the above respect, in the opinion of a person whose correspondence we have every reason to esteem—We have the honour to be Sir—your obt servants

Lamar Hill Bisset & Co.


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 5 November 1786
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Novemr 5th 1786

I have your Esteemed favour of 28th ulto. It is scarcely possible to get the Clover seed by the bushel from the farmers or Graziers who bring it to Market—those who are Accustomed to gathering it for sale having a Constant Market with the Retailers will give them a preference & in getting it from them you are sure of the best seed—it is just now coming in & the Retailers tell me they can shortly Supply a quantity @ 14d. or 15d. the pound, they sell by the dozen or twenty pounds at 18d. The present year has not been very favourable for Barley but the Brewers will chuse the best they have for seed—but expect a profusion in the produce they giving the Highest price & they Charge no more for it than they pay the Farmers which is this year 6/ and about a penny ⅌ Bushel Cuttage—Reuben Haines one of our first Brewers has promised that I shall have one hundred Bushels of the Right Spring Barley & I have informed him I should make no engagement that you would send the Produce of it here, but if you did it should be offered to him he giving the highest price—No such Coarse Goods as you mention have been in any quantity for Sale at Vendue. Yrs &ca

Clement Biddle


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 5 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Novr 5th 1786

Not having heard, or not recollecting who the President of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New York is, I take the liberty of giving you the trouble of the enclosed.
I am endeavouring by the sale of Land, to raise money to pay for my Moiety of the purchase on the Mohawk River—So soon as this is effected I will write your Excellency more fully. In the meantime, with every good wish for Mrs Clinton and the rest of your family, in which Mrs Washington cordially unites I am Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt and Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 5 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Novr 1786.

I thank you for the communications in your letter of the first instt. The decision of the House on the question respecting a paper emission, is portentous I hope, of an auspicious Session. It may certainly be classed among the important questions of the present day; and merited the serious consideration of the Assembly. Fain would I hope, that the great, & most important of all objects—the fœderal governmt—may be considered with that calm & deliberate attention which the magnitude of it so loudly calls for at this critical moment.
Let prejudices, unreasonable jealousies, and local interest yield to reason and liberality. Let us look to our National character, and to things beyond the present period. No Morn ever dawned more favourable than ours did—and no day was ever more clouded than the present! Wisdom, & good examples are necessary at this time to rescue the political machine from the impending storm. Virginia has now an opportunity to set the latter, and has enough of the former, I hope, to take the lead in promoting this great & arduous work. Without some alteration in our political creed, the superstructure we have been seven years raising at the expence of much blood and treasure, must fall. We are fast verging to anarchy & confusion! A letter which I have just received from Genl Knox, who had just returned from Massachusetts (whither he had been sent by congress consequent of the commotion in that State) is replete with melancholy information of the temper & designs of a considerable part of that people. among other things he says, “there creed is, that the property of the United States, has been protected from confiscation of Britain by the joint exertions of all, and therefore ought to be the common property of all. And he that attempts opposition to this creed is an enemy to equity & justice, & ought to be swept from off the face of the Earth.” again “They are

determined to anihilate all debts public & private, and have Agrarian Laws, which are easily effected by the means of unfunded paper money which shall be a tender in all cases whatever.” He adds. “The numbers of these people amount in Massachusetts to about one fifth part of several populous Counties, and to them may be collected, people of similar sentiments from the States of Rhode Island, Connecticut, & New Hampsh⟨ire⟩ so as to constitute a body of twelve or fifteen thousand desperate, and unprincipled men. They are chiefly of the young & active part of the Commun⟨ity⟩.
How melancholy is the reflection that in so short a space, we should have made such large strides towards fulfill⟨ing⟩ the prediction of our transatlantic foes!—“leave them to themselves, and their government will soon dissolve.” Will not the wise & good strive hard to avert this evil? Or will their supineness suffer ignorance, and the arts of selfinterested designing disaffected & desperate characters, to involve this rising empire in wretchedness & contempt? What stronger evidence can be given of the want of energy in our governments than these disorders? If there exists not a power to check them, what security has a man of life, liberty, or property? To you, I am sure I need not add aught on this subject, the consequences of a lax, or inefficient government, are too obvious to be dwelt on. Thirteen Sovereignties pulling against each other, and all tugging at the fœderal head, will soon bring ruin on the whole; whereas a liberal, and energetic Constitution, well guarded & closely watched, to prevent incroachments, might restore us to that degree of respectability & consequence, to which we had a fair claim, & the brightest prospect of attaining—With sentiments of the sincerest esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 5 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Novr 1786

Enclosed is a petition from the Directors of the Potomack Company to our Assembly which they request you to present; and to use your endeavors to obtain the prolongation which is therein prayed for. The Assembly need be under no apprehension of unnecessary delay. Interest and inclination will equally prompt the Company to dispatch. To shorten the time required may occasion a contrariety in the Acts of the different Assemblies, & would create confusion, trouble & delay in the business. We hope therefore no attempt will be made to do this.
As the petition recites the causes which have given rise to the application, and the facts enumerated are notorious, I shall add nothing in support of it.
I also give you the trouble of a small matter which concerns myself only. It is, if you shall see no impropriety from the lapse of time (which is injurious only to myself) to offer the enclosed certificates when you shall find a fit opportunity, for payment.
The circumstances are these. In the year 1774 I bought a number of Servants, hired many freemen, and sent Negroes to the Ohio for the purpose of saving, and improving my Military Lands, agreeably to the Laws then existing. The Indian disturbances wch obliged Lord Dunmore to embody and March the Militia into that Country, checked my operations; and the seizure of part of my goods (as will appear by these Certificates) compelled me the year following to encounter the same expence, trouble & difficulty I had done the preceeding one. And no Assembly happening that could take cognizance of such Claims before my departure from this State (in May 1775) the Certificates during my absence, and the frequent removal of my papers (to keep them from the hands of the enemy) got so intermixed as not to be found till very lately. If these circumstances which are truely related, are insufficient to obtain compensation for them without subjecting the application to much disputation, I had rather undergo the loss, than the mortification of an opposition to a measure that is merely personal.
As we are to be made rich by the Magity Bay-Pea, might it not be well for you to enquire how and in what manner this great good is to be effected. Particularly when they are to be sowed—

the quantity required for an Acre—Preparation of the ground & nature of the Soil best adapted for them. Whether they are to be plowed in as a manure, and in what stage of their growth; or whether the leaf alone when fallen, is sufficient to answer this purpose. The best method of saving the Seed, and the quantity to be had from an Acre, &ca &ca—Mr Savage, or some of the Gentlemen from the Eastern shore can, no doubt, give full information on all these heads.
Will you be so good as to enquire if spring Barley can be had—in what quantity, at what price, and how it could be got here. The family all join me in best wishes for you—Mrs Stuart who is here, and will put a letter under cover with this, will tell you, I presume, that she and the Children are all well. I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. If you could inform me what Sum, and at what time I may depend upon the Estate of Mr Custis for it, you would oblige me. My want of money presses. I must sell something if I cannot receive part of what is due to me.

G: W——n


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 6 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Novr 6th 1786

Presuming you are Presidt of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Jersey, I give you the trouble of the enclosed address. If I am mistaken, you will be so good as to hand it to the right person.
Months ago, I received a number of blank Diplomas for my Signature, which was affixed & held in readiness for Mr Peck or his order. No call has yet been for them. If a good conveyance

should offer, I will forward them; but I am not much in the way of meeting this. With great esteem and regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Ser.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Francis Mercer, 6 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, John Francis

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 6th Novr 1786

It was not till after you had left this place that I received your letter of the 4th Ulto. Altho’ I have great repugnance to encreasing my Slaves by purchase, yet as it seems so inconvenient to you to make payment by other modes than those you have proposed, and so injurious as not to be accomplished at a less loss than 50 or more prCt; I will take Six or more Negroes of you, if you can spare such as will answer my purposes, upon the terms offered in your former letter. The Negroes I want are males. Three or four young fellows for Ditchers; and the like number of well grown lads for artificers. It is with you to determine, whether you can supply me with such Negroes. If you agree to do it, and will appoint a time, I would send for them; relying on your word that the whole are healthy, and none of them addicted to running away. The latter I abominate—and unhealthy negroes—women, or Children, would not suit my purposes on any terms.
If you accede to this proposition I will extend it. I will take all the good, & merchantable Wheat, & Indian Corn you may have for sale, at a reasonable price (the first immedly—the latter at a proper time)—and Military certificates of this State, for the Balle of my claim; at the difference that really exists between them and specie; altho I never intended to possess one of them on any terms whatever in a depreciated State. If these proposals are agreeable to you in all their parts, I should be glad to receive a decided and speedy answer; because in that case I will no longer look to you for the means of discharging those debts I have enumerated to you, and to do which I am exceedingly anxious,

but will endeavor without more delay, to sell Land to enable me to pay them.
I had written thus far when Colo. Simm called on his way from Chas County Court to obtain some information respecting your suit against Combs. I was naturally led by the interest I thought I had in this business, to enquire into the state of it, & was told if Mr Ellzey’s absence did not impede the sitting of Loudoun Court, he expected next week to obtain judgments for more than a thousand pounds; but guess Sir what my surprize must have been, when he added, that every shilling of this money was assigned to a Mr Colston, and authority given to receive it as fast as it could be recovered! I had flattered myself that my forbearance for near fifteen years, and the disposition I have discovered since the negotiation of the business seems to have got into your hands (to accomodate my wants as much as I possibly could to your convenience) merited more candid treatment. You cannot I think have forgotten the repeated assurances you have given me, that the moneis arising from this fund shd be sacredly appropriated to the discharge of my claim, whilst any of it remained. If this were possible, your letters in my possession would explicitly remind you of them. A conduct so extremely unfair, ungenerous, & disingenuous, I could not suffer to pass unnoticed.
I send herewith the remainder of the blank Deeds which were formerly put into my hands by your Brother, James Mercer Esq., as also the survey, & partition of the Shanondoah tract (into the Lotts by which the Land was sold) that you may fill them up as occasion may require. If it is absolutely necessary for me to sign the Deeds for ⟨conveyance of these⟩ Lotts, ⟨now⟩ the business by a decree of the high Court of Chancery is taken out of my hands and put into yours, I will do it; otherwise, having stronger reasons than ever against resuming any agency in this business I would wish to decline it. I am—Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

Your letter of the 21st Ulto requesting me to execute a Deed to Mr Rawleigh Colston, for the lott no. 7, has been delivered to me. You now will receive the only Deeds in my possession, and the Survey of the Shanondoah tract; and can do with them as

circumstance may require. If it is indispensably necessary for me to convey the title & you shall accompany the return of the Deed with authority for me to do so I will go to Alexaa & execute it before evidences who will prove it in Fredk Ct.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas West, 6 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: West, Thomas

Sir,
Mt Vernon 6th Novr 1786.

From the last application which was made to you, I expected the papers so long promised, a fortnight ago. If you have any objection to my receiving them in order to effect a final settlement of the Admn of Colo. Thos Colvill’s Estate, I beg you will have candour enough to declare it; that I may know what further steps are necessary for me to take to bring this business to a close.
I think I have been ungenteely treated, to be put off seven months in obtaining what was promised in three weeks, & reiterated several times since. I have had repeated applications made to me, as well from the Debtors to, as the Creditors of

that Estate, for settlements, & could do no more than assure the applicants that the moment I was furnished with the necessary documents, I shou’d be ready to proceed to the business. I am anxious to do this on many accots; one of which is, that unfavorable suspicions will result from these delays. My wish is to avoid them. I am &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

My Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 7th Novr 1786.

I have, I think, seen your name mentioned as President of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Massachusetts. For this reason I give you the trouble of the enclosed address.
I hope your wishes were fully accomplished in your Eastern trip. Are your people getting mad? are we to have the goodly fabrick that eight years were spent in rearing, pulled over our heads? What is the cause of all these commotions? When & how is it to end? I need not tell you how much I am My dear Sir Yr most obedt & affect Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Smith, 7 November 1786
From: Smith, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Bedford [Pa.] 7th November 1786

As the Bearer is going immediately to Alexandria & keeps the Post Office there I lay hold of the opportunity to inform you that on the 24th 25th & 26th Days of October, the Ejectments which I had the honour of bringing for You against James Scott & 12 others for Lands on Miller’s Run, were tried at Washington at Nisi Prius, & I have the very great pleasure to inform you that Verdicts have been given in your favour in every one

of them—your satisfaction upon this occasion may be equal to, but cannot exceed mine—I never was more agitated, between hopes & fears, in any cause in which I have been engaged: I had, during the War, been repeatedly chosen into almost every honourable office which my fellow Citizens could bestow; to which my merit gave me no pretensions, & which must therefore have been the more flattering to my vanity; but believe me Sir when I assure you that I am more proud of having it said that General Washington selected me as his Counsel in an affair of this importance, than of all the distinguished stations in which I had been so often placed.
I had good information that James Scott Junr had the most plausible claim, & that he was the ringleader or director of the rest; I therefore resolved to take the Bull by the Horns, & removed the Ejectments into the Supreme Court in such order, as to have it in my power to try the Ejectment against him before the rest, reserving the Rule; so that had any unforeseen point turned up against me, I could try the rest or not as I pleased.
That Trial therefore was ordered on, on the 24th after Dinner & lasted that afternoon—the next Day, & till 11 o’Clock in the forenoon of the 26th when the Jury gave a Verdict for the Plaintiff; I thought the other Defendants would have confessed Judgments, & would not have been so mad as to have risqued weaker causes before the same jury; but I was mistaken, every one of them insisted on having a trial nay. each would have demanded a separate trial; but as I had consolidated the Ejectments against these Defendants, they were obliged to try them all together, & the trial did not last long. I take it for granted that many of the Jury wished it had been in their power to have given Verdicts for the Defendants; I knew that we had very strong prejudices, artfully fomented, to encounter—I had applied to the Court to name the jury at a Time when the Bench was filled with such of the Justices as I believed would make out the most impartial list, which it was possible to obtain; The Defendants pretended that I had taken an advantage of them, & refused to strike the Jury (as it is called)—I can truly say that I only wished to have an impartial & dispassionate jury, which I believed I could not otherwise obtain, & therefore I gave them notice to attend me a certain Day at the Prothonotary’s Office in Philadelphia to strike—they thereupon agreed that it should

be done on the spot—I took down the Jury list to Philadelphia myself (having other business there)—brought up the proper Process—informed myself of what witnesses might eventually be necessary, and even served the Subpœnas on as many as attended the preceeding County Court.
I was assisted by Mr Ross in a very masterly manner—we had consulted together before I had the honour of receiving your Letter, by Col. Sims, & it gave us satisfaction that we had agreed to conduct the trial upon the Plan pointed out in that Letter, & that I had transcribed & brought up the cases from the Books, which were not to be had at Washington, to support the points on which you directed us to rely.
In the Letter last alluded to, you desired me to inform you with what sum you can equal my expectations, & that you will lodge it for me in Philadelphia—I have had motives in conducting this business, far more forcible than pecuniary considerations—& therefore I trust you will pardon me if I decline naming any sum—Mr Washington, who was at Fayette County with you, or Col. Sims, will readily point out what is usual on such occasions, & Mr Ross (to whom I have promised to divide with him what I receive) & I will be perfectly satisfied—I hardly know how to express myself—let me assure you that I do not wish to receive a large fee.
I will take your Papers to Carlisle & will send them from thence to such place, either in Philadelphia, or Baltimore, as you will please to point out.
I believe that the Defendants in the Ejectments will be with you soon ⟨to⟩ endeavuour to do what they ought to have done when you made them the Offer—I verily believe that it was more their misfortune than their fault that they then rejected it. You have now thirteen Plantations—some of them well improved—I take it for granted that the improvements increase the value of the Land much more than all the expences of the Ejectments—those who mad[e] them are now reduced to indigence—they have put in Crops this season, which are now in the ground—they wish to be permitted to take the grain away—to give this hint may be improper in me—to say more would be presumptuous.
Orders for obtaining Possession cannot be Issued till the Supreme Court sits in January, it will be necessary that you appoint

an agent in that Country to take Possession & to Lease the Lands for you—otherwise the fences & even the buildings will probably be burn’d or otherwise destroyed.
Major Freeman put into my hands several small Bonds due to you to put in suit. I have recovered most of the Money & paid it over to him—he says he has some others, which when the Money shall be recovered I will pay in like manner—he seems to be as attentive to your interest as to his own.
I Pray you to excuse the Length of this Letter—it is written during the hurry of the Court here, & therefore I had not time to make it shorter, nor to write so fully as I wished. I have the honour to be with the utmost respect Sir your very humble & most obedient Servant

Thomas Smith

P.S. Nothing can excuse me for writing to you in this desultory & hasty manner but my belief that you wish to have the earliest information respecting the event: There was a gentleman who left Washington-Town after I knew that the Jury had agreed in the first Verdict, & was going down into Virginia near to mount Vernon—Col. Nevill, at my desire, requested him to stay ’till they should give in their Verdict in Court; but he would not, his business requiring him to be at a certain place by a certain hour.


Title: From George Washington to James Tilton, 7 November 1786 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Tilton, James

Letter not found: to James Tilton, 7 Nov. 1786. On 15 Feb. 1787 Tilton wrote GW that he had received “your circular letter of the 31 Octr 1786 together with your private favour dated the 7th Novr following.”